Carl Malek

Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com. Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.

Honda and Nissan Sign MOU, Announce Plans For Merger

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Honda and Nissan may seem like unlikely bedfellows, but the two Japanese automakers have plenty in common. This includes being behind in electrification. However, with Nissan struggling to survive, it appears Honda is willing to throw Nissan a lifeline with the two companies announcing that they have signed a MOU which paves the way towards a potential merger between the two companies. Nissan and Honda, A Perfect Match or The Merger From Hell? The two companies (three if you count Nissan’s partner Mitsubishi) announced plans to merge into a combined company that would be the number three largest automaker in …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Toyota Prius Prime – An Enduring Icon

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The Toyota Prius has been an enduring icon of the company’s hybrid technology with the vehicle being a spearhead model in showing that hybrid technology can be an integral part of the driving and ownership experience. The Prime model is the plug-in version and the recent updates that the standard Prius received have helped the Prime transform into a potent value for buyers if they know where to look. Prime SE focuses on value Our tester arrived as a base SE model with Toyota attempting to market this model as a budget-friendly way to enter the PHEV ranks. Unlike its …

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2025 Ford Expedition SSV Celebrates 75 Years of Law Enforcement Success

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The all-new 2025 Ford Expedition debuted back in October with the big SUV getting a massive overhaul inside and out. But while traditional consumers were pleased with the changes, the SSV version was still based on old bones. That’s now changing however, with Ford revealing the 2025 Expedition SSV which brings many of the same updates to law enforcement buyers. Expedition SSV looks to step out of the shadows The Expedition SSV has been on the market for a long time, but you would be forgiven if you didn’t know that with the smaller and more popular Explorer Police Interceptor …

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Road Test Review – 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

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The Mazda CX-50 has proven to be a very compelling SUV entry for Mazda with the 50 catering to customers who want capability and Mazda style, but don’t need the large size that often comes with a larger CX-70 or 90. However, the lone omission in the CX-50’s flexible arsenal of tricks was a hybrid model to help it tune in with a resurgence in demand for both hybrids and their plug-in counterparts. But is the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid the right tool for the job? Toyota powertrain defines partnership   Mazda is one of several automakers that have entered …

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Road Test Review – 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL

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Volkswagen’s Jetta compact sedan has always been a consistent sales generator for the German car giant. This is even as SUVs and CUVs expanded their presence in the market which also put the squeeze on compact cars in the process. The company recently gave the Jetta its most comprehensive update yet for 2025 with VW sharpening the car’s good traits while also addressing some flaws as it attempts to bring balance and newfound poise to the Jetta. Sharper styling enhances Jetta’s personality It’s important to note that since this is merely a mid-cycle update and not an outright reboot, the …

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Road Test Followup – 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV – Is It Still Stuck In The Middle?

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The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is fighting in a segment where SUV buyers expect perfection and a distinct touch when it comes to their two-row SUV purchase. The CX-70 shares alot of its bones with the bigger Mazda CX-90 and while this helps provide the model with a solid platform to build off of, some have also accused it of being stuck in the middle not only in regards to its source material, but also in the broader segment as a whole. But is it still stuck in the middle of the pack, or has the CX-70 finally emerged from the …

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Maserati and Sparco Release New Racing Gear In Collaboration

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Maserati has always been known for pushing the envelope of design and performance when it comes to its linup of vehicles. The MC20 is the spearhead of this push but while having the right vehicles to draw plenty of stares is one part of the ownership experience, Maserati knows that some of their buyers take their vehicles out on track days and as such, having a good set of stylish clothing is a must to help cement the image that the Italian brand is trying to project. This need fueled a new partnership between Maserati and Sparco for a new …

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Road Test Follow Up – 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 – Is This EV Still The Golden Ticket For Buyers?

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Volkswagen’s EV blitz was supposed to be a blitz that would help make the German car giant a leader in the EV wars. However, the company has stumbled off the starting blocks and it’s still navigating rough waters as issues in its home market have the potential of distracting it from its broader goals. However, there are also signs that the pages are turning too with the Volkswagen ID.Buzz bringing some much-needed retro flavor to the futuristic EV segment. In the meantime, the company still has to rely on the venerable ID. 4 for a broader influx of sales but …

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Road Test Review – 2025 Lexus UX300h – Is This Hybrid Being Squeezed Out?

