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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #331

We begin the hour with the ultimate fun-haver and World Champion Drifter, Vaughn Gittin, Jr. who recently got the opportunity to test drive the new Ford Raptor. Raving about its ability, Vaughn describes the tech-advanced Ford Raptor as incredibly nimble, and is blown away by the power of the 3.5L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine. Then, we’re regailed by Vaughn’s hill climbing adventure in Johnston Valley, and learn about his company, RTR Mustangs. Next, BJ Killeen reviews the National Hardware Show and shares some of her favorite innovations: Windbag, a lift capable of up to 300 pounds; Write in the Rain, a waterproof paper; and a new app called Haultail. Changing lanes, we are joined by the one and only Dennis Collins who gives us a rundown of what they are up to at Black Mountain Jeep. After some convincing, the crew was able to talk the Mopar production team into sending them 15 Hellcat crate engines; the Black Mountain Jeep Hellcrates are going for only $15,660! Dennis tells us that they are up-fitting a new Jeep Wrangler and Trackhawk with one of these engines, talk about horsepower. After that, Executive Editor of Autotrader, Brian Moody, gives us a list of the 10 best cars under $10,000, and discusses one of Autotrader’s most popular articles which pits the Honda Odyssey against the Chrysler Pacifica. Lastly, Haultail’s Public Relations Manager, Cari Kost, discusses their ride share app for pickup drivers and customers that need to have things hauled away. Let us open your eyes to the ever-evolving automotive industry now.

 

• [00:00:00] Ford Raptor Gets Put to the Test
• [00:06:03] Raptors Baja Mode Gets it Done
• [00:12:30] RTR Mustangs Take on Anything
• [00:19:51] National Hardware Show
• [00:28:31] Impressive New Products
• [00:34:53] 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i
• [00:42:14] Hellcrates from Black Mountain Jeep
• [00:47:36] Demon Now a Collector Car
• [00:54:45] Up-fitting 2018 Jeep Wrangler
• [01:02:06] 10 Best Used Cars Under $10,000
• [01:10:50] Honda Odyssey vs Chrysler Pacifica
• [01:18:08] Haultail Helps You Pick-up and Haul

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] Ford Raptor Gets Put to the Test

Vaughn Gittin Jr. is the personification of fun-haver and he tells us about his 4×4 adventure in Johnston Valley in the Ford Raptor. While many patrons may complain because they wish it had a V8, Vaughn tells us that the twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost is unbelievable – torque and responses are off the chart. The newest generation is about 500-700 pounds lighter which highlights this machine’s nimbleness. Vaughn explains how weird it was to see paddle shifters in a truck and tells us that the seats are also incredibly comfortable and supportive and the steering wheel is positioned perfectly. This truck accelerates quickly and inexperienced drivers should take caution when testing out these beasts. Will the Ford Raptor win you over? Find out now.

 

[00:06:03] Raptor’s Baja Mode Gets it Done

There are so many safety features implemented in new cars, and some performance cars give you the option of toggling them off. World Champion Drifter, Vaughn Gittin Jr., just took the new Ford Raptor to Johnston Valley and tells us about the different drive modes he experienced. When he got out on the sand, he turned off the Baja mode, thinking he could make it up the hill without it. It turned out he couldn’t, he turned the mode back on and Raptor effortlessly pulled its way up the slick, steep hill. Vaughn exclaims that what Ford did with the shift tuning, the handling, and throttle response is next level. After the test drive, it was clear to see that these safety modes were installed to make the driver even better. Watch Vaugh get wild on the whoops in the Ford Raptor on YouTube.

 

[00:12:30] RTR Mustangs Can Take What You Throw at Them

RTR Mustangs are not just like any old Mustang, and World Champion Drifter, Vaughn Gittin Jr., tells us all about his company. RTR is an OEM plus company – everything they manufacture is that of OEM quality or better. They take their alignment with the Ford Motor Company very seriously and produce products that are high quality. Three spec package options are available that include appearance, tactical, and climb up to top performance. The spec 3 even has a factory warrantied Ford Performance Supercharger that makes up to 700-HP. RTR has a very different approach than many other Mustang tuners, and while they are still a very young company, they have been well received globally and are continuing to grow rapidly. You can pick up an RTR Mustang at select dealerships all over the country. RTR Mustangs are ready to zoom you into the performance world.

 

[00:19:51] National Hardware Show

Every year when the National Hardware Show rolls around, it’s exciting to see what is coming our way. With rumors trickling in that Craftsman has something big on the horizon, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, made her way down to the show. Unfortunately, there was nothing from Craftsman yet, and we will continue to shiver with anticipation, but BJ shares some of her favorite innovations from the show. Winbag, an inflatable lift that can hold up to 300 pounds and there are even new models that can be daisy-chained together to lift up to 1000 pounds. Another product she enjoyed was a waterproof paper called Write in the Rain, which could be great for journalists or mechanics. While she was expecting to see more new products than she did, she was still excited to check out all the new tools. Hear more about the National Hardware show now.

 

[00:28:31] Impressive New Products

Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, just attended the National Hardware Show and she reports back on one of the coolest things there. Nowadays, everyone knows what ride-sharing apps are out there, and they make it possible for people to get anywhere with a few simple clicks. Well, there is a new app, called Haultail, that was designed for pick-up truck owners and it makes it possible for them to sign up and get paid by patrons for their services. Simply sign up for the app and for roughly $40 an hour, a customer could arrange to have anything picked up, delivered, or hauled away by a local driver. This provides extra income for the owners of the truck; if they did it enough it could even help the truck pay for itself. Just finished a large construction job and need things hauled to the dump? Well, Haultail may be just the app for you!

