Turbo adds kick to Mazda3, AWD gives it traction ... It’s possible that the current new generation of drivers will never know how much fun it is to pilot a car. Sad! Crossovers and trucks are so big, so dominant in the marketplace that it’s almost unbelievable that some automakers are still making cars. Several... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Replicarz March 86C, 1987 Indy 500 winner
Al Unser's 1987 Indy winner was fresh off a hotel lobby's floor ... If you’re familiar with the Indianapolis 500 at all you know that Al Unser Sr. became a surprise four-time winner in 1987. The bigger surprise though may have been that he did it in a car that weeks before had been on... Continue Reading →
2021 Zoomies: Vehicles of the Year Awards
Savage names his top car and truck picks for 2021 ... While 2021 seems relatively fresh, and few of us want to reflect on the stinker that was 2020, this is traditionally when I do just that. I consider the 50 or so vehicles I tested last year and decide which are worthy of Zoomie... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Auto World True 1:64 Premium 2021 releases
AW's twin 6-pack releases offer 5 new castings ... I love detail in my die-cast, so have tended toward the larger scales as an adult collector, but man, Auto World is starting to tug me big time back toward the 1:64 scale I loved as a kid. Auto World’s True 1:64 releases are premium quality... Continue Reading →
2021 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid
Hybrid Accord feels familiar, consistently good ... Honda’s Accord hybrid is consistent, consistently good, just like the internal combustion version. I suppose if you refined most products, constantly improved them, for 40+ years you’d end up with a diamond of sorts. Honda deserves a lot of credit though. This week I slipped behind the wheel... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Auto World 1968 Nickey Chevy Chevelle
A Nickey-pimped Chevelle was, and is, a thing of beauty ... Many 1960s car lovers believe the second generation Chevelle and its related GM cousins were the epitome of automotive styling and beauty. It’s hard to argue the point, at least that the Chevelle displayed beautiful lines and proportions, in addition to being highly affordable.... Continue Reading →
2021 Lexus NX 300h F Sport Black Line
Luxury NX 300h modest in size, price ... Luxury comes at a price. That’s not new. On its face, the Lexus NX 300h F Sport Black Line, this week’s drive, is modest in size and price on the ever-expanding luxury scale. This edgy small crossover rides on but a 104.7-inch wheelbase, compact like the Acura... Continue Reading →
Round2 acquisition confirmed
Auto World, Johnny Lightning owner partners with investment firm to expand product lines ... By Mark Savage Round 2, one of die-cast car collecting and plastic car modeling's big dogs, made it official today. It has partnered with an investment group that should help it to expand its product lines. The announcement from Round2's headquarters... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Auto World 1977 Dodge Warlock
Blingy Warlock pickup stirred our love of custom trucks ... I have to admit that when I heard Auto World was releasing the 1977 Dodge Warlock I was confused. I’d never heard of it, and I pride myself in being a pretty heady car guy. Of course, it’s a truck. Still, in 1977 I was... Continue Reading →
Super Bowl trivia: Who was the first MVP and what car did he win?
By Paul Daniel After the game this year between the Chiefs and Buccaneers, (go Chiefs) there will be an MVP named. Please not Tom Brady. In the past that player would have been awarded a new car or truck. But not this year since Hyundai has started sponsoring the game, they haven't given one out.... Continue Reading →