Plug-In Hybrids, Rivian, Trucks, Hollywood Cars, and Auto News | #369

  • Post author:
  • Post category:Podcast

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #369

Alan was on a guest on a radio show in Los Angeles recently and he found it interesting how different their perspective on automotive news was from his. That’s not going to stop him from reporting on it just the same way he always has, with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen. We discuss Ram’s overtaking of Chevrolet in the truck segment, the decline in Prius sales, Truck Night in America, the 50th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang BULLITT. Then, we learn about the best, most affordable plug-in hybrids, vehicles with the best in-car tech for technophile dads this Father’s Day, and the amazing value of the Kia Telluride, from Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody. Changing lanes, Rivian Director of Corporate Communication, Michael McHale gives us an update on the amazing progress Rivian has made in recent years; including receiving huge investments from Ford Motor Company and Amazon. Learn more about the Rivian R1T pick-up truck that touts up to 400 miles of range on one charge, 14 inches of ground clearance, 754-HP, and 11,000+ lbs of towing capacity. Closing out the show, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, fills us in on the “Hollywood Dream Machines” display at the Petersen Automotive Museum, the attention to detail during the filming of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, and his test drive of the 2019 Aston Martin Vantage. Don’t miss out on this jam-packed episode.

 

  • [00:00:00] RAM Overtakes Chevrolet Truck Sales
  • [00:06:41] Prius Sales Down and Trucks are Awesome
  • [00:12:30] Truck Night in America / Mustang BULLITT
  • [00:19:51] Upcoming National Hardware Show
  • [00:24:51] Best, Affordable Plug-In Hybrids
  • [00:35:52] Kia Telluride and Technophile Dads
  • [00:42:13] Ford and Amazon Invest in Rivian
  • [00:49:25] Rivian Price Range and Towing Capability
  • [00:54:44] The Origin Story of Rivian
  • [01:02:05] Hollywood Movie Car Update
  • [01:11:49] Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Details
  • [01:18:05] 2019 Aston Martin Vantage

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Continue ReadingPlug-In Hybrids, Rivian, Trucks, Hollywood Cars, and Auto News | #369

CAS Review, Demon vs Redeye, Viper Sale, and Collins Bros Jeep | #359

  • Post author:
  • Post category:Podcast

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #359

It seems like there’s big news coming out every week around this time of year due to the plethora of international car shows that are taking place, like the Chicago Auto Show (CAS). First up to bat to fill us in on CAS happenings is Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, 2020 Kia Telluride, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gave Brian a lot to be excited about. While a few SUVs and sedans did stand out, the Chicago Auto Show had a clear focus on trucks. Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, shares how manufacturers are pushing their trucks further and further, which vehicles caught her eye, and which rides fell flat. Next up, Executive Publisher for Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader.com, and Dealer.com, Karl Brauer, talks about his Rubella scare after the Detroit Auto Show, and the reintroduction of Sublime (a bright green) green to Mopar cars at CAS. Speaking of Mopar cars, Alan and Karl have both had their Dodge Demons for a year and it’s time for their extended review of this beast of a machine. Another monster machine that Alan owns is his 1-of-1 2016 Dodge Viper ACR, but he’s trying to not own it anymore; check out this future classic on ClassicCars.com. Closing the show, Owner of Collins Bros Jeep, Dennis Collins, gushes about the 2019 Dodge SRT Hellcat Redeye; this car loses to the Demon ever so slightly on horsepower, but makes up for it everywhere else. Also, we find out how Black Mountain Jeep’s licensee program works, how the trade wars are affecting business, why Dennis isn’t banking on the restomod market, and what kind of plans Dennis has for the rebirth of the Jeep Gladiator. Tune in for another exciting week of auto show coverage and monster car reviews.

