Two weeks ago, I took you along with me for a look at some of the hottest and most innovative new cars out there at the WAPA Road Rally. I had the opportunity to drive over 50 different cars – some that I would never otherwise have a chance to drive.
And after sorting through my pictures, I realized that I made it into all of about TWELVE vehicles.
I know it sounds lame. How could I only do twelve? Well, it ain’t easy getting in and out of cars all day, acclimating yourself to the new controls and gadgets, and driving it to the point where you feel like you have something to say about it.
In the end, I don’t mind that I only made it to twelve because they were all pretty awesome. Last week, I invited you to take a closer look at some of these vehicles. A much closer look where you got to inspect each detail and take a guess as to which car I drove.
Now, I’m ready to divulge and share the full picture of each of these cars.
My Driving Roster for the 2017 WAPA Road Rally
1. RIMS MATTER – Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Remember my favorite rims?
I can now reveal that they belonged to Alfa Romeo Stelvio! It’s a compact SUV with an Italian flair. I first saw this car at the New York International Auto Show and could wait to get behind the wheel. Too bad I didn’t get a chance to drive its sister car, the Alfa Romeo Guilia.
2. GO HYBRID OR GO HOME – Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Clearly this is an energy efficient vehicle but it may surprise you.
I’ve declared my love for the Chrysler Pacifica minivan (even though I am so not a minivan girl) but the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a game changer. If you like minivans but not the gals mileage, try this one on for size with an average (combined gas and electric) of 84mpg!
3. COOLEST VENTS EVER – Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
The coolness starts with the vents but certainly doesn’t end there.
I hate to play favorites when there are so many amazing cars on display. But I’m going to anyway. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet was hands-down my favorite car for the day. From the driving to the luxury to the gadgets, it was tops in my book for so many reasons. Plus, it’s pretty.
4. SHOCKING SOUND – Cadillac CT6 Platinum
A quick google search of Panaray would have clued you in on this one. It’s the advanced Bose sound system for the Cadillac CT6.
Yes, Cadillac is still luxurious but it’s design and attention to detail has come a long way, especially in the Cadillac CT6 Platinum.
5. ECONOMICALLY LUXURIOUS – BMW 530e
“Economically” luxurious here refers to the fuel economy, not necessarily the price tag.
You are looking at none other than the BMW 530e, a vehicle in their iPerformance lineup that uses a combination of turbo 4-cylinder engine along with their eDrive electric motor.
6. CHECK OUT THOSE CURVES – Subaru Crosstrek
This was my first time in a this car and it didn’t disappoint.
My first experience in a Subaru was earlier this year in an Impreza. The Subaru Crosstrek had a similar feel and handled really well.
7. GET A HANDLE ON THIS – Lincoln Continental
The door handles make more sense when you see them in context.
The Lincoln Continental was definitely a talked about car. I loved not only driving in it but having a fellow auto writer chauffeur me around!
8. GIRLS LIKE GRILLES – Volkswagen Tiguan
This is the type of car that gets me excited to drive.
After checking out the VW Atlas earlier this year, I was anxious to see if the Volkswagen Tiguan is essentially a smaller version. It is!
9. IT’S A HOT BED OF ACTIVITY – Ford F-150
There was only one pick up truck on the list so you should have gotten this one!
Some women are intimidated by big trucks like the Ford F-150. I actually think everyone is intimidated by me when I’m behind the wheel of this beast!
10. DISTINCTIVE QUARTER GLASS – Mazda CX-3
I finally had to chance to drive one of the few Mazda that I’ve never been behind the wheel of!
It’s not a Mazda CX-5. It’s not a Mazda3. The Mazda CX-3 is squarely in the middle as a sub-compact SUV (if there isn’t a category for that, I just made it up!).
11. THIS CAR IS SPIRITUAL – Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge
There aren’t many cars that sport the Spirit of Ecstasy so hopefully you got this one.
Coming in at $420k, this Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge is the most expensive car I’ve ever driven. How was it? I couldn’t tell you. I was too scared I would hit something to focus on the drive!
12. TAIL LIGHTS FOR DAYS – Land Rover Discovery
You can’t tell from the photo but this is actually a diesel!
It was only my second time behind the wheel of the Land Rover Discovery and I fell in love. With the additional of diesel, the gas mileage is almost in the acceptable range for me.
So how did you do? Did you get some of the cars right? Did you get half of them right? Did you get ANY of them right?
Well, one lucky reader got 11 out of 12 photos correct and SHE (because chicks dig cars too) will soon be receiving her Harman/Kardon Esquire Mini Portable Bluetooth Speaker.
Thanks for playing along!