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Lexus’s growing hybrid lineup is shining a spotlight on Toyota’s broader green vehicle strategy with the company wisely focusing on expanding their presence in the hybrid sector alongside EVs. While the bigger RX and NX models have often been considered the collective faces of Lexus’s efforts in the CUV side of the business when it comes to hybrids, it can be easy to forget all about the tiny UX. The UX was supposed to be a compact offering for buyers who needed hybrid technology in a small package that could navigate tight city streets. However, unlike its brand teammates, the …

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Range Rover SV Candeo Oozes Bespoke With Solid Gold Badging

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Range Rovers are known for their rugged off-road capability and their high levels of luxury. But in recent years, style and luxury have gradually taken center stage as Land Rover recently split its models off into three distinct family trees. The Range Rover is the style-focused one and the brand has used Design Miami as the place to debut the all-new Range Rover SV Candeo Edition. Gold badging ups the bling At first glance, the Candeo Edition looks like your average SV model and you would be forgiven if you think nothing is amis. But look at the badging of …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Toyota bZ4X – X Marks The Spot

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Toyota may still be focusing the bulk of its efforts on hybrid vehicles but the Japanese auto giant has also talked about expanding its presence into the BEV market. One of these models is the 2024 Toyota bZ4X and while it has a name that will certainly make it a mouthful for you ti say when trying to explain to your friends why you bought one, the bZ4X is also trying to show that the Japanese auto giant can talk the talk in this lucrative segment. But does it have enough to stand out from a growing field of EV …

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Jaguar Rolls The Dice On Rebrand, Can It Silence The Doubters?

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Jaguar made waves when it unveiled a bizarre teaser video that initiated a brand reset for the British luxury car company. Images of heritage, history, and performance gave way to images of abstract images, bizarre colors, and a small group of serious/sad-looking models doing strange things. So far, reactions from around the world have been negative with many critics saying that Jaguar has gone off course.  That said, is this brand reset the renewed injection of vigor that Jaguar needs, and if it is, can it help Jaguar be a viable contender in the EV segment as it attempts to …

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Hyundai Goes Big On Space With All New Ioniq 9

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Hyundai’s push into the electric vehicle wars has been very impressive with the company already releasing the Ioniq 5 and 6 with the duo being rolling examples of Hyundai’s advanced EV technology in action. But while both of these models deliver the goods when it comes to competing against their respective rivals, the one thing that the EV lineup as a whole lacked was an offering that could be a true family hauler like the gas-powered Palisade.  Hyundai is out to rectify that problem with the all-new Ioniq 9 which will be the first attempt that Hyundai has made into …

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Hyundai Gives Elantra N The Wing Treatment With New TCR Edition

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Hyundai’s Elantra N is the proverbial bad boy in the affordable performance vehicle segment. Its spunky 270 hp four-cylinder engine and race-ready good looks have made it one of the best values in the segment today. But what if you’re a buyer who thinks all of this is not enough and you want something that’s even closer to the track-ready script without the whole process of not making it street-legal? Hyundai thinks it has found the proverbial middle ground with the all-new Elantra N TCR Edition which adds a new halo model to the Elantra range and also hints at …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Volkswagen GTI 380 – Goodbye Manual, You’ll Be Missed

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The Volkswagen GTI (aka Golf GTI if you’re willing to travel back into the past) is a hot hatch that has withstood the ravages of time and has always been one of the few performance vehicles on the market to offer buyers budget-friendly performance and a manual transmission to row through the gears. However, Volkswagen is changing the status quo and confirmed that the 2024 model will be the last year buyers can get a manual before Volkswagen pitches it in favor of an automatic. However, the company is not letting the stick go with a whimper, but is instead …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Lexus RX450h+ – The Balanced Hybrid

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The Lexus RX is the bread and butter that helps fuel the luxury brand’s sales machine with the RX rapidly morphing into a vital cog in the broader sales machine. The updated RX made its debut a short while back and while the odd exterior styling caused some controversy, it ultimately did little to stunt the model’s sales. Lexus is also out to prove that it’s not afraid to venture into new territory with the RX and used this iteration of the crossover to expand its presence into the PHEV market. The 2024 RX 450h+ is attempting to help push …

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Road Test Review – 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek – Trailbusting in Style

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When one looks at the Nissan Rogue, you would be hard-pressed to think that the urban-focused crossover would be a good tool of choice for serious trail running. However, Nissan knows that in order for it to get a bigger slice of the SUV market, it has to explore other avenues and segments to enhance profits. That includes the off-road market with the Rock Creek moniker serving as the bridge between the hardcore PRO-4X and the standard lineup. The Pathfinder and the Armada are bringing Rock Creek versions to their rosters and the smaller Rogue has now joined the family …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Toyota Supra 45th Anniversary Edition

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It can be hard to believe that the Toyota Supra is 45 years old. While most buyers are familiar with the current generation model and its 1990s era ancestor, it can be easy to forget that the Supra actually had its start in the 1980s before gaining widespread popularity a decade later. Toyota is eager to celebrate with the all-new 45th Anniversary Edition Supra. This Supra promises to help the Toyota celebrate its birthday in style but is it a compelling enough purchase for enthusiasts? Supra is stylish in orange With the bulk of the current generation Supra carrying over …

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Road Test-Review – 2023 Honda Passport Trailsport – Holding Down The Fort

