Building Excitement for SEMA 2017, Plus New Car Reviews

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #307

Anticipation ramps up for the 2017 SEMA Show, which is just around the corner. We chat with industry experts about what they will be displaying at the event. Catch the latest on Motorz TV from host Chris Duke; will he find inspiration for his upcoming season at this premier automotive event? Then, automotive journalist, George Kennedy, shares his drive experience with the 2018 Range Rover Velar. Up next, Hollywood’s car consultant, Josh Hancock, tells us about some movies such as the upcoming blockbuster about Dick Cheney’s life and Blade Runner 2049. We then check in with Mike Spagnola of SEMA who announces that special guest Jay Leno will Grand Marshal for the cruise on the last night at SEMA at the Las Vegas Convention Center. James Bell, Director of Corporate Communications for KIA Motors America, raves about the performance capability of the Kia Stinger that will be showcased at the event. Last, Kenny Pfitzer, Owner of Zero to 60 Designs, reveals the five cars he will have at SEMA. It’s time to get your engines revving, listen now.

[00:00:00] Motorz TV and Barrett-Jackson’s Charity Cars
[00:06:09] On the Hunt for New Motorz Content
[00:12:30] 2018 Range Rover Velar is More than Capable
[00:19:52] Highs and Lows of 2018 Range Rover Velar
[00:28:54] Everything for Your Car from the Ground Up
[00:35:56] Dick Cheney Movie Shows Eight Decades of Cars
[00:42:16] Auctioning Off of the Project Underdog Car
[00:48:13] Innovation is Born at the SEMA Show
[00:54:48] SEMA Board Working Hard All Year Around
[01:02:10] 2018 Kia Stinger Will Impress You for the Price
[01:10:40] Zero to 60 Designs Prepares for SEMA
[01:18:12] Ramping Up for SEMA 2017

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] Motorz TV and Barrett-Jackson’s Charity Cars

What has Motorz TV been up to lately? Well, host Chris Duke brings us up to speed. Sticking with Ford trucks, Motorz crew gives new life to a 2005 F-150, which debuted in episode one. Then, we chat about the most recent Barrett-Jackson auction that took place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. When Barrett-Jackson rolls into town, everything changes. Alan tells us about the charity cars that touched the hearts of the show’s attendees after the recent tragedy in Las Vegas. A Jeep signed by famous driver, Richard Petty, a Shelby Super Snake, and the Project Underdog car by Sung Kang, were among the cars auctioned off.

[00:06:09] On the Hunt for New Motorz Content

SEMA always brings innovative ideas to the minds of auto enthusiasts. Chris Duke, Host of Motorz TV, tells us that while this year he will not have a booth at SEMA, he will be wandering around like a kid at an automotive Disneyland. He is excited to find new ideas for his next season of Motorz. This 2.5 million square foot event of aftermarket genius is not open to the public, so it feels like you’re in a secret society of gear-loving people. Worried you’ll miss out? SEMA Ignited is a special event for the non-industry enthusiasts that features drifting, drag racing and a cruise.

[00:12:30] 2018 Range Rover Velar is More than Capable

Land Rover has been making magnificent cars since the beginning, so it is no surprise that the 2018 Range Rover Velar is up to par. Automotive journalist, George Kennedy, reviews this new ride after a day trip out near Palm Springs. This SUV is at home on the road; George believes that it is far more capable than most buyers will take advantage of. The journalists had the opportunity to drive a 2L turbocharged, a 2L diesel, and a V6 supercharged version, all of them with an 8-speed transmission. Its amazing air suspension and walking differential makes this ride extremely comfortable. Find out why this baby has more than enough power on tap.

[00:19:52] Highs and Lows of 2018 Range Rover Velar

Land Rover’s newest offering, the Range Rover Velar, is smaller than the original Range Rover and larger than the Range Rover Sport, making it the perfect sweet spot in size. Automotive journalist, George Kennedy, shares the highs and lows of his drive experience. This luxury OEM never fails to impress. However, George, found a few things that could be different in their next revamp such as an updated infotainment screen and improved diesel horsepower. With that being said, the pluses to this ride were overflowing with features including a stylish design, intuitive safety elements, and an incredibly smooth ride. Learn more about the 2018 Range Rover Velar.

[00:28:54] Everything for Your Car from the Ground Up

At the SEMA show is the place for you to find everything you need for your car and upgrades beyond your wildest dreams. We chat with Hollywood car consultant, Josh Hancock, about his involvement with the 2017 SEMA show. While Josh originally planned on attending the event with a group of people who are working on the last original Elenor, a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT 500 fastback, from the film Gone in 60 Seconds but plans changed. Josh will be making his way around the show gawking at the innovative accomplishments of the automotive manufacturers. These days, you can rebuild an old car completely from scratch and make those classic rides drive like new. Discover more about this huge automotive aftermarket show.

