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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #376

Kicking off the show, Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, is relaxing in Costa Rica for the “Lexus Milestones” 30th Anniversary event. We discuss the brands ascent to legendary luxury status, how it disrupted the industry, and how Kia and Hyundai are doing similar things in today’s world. Karl also fills us in on the new Ford/Volkswagen alliance. Then, Collins Bros. Jeep and Black Mountain Jeep, Dennis Collins, shares his latest creation: the first 2020 Jeep Gladiator with a 6.4L V8 HEMI! Also, Dennis discusses the opening of a new Black Mountain Jeeps location, Pebble Beach Concours, and other upcoming events. Shifting gears, Motorsport Auction Group Founder, Mike Oberle, divulges what’s in store for their auction during Hot August Nights on August 8th, 9th, and 10th, including Alan’s serial number 8 Dodge Demon! Then, Hot August Nights Executive Director, Mike Whan, gives us a detailed outline of the awesome entertainment and events they have in store, including appearances by The Temptations, Little River Band, Chubby Checker, and more! Changing lanes, Fast N’ Loud, Richard Rawlings, describes how Chad McQueen approached him to create the recent two hour epic episode in which they shut down the streets of San Fansico to recreate the legendary Bullitt Mustang chase sequence. Richard also fills us in on his new podcast, Beer:30, asks for malt liquor suggestions for his new wine cellar, and drops some exclusive, big news about his deal with Discovery! Closing out the show, Cartender Co-Founder, and freelance automotive journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, compares his time in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan with his test drive of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Find out why George thinks the Jeep Gladiator is the perfect weekend warrior machine.

 

  • [00:00:00] Genesis, BMW, Lexus’ 30th Anniversary
  • [00:05:46] New Ford and Volkswagen Alliance
  • [00:12:30] First 6.4L V8 HEMI 2020 Jeep Gladiator
  • [00:19:50] Black Mountain Jeep and Upcoming Events
  • [00:29:22] Hot August Nights MAG Auction Preview
  • [00:35:52] Mike Whan’s Hot August Nights Preview
  • [00:42:13] Epic Fast N’ Loud Episode Shuts Down SF
  • [00:48:47] Contract Free, Beer:30, and Malt Liquor
  • [00:54:44] Richard Rawlings, and Cullinan Factoids
  • [01:02:05] Feeling Out of Place in Rolls Royce
  • [01:10:34] George’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator Review
  • [01:18:06] The Perfect Weekend Warrior Machine

Discover more about segments and guests below…

 

[00:00:00] Genesis, BMW, Lexus’ 30th Anniversary

30 years ago Toyota launched a luxury brand that would redefine the category and force big players like BMW and Mercedes-Benz to rethink their strategies. Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, is reporting in from Costa Rica while he attends the “Lexus Milestones” 30th anniversary event. Karl shares the history of Lexus and their effect on the luxury segment. Find out how brands like Hyundai’s Genesis and Kia are making similar moves to further revolutionize the luxury car market.

 

[00:05:46] New Ford and Volkswagen Alliance

Electric vehicles are new technology and we are still a long way off from having true autonomously driven cars on streets throughout the world. This means that developing these technologies is expensive, and to defer costs and work quickly toward a more connected future, Ford and Volkswagen have decided to work together. Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, describes the advantages of such an alliance and why it’s not as taboo as some may think. Indeed, the automotive industry has seen partnerships between companies as long as it’s existed, right down to the recent BMW and Toyota partnership which gave birth to the new 2020 Toyota GR Supra. Are you excited to see what kind of interesting vehicles Volkswagen and Ford are able to concoct?

 

[00:12:30] First 6.4L V8 HEMI 2020 Jeep Gladiator

What could be more awesome than the new 2020 Jeep Gladiator? Why, a 2020 Jeep Gladiator with a 6.4L V8 HEMI under the hood! Collins Bros. Jeep and Black Mountain Jeep, Dennis Collins, has completed the first ever HEMI Jeep Gladiator conversion and it is amazing! Check it out on Dennis’ Facebook page, TheDennisCollins. We also discuss Dennis’ 1989 Grand Wagoneer conversion project into which he stuffed a 707-HP Hellcat engine. Don’t miss the details on these two raucous beasts.

 

[00:19:50] Black Mountain Jeep and Upcoming Events

So you’ve heard the whispers about the 6.4L HEMI Black Mountain Jeep 2020 Jeep Gladiator, but how do you get one!? Well, first you have to come up with $129,000, but then the sky’s the limit. Collins Bros. Jeep and Black Mountain Jeep, Dennis Collins, describes their stage 1 through 3 build versions, customizable aftermarket parts selection, and unwavering dedication to pumping these things out. Changing gears, we chat about Black Mountain Jeep’s recent auction performance at Barrett-Jackson, their plans for Pebble Beach Concours, and the opening of their 12th Black Mountain Jeeps location in Douglasville, Georgia. Tune in for all the latest BlkMtn news.

