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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #259

Broadcasting from the immaculately manicured grounds of the Black Horse Golf Course in Monterey Bay, California, we cover the 2016 Concorso Italiano. We report on the unique event showcasing nearly 1,000 vehicles of Italian origin.

 

• [00:00:00] News From Ford GT
• [00:05:53] 2017 Acura NSX
• [00:12:30] The Main Man
• [00:18:58] Tom Tjaarda
• [00:26:27] Enzo Ferarri
• [00:35:00] Kode57
• [00:41:19] Historical Certainty
• [00:47:52] Made with Love
• [00:53:50] Driving History
• [01:01:21] High Performance Fun
• [01:07:29] Motorsports and Wine
• [01:14:49] Getting Social
• [01:21:10] Motorz Fan Club
• [01:26:01] Used Car Buying
• [01:33:42] New, Old Stock
• [01:41:03] 2017 Nissan Titan
• [01:47:58] Cadillac in Crisis?
• [01:57:05] Cars and Politics

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

 

[00:00:00] News From Ford GT

We’re hanging out at the Black Horse Golf Course for Concorso Italiano (@ConcorsoItalian) with Karl Brauer @karlbrauer, Senior Director of Insights at Kelley Blue Book (@KelleyBlueBook). Karl is a Ford GT owner and enthusiast, making him the perfect person to get the latest news from. Find out about Ford GT’s recent announcement, as well as Karl’s new website, in this segment.

 

[00:05:53] 2017 Acura NSX

Karl Brauer (@karlbrauer) took a ride on the wild side when he tested out the new Acura NSX. This gorgeous, 573 horsepower madhouse impressed the heck out of him, and with the same amount of technology that a $750,000 supercar contains, the Acura only costs around $150,000.

You can find an article Karl wrote about the Acura here.

 

[00:12:30] The Main Man

It’s time to talk with the man who makes Concorso Italiano (@ConcorsoItalian) what it is: Tom McDowell, President and CEO! This isn’t just some event that’s thrown together at the last minute; it takes all year to prepare. Tom and Alan admire the cars that drive by and chat about how Tom got into the crazy world of cars.

 

[00:18:58] Tom Tjaarda

After oohing and aahing at all of the gorgeous vehicles at Concorso Italiano (@ConcorsoItalian), we’re ready to speak with some designers. First up is Tom Tjaarda, mastermind behind such notable vehicles as the De Tomaso Pantera and 2013 Fiat 124 Spider.

 

[00:26:27] Enzo Ferarri

The next designer we have the pleasure of speaking with is Ken Okuyama (@KenODesign), who gave us the Ferrari Enzo. With him, we discuss purpose oriented design, eye of the beholder versus eye of the designer, and the amazing influence of Sergio Pininfarina.

 

[00:35:00] Kode57

Ken Okuyama’s (@KenODesign) designing days are far from over. After starting his own company in Japan, Ken began rolling out cars once more, most recently the Kode57. Listen in to hear more about Ken’s creation.

 

[00:41:19] Historical Certainty

This year is an important year for Lamborghini (@Lamborghini), it’s turning 50! Lamborghini Head of PoloStorico, Enrico Maffeo, aims to protect the heritage of the iconic brand by remanufacturing spare parts and restoring important classics to their former glory. We learn how the brand ensures “historic certainty” and pure Lamo-goodness. Plus, learn more about the Centenario, the astounding supercar which pays homage to the 100th birth anniversary of Ferruccio Lamborghini.

 

[00:47:52] Made with Love

From the Lamborghini Gallardo to the Aventador and Huracán, we relish in the exquisitely handmade vehicle lineup from Lamborghini America (@Lamborghini) with Chief Operating Officer, Alessandro Farmeschi, and find out how the brand is performing globally.

 

[00:53:50] Driving History

Danish born race car driver, Christina Nielsen (@ChristinaRacing), has been dominating on the track behind the wheel of the #63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GT3 and aims to be the first female driver to win an international GT Daytona championship. With possible historic wins on the horizon, Christina discusses team mentality and plans for 2017.

 

[01:01:21] High Performance Fun

It’s official: FIAT brand (@FIATUSA) has partnered with Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, adding the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth and 500 Abarth to the vehicle lineup. Rafael Paz wants you to experience the wickedly-fast performance of FIAT. Learn how.

