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.

Bentley Marks Retirement Of Mulsanne Sedan With All New 6.75 Edition

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The Bentley Mulsanne was designed to be a throwback to the days when big four door sedans were the flagship offerings in Bentley’s stable of ultra luxury vehicles. But with the Bentley Flying Spur stealing relevance and sales away from the Mulsanne, Bentley is finally pulling the plug on the big four door. Before it does, the British luxury car maker is saying goodbye with the introduction of the all new 6.75 liter Edition Mulsanne.   Bentley will be building only 30 examples of the 6.75 liter Edition, with the 6.75 portion of its name being a nod to the …

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2021 GMC Yukon Ups The Refinement Scale, Brings New Technology To Buyers

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When the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe were first unveiled back in December, we wondered how long it would be before its GMC twins the GMC Yukon and the Yukon XL would make their appearance. Following a wave of speculation as well as lingering sightings of testers all over Metro Detroit, GMC took the veil off the 2021 GMC Yukon which brings more refinement, technology, and flair to buyers. Unlike the Suburban and Tahoe which featured elements of the controversial design language seen in the Silverado, the Yukon’s Sierra based design allows it to borrow cues from that model, and …

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Polaris SlingShot Teased Again In Pair Of New Videos [Videos]

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Last week, Polaris teased the next iteration of its hot selling Slingshot with a brief teaser video, as well as a lone teaser image showcasing its reworked front fascia on its consumer website. Understandably, we were eager to see more details, and Polaris has delivered the goods (sorta) with a pair of all new teaser videos that highlight some of the finer aspects of the 2020 Polaris Slingshot. Like in the first round of teasers, we get a chance to once again see the new front fascia, which pitches its rounded headlights for a new set that are a better …

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Aston Martin Confirms Limited Production Speedster, Only 88 Will Be Produced

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Following the wave of momentum that Aston Martin achieved with the recently unveiled DBX SUV, the company is turning its attention back to its traditional car range, with the firm confirming that it is producing a limited production run of its Speedster roadster, with the company only unleashing 88 examples of the stylish drop top to select buyers around the world.   “The V12 Speedster, created by in-house bespoke service Q by Aston Martin working with the brand’s talented team of designers and engineers, elegantly combines an authentic, driver-oriented sports car with the use of cutting-edge motorsport and aviation technology …

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Lamborghini Huracan Evo Gains Amazon Alexa Capability For 2020 [Video]

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It’s not too often that Italian supercars brand Lamborghini makes an appearance at CES, but the bespoke firm used the opportunity to reveal that the Huracan will be adding Amazon‘s Alexa technology to its suite of infotainment system tricks for the new model year. Lamborghini even unveiled a brief video clip of Alexa in action, with the system having the ability to alter the color of the cabin interior lighting, change the climate control settings, open the garage door, find nearby points of interest and so much more. Alexa is slated to be an optional extra that can be equipped …

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Polaris Teases Next Generation Slingshot, Promises Suite Of Upgrades [Video]

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When we last met the Polaris Slingshot, it was after a 200 plus mile road trip to Traverse City where we cruised down some of Northern Michigan’s best driving roads as part of our introduction into the firm’s “Polaris Adventures” rental program. We learned a lot during our brief exposure to this particular experience, but it was no secret that the Slingshot was due for some long overdue updates especially in regards to its odd ergonomics, and the aging 2.4 liter GM sourced four cylinder that once powered the since departed Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky roadster family. Polaris understands this, and …

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Best & Worst Of 2019 – Michigan Edition – By Carl Malek

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Another year is drawing to a close, and that means it’s time to reflect on the good and not so things that defined the year in general. In our case, it’s time to reflect on some of the good and not so good cars that we reviewed during 2019. Like last year, the Michigan branch had a very busy year reviewing some of the best cars on the market today, and we even managed to add some new brands to our list of visitors as well. Like last year’s list, eligibility begins during the first week of January, and ends …

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Could This Be The Long Rumored McLaren Senna LM? New Evidence Emerges Via Social Media

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McLaren is typically very predictable when it comes to the way it unveils its Ulitmate series of supercar offerings. For those that need a brief recap, the Ultimate series is designed to push the envelope of performance, and the models in this series often incorporate many race proven technologies into their designs. The first of these offerings was the legendary McLaren F1 which helped define the 1990s, and it gave birth to the track only McLaren F1 GTR. Per racing regulations at the time, that beast spawned the road legal McLaren F1 LM. This continued with the P1, with McLaren …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque First Edition – By Carl Malek

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When Land Rover first unveiled the Range Rover Evoque a few years ago, it represented a bold and key step for the British SUV maker. Penned with input from controversial style and music figure Victoria Beckham, the Evoque straddled the line between being a stylish accessory, and a go anywhere bruiser that promised higher levels of capability and ruggedness for the chic clientele that chose to welcome it into their homes. The Evoque proved to be a big seller for the company, but it was admittedly a bit rough around the edges in some aspects, especially in engine and infotainment …

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2021 Chevrolet Suburban Rumored To Get Z71 Trim Report:

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Chevrolet just pulled the veil off of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban a few weeks ago, and the extensive revisions that the duo has received for the 2021 model year are very extensive, including the introduction of independent rear suspension to the lineup for the first time ever. But the Z71 trim was arguably the one Tahoe trim level that received our attention the most, with the rugged variant gaining a number of off-road themed touches to set it apart from its more road focused siblings. Chevrolet was silent on whether the trim level would find its way to …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Hyundai Nexo Blue – By Carl Malek

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Hyundai is on a roll when it comes to hydrogen. A key player in a green segment that is still attached to the hip of EV and PHEV vehicles. Hyundai still sees tremendous potential in hydrogen as a viable alternative fuel source. The company has had a long running program in California, and even recently unveiled a hydrogen powered semi truck concept. But, the Korean car giant still needed a viable platform to test its hydrogen technology, and it has unleashed the latest chapter in its green exploits, the 2019 Hyundai Nexo, but is the Nexo the next key chapter …