[00:35:56] Dick Cheney Movie Shows Eight Decades of Cars

Hollywood car consultant, Josh Hancock, tells us what rides we can look forward to on the big screen. A new movie about Dick Cheney’s life, yet to be titled, will feature cars from the 1940s to present time. Hard work must be done to ensure that the vehicles truly reflect the years represented in the film. Josh also talks with us about the new Blade Runner 2049, and shares how amazing he thought the film was. Tune in now.

[00:42:16] Auctioning Off of the Project Underdog Car

Automotive passion is not dead. SEMA has made it their job to help the next generation achieve their dreams of working with cars as a career. SEMA’s Mike Spagnola tells us about Project Underdog which was inspired by Sung Kang who wanted to give underprivileged kids the opportunity to earn a scholarship for automotive school. The Ford Maverick they rebuilt was unveiled at last year’s SEMA and auctioned off at the 2017 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas. Originally purchased for $2,000, the car sold for $95,000. Every penny went to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund so the students could attend the automotive program of their choosing. Listen now.

[00:48:13] Innovation is Born at the SEMA Show

Automotive enthusiasts rejoice as the 2017 SEMA Show quickly approaches. Mike Spagnola, VP of OEM and Product Development Programs for SEMA, tells us what we can look forward to at the event this year. This is an industry only event (meaning you must be a manufacturer or retailer to attend). In the past, the public has shown immense interest in the event, so the team decided to create SEMA Ignited. Passersby will have the opportunity to experience just a taste of what happens inside the confines of this premier automotive event. This year there will be drifting, cruises, contests, celebrities, and products that have never been seen before. Mike also announces a celebrity guest that will be the Grand Marshal of the last night’s cruise.

[00:54:48] SEMA Board Working Hard All Year Around

Many of us gearheads look forward to the week at the start of November, it means we can attend one of the largest aftermarket automotive shows, SEMA. The SEMA team is up to a lot more than just planning an event for one week out of the year. About 140 people make magic happen in the SEMA Garage; a crew assists over 3,000 manufacturers in developing products. They also have a CAD to help them reverse engineer most parts, even redesign them to work more efficiently. The team is working diligently on the RPM Act which will make it possible for car owners to take a race car and make it a street car or (vice versa), providing freedom with aftermarket mods. Learn more about what SEMA is doing the rest of the year.

[01:02:10] 2018 Kia Stinger Will Impress You for the Price

When it comes to performance, Kia has never had a player in this category. This is not the case anymore; James Bell of KIA tells us about their latest, surprising release. The 2018 Kia Stinger is the company’s first, real performance car and is rumored to compete with the Porsche Panamera. You can climb into the base model of this car for about $40,000; that will get you a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with rear-wheel drive. For an extra $10,000, you can upgrade to the Napa leather interior and all-wheel drive package that will make this car everything you need out of a performance vehicle for a lower cost. Discover the Kia Stinger now.

[01:10:40] Zero to 60 Designs Prepares for SEMA

The 2017 SEMA Show is just a week away, and those in the automotive industry are adding the finishing touches before their vehicles hit the Las Vegas Convention Center. We catch up with Kenny Pfitzer, Owner of Zero to 60 Designs, and he fills us in on his projects for SEMA event. His company is now designing all of their own parts digitally. They also do Solar Gard and Clear-Shield Pro Hydro wraps that protect the expensive paint on your car. This year Kenney’s team will be bringing a Tesla Model S, a GTT, and more. Their booth will be showcasing some stunners!

[01:18:12] Ramping Up for SEMA 2017

As we approach SEMA 2017, the celebrity interview bookings are rolling in. Alan gives us a rundown on what we can expect from the Shell Pioneering Performance “Live on Stage” Experience and the Craftsman Garage. Guests like Richard Rawlings, Dennis Collins, Dave Kindig, Bodie Stroud, and many more will be sharing their SEMA stories. For those who can’t attend the industry-specific trade show, never fret because SEMA Ignited will give you an inside look at the innovative rides that will be housed inside the Las Vegas Convention Center for the week. Explore SEMA 2017 now.

Explore More with Helpful Links:

Contributor: Chris Duke | Host, Motorz TV
Contributor: Josh Hancock | Hollywood Car Consultant, JoshCAR
Guest: George Kennedy | Automotive Journalist, Boston Globe
Guest: Mike Spagnola | VP of OEM & Product Development Programs, SEMA
Guest: James Bell | Director of Corporate Communications, Kia Motors America
Guest: Kenny Pfitzer | Owner/Automotive Designer, Zero to 60 Designs
Website: Solar Guard
Vehicle: 2018 Range Rover Velar
Vehicle: 2018 Kia Stinger
Project: SEMA Project Underdog
Article: Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Charity Cars
Article: The 2018 Range Rover Velar is a high-tech off-roader
Event: SEMA Show

Episode Credits:

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

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

Josh Hancock | Hollywood Car Consultant, JoshCAR

James Bell | Director of Corporate Communications

Kenny Pfitzer | Owner, Zero to 60 Designs

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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, leave 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.