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Honda is preparing a new Passport which will be making its way to dealerships to bring the fight to rivals like the Ford Bronco Sport and the Toyota RAV4. But before the revamped model can forge its own path, the company has to rely on the aging outgoing model to hold down the fort for it at its dealerships. The first-generation Passport has proven to be a capable steed in the past, but does it have enough vigor to maintain a solid state of affairs before it hands the reigns to its replacement? Passport’s exterior styling is still a weakness …

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Hyundai and Toyota Announce Success of Debuting Performance Car Festival

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Hyundai and Toyota promised to make waves when the two auto giants confirmed that they would team up to produce a performance car festival that was supposed to bring two typically separate camps together for the greater good of promoting performance vehicles. The first-ever “Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival” that resulted was a success and it could help plant the seeds for further partnerships moving forward between the two companies.  A bold idea The Festival would have seemed like a pipedream several years ago due to Hyundai and Toyota typically being heated rivals especially in performance racing with …

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Rolls Royce Builds Rolling Homage To Goldfinger

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Rolls-Royce is always known for never declining the opportunity to challenge itself, especially when it comes to building one-off custom creations. In this case, the company completed a build that took over three years to complete with the one-off paying tribute to the iconic James Bond film Goldfinger Paying homage in style The Rolls Royce Phantom takes center stage in this build but the exterior is meant to pay homage to the 1937 Rolls Royce Phantom III owned by the movie’s antagonist (sorry James you get to sit this one out) Aurich Goldfinger. The exterior gets matching gold and black …

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Hyundai Builds Bonkers RN24 Drift Machine To Serve As Rolling Lab

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When Hyundai first started its rolling lab series in 2012, the goal was to create vehicles that not only helped draw plenty of attention to them, but also helped the company understand the finer aspects of driving as the Korean car giant prepares to boldly expand its presence in the EV landscape. The latest member of the series is perhaps the most utterly bonkers one of them all with the company unveiling the all-new N RN24 a wild drift machine that’s supposed to help the company probe the sheer limits of performance driving while also giving the N brand a …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Aston Martin DB12 – The DB To Top All DBs?

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Aston Martin’s DB lineup of vehicles has become an iconic symbol of the company’s long yet complex history. Through the highs and the lows, the DB name persisted and it was always about delivering the best blend of luxury and performance to buyers looking for a distinct flavor in their GT purchase.  The Aston Martin DB12 is the latest in this long line of GT coupes and Aston Martin says that this DB is the best yet even as the company made some tough changes to help the DB shine in an era where tightening fuel economy standards and changing …

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MINI Launches First John Cooper Works EVs, Aceman Gets The Call For JCW Duty

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MINI’s push into electrification has done a good job turning heads with the quirky British brand attempting to inject some of the magic that its ICE models are known for into EVs which are typically known for their ability to save the planet versus their performance-driving character. However if the first wave of MINI’s newly launched JCW EVs are to be believed at face value, the brand may be on to something with MINI confirming that it’s not only making an electric JCW version of the familiar Cooper SE but also the recently launched Aceman EV. Cooper JCW EV is …

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Lexus Ups The Stakes With 2025 Lexus LX700h and Overtrail

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The rugged Lexus LX luxury SUV has always been the star pupil in the brand’s SUV family when it comes to delivering the best in both luxury and off-road capability. While the big SUV has proven to be capable in both categories, Lexus has never electrified the model in the two-plus decades that it has been in production with the brand preferring to let its big V8 do the talking before it was axed for a smaller V6. That’s now changing with the unveiling of the all-new 2025 Lexus LX700h which not only gives the model a hybrid option for …

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Acura Teases ADX Crossover, Promises Higher Levels Of Tech

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Acura is preparing to debut the 2025 ADX in a few months with the new entry-level crossover promising to fill a hole in the brand’s model lineup. While the company is not quite ready to unveil the model in full just yet, several new teaser images appear to confirm that the ADX will attempt to blur the lines of performance and style when it debuts in a few months. ADX fills the void Our glimpse of the exterior was limited to a single shadowy image of the rear lighting which suggests it will follow the brand’s current design language with …

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Toyota and Hyundai Confirm Joint Performance Car Showcase Event, Is It Sign of Broader Partnership?

