Move Over Tyson, The 2024 Mercedes Benz AMG SL 63 se Performance Roadster Packs a Punch | #589

The Drive with Alan Taylor

Brian Moody, Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, is back to start a new episode of the “Drive” with Alan Taylor to discuss new car prices for Q3 and their implications for Black Friday. They note a rise in incentives from Kelley Blue Book, now at 7.3% of the average transaction price, with September incentives increasing from about $2,400 to $3,500. While some brands like Toyota and Subaru maintain solid sales and offer fewer incentives, others like Kia, Nissan, and Volkswagen boost their incentive spending and present potential deals. Good credit is necessary for these offers, and favorable financing terms are becoming more common. As the holiday season approaches, deals may be harder to find than in previous years, but overall inventory levels have improved, making some incentives more beneficial than last year. Notable brands continue to attract consumers, though finding good deals requires effort. With a modern twist, the Scout brand returns under Volkswagen’s ownership, launching new electric models named Traveler and Terra. Unlike the original International Scout, a small off-roader popular from the 60s to the 80s, the new vehicles are larger SUVs and pickups. Pricing is set to be between $50,000 and $60,000, reflecting a significant shift from the original’s utility-focused design. This raises questions about whether the revival of the Scout name resonates with today’s consumers, significantly since it’s diverging from what originally made the brand iconic.

Lauren Fix, editor-in-chief of CarCoachReports.com, has launched a new YouTube channel called “Car Smarts” to cover the growing volume of automotive news. She discussed a new Biden administration policy that may raise new and used car prices by blocking manufacturers with ties to China or Russia from selling connected vehicles in the U.S. This could create part supply issues for consumers, especially with popular brands like Tesla and Volvo. Fix emphasized that these policies impact car availability and prices, urging her audience to vote in upcoming elections. The auto industry faces significant challenges, including potential bankruptcies and job losses affecting many suppliers. Major brands like Volkswagen and Stellantis have reported steep declines, while companies pivot towards electric vehicles without sufficient infrastructure. Notably, General Motors laid off 1,000 software workers, and Mercedes-Benz is reducing production due to a drop in S-Class sales. Despite these challenges, Fix will be judging at the Hilton Head Island Concord event this weekend, looking forward to spending time with family.

BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and Voice of Reason announced that Irwindale Speedway and Drag Strip would close after the 2024 season. Opened in 1999, it has hosted events like NASCAR races and Formula Drift competitions. A farewell event on December 21 will include NASCAR short track races and drifting, with tickets on sale on November 8. Killeen noted a trend of iconic venues closing, similar to drive-in theaters, and expressed doubts about the Irwindale site being repurposed due to nearby mining operations. The 2024 hurricane season has caused significant flooding, impacting about 350,000 cars, with Miami and Fort Lauderdale particularly hit. Used car buyers should be cautious and check for dampness, rust, mismatched upholstery, and working electronics, especially in flood-prone areas. BJ also test-drove the 2025 Hyundai Tucson, a top-selling compact SUV from Montgomery, Alabama. It features a striking design and offers various models, including gas and hybrid options. The entry model includes essential safety features, while higher trims boast luxury touches like paddle shifters and intelligent park assist. Overall, the Tucson impresses with its comfort, technology, and design.

George Kennedy III is the co-founder of Cartender.com and serves as the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to publications such as U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. Recently, he attended Discount Tire’s Treadwell Experience in San Antonio, Texas. This event showcased a new tire evaluation process at a former tire manufacturer’s proving ground, featuring various courses including a wet skid pad and a high-speed oval. Discount Tire aims to establish itself as a neutral entity in tire evaluations, helping consumers select the right tires based on their driving style and conditions. Kennedy emphasized the significance of matching tires to the vehicle type, driving habits, and regional factors to create a personalized experience. George test-drove the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 63 SE Performance Roadster, which features a twin-turbo V8 engine generating 800 horsepower and over 1,000 lb-ft of torque. This power allows the car to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The vehicle is priced at $210,000. Thank you for joining us, see yall next episode.

[00:00:00] – Contributor Brian Moody
[00:06:06] – Black Friday Deals
[00:12:30] – The SCOUT is back!
[00:19:20] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[00:29:35] – No Ties to China or Russia
[00:35:19] – General Motors Lay Off
[00:42:09] – Contributor BJ Killeen
[00:47:59] – Hurricane Vehicles
[00:53:39] – 2025 Hyundai Tucson
[01:01:29] – Contributor George Kennedy III
[01:10:57] – Fitting The Tire to the Driver
[01:16:28] – 2024 Mercedes Benz AMG SL 63 se Performance Roadster

CREDITS

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

Contributor: Brian Moody
Contributor: Lauren Fix
Contributor: BJ Killeen

Contributor: George Kennedy III

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

• Contributor: Brian Moody | Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com
• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason.
• Contributor: Lauren Fix | Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports.
• 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.

Vehicles Discussed:

2025 Hyundai Tucson, 2024 Mercedes Benz AMG SL 63 se Performance Roadster, Mercedes Benz AMG SL500

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

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

The post Move Over Tyson, The 2024 Mercedes Benz AMG SL 63 se Performance Roadster Packs a Punch | #589 appeared first on THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor.