The M3 is BMW’s star sports car and the workhorse of BMW’s Performance Center West driving school. Paying patrons flock to the school to learn how to drive these icons as they deserve to be driven: Through twists, around tracks, and in smokey skids. Robust, agile, and comfortable for four, the M3 is the perfect… Continue reading Review: 2018 BMW M3 Competition and M2
BMW’s Performance Center West in Thermal, California offers many different driving classes for clients interested in defensive driving, performance driving, BMWs, M cars, and more. The PCW, as it is known internally, also benefits from its location on the campus of the Thermal Club, a three race-track country club for well-heeled gentlemen in Piloti shoes.… Continue reading Private Instruction at BMW’s Performance Center West
For a while, BMW had lost the plot. The Bavarian automaker's malaise started in 2012 with the introduction of the (F30) 3-series, the first 3-series that tipped the scale harder for luxury than sport. Non-enthusiasts were pleased: To them, the blue and white Roundel is a symbol of luxury, not sport, and the coveted badge… Continue reading Review: 2018 BMW 530i
We have the BMW X1 xDrive28i again for a goodly duration, and I’ve reacquainted myself with the small SUV. (Read my first review here.) The X1 and I have taken on a long highway trip to wine country, flogged canyon roads, and done more than a week’s worth of grocery-getting. I’ve come away charmed with… Continue reading Review: 2018 BMW X1 xDrive28i
My personal expectations for new BMW sedans are not very high. BMW’s chase of luxury comes with fresh designs and the latest technology, but also with increasing isolation from the driving experience. Each updated Bimmer seems to take a step away from the driving involvement I love. My ideal rides are full of feel, spunky,… Continue reading Test Drive: 2018 BMW X3 M40i
Space as luxury is a long-lived concept. Kings of yor lived in palaces, not cottages, and the kings of now flaunt space with 100,000-square-foot mansions and 100-meter yachts. Automakers like Cadillac are keen on this concept, positioning their largest SUVs as their most luxurious offerings. But has BMW adopted this concept and made their X5… Continue reading Test Drive: BMW X5 xDrive50i and BMW 750i
My $55,000 purchase of a performance station wagon was made on 9/10ths emotion and 1/10th logic. The emotional draw is obvious: A supercharged, Corvette-derived V8 spins—and I do mean spins!—the rear wheels of the most distinctive and attractive vehicle to ever come out of Cadillac. The logic is tenuous: “Honey, there’s seating for the whole… Continue reading Long Term: 2014 Cadillac CTS-V Sports Wagon
I have been thinking about selling the Focus RS for nearly a year. In April 2017, I got a quote from CarMax to purchase the vehicle. They offered $33k, and I thought I could do a little better. But life intervened, and I did not post my car for sale until April 2018. My car… Continue reading Long Term: 2016 Ford Focus RS
The 2018 Ford Mustang GT received its mid-cycle refresh, and judging by its face, it’s not too happy about it. Its once handsome visage now wears a droopy pout. The 2018 GT is supposed to be renewed and ready to stand toe-to-toe with the rival Camaro SS, so is the car just sad about its… Continue reading Review: 2018 Ford Mustang GT
Up until recently, if you wanted a performance wagon in America, you had two choices: the Cadillac CTS-V and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. I love the CTS-V wagon; it was the first review I ever wrote, and it has been turning my head ever since. The E63 wagon has always been cool in my eyes,… Continue reading Test Drive: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 S AMG 4MATIC
Mike's Steering Column 