Decisve Spring 2013

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Spring Issue

DECISIVE The Best Source for Cultural and Consumer News

Will & Jaden Retake The Planet In After Earth

Hot Fun In The Springtime Our Favorite Rental Convertibles!

We Drive:

> 2014 Lexus IS F Sport > 2014 MINI Paceman > 2014 Kia Forte > 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Also Inside:

Waterproof Cameras

The Electric Bicycle

Wet & Wild In Vegas

Get Your Subscription to Decisive Digital at www.DecisiveMagazine.com

速

A CONTEMPORARY CLASSIC.

I N T R O D U C I N G T H E A L L- N E W 2 0 1 4 C H E V R O L E T I M P A L A

W i t h i t s s t y l i s h c o n t o u r s a n d c o n f i d e n t p r o f i l e, t h i s e n d u r i n g i c o n l o o k s t o t h e f u t u r e f o r a m o d e r n d e s i g n.

Š2013 General Motors. All rights reserved. Chevrolet Impala.

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DECISIVE

®

The Best Source for Cultural and Consumer News Volume 5 | Issue 2 | spring

Publisher: Randi Payton

features

04 05 06 07 08 10 18

This Bike Rides You

The Specialized Turbo electric bicycle breaks fresh new ground for twowheelers. It’s sleek, good looking, and fast as—well, you know…

Editorial Director: Joyce Gates Art Director: Fran Sherman Editors-at-Large: Mary M. Chapman, Hank Chase, Christopher Jackson, Valerie Menard Senior Editors: Warren Brown, Brian Armstead

It’s Hot, Let’s Get Wet

Which means we’ll need a camera that can keep up with all the fun. These two models work in the water, under the water, and they don’t mind being dropped either.

Anointing The Fresh-er Prince

He’s cute and he had the good fortune to be born into the right family.

This summer, Jaden Smith shows he can carry his dad’s rep when it comes to saving the earth.

Pocket More To Go More

Just because the weather’s good, doesn’t mean you should blow all your money. Here are some tips for getting through the next two seasons with your pockets right.

It’s Wet, It’s Wild…

And, of course it’s in Las Vegas. The venerable Wet 'N' Wild Las Vegas water park just reopened. Wetter and wilder, it’s where you’ll go to be flipped, whipped and dipped.

On Wheels

First looks at new 2014 models, a listing of convertibles for hire, and reviews of the Lexus IS F Sport and the new Kia Sorento. Everything you’ll want to know, and stuff you didn’t know you needed to know.

The Revolutionary Racer

Max Siegel’s shaking up NASCAR again. This time, he’s teaching young women and people of color the ins and outs of stock car racing. He’s already produced a champion.

contributing writers: Sheryll Alexander, Lori Downes, Gayle Fleming, Wendy Ida, Chris Mendoza, Joan Stanford, Joanne Tucker web development: Thuan Ngo decisive Media Headquarters: 8181 Professional Place, Suite 170, Hyattsville, MD 20785 T. 301.850.2858 • F. 301.390.1825 President & CEO: Randi Payton Vice President: Karen Payton Production/Distribution: Joyce Gates Business Manager: Damon Redmond Sales Director: Karen Payton Marketing, Sponsorship, and Events Director: Tamika Brown UWA Event Director: Rosiland Triche Business Development/Decisive Media Detroit: Leonard Corbin event director: Rosiland Triche public relations: Marjorie Staten Social Media / Intern: Nataki Forrest DECISIVE magazine © 2013 is published four times annually as a newspaper-delivered publication and digital e-magazine by Decisive Multi-Media, Inc. Your complete resource for research and

Index to Advertisers

Cover II: Chevrolet – Chevy.com Page 9: Toyota – Toyota.com Cover III: Decisive Digital — DecisiveMagazine.com Cover IV: Decisive Media – DecisiveMagazine.com

Editor-in-Chief: Lyndon Conrad Bell.

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For licensing and reprints of Decisive/Decisive Auto content, contact Nick Lademarco at Wright’s Media, Niademarco@wrightsmedia.com, Toll Free 877-652-5295

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®

The sun is shining, the air is nice, it’s time to go outside and live a little.

The BesT source for culTural and consumer news

Or a lot—if your situation permits.

Seriously though, warm weather is upon us once again. It’s time to start planning some fun in the sun. To that end, we’ve located a hot new waterpark for you to check out this summer, and introduced you to a couple of our favorite waterproof cameras to go along with it. You’ll find a screaming electric bike to enhance your In After Earth pedaling pleasures, and six convertibles you can rent too.

Hot Fun In The Springtime (Just remember your sunscreen!)

Our Favorite Rental Convertibles!

That striking cover bearing the faces of Will Smith and his son Jaden, announce We Drive: the official start of the summer blockbuster > 2014 Lexus IS F Sport > 2014 MINI Paceman > 2014 Kia Forte > 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee movie season. If it’s too hot to hang “out”, Also Inside: escape to a nice air-conditioned movie theater to watch “The Fresh Prince”, and his son, “The Fresher Prince”, save the Waterproof Cameras THe electric Bicycle Wet & Wild In Vegas world for humanity.