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2020 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350, GT350R Gain All New Heritage Edition Package

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Back in August, Ford showcased the suite of exterior and mechanical enhancements that the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and the GT350R received for the 2020 model year. We even had a chance to sample the duo on the winding twists and turns of the M1 Concourse. But while we had a blast seeing what these capable serpents could do out on the track, as well as hearing the sweet soundtrack from the 5.2 liter V8. There was a sense that the pair were missing a noticeable link to their rich past. Ford and Shelby embarked on fixing that, and revealed …

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FCA And PSA Group Complete 50:50 Merger, Set To Become Fourth Largest Automaker

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Following the initial announcement back in October that revealed FCA and PSA Group were interested in formally merging, the two firms have formally signed on the dotted line, creating the fourth largest automotive company in the world, with projected annual sales of around 8.7 million cars in the process. On the subject of profits, they are expected to be massive, with initial figures suggesting that the newly combined entity’s revenues will be around $190 million, as well as a recurring operating profit of over $12.2 billion dollars. These are very impressive figures, and it’s easy to see why they played …

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2020 Dodge Charger GT Brings Four Season Capability To Dodge’s Musclecar Entry

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When it comes to making lemonade out of squeezed lemons, few can top Dodge and their incredible ability to do just that with some of their models. One prominent example is the Dodge Charger, with the model last receiving a major refresh in 2015, with the updated platform tracing its roots back to 2011. While this makes the Charger an aging grizzled veteran in a sea of decidedly younger competitors. The Charger is defying the trend of slumping sedan sales, with the model actually recording a noticeable double digit increase in sales. This is the best sales performance in a …

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Morgan To End Production Of Traditional Ladder Frame, Focus On CX Based Underpinnings For Next Gen Models

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When Morgan first introduced the simple steel ladder frame 83 years ago on the 4/4 and other models in the firm’s four wheeled range, the British sports car maker had no idea that these humble underpinnings would not only last so long, but also help build and cement the unique history and identity that has come to define countless Morgan Motor Company products. But following a recent shakeup in Morgan’s management structure, the company has revealed that it is ending production of this iconic underpinning next year in order to accelerate the introduction of its next generation CX platform. This …

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2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 Busts The Trails, Has Sequoia TRD Pro In Its Sights

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When we formally covered the unveiling of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, we liked how its revamped interior and functionality helped the duo renain a top tier threat in the full-size utility segment. However, the Z71 grade Tahoe represents a very unique opprotunity for Chevrolet to not only have broader appeal with off-road focused buyers, but also help outshine other off-road offerings. While the Tahoe has had various Z71 packages in the past, the treatment for 2021 goes beyond being a mere marketing ploy, and is perhaps the greatest effort we have seen in truly catching sales in this …

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2021 Chevrolet Tahoe & Suburban Breathe New Life Into Iconic GM Nameplate, Bring New Technologies To Consumers

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Big SUVS are big business for General Motors with the Chevrolet Tahoe and the bigger Suburban accounting for a large chunk of all SUVS that are currently sold in the U.S. However with rivals such as the Ford Expedition, Toyota Highlander, and the Volkswagen Atlas besting the duo in several categories including fuel economy, Chevrolet designers knew that they had to completely revamp and rethink the way they introduced the Tahoe and Suburban to a new wave of SUV buyers. The brand thinks it has succeeded in this mission with the unveiling of the newly revamped 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG – By Carl Malek

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With the SUV and CUV segments adding so many new models into their respective ranks, it can be easy to forget that there are a few iconic nameplates sitting at various points in the segment. If your a rapper, celebrity, third world leader, or even the pope, few entries can match the extensive rap sheet wielded by the Mercedes G-Class. First conceived in 1972 at the suggestion of the King of Iran, the G-Class initially started life as a military vehicle, with the Argentinian army interestingly being the first power to use it in 1981. The first civilian version appeared …

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2021 Jaguar F-Type Brings Handling Improvements, Updated Styling To Already Popular Two Seater

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The Jaguar F-Type made quite a splash when it first appeared in the first half of the decade. With an all new design language that was a visceral injection of freshness not only into the segment, but also into Jaguar itself, the F-Type rode on a massive rocket that shot it into the stratosphere of sales success (taking the bigger and aging XK convertible out of its misery in the process.) But like all good things, even this stylish feline is in need of a comprehensive update, and Jaguar has finally delivered the goods with the unveiling of the revamped …

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Hyundai Showcases Refreshed Ioniq With 170 Miles Of Driving Range, Updated Exterior Styling

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Hyundai‘s Ioniq lineup has made quite a splash since it debuted a few years ago. Designed to be a potent Toyota Prius competitor, the Ioniq had plenty of potential, and even mirrored the Prius’s extensive green lineup with a Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and even a pure EV variant all ready to battle against their bitter Japanese rival. But with the battle still swinging in Toyota’s favor, Hyundai has instead chosen to use the opportunity to update the Ioniq for 2021 to help give it a new lease on life, as well as give it several new tricks to help it …

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2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Debuts In L.A.

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When we last met the Lexus LC convertible, it was earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show. While the cold weather, and Lexus’s vague statements on whether it was indeed production bound or not kept us guessing, there was no secret that even in concept form, Lexus had a very stylish entry on its hands. Fast forward to the 2019 L.A. Auto Show, and the company has unveiled the production version of the LC 500 convertible which has thankfully retained a lot of its show car charm in the transition from concept to production bound vehicle. The …

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2020 Nissan Sentra Debuts With Improved Styling, Upgraded Technology

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When the Nissan Sentra first debuted back in 1982, it was when small econoboxes ruled a far bigger slice of the American car market, and it already had to contend with not only the Toyota Corolla, but also a whole host of long forgotten domestic entries that were vying for the attention of frugal minded U.S. shoppers. But 32 years of evolution have helped the Sentra not only become one of Nissan’s most successful models ever (with over six million units sold,) but also a much better entry in the compact car segment. Nissan is eager to showcase just how …

