QX50 a crossover that nearly drives itself … Got a bad case of the wants for a mid-size crossover that is both peppy and fun to drive, but also will do some of the driving for you? Infiniti’s all-new QX50 Essential model should be on your most-wanted list. Nearly identical in size and intent as... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Autoart Audi R8 FIA GT GT3
Here's a steamy hot version of Audi's R8 racer ... Just like in the real racing world, Autoart now makes composite die-cast bodies for its models, one of the latest being a steaming hot version of Audi’s racy R8. It has been a few years since I got to test drive the 1/1 version, but... Continue Reading →
2019 Ford Edge Titanium AWD
Edge's new turbo and tranny provide crossover zip ... Ford revamps and upgrades its popular Edge mid-size crossover for 2019, discarding its V6 for a twin-turbo I4 and a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The result is a fairly peppy crossover that will easily haul five adults with oodles of rear seat legroom and equally expansive... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Racing Champions’ Mint, Release 3A
Round2's small scale cars deliver bang for the buck! … As I mentioned in my introduction to this issue, Round2’s Johnny Lightning brand celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year and while various special releases are eminent, its Racing Champions brand continues to make similarly excellent 1/64 die-cast cars that are available right now. I love... Continue Reading →
2019 RAM 1500 Limited Crew Cab 4×4
RAM redefines the growing posh pickup market ... Imagine the poshest luxury sedan interior, then imagine it in a pickup, and not just any pickup, but a big ol’ crew cab pickup. The 2019 RAM, made by Fiat Chrysler and formerly known as a Dodge Ram, is a luxury pickup along the lines of a... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Brumm 1970 Le Mans Porsche 917K
Brumm racing models are a super value … Picture a blue and orange Gulf liveried racer and you’ll likely conjure up either a Ford GT40 or Porsche 917. Both were iconic racers in the late 1960s and early ’70s and now Porsche is fast approaching its 50th anniversary of the 917’s win at Le Mans.... Continue Reading →
2019 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line
VW Jetta offers high value, driving fun … With all the trucks, SUVs and crossovers crowding showrooms these days it’s refreshing to come across a sporty sedan like Volkswagen’s Jetta, that also represents high value. Jetta was restyled for 2019 and mostly that’s all good news. First, it continues the lean European look that VW... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Replicarz 1974 Shadow Can-Am racer
Black Shadow proved dominant in final Can-Am season … Can-Am racing in the late 1960s and early 1970s was breathtaking, and each season seemed to produce a dominant car with massive engines and power. What’s not to like, right? McLarens dominated the early years with their Kiwi Orange bodies, the M1B, M6A, and M8A. Bruce... Continue Reading →
So long newspaper life, but wait, there’s more!
The times, and location of car columns, is a changin' …. There comes a time to say goodbye to parts of our lives. Since 1984 my byline has appeared in the Milwaukee Sentinel, and later the Journal Sentinel, first on feature stories, then business stories and since at least 1989 on a car review column,... Continue Reading →
2019 Nissan Rogue SV AWD
Rogue feels refined, oozes value, and now it's orange ... Barely a year had passed since I tested Nissan’s revamped Rogue, one of the best-selling small crossovers on the market, and particularly popular in the Milwaukee area. This is Nissan’s No. 1 seller and it’s obvious why. It looks refined, drives fine and is economical.... Continue Reading →