 

  • [00:00:00] 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
  • [00:05:24] Kia Telluride, Subaru Legacy, Shelby GT500
  • [00:12:31] 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI at CAS
  • [00:19:51] 30 Year Anniversaries and Awesome Trucks
  • [00:28:20] BJ’s Top Picks from Chicago Auto Show
  • [00:35:52] New Chevrolet Blazer a Disappointment?
  • [00:42:12] Sublime Green is Back and Rubella Scare
  • [00:48:03] Tesla Loses Tax Credit and Autonomy
  • [00:54:43] Dodge Demon One Year Report Card
  • [01:02:04] It’s Time to Let the 2016 Viper ACR Go
  • [01:09:00] Dodge Redeye and Restomod Market
  • [01:18:04] Black Mountain Jeep, Tariffs, Gladiator

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Continue ReadingCAS Review, Demon vs Redeye, Viper Sale, and Collins Bros Jeep | #359

Goodwood Festival of Speed, Hyundai Sonata Eco, and Chevy Traverse | #339

  • Post author:
  • Post category:Podcast

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #339

Are you ready to have your senses teased by the latest automotive news? We begin the show with Karl Brauer, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, who just attended the Goodwood Festival of Speed. He gushes about this amazing event that takes place on the estate an English Royal and explains that it was an opportunity for manufacturers to show off their newest designs as well as vintage models. He excitedly sounds off about his opportunity to drive a McLaren 570S Spider and be driven in a McLaren Senna by Bruce Senna up the hill climb at the event. Karl then tells us that he is about to attend an event for the 2018 Mustang Bullitt and for the pure electric Audi e-tron® that they will be racing up Pikes Peak. Changing gears, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, reviews the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Eco which comes with an MSRP of $22,000. This great little car achieves 28-mpg in the city and 37-mph on the highway – talk about efficiency! Then Alan shares his review of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody and tells us that this car is almost as amazing to drive as his Demon. It has a V8 supercharged Hemi, a widebody 26Z package, and had an MSRP of $77,770. Next up, Steven Cole Smith raves about his love for the 2018 Dodge Challenger Hellcat and tells us that he can’t help but drive around to show it off when he has one. He then talks about the answer to the question that no one is asking – autonomous racing. He doesn’t understand why they are trying to take the human element out of the equation, which is what keeps the races interesting. He also discusses Chevrolet’s lack of success in NASCAR this year and presumes that it is because of the Camaro body they are using. Lastly, we are joined by Chris Duke, Host of Motorz TV, who reviews the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse and explains why it is well worth the price. He also riles us up about the Craftsman Re-launch coming up in August, which will feature celebrity guests such as Alan Taylor, Richard Rawlings, Chip Foose, and Wayne Carini. This episode is packed full of automotive goodness you don’t want to miss!

 

  • [00:00:00] Goodwood Festival of Speed
  • [00:06:05] McLaren Senna Tops the Bucket List
  • [00:12:30] Weight, Torque, and Horsepower
  • [00:19:51] Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody
  • [00:29:36] 2018 Hyundai Sonata
  • [00:35:53] Dueling Car Reviews
  • [00:42:14] Hellcats Deserve Amazing Praise
  • [00:48:30] Autonomous Racing at Goodwood
  • [00:54:45] Chevrolet Falls Short in NASCAR
  • [01:02:06] Alan’s Alaskan Adventure
  • [01:11:21] Craftsman Re-Launch in August
  • [01:18:08] 2019 Chevrolet Traverse

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Continue ReadingGoodwood Festival of Speed, Hyundai Sonata Eco, and Chevy Traverse | #339

JDM Legends, Ford Discontinues Cars, and 2019 VW Jetta | #329

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #329

Every gearhead has their favorite ride, be it American, Italian, or otherwise. Host of JDM Legends, Eric Bizek, gives us the rundown on his new show that will be featured on the Velocity Network and Motor Trend App. This show appeals to the fans of the Japanese domestic market and features rare imports such as the Nissan Skyline and the Mazda Sport.  Shifting focus, we cover the death of cars. The Ford Motor Company has announced their plan to ax five of seven sedans from their line-up; Karl Brauer, Brian Moody, and BJ Killeen give us their thoughts on what this means for the automotive industry. Next up, Karl reviews the 2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake, and BJ explains her drive experience in the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. We end the show with Brian sounding off about why he thinks luxury sedans will remain around. The car industry is changing lanes – which one will you end up in?