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Toyota and Hyundai are normally heated rivals in the performance car wars with the two firms offering performance vehicles that often go toe to toe with one another out on the track. However, this rivalry also doesn’t mean that the two can occasionally collaborate on certain projects. That includes events with the two companies recently confirming that they will be working together to host a performance car event. Toyota and Hyundai announce rare team up The event in question is called the “Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival” with the event being a rare case of detente between the …

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2025 Ford Expedition Brings Full Redesign To Rugged Family Hauler

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The Ford Expedition has always been a persistent thorn in the side of rivals like the Chevrolet Suburban and the Toyota Sequoia. The big Ford promised to bring buyers capability, comfort, and towing power to full-size SUV buyers. However, the model was also starting to show its age even after a mid-cycle enhancement a few years ago. Ford has finally addressed this flaw with the 2025 Ford Expedition which helps the SUV fall in line with rivals and brings new levels of refinement to the nameplate as the company continues to play its cards right in its attempt to lure …

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Road Test Review – 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – The Champ Is Here

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The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has proven to be a proverbial sales smash for Hyundai with the compact EV SUV getting awards and praise wherever it goes. However, the standard Ioniq 5 is not exactly known for its performance manners with the model preferring to quietly go through the motions of the daily commute with little to no fanfare. Hyundai is now committed to ensuring that the SUV has some pep in its step and while a rugged XRT model is eventually coming to dealerships, the company is shining the spotlight on track-ready performance with the 2025 Ioniq 5 N. But …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor – The Ranger Gets The Dino Treatment

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Ford has made it clear that it intends to boost its presence in the performance vehicle market. While the bulk of that statement is focused on the Ford Mustang, it also includes the Raptor lineup with the company now adding the Ranger into the fold in an attempt to get midsize pickup buyers who want off-road performance but aren’t ready to make the move up into a bigger F-150 model. But is the Ranger Raptor the perfect solution for buyers looking for the best of Raptor fun in a smaller package? Ranger Raptor hits the gym When we last saw …

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Road Test Review- 2025 Nissan Kicks SR – This Kicks Still Has The Stuff

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Nissan knew that it was on to something when it replaced the funky Juke crossover with the Kicks. The Kicks was supposed to appeal to younger buyers with the exterior styling shedding some of the Juke’s funky lines for a more traditional look that still came loaded with dynamic lines and creases.  The Kicks has proven to be a strong seller for the company with the SUV rapidly becoming a key player in Nissan’s sales machine. That was evident when Nissan confirmed that it sold over 53,000 of them in 2023. The outgoing 2024 model appears to be on track …

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2026 Cadillac Vistiq Shows Off Lighting In Exclusive Photos

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It has been a bit since we heard about the Cadillac Vistiq EV which was supposed to be the proverbial middle child in Cadillac’s EV lineup with the model being slotted between the smaller Lyirq and the flagship Escalade IQ. While the aforementioned Lyriq and Escalade IQ have had their time to shine in the spotlight, the Vistiq has been more camera-shy, with GM’s perfectly crafted press photos being our best glimpse at it beyond occasional sightings out in the wild by observers. We recently had a chance encounter with the Vistiq ourselves in Metro Detroit and it appears that …

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Ford Engineering Lab Celebrates 100 Years, Promises To Be A Beacon of The Future

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Ford is throwing a party as the company celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Ford Engineering Lab with the historic facility getting a full renovation that breathes new life into the space while also maintaining its strong links to the past. It’s these links to the past that not only help inspire a new generation of Ford’s brightest engineers but also shows that Ford is ready to accelerate into the future. Don’t judge a book by its cover At first glance, you would be hard-pressed to think that any such renovation even happened with the building keeping its classic Albert …

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Chevrolet Equinox EV Owners Face Massive Repair Delays

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The Chevrolet Equinox EV was supposed to be the spearhead of a broader stab at the mass market for the brand with the Equinox and the Blazer EV attempting to lure in more buyers that would feel comfortable making the jump to an EV, but were turned away by high price tags and an initial emphasis on the luxury vehicle segment. The Equinox EV in particular has proven to be a steady seller for the brand, but is there a problem brewing under the surface? A growing number of Equinox EV repair delays raises concerns According to a new report …

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Lotus Theory 1 Concept Boasts Wild Doors, Central Seating Position

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Lotus is embarking on a new chapter in its history with the British automaker preparing to move on from ICE-powered models like the Emira into a future where EVs like the Eletre will become the new normal. However, the company still has a wild side and it has decided to show off that bold spirit with its latest concept the all-new Theory 1 Concept. Theory 1 highlights future Lotus design Lotus says the Theory 1 is supposed to represent the brand’s design future with reports saying that it was partially inspired by the Esprit. The concept has a bold wedge-shaped …

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First Production Cadillac Escalade IQ to Cross The Block At Barrett Jackson

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Cadillac’s Escalade IQ sent a strong message that the brand was serious about embracing an all-electric future with the flagship EV SUV also teasing a shift in direction for the Escalade lineup as a whole once the refreshed ICE-powered model ends its production cycle. However, what if you’re looking to buy one and have perhaps seen an IQ or two cruising the grounds near a GM development facility?  Cadillac says that a chance to buy one will be happening but only if you have plenty of cash in your wallet and are willing to make the trip to the Barrett …

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2025 Bentley Flying Spur Speed Embraces PHEV Performance

