Trackhawk, Bentayga, Prius Prime and More

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #324

Car show season is hopping, and we are right in the middle of the Geneva International Motor Show. Karl Brauer, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, discusses the relevance of the Geneva event to the U.S. Market, reviews the Bentley Bentayga, and spills about breaking his Dodge Demon. Next, Brian Moody, Executive Editor of Autotrader, reviews the Toyota Prius Prime and the Buick Regal TourX wagon. Then, Hollywood car consultant, Josh Hancock, catches us up to speed with the latest cars hitting the red carpet. Josh also reviews the newest Porsche Cayman, and shares his thoughts on automatic transmissions. Last but certainly not least, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, explains how you can buy a car through Costco, and offers initial thoughts on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. If you’re in the market for a new car, curious about the future of the automotive industry, or just need your gearhead fix, join us now!

[00:00:00] A Demon’s Trip to the Car Doctor
[00:06:20] NASCAR’s Chase Elliott Drives Demon
[00:12:31] Bentley Bentayga Exudes Quality
[00:19:54] Geneva International Motor Show
[00:26:51] 230-MPG with Toyota Prius Prime
[00:35:55] Best Interiors Under $50,000
[00:42:15] Prep for New York International Auto Show
[00:49:04] Hollywood Car Films Zooming Our Way
[00:54:46] Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
[01:02:09] Porsche Cayman is Well Balanced
[01:10:38] Buying a Car Through Costco
[01:18:10] Trackhawk is the Answer to Power

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] A Demon’s Trip to the Car Doctor

Owning a Dodge Demon takes a certain level of wild and Alan and Karl Brauer, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, definitely have reached that level. In fact, Karl has already sent his to the shop after he tried, and failed, to install the Performance Control Module (PCM) that came in his special Demon crate. The PCM is basically the brains of the engine that tell it how to behave. Unfortunately, it turns out that some things on our tech-advanced rides need technicians to make them growl. After a trip on a flatbed, thanks to Karl’s Hagerty insurance policy, the car was up and running in only about two hours from the garage to roadway. Do you think Karl has learned his lesson?

[00:06:20] NASCAR’s Chase Elliott Drives Demon

As it turns out the 750-HP that NASCAR cars make is 90-HP less than the Dodge Demon. Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book recently had the opportunity to let NASCAR driver, Chase Elliot, drive his 840-HP Dodge Demon. Karl discusses what it must be like to drive a factory car that is faster than those designed for the NASCAR track. Keeping this insane horsepower in mind, we chat about the markup on sticker prices that dealers are giving to their rare Demons. One salesman out there is selling one that is $75,000 over sticker price and chances are there is someone out there who will buy it. How much do you crave the drag power?

[00:12:31] Bentley Bentayga Exudes Quality

Racing is in our heritage and originally that is what Bentleys were designed for. Somewhere along the way we’ve kind of lost the passion for this heritage but Bentley is bringing it back. Having a family may mean that you can’t own that sports car of your dreams for practical reasons but there may be a way to still satisfy that need for speed. The Bentley Bentayga is an SUV powered by a V8 that boasts 542-HP or a V12 that pushes over 600-HP. Karl tells us that the V8 comes in at 100 pounds less than its larger engine twin, has a premium interior, and starts at an MSRP of $165,000. In Sport mode, it handled the corners on the Austrian roads with full confidence considering its weight and size. Are you in the market for high-quality luxury?

[00:19:54] Geneva International Motor Show

For years, the Geneva International Motor Show while glamorous, never really translated well to the U.S. market but that has all changed. Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book explains why OEMs can’t just make a car for one market, it must be designed to go global. This year we will be seeing many of these cars on American soil, such as the Peugeot 508 which resembles the Audi A5. John Hennessey was also in attendance with his Venom F5, knowing that there was a market for his magnificent machine in Geneva. Karl also gushes about the rumor that the Toyota Supra GR Racing Concept will have a full production preview unveiled in New York in a couple of weeks. Did anything at the Geneva show catch your eye?

[00:26:51] 230-MPG with Toyota Prius Prime

How far can I actually get on one charge? Range anxiety has been a problem in the world of electric vehicles since the beginning but it is getting better. Executive Editor of Autotrader, Brian Moody, reviews the all-new Toyota Prius Prime. While most of the driving was considered average daily commutes, he was able to achieve three and a half months on one tank of gas (averaging 230-MPG). While many impatiently await the Tesla Model 3, Brian explains that there is something more affordable we can get today. Consumers should feel excited because electric and hybrid cars are becoming readily available and the options are increasing. Brian also reviews the Buick Regal TourX which is their newest wagon that is a blast to drive and one of the first competitors of the Subaru Outback. Are you willing to take a chance on electric?

