While I was testing the Fiat 500e, I found myself once again fortunate enough to be able to share a meal with some of Chrysler/Fiat's engineers and designers. As always, I took advantage of the opportunity to propose some ideas for cars that fit into my own perverse agenda, and I got some quality feedback.

It's happened again. When Ford invited some journalists out to test the new C-Max, there was, of course,a dinner involved. For many auto journalists, these dinners represent over 25% of our monthly intake of both vitamin steak and vitamin gin. I even have a doctor's note to make sure I get what I need.

I found the Ford SVT engineers to be a great group of guys. They all seem to genuinely love their jobs, and each of them seems to have a real passion for their products. So that's great. Still, it doesn't mean I couldn't annoy them to the verge of tears and with my inane suggestions, which is what I did. Because that's …

While out in Vegas to review the Fiat 500 Abarth, one exciting moment was that they had captive drivetrain engineers there to answer questions and explain things. So, one night at dinner, thanks to a cunning arrangement of tables as obstacles and excellent seafood buffet access, I was able to corner one and make him…