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Audi E-Tron Sportback Debuts Smoother Shape, Novel Headlight Technology

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When the Audi E-Tron first made its debut, the traditional SUV shape as well as its utility focused ergonomics helped make the EV a hit with consumers. However, we were always curious about what would happen if Audi designers were allowed to let loose on the E-Tron, and it appears Audi reps shared our view, and have followed through with the official unveiling of the all new Audi E-Tron Sportback. The styling of the Audi E-Tron Sportback is handsome, but to many observers it might not be readily recognizable as an all electric vehicle. Just like its more conventional looking …

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WIld McLaren Elva Is A $1.69 Million Dollar Guilty Pleasure, Has No Roof Or Windows

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McLaren‘s Ultimate Series typically focuses on a distinct theme, with each model being a wild interpretation of earth shattering performance and spine tingling styling. While the Senna showcased the futuristic extremes that McLaren stylists were willing to go to please their customers, this time, McLaren chose to take its inspiration from the past, with the unveiling of the all new Elva roadster. The Elva nameplate itself is a thoughtful nod to the original McLaren -Elva M1A of the 1960’s which proved to be a worthy contender in many European track races. Like the car that it’s based on, the revived …

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GM Interior Sketch Appears To Confirm Upcoming Corvette Z06

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General Motors has released an all new teaser sketch for an all new Corvette interior configuration, and it appears that the company has perhaps inadvertently confirmed that the long awaited and long rumored mid-engine Z06 is at last becoming a production reality.   The folks at CNET apparently received the sketch in question from Chevrolet representatives, and it was billed as “an early render of a potential interior configuration” though the firm stopped short of formally confirming exactly what interior was featured. However, the steering wheel has a very prominent Z06 badge, which is a very potent clue as to …

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Hyundai Venue Pricing Revealed, Shatters Pricing Cliches With $17,250 Base Price

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When Hyundai first introduced the 2020 Hyundai Venue, its boxy shape, as well as its impressive suite of standard equipment immediately caught our eye, but with 2019 rapidly coming to a close, we still did not hear from Hyundai on the final pricing for this tiny CUV. The Korean car giant has thankfully delivered on this lone omission, and revealed that the Venue has a starting MSRP of $17,250. That does not include the $1,095 destination fee which helps push the price to $18,345. This pricing is somewhat of a game changer in the CUV segment, with Hyundai claiming that …

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Rolls Royce Brings Cullinan To The Dark Side With All New Black Badge Model

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The Rolls Royce Culllinan is already an imposing SUV to share the road with thanks to its elegant styling, as well as the very high levels of equipment that buyers can use to coddle themselves in world class luxury. We got a taste of this ourselves this summer, but for buyers looking for more intimidation and exclusivity from their luxury SUV purchase, Rolls Royce has come full circle, and has unveiled the all new Cullinan Black Badge. Like other Black Badge models, the Cullinan Black Badge is designed to push the big Roller into a higher plane of performance. But …

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2020 Hyundai Sonata Starts At $24,330, Avalible With Whole Suite Of Upgrades

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The 2020 Sonata is hot off the heels of its official debut, but while many aspects of the car have been revealed, the lone item that has eluded detection is just how much the Sonata will go for when it begins making its way to dealerships. Hyundai has formally revealed this information today, and those looking for maximum amounts of value, content, and style will be pleased with what they find when they have a chance to formally slip behind the wheel.   The base SE model for example starts at $24,330, and is designed to take the fight to …

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Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Alfa Romeo Ends 4C Production, Part Of Broader Reshuffling Initiative

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The Alfa Romeo 4C wowed us several years ago with its bold Italian charms and a driving character that made us eager to come back for more. But those two traits (as well as a whole heaping helping of spunk) were not enough to help the 4C avoid the axe, with Alfa Romeo revealing that it has killed the 4C for 2020 thus ending the 4C’s brief but exciting time in the marketplace.   In some ways, the 4C was already living on borrowed time, with the coupe version being discontinued in the U.S. back in 2018. The droptop Spider …

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Ford Unveils Bronco R Baja Racer, Showcases Clues For Production Bronco [Video]

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Ford is still very keen on keeping the wraps firmly tightened around the production Ford Bronco, but the company has given eager fans of the iconic nameplate something extra to chew on with the unveiling of the Bronco R Baja racer. Designed to tackle the upcoming Baja 1000 desert race, the revived model will also help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rob Hall’s Baja 1000 victory in a first gen Bronco based entry. As another nod to the past, Hall’s granddaughter Shelby Hall will drive it during portions of the grueling race. Before all that happens though, Ford will take …

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Road Test Followup – 2019 Lexus GS350 – By Carl Malek

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When we last checked in on the Lexus GS350, we remarked that it was a luxury sedan that certainly had its own unique take on luxury, but was rapidly being left behind by rivals like the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Lexus has so far not confirmed if the GS is indeed living on for a new generation as the brand focuses on rapidly securing its hand in the rapidly exploding SUV and CUV segments. But like a grizzled veteran the GS (along with the equally long in the tooth RC coupe) continue to soldier on for …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Chevrolet Silverado LT Double Cab Four Cylinder – By Carl Malek

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Not too long ago, the very thought of a four cylinder full sized pickup truck was seen as a pure fantasy. Back then, a V6 was the lowest anyone could go both in cylinders, as well as price. But times are changing, and with Ford dropping a bomb on the segment by unleashing the turbocharged 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6 on the world, Chevrolet knew that it had to do something completely out of the box to help the Silverado stay relevant in the full-size pickup truck segment. With Ford turbocharging the V6, the bowtie brigade decided to go in an …

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Bollinger Motors Announces Pricing, Performance Details For B1 SUV And B2 Pickup

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When Bollinger Motors recently introduced the production version of the B1 SUV and the all new B2 pickup, we were left with new questions especially in regards to final range and pricing figures for the duo. The Ferndale, Michigan based company has ended the mystery, and has unveiled new details about the long term plans for the B1 and B2. For starters, we finally know how much the B1 and B2 will cost to own, with the company revealing that both models will start at $125,000. This eye popping figure is far off the under $100,000 estimate the company initially …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Polaris Slingshot SL – By Carl Malek [Videos]

