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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #326

Broadcasting from the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), we get up to speed on the latest and greatest rides hitting the market. We begin the hour with Joy Falotico of the Lincoln Motor Company who discusses the sales of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator, and introduces the gorgeous Lincoln Aviator. Next, Lincoln’s Robert Parker talks with us about the praises and special attention that their brand gets in China. Then, David Woodhouse shares the magic behind Lincoln’s guiding design principles. After that, we talk with MINI’s Andrew Cutler about the electrified classic MINI and their best-selling model, the Countryman. Then, Mark Dahncke of Audi sounds off about the Audi RS 5 Sportback and the popular Audi Q5. Next, Karl Brauer gushes over the roof-top party thrown by Kelley Blue Book, his favorite finds at NYIAS, and the technological shift that is happening in the automotive industry. Switching gears, Jamie Page Deaton of U.S. News & World Report Best Cars Rankings explains the pros and cons of some of the new rides on the showroom floor. Then, Lauren Fix of The Car Coach gives us her thoughts on the Volkswagen Tanoak pickup truck and the future of electric vehicles. Changing lanes, we chat with Michael Harley of Kelley Blue Book and Frank Wiseman of Porsche North America about Michael’s test drive in the snowy French Alps, and the Porsche Experience in LA. Our last guest of the show is Chris Duke of Motorz TV who explains GM’s BuyPower Card and over-air Marketplace. Alan ends the show with a preview of the cars he will be showing on ‘LIVE with Kelly and Ryan‘ during Auto Show Week (April 2-6, 2018). Join us now to fill your mind with automotive goodness.

 

• [00:00:00] Lincoln Motors Keeps Awing Us
• [00:05:48] China, Electric Motors, and Lincoln
• [00:12:31] Aviator is Magically Designed
• [00:19:54] A Classic MINI Goes Electric
• [00:27:14] Audi RS 5 Sportback
• [00:35:55] Treasures of NYIAS 2018
• [00:42:16] Family Friendly Auto Design
• [00:55:34] Porsche Stands the Test of Time
• [01:03:28] General Motors’ BuyPower Card
• [01:11:36] LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] Lincoln Motors Keeps Awing Us

The Lincoln Motor Company is making a huge comeback and consumers are falling in love all over again. Newly appointed President of Lincoln Motor Company, Joy Falotico, is thrilled to take part in the triumphant return of Lincoln luxury. The company’s success is dual parts: a robust commitment to quality and a ceaseless dedication to client/owner experiences. Last year, they released the redesigned Lincoln Navigator; reflecting this change, sales are up 60%  in the month of February with half of the owners being new to the brand. This year, Lincoln brought the Aviator to NYIAS – this is just the first step in their next act. Joy also briefly describes Lincoln’s new subscription service, which allows buyers to rent a 2015 model for an all-inclusive payment. Get yourself into the driver’s seat of a Lincoln.

[00:05:48] China, Electric Motors, and Lincoln

If you ask the people of China what they think about the Lincoln brand, you may be surprised by the answer. Lincoln Director of Marketing, Sales, and Service, Robert Parker, explains that in China, Lincolns are considered transportation worthy of presidents, newlyweds, and movie stars. As the global luxury brand aims to stay competitive in China, Lincoln is making some big moves towards electric. Lincoln has made sure that their new Aviator will be offered in a plug-in hybrid and all-electric model. Robert tells us that this ride will still be a powerhouse with a V6 twin-turbo. While they haven’t discussed range yet, he assures us that it will be more than significant. Are you ready for an electric Lincoln?

[00:12:31] Aviator is Magically Designed

Beauty, gliding, human, sanctuary – the key principles that the design team at Lincoln Motor Company stick by. Lincoln Director of Global Design, David Woodhouse, describes the new Lincoln Aviator as simply ‘magic’; the handsomely powerful machine is incredibly spacious but doesn’t look over-weighted. Next, Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book, takes us on a journey through the Lincoln gallery which displayed the four design principles showcased in the final vehicles. Discover more about the Lincoln Aviator.

[00:19:54] A Classic MINI Goes Electric

In 1959, Alec Issigonis designed the first MINI Cooper with efficiency in mind. This year, the company has up-fitted a classic MINI with an electric driveline solidifying the connection between the past and present. Andrew Cutler, MINI Communications Manager, discusses the work they are doing to make their vehicles even more efficient than before. The Countryman, one of their best sellers, comes with the option of a plug-in hybrid with 221-HP that can achieve 61-MPG. Never sacrificing key elements, MINI vehicles are designed to look smaller on the outside than they feel on the inside. They brought their full lineup as well as the MINI GP Concept to the New York International Auto Show. Prepare for max efficiency with MINI.

[00:27:14] Audi RS 5 Sportback

Do you want supercar speed but still need room for groceries and Aunt Edna? Mark Dahncke, Director of Communications for Audi, reviews the Audi RS5 Sportback that premiered at NYIAS. This car will have 440-HP, ‘a five-door coupe design’ and enough space for the family and all your gear. Mark also raves about his daily driver, the Audi Q7 which is their large SUV, and touches on Audi’s shift into the electric market, “Audi’s will always be an Audi first and an electric car second.” Get out in your new, roomy Audi today.