Get Your Subscription to Decisive Digital at www.DecisiveMagazine.com As usual, you’ll get the goods on the best new cars offered since last we communicated. Also on the automotive side of the house, we look in on the progress of Max Siegel’s Rev Racing training academy for young NASCAR intenders of color.

It’s interesting, some 18 years after the first issue of this magazine’s predecessor was published (African Americans On Wheels), we still get people asking why a publication like ours exists. The idea of a publication of this nature designed primarily for African Americans perplexes them. Sadly, it’s one of those things where if you get it it’s probably for you, and if you don’t—well—maybe you aren’t supposed to.

All we can do is point to our coverage of Victor Green’s mid-century travel guide for African Americans and the story of Max Siegel’s Rev Racing, and ask; where else will you see coverage of African American endeavors of this nature written by and for Black people?

To this day, not a single one of the “Big Three” automotive publications has an African-American writer on its staff (and one was just rebuilt from scratch this past year). Ask their editors why, they’ll tell you they can’t find anyone to do the job—even though they attend press conferences with African-American automotive journalists all the time.

Major League Baseball gave Jackie Robinson a shot way back in 1947.

How much longer will it take the “Big Three” car magazines to do the same?

It’s time. .Lyndon Conrad Bell Editor-in Chief Decisive Media

Will & Jaden Retake The Planet

spring | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

letters from the editor

dDECISIVE

Spring Issue

it's time...

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green life

Specialized Turbo

electricbicycle In a Word? Wow!

OK, we’ll freely admit our predilection when it comes to mobility primarily involves four wheels, fossil fuel, and a seat to sit in rather than on. So it was with considerable skepticism we approached the Specialized Turbo electric bicycle. First of all, calling it a turbo was an affront to our sensibilities because there is nothing turbocharged about the bicycle at all.

OK, save one aspect. The thing flat flies.

We are told faster electric bicycles exist, but in our experience, anything capable of this much speed ought to be called a motorbike. And frankly, that wouldn’t be too far off the mark. After all, the eAssist comes from a 250-watt electric motor in the hub of the Specialized’s rear wheel. For those of you who have ridden bicycles, probably the best way to explain what happens when you sit astride the Specialized Turbo and push its pedals is you push a little; the bike goes a lot.

The people from Specialized quote its top speed at 28 miles per hour, and you can do that so effortlessly it’s almost magical. Further, climbing hills is a breeze. You arrive at the top with no sensation of being winded—even though you pedaled up the hill non-stop. Streaking past spandex-clad racing bike enthusiasts on this modified-mountain-bike-looking-beast is an exceptional thrill. Especially when they unwittingly try to outrun you.

Engineered very nicely, the bike’s downtube houses the 342 watt-hour

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lithium-ion battery pack. All of the wiring runs through the frame. Were it not for the extra-large hub and the sturdier looking main frame member, you’d be hard pressed to discern anything unusual about the Specialized Turbo.

The battery can be removed for charging, and the Turbo comes with its own charger. The bicycle is also capable of returning regenerative charge to the battery when it is braking. The Specialized spokespeople say it takes 2.5 hours to completely recharge the battery from a normal electrical outlet. A fully charged battery is good for a one hour run at top speed. During our testing, we rode the Specialized Turbo over a 25-mile course of uphill and downhill terrain. We also rode several level areas where we fully exploited the top speed potential. At the end of our ride, we still had roughly 25 percent of the battery’s charge available to us.

It’s truly a remarkable riding experience—if a somewhat costly one at $5,900.d D

personal tech

waterproofdigital our favorite

These days, the point and shoot camera is under serious assault

cameras

from smartphones. In the past, if you wanted a decent photo of anything, you had to get a dedicated camera to shoot it. Today, you just whip out your phone, bang off a shot, and the scene is forever inscribed in pixels.

Thing is, for spring and summer fun, particularly if you’re planning to spend a day someplace like Wet N Wild Las Vegas (see page 8) you need something a bit more durable. These two waterproof cameras will serve you perfectly at the beach, at the waterpark, in your pool, or anywhere you’re likely to find yourself immersed in water.

At $380, the Olympus TG2 delivers high quality images thanks to its super

sharp lens and processing circuitry. As for durability, the thing’s got “Tough” written right on its body, you know it’ll hold up strong. Easy to use, it feels good in your hand and also offers a really good macro mode, enabling you to shoot extreme close-ups of tiny little critters you find on the beach or in the water. You won’t find a point and shoot digital with a faster autofocus anywhere. Further, Olympus says it’ll survive being dropped from as high as seven feet.

Our other choice, the $400 Panasonic TS5, does nearly everything the Olympus does, almost as well. Its pictures are almost as good as the Olympus and it’s almost as tough as the Olympus (Panasonic says it’ll survive a sixfoot drop). It’s also pretty easy to use like the Olympus. But, it isn’t nearly as fast as the Olympus when it comes to focusing and getting the shot. However, There is one place the Panasonic really shines over the Olympus—video.

