Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Southern Delights: New Orleans to Key West in a 2013 Chevy Malibu Turbo

Southern Delights: New Orleans to Key West in a 2013 Chevy Malibu Turbo It’s still early in the new year, but I’ve already got that itch: that stout yearning to get out there and explore. To be fair, it never seems to go away. What am I after? Open roads, wind rushing through the cabin, some serious grub, and of course, new vistas to soak in. Here’s the plan: absorb the color and history—and maybe some bourbon—in New Orleans. Dig on the buildings and people. Drive. From New Orleans, through Mississippi, Alabama, and in to the rich, abundant sunshine of Florida. Cross the entire length of the state.

Destination?
Last summer I embarked on an epic road trip down the East Coast of America, though 13 states. From Maine to Miami, in a Volkswagen Passat TDI. And while I made it to Miami, I wanted to go further. To the southernmost point in the United States: Key West. Turquoise water, white sand, wave to Cuba. And to fully experience America’s storied south, I’ll be piloting a great American sedan: the Chevrolet Malibu Turbo, the Malibu’s jock-brother, and a performance version of one of Chevy’s long-time top sellers in the U.S. The Malibu Turbo packs 259 horsepower, rides on 19-inch wheels tied to an enhanced, sport-tuned suspension, and here, there’s no shortage of attitude. I’ve got the keys in hand, and some of the country’s most alluring locales to explore ahead of me.