Porsche, NAIAS, EVs, Ford GT Fiasco, NACTOY, Cadillac, and Tesla | #357

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #357

As January turns to February, the industry is awash with news, scandals, and car companies struggling to stake out their place. Starting off the show, Kelley Blue Book Director of Industry Insights, Michael Harley, fills us in on his recent test drives of the new 2020 Porsche 911 and 2020 Porsche Panamera. We also tackle Porsche’s foray into the electric vehicle (EV) with the renamed Porsche Taycan (previously ‘Mission E’), and Michael shares a couple of wacky experiences he had riding in autonomous cars. Next, while we may have missed the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI, Autorader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, remained faithful and is here to give us some highlights from the show. Also, Brian questions whether all of these automakers that are pumping out three-row SUVs will be faced with a rude awakening when consumer price fatigue sets in. Changing gears, Executive Publisher for Kelley Blue Book, Autorader, and Dealer.com, Karl Brauer, discusses the Ford GT resale scandal and his new 2019 Ford GT (which went straight from the delivery truck to the detail shop). Then, Automotive Expert, “The Car Coach”, and President of North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) Awards, Lauren Fix, shares the winners of the Car, Truck, and Utility vehicle categories, which were revealed at NAIAS recently. Lauren also gives a preview of what’s in store at the Chicago Auto Show as Alan blows her mind with statistics from Barrett-Jackson’s most recent Scottsdale auction. Closing the show, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, discusses Cadillac’s decision to focus on electric vehicles, Elon Musk and Tesla’s shaky public perception, Lincoln’s amazing concierge services, and Carlos Ghosn’s Japanese imprisonment. Tune in for the latest automotive insights.

 

  • [00:00:00] Porsche Finally Gets the Panamera Right
  • [00:06:18] Next Generation of the Porsche 911
  • [00:12:30] Porsche Taycan, EVs, and Autonomy
  • [00:19:51] Toyota Supra: The Buzz of NAIAS
  • [00:28:55] Three-Row SUVs and Buyer Price Fatigue
  • [00:35:52] Look Out for Kia Telluride and Mazda3
  • [00:42:12] Karl’s Ford GT: Delivered but not Driven
  • [00:48:08] Ford GT Resale Embargo Fiasco
  • [00:54:43] NACTOY Awards and EV Tax Credit Slash
  • [01:02:04] Chicago Auto Show and Barrett-Jackson
  • [01:07:40] Cadillac Goes EV, Tesla Looking Shaky
  • [01:18:05] Lincoln’s Concierge, and Ghosn’s Woes

 

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Volvo’s New Factory, Affordable Cars to Insure, and Mitsubishi Mirage GT | #338

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #338

Whether you’re looking for an affordable car, a car show to attend or the latest auto reviews – we’ve got it all. Executive editor of Autotrader, Brian Moody, joins us to talk about the new Volvo factory in Charleston, South Carolina. He explains that after all the work Volvo is doing to make safer, more reliable vehicles, it is pretty neat that they’re basically building the car of the future right here in the United States. Changing lanes, Brian reviews the 2018 Mazda CX 9 which is so refined that you may be fooled into thinking it’s a luxury car. While it may be missing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it is definitely a head turner and fits in nicely at the fancy hotel Brian stayed at on a recent trip. Before Brian jumps off the air, he tells us about Autotrader’s list of the “Top 10 Most Affordable Vehicles to Insure in 2018”. The Honda CRV, Ford Fiesta, Honda Pilot, Mazda 3, Toyota Sienna, and the MINI Countryman are just a few of the great cars on the list. Next, Hollywood car consultant, Josh Hancock, sounds off about his surprising test drive of the Mitsubishi Mirage. While the car is extremely small, it was a great car to zoom around the narrow, busy roads he was on. After that, he gives us an update on the Iola Old Car Show that is taking place in Iola, Wisconsin. This show will be movie car themed and even has Henry Winkler as one of the judges, so Josh is excited. Lastly, we end the show with a great Craftsman story from Josh and he raves about the excitement of getting a new set of tools from them. Tune in now for some great auto news and a whole bunch of laughs!

 

  • [00:00:00] Volvo’s New Charleston Factory
  • [00:06:22] Mazda CX 9 Luxury in Disguise
  • [00:12:31] 2018 Most Affordable to Insure
  • [00:19:51] Surprise! Mitsubishi Mirage GT
  • [00:29:39] Movie Themed Iola Old Car Show
  • [00:35:53] Josh Hancock’s Craftsman Story

 

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Wheeler Dealers, Honcker, and Must Drive Cars | #327

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #327

OEMs are making it increasingly difficult to decide on a favorite car – they’re all so well designed! Our experts reveal their top contenders for 2018, and we get an update on new TV episodes and helpful apps that gearheads will love. We kick off the hour with the host of Velocity’s ‘Wheeler Dealers‘, Mike Brewer. Mike previews the latest season and gives a history on how he got his start, Then, we are joined by Nathan Hecht, Founder and CEO of Honcker, an incredible car leasing app. Changing gears, Brian Moody, Executive Editor of Autotrader, talks about the rides of the New York International Auto Show that impressed him and the ‘Must Test Drive’ rides of 2018. After that, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, reviews the 2018 Hyundai Kona. Last but not least, George Kennedy, automotive journalist for the Boston Globe, raves about Jeep’s Easter Safari in Moab, Utah, and reviews the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. Join us to learn about your next dream car.