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Ever had a sense of adventure? That feeling where you want to go off and try something radically new? That’s how we felt when it came to the Polaris Slingshot. This author has always been very interested in the world of three wheeled cycle cars, but the Slingshot remained an elusive quarry. We got a chance to get a taste of this special Polaris back in February, but the indoor setting and the low speeds that came with it did not give us a good opprotunity to formally get to experience all the things that the Slingshot brings to the …

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Finding Its Inner Potential, 2020 Shelby Mustang GT350R Brings New Moves To Its Track Slaying Mission

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When we last met the Shelby GT350 Mustang, it was in its base form, and while the GT350 certainly proved to be a very track ready offering, the feeling that it had more lurking underneath its imposing bodywork was hard to ignore. The intoxicating snarl of its 5.2 liter 526 horsepower V8 certainly does its best to distract you from thinking such things, but despite its attempts at luring you into its charms, the feeling of more still permeates the overall driving experience. Ford engineers have felt the same way too, and have unleashed a new iteration of the Shelby …

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2021 Toyota Mirai Brings New Styling And Platform To Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ranks

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When the Toyota Mirai first appeared on the scene several years ago, it was not exactly a very stylish offering. Built as part of the Japanese auto giant’s first serious foray into hydrogen fuel cell cars, the front wheel Mirai was a functional offering that certainly got the job done. But in the process it also sacrificed a lot of the elegant exterior styling elements that many customers often take for granted. However, Toyota has taken the wraps off the second generation Mirai, and it is a big improvement in  virtually every category. Toyota chose to originally unveil the car …

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Cadillac CT4 And CT4-V Pricing Unveiled, Starts Under $34,000

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Cadillac has been on a recent product blitz as of late. While GM’s pinnacle luxury brand is currently refocusing on beefing up its once sparse utility vehicle lineup, it has not forgotten about its traditional car lineup. The Cadillac CT4-V as well as its more conventional CT4 counterpart have already made their respective debuts, but the brand has finally released the official pricing ladder for every flavor of CT4. Based on what we see here, it’s very clear that Cadillac aims to draw in younger buyers with its newest four door offering. The fun starts off with the entry level …

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Ford Mustang R-Spec Brings 700 Horsepower To Australia, Teases U.S. Customers In The Process

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With all the attention that the 2020 Shelby GT500 Mustang is getting, it can be easy to forget that sometimes the international market can sometimes produce an equally compelling piece of candy that is just out of reach of U.S. customers. In this instance, Ford’s Australia division has just unveiled an all new Mustang variant that is sure to draw heads, and comes with enough horsepower to lay down some rubber on Australian backroads. Dubbed the R-Spec, the idea of a Mustang being on the same performance spectrum as the GT500 may make alarm bells ring at first. But once …

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Road Test Followup – 2019 Hyundai Kona Ultimate By Carl Malek

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When we last met the Hyundai Kona, it was in Detroit where we got to briefly experience its charms on various roads in the Metro Detroit area (as well as run into Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond of Top Gear and Grand Tour fame). Our brush with the stars aside, the Kona delivered a good first impression, thanks to its compact size, as well as the sheer amount of standard equipment that is infused into every Kona. The Kona even took its act to the green car market, where the Kona EV has been making waves since it …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Honda Civic Touring – By Carl Malek

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Honda has a lot riding on the shoulders of the 2020 Civic sedan and hatchback. While the Civic still commands a sizable chunk of sales in the compact car market, it’s no secret that the nameplate has felt the pressure in recent years from a resurgence in CUV and SUV demand in the U.S. While the Civic Si and the range topping Type R have helped the Civic bolster its impressive performance credentials, the mainstream Civic has had to use a completely different set of skills to help it maintain its lofty position in Honda’s broader sales pie. The 10th …

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Chevrolet Drops The Top On 2020 Chevrolet Corvette

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When we last saw the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette in July, it shocked the world by finally bringing the mid-engine format to a production Chevrolet Corvette after a 50 year wait. But amid all the pomp and circumstance, the absence of the equally long awaited convertible was noticed by many attendees. While there wasn’t as much flash and pomp this time around, the unique magic that the 2020 Corvette convertible brings to the table cannot be ignored. The exterior styling at its basic core elements remains mostly unchanged from the coupe that preceded it, but the droptop variant does bring some …

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Hyundai Announces Launch Of All New Flying Car Division, Brings Flying Car Development In-House

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Hyundai has certainly been making waves in recent years thanks in part to performance entries such as the Veloster N hot hatch, as well as the luxurious and massively versatile Palisade three row SUV. However, Hyundai has turned its collective gaze to the skies, and formally revealed that it plans to enter the developing world of flying cars. Hyundai is of course, not the first automaker to express interest in dabbling in the idea of a flying car for the masses. But, the Korean car giant IS the first automaker to actually create a distinct division just for this purpose. …

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2020 Nissan Titan Brings Improvements And Better Capability To Buyers, Is It Enough?

