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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #320

It’s February already and there are less than two months until the New York International Auto Show and Alan’s annual appearance on  ABC’s ‘LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan’. As the excitement builds, we chat with some of our favorite contributors about what they are up to. We begin the hour with Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, Karl Brauer, who gushes about his Dodge Demon before paying homage to the new Acura NSX. Then, Mike Forsythe of Haynes Publishing discusses their digital assets and new repair manuals coming our way. Next, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, shares her experience at the Grand National Roadster Show. Changing gears, Hollywood car consultant, Josh Hancock, joins us along with Brembo North America’s Dan Sandberg to talk about the best brakes around. Lastly, Josh and Alan discuss a Porsche exhibit that recently opened at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

• [00:00:00] Dodge Does Things Differently
• [00:05:53] Alan’s Dirty Demon
• [00:12:30] A Real Car for Gearheads
• [00:19:53] The Super Acura NSX
• [00:30:12] Saved from High Labor Rates
• [00:35:55] Haynes’ Videos Break it Down
• [00:42:16] Oldest Running Car Show
• [00:49:11] Showroom Stock Vehicles
• [00:54:46] Grand National Roadster Show
• [01:02:09] Alan Gears Up for New York
• [01:06:49] Mustang is Making a Comeback
• [01:18:10] The Porsche Effect

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] Dodge Does Things Differently

Some years ago, Alan ran into Tim Kuniskis, who just so happened to be the Head of Passenger Car Brands for FCA-North America. This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship and now Dodge sponsors our show. Dodge is changing the way we look at cars and their Dodge Demon is blowing people’s minds. Alan recently took ownership of his Demon, serial number 00008, and he is ecstatic!` While electric vehicles are looming over us, Dodge is continuing to appeal to lunatic fringe car guys. Is horsepower calling your name?

[00:05:53] Alan’s Dirty Demon

Every once in a while a car comes along that will take hold of a real gearhead and not let go. One month, five states, and 3,000 miles later, Alan’s 2018 Dodge Demon is dirty and the back fender is covered in rubber from numerous burnouts. We chat with Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book who explains that the Demon is the most visible, high-profile expression of the work that Dodge is doing. The market is naturally shifting towards a focus on trucks, SUVs, and crossovers, but Dodge threw the Demon in there to show that there is still a place for specialized performance cars. Learn more about this bold company now.

[00:12:30] A Real Car for Gearheads

Alan and Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book have felt the need for speed since before they could even drive – currently they’re feeling 16 years old all over again. They both took delivery of their 2018 Dodge Demons and while their choices on breaking-in their cars vary drastically, these guys can’t wipe the smiles off their faces. Their silly grins are well deserved because they know they are driving one of the most powerful vehicles on the road. Right now, Karl is having a bit of separation anxiety because he sent his Demon to the shop to have a clear bra wrapped all over the entire car so he can keep it nice and shiny. Most people may see the $91,000 price point as crazy; how much would you pay for ultimate performance?

[00:19:53] The Super Acura NSX

You wouldn’t expect to see an Acura NSX at a snowy parking lot course in Colorado, would you? Well, think again. Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book describes his recent snowy test drive experience. One of the most notable aspects of the NSX is the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, which spreads torque vectoring across all four tires in any direction. This car is at home on the track, but its handling makes it a surprisingly wonderful winter ride. Explore the Acura NSX now.

[00:30:12] Saved from High Labor Rates

Is it time to fix your ride, but all the local shops are asking an arm and a leg for service? While there are some things that will take a certified mechanic to do, there are others that you can do at home. Mike Forsythe of Haynes Publishing shares a little bit about their extensive product line. Updates are happening constantly, making it possible for you to get an inside look on fixing that ride you love so much. Hear some tips on obtaining these must have manuals for your garage.

