Brian Moody, Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com shared some good news on the show. According to Cox Automotive, new vehicle affordability is at its best in 31 months. The typical payment has decreased by 0.7% for February, and the new average monthly payment for a new car is $744, down from $749 in January. Brian test drove the BMW XM, a fast and aggressive plug-in hybrid SUV that provides an immersive driving experience. The Mustang Dark Horse costs $58,000, but its performance and style are unmatched.

Steven Cole Smith from Car Coach Reports discussed the 12 hours of Sebring IMSA race where Acura and Cadillac teams won. Goodyear tires wore out quickly at the Bristol race as the track was converted from dirt to concrete. Responsibility is unclear. Circuit of the Americas race is expected to be exciting. Steven test-drove a Mercedes AMG EQE SUV with 677 horsepower and 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, but it required frequent charging.

Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, discusses vegan leather, which is a popular trend but not always eco-friendly. Real leather is longer-lasting and biodegradable. A proposed bill in New York requires truth in advertising for car interiors. Car insurance rates are increasing due to black boxes in cars that record driving habits, determining rates based on credit score and driving behavior. It’s important to be aware of this and how it may impact insurance rates.

Special Guest, Ray Evernham, NASCAR Hall of Fame Member, veteran in the automotive racing industry, has a new book out called “Trophies and Scars”. In it, he shares his journey from a young boy knocking around the Jersey Shore to working with some of the biggest names in Motorsports history. Over 50 years, Ray has been involved in many different things and considers himself the “Forrest Gump of Motorsports”. He hopes to entertain and educate readers by sharing how he handled both his failures and victories, acknowledging that scars sometimes come with the trophies.

BJ Killeen – Voice of Reason and Automotive Journalist is here to drop some quick automotive news.  “EV automakers lose $6,000 on every vehicle sold. Boston Consulting Group found that EV drivers want a 20-minute charge time, 350-mile range, and under $50,000. Hertz rental cars lost $350 million due to EV investment. Tesla stock is at $138, down from $335. Car insurance costs are up 21% this year, with the average person paying $2,500 per year. The average price of a new car is $47,000. Sticker shock is killing buyers.”

[00:00:00] – Contributor Brian Moody
[00:06:10] – BMW XM
[00:13:00] – Mustang Dark Horse
[00:20:51] – Contributor Steven Cole Smith
[00:30:57] – Dirt to Concrete
[00:37:22] – Mercedes AMG EQE SUV
[00:44:12] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[00:51:02] – Vegan Leather
[00:57:13] – Black Boxes
[01:05:03] – Special Guest  Ray Evernham
[01:16:02] – Contributor Alan Taylor
[01:21:33] – Contributor BJ Killeen

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

Contributor: Brian Moody

Contributor: Steven Cole Smith

Contributor: Lauren Fix

Contributor/Host: Alan Taylor

Contributor: BJ Killeen

Special Guest: Ray Evernham

Vehicles Discussed:

2024 Mercedes AMG EQE SUV, 2024 BMW XM, Mustang Dark Horse

• Austin Hatcher Foundation
• AutoTempest.com
• Brembo
• Dodge
• Foundation of Human Understanding
• Shell
• Subaru

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