Autonomous Cars, Late Model Test Drives, Dodge Demon Hype and More

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #284

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

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] Autonomous Uber Car Involved in Accident

Recently, an autonomous Uber car was involved in an accident in Arizona and they were temporarily suspended from being on the road while an investigation ensued. Automotive expert, BJ Killeen, tells us that the car was cleared of fault and the accident was actually caused by the vehicle that cut it off. While no injuries occurred, it did raise concern about the need for human interaction with the vehicle. The hope of engineers of self-driving cars is to minimize the number of accidents due to human error; at this point, autonomous cars still require a human to operate them. While this accident was a tiny setback for these autonomous cars, they will be perfected and we will see more of them in the near future. Learn more about Uber’s autonomous test drives.

[00:06:26] Toyota Prius Prime is a Quality Hybrid

The Toyota Prius Prime is another classic hybrid, and Alan was very impressed that after many days of driving this car around, the fuel gauge hardly moved from full. While this is normally not the kind of car Alan would choose, some of his friends ooo’d and ahh’d when they caught him driving it around. With a Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system, this 1.8L dual overhead cam, 4-cylinder engine lends to a nice drive experience. Explore more.

[00:12:30] 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk Can Climb

BJ Killeen discusses the new, extremely strict drunk driving laws in Utah. While many states have a blood alcohol level of 0.08%, Utah has enforced a 0.05% stipulation. Although it may seem extreme, it will help keep other drivers and pedestrians safe from irresponsible drivers. Remember friends, don’t take the risk, take an Uber, Lift or taxi to get home if there is any doubt in your mind.

Next, Alan reviews the 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk that can scale almost anything. After testing this rock climber out, his only complaint is that its 2.4L MultiAir engine does not have enough punch. That small engine does make it possible to get 25-MPG in town and 30-MPG on the highway, so the fuel efficiency makes up for lack of power. With Jeep’s top-of-the-line safety features, it is a great off-road vehicle with features such as Connect, Apple Play, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning, Active Braking and more. Discover the 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk.

[00:19:51] Hype Continues to Rise for Dodge Demon

We are shivering with anticipation as we wait for the unveiling of the 2018 Dodge Demon. Chris Duke of Motorz TV and Alan discuss what they think this car will be all about. After watching all of the teaser videos, most of us have discerned that this will most likely be a spectacular drag-race machine. Dodge has done a thrilling job of marketing this huge release and they have cleverly thrown out a few hints for car enthusiasts. One of the biggest questions about this car is the horsepower, some speculate that it will be well over its 707-HP predecessor, the Hellcat. Whatever is on the horizon for this beast of a ride, we can rest assured that Dodge will go to extreme lengths to make a mark on muscle car history. Join us for more on this aggressive, speed Demon that is about to escape its cage.

[00:26:41] KIA Stinger is Built for Fun Performance

“He plans to make this car perform as cool as it looks”, says Kia’s James Bell of the 2018 Stinger’s engineer. A first for KIA, this rear-wheel bias, all-wheel drive system was created to grip and claw dry pavement. While this car will function well in inclimate weather, it was designed to shine when it’s being driven as a performance vehicle on dry tarmac. Scheduled to be released later this year, they continue to enhance its engineering to improve ground action and gain perfection. James also shares that they will be showing off their compact 2017 KIA Rio at the New York International Auto Show for buyers that are in the market for a new, affordable vehicle. The KIA brand is in an evolutionary period – Tune in for predictions on KIA’s future.

[00:35:52] Chris Duke Hits Sand in RZR XP 1000

Chris Duke used to be a big fan of hitting the desert with a group of buddies for a great time of off-roading. Eventually, his group fell apart and he took some time off of riding his Yamaha Banshee. These days with nowhere to store a trailer and bike, he has started venturing back out into the desert with his producer Brian on a side-by-side Polaris RZR XP 1000. Chris started looking around when they were out kicking up sand and realized that this is the place for ATV aftermarket enhancements. He decided he wanted to soup-up Brian’s stock RZR and document what the upgrades. Join us for more on Motorz TV.

[00:42:12] Burt Reynolds’ 1977 Trans AM Sold at Barrett-Jackson

The whole gang is back together after a month long traveling spree and they are here to talk cars. Alan, BJ, and Josh share about this extremely busy month in the automotive industry. The team discusses their views on creating restorations with multiple cars and their thoughts on out-of-business companies. You don’t want to miss Alan’s story on his interview with Burt Reynolds about his ’77 Pontiac Trans Am and a little about his relationship with Sally Field!