 

  • [00:00:00] Longest Running Car Restoration Show
  • [00:06:42] Giving the Show Back to the Viewers
  • [00:12:30] Buying a Classic Car?
  • [00:19:53] Leasing a Car Through Honcker
  • [00:28:12] Autotrader’s 2018 ‘Must Test Drive Cars’
  • [00:35:55] Toyota Camry Added Mojo
  • [00:42:15] Standouts at NYIAS
  • [00:48:46] Hyundai Kona’s Wonderful Design
  • [00:54:46] Just One Critique
  • [01:02:09] BJ Killeen’s Blogs Coming
  • [01:10:24] Jeep’s Easter Safari in Moab
  • [01:18:11] 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

 

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News from Barrett-Jackson and NAIAS | #319

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #319

It’s been a wild month for Alan, and we catch up with him after his recent trip to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). We begin the hour with Hollywood car consultant, Josh Hancock, who chats about the auto shows, new cars that will be making their way to the big screen this year, and the mighty Dodge Demon. Next, Steven Cole Smith discusses changes happening in the ever-evolving world of NASCAR. Then, we shift gears and talk car shows with BJ Killeen who offers her thoughts on NAIAS and the North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year (NACTOY). We end the show with MMC Detroit’s David Wise who shares detailed information about the importance of ‘numbers matching’ vehicles. Tune in now.

  • [00:00:00] Motor Trend Live Stage
  • [00:06:33] Ford GT Sold for $2.5 Million
  • [00:12:30] Over $100-million to Charity
  • [00:19:53] Hyundai’s Feature in Ant-Man
  • [00:28:34] Dodge Demon Gets Attention
  • [00:35:55] Small, Affordable Pick-Up Truck
  • [00:42:15] NAIAS Has Changed
  • [00:48:47] NACTOY and Honda Accord
  • [00:54:46] Dodge Revamps Old Platform
  • [01:02:08] Pealing Back the VIN Onion
  • [01:11:34] ‘Numbers Matching’ Goes Way Back
  • [01:18:10] A Million Dollar Difference

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Winter Driving, 2018 Car Reviews, and Autonomous Cars | #315

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #315

The new year is rapidly approaching and that means that the 2018 models are hitting the roads. We begin the hour with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, who reviews the Chevrolet Equinox and joins in on Alan’s excitement about the not-so-far-off arrival of his Dodge Demon. Next, we chat with Benjamin Hunting, who after some exciting test drives overseas, reviews the BMW M5 and Volvo XC40. Benjamin also explains some issues that arise for autonomous vehicles in bad weather conditions.  Changing lanes, we catch up with Steven Cole Smith about the latest news from NASCAR, the Chevrolet Truck Centennial Celebration, and his test drive of the 2018 Kia Stinger. We end the show with George Kennedy, JR. III who shares his drive experience with the 2018 VW GTI and his thoughts on the best winter vehicles. Tune in now for some end of the year automotive news.

  • [00:00:00] Something Powerful This Way Comes
  • [00:06:02] Chevrolet Equinox Has Lost Weight
  • [00:12:30] BMW M5 Shows its Colors on the Track
  • [00:19:53] Volvo XC40 Meets Us in the Middle
  • [00:28:35] Automotive Journalists Stay Authentic
  • [00:35:55] Issues Arise for Future of Autonomous
  • [00:45:15] Chevrolet Truck Centennial Celebration
  • [00:48:50] Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s Prized Laguna
  • [00:54:47] NASCAR Loses Danika Patrick
  • [01:02:09] All-Wheel Drive Owns Winter Driving
  • [01:11:08] Terrain Management Systems a Must
  • [01:18:10] Volkswagen GTI is a Real Sweetheart

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Volvo’s Autonomous Promise, Toyota C-HR, and More | #301

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #301

We all know that there is a bit of nervousness that comes into any conversation about autonomous cars. The fact is they are here to stay; it’s time to start looking at how to adapt. We chat with automotive journalist BJ Killeen about her recent trip to test Volvo’s newest fleet. Russell Datz, National Media Relations Manager for Volvo Car USA, shares about some large promises they are making to help assure their buyers that they put safety and quality first. Changing lanes, Autoblog Editor-in-Chief, Greg Migliore, fills us in on his experience with Monterey Car Week, his thoughts on the Durango SRT, and addresses the rumor of the Jeep pickup truck. Then, Executive Editor for Autotrader, Brian Moody, tells us about great rides for man’s best friend, and the higher taxes that will come with autonomous cars. We end the hour with George Kennedy, automotive journalist for The Boston Globe, reviewing the new Toyota C-HR, which was originally designed to be a Scion. It’s time you got up to speed, listen now.

