New 2020 Subaru BRZ - Engaging Driving Experience

 

The Subaru BRZ has long been a favorite of enthusiasts - and in its all-new 2022 iteration, it promises even more thrills. Having patiently waited for years, Subaru fans will now find a sports car completely redesigned and reengineered for more horsepower, torque, acceleration, and better handling. The 2022 BRZ features an all-new, rev-happy, 2.4-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine under the hood delivering 228 horsepower and 15% more torque to launch out of every corner, while its retuned, track-tested suspension lets you set up the perfect line for the next curve. The body structure is upgraded for increased rigidity and an even lower center of gravity to improve handling dynamics. Available ultra-high-performance Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4 tires give you incredible grip and connection to the road, and the exterior is resculpted with clean, contoured lines and a new, larger grille. Long a favorite for spirited drivers, the all-new 2022 Subaru BRZ promises to continue to deliver an engaging driving experience.

A REVIEW: The 2020 Enclave Essence AWD 1SL

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: 2020 Enclave Essence AWD 1SL

The 2020 Enclave Essence, the model between the Preferred and the Premium, is a pretty cool vehicle. Since it was introduced in 2007-8, it has had three redesigns. The last one was in 2018.  The Enclave Essence is both a mammoth and a luxurious SUV. To enjoy, just get in, sit back and ride! Surprisingly, it handles and maneuvers well as it hits the street.  This is how the Buick Enclave models roll.

I drove the Enclave Essence with the 36L V6, SIDI, VVT engine, and 9-speed transmission with an ebony twilight metallic exterior and the dark galvanized with ebony accents interior. It was class and comfortable.

I’m tall, so I appreciate the spacious headroom. There is a cool leather wrap steering wheel. On the left-hand side of the steering wheel, are the Bluetooth and cruise control.  On the right of the steering wheel are the controls for the instrument cluster.

This SUV is a head-turner, indeed. It’s so comfy and fun to drive – you’ll keep thinking of places to go. 

The 7-passenger, three-row cabin is roomy, unpretentious, smooth and contemporary. The exterior is equally impressive. It, too, is ritzy and progressive.

While it’s not cheap, it is affordable coming in at under $50k.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE:

Leather-appointed seating, 7-passenger seating, power seat adjust, driver 8 way and passenger 6 way, drive and front passenger heated seats, power lumbar, driver seat, power lumbar, passenger seat, air conditioning, tri-zone, auto climate control, Buick quiet tuning, active noise cancellation, Universal home remote, Buick infotainment system W/8” diag. HD color touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth audio streaming, APPLE Carplay, and Android Auto capable, in-vehicle apps, and personalization capable, keyless open/start, Onstar ® services ad 4G LTE Wi-Fi ® available, SIRIUSXM radio capable, all-access trial W/ subscription sold separately, daytime running lamps, LED, headlamps, LED, wheels, 18” aluminum, remote vehicle starter system, mirrors, power outside, heated, manual-folding, driver-side auto-dimming, with turn signals, liftgate, power, hands-free with projected LOGO, rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, HD rear vision camera.  OPTIONS: dual moonroof, power front and fixed rear, unique sport grille with body-color surround sport-touring liftgate badging.

MSRP: $49,055.00

FUEL ECONOMY: 17/25

THE DRIVE: Pleasant!

Darlene Donloe

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, LA Stage Times, The Wave newspapers, LA Watts Times, Black Meetings and Tourism, This Stage, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Grammy, BlackVoices.com and more. Contact her via ddonloe@gmail.com

GMC Hummer EV Pairs Incredible Capability, Zero Emissions

“Quiet Revolution” campaign featuring LeBron James 

telegraphs GMC’s future with its first all-electric truck

GMC will introduce the GMC HUMMER EV, bringing bold design and remarkable capability to the electrified vehicle space, during today’s big game, in an ad titled “Quiet Revolution” featuring LeBron James.

The spot juxtaposes the staggering anticipated performance metrics of GMC’s first all-electric truck with the remarkable quietness inherent in the operation of an electric vehicle.

The GMC HUMMER EV truck will showcase the GMC brand’s design and engineering potential, and will feature:

• 1,000 horsepower
• 11,500 lb-ft of torque
• 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds

“GMC builds premium and capable trucks and SUVs and the GMC HUMMER EV takes this to new heights,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC. “We are excited to debut our revolutionary zero-emissions truck during the biggest night in TV advertising.”

