Category: automobiles

  • 2019 Hyundai Veloster N – on the track and on the road

    Hyundai has upped its game with the new Veloster N that’s only available with a six-speed manual transmission. The base model N has 250-HP and is priced at $26,900. With the optional Performance Package the power is boosted to  275-HP for $29,000. Plus there’s a host of more performance enhancements with this package. The N…

  • 2019 Lexus UX – Drive Report

    The UX is an all-new compact crossover from Lexus for 2019. The UX 200 is front-wheel drive with a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter priced at $32,000. The UX 250h is all-wheel drive with the same 2.0-liter mated to a CVT and two separate, dedicated electric motor-generators producing 181-total system horsepower, priced at $34,000. The hybrid UX 250h…

  • Driving the Ford Police Interceptor

    Ford invited a number of local auto writers to join in with a contingent of police officers from various Illinois communities to drive the new 2020 Ford Police Interceptor at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL. A derivative model of the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer, the Ford Police Interceptor (PI) comes standard with a hybrid…

  • 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line turbo – Drive Report

    Kia has revamped the Soul for 2020 and now there’s a GT-Line with a 1.6 Turbo engine. The 1.6 Turbo puts out 201-HP and is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. A sport-tuned suspension, larger disc brakes, 18-inch wheels with P235/45 R18 tires round out the GT-line’s driving dynamics. Shift paddles and a sport…

  • 2019 Honda Passport – Road Review

    With its 280-horsepower V6 backed up by a 9-speed automatic, the midsize SUV Honda Passport is quite a joy to drive.  There’s room for five, plenty of cargo space and it can tow up to 5,000 lbs. I did a bunch of road tripping in this Lunar Silver rig and easily exceeded the EPA highway…

  • 2019 Maserati Levante GTS -Drive Report

    The Levante GTS is powered by a 550-HP twin turbo 3.8-L V8 built at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. It’ll push the GTS to 60mph in 4 seconds flat and top things out at 181mph. It’s the same engine as used the flagship Quattroporte GTS. Driving through an 8-speed automatic, the Maserati Q4 intelligent…

  • The Badlands Off-Road with Jeep and Ram

    The Badlands Off-Road Park in Attica, Indiana leaves nothing to the imagination when it comes to driving in dirt, rocks and water. We paid a visit with Jeep and Ram and did manage to get things pretty dirty. Read more here and perhaps you’ll want to make the trip. @1ChicagoCarGuy

  • 2019 BMW M5 Competition – Drive Review

    With just ten minutes behind the wheel I knew I should be heading to Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL or Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. A 4.4-liter TwinPower turbo V-8 with 617 horsepower paired up with an 8-speed automatic and rear-biased all-wheel drive will get you to 60 in 3.1 seconds and top out…

  • 2019 Chrysler Pacific Hybrid – Drive Review

    In celebration of 35 years of minivan leadership, the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is offered in a 35th Anniversary edition that’s available on Pacifica Touring L Hybrid and Limited Hybrid models. This special edition features new badging, an all-black interior with Cranberry Wine accent stitching and upgraded content. With an all-electric range of 32 miles and…

  • 2019 BMW X4 xDrive 30i – Road Test

    BMW’s X4 sport activity coupe has been revamped for 2019. I first drove it last summer at the media preview program at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina assembly plant.  And I also drove it last October at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Fall Rally at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL. This time around two road trips within…