  • [00:00:00] BJ Killeen Drives New Volvo Fleet in Colorado
  • [00:06:33] 100% Responsibility for Volvo Autonomous Cars
  • [00:12:30] V90 is Bringing the Love for Wagons Back
  • [00:19:51] The Most Awarded Luxury SUV of the Century
  • [00:28:00] By 2019 All Volvo’s Will Be Somewhat Electrified
  • [00:35:53] Volvo Stands the Test of the Generations
  • [00:42:14] Durango SRT is a Muscle Car of an SUV
  • [00:47:55] Ford Ranger Raptor and Jeep Scrambler?
  • [00:54:45] Top Notch Rides for Man’s Best Friend
  • [01:02:06] Higher Taxes for Self-Driving Cars
  • [01:08:39] Toyota C-HR Has A lot of Bold Style
  • [01:18:07] What Exactly is a LeMons Race?

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Modern Galmping, Cars of Cuba, and Future Travel Laws | #293

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #293

We begin the hour chatting about the wonderful world of RVing, and BJ Killeen describes her idea of ‘roughing it’. BJ also reviews the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan that is larger than the previous model. Shifting over to something new, Executive Director of Hot August Nights, Mike Whan, tells us all about the event that upwards of 10,000 classic cars will attend. You can look forward to live music, delicious food, cruises, and an autocross track. Next, Karl Brauer, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, reviews the 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S. Then, Karl clears up some confusion on a statement Volvo made regarding all-electric vehicles by 2019. Changing gears back to reviews, Brian Moody, Site Editor for Autotrader, raves about the 2017 Subaru Impreza Sport. He then predicts that the possible remodel of the Honda Accord could determine the future of the sedan market. Flying over to our new guest, we talk with Mark Murphy, Founder of Travelpulse.com, about the classic cars he saw on a recent trip to Cuba. Then Mark educates us on new travel laws looming in the near future. We end the hour with a bang; JoshCAR’s Josh Hancock tells us about two car heist movies that are making waves in Hollywood. Tune in now.

  • [00:00:00] The ‘Glamping’ Lifestyle is Here to Stay
  • [00:05:51] Second Generation Volkswagen Tiguan
  • [00:12:32] VW Offers Multiple Trim Packages for Tiguan
  • [00:19:54] Hot August Nights: A Car Lover’s Dream
  • [00:27:22] Mark Your Calendars for Hot August Nights
  • [00:35:55] Karl Brauer Reviews 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S
  • [00:42:16] Volvo’s Electric Motor Press Release Confuses Buyers
  • [00:49:09] Head-Over-Heels for 2017 Subaru Impreza Sport
  • [00:54:49] New Honda Accord Seals Fate for Sedan Category
  • [01:02:10] Classic Cars Hidden by Cuban Embargo Since 1950s
  • [01:09:46] New Travel Requirements for Electronics on Flights
  • [01:18:10] Two Heist Car Movies Hitting Silver Screen

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Car Reviews, Hollywood Rides, and Safety Features | #291

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #291

Alan is back from a trip to Spain and he’s ready to talk cars. Autotrader’s Brian Moody was Alan’s test drive co-pilot across the sea, and they review the 2017 Volvo XC60. Brian also talks about the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, HomeLink tech, and the future of autonomous vehicles. Josh Hancock talks Cars III and addresses some car rumors floating around Hollywood. Tim Clyde tells about how Katzkin Leather, Inc. can refresh any car interior from the mid-late 90s on up. Tony Gaunter of Global Transportation Services discuses Ford’s new leadership and why he believes Mark Fields was replaced. BJ Killeen reviews the 2017 Volvo S60 Polestar. And last but not least, we chat with Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book about his visit to the Honda research and development facility. Karl also tells us his thoughts on software companies taking over the automotive industry. Listen now.

  • [00:00:00] Volvo XC60 Beckons Raving Fans
  • [00:06:49] Is the Chevrolet Tahoe the Perfect Car?
  • [00:12:31] Does Technology Come with the Price?
  •  [00:19:52] Automakers Debut Cars in Movies
  • [00:29:11] Famous Cars’ Auction Prices Rise
  • [00:35:53] A Tasty Bite of  Business & Burgers
  • [00:42:14] Lingenfelter Chevrolet Silverado Facelift
  • [00:48:19] Specialty Interior with Katzkin Leather
  • [00:54:46] Stocks Fall After Ford Loses Mark Fields
  • [01:02:07] BJ Killeen Reviews Volvo S60 Polestar
  • [01:11:28] Honda’s Turbocharged Small Engines
  • [01:18:09] Technology is Taking the Wheel

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