If there’s one thing we’ve come to know over the past few weeks, it’s that Alan is not the biggest fan of electric cars. He needs that visceral V8 engine growl! To that, Automotive Journalist, BJ Killen, says “OK Boomer.” Jokes aside, BJ reviews the new, revamped 2020 Kia Soul X-Line and gives it high marks. Next up, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, fills us in on the return of the 1959 Cadillac that was featured in the original Ghostbusters film for the reboot. Then we discuss the accurate, yet embellished, style of storytelling James Mangold used while filming Ford V Ferrari, the Tesla Model 3’s comparable performance to the Porsche 911, and the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth. Changing lanes, Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, gives us a list of the best upcoming new car tech into 2020 model year cars, like Wireless Apple CarPlay, back seat reminders, and the rise of the electric performance car. We also learn about the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and lease deals to keep your eye out for in December and beyond. Closing out the show, Co-founder of Cartender and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, and U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, analyzes the luxury SUVs that can actually go off the beaten path and get dirty while keeping you comfortable, dispels brand assumptions, and reviews the 2020 Lexus GX 460. Tune in for more.

·[00:00:00] I Need V8 Engine Sound! OK Boomer.
·[00:06:19] Updated 2020 Kia Soul Keeps Personality
·[00:12:30] 2020 Kia Soul X-Line Review
·[00:19:51] New Ghostbusters Brings Back ‘59 Caddy
·[00:28:17] Ford V Ferrari Is Great, If Embellished
·[00:35:52] Tesla Model 3, Fiat 124 Spider Abarth
·[00:42:13] Wireless Apple CarPlay, Backseat Reminder
·[00:48:04] Electric Performance Cars? Yay or Nay?
·[00:54:44] Mustang Mach-E and Best December Leases
·[01:02:05] Which Luxury SUVs Actually Get Dirty?
·[01:11:23] Dispelling the Old Brand Assumptions
·[01:18:07] 2020 Lexus GX 460 Passes Coffee Test!

[00:00:00] I Need V8 Engine Sound! OK Boomer.

There’s something primal about the love of fire and combustion. Alan comments that while electric vehicles may be getting better and better, there’s just something irreplaceable about the sound of a V8 engine. Automotive Journalist, BJ Killeen, chimes by saying Alan’s perspective me get him an “OK Boomer” from the younger crowd, but tends to agree. Are you a fan of the growl of a powerful internal combustion engine? 

[00:06:19] Updated 2020 Kia Soul Keeps Personality

It is often the case that when an automaker updates models in their lineup, they tend to scrub a little bit of the identity away with the facelift. That’s not the case with the all-new 2020 Kia Soul. Automotive Journalist, BJ Killeen, says they’ve made just the right changes in just the right places to make the new Kia Soul look leaner and meaner while still retaining the instant recognizability that it had as far back as the days of the hamster ads. To top it off, the Kia Soul remains one of the most affordable, yet feature rich cars on the market. Find out why the 2020 Kia Soul could be right for you. 

[00:12:30] 2020 Kia Soul X-Line Review

If you’re looking for a car with more to offer than the base model 2020 Kia Soul, then look no further than it’s higher level trims. Automotive Journalist, BJ Killeen, recently got to drive around in the brand new Kia Soul X-Line and has very little negative to say about it. Commute in style with this trim package that really gives it the edge on looks, and a host of safety features. Tune in to learn more. 

[00:19:51] New Ghostbusters Brings Back ‘59 Caddy

If you’re a long time fan of the Ghostbusters movies and were disappointed with their choice of vehicle in the most recent all-female cast rendition, then we have some good news for you. The 1959 Cadillac Ghostmobile is back! JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, is a film industry insider and has been in touch with the crew of the upcoming Ghostbusters: Afterlife and can confirm that they’ve built four original cars for use in the movie. Tune in to learn more.

[00:28:17] Ford V Ferrari Is Great, If Embellished 

If you haven’t seen Ford V Ferrari yet, we’re here to tell you, yet again, that this movie is an absolute hit! Alan has yet to talk to anyone who came out of their movie-going experience disliking it. JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, offers some insights into some of the finer points that were embellished, or altogether changed, for the theatrical retelling of the lead-up and subsequent victory of Ford over Ferrari at the 1966 Le Mans race. That aside, the movie is still an amazing technical achievement, with a budget of only $94m. Tune in to learn more.

