Test Drive: 2024 Mercedes AMG S63 E Performance Wows with New Tech

2024 Mercedes AMG S63 E Performance rear in white

“Eeny meenie miney mo, catch a tiger by its toe…” I look over the Mercedes, Maybachs and AMGs at the test drive pavilion, considering what to drive first.  I’m strongly attracted to a bright red AMG GT 63 coupe, but I recently drove the sister GT 55 coupe and would prefer a completely new experience. … Continue reading Test Drive: 2024 Mercedes AMG S63 E Performance Wows with New Tech

Comparison: 2024 Alpina B8 and BMW M8 are the Best, Served Two Ways

Alpina B8 Gran Coupe 3/4 side

I have an extraordinary opportunity staring at me, a chance to drive the best from BMW’s 2024 lineup in back-to-back test drives.  And the pair of keys to which I have access couldn’t be more exciting; the Alpina B8 Gran Coupe and M8 Competition coupe are at my beck and call.  This will be a… Continue reading Comparison: 2024 Alpina B8 and BMW M8 are the Best, Served Two Ways

Comparison: 1994 BMW E30 Touring vs 2014 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon are Beauty and the Beast

I’m about to drive a trusting friend’s immaculate E30 Touring.  It’s a drive that I hope will answer a few burning questions. First, I’m eager to know if 1990s BMWs fall in the sweet spot between classic thrills and modern(ish) capabilities.  This question stems from my recent drive of a 1963 Porsche 356.  It was… Continue reading Comparison: 1994 BMW E30 Touring vs 2014 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon are Beauty and the Beast

Test Drive: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Has Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’

I've lived with our 2018 Tesla Model 3 for over five years now, and it is the most practical and reliable car I've had. Yes, it is an electric appliance with just a smidge of soul, but if I need to effortlessly get across town or across the state, the Model 3 is the car I’ll pick… Continue reading Test Drive: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Has Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’

Comparison: 1963 Porsche 356 B Cabriolet S and 2021 Mazda Miata ND are Truffles and Tripe

Out of necessity, my size-13 shoes cover all three pedals of the Porsche 356. My left foot fully depresses the clutch, while my right foot firmly holds the brake and feathers the gas. This silly little dance keeps the engine from stalling while I wait for my break in traffic. "Damn," I think, "what am… Continue reading Comparison: 1963 Porsche 356 B Cabriolet S and 2021 Mazda Miata ND are Truffles and Tripe

Test Drive: 2023 Chrysler 300S is Canceled Americana

The second-generation Chrysler 300 is well past its golden years.  While broadly loved at its release for its retro-handsome styling, the sedan has largely been forgotten over the last decade, and its sales numbers are 20% of their peak.  So, has the public overlooked a standout American sedan? Chrysler has long played in the entry-level… Continue reading Test Drive: 2023 Chrysler 300S is Canceled Americana

Review: 2024 Chevrolet Malibu LT has Skin Deep Appeal

Did you know that the Malibu is the last sedan in Chevrolet’s 2024 portfolio? (Their only other car is the Corvette.) These days, Chevy is a company of SUVs and trucks. Perhaps that's why the Malibu didn't get the polish it deserves... After 300 miles with the 2024 Malibu LT, I can report that the… Continue reading Review: 2024 Chevrolet Malibu LT has Skin Deep Appeal

Comparison: 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 55 is a Massive Improvement over the GT S

There's a lot I love about my 2016 AMG GT S. It buzzes with feedback and excitement, it's an absolute joy to hoon through the corners, and it has exotic curb appeal.  But it's not flawless, and I'm curious to see how AMG has remade the AMG GT coupe for 2024.  What are the faults… Continue reading Comparison: 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 55 is a Massive Improvement over the GT S

Long Term: 2018 Tesla Model 3 Oops, My Bad!

Well, that didn’t work as planned.  After five years of charging our Tesla Model 3 on a 120-volt socket at home, we installed a Level 2 charger.  A few factors drove the move.  1) We’ve loved having the electric Model 3 as our primary car.  It’s peppy, quiet and reliable.  We can power it with… Continue reading Long Term: 2018 Tesla Model 3 Oops, My Bad!

Review: 2022 Dodge Charger SXT is a Dated Standard

The Honolulu Dollar Car Rental agent eyes our weary family and copious luggage and senses an opportunity to upsell. “The standard-size car you booked holds two medium bags. Would you like to upgrade to full size for $90?” I consider the cost and decline, deciding to squeeze us into the Chevy Cruze we paid for. (Never mind that the Cruze is so… Continue reading Review: 2022 Dodge Charger SXT is a Dated Standard