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SuperSedan Debrief – 1993 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton

The Lotus Carlton was not just a hero because of its massive turbocharged engine and rear-drive handling balance. Not just an icon because of its Lotus-honed grip and track prowess. Not just a stylish executive saloon that suddenly competied with Audi and BMW thanks to its sweet wide fenders and aerokit. Not just a British national champion because it was created by Vauxhall and Lotus, and built there too. Little Opel input was needed for asked-for, nor help from General Motors across the Atlantic. Nor simply an extremely-rapid autobahn missile with a Vmax of more than 180-mph. The real reason …

Feb 04, 2015 Read more

Bugatti SUV Design Concept by Ondrej Jirec

In the original article toward the bottom of this page, we explore an online rendering of a Bugatti Veyron-style SUV, plus created our own janky lift of the official Galibier concept from Bugatti. But neither of the below ideas is really as avant-garde as Bugatti would seek for any Super SUV with its EB logos attached. College of Art Center of Design student Ondrej Jirec has a very cool idea for a Bugatti SUV. Grand style, grand pace, and the name? The Grand Colombier. A nod to the explorer Cristobol Colon — who we Americans know as Christopher Columbus — …

Jan 10, 2015 Read more

2015 Dodge Viper in 100 Custom COLORS – 1-of-1 Order Concierge Brings 25-Million Individual Combinations

Most of the time with these digital colorizer articles, the shades shown are pure fantasy. They cannot be ordered bespoke on anything short of a Rolls-Royce or Bentley. The Viper is joining this exclusive club of absolute customization for 2015 — with 8000 color shades available to order, plus dozens of other trim choices. This all expands the range of custom Vipers exponentially: up to 25-million one-of-a-kind selections possible. The 2015 Viper 1-of-1 program might be daunting for shopppers and those ordering a custom Viper. There were already a huge volume of selections to make in the 2014 model, so …

Jan 09, 2015 Read more

Mercedes-Benz CLS by German Special Customs

GSC makes some of the wildest body kits in the world — and almost none is more flashy than their CLS-Class upgrades. What is the name for this shrinking violet of a car? One so shy and demure you would never notice it on the streets? The Stealth…. Mercedes-Benz CLS by German Special Customs German Special Customs Mercedes-Benz CLS The world of beautiful and rich people is as fascinating as the popular documentary soap “Die Geissens“ – a reality show aired on television every week. Wherever money rules, it is not unusual to pick cars from the shelf since cars …

Jan 02, 2015 Read more

Bespoke Supercars – 2012 AC 378GT by ZAGATO

ZAGATO has been in a front-engine-GT mood recently, and the AC 378GT was the only one in a series of sexy designs that was produced for sale. This AC Cars 378GT was initially conceived as a new sports-car brand called Perana. With a tubular steel chassis and full engineering by Zagato, the car was thisclose to production form when Perana suddenly ran out of cash in the midst of the 2008-present economic meltdown. Step in, AC Cars, a German and English consortium importing and selling South African-made Cobra MkVI models of various sizes and specifications. The resemblance of the …

Dec 31, 2014 Read more

MANSORY G-Couture and G63 Soft Upgrades Add Fresh LED Headlight Strakes

The Mansory G-Couture is an absolutely brutal upgrade of the already-militant G-Class — with a huge new bumper and lower body upgrade that is wider, stronger and meaner than ever. The G63 “Soft” kit is a bit more comfort and style-oriented, and is where the latest Bentley-style LEDs debut their new embedded light elements. Beside these new round lamps are three horizontal white LED strakes behind a new glass shroud. It’s a nice update for the Galendewagen’s well-known style — and matches the lower bumper LEDs and roof LEDs very nicely! The upgrades lists are very, very extensive. See the …

Dec 23, 2014 Read more

3.3s MANSORY Zapico Is The Pagani of Motorcycles

The design and construction of this masterful Mansory motorcycle debut is second to no manufacturer in the world. Short of Pagani, perhaps! You can see how nearly every single part of the Mansory Zapico is custom-milled from alloy billet or hand-laid in carbon-fiber. The design itself is delightfully long-wheelbase and menacing, with a huge scale and 160-horsepower engine all kept low and ultra-cool. This is definitely a man’s bike — it is huge. But that does not stop the custom S&S V-twin engine from shooting the Zapico to 60-mph in just 3.3-seconds. Looks like that giant 285-section rear tire is …

