Auto News, GM Trucks, Subaru Winter Driving, Ford V Ferrari

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Kicking off the show, we chat with Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason, BJ Killeen, about www while driving, Ford suing people for selling their GTs before the contractually obligated date, and how the Coronavirus is affecting everything. Then, Co-founder of CarTender and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, and U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, critiques General Motors newly redesigned lineup of trucks. George thinks they’re lacking in the looks department, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t delivering in the toughness department. Up next, we learn about the Subaru Winter Driving Experience with Auto Exotica Editor-in-Chief, Jill Ciminillo, who braved the hinterlands of Wisconsin to drive on a frozen lake in multiple Subaru vehicles, including the Subaru WRX STI. Jill also breaks down just what it is about the Kia Telluride that has people falling over themselves to get one. Closing out the show, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, gives us his impressions of the new Cadillac Escalade, shares his experience at the Ford V Ferrari Event at the Shelby Foundation, and reveals that the new Ford Bronco will have two models. Tune in to keep up to date with the constantly changing automotive world.

·[00:00:00] People FaceTiming While Driving?
·[00:06:35] Ford is Suing over GT Sales
·[00:12:30] The Coronavirus is Affecting Everything
·[00:19:51] ATVs are Scarier than the Baja 500
·[00:27:11] New GM Truck Styling, Not So Impressive
·[00:35:53] GM Puts Out Quality Tough Trucks
·[00:42:14] Subaru Winter Driving Experience
·[00:48:32] Lessons Learned at Subaru Experience
·[00:54:44] What Made the Kia Telluride So Popular?
·[01:02:04] Josh’s Take on New Cadillac Escalade
·[01:10:33] Ford V Ferrari Event at Shelby Foundation
·[01:18:06] New Ford Bronco Will Have Two Versions

[00:00:00] People FaceTiming While Driving?

There are many fatalities on the roads every year but with the safety features equipped in today’s cars, the fatalities have decreased by 2%. Voice of Reason and Automotive Journalist, Bj Kileen, says the number is still too high, with it being around 40,000 fatalities per year.. crashes can almost always be avoided. With safe driving knowledge, regular tire checks, and – most importantly – reducing distracted driving by staying off of our phones, most of these crashes can be avoided. While it seems like common knowledge, it is important to be aware and follow safe driving practices, it could save you and your loved ones from a fatal car crash.

[00:06:35] Ford is Suing over GT Sales

A contract is a contract, and when you sign it you’d better be ready to abide by it or brace yourself for legal action, whether you’re Joe Schmoe or John Cena. John found that out first hand after he attempted to sell is Ford GT before the two year resale embargo was up. Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason, BJ Killeen, tells us about Ford’s exercising of their legal right to reclaim and sue offenders who break with their contract with Ford. Another guy sold his Ford GT for over a million dollars to someone who then sold the car again. If you guessed that they both got slapped with a suit, you’d be right. The moral of the story here? Read your contracts before you sign them.

[00:12:30] The Coronavirus is Affecting Everything

Almost every industry has suffered in one way or another from the Coronavirus. Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason, Bj Killeen, tells us how Ford’s stock is the lowest it has ever been. What factors are causing this? Well, manufacturers can’t sell half-made cars that can’t pass inspection; and the coronavirus has heavily affected the travel industry. Everyone is canceling their trips and reservations for flights, cruises, and so on. how will the markets fair if the coronavirus continues to destroy the economy?

[00:19:51] ATVs are Scarier than the Baja 500

Alan was at the dunes with his son-in-law and he was amazed and frightened by the wild ATVs. ATVs used to be simple but now they’re loaded up with a lot of technology, from magnetic suspension to navigation systems with bread crumbs. It is scary to ride in them because they are being driven by amateurs, in comparison to the professional BAJA 500 drivers. Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason, BJ Killeen, is concerned about the safety of these vehicles, and urges everyone to be sure they know what they are doing and be safe.

[00:27:11] New GM Truck Styling, Not So Impressive

GM has redesigned its luxurious trucks this year and the styling is controversial. Co-founder of CarTender and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, and U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, is not a fan of the design at all. The trucks, like Silverado and Sierra, have become a bit uglier in George’s opinion, but they have refined the comfort of the vehicle. Looks aren’t everything, and while sore on the eyes, these are still tough, dependable, functional vehicles. You can rely on them as a work truck to get the job done. Are you a fan of the new GM truck styling?

