PHOENIX — The Maverick has been nothing but a blockbuster smash hit since it was introduced by Ford in 2021. It’s won numerous “Best of” awards since including the prestigious 2022 North American Truck of the Year honors. Consumer demand now has Maverick the number two truck seller at Ford behind the F-150 and ahead of the Ranger. 

INDIANAPOLIS — I like traveling to California. I enjoy the warm weather, cool architectural vibe, surfing the waves, and of course, imbibing all of the latest electric cars. When I’m tired from a day in the sun, I grab dinner on a restaurant patio before cruising the Pacific Coast Highway with windows and sunroof open. If I lived there, I’d drive the 2023 Kia Niro EV. Even back home in Indiana, it would serve my active family well.

INDIANAPOLIS — It seems about every 20 years, BMW gets radical with the 7-Series.  Remember back a couple of decades to the 2003 model that debuted the iDrive infotainment system and “Bangle butt” raised trunklid, named for former BMW design chief, Chris Bangle.  Eventually, though, BMW’s competitors copied the car’s controls and rump.  As BMW configures the 7-Series for an electric future, it gives a radical makeover that nods to the past and future in the 2023 760i xDrive. 

MIAMI — BMW’s M2 sports coupe moves aggressively into its second generation with the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe offering the joy of a manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and lots of technological features to satisfy 21st Century customers. Oh, sure, an 8-speed double-clutch transmission is available, but to experience all that the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe has to offer in the way of driving fun you need to stick with the stick.

PHOENIX — Back in 1998 Lexus introduced its first RX crossover utility vehicle in the United States just two years after Mercedes introduced their first-generation ML SUV. The RX met with immediate sales success climbing right to the top of the sales charts’ much to the surprise of the German auto maker who had a two-year head start. Lexus did a better job making the RX more luxury-like and less truck-like.

PHOENIX — If you’ve been paying attention, you probably already know that Genesis is building some of the most impressive luxury vehicles in the industry today. It should come as no surprise, then, that the Electrified GV70 driven here is nothing short of excellent. The award-winning and top-of-its-class GV70 — competing against luxury legacy brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes — is made even better by going all-electric, as indicated by its moniker. 

PHOENIX — Desert racing began nearly 50 years ago in the Mexican Baja and in 1967 this crazy, addictive motorsport became known as the Baja 1000. Over the years this epic endurance race has attracted hundreds of racing legends, celebrities, thrill-seeking dare devils and rank amateurs to Northern Mexico just south of San Diego, California and Ensenada, Mexico.  It’s  the longest non-stop point-to-point race in the world.

HERNDON, Va. — As you’d know, long before Tesla began to electrify the marketplace Toyota — with its worldwide distribution of the Prius hybrid — was the Electric Company. Of course, a Prius wasn’t offered as a full electric, and only later supplied with a plug-in capability, but it became the vehicle of choice for those interested in either economy of operation — given its efficiency — or a smaller carbon footprint, given its efficiency. 

MIAMI — BMW tiptoed into the world of electric vehicles about a decade ago with the nifty little i3 hatchback, but goes all in this year with the introduction of the 2023 BMW i7 xDrive60, an electrified take on its full-size flagship 7 Series sedan. Fittingly, the German automaker loaded it up with all kinds of luxurious touches and technological features to take on competing full-size models from Mercedes-Benz and Tesla.

PASO ROBLES, Calif. — Spring has finally come to California wine country and I’m clipping through tight two-lane roads through vineyards and wineries around Paso Robles.  I’m doing my best to keep eyes on the road, but the greenery and mountains are simply magical.  Yet, the roads and this car demand attention lest I end up a visitor center lawn ornament.  As invigorating is the drive, this little hatchback could just as easily take Miles and Maisey to cello lessons.  I’m driving the completely redesigned 2024 Subaru Impreza RS.