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Bentley is embarking on a gradual transition towards an EV-only lineup with the brand still moving full speed ahead on its attempt to redefine its future. However, the British ultra-luxury brand also knows that a gradual move into EVs is needed to help their customers not feel rushed into an electrified vehicle and that’s why it has been focusing on adding more hybrid options to its existing lineup of ICE-powered vehicles. The latest model to get the treatment is the 2025 Bentley Flying Spur Speed which attempts to blend performance with efficiency to create a bespoke unified package.   Light changes …

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Lucid Teases Cheaper SUV to be Sold Below Gravity

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Lucid’s Gravity SUV is shaping up to be a key entry for the brand. The Gravity is the first time that the EV company has attempted to penetrate the EV segment and will help Lucid expand its sales. However, the company also knows that a smaller model will be needed in order for it to truly capitalize on the segment. The company has confirmed that such a model is indeed under development and even released a lone teaser image to provide interested buyers a glimpse of what’s to come. New SUV promises to deliver on style it’s not known what …

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Jeep Promises ‘Perfect Quality’ for Wagoneer S EV

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Jeep is leaving no stone unturned as the company prepares to launch its first U.S. EV model. While the Wagoneer S was beaten to the punch by the Avenger EV, that model is for the international market only, as a result, Jeep will be facing a big test when it begins production of the Wagoneer S. To help ensure it makes the grade, Jeep revealed that the new EV will have ‘Perfect Quality’ and buyers will notice this promise in full force when deliveries begin this fall. Wagoneer S deliveries could be pushed back When we last heard about the …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Subaru BRZ tS – Sharper Suspension Makes This BRZ Dance

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The Subaru BRZ and its mechanical twin the Toyota GR86 have had a long history with the two coupes providing buyers an entry-level performance alternative that can deliver the core essentials but without going overboard in the pursuit of performance and the seemingly accompanying rise in prices. It doesn’t hurt either that the BRZ in particular looks very stylish and does a good job of delivering the goods when it comes to showing off its personality. However, the quest for performance is never-ending, and the company is always open to finding new ways to build on its performance DNA. That …

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2025 Nissan Armada Ups The Ante on Luxury and Capability

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Nissan is finally giving the Nissan Armada the attention that it rightfully deserves with the 2025 Armada. The 2025 model gives the SUV a proper makeover with the SUV getting a revamped exterior, interior, and even an updated powertrain to try and make it fit in with many of its updated rivals. With the dust settling on its debut, are all of these changes enough to finally help the SUV shed its reputation of being a dated entry in a broader segment that’s seeing strong growth and demand? We wanted to find out. Armada’s exterior styling expected to draw plenty …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Bespoke Series – Bespoke Never Looked So Lovely

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The Lexus LC continues to be one of the most underrated GTs on the market today. While the V8-powered Lexus often blends into the background when compared with rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and even higher-grade models like the Maserati GranCabrio and its coupe counterpart the GranTurismo. It has inner charms that beg to be explored if you’re willing to get to know it better. That includes the 2024 LC 500 Bespoke Series which adds a pinch of custom flavor to the LC experience. Copper Crest paint draws plenty of stares to the LC The 2024 Lexus LC lineup doesn’t change …

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2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT Goes Off The Beaten Path

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Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 EV has proven to not only be a popular choice among EV buyers but also a flexible canvas when it comes to specialty models with the Ioniq N serving as a small glimpse of what the Ioniq 5 can do when allowed to roam out on the race track. This time around, the Korean car giant is focusing on the road less traveled with the introduction of the trail-ready XRT model which will spearhead the broader updates that the company has applied to the refreshed model for 2025. Ioniq 5 XRT is trail-ready for any occasion The …

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2025 Aston Martin Vanquish Brings V12 Flagship Power To The Supercar Party

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When Aston Martin unleashed the DB12, the lack of a V12 option broke tradition and it caused a considerable amount of uproar from buyers who still wanted a V12 even if the V8 is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter that makes over 600 horsepower. As they say, greed is good and the need for more power inspired Aston Martin to dig into the vault and bring back the 2025 Vanquish which will be its new flagship model. Vanquish goes back to its roots When we last saw a production Vanquish it was six years ago with the sleek coupe being the pinnacle …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail – The Billy Goat Is Back

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Lexus is typically known for being a top-selling luxury brand with the brand making great strides since it originally appeared in the U.S. in 1989. When it’s not coddling passengers in luxury with their products, the brand is also known for occasionally exploring new segments and trends. That included the off-road segment with the original GX starting life as a slightly less capable version of the Toyota 4Runner before finding their purpose on the trail in later years. The 2024 GX 550 attempts to solidify its trail credentials with a wave of new updates that bring more poise and capability …

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VinFast VF 9 Starts at $71,000, Gets $12-16k Price Cut

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When we last heard from EV startup VinFast, it was when we were at SEMA to check out the U.S. debut of the VF3 CUV and the VF Wild concept truck. The duo came after a rough rollout of the VF 8 which we had the chance to drive when the firm invited us out to California to check it out last year. However, the glue that will help keep the broader lineup together is the luxurious VF 9 SUV which originally made its debut at the 2021 L.A. Auto Show and was supposed to be available for purchase last …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Mazda CX-30 Carbon Turbo – Still The Fun CUV

