Exploring Supercars: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Ford GT and McLaren 720S

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The automotive industry is making some extreme advances. Our automotive experts review the newest supercars, and we take the consumer pulse about recent advances in automotive technology. We start off the show talking Hollywood cars with JoshCAR’s Josh Hancock. Then, Brian Armstead of Roadfly praises the glory of the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia. Once we’ve got your engines revving, we shift gears and learn about the 647-horsepower, 2017 Ford GT from Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book. We know, this episode is so exciting and it gets even better! Michael Austin of Autoblog introduces the 2018 McLaren 720S with an insane top speed of 212-MPH. Next, Kristin Kolodge from J.D. Power shares statistics on what consumers think about new, integrated car technology. Learn more now.

[00:00:00] Rollin’ Out on Hollywood’s Big Screen
[00:06:06] Ford Eco-Sport Helps Guard the Galaxy
[00:12:31] Hollywood Craves the F-150 Ford Raptor
[00:19:52] The Sweet Sound of a V-6 Italian Symphony
[00:30:34] Alfa Romeo Giulia’s Rear-Wheel Raw Power
[00:35:54] Alfa Romeo Makes an American Comeback
[00:42:14] Old Meets New: The 2017 Ford GT is Here
[00:48:30] Why Ford Re-released the 2017 Ford GT
[00:54:46] The Primal Nature of the Dodge Demon
[01:02:07] The 2018 McLaren 720s is Dizzyingly Fast
[01:12:44] Automotive Consumers Are Asking for Help
[01:18:08] Trust and Automated Driving Technology

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] Rollin’ Out on Hollywood’s Big Screen

Iconic cars make an everlasting impression, especially when we connect with them on the big screen. In the past, a single automotive manufacturer would essentially be the exclusive OEM within a film. Today, movies showcase a bevy of cars for an authentic touch. With amazing stunt drivers and killer special effects, we can ride inside some of the most epic vehicles out there. JoshCAR’s Josh Hancock is our go-to Hollywood car consultant. Get a sneak peek on upcoming automotive-focused movies destined for the silver screen. Join in for more now.

[00:06:06] Ford Eco-Sport Helps Guard the Galaxy

Recently jumping on board with a major motion picture, the Ford EcoSport joins forces with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Josh Hancock of JoshCAR tells us that Ford put its mark on the film – They’ve even released an advertisement with a baby Groot directing a stunt driver through heavy fire during a high-speed space chase. Josh is also quick to point out that FCA is steadfastly rooted in the movie business as well, sprinkling popular car models throughout numerous big films. There are loads of car-centric movies to look forward to including Disney/Pixar’s Cars 3, to be released this June. Discover which car-studded blockbuster we’re most excited to see!

[00:12:31] Hollywood Craves the F-150 Ford Raptor

JoshCAR’s Josh Hancock knows cars and more importantly, he knows the cars that film directors are dying to have. While the Fast and the Furious series definitely turns some heads with the modified race cars, Josh is starting to see a popularity rise in beefed-up SUVs and trucks. In fact, he tells us that Ford F-150 Raptor is the truck that many are trying to get their hands on – It’s no wonder why, this truck is a lightweight monster that can go anywhere. Discover what other rides we can look forward to on the big screen.

[00:19:52] The Sweet Sound of a V-6 Italian Symphony

Brian Armstead of Roadfly fell in love with a new Italian sweetheart, and she just so happens to have a twin turbo. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifolio is an alluring sports sedan that is making a luxurious entrance into the U.S. market. A powerful V-6 pumps her heart and pushes out 505-HP which gets you from 0-60 in 3.8 seconds. FCA has added some interior touches that flow seamlessly into this beauty. Her exterior will make you blush with looks so haunting, you’ll stop you dead in your tracks from across the parking lot. The MSRP of $80,000 is more than worth it, and you’ll want to throw your money down as soon as you hear her engine sing. Find out more about this seductress on wheels.

[00:30:34] Alfa Romeo Giulia’s Rear-Wheel Raw Power

It turns out that rear-wheel drive and bad weather don’t mix, who knew? Brian Armstead of Roadfly tells us why we don’t want to let the beautiful Alpha Romeo Giulia play in the rain. She has 505-Horsepower all coming from the back – Even with electronic stability control, she can get a little squirrely when it’s wet. Brian ruminates on the gorgeous paint color of his test model, Rosso Competizione, before digging into the three drive mode options. To put it simply, this car drives beautifully and was built to hug corners and grip the road with ease. Discover more now.

[00:35:54] Alfa Romeo Makes an American Comeback

It’s been a while since Alfa Romeo released a noticeable car in America, and they came back in a very big, very sexy way. The twin turbo V-6 Alfa Romeo Giulia is a stunning machine, and Brian Armstead of Roadfly tells us why. The Giulia Quadrifolio has Alpha’s D.N.A. drive mode system that consists of four drive modes, everything from performance to daily driving. This car is not only dynamic, but is also extremely comfortable in any drive mode, and doesn’t beat you up when you shift into a race mindset. Its lightweight, carbon fiber drive shaft has diminished the amount of mass on its rotation and increased response. How much do you have to hand over to drive this beauty? Find out now.