Dec 21, 2014 Read more

2015 Cadillac ATS-V.R Is FIA GT3 Racecar Writ Large – In Cursive!

“…. If your hood scoop is deeper than the nearest well……. you might be a Cadillac racecar.” “…If your rear wing is wider than your mattress…. you might be a Cadillac racing prototype.” “…And if your headlamps are mostly stickers — you are definitely in the cutting-edge of FIA GT3 racecar technology…” Rejected joke… “…If you can’t read ‘good’ but can write the Cadillac script logo in your sleep — you might be dreaming of the ATS-V.R! “ =] Cadillac itself describes the ATS-V.R as a rolling, screaming and screeching testament to the ATS Coupe’s …

Nov 21, 2014 Read more

2015 Chrysler 300C and 300S Bring Stylish and Functional Improvements (120 Photos!)

How to refine an icon? Porsche has struggled with this for more than 50 years of 911’s at this point – and Chrysler is learning the fine art with its bold and butch 300 sedan. As a real touchstone vehicle for Chrysler since its reveal in 2005, the rear-drive, 120-inch-wheelbase of the Chrysler 300 has languished a bit in recent years while the auto world has rapidly progressed around it. This changes for 2015 – with updates to the cabin and powertrain that bring the 300C and 300S bang up-to-date with the latest from Cadillac in the CTS, Hyundai …

Nov 20, 2014 Read more

Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 RWD

2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 Review By Ken Glassman If you got behind the wheel of the new Hyundai Genesis 5.0 and didn’t know who manufactured the car, you’d swear you were driving a German luxury car, like the E-class Mercedes, or 5-Series BMW, or Audi A6. Only after looking at the price tag would you know that it couldn’t be one of those European makes, because a similarly equipped German sedan would cost at least 6 to 10 grand more. The Genesis is both an outstanding car in its own right, and an outstanding value. V-8 engines are becoming …

Nov 16, 2014 Read more

EDITOR’S DREAM – Brabus 850 Is 2.9s 4Matic Estate in 75 High-Res Photos

So, ever wondered what car the editors of this site would love to own? All of them! True story. Anything not disgustingly covered in dog fur like our 2005 Subaru Legacy GT wagon would be nice, but let’s dream big. With $250,000 to spend, we would walk right past the Huracan’s and McLarens and Bentley’s of the world. When seeking a new fantasy ride, Q-car appeal is paramount, along with killer pace on contract 24/7/365. We want Gallardo-crushing pace with one-handed effort. With room in back and a low hop-in height. Choice? Brabus 850. Brabus 850

Nov 04, 2014 Read more

Part Two – ETERNITI Artemis Shows Widebody Excellence

PART TWO: The Artemis The Artemis is the latest from Eterniti Motors – with revised detailing and a more unique nose versus the Hemera. The Hemera from Eterniti London was the debut SUV for this bespoke car customization house. Launched in late 2011, the Hemera is sold as a complete vehicle with pricing from about $300,000. The upgrades shown here are extremely comprehensive – with only the roof panels carrying over from the factory machine. Custom 23-inch wheels slide under the surreal widebody that is flawlessly executed in a new flowing aesthetic. Out back, vented fenders form giant …

Nov 03, 2014 Read more

Muscle Truck All-Stars – ETERNITI Hemera Is Porsche Cayenne Turbo Masterclass

The Hemera from Eterniti London was the debut SUV for this bespoke car customization house. Launched in late 2011, the Hemera is sold as a complete vehicle with pricing from about $300,000. The upgrades shown here are extremely comprehensive – with only the roof panels carrying over from the factory machine. Custom 23-inch wheels slide under the surreal widebody that is flawlessly executed in a new flowing aesthetic. Out back, vented fenders form giant scoops in either side of the body, while a gorgeous pointed rear spoiler houses a new CHMSL in glorious fashion. We have emails out to Eterniti …

Nov 03, 2014 Read more

RM Hershey Highlights – 1905 FIAT 60HP Five-Passenger Tourer by Quinby & Co.