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Remember the Nissan Titan? If your answer is no, we don’t blame you. Despite making waves when it first appeared several years ago, Nissan’s attempt at usurping the established pickup order has not gone well. The model has suffered from slow sales, with this dire prospect forcing Nissan to recently axe several variants of the Titan recently, including the Cummins powered XD model. But Nissan has not given up, and recently introduced the 2020 Titan at the Texas State Fair. We took some time to formally analyze the current generation Titan, and we were eager to find out if this …

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Bollinger Motors Unveils B1 & B2 Prototypes, Finalizes Production For Both [Video]

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When we last heard from Bollinger Motors, it was back in 2017 when they unveiled an early stage prototype of the B1 SUV. Back then, the company was based in New York, and the crude prototype served as a glimpse into the rugged EV that CEO Robert Bollinger and his fledgling company wanted to unleash to the masses. Several years of work later, the company has moved to a bigger building in Ferndale, Michigan and has unveiled the next step of its march to production, with the unveiling of the production spec B1 SUV and the all new B2 EV …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Mazda3 Hatchback AWD – By Carl Malek

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In the world of hatchbacks, few have had the underdog effect that the venerable Mazda3 has had during its long run in production. While the Volkswagen Golf has reigned supreme over the segment, the Mazda3 has been a persistent underdog, a potent disruptor that always aimed to try and snatch the top spot from the talented German. While the Golf always managed to ward off these challenges thanks to its superior, interior craftsmanship, and more polished engines, the 3 bided its time, and gradually improved some of its flaws. But with the departure of the recently axed Ford Focus from …

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Honda Unveils 2020 CRV Hybrid, Brings All-Wheel Drive To Hybrid Lineup For First Time Ever

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The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid already made its debut in Europe earlier this year, but with the U.S. version of the CR-V due for an update. Honda has unveiled our version of the 2020 CR-V Hybrid, which will be the third hybrid model that Honda will have for sale alongside the Accord and Insight sedans, as well as the first light utility on sale here to benefit from hybrid technology.   Tweaked Exterior And Interior Styling Defines Light Refresh: Honda knows that when it comes to sales, the 2019 CR-V is a very potent winning formula for the Japanese auto …

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Road Test Matchup – 2019 Kia K900 Luxury V6 Vs Genesis G90 3.3T V6 – By Carl Malek [Video]

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When it comes to large luxury cars, they are rapidly becoming a dying species. With Ford and General Motors cleaning house with the axing of their large car models (CT6 and Continental excluded for the moment) this particular segment is slowly becoming more dominated by import brands. Case in point are the Genesis G90 and it’s Kia equivalent, the 2019 K900. Both of these large four doors aim to double down on providing plenty of size and luxury to those that refuse to conform with the revived trend of buying a large luxury SUV. We have had plenty of opportunities …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 First Edition – By Carl Malek

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When Jaguar first announced that it was formally entering the EV vehicle market, we we’re admittedly a bit skeptical at first. The thought of a company with a history of electrical problems building a pure EV? Blasphemy, some might say when first presented with the thought. But after years of development, the Jaguar I-Pace has finally begun trickling its way into dealerships, and it is out to change perceptions, while also establishing Jaguar as a mainstream contender to the Tesla Model X. But can the I-Pace rise above the others to deliver a distinctly unique driving experience? We had a …

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The King Has Returned, Land Rover Revives Legendary Defender Nameplate For 2020 [Video]

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When The Defender ended production in 2016, it signaled the end of an era where brute ruggedness and world class off-road capability were enough to stand out from the rest of the SUV ranks. Indeed, the Defender came packed with capability, and it also had a very impressive bloodline that traced its roots back to some of the first Land Rovers ever produced. But while European buyers were without their fix for only a few years, U.S. fans had a much longer wait, with our version of the Defender leaving our shores back in 1997. But at long last, a …

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Car-Revs-Daily Double Review – 2019 Toyta RAV4 Adventure 4WD /MSR Hubba Hubba NX-2 Backpacking Tent – By Carl Malek

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When the 2019 Toyota RAV4 was unleashed into the mass market, the revamped utility offering had some very big shoes to fill. Its predecessor (outdated as it was towards the end of its life) still managed to post impressive sales numbers in 2018, and the RAV4 has always been a go to choice for many buyers that need a sensible utility offering for their everyday commuting needs. But can the 2019 Toyota RAV4 bring some much needed vigor and polish to the storied nameplate without ignoring its core audience? We were keen to find out, and devised a formidable testing …

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First Drive Review – 2019 Rolls Royce Dawn Black Badge – By Carl Malek

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When we last met Rolls Royce’s Black Badge lineup, it was at the 2018 MAMA Spring Rally where we had the chance to go for a brief spin in the Wraith Black Badge. The Wraith’s rendition was supposed to appeal to a younger audience, and give the ultra bespoke coupe a small but welcome pinch of performance engineering to go with its world class levels of luxury and opulence. With the Dawn convertible proving to be an equally popular choice for the small sector of Rolls Royce’s customer base that want to add droptop cruising to the list of things …

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First Drive Review – 2019 Rolls Royce Cullinan – By Carl Malek

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It’s hard to ignore the resurgence of SUVS both in sales, as well as in  overall relevance in the minds of a new generation of buyers. Once considered a crippled segment following the Great Recession, SUV growth and demand has rapidly surged ahead in recent years. This has resulted in a ripple effect that has caused many automakers to rapidly revamp, and in some cases, rethink their long term sales strategies. These include high end marques once known for car focused lineups, with Bentley, Maserati, and Lamborghini all joining the fray. But at last, this ripple effect has reached arguably …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport M/T – By Carl Malek

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The battle in the compact sport sedan segment is still heating up despite the rapid ascent of compact crossovers, and the slow introduction of their equally spicy performance variants. While the Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GLI, and the Subaru WRX have become the established players when it comes to delivering bargain focused performance to selective enthusiasts. An alternative choice that has always been considered the outsider looking in is the venerable Elantra Sport. Hyundai has recently been kickstarting its attempts at being a relevant player in this shrinking but still viable segment. This is thanks mainly to the Veloster and …

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First Drive Review – 2017 Ford GT – By Carl Malek

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When Ford first revealed the 2017 Ford GT at the North American International Auto Show, it was arguably one of the best kept secrets at the show that year. It was also the best kept secret at Ford, with only a scant few knowing of its meager origins until the very end of its development cycle. Since then, the GT has been a very potent marketing tool for the company, and it has proven to be a very compelling piece of eye candy for millions of enthusiasts around the world. We first had our taste of GT infused bliss when …

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McLaren Teases Upcoming Speedster, Will Debut At Monterey Car Week

