Midwest Automotive Media Association (M.A.M.A.) Spring Collection at Road America

The Largest Automotive Media Drive Event in the USA.
By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

Elkhart Lake, WI. - May 2010. Combine the ingredients of about 80 automotive journalists, roughly 80 cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs, throw in about 40 manufacturer and agency representatives, add 1 1/2 days of blue sky and sunshine and you have the makings of the 2010 Midwest Automotive Media Association (M.A.M.A.) “Spring Collection” at Road America.

This unprecedented example of cooperation by the world’s auto manufacturers and sponsors provided a showcase of their vehicles and attributes to the automotive media audience gathered at historic Elkhart Lake. A 2 1/2 hour drive north from Chicago, crossing the “cheddar cheese border” and north from Milwaukee, Elkhart Lake is not only a scenic and beautiful resort community, but one steeped in automotive history.

Located just north of the present Road America, the Elkhart Lake Public Road Race Circuits of 1950-52 are preserved as a State and National Historic Place.

The open road sports car races held on the public roads here in 1950, 1951 and 1952 were sanctioned by the members of the Chicago Region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). The 1950 races were on a 3.35 mile circuit and the 1951-52 races on a 6.5 mile circuit. Famed drivers John Fitch in a Cunningham CR2 and Phil Hill in a C-Type Jaguar were among the winners.

These very road courses, public roads of today, as well as other surrounding roads were driven over and over to gather driving impressions and evaluate numerous vehicles. Fourteen historical markers are placed around these winding circuits and certainly stimulate one’s imagination while driving the cars of today. You can learn about Marsh Turn, Dicken’s Ditch, Kimberly’s Korner and Schoolhouse Straight.

Different journalists have a different focus depending on their interests and for whom they may write. My attention was to vehicles that I believe will fit well into the household fleet of active-lifestyle empty-nesters. Whether coupe, sedan, station wagon or crossover thoughtful consideration and direct back-to-back comparisons were afforded at this very efficient venue of product presentations. How will this vehicle function and serve within a one-car household or perhaps within a two-car household where it will complement a different vehicle was the question I kept asking myself.

Among my favorite vehicles were the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, the 2010 Audi A3 TDI, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and the 2011 Ford Fiesta. Each of these vehicles are different from each other but offer product features that will meet most all daily needs of many. Versatility, fuel efficiency, design, comfort all play an important role. Look for in-depth reviews on these vehicles in the not too distant future on The Auto Channel.

Some brief thoughts:

The Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is my preference over a similar sized crossover, such as Cadillac’s own SRX. I prefer the car-like seating position and the low lift-over height for cargo.
The Audi A3 TDI is a car I fell in love with last September while traveling in Portugal and Spain. Call it a small station wagon or a 4-door hatchback, but the combination of interior space, compact exterior size, excellent performance and fuel economy in the 40mpg range and this little baby is hard to beat. Don’t let the diesel engine scare you off; it’s quiet.
Hyundai’s Sonata is a formidable entry in the mid-size sedan segment and provides room for 5, pleasing exterior design, a quality-look and feel interior at an affordable price.
The all-new Ford Fiesta is a global design that is ideally suited for urban living. The Fiesta’s small exterior yet roomy interior with fuel economy near 40 mpg certainly should be a winner.

I also took a few laps around the Road America race track in a couple of “pocket rockets”. The BMW 135i with direct shift transmission is fast and a blast to drive. The MazdaSpeed3, the Mini Cooper JCW , the Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec and the Dodge Challenger SRT8 all make for fun and fast driving.

M.A.M.A. was formed in 1991 as a professional organization for journalists and public relations professionals involved in the automotive industry. M.A.M.A.’s primary purpose is to provide a forum in the Chicago area for newsworthy people, major issues and new products in the auto industry. Events as this “Spring Collection” serve the car-buying public by generating reviews and opinions that help in their purchase decision.

� Larry Nutson