Formula E, Jaguar E-Pace, Manual Transmissions, and Trade Wars | #347

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #347

The auto industry is advancing at a rapid pace, implementing new safety and entertainment technologies and upgrading existing systems; but where the auto gods giveth, the auto gods taketh away. Is the phasing out of manual transmissions taking it too far? We’ll explore this topic throughout the show, but first President and CEO of Brembo North America, Dan Sandberg, discusses what makes Formula E unique. Then, freelance automotive journalist George Kennedy III offers a tire safety warning, previews his Boston Globe article about YouTube car restorer, Rich Rebuilds, and gives his drive impressions about the 2019 Jaguar E-PACE. Shifting gears, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, fills us in on the Galpin Auto Show, BMW’s discontinuation of their 3 Series manual options, and the reintroduced Ford Ranger’s specs, which seem to be missing a stick shift option. Next, Executive Publisher for Kelley Blue Book, Karl Brauer, laments the decline of the manual transmission before sharing his test drive results for the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. With a 0-60 of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 195 mph, the GT stormed around the famous track at Circuit of the Americas, but is it worth a 6-figure sticker price? Changing lanes, freelance automotive journalist BJ Killeen discusses the most shocking deals and trends seen at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas – there were a lot of trucks and a Bentley that sold for $25,000!  Also, we touch on how tariffs are affecting the global automobile industry, specifically in China, where Jaguar Land Rover saw a 46% drop in sales. What do you think about the state of the industry and manual transmissions?

 

  • [00:00:00] Formula E and Brembo Brakes
  • [00:06:23] Don’t Neglect Your Tires
  • [00:12:30] Rich Rebuilds a Tesla Model S
  • [00:19:51] 2019 Jaguar E-PACE SE vs. I-PACE
  • [00:28:35] Galpin Auto Show
  • [00:35:52] Slow Death of the Manual Transmission
  • [00:42:12] Manual vs. Automatic Performance Test
  • [00:48:24] Dumbing Down Our Cars
  • [00:54:43] Automatic Sports Car Takeover
  • [01:02:04] Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe
  • [01:10:26] Steal Deals at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas
  • [01:18:05] Trade Conflicts Always Hit Auto Industry

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Continue ReadingFormula E, Jaguar E-Pace, Manual Transmissions, and Trade Wars | #347

2018 Land Rover Discovery, The Bandit Run, and Tesla | #334

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #334

Automobiles just keeping wowing us with their advances in technology and innovative designs. Automotive journalist, George Kennedy, joins us to review the 2018 Land Rover Discovery and he was impressed. He got behind the wheel of the gas-powered V6 model and raves about its ability to truly go anywhere. It also has an amazing towing capacity and an extra package that features Advanced Tow Assist which can help you park a trailer safely. Are you ready to adventure in luxury? Next, Ed Justice, Jr. of Justice Brothers updates us on the results of the Indy 500. Then, we hear the latest on the 2018 Bandit Run from Restore a Muscle Car’s, Dave Hall, which will take place June 20-23. He tells us that they will be doing some events with Burt Reynolds in his hometown of Jupiter, Florida. It’s time for all of you Trans Am fans to pull them out of the garage and hit the road. Changing lanes, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, Karl Brauer, begins his interview by discussing the Honda Sensing technology, which has combined five features to create a fairly advanced driver assistance package. He then goes on to discuss his brand new set of street tires for the Dodge Demon and explains that they are fairly priced for quality, high performance Pirelli P ZEROS. Keeping in tune with performance, he explains that the 2020 Mustang GT 500 may give the Dodge Demon a run for its money in the future, and not just in a straight line. Karl then covers the recent Twitter unraveling featuring the media against Elon Musk. Switching gears, automotive journalist, Brian Armstead of Roadfly, gushes about his test drive in the 2019 Hyundai Veloster, and explains that he, at 6’9”, fits comfortably in this great ride. The Veloster is a tight package and this upgraded, updated, refreshed Veloster will be a hit with the young folks that want to tune their cars and add their own expressions. The base MSRP is $18,500 and can even jump up to the Ultimate for $28,150, giving consumers an amazing range and all the bells and whistles for the top trim model. Last but not least, automotive journalist, Jason Fogelson, reviews the 2018 Kia Rio 5-door and tells us that he was pleasantly surprised. The Rio has base price of $16,400 and a top trim EX package coming in at $18,700, which are both a steal for this amazing car. He then goes on to discuss safety on the road as the season of road trips approach us. Jason discusses tire safety and gives helpful tips on how to keep an eye on their integrity. Tune in now if you’re ready to hit the road with your mind full of automotive knowledge.

 

  • [00:00:00] 2018 Land Rover Discovery
  • [00:06:06] Impressive Towing Power
  • [00:12:30] Tesla’s Market Growth
  • [00:19:51] A Hot Day At the Track
  • [00:28:10] Winner of Indy 500
  • [00:35:53] 2018 Bandit Run
  • [00:42:13] Honda Sensing Technology
  • [00:48:41] Demon Street Tires
  • [00:54:44] Tesla Twitter Unraveling
  • [01:02:05] Hyundai Veloster Refreshed
  • [01:10:29] 2018 Kia Rio
  • [01:18:07] Tire Safety Tips

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Continue Reading2018 Land Rover Discovery, The Bandit Run, and Tesla | #334

New Car Test Drives, Off-Road Cruises and Autonomous Car Innovations | #278

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #278

Keeping up with the Jones’ of the automotive industry is not as easy as you would think. Fear not because we have the tools you will need to stay ahead of the game. Technology is constantly advancing and the leaders in the industry are intent on wowing consumers. After all, your daily driver should express your love for all things auto whether it be in the way it drives, the gorgeous design, or the tech-connection that allows you to get through the day. We chat with BJ Killeen, Karl Brauer, Josh Hancock, and other top experts in the car business for the latest need-to-know updates that make new car shopping a piece of cake. From test drive reviews to off-road racing schools, we have a little bit for every car lover out there.

 

  • [00:00:00] Buying Trusted Brands in the Auto Industry
  • [00:06:39] Long Term Test Drive with Kia Sedona Minivan
  • [00:12:30] Shelby Hall Takes Over Rod Hall Drive
  • [00:19:51] Exploring the Design Language of Lexus LC 500 
  • [00:29:18 Lexus LC 500 Takes Safety to Explosive Heights
  • [00:35:52] Kia and Hyundai Eliminate 12-Volt Battery
  • [00:42:12] ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ Demolishes ’69 Mustangs
  • [00:49:04] Ford Mustang No Longer ‘Secretary’s Car’
  • [00:54:43] Toyota Dominates Midsize Truck Segment
  • [01:02:03] Bollinger Motors Creates First Electric SUV 
  • [01:11:04] Sears Extends Reach of Iconic Brand, DieHard
  • [01:17:50] DieHard Auto Centers Offer Digital Tire Journey

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Continue ReadingNew Car Test Drives, Off-Road Cruises and Autonomous Car Innovations | #278

Greasy Car Guys | #255

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #255

NASCAR news, tire troubles, and movie car magic? What are we not talking about in this episode of The Drive? Josh Hancock is up to his usual shenanigans, Karl Brauer finally heard from Ford regarding his GT, and Brian Moody has been buzzing around in a Corvette. It’s time to step into the driver’s seat – tune in now!

 

  • [00:00:00] Rise and Fall
  • [00:05:13] Saying Goodbye?
  • [00:12:29] Business, Burgers, and Hot August Nights
  • [00:19:41] For the Tire Buyer
  • [00:29:58] Street Survival School
  • [00:35:44] One Lap of America
  • [00:42:06] Movie Car Man
  • [00:47:57] The Lady’s Ride
  • [00:54:38] Corvette Grand Sport
  • [01:01:50] Transmission Overload
  • [01:12:50] Fueling Up
  • [01:17:53] Kia and Quality
  • [01:24:14] The Acceptance Letter
  • [01:29:46] Organ Market
  • [01:36:47] Three, Two, One
  • [01:44:08] Garage Squad
  • [01:55:03] Hot August Nights
  • [02:00:12] Liquid Steel

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Continue ReadingGreasy Car Guys | #255