Panasonic is known for good video and this camera lives solidly up that reputation. If shooting a lot of video along with your still images is part of your regimen, this is the camera we suggest.

Otherwise, it’s the Olympus—all the way.d D

spring | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

5

afterearth

entertainment

One thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity's escape from Earth, Nova Prime has become mankind's new home. Legendary General Cypher Raige (played by Will Smith) returns from an extended tour of duty to his estranged family, ready to be a father to his 13-year-old son, Kitai (played by Jaden Smith).

When an asteroid storm damages Cypher and Kitai's craft, they crashland on a now unfamiliar and dangerous Earth. As his father lies dying in the cockpit, Kitai must trek across the hostile terrain to recover their rescue beacon. His whole life, Kitai has wanted nothing more than to be a soldier like his father.

Today, he gets his chance.

With Cypher critically injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help, facing uncharted terrain, evolved animal species that now rule the planet, and an unstoppable alien creature that escaped during the crash.

Father and son must learn to work together and trust one another if they want any chance

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of returning home.

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, produced by Will and Jada Smith, along with Caleeb Pinkett, James Lassiter and Shyamalan, After Earth marks the first time Will and Jaden have worked together this extensively in a film since 2006’s The Pursuit of Happyness.

While Will Smith is no stranger to saving Earth (on film at least), this marks the first outing for Jaden in a Sci-Fi role, in which he carries much of the picture.

Anyone who saw the 2010 version of The Karate Kid, with Jaden in the title role knows he can do it.

After Earth opens May 31. See the trailer at DecisiveMagazine. comd D

finance

smartspending simple steps for

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

These days, people are thinking more about how to make smarter decisions with their spending. In fact, simple spending cut-backs can mean a huge difference to your family’s bank account. Get back to the basics of what you really need, and you’ll eliminate unnecessary spending and stress, while keeping more cash in your pocket.

Here are some easy tips to start you down the road to smarter spending: • Create a family spending plan. Start a weekly budget meeting with your family to make everyone aware of spending habits. Be sure to keep track of all transactions made throughout the week and prioritize necessities over luxuries. With families increasingly concerned with how they are spending, according to a recent Cricket Wireless survey, nearly two-thirds of Americans surveyed report paying bills as their highest priority and are using tax refunds to cover basic necessities.

• Compare the rates. When reviewing monthly bills, compare the amounts you’re paying with others. According to Cricket’s survey, wireless phone plans, cable and electricity are considered the top most overpaid bills by consumers. Look for online comparative tools that can help evaluate the advantages between service providers. Consider easy ways to scale back spending on these items, such as going with a more flexible no-contract, prepaid wireless service that can be half the cost of contract carriers, or eliminate the number of movie channels subscribed to through

your cable to curb spending and instead go with a lower cost digital movie subscription service.

• Carpool with a buddy. Ask co-workers if they would be interested in carpooling with you. This will save you and your co-worker gas money, while also being environmentally friendly. Can’t find a co-worker who lives in your area? Many online websites exist to link those interested in sharing rides per region.

• Cut those coupons. It may sound old fashioned, but you can score great deals on food and home goods when you dust off those scissors. Clip through your local Sunday newspaper, or search online. Many online sites offer extreme discounts on meals, gifts and services specific to your locale.

• Eat economically. If you love eating out on a regular basis, plan to eat breakfast at home. Save your hard-earned cash for leisurely lunches and dinners where you can unwind with family and friends. This trick will lighten the load on your pocketbook, which is always easier to digest. d D

spring | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

7

travel

lasvegas wet 'n' wild

The world’s most iconic water park brand, Wet ’n’ Wild, has returned to Las Vegas with Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas.

Featuring a spectacular line-up of more than 25 slides and attractions including North America's first Rattler slide, Here's a way to get soaked in Las Vegas without losing a dime.

A three person experience, the Rattler whips you about through a number of twists and turns with a few shakes tossed in for good measure. Along the way, it drops you through more than 360 feet of enclosed tubing, before finally splashing you and your new best friends into a pool.

Set on 41 acres in southwest Las Vegas, the world-class park features other notable slides such as the Canyon Cliffs. This one sends sends riders on a gut-wrenching 60-foot freefall, racing at speeds of close to 25 miles per hour. Just in case that doesn’t sound very impressive to you, may we remind you, you’ll be doing this in a swimsuit, with absolutely nothing to hold on to.

If you want to get an idea of what it feels like, try to hold the palm of your hand in the slipstream out of the window of a car as it travels at 25 miles per hour. Now, imagine doing that with your entire body.

Looking for something a bit more sedate for the younger kids? There’s a multi-level interactive children’s aquatic adventure playground. When

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you’re tired of defying death, or just want to take a break from it, you can just float around in the Colorado Cooler.

And, yes—there is also the obligatory giant wave pool.

Nevada’s largest water park is located at 7055 S. Fort Apache Road in southwest Las Vegas near the I-215 at Sunset Road (about 10 miles west of the big hotels on the strip). The park opens at 10 a.m. daily through Sept.

