Hellcrate Jeep Wrangler, V8s, Kia Forte, and Burt Reynolds

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #348

Sometimes the fact that an engine is powerful isn’t enough. You want to feel its strength and hear its roar! That’s why Alan loves a great V8 block. As the 2018 SEMA Show draws nearer, Owner of Collins Bros Jeep, Dennis Collins, shares how he’s upping the ante on 6.4L Hemi Jeep Wrangler JL builds with a 707 hp V8 Hellcat engine. We also hear about some amazing new finds that Dennis has uncovered with his ‘Classics Wanted Dead or Alive’ initiative. Next, Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, discusses some amazing V8 powered cars for under $30,000, and explains why buying certified pre-owned is usually a much better deal than buying new, thanks to value depreciation. Then, automotive journalist BJ Killeen plays devils advocate for V6 engines like the 3.5L Ford EcoBoost, and gives her review of the 2019 Kia Forte. Switching gears, we take time to remember the amazing life, work, and legacy of Burt Reynolds and the cars he owned, with Restore A Muscle Car Owner/Operator, Dave Hall. Lastly, we close out the show with an interview from two years ago with Burt Reynolds. Rest in peace, Burt, you are missed.

[00:00:00] Hellcrate Jeep JL at SEMA
[00:06:01] Wanted Dead or Alive Part 2
[00:12:30] Vehicle Value Depreciatio
[00:19:52] Nothing Beats the Growl of a V8
[00:29:43] Subaru Does Technology Right
[00:35:53] Buy Certified Pre-Owned Trucks!
[00:42:13] V8 Engines: Dinosaurs or Not?
[00:48:33] Volvo V60 – New Age of Station Wagons
[00:54:44] 2019 Kia Forte is an Amazing Deal
[01:02:05] Burt Reynolds’ Cars at Barrett-Jackson
[01:10:46] Remembering Burt Reynolds
[01:18:06] Our Last Words with Burt Reynolds

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] Hellcrate Jeep JL at SEMA

Everybody is gearing up for the 2018 SEMA Show, and Owner of Collins Bros Jeep and Black Mountain Jeep, Dennis Collins, has got something special prepared. We all know and love his 6.4L V8 Hemi Jeep Wrangler JL builds, but how does the thunderous roar of a 707-HP Hellcat possessed Jeep Wrangler JL sound? Spending no less than 300 hours, countless dollars, and a Hellcrate engine swap kit, Dennis is bringing his monstrous creation to show off at SEMA this year, and you don’t want to miss it. Find out more at Collinsbrosjeep.com.

[00:06:01] Wanted Dead or Alive Part 2

Dennis Collins, Owner of Collins Bros Jeep, has been on the hunt for nearly 34 years, searching for classic cars all over the world with his ‘Classics Wanted Dead or Alive’ campaign. We explored the findings of Dennis’ efforts on the show recently, and now he’s found even more rare beauties. Dennis’ stumbled upon a treasure trove of old jewels, including a 1952 XK120 Jag-Roadster, 1968 Dodge Charger, two 1963 Roadsters, and a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe with a big block engine. Also, we catch up with the Collins family news; Kelsey Collins recently test drove a McLaren 720S and 520S.

[00:12:30] Vehicle Value Depreciation

The 2017 Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500 X are mechanically very similar cars that fill the same role, so why is one worth $15,000 more? Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, explains how public perception and branding have hurt the value of the Fiat 500 X. Such a huge gap in pricing with no obvious difference in features, performance, and utility, leads Brian to urge us to think with our wallets – the less expensive vehicle is the smarter choice. Alan’s friend recently experienced similar devaluation in their 2017 Ford Escape which had lost ⅓ of its original value in a year, but it still runs perfectly! While a few cars are able to hold, or even gain market value after release (looking at you, Dodge Demon), the majority of cars depreciate greatly as soon as you drive them off the lot. Find out more at Autotrader.com.

[00:19:52] Nothing Beats the Growl of a V8

Sure, other engines can match the power of traditional V8 engines, but they don’t have the same growl. You don’t need buckets of cash to get a great V8 powered ride, Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, shares great deals on late model cars. Rides like the Dodge Challenger SRT8, BMW E92 M3, Chrysler 300, and Chevrolet SS from previous model years can be nabbed for under $30,000. Go to Autotrader.com and get yourself into a burly V8.

[00:29:43] Subaru Does Technology Right

Subaru might not be your first choice for cars with the most intuitive interface, but Autotrader’s Brian Moody urges you to reconsider. As a guy that geeks out on car technology as much as the mechanical side, Brain sings the praises of Subaru’s integration of Apple CarPlay into the infotainment system. What’s the big innovation? The answer is simple: two screens instead of one. Brian gives his account of why this secondary infotainment screen is a lifesaver for those of us who like to fiddle with the music while keeping an eye on navigation. People always say that they hate technology, “no you don’t!” Brian muses “You hate BAD technology. GOOD technology should make your life easier, and if it doesn’t, it’s just in the way. Don’t buy that car!” Learn more about what makes Subaru one of the most beloved brands in America.

[00:35:53] Buy Certified Pre-Owned Trucks!

If you’re in the market for a truck, consider this, don’t buy new. Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, explains that while you can get a brand new Chevrolet Silverado for roughly $30,000, it will only be the most basic trim package. A certified pre-owned vehicle from a couple years back, like the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ, can get you much more bang for your hard-earned buck. Alan agrees with this sentiment; he recently purchased a used RAM 3500 Crew Cab, with an original sticker price of $70,000, for $54,000. Will you test drive a certified pre-owned vehicle before you buy?

[00:42:13] V8 Engines: Dinosaurs or Not?

Dodge is crushing it in the V8 segment; the 707-HP engine is the ‘wimp’ of their lineup! Automotive journalist, and voice of reason for this show, BJ Killeen, throws in her two cents and questions: what is Dodge going to do if the emissions regulations slated for 2025 come to pass? Can Dodge achieve a corporate average fuel economy of 54 mpg? BJ thinks Ford has got it going on with their 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine. Sure they may not growl quite as loud, but they pump out anywhere between 450-HP and 647-HP while maintaining very respectable gas mileage and minimal environmental impact. Alan calls for the reinvigoration of V8 engineering, but BJ says they’re dinosaurs destined for extinction. Who do you agree with?

[00:48:33] Volvo V60 – New Age of Station Wagons

As a member of a family of six, automotive journalist BJ Killeen grew up with station wagons, but never have they been as cool as they are today. Alan recently drove the new Volvo S60 and was blown away by all of its amazing driving assistance technology and engine options. The S60 allows for any combination of turbocharged, supercharged, and hybridized engines at roughly 415-HP. A long wheelbase and low roof added to the sinister stance of this stylish station wagon. Are station wagons cool again?

[00:54:44] 2019 Kia Forte is an Amazing Deal

A car doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg to boats exceptional quality. Kia is proof of this with their affordable cars that have earned accolades like J.D. Power’s highest rank in overall initial quality in 2016 and 2017. Automotive journalist BJ Killeen test drove the 2019 Kia Forte S and lavishes praise on the sleek, coupe-like styling of this 4-door sedan. An estimated 30 mpg city / 40 mpg hwy and a dependable engine make sitting in your comfortable, stylized cabin that much sweeter. Any issues BJ may have with the Kia Forte are dispelled by its unbelievable $22,410 as tested ($17,690 base price). You may even say combining affordability, craftsmanship, and a reliable engine is one of Kia’s ‘fortes’.

[01:02:05] Burt Reynolds’ Cars at Barrett-Jackson

Burt Reynolds’ ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ 1978 Pontiac Trans Am Replica crossed the block at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas to the tune of $175,000. Restore A Muscle Car Owner and Operator, Dave Hall, was the seller of this historic ride, and discusses four of the cars they had at Barrett-Jackson that were titled in Burt Reynolds’ name. Find out why the 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am “Bandit” Re-recreation, 1978 Pontiac Firebird Formula “Hooper” Re-creation, 1987 Chevrolet R30 Pickup Dually “Cannonball Run” Re-creation, and 1984 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am-USFL Tampa Bay Bandits Promotional Car held special places in the American film legend’s heart.

[01:10:46] Remembering Burt Reynolds

The loss of Burt Reynolds was a shock to everyone, but his cars, work, and memory will live on forever. Restore A Muscle Car Owner and Operator, Dave Hall, got to spend a lot of time with Burt Reynolds over the past decade and grew to be his friend. Dave shares what he remembers most about Burt: he was intelligent, a heavy reader, and a true southern gentleman. Burt was also a very kind and generous man, often taking time out of his day to educate and coach people. Changing topics, find out why the ‘Garage Rehab’ crew loves LEVRACK, a convenient and compact storage space.

[01:18:06] Our Last Words with Burt Reynolds

As a talented actor, director, and producer, Burt Reynolds left his mark on the movie industry. Burt was also an enthusiastic car guy. Watching Burt’s 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am “Bandit” Re-creation cross the block at $175,000 reminded Alan of the time he sat down with the American film legend at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona. Never a guy to hold anything back, Burt laid out his plans for future movies, feelings for Sally Field, and what it was like working on the set with the cast of 1977’s ‘Smokey and the Bandit’. Tune in as we give our final farewell to the man that changed so many of our lives with his quick wit, daring action, and pervasive charm. Godspeed Burt.

Explore More with Helpful Links:

Contributor: Dennis Collins | President and Owner, Collins Bros Jeep / Black Mountain Jeep
Contributor: Brian Moody | Executive Editor, Autotrader
Contributor: BJ Killeen | Freelance Automotive Journalist
Guest: Dave Hall | Owner/Operator, Restore a Muscle Car
Guest: Burt Reynolds (deceased) | American Actor / Director / Producer, Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre
Website: SEMA Show
Website: Classics Wanted Dead or Alive
Website: Barrett-Jackson
Vehicle Mention: 2019 Kia Forte
Vehicle Mention: 2019 Volvo V60

Episode Credits:

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

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

Dennis Collins | President and Owner, Collins Bros Jeep

Brian Moody | Executive Editor, Autotrader

Dave Hall | Owner/Operator, Restore a Muscle Car

Burt Reynolds | American Actor, Director, and Producer

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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.

Hellcrate Jeep Wrangler at SEMA, V8s, Kia Forte, and Burt Reynolds | #348