Well into triple digit speeds, the 730 horsepower, twin-turbo, Mercedes V12 engine behind my head was just hitting its stride. Even for the most jaded of auto journalists, this would be a memorable day. I was one of the first automotive writers in North America to sample the new Pagani Huayra hypercar…this one a multi-million dollar pre-production prototype. The Huayra is sexy and stunning in its bare carbon fiber bodywork, while gullwing doors lead to a fantasy-fueled interior of red leather and hand-polished aluminum.
I’m very fortunate in that I’ve been able to make a living working with cars for most of my life. From gas stations in high school, through car dealerships and custom limousine design in southern California post college, to founding my own automotive and motorsports marketing and PR firm, it’s been a heck of a ride. But the best gig, and the one that makes most folks jealous, is automotive writing. Or more specifically, test driving new cars. Yes, car manufacturers drop cars off in my driveway and toss me the keys.
I’ve been obsessed with vehicles as far back as I can remember, watching Formula 1 and endurance racing on Wide World of Sports and following rallying, drag racing and the Bonneville land speed record pursuit through the car magazines I excitedly pulled from the mailbox. My oldest brother took me to my first drag race when I was about eight, the same year I built a wooden go-kart. The gravity-powered kart was fast, but on my first test ride down a steep hill near my house, I quickly realized the importance of brakes—which I neglected to install.
While I appreciated American cars—and I still swoon whenever I see a ’67 Corvette coupe—European cars were my passion. I vividly remember the first time I laid eyes on a Jaguar E-Type and the first British car I drove, a maroon ’72 TVR Vixen, which forever changed my perspective of handling. Over the years, my car enthusiasm never waned and led me to begin writing about cars more than two decades ago.
When auto manufacturers release a new or redesigned model, they need to get press on it. For the sporty and luxury vehicles, they’ll often stage an event at some exotic locale and fly-in journalists from the top news and automotive outlets. The accommodations, food and drink are often over the top, in hopes that the reviews will be glowing, even if the vehicle falls short. While I have been a lucky recipient of those trips in the past, these days, us second tier auto writers have to wait for the vehicles to hit the press fleets. There are two main operations who handle the majority of manufacturers in the tri-state area. If there is a new vehicle I’m excited about testing, I’ll reach out to get on the list. Other times, PR folks will contact me to see if I can get them some press on a vehicle they want to promote. While the Lamborghini and Ferrari folks never call, I’ve been given countless Porsches, a few Bentleys and even a Rolls-Royce! I still think the massive Rolls Phantom had my neighbors wondering if I had joined a drug cartel.
As far as reviews go, there are really no more bad cars. So, I focus on the details that the carmakers get right or wrong, often related to interior ergonomics, seat comfort, and the user interface.
One of the best perks is getting a press car when traveling. When my wife and I were in Italy in late 2022, the US Alfa Romeo team set us up with a Giulia Quadrifoglio. Not only is the Giulia my favorite driving sports sedan, it’s also drop dead gorgeous. Before heading up to Lake Como, we took it to the stunning Alfa Romeo Museum, just north of Milan.
For a recent trip to the inaugural ModaMiami luxury concours, the nice folks at Mercedes-Benz gave me a 2024 AMG GLA35. This spunky compact luxury crossover is the perfect size and with 302 horsepower, it excelled at zipping through Miami’s dense traffic. The optional sports seats are fantastic, resplendent in red and black with excellent support. The vehicle’s small size, adjustable performance modes, aggressive exhaust note, and responsive paddle shifters make the GLA35 more hot hatch than SUV, so it’s right in my wheelhouse. AMG GLA35 starts at $56,450
With so many cars available, I try to get the right vehicle at the right time. My wife planned a weekend away at the lovely Mohonk Mountain House to celebrate my birthday. So I chose luxury, in the form of a 2024 Audi S7. The Audi S7 has a spacious interior and the sloping rear liftback reveals a huge 25 cubic foot luggage area. With a 444 horsepower twin-turbo V6, the luxury performance sedan delivers the perfect balance of sport and comfort. While I would prefer a tire with a bit more sidewall for the potholes, it’s hard to fault the overall package. The handling is crisp, the seats are comfortable, the controls are easy to navigate and the optional Bang & Olufsen® Advanced sound system filled the cabin with our favorite tunes. Audi S7 has a base price of $85,500
While I’m a car guy, I got excited when the new Toyota Tacoma pickup showed up. Toyota’s trucks are legendary for their longevity. Which might explain why it has taken nearly 30 years for a complete redesign of this best-selling mid-size. The 2024 model is a vast improvement, especially in the interior. The 14” center touchscreen is easy to use with clear graphics while Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connect wirelessly. There are proper HVAC buttons and a real volume knob. Ride and handling are much better as well. My TRD Sport Double Cab was comfortable, affordable and with the 278 HP turbo 4, had decent power. Based on the Tacoma’s history, the 2024 will also last long past your last loan payment. Pricing starts at only $31,500
One question I get asked more than any other: what’s my favorite car? If the road is fun, and the company is interesting, the answer is: whatever car I’m driving. •
