Resolute in More than Name Only.

Byline: Dutch Mandel

Why should this issue's cover date prompt us to holler, "Do over!''? It may be symbolic to start fresh on Jan. 1 each year, but we're not going to mess with symbolism.

Today's as good a day as any to stop smoking, to pursue worthwhile causes, to eat properly, to exercise and rid ourselves of excesses... though fun they might be. This is not a puritanical purging, but the pursuit of a wiser, healthier, more exciting existence.

Which is as it will be for AutoWeek-and me-in 2007. You might note a change in the look to the magazine itself. This is ongoing. For us it's like watching a child mature; with age it loses gawkiness and hits a grown-up gait; '07 marks AutoWeek's 49th year, and like boomers, we're in a position to have fun, yet be all business. Since we play with cars, go to exotic locales and meet interesting people, don't expect a midlife crisis here.

Still, many readers don't like change. You won't see change to chase fashion or just for the sake of change. It is an evolutionary, developmental shift to make AW a better, more insightful, more entertaining read. Fear not: The voice remains as authoritative and thoughtful as you've come to appreciate.

Change hits ...