 

  • [00:00:00] JDM Legends on Velocity
  • [00:06:24] Imports Are Coming Back Around
  • [00:12:31] Cross-Referencing Parts
  • [00:19:52] Death of the Car
  • [00:28:37] Ford Invests in Best Sellers
  • [00:35:53] 2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake
  • [00:42:14] Spring has Sprung
  • [00:48:27] 2019 Volkswagen Jetta
  • [00:54:45] Jetta’s Updated Interior is Impressive
  • [01:02:06] Who’s Sticking with Sedans?
  • [01:12:17] Japanese Design Shows Off
  • [01:18:07] Luxury from Non-Luxury Brands

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Continue ReadingJDM Legends, Ford Discontinues Cars, and 2019 VW Jetta | #329

Live from the 2018 New York International Auto Show | #326

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #326

Broadcasting from the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), we get up to speed on the latest and greatest rides hitting the market. We begin the hour with Joy Falotico of the Lincoln Motor Company who discusses the sales of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator, and introduces the gorgeous Lincoln Aviator. Next, Lincoln’s Robert Parker talks with us about the praises and special attention that their brand gets in China. Then, David Woodhouse shares the magic behind Lincoln’s guiding design principles. After that, we talk with MINI’s Andrew Cutler about the electrified classic MINI and their best-selling model, the Countryman. Then, Mark Dahncke of Audi sounds off about the Audi RS 5 Sportback and the popular Audi Q5. Next, Karl Brauer gushes over the roof-top party thrown by Kelley Blue Book, his favorite finds at NYIAS, and the technological shift that is happening in the automotive industry. Switching gears, Jamie Page Deaton of U.S. News & World Report Best Cars Rankings explains the pros and cons of some of the new rides on the showroom floor. Then, Lauren Fix of The Car Coach gives us her thoughts on the Volkswagen Tanoak pickup truck and the future of electric vehicles. Changing lanes, we chat with Michael Harley of Kelley Blue Book and Frank Wiseman of Porsche North America about Michael’s test drive in the snowy French Alps, and the Porsche Experience in LA. Our last guest of the show is Chris Duke of Motorz TV who explains GM’s BuyPower Card and over-air Marketplace. Alan ends the show with a preview of the cars he will be showing on ‘LIVE with Kelly and Ryan‘ during Auto Show Week (April 2-6, 2018). Join us now to fill your mind with automotive goodness.

 

  • [00:00:00] Lincoln Motors Keeps Awing Us
  • [00:05:48] China, Electric Motors, and Lincoln
  • [00:12:31] Aviator is Magically Designed
  • [00:19:54] A Classic MINI Goes Electric
  • [00:27:14] Audi RS 5 Sportback
  • [00:35:55] Treasures of NYIAS 2018
  • [00:42:16] Family Friendly Auto Design
  • [00:55:34] Porsche Stands the Test of Time
  • [01:03:28] General Motors’ BuyPower Card
  • [01:11:36] LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Continue ReadingLive from the 2018 New York International Auto Show | #326

Jet Power, Black Mountain Jeep, and Dodge Charger GT | #325

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #325

Speed, horsepower, braking capability, and handling all make up that beautiful experience we call driving. Innovations in the automotive industry have helped designers capture and create amazing machines. This week, we dive into the hobby with some real petrol heads. We begin the show with a bang as automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith, shares his 303-MPH experience in a jet-powered dragster. Then, George Kennedy, automotive journalist for the Boston Globe, sounds off about the Dodge Charger GT AWD and the anticipated return of the Toyota Supra. As if the first hour wasn’t great enough, we are joined by Dennis Collins of Collins Bros Jeep, Russell Holmes of Garage Rehab, and “Big Chris” Smith of Black Mountain Jeep for the second hour of the show. Dennis tells us that Russell has his shop all torn up for great reasons, and “Big Chris” is helping take Black Mountain Jeep’s idea of distribution to a whole new level. Don’t miss this fast-paced, hilarious group of car guys!