[00:35:52] Tesla Model 3, Fiat 124 Spider Abarth

We may trash talk Tesla’s failures, overpromising, underdelivering, and uninspiring styling, but there is one fact that cannot be disrupted: Tesla cars can really get up and go. JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, recently got to check out a Tesla Model 3 via one of his friend’s purchases. He wasn’t a fan of the two-knob approach to interior control, but it’s weight distribution and instant power made him feel like he was driving a Porsche 911! On another note, Alan got behind the wheel of a Fiat 124 Spider Abarth and was very impressed with its great sound, quick response, and overall aesthetics. To top it off, the 124 Spider Abarth comes in at just over $25,000! Tune in to learn more about these two awesome budget speedsters. 

[00:42:13] Wireless Apple CarPlay, Backseat Reminder

Autotrader is set to publish their list of the best new car tech for 2020, so naturally its time to chat with our friend, Executive Editor of Autotrader, Brian Moody. Kicking off the list, Brian fills us in on wireless Apple CarPlay; not only is it wireless, but it activates without any prompting by just throwing it into the charging tray! Then we learn about a wider adoption of back seat reminders in 2020, so if you forget your groceries, your expensive recording equipment, or your baby in the back seat, new car tech has got you covered. Tune in to learn more. 

[00:48:04] Electric Performance Cars? Yay or Nay?

Alan might not be a fan of electric cars in general, but what about monster-powerhouses like the new Porsche Taycan with 750 HP? Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, tries to bring Alan over to the new age of performance electric vehicles, but the jury is still out. Alan needs to get behind the wheel of one to see what it’s all about before he can pass judgement. Listen in to hear more. 

[00:54:44] Mustang Mach-E and Best December Leases

Whether you love it or hate it, there is good and bad news in regards to the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, gives us ten things to look forward to with Ford’s upcoming performance electric vehicle, starting with the fact that it’s going to be their global electric vehicle architecture going forward (meaning there is more to come!). We also ponder the likelihood of a Shelby version of the Mustang Mach-E at some point in the future. Learn more about the Mustang Mach-E, here. 

[01:02:05] Which Luxury SUVs Actually Get Dirty?

With the label ‘SUV’ there’s a certain connotation that comes with it. People expect some level of utility and perhaps off road capability, but that isn’t always the case, especially in luxury models. Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, and U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, fills us in on which luxury SUVs can actually get dirty and make their way off the beaten path, like Land Rover. Tune in to find out more.

[01:11:23] Dispelling the Old Brand Assumptions

For those not in the know, Kia is still the little economy car company that could, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Founder of Cartender, George Kennedy III, explains why people need to get out of the past and check out cars like the Kia Telluride and throw their outdated brand assumptions in the trash. The Kia Telluride brings more than just affordability to the table, it’s also extremely good looking, luxurious, and capable. Switching gears, George tells us about the Lexus GX 460 and how it fits into their lineup of SUVs. 

[01:18:07] 2020 Lexus GX 460 Passes Coffee Test!

When we think of luxury, chances are we aren’t thinking of the underpinnings of a vehicle, but rather the materials used in the interior, the fancy infotainment system, sophisticated controls, or an expensive sound system. But Alan has a test for any luxury vehicle to see if its up to snuff: can he hold his coffee driving down his bumpy road, without the end result being a change of clothes? Freelance Automotive Journalist, George Kennedy III, says this is actually where the 2020 Lexus GX 460 excels. With its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, Adaptive Variable Suspension, and Auto Leveling Rear Suspension, the suspension is where the Lexus GX 460 is the most advanced. Find out more about this smooth ride.

Explore More with Helpful Links:

·Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist

·Contributor: Josh Hancock | Hollywood Car Consultant, JoshCAR

·Contributor: Brian Moody | Executive Editor, Autotrader

·Contributor: George Kennedy III | Co-founder, CarTender| Freelance Automotive Journalist, CarGurusBoston GlobeU.S. News & World Report

Credits

Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Audio Engineer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Cody Castleberry
Contributor: BJ Killeen
Contributor: Josh Hancock
Contributor: Brian Moody
Contributor: George Kennedy III

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

·Austin Hatcher Foundation

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·Brembo

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·Subaru

·The Little Rock Foundation

***

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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