A top earner at the Hershey, Pennsylvania event from RM Auctions earlier this month? This 1905 Fiat Tourer with a whopping 60-horsepower. 60HP is double what anything else offered in 1905 — with huge power like this making it the Rolls-Royce and Bentley of its era. The Fiat packs triple the 20-hp that the Ford Model T’s “L-head” four-cylinder delivered from from 1910 to 1930. A wheel and triple-pedal setup on the floor also predates nearly any other car with this now-standard control layout. This very car was originally owned by August Anheuser Busch Senior — to give a sense …

Oct 28, 2014 Read more

Update3 With 70 New Photos – 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe Priced from $116k

Update3 10.17.14 Three updates?! This article is becoming a beast and a half – with about 150 photos of the new S550 in Pebble Beach and elsewhere included below. But who can deny how gorgeous the new S-Class Coupe is in every latest photo! Not us, that is for sure. The options shown on this S550 Coupe make it every bit as sexy and slinky as the S63 and S63 AMG Coupes — not to mention the Bentley Continental GT. In terms of differentiating among the powertrains, the big key is in the front bumpers — where the S550 is …

Oct 18, 2014 Read more

Digital Renderings Fix the 2009 Aston Martin LAGONDA SUV Concept

This is a light update to the previous LAGONDA article, but one that is best as a distinct piece to avoid confusion. As identified below, the nose and tail of the Lagonda SUV concept were its biggest problems. The make it hard to love. FIXED NOSE RENDERINGS The grille is far too large and far too bright. During a few hours in Photoshop, we have identified the eggcrate grille design as the true fault up front. It makes this Lagonda look like a Chrysler Sebring — which is not a flattering comparison for a superlux SUV. We have made the …

Sep 21, 2014 Read more

Concept Debrief – 2009 Aston Martin LAGONDA SUV Concept

The Aston Martin Lagonda SUV was easily the most-hated SUV concept of 2009 when it debuted. People absolutely hated it. They hated the design mostly, but fell back on SUV hate for extra emphasis. The only other concept whose design has been so roundly hated was the Bentley EXP-9F — which required a full redesign, led to the re-assignment of the CEO who approved it, and ultimately pushed the production Bentley SUV debut back at least three years. What do these two hated SUVs have in common? — Long-history sports-car brands’ first attempts to move into the crossover market …

Sep 21, 2014 Read more

Top 10 Most Beautiful Pebble Beach Hood Ornaments

One of the most delightful details of cars in the 1920s and 1930s are their hood ornaments. These free-standing sculptures became a symbol of prestige and class and were a sign of a super-luxury car due to their labor-intensive casting and polishing processes — not to mention the actual concept vision, sculpting prototypes for the reverse mold, followed by chrome or brass plating. The below are all pretty outstanding, with the anthropomorphic ones featuring living creatures as perhaps a bit more captivating than the pure Art Deco style shown by the LaSalle and Horch Auto Union cars. In terms of …

Sep 16, 2014 Read more

2014 Pebble Beach Concours – Class Award Winners Showcase

Okay now. Start your classic car appreciation engines! About a hundred fantastic cars here, and triple that many amazing, high-resolution photos from 2014’s Pebble Beach Concours. The clear favorite for this non-expert and non-judge? The fabulous 1939 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Pourtout Coupé all the way from Hong Kong. Forgive me if some of these are out of order. But included are generally the top-3 in every category. Enjoy! Special Thanks to Photographer Collin Graves. 2014 Pebble Beach Concours – Class Award Winners Showcase Class A: Antique 1st: 1910 American Underslung Traveler Toy Tonneau, William Johnston & Ronald Elenbaas …

Sep 03, 2014 Read more

2015 INFINITI QX80 Pebble Beach Photos + Specs, Options, Pricing, Colors

UPDATED 9.1.14 with 2015 QX80 Photos from Pebble Beach When planning this article, I cannot help but think of the QX80 is a ‘reliable Range Rover,’ a smoother and better-handling Land Cruiser, or an Escalade with actual class. But throwing sand never wins any points in life. So let’s stick to the high road with this newly-renamed QX56 model for 2014. A few extra packages enter the fray for 2014, including a huge number of laser/radar and sonar-based active safety elements as standard — and even more with the optional Tech Package. 400-horsepower through a seven-speed automatic continues with …

Sep 01, 2014 Read more

Update2 With 20 New Photos – 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe Priced from $116k

Update2 8.31.14 The new S550 Coupe is super posh and low in person, with a fantastic cabin. It can be hard to tell it from the S63 AMG, and S65 AMG – so here is a comparison. 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC and S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe Quick Reference Guide Customer Availability & Pricing S550 4MATIC Coupe – Fall 2014; Pricing TBA (MY14: CL550 4MATIC starts at $116,600) S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe – Fall 2014; Pricing TBA (MY14: CL63 AMG starts at $154,600) S65 AMG Coupe – Embargo lifts July 2014 (MY14: CL65 starts at $215,500) …

