24 Hours of Le Mans

Read more about the article Mustang Bullitt, Regenerative Braking, and Brian France’s DUI | #340

Mustang Bullitt, Regenerative Braking, and Brian France’s DUI | #340

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #340

They really don’t make any bad vehicles these days and luckily our favorite automotive experts help us narrow down the right car for us. We begin the show with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, who discusses why premium SUVs are taking a top spot in the market. BJ and Alan also talk about the 2018 Ford F-150 diesel that Alan drove down to Newport Beach and they excitedly chat about the greatly improved fuel consumption of most new trucks. Then, Karl Brauer, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, sounds off about the latest rad events he was able to attend. San Francisco played host to a reenactment of the classic Mustang Bullitt car chase as Ford showed off the 2019-2020 redesign of the Mustang Bullitt and Karl said how cool it was to witness. After that, he tells us about his exciting drive down Pikes Peak in the all-new pure EV Audi e-tron and raves about its amazing regenerative brakes. Karl ends the first hour with an update on his greatly anticipated Ford GT, which he has made all of his final designs decisions on and is patiently waiting for its finalization. Next, Executive Editor of Autotrader, Brian Moody, pits the 2018 Toyota Tacoma against the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. While the Tacoma still has one of the best resale values in the truck market, the Colorado stole Autotrader’s vote. Brian explains that he believes the Tacoma played it a little too safe with their redesign, while the Colorado stepped it with their interior, diesel engine option and aggressive ZR2 off-road package. Continuing with the compact truck theme, Brian also addresses the rumors surrounding the U.S. version of the all-new Ford Ranger after a write up from their sister company in Australia, Car Guides. Brian explains that he doesn’t believe we will see a diesel engine but to keep an eye out for the 2.3L EcoBoost, 10-speed automatic transmission, and a plethora of safety features. Then, before Brian goes he explains Autotrader’s Accelerate, which is an online vehicle buying program that can make it possible for you to shop from the comfort of your own home. Switching gears, automotive journalist, George Kennedy, reviews the impressive handling of the 2018 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Widebody and explains that he really loved that one could tune the individual performance options on the infotainment system. After that, he sounds off about the 2018 Lexus NX vs the 2018 Acura RDX and shares that he was excited to drive these two major competitors back-to-back. The NX was a little too small for 6’3” George and the RDX had a frustrating infotainment system but overall, the two were really great cars for under $50k. Changing lanes, Ed Justice, Jr. updates us on the recent DUI of NASCAR’s CEO, Brian France’s, and what that could mean for the position he has been in for over a decade. Ed ends the hour by sharing about his favorite new documentary, Ferrari: Race to Immortality, which showcased the most dangerous and glamorous time in racing that took place from 1955-1958. Tune in now to fill your cranium with the latest and greatest from the automotive world.

 

  • [00:00:00] Take an Uber or a Cab
  • [00:05:49] Premium SUVs Are Booming
  • [00:12:30] Trucks Are Just Getting Better
  • [00:19:51] Mustang Bullitt Event in San Francisco
  • [00:28:35] Audi e-tron: Tesla Model X’s Competitor
  • [00:35:53] Karl’s New Ford GT Update
  • [00:42:14] Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado
  • [00:48:39] Rumors on the new Ford Ranger
  • [00:54:45] Handling of the Hellcat Widebody
  • [01:02:06] 2018 Lexus NX vs 2018 Acura RDX
  • [01:09:42] DUI of NASCAR’s Brian France
  • [01:18:07] Ferrari: Race to Immortality

 

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Continue ReadingMustang Bullitt, Regenerative Braking, and Brian France’s DUI | #340
Read more about the article 24 Hours of Le Mans, J.D. Power Initial Quality, and 2018 Range Rover HSE | #337

24 Hours of Le Mans, J.D. Power Initial Quality, and 2018 Range Rover HSE | #337

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #337

Being an automotive journalist is an exciting way to live and we get to talk with our favorites that have nothing short of amazing stories to tell us. Ed Justice, Jr. starts the show off by describing his first time attending 24 Hours of Le Mans. While Justice Brothers have sponsored cars and even won the event once, Ed was excited to finally attend and was blown away by the truly epic nature of this race. He also notes that he noticed that Porsche presence at Le Mans was so grand and it was great to experience that. Lastly, Ed tells us that in August he is looking forward to emceeing Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Concours on the Avenue, one of the only free events of Monterey Car Week. Next, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, Karl Brauer, discusses the new Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye and tells us that he doesn’t think it will eclipse their beloved Dodge Demon. Karl covers Tesla’s latest news; they have recently announced that they were able to produce 7,000 cars in seven days. He expresses that this production is not enough after everything that Elon Musk has promised and Karl wonders how long stockholders will put up with these delivery methods. Changing gears, Dave Sargent of J.D. Power covers their recent Initial Quality Study and sounds off that Hyundai as a parent company has taken the top three spots –  Genesis (#1), Kia (#2), and Hyundai (#3). Hyundai has only gotten better in the last few years and it is no surprise. Dave also describes other studies that J.D. Power does and while many are important the Initial Quality is the one everyone keeps their eyes on. Then, Russell Ure of Raven, describes their app and device that allows you to connect your older car to the IoT (Internet of Things). They even have special interior and exterior cameras that will allow you to stream real-time videos to your phone, even if you’re thousands of miles away from where the event is. Raven, at only $299, could provide you with extra assurance that you’re loved ones are safe on their drive even if you’re not with them. To end the show, we are joined by BJ Killeen and she reviews the 2018 Kia Rio, which for an affordable everyday car is pretty amazing and offers things such as AppleCar Play and 32-MPG combined. Alan also reviews the 2018 Range Rover HSE and raves about its luxurious comfort and insane off-road capability. He is astounded to announce that this large SUV even averages 28-MPG on the highway.  Last but not least, he pits his test drive of the Range Rover against the 2018 Lincoln Navigator Black Label and notes that he could see it taking a long time to decide which car he would want to put in his garage. BJ exclaims that she would choose the Navigator because Lincoln has second to none customer service and that has won her over since the beginning. We all have something we are looking for when it comes to the machine that carries us from place to place. What will win you over about your next ride?

 

  • [00:00:00] 24 Hours of Le Mans
  • [00:06:06] Porsche at Le Mans
  • [00:12:30] Concours on the Avenue
  • [00:19:51] Hellcat Redeye vs. Demon
  • [00:28:56] Challenger’s Effective Recipe
  • [00:35:53] Tesla’s 7,000 Cars in 7 Days
  • [00:42:14] J.D. Power Initial Quality Study
  • [00:47:59] Customers Want Dependability
  • [00:54:45] Raven: IoT for Your Older Car
  • [01:02:06] 2018 Range Rover HSE
  • [01:10:21] 2018 Lincoln Navigator Black Label
  • [01:18:07] 2018 Kia Rio: a Perfect Daily Driver

 

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Continue Reading24 Hours of Le Mans, J.D. Power Initial Quality, and 2018 Range Rover HSE | #337