Anybody get new issue of Road and Track, very different.

 

Remarkably so. Ok, if this is just a one off to surprise us that is fine. The issue itself is well done, nice photos and quality of paper and print is excellent but hopefully we can get back to actual road tests and not so many road trip reports. It’s already sad to me that these magazines dwell more on the infotainment system than the car, or should I say, SUV, that they are “testing” and now we have this new angle.

 

Off topic a bit: Can you find old reviews on the R&T website? I can’t figure out how to find archived reviews and articles.

 

Does everyone realize that R&T has gone to an every-other-month format?
The articles are superb. So, I don't mind.

I still get Car & Driver (and Consumers Reports) for actual road tests.

 

I was surprised by how few ads there were, considering the old format was essentially a WeatherTech ad booklet with a few articles sprinkled between.

 

I enjoyed R & T enormously in the early '60s. Henry N Manney lll's coverage of the Grand Prix circuit was mesmerizing. John and Elaine Bond's editorial writing was superb. And if you wanted some authenticity, there was Phil Hill. I stopped following it after HS. It seemed the life went out of it, especially when it became the weak sister to Car & Driver.

So what do folks think about the current iteration. Is it back to the quality and sophistication of the old days. Is it worth the price of admission. I would not mind reading a quality automotive magazine again.

P.S. I looked at the website after writing the above. I have less than no interest in pick-up trucks and SUVs.

 

I noticed that too. A pretty thick book yet only 4 ads (F-Type inside cover, Subaru, Kia inside back cover, and watch dealer on back cover) not counting all the R&T-related promotions.
It isn't news that print mags are in a long decline, so an interesting strategy to go big and upscale and while others are dying a slow death by shrinking, cheapening, and dropping coverage. I wish them well but they're gonna need revenue.

 

I love the new format and I’m ok with it being every other month. The writing seemed better to me and I like the “thread” for the issue was weaved all the way through this issue. So far color me pleased.