Beginning our show is George Kennedy III – is a co-founder of Cartender.com, and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive. George is driving the new 2024 Jeep 4xE, a plug-in hybrid with 375 horsepower and 470 LB feet of torque. The electric boost allows for low-speed cruising on the trail using the electric power. The four by E Wrangler plug in hybrid is expensive but has great fuel efficiency, towing capacity, and power outlets. It allows owners to test out electric driving and become familiar with the charging process. This can make it easier for them to transition to an electric vehicle in the future. George also was impressed with the 2024 Honda Ridgeline comes with a V6 3.5 liter 280 horsepower powertrain, which is the same as the one used in almost all vehicles in the Honda lineup. This engine has enough power to handle towing and is well-paired with the chassis. It is great to have a V6 engine in a vehicle this size, as a turbo 4 might struggle without the perfect transmission tuning. The starting price of the Honda Ridgeline is around $38,000, which is slightly higher than the average for small trucks, but this vehicle stands apart from the rest.

Brian Moody, Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, explains that a software-defined vehicle is a car that can add new features or functionality through software updates without additional hardware upgrades. IBM is one of the companies leading the way in this field. Building a software-defined vehicle requires creating an infrastructure that includes cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data interactions with the car. Without the software or the operating system in place, the car won’t work. In other news, General Motors is one of the companies in the running to build the lunar terrain vehicle as the US plans to return to the moon by 2030. The new Hummer electric vehicle may have solar panels, and GM’s altium platform may play a part in this. The recent New York auto show showcased some interesting new car concepts, including the new Nissan Kicks and the new Genesis concept car. Brian compared Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-90 and concluded that Mazda CX-90 is impressive overall in terms of ride handling, interior materials, exterior look, color choices, and technology. Both cars start under $40,000, and the Mazda CX-90 has a straight six engine and all-wheel drive as standard, which is quite impressive.

In a recent interview with automotive journalist Steven Cole Smith, it was revealed that the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is set to make a return. Although it has not been officially confirmed by Chevrolet, it is expected to arrive this summer with around 850 horsepower. This is set to make it the fastest Corvette until the rumored Zora arrives, which is rumored to have a whopping 1000 horsepower. The Zora has not been officially confirmed by Chevrolet, but there is a lot of speculation surrounding its release. Steven  discusses the upcoming Long Beach Grand Prix race and notes that there won’t be any Corvette racing, as the GT Daytona cars with non-professional drivers are on the lineup. The aim is to keep the field small because the track is tight, with a length of barely a mile and a half. Stephen also mentions that a total of 27 cars will be racing, including prototypes and various sports cars. The Martinsville race, a NASCAR event held on a small track in Virginia, has a history of nearly 50 years. Another popular NASCAR event is the Talladega race. Recently, Rick Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports were recognized for their victory at this race four decades ago, which helped establish their reputation. At the time, Hendrick had no sponsorship and only one race left to prove himself. Against all odds, his team emerged victorious, earning him a $50,000 sponsorship. This marked the beginning of Hendrick Motorsports, which has since grown into a thriving car company and dealership.

Lauren Fix -Editor-In-Chief of CarCoachReports.com, closes the show with Alan as she discusses how electric vehicle charging stations are vulnerable to cyber-attacks that could compromise sensitive information. Charging stations connected to the internet may not have proper firewalls in place to protect against attacks. Public charging stations that require payment could also be vulnerable to skimming devices. It’s important for electric vehicle owners to be cautious and take appropriate measures to protect their information. Lauren has also recently test-driven the new Toyota 4Runner, which has been around for 40 years and has a loyal following. There are seven different trim levels, including the TRD Pro, Trail Hunter, and Platinum Edition. The vehicle comes with two hybrid engine options – a turbocharged 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine and the I-Force Max engine, which is paired with a 48 horsepower electric motor. The Trail Hunter is designed for deep water and has a full skin plate underneath, rubber floor mats, and gold accents in the interior. One unique feature of the Trail Hunter is the 20 inch LED light bar across he front from Rigid and Rigid fog lights. It can tow up to 6,000 pounds and rides on 33 inch Toyo all-terrain tires. Lauren is impressed with the hybrid option for the 4Runner and also mentioned that the new Land Cruiser is also hybrid. She thinks it’s a brilliant move and hopes that more vehicles will follow suit.