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For awhile, rumors swirled that McLaren was working on something distinctly special, a speedster that would reignite the fires of desire in the hearts of McLaren enthusiasts. We are pleased to report that the rumors are indeed true, and the British supercar maker has formally released the first teaser image of this roofless wonder ahead of its debut at Monterey Car Week.   The lone teaser image is as you would expect, darkened to hide crucial details of its design, but despite McLaren’s best efforts, some elements do make themselves apparent. For instance, the speedster features a very striking design …

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Ford To Auction One-Off Shelby GT500 Venom For Charity

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When it comes to creating good publicity as well as doing a good deed for others, nothing does the job quite like an all new perfornance offering. McLaren’s MSO division made a splash when it donated a 720S for charity auction, and Toyota did a similar move with its hotly popular Supra sports coupe. With the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 slithering closer to its official dealer rollout, Ford has revealed that it will once again partner with the JDRF (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to raffle another car for auction.   In this case, it’s a …

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Ford Unveils 2020 Xfinity Series Mustang, Will Debut In Daytona 500

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Using the dynamic backdrop of the 2019 Woodward Dream Cruise as an enviable world stage, Ford Performance took the veil of secrecy off of its updated Xfinity Series racing Mustang, which aims to continue the impressive success that the Mustang has had in NASCAR since it made its return to that sport in 2011. While the rules governing NASCAR prevent the updated racer from adopting radically altered body work, Ford designers still managed to make the new racer stand out from its predecessors. The graphics work for example has been updated to better reflect the current Mustang, with familiar cues …

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Mclaren GT By MSO Turns Up The Opulence For McLaren Buyers

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McLaren made waves recently when it unveiled the 2020 McLaren GT, which aimed to breathe new focus and direction into McLaren’s ambitions of being a proper GT car. However, while the GT is a very compelling offering in its own right, it’s also an open canvas that is welcome to new ideas and custom interpretations. McLaren’s in house tuning firm MSO has taken a crack at the GT, and has formally revealed its version of the two door grand tourer ahead of its formal debut at Monterey Car Week on August 28th. Known as the McLaren GT by MSO, the …

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Rolls Royce Celebrates End Of Ghost Production With Limited Edition “Zenith Collection”

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In the world of Rolls Royce, it’s not too often that collectors and esteemed Rolls Royce loyalists have the chance to obtain a rare item that is at the apex of its potential. In this instance, that opportunity only occurs once every ten years, and with the current generation Ghost four door sedan ending its production run soon, Rolls is celebrating the event by unleashing a special run of “Zenith Collection” Ghost models that are sure to reignite the passion and elegant desire that has allowed Ghost to be a key cog in the company’s efforts to branch out to …

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Acura Previews TLX Type S With Monterey-Bound “Type S” Concept

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Acura is looking for a true must-buy hit for its customers. While the MDX and RDX crossovers are doing their part to help support the brand as a whole, the Japanese luxury car maker aims to regain some of the enthusiast credibility that it once had with models such as the Integra Type R, TSX, and even the Acura TL. One step in this grand plan is reviving the Type S badge, with the “Type S” concept providing a compelling glimpse into what the return of this storied badge can bring to customers. The exterior styling of the Type S …

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2020 Shelby GT350R Debuts, Borrows Tricks From Big Brother GT500

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When we last met the 2019 Shelby GT350, It was at Michigan’s M1 Concourse Speedway in Pontiac, Michigan where we had the chance to experience some of the track focused charms that this delectable serpent brings to the lucky buyers that can add one to their garage. However, a notable absence was its upgraded sibling the GT350R. Ford has rectified that wrong, and has formally unveiled the 2020 Shelby GT350R which not only benefits from Ford’s track experience, but also pulls a few plays out of the GT500 playbook. Buyers looking for a radical styling evolution will not find it …

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Nissan Titan Regular Cab And Diesel Models To Get Axed At End Of The Year

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The pickup truck wars have turned into a very key and hotly contested battlefield for the automotive industry. While the domestic big three still rule the roost when it comes to this segment, Toyota and Nissan have also tried to break into the market with their entries the Tundra and the Titan full-size pickup trucks. But wheras the Tundra has managed to squeak a very commendable existence for itself during the bulk of its production run, things have not gone so well for the current generation Titan. A prominent sign of the Titan’s woes has emerged earlier today, with Nissan …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE 6-Speed Manual – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to the venerable Toyota Corolla, the iconic compact sedan has developed a very loyal following during its several decade production run, and it has managed to even block the challenge to its sales supremacy that has been cast into stone by a growing field of CUV competitors. But while the Corolla has managed to check all the other boxes that car buyers think in their minds when they purchase one, the lone item that has been missing in recent years is excitement. So when Toyota revealed that it planned to release a five-door version of its econobox, …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Lexus UX200 F Sport – By Carl Malek

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Lexus like other automakers, had a bit of a conundrum when it came to the task of luring in young millennials to its model lineup. How do you create something that comes jam packed with technology, style, and sophistication but in the compact dimensions that are needed for a urban commuter? While the Lexus RX is still a venerable nameplate (the bewildering RX350L excluded.) Its bigger size does not bode well for buyers in urban environments, and the Lexus NX can be a bit too extreme for other buyers. Lexus thinks it has finally hit the sweet spot with the …

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Zora’s Dream Fulfilled, Chevrolet Unveils 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray, Mid-Engine Power And Technology Revamp Iconic Nameplate For New Generation Of Sports Car Buyers [ Videos]

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When Zora Duntov first thought of the idea for a radical mid-engine Corvette on 1959, the car purely existed in concept form (CERV 1,) with the idea being way ahead of what the 1950s could offer in terms of technology. Despite this, the core conscience of this idea never went away, with the 1960s 70, 80s and  even the 1990s all featuring a mid-engine equipped Vette concept in some shape or form (including CERV II and CERV III) But like before, the idea was too revolutionary for its time, and as the 1990’s came and went, economic feasibility became more …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label – By Carl Malek

