October 4, 2020

On The Dial: Testing Your Favorite Song For Audio Excellence

For starters, it is a multi-part piece of science and art that is fused into creating an optimal space for music to live in. It is to expand and concentrate how sound travels through sonic waves and channel separation in an enclosed space – such as an automobile interior.

October 1, 2020

#VOTY2020 – The Long List

Just like every #VOTY before it, the idea of "vehicle" is not one to put into a row of silos. In our automotive world, we continue to recognize the continued realities of the marketplace, where the SUV is king and queen of the showroom floor. Trucks also played a huge role in this year's #VOTY2020 Long List, as they continue to drive sales volumes in this industry.

September 30, 2020

My Favorites From The Most Fabulous Year of Them All!

It is with historical context, however. It was ten years removed from a war that should have ended all wars. Unfortunately, a spat between Korean partisans turned into an international affair splitting the peninsula in half. The same trouble was brewing in Vietnam, a soon-to-be former French colony. Even those within the Soviet Bloc weren’t buying into the new world order as envisioned by Karl Marx. Hungary was a year away from challenging Moscow on whether it should be their superpower or not.

September 28, 2020

My Thoughts Exactly: 2020 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack

It took these past four years to reacquaint myself with one of the more powerful versions of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ North American modern muscle icon. Four years is a good amount of time to prepare myself to be taken away by an SRT-massaged "392" 6.4-liter V8 and its absolute thrust. Yet, I felt unprepared. Not even an F Performance Lexus helped in priming me from this massive blue hulk of thrust.

September 23, 2020

Rental Car Review: Going Forte Again

Kia is no exception. The recent introduction of the Optima replacement, the K5, is one piece of evidence that Kia wants to continue to sell sedans. This is a strategy the company is executing, while they are expanding their SUV portfolio.

September 21, 2020

#VOTY2020 Is NOT Cancelled!

Getting to the #VOTY is the hard part. Each candidate vehicle receives a full evaluation of the format, metrics, and process is undertaken. These numbers are crunched and are presented to a Short List for panel evaluation. Then, a list of finalists is available for your vote. It is that simple.

September 20, 2020

Commentary: The New Z

The unveiling of the Z Proto was proof that Nissan was committed to the continuation of a legacy. A legacy that cemented the intentions of the Yokohama-based company to be a different kind of automaker. Different, as in showing a sporty side and making it their focus at a time when vehicles from Japan were attracting global customers in increasing numbers.

September 16, 2020

Commentary: (Not So) Silent Lucidity

Their one-and-a-half hour long video introducing the Lucid Air luxury electric sedan, along with the teasing of their SUV, certainly looked like a play to one-up on Tesla and Musk. Even if they did not acknowledge the elephant in Palo Alto and Fremont.

September 14, 2020

My Thoughts Exactly: 2021 Kia Seltos

The boost the multiple award-winning Telluride gave Kia needed a follow-up. They had to look down the size chain to find that inspiration. After all, customers also want smaller SUVs, as well.