Auto News 5

If you want to use a new convertible to tow anything larger than a Jet Ski these days, your options are pretty much limited to a Jeep Wrangler. In the early 1970s, however, there were a number of beefy, open-air vehicles on the market, such as the Chevrolet Blazer, the Ford Bronco, the International Scout, the Toyota Land Cruiser, and, of course, the Wrangler's predecessor, the CJ, which drove straight off WWII battlefields and has been for sale ever since.

Because it's been forever since we all went away together, I recently proposed to the nuclear Kitman clan that Oxymoron Hall of Fame first balloter, a European summer vacation for the whole family. I threw it open to the voters knowing that I would need to exercise diplomacy and Solomonic skill to address their diverse preferences and concerns while still reserving the executive veto power so crucial to the success of any trip on which I was going to be doing all the driving and paying all the bills.

New models deserve new model designations. That's why the new two-door 1 Series coupe and cabriolet will be rebadged as the 2 Series. One rung up, the two-door BMW 3 Series and the upcoming Gran Coupe will be sold as the 4 Series. The reason for these moves is simple: cleverly repositioned models command higher prices. Just look at the 6 Series Gran Coupe that costs almost one third more than an identically-equipped 5 Series sedan.