John Oates 356 Porsche, 2018 Ford Expedition, and Depreciating Cars in 2018

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #336

Horsepower, groovin’ tunes, and the open road sound like the perfect day in many gearheads’ minds. We are fortunate enough to begin the show with John Oates of Hall & Oates, who is a real car guy! He answers some questions from THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor’s fans on Facebook and tells us how he fell in love with Porsches. John also dives into explaining the new project car he is working on, a Porsche 356, with builder Rod Emery who invented the original 356 Outlaw concept. John also fills us in on his upcoming solo and Hall & Oates tour so you can know where to see these classic artists near you. Next, we are joined by automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, who shares her review of the 2018 Ford Expedition that she and her husband had the pleasure of taking on a cross-country trip. She explains the comfort level, the incredible power of the 3.5L turbocharged V6 engine, and the 28-gallon fuel tank which achieved 24-mpg highway. BJ and Alan also briefly touch on the newly unveiled Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye that will be hitting the production line soon. Changing gears, Brian Moody of Autotrader is here to sound off about the newly introduced Chevrolet Blazer, which surprised his expectations. He then gives us a list of the “7 New Convertibles Under $40,000 for 2018” which include the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Jeep Wrangler, Mazda Miata and more. After that Brian details the Fastest-Depreciating Cars in 2018 such as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cadillac SRX, and more – all of which have depreciated by 50% after three years. All of this and so much more – get up to speed with us now!

[00:00:00] Falling in Love with Porsche
[00:05:42] Best Birthday Present Ever
[00:12:31] Audio System for a Musician
[00:19:51] John Oates Used to Race Too
[00:29:20] Solo Music Tour Schedule
[00:35:53] Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
[00:42:14] Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye
[00:48:48] 2018 Ford Expedition is Fantastic
[00:54:45] Astronomical Power of the 3.5L V6
[01:02:05] All-new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer
[01:10:47] 7 New Convertibles for Under $40k
[01:18:07] Fastest-Depreciating Cars in 2018

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] Falling in Love with Porsche

When it comes an adrenaline rush, John Oates of Hall & Oates, definitely understands. Not only does he know what it feels like to be on stage in front of thousands of people but he also knows the need for speed. In 1976 he bought one of the earliest Porsche 911 Turbos that came out on the market and at the time he had some sticker shock trauma because the car was more expensive than his parents’ house. He took the red 911 with gold BBS wheels down to Wilshire Boulevard and had Alwin Springer put a boost control in it. Last year he ran into Alwin at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and he remembered him from all that time ago. This was the beginning of his love affair with Porsche and it has only grown since then.

[00:05:42] Best Birthday Present Ever

Sometimes life can throw you a curve ball forcing you to sell your beloved four-wheeled chariot. John Oates of Hall & Oates, has experienced such loss and he will never forget his Porsche 356 Speedster. This year is Porsche’s 70th anniversary and John also happens to be celebrating his 70th birthday so he decided to buy himself a present. Together with builder, Rod Emery, they are rebuilding a 1960 Cabriole that had a crushed front end and after a little over the year he is chomping at the bit to see the final product. Rod invented the 356 Outlaw concept and he has done an amazing job at modernizing the design while keeping certain qualities of the original design. Learn more about John’s dream project car now.

[00:12:31] Audio System for a Musician

There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when taking a drive on the backroads and rocking out to your favorite tunes. We can’t help but wonder what type of audio system a musician must have in their personal car. We talk with John Oates of Hall & Oates who tells us that while he loves the sound of the open road and the hearty engine of his classic cars, he still really loves jammin’ out while he‘s driving. John doesn’t have a specific audio system in mind but tells us that Rod Emery, who is restoring his Porsche 356 Outlaw, will possibly be putting a retro-looking Blaupunkt system in. There is no doubt that he will have some killer sound while he’s dipping in and out of the winding corners of his favorite roads. Switching gears a bit, Alan asks this music man about his personal tool collection and discovers that John may need some new Craftsman gear for his garage. Learn more about John’s preferences on the open road.

[00:19:51] John Oates Used to Race Too

When racing is in your blood, that need for speed never truly leaves. John Oates of Hall & Oates tells us that he has been in love with cars since a day in 1950 when he walked past a discarded box of Road and Track magazines. Since then he has owned and sold many classic cars and just this year, for his 70th birthday present to himself, he is restoring his dream car (a 1960 Porsche Cabriole) with builder Rod Emery. For years, he raced professionally and as a hobby and then after a pretty bad accident he decided he needed to take a step back and stick to his banjo instead. But, he still loves to drive and every once in a while his foot might be a little heavy on the pedal. Find out what John Oates is up to these days.

[00:29:20] Solo Music Tour Schedule

Hall & Oates is still touring and still going strong after 51 years but John Oates also has a solo career and we chat with him about his latest tour. This year he put out an album called Arkansas and has an incredible backup band called the Good Road Band. In late September, John and his band will be in Mill Valley at Bill Weirs’ club called Sweetwater Music Hall and the tour itself will start in mid-September. The band is kind of a storytelling, blues show and John tells us that he has a passion for songs that tell a good story. After the tour talk, John goes on to explain that he feels truly blessed to have been able to be successful with music for this many years. He also expresses gratitude that he’s been able to stay this healthy by the age of 70 to play sold out concerts. Are you in the mood for some Hall & Oates? Hear tour dates now.