[00:42:14] Old Meets New: The 2017 Ford GT is Here

The Ford GT has made its way back to the market – If you thought it was epic before, just wait! Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book is a raving fan of the Ford GT. Recently, Karl got the extremely lucky task of test driving the 2017 Ford GT. This GT aficionado drove his 2005 Ford GT from LA to Salt Lake City, all so he could introduce his current 2005 GT to its 2017 sibling. As an automotive journalist, this was a rare experience and it gave Karl’s review an extremely unique angle. One of the GT’s test racers, Billy Johnson, even asked Karl if he could get behind the wheel of his 2005 as he had never driven one before. For roughly $400,000 you can climb into this 647-HP ride and try to harness its top speed of 216-MPH. Learn more now.

[00:48:30] Why Ford Re-released the 2017 Ford GT

The 2017 Ford GT is an impressive re-release and Kelley Blue Book’s Karl Brauer is a huge fan of the supercar. Anyone who is in the loop knows that this was built as a race car, so the narrow cockpit is to be expected. It is extremely lightweight, weighing in at right around 3,100 lbs. (The competition model weighs even less). While much of Karl’s test drive is currently embargoed, he does share some stylistic choices that Ford made, keeping us enthralled for future reviews. Its aerodynamic design forms an aggressive arrow which helps push the car closer to the track. A smooth 2-inch suspension range keeps it safe on bumpy public roads. Explore more love for the 2017 Ford GT.

[00:54:46] The Primal Nature of the Dodge Demon

Appealing to our primal instincts, the Dodge Demon has blown our expectations out of the water. Kelley Blue Book’s Karl Brauer tells us that Dodge has remained true to their dedication of taking ‘muscle’ to the next level. They have managed to harness the passion for the classic, aggressive power that is cherished in the muscle car world. With a wild 707-HP, this behemoth can pop a wheelie and achieve 0-60 MPH in just 2.3 seconds. Tim Kuniskis and his team at Dodge came through – Even with the odds against them, they persevered and made their mark on history. The Dodge Demon is a show stopper and we can’t wait to tell you more about it!

[01:02:07] The 2018 McLaren 720s is Dizzyingly Fast

Come fall 2018 the world will experience a different kind of supercar. The 2018 McLaren 720S is so fast that it made Autoblog’s Michael Austin slightly nervous on the corners of his test drive in Rome. Normally, Michael is used to putting his foot on the gas and being impressed, the McLaren’s speed didn’t even give him time to comprehend what was happening. They designed this car to be comfortable. The butterfly twin-hinged dihedral doors swing up, making it super easy to climb in to. This supercar has a rare amenity, you have a clear rear view of sight which isn’t normally an option in this style of vehicle. McLaren is taking orders now for this 710-HP ride that can go 0-60 MPH in 2.8 seconds with a top speed of 212-MPH. Do you feel the need for insane speed? Discover more about the McLaren 720S.

[01:12:44] Automotive Consumers Are Asking for Help

J.D. Power’s Kristin Kolodge talks with us about automotive technology and how it is affecting consumers. With top-of-the-line safety features and well-rounded infotainment systems, vehicles now have everything we could dream of. Drivers can now receive assistance with staying in their lane, connecting in transit, maintaining a safe speed and more. J.D. Power conducted a U.S. Tech Choice study and discovered new car buyers need help when it comes to understanding what the many available features actually do. Trying to figure out the function of the vast array of dashboard buttons can be seriously distracting. Can we simplify this technology and enhance safety at the same time?

[01:18:08] Trust and Automated Driving Technology

The future is here. Our cars are starting to drive themselves, but are we ready for it? Kristin Kolodge of J.D. Power delivers information from their recent U.S. Tech Choice study. It turns out that consumers don’t trust autonomous car technology at this time. Self-driving cars are currently being tested in the real world, but some drivers aren’t ready to take their hands off the wheel. Tesla drivers were also considered in this survey, and it turns out that their level of trust was much higher; positive experiences yield an increased amount of reassurance. It seems that the self-driving car is here to stay. Are you ready?

Explore More with Helpful Links:

Contributor: Josh Hancock | Automotive Journalist, JoshCAR
Contributor: Karl Brauer | Executive Publisher, Autotrader & Kelley Blue Book
Guest: Brian Armstead | Automotive Journalist, Roadfly.com
Guest: Michael Austin | Editor-in-Chief, Autoblog
Guest: Kristin Kolodge | Executive Director of Driver Interaction and Human Machine Interface, J.D. Power
Article: 1967 “The Graduate” Opens in New York
Article: Yes, That’s Really Paul Newman’s Voice in Cars 3
Article: Ford Eco-Sport and Guardians of the Galaxy
Article: The Unbelievable Everyday Supercar | 2017 McLaren 720S First Drive
Article: 2017 U.S. Tech Choice Study: Consumers Fear Technology Failures with Autonomous Vehicles
Vehicle: 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
Vehicle: 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia
Vehicle: 2017 Bugatti Veyron 164 Super Sport
Vehicle: 2017 Ford GT
Vehicle: 2017 Dodge Demon
Vehicle: 2017 McLaren 720S

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:

Josh Hancock | Automotive Journalist, JoshCAR

Brian Armstead | Automotive Journalist, Roadfly

Karl Brauer | Executive Publisher, Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader

Michael Austin | Editor-in-Chief, Autoblog

Kristin Kolodge | Executive Director of Driver Interaction and Human Machine Interface, J.D. Power

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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.