The Drive with Alan Taylor

By Entertainment Right Now

THE DRIVE brings you all the latest automotive news, product reviews, celebrity guests and more. Hosted by award-winning automotive expert, Alan Taylor. For many years, Alan's expertise and quick wit... more

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March 23, 2024The 2024 BMW XM, The Pinnacle of Engineering Excellence | #568
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
CREDITS
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
EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:
Contributor: Brian Moody | Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com. Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive
Contributor: Lauren Fix | Editor-In-Chief, CarCoachReports.com..
Contributor: Steven Cole Smith | Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports.com
Contributor: BJ Killeen | Voice of Reason and Automotive Journalist
Special Guest: Ray Evernham | NASCAR Hall of Fame Member and author of Trophies and Scars
Vehicles Discussed:
2024 Mercedes AMG EQE SUV, 2024 BMW XM, Mustang Dark Horse
OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:
• Austin Hatcher Foundation
• AutoTempest.com
• Brembo
• Dodge
• Foundation of Human Understanding
• Shell
• Subaru
The post The 2024 BMW XM, The Pinnacle of Engineering Excellence | #568 appeared first on THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor.
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1h 29min
February 10, 2024 Honda Keeps The Competition On Their Toes With The New 2024 Acura TLX Type S | #566

Alan and Karl, Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, and board member and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com, are both proud owners of the 2023 Dodge Demon 170, discussed how some automakers are hesitant about electric cars and are now going back to building hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Companies like GM, Porsche, and Hertz are struggling with the shift to electric cars, but Honda has recently unveiled their new electric vehicle called the Prologue. However, Honda is in their universe, where they do things the way they want to, moving away from their core strength of building fantastic engines. Karl shares the latest study on the best-used cars for the money. The study analyzed the amount you pay for a car, whether new or used and how much lifespan the car has left. The study found that despite the rise in prices for new and used cars over the last five years, plenty of cars are available in the $20,000 range with more than 100,000 miles of life left. The top 5 cars in the study, ranked by the price per 10,000 miles of lifespan, are Chevrolet Trax, Honda Fit, Honda Insight, Buick Encore, and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. You can find the complete study on iseecars.com.

Contributor George Kennedy III, the co-founder of Cartender.com and VP of the New England Motor Press Association, talked with Alan about Honda’s first high volume all-electric vehicle, the Honda Prologue. The car is based on the Altium architecture and the BEV3 platform developed by General Motors, and the platform is shared with the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyric. The Honda Prologue features a new interior design which uses both Honda and GM parts, and it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in their infotainment system. This partnership with General Motors allows Honda to enter the electric vehicle market at a lower cost. George Kennedy reviewed the 2024 Acura TLX type S, a mid-size luxury sedan that offers great acceleration and handling. It has a twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 355 horsepower and a super-handling all-wheel-drive system that works well in all conditions. The car is comfortable enough to drive in traffic and has a healthy dose of athleticism. “George, what are your final thoughts on the Honda/Acura TL Type S? In my opinion, the TLX Type S is an incredibly well-built car. This is one of the reasons why Acura is known for being a premium vehicle brand. The Type S is not only athletic and exciting but also reliable. Honda is also doing more than just relying on its reputation for reliability. Another area worth mentioning is their technology. The ELS stereo system is phenomenal.”

Lauren Fix from CarCoachReports.com is calling from the Chicago International Auto Show. The 2025 Ford Explorer was shown, and they canceled the hybrid engine. Instead, they’re focusing on EcoBoost engines that consumers prefer. The new Explorer has a larger screen, includes the Copilot 360, and has an impressive interior.

Lauren Fix from CarCoachReports.com makes a quick pit stop to call us from the Chicago International Auto Show. The 2025 Ford Explorer was shown, and they canceled the hybrid engine. Instead, they’re focusing on EcoBoost engines that consumers prefer. The new Explorer has a larger screen, includes the Copilot 360, and has an impressive interior. Lauren shared a little news that California is proposing a bill to limit the speed of new cars to 10 mph over the speed limit, which has caused controversy. The auto industry is not happy about this proposal, as it could pose a danger to drivers.

Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of AutoTrader.com and KBB.com, is attending the Chicago International Auto Show. According to him, the Tesla Cybertruck is bigger and more significant than expected,
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1h 29min
February 03, 2024 They’re Back, the 2024 Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona| #565

Alan is at the Barrett Jackson event in Scottsdale. Our guest, Mark Valentino, Director of Business Development at Radford Racing School, boasts highly-skilled instructors who teach driving skills. They are developing a course program for the new Demon 170 to help drivers get the most out of it. Radford offers driving courses to people who do not own a Dodge, a youth driving program, SCCA license program, and an F4 program. They also offer courses for straight-line, drag, and twisting tracks, and have a karting truck. Recently, Radford started a new initiative called the Radford Motorsports Club for people who own a race car and want to race more affordably. The club offers a chance to race on Friday nights under the lights at the Chandler, AZ track. For more information, visit the Radford Racing School website at RadfordRacingSchool.com.

Our next guest is Rick Malone, Chief Driving Instructor of Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, which is situated about 50 miles west of Las Vegas and is home to the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School, the Cadillac V Performance Academy, and Radical Racing Academy. The facility boasts 9.3 miles of race track and is located on just under 1000 acres of land. The largest track in North America, Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club is one of the most amazing Motorsports facilities in the United States, and is expected to surpass the Nurburgring. The facility also includes a Motorsports Country Club, 40 condos, and a two-day program that includes the use of our cars and equipment, breakfast, and the opportunity to bring along a guest who can participate in the schools.

Next up is Cameron Foremaster, who is in charge of marketing here. Craig Jackson’s Camaro is also here. First, Cameron tells us about Craig’s car and what they did to it. They installed a pro touring subframe with a torque arm rear suspension. This build was done by Barrett Jackson and other companies like Muncie speed for carbon fiber, Dynacorn on the body, and GM performance. The result is a modern performance vehicle in a first-gen body. Cameron mentions that their company, Speed Master Speed Tech, makes chassis and suspension for 1st through 3rd Gen. Camaros, Novas, Chevelles, C10 trucks from 52 all the way up through the end of OBS Ford trucks, E-body Mopar, B-body Mopar, and first-gen Mustangs.

Next is Jeff Taylor, Founder and CEO of Rover Trophy sources classic Land Rover Defenders from Spain, Italy, or Turkey and then imports them to his warehouse in Connecticut. He uses three different drive trains – LS3, Tesla, and diesel – and builds custom models, including a Woody Defender with an electric Tesla Model 3 rear Dr. unit. The starting price for one of his custom Defenders is around $199,000 and can go up to $345,000.

Our next guest is, Phil Smunt is a sales manager at Roadster Shop, a car-building company with over 30 years of experience. They specialize in offering suspension options and production-style chassis for a wide range of vehicles, including muscle cars, trucks, and cruisers. In addition, they also provide custom chassis tailored to meet their clients’ specific design preferences. They offer different chassis designs tailored to meet specific ride stances and design preferences. If someone wants a custom chassis for a car that Roadster Shop has never designed before, the process can take about 10 to 12 months to complete. The company begins by scanning the vehicle and then goes into the design phase to build the chassis to the ride stance, wheel, and tire size requested.

Up next we got Dennis Collins, the President of Collins Bros Jeep, has been in the custom Jeep business since 1984. They offer high-quality parts, accessories, and restoration services for Jeeps.
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1h 29min
January 20, 2024 Raising Your Pulse with the 2024 BMW Z4 Convertible| #564

Alan welcomes back friend and contributor BJ Killeen – Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason. Barrett-Jackson, the renowned auction house, is back with a new online streaming feature available at tv.barrett-jackson.com. Alan will be attending their symposiums. BJ Killeen shares a few details about the upcoming auctions, including the sale of Frank Teague’s collection, which includes classic cars like the Plymouth Hemi Super bird, Yenko Camaro, and pre-war classics such as the 37 Bugatti, Packard Amelia Concourse winner Silver Ray. Switching topics, China has been trying to monopolize the EV market and is promoting nationalism by sending a fleet of cars to Mexico and Europe. In other news, Oscar Meyer is hiring 12 people to drive the Wienermobile for a salary of 35k a year. Although the job includes good benefits, the drivers will have to attend 1200 events in 40 cities or 20,000 miles. BJ test-drove the 2023 Hyundai Palisades SUV, a sister vehicle to the Kia Telluride. The SUV has an impressive warranty and a standout feature called “Smart Park,” which will park the car for you.