[00:48:10] Josh Hancock Reports from The Classic Auto Show

Sometimes an auto show is full of cars you would never expect! Josh Hancock recently attended The Classic Auto Show sponsored by the Velocity Channel in Los Angeles. The price of entry wasn’t cheap, but the event was packed with TV stars and an interesting array of autos. With all of the Velocity’s top stars in attendance, fans flocked in from all over to be regaled by some exceptional car restorations and a fair amount of what Josh dubs “odd-ball cars.” Hear about some of the out-of-the-ordinary restorations on display.

[00:54:43] Technology Paves Way for Safer Car Security

With technology always advancing, we are facing new issues with some of the designs being poorly executed. BJ and Josh talk about the rotary shifters and how some of the cars have put them in dangerous or unattractive places. It is imperative to have a great design for a car but it must be extremely user friendly and functional as well. There is also a new world of electronics in our cars and Alan talks about key-less entries and starters that are evolving to create higher security standards. Soon to welcome facial recognition as a way of accessing our vehicle, this feature will enhance your personal safety by allowing only those who are programmed with the car to access it. Learn about the future of electronics and design.

[01:02:03] BJ Killeen Reviews New KIA Niro Hybrid

Setting a Guinness World Record title for Lowest Fuel Consumption by a Hybrid Vehicle, the Kia Niro is the next big thing when it comes to hybrid cars. With an average of 55-MPG, the Niro reached a fuel efficiency of 76-MPG in the recent record-breaking journey from LA to New York. This car is so awesome, Melissa McCarthy agreed to star in Kia’s (surprisingly entertaining) commercials.

Our very own BJ Killeen got behind the wheel of the Niro and it has her raving! Thanks to the dual-clutch transmission, you’re nearly guaranteed a smooth drive. Equipped with heated seats, smart cruise control and many other tech-forward additions, don’t miss our real-world review of this new economy ride.

[01:08:21] Dodge Demon Release Coming Soon

Alan brings BJ Killeen, Josh Hancock, and Karl Brauer back together to chat about the new Dodge Demon. Karl has some pretty solid guesses on what this mystery car will be like, predicting it will be a souped-up version of the Challenger. Karl also chats about classifying the new Kia Niro Hybrid and the challenges it presents.

[01:018:04] Exploring Future Ford Innovations with Karl Brauer

Alan talks with BJ Killeen, Josh Hancock, and Karl Brauer about the history of the Ford Bronco and how it may influence future design cues for the 2020 edition. Karl believes the new Bronco will be a serious off-road machine.

Next, we discuss Ford’s brilliant idea for prospective buyers of the Ford GT. buyer’s kit. Before purchasing a new GT, consumers will receive a carbon fiber Buyer’s Kit; filled with miniature models of wheels, upholstery fabric swatches, and paint samples, buyers can customize their dream GT from start to finish.

Explore More with Helpful Links:

Contributor: BJ Killen | Automotive Journalist, Team Killeen
Contributor: Chris Duke | Host, “Motorz”
Contributor: Josh Hancock | Automotive Journalist, JoshCAR
Contributor: Karl Brauer | Executive Publisher, Autotrader & Kelley Blue Book
Guest: James Bell | Director of Corporate Communications, KIA
Vehicle: 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country
Vehicle: 2017 Toyota Prius Prime
Vehicle: 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk
Vehicle: 2018 Dodge Demon
Vehicle: 2018 KIA Stinger
Vehicle: 2017 KIA RIO
Vehicle: RZR XP 1000 EPS
Vehicle: 2017 KIA Niro
Article: Uber Self-driving Cars Back on the Road
Article: DUI Law Change in Utah
Article: Burt Reynold’s ’77 Trans AM
Article: Keeping Your Car Safe From Electronic Thieves
Article: KIA Sets Guinness World Record
Article: Ford’s GT Carbon Fiber Buyers Kit
Event: The Classic Auto Show

Episode Credits:

Program Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Production Assistant: Joanne Bolden
Audio Engineer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Jess Baumgardner
Graphic Design: Becky Vaughn

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist, Team Killeen

James Bell | Director of Corporate Communications, KIA

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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.

About THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor puts you in the driver’s seat for a unique, fast paced look at today’s automotive industry. This is your pedal-to-the-metal, two-hour thrill ride devoted to the latest car news and test-drive results, how-to tips, car maintenance tips, auto show coverage, expert insights and behind-the-scenes race day action. Don’t miss exclusive interviews with top auto executives, athletes, celebrities and prominent newsmakers from around the world.