Supercar Test Drives, C8 Corvette, Motorsports, Kia Niro | #378

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #378

News in the automotive industry abound, and first up to help us decipher it all is Executive Publisher for Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Dealer.com, Karl Brauer. Did you know that, according to a study, one in five US adults feel pressured into spending more than they should on vehicles? Well, neither did we, but apparently it’s true. Karl also reviews the 2020 Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder, chats about Alan’s decision to sell his Dodge Demon in favor of a Toyota Supra, praises the new $60,000 Chevrolet C8 Corvette, discusses the horrendous profit drop facing Nissan, and gives an industry report card. Changing lanes, Automotive Journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, fills us in on his trip to Rome, what he learned about the pooping habits of Colosseum goers, and gives us an update on the world of motorsports. Next up, Manager of Long Range Strategy and Planning at Kia Motors America, Steve Kosowski, explains the three different powertrains of the new 2020 Kia Niro and all of its amazing features. Closing out the show, Co-founder of Cartender, and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, reviews the 2020 Acura RDX and the 2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Red Eye. Tune in for the latest auto news and car reviews.

 

  • [00:00:00] Social Pressure of Owning Awesome Cars
  • [00:05:16] 2020 Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder
  • [00:12:30] Trading Dodge Demon for Toyota Supra
  • [00:19:51] Corvette: An Exotic Killer to the Core
  • [00:27:14] Nissan Faces 99 Percent Profit Drop!
  • [00:35:53] Karl Brauer’s Auto Industry Report Card
  • [00:42:13] Steven Cole Smith’s Colosseum Tour
  • [00:49:27] Taking Care of Business at the Colosseum
  • [00:54:44] Motorsports Update: Rallycross, Indy Car
  • [01:02:04] Kia Niro Comes In Three Amazing Versions
  • [01:10:51] 2020 Acura RDX’s Non Intuitive Console
  • [01:18:06] Challenger Hellcat Red Eye Test Drive

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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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Motorsports Recap, Auto News, Lexus and Cadillac Reviews | #372

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #372

Kicking off the show, Justice Brothers, Inc. President and CEO, Ed Justice, Jr., fills us in on the 2019 Indianapolis 500, Roger Penske’s 18th win at the age of 82, and how an over abundance of content are likely responsible for the decline in big race-day viewership. Next, Automotive Journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, chats about everything from Alexander Rossi in the Indy 500 to $21 hotdogs to Dollar General bargains. Steve also reviews the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V. Changing gears, Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, discusses FCA’s rumored courting of France-based Renault for a potential merger and what effects such a merger could have. We also hear about BJ’s tear-inducing test drive of the 2019 Lexus RC F. Closing the show, Autoblog Editor-in-Chief, Greg Migliore, gives us his take on the proposed FCA/Renault merger, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, 2020 Toyota GR Supra, 2020 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and more! Tune in for another great week of coverage from all over the automotive industry.

 

  • [00:00:00] 2019 Indianapolis 500 Recap
  • [00:06:08] 82 Year Old Roger Penske’s 18th Win
  • [00:12:31] Content Overload Edges Out Coca-Cola 600
  • [00:19:51] Indy 500, $21 Hotdogs, Dollar Bargains
  • [00:27:49] Alexander Rossi Steals Show at Indy 500
  • [00:35:53] 2020 Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V
  • [00:42:14] FCA Courting Renault for Merger
  • [00:47:45] Audi and Cadillac Making Changes
  • [00:54:44] 2019 Lexus RC F and LC 500 Reviews
  • [01:02:05] Lexus and Toyota Really Growing on Alan
  • [01:08:50] Autoblog, FCA Renault, SF90 Stradali
  • [01:18:06] Autoblog’s Take on Supra and TrailBlazer

 

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John Wick 3, Toyota GR Supra, Chevy Blazer, and Tesla | #371

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #371

Amazing, massive horsepower machines have become like Alan’s favorite food if he’d eaten it every day for the past 10 years. In short, Alan is… was having a hard time being turned on by cars – until he drove the 2020 Toyota GR Supra. Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, and Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, discusses the new 2020 Toyota GR Supra, why Toyota’s partnership with BMW was a very smart move, and how RAM and Dodge have been able to position themselves ahead of Chevrolet in the truck and muscle car categories. Then, we chat with Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, about his test drive of the Chevrolet Blazer, and three new lists on Autotrader including the 12 Best New Cars. Shifting gears, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, reviews ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’, fills us in on the upcoming movie ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’, and shares his excitement over the Aston Martin DBX. Next, Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, gives us the pros and cons of the 2019 Toyota Tundra and joins Alan for a little bit of Tesla bashing. Closing the show, Justice Brothers, Inc. President and CEO, Ed Justice, Jr., remembers the life and accomplishments of the late Niki Lauda and gives us an update on where the field stands for the Indianapolis 500. Don’t miss this weeks car reviews and auto news.