30. General admission is $39.99 for adults and $29.99 for kids who are less than 42 inches tall. Children aged two and younger are admitted free.

As Las Vegas experiences go, this one will keep you and the family occupied all day, and for a fairly reasonable price (in Las Vegas).

And, it’s one of Decisive’s picks for summer fun.

For more information visit www.wetnwildlasvegas.com or phone (702) 979-1600.

For video of the park, visit Decisive.com.d D

THE ALL-NEW

Life is short.

Let’s take the scenic route.

We redesigned the new RAV4 to make the journey as amazing as the destination.

So you can go with available features, like the Entune® Multimedia System and adjustable power liftgate, which opens to reveal up to 73.4 maximum cubic feet of space; while the display audio with standard integrated back-up camera helps make sure you don’t miss a thing. Spacious, smart, stylish and down whatever.

toyota.com/RAV4 Options shown. Always drive safely, obey traffic laws and focus on the road while driving. Apps/services vary by phone/carrier; functionality depends on many factors.

Select apps use large amounts of data; you are responsible for charges. For enrollment, cost and more details, see toyota.com/entune. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. The backup camera does not provide a comprehensive view of the rear area of the vehicle. You should also look around outside your vehicle and use your mirrors to confirm rearward clearance. Cold weather will limit effectiveness and view may become cloudy. ©2013 Toyota Motors Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

spring | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

9

first looks 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander

2014 Chevy Silverado

When can you drive a Jeep on a Formula One track? When Jeep chooses to launch updated versions of the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee SRT in Austin, Texas.

The signature enhancement for 2014 includes the all-new, fully electronic eightspeed automatic transmission.

Matched to the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, and assisted by the new launch control system, the SRT can accelerate from zero–60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Plus, the Selec-Track system offers drivers a choice of five modes for better performance.

The SRT gets energized exterior styling as well, like LED character lamps, a distinctive grille, a new rear spoiler and new one-touch liftgate.

Rock crawling remains a Jeep specialty and the Grand Cherokee took on vertical challenges in the Texas Hill Country with aplomb at the launch.

Also equipped with the eight–speed transmission like its speedy sibling, the Grand Cherokee expands fueling options with a 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine, as well as a choice between two gasoline engines, a 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8. The Grand Cherokee Diesel fuel economy ramps-up to a best-in-class 30 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway.

Upgraded exterior details, like new headlamps and grilles that distinguish each trim level, are matched to new features on the inside including a seven-inch customizable gauge cluster and an 8.4-inch touch screen for the center stack. The extra large screen, however, has made a CD player a $200 option.

Available in four trim levels, pricing for the 2014 Grand Cherokee starts at $29,790. Pricing for the SRT starts at $63,990.

In its fourth generation, the all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander brings a competitive edge to the segment. At the recent launch in Redmond, Oregon, the compact sport utility vehicle displayed new streamlined looks, impressive fuel economy, and improved packaging.

Now standard with seven-passenger seating, the Outlander boasts an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway fuel economy, currently best-in-class for its size. It also features an ECO-mode button, standard on all models, with a digital display that accrues leaves for the fuel-efficient driver. In Redmond, I achieved an average 29.9 mpg.

Powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with 166 horsepower and 162 lbs.–ft. of torque, the Outlander was noticeably peppy, even with the Eco mode engaged. This could be due to its continuously variable transmission that’s equipped with Acceleration Control that provides better throttle response at the early stage of acceleration and postpones upshifts until later in the rev range.

A 3.0-liter V-6 MIVEC engine that produces a full 224 horsepower is available on the higher-end GT model matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Available in two-wheel drive or with Super All-Wheel-Control (now on the mid-grade level as well as top of the line), the new model also adds a new knee airbag for extra protection, and adaptive cruise control to maintain a distance between vehicles for added convenience.

Pricing for the 2014 Outlanders starts at $23,820.

In the topsy-turvy truck segment, each new truck launch brings new benchmarks.

Chevrolet announced many first-in-class improvements, but the best news to the Silverado 1500 may be that they’ve all been added without increasing the base price, across all models.

At the launch in San Antonio, we learned that the Silverado will be offered with a choice of three brand new engines, one V6 and two V8s. Although not best-in-class, the Silverado’s fuel economy comes close to that, reaching 23 mpg on the highway with the V8. At the launch, mpg figures were not yet available for the V6.

It will have best-in-class towing for the V6, at 7200 pounds and for the 5.3-liter V8, at 11,500 pounds.

To achieve this required a lot of attention to detail, from aerodynamics to weight reduction, as well as mechanical refinements.

All models are now equipped with electric power steering, and all engines feature direct fuel injection. Aluminum alloy has been used strategically, e.g. for the hood.

New applications also helped contribute to the Silverado’s remarkable interior quietness and improved ride and handling.

New convenience features include a dampened tailgate that glides rather than drops down and a step built into the bumper, standard on all models, to help climb into the truck bed.

Crew (four-door) cabs are now available with a 6.6 foot bed and the extended cab is now termed a double-cab.

The base price remains the same as that of the 2013 models, starting at $24,585.

