Sculpted and Engineered Just For You, the 2023 Infiniti Q50

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We are excited to have BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and voice of reason, back on The Drive. There is currently a competition between GM, BMW, Mercedes, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis to install 30,000 new DC fast charging stations by 2030. However, there seems to be some disagreement over where these charging stations will be placed. In other news, Tesla has been accused of exaggerating the driving range of their vehicles by rigging the range estimated software on the car dashboard. Instead of projecting the real driving range, it showed something different. Tesla even hired a secret team to delete hundreds of complaints. This is a serious issue because many people purchased Tesla vehicles specifically for their driving range. Reuters investigated and uncovered this issue, and it has been reported that Tesla sold 172,000 vehicles to unknowing customers.

Our next guest today is Karl Brauer, an automotive industry analyst and contributor to Forbes Autos. He’s also a juror and board member for the North American Car and Truck of the Year, as well as an executive analyst for ISeeCars.com. Currently, Karl is getting ready for the Longtail Rally 2022, driving a 2022 Acura NSX on a 9-day, 3000-mile journey from San Francisco to Scottsdale, Arizona. He’s sitting on the side of Lookout Mountain in Denver, taking in the view. Recently, Karl was in Italy, where he saw the convertible version of the new MC20 mid-engine Maserati, known as the Maserati MC20 Cielo.

Karl tells us about his passion for cars and how high gas prices won’t stop him from pursuing that passion. He says that you can reset the benchmark for supercars for way less money. Moving on to the Acura NSX, Karl talks about its hybrid powertrain, electric motor, and combustion engine. He describes it as super refined, all-wheel drive, and freaky capable. You can switch to a quiet mode, which is like a Lexus, or sport mode, which makes all the noise you need. Alan agrees that it’s a lot of car for the money.

Josh Hancock, the Hollywood car consultant of JoshCAR, has returned with some exciting news. The market will soon see the removal of ICE (internal combustion engine) Challengers and Chargers. In the meantime, Josh has been given a Mercedes EQE mid-size sedan to drive by his local Mercedes dealership sponsor. Unfortunately, there are only a few fast-charging stations available. Efforts are being made to create an infrastructure that caters to everyone, no matter where they are located. While California does not seem to have any issues, other areas are struggling with charging station availability. Switching gears, Josh talks about the upcoming Barbie movie and the importance of matching a car with a character. The movie has made the pink Corvette an emblematic car, and even Mustangs have been replaced by it. Google searches for the car have increased by 450%, ever since it was featured in the movie. It is evident how important it is to showcase a car in a film.

Our final guest on the show today is George Kennedy III, a long-time friend and contributor. George is a co-founder of Cartender.com and holds the position of Vice President at the New England Motor Press Association. He also contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and shares his insights here on The Drive.

In today’s episode, George test drives the 2023 Infiniti Q50, a small compact luxury sedan with rear-wheel drive. Although it’s not as daring or bold and doesn’t draw attention, it’s affordable and the smallest sedan available with a base MSRP of $42k. The car features a touch screen infotainment system, driver system features, and George drove the sensory trim with a V6 engine that performs well and handles nicely. The car’s double-screen infotainment system is a plus, but it’s not the most standout vehicle and not the newest either. Overall, it’s a solid car even if it’s not the most exceptional in its class.

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen
[00:07:00] – Tsk, Tsk, Elon Musk
[00:13:00] – Spinning the Odometer
[00:20:51] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[00:30:02] – 2022 Acura NSX
[00:37:22] – Super Refined
[00:43:42] – Contributor Josh Hancock
[00:50:28] – Mercedes EQ E Class
[00:56:42] – It’s a Barbie World – Think Pink!
[01:04:34] – Contributor George Kennedy III
[01:14:25] – 2023 Infinit Q50
[01:21:04] – Lithium Batteries

CREDITS

Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: BJ Killeen
Contributor: Karl Brauer
Contributor: Josh Hancock Contributor: George Kennedy III

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason
Contributor: Karl Brauer | Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com
Contributor: Josh Hancock | Hollywood Car Consultant
Contributor: George Kennedy III | Co-founder of Cartender.com, and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive.

Vehicles Discussed:

2023 Mercedes EQS SUV, Maserati MC20 Cielo, 2023 Infiniti Q50, Mustang, Corvette, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, 2022 Acura NSX

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

• Austin Hatcher Foundation
• AutoTempest.co m
• Brembo
• Dodge
• Foundation of Human Understanding
• Shell
• Subaru

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.