The definition of the word flagship is: 1. the ship in a fleet that carries the commanding admiral. 2. The best or most important thing owned or produced by a particular organization.

As the brand undergoes a lineup transformation, Cadillac has unveiled its new flagship sedan, the Cadillac CT6 (not to be confused with the shorter CTS). After spending a week in the CT6, I must say the definition is fitting. If this was a fleet of ships, the CT6 would most definitely be the admiral, and it is the best and most important thing Cadillac currently produces.

The introduction of the CT6 comes as Cadillac works to firm up its position in the luxury car marketplace against the usual foreign brands that dominate the market, and it’s a bold and necessary move.

There’s something about an Audi that’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t driven one. Call it a combination of European styling and class, and a generally welcoming feeling when you get into the vehicle. And when you’re talking about Audi’s flagship sedan, the Audi A8 L, that feeling is even more special.

This vehicle is not just a means to get you where you need to go. It’s a means to truly enjoy the drive, whether it be from the comfiness of the seats, or the joy of the ride itself, a byproduct of that ever-famous German engineering.

I had previously driven the 2015 version of the A8, and was impressed nearly to the point of perfection. So getting into a 2016, I was curious to see how it help up in an era where the top luxury brands are constantly working to outdo each other.

On October 3, 2016, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) hosted several Habitat for Humanity affiliates for World Habitat Day activities at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills.  More than 100 FCA employees volunteered their morning to build sheds for Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, wheelchair ramps for Macomb County Habitat for Humanity and picnic tables for Habitat for Humanity Detroit to support future Habitat homebuyers throughout the tri-county area.  FCA employees also donated household items to Habitat ReStores, which are non-profit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used donated items to the general public at a fraction of the retail price to support the Habitat mission.This event provided an opportunity for all three affiliates to work together, and allowed them to collectively thank FCA for their long history of support. In addition to significant funding, FCA has engaged over 1,500 volunteers on Habitat projects in Oakland and Macomb Counties and the City of Detroit.

Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County is a non-profit organization that works with local families to achieve strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Since 1994, Habitat Oakland County has built and renovated homes in partnership with 200 families, with 62 more taking place this year. Donate, volunteer and learn more at www.HabitatOakland.org. 

The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro showed off its off-road prowess at the 2016 Texas Auto Writers Association’s (TAWA) Texas Truck Rodeo, winning the Mid-size Pickup Truck of Texas award.

After two days of demanding on and off-road driving at Longhorn River Ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas, journalists voted for their favorite pickup trucks, SUVs and CUVs in multiple categories. This year, more than 70 media members attended the event to test drive 82 vehicles from the world’s top truck and SUV manufacturers.

“As America’s best-selling mid-size pickup for ten years running, the recognition as Mid-size Pickup Truck of Texas confirms our vision of producing a truck that can tackle any off-road challenge,” said Mike Sweers, Tacoma chief engineer. “Toyota’s commitment to the new Tacoma TRD Pro was focused on meeting the needs of adventure-seekers where roads fear to tread, and we have proven that today.”

Now is the time to lock in your tickets and campsites for Michigan International Speedway in 2017. Renewals for both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends are on sale at their lowest prices.

The speedway is making it easy for guests at the track in 2016 to get the best prices on tickets and camping for 2017. Fans can visi twww.mispeedway.com/renewals or call 800-354-1010 to renew.

“We are excited to offer our loyal customers the best prices during the renewal period for the 2017 season,” track President Rick Brenner said. “We look forward to hosting them during our NASCAR weekends next year and showing off the Irish Hills area to so many people. The NASCAR Chase for the Championship has been exciting to watch this year and we cannot wait for 2017.”