Tweet 2018 Hyundai Kona Ultimate AWD – All Photos by randy Stern A few years ago, I attended the media drive for the current Hyundai Tucson. The company knew it had to grow its SUV/crossover lineup in order to compete with the growing trend of their proliferation upon this market. The result has been tremendous …
TweetRemember those fun-to-drive and relatively affordable little sports cars? We had a lot back in my day. They ranged from very small roadsters – such as the MG Midget – to funky little hatchback coupes – like the Nissan Pulsar NX. In the 1970s and early 1980s, it seemed that everyone had one, varying in …
TweetThe one theme I wanted to explore at the 2018 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally was to explore the idea of luxury and prestige further. I left Road America completely satisfied that it was completely fulfilled. Here is the idea: you love the upper end of the market. You love luxury, exclusivity, and the …
TweetWhat is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Aston Martin? In this country, it’s Sean Connery – playing James Bond. That silver DB5 has a lasting effect on people, especially when they do not realize that (a) Aston Martin had a long history before its big screen debut and (b) …
Tweet All Photos by Randy Stern It’s tough when you give a publication "first rights" to a vehicle subject. It's even tougher when those vehicles are headline grabbers…and are superb! This is the story of this batch "As Published Elsewhere" Quickies reviews. Vehicles that are found elsewhere with my byline, reviewed fully on those pages. …
TweetVolvo's winning streak continues. There seems to be stopping them now! After the latest XC90 compiled enough awards and kudos to fill up a trophy room – including #VOTY16 – the new XC60 began to receive its share of accolades. Not just the North American Utility of the Year, the latest version of the popular …
Tweet All Photos by Randy Stern So, the 45th Twin Cities Auto Show…how was it? In my opinion, it is much better than before. Perhaps the best that I attended since 2005. I saw more engagement with two interactive ride-along events from Jeep and Mitsubishi, the new Luxury Ballroom and Acceleration Alley, and other expanded …
Tweet 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL Touring – All Photos by Randy Stern No, sorry, Mitsubishi is not on its deathbed. Far from it. There are two reasons why. One, Fred Diaz is taking over as the head of its USA operations. As of April 1, the Texas-born-and-bred Truckmaster General will shift from Nissan's North …
Tweet All Photos by Randy Stern "Um, how come you do not publish a review in for every vehicle you drive in Victory & Reseda?" It's a question I get from time-to-time. However, it came out of a situation where other outlets I currently and previously write for want exclusive content. They want the one …
TweetSome cars are made to embody romance and emotion. They have to convey something beyond simple engagement. They have to have an overt personality that can be seen through even a suit bought from a mainline clothing store. But, where are those cars? Who's making them these days? And, for whom? What I may have …