2022 In Review Top Eight Awesome Rides

It continues to unravel the automotive landscape as we know it, and we car enthusiasts have no choice but to watch in curiosity or horror, or a combination of both. Some of the cars on this list will no doubt be future classics, but for now, these are the vehicles that have surprised, upset, and delighted me in 2022.

2022 Aston Martin DBX

The whirlwind of premium cars has been around for better and worse for the past decade. You get behind the wheel of some of these creations, do a little driving, and then say, "Okay, but I'd rather have a Spirit or a Continental GTC."

This is not a DBX problem. it's a monster. The "My other ride is a Vantage" sign is not required.

The $185,500 test SUV was parked for me at a hotel in Tarrytown, New York. It was midnight when I got there and it was raining so I didn't get to see him until the next morning when I came out of the hotel and saw the straight, angular, angry body I saw in Beverly Hills. December 2021, and I felt the same word grow: "Wow… that's good." "Wow."

I got in and nervously looked around, started the engine and – another woah. Godzilla under the hood. The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 makes 542 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

Like I said, it's a monster. Most of the time you don't even know you're driving an SUV – it moves like the other AM monsters. Strong acceleration comes around a corner on tree-lined roads in Pound Ridge, New York and screeches to a stop.

I won this trip, didn't get interrupted, and filled up twice at $5.85 a gallon. I also attached the photos. The DBX is like an $185,500 jacket: you either look better in it or you're out. Even Lincoln Center seems a bit high, doesn't it?

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

The year 2021 brought the 4Runner its best sales year since its debut in 1984, so the old man still ticks the boxes for many enthusiasts. Although the 2022 model doesn't feature drastic changes and still lacks power compared to others in its class, the rugged and no-nonsense look and feel make it a great driver's car and off-roader too.

TRD builds are varied: SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport (my tester), SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro can be seen here. of the way". Although the company called it "Lime Rush," my test car was green. Some loved it. (I) Others hated him. (My brother in law). As Bill Murray said in Groundhog Day: "Difference is good." I like the optional sliding cargo door. You can always use more space.

The 2023 model does not disappoint – I had one a month ago and loved the same things I loved about the 2022 model, and the color was just as unique as it was in January.

Our TRD Sport version brought extras like a locking rear differential and Toyota's sophisticated suspension system called KDSS, both of which help you stay on tight terrain. If you live in the city and rarely venture off the beaten path, you may want to do more research. But over hills and valleys, through mud and snow? Here is your son. Mileage isn't too great at around 17 MPG city/highway combined. Will there be electricity in the future? I want to see/drive it.

2022 Bentley Continental GT

Driving a Bentley in Los Angeles means standing/sitting patiently while you and everyone else go 15mph around town on the 405. Unless, say, it's 2am.

On the other hand, there are some cars that are great fun to drive in traffic. My Continental GT Cabriolet was a beautiful, stealthy, smelly ghostly gray vehicle with LED headlights flashing after dark in the town where my movie idols of the 1920s, '30s and '40s lived, plying their trade. I was fine, you see?

The big news from Bentley for 2022, in this case, is the introduction of the company's GT Speedmodel, offering a more powerful version of the popular 650hp W12 six-liter engine. Mine was a good old V8, thirsty boy and gas was about $6 a gallon in Beverly Hills at the time, so I figured it was a premium. You don't give the king a fucking sandwich.

The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission was more than adequate for my needs, producing 542 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels and 0-60 in 4 seconds. . I never hit him, nor did I want to. What's the rush, my son?

However, the ability to create split-second flashes made it easier to get out of traffic situations. Pass it on and before long everyone will be in your rearview mirror. The dual-clutch transmission was absolutely smooth. In sound, there is no roar that is wilder, lower, safer and more satisfying.

2022 Honda Civic Si

It's hard not to get excited behind the wheel of the 2022 Honda Civic Si, for the following reasons:

1. He's cute but a bit angry. My testing tool was the "Orange Flaming Gem".

2. Mileage isn't terrible at 31 mpg combined city and highway, but you'll get a little more because you drive faster. You have to.

3. The regular track invites you to enjoy the old school buzz and the speed, control and fun that comes with it. It is also not available in automatic mode. Well then.

4. It has a solid, sleek cabinet that beats most or anything else I've seen this year at any price. Real buttons, black lights, honeycomb details and everything is clear, thanks – "Where is it?" Not a second. Or how does it work?

5. It's relatively cheap at $27,300, $28,710 with everything. If you can find one. They are rare today.

6. My impression car before I joined C. It was the 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost and it didn't matter: I liked the Sean at first sight and when driving it, even though the vehicle cost $427,000 less than the Ghost.

My challenge was to drive near and far, in traffic jams and winding mountain roads, always alone and always playing fast and safe. The roads were dry when I had the vehicle; I want to see what the car does on snow and ice.

Competitors to look out for when shopping for this range include Hyundai's Elantra N, Golf GTI, and Mazda3 Turbo.

2022 Toyota Siena

There comes a time in everyone's life when dreams of rock stardom or professional sports glory give way to the harsh realities of everyday life, which for many of us means spouses and children. And in the minivan of the heart.

Don't take it the wrong way, boss. If you can find the right one, the right color and you have good autokarma, I promise you will learn to love it. Especially this one.

It was love at first sight for me and the dark Sienna, with a red exterior, sharp edges, and a gigantic interior that seats up to eight full-size people and their remains, depending on the finish chosen. . The refined look comes from slim new headlights and a "bold new design" with a slim grille that accentuates the brontosaurus flavor.

