So far, my morning is going swell because I'm getting lots of seat time and the 2024 Porsche 911 Targa 4S. Lots of seat time—but no drive time—because I'm waiting for the Porsche chaperon to start our tour of Monterey. I don't mind much because my time behind the static wheel of the 911 Targa… Continue reading Test Drive: 2024 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Shake ‘N Bake
Now, here’s a perfect car for a cruise on 17 Mile Drive. The SL63 is Mercedes’ finest drop-top luxury convertible, and I’m on one of the world’s finest coasts with la crème de la crème of automobilia. It is, of course, Monterey Car Week. (Call me unappreciative, but I didn’t actually want to drive an… Continue reading Test Drive: 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL63 Cruises a Perfect Coast
The cover of this book is just ridiculous. It has got the snout of an angry pig and squinty snake eyes. Its tail sports twin stacks of hexagonal tailpipes and a faux diffuser. The massive 22" wheels are black with red highlighting, and the pair of laser-etched roundels on the trunk glass are a galling… Continue reading Test Drive: 2024 BMW XM Label Has Me Seeing Red
Having previously sampled the fantastically lithe but sadly underpowered 981-generation Cayman S and Cayman GTS, I’m excited for today’s test drive of the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4. The GT4 will cap my exploration of the excellent, but so far imperfect, 981 Cayman range. I hope the GT4’s additional horsepower will make it fast and fun… Continue reading Test Drive: 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 Proves Every Cayman is Different
“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
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
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’
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
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
I'm looking forward to the LC 500 convertible—like, really looking forward to it. For me, the LC convertible is the perfect showcase for Lexus's masterpiece 5.0L V8. I've sampled this engine in the LC 500 coupe and the IS 500 sedan, and I know it blends splendid symphonies with ripping road performance. I figure the… Continue reading Test Drive: 2024 LC 500 Convertible has V8 Perfection
Mike's Steering Column 