JulesOnWheelz

Subaru is LOVE-ing its best sales month in history as August 2017 charted a 4.6% increase over August 2016. Sixty-nine consecutive months of yearly month-over-month growth rewards Subaru for its innovative advertising campaigns and commitment to community.

One such program is geared toward pets.  66% of Subaru owners have pets with 71% of those being dog owners.  You may have seen Subaru’s pet commercials with a golden retriever family driving a Subaru and experiencing situations much like any red-blooded American family might. Click here to read more about the details of how the promotion came to life.  It has been one of its most successful campaigns to date and spurred on a whole new marketing emphasis. Even the Center for Pet Safety partnered with Subaru in a study to find the best pet restraint.

Making room for pets in the re-designed 2018 Crosstrek is a genius move by Subaru based on that data.  The 2.0i Premium model that I was able to test included all-weather mats and a large tray for the cargo area (standard on Premium and Limited trims) perfect for those muddy paws.  4+ inches of girth are added making it a breeze for the BIG DOGS to jump in.  A rear seat- back protector and bumper cover complete the available equipment from Subaru and after market barriers are available to create the crate-like travel space.  Roof rails are standard on all trim levels to assist in the storage of gear and other fun-loving items like kayaks and tents. Exploring is part of the Subaru brand.

Having pets myself, two large dogs to be specific, I would consider the Crosstrek a great option for taking the little darlings along on trips anytime.  My buddies are always ready for their next escapade and Subaru has made that standard fare in many of their models.  Thank you Subaru for making it just a little easier to include the WHOLE family in travel plans.

Cashew

Cargo area/kennel

Maggie May

Photos by Jules Stayton

Three trim levels rule the 2018 Crosstrek.  Noted for its off-road capabilities and standard AWD,  the entry-level and Premium Crosstrek includes a 6-speed manual transmission with Incline Start Assist for even more control on those rock crawls and gravel roads.  Ground clearance clocks in at 8.7″ when equipped with X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control.  Optional Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Incline Start Assist and 7-speed manual-mode with paddle shifters happened to be on my ride and explored often by this Subaru owner.

Front seat detail

All necessities at fingertips

Ample legroom for 6ft+

Photos by Jules Stayton

Passengers, even those over six-feet, will enjoy the head clearance and leg room in the  spacious 100.9 cubic-foot interior.  The 152 hp 2.0 liter 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer® engine with direct injection is not sluggish but peppy and ready for the on-ramp or back road Sunday drive.  New to the 2018 re-design is high-strength steel on an all-new structure providing 70% more rigidity making it ride quieter and smoother.  I was impressed with a tranquil cabin atmosphere that had the space of an SUV but sporty in its handling capabilities.

Standard AWD

Ready for any adventure!

Starlink Safety Features

Photos by Jules Stayton

Starlink™ is Subaru’s flagship for safety and security.  Available also are Steering Responsive Headlights shown in this video which are new for 2018 that work in tandem with EyeSight® technology that uses two cameras facing forward where the map-lights are located at the top of the windshield.  EyeSight® is the sensor for Pre-Collision Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control.  Pre-Collision Throttle Management cuts power to the engine when objects are detected or if the car is put into drive instead of reverse. Lane Keep Assist, when engaged, helps prevent drowsy driver drift and lane departure by sounding an alert whose volume can be set by the driver.  Blind-Spot Detection flashes a light on the rear view mirror of both the passenger and driver side to inform the driver of potential hazards in the respective blind spots.  Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and  Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) round out Subaru’s bevy of features that make safety a priority.

Photos by Jules Stayton

Whether your goals are to get from point A to B or embark on a true adventure the 27/33 mpg 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a contender.  Apple Car Play™,  Android™ Auto, Pandora® and the all-new voice activated navigation system powered by TomTom® will take you where you need to go.

Sales records testify, Subaru has become America’s go to brand for safety, reliability and durability.  Canines and humans agree…the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a winner.

The $21,795 base price tag is hard to beat.  Add options and the $915 destination and delivery fee to my Premium model for a grand total of $26,803.

*This car was provided for review by Marion Subaru Marion, Illinois.