 

  • [00:00:00] Toyota Supra Reignites Alan’s Passion
  • [00:05:59] Toyota Found Smart Way to Make Supra
  • [00:12:30] RAM Vs Chevrolet: Art Vs Science
  • [00:19:51] Chevrolet Blazer: The Old Vs The New
  • [00:28:06] 2020 Blazer: Wrong Name, Great SUV
  • [00:35:46] Autotrader’s 12 Best New Cars
  • [00:42:16] The Art of Racing in the Rain
  • [00:48:03] John Wick 3 and Aston Martin DBX
  • [00:54:47] Things the 2019 Toyota Tundra Got Right
  • [01:02:07] Toyota Tundra Is Great, But Outdated
  • [01:10:14] Tesla Stocks Fall 38% in 2019
  • [01:18:08] Indy 500 / Remembering Niki Lauda

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BMW M850i, Toyota Supra, RODS, Motorsports, SUVs, Tariffs | #370

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #370

From race cars to vehicles with a bit of soul and on to a noble cause raising money for orphaned children with Down Syndrome, we’re covering a lot of ground on this episode of THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor. Co-founder of Cartender and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News and World Report, George Kennedy III, shares about his test drive of the $122,000 2019 BMW M850i, and we discuss the marriage of BMW and Toyota that is the 2020 Toyota Supra. Changing lanes, Long Range Strategy and Product Planning Manager for Kia Motors America, Paul Fisher, tells us exactly what makes the 2020 Kia Soul ‘all new’, from interior to drivetrain, and why you should consider getting a Soul of your own. Next up, Founder of RODS (Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome), Brady Murray, tells the story of how he started the movement and how it’s affected his life so far. He continues to champion the cause of finding homes for orphans with Down Syndrome by fundraising to pay for adoption fees, and they’ve recently celebrated their 50th success. Then, we chat with automotive journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, about his test drive of a 2019 Ram 3500 Crew Cab Dually, the Indianapolis 500, and Coca-Cola 600 news. Switching gears, President ClassicsDeadOrAlive.com and Social Media & Branding Manager for Black Mountain Jeep, Kelsey Collins, shares her experience with running the Tire Rack One Lap of America endurance race. Closing out the show, Executive Publisher of Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Dealer.com, Karl Brauer, ponders the question of whether the SUV market has become over saturated and whether tariffs play a role in the slowing of the automotive economy. Tune in for the latest auto news and test drives.

 

  • [00:00:00] The Legacy of the BMW 8 Series
  • [00:06:07] A Marriage of BMW and Toyota
  • [00:12:30] 2019 BMW M850i and 2020 Toyota Supra
  • [00:19:51] What’s So New About the 2020 Kia Soul?
  • [00:27:36] Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome
  • [00:35:51] RODS Looking to Expand to Auto Racing
  • [00:42:12] RAM Makes an Amazing Truck
  • [00:48:20] Bump Day Before the Indy 500
  • [00:54:43] NASCAR 600 and Jayski.com
  • [01:02:04] Kelsey Collins Races One Lap of America
  • [01:12:28] Is the SUV Market Oversaturated?
  • [01:18:05] Tariffs, Interest Rates Hit Auto Sales

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CAS Review, Demon vs Redeye, Viper Sale, and Collins Bros Jeep | #359

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #359

It seems like there’s big news coming out every week around this time of year due to the plethora of international car shows that are taking place, like the Chicago Auto Show (CAS). First up to bat to fill us in on CAS happenings is Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, 2020 Kia Telluride, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gave Brian a lot to be excited about. While a few SUVs and sedans did stand out, the Chicago Auto Show had a clear focus on trucks. Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, shares how manufacturers are pushing their trucks further and further, which vehicles caught her eye, and which rides fell flat. Next up, Executive Publisher for Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader.com, and Dealer.com, Karl Brauer, talks about his Rubella scare after the Detroit Auto Show, and the reintroduction of Sublime (a bright green) green to Mopar cars at CAS. Speaking of Mopar cars, Alan and Karl have both had their Dodge Demons for a year and it’s time for their extended review of this beast of a machine. Another monster machine that Alan owns is his 1-of-1 2016 Dodge Viper ACR, but he’s trying to not own it anymore; check out this future classic on ClassicCars.com. Closing the show, Owner of Collins Bros Jeep, Dennis Collins, gushes about the 2019 Dodge SRT Hellcat Redeye; this car loses to the Demon ever so slightly on horsepower, but makes up for it everywhere else. Also, we find out how Black Mountain Jeep’s licensee program works, how the trade wars are affecting business, why Dennis isn’t banking on the restomod market, and what kind of plans Dennis has for the rebirth of the Jeep Gladiator. Tune in for another exciting week of auto show coverage and monster car reviews.

 

  • [00:00:00] 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
  • [00:05:24] Kia Telluride, Subaru Legacy, Shelby GT500
  • [00:12:31] 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI at CAS
  • [00:19:51] 30 Year Anniversaries and Awesome Trucks
  • [00:28:20] BJ’s Top Picks from Chicago Auto Show
  • [00:35:52] New Chevrolet Blazer a Disappointment?
  • [00:42:12] Sublime Green is Back and Rubella Scare
  • [00:48:03] Tesla Loses Tax Credit and Autonomy
  • [00:54:43] Dodge Demon One Year Report Card
  • [01:02:04] It’s Time to Let the 2016 Viper ACR Go
  • [01:09:00] Dodge Redeye and Restomod Market
  • [01:18:04] Black Mountain Jeep, Tariffs, Gladiator

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