The Mini Cooper is a true icon of the automotive industry, sporting a powertrain that revolutionized car design and engineering. It’s about to celebrate its 65th anniversary and in this week’s Past Lane we look at how this improbable vehicle came to be.
Larry Printz
A Week With: 2024 Buick Encore GX
At first glance, it’s hard to imagine a use case for the 2024 Buick Encore GX, now that it shares showrooms, and more than a few mechanical bits, with the far more stylish 2024 Buick Envista. But there’s at least one unique feature that makes the more plebian Encore worth a closer look. Here’s our review.
As Profits Sag and Inventories Bulge, Tavares Visits U.S.
With North American sales and earnings on the slide, Stellantis faces a number of challenges that have already led to some major changes in upper management and layoffs on the factory floor. And CEO Carlos Tavares is under mounting pressure to find a fix, reports Headlight.News.
THE PAST LANE: CHRYSLER’S ATTEMPT TO REGAIN PRESTIGE
A once well-respected marque, the fate of Chrysler is increasingly in doubt. Last month, Carlos Tavares, the CEO of Stellantis — the Euro-American automaker formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA — warned that some of its 14 brands could be abandoned if they don’t start delivering better sales and earnings. Chrysler is widely believed to be one of the most vulnerable divisions. But that’s really nothing new.
A Week With 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
While it’s easy to dismiss sedans as an outdated body style, there’s still a sizable share of U.S. buyers committed to “three-box” designs. That’s especially true in the luxury segment. And while Mercedes-Benz has paired back its line a bit over the last several years, it remains committed to offer buyers at least a few key options, starting with the 2024 CLA250. Here’s our review.
First Drive: 2025 Mini Cooper S Hardtop
Same as it ever was, just better
2024 VW Tiguan Special Edition Debuts Ahead of All-New 2025 Model
With an all-new Volkswagen Tiguan arriving for 2025, the German automaker is offering a Tiguan Wolfsburg Edition special edition as the current model wraps up its run. The Tiguan’s line-up consists of ascending S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trim levels,...
Ineos Reveals A Bevy Of Prototypes
Goodwood display hints at what’s coming next for Ineos as it prepares to expand its presence in the SUV segment.
First Drive: 2024 Aston Martin DB12
Aston Martin DB12: Just another stunning Aston Martin, sure to shake and stir you.
First Drive: 2025 Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster
Ineos channels rugged pickups with the 2025 Quartermaster. Rugged Grenadier underpinnings mix with impressive pickup capability to produce a unique offering.
The Past Lane: A Taxi Cab With A Checkered Past
Checker Cab left an enduring legacy in automotive history but what made the company such a unique enigma in the world of public transportation?
Road Test: 2024 Toyota Sequoia – A Good SUV Struggling To Standout
A good full-size SUV in a market filled with great ones.