In the automotive world, one expects a certain level of excellence from the products made by the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG. The automobiles BMW produce delivers exactly what serious automotive enthusiasts want: Performance and handling without compromise. It is a reward for the driver who needs an instant dose of vehicular therapy to take on the road in his or her BMW by fulfilling motoring excellence at every corner.
One of them will be the year of "thinning the herd," which, sadly, can be taken many ways. However, this term is apt for something that have been a trend in the North American automotive market – the elimination of models from their respective lineups.
Consider who is doing the unveiling – Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, and Jeep. Three long-awaited new vehicles that represent three iconic model names. Two of which are new generation models. The third is the resurrection of a long-running nameplate.
One question I could ask is "why?" It is plainly obvious what that answer would be. Because you watched enough of Vin Diesel and the late Paul Walker to understand why the A80 Supra became an icon. A few of you own one right now, perhaps for the reason that you saw it on screen and thought "I want that."
Interestingly enough, it was not Willys Overland’s civilian Jeep lineup that would be the world conqueror in the post-World War II universe. That would come from one of the vehicles influenced by the Jeep – the one the British automotive industry would produce as one of their own.
This question came up as I am working with a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport for publication very soon. It is the first Volkswagen in the North American market to wear the new corporate logo. You will see the logo on future products, including the 2021 Atlas.
When I was a kid, BMW not only claimed they were the Ultimate Driving Machine – they backed it up. If you have driven a 2002 or an E12 5-Series, then you get why BMW can make that claim. They drive like nothing else sold in this country. Their performance was coupled with excellent driving dynamics matched with a driver-focused design. All other BMWs were expected to follow these tenets for time and eternity.
TweetThese past twelve months were absolutely amazing. Quite exhilarating, if you ask me. Between setbacks and advancements, it was a year worth celebrating. Last month, you were able to make your choice for #VOTY18. You selected one of the final five, from an original list of 41, to state your favorite of the year. If …
TweetWelcome to my annual tradition of self-indulgence and absolute pining for the day I can buy a vehicle that I would truly enjoy and own. But, how? And, who's money? Understand that for the past few years, I took liberties on this site to do something that is part-selfish crap and part-consumer advice. I arrived …
Tweet All Photos by Randy Stern The summer may be turning its hottest corner, but that does not mean there’s no cooling down of content. In this batch "As Published Elsewhere" Quickies reviews, the selection of vehicles turn towards the headlines. Vehicles that are found elsewhere with my byline, reviewed fully on those pages. They …