The Unforgettable Journeys: My Top 5 Drives That Defined 2023
The automotive landscape of 2023 was a vibrant tapestry of innovation and raw driving pleasure. As an industry veteran with a decade immersed in the world of automotive testing, I’ve had the distinct privilege of piloting a myriad of machines across diverse terrains and under challenging circumstances. While selecting the absolute best vehicles tested this year is one task, pinpointing the drives that truly etched themselves into memory is another. These aren’t just about the metal and mechanics; they’re about the symphony of experience – the confluence of exceptional engineering, breathtaking locations, and the sheer grit required to navigate the unexpected.
This year, our most cherished automotive encounters were characterized by more than just horsepower figures or technological prowess. They were defined by the story they told, the challenges they presented, and the indelible mark they left on our perception of what a truly exceptional drive can be. From wrestling a prototype hypercar on a deserted mountain pass to outmaneuvering a meteorological tempest in a luxury grand tourer, these five journeys stand out as the most memorable and impactful of 2023. They represent the pinnacle of performance car experiences and highlight the enduring allure of the open road.
Conquering Pikes Peak: The Electrified Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray in Denver, CO
The arrival of the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray marked a seismic shift for Chevrolet’s iconic sports car. For the first time in its storied history, this mid-engined marvel embraced electrification and adopted an all-wheel-drive configuration. Chevrolet boldly proclaimed it a potential “one-car solution” for a wide spectrum of automotive enthusiasts, and our assignment was to venture to Denver, Colorado, to put these ambitious claims to the ultimate test.
Our initial foray into the E-Ray’s capabilities began with an extensive exploration of its road-going credentials. We devoured miles on sweeping highway stretches, punctuated by the exhilarating dance across empty, winding mountain roads. Here, the E-Ray unequivocally demonstrated its mettle as a supremely capable and comfortable road trip machine, effortlessly blending blistering pace with a refined ride.
The second day escalated the intensity dramatically with a dedicated track day at the legendary Pikes Peak International Raceway. The experience was a revelation. Back-to-back hot laps, pushing the limits of adhesion on the skid pad – the E-Ray’s enhanced power delivery and intelligent all-wheel-drive system proved transformative. The increased traction didn’t just enhance its everyday usability; it unlocked a newfound level of on-track ferocity and precision. These concentrated days, blending highway cruising with extreme track performance, solidified the E-Ray’s position as one of the most compelling sports car test drives of the year. The 2024 Corvette E-Ray performance is truly a game-changer, showcasing how electrification can elevate an already legendary platform.
Battling the Elements: A Bentley Continental GTC Speed’s Hurricane Dash from Monterey to Los Angeles, CA
What commenced as a straightforward drive from the picturesque coastal town of Monterey, California, to the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, swiftly metamorphosed into a high-stakes race against the raw power of nature. As the prestigious Monterey Car Week activities drew to a close, our team found itself behind the wheel of a formidable Bentley Continental GTC Speed, embarking on the significant southern journey. However, the heavens had other plans. A formidable hurricane, unprecedented in its intensity for the region, began its assault on Southern California, unleashing torrential rainfall, widespread flooding, and extensive power outages.
The initial leg of our drive proved surprisingly tranquil, offering a brief respite before the storm’s full fury descended. Soon, relentless downpours transformed sections of the highway into treacherous waterways, leading to numerous vehicles losing traction and spinning out onto the shoulder. Undeterred, we pressed onward, driven by the imperative to reach our destination before the storm’s escalating severity rendered the roads impassable due to closures. This should have been a routine luxury car road trip, but it evolved into one of the most unforgettable and intensely dramatic drives of the year, all within the opulent confines of a W12-powered grand tourer. The Bentley Continental GTC Speed price reflects its exceptional capabilities, but its performance in such extreme conditions is truly priceless. Experiencing the Bentley driving experience during a hurricane is a story I’ll be telling for years to come.
An Unfiltered Encounter: The McLaren Elva Prototype on a Remote Mountain Road near Los Angeles, CA
The 2019 unveiling of the McLaren Elva was more than just the introduction of a new model; it signaled a profound evolution for the storied British supercar manufacturer. This marque simultaneously debuted a revolutionary new carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and emphatically demonstrated its ambition to transcend the realm of supercars and firmly establish itself in the hypercar stratosphere. Earlier this year, we were granted the extraordinary opportunity to spend several hours behind the wheel of an early Elva prototype, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the potential of a seven-figure machine hailing from Woking.
