Matt M. Myftiu
Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.
Brad Keselowski speaks his mind on MIS tire choice, All-star package
BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Brad Keselowski, a native of Rochester Hills, has never been shy about expressing his thoughts … no matter what the folks in charge may think.
When Goodyear announced the tire they were bringing to Michigan in the wake of a tire test Keselowski had participated in, he wasn’t happy with the choice, and asked for his name to be taken off the press release.
And when the topic comes to the package run at the All-Star race (which provided some great, tight racing) being expanded to other tracks this year and beyond, he definitely was not on board.
Speaking Friday at Michigan International Speedway, a track where Keselowski is still seeking his elusive first Cup win, the 2012 Cup champion didn’t hold back on his thoughts.
Regarding the tire controversy, Keselowski reiterated Friday what he had indicated in the tweet earlier this week: That he is not happy with the choice and doesn’t want to be seen as endorsing it.
“I like Greg Stucker and Goodyear a lot but I didn’t like my name on the press release because I felt it was an endorsement to something that I didn’t endorse. I didn’t endorse the decision to bring this tire here and I didn’t want my name attached to that,” he said.
MIS offers fans lots of entertainment options this weekend
BROOKLYN, Mich. – Michigan International Speedway has a full weekend of entertainment planned.
Fans can check out www.mispeedway.com/entertainment for all the entertainment options that are planned for the June race week at MIS. Guests will want to arrive extra early this season to take advantage of all the options that are available.
Before the drivers are introduced for the FireKeepers Casino 400, Mike Green will entertain the crowd. The comedian has toured the United States performing stand up and making people laugh at every stop. On June 10 he will be live on the pre-race stage at Michigan International Speedway.
Guests will want to be in their seat early to see the human cannon ball before the FireKeepers Casino 400. Don't miss David "The Bullet" Smith AGT, the World's Most Accomplished human cannonball, as he flies through the air above the tri-oval. Smith has been featured on America's Got Talent and is a Guinness World Record holder.
Lexus announces next-gen ES for 2019
Lexus is upping the stakes in the luxury sedan segment, with the unveiling of their seventh-generation Lexus ES sedan, which features an an all-new chassis, updated exterior design, and the introduction of the first ES F SPORT.
Lexus says the vehicle is more spacious and quieter than previous iterations, and also features sharpened performance, plus advanced safety and tech features.
Here are some key highlights:
Martin Truex Jr. looks to continue 2018 success at MIS
BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Defending NASCAR champ Martin Truex Jr. hasn’t grabbed the headlines as much as Kyle Busch or Kevin Harvick, but he’s arguably on part with those two in terms of being the title favorite.
In my view he’s the most impressive driver of the year, considering his Furniture Row Racing team is down to one car this season -- the last time I can remember a one-car team running this well? Perhaps Alan Kulwicki.
By comparison, Harvick and Busch are part of powerhouse four-car teams.
It’s true that Truex has the support of Toyota and a close affiliation with mighty Joe Gibbs Racing, but I don’t think that diminishes what he is doing in 2018. If Truex can repeat as champion in 2018, it will be one of the most impressive runs in recent years.
2018 Volvo XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid is a greener shade of luxury SUV
Before we even dive into the eco-edition of the Volvo XC60, let’s just establish a baseline here:
The standard gas-only XC60 is one of the best luxury SUVs on the market -- period. My time in that vehicle stands out, in part due to its truly luxurious interior, sharp panoramic moonroof, top-notch leather upholstery and of course a great ride quality. Last but not least, massaging front seats are offered that actually do a great job massaging your back and shoulders and are easy to control (Just don't get too comfy and lose focus on the road).
So beyond all that inherent goodness in the XC60, the question now becomes: What benefit is there to upgrade to the plug-in hybrid version of the XC60? (And a quick hint, FYI: If you want the gas-only model, I would act quickly; as Volvo has committed to launching only hybrid or electric vehicles from 2019 onward, as they fully embrace the eco-friendly movement in the auto world).
HOW’S THE RIDE?
The 2018 Volvo XC60 T8 eAWD is powered by a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder engine, plus an 87 horsepower electric motor. The total combined output is a stout 400 horsepower and 472 lb.-ft. of torque.
2018 Cadillac Escalade is still a boss
Close your eyes and think of a large, luxury vehicle.
It’s very likely that a vision of a Cadillac Escalade popped into your head -- probably a black one like the one I recently tested.
This brand and model has become synonymous with the lifestyles of those who can legitimately call themselves a boss, those who need to have a sharp vehicle to show around clients and associates.
And on the domestic front, families looking to be the most blinged-out drivers in the school dropoff line have been known to seek out the Escalade, too.
Basically a tricked-out version of the GMC Yukon XL or Chevy Suburban, it’s become a symbol of success. But the question is -- is that reputation merited, and how does the vehicle compare to other luxury SUVs?
2018 Lexus NX 300h is both green and luxurious
Small SUVs are all the rage. And being green is also on the minds of many carbuyers.
If you’re in the luxury realm, and both these things are on your wish list, your choices are pretty limited, but Lexus has one impressive offering with its 2018 Lexus NX 300h hybrid.
I recently spent some time in one and here is a full report on what it offers and who might be interested in picking one up.
2018 Volvo S90 stakes claim as a legit luxury sedan
It’s a sign you’ve really made it -- when you can pick up that high-end sedan and tool around town in true comfort and luxury.
But what do you choose? Will the traditional German offerings tempt you? How about a domestic variety like Cadillac or Lincoln? Or an Asian model like Lexus or Acura?
But hold on for a second, let’s not forget about Volvo, the Swedish brand which continues to impress with its new luxury models.
I recently spent some time in a 2018 Volvo S90, and I’m back with a full report on what it has to offer.
2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali offers super-sized space, luxury
Numbers don’t lie, and in the case of the 2018 GMC Yukon XL, the numbers are pretty staggering.
It’s among the largest and longest vehicles available to car buyers, coming in at 224 inches long, 81 inches wide and 74 inches tall.
This big boy is a truck-based twin to the Chevy Suburban, with the main wrinkle being its Denali trim level, which pushes the Yukon XL into a higher echelon in the GM landscape.
I recently tested this behemoth and I’m back with a full report.
LOOKS
Size is everything with the Yukon XL, which grows from the base Yukon by more than 20 inches in length. Leg room in the third row also grows by nearly 10 inches when moving up from the standard Yukon to the XL, and cargo volume behind the third row more than doubles.
Point blank: Everyone and everything in the Yukon XL will be comfortable and roomy.
2018 Audi SQ5 is a street legal rocket
Some cars are fast. Others are faster.
And others are “holy xXxX this thing gets moving” fast.
The 2018 SQ5 crossover from Audi is in the final category, and I recently spent some time in this street legal rocket and am back with a full report.
LOOKS
Like the regular 2018 Audi Q5 … the 2018 Audi SQ5 is a well-designed crossover with an attractive look. But where the Q5 is strictly classy, the SQ5 moves up to looking sporty and classy due to a sharp high-performance looking exterior and interior. The optional matador red metallic paint job sparkled. 20-inch wheels are standard but you can upgrade to 21-inch wheels.
On the inside, my test vehicle featured a black interior with excellent detail.
The standard materials inside the SQ5 are a mix of leather and Alcantara suede, plus nice touches are offered like the optional Carbon Atlas inlays.
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