October 14, 2019

Historiography: The "Dylan Moment" at Volkswagen

By the early 1970s, Volkswagen was at the point where they needed to make changes for a modern world. They knew that their most loyal customers would jeer at the notion of their beloved air-cooled, horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engines that were mounted in the back would turn towards a more conventional vehicle format.

October 8, 2019

Travelogue: Highway 61 Visited

The journey home should reflect the reward of a great getaway. Even sweeter is a journey that is different than the ones before it.

October 7, 2019

#MAMA19FR: All Part of a Supra Day

As I said in a previous article, my colleagues made it clear that my attendance at the 2019 Midwest Automotive Media Association Fall Rally will be more than welcomed. That's all and great, but was all the effort I put into attending this year's event at the Autobahn Country Club near Joliet, Illinois worth my commitment to fulfill?

September 24, 2019

Quickies: A Dynamic Shield Against The Competition

Since 2010, Mitsubishi produced a vehicle that has set the standard in the small SUV segment. This is old news, really. It remains a stalwart in its class, as more competitors have been added to compete against it. Some of my colleagues deemed the Outlander Sport as "old," "aging," "long in the tooth," and so forth.

September 22, 2019

Historiography: A Personal History of Road Tripping

This year, it seems that I am indeed living my best life as a road trip journalist. Or, at least that is how things are transpiring. It has been an extension of the things I love – driving and travel. Road tripping stokes the fire of discovery, curiosity, and adventure.

September 19, 2019

Commentary: What James Corden Said (And Why It Matters to Car Folks)

We've all seen this, as we see ourselves thinking we can fit – or gracefully exit – a supercar. Its never easy for a larger body to get in, sit down, and exit a car with a very small cabin. Or, something that looks like we can fit in and find ourselves wedged in-between the steering wheel and the seat.

September 17, 2019

On The Dial: Laughing With The Radio

Comedy on the radio is a funny business – sort of. Right now, SiriusXM is the main purveyor of comedy programming in the road business with eight channels to listen to, plus an additional channel for online and streaming listeners. In all, there are nine stations where you can laugh for butt off across North America.

September 15, 2019

My Favorite Misbegotten Vehicles

Think about the idea of intention and purpose. A designer, an engineer, and an executive – oh, yes, let's not forget the folks in accounting – are all involved in the process of creating a vehicle. Once everyone signs off on it, they have to campaign for its success. Even the marketing folks have to be on board with selling it to everyone – dealerships, the communications folks, and, ultimately, the consumer.