Aug 31, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback – 2005 RINSPEED Chopster vs Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

This one was always a memorable favorite. EDAG Design and RINSPEED worked together to make a concept show car that few other tuners could handle: the Cayenne Chopster. Lowering the roof of any car is a huge, huge job that requires hundreds of hours of laser cutting, pillar height changes, re-mounting and re-welding. Not to mention the glass, the rear tailgate shape alterations, the new nose, new fenders front and rear… While we knew a lowered roof on the RINSPEED Chopster was fantastic at providing a hot look and profile, we did not really realize how unique the Chopster is …

Aug 29, 2014 Read more

1955 Aston Martin DB3S Earns $5.5M At Gooding Pebble Beach 2014

$5.5-million is a very high tally for any Aston Martin, but this 1955 DB3S is surely a deserving specimen. As both a show car and a racecar, the DB3S is a stunning beauty and a timecapsule of design in the 1950s. The chassis design was completed by a famed Austrian engineer with experience designing Auto Union racers in the 1930s, while the exterior design by Frank Feeley is perhaps Mr. Feeley’s finest-ever work. Feeley was a Lagonda man until joining Aston with Lagonda’s buyout in 1947, where his ultra-luxury model focus was shifted to racecars. One amazing element of the …

Aug 28, 2014 Read more

2015 INFINITI QX80 Limited Is Red-Carpet Glamour with Genius IQ – 150 Photo Debut

Think the Escalade is the freshest and best super-luxury full-size SUV for 2015? Think again: the new QX80 Limited has a new VIP backstage pass. The QX80 Limited is a new flagship trim level that is a comprehensive style and substance upgrade for an already-extremely-tough truck — with all the dark trims, 22-inch wheels, latest LEDs and Autech cabin restyle adding serious desirability to this already-formidable package. Build with a frame + unibody and a 5.6-liter V8, the QX80’s strength and size has never been in question. What the truck was missing was some of the X factor of style …

Aug 21, 2014 Read more

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible Updated with New 8-Speed Automatic + Pacific and Atlantic Packages

Updated 8.20.14 Chevrolet has just announced an updated powertrain for the 2015 Corvette Convertible: a new eight-speed automatic transmission adds two gears and improves sprint pace for this incredibly impressive drop-top. This is in addition to the new-for-2015 Pacific track pack for the coupe and Atlantic aero pack for the convertible (special package details below). Good additions all around! PACIFIC ATLANTIC 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible INTRO I am the biggest Corvette Stingray “convert” for this C7 generation – a true believer these days. This is coming from someone who has long scoffed at the Corvette, even as the …

Aug 20, 2014 Read more

712HP MAYBACH 57S by Knight Luxury is Conspicuously Awesome Carbon LImousine

Sure, the Maybach brand might be as likeable as Kim and Kayne West. Sure, Kimye even pronounce the name wrong. [It is said “My-bach” not “May-bach”] With all this trashy celeb baggage and S-Class-alike profiles, do Maybach limos have the stop/stare factor of the MANSORY Rolls shown in the previous article? EVEN considering all that: the Knight Luxury 57S custom upgrade shown here is certainly still a breathtaking custom upgrade. Based on the sportiest 57S model, not a panel or corner is left untouched in this super-lux upgrade program from Knight Luxury. IT is certainly effective at giving the Maybach …

Aug 11, 2014 Read more

MANSORY Rolls-Royce Phantom Limo and Phantom Drophead Coupe Are 7.5L, V12TT Purebreds

In honor of the Monterey and Pebble Beach Concours week – here is the first in a series of showcases of Ultra-High-Net-Worth vehicles from which to choose. The MANSORY customization program knows no limits, of course. But how to make a Phantom even more striking? Ditch the trad — and go for the rad. These three examples of Rolls Royce Phantoms by Mansory are sure to be waived right onto the Concours lawns with no questions asked. They are so intimidating, to be honest, that the driver would likely not even have to roll down the window to say …

Aug 11, 2014 Read more

LARTE Design Arrives in USA With Scary-Cool INFINITI QX80 Upgrades

America, please meet LARTE Design. It is pronounced like “Bart,” but with an L. Larte. LARTE Design, meet America. This exciting new automotive upgrade house in California brings all the bad-ass appeal of a Brabus Mercedes-Benz or KAHN Range Rover — but with its own unique design aesthetic and a fleet of upgrades for the often-overlooked INFINITI SUV range. The designs of the Infiniti QX80 and its siblings are clearly high-quality and highly sophisticated in their appeal and aesthetics – right from the factory. 2014 INFINITI QX80 (stock) But what they might lack is a big hit of testosterone. A …

