S2E43: Nissan Frontier; Is this the Truck of the Year?

Total Car Score Podcast - Trailer: The Total Car Score podcast, hosted by three automotive industry veterans with over 60 years combined experience, covers a wide range of automotive topics, including new car reviews, shopping guidance, buying advice and news stories impacting the automotive marketplace. Karl Brauer has served as the Editor in Chief at Edmunds.com and Executive Publisher of Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. He’s regularly interviewed by The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News and CNBC. Lauren Fix, known as The Car Coach, is an established television and radio personality with over 30 years experience in the auto industry as a journalist, consumer advocate, and race car driver. She was Oprah’s Auto Expert and is currently a regular contributor and reporter to Fox News, CNN, Inside Edition, and the Weather Channel Javier Mota, has covered the automotive industry for over 20 years, reporting for numerous outlets including Univision, Telemundo, S by Total Car Score

3 min listen

S1E4 - Total Car Score Podcast: In this episode, the Total Car Score crew discuss future performance upgrades for the Bronco, Raptor and Wrangler, the pros and cons of electric cars, smart tips on buying or leasing, and what they think of the new 2021 Kia K5, Nissan Sentra and Polestar 2. by Total Car Score

39 min listen

S2E17: Does Hyundai have another 1-2 punch for SUV and Truck of the Year with the new Tucson and Santa Cruz?: In this episode Lauren, Karl and Javier travel to Tucson, Arizona to drive the 4th. generation Tucson SUV and to take the first look at the all new Sport Adventure Vehicle Santa Cruz. We talk with designer Bradley Arnold about the first pickup truck from Hyundai and to Product Manager, Trevor Lai, about the 4th. generation Tucson. by Total Car Score

35 min listen

S2E10: Exclusive interview with Hyundai´s José Muñoz: José Muñoz, Hyundai Motor Company’s Global Chief Operating Officer, headlines this week at Total Car Score. Mr. Muñoz provides world-exclusive news about Hyundai’s future product plans, including the long-awaited launch of the automaker’s first U.S.-market pickup truck, the next Hyundai to receive the brand’s performance “N” treatment, and how the automaker managed to actually grow sales during a global pandemic. After speaking with Joes Munoz it’s easy to understand why he's one of the auto industry’s most powerful and successful leaders. by Total Car Score

35 min listen

S1E5 - Total Car Score Podcast: In this episode Javier, Karl and Lauren discuss the latest efforts to make electric cars go mainstream, the pandemic´s impact on auto shows and the challenges manufacturers face when engineering “that new car smell” by Total Car Score

40 min listen

S1E2 - Total Car Score Podcast: Total Car Score’s premier episode provides a background on each of the hosts, Karl Brauer, Lauren Fix and Javier Mota. The three automotive veterans discuss the all-new 2021 Ford Bronco, Cadillac’s current challenges, medical concerns around EVs, and the stylish new Lexus LC 500 convertible by Total Car Score

36 min listen

S1E6 - Total Car Score Podcast - Premier Episode: The premier episode of Total Car Score introduces the three hosts, Lauren Fix, Javier Mota and Karl Brauer, as they discuss industry challenges during the pandemic, the launch of new models like the Genesis G80, the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Bronco, and California’s 2035 EV mandate. The hosts also discuss recent test cars they’ve experienced in the process of identifying the 2021 North American Car, SUV and Truck of the Year, a process they’ll continue to chronicle until the winners are announced in January. by Total Car Score

35 min listen

S1E17 - The bright past, present and future of Volvo: This week’s Total Car Score episode is a deep dive on Volvo, including an interview with Volvo’s National Media Relations Manager, Russell Datz. We talk to Russell about Volvo’s history of safety — they invented the seat belts we all wear today. We also discuss Volvo’s future as an increasingly tech-savvy automaker while continuing to leverage tech to remain a leader in safety. We also touch on Volvo’s new electric vehicle division, Polestar. by Total Car Score

36 min listen

S1E7 - A tribute to John Lamm and a review of the 2021 North American Car, Utility Vehicle and Truck of the Year Awards Semifinalists: This week’s episode is dedicated to John Lamm, a talented and widely-respected journalist within the automotive community. Javier, Lauren and Karl discuss John’s long and impressive history as a writer and photographer for a wide array of automotive publications. The three hosts also review the 2021 candidates for North American Car, Utility Vehicle and Truck of the Year semifinalists. This episode was recorded in the midst of Javier, Lauren and Karl testing the candidates in Michigan, and they offer first-hand impressions of each vehicle. by Total Car Score

40 min listen

S1E11 - What (didn´t) happen in Las Vegas, stays …. On a Zoom Call!: In this episode the hosts discuss the cancellation of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and the Consumers Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Karl shares his first true experience with the 2020 Land Rover Defender; Lauren had fun with the 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Javier set up the 2020 Audi RS7 as Christmas decorations on his driveway. Finally, Lauren Fix talks about the present crisis and grim future of Auto Shows with Paul Brian, who used to run the Public Relations Department of the Chicago Auto Show. by Total Car Score