[00:35:55] Treasures of NYIAS 2018

We are joined by Karl Brauer, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, who shares some of his favorite rides from the New York International Auto Show. He was really impressed by the caliber of cars that were introduced this year. There were many ‘pay the bills’ cars (easy-to-sell models that help OEMs improve their bottom line) such as the Acura RDX, Cadillac XT4, Volkswagen Tanoak pick-up truck, Nissan Altima, and the Maserati Levante. Changing gears, the Volvo XC60 drove away with the World Car of the Year award after have completely revamped themselves under their new Chinese ownership. Karl also touches on the consequences of technological shifts in the automotive industry following the fatal Uber crash in a self-driving Volvo. Explore more about the New York International Auto Show now.

[00:42:16] Family Friendly Auto Design

Not all cars are designed with wild and crazy kids in mind. Jamie Page Deaton, Managing Editor of U.S. News & World Report Best Ranking Cars, stresses the importance for manufacturers to keep the family in mind when they are designing the little details. For example, the Lexus RX L has put fold out cup holders into the back seats and if hit by a jumping child, they could snap right off. The Chrysler Pacifica is full of useful USB ports, but many of them are placed in the areas where the kids would sit – inevitably, those ports will be filled with crumbs, gum, or something sticky. Do you have a ride that works well for your family? Additionally, Jamie raves about Mazda Kai Concept, with its athletic, smooth, futuristic look.

[00:48:12] Volkswagen Pick-Up, Rimac, and NYIAS

This year the NYIAS had many rides that showed off the manufacturers’ way of thinking outside of the box. The Car Coach, Lauren Fix, reveals her personal show favorites such as the Volkswagen Tanoak, the all-electric Rimac supercar, and the impressive Lincoln Aviator with a shocking set of 22” wheels. As the number of electric car options surge, we can’t help but wonder how the lack of government incentives will affect their sales. Lastly, we cover the recent Uber/Volvo accident and address what possible cause. Learn more about these topics now.

[00:55:34] Porsche Stands the Test of Time

Can you imagine speeding through the snowy French Alps in a Porsche 911? Michael Harley, Director of Industry Insights for Kelley Blue Book, and Frank Wiseman, Porsche Product Spokesperson, did just that. As part of a Porsche driving program, they drove the 911 GT3 Touring and the 911 Carrera T through the mountains on part of the course also used in the Monte Carlo Rally. After spending several days driving hundreds of miles, Michel reports that purists will love these cars. After 50 years, the Porsche 911 has not lost its glamor; their classic shape and features really hone-in the experience and as always they are incredibly fun to drive. If you can’t own one, but want to know what it’s like, then you can visit the Porsche Experience in Los Angeles, California, and Atlanta, Georgia.

[01:03:28] General Motors’ BuyPower Card

Technology is evolving quickly, making our daily lives much easier. Chris Duke, Host of Motorz TV, made the trip to the NYIAS to help promote the new General Motors’ BuyPower Card, a credit and reward card in one. With every $5,000 spent, you will get a 5% reward towards your next purchase or lease of a GM vehicle. Chris also discusses GM’s Marketplace which lives within your infotainment system and lets consumers take advantage of loyalty-reward in-car purchases. Save time without sitting in line at participating vendors – such as Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts. Next level commuting convenience at the touch of a screen.

[01:11:36] Live with Kelly and Ryan

Auto Show Week is here again on ABC’s LIVE with Kelly and Ryan and Alan will be unveiling the best rides from NYIAS. Feast your eye on the speedy sports cars such as the Audi RS 5 Sportback, Hyundai Genesis G70, Mercedes AMG C 43, and the Lexus RC F. Dream of conquering diverse terrain with the crossovers like the Toyota Rav4, Subaru Ascent, Nissan Kicks, and the Lincoln Aviator. The Ford Fusion, Hyundai Kona, Honda Insight, and the Jaguar iPace: these electric vehicles promise to keep your neighbors green with envy. We can also look forward to the Cadillac XT 4, Jeep Wrangler, Range Rover SV Coupe, and the Volkswagen Tanoak truck. Be sure not to miss these excellent segments!

 

Explore More with Helpful Links:

• Contributor: Chris Duke | Host, Motorz TV
• Contributor: Karl Brauer | Executive Publisher, Kelley Blue Book
• Guest: Joy Falotico | President, Lincoln Motor Company
• Guest: Robert Parker | Director of Marketing, Lincoln Motor Company
• Guest: David Woodhouse | Director of Global Design, Lincoln Motor Company
• Guest:  Andrew Cutler | MINI Communications Manager,  MINI
• Guest: Mark Dahncke | Director of Product/Technology/Motorsports Communications, Audi
• Guest: Jamie Page Deaton | Managing Editor, U.S. News & World Report Best Cars Rankings
• Guest: Lauren Fix | The Car Coach
• Guest: Michael Harley | Director of Industry Insights, Porsche
• Vehicle: MINI G Concept
• Vehicle: Audi RS 5 Sportback
• Vehicle: Lexus RX L
• Vehicle: Mazda Kai Concept
• Vehicle:  BuyPower Card
• Event: New York International Auto 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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