Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Alan welcomes Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, to the show. Alan asks the question on everyone’s mind: why are gas prices skyrocketing? It’s all politics. The US oil reserve has hit a minimum thanks to the current administration, causing fluctuating prices. The duo also discusses Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford, and his uncomfortable interview on Fox regarding his drive with The Ford F150 Lightning. With only 40 minutes for a 40% charge, Farley realized there was a problem. Not enough charging stations, and that’s only the beginning.  Before Lauren leaves, they revisit the question of why gas prices are rising. The cost of oil goes up, and so does gas. New regulations and lower production rates mean we will be paying more at the pumps if we turn to leases in third-world countries like Russia.

Karl Brauer is an automotive industry analyst, Forbes Autos contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year, board member, member, and executive analyst for ISeeCars.com. According to Karl, the hot topic in the industry is that the UAW strike is unavoidable. The workers are chanting the mantra of mistreatment and abuse from the automakers. They are demanding a 40% raise and a golden pension, wanting it all. For the past decade, the automakers have been making profits, and the workers now want a share of it. However, the automakers being forced to make electric vehicles, which are yet to be profitable, may make the next five to ten years less profitable. This is an example of capitalism at play. Before leaving, Karl shared his thoughts on three new electric vehicles. Karl test-drove the new 2024 KIA EV9 3-row SUV. The vehicle boasts a large, boxy shape with ample interior space. It delivers decent power and has an impressive range of 300 miles, making it a great option at a great price. Another outstanding vehicle is the 2024 Hyundai Kona, which offers excellent value, a stylish appearance, and an enjoyable driving experience. This model comes in both electric and combustion engine options. Additionally, the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 EV won the World Car of the Year award and is a genuinely stunning vehicle inside and out.

Best of 4/29/2023 Show-Steven Cole Smith, the Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, test drove the Ford F150 Lightning and found that it had several advantages. With a range of 320 miles, one must always do the math to figure out how far they can go and know where the charging stations are located. The vehicle has 580 horsepower, good payload capacity, and can tow almost anything you want. However, it is quite expensive at $80,000. In the world of motorsports, the Miami Grand Prix is coming up, which is a peak in Formula 1 popularity. It was a success last year and will take place on the streets of Miami, around the Miami football stadium. The streets will be transformed into a track, much like Las Vegas. There is a lot to watch out for, and more people are becoming interested in NASCAR. Tony Stewart won his first race last weekend, and Alex Bowman, number 88, is learning sprint cars. Unfortunately, he crashed in Iowa and flipped head over heels, coming down so hard that he broke a vertebra. Hendrick drivers seem to be getting hurt often. NHRA is at the 4 wide nationals in Charlotte, and there is a lot to watch, from F1 to drag racing. Everyone is on the track.

Best of show 4/29/2023-George Kennedy III is a co-founder of Cartender.com and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to several publications, including U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive with Alan Taylor. In his latest article, George test-drives the 2023 BMW M2 and shares his experience. The coupe exceeded all his expectations with its lightning-quick response and excellent cornering provisions. Although it was a bit awkward to get in and out of the optional carbon fiber bucket seat, once inside, it was great. George also reminisces about his experience driving the 2016 Viper ACR and the V10 manual transmission M240i, which he considers the perfect car for taking corners. The 2023 BMW M2 starts at $62,000.

[00:00:00] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[00:06:44] – Gas Goes Up
[00:13:01] – Eye Opener
[00:20:51] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[00:29:31] – Detroit Auto Show
[00:37:21] – 2024 Kia EV9
[00:43:41] – Contributor Steven Cole Smith
[00:50:56] – Best of Show 4/29/2023
[00:56:41] – Best of Show 4/29/2023
[01:04:39] – Contributor George Kenney III
[01:13:53] – Best of Show 4/29/2023
[01:21:02] – Best of Show 4/29/2023

CREDITS

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

Contributor: Lauren Fix
Contributor: Karl Brauer
Contributor: Steven Cole Smith

Contributor: George Kennedy III

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

• Contributor: Laruen Fix |  Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports. www.carcoachreports.com
• 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. 
• 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: Steven Cole Smith |  Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports

Vehicles Discussed:

2024 Kia EV9, 2024 Hyundai Kona, 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

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