 

[01:07:29] Motorsports and Wine

So Cal car kid turned automotive race team owner, boutique wine maker, and pro driver – Kevin Buckler (@KevinBucklerCEO) has an enviable life. Kevin recaps the full-circle journey that lead to creation of two successful businesses: The Racer’s Group (@theracersgroup) and Adobe Road Winery (@adoberoadwines).

 

[01:14:49] Getting Social

Monterey Car Week is a life-changing event for automotive enthusiasts. Alan encourages you to check out the hashtag, #MontereyCarWeek2016, on social media to view some of the amazing vehicles on display. Plus, get a preview of our interview with Jay Leno coming up next week.

 

[01:21:10] Motorz Fan Club

Are you a fan of Motorz (@Motorz)? You’re in good company! Chris Duke (@ChrisDukeTV) curates an awesome collection of cool cars, episode updates, and more. Check it out now.

 

[01:26:01] Used Car Buying

What will the next project vehicle be for Motorz (@Motorz)? Well, it’s complicated… We’re on the hunt for a car or truck worthy of the Motorz moniker which leads to a informative conversation on used-car buying tips with Chris Duke (@ChrisDukeTV) and BJ Killeen (@driverstalk).

 

[01:33:42] New, Old Stock

DeLorean is back! For the first time in over 30 years, the DMC-12, in all of its original 1980’s glory and lackluster Renault engine, is slotted for production in 2017. For more on this story is Chris Duke (@ChrisDukeTV).

 

[01:41:58] 2017 Nissan Titan

When it comes to brand loyalty, the truck segment is fiercely competitive. The 2017 Nissan Titan packs a one-two punch of good looks and durability, but is it enough to get drivers to trade camps? Alan reviews what has been dubbed the “Every-Duty Truck.”

 

[01:47:58] Cadillac in Crisis?

The Cadillac Escala Concept made a noteworthy appearance at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. No question, the concept is beautiful, but is the Cadillac brand living up to expectations in the luxury segment? BJ Killeen (@driverstalk) argues buyers aren’t seeing enough value.

 

[01:57:05] Cars and Politics

Alan gives another sneak peek at next week’s episode where he talks politics with Jay Leno. Don’t miss our coverage of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance coming up next week!

 

Explore More with Helpful Links:

• Contributor: Karl Brauer | Senior Director of Insights, Kelley Blue Book
• Contributor: Chris Duke |Host, Motorz
• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist
• Guest: Tom McDowell | President and CEO, Concourso Italiano
• Guest: Tom Tjaarda | Car Designer, De Tomaso Pantera / 2013 Fiat 124 Spider
• Guest: Ken Okuyama | Car Designer, Ferrari Enzo
• Guest: Enrico Maffeo | Lamborghini Head of PoloStorico, Lamborghini
• Guest: Alessandro Farmeschi | Chief Operating Officer, Lamborghini America
• Guest: Christina Nielsen | Race Car Driver,  Ferrari Racing
• Guest: Rafael Paz | Head of Product Marketing, FIAT Brand North America
• Guest: Kevin Buckler | CEO, The Racer’s Group
• Website: Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving
• Article: 2017 Acura NSX: A Beautiful Contradiction
• Vehicle Mention: Acura NSX
• Vehicle Mention: Lamborghini Aventador
• Vehicle Mention: Lamborghini Huracan
• Vehicle Mention: 2017 Nissan Titan

Episode Credits:

• Host: Alan Taylor
• Producer: Brendon Massa
• Producer: Jason Masters
• Production Asst: Joanne Bolden
• Copy Editor: Sara Antonuccio
• Copy Editor: Becky Vaughn

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

• Austin Hatcher Foundation
• Barrett-Jackson
• Brembo
• Bridgestone
• Dodge
• Foundation of Human Understanding
• Go RVing
• Haynes Manuals
• Katzkin
• Patriot Outreach
• Shell
• Subaru
• The Little Rock Foundation

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This episode was produced by Entertainment Right Now (ERN). If you found value in this episode, and you’d like to hear more, please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our podcast so you don’t miss a beat. Your feedback helps us to reach more enthusiasts around the world! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, please leave a comment below or e-mail us at info@ernlive.com.