INTRODUCING THE ELECTRIFIED 2024 HONDA PROLOGUE | #586

In the latest segment of “The Drive,” Josh Hancock, a prominent car consultant in Hollywood, shared an intriguing anecdote about a colleague’s penchant for a Ford Raptor pickup truck, despite owning an array of high-end vehicles such as Aston Martins, Bentleys, Porsches, and a Land Rover Defender. This sheds light on a discernible shift in Hollywood’s automotive preferences, akin to the past trend of owning black-painted 1996-1999 Impala SS cars. Furthermore, the discussion delved into the current dynamics in Hollywood, with initial adopters of the cyber truck now reconsidering their choices. This shift is attributed to limited visibility, prompting some owners to contemplate selling their vehicles after a short ownership period. The discourse also encompassed the surging demand and prices for high-performance trucks like the Ford Raptor R and the launch edition TRX, along with comparing the V6 twin-turbo in the Ford Raptor and the TRX’s weighty front end. Ford’s strategic offering of both V6 and V8 options was admirable.

Next up is Karl Brauer, 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, discusses Wayne Gerdes, a hypermiling expert who achieved a world record by driving a traditional Toyota Prius from Los Angeles to New York City and achieving 93.1 miles per gallon. Notably, Gerdes accomplished this without using a plug-in hybrid and was certified by an external agency. He employed various techniques such as driving on smoother pavement and timing stoplights to achieve such remarkable fuel efficiency. During a test drive, Karl evaluated the Volvo EX90, an all-electric three-row SUV with a base cost of $80,000. Volvo also outlined its plans for the XC90, the gasoline or hybrid version of the car, and the reinvestment in updating the vehicle. The EX90 offers a spacious interior with three rows of seating and an advanced driver assist system. However, Karl observed that the interior materials, while initially appearing high-quality, felt more like high-grade plastic upon closer inspection. The new Volvo XC90 electric is an all-electric three-row SUV with 510 horsepower, capable of accelerating from zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds. It boasts a roomy and serene interior, achieved through meticulous efforts to minimize noise, even by electric car standards. The vehicle features a 111 kWh battery pack, providing approximately 300 miles of range before requiring a recharge. However, the standard panoramic glass roof without a sliding shade may not be universally appealing, particularly to individuals seeking greater protection from sun exposure. Some express a preference for a solid panel over a full glass roof due to concerns about sun exposure, added weight, and a higher center of gravity associated with a glass roof. It is acknowledged that the desirability of panoramic roofs is a matter of personal preference.

George Kennedy III is up, he is the 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 here to talk about the 2024 Honda Prologue which is a collaboration between Honda and General Motors. It is built in the General Motors Mexico facility, where the Blazer EV is also produced. The Prologue features a blend of Honda and General Motors components, including a Honda touchscreen and certain buttons with a GM feel. Some buttons are left blank, a practice known as “poverty buttons,” which is more common with General Motors vehicles. The Prologue comes with Apple CarPlay, unlike some General Motors electric vehicles, which do not offer it to promote their own infotainment system. Based on the Prologue, the Blazer EV offers a range of 273-296 miles depending on the trim and has quick DC fast charging capabilities. Both the Prologue and the Blazer EV offer comfortable driving experiences, with the Prologue having a more conservative design compared to the sportier Blazer EV.

Alan quickly responds to the criticism of his non-electric vehicle, noting that despite government efforts, there is limited adoption of electric cars in the current market. Consumer concerns regarding unfamiliar technology and a preference for traditional controls are evident. Major automakers have adapted their electrification strategies based on market feedback, emphasizing the impact of consumer behavior on industry decisions. Consumer choices will play a significant role in shaping the future of automotive propulsion systems.

Steven Cole Smith , the editor-in-chief of Car Coach Reports, provided an update on the motorsport world. Steven discussed the recent IndyCar race in Nashville, where Colton Herta won, and the overall championship victory for Alex Palou. The conversation then shifted to NHRA, with a focus on John Force’s recovery from an injury. They acknowledged Force’s legendary status in NHRA and speculated about his potential retirement. The discussion also touched on Tony Stewart’s performance and prospects at the upcoming four-wide nationals in Charlotte. Wrapping it up, Steven discusses the decline of local racing due to the rise of pay-per-view events. The owner of Ocala Speedway in Florida laments that people are choosing to watch races from the comfort of their homes rather than attending local tracks. He believes that the shift to pay-per-view is hurting the local racing scene, making it difficult for tracks to sustain themselves financially. The owner expresses concern about the future of racing tracks, both dirt and paved, and urges people to support their local tracks to prevent them from disappearing. Additionally, the impact of the economy on people’s ability to attend races is highlighted, with rising gas prices and overall economic strain making it challenging for racing fans to afford to attend events in person. Well that’s all for today folks, join us on our next episode with the latest automotive news. Ciao!

[00:00:00] – Contributor Josh Hancock
[00:05:55] – Cybertruck, Cyberflunk
[00:12:30] – Ford Raptor R vs the TRX
[00:19:20] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[00:28:41] – The Volvo EX90
[00:36:21] – Personal Preference
[00:42:10] – Contributor George Kennedy III
[00:49:13] – Who’s Sleeping With Who?
[00:55:41] – 2024 Honda Prologue
[01:02:30] – Contributor Alan Taylor
[01:09:48] – Contributor Steven Cole Smith
[01:18:30] – Cost of Pay Per View vs Cost of Tickets

Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Josh Hancock
Contributor: Karl Brauer
Contributor: George Kennedy III

Contributor: Steven Cole Smith

• Contributor: Josh Hancock | Hollywood Car Consultant
• 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.
• 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: Steven Cole Smith |  Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports.

Vehicles Discussed:

2024 Honda Prologue, Ford Raptor R, Volvo EX90, Toyota Prius, Blazer EV

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

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