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We like exploration, the sense of embarking on an adventure and discovering new things. It turns out, the folks at Lincoln also like the spirit of adventure too, especially with their recent blitz towards adding more exploration focused motifs into their models. When we last checked in on Lincoln, we checked out the biggest offering in their lineup, the revamped 2018 Navigator. The Navigator aimed to re-establish Lincoln’s dominance in the full-size luxury SUV segment, and we put that to the test by embarking on a road trip that took us throughout northern and western Michigan. However, while the Navigator …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Mopar Ram 1500 Big Horn – By Carl Malek [Video]

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With all the diverse talents that the 2019 Ram 1500 brings to the table, it’s no surprise to hear that sales as well as the 1500’s broader reputation in the segment are on the upswing. Once considered the perennial third place offering behind Ford and GM, FCA’s plucky pickup entry has completely shifted the status quo, and is clawing its way towards usurping the Ford F-150 from its throne on top of the pickup truck sales charts. But a key and often lesser known story is how important the vehicle accessory market has been in the Ram’s ongoing success story. …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to reliving your youth, there are very few vehicles that are able to do it so well like the Dodge Challenger. While it’s underpinnings are based on a Mercedes platform that was first given to Dodge during the shotgun marriage that was known as the Daimler-Chrysler era, that particular factoid has not stopped the burly two door from being an ongoing success for the brand. This is partially due to the sheer flexibility that exists in the LY platform itself, with Dodge engineers being able to seamlessly create numerous iterations of the Challenger over the years (including …

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Ford Unveils Next Chapter Of GT Performance With Track Only 2020 GT MK II [Videos]

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When we last checked in on Ford’s upcoming variant of its GT supercar, it was via a shadowy teaser image that gave few answers, and left us asking a lot of questions on what exactly Ford was up to? Fast forward to today’s unveiling at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and the blue oval has unveiled the next evolution of GT performance which it calls “the ultimate GT” offering. Dubbed the GT Mk II, it embraces this fresh start in earnest by throwing out any intent of being a road legal offering (though we suspect that won’t stop some of …

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First Drive Review – 2019 Cadillac XT4 Premium Luxury – By Carl Malek

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It’s no secret that Cadillac is very late to the compact luxury crossover party. While the XT5 was a humble attempt at giving Cadillac a fighting chance in the broader luxury segment, it could do little to hide the fact that a very noticeable void existed between it and some of the smaller luxury CUVs that are pulling in younger buyers in droves, especially those that want utility, but in a smaller tidy package that still is jam packed with luxury. The 2019 Cadillac XT4 aims to make up for lost time, and is Cadillac’s first formal foray into this …

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Ford Announces 2020 Shelby GT500 Pricing, Will Start At $73,995

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The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 certainly has a diverse arsenal of sales weapons at its disposal. It has carefully sculpted exterior styling that makes the 2019 GT350 we reviewed look like a tame boy scout, a revamped interior that promises to seamlessly marry functionality and comfort, and the pony csr with attitude even comes to the muscle car wars with a 760 horsepower supercharged V8 that puts it in the same neighborhood as the Dodge SRT Hellcat Challenger Redeye and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Amid all the info we already know about this beast, pricing was one of the …

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Dodge Unveils Wild 2020 Charger Widebody Scat Pack and Hellcat Models [Video]

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The Dodge Charger is truly a jack of all trades. From being a competent family hauler, to a supercharged track slaying beast in Hellcat guise, the Charger offers something for everyone. But the lone piece that was missing from the puzzle was one that many enthusiasts wanted for a very long time, the Widebody treatment. Dodge is out to finally address this lone omission, and following the recent announcement of a concept, has unveiled the production 2020 Charger Widebody lineup. Like its two door platform mate the Dodge Challenger, the broader fenders add 3.5 inches of width to the car …

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Road Test Review – 2018 Audi Q5 2.0 quattro S tronic – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to being a true jack of all trades, the Audi Q5 certainly has a lot going for it. With its impressive amounts of luxury, poise, and quickness, the Q5 has always been a consistent presence in Audi’s utility lineup. While the Q8 is currently hogging the spotlight when it comes to showing off its slick infotainment technology and impressive engineering, the smaller Q5 has been quietly doing its job as Audi’s bread and butter offering, especially for buyers looking for something between the Q3 and the bigger Q7. But is the Q5 still an excellent volume player …

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Ford Teases Hardcore Version Of GT Ahead of Goodwood

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We like a good surprise here at the office, and after Ford finally revealed the official performance numbers for the 2020 GT500 Shelby Mustang (our jaws still have not left the ground.) The Blue Oval has revealed the ultimate party favor for those still wanting a bit more from Ford Performance, a compelling tease of an all new variant of its seductively potent GT supercar.   Exactly what it brings to the table is still a mystery, but it’s obvious that this is not just another limited edition model with a snazzy paint job. The shadowy teaser image Ford released …

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Aston Martin Confirms Valhalla Moniker For AM-RB 003, Will Build Only 500 Examples

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With Aston Martin‘s recent obsession with Norse mythology, the British supercar maker has confirmed that its second all new offering will continue this trend and adopt a Norse inspired name. With the Valkyrie leading the way, it’s only fitting that the next model would be inspired by the ultimate destination for Norse warriors that were slain in combat, Valhalla.   It is certainly an improvement over its development name the AM-RB 003 which was a bit too wordy for our tastes, and it also serves as a figurative glimpse into the sheer levels of performance and driving pleasure that the …

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2020 Mustang Shelby GT500

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Performance Figures Revealed, More Power Than Corvette ZR1 and Ferrari

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It has been a five month long odyssey since the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 first made its debut at the 2019 North American Auto Show in January. During that tine, we learned the basic mission of this car, some of the engineering and aerodynamic brilliance that was baked into its flanks, and even saw the first production example sold at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. But amid all of this flurry of activity (even the debut of a seductively attractive green hue) Ford stubbornly held on to just how much power and torque the revamped …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 – By Carl Malek

