Alan and BJ Killeen – Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason start todays episode of “The Drive” discussing Stellantis’ withdrawal from the Consumer Electronics Show due to the UAW strike’s impact. They talk about the challenge automakers face to meet the fuel economy standards set by the Biden-Harris administration and the lack of success in promoting electric vehicles. BJ shares her experience of test-driving the 2023 Lexus Ultra Luxury, which comes in five trims, has three rows of seats, can tow up to 8,000 pounds, and features a 3.4 twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower. The car has sold about 5,300 units and costs around $133K.

George Kennedy III is the co-founder of Cartender.com and also holds the position of Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He is also a contributor to several publications including U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. In his recent review, the author discusses two fantastic lightweight sports cars with rear-wheel drive and great cornering abilities – the 2023 Toyota GR86 and the 2023 Subaru BRZ. The Toyota GR86, with its 220 horsepower, boasts a fantastic clutch and transmission. Meanwhile, the Subaru BRZ offers similar handling capabilities and is renowned for its “blissful” driving experience, especially in the premium trim with padded seats that provide a comfortable ride. The Toyota GR86 starts at $30,000.

In a recent episode of Car Coach Reports, Lauren Fix, the Editor-in-Chief, discussed an upcoming law known as the “killswitch” bill. This law mandates that all cars manufactured from 2026 will have a “killswitch” to prevent drunk driving. The button to start the car will scan the driver’s finger for any signs of substance abuse. However, the infrastructure bill (Section 24:2:20) includes a provision that allows the car to listen, scan, and record your every move, as the automakers collect and sell the driver’s information to a third party, eliminating privacy altogether. This law raises concerns about the loss of privacy and the implications for individual freedoms.

Karl Brauer, an automotive industry analyst, Forbes Autos contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, and board member, as well as an Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com, Karl sympathizes with striking auto workers but urges the UAW to balance fairness for both workers and companies. He notes that financing high interest rates make new cars unaffordable but used and electric cars are becoming more affordable. Karl also points out that self-driving vehicles need to improve their ability to recognize their surroundings, but for now they are more of a nuisance.

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen[00:06:29] – Fleet Wide Fuel Economy[00:13:01] – The Flagship[00:20:52] – Contributor George Kennedy [00:30:46] – Toyobaru[00:37:22] – Blissful Driving[00:43:42] – Contributor Lauren Fix[00:50:51] – Killswitch[00:56:45] – French Stellantis[01:04:35] – Contributor Karl Brauer[01:12:25] – Affordable Cars[01:21:05] – Self Driving Nuisance

CREDITS

Host: Alan TaylorProducer: Dave MilliganCopy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: BJ KilleenContributor: George Kennedy III

Contributor: Lauren FixContributor: Karl Brauer

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

* Contributor: BJ Killeen |  Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason

* Contributor: George Kennedy III |  Co-founder of Cartender.com,