Aug 06, 2014 Read more

2015 Audi S8 with 520HP and 3.9s to 60MPH Is The Quickest and Definitely The Coolest A8

For many years, one of the core elements of the Audi A8’s appeal was its refined and ultra-classy ‘outsider’ appeal. Versus the once-staid S-Class and now-staid BMW 7 series, the A8 was a breath of fresh air. For the ultra-luxury limo set of shoppers, the A8 represented a ‘Mac’ type of aesthetic and usability, versus its very PC-type logic and functions of the other big German luxury sedans. The Audi’s shared German engineering, driving feel and performance instantly put the car ahead of the Lexus LS in many enthusiasts’ minds. A refined and measured exterior and interior design seemed as …

Jul 29, 2014 Read more

RENDERED RUMORS: Bugatti Galibier Back in Pipeline – As 2017 Super SUV!

It might make you chuckle on first thought: a Bugatti SUV. But take a step back and think about sales trends and Buagtti’s next steps. Sure, a SUperVeyron is very likely in 2016 or so as the current model finishes production by January 2015. And sure, a limo with a front-engine setup would be a logical next step. But here is the thing with limo’s versus SUVs and supercars: they are a hard sell. The car would have to be something quite spectacular indeed for people to stump up about 5X the $500,000 cost of a new Rolls-Royce Phantom. Similarly, …

Jul 16, 2014 Read more

630HP V12 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe Has Arrived – With New Steering Wheel!

The new S65 AMG is ready to bring the hurt to Rolls-Royce and Bentley – the V12 Coupe is official! But first: why lead off the headline with something about the steering wheel? It is big news because the S63 and S65 AMG sedans have a really silly one at the moment. Thrilled to see the new and handsome element in the S65 AMG Coupe. It is likely this optional sports wheel will roll out across the AMG S-Class range pronto. S65 Coupe S65 Sedan These first specs and details confirm the big luxury coupe will be quite …

Jul 14, 2014 Read more

QOROS Design Analysis – Qoros9 and Flagship Concepts Preview Exciting Future Models

QOROS is the German-led Chinese car firm that could change global perceptions about Chinese vehicles through sheer strength of engineering. The firm aims to deliver the best of European safety, handling, styling and quality standards to an affordable-produced model for the first time. Headed by Gert Hildebrand as design chief, Qoros is on firm footing to bring his MINI Cooper design expertise to all sorts of new segments. Here is Hildebrand with the Qoros Flagship model discussed below. QOROS Design Analysis – Qoros9 and Flagship Concepts Preview Exciting Future Models After many false starts by other brands, the Qoros 3 …

Jul 12, 2014 Read more

Past and Future Perfect – Rolls-Royce Is Evergreen in 111 RARE Photos + 2017 RR ALPINE RENDERING

Past and Future Perfect – Rolls-Royce Is Evergreen – 111 RARE Photos Celebrate 111-Year History FUTURE PERFECT? Yes, this tense in language certainly applies to Rolls-Royce in the coming years. Here is (one of) Lutz Valdeig‘s artist renderings of a 2017 Rolls-Royce Alpine SUV – with a name borrowed from RR’s Apline Trial glory. Rolls-Royce is more successful than anyone might have guessed 15 or 30 years ago. At that time, the whisper was that The Best Car in the World might be losing its touch with modern times. BMW’s guiding principles of quality and advanced driving characteristics have …

Jul 10, 2014 Read more

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante In the Flesh! ThisClose To Test Drive, But…

Thinking and writing about Aston Martin makes me kick myself in the tits again today for missing a chance to drive the 2014 Vanquish Volante last month at Road America. Alas, it was late in the day and the Vanquish had been very occupied by the 100 other journalists on hand. There was only one test drive left, and another hack got his paws on it first. Maybe next year…. Is what I have been saying since I saw my first DB7 at a resort in Michigan in 1995. I will get behind the wheel of an Aston Martin. Not …

Jul 01, 2014 Read more

Aston Martin Zings Up Goodwood Hill (to its AMG Future) in Vantage S, Rapide S and Vanquish

