Author: Gerardo Orlando

You’ve certainly heard all the buzz around generative AI by now. Perhaps you’re not familiar with that exact term, but most people have heard about ChatGPT. If you’re not sure what all the fuss is about, it’s time you start paying attention. What is it? We’ve been hearing about AI for years, and we’ve seen how it can affect our lives. Think about the Google search engine. AI has been an important part of the Google algorithm for years. But generative AI is different, and frankly much more powerful. It will also revolutionize many aspects of our lives. Generative AI…

If you’re looking for a great gift for the holidays, or a unique way to enjoy premium whiskey, check out the whiskey tasting kits from Blind Barrels. These unique tasting kits offer “blind” tastings so you and your friends can have some fun while trying delicious whiskeys. The whiskey samples come in a box with four bottles marked A through D. Each box offers diversity in mash-bill and proof level. There’s also a handy “tasting table” guide for the different characteristics to look for when tasting each sample. For example, does the whiskey have “woody” tasting notes, or a more…

Are you ready to be inspired? If you love beautiful car design, you probably love the amazing Lexus LC 500 as much as I do. I fell in love with this car when I had the opportunity to drive the inaugural version of the Lexus LC for the 2018 model year in Hawaii. Seeing the flawless design up close and driving this amazing vehicle was a true joy. For the 2020 model year, Lexus has introduced the Inspiration Series ahead of Monteray Car Week with an exclusive Nori Green exterior color that looks amazing on the LC as you can…

Can Acura get its mojo back? The company has been making great cars for years, but the design hasn’t lived up to the engineering and performance for years. Yes, I never liked the front grille they featured for the last decade or more. However, one look at the Acura Type S Concept that will debut at Pebble Beach and Monteray Car Week suggests that the Acura luxury brand may be on the verge of a resurgence. This vehicle is beautiful and it all starts with the front fascia. When Acura debuted the pentagon grille with the MDX, I wasn’t completely…

The mid-engine Corvette has finally arrived. For seven generations of the iconic Corvette sports car, Chevrolet has stuck with a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive design, resisting the temptation to to switch to the mid-engine design found in many exotic foreign brands. Chevy has been experimenting with mid-engine technology and design for 60 years, but now with the C8 the Corvette has achieved what Chevy calls its “ultimate destiny.” That destiny comes to fruition with the 2020 Corvette Stingray introduced by Chevy and pictured here. Some purists may not like the new generation. Chevy has confirmed that the 2020 Corvette Stingray will…

I was blown away by the redesigned Mazda MX-5 when I had the opportunity to drive the all-new 2016 model in the fall of 2015. The MX-5 is a joy to drive, and Mazda did an amazing job of creating a completely new version of this iconic roadster that was inspired by the original launched in 1989. That car won World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year awards, and last year the one-millionth MX-5 rolled of the Mazda assembly line. The 2016 roadster was launched as a soft-top convertible, and now Mazda has launched the…

Watching the sun set over the Pacific is always a glorious experience, but it’s even more enjoyable when you’re relaxing in your room at a place like the luxurious Resort at Pelican Hill. This sunset photo only begins to paint the relaxing picture that you’ll experience at this resort. I’ve been fortunate to stay at Pelican Hill twice for drive events and frankly enjoyed every minute of my time there. The grounds and golf course at Pelican Hill are simply stunning with all the lush green grass and trees and the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. The natural beauty of…

With Toyota’s decision to end the Scion brand, the company also had to decide which Scion models to continue as rebadged Toyotas. Fortunately, they decided to keep the Scion FR-S, an affordable sports car that we tested in 2015. The FR-S has been rebadged as the Toyota 86 in the US to match its global name and I had the opportunity to drive it through the mountain roads just north of Los Angeles. Exterior As you can see from the photos, not much has changed from the Scion-badged model other than some minor tweaks. That certainly works for me, as…

If you’ve been considering a new sedan, you might want to start visiting showrooms soon. Automakers are starting to push significant incentives, so you may be able to get a great deal on a lease or a purchase, regardless of whether you want a luxury sedan, sport sedan or one of the more popular, high volume models. Several trends are driving this opportunity. First, car sales in general are lagging in 2017 after peaking last year after years of steady increases. It’s not clear what’s driving this trend, but that doesn’t really matter. The car companies need to address these…

If you’re looking for a large vehicle with three rows but you prefer a true SUV over a large crossover, the Dodge Durango should be on your list of options. But you also ought to drive one if you’re looking at the crossovers, as the Durango offers all of the luxuries you’ll find in the crossovers, but with the practical advantages of a truck like towing capacity. This time we tested the 2012 Citadel AWD version, which is the top of the line Durango with all the amenities you would expect from a luxury vehicle. Exterior We were very impressed…