Well it’s been one hell of a journey for the Drive Life team over the last few years, but we have hit what we feel is a bit of a milestone. We have just crossed over into the realm of 10,000+ Facebook followers. It may not be a lot compared to some of the bigger sites out there, but it shows that our followers like what we are doing. And to all our followers we would like to say a big Thank You from everyone at Drive Life, we are forever grateful for your support.
After looking back at what we have covered in the last few years, the team and I feel we have achieved quite a lot, which includes the 140+ new cars we have reviewed to date. So we thought we would share some of them with you, as we take a quick drive down memory lane to see some of the highlights along the road to 10K.
John’s Memory Lane Drive
It’s been a lot of work, many ups and what felt like many more downs. But we stuck with it, and we have some really great memories from our experiences. For those who knew us from the beginning, we were AutoClique. But we had to rebrand, mainly because no one could spell it. So Drive Life was born from it’s ashes, and it’s been well received by our many followers.
Over the last couple of years I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to drive many cars I thought I would only ever see as scale models.
I experienced hot laps around Manfeild in a Lexus LFA at the hands of Kiwi racing driver Sam MacNeil, amazing by the way (video still to come). Manufacturer Launch events at some of the best race tracks New Zealand has to offer. The BMW M3 and M4 launch at Hampton Downs, and the Lexus RC F launch at Highlands Park.
I owned an Audi R8 for over a year, that we wrapped at the CRC Speed Show. And even though it felt like it spent more time in the workshop then I did driving it, I still miss that car. And out of everything I have driven, do I have a favourite? You’re damn right, only one car has left a lasting impression, and I mean a stand back and scream OMG. And that was the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S; it’s just so mental.
I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for the Drive Life team in the years to come.
Rob’s Memory Lane Drive
The last couple of years working for Drive Life has been amazing. I’ve driven so many cars, and had some great experiences. There have been some surprises too, with some cars unexpectedly standing out from the crowd. Like the Honda Odyssey, which I enjoyed way more than I expected.
Highlights for me include the Mini Cooper which was my first road test around the Coromandel Peninsula, the Mazda MX-5, the BMW 125i and 3 Series. So many great cars. I even had the opportunity to drive a Tesla Model S. I took a car off road for the first time with the Hilux.
Then there’s the events. Two trips to the Leadfoot Festival, probably the best NZ motoring event there is. The Cannonball Run, Gumboot Rally, Speedshow, and a host of local car and hotrod shows.
I said an emotional goodbye to my Skoda, and started Project Rusty. I even captured a Kingfisher in the grille of a BMW. Poor Kevin did several hundred kilometres in the front of that car back to BMW so they could remove the bumper to free him. He was unharmed, but angry!
I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.
Fred’s Memory Lane Drive
Do I love what I do? Hell yeah! We get to not only drive and test some cool cars, we get to do stuff as well. Highlights? Hot Laps with Murph at Hampton Downs, what a day. A day at Manfield with BMW, testing (well, thrashing) John Cooper Works Minis. Such fun. Getting to drive a Fraser Clubman was a blast – it was the rawest car I have ever driven, and the closed thing to a road-going go-kart ever.
In August last year my daughter and I took my 1965 V8 Sunbeam Tiger to Taupo Racetrack to hoon around, and we did. Sure, it leaned on the corners and sucked the gas, but it was one memorable day.
I’ve tested some rather tasty cars too, with my highlight still the Chrysler 300 SRT. I still dream of the sound that car makes. A Holden Commodore Redline came close to the 300, and is still an excellent Australian performance car. That’s not to say I haven’t enjoyed the cheaper cars too. Late in 2015, we ran the $20K Challenge, testing every new car we could get our hands on, that cost less than $20K. It was quite revealing, and there were surprises (both good and bad) in every car we drove.
This year, I forced myself to spend 5 weeks driving from LA to New York, an 8,000km road trip. Buying a new V8 Dodge Challenger to do the trip in wasn’t the worst thing in the world either.
I can’t wait to see what’s around the corner for DriveLife. If I’ve accomplished this much already, what’s ahead can only be better.
Ken’s Memory Lane Drive
You always remember your firsts don’t you? I’ve been with DriveLife (previously Autoclique) for over 2 years and in that time, particularly last year, I’ve been fortunate enough to cover some incredible events and driven cars I never thought I’d ever drive.
A highlight for me was driving the Honda S660 on the Hakone Turnpike. It was my first proper review for DriveLife and my first review in Japan. Speaking of memorable drives, taking the BMW M5 to the foothills of Mt. Fuji was not only one of the best experiences of my life but it was also one of the best cars I’ve driven.
Being with DriveLife opened a lot of opportunities here, such as being a guest at the launch of some mouth-watering supercars such as the McLaren 675LT and Koenigsegg Agera RSR.
Covering Japan-specific events such as dozens of supercar meets to the crazy Tokyo Auto Salon opened my eyes to a whole different side of car culture that we’re used to in New Zealand.
But out of all the things I’ve done for DriveLife, the day I spent at Fuji Speedway last December with Pagani Tokyo and Bingo Sports was undoubtedly the best.
A big thank you to DriveLife for the opportunities and for everyone who’s followed and supported us. I can’t wait to see DriveLife grow from here and see where the road ahead takes us.
Alan’s Memory Lane Drive
We have done a lot in a small time, from our first meet to one of our more recent ones the following has grown. I have plasti-dipped my car, done Cannonball Runs and track days. Managed to photograph some amazing cars both on and off the track and even managed to race fire trucks down the Wellington airport runway. If only for this it needs to be longer :P. I have played a bit of support role for Drive Life by being the IT guy that keeps everything ticking along in the back, it has not been a smooth ride but joyous one and I have learnt a lot. It’s been a blast and can’t wait to see what the next few years bring.
A Big thanks you form all the team at Drive Life, we are grateful for all your support.