[00:00:00] – Contributor George Kennedy III
[00:07:33] – 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
[00:13:00] – 2024 Honda Ridgeline
[00:20:51] – Contributor Brian Moody
[00:30:22] – Concept Cars
[00:37:21] – Mazda X-90
[00:44:11] – Contributor Stephen Cole Smith
[00:51:24] – GT Daytona
[00:57:10] – Martinsville Race
[01:05:00] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[01:15:50] – 2024 Toyota 4Runner
[01:21:30] – I Spy!

CREDITS

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

Contributor: George Kennedy III

Contributor: Brian Moody

Contributor: Stephen Cole Smith

Contributor: Lauren Fix

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:  George Kennedy| Co-founder of Cartender.com, and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive.
• Contributor: Stephen Cole Smith | Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports.

Vehicles Discussed:

2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, 2024 Honda Ridgeline, Ford Explorer, Mazda CX90, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2024 Toyota 4Runner

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

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

The post Ain’t No Mountain High Enough for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe | #570 appeared first on THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor.

Lauren Fix shared her experience with Alan Taylor at the New York International Auto Show and made it clear that people should not be forced to buy electric cars. She believes that electric vehicles are not practical for everyone as they take a long time to charge, and fast chargers are limited, causing inconvenience. Lauren recommends leasing hybrids as they are becoming more efficient and warns about the costly problems that arise with cars over three years old. She suggests that the government’s goal of having 100% electric vehicles on the road by 2032 is not realistic, and people should not be misled by it.

Karl Brauer is an automotive industry analyst, Forbes Autos contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, board member, and executive analyst for ISeeCars.com.  is up next, as he drove the 2024 Lexus IS 500 has a V8 engine, which is rare for its category. It’s an emotional, emoting exhaust system V8 compact luxury sedan and a direct competitor to the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C Class. The car has 472 horsepower and 395 lbs-ft torque, going from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. A study by ISEECARS.com identified one-year-old cars with the biggest and smallest savings from new. The study found that cars lose approximately 40% of their value in the first three years. However, buying a one-year-old car with 13,000 miles on it can save you up to 48% off the new car price. The study shows that the Mercedes-Benz EQ S lost 47.8% of its value after one year, making it the car with the biggest savings.

At the New York Auto Show, George Kennedy III, co-founder of Cartender.com, and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive and Alan admired the 2025 Mustang GTD, a supercar with a powerful 800 horsepower engine and advanced features usually found in high-end cars. George also highlighted the Corvette E Ray, a hybrid Corvette with electric power in the front wheels, and enjoyed the modified vehicles showcased downstairs. Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia had significant exhibitions at the show, with Genesis showcasing their Berlinetta concept and the magma line. George is currently test driving the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Electric Sedan, which has won multiple awards and boasts a sleek design, spacious back seat area, an impressive range of up to 361 miles, and fast-charging capabilities.

At the New York Auto Show, Brian Moody, Executive Editor of Auto Trader and KBB, was impressed by the Genesis brand showcased by Hyundai Motor Group. He believes Genesis has the best overall lineup in the auto industry, with sharp-looking cars that are receiving positive feedback. The show featured a mix of impressive concept cars and other innovative vehicles, including gas, hybrid, and electric cars. Autotrader has Raptor trucks for sale, but they can be costly. A used car study by Kelley Blue Book found that listing prices are down by 3% compared to last year, with 2.27 million unsold used cars across the country, and used cars priced above $35,000 are selling the fastest.

[00:00:00] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[00:07:20] – Hybrid vs. Plug-In
[00:13:00] – Infotainment System and Beyond
[00:20:51] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[00:30:58] – ISeeCars.com Study
[00:37:22] – Car Art with Ted7
[00:44:11] – Contributor George Kennedy
[00:51:13] – New York Auto Show
[00:57:12] – Hyundai Ioniq 6
[01:05:02] – Contributor Brian Moody
[01:14:43] – Raptors for Sale
[01:21:32] – Listing Prices Down

CREDITS

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

Contributor: Lauren Fix

Contributor: Karl Brauer

Contributor: George Kennedy

Contributor: Brian Moody

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:  George Kennedy| Co-founder of Cartender.com, and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive.
• Contributor: Karl Brauer | Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com.

Vehicles Discussed:

2024 Lexus IS 500, 2025 Toyota Prius, 2025 Ford Explorer, 2025 Kia Carnival, Mercedes-Benz EQ S, Nissan leaf, Jaguar F, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Volkswagen ID 4, Nissan Murano, 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, Corvette E-Ray, Ford Ranger Raptor

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

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

The post The Magnificent 2024 Lexus IS 500 is Sleek and Powerful | #569 appeared first on THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor.

