The Unadulterated 2025 Porsche Panamera GTS (Grand Turismo Sport), Precision in the Making

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Welcome back to “The Drive” with Alan Taylor as our first guest is George Kennedy III, co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association, highlighted significant automotive developments from the L.A. Auto Show. Hyundai unveiled the all-electric Ioniq 9, a three-row SUV competing with the new Kia EV9. A key focus was hydrogen fuel cell technology, showcased through a dynamic concept vehicle. Kia also expanded its electric range with the EV9 GT, updating the existing V6 variant. While no groundbreaking supercars were presented, Volkswagen revealed substantial updates to its T1 model. The trend leaned towards producing practical, high-volume vehicles appealing to a broad audience. The L.A. Auto Show is becoming increasingly important, but events like CES are now crucial for unveiling innovations like advanced infotainment systems that support vehicle automation, emphasizing the “software-defined vehicle” concept. The SEMA Show has also gained prominence for aftermarket modifications and advocating for automotive enthusiasts. George experienced driving the 2024 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Line V6 all-wheel drive, which he views as Kia’s flagship model, blending luxury and practicality with features like heated, ventilated leather seats and advanced infotainment. The Telluride offers impressive cargo space and a commanding driving position, providing exceptional value under $50,000, akin to luxury SUVs priced between $75,000 and $150,000. He praises Kia’s approach to maintaining distinct design identities across models like the Telluride, Sportage, and Sorento, highlighting the clean, sophisticated aesthetic that enhances both appeal and performance. Overall, George underscores the Telluride’s popularity, combining style, functionality, and a competitive array of features.

Up next is friend and contributor BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and Voice of reason, who emphasized the significance of Carlos Tavares’ resignation from Stellantis, citing ongoing challenges with Chrysler products like poor quality and low sales, especially in the electric vehicle sector. He mentioned that this leadership change could provide a fresh direction for a struggling company. Killeen noted the decline of brands such as Alfa Romeo and Fiat while lamenting the difficulties faced by the company. On a separate note, Nissan is facing major challenges, having laid off about 9,000 employees and cutting U.S. production by 100,000 units. Their luxury division, Infiniti, is particularly affected, averaging only 24 vehicle sales per month, leading to discussions about merging Infiniti and Nissan dealerships. The fallout from the Carlos Ghosn saga has contributed to these issues, leaving current management to tackle significant operational hurdles. Killeen also recently tested the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, which impressed him with its innovative design as a “sport adventure vehicle.” Priced from $28,500 to around $41,000 for the limited model, it offers a car-like ride with some truck features. The 2.5-liter turbo engine delivers 281 horsepower, and the vehicle can tow between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds. While the cargo bed is only four feet long, making it less suitable for larger loads, it remains a practical option for those needing a compact vehicle. The Santa Cruz includes advanced technology, such as a surround-view monitor, enhancing its appeal as a versatile alternative to full-size trucks.

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 recently tested the 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo SE Hybrid. This high-performance vehicle delivers 771 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in under three seconds. Priced around $225,000, it features a twin-turbo 4-liter V8 engine and advanced hybrid technology. Brauer also drove the upgraded 2025 Panamera GTS, which costs approximately $156,000 and is powered by a twin-turbo V8 without a hybrid system. Although it has a slower zero-to-60 60 time of 3.6 seconds, the GTS is 700 pounds lighter, offering a more engaging driving experience reminiscent of a four-door 911. While the Turbo SE Hybrid is a technological marvel, the GTS presents a more visceral and affordable option for enthusiasts. The gentlemen turn their focus on a study identifying the most dangerous cars, especially relevant during the holiday season when accidents increase. The findings from iccars.com reveal that while modern vehicles are generally safe, driver behavior significantly impacts safety. Analyzing accident data from 2018 to 2022, the study found that the fatality accident rate per billion miles traveled averages 2.8, with the Hyundai Venue ranking as the most dangerous car at 13.9 fatalities, attributed to its size—small cars typically fare worse in collisions. The second most dangerous car was the Chevrolet Corvette, which, despite its strong engineering, is often driven by individuals who may not have the necessary reflexes. Overall, the study highlights that younger drivers in smaller, less expensive cars may contribute to higher accident rates.

Brian Moody, Executive Editor of AutoTrader.com and KBB.com, discussed the trend of automakers releasing retro-inspired models, focusing on the all-electric Scout, which draws design inspiration from the classic International Scout. He noted that while nostalgia can generate hype—similar to the PT Cruiser and new Beetle—such vehicles often decline in long-term market value, as seen with those models today. The conversation revealed the complex dynamics of nostalgia, design, and pricing in the automotive industry, especially as electric vehicles gain traction. Retro-inspired cars rely on their historical legacy and brand reputation. Iconic models like the Ford Mustang and Jeep Wrangler evoke retro charm while integrating modern innovation. The discussion shifted to the difference between MPG and MPGe. Consumers often prefer reliable vehicles but may confuse these metrics. MPG measures fuel efficiency for traditional vehicles, while MPGe assesses energy efficiency for electric and hybrid models by equating different fuel types to a gasoline standard. For example, a plug-in hybrid’s fuel economy rating may vary based on charging frequency, with MPGe helping consumers understand electric vehicle efficiency relative to gasoline. That’s it for today’s show, join us on our next episode as our contributor bring more automotive news.

[00:00:00] – Contributor George Kennedy III
[00:06:56] – Importance of Auto Shows
[00:12:30] – 2024 Kia Telluride SX Prestige
[00:20:21] – Contributor BJ Killeen
[00:28:46] – Nissan Struggling
[00:36:22] – 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
[00:42:13] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[00:49:10] – 2025 Porsche Panamera GTS
[00:54:44] – Fatality Rates
[01:02:34] – Contributor Brian Moody
[01:12:09] – Retro is In!
[01:18:35] – MPG vs. MPGe

CREDITS

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

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

Contributor: Brian Moody

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: Brian Moody | Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.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:

2025 Porsche Panamera GTS, Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, 2024 Kia Telluride SX Prestige, Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento, 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo SE Hybrid, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, Jeep Wrangler

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

• Austin Hatcher Foundation
• AutoTempest.com
• 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.