[00:35:55] Haynes’ Videos Break it Down

Working on your car can be a daunting task, but there is one company that has been making DIY car repairs easier for years. Mike Forsythe of Haynes Automotive Manuals tells us about the success of their online platform as well as their digital and print repair manuals. Haynes makes it possible for you to access their HD video guides on your smartphone or computer, giving you a step-by-step breakdown of your build. These guides are also filled with tips and tricks to make sure that you are getting the job done right. Is your car in need of a tune-up?

[00:42:16] Oldest Running Car Show

While Alan was busy doing crazy things in his new Dodge Demon, automotive journalist BJ Killeen was visiting one of the oldest cars shows around. Ponoma California plays host to the Grand National Roadster Show at which 500 vehicles compete for the final award. Near the end, the cars are dwindled down to a final 15 before the winner is announced. BJ tells us that there was somewhere between 1,500 and 1,700 cars in attendance and the weather was perfect. Are you a roadster fan?

[00:49:11] Showroom Stock Vehicles

Automotive journalist BJ Killeen walks us through some fantastic parts of her recent visit to the Grand National Roadster Show. The four day show is organized very well and every year they change up this displays so there is always something new to see. BJ especially loved one room that was completely dedicated to showroom stock vehicles. She and her husband, Scott Killeen, were able to take some amazing photos of these really unique collector rides (Be sure to check those out on our Facebook page @thedrivewithalantaylor). Learn more about this classic show.

[00:54:46] Grand National Roadster Show

The Grand National Roadster Show brought some gorgeous, authentic cars to the limelight, but of course there could only be one winner. The competition was stiff and it was tough for the judges to make a final decision. There were a lot of amazing builders competing such as Bruce Meyer, Dana Elrod, and Troy Trepanier. The winner was well deserved; Dave Martin’s 1931 Ford Roadster, aptly named the Martin Special and built by Hot Rod and Hobby. Discover more about this long-standing car show.

[01:02:09] Alan Gears Up for New York

Alan chats with Josh Hancock about his upcoming trip to New York City. From ABC’s LIVE with Kelly and Ryan to the New York International Auto Show, Alan is going to be a busy guy. He’s dedicated the next few months to losing weight and Josh can’t help but razz him about it. Josh also gives us a little teaser for his next couple of segments. Find out what the guys are up to.

[01:06:49] Mustang is Making a Comeback

The Mustang has been around forever, but this year it really showed its colors for the first time in years. Classic and late model Mustangs are amazing performance vehicles with a price point that is much more approachable than some of the other comparable rides. We chat with Hollywood car consultant, Josh Hancock, and President of Brembo North America, Dan Sandberg, about this classic car. With so many ponies under the hood – you need quality stopping power and that’s why Josh is working with Brembo to get their amazing brakes on the last remaining Eleanor Mustang from the film Gone in 60 Seconds. Limited only by wheel size, Dan shares that Brembo’s been in the classic car brake kit business from the beginning. Does your Mustang need to stop on a dime?

[01:18:10] The Porsche Effect

Hollywood car consultant Josh Hancock recently attended an exhibit opening at the Petersen Automotive Museum. This new section, Porsche Effect, showcases 50 outstanding cars that have been a part of the brand’s history. Josh goes on to tell us, “Without Southern California, arguably, the Porsche wouldn’t be as popular.” Alan agrees, this sunny part of California is where all the collectors are! Even east coaster, Jerry Seinfeld has a hanger full of these beautiful cars in Los Angeles. Learn more about Porsche Effect.

Explore More with Helpful Links:

• Contributor: Karl Brauer | Executive Publisher, Kelley Blue Book
• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist
• Contributor: Josh Hancock | Hollywood Car Consultant, JoshCAR
• Guest: Mike Forsythe | Vice President, Haynes Publishing Group
• Guest: Dan Sandberg | President, Brembo North America
• Event: Grand National Roadster 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:

• Austin Hatcher Foundation
• Barrett-Jackson
• Brembo
• Bridgestone
• Craftsman
• Dodge
• Foundation of Human Understanding
• Go RVing
• Haynes Automotive Manuals
• Katzkin
• Patriot Outreach
• Pennzoil
• Shell
• Subaru

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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.