2020 PORSCHE  911 CARRERA S TEST DRIVE BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES. When you’re really passionate about something you dive deep into your desires. If you’re an audiophile you’ll pick up on every nuance of the speakers, or if you’re a watch collector you’ll have intimate knowledge of its inner workings. And that’s what buying a Porsche is like; it’s a car for the driver who appreciates exactness and demands the best no matter the cost.
The priciest options on this tester are the Black/Bordeaux Red leather interior, the Adaptive Sport Seats with memory, the Sport Package which includes the exhaust, the front axle lift system to keep that chin off the ground, the rear axle steering and the Bose sound system.  As-tested, this car comes in at $137,570 and features new easier to control touchscreen infotainment with wireless CarPlay and other innovative features.
At face value you could say it’s just another Silver 911…but its added muscularity and new lighting design give it the subtle newness you’re looking for while retaining its unmistakable silhouette.

2021 Volvo V60 Cross Country Review By Car Critic Steve Hammes. Volvo’s smallest and most affordable wagon has recently received the brand’s Cross Country treatment, meaning it rides higher, is driven by all 4 wheels and possesses a look that takes it into crossover territory. Volvo’s styling game is completely on point, particularly with their car lineup and this is one sharp-looking wagon, accentuated by metallic Crystal White paint and optional 19” wheels.  It looks like nothing else on the road and that’s not an easy claim these days.

2020 LEXUS RC 350 F SPORT AWD REVIEW BY TESTDRIVENOW CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES. The RC possesses that unique blend of Lexus luxury in its ride quality with a spirited character that’ll have you seeking the long way home.  Coupe owners, obviously, crave fun and driving precision and the RC provides that without any white knuckle drama as it sticks to the road with all-wheel drive grip and the benefit of the F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension.  Dial into the highest Sport S + drive mode and gear shifts happen faster, the steering is firmer, and the suspension less yielding.  But to get the most out of the experience, use the paddle shifters otherwise the 6-speed can feel tardy.  And even though from out here the RC doesn’t sound like much, Lexus has created a convincing soundtrack for those inside…it really works quite well.  All-season tires make sense on this trim I suppose, but a more aggressive set of rubber would help scrub out some of this understeer as you attack a corner.    

2020 Toyota Avalon TRD Test Drive & Review By Car Critic Steve Hammes. When you think of an Avalon, the last thing that comes to mind is a sports sedan, right? Well, hold on for a minute. The 2019 redesign did away with its AARP Card requirement by taking Toyota’s flagship sedan in a decidedly sportier direction. And now, the Avalon has gone full on TRD to produce something surprising and a little naughty.
MSRP as-tested: $45,835 

2020 Lexus LX 570 Review By Car Critic Steve Hammes. It’s built in Japan, costs about $100,000 and plays by its own timeless rules; this is the Lexus LX. As long as you can afford the gas and don’t mind stopping for it often, the LX is a great long trip cruiser with comfort for days and the ability to handle a back road. And when you do find yourself off the beaten path the 4×4 ride quality is spectacular. So the best reason for purchase is for the air of serene invincibility the LX provides. It sounds like 2022 will be the next LX redesign.  Until then, enjoy Lexus’ definition of the timeless SUV.