Alan celebrates 25 years of reveals for Live’s Auto Week, on stage with Kelly & Mark. This reveal features the newest Rugged & Refined from several top automakers for the New York International Auto Show.

The post 25 Years of Reveals -Rugged & Refined appeared first on THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor.

Alan celebrates 25 years of reveals for Live’s Auto Week, on stage with Kelly & Mark. This reveal features the newest Family Vehicles from several top automakers for the New York International Auto Show.

The post 25 Years of Reveals- Family Cars appeared first on THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor.

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.

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, but it won’t replace F-series trucks, Silverado’s, or Rams due to the lack of configurations. He thinks that all trucks should have the electric Tonneau cover option like the Cybertruck. Hybrid cars are an excellent option for saving money and polluting less. You can find affordable options on AutoTrader like the Ford Escape, Ford Fusion, Honda Civic, Honda Insight, Lexus CT, Lincoln MKZ, and Camry Hybrid. Brian shares a tidbit that Kelley Blue Book’s five-year cost-to-own tool helps you choose a car in a specific segment. The 2024 Subaru Ascent is the top pick for a mid-size SUV and crossover, expected to cost just over $47,000 over five years. The BMW M3 is the top performer, but it will cost $111,000 to own and operate over five years. The Hyundai Palisade is the second lowest-cost to own and operate at $51,300. Check kbb.com to calculate your out-of-pocket expenses.

[00:00:00] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[00:07:00] – Prologue
[00:13:01] – Best Used Cars
[00:20:51] – Contributor George Kennedy III
[00:30:42] – 2024 Acura TLX type S
[00:37:22] – Honda Reputation
[00:44:13] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[00:50:28] – Chicago Auto Show
[00:57:15] – Contributor Brian Moody
[01:05:05] – Tesla Cybertruck
[01:13:03] – Affordable Options on AutoTrader
[01:21:36] – Kelley Blue Book’s five-year cost-to-own tool

CREDITS

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

Contributor: George Kennedy III
Contributor: Lauren Fix
Contributor: Karl Brauer Contributor: Brian Moody

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

• Contributor: George Kennedy III |  is a co-founder of Cartender.com, and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive
• Contributor: Lauren Fix | Editor-In-Chief, CarCoachReports.com..
• Contributor: Karl Brauer | Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com
• Contributor: Brian Moody | Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com.

Vehicles Discussed:

Chevrolet Trax, Honda Fit, Honda Insight, Buick Encore, and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. 2024 Acura TLX type S, Dodge Demon 170, Chevrolet Blazer EV , Cadillac Lyric, 2025 Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, Ford Fusion, Honda Civic, Honda Insight, Lexus CT, Lincoln MKZ, and Camry Hybrid

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

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

The post Honda Keeps The Competition On Their Toes With The New 2024 Acura TLX Type S | #566 appeared first on THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor.

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. They believe every Jeep that leaves their shop is unique and built to last, with hundreds of restorations under their belt. A few cars they will be selling is, a 67 Corvette Elkhart blue till Stinger restore mode, and Alex Bowling’s 70 Restomod Challenger, which he built over five years. Their highlight of the week – their 488 Ferrari Challenge race car.

Richard Norris, the owner of Rapid Dry Towels, used to work on Wall Street but now he’s in the car detailing business. As a child, he struggled to find a towel that would dry his parents’ car without having to stop and wring it out. The synthetic shammy would leave streaks and residue, so Richard decided to develop a fabric that would solve this problem. He found that off-the-shelf microfiber towels from South Korea and China were not designed for proper drying, so he created his own fabric that is now two generations ahead of anyone else who makes microfiber. The fabric was designed to be flat, so that water wouldn’t sit on the car and create streaks.

Joe Petralia from Rare Performance Motorcars talks to Alan about the auction in Scottsdale. He sold and bought two pieces: a motorcycle and a car. They discuss the market and how it’s slightly off from last year. He mentions that original, unrestored cars are super strong right now. They talk about the upcoming auction in October and how it’s good for setting up the groundwork for the big event in January. They also talk about the charity car they sold for the Chip Miller Foundation for $220,000.

Next up is Chris Smith, Founder and CEO of Mr. Smith LLC, shared how the pandemic affected the collector car hobby. Shipping delays from the US to the UK led to warehouses being filled with cars, causing financial difficulties for some dealerships. Clients in the UK still face challenges, and Chris has observed that the hobby seems to be growing every year.

Alan’s final guest is Gary Patterson, President of Shelby. They discuss the speech he gave about a program called the Youth Initiative. He did a great job, but he acknowledged that a lot of it is about building relationships, being the go-to person, and taking ownership. They also talked about the movie Ford vs Ferrari, which many auto enthusiasts have seen. In this movie, key characters like Carol Shelby and Henry Ford were shown, but it was the engineers, drivers, and all the people behind the scenes that made the race win. Therefore, Gary’s advice to those people was to build relationships as they build their career and be the go-to person to gain respect and succeed.

Closing the show today with Alan is BJ Killeen, a contributor, automotive journalist, and voice of reason, She’s here to give a little recap of the highlights of Barret Jackson. During the show, a custom built race Hummer was sold for an astronomical amount of $825,000. The highest selling car was a 56 Gullwing Mercedes 300SL that was sold for $3.41 million. The second highest was a 2000 Bugatti Veyron that went for $2.97 million. Other notable mentions include a 37 Mercedes-Benz 540K special roadster that went for $2.42 million and a Ferrari F-12 that sold for $1.34 million. The GT4 GT 2019 went for $1.375 million. However, the Ferrari LaFerrari, which belonged to Sammy Hagar and had a reserve on it, did not sell. The pre-war vehicles did not sell for as much as the muscle cars did, but they were still sold for a lot of money.

Vin 0001 Dark Horse sold for $350,000, and a 69 COPO Yenko Camaro sold for $330,000. The 2005 Bentley Continental GT sold for $33,000, a great deal. The Buick Invicta won the Jackson Cup. Dodge Demons sold for $176,000 and $275,000. Also, a little tidbit before BJ goes: Ford will continue building the Mustang. Hyundai, Toyota, and BMW are moving towards hydrogen vehicles. Alan reminds everyone that Barrett Jackson is happening again in Scottsdale from October 10 to 13.

[00:00:00] – Mark Valentino
[00:07:07] – Rick Malone
[00:13:00] – Cameron Foremaster
[00:20:50] – Jeff Taylor
[00:30:17] – Phil Smunt
[00:37:21] – Dennis Collins
[00:44:11] – Richard Norris
[00:51:27] – Joe Patralia
[00:57:12] – Christ Smith
[01:05:02] – Gary Patterson
[01:14:35] – Contributor BJ Killeen
[01:21:31] – Barrett-Jackson Highlights

CREDITS

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

Special Guest: Mark Valentino
Special Guest: Rick Malone
Special Guest: Cameron Foremaster

Special Guest: Jeff Taylor

Special Guest: Phil Smunt

Special Guest: Dennis Collins

Special Guest: Richard Norris

Special Guest: Joe Petralia

Special Guest: Chris Smith

Special Guest: Gary Patterson

Contributor: BJ Killeen

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

• Special Guest: Mark Valentino | Director of Development at Radford Racing School
• Special Guest: Rick Malone | Head instructor of the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School at Spring Mountain
• Special Guest: Cameron Foremaster
• Special Guest: Jeff Taylor | Founder and CEO of Rover Trophy
• Special Guest: Phil Smunt | Sales Manager at Roadster Shop
• Special Guest: Dennis Collins | President at Collins Brothers Jeep
• Special Guest: Richard Norris | Founder at Rapid Dry Towels
• Special Guest: Joe Petralia | Rare Performance Motorcars
• Special Guest: Chris Smith | Found and CEO of Mr. Smith LLC
• Special Guest: Gary Patterson | President of Shelby American.
• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason

Vehicles Discussed:

2023 Dodge Demon 170, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette, 1971 Z28, 1970 challenger RT 446, C8 Corvette, 1967 Corvette Elkhart Stingray, Alex Bowling’s 1970 Restomod Challenger,

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

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

The post They’re Back, the 2024 Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona| #565 appeared first on THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor.

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.com. Before closing the show, Alan shares some exciting news about his 2023 Dodge Demon 170, he has received the delivery of the vehicle, and Karl is also expected to get his soon. With 1020 horsepower, this car offers unparalleled performance. “What’s old is new again,” says Alan.

