The New MINI Cooper S Works GP at the Race Track

When MINI asked us if we wanted to flog one of the 451 U.S.-bound MINI Cooper S Works GP models around Willow Springs raceway in California, who were we to refuse?

This new limited edition car is the ultimate factory tuner model of the MINI. The 2006 MINI [...]

The Infiniti M35x: A Great Choice

Infiniti’s M sedan has always been a bit overshadowed by its smaller/less expensive/better-selling stable mate, the G35. However, the M family offers the same stellar bargain and sporty dynamics as its sibling. When we had the chance to cruise around in the V-6 powered M35x we found that, [...]

2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Running on Inspiration? Or Just Fumes?

Billboards in every major metropolitan area are currently being erected, trumpeting Toyota’s technological triumph. And at what better time could it come? A 40mpg family sedan surely sounds sweet to today’s commuters, as current energy costs creep into the stratosphere. Considered from another angle, though, “hybrid-izing” the Camry appears pointless; [...]

Hyundai Entourage Leaves Room For Family and Friends

It’s hard to find a manufacturer with more positive momentum than Hyundai these days. A few short years ago, Korea’s foremost automaker was still laboring under a stigma of poor build quality and uninspiring design. But when their revolutionary 10-year warranties hit the market, consumers took notice, and [...]

2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara: Great Expectations

We’ve come to expect pleasant surprises from Suzuki. Over the past 18 months, as the little Japanese automaker released each successive effort in the subcompact, compact, and mid-size car classes–think Reno, Forenza, and Verona–they earned our respect with equal parts performance, quality and value. Every one of these budget autos [...]

2007 Jaguar XK Convertible: Worthy of the XK Moniker

When I think of Jaguar XK Convertibles, I think back to my days at Baltimore City College Preparatory High School. The year was 1974, I was all of 14, and my art teacher, Bernard Byrd, had the prettiest XK Convertible I’d ever seen. Needless to say, I spent [...]

Buick Lucerne CXL: A Reason to Cheer for the U.S.A!

Back when Exxon gasoline was sold as Esso, they had a marketing slogan that sticks with me to this day – “Put a Tiger in Your Tank!” Perhaps General Motors was also thinking of this slogan when they signed superstar golfer Tiger Woods to be the spokesperson for GM’s Buick [...]

2006 Chevrolet Impala SS

When one thinks back to the “muscle car” era, it’s hard not to include the Super Sport (SS) models from Chevrolet in those thoughts. Since 1961, Camaros, Chevelles, Novas, El Caminos and other models, including the Impala, have worn this coveted badge.

Back in the 60s, having a SS model meant [...]

The 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR: Mr. Momentum

Contrary to common conceptions, those of us lucky enough to make our livings in the industry won’t generally fawn actively over cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR. Instead, typical automotive journalists and assorted hangers-on will grumble about endless new editions of what’s essentially the same vehicle, or carp [...]

2007 Dodge Caliber: A Crossover Hit

DaimlerChrysler sure did a 180 when they filled the happy-go-lucky little Neon’s slot in the corporate roster with the all-new 2007 Caliber. In case the commercials haven’t hammered the point home, the Dodge Boys’ new compact couldn’t be more differentiated from the “hi!”-mobile if they’d made it into a motorcycle. [...]

The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Is King of the Middle of the Road

Par for the course, Hyundai tucked a 7/8ths-scale 3rd row in the new Santa Fe, and a folding mechanism to form a flat load floor when the kiddies aren’t along for the ride. Adding the 7-passenger configuration was a no-brainer–what isn’t so average is the actual amount of room at [...]

Cruisin’ With Toyota: The 2007 FJ Cruiser

Carmaking’s retro design craze has now spilled over into the truck and SUV market, and Toyota has decided to leave its competition in the dust with their 2007 FJ Cruiser. The company already has one of the largest truck and SUV lineups in the automotive universe, from the sporty [...]