 

[00:28:31] 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i

Alan has been zooming around in one of BMW’s midsize SUVs, the 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i. The as-driven price was $57,000 and it came with a 2L twin-turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This car is so technically advanced and after only a few days in it Alan already can tell how awesome it is. Changing lanes, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, discusses the rumors floating around of the sale of NASCAR. With the number of fans in the crowd dwindling, and interest in the race’s waning, could it be that the France family will be letting go of their share of NASCAR? While speed and performance are still very present – what does the future look like for racing?

 

[00:42:14] Hellcrates from Black Mountain Jeep

One of our favorite guys, Dennis Collins, returns to the show and boy does he have some exciting news to share. The resale price for a used Hellcat engine is going for $25,000 consistently in the automotive market. Dennis’ team spent some time begging the MOPAR powertrain crew to give them some Hellcat engines in a crate. Finally, they allotted them 15 and they come complete with a harness, clutch pack with pressure plates set up for six speeds, and supercharged to pan. Black Mountain Jeep has coined them the Hellcrate, serialized them and already sold serial one to Dave Hall of Restore a Muscle Car, and serial two to another gentleman out of Cheshire, England. Dennis already has his guys putting one in a 2018 Jeep Wrangler and Trackhawk (he believes these are the first of their kind). Interested in the sheer madness of a Hellcrate?

 

[00:47:36] Demon Now a Collector Car

We close up the last segment with a few more juicy details about their one-of-a-kind Hellcrates from Dennis Collins. A price that Hellcat fans can get behind, the Hellcrates, available only through Black Mountain Jeep, are going for just $15,660. They sold four of the 15 in the first 24 hours, so get on their website and take claim of yours before it’s too late. Next, we chat about the discontinuation of the Dodge Demon for any future model years. Dennis believes that in collector car terms, they made a great decision because that car just skyrocketed in value and the ones who received them just got really lucky. Alan shares a story of him burning out in his Demon with all of the safety modes turned off – the fact is, many people can’t handle that type of car. Are you ready for a demonic ride?

 

[00:54:45] Up-fitting 2018 Jeep Wrangler

Dennis Collins and Collins Bros Jeep are not messing around when it comes to up-fitting some killer Jeeps. As of right now, the company’s main focus is creating awesome aftermarket fittings for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. They have already finished the lift kit, new wheels, sidebars, and front bracket – still finishing up the fender flairs and rear bumper. Excitedly, Black Mountain Jeep recently started working with a new distributor out of Chico, California called Pac West Auto. Through the distributor, they have Jeeps available in stage 1, 2, and 3 and they also have the Black Mountain Dodge Demon and Shark Cat on display. Shifting gears, Alan and Dennis sound off about what a cool guy Richard Rawlings is and we learn a little bit about what this wild guy is up to now. Tune in for more from the grand world of Jeep fandom.

 

[01:02:06] 10 Best Used Cars Under $10,000

It’s true that the average price of newer cars has gone up a bit, but there are still quality cars you can get your hands on without breaking the bank.  Autotrader’s Brian Moody shares the company’s latest report on the 10 Best Used Cars Under $10,000.  The Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza, Mazda 3, Acura TSX, and the VW GTI were a few that made the list. Brain tells us that it’s always a good idea to try and find a used vehicle that was owned by an adult or responsible driver, so it hasn’t been railed on too hard. It’s really interesting to see how many of these cars are still running really well and many have excellent fuel economy. Brian raves about how remarkably fun many of these cars are to drive as well, so don’t discount these older rides just yet. Read more at autotrader.com

 

[01:10:50] Honda Odyssey vs Chrysler Pacifica

It’s time for a showdown of the minivans and Brian Moody explains why Autotrader’s new article is making waves in the world of car lovers. 2018 Honda Odyssey and the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica go head to head at the poles and Brian said that it wasn’t a clean cut fight. At the risk of sounding wishy-washy, he stands by both family rides for different reasons. The Pacifica shines of luxury with the Napa leather interior and the nearly silent road sound experience. The Odyssey is more fun to drive and the technology is a notch above the rest. Price wise, it’s possible to get a new model of the Pacifica for the same price as the previous model of the Odyssey, and for some, that solves the decision. Also, the Pacifica is the only plug-in hybrid, so it’s rather appealing to those looking to save a little in gas money. Which sweet van gets your vote?

 

[01:18:08] Haultail Helps You Pick-up and Haul

Wanting to buy that new large dresser but have no way of moving it? Well, you may be in luck and Cari Kost, Public Relations Manager for Haultail, explains their new ride-sharing app. Haultail was designed to make owning a pick-up truck worth your while. Drivers just sign up and can be hired for $40 an hour to pick up, deliver, or haul away things for customers. Now you don’t have to own a truck to get the job done, simply log into the Haultail app and find a driver that can get the job done in the time you need. This app is beneficial to the drivers as well because it can help them pay for their truck if they do it often enough. This app will be launching after Memorial Day in Hawaii and will hopefully spread to other locations quickly. Help out another and get the job done in no time. Hear more about Haultail.

 

Explore More with Helpful Links:

• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist
• Guest: Vaughn Gittin, Jr. | World Champion Drifter, RTR Vehicles
• Guest: Dennis Collins | Owner, Black Mountain Jeep
• Guest: Brian Moody | Executive Editor, Autotrader
• Guest: Cari Kost | Public Relations, Haultail
• Article: 10 Best Used Cars Under $10,000
• Article: 2018 Honda Odyssey vs. 2017 Chrysler Pacifica: Which Is Better?
• Video: Testing The Ford Raptor’s Driving Modes In Johnson Valley
• Product: Rite in the Rain
• Product: Winbag
• Event: National Hardware Show
• Event: Barrett-Jackson, Mohegan Sun

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.