Nicole Wakelin

New Hampshire

Automotive Journalist at Freelance

Automotive journalist covering all things cars, with cookies, coffee, and pie along the way. @WorldCarAwards @NACTOY @WWCOTY https://t.co/62PSAuEceM

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Articles

Hit the Road And Discover A New World Of Adventure

3 weeks ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

I've done my share of off-road adventuring, but the team at Storyteller Overland takes the idea to a new and wonderfully over-the-top level. I spoke with Lee Conn, CEO, at this year’s New York Auto Show about the vehicles they build and the incredible community that’s a part of the brand. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Storyteller has been building rugged rigs since 2018, with a legacy stretching back over 20 years thanks to the 2022 acquisition of Global Expedition Vehicles.
The Maserati GT2 Stradale Is A Track-Bred Icon

3 weeks ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

At the heart of Maserati’s display at the New York Auto Show was the 2025 GT2 Stradale. It was a standout with striking pearlescent Digital Aurora Matte paint that shifts from deep purple to mauve as the lights play across its surface. It makes for quite a show, even standing still.
Inside The 2025 Lincoln Navigator: A Vision Of Luxury

3 weeks ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator is all-new this year with upgraded technology and a fresh design that elevates this flagship SUV. I sat down with Ryan Niemiec, Chief Designer at Lincoln, during the Navigator first drive out in San Diego, California. He shared the design philosophy behind the interior of the Navigator and revealed why he believes it delivers a true luxury experience.
Focused On The Customer

3 weeks ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

Hyundai is on a roll, and it hopes to continue with the all-new Palisade, which had its big reveal at the recent New York Auto Show. During the event, we sat down with Claudia Márquez, Hyundai Motor America’s new Chief Operating Officer, to talk about the company’s future.
This Is Why The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Is Better Than Ever For 2025

3 weeks ago | carbuzz.com | Nicole Wakelin

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 livens up the crossover SUV scene with its standout style and cutting-edge tech, proving electric doesn’t have to be boring. This year’s facelift builds on an already strong foundation, blending retro charm with modern style, and now it even plays nice with Tesla’s charging network. Whether you’re drawn to its quirky looks loaded with pixels or its performance, this EV has a lot to offer.
Global Innovation Takes Center Stage at the 2025 World Car Awards

4 weeks ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

The 2025 World Car Awards winners were revealed at this year’s New York Auto Show, recognizing automotive excellence that highlighted the industry’s pivot toward electrification, performance, and bold design. As a World Car juror, I’ve spent months evaluating these vehicles, driving them on roads and tracks to evaluate their merits along with over 100 fellow journalists from around the globe.
Cupra Gears Up For Risky US Debut - In Five Years

4 weeks ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

Cupra, a Spanish brand backed by the Volkswagen Group, is likely one you didn’t know. That’s because it’s a relatively new company that started selling cars in 2018, and it’s not even sold in the US. If it has its way, that will all change by 2030 when Cupra launches here, but five years is a long time, and the road is challenging.
Inside The Lucid Gravity: Crafting A New Kind Of Luxury

1 month ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

Lucid is taking a fresh approach to building luxury cars. Rather than piling on premium materials, the focus is on simple, thoughtful design choices that create a welcoming and relaxing space. We sat down with Nicola Danks, Head of Color and Materials at Lucid Motors, at the first drive of the new Gravity SUV. She isn’t out to chase trends. Instead, she wants to create a lasting impression through design and carefully selected materials.
Lucid Details New UX 3.0 Platform In Gravity SUV

1 month ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

We recently sat down with Dave Flint, Head of UX/UI at Lucid, to get the scoop on the new Lucid UX 3.0 platform. It’s not just a slight upgrade or enhancement from what’s in the Lucid Air sedan. Instead, it’s a rethink of how drivers interact with their cars and how tech plays into that experience. From the Gravity’s quirky steering wheel to its screens, Flint walked me through how the changes will make EV life easier and maybe even outright serene.
Caring for and Insuring Classic Cars

1 month ago | magazine.northeast.aaa.com | Nicole Wakelin

A classic car is a special purchase. It’s not something you buy out of necessity, but rather because it speaks to your heart. It could be the car you dreamed of owning when you were a kid, or maybe it’s the one your parents owned years ago. You might even buy classic cars as an investment in the hopes that their value will increase over time. No matter why you buy a classic car, it deserves special care to keep it looking good and ready to drive for years to come.