The Crank: Lincoln’s naming strategy missing its Mark

By John LeBlanc I recently got a chance to drive the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sedan and updated 2011 MKX midsize crossover (preview article coming forthwith). All in all, both are pretty solid pieces of kit. Not only is the MKZ Lincoln’s first hybrid, because its based on the excellent bones of the Ford […]

Feature: AMG Performance Tour

[svgallery name=”AMG_Performance_Tour”] By John LeBlanc PAHRUMP, Nev. – Over the past four decades, Germany’s AMG has grown from a couple of guys hot-rodding Mercedes-Benz in a barn, to a full-on subsidiary of the automaker that now employs over 900 employees.

Road Test: 2010 Volkswagen GTI 3-door DSG

[svgallery name=”2010_VW_GTI_hirez”] Mr. Automatic Does adding a slushbox diminish a hot hatch fave? By John LeBlanc No doubt you’ve heard of Volkswagen’s GTI. Like Chevrolet’s Corvette or Porsche’s 911, it’s one of those instantly recognizable enthusiast car badges that, in spite of the occasional oil crises or economic downturn, has kept its flame burning for […]

Top 10s: New Hot Hatches

[svgallery name=”Top 10 Hot Hatches”] By John LeBlanc Driving enthusiasts are well aware of the Hot Hatch Formula. Made popular during the first Oil Crisis in the early 1970s, which saw the neutering of the American muscle car and the near-extinction of the V8 engine, the idea of adding a bit of performance to a […]

Road Trip: 2010 Fiat 500 1.4 Sport

[svgallery name=”2010_Fiat_500_road_trip_pics”] Driving la dolce vita Touring Tuscany in the Canadian-bound Fiat Cinquecento Story and photos by John LeBlanc SIENNA, Italy – Zipping by the vineyards that cover central Italy’s Chianti Hills like designer shag carpet, our Fiat 500’s tach freely swinging to its redline, we’re trying to coax the most from the small, Italian […]

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