THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #261

Fast N’ Loud’s Dennis Collins gives us a look at his exclusive car collection, Alan and BJ review the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack, we learn what Canada is doing to tackle climate change, get details on the one-person commuter called SOLO, and more.

 

  • [00:00:00] Antisocial Media
  • [00:06:54] Congrats Karl!
  • [00:12:30] Punching Up
  • [00:19:55] Keep it Clean (Energy)
  • [00:29:48] Trips and Test Drives
  • [00:35:58] Made in Germany
  • [00:42:12] VW Golf Alltrack
  • [00:49:00] Talking Specs
  • [00:54:44] VW Off Road
  • [01:02:05] VW Eats Humble Pie
  • [01:10:41] Think Pink
  • [01:18:07] Performance Encapsulated
  • [01:24:29] Jeep Fever
  • [01:29:38] Art on Wheels
  • [01:36:58] Rare Beauties
  • [01:44:21] SOLO EV
  • [01:52:59] Covercraft Question
  • [02:00:24] For the Win

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

 

[00:00:00] Antisocial Media

“If it’s not on Facebook, it didn’t happen.” Alan both celebrates and laments the social media world. Pro tip: like us on Facebook at The Drive with Alan Taylor. Plus, Karl Brauer (@karlbrauer) phones in from the 11th Annual Ford GT Owner Rally in Austin, TX.

[00:06:54] Congrats Karl! 

Breaking News: Karl Brauer (@karlbrauer) receives a big promotion and will now serve as Executive Publisher for Cox Automotive, overseeing content for Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, and Dealer.com. Three cheers for Karl! Post celebration, Alan reviews the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack and 2017 Volvo V60 T5 Sport Wagon.

 

[00:12:30] Punching Up

What cars can go head-to-head with the 2017 Ford GT? The “blue collar car” will receive a significant price hike with unofficial predictions bringing the cost of entry to $450k. Don’t worry, Karl Brauer (@KarlBrauer) says it will “punch above its weight” and has potential to contend with supercars like the McLaren P1 GTR and Porsche 918 Spyder. Learn why.

 

[00:19:55] Keep it Clean (Energy)

What is the world doing to keep climate change at bay? Roadfly.com Automotive Journalist, Brian Armstead (@RoadGearSun) is freshly home from a journey up north where he learned how Canada is moving the needle on clean and sustainable technology in the automotive space. Find out how the General Motors Automotive Center of Excellence in Ontario is using a climatic wind tunnel to test vehicles for extreme weather and vibration circumstances.

 

[00:29:48] Trips and Test Drives

Roadfly.com Automotive Journalist, Brian Armstead (@RoadGearSun), wraps up coverage of a recent Canada trip, highlighting notable moments like visiting a fuel cell corporation. Then, at 6’9″, Brian is a tall man and car comfort can be hard to come by. After a recent Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack test drive, Brian breaks down why he calls the Volkswagen group of cars, “ergonomically perfect.”

 

[00:35:58] Made in Germany

There is some gorgeous iron coming out of Germany. Case in point, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GTC Roadster. We discuss the drool-worthy car with Roadfly.com‘s Brian Armstead (@roadgearsun).

[00:42:12] VW Golf Alltrack

The Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen has a new name, but it’s the same reliable vehicle. Alan explains why VW changed the moniker from Jetta to Golf before CarBuzzard.com‘s BJ Killeen (@driverstalk) offers initial driving impressions on the new Golf Alltrack.

 

[00:49:00] Talking Specs

What is a Monroney? Alan and BJ Killeen (@driverstalk) explain why new vehicles display the informative window sticker. On a related tangent, Alan discusses his favorite new model tech features like dynamic stability control, rear view cameras, and Apple CarPlay.

 

[00:54:44] VW Off Road

If you’re gearing up to do some serious off-roading, you need a car that allows you to feel capable and in control. BJ Killeen (@driverstalk) tests the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack’s moxie on a challenging off road course. Find out more about impressive features like Hill Descent Assist. For BJ’s in-depth review on the Golf Alltrack, visit CarBuzzard.com.

 

[01:02:05] VW Eats Humble Pie

BJ Killeen (@driverstalk) says the Volkswagen diesel-emissions scandal is actually a good thing for consumers. Why? In a highly competitive segment, VW is working hard to win back the trust of American consumers, pledging billions to clean up diesel-gate and offering new model vehicles with more features at a lower price. Alan and BJ are #TeamVW, are you?

 

[01:10:41] Think Pink

Alan gives us a preview of what to expect at the Shell Pioneering Performance Pavilion during SEMA 2016. Next, BJ Killeen (@driverstalk) discusses quirky/cute styling cues of the new, limited edition #PinkBeetle.

 

[01:18:07] Performance Encapsulated

“If you want to have the experience of a lifetime, drive any of the BMW M cars,” gushes Alan Taylor after getting behind the wheel of a 2016 BMW M2 Coupe. Listen for more on Alan’s test drive experience.

 

[01:24:29] Jeep Fever

Alan has a man-crush on Dennis Collins and he isn’t shy about it! Dennis gives us a brief overview of what’s in stock at CollinsBros Jeep (@CollinsBrosJeep). Then, find out what mayhem ensued when he met Fast N’ Loud cast mate, Richard Rawlings.

 

[01:29:38] Art on Wheels

CollinsBros Jeep Owner, Dennis Collins (@CollinsBrosJeep), has an impressive personal collection of cars. His stables aren’t limited to Jeep, however. We discuss some of his jaw-dropping vehicles like the 1958 Austin-Healey 100-6 “Goldie” Roadster which features 24 karat gold bright work, kid leather and mink upholstery, and ivory details. Wow! Be sure to check out this rolling piece of art at CollinsBrosJeep.com.

 

[01:36:58] Rare Beauties

From a striking collection of Fox-body Mustangs to a rare trio of 1976 Pontiac Trans Am 4-speeds, we continue uncovering the details of Dennis Collins’ (@CollinsBrosJeep) personal car collection. Plus, learn more about the Black Mountain product line, every 2007-2017 JK Wrangler accessory you’ll need in a one-stop-shop.

 

[01:44:21] SOLO EV

Electra Meccanica (@ElectraMecc) has unveiled the 2017 SOLO Electric Vehicle, a pure electric, one-person commuter retailing for $15,000 before rebate. President & CEO, Jerry Kroll, likens the SOLO to the iPhone of zero-emission vehicles. Tune in for more details.

 

[01:52:59] Covercraft Question

It’s trivia time! We’re giving away a set of Covercraft Premier Plush Custom Floor Mats. If you’ve been paying attention, you’re sure to know the answer to this question: What’s the official name of the recently released, fuchsia, limited edition Volkswagen? Changing gears, we get psyched for the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction in Las Vegas and discuss notable cars that will be crossing the block.

 

[02:00:24] For the Win

Stephanie from Massachusetts phones in to answer our monthly trivia question and is victorious! Congratulations to Stephanie who wins a set of Covercraft Premier Plush Floor Mats! Check out more great products on Covercraft.com (@Covercraft1965)

 

Special Guests and Contributors:

Episode Credits:

  • Host: Alan Taylor
  • Producer: Jason Masters
  • Production Asst.: Joanne Bolden
  • Copy Editor: Becky Vaughn

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

***

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.

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