The 2022 Sienna is available in six trim levels: LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum. Each version is equipped with a 245 hp four-cylinder engine. It is equipped with a hybrid drive system with combined output.

The best news is that my test vehicle was listed at 36 mpg city/highway, but I got something like 44 mpg, which is better than expected. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is also available.

There are also 16, count 'em, 16 cup holders available, along with a large shelf between driver and passenger and roomy seat pockets.

2023 Nissan Z

The sleek new Z roars up this summer, bringing tons of fun, 400 horsepower under the hood and with a (reasonable) price of $41,015 ready to take on any oncoming traffic.

I only had the new Z for about an hour, a 40 mile round trip from Boulder, Colorado, and up the mountain to a place called Holland and back. Although I wanted a regular weekly loan, this was all I needed to make my decision. The road to the Netherlands is nice and twisty, like the Z, and we got there in good shape, although I would have liked to try the manual, luckily it was about the same price as the automatic.

This is what is cooking.

First of all, there are the decorative trims. The fastest Z Coupe Performance is $52,015, with a choice of manual or automatic for the same price. Finally, a limited edition called Coupe Proto Spec will set you back $54,015. But, in my test, I wanted it for free. Whichever Z you choose, you will be free to pick it up.

Nissan claims the Z is "80% new," but anyone who's seen the Z line since 1970 will recognize its hidden DNA and 2018 model year. They're right at home driving the 2023 model. The big difference, of course, are the 400 hp. A twin-turbo V6 and plenty of other goodies to keep you going fast wherever you are.

For example, a recirculation valve that traps excess air into the system from outside the exhaust ensures a healthy boost, and variable intake valve timing and an integrated exhaust with cooled intercooler contribute to the machine's performance. Use the launch controls and you will have a very fast little sportsman. Buyers can get a mechanical locking differential and Nissan Performance brakes on Performance and Proto models.

And the trip? Lots of speed, power and energy, natch. It's a bit of a heavy machine at around 3,500 pounds, which you can feel in the steering wheel going into tight corners, but with the stronger fairings it probably won't be much of a problem. This new model features new monotube shocks, new front geometry and rear suspension tuning to help in that department.

Wild 2022 McLaren GT

Driving the 2022 McLaren GT for the first time through midtown Manhattan and across the river to Hoboken on a balmy night is like seeing a school of fish.

The mania did not stop during the 24 hours I was away. Wherever he went (highway, parking lot, street), Elvis would enter the building. Passers-by momentarily raise their phones from their faces and point at you, at the car, of course, not at me.

Soon, I quickly realized that there is nowhere in a peaceful life without an onslaught of questions, even from strangers who have only seen McLaren online and are now witnessing the real thing.

I responded to the best of my ability, and I repeat here the statements I made dozens of times the day this jewel became mine.

* Cost $217,555 with all options.

* A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine is mounted in the center of the vehicle.

* 612 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque.

* Has a seven-speed automatic manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.

On paper it gets about 17 mpg, but you'll probably get less because you'll have to hit the gas when there's an open curb in front of you.

The tank contains 19 liters of red material.

It can go from 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds.

Its top speed is around 208 MPH.

In 2022 it will hold its own with its Italian brethren with a carbon fiber chassis and open diff, and will have an exhaust system that will save you a bit of gas over time.

And the trip? beautiful. Crazy acceleration, great handling, fun, noise, hit the gas. It was a very short challenge, so there were no tracks or winding wooded roads in Westchester. Like visiting the beautiful bridge in Yorktown Heights where I grew up and going to Croton Dam and then Hoboken to pick up a friend for a fun night in a car like this.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 2023

Yes, I just reviewed it, but it's on this list.

The IONIQ 5 Limited had a great week of testing, full of speed when I needed it, plenty of interior space and a cabin that reminded me a lot of some old prototypes: economical, robust and elegant. It also has attractive battery-powered curb appeal and a healthy 300-mile range in full economy mode (for our test, the Limited. Cheaper versions get fewer miles per charge). You won't find any other driver that does that. Although you can quickly spot this vehicle in parking lots, it is not threatening.

It also has downsides like B. which is accessed by turning a small "D" and "R" switch behind the steering wheel. After seven days I had never adapted to this change.

One of its most impressive features is its 350 kW DC fast charging capability, which makes the IONIQ 5 unique. You don't have to necessarily go for the Limited, either: Go for the SEL trim and you'll still get that 303-mile range, depending on driving habits and weather. (Cold and electricity are not friends). This version comes with ambient courtesy lights, a hands-free power liftgate, wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, and more.

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning

One year after its debut, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning continues to be a talking point on the road, in parking lots and in driveways, where other truck enthusiasts are questioned and questioned.

Here are some questions and answers:

* How many miles can you travel on a single charge? About 230 at 100% charge, but the extended range version offers 300+ miles.

*Is it as good as the ICE F-150? better than. You can't miss the gas-powered F-150. Is in the city. Along the way, you have to find installers based on your location, and we haven't gotten there yet.

* Is it more expensive this year than last year? Yes, with an additional cost of $12,000. If you can find one, the base Lightning is $53,769 and the extended model is $82,769.

It's worth it? Yes. In the 2023 F-150 Lightning is an all-electric car, with all the base power, all the interior space, all the handling and acceleration, and all the soul-satisfying beast you could want. . It costs less than $80 to travel more than 500 miles, which is a vast improvement over the several hundred dollars spent on a gas-powered F-150 that covers at least the same territory.

Drive safe people.

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