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BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist, and the voice of reason. BJ Killeen talks about the latest automotive news, particularly on electric vehicles. She says that the general public has mixed feelings about them – some love them, while others hate them. However, the government seems to favor them. Volkswagen has announced that its vehicles are no longer competitive, as the cost of producing them is too high. BJ notes that Volkswagen used to have popular cars but not anymore since electric vehicles came to the market. Mazda feels the same way. With Tesla having a 57% share of the electric vehicle market, there is little room left for the rest. Many car dealerships have a high supply of electric vehicles. Consumer Reports suggests that buying electric vehicles may lead to problems. BJ had the opportunity to test drive the 2024 Lexus LC500, and it was perfect. She even joked that this would be the one if she could marry a vehicle. It’s a luxurious sports car convertible, perfect for everyday driving. Three models are available: LC, LC Hybrid, and LC Convertible. The car is low, sleek, and beautiful, with a 5.0L V8 engine that is both powerful and sexy. It can produce up to 471 horsepower and 398 ft-lb of torque, and the shifts are incredibly smooth and silky. The car sounds great, looks fantastic, and drives like a dream.

Karl Brauer is an automotive industry analyst, Forbes Autos contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member, and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com. He recently shared interesting data that shows electric vehicles have lost 33.7% of their value within a year. Karl breaks down the challenges of owning an electric vehicle, from range anxiety to charging anxiety.

Karl Brauer test drove the Maserati Gran Turismo and found it to be a very comfortable high-speed cruiser. The car is available in two versions – the pure electric “The Folgore” and the gas-powered “Nettuno”. It features a V6 engine that provides plenty of power, a beautiful exhaust note, and a gorgeous interior. The starting price for this car is $205,000. For more information about this car, you can visit Forbes Autos.

George Kennedy III is a co-founder of Cartender.com and also serves as the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He is a contributor to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. Recently, George test drove a 2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country and shared his experience.

According to George, the small wagon is fantastic, except for the infotainment system. He says that he would definitely own this car as it offers a ton of space with a stunning and comfortable interior. The car drives great with a mid-tier power train, providing great power on the highway and excellent handling. This sport utility vehicle can accommodate all your gear and family in style, making it a perfect luxury car with its mild hybrid and turbocharged features. Later, the discussion moves on to the 2024 Kia Seltos, a subcompact SUV starting at $24,390. It is an affordable all-wheel-drive SUV with a great infotainment system.

During a discussion about the TESLA Cyber Truck, Alan and Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, share their thoughts. Alan expresses his dislike for the truck, while Brian explains where the dislike comes from. Despite the mixed opinions, TESLA is still the number one electric and luxury car seller in the U.S. and people will continue to buy their cars. For those interested in certified pre-owned luxury vehicles, Autotrader.com offers information on the best luxury certified pre-owned programs. Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volvo provide different tiers of unlimited miles on certified pre-owned vehicles, some with a $0 deductible. Acura, Audi, and Lexus also offer free appointments for maintenance. It’s important to ask about the deductible, mileage limit, and warranty length for each program. For Honda enthusiasts, the American Honda Collection Hall in Los Angeles houses a variety of vintage Honda cars, including the first Honda Accord from 1979, as well as motorcycles and mopeds. Lastly, Brian shares a little tidbit about the fastest car in the world, the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut. This carbon fiber car boasts 1300 horsepower and can reach up to 330 miles per hour, with a 0-60 time of just 2.5 seconds.

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen
[00:06:47] – Love Me, Love Me Not
[00:13:00] – Lexus Did It Again
[00:20:51] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[00:30:28] – TESLA Cyber Truck
[00:37:21] – Maserati Gran Turismo
[00:43:41] – Contributor George Kennedy III
[00:50:50] – 2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country
[00:56:42] – 2024 KIA Seltos
[01:04:32] – Contributor Brian Moody
[01:12:49] – Best Luxury Used Pre-Certified Programs
[01:21:02] – Fastest Car In the World

CREDITS

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

Contributor: BJ Killeen
Contributor: Karl Brauer
Contributor: George Kennedy III Contributor: Brian Moody

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason
• Contributor: Brian Moody | Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com..
• 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: George Kennedy III |  is a 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:

TESLA Cyber Truck, 2024 Lexus LC500, 2024 Kia Seltos, 2024 Volvo V60 Cross County, 2024 Maserati Grand Turismo, Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

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