M.A.M.A. Fall Rally 2011 - From Green to Mean

M.A.M.A. Fall Rally 2011 - From Green to Mean
by Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

Hoffman Estates, IL - October 2011: Mother Nature made up for the rainy weather this past Spring and provided a beautiful Fall Indian Summer day for the Midwest Automotive Media Association (M.A.M.A) Fall Rally. Roughly 50 automotive journalists had the opportunity to drive about 70 different cars, truck, minivans, and SUVs of all sizes that spanned a broad price range.

Organizing and executing a drive event such as the MAMA rally is no small task. The coordination and logistics planning is immense. The 44 or so manufacturer representatives in attendance were there to provide product information and answer questions. The vehicle logistics provided by G. Schmitz and Associates and STI Fleet Services was flawless. The ability to drive one vehicle after another in a very smooth sequence made for a productive and efficient day for the auto writers.

Our day kicked off with a breakfast presentation by Chevrolet on the all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. This new entry in the B-class is a fun-to-drive econobox with plenty of standard features. Even alloy wheels are standard. My brief drive for about 20 minutes each in both the sedan and hatchback versions left me with positive impressions. Look for a full-blown drive report after I drive the Sonic for an extended time period.

Mercedes Benz Financial Services has partnered with American Express in a co-branded credit card that will benefit Mercedes owners as well as non-owners. It’s the first such partner by American Express with an automotive brand. During our mid-day lunch break we heard details of this program and how partnerships like these are being used to reach more new car buyers.

As for the vehicles I drove, the opportunity to get behind the wheel of some unique and very special cars could not be missed. I had a tough time choosing between the latest entries in the 40-mpg field and the latest “streetable race cars” that today’s technology is bringing us.

Mercedes had a red-trio comprised of the SLK 350, the C63 AMG and the SLS AMG and I drove each one. Anyone in the market for a personal weekend driver should give these all a look, if your bank account permits.

Mercedes also had a ML350 Bluetec diesel SUV. Diesel engines of today are so well improved, quiet and responsive anyone who drives a lot of miles and is looking for long-term durability and reduced fuel consumption should seriously weigh this option.

The Chrysler Group had so many vehicles to choose from I went with the more exotic. A bevy of SRT8s were on-hand and a drive in the Challenger 392 with its wonderful exhaust was a must-do.

Probably my most fun drive was in the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302. It’s 444 ponies were unbridled. The “TrackKey” had been actuated which changes about 200 engine parameters to provide a complete race car calibration. Add in the TTC 6-speed manual trans and the exhaust baffles that had been removed and I was ready to go racing.

I didn’t have time to drive the Chevy Camaro 45th Anniversary edition with its immense performance. This contemporary pony-car is also very fun to drive and competent.

On a more conservative note, the 2012 Subaru Impreza is the most fuel efficient all-wheel-drive sedan in the U.S. The all-new Hyundai Veloster with just 3-doors…only one rear door on the right side… is a formidable sporty coupe entry. Its modern hatchback shape and funky interior will attract many of the younger folk.

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 the Fall Rally serve the car-buying public to aid them in their purchase decisions.

© Larry Nutson