Live Q&As

It is not difficult to re-learn driving a stick. But I see no need to undertake the enterprise, especially not in pursuit of better fuel economy. The reas0n? Today's automatics and manumatics are just as fuel efficient, in many cases more so, than manual gearboxes. And the automatic and dual-mode transmissions are much easier to cope with in congested city traffic.

No. In fact, more investment should be made in the perfection of batteries--advanced lead-acid, lithium, and others. More should  be done with the development of electric charging (quick-charging) infrastructure. More also should be done to bring about efficiencies in traditional fossil fuel engines. Where did we in this country lose our drive for invention, for visualizing the future? Of course, we have problems with electrics as they currently exist. But do we solve those problems by abandoning them? Are we now that kind of America?

Put her in the Range Rover Evoque, which easily strides the image and performance lines dear to wagon haters who want to stay on the right side of fashion.  The Evoque has enough eye appeal, power, and utility to take care of those complex practical/image needs. It has an overwhelming "cool" factor.

We should have the GLK Diesel here by the end of 2013, assuming that my M-B sources aren't blowing smoke.  And, I'm tgoing out on a narrow limb here, but there is a slight possibility that Ford, via For of Europe, might supply us stateside with diesel powered version of the strikingly well redone Ford Escape.

Speaking of which: Congrats go out to my good friend and  mentor, Mark LaNeve, who is taking over marketing for Ford's luxury. Good move in putting Mark in that spot, Alan. Really good and smart move.

You are right. My choices for best seats include, Volvo, Audi, Cadillac, and Mercedes-Benz.

All "heroes" should understand the profound meaning of Palm Sunday greetings. I do. I recognize that there always is a Friday, good or bad, at the end of the week.  So, I thank you but hope you understand my habitual wariness of praise.

All I'm saying is that we're better than we are portraying ourselves to be in our partisan politics. Here's calling on Republicans and Democrats to prove it.

You are married to a wise and good woman. Follow her lead and be happy.

I only met him once. I was thrilled. I'm sure he remembers nothing about me. I was in a crowd of well-wishers at a Monterey event put on for super-wealthy car buyers by Bentley. But Eastwood was gracious and egalitarian, witty and wise. I'm angry with whoever manages him for allowing him to be part of that woefully embarrassing RNC routine. The Clint Eastwood I've admired all my life--never missed one of his movies--is better than that. At least, I want to believe he is.

It is an excellent car for people who want Buick quality and style with Chevrolet Cruze fuel efficiency. But people who want a regal to be a Regal, as the none-eaasist Regal is, probably won't like it.

Coming within two weeks, I'm told by several of my schedulers.

I've had much experience with start-stop engine technology in a variety of cars and trucks in myriad driving scenarios stateside and overseas. No problems. None at all, and that includes driving start-stop engines in Italy where "driving," is more akin to dancing on an extremely crowded floor than it is to anything else.

I think our dearest Lou Ann is at that show. I will check with her. Ha, ha. I'm going to the Paris Show, instead.

You can order one, now. Right, Mark LaNeve?

Thank you, happy to talk with your son about writing, literature, history anytime. Part of the "Ellison" reference should go to one of my two learned daughters, Binta Brown. She and her sister, Kafi, are smarter than I will ever be. Cheers.