[00:35:53] GM Puts Out Quality Tough Trucks

Co-founder of CarTender, George Kennedy III, may not like the looks of the new GM trucks, but he is amazed by their performance. The diesel variant puts out 910 ft-lbs of torque, allowing it to tow almost anything, however, if you want the diesel you’re going to have to pay a pretty penny (an additional $9,700!). The engine is really amazing, but is it worth that price tag? Let us know in the comments.

[00:42:14] Subaru Winter Driving Experience

Editor-in-Chief of Auto Exotica and The Median, Jill Ciminillo, went to Subaru’s Winter Driving Experience where she learned how to maneuver on ice. Jill strapped into a Subaru WRX STI and a Subaru BRZ out on a frozen lake in Wisconsin. The WRX STI handled much better on the ice due to its complex AWD system, but the BRZ was harder to control because of its RWD set up. There were different levels of the experience, with available personal drive trainers as well. At the end of the event, they have you complete a course and put your new learned skills to the test.

[00:48:32] Lessons Learned at Subaru Experience

If you ever have the opportunity to check out the Subaru Winter Driving Experience, it’s well worth the $1,200 and flight out to Wisconsin. Editor in Chief of Auto Exotica and The Median, Jill Ciminillo, shares her number one take away from the driving experience – when you’re correcting your turn or spin out on ice, you don’t steer the way you’d think you do, you need to counter steer. The more you practice these unique driving techniques, the more natural they become. Tune in to learn more.

[00:54:44] What Made the Kia Telluride So Popular?

Editor in Chief of Auto Exotica and The Median, Jill Ciminillo, compares the two magazines she works for; while Auto Exotica covers high end vehicles, The Median is a more down-to-Earth publication. Not everybody is going to buy a Lamborghini, but cars like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride do very well in terms of number of sales. In fact, the Kia Telluride sells so well, that nobody has stock on them! Jill examines what makes the Kia Telluride so uniquely popular, from its tough exterior design, to its comforting interior outfitting. Are you a fan of the Kia Telluride?

[01:02:04] Josh’s Take on New Cadillac Escalade

In an unusual move, Cadillac unveiled the new Escalade prior to the New York Auto Show, and in perhaps more traditional fashion, they spared no expense. JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, gives us his take on the event, and the new Escalade itself. In dramatic fashion, they launched the Escalade out onto the stage, and after spinning around, Spike Lee hopped out. This base model is now six inches longer than the previous version, making more room for storage; but where the real overhaul is, is on the dash. A new 36inch driver display screen dominates the dashboard, in an impressive, almost oppressive way. Tune in to hear more of Josh’s thoughts on the new Escalade.

[01:10:33] Ford V Ferrari Event at Shelby Foundation

Is the success of Ford V Ferrari a greenlight to Hollywood to go ahead on more car movies? JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, explains that Hollywood doesn’t really see it as a car movie; it’s more of a human interest story. Josh attended a Ford V Ferrari event at the Shelby foundation recently where Charlie Agapou and Peter Miles (Ken Miles’ son) were signing autographs. It was interesting to see them there as they were both depicted in the movie. What was most impressive, however, was the sheer amount of cars that showed up to the event. Hundreds of 05-06 Ford GTs, Mustangs, and AC Cobras lined up to celebrate the success of this historic movie.

[01:18:06] New Ford Bronco Will Have Two Versions

There is a lot of buzz surrounding the upcoming relaunch of the Ford Bronco. Here to help us sift through the noise is JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, with some new information on the highly anticipated vehicle. The Ford Bronco will have two versions, a smaller version and a full size version. The smaller version, the Bronco Sport, will be shown at the New York International Auto Show, and will likely not be as capable as the full size Bronco, which is anticipated to be a challenger to the Jeep Wrangler. Tune in for more information.

Explore More with Helpful Links:

·Contributor: BJ Killeen | Voice of Reason, Automotive Journalist

·Contributor: George Kennedy III | Co-founder, Cartender | Freelance Automotive Journalist, CarGurus/ Boston Globe/ U.S. News and World Report

·Contributor: Josh Hancock | Hollywood Car Consultant, JoshCAR

·Special Guest: Jill Ciminillo | Editor in Chief, Auto Exotica/ The Median

Credits

Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Audio Engineer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Cody Castleberry
Contributor: BJ Killeen
Contributor: George Kennedy III
Contributor: Josh Hancock
Special Guest: Jill Ciminillo

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

·Austin Hatcher Foundation

·Brembo

·Dodge

·Foundation of Human Understanding

·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, 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.

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.