42 min listen

S1E3 - Total Car Score Podcast: In this episode Karl, Lauren and Javier talk about missing their favorite events like Pebble Beach Car Week and JavierÂ´Â´ annual ski trip to Chile. Karl talks about the socially-distanced 2021 Honda Odyssey in California, Lauren gives her review on the 2021 Genesis G80 and Genesis GV80. by Total Car Score

35 min listen

S2E1: Welcome to 2021! What should we expect of the New Year?: We kick off 2021 with a special Total Car Score podcast. Joining the regular crew of Lauren, Javier and Karl are three industry heavy hitters. They include Anton Wahlman — an experienced auto and technology analyst with regular columns in Seeking Alpha, Michael Harley — former editor in chief of Kelley Blue Book and an experienced premium and performance car expert, and Paul Brian, who managed the Chicago Auto Show for many years and continues to cover the industry for multiple outlets. With six personalities discussing everything from how the pandemic impacted the industry in 2020 to which car they’d want to drive across the country, there’s something for everyone in this week’s Total Car Score episode. by Total Car Score

38 min listen

S1E12 - What does a new administration mean for the automotive industry?: We start with a discussion of the ongoing challenges around selling cars amid a global pandemic, continue with a discussion of what a (possible) Biden administration means to the car industry, and finish with a Q&A with Olabisi Boyle, Vice President, Product Planning and Mobility Strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. There’s a lot happening at Hyundai right now, and Olabisi provides a deep dive on what’s driving the automaker, where the company is headed and what it plans to accomplish regarding performance, advanced technology and environmental goals. by Total Car Score

36 min listen

S1E18 - The final show of 2020! NACTOY Awards finalists, new jobs in the automotive industry and the future of insurance: In this episode we examine the list of finalists for the 2021 Northamerican Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year and offer predictions for the winners in each category. Lauren interviews Scott Trainor of USA Motor Jobs to give the audience ideas about new jobs in the automotive industry. Javier talks about the future of auto insurance and Karl is just happy that 2020 is finally over! by Total Car Score

43 min listen

S1E8 - A party in Fort Lauderdale for the 2020 Maserati MC20, a real Test Drive of the 2021 Lexus IS 350 and winter driving advice: This week’s Total Car Score podcast looks as Corvette production problems, with the hosts discussing additional production delays for the 2020 C8 Corvette, as well as reports of shattering wheels on the previous-generation C7 Corvette. Lauren, Javier and Karl also note the slow return of automotive media events as 2020 winds down. Javier partied with other journalists in Miami for the debut of the 2020 Maserati MC20 super sports car and Karl and Lauren have recently attended their first press events in months. Finally, a discussion of the new 2021 Lexus IS is followed by Lauren’s advice on how to prepare your car for the colder months ahead. by Total Car Score

38 min listen

S1E9 - Hummer is back with 1,000 HP and 100% electric power train; Hyundai keeps moving up: This week’s episode looks at the revival of the Hummer brand as a premium, high-tech, pure electric vehicle. With over 1,000 horsepower and a zero-to-60 time in 3 seconds, the new Hummer will be one of the most capable trucks available when it arrives in 2022. The hosts discuss another high-performance truck that’s hitting showrooms much sooner — the 700-horsepower 2021 Ram 1500 TRX. Finally, Javier, Lauren and Karl comment on how Hyundai managed to grow its brand value in 2020 when nearly every automotive brand lost value as a result of reduced sales during the global pandemic. by Total Car Score

37 min listen

S1E14 - Thank you, thank you, thank you!: In this week’s episode the hosts discuss what they’re thankful for, both in terms of the overall auto industry along with which specific model, from automotive history, each host is most thankful for. Javier, Karl and Lauren also analyze the recent Consumer Reports vehicle rankings, noting Mazda’s first-ever number one placement. The show ends with an interview with Erich Heuschele, Dodge/SRT Driving Dynamics Chief Engineer, who discusses the latest SRT products, including the new 700-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT. by Total Car Score

39 min listen

S1E15 - We have another election soon!: Our final debate before the vote for the 2021 NACTOY Awards and it seems we like ... This week’s Total Car Score hosts discuss the upcoming North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year voting, with each of them identifying their personal predictions for which vehicles will win. This includes a deep dive into the all-new 2021 Ford F-150, the Land Rover Defender, Ram TRX and Mustang Mach-E. Other important models the hosts feel have a chance to win include the Genesis G80 and GV80, the Acura TLX, the Nissan Sentra and Rogue and the Kia K5, all of which are discussed in this episode. by Total Car Score

36 min listen

S2E9: What does this have to do with cars?: In this episode we interview Wendy Orthman, Infiniti´s Global Communications Manager about living and working under lock down in Yokohama for the past year. We also take a look at the new car reveals of the week — Kia Carnival, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Hyundai’s IONIQ 5. by Total Car Score