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen
[00:06:47] – Barrett-Jackson 2024
[00:13:00] – 2023 Hyundai Palisades SUV
[00:20:51] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[00:29:49] – Weather vs Whether
[00:37:21] – Peace of Mind
[00:44:11] – Contributor George Kennedy
[00:50:48] – 2024 BMW Z4 Convertible
[00:57:12] – How To Weather The Cold
[01:05:01] – Contributor Karl Bauer
[01:13:58] – Cheapest Car with the Longest Life
[01:21:31] – What’s Old Is New Again

CREDITS

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

Contributor: BJ Killeen
Contributor: Lauren Fix
Contributor: George Kennedy III

Contributor: Karl Brauer

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason
• Contributor: Lauren Fix | Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports.carcoachreports.com
• Contributor: George Kennedy III |  co-founder of Cartender.com, and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive. https://www.cartender.com/
• Contributor: Karl Brauer | Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com.

Vehicles Discussed:

2024 BMW Z4 Convertible, 2023 Dodge Demon 170, 2024 BMW M40i, Mitsubishi Mirage, Honda Accord, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

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

The post Raising Your Pulse with the 2024 BMW Z4 Convertible| #564 appeared first on THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor.

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 services like fuel, EV charging, or even invoices at brick and mortar stores without requiring a credit card. This technology creates a one-touch payment experience for drivers and helps create an identity for their vehicles.

BJ Killeen – an automotive journalist and the Voice of Reason – joined Alan in wrapping up the show. They shared their thoughts on the highlights of the 2024 CES event, where technology once again proved its mind-boggling capabilities. One notable innovation is Amazon’s partnership with a car manufacturer that offers language technology to explain all the features of the car, similar to a virtual user manual. Alan was impressed by a flying car, while BJ was fascinated by the Xpeng AeroHT eVTOL, a flying supercar that doubles as a personal transport vehicle and offers an extended range for electric vehicles. They also discussed the “See Beyond Tires” from GoodYear, which provides drivers with real-time information about their tires, the road conditions, and the need for air, among other things. LG and Amazon are also making strides in the car industry.

[00:00:00] – Special Guest Scott Bocarnick
[00:07:22] – Virtual Environment
[00:13:00] – Robotic Ramen Kitchen
[00:20:51] – Special Guest Stefano Genco
[00:27:48] – Move Over James Bond
[00:37:21] – Special Guest Chris Sheldrick
[00:43:42] – Special Guest Troy Aberle
[00:50:59] – Imperial Tractor
[00:56:42] – Special Guest Luke Aberle
[01:04:32] – Special Guest Sterling Pratz
[01:15:22] – Contributor BJ Killeen
[01:21:02] – The Future Is Here

CREDITS

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

Special Guest: Scott Bocarnick
Special Guest: Stefano Genco
Special Guest: Chris Sheldrick

Special Guest: Troy Aberle

Special Guest: Luke Aberle

Special Guest: Sterling Pratz

Contributor: BJ Killeen

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason
• Special Guest: Scott Bocarnick | Policy and Executive Communications Specialist at Consumer Technology Association
• Special Guest: Stefano Genco | Global Head of Super Audio and Nuance Audio at EssilorLuxottica.
• Special Guest: Chris Sheldrick | Cofounder of What Three Words
• Special Guest: Troy Aberle | Former Sales Man for John Deere
• Special Guest: Luke Aberle | YouTube Influencer.
• Special Guest: Sterling Pratz |  Chief Executive Officer at Car IQ.

Vehicles Discussed:

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

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

The post The Future Is Here | #563 appeared first on THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor.

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 Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: Karl Brauer
Contributor: BJ Killeen
Contributor: Brian Moody

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

• Contributor: Karl Brauer | Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American
• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason
• Contributor: Brian Moody | Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com

Vehicles Discussed:

2024 Lexus RX350, 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, 2023 BMW M2, 2023 Toyota Prius, 2023 McClaren Arturas, 2024 Chevrolet Corvette ERay, 2023  Kia EV6, Porsche 911 Correia T, Chevrolet Tracks, 2023 Toyota Tundra, 2023 Toyota Tacoma, 2023 Tesla model X, 2023 Ford Bronco, 2023 Chevrolet Corvette, 2023 Toyota Forerunner, 2023 Honda Civic, 2023 Ford Maverick, 2023 Subaru Cross Trek, 2023 Jeep Wrangler

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

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

The post The Exhilarating 2023 Lexus RX350 Crafted For Performance | #562 appeared first on THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor.