Performance SUVs, Mid-Engine Corvette, 24 Hours of Le Mans | #374

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #374

We kick off the show with Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, and Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, as we discuss the possibility of Alan selling his serial #8 Dodge Demon, Mid-Engine Corvette rumors, the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, and the rapidly changing automotive industry how KBB keeps up. Next, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, reviews the Kia Telluride and Toyota Sienna. Both of these amazing vehicles should be considered for any family looking to upgrade to a spacious ride. Then, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, gives us his impressions on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and a quick Hollywood car update. Closing the show, Co-founder of Cartender and freelance automotive journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News and World Report, George Kennedy III, gushes about his love for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, reviews the 2019 GMC Acadia SLT 1 Black Edition, and chats with Alan about his 1973 Chevrolet Blazer with full removable hardtop. Tune in for more on the latest performance SUVs, racing news, and sports car talk.

 

  • [00:00:00] Specialty Sports Cars Hold Value
  • [00:06:02] Market Oversaturated with Special Cars?
  • [00:12:30] Mid-Engine Corvette Mass Production?
  • [00:19:51] Performance SUVs and Decline of Sedans
  • [00:28:24] Le Mans: A 24 Hour Race of Endurance
  • [00:35:53] Auto Industry in Flux, How KBB Keeps Up
  • [00:42:13] BJ Killeen Finally Reviews Kia Telluride
  • [00:48:56] Kia Low Quality No More and Rental Cars
  • [00:54:44] Minivan Market and Toyota Sienna Review
  • [01:02:05] Stelvio Quadrifoglio Review / Movie News
  • [01:09:58] GMC Acadia SLT 1 and ‘73 Blazer
  • [01:18:06] Hypercars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

 

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Ford Ranger, Autotrader, Airless Tires, and Car Reviews | #373

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #373

Can most people make full use of a one-ton dually pickup truck? Likely, the answer is no and we could go as far as to question how necessary a 1500 class truck is as well. Co-founder of Cartender and freelance automotive journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, and U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, explains why the mid-size Ford Ranger could be the perfect size truck for most Americans; but does that mean the Ranger is George’s #1 pick for the category? Not necessarily. Find out why he thinks a Toyota Tacoma would fit his needs better. Then, Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, discusses Autotrader’s “10 Best Cars to Lease in 2019”, “Best Pet Accessories for Your Car: 2019 Edition”, and “6 Great Used Family Sedans Under $15,000 for 2019” articles. Next up, freelance automotive journalist, Mike Austin, shares some industry news, including a deal between Michelin and General Motors to test airless tires on a fleet of Chevrolet Bolt, Cadillac Super Cruise update, and Ford v Ferrari. Closing the show, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, shares skepticism of Elon Musk’s promises of a new pickup to beat all pickups from Tesla, and reviews the Hyundai Accent. Tune in for the latest from the automotive industry.

 

  • [00:00:00] Do You Really Need A Massive Truck?
  • [00:06:10] Camping and the 2019 Ford Ranger
  • [00:12:31] Ford Ranger Not Worth the Price Tag?
  • [00:19:51] Best Pet Accessories for Your Car
  • [00:27:47] Best Cars to Lease in 2019
  • [00:35:52] Great Used Family Sedans for Under $15k
  • [00:42:13] Mike Austin’s 80s and 90s Car Nostalgia
  • [00:48:15] Michelin and GM to Test Airless Tires
  • [00:54:44] Cadillac Super Cruise / Ford v Ferrari
  • [01:02:05] Alan Selling Demon, Tesla Truck Incoming
  • [01:11:39] Hyundai Accent is a Low Budget Car
  • [01:18:07] Alan On the Hunt for New Kia Telluride

 

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Automotive Super Bowl Ads, Volvo S90, Brembo, and Motorsports | #358

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #358

From Super Bowl LIII ads to a good old fashioned set of brakes, we’ve got automotive news galore in this week’s episode. First up, we chat with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, about her favorite Super Bowl LIII commercials, the Chicago Auto Show, and import vehicles. Changing lanes, Co-founder of CarTender and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, discusses the willful ‘sports ball’ ignorance, the Super Bowl LIII halftime show, winter vehicles, and the exceptional work being done by Jeep and Hyundai. Then, Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, gives us an insider’s look into the film industry, confirming a new entry into the Ghostbusters franchise, and getting us pumped up for Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw. Also, Josh reviews his test drive of the fresh 2019 Volvo S90 sedan; it’s the epitome of luxury. Closing the show, we explore the decline in popularity of paper publications, the amazing story (and brakes) of Brembo, and motorsports news with freelance automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith. Don’t let this weeks automotive news pass you by.