Aston Martin is on firm footing for the first time in over a decade: with the Mercedes-Benz AMG partnership signed and sealed, the company is poised for an exciting next chapter. We are thrilled to see the resulting sportscars – they will bring the best of both worlds to Aston showrooms very soon indeed. It is a mutually-beneficial gig all around – this is no charity write-off for Mercedes-Benz. First and foremost, it will allow Daimler to increase its average transaction price overnight – which is a somewhat silly metric for success that is nonetheless highly considered by the influential …

Jul 01, 2014 Read more

Iconic Classic – 1959 JAGUAR Mark IX Is Blue-Blood Royalty With Most Lux Cabin of the 1950s

A lofty statement? The best cabin in all the 1950s? Really? Perhaps this Jaguar Mark IX would be outdone by a Rolls-Royce or a Bentley from that wonderful decade – but we highly doubt it. Of course, the modern gauges and CD player spoil the period mood – but only slightly. This car has AC, after all, which is a mod worth adding! This Jaguar Mark IX preceded the 1965 Jaguar Mark X featured in a previous ‘Fatcat Chic’ article, comparing it with today’s XJL in matching photo angles. http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/04/27/1965-jaguar-mark-10-and-e-type-coupe/ 1965 JAGUAR Mark X All three cars are flagship …

Jun 23, 2014 Read more

Update1 With 70 New Photos – 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

Update1 6.23.14 – 70 New Photos 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe New Photos – EXTERIOR GREEN S550 4Matic Coupe WHITE S550 4Matic Coupe The S-Class Coupe debuted this morning to rapturous praise from thisguy! It looks stunning and will hit showrooms virtually unaltered from the shockingly-attractive S-Class Coupe Concept from Frankfurt. Today may indeed mark the start of the Bentley Continental GT’s long, slow decline. As the market-makers tire of that bloated and understeering hog of a machine: both the Rolls-Royce Wraith and this new S550 4Matic Coupe are eager for their attention. Please enjoy these official images and debut …

Jun 23, 2014 Read more

2017 Aston Martin ELV8 Crossover, SUV and AWD Sedan Renderings

2017 Aston Martin ELV8 Crossover, SUV and AWD Sedan Renderings SUV adaptions by Car-Revs-Daily.com staff Original Artwork by Lutz Valdeig – Atelier Valdeig PART TWO: ASTON GOES AWD All the previous article applies to this SUV idea even more. Aston Martin could sell alot of SUVs or crossovers with access to the 4Matic-ready platforms of Mercedes-Benz. 2017 Aston Martin CROSSOVER RENDERING 2017 Aston Martin SUV 4×4 RENDERING 2017 Aston Martin AWD SEDAN RENDERING ASTON MARTIN REACHES INFLECTION POINT Big changes at Aston Martin – 2013 and 2014 have finally seen the big apex point in the company’s resurgent …

Jun 21, 2014 Read more

Exclusive! Future Car Rendering – 2016 Aston Martin LV8 – Lagonda Vignale by Lutz Valdeig

Original Artwork by Lutz Valdeig Atelier Valdeig ASTON MARTIN REACHES INFLECTION POINT Big changes at Aston Martin – 2013 and 2014 have finally seen the big apex point in the company’s resurgent modern history. Ulrich Bez has stepped aside from some of his all-controlling ways, huge chunks of equity have been sold to investment firms, and a broad partnership with Daimler Benz means Aston finally has some big-company resources to utilize once again. For as much-maligned as Ford was during their stewardship of the brand, Ford was a wonderfully generous partner to Aston-Martin during the many, many years that it …

Jun 21, 2014 Read more

V8 Bellow of 2014 Maserati Corsa Stradale Gran Turismo Twins Will Melt Your Heart

HD Exhaust Howl V8 Bellow of 2014 Maserati Corsa Stradale Gran Turismo Twins Will Melt Your Heart These two extremely limited-production racing specials are truly sublime. Every exterior detail is massaged, including the deep carbon-fiber left unpainted in some close-ups ofmthe MC Stradale GranTurismo. The cabrio in white is even more erotic, almost. Updates for 2014 include the rear seat available as an option, which is a fantastic benefit for the Maserati super-coupes. The back seat size is far closer to the Bentley Continental GT’s than the tiny parcel shelves in the Porsche 911 or the Aston Martin Vanquish. Enjoy …

Jun 16, 2014 Read more

Road Test Review – 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic Sedan Is Speedboat From Heaven