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2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

2013 MINI COOPER PACEMAN

2014 Kia Forte

Months after the debut of the all-new Santa Fe Sport, its longer wheelbase sibling is also now available.

The Santa Fe completes the seating availability offered by Hyundai, adding six- (on the Limited) or seven-passenger seating (on the GLS) availability to the five-passenger seating offered by the Sport.

The only midsize CUV with a standard direct injection V6, its 3.3-liter GDI engine delivers 290 horses with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. The trailer prep is also standard.

Matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Santa Fe should achieve an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 18/25 mpg. Additionally, the Active ECO System modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response to help increase real-world fuel economy by five–seven percent.

Available in front-wheel or AWD, all 2013 Santa Fe trims feature Hyundai’s Hillstart Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control to maximize control on steep hills.

Enhancing ride and handling is Hyundai’s Driver Selectable Steering Mode that comes standard on the Santa Fe and allows drivers to choose among three operating modes— Comfort, Normal and Sport.

Adding versatility, the 50:50 folding rear seat is standard while the second row is available as a bench (GLS) or captain’s chairs (Limited).

Like all Hyundai’s, the Santa Fe equips the base model with more features than its competitors, specifically, ‘YES Essentials’ seat fabric treatment and Standard Blue Link safety, service, and infotainment telematics system.

Pricing on the 2013 Santa Fe GLS starts at $29,195.

The introduction of Paceman adds a seventh model to MINI’s lineup. For 2013, MINI is offering Cooper Paceman in three versions; the 121-horsepower MINI Cooper Paceman with a base price of $23,900; the 181-horsepower turbocharged MINI Cooper S Paceman at $27,500, and the all-wheel drive turbocharged Cooper S Paceman with ALL4 at $29,200.

Designed specifically to seat four, the Paceman does so with exceptional comfort.

As the most spacious MINI coupe, ingress and egress are readily achieved and the lounge-style rear seats offer considerable head-, shoulder- and legroom. The sporty front seats are slightly raised to add to the crossover utility vehicle feel. The seats can be ordered upholstered in cloth, a combination of leather and cloth, or just leather.

Standard Paceman features include airconditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, and a CD-based audio system with an AUX-IN audio jack. Optional are a leatherwrapped sport steering wheel with multifunction buttons and cruise control, heated seats, an automatic climate control system, and an electrically actuated glass roof.

Two engines are offered, a 121-horsepower 1.6-liter normally aspirated four cylinder, producing 114 ft-lbs of torque; and a twin-scrolled turbocharged and intercooled version of the same engine delivering some 181 horsepower and 177 ft-lbs of torque for Paceman Cooper S variants. All-wheel drive ALL4 versions of the Paceman get the turbocharged engine. Two transmissions are offered. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard with both engines; a six-speed automatic is available as an option.

By now, this is a well known fact; Kia’s forte is overachievement. Giving you more than what you bargain for is the Korean automaker’s stock in trade and it’s latest offering the 2014 Kia Forte bears this out completely.

How does a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, navigation, a rearview camera, power front seats, and Bluetooth stream audio and telephony sound?

Pretty good right?

OK, so let’s fold in turn signal repeaters and puddle lights in the folding outside rearview mirror housings, xenon headlights, keyless entry and ignition, and leather upholstery.

Now it sounds really expensive too — huh?

Well, all of this can be had for just over $25,000 in the Kia Forte, along with a fiveyear/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, and 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain coverage with roadside assistance. And, no, you don’t have to sacrifice style to get it. The 2014 Kia Forte is one of the best-looking cars in its segment.

Two engines are offered, a 148-horsepower, 1.8-liter four is the base powerplant, while a 173-horsepower, 2.0-liter is the “big” engine. Transmission offerings are a sixspeed automatic and a six-speed manual.

While pricing starts at $16,700 (including destination charges), a fully loaded Forte can be had for $25,400.

spring | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

11

why not go

Rent A Convertible With the recent news that Enterprise is now renting Vipers, we got to thinking. One of the joys of going on vacation is renting something different to drive around in. You’re in a new city, nobody knows you, why not reinvent yourself for a few days behind the wheel of a sleek new convertible?

Chevrolet’s Camaro is a mainstay of most rental fleets around the country. No, in most cases you probably won’t get your hands on the fire breathing Camaro SS convertible, but the V6 makes 323 horsepower, which is more than enough to set your ‘fro to fluffing. Factor in the curvaceous good looks of the current iteration of Chevrolet’s venerable pony car, and

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you’ve got the makings of a sweet holiday.

The Mustang convertible can be found gracing many a rental fleet as well. With the Mustang convertible, you’ll also be rolling V6, but just like the Camaro, Ford’s Mustang V6 spins out north of 300 horsepower (305 to be exact). Further, the car oozes charm and style. Fold in good handling,

Chrysler 200

plus a nicely winding two-lane country road, and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable afternoon or two—or a few.

Chrysler’s 200 Convertible may not have the performance credentials of the Mustang and the Camaro, but it is good looking, comfortable, and nicely equipped.