Never did I think in a million years that I’d have the pleasure of meeting Dave Kindig and Kevin Schiele aka “Kevv Dogg” of the Velocity Channel’s Bitchin’ Rides at the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Cruising down Woodward in a dream car or on foot is a treat for sure, but noticing Dave at the top of a tower laden with Kindig-it Designs logos was that chance in a million defined.

He had arrived with his kit-and-kaboodle to experience the Dream Cruise himself and from the look on his face, even from afar, he was into it.  There was a no more appropriate place for Bitchin’ Rides to grace.  A treasure trove of auto enthusiasts all in one place, Dave is a genius.  Its is no wonder, considering he started Kindig-it Designs in 1999 with his wife Charity and grew it into the multi-media empire it is today.  His artistry and design fulfill the dreams of car lovers everywhere as he is a “one stop, complete custom shop”.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City his move to meet-and-greet those of us strolling the streets of suburban Detroit made for an experience his fans, including me, won’t soon forget.

Mementos will come and go, but my memories meeting Dave and Kevv won’t be forgotten and will hang on my wall as an inspiration.

While meeting Dave and Kevv was the highlight of that sun-filled Saturday, the rest of the field didn’t disappoint.  If getting a closer look at all those beauties was your thing, ample opportunities were available.  Parking lots along the Avenue and local parks shut down to accommodate the metal beauties.  Observation towers normally used for play-by-play reports of little league baseball were chances to get that perfect photo from above.

Photos by Jules Stayton

Pocket-doors aren’t just for homes…check out this 1954 Kaiser Darrin, #039/435.

Photos by Jules Stayton

Photo by Jules Stayton

No Woodward Dream Cruise day would be complete without a visit to Vinsetta Garage for some food and a beverage. Being the oldest garage east of the Mississippi has its advantages.  Once a functioning repair shop, it continues to exist as a restaurant filled with stories of a bygone era as well as new tales for car-buffs from all walks of life.

Over 1 million people attend the Dream Cruise annually and over 40,000 cars of all kinds participate.

If you haven’t experienced the wonder of the Woodward Dream Cruise yourself, Dave and I would highly recommend it.

Cruise on my friends…cruise on.

The day had finally come.  Six months in the making.

As I lay in bed on the eve of what would be one of the greatest outdoor car shows I’ve ever seen, I marveled at how aware I had become of everything auto.  My long chestnut hair was perfumed with exhaust as I lay my head down on the pillow. The rumble that I heard wasn’t thunder or reindeer on the roof, it was engines on Woodward Ave. just two blocks away.

I was lucky enough to stay at a friend’s house just steps from the famed thoroughfare in Royal Oak, MI.   My best friend and her family welcomed us with open arms to the local event of the year.  We shared the excitement of seeing each other after a long hiatus and I was equally delirious about the Dream Cruise on the books for Saturday.

Photo by Jules Stayton

Everything from babes in arms to seniors in wheelchairs were on hand as we strolled the Avenue on Woodward Eve.  The next day was the “actual” event, but don’t tell that to the thousands of spectators and hot rod drivers cruising on a beautiful August night.  The pre-game was a thrill.  Whether meandering through the crowd or riding in your well-loved roadster, the experience was exceptional and stirred anticipation of what was yet to come.

One of the many highlights of my expanding adventure at the Woodward Dream Cruise was riding in a 1967 Shelby Cobra kit-car with my friend Brian. He had been showing me pictures of his baby over the past year and the prospect of feeling that hot rod rumble under me was nearing its peak.

As I slid into the passenger seat I loved the fact that I had to clip into a four point harness.  Just the reality of that car requiring that amount of restraint up front, before ever rolling an inch, was exciting.

As soon as that engine fired up the neighborhood awoke, even though it was late afternoon.  Children and senior citizens stirred from their slumber to stumble onto the porch to see the spectacle and the source of their awakening.  So interesting to be in an area laden with “car culture”.  Suburbia had been infected with a need-for-speed around every corner.  A late-model Challenger lingered in the driveway next to us awaiting it’s release later that evening. Thank you Detroit.

With safety concerns put to rest, we motored through the Royal Oak neighborhood amongst tall trees and admiring eyes towards our destination.  The longed for rumble was reality.  My long hair was tethered and with a glint in our eyes we ventured onto Woodward Avenue with the rest of the pack.

Photo by Jules Stayton

Looking at the Dream Cruise from the driver’s perspective was enlightening.  Watching the crowd’s reaction as we motored by was priceless.  As I took the photo above,  we were met with a plethora of interested parties with cameras of their own.  We were now the subject of adoration from fans just like ourselves.  Some held paddles with a “thumbs-up” sign to show their silent approval.  We garnered a wave or two as well and smiles galore during our journey past the crowds.

The eve of any event is filled with anticipation of things to come and lots of hard work…somehow cruising Woodward Avenue didn’t seem like work at all.

After what seemed like a minute, we drifted towards home for some long awaited porch-sitting and planning for the next day.  We pulled in the driveway to be greeted by our adoring fans (i.e. the aforementioned children now awake thanks to us) and reached into the door pocket to find the wire release for the doors of the Cobra.  Having singed my skin on the pipes of a motorcycle before, I was careful to shed my harness and push up out of my seat and step over the heated cylinders before me.  That was one tattoo I was not willing to bring home to commemorate my maiden voyage at the Woodward Dream Cruise.

The eve was waning…slumber was calling…the official WDC impending.

More to come…stay tuned to JulesOnWheelz.net

Car love runs in families and mine is no different.

Growing up in the same northern Illinois region, my cousin Dan and I were worlds apart.  He, quite a few years my senior, hung out with my older brothers.  Including the little sister happened on occasion.  Dan’s daughter was my playmate since our ages were more inline.  Play dates included dolls and swimming…definitely NOT cars, that was reserved for the boys.

The intermittent rides in the variety of offerings of six teenage boys was thrilling to me.  I wanted to be one of the boys. This is where I began to veer off the spectrum of dolls and dresses and into the world of speed and chrome.

Setting sail from my Kentucky home to the Woodward Dream Cruise in Michigan last week brought a long-awaited reuniting with my cousin Dan in Indiana.  Tri-state travel never looked so good as he “gave the tour” of his garage.  Much to my surprise there was eye candy galore to be had on that tour.  Glancing left and right, the Route 66 memorabilia caught my eye instantly.

Photo by Jules Stayton

Like many car aficionados his “garage” was spotless.  It was more like a showroom for his automobile treasures collected over the years.  Each one with unique meaning and significance.  The decor started with the Edelbrocks and went wild.  Each item a nod to Dan’s love of cars.  We were cut from the same cloth after all!  But the best was yet to come…

He marveled at my interest and joy in each piece and the story it told.  He had no idea that we shared a love of autos, but once aware, we savored levels of conversation we had never experienced before.  They years melted and we were friends sharing the excitement that only “car guys” understand.

Imagine my elation when he asked if I’d like to take his 93′ Corvette for a spin.  Well of course!  We made sure to beat the impending downpour as we cruised the curvy lanes of the Indiana highways.  A few clouds could not deter this duo who had waited all these years to discover a common thread flowing through our gene pool.

Photos by Jules Stayton

One thing I know…you can’t pick your family but I sure would pick Dan even if he wasn’t family.  Car guys have to stick together.

Ah summer.  A time to kick back and enjoy the beautiful weather and activities that we reserve for warmer temperatures.  The winter doldrums are over and the fun begins.

The list for any car enthusiast’s summer schedule includes some much-needed track time.  I must admit that my track affair is a highlight of the season and might just be for you as well.

Anticipation of the event rides high.  A little nervousness and the need for speed overwhelms at times.  Butterflies, excitement and thrill all rolled into one make the track experience epic.

Most tracks give options of cars driven and time spent.  Making that choice is arduous, as driving ALL of them ranks high on my list.  I determine the Corvette, a GM icon, will be my ride.  I have driven multiple Corvette models, this will make a great addition to my roster.

Safety first rules the roost as I am fitted for my helmet.  Snug but comfortable.  My heart races as my summertime dream is fulfilled.

Making the decision to drive on a track is not a lighthearted one.  Waivers are signed and promises given by both driver and track.  Courage brings elation.

Information is power and I prepare for instruction on making this track’s experience the best it can be.  I happen to be the solo participant today.  It’s early in the day and HOT on the track already…I’m glad to be privately tutored for a more personalized adventure.

Driving the track is a bit different from driving the normal highways and byways of life.  Care must be given to maneuver my Corvette around the curves and hit the straightaway perfectly for the chest-pumping experience I came for.

Moving away from all the other beautiful autos in the pit gleans a feeling of envy and thought of the “next time” before I’ve even completed THIS run…nobody is perfect.

Track experience cars are equipped with controls for the instructor in the passenger seat.  Trevor is my companion and we hit-it-off immediately.  A few reminders that make the track unique and we’re off!

Focus and caution rule the first few laps. Cones assist with identifying brake zones and Trevor schooling me is a welcome supplement.  He instructs and encourages me to “hit it” on the straightaway and that “he’s got it”.  A bit of assurance breaks out the lead foot I’ve always had and the glorious speed I’ve counted on is delivered.

We round the curves again and again to hone lap times and increase straightaway speed goals.  I finish with a high of 120 mph on the last lap and I’m thrilled.  This passion of mine is a wonderful reality today. It was worth the cross-country trek to take another high performance rocket for a spin. 

Summer brings excitement, exhilaration, and memories to last a lifetime.  Adding to that file by taking to the track is one of the sweetest entries of all.  Don’t be shy, you never know until you try.

To muscle or not to muscle…that is the question.  Most shoppers look for practicality, space for the kids and their stuff, and/or super-sized mpg when debating their next car purchase.  Ford however, has thrown a wrench into that thinking for the last 53 years.  Thank God for the designers who had more than cargo in mind…my recent test drive of one of the most legendary sports cars ever built-in America gives testimony to that fact.

Power, performance and pure ego bubble-up inside just looking at the fine lines of the Mustang GT.  Seeing that 5.0 stirs emotions that no van ever will.  Gazing at the design features that make my ride prime, sharpens senses.  Opening the door is like entering the cockpit of a fighter jet.  Where is my helmet?  My flight plan?  Oh yea, I’m just coming home from golf, but boy does it feel good.

I’m lowered into a body hugging surround of power and placement.  Everything is at my fingertips.  The clutch is tight, I feel power under me.  This is not your Mama’s grocery getter.  The six speed manual transmission is a must and directing the symphony that is Mustang begins.

Purring like a tiger, not a kitten, I rumble from the clubhouse to longing looks from jealous spectators.  Angels in heaven could not sing a more beautiful aria than the flow of air that rockets out of those pipes.  Just a little rev for the crowd and I’m off…

If you’re new to the Ford Mustang GT or just love hearing that exhaust note click here.

For $33,195 Ford presents it’s Mustang GT 5.0L 302 cu. In. Ti-VCT V8 engine.  Seems like a small price to pay for the head turns and feel of pure power off the line.  435-hp and 400 lb. ft. of torque assure its success every time.  My beauty actually rides for a combined 18-mpg in the dancing 6-speed manual transmission that I wouldn’t trade for the world.  Perfecting it’s dynamics is short in tutelage and killing the engine at the line is no option, so rev it up and launch your dream.

The rubber on my 18″ wheels grip the pavement and the Advance Trac® with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) pepper my enthusiasm with reasonability…but not too much.  Selectable-effort Electric Power-Assist Steering (EPA) helps me focus on the drive, not the iron I’ve neglected to pump.

As I settle into the spacious cabin and enjoy the surprising amount of leg-room for both driver and passenger, my dream is complete.  I pass the vans with vim and vigor and peer around to enjoy the envy of those passers-by intrigued by the aforementioned exhaust note.

Important to mention is that the trunk, even without the 50/50 fold down seats in use, holds two sets of clubs easily.  That weekend away is the perfect use for this baby.

Ford offers ten models for 2017 in the Mustang line.  The V6 base model will be discontinued as they refresh for 2018.

Flex your muscles in the Ford Mustang GT, an American icon built at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, MI.