Have you ever driven a car that was so incredibly outstanding that it made you want to weep? Made you spring out of bed, head into work early — and stay late? Study harder, analyze better, deliver results and achieve excellence among your peers? It is easy to slip into fatalism — saying, “I will never have enough money to own a car like that.” Or, “Without X, Y or Z — owning a car like that is simply an impossible dream, for me.” I am here today with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG to slap your silly face. The …

Jun 06, 2014 Read more

2014 BMW 435i Cabrio Track Tested at Road America – Best All-Around Drop-Top Ever?

The BMW 435i Convertible is just about the sweetest companion you could imagine: all the power and poise of the best BMW’s ever made: plus a bit of extra wind in your hair. What is not to like? The 435i and cheaper 428i compete most directly with the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabrio’s these days, so BMW does not really have the segment of four-seat convertibles all to itself these days. But it does command the most market share — largely thanks to the legacy this car has since defining the 90210-chic as far back as the 1989 325i …

Jun 01, 2014 Read more

Track Lap and Road Test Review – 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible 3LT Z51

INTRO I am the biggest Corvette Stingray “convert” for this C7 generation – I am a true believer. This is coming from someone who has long scoffed at the Corvette, even as the ZR-1 blazed back to reality in recent years. I just was stuck with the old thoughts of perves driving the 1980s cars, or old fat men driving the 1990s cars. But then I got some time behind the wheel of the coupe in October 2013, and it all changed. I was like a man who had found sportscar God. Eager to tell friends and strangers alike how …

May 26, 2014 Read more

Fatcat Chic – Design Comparison ~1965 JAGUAR Mark 10 vs. 2014 XJL 3.0 AWD

The Jaguar Mark 10, or Mark X in Roman numerals, was such an odd sight that I honestly had no idea what it was until just researching it now. Not only have I not seen one, I have never even read about one. In photos, it might be easy to mistake the Mark 10 car for a 1950s Jaguar saloon car. But not in real life. This Jag is quite enormous – with the upright and tall bodywork of Rolls-Royce and Bentley fame. This (estimated) 1965 car is huge and outrageous in person. It looks like a meld of the …

Apr 27, 2014 Read more

Honda Heritage Celebration — Official Togichi Museum PhotoSpheres — 71 Honda-isms and Milestone Achievements Since 1936

Auto Museums are super cool. Even if your eyes glaze over at the thought of visiting a dark and endless art museum — if you like cars, you will be ecstatic the moment you walk into any car museum. Why? The cars are there because they are objectively so, so important. So important that they cannot even be stored in the basement archives of the car company — but need to be proudly displayed for both internal teams and the public to admire. Another amazing reason car museums should be on your radar? These collections are expertly-curated and laid out …

Apr 02, 2014 Read more

Automotive Artist Showcase — Hisashi Saito — 3D Mechanical Illustrator with Heart — 30 Stunning See-Through Honda Designs

Have you ever wondered how the technical illustrations in the best car magazines are created? Is there some kind of giant automotive X-ray scanner like Border Patrol and the Ports Authority use to see inside 40-foot shipping containers? The answer is no. These are generally done by skilled artists who are able to know a car’s design and mechanical details so thoroughly that they can peel away the bodywork for the eye to see inside. Hisashi Saito is one such talented artist. His work has earned him worldwide recognition and numerous awards — but his drawings for Honda are some …

Apr 02, 2014 Read more

2014 INFINITI QX80 Review – Specs, Options, Pricing, Colors + 30 Real-Life Photos

When planning this article, I cannot help but think of the QX80 is a ‘reliable Range Rover,’ a smoother and better-handling Land Cruiser, or an Escalade with actual class. But throwing sand never wins any points in life. So let’s stick to the high road with this newly-renamed QX56 model for 2014. A few extra packages enter the fray for 2014, including a huge number of laser/radar and sonar-based active safety elements as standard — and even more with the optional Tech Package. 400-horsepower through a seven-speed automatic continues with this chain-driven marvel of a V8 — and the big …

Mar 26, 2014 Read more

Top Cosmetic Mods — Part Four — DIY LED Brake Light Bar Under Glass — Total Cost Barely $20

And now, Part Four of the DIY cosmetic mods series. LED light bar under glass: Unique and V.Cool LED style enhancement. This one is not easy to find, but is very cheap to buy and a 5-minute install for most applications. Full article coming up about this in the future. — Why? Brings a Bentley or Audi A7 look to any car, better safety, makes car look impossibly low and wide at night. — Cost: this LED set from a junkyard Cadillac Catera cost me $2.50. Two dollars, and 50 cents. Total. — CAVEAT — You must find a DIY …

