BJ Killeen – Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason join Alan on this episode of “The Drive.”  The duo discusses SEMA 2022 and how Ford and GM weren’t there, yet Dodge took up a lot of cubic square feet for their impressive display.  However, they both see the ending of the auto show era and that’s because everything is heading online. Alan plays his interview with Lance Stander – CEO of Superformance as Lance shared a proud moment when the legendary Mario Andretti signed the dash of their 1966 Mach 2 GT40, and the reaction as he sat in the vehicle.  It was a moment that seemed to take him back to the beginning where it all started.  Superformance was originally in the business of replicating the cars from the 60s.  Yet they have changed direction, and now build cars licensed by the original manufacturers.  You can purchase a vehicle through them and modify it to your ideas and likings. Alan goes on to share with BJ that he got to be the voice for a very special moment at SEMA.  It’s called “Recycled Rides”.  The National Auto Body Council, which is a non-profit organization, took vehicles that were in accidents, rebuilt them, and gave them away to needy families and individuals whose stories touched the hearts of the listeners. Another interview Alan shares are with Chris Jacobs and Seth Burgett (Gateway Bronco Founder) – They auctioned off a 1968 Gateway Bronco which proceeds to go to a foundation to help veterans in special forces transition into normal civilian living.  Up next with Alan is George Kennedy III – Co-founder of Cartender and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, and U.S. News & World Report.  George has been driving the Genesis GV60, it’s an SUV for the new generation, an electric crossover.  He drove the performance version with a 235-mile range.  Lots of interior space, and a wide platform.  He says it’s hard to judge the proportions until you are next to it.  New shapes and sizes coming out of the auto industry.  The only thing he didn’t like, was not having a volume dial.  Brian Moody – Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com, joins Alan as they wrap up this episode with words of wisdom.  Wait as long as possible to purchase an EV!  The longer you wait the more technology will catch up. Especially if you live in an apartment.  Brian then gives us a list of the best SUV deals for November. Dodge Durango, 2022 Ford Escape, 2022 Honda HRV, 2022 Hyundai Kona, 2022 Jeep Compass, 2022 Mazda CX9, 2023 Nissan Rogue, Subaru Cross trek, and 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross. More details can be found on AutoTrader.com.  Lastly, the duo discusses the new Ford Transit Trail overland van. A full-size purpose-built transit van, with 3.5 twin turbo eco boost, 10-speed transmission, and all-wheel drive.  You can modify it to your heart’s desire.  Starting price $67K. 

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen[00:06:42] – Superformance[00:13:01] – Recycled Rides[00:20:52] – Ring Brothers [00:30:22] – Gateway Bronco[00:37:23] – Nehrbergh Ring[00:43:43] – Contributor George Kennedy[00:53:52] – Genesis GV60[00:56:44] – Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid[01:04:35] – Contributor Brian Moody[01:12:58] – Dire Straights![01:21:07] – Affordability Left the Building!

CREDITS

Host: Alan TaylorProducer: Dave MilliganCopy Editor: Colleen Mahi Contributor: BJ KilleenContributor: George Kennedy IIIContributor: Brian Moody

Special Guest: Lance StranderSpecial Guest: Chris JacobsSpecial Guest: Seth Burgett