[00:35:55] Best Interiors Under $50,000

When it comes to car shopping, luckily, there are not really any bad cars out there. Technology has made quality much easier to achieve and Brian Moody of Autotrader tells us that they have comprised a list of the best interiors in cars under $50,000. Audi Q5, Buick Enclave, BMW i3, Genisis G80, Kia Stinger, and more have made it possible to find affordable luxury. This list of cars that are under $50,000 is amazing but Brian also tells us that average vehicle costs have gone up. Fortunately, there are many base models that are not too expensive and if you are okay without all the extra frills you can keep the price in your wheelhouse. We are in one of the most amazing times in the history of the car industry and the many options are helping buyers achieve their automotive dreams. Learn how to find a car that won’t break the bank now.

[00:42:15] Prep for New York International Auto Show

Alan is always such a busy bee; in fact, he just left the hustle and bustle of Hollywood during Oscar season. We catch up with Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, who chats with us about the big job title change that Tim Kinuskis, formerly of Dodge, took. Now, Tim is the Head of Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands and auto enthusiasts are excited to see what he will do for these cars. Last but not least, Alan announces that he will be representing Car and Driver while unveiling the newest cars from the New York International Auto Show on ABC’s Live with Kelly and Ryan’s Auto Show Week. He also explains Car and Driver’s new auto buying platform – they’re not just reviews anymore. Tune in now.

[00:49:04] Hollywood Car Films Zooming Our Way

Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, chats with us about a few films coming down the pike that car lovers might want to keep an eye out for. Right now, the Go Like Hell screenplay is in its preparation stages. This story depicts the famous feud between Enzo Ferrari and Henry Ford II and as of now, there are rumors that Christian Bale and Matt Damon are involved with the script. Josh also shares about the sale of ’06 Ford GTs at the recent Pomona Auction, and lets us in on a new Quentin Tarantino movie that will be starring Leonardo Dicaprio and Brad Pitt. Josh can’t fill us in on the cars that will be appearing in the film just yet but he assures us that this will be a fun, must-see movie. What’s your favorite movie ride?

[00:54:46] Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a monster of a machine and while Alan only had it for two days, he really stretched its legs. This machine is powered by a Hellcat engine with 707-HP and can do a four-wheel burnout. It has heated seats, a gorgeous interior, and the monster under the hood screams when you push the pedal down. Also, Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, quickly describes a car scene in the Oscar-winning film The Shape of Water wherein a Cadillac gets heavily damaged, a rare thing to happen in a film. From horsepower to the Oscars, we have it all. Tune in now.

[01:02:09] Porsche Cayman is Well Balanced

Porsche has its loyal followers and Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, just drove one of their new machines. The Porsche Cayman GTS is a rear-engine sports car that fits between the Boxter and the 911. It’s cheaper and smaller with a punchy automatic transmission. Josh was impressed by how it felt glued to the road and awed over its rev-matching gears. Josh then goes on to share his opinion on automatic transmissions, while they are faster he still can’t get his gearhead mind to prefer them over a manual transmission. To date, Porsches now have a higher rate of automatic than Mustangs and Corvettes. Manual or automatic – which one are you?

[01:10:38] Buying a Car Through Costco

Many of us may not know but for the last thirty years Costco has been working with dealerships to bring you a flat rate through their membership. Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, shares why buying a car through Costco may be a great option. While you still have to make a trip to the dealership after you find the car you want, Costco has taken away the haggling and any selling tactics that dissuade consumers from dealing with salesmen. There are many manufacturers that work with Costco, and though you may not find vehicles that are in high demand, there will still be a great selection. Usually, Costco has a set price with the discount already included so that the buyer knows exactly what they are getting themselves into before they hit the lot. In the market for a new car? Your Costco membership may have the answer you’re looking for.

[01:18:10] Trackhawk is the Answer to Power

Are you looking for an animalistic ride that the whole family can enjoy? Well, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk just might be the answer. Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, and Alan talk about this crazy machine. Equipped with huge Brembo brakes this beast has gigantic stopping power, perfect for keeping everyone safe after a burst from the powerful engine. So you can’t own a Dodge Viper? That’s okay, you can still harness some insane strength by stepping into the Hellcat-powered 707-HP Jeep Trackhawk. Are you ready to hit the backroads with some muscle?

Explore More with Helpful Links:

Contributor: Karl Brauer | Executive Publisher, Kelley Blue Book
Contributor: Josh Hanock | Hollywood Car Consultant, JoshCAR
Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist
Guest: Brian Moody | Executive Editor, Autotrader
Vehicle: Bentley Bentayga
Vehicle: Toyota Prius Prime
Vehicle: Porsche Caymen

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:

Karl Brauer | Executive Publisher, Kelley Blue Book

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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.