Author
James Hamel

2014 VW Jetta

The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8 Turbo Shows There Really Are Second Acts In German Car Lives

James Hamel 1
At a recent full line VW drive event that we here at Gaywheels.com attended in Napa, we started our morning grabbing the keys to the vehicle that we expected the least from as far as thrills and surprises go. We chose to drive a manual transmission equipped 2014 VW Jetta in midlevel (and very affordable) SE trim with the all new VW 1.8 liter base corporate turbocharged 4-cylinder motor. But there is nothing basic at all about this new 170 horsepower/184 lb. feet of torque engine, dear readers, and no longer is the Jetta a bargain basement, built to price economy car with a faint hint of German sportiness about it. [...]

We Let the Dog Decide: The 2014 Infiniti Q60 Convertible Is The Choice For Both Driver & Canine

James Hamel
Roxy, Gaywheels own exclusive canine auto journalist, may be just a dog to some but she knows what she wants and more often than not that is the utmost in luxury. The 2014 Infiniti Q60 folding hardtop convertible provided her with just that and more as this is one of the few luxury convertibles that she is even allowed to ride in as it has a leather lined back seat not all that suitable for anything more than small children but perfect for a 44 pound boxer rescued from Boxer Rescue Los Angeles. [...]

We Let The Dog Decide: 2014 Honda Civic EX-L Vs. 2014 Mazda3i Grand Touring

James Hamel 13
When the 2012 Honda Civic was first released it was raked over the coals for uncharacteristically subpar driving dynamics,interior quality and the continued use of a five-speed automatic which apparently was outlawed during the time of Moses. Fast forward to last year and Honda gave every journalist human and canine who complained a serious smack down by improving the interior quality to best in class, bettering the ride, lowering road noise and improving the steering and handling feel. Frankly, we thought Honda perfected the Civic in 2013 but this year the company made yet more changes. [...]

We Let The Dog Decide: 2014 Lexus GS350 Or 2014 Audi A6 3.0T?

James Hamel 3
When it comes to mid-level luxury sedans, many people instantly gravitate to the “usual suspects” at their local Mercedes Benz or BMW dealers but quite honestly the latest E-Class and newest shape 5-Series sedans are both a bit of a snooze fest. What if you desire something different that not everyone on your block is driving that is both sporty, solidly built, has a premium badge and can also manage more than to just “impress the clients” during business lunches? [...]

The 2014 Toyota Corolla Is The World’s Sexiest Washing Machine

James Hamel 4
When Toyota asked current Toyota owners what they wanted changed when this automotive powerhouse went about redesigning its stalwart Corolla sedan, they said they wanted a bit more exterior style and seats that were more comfortable. Well rejoice Corolla owners, the 2014 Toyota Corolla has come back with a more stylish exterior and more comfortable front and rear seats. And that’s about it. Toyota stopped there and left everything else exactly as it was. This is less a restyle and more of a whitewash of sterile durable goods. [...]

The 2014 Cadillac SRX Brings Its A-Game To Lexus, Mercedes, And BMW

James Hamel 2
First, let’s just admit that while we drive a lot of SUVs and crossovers (honestly, we can’t think of one we haven’t tested), rarely if ever do we find ourselves inspired by one of these vehicles to the point that we made up far off destinations just so we could spend more time driving it. But we recently had a 2014 Cadillac SRX delivered with more sharp lines to its style statement that a fall line at Dolce & Gabbana. [...]

The 2014 Fiat 500 Abarth Convertible Mixes Hot-Hatch Thrills With Open-Air Fun

James Hamel 1
There is something inherently magical about the 2014 Fiat 500 Abarth convertible (500C in Fiat speak) and pinpointing the origin of that specialness is not all that hard to do. All a driver has to do is press the button to make the cloth roof slide backwards opening up the cabin to the blue skies and sunshine overhead followed by pressing a red button on the dash marked “Sport.” Then, when he or she turns the key they will be treated to one of the most sonorously delightful and wickedly loud engine note this side of a Ferrari. Without having driven a mile, you will know that this is one badass car. [...]

First Drive Comparison: 2013 VW Golf TDI Vs. 2015 VW Golf TDI

James Hamel 10
Volkswagen lovers with an eye on a Golf TDI hatchback are no doubt asking themselves if they should hold out until model year 2015 for the update or snap up a sixth-generation version like the 2013 model. (FWIW, there will be a shortened 2014 model year for the Golf made up of leftover stock of the current version.) To address such dilemmas, we thought we’d pit the two against one another. [...]