VW's GTI packs plenty of performance, even with an automatic ... Volkswagen fans know all about the Golf GTI, the sporty hatchback has been a mainstay performance friendly version of its compact runabout for 40 years. Golfs (and Rabbits) have been VW’s go-to entry-level car basically since the original Beetle was discontinued in the US... Continue Reading →
Car Spot: 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost
A fitting end for the Hemi and I get to drive it! Mark and I have gotten several great opportunities to drive really fun cars but one of two came recently at a media event at Road America. We go to this annual event, the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Spring Rally. There the manufacturers... Continue Reading →
2023 Genesis Electrified G80 AWD
Electrification perfectly fits luxurious G80 sedan ... From a marketing perspective luxury electrics make the most sense still, until battery prices come down and automakers can make mainstream cars at mainstream prices while turning a profit. Plus electric power systems naturally seem more high-end as they produce massive power yet as slippery smooth as freshly... Continue Reading →
2023 Acura Integra A-Spec Tech Review
Acura's hot horsey hatch is back, finally ... Here’s a recipe for success – hot hatchback styling, 200 horsepower, slick-shifting 6-speed manual tranny, a bright red suede and leather interior, and a rockin’ stereo. Acura insists on adding its luxury nameplate and requisite big toothy grille into the spicy blend that is the new Integra... Continue Reading →
2023 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD Hybrid
Big Sequoia is improved, but has a couple Big issues ... Big, bold, beautiful? It’s hard to argue beauty for any full-size SUV although the sparkling silver paint job on this motoring monster, the Toyota Sequoia, added some sparkle. But Sequoia, as its name implies, is big and the restyling for 2023 helps it fit... Continue Reading →
2023 Lexus ES300h F Sport
A hybrid luxury sedan priced almost like a family sedan ... Luxury and value go together a bit like peanut butter and caviar, at least in the car world. That’s to say, they don’t. Usually, luxury vehicles push nameplate and a few fancy doodads at a premium price. Folks wanting their image or reputation to... Continue Reading →
2023 Nissan Leaf SV Plus
Leaf is a low-cost leader among EVs ... All credit to Nissan for being the first major car maker to launch an all-electric model, the Leaf. Seems like yesterday. But no, Leaf has been around more than a dozen years and remains the most affordable electric, and one that still is eligible for a $7,500... Continue Reading →
Car Spot: 1980 Briggs & Stratton Six-Wheel Hybrid Concept
Yup, the people known for making great small engines came up with this. This spot is sort of special to me because Briggs & Stratton is located right here in Milwaukee, and has been manufacturing small engines since 1908. If you have a lawn tractor, chances are it has an engine they manufacture. It also... Continue Reading →
2023 BMW X1 xDrive 28i
BMW delivers spunky small crossover starting below $40k ... Small crossovers are a dime a dozen, but spunky luxurious ones are a bit rarer. And spunky ones starting below $40,000 are as precious as that last hidden Easter egg found before the cat discovers it. BMW offers several luxury spunkmobiles, as do a couple of... Continue Reading →
2023 Toyota bZ4X XLE FWD
All-electric crossover features a funky name, and interior ... Electric vehicles are growing in number, range, and pricing options. That’s all well and good, but not all feel like a big step forward. When that feeling comes from a Toyota, it simply feels odd. It’s especially weird since Toyota and Subaru, two long-time winners in... Continue Reading →