Our experience, however, transcended merely piloting one of the world’s most exclusive and rare automobiles. We were privileged to unleash it upon an entirely deserted, sinuous mountain road, a setting that perfectly complemented the Elva’s raw, untamed character. While this particular prototype was fitted with a windshield, lending it a more conventional silhouette compared to some of its screen-less brethren, it did little to temper the Elva’s uncompromising and exhilarating edges. Without reservation, this was one of the most electrifying and visceral hypercar driving experiences we have ever had the pleasure of documenting. The McLaren Elva price is astronomical, but the sheer, unadulterated thrill it delivers on a road like this is an experience beyond monetary value. This rare car driving opportunity is the stuff of automotive legend.
The Ultimate Range Test: Pushing the Rolls-Royce Spectre on a Nonstop Roadtrip from Las Vegas, NV to Los Angeles, CA
While many of the most celebrated drives of 2023 involved familiarizing ourselves with cutting-edge machinery under idyllic conditions, our recent expedition with the Rolls-Royce Spectre was fundamentally about challenging its very limits. This ultra-luxury electric coupe, carrying a substantial price tag of half a million dollars, became the subject of an ambitious range-testing endeavor. Departing from the opulent Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, the Spectre’s initial estimated range hovered around a respectable 260 miles on a full charge. However, given the consistent tendency for this substantial Rolls-Royce to exceed its advertised metrics in prior encounters, we felt compelled to subject it to an uncompromising, nonstop test run from Las Vegas to Los Angeles – a journey meticulously planned to cover approximately 255 miles, leaving a razor-thin margin.
The route presented a formidable gauntlet of challenges. We navigated multiple ascents up demanding mountain passes and traversed vast expanses of desert highway, stretches where the availability of charging infrastructure was anything but guaranteed. Nevertheless, we pressed onward, systematically pushing the Spectre towards its theoretical range boundaries as our destination in Los Angeles drew nearer. As the on-board range estimates began to plummet dramatically, the Rolls-Royce, with characteristic aplomb, revealed it possessed more than just a single trump card. The Rolls-Royce Spectre range proved to be remarkably resilient, showcasing the potential of electric luxury car performance. This EV road trip challenge offered incredible insights into the future of long-distance electric driving.
The Swan Song of an Icon: Ice Drifting the Final V8-Powered Maseratis in Livigno, Italy
The automotive world stands on the cusp of a significant transition as Maserati prepares to produce its final V8-powered vehicle. The revered eight-cylinder Trofeo lineup – encompassing the Quattroporte, Ghibli, and Levante – is slated for discontinuation in the coming weeks. To commemorate the departure of this legendary engine configuration, we embarked on an epic journey to the Italian Alps. Our mission: to test, and unequivocally exceed, the limits of these performance sedans and SUVs with an abundance of exhilarating sideways action. This undertaking was, quite possibly, the only comprehensive triple-test of the entire Trofeo range ever conducted.
While these Trofeo models have always possessed a striking aesthetic, their on-road performance, as experienced during their initial introductions years prior, hadn’t fully captured our imagination. However, the revelation came when we unleashed their potent V8 engines on the frozen expanse. Allowing these machines to break traction and drift through a series of successive bends unlocked an exhilarating, previously undiscovered facet of their personalities. The ability to master performance SUV drifting and luxury sedan drifting on ice, especially in the final iteration of a beloved engine, created an unparalleled and deeply satisfying driving experience. The Maserati V8 farewell drive in the Italian Alps offered an emotional and thrilling conclusion to an era. For anyone seeking the ultimate winter driving adventure, this experience was unparalleled.
These five drives represent the heart and soul of automotive passion in 2023. They are testaments to human ingenuity, the thrill of the open road, and the enduring power of a truly memorable journey. If you’re inspired to embark on your own unforgettable automotive adventure, whether it’s a thrilling track day, a scenic road trip, or the pursuit of a specific high-performance vehicle, we encourage you to explore the possibilities. Let this be the catalyst for your next great drive.