 

  • [00:00:00] Amazing Age of Automotive Technology
  • [00:05:30] Our Favorite Super Bowl Commercials
  • [00:12:30] Chicago Auto Show and Import Vehicles
  • [00:19:51] Willful Ignorance of the Sports Ball
  • [00:28:30] Halftime and Subaru’s Winter Vehicles
  • [00:35:51] Jeep and Hyundai, Dressed to Impress
  • [00:42:12] Volvo Steps It Up in Luxury Segment
  • [00:48:31] Volvo S90: Only One Engine Option?
  • [00:54:43] “Hobbs and Shaw” and “Ghostbusters”
  • [01:02:04] The Plight of Paper Publications
  • [01:10:53] Brembo, The Only Brakes You’ll Care About
  • [01:18:05] Upcoming Races Update

 

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Mustang Bullitt, Regenerative Braking, and Brian France’s DUI | #340

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #340

They really don’t make any bad vehicles these days and luckily our favorite automotive experts help us narrow down the right car for us. We begin the show with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, who discusses why premium SUVs are taking a top spot in the market. BJ and Alan also talk about the 2018 Ford F-150 diesel that Alan drove down to Newport Beach and they excitedly chat about the greatly improved fuel consumption of most new trucks. Then, Karl Brauer, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, sounds off about the latest rad events he was able to attend. San Francisco played host to a reenactment of the classic Mustang Bullitt car chase as Ford showed off the 2019-2020 redesign of the Mustang Bullitt and Karl said how cool it was to witness. After that, he tells us about his exciting drive down Pikes Peak in the all-new pure EV Audi e-tron and raves about its amazing regenerative brakes. Karl ends the first hour with an update on his greatly anticipated Ford GT, which he has made all of his final designs decisions on and is patiently waiting for its finalization. Next, Executive Editor of Autotrader, Brian Moody, pits the 2018 Toyota Tacoma against the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. While the Tacoma still has one of the best resale values in the truck market, the Colorado stole Autotrader’s vote. Brian explains that he believes the Tacoma played it a little too safe with their redesign, while the Colorado stepped it with their interior, diesel engine option and aggressive ZR2 off-road package. Continuing with the compact truck theme, Brian also addresses the rumors surrounding the U.S. version of the all-new Ford Ranger after a write up from their sister company in Australia, Car Guides. Brian explains that he doesn’t believe we will see a diesel engine but to keep an eye out for the 2.3L EcoBoost, 10-speed automatic transmission, and a plethora of safety features. Then, before Brian goes he explains Autotrader’s Accelerate, which is an online vehicle buying program that can make it possible for you to shop from the comfort of your own home. Switching gears, automotive journalist, George Kennedy, reviews the impressive handling of the 2018 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Widebody and explains that he really loved that one could tune the individual performance options on the infotainment system. After that, he sounds off about the 2018 Lexus NX vs the 2018 Acura RDX and shares that he was excited to drive these two major competitors back-to-back. The NX was a little too small for 6’3” George and the RDX had a frustrating infotainment system but overall, the two were really great cars for under $50k. Changing lanes, Ed Justice, Jr. updates us on the recent DUI of NASCAR’s CEO, Brian France’s, and what that could mean for the position he has been in for over a decade. Ed ends the hour by sharing about his favorite new documentary, Ferrari: Race to Immortality, which showcased the most dangerous and glamorous time in racing that took place from 1955-1958. Tune in now to fill your cranium with the latest and greatest from the automotive world.

 

  • [00:00:00] Take an Uber or a Cab
  • [00:05:49] Premium SUVs Are Booming
  • [00:12:30] Trucks Are Just Getting Better
  • [00:19:51] Mustang Bullitt Event in San Francisco
  • [00:28:35] Audi e-tron: Tesla Model X’s Competitor
  • [00:35:53] Karl’s New Ford GT Update
  • [00:42:14] Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado
  • [00:48:39] Rumors on the new Ford Ranger
  • [00:54:45] Handling of the Hellcat Widebody
  • [01:02:06] 2018 Lexus NX vs 2018 Acura RDX
  • [01:09:42] DUI of NASCAR’s Brian France
  • [01:18:07] Ferrari: Race to Immortality

 

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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

 

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