Plus, Chrysler reworked the 200’s suspension system for 2013, cribbing a bit off its new Italian cousins at Lancia. The 200’s handling has improved considerably, while still providing a comfortably stable and relaxed platform for touring. While most rental fleets opt for the soft-top convertible, the 200 comes with a folding hardtop as well.

If it’s just you and one other person—no family in tow—consider the Mazda MX-5 Miata. This car set the automotive world on its ear back in 1989, when it reintroduced the joys of a small inexpensive roadster, but with good reliability, to driving enthusiasts everywhere.

No you won’t get one with a manual transmission, they have to try to make them accessible to as broad a swath of the motoring public as possible. But even with an automatic transmission, the Miata is simply a whole lot of fun to drive.

As mainstream as all of those cars are, believe it or not, you can Mazda MX-5 also rent a MINI Cooper Convertible. Again, this isn’t the route to take if you’re dealing with four people and luggage, but as a pleasant mode of transportation for two, the Mini is tough to beat. Comfortable, capacious, and laughably easy to park anywhere, a MINI Cooper is a tourist’s dream come true. Plus, when you make your way out of the city and find a nice stretch of open road…don’t be surprised if you find yourself at a MINI dealership when you get back home.

Actually, if you really want to get your hands on the V8 iterations of the Camaro and the Mustang, allow us to suggest reserving something from the Hertz Adrenaline Collection. And frankly, if you’re going to go that route, you might as well go whole-hog and get the Corvette. Yes, you can actually rent America’s favorite sports car, just as easily as you would its plebeian Sonic sibling from Hertz.

Prices for all the cars listed vary depending upon location, duration, and other factors. For specific information, visit the Website of your favorite rental agency.

Happy vacationing!d D

Ford Mustang

Chevrolet Corvette

MINI Cooper Convertible

spring | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

13

Lexus IS F Sport 2014

There is much to love about the new Lexus IS sedans. Better looking, more spacious, and bristling with an abundance of tech, the small Lexus four-door now feels more like a Lexus than ever before.

For 2014, Lexus is offering the IS in two models, the IS 250 and the IS 350. Both are powered by V6 engines, available with either-rear- or all-wheel drive, and have F Sport packages. A Premium Package and a Luxury Package are offered too.

Standard features include HID headlamps, LED daytime running lights, Drive Mode Select, paddle shifters, a dual zone climate control system, the Lexus Remote Touch Interface, Display Audio, 10 airbags, and subscriptionfree real-time traffic and weather information.

The 2014 F Sport package consists of a full-mesh grille, LED headlamps, 18-inch five-spoke wheels, sport seats, and a more aggressive suspension system. Inside, the attention-grabbing center-mounted tachometer/

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speedometer is adopted directly from the LFA. The IS 350 F Sport also adds standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with a Sport S+ drive mode.

For the first time, the F Sport package is also available for AWD IS models.

Spend more than five seconds talking with a Lexus representative and they will manage to slip in the fact the cockpit for the 2014 IS was inspired by the LFA supercar at least twice. And yes, the word cockpit specifically applies, as the driver is literally surrounded by the tools needed to manage the progress of the IS. The ergonomics are beyond reproach. Everything you need to touch can be accessed without leaning forward.

The sport seats offer excellent support, though we do wish the lower seat cushions were either longer or offered retractable thigh support extensions.

The positioning of the headrests is also a bit too aggressive. They could be relaxed by about five degrees and still provide whiplash protection.

The softly rounded surfaces, along with the gracefully sweeping center console, and the premium materials all say Lexus. They also say sporty; particularly that deliciously sculpted sport steering wheel. Sized just right, it’s a joy to both hold and behold. Occupying the place of honor in the dash is an evolution of the brilliant integrated tachometer/speedometer from the LFA. We love the way it groups everything you need to know where it can be immediately digested and acted upon.

Carried over from the 2013 IS, the engines are the 204-horsepower, 2.5-liter V6 producing 185 ft-lbs of torque for the IS 250, and the 3.5-liter, 306-horsepower, 277 ft-lb V6 for the IS 350. However, both are saddled with 200 pounds more weight, so the 2014 models are a bit slower than the ‘13s.

Fuel economy is estimated at 19-city/21-highway for the 350 and 26-city/31highway for the IS 250.

While the six-speed automatic transmission is also carried over, an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters and G-Force Artificial Intelligence (originally fitted to the IS F) is standard equipment for rear drive versions of the 2014 IS 350. The Lexus Drive Mode System provides three operating modes for the standard cars (Eco, Normal, and Sport) and four modes for IS 350 F Sport cars (Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport +). All-wheel drive models get an additional mode—Snow.

While the 2014 Lexus IS 250 and 350 are larger, heavier and slower than the 2013s, they do ride better and are quieter too. They also turn in nicely, grip really well, respond to steering inputs adroitly, change direction at high speeds quite readily, and their brakes respond obediently to modulation.

They just don’t feel as sharp as the cars they replace, which is what we were referring to earlier when we said the 2014 IS model is more “Lexus-like” than any previous version of the car.

