ballaban
Michael Ballaban
ballaban
Deputy Editor, Jalopnik. 2002 Lexus IS300 Sportcross.

PGP Fingerprint: 0D03 F37B 4C96 021E 4292 7B12 E080 0D0B 5968 F14E

We still do driving embargoes, but that’s based on different reasoning. With informational embargoes, everything is timed to maximize the marketing effort, which is pretty contrary to what we do. When it comes to a press drive, the purpose of the embargo is to give everyone a chance to try the vehicle. With a Read more

Jalopnik is one of the very few outlets that does not agree to informational embargoes. That means that other outlets sign extensive non-disclosure agreements, agreeing to sit on information for days, weeks, sometimes months in advance, and not say a peep about it until a manufacturer’s marketing team says they can. Read more

We’ll be having a deep-dive about the technical specs coming shortly! Read more

GRAD SCHOOL CAN ONLY LAST SO LONG PLEASE COME BACK WE’LL MISS YOUR BLOGS Read more

I would say most, if not all. At least basic maintenance stuff. David Tracy can probably swap a nuclear device in under an hour with the right tools. I’ve watched Raph do a valve adjustment in a parking lot while it’s pouring rain. I’m pleased with myself when I swap the battery in my key. So there’s a spectrum. But Read more

If France has ceased to exist by this time next year, I will eat one (1) whole escargot. Read more

You’d be shocked how many cars have vast exterior dimensions yet don’t really work for kids. Front seats often need to be moved forward to fit a rear-facing seat in the back, while still maintaining front passenger legroom. Is the rear door opening square enough to get your kid into the seat without bumping their Read more

Yeah, I’m just saying Tesla can’t do it fast enough on its own. Why not give me a couple bil and I’ll take a shot? Read more

No, I’m saying that when you drive an AMG GT, people feel sorry for you. They don’t know what’s wrong. Read more

how dare you besmirch my writing by implying that this take is good Read more