2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Review By Larry Nutson
Supercar looks and performance
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
My first stint behind the wheel of the new Corvette, the new mid-engine C8 that is, was for a few days last fall at my Chicago home. I recently had another drive experience.
Although it’s winter I’ve been spending time in the more moderate climate of coastal Southeastern U.S. where weather conditions make for good Corvette driving. This time around I drove a 2021 model. Specifically, a coupe with 2LT trim and the optional Z51 Performance Package.
The Stingray has received some changes in the way of features and colors for 2021. On the performance side, Magnetic Ride Control is now available without the Z51 package. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
2021 Land Rover Defender Review By Larry Nutson
2021 Land Rover Defender
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
A few weeks back I had my first spin in the new Land Rover Defender. As things go, I got to take another.
This not-quite back-to-back drive in the new Defender is akin to an actual in-person media new vehicle introduction program where engine variations and different trims are available for driving. In today’s world of Covid-19, programs like these are on hold, for the most part.
My first drive was in the Defender 110 First Edition trim. This time around it’s the 110 SE trim.
2021 Ram 1500 TRX Review By Larry Nutson
Extreme Performance
Chicago Bureau
The American horsepower war and the American pickup war have become one, so to speak.
Ram has answered Ford’s F-150 Raptor with the new 1500 TRX that features a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 that makes 702-hp and 650 pounds-feet of torque. Ram says the truck can go from
0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, cover the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph, and has a top speed of 118 mph. The TRX is designed with extreme capabilities and features a unique suspension designed
for high-speed off-road driving as well as wheels and tires also designed for that.
About four months ago I spent time with the all-electric battery powered 2020 MINI Cooper SE 3-door Hardtop. This is the automaker’s first BEV, an all-electric model.
Expert New Car Review: 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe by Larry Nutson
Both Style and Utility
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
As we gradually emerge from this pandemic tunnel we’re all in, the hard-hit auto industry is seeing an increase in sales. The Hyundai brand is doing very well. They’ve recently seen two record-setting months and overall sales are up 48-percent for the first four months of this year.
Hyundai’s Santa Fe 5-passenger compact utility vehicle (UV) is doing well. This fourth generation of the Santa Fe has gotten a mid-cycle refresh with design changes and many new features for the 2021 model. Sales are up 53-percent in the first third of 2021.