December 2012

December 28, 2012: We’re off this week, and will be back in the New Year. However, we want to send a shout out to Jack Yan, publisher of the fashion magazine Lucire and the automotive encyclopedia Autocade, and Keith Adams, publisher/founder of AROnline. It seems Keith posted a comment on, and link to, Editor Sawyer’s Lincoln story on his Facebook page, and Mr. Yan decided to take a look. That resulted in this e-mail to The Virtual Driver: “I haven’t bookmarked an automotive site for some time. You’ve just broken the drought. Keep up the great work.” Talk about an unexpected Christmas present!

December 21, 2012: We’re just a few days short of Christmas, and a week off, but loaded for bear. First up, Chris Sawyer tests the 2013 Buick Regal GS, a vehicle that rekindles the relationship between Buick and Opel. Next, he gets the inside story on Ford’s Transit van. Al Vinikour drives the Toyota Venza, a high-top Camry with a unique style. Infiniti rethinks its naming strategy, comes up with—surprise!—letters and numbers, and announces a new model to be built in Britain. Speaking of the English, McLaren launches a line of clothing and accessories for MP4-12C owners, all in basic black. Chris Sawyer buys a book (!) about a different kind of horsepower, and reviews it. And Al Vinikour takes on people who hog parking spots.

December 14, 2012: It didn’t start out as a Mercedes week, but it sure turned into one. First, Chris Sawyer came across photographs of old Mercedes concepts and styling models on its media web site. He downloaded a few to share, with commentary. While he was there, he found Mercedes’ explanation of the new CLA-Class 4Matic system; a first for the company in that it is used on a transverse front-drive platform. Finally, there is the update of the E-Class for the 2014 model year. Still on the luxury car track, Sawyer shares his memories of his encounters with Lincoln. See why he isn’t filled with confidence in the Lincoln Motor Company. And while all that was happening, GM introduced its new light-duty pickups. Darwinian in their adherence to evolution, are they enough to stem the sales tide? Finally, Al Vinikour combines Talk Radio, infotainment systems and the Civil War in a single column.

December 7, 2012: Though this may be the 71^st anniversary of the event behind FDR’s most famous speech, there’ll be no sneak attack in this week’s issue. First up is Al Vinikour’s First Run review of the 2013 VW Beetle Convertible. Al was pleased with the drop top, but not the weather he encountered on the trip. Next, Chris Sawyer drives the Chevy Sonic, and discovers that GM can build a decent small car. Speaking of surprises, he also finds a press release that is the automotive equivalent of junk food; worthless but oh-so tasty. Finally, Al Vinikour asks when a safety feature actually becomes a liability.

August 2011

August 26, 2011. A ferocious rainstorm over Detroit kept the editor circling Cleveland until the plane had to land, refuel and wait out the storm. That means His Crabbiness’ First Run on the 2012 VW Beetle will have to wait until next week. In the meantime, you can check out our Web Development Director’s assessment of Ford’s plans to turn your car into a node on the healthcare highway. It’s a plan with serious implications for both your privacy and driving style. Al Vinikour takes a shot at the voices that talk to him while driving. And smart introduces a new electric bike.

August 19, 2011. Al Vinikour takes a First Run in the new Volvo S60 R-Design, a turbocharged all-wheel-drive sedan from a company better known for safety than performance. Wonder what you can do with Chevy’s new MyLink system? We have a video that takes you on a tour of this new infotainment system. This week we wrap up Chris Sawyer’s look at the Group Lotus vs. Team Lotus drama, and take a look at the company’s new Vice President of Creative Design and Global Marketing. Really. You won’t want to mizz (big clue) it. Finally, Al Vinikour tells us why real men drive with the windows down.

August 12, 2011. Eagle GB gets together with an American doctor to produce a modern interpretation of the iconic Jaguar E-Type. Is Ford’s 3.7-liter V6 engine enough for the F-150 SuperCrew, and does the 2012 Harley-Davidson F-150 push all the right buttons? We revisit the Group Lotus vs. Team Lotus saga once again. Plus, Al Vinikour looks at the crazy things people do while behind the wheel.

August 5, 2011 - Audi introduces a new member of its turbocharged direct-injected engine family chock full of new technology to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. A new two-wheeled hybrid from San Francisco hits the road. We continue our look back at the Group Lotus/Team Lotus battle by reprinting another article Editor Chris Sawyer wrote for the British website AROnline. The Nissan Quest 3.5 LE is in the Driver’s Seat, and Al Vinikour speaks his mind about cell phones and the people who use them while driving.