Category: Uncategorized

  • 2017 Toyota Prius Prime – Drive Report

    The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid may just be a perfect car for Chicago residents. Well, not only Chicago but for residents of any large, crowded, densely populated city. With a pure-EV battery operation of up to 25 miles, the Prius Prime will easily let you criss-cross a city to run your Saturday errands…

  • 2017 Kia Soul Turbo – Drive Report

    Kia added some punch to its Soul with the addition of a new 201-HP turbocharged engine in the Soul Exclaim (!) model. The boxy, 5-passenger compact hatchback/wagon not only has more go-power but better fuel economy too. A 7-speed dual clutch trans makes for quick shifting and lot of fun. Read more right here with…

  • 2017 Lexus LX570 – Drive Report

    The very large and very luxurious Lexus LX 570 can be a bit big for negotiating crowded city streets. But with seating for eight and 7000 lbs. of trailer pulling power the 2017 LX 570 is great for touring the wide open spaces. Just hook up your favorite Airstream and hit the open highway. Its…

  • 2017 Mazda Miata MX-5 RF – Drive Report

    Mazda’s 2017 Miata MX-5 RF, the retractable fastback, functions quite well around Chicagoland. Push the switch for the top and it’s down, or up, in 13 seconds. That makes things pretty convenient for buzzing around in the open air and then easily securing the MX-5 when parked. The trunk is roomy enough for hauling groceries,…

  • 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan – First Drive

    VW has an all-new second-generation Tiguan for 2018. It’s longer, roomier and can carry up to seven.  The current Tiguan will be rebadged as the Tiguan Limited and both of these compact SUVs join VW’s new midsize 3-row Atlas SUV. Prices start at $25,345 and you can get front-drive or all-wheel drive in each of…

  • 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport – Drive Report

    A new pocket-rocket has arrived courtesy of Hyundai. The 2017 Elantra Sport with a 201-HP turbo 1.6 liter and either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed direct shift automated dual clutch transmission provides the new found fun in the auto market. The Elantra has received some structural, chassis, brake and tire changes to help keep…

  • 2017 Kia Niro – Drive Report

    The Kia Niro is all-new. It’s new to the market having made its global debut at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. The Niro is hybrid-powered and EPA-rated at 50mpg. Looking more like a hatchback than an SUV, the Niro is a pretty-near-perfect urban transporter. In addition to the low fuel consumption it has a compact…

  • 2017 Lexus RC F – on the track and off

      Lexus’ RC F has lots of track creds. 467-HP 5-liter V8, 8-speed direct shift transmission, Torsen limited slip as well as torque vectoring differential, big Brembo brakes, 35-series tires on 19-inch wheels, top speed 170mph, 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 secs, and a 12.5 sec. quarter. I drove it on the track at…

  • 2017 Infiniti Q60 – Drive Report

    The 2017 Infiniti Q60 4-passenger coupe is all-new and now has three engine outputs to choose from–208-HP, 300-HP or 400-HP. Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive can be had and there’s lots of hi-tech driver-assistance safety features that will help keep you out of trouble. It’s good looking too, and turns heads as you motor around. The…

  • 2017 Infiniti QX30 – Drive Report

    The very coupe-like QX30 from Infiniti with its bold styling certainly sets itself apart from other compact crossover SUVs. Priced starting around $30K it’s the entry into the luxury Infiniti brand. It seats five and has a fairly spacious cargo area for its compact size. Whether you are an active lifestyle empty nester couple who…