 

  • [00:00:00] Jet Powered Dragsters
  • [00:06:24] 303-MPH, A Walk in the Park
  • [00:12:31] Jay Leno’s Jet Powered Motorcycle
  • [00:19:54] Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster
  • [00:28:10] AWD Dodge Charger GT
  • [00:35:55] Return of the Toyota Supra
  • [00:42:16] Garage Rehab and Collins Bros Jeep
  • [00:48:08] Black Mountain Jeep Goes Global
  • [00:54:47] Building Your Garage to Produce
  • [01:02:09] Become Your Own Dealer
  • [01:10:48] JL Wrangler Extensive Redesign
  • [01:18:11] Don’t Forget the Classics

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Continue ReadingJet Power, Black Mountain Jeep, and Dodge Charger GT | #325

Trackhawk, Bentayga, Prius Prime and More | #324

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #324

Car show season is hopping, and we are right in the middle of the Geneva International Motor Show. Karl Brauer, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, discusses the relevance of the Geneva event to the U.S. Market, reviews the Bentley Bentayga, and spills about breaking his Dodge Demon. Next, Brian Moody, Executive Editor of Autotrader, reviews the Toyota Prius Prime and the Buick Regal TourX wagon. Then, Hollywood car consultant, Josh Hancock, catches us up to speed with the latest cars hitting the red carpet. Josh also reviews the newest Porsche Cayman, and shares his thoughts on automatic transmissions. Last but certainly not least, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, explains how you can buy a car through Costco, and offers initial thoughts on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. If you’re in the market for a new car, curious about the future of the automotive industry, or just need your gearhead fix, join us now!

 

  • [00:00:00] A Demon’s Trip to the Car Doctor
  • [00:06:20] NASCAR’s Chase Elliott Drives Demon
  • [00:12:31] Bentley Bentayga Exudes Quality
  • [00:19:54] Geneva International Motor Show
  • [00:26:51] 230-MPG with Toyota Prius Prime
  • [00:35:55] Best Interiors Under $50,000
  • [00:42:15] Prep for New York International Auto Show
  • [00:49:04] Hollywood Car Films Zooming Our Way
  • [00:54:46] Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
  • [01:02:09] Porsche Cayman is Well Balanced
  • [01:10:38] Buying a Car Through Costco
  • [01:18:10] Trackhawk is the Answer to Power

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Continue ReadingTrackhawk, Bentayga, Prius Prime and More | #324

BMW 5 Series, Roadie, and Daytona 500 | #323

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #323

The automotive industry is always keeping us on our toes and this week is no different. We begin the show with automotive journalist, George Kennedy, to hear about the Women’s Motormouth event at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum. Plus, George reviews the BMW 5 series plug-in hybrid. Then, we chat with Marc Gorlin, Founder of Roadie, who explains their app which allows you to get paid to deliver items for other patrons. After that, we hear the latest on NASCAR from automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith. Last but not least, we catch up with technology expert, John Ellis, who talks about the value of automotive data tracking, and how we can prepare for the future of mobility. Join us now for more on the crazy car world.

  • [00:00:00] Women’s Motormouth
  • [00:05:22] Subaru Subscription
  • [00:12:30] BMW 5 Series Plug-In Hybrid
  • [00:19:53] Environmental Motoring
  • [00:27:18] Get Paid to Deliver
  • [00:35:55] Seven-Foot Jar Jar Binks
  • [00:42:15] Lowest Rated Daytona 500
  • [00:48:27] NASCAR Falls Short
  • [00:54:46] Continental Tire Issues
  • [01:02:08] Ferrari Portofino Drive
  • [01:10:54] Automotive Data Collection
  • [01:18:10] China’s Push to Electric

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Continue ReadingBMW 5 Series, Roadie, and Daytona 500 | #323