37 min listen

S1E10 - Is the 100% eléctric GMC Hummer EV going to kill anything?: This Total Car Score episode features the concept of “killer cars” — or cars engineered to take on, or even eliminate, an existing, successful model. The three hosts discuss the new GMC Hummer as a challenger to Tesla and the history of luxury sedans trying to take on the BMW 3 Series. There’s also a deep-dive into the challenge of driving a car at a race track, with each of the hosts sharing personal experience with drivers that didn’t meet this challenge.... Finally, the hosts discuss their recent opportunities to drive high performance cars like the Ford GT, the Ferrari Roma and the new McLaren 765LT. by Total Car Score

46 min listen

S1E13 - (Not) Live from the LA Auto Show!: This week’s Total Car Score episode looks at the ongoing challenge of launching all-new vehicles like the Honda Civic and Subaru BRZ during a global pandemic. Karl discusses his 1,000-mile road trip in a 150,000-mile Chevrolet Malibu. Lauren laments life in a locked-down New York, and Javier celebrates his opportunity to drive the all-new Ford F-150 and Chrysler Pacifica — because they may be the last press trips any of us attend due to the newest round of pandemic restrictions. Finally, we have two interviews on this episode, one with Travis Calhoun, the F-150’s marketing manager, and the other with Chris Benjamin, Head of Interior design on the Chrysler Pacifica. by Total Car Score

43 min listen

S1E1 - Total Car Score Podcast.: Javier, Karl and Lauren ask “how many pure electric brands do we need”, before discussing the new Volvo V60, Lexus LC 500 and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. They close with a look at increasing hurdles when getting older performance cars to pass California’s emissions test. by Total Car Score

42 min listen

S2E14: The (really bad) April's Fool Day Voltswagen joke, 2021 World Car Awards and some F1: In this episode we talk about the April's Fool Day “Voltswagen” joke, which created a wave of negative reactions across the entire automotive industry due to the German manufacturer’s deceptive (and not remotely funny) marketing efforts to push its electric cars. We also review the list of finalists for the 2021 World Car of the Year Awards and analyze the start of the Formula 1 season with special guest, Paul Brian. by Total Car Score

36 min listen

S1E16 - An in depth look at Kia today and into its future: This week’s episode features an interview with James Bell, the Director of Corporate Communications at Kia Motors America. James has a long history in the automotive industry, including stints at General Motors, Kelley Blue Book and Intellichoice, before joining Kia. He speaks with Javier, Lauren and Karl about the challenges of launching new vehicles during a global pandemic, and how Kia will incorporate electric vehicle technology into its future line up. by Total Car Score

28 min listen

S2E19: We went off-roading with the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe PHEV: In this episode, we talk to Jim Morrison, Vice President of the Jeep Brand in North America about the new 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, with a powertrain that delivers 49 MPGe and is capable of 21 miles of electric-only propulsion, with impressive performance of 375 hp, 470 lb.-ft of torque and a 0-60 mph time of just 6 seconds. by Total Car Score

13 min listen

S2E2: Aren´t you glad that the election season is over?: In this segment, the hosts analyze the new-vehicle sales numbers from 2020, which were not as bad as many predicted at the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. We also take a final look at the candidates for the 2021 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year, along with what new cars are coming in the first months of the New Year. Lauren is enjoying the Florida winter with the 2021 Bentley Bentayga and the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, a car which will be off the market in a couple of years; by Total Car Score

32 min listen

S2E16: Special guest Jason Fenske from YouTube Channel Engineering Explained: In this episode, we talk to one of the most popular and successful YouTubers in the Automotive category, whose channel has an audience of 2.97M subscribers, which is larger than the population of 61 countries! Among other topics, Jason explains the difference between the point of view of an engineer versus the one from an automotive journalist and how that can affect the consumers ́buying decisions. by Total Car Score

18 min listen

S2E8: Is there any truth to the 100% electric fever in the automotive industry?: In this episode we discuss the recent announcements from different manufacturers about going 100% electric as soon as 2025 and the political-economical consequences for all drivers. We also give our first Total Car Score to the 2021 Genesis GV80 and interview Hein Schafer, Volkswagen´s SVP Product & Strategy in North America to get an update from the German brand. by Total Car Score

39 min listen

S2E3: 2021 Car, Truck and SUV of the Year winners and a brand new ad-free automotive website: It’s a Car, Truck and SUV of the Year theme at Total Car Score this week. With the Hyundai Elantra, Ford F-150 and Ford Mustang Mach-E winning the 2021 awards the hosts welcome key Ford and Hyundai executives to discuss how these models won and what the future holds for these brands. Karl also introduces the all-new, ad-free automotive website he’s been working on for several months, and which launches this week — CarExpert.com. by Total Car Score

43 min listen

S2E7: We "travel" to Germany, Detroit and Italy!: In this episode Lauren, Karl and Javier go international, stopping in Ingolstadt, Germany for the reveal of the new 2022 Audi e-tron GT, Detroit for an interview with Cadillac´s Super Cruise engineer, and Torino, Italy to speak with Alfa Romeo´s designer Alessandro Maccolini, about the Passione he leverages when designing for the Italian brand. by Total Car Score

39 min listen

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S2E43: Nissan Frontier; Is this the Truck of the Year?

S2E43: Nissan Frontier; Is this the Truck of the Year?

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