 

[00:29:22] Hot August Nights MAG Auction Preview

Every year, Hot August Nights provides a week’s worth of car enthusiast fun, but perhaps one of the biggest draws is the auction. Motorsport Auction Group Founder, Mike Oberle, is excited to announce that this will be their 4th year of hosting the auction during Hot August Nights, and they’ve signed an extended 3 year contract. To celebrate, they’re flooding the auction block with over 500 cars on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of August. Alan reveals that his serial number 8 Dodge Demon will cross the auction block this year to be sold to the highest bidder. Mike shares some of the most interesting cars they have in store for auction goers, like a 1968 Bullitt Ford Mustang/2019 Bullitt Ford Mustang combo package. Don’t miss out on this epic event!

 

[00:35:52] Mike Whan’s Hot August Nights Preview

Hot August Nights isn’t just a celebration of cars and car culture, but a celebration of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Executive Director, Mike Whan, fills us in on some of the extra car-ricular activity that will be taking place each night, including performances from KC and the Sunshine Band, Chubby Checker, The Temptations, Pablo Cruise, and Little River Band. Also, they will be bringing the Hot August Nights Cup back outdoors with a substantial $15,000 cash prize for this year’s first place winner! Discover more about the most epic car event of the year.

 

[00:42:13] Epic Fast N’ Loud Episode Shuts Down SF

If you’re a Fast N’ Loud fan, you’ve likely already seen the epic two hour episode in which they took over San Francisco to recreate the epic Steve McQueen 1968 Bullitt Mustang chase. Fast N’ Loud star, Richard Rawlings, discusses the genesis of this project and how easy it was for Chad McQueen to convince him to take it on. For insurance reasons, they had to hire professional driver, Chris Forsberg, to pilot the recreated 1968 Bullitt, which really got under Richard’s skin! Also, Richard fills us in on the next episode of Fast N’ Loud where they dump a 707 HP Hellcat into a 1979 International Scout, dubbed the Hell Scout.

 

[00:48:47] Contract Free, Beer:30, and Malt Liquor

If you know anything about Fast N’ Loud star and Gas Monkey Garage Owner, Richard Rawlings, you know that he doesn’t drink wine. So what does he plan to do with the 400 rack wine cellar he acquired with his new house?! Well, if you guessed “fill it with the finest 40z malt liquors money can buy”, you’re right! Richard wants your help discovering the absolute best malt liquor on the planet, so drop him a line and let him know what’s what. Also, for any other fans of sitting around and having a drink and chatting, check out Richard’s new podcast, Beer:30. Closing out the segment, Richard leaves us with big news: he is, as of August 1st, a free agent! That’s right, his contract with Discovery is up, let the bidding begin.

 

[00:54:44] Richard Rawlings, and Cullinan Factoids

The television business often tries to put TV personalities, like Richard Rawlings, in a box, which is why we are excited to see what he might do with his new-found freedom. Cartender Co-Founder, and freelance automotive journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, describes how YouTube is changing the landscape, with a bunch of influential car reviewers and programs, and how it may be a good home for Richard Rawlings. On YouTube, you can be who you want, say what you want, and work for yourself! Changing gears, Alan follows up on his last interview with George, discussing some Rolls Royce Cullinan factoids, and why it’s name may disconnect people from the car.

 

[01:02:05] Feeling Out of Place in a Rolls Royce

Alan could never see himself in a Rolls Royce Cullinan, he’s much more comfortable in his 1973 Chevrolet Blazer! Cartender Co-Founder, and freelance automotive journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, admittedly did feel like his status was elevated while riding in the $300,000 SUV, but notes that the experience is tailored for the back seat. This is a vehicle in which the owner is driven around in, not driving themselves. Everything from the center console champagne chiller to the extremely smooth handling lends itself to as comfortable ride for anyone enjoying a nice relaxing ride in the back seat. Tune in to learn more about this diamond in the rough.

 

[01:10:34] George’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator Review

You don’t need to spend $300,000 on a Rolls Royce Cullinan to turn heads. Cartender Co-Founder, and freelance automotive journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, recently drove the 2020 Jeep Gladiator and noticed just as many curious glances in his direction while riding around in this beautiful beast. A class leading 7600 lbs of towing capacity, standard 4-wheel drive, five foot bed, and Jeep standard collapsible windshield and removable doors wrap the amazing 2020 Jeep Gladiator in a nice package. The only nitpick George has on the new Jeep Gladiator is its limited interior space. Tune in to hear more of George’s impressions.

[01:18:06] The Perfect Weekend Warrior Machine

For what is essentially the swiss army knife of vehicles, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator starts at an amazingly affordable price. Cartender Co-Founder, and freelance automotive journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, discusses the different Jeep Gladiator packages that are available, from a baseline $33,000 model to a fully decked $53,000+ weekend warrior machine. Anyone who’s prepared to spend money on a decked-out full size truck will be no stranger to spending upwards of $75,000, but George has some news for you. A mid size Jeep Gladiator might be everything you need in a truck.

 

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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:

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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.

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