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The small CUV segment is swelling with nameplates as multiple automakers attempt to inject their own form of identity and purpose into a segment commonly defined by practicality and putting the actual art of driving very low on the priority list. While this certainly won’t bother the large bulk of family buyers that crave passenger space, it might leave some enthusiasts who were forced to sacrifice their sporty two-door coupe or performance sedan for the greater good feel left out. Mazda is attempting to change that with the Mazda CX-30 which attempts to bridge the gap and deliver some of …

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Hyundai Confirms Production of N Vision 74 Supercar, Part of Broader EV Push

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It has been years of rumors and speculation but Hyundai has finally confirmed that it will not only be producing the N Vision 74 supercar but the model will also be part of a broader push that will see the company debut over 20 new EV models over the next few years. N Vision 74 a sign of things to come When the original N Vision 74 concept appeared, it was a wild two-door coupe with the car being powered by an all-electric powertrain that was powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Hyundai didn’t reveal official powertrain information for the production …

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2025 Ford Bronco Sport Sasquatch Brings Cryptid Capability In Smaller Package

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The Ford Bronco Sport has always been the little brother in the Bronco family with the model appealing to buyers who want some of the Bronco’s capability but in a smaller package and at a more approachable price point. The base Badlands was the most capable Bronco in the lineup but Ford is preparing to change the script with the 2025 Bronco Sport Sasquatch which brings cryptid-inspired features and capability to the model for the first time ever. Bronco Sport Sasquatch focuses on the details Ford wanted to show that the Bronco Sport was just as deserving of the nameplate …

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2025 Cadillac Escalade Pumps Up its Pricing Ladder, Starts at $89,950

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Cadillac has released pricing for the 2025 Cadillac Escalade and prices are going up for the new year as the refreshed SUV will now start at $89,950 as it attempts to continue bringing the fight to rivals like the Lincoln Navigator as well as European entries like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the Land Rover Range Rover. Escalade pricing ladder gets beefed up The $89,950 figure we mentioned earlier is over $5,000 more than the outgoing model and highlights a broader increase in prices across the board. We have provided a full breakdown of the pricing ladder which can be seen …

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2024 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD – Is The RAV4 Still A Player In The SUV Segment?

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The Toyota RAV4 is celebrating its 30th birthday this year and while the RAV4 has used the bulk of those three decades focusing on providing the fundamentals with cargo capacity, passenger comfort, and fuel economy all being top priorities. The RAV4 is continuing to soldier on with minor updates for the 2024 model year but is this light approach to updates causing the established veteran to lose ground to SUV upstarts? RAV4 styling still has rugged appeal The exterior styling of the RAV4 continues to be unchanged for the new model year with Limited models like our tester still attempting …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid XLE – The Budget Fuel Sipper

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The Toyota Corolla may be relishing in its recent role as a performance superstar when it comes to the GR Corolla, but long before Toyota chose to give the Corolla neck-snapping acceleration and corner-carving abilities it was better known for being the modern poster child for sensible commuting with fuel economy and value being the key pillars of its success. These pillars are attempting to bestow this same magic onto the 2024 Corolla Hybrid but is it all enough to help it continue winning over budget-minded customers? Corolla’s exterior paints practical image At first glance, the exterior styling of the …

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Durango Hellcat “Silver Bullet” Signals End of Hellcat Production

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Dodge shocked the world when it confirmed that it was ending production of the 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 engine. The Hellcat powered everything from Chargers to Ram pickup trucks with the powertrain cementing itself as an icon of the performance car market. However, buyers looking for one last swig of Hellcat performance had one remaining sanctuary, the Dodge Durango Hellcat with this model getting a brief stay of execution due to its strong popularity. Sadly, time is up and the Hellcat will be leaving the Durango for good in the form of the all-new “Silver Bullet” edition. Durango Silver Bullet …

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2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pricing Revealed, Starts at $61,545

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It has been a bit since the Volkswagen ID. Buzz made its debut. The funky retro EV van was designed to be a modern reboot of the iconic 60’s era VW bus but with electrification forming the core of its performance DNA. However, while the model already made its debut in Europe, it has been a long wait for U.S. buyers, with the company taking its time in bringing it to our shores. Volkswagen is just about ready to bring it over now, with the firm releasing pricing for the Buzz. The ID. Buzz costs how much? Style is often …

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Ford’s Three-Row SUV Bites The Dust As Company Rethinks EV Plans

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Ford’s recent pivot in its electrification plans is starting to become more defined as the company confirms that its upcoming three-row EV SUV has bit the dust as hybrids and PHEVs rapidly take center stage in the company’s future sales projections. The SUV itself will live on, but now as a hybrid-equipped offering. Hybrid replaces EV in upcoming SUV   The confirmation came during a media briefing that the company hosted with the move being the latest sign that hybrids are once again taking center stage at Ford. The company didn’t release a timetable when this three-row SUV would appear …