Mar 25, 2014 Read more

2014 Rolls-Royce GHOST Series II Revealed! Plus Wraith & Phantom LED Comparison

2014 Rolls-Royce GHOST Series II Early bird gets the worm! This applies in elementary school as much as it does in Warren Buffet’s Berkshire compounds — with one of Buffet’s companies recently snubbing high-frequency traders’ access to market-moving news releases. As we know, Geneva is seven hours ahead of eastern time in the United States. Therefore, as I type this at 5:58am, the Ghost Series II has already blown the doors off this Swiss expo hall. But wait, I hear you say: “The car does not look all that new?” That is the Rolls-Royce way. Huge progress without boastfulness. Continuity …

Mar 04, 2014 Read more

~2.9s to 60MPH Lamborghini Huracan — Exclusive Videos, Colorizer and Options — Inside and Out + Tech Specs

Shock! Our DIY Colorizer of the Lamborghini Huracan from December was a bit wilder than the actual palette of colors offered from Lamborghini this time around. Yes, there is Mantis Green and a few yellows and even a Creamsicle orange shade. The 90-second video below is a must-watch drift and burnout feat. It is part of the Hexagon Project web series for the Huracan’s launch — which basically sends two Brits to Italy on a mission to hoon the newest, hottest Lambo in the world. All-new double-clutch box, 3.2-seconds to 62-mph, and a much more pronounced rear torque bias …

Feb 12, 2014 Read more

WOW! 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC Coupe — High-Speed, High-Fashion 2-Door Glam Shuttle

The S-Class Coupe debuted this morning to rapturous praise from thisguy! It looks stunning and will hit showrooms virtually unaltered from the shockingly-attractive S-Class Coupe Concept from Frankfurt. Today may indeed mark the start of the Bentley Continental GT’s long, slow decline. As the market-makers tire of that bloated and understeering hog of a machine: both the Rolls-Royce Wraith and this new S550 4Matic Coupe are eager for their attention. Please enjoy these official images and debut details from Mercedes-Benz ahead of the S550 4Matic Coupe’s arrival to U.S. showrooms in Fall 2014. Exteriors Interiors Official Details below from …

Feb 11, 2014 Read more

Polestar Brings BTCC 850R Style to America! 2014 Volvo S60 and V60 Wagon — Chicago Debut — 4.7s to 60MPH — Summer Arrival

The Volvo renaissance just hit max boost before squealing all four tires on its full-throttle launch back to greatness. The Volvo racing legend grows for 2014 with the American debut of the S60 and V60 Polestar today in Chicago. As with many blue-sky dream sessions among Volvo R wagon lovers, the enhancements to the S60 and V60 are deceptively simple. Huge boost via giant new turbocharger, new high-capacity boost cooler Styling overhaul outside and in 3.5-inch exhaust drums in back Brembo brakes large enough to stop a Bentley in heat and Ohlins dampers all around The stats are very …

Feb 06, 2014 Read more

2014 Porsche Panamera Buyers Guide – Facelift + Three New LWB Models

The Porsche Panamera is a revelation. This is a car that draws in comments from strangers on a daily basis. And when the strangers are not approaching you to fawn over the Porsche, they are watching the car’s every detail as it rockets down the roads and highways of the world. The Panamera is, perhaps, the coolest sedan every made. Yes, yes – I am a big Porsche fan and have been for most of my life. But even so, Porsche’s brilliant execution of the Panamera really makes this a 928S — updated for 2020 and beyond. Among the eleven …

Dec 12, 2013 Read more

V8 Bellow of 2014 Maserati Corsa Stradale Gran Turismo Twins Will Melt Your Heart

HD Exhaust Howl These two extremely limited-production racing specials are truly sublime. Every exterior detail is massaged, including the deep carbon-fiber left unpainted in some close-ups ofmthe MC Stradale GranTurismo. The cabrio in white is even more erotic, almost. Updates for 2014 include the rear seat available as an option, which is a fantastic benefit for the Maserati super-coupes. The back seat size is far closer to the Bentley Continental GT’s than the tiny parcel shelves in the Porsche 911 or the Aston Martin Vanquish. Enjoy this exclusive animated video of the twins in action, including the official soundtrack of …

Nov 23, 2013 Read more