Alan’s next guest is Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports and a long-time friend of his. Since Lauren lives in Buffalo, he asks Lauren what should be done with electric vehicles that are stranded in cold weather. Her response is straightforward: stay home! The cold weather has caused several problems for EVs, including charging issues, longer charging times, minimal charge percentage, higher insurance rates, quicker tire wear, and difficulty driving in the snow. Switching gears to a different topic, Lauren mentions that the House of Representatives has overturned the EV mandate. This means that each state may not have to go all-electric , allowing the “choice in automobile retail sales” and the freedom to buy what the people want. She encourages people to let their local representatives know their thoughts on federal registry regulations through the website comments.gov for their peace of mind.

Next up is George Kennedy III, who is a co-founder of Cartender.com and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to various publications, including U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. Recently, George test-droved the 2024 BMW Z4 Convertible and found it to be a great cruiser and a fun car to drive. He particularly liked the heated seats, steering wheels, and the clever features that allow you to drive the vehicle with the top down even in colder weather. George also expressed interest in driving the 2024 BMW M40i, which starts at $66k and has a 380 horsepower inline six engine. The Z4 Convertible has a starting price of $53k for the four-cylinder turbo model, which can go from 0 to60 in 5.2 seconds. Customers can also opt for the dynamic chassis package for a few thousand dollars.

At the end of the show, we hear from Karl Brauer, an automotive industry analyst, Forbes Autos contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, board member, and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com. He talks about Hertz’s decision to sell off a significant percentage of their EV fleet and replace them with non-EV vehicles. The reason behind this move is the higher upfront cost, higher maintenance and service cost, and increased accidents associated with EVs. This decision is a smart business move as they want to reduce costs and increase profits. According to Karl, EVs were not as dependable and reliable as they should have been. Karl also shares the results of the latest study, which lists the top 25 cheapest cars that last the longest, based on every 10,000 miles. According to the study, the top four cars that offer the best value are the Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza, and Honda Accord. The complete list will be available on Iseecars....
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1h 29min
January 13, 2024 The Future Is Here | #563

Revolution is underway as technology revolutionizes the way we live our daily lives. From robotic kitchens to autonomous driving, the advancements in technology are changing the way we communicate, work, and play. It’s an exciting time to be alive, and every day, we witness new innovations that make our lives easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. We must embrace these changes and learn to adapt to them because the future is now and technology is leading the way.

Alan welcomes Scott Bocarnick is a Policy and Executive Communications Specialist at Consumer Technology Association. CES is a trade show where over 130,000 attendees gather to explore the latest technological developments in different industries. A.I. technology is being used in vehicles to scan for dangers, slow down cars, and provide alerts. Innovations such as A.R. windshields, gaming vests that deliver pain, and self-driven tractors are being introduced. Companies such as L’Oreal is launching “Beauty Tech,” which includes an infrared light blow dryer and an A.I. that adjusts makeup colors to suit one’s face. In terms of start-ups, Eureka Park showcases innovative products such as a rolling robotic ramen kitchen. Technology is on the move!

Coming up next at the CES, Alan interviews Stefano Genco – the Global Head of Super Audio and Nuance Audio at EssilorLuxottica. EssilorLuxottica is well-known for its brands, Ray-Ban and Oakley, and has created a pair of glasses that come with integrated unit solutions for mild to moderate hearing loss. Around 1.2 billion people have mild to moderate hearing loss, and these glasses are designed to recover missed conversations caused by ambient noises or hearing problems. They are lightweight, stylish, and cost a fraction of the price of traditional hearing aids. Stefano is utilizing glasses with built-in technology that enables recording and video capturing, music playback, texting, and conversations with A.I. Furthermore, these glasses can connect to the internet, allowing for internet browsing on the go.

Next is Chris Sheldrick is the co-founder of What3Words, a company that has developed a location precision technology capable of mapping the entire world using 3-meter squares. Each square has been assigned a unique combination of 3 words, making it easier to share your exact location, particularly in emergency situations.

Let’s talk about tractors! Alan is joined by Troy Aberle, a former salesman for John Deere, to discuss the autonomous tractor currently being showcased. Troy explains that equipment has had to become larger and more capable of performing various tasks due to the challenges faced by the agriculture industry, such as labor and safety standards, performance and profitability, and accommodating high land prices and input costs. All these factors have contributed to John Deere’s current position in the market. Alan asks Troy what stands out the most regarding all this new technology. Troy replies, “Making people’s lives easier.”

Up next is Luke Aberle is a YouTube influencer who tests products and provides feedback from a kid’s perspective. He has been doing it since he was nine. When asked about his first impression of CES, he said that it was incredible to see major companies innovating and creating a better lifestyle and experience for the average consumers. The AI side of things, from agriculture to coffee-making and autonomous driving, excites him the most so far.

Joining Alan next is, Sterling Pratz is the Chief Executive Officer at Car IQ. It’s a company developing innovative technology allowing users to make purchases through their vehicle for in-car entertainment options. The technology also enables the car to connect with merchants and pay for servic...
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1h 28min
January 06, 2024 The Exhilarating 2023 Lexus RX350 Crafted For Performance | #562

Alan welcomes Karl Brauer- an automotive industry analyst, Forbes Autos contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, board member, and executive analyst for ISeeCars.com. Recently, Karl decided to install an infotainment system in his 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo S, but Alan joked about the potential difficulties of doing it himself.

Karl then changed the topic and shared the latest study by ISeeCars.com, which shows an increase in the sales of non-Tesla electric vehicles both new and used, with more options and brands available now than three years ago. The market share for EVs is currently around 8%, with non-Tesla EVs accounting for 4.7%. Although Tesla’s are everywhere in California, EVs are not selling as quickly and in such high volumes as they once were.

Alan mentioned that he was going to attend the 2024 CES, but Karl won’t be there. Karl did mention, however, that EV announcements are expected to slow down, and that AI is set to be the hot topic for this year’s event.

BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and the Voice of Reason, has shared the latest updates on the stock prices of various electric vehicle manufacturers. According to BJ, Verde Futures’ stock is now down to $0.18 cents, while VinFast’s stock has risen to $6.96. Fisker’s stock is now trading at $1.49 a share, and Lucid’s stock is at $4.07. Rivian’s stock price has also fallen by 10%.

In addition, BJ test-drove the 2023 Lexus RX350 F Sport, which is a luxurious gas-powered vehicle that is very popular. This particular model comes with 11 different trim options, ranging from $50k to $70k. Nice drive!

Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, recently talked with Alan about the latest study done by Kelly Blue Book on the best editor favorites. According to the study, the top models for 2023 are the Cadillac Lyriq, BMW M2, Toyota Prius, McClaren Artura, 2024 Chevrolet Corvette ERay, Kia EV6, Porsche 911 Correia T, and Chevrolet Tracks.

Another study done by Kelly Blue Book focused on the vehicles that have the highest resale value and have retained their value over a five-year period. The top models in this category for 2023 are the Toyota Tundra, Toyota Tacoma, Tesla Model X, Ford Bronco, Chevrolet Corvette, Toyota Forerunner, Honda Civic, Ford Maverick, Subaru Crosstrek, and Jeep Wrangler.

Brian believes that 2024 will be the year of electric vehicles, with more models available for a lower price. He also thinks that dealers may provide home charging options. Overall, electric vehicles are here to stay.

[00:00:00] – Contributor Karl Brauer[00:06:29] – Self Installation[00:13:02] – Choices, Choices, Choices[00:20:53] – EV Market Share [00:29:30] – GM Electric Blazer a No Go[00:37:25] – 2024 CES[00:43:46] – Contributor BJ Killeen[00:50:01] – What Goes Up, Must Come Down[00:56:47] – 2023 Lexus RX350 FSport,[01:04:38] – Contributor Brian Moody[01:14:07] – Editors Favorites for 2023[01:21:11] – Top 10 That Hold’s It’s Value

CREDITS

Host: Alan TaylorProducer: Dave MilliganCopy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: Karl BrauerContributor: BJ KilleenContributor: Brian Moody

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

* Contributor: Karl Brauer | Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American
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1h 28min
December 23, 2023 The Unstoppable, Next Level Performance, 2024 BMW M2 | #561

Closing the year with Alan is George Kennedy III – co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association, who contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. Alan asked George about his favorite cars of the year. George mentioned the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V, the 2023 Nissan Z, and the 2024 Kia Seltos – an affordable crossover with excellent technology and a ton of safety features. Additionally, George had the chance to test drive the 2024 BMW M2 Coupe, which he described as a fun, small, nimble, athletic and playful performance machine with a focus on performance. The car costs around 63k.

Lauren Fix, the Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, has some news to share. According to industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhöffe, Germany is moving away from electric vehicles (EVs) as they have been a massive disappointment in Europe. Dudenhoffe admits he was wrong about EV being the way forward and believes that the electric car is coming to a standstill.

Lauren also shares that the Tesla Model 3 will no longer be eligible for the $7500 tax credit as of 2024. Only a few models including the Chevy Bolt EV, Chevy Equinox, Ford Lightening, Tesla Model 3 Performance, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Tesla Model Y Performance, Chrysler Pacifica Minivan, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Cadillac Lyqir and Tesla Model X will have access to the tax credit.

Looking ahead to 2024, Lauren mentions that Honda is coming out with a ZDX, and she had the opportunity to test drive the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. Among the cars that stood out in 2023 are the Dodge Demon, the Raptor R, and the ERay. Lauren Fix, the Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, has some news to share. According to industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhöffe, Germany is moving away from electric vehicles (EVs) as they have been a massive disappointment in Europe. Dudenhoffe admits he was wrong about EV being the way forward and believes that the electric car is coming to a standstill.

Alan welcomes our next contributor, Karl Brauer – Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, board member, and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com. They discuss how augmented reality and virtual reality are unavoidable. Slowly, everything is turning into a Matrix. With that said, electric vehicles are trying to take over the world, and we must ask ourselves who is doing more harm to the planet. Emissions versus mining the earth for rare metals that later will be just a collection of unrecyclable materials from their batteries. Before Karl leaves, he gives us the top 10 vehicles with a 20% chance or more to last up to 250,000 miles. To view the complete list visit www.iseecars.com

Closing the show today is contributor Ed Justice Jr., Justice Brothers, Inc.’s president and CEO. He opens with how electric vehicle stocks have crashed after the pandemic high. As they keep trying to shove e.v’s down the throats of America, the same goes for the automakers. What happens if the people are just not interested in buying one? Ed feels that if you have to subsidize and give incentives to convince people to buy an electric vehicle, is it a good product? Ed believes hybrid is the way to go and suggests the listener go to YouTube to “Ted Talks” and find the episode; The Future is Eclectic. Like Toyota, Ed is not buying into the electric vehicles push.

[00:00:00] – Contributor George Kennedy III[00:06:48] – Favorite Three Vehicles of 2023[00:13:00] – 2024 BMW M2[00:20:51] – Contributor Lauren Fix [00:29:22] – Germany Say’s What??
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1h 28min
December 16, 2023 Everyone Has a “Car” Story, Tales From the Garage and Beyond | #560

Alan is joined by BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and voice of reason. The TESLA Cyber truck is still a popular topic of discussion. TESLA filed a recall for over 2 million vehicles due to the auto-pilot feature not doing enough to prevent misuse. This recall includes all Model S, X, 3, and Y vehicles from 2012 to 2023. In other news, Ford announced that they are going to cut their Lightning truck in half. Alan asks about the Chevrolet Silverado EV, which has a range of 450 miles on a full charge and up to 750 horsepower, and BJ thinks it’s nice. The Silverado EV also has a gas-powered drive train. BJ is excited about the 2024 Ram EV Pick-Up, which comes with a backup engine. Alan wonders if that’s a hybrid, and BJ confirms it is. BJ also gives us a “Bull List” of future collectible cars, which includes the Chevrolet Impala SS from 1965-1970, the 1997-2002 Plymouth Prowler, the 1989 Lamborghini Countach, the BMW M3, the Jaguar XKR, the Jeep CJ8 Scrambler from 1981-1986, and the 1964-1966 T-Birds. BJ test-drove a 2024 Mazda 3 with six different trims and drove the top-of-the-line 2.5 T premium plus hatchback. BJ found it to be a fun car to drive, with good fuel economy, a great interior, and smooth, crisp shifts. It looks good, goes well, and is also affordable.

Next up, we have contributor George Kennedy III. He is a co-founder of Cartender.com, and also serves as the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. George regularly contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive. In this segment, George shares his thoughts on the Honda Moto Compacto – an electric city scooter that folds up and can be carried like a suitcase. This scooter can reach speeds of up to 15mph, produces no emissions, and costs less than $1000. George also test drove a Limited 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe – a gas-powered mid-size SUV with two rows of seating. This versatile and comfortable family vehicle comes with all-wheel drive, a 281 Turbocharged engine, a 360-degree parking camera, and many other features. While there were a few minor dislikes such as engine noise upon start-up and shifter design, overall, George gives the Santa Fe a thumbs up.

Alan is hosting a special guest, Rodney Kemerer, who is the author of Tales From the Garage. According to Alan, it is not a coffee table book, but instead, Rodney’s first book which he designed like a car owner’s manual. He talks about his journey of putting the book together, from choosing the font and color palette to make it look attractive and familiar. It is not like any other “Car” guy book, but instead, a compilation of Rodney’s writings over the years of being a journalist. The book is part memoir and part the memories of others. Rodney believes that time is fluid, and material objects stop the flow of time and make you remember specific things that you would not recall if that physical object wasn’t present. He collected emotional memories attached to a car, both unusual and interesting, which he has included in the book.

Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, announced the Best Buy Award winners for 2024. The winners are as follows: the 2024 Toyota Prius for Best New Model, the Honda Civic for Best Compact, 2024 Hyundai Accord for Best Mid-Size, Kia Kona for Best Sub-Compact SUV, Honda CRV for Best Compact SUV, Kia Telluride for Best Mid-Size SUV, 2024 Ford Expedition for Best Full-Size SUV, Ford Maverick for Best Compact Pick-Up, Toyota Tacoma for Best Mid-Size Truck, Toyota Sienna for Best Mini Van, Hyundai Ioniq 5 for Best Electric Car, Ford F150 Lightning for Best Electric Pick-Up, and Kia EV9 for Best Electric SUV. You can find a detailed list of all the winners on kbb.com. In addition to the awards, Brian Moody also shared 10 things renters should know...
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1h 28min
December 03, 2023 Silky and Smooth, the 2024 Lexus LC500 Series, Leaves You Breathless| #559

BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist, and the voice of reason. BJ Killeen talks about the latest automotive news, particularly on electric vehicles. She says that the general public has mixed feelings about them – some love them, while others hate them. However, the government seems to favor them. Volkswagen has announced that its vehicles are no longer competitive, as the cost of producing them is too high. BJ notes that Volkswagen used to have popular cars but not anymore since electric vehicles came to the market. Mazda feels the same way. With Tesla having a 57% share of the electric vehicle market, there is little room left for the rest. Many car dealerships have a high supply of electric vehicles. Consumer Reports suggests that buying electric vehicles may lead to problems. BJ had the opportunity to test drive the 2024 Lexus LC500, and it was perfect. She even joked that this would be the one if she could marry a vehicle. It’s a luxurious sports car convertible, perfect for everyday driving. Three models are available: LC, LC Hybrid, and LC Convertible. The car is low, sleek, and beautiful, with a 5.0L V8 engine that is both powerful and sexy. It can produce up to 471 horsepower and 398 ft-lb of torque, and the shifts are incredibly smooth and silky. The car sounds great, looks fantastic, and drives like a dream.

Karl Brauer is an automotive industry analyst, Forbes Autos contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member, and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com. He recently shared interesting data that shows electric vehicles have lost 33.7% of their value within a year. Karl breaks down the challenges of owning an electric vehicle, from range anxiety to charging anxiety.

Karl Brauer test drove the Maserati Gran Turismo and found it to be a very comfortable high-speed cruiser. The car is available in two versions – the pure electric “The Folgore” and the gas-powered “Nettuno”. It features a V6 engine that provides plenty of power, a beautiful exhaust note, and a gorgeous interior. The starting price for this car is $205,000. For more information about this car, you can visit Forbes Autos.

George Kennedy III is a co-founder of Cartender.com and also serves as the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He is a contributor to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. Recently, George test drove a 2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country and shared his experience.

According to George, the small wagon is fantastic, except for the infotainment system. He says that he would definitely own this car as it offers a ton of space with a stunning and comfortable interior. The car drives great with a mid-tier power train, providing great power on the highway and excellent handling. This sport utility vehicle can accommodate all your gear and family in style, making it a perfect luxury car with its mild hybrid and turbocharged features. Later, the discussion moves on to the 2024 Kia Seltos, a subcompact SUV starting at $24,390. It is an affordable all-wheel-drive SUV with a great infotainment system.

During a discussion about the TESLA Cyber Truck, Alan and Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, share their thoughts. Alan expresses his dislike for the truck, while Brian explains where the dislike comes from. Despite the mixed opinions, TESLA is still the number one electric and luxury car seller in the U.S. and people will continue to buy their cars. For those interested in certified pre-owned luxury vehicles, Autotrader.com offers information on the best luxury certified pre-owned programs. Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volvo provide different tiers of unlimited miles on certified pre-owned vehicles, some with a $0 deductible. Acura, Audi,
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1h 28min
November 25, 2023 Formula 1 Hits The Las Vegas Strip and the L.A. Auto Show Introduces the Next Generation| #558

Alan attended the F1 race in Las Vegas, NV, and starts the show with special guest, Mark Wang – President and Chief Executive Officer at Hilton Grand Vacations. Mark shares how the spirit of experience and hospitality drives the Hilton brand, as people are looking for a connection. Mark loves cars, and his first Formula 1 experience was in 1979 in Long Beach, California. Now, he is attending his 27th Formula 1 race. He believes bringing F1 to Vegas was a wise investment, especially considering the 4000 events that Hilton hosts, having F1 be a part of that experience is phenomenal. Hilton is focused on providing ultimate experiences for customers and members, including access to sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment.

BJ Killeen is an automotive journalist and a voice of reason. The F1 race on the strip has been a nightmare for the locals and workers. However, it brings in around a billion dollars, which is

not all of Vega’s benefits. The Fremont Strip and its surrounding hotels and casinos were mostly quiet as everything was focused on the opposite side of the strip for the event. Max Verstappen, the winner of the F1 race, wasn’t a fan of the location or the track, and his negative commentary and attitude could have been more helpful. BJ also shares that Hot Rod and Motor Trend magazine will be transitioning to quarterly issues instead of monthly ones starting next spring. Magazines have been struggling for years since the rise of the internet. BJ is currently test-driving the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Limited all-wheel drive, the top-of-the-line model priced at $57k. It’s a big vehicle with seven trims and three gas models, with the Platinum Max being the top model. It has seven-passenger seating, and the interior is almost as lovely as the Lexus. The vehicle has excellent ergonomics, a big screen, 11 speakers, 362 horsepower, 400 # ft of torque, and 21 mpg.

Up next is Brian Moody, Executive Editor of AutoTrader.com and KBB.com. Brian attended the L.A. Auto Show where he saw the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5N, the electric version, with an impressive 641 horsepower output. Starting in 2025, you will be able to buy a Hyundai on Amazon and shop dealer inventory. By 2025, all Hyundai cars will have Amazon Alexa software included. The Lucid Gravity SUV, 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Camry are now all hybrid, which is great news for the environment. At the L.A. Auto Show, Brian saw some exciting concept cars, such as the KIA EV4 and KIA EV5, as well as the KIA EV3 and KIA Forte. Brian’s favorite was the Genesis GV80 Coupe, which has impressed him every time he’s driven it. Brian also shared a list of the 10 best-used cars that get at least 40 miles to the gallon. If you’re in the market for a used car, consider the following: the 2017-2022 Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid Blue, which gets an impressive 60 MPG, the Toyota Prius L Echo at 56 MPG, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue at 54 MPG, the 2019-2022 Honda Insite at 52 MPG, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid at 2020-2021 52 MPG, the 2018 Camry Hybrid at 52 MPG, the 2021 Kia Nero SE at 50 MPG, the 2017-2021 Honda Accord Hybrid at 48 MPG, the 2017-2019 Malibu Hybrid at 46 MPG, and the Rav4 Hybrid at 40 MPG.

Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, test drove the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, an electric car, and was impressed with its performance. The synthetic sounds installed in the program were designed to give the driver the experience of an exhaust, which was well-designed and highly creative. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has suggested several measures to curb speeding, including speed limiters, more severe penalties, and more restrictions. They propose that if a driver exceeds the speed limit, their steering wheel and seat will vibrate, and lights will flash to alert them.
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1h 28min

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