[00:35:53] Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

John Oates is preparing for the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance alongside Dick Messer, Bill Warner, and Chris Brewer. John met with Chris and had an idea for the show that included matching vintage cars with vintage guitars of the same years. If John doesn’t have the guitar in his collection he shares that he will ask Vince Gill or Billy Gibbons and make sure they have them all. Switching gears, Alan asks John what his favorite Hall & Oates song is and John says that he really likes singing “I Can’t Go for That” or “She’s Gone” but he tells us that whatever his fans like is what makes his job so great. Find out more about John Oates and his love for cars now.

[00:42:14] Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye

Dodge has proven over and over again that they can do some amazing things with the Challenger platform that has been around for long time and another monster has just been unveiled. The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is a 707-HP machine with 707-lb-ft. of torque and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The logo of the Hellcat has a red eye and it looks similar to a Demon but has a different hood with dual hood scoops. Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, tells us that there are 25 components that have been upgraded from the regular Challenger platform including a larger supercharger and new connecting rods. The new ride has been called, “a Hellcat possessed by a Demon”. This is a good looking challenger that will be only about $70,000 out of the gate. Discover more about the Hellcat Redeye now.

[00:48:48] 2018 Ford Expedition is Fantastic

Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, shares her drive experience of the 2018 Ford Expedition which she took on a cross-country trip with her husband. The model they tested came in at $72,000 and the fully loaded, Platinum Max trim costs just shy of $85,000. The Expedition has been designed in three trim models – the XLT, Limited, and Platinum Max (extra good space in the back). BJ’s model had a heavy duty tow package, three rows of very comfortable seats, and sits up very high with a really great view of the road. She also raves about the 28-gallon fuel tank and excitedly announces that this large SUV got 24-MPG which was very impressive. Are you in the market for a great family ride? The 2018 Ford Expedition could be what you’re looking for.

[00:54:45] Astronomical Power of the 3.5L V6

We continue BJ Killeen’s review of the 2018 Ford Expedition and she describes some of the pleasant surprises she encountered with it. She states that the power was amazing and that the 3.5L turbocharged V6 had something like 375-HP and 407-lb-ft. of torque. The Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds and after BJ loaded it up, it drove really well. She also notates that she didn’t request a four-wheel drive model but they ended up getting one and after a torrential downpour she was so thankful for it. The rain/snow mode gave the vehicle a lot more confidence and they barreled through the storm. Find out why BJ exclaims that the Expedition is truly one of the nicest vehicles you are ever going to find.

[01:02:05] All-new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer

Chevrolet is at the top of their game and when it comes to SUVs they have a lot to offer. Executive Editor for Autotrader, Brian Moody, discusses the unveiling of the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. They gave the new Blazer an aggressive, sportier look with a blackout grill and wheels. The two-door SUVs have kind of died off and size-wise, this now four-door Blazer, lands in between the Equinox and Traverse. Brian’s only criticism is that the interior is not quite up to par with some of its competitors in the market, but it does have an edgy modern look that some like. They have not announced the price yet but it will dictate a lot more about the ride that journalists are waiting to discover. One thing is for sure, Blazer fans will be excited to see this refreshed classic.

[01:10:47] 7 New Convertibles for Under $40K

Autotrader has a new list of “7 New Convertibles Under $40,000 for 2018” that can get you out on the road with the wind in your hair. Autotrader’s Brian Moody shares that the Ford Mustang comes in at $36,000 and the Chevrolet Camaro with a turbocharged 4-cylinder makes that 275-HP can be purchased for roughly $30,000. Also on the list were the Jeep Wrangler, Mazda Miata MX5, Fiat 500 Cabrio, Mini Cooper, and the Buick Cascadia. Brian also sounds off about the future of Fiat and tells us that while we don’t know if they will stick around for long, they really are not bad cars. Is it time to buy a ride that you can throw the top down and take on a sunny day cruise?

[01:18:07] Fastest-Depreciating Cars in 2018

Most cars depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot but Autotrader shows us a few cars that are dropping in value quicker than most. While Brian Moody of Autotrader wonders if people really care about their chariot depreciating before they buy them, it’s still good to know before you lay your money down. Out of luxury cars, the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac SRX, and BMW 3 Series all are depreciating by about 50% after three years. The Volkswagen Passat, Ford Taurus, Chrysler 200, and the Volkswagen Jetta are all also taking the 50% plunge as well. Many shoppers are in the market for SUVs and crossovers now and it’s really taking a toll on sedans. Do your research before you buy – check out Autotrader now.

Episode Credits:

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

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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, please consider leaving 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.

Brian Moody | Executive Editor, Autotrader

John Oates | Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame Musican, Songwriter and Author

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.