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First Look 2025 Ford Mavrick Lobo – The Return of The Street Truck is Here

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When Ford unveiled the 2025 Ford Maverick, the company promised that it had a surprise up its sleeve for truck buyers to enjoy. That surprise came in the form of the beefed-up Lobo which is attempting to reach out to buyers that might remember the street truck craze of the 1990s which saw trucks get performance upgrades for on-road performance versus being rugged trail warriors. The Lobo certainly has all the right stuff to be a sleeper hit for Ford but is it all show and no go? We wanted to find out. Lobo looks the part While Ford didn’t …

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2024 Ram 2500 Gets Moon Themed Lunar Edition

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The 2024 Ram Heavy Duty has been an enduring presence in the pickup market and while it’s starting to show its age against the segment’s best, it’s still a viable option for those that want capability but with a distinct flavor that only Ram can provide. With a recent trend of embracing lunar themes taking root in the automotive industry, Ram has decided to jump in on the trend with the 2024 Ram 2500 Lunar Edition. New color defines Lunar Edition As the phoned-in name implies, the Lunar Edition focuses on a new paint color called Ceramic Grey with the …

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2025 GMC Yukon Gets New Styling, More Capability and Tech

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General Motors is once again refreshing its lineup of full-size SUVs. With the Cadillac Escalade recently getting a refresh a short while back, the company is now focusing its attention on the 2025 GMC Yukon which is also getting updates of its own to help the big SUV stay in the game when it comes to attracting tech-savvy family buyers.  Yukon falls in step with rest of the brand The exterior styling of the GMC Yukon gets reworked to help the brand fall in lock step with other models like the Acadia and the Terrain. The front end gets new …

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Maserati GT2 Stradale Is Street-Legal Track Special, More Power and Style Make This Italian Shine

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The Maserati MC20 is a pretty impressive supercar with the site recently spending three days with one last year. But what if you’re a buyer that wants more power and style than what even the base MC20 can provide? The Italian company has you covered with the all-new GT2 Stradale. GT2 Stradale has track-ready looks for your friends on the street The GT12 Stradale may share some of its core underpinnings with the MC20 but Maserati prefers that you don’t call it that since it’s essentially a road-going version of the aforementioned GT2. As a result, the exterior styling is …

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Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept Could Shake Up Cadillac’s Future

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A short while ago, Cadillac revealed the Sollei concept. The stunning droptop was an expression of pure design and was a glimpse into a potential Celestiq-based convertible (though Cadillac denied it was producing it.) However, with the dust now settling on Monterey Car Week, the brand is going in the opposite direction with the all-new Opulent Velocity concept car. Opulent Velocity is a balancing act   While the Sollei is about soaking up the sun, the Opulent Velocity is all about pushing the envelope with Cadillac saying that it’s a rolling test bed for several prototype technologies including future battery …

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2024 Ford Mustang gets New Color and SVT Cobra Gauges For The New Model Year

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The Ford Mustang is celebrating its 60th birthday and the company is pulling out all the stops in making sure that the bday bash is filled with thrills and chills. That also includes giving potential Mustang owners plenty of party favors with the company unveiling the 2024 Mustang 60th Anniversary model on the streets of Woodward which not only gets a new color but also a visual tribute to the legendary SVT Cobra. SVT Cobra gauges pay homage to 1990s Mustangs   One of the biggest changes that Mustang buyers will notice are the new SVT Cobra gauges that are …

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2025 Lincoln Navigator Gets Reboot, New Tech and Simplified Trim Ladder Spearhead Updates

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Lincoln says that the Lincoln Navigator is the center of gravity when it comes luxury and technology. However, the model has also played second fiddle to rivals in recent years especially its archnemesis the Cadillac Escalade. Lincoln is out to reorient the status quo and has formally unveiled the 2025 Navigator which raises the bar on styling and technology while also bringing several innovative features to the model for the first time ever. Exterior styling brings Navigator in step with current design language  The current generation Navigator has been on sale for several years now and is one of the …

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Acura’s Monterey Bound Concept Previews Performance SUV

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The Acura ZDX was seen as a redemption play of sorts from the Japanese automaker. The ZDX was Acura’s first foray into EVs but came after an ICE-powered model which was a slow seller and quietly retreated into the shadows after a brief production run. This time around, the ZDX is promoting technology, luxury, and range. However, the ZDX is not the raw performance model that some EV buyers want when compared to rivals from Tesla, Rivian, and others. Acura appears to have listened to these concerns and has unveiled an all-new EV SUV concept that might push the envelope …

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Texas Sues GM, Claims Company Tricked Buyers To Sharing Data That Was Later Used By Insurers