“Teaming up with GMC to introduce the Hummer EV is a natural fit. Everyone knows about my love for Hummer since high school and I’m proud to be a part of announcing the new EV model,” said LeBron James. “The truck may be quiet, but the performance numbers speak for themselves.”

The 30-second TV spot featuring James is scheduled to air during the second quarter of the big game in the U.S. and during the fourth quarter in Canada. The spot highlights the anticipated performance of GMC’s all-electric super truck, which will generate remarkable metrics in terms of horsepower, torque, and acceleration while providing incredible on- and off-road capability. All of this is combined with the vastly reduced noise and zero emissions inherent in the operation of an electric vehicle.

As part of the digital and social media marketing push surrounding the big game ad, GMC took over the YouTube homepage masthead on Friday, Jan. 31. Customers can follow the conversation at #GMCHummerEV.

The GMC HUMMER EV will be revealed on May 20, 2020, and built in Michigan at General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.

The GMC HUMMER EV will be built in Michigan at GM’s Detroit Hamtramck Assembly with globally sourced parts.

About GMCWith a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @GMC or at www.facebook.com/gmc.

A Review: The 2019 Jeep Renegade Limited 4x4

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: Jeep Renegade Limited 4x4

When I received the Jeep Renegade with the Colorado Red exterior and Black/sky grey interior with leather-trimmed bucket seats to review for a week, I got a bit nervous. The red color was striking. It roared, “Here I am, look at me’! I knew right then my urge to accelerate on the highway just to see how she grooves when she grabs the road – would not be a good idea.  Statistics show that red cars are pulled over for speeding far more than any other color. That, combined with my reddish hair, might result in unwanted law enforcement attention. I had to reign in my desire to fly down the highway with the wind in my hair as I floored it in full abandonment. Alas, the experience would remain in my dreams.

This four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle with an automatic transmission is considered one of the best off-roaders in its class. The 2019 version has a revamped front fascia that is gangsta.

This four-cylinder, which has more power than its competitors, does well in practically every driving situation. It’s comfortable, has an attractive cabin, great maneuverability, a user-friendly infotainment system, the braking is excellent, large trunk space and it has a smooth ride on the road. The steering is phenomenal and it’s affordable! With just a bit more pressure on the accelerator – it can pick up and go. This is a FUN car!

After driving this SUV for a week, I loved it so much I asked for an extension, which was granted.  I needed to smash the road just one more time!

This is the Jeep Renegade Limited 4x4.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: Engine: 1.3 L 4-cylinder, 9-speed automatic transmission, turbocharged, horsepower: 177hp @ 5, 750 rpm, torque (net @ rpm): 200 @ 1750, towing capacity: 2,000 lbs, curb weight: 3,327 lbs, dimensions: 167” L x 74” W x 67” H, wheelbase (in.): 101.2, keyless start, remote engine start, power steering, steering when controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM stereo, Uconnect 4 with 7-inch display, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, Google Android Auto, auxiliary audio input, a 115-Volt auxiliary power outlet, smart device integration, premium sound system (optional), A/C, climate control, dual zone A/C, electrochromic rearview mirror, back-up camera, leather seats, heated front seats, driver lumbar, power driver seat, second-row bench seat, bucket seats, pass-through rear seat, driver vanity mirror, keyless entry, passenger vanity mirror, power mirrors, heated mirrors, auto-off headlights, daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, variable speed intermittent wipers, power door locks, tires have front and rear performance, a tire pressure monitoring system, aluminum wheels, full-size spare tire (optional), trainer hitch receiver (optional), cruise control, adaptive cruise control, alarm (optional), vehicle anti-theft system, a trip computer, adjustable steering wheel, heated steering wheel, automatic parking (optional), fog lamps, rear defrost, privacy glass, power windows, rear spoiler, sun/moon roof (optional), dual moonroof (optional), child safety locks, blind-spot monitor (optional) and driver/passenger/rear head/front head/frontside airbags.

MSRP: $27,895-$33,265

FUEL ECONOMY: 23/29

THE DRIVE: On Point!

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, LA Stage Times, The Wave, LA Watts Times, Black Meetings and Tourism, This Stage, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Grammy and more. Contact her via ddonloe@gmail.com