• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / Special / Highlights of the 2017 WAPA Rally!

Highlights of the 2017 WAPA Rally!

October 18, 2017 by admin 2 Comments

Drive time in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay for the WAPA Rally.

Once each year, members of the Washington Automotive Press Association gather at a special location in the DC area to test drive new vehicles. The annual WAPA Rally is an important event, which also allows members to network with each other and meet and greet manufacturer representatives.

Like last year, this year’s event was held at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club on Kent Island in Maryland, about an hour east of the center of the city. For only the second time I managed to attend this event, this time taking with me my friend and contributing photographer, Arsis Fruritch. Arsis and I split behind-the-wheel and behind-the-camera duties, affording both of us the chance to enjoy the event.

This year, 55 models were on hand, including such hard-to-get vehicles as the Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge and Acura’s NSX hybrid sports car. Alas, those two vehicles along with the Lexus LS 500 and Honda Civic R Type escaped us, as long lines effectively shut us out.

We did manage to get some wheel time with several vehicles for the first time. Some had yet to pass through my fleet rotation, while a few simply aren’t offered by distributors at all. In any case, we enjoyed what we drove with the following photos and captions attesting to that fact.

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF WAPA Rally
What’s better than a Miata Convertible? How about the Miata RF hardtop? New for 2017, the RF’s roof does retract, but in my thinking it looks best with the top up.

2. 2018 BMW 530E PHEV

2018 BMW 530E WAPA Rally
Mr. Arsis Fruritch takes to the wheel of this sporty, but very efficient BMW 530E, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle delivering a delicious blend of luxury, performance and fuel economy.

3. 2018 Kia Stinger

2018 Kia Stinger WAPA Rally
The one vehicle outside the reach of all attendees was this stunning Kia Stinger. Kia brought a Korean-spec model to the event, but wasn’t about to allow journalists to drive and write about it. After all, that’s what we do!

4. 2018 Chevrolet Traverse

2018 Chevrolet Traverse WAPA Rally
How do you like your Chevrolet Traverse? How about all-new as in this 2018 model? If you like three-row crossover utility vehicles, the Traverse in Premier trim should be on your shopping list. It pegs all the creature comfort, tech and safety features today’s shoppers demand.

5. 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio WAPA Rally
Take a Giulia sedan and imbue it with SUV characteristics and you have the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, a sporty SUV with your choice of potent engines. The base 2.9-liter V6 was offered here, a turbo delight that’s sure to please luxury shoppers. What a beautiful interior!

6. 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia WAPA Rally
The first mass-produced Alfa Romeo for the US market is this Giulia, a beautiful sedan and direct competitor to the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac ATS and others. Like the Stelvio SUV, the Giulia offers a pair of turbocharged engine choices.

7. 2018 Mercedes-Benz C350E

2018 Mercedes-Benz C350E WAPA Rally
This Mercedes-Benz C350E is the latest in a long series of plug-in vehicles arriving to the market. This model provides 11 miles of electric-only range, enough for those short trips around town.

8. 2018 Ford F-150

2018 Ford F-150 WAPA Rally
Ford was the only manufacturer with a pickup truck available. Of course, that was none than the F-150. New this year is a 10-speed automatic transmission. You’ll also find a 3.3-liter V6 engine in some models, also new.

9. 2017 Jeep Compass

2017 Jeep Compass WAPA Rally
What’s so great about the Jeep Compass? For starters, it is light years better than the previous model. Also, it has true off-road capabilities with its available all-wheel drive system.

10. 2018 Dodge Durango SRT

2017 Dodge Durango SRT WAPA Rally
The Dodge Durango is in a league of its own when it comes to three-row crossovers thanks to the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 powering this SRT model. This “hotted up” SUV has the looks to go with its street cred and we can personally attest to its explosiveness (wink*wink)!

Arsis Fruritch

Arsis Fruritch WAPA Rally
Thanks to this guy I wasn’t by myself as I took the 300-mile journey from Raleigh to DC. An architect by trade, Arsis Fruritch is currently a photographer and an artist.

Matt Keegan

Matt Keegan WAPA Rally
One place or another you’ll find me. The 2017 WAPA Rally was my 14th trip of the year and all I can say is that it is good to be back home.

WAPA Rally: Thanks for the Memories!

It takes a lot of work to pull off the annual WAPA Rally, so hats off to WAPA President William West Hopper, Rally Director Philip Van der Vossen, WAPA board members and OEM contributors for this year’s event. The location was fantastic and the drive routes, food, drinks and prizes were all top notch.


WAPA Rally photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. Please check out my friend’s website at ArsisFruritch.com for highlights of his work.

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2017 Jeep Compass, 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2018 BMW 530E, 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, 2018 Dodge Durango SRT, 2018 Ford F-150, 2018 Kia Stinger, 2018 Mercedes-Benz C350E, Arsis Fruritch, Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, WAPA, WAPA Rally, Washington Automotive Press Association

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Dodge Durango SRT: High-End Performance for the Family — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    October 25, 2017 at 5:30 am

    […] the Durango SRT is a hoot to drive. My driving partner (Arsis Fruritch) and I secured one at the 2017 WAPA Rally held on Kent Island, Maryland, earlier this month. It was one of the last vehicles we drove for the […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. Ensnared: Fiat 124 Spider Abarth — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    April 27, 2018 at 6:05 am

    […] with only the hardtop Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 offering the closest competition, especially to the Miata RF, a hardtop exclusive to […]

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover

Recent Comments

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Kia Telluride: Opulent, Large Crossover
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Class Act: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Highlights of the 2020 Toyota Sienna
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand — Auto Trends Magazine on Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
  • Jim Farley Appointed Ford President and CEO
  • 12 Things We LOVE About the Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack
October 2017
S M T W T F S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  
« Sep   Nov »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in