This is exacerbated in the IS 250 because it is underpowered.

A six-speed manual transmission would make it more fun, but a clutch pedal is no longer numbered among IS offerings.

Frankly, if any engine ever needed a pair of turbochargers…

However, the IS 350 F Sport, with its adaptive suspension system, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (makes the car turn in much more sharply), the Sport + drive mode, and the smart eight-speed automatic transmission is quite the engaging piece.

It’s the one we’d choose.

Like we said, there really is much to love about the new 2014 Lexus IS model lineup. Better looking, more capacious, and more luxurious, it’s more Lexus-like than either of its two generations of predecessors.

Thing is, in a sport sedan, that might be cause for concern.

Pricing starts at $39,960 for the IS 250 and $43,980 for the IS 350, including destination charges.

For more, including a video walk-around, visit DecisiveMagazine.com.d D

spring | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

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kiasorento 2 0 1 4

From the outside, the 2014 Kia Sorento may look like a mere freshening when compared to the 2013 model, but if you look beneath the skin, you’ll find much has changed, including a new more powerful V6 engine. Additionally, there’s an all-new range-topping trim package for the crisply styled Kia. While you may have to look hard to see the changes between the 2013 and 2014 models, when you drive the 2014 Sorento it’s readily evident.

In addition to the more powerful V6 engine, the body structure has been reinforced to improve stiffness, the front suspension system is completely reworked, and the rear suspension has been recalibrated. So, in addition to being more powerful, the Sorento feels tighter and handles better too.

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Four states of trim are offered to ease the ordering process; they are LX, EX, SX, and the new for 2014 top of the line SX Limited. In typical Kia fashion, features abound—even on the base model. Order your Sorento in LX livery and you’ll find it equipped with air conditioning, full power accessories, Bluetooth, alloy wheels, satellite radio, split-folding rear seats, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

Move up to the Sorento EX and you’ll get all of the above, plus automatic headlights, keyless entry and ignition, dualzone automatic climate control, leather, Kia’s Uvo telematics system, and a rear-view camera. The EX package can be enhanced with the likes of a power liftgate, blind spot monitoring, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof. Those items are grouped together as the EX Touring Package option.

However, if you want to save yourself some trouble, simply check the box marked SX. You’ll get everything above, plus 19-inch wheels, rear airconditioning, and Kia’s selectable mode steering system. The new full-boat SX Limited package ices the cake with chromed wheels, xenon headlights, a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel, and heated rear seats.

Two engine choices are offered for the 2014 Sorento; a 191-horsepower, 2.4-liter four cylinder producing 181 ft-lbs of torque comes as standard for the Sorento LX. Optional for that trim level and standard across the rest of the trim kits is the new 3.3-liter V6 making 290 horsepower and 252 ft-lbs of

torque. A six-speed transmission is fitted regardless of engine choice. Front-wheel drive is the default configuration; all-wheel drive can be had as an option.

Fuel economy is quoted at 20-city, 26-highway and 22-combined for the front-drive SX model equipped with the four-cylinder engine. When paired with all-wheel drive, those numbers drop to 19, 24, and 21. A front-drive Sorento with the V6 is rated at 18-city, 25-highway, and 21 overall. If you go V6/ all-wheel drive, expect 18, 24, and 20.

Given Sorento is aimed at families, the safety suite is a significant aspect of the purchase decision. ABS, stability and traction control, a full complement of airbags, and active headrests are standard fare. Upper-level models get a rear view camera and parking sensors. Blind spot monitoring, standard on SX trimmed Sorentos, can also be had as an option across the entire model range.

Underway, you’ll find the Sorento provides a pleasantly refined atmosphere. The interior is contemporary, spacious, and comfortable. A new center stack graces all models, while EX and above also get a new TFT digital instrument panel. The layout is intuitive—all secondary functions are readily accessible. The seats are comfortable over long drives, and the Uvo voice activation system actually understands you when you speak.

(Which is more than can be said for a number of others…).

Legroom abounds up front; the second row is comfortable as well, with good headroom too. The third row, as you might imagine, is kiddie-land, try to avoid being relegated to sitting there if you’re much over 12 or 13 years old—and of average height. You’ll need a bit of physical dexterity to get back there too.

Both engines are quiet and smooth, though we found the four to struggle a bit when called upon to move the Sorento with vigor. (Yeah, it’s a bit underpowered for this application.) On the other hand, the V6 is more than adequate, and the six-speed transmission shifts quite smoothly regardless of the engine fronting it. Steering, braking, ride, and handling are also exemplary and the Sorento is reasonably quiet too.

Keep in mind this is family transpo—not some back road pavement scorcher—and you’ll be quite satisfied with the 2014 Kia Sorento.

Pricing starts at $24,950 including destination charges.

For more—including video—visit Decisivemagazine.com.d D

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diversity driving for

Max Siegel’s Rev Racing

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written by Nataki DeForrest

hen 19-year-old Kyle Larson crossed the finish line at Rockingham Speedway last November, Max Siegel’s years of hard work, determination, and breaking barriers all came to a beautiful fruition. In that moment, Siegel became the first African-American team owner to win a NASCAR Championship. Rev Racing, owned by Siegel, manages the Drive for Diversity program, an industry initiative designed to diversify the face of NASCAR by developing minority racing car drivers and pit crewmembers.

