Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, brings us the latest advice and reviews from the site to keep us in the automotive loop, on this episode of The DRIVE with Alan Taylor. First off, Alan reflects on his stellar experience with the rideshare services Lyft and Uber while in New York City. Then, we discuss Autotrader’s 10 Great Hybrids and EVs for 2018, from the Chevrolet Bolt to the Chrysler Pacifica. While electric vehicles are making much-needed progress in range, nothing beats the flexibility of a hybrid car’s ability to transition between battery and gas power. Also, Brian and Alan remind us to beware of flood damaged cars in light of the recent east coast Hurricane Florence disaster. Remember, just because these cars were damaged on the east coast, doesn’t mean you won’t find them popping up in dealerships on the west coast or anywhere in between. Next, we compare 7 Outstanding Vehicles for Tailgating and some of our selections might surprise you, but the 2019 GMC Sierra was almost a foregone conclusion. Shifting gears, Alan lets us know what events we can expect to see him at, like Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2018, the 2018 SEMA Show, CES 2019, and Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2019. We wrap up the show with Alan’s thoughts on the power of the 2019 Infinti QX50 Essential FWD. Keep up with The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions at Barrett-Jackson.com.
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
BJ Killeen shares some knowledge about the recent accident involving an autonomous Uber vehicle, and while it was determined that human error was involved, the cities that are allowing these test cars without drivers are still a bit cautious. Alan gives his review of the Toyota Prius Prime. Next, BJ and Alan talk about the 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk that can climb almost anything. James Bell of KIA talks about the ‘engineered for fun’, KIA Stinger, with its rear wheel bias all-wheel drive designed for excellent performance handling. Chris Duke joins us on the show for more predictions on the release of the Dodge Demon and to tell us about the aftermarket ATV upgrades he has been doing on Motorz TV. In the second hour, we flash back to one of our favorite shows from 2017 featuring Burt Reynold’s Trans Am, Josh Hancock’s review of The Classic Auto Show, BJ Killeen’s review of the KIA Niro Hybrid and we explore some future innovations with KBB’s Karl Brauer. Listen Now.
[00:00:00] Autonomous Uber Car Involved in Accident
[00:06:26] Toyota Prius Prime is a Quality Hybrid
[00:12:30] 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk Can Climb
[00:19:51] Hype Continues to Rise for Dodge Demon
[00:26:41] KIA Stinger is Built for Fun Performance
[00:35:52] Chris Duke Hits Sand in RZR XP 1000
[00:42:12] Burt Reynolds’ 1977 Trans AM Sold at Barrett-Jackson
[00:48:10] Josh Hancock Reports from The Classic Auto Show
[00:54:43] Technology Paves Way for Safer Car Security
[01:02:03] BJ Killeen Reviews New KIA Niro Hybrid
[01:08:21] Dodge Demon Release Coming Soon
[01:018:04] Exploring Future Ford Innovations with Karl Brauer
Join us for a special episode broadcast from Monterey Car Week. Today we’re at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with notable guests including Jay Leno, Barry Meguiar, Jay Ward, Craig Jackson, Ralph Gilles and more!
We’re sitting at the Black Horse Golf Course for Concorso Italiano! This episode is focused on the future, and we’re looking at what Uber and Volvo are doing with their self-driving fleet for a taste of what may be in store. We also find out about an amazing and innovative new electric vehicle coming from Electra Meccanica; CEO Jerry Kroll has more. Thanks to Gregg Stebben for filling in while Alan experienced technical issues. Stay tuned next week for more coverage from Pebble Beach!
