Behind the Wheel of a 2015 Subaru WRX

2015 Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX is a compact sports sedan built on the platform that underpins the Impreza. Through 2014 it was officially known as the Impreza WRX, but beginning with the spring 2014 release of the all-new 2015 model, the WRX becomes a model line all of its own. Subie dooby-doo … Read more

Return to Porsche By Design: Seducing Speed

Porsche by Design

Following my media preview of Porsche by Design: Seducing Speed at the North Carolina Museum of Art last Oct. in Raleigh, I knew that a follow-up visit was in order. Not that I’m a huge Porsche fan, but with a world class car design exhibit on display just minutes from … Read more

The Evolution of Automotive Safety Features

Buick Model 17

Automotive collision avoidance systems designed to increase safety, reduce damages, and lower the number of fatalities have successfully accomplished that task according to a recent study published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In particular, owners of vehicles with forward collision avoidance systems that include autonomous braking showed … Read more

The 7 Greatest Top Gear Moments

top gear tv show

There’s something epic about Top Gear. Absorbing a huge budget and sending three hapless English petrolheads around the world on increasingly ridiculous quests, the programme has been keeping its viewers extremely entertained since its relaunch in 2002. It’s a global phenomenon and should be recognised as such. But through all … Read more

The Hidden Benefits of Stick Shift Transmissions

Mazda Miata stickshift

In a driver’s search for improved gas mileage and more value, the hidden benefits of a manual transmission often get overlooked. Through extensive research, automotive technologists and experts have found that a stick shift can improve gas mileage by a notable two to five miles per gallon compared to an … Read more

Road Machine: Custom Jeep Wrangler JK Rig for Heroes

custom Jeep Wrangler heroes

Jeeps are a lot like heroes. Tony Stark builds advanced armored suits and flies around in them fighting evil, when not roaming the concrete jungle in high-powered sports cars. James Bond is kind of like that. Except instead of donning armored suits, he wears bespoke Italian dinner jackets. Instead of … Read more

Replace Your Timing Belt, Avoid Engine Damage

replace timing belt

A destroyed engine will cost you thousands of dollars to replace. One of the most significant wear items on your car is its timing belt. When this rubber-toothed belt is working properly, your engine is operating as designed, but If your timing belt suddenly breaks your car will stop. Moreover, … Read more

How to Change Your Car’s Oil (Step-by-Step)

oil change DIY

Our local 10-minute oil change store finally has gotten it right:  You don’t have to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles unless you drive your car hard. As in taxi fleet hard. These days, shops have realigned their businesses to perform oil changes per manufacturer recommendations. That … Read more

7 Car Brands You Won’t See in the USA Anytime Soon

car brands not in US

Tough market and competition keeps some automakers away. The U.S. auto industry is the second-largest in the world, having been bypassed by China in 2009. China’s ascendancy came as the U.S. market tanked, but its recovery is in progress and promises to be a good one. Car manufacturers the world … Read more