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The state of Texas has filed a lawsuit against General Motors claiming that the car giant tricked customers into sharing and providing their personal data which was later used by insurance companies and other entities without their knowledge. A pattern of mistrust According to the state of Texas, new vehicle owners were presented with what the state calls “a confusing and highly misleading process” that was promoted as a way to increase their safety but in reality it “was no more than a deceptively designed sales flow” that surrendered their data for GM to sell. The suit alleges that at …

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Road Test Followup – 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy – Luxury Thy Name Is Hyundai

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It’s harder than it looks offering buyers an SUV that’s the perfect blend of comfort, utility, and value but the 2024 Hyundai Palisade is one of the few that comes the closest to putting the three together in a composed yet balanced package. The Palisade got a significant revamp that saw the SUV get more polish and poise to match its unique character. But does this extend to the Calligraphy model as it fights for sales in the near-luxury sub-segment? We wanted to find out. Palisade Calligraphy looks the part now When we last saw the Palisade Calligraphy, we couldn’t …

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Lincoln Teases 2025 Navigator, Light Up Grille Shines The Way

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The Lincoln Navigator continues to be the brand’s flagship and while it’s currently on the backfoot when it comes to sales, it’s still a potent contender in the full-size luxury SUV segment. Lincoln is out to prove that the 2025 Navigator still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve and has teased the 2025 model ahead of its August 15th debut. Lighting and luxury continue to be Navigator themes The brief teaser video that Lincoln released didn’t reveal too many details, but it appears to confirm that the 2025 Gator will get a wider front grille with a new illuminated …

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2025 GMC Terrain Gets Improved Styling, Tech, and Power

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The current generation GMC Terrain long preferred to be behind the scenes with the model giving up the spotlight to models like the revamped GMC Acadia, the Sierra pickup, and even the Hummer EV lineup. The Terrain was last updated in 2022 and it has still managed to remain a good seller despite its age beginning to show in a few spots.  GMC is not taking any chances though and it has unveiled the 2025 GMC Terrain with the model supposedly being a massive revamp for the brand. Styling, technology, and powertrains are all being updated but is it all …

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Volvo’s 2024 EX90 Dealt Huge Blow As Material Costs Drive Up Price

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Volvo was confident that the upcoming 2024 EX90 SUV was going to be a big value play in its segment with the model starting at $76,695. This price was supposed to pair well with its advanced EV technology and sleek exterior styling to create a potent contender in the luxury EV SUV segment. However, the company has now been forced to face the reality of the changing global economy and rising material costs have forced the company to abandon this plan and raise the price by $3,300 in a huge blow that could dent the model’s success in certain markets …

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Road Test Follow up – 2024 Mazda CX-90 Premium Plus – Is It Still The Segment Disruptor?

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It’s out with the old and in with the new at Mazda as the company prepares for a massive shift into SUVs with a slight detour into electrification. One prominent example of this in action is the all-new Mazda CX-90. The CX-90 is Mazda’s newest flagship and it certainly made waves when we had the chance to drive it out in California. The SUV had an interior that trumped many of its rivals, and the 3.3-liter inline-six allowed it to finally move on from its troubled CX-9 roots and into a new arena of performance. With the CX-90 now having …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Genesis G70 AWD 2.5T Sport Prestige – Still A Contender

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The sport sedan segment has always been dominated by the Germans with the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, and the Mercedes C-Class being the default trio that buyers were directed to. Genesis attempted to shake things up with the first-generation G70 sedan. The G70 had the look, luxury, and the technology to bring the fight to the Germans but it was dogged by some early teething pains and a manual transmission that was the bane of enthusiasts everywhere. The 2024 model is attempting to add more polish to the model, but is this G70 the model that finally shifts the nameplate …

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More Dealerships Are Resisting EVs and Not Selling Them According to New Study

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It has been a roller coaster year when it comes to EVs with sales and demand slowing down even as some automakers still push full-speed ahead on embracing a full lineup of EVs to replace their ICE-powered models. However, while the companies, the government, and some customers are enjoying the EV revolution, a new report suggests that auto dealerships are not happy and more of them are refusing to sell electric vehicles. A brewing problem According to a brand new survey that polled 250 “dealership leaders” many dealerships are either not excited about selling electric vehicles or only have lukewarm …

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Mercedes-Benz Bringing Several Vehicles To Pebble Beach Including Maybach SL

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Mercedes-Benz is bringing a product blitz to the shores of Pebble Beach as the company prepares to wow show visitors with a diverse fleet of vehicles. While four classic vehicles will be part of its entourage, the company is also using the event to make history, with the unveiling of the first-ever Maybach badged SL, an AMG GT3 racer, and a special one-off S680 sedan. Maybach SL would be the first SL to get ultra-luxury treatment We have seen Mercedes-Benz use the Maybach badge on other models including the S-Class sedan and the GLS SUV. However, the notable omission was …

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