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After years of slow but steady progress, Larson’s championship win was the tipping point the initiative, the team, and Siegel needed. It was something he knew the program was capable of producing. The win was a message to the industry—the face of the sport was changing, and Siegel was pioneering that change.

“I’ve worked hard to help create a path for other minorities wishing to break into the sport. This change has taken time, but it’s important,

Coach Phil Horton, Kyle Larson, and Max Siegel celebrating Kyle Larson’s 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship win.

Max and the Rev Racing team celebrating Kyle Larson’s 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship win

and it’s something I’m passionate about. Seeing the success of other minorities, whether behind the wheel of a racing car, or in some other role, shows me we’re changing the story of the sport.” says Siegel.

Himself a familiar figure in NASCAR’s history book, Max Siegel made his first mark when he became president of Global Operations for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, making him the highest-ranking African-American in NASCAR. Determined to continue breaking barriers in the sport, Siegel saw the opportunity to fulfill a real need with the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program. At the time, the program helped minority race car drivers by placing them with various teams and funding their ride. Siegel had the thought to create an academy style program for young drivers, similar to the ones that exist for other professional sports. Thus, Rev Racing opened its doors in 2009—hitting the track for its first full season in 2010. This was chronicled as a reality show on BET called “Changing Lanes”, documenting the challenges and struggles faced by women and drivers of color wishing to break into the predominately white and male world of NASCAR. “While it may look simple on paper, it hasn’t been easy getting to where we are.” Siegel says. “Although we took over an established program, as a team, we were starting from scratch. We’ve had to overcome some challenges, but I think we’ve proven our formula works.”

One of the keys to the program’s success is finding and developing raw talent. Larson’s first season running stock cars was 2012, when he debuted in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. In addition to winning the championship, he also took home Rookie of the Year honors—the second Rookie of the Year to come out of Rev Racing in the past three years. (Darrell Wallace Jr. also captured the award in 2010.) As these two drivers demonstrate success, Rev Racing continues to gain recognition within the industry. Both Larson (of Japanese-American descent), and Wallace Jr., (a young African-American), are racing in two of NASCAR’s top series this season.

For 2013, seven young drivers are running for the Rev Racing team, each of whom is hopeful to one day be a part of this new face of NASCAR. The team includes three Latino, two female, and two AfricanAmerican drivers. Four are racing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, the same series where Larson won his Championship, and where Darrell Wallace Jr. made a name for himself as an up-and-comer. Siegel knows there are still plenty of challenges ahead, but he’s gratified by the impact his efforts are making.

His fondest hope is to one day see a graduate of the program become NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion.d D

2013 Rev Racing driving team

spring | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

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looking back

theGreenBook “Now We Can Travel Without Embarrassment”

Let’s say you’re an AfricanAmerican motorist driving cross-country back in 1963. While good planning remains an essential element of any road trip to this day, in those days, African

Americans had another huge consideration to take into account. Jim Crow.

Just 50 years ago, Black travelers couldn’t stay in whatever hotel or motel they happened to find themselves near at the end of a long day of driving. They couldn’t pop into just any restaurant when hunger struck—nor could they pull into whatever gas station happened to be handy when the Chevy’s gas hand touched “E”. To avoid unpleasant confrontations, they had to know in advance what establishments would welcome Black travelers.

Further, they had to plan their drives so they arrived at those places when the need arose.

Fortunately, there was an app for that.

A shoebox lunch of cold fried chicken wrapped in wax paper, a cob of boiled corn, some light bread, and a slice of pound cake—along with a copy of The Negro Traveler’s Green Book—were essential items to mid20th century African-American travelers. Victor H. Green & Co. published the guide for Blacks between 1936 and 1964.

Green, a retired postal worker, originally collected information on stores in New York friendly to African-Americans. In 1936, he published the first issue of The Negro Motorist Green Book. An idea whose time was long overdue, Green’s publication was a hit, so he expanded coverage to destinations outside New York. In towns without hotels or motels accepting Black travelers, Green found “Tourist Homes”— private residences renting rooms to African-Americans. The book eventually expanded to cover gas stations, repair garages, beauty shops, barbershops, and various other services.

Although Green changed the name to The Negro Traveler’s Green Book in 1952, most people always referred to it simply as “The Green

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Book”. By 1949, it had expanded to cover destinations all over the U.S. as well as Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada. At its peak, Green printed 15,000 copies annually. He also offered travel reservation services for Blacks out of his office in Harlem.

In the debut issue, Green wrote, as part of his introduction: "There will be a day sometime in the near future when this guide will not have to be published. That is when we as a race will have equal rights and privileges in the United States.” While some might argue it was bit premature, Green stopped publishing after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

For more, including a link to an actual copy of The Green Book, visit DecisiveMagazine.com.d D

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