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The mid-size pickup truck market is booming, but that has always not been the case. For a number of years, the segment was a very stagnant sector of the broader pickup truck market, with the Toyota Tacoma being the benchmark offering for buyers that wanted a pickup, but did not want the bulk and bigger size that often comes with a full size offering. Chevrolet is no stranger to this segment, but the company has not always had the best of luck in its prior attempts at toppling the Tacoma. The 1980’s and 1990’s were dominated by the crude but …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Buick Regal TourX Essence – By Carl Malek

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When Buick first unveiled the revamped Buick Regal a few years ago, the liftback’s lines reflected the current styling trends embraced by some of its European competitors, while also cementing its quest to bring the Regal even more upmarket. Imagine our surprise when Buick also revealed the all new TourX wagon after a several decade absence from the segment. The TourX is far different from the lumbering Caprice based Roadmaster Estate that defined Buick’s prior attempt at the station wagon, and the TourX aims to trade bulk and pillow-esque isolation for a more involved driving experience that still aims to …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury – By Carl Malek [Video]

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When it comes to bringing the pinnacle of off-road capability to affluent adventurers, few can beat the bar that has been set by Land Rover. The iconic British luxury SUV brand has always served as one of the benchmarks that many automakers look up to when they craft an off-road focused vehicle. In addition, key models have also played a big role in the company’s history over the years. A prominent player is the Land Rover Discovery which has established itself by offering lucky buyers the ability to blaze even the toughest of trails but still have enough size to …

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Track Test Review – 2019 Acura NSX – By Carl Malek

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When the Acura NSX originally made its debut back in 2016, Acura was keen on reestablishing itself as a technological leader, while also breathing new life into arguably one of its most iconic nameplates. The reborn NSX proved to be a spirited offering, and smashed any doubts that were cast on it with its impressive performance numbers, smooth hybrid technology, and being a futuristic shot of adrenaline for buyers looking for something different from the usual Porsche and even Ferrari powered tonics that were out in the marketplace at the time. But like all good things, even the NSX can …

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Road Test Followup – 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate – By Carl Malek

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When we last met the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, it was on its home turf in Alabama, where we had a chance to sample some of the reworked engineering, styling, and performance that went into making this iteration of Santa Fe a true standout in Hyundai’s growing SUV lineup. This time around, we had the opportunity to check out the Santa Fe on the familiar roads that dot our Metro Detroit branch to see if its southern infused charm can translate into a truly capable offering that can bring the best of both worlds to eager SUV buyers.   Functionally …

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McLaren Unveils All New 2020 GT, Rewrites The Rules For Grand Touring Car Segment [Video]

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When we last met McLaren’s prior attempt at creating a proper GT car, it was in 2017 when we reviewed the 570GT. The 570GT had cushy carpet, supple leather seats, and a set of novel luggage for its trunk. But it was no secret that this particular model was still a track focused offering, and as a result, it flunked some basic GT car ettiquete to achieve that track oriented balance. McLaren was eager to right this wrong, and has unveiled its second attempt at the GT segment, the 2020 McLaren GT. McLaren claims that the GT (despite its rather …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo – By Carl Malek

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Kia has been on a roll as of late. Led by the Kia Stinger, the sleek four door sport sedan helped change peoples perception of the Korean car brand. Once known for making budget focused entries that eschewed style and performance for the sake of a low price tag, the Stinger showed the world that style, performance, and technology have become the new pillars for future Kia products going forward. The Stinger’s DNA has begun trickling down to other members of the Kia lineup including the 2019 Kia Forte, as well as the reworked 2019 Kia Optima. But can the …

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Cadillac CT5 To Be Sedan Only Affair, No Coupes Or Wagon In The Works

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Even though the 2020 Cadillac CT5 is aimed at being a strong entry for buyers that typically shop in what the brand calls the “Lux 3” segment (we are still scratching our heads on that statement) which includes rivals such as the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class, the car’s dimensions also cause it to fall into the same size category as the larger BMW 5-Series and the Audi A6. This situation reminds us of the second generation CTS sedan, which originally straddled the line between these two sedan classes, but whereas that model had enough flexibility to spawn a …

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Aston Martin Vantage AMR Brings Manual Transmission, Lighter Weight To Buyers

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Aston Martin’s AMR sub-brand has produced an impressive list of hits during its relatively short time of being a production grade option for Aston Martin buyers. However, while the DB11 and the other big Astons have benefitted from this upgrade, the 2018 Vantage was forced to sit on the sidelines. That changes with the unveiling of the all new limited edition Vantage AMR.   A key rule that defined older Vantage ownership (and arguably the best way to fully enjoy the car) was to avoid the single clutch automated manual, and go for the more analog. but purist preferred manual …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport GT – By Carl Malek

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With all the various iterations of Outlander that have visited the Metro Detroit branch over the years, the one elusive model that always managed to remain elusive to our scrutiny was its cousin, the Outlander Sport. Wheras the standard Outlander excels at being a family hauler and delivering outright insane fuel mileage when properly equipped, the Sport aims to wrap the efficiency in a decidedly more exciting package that also aims to add some driving fun to the overall driving experience. But can the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport still shine in a slice of the segment where fun and efficiency …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Toyta Avalon Limited Hybrid- By Carl Malek

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When it comes to big sedans, few can come close to matching the unique arsenal of traits that the venerable Toyota Avalon brings to the table. Focusing on providing comfort and borderline luxury to its owners, the Avalon is a key name in the large sedan segment. But with schools of CUV and SUV models circling this iconic segment like sharks, the Avalon faces turbulent waters in its quest to remain true to its virtues. Despite this (as well as the success of its own utility offerings) Toyota is still keen to be a key player in the sedan segment, …

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Road Test Followup – 2019 Ram 1500 Longhorn 4X4 – By Carl Malek

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Remember back when pickup trucks were once designed to excel in functionality and utility, but often without too many creature comforts for their occupants? I still have memories of growing up alongside my brother, and going out on family outing and trips with my dad’s 1993 GMC Sierra SLE. It could haul all kinds of cargo, and the 4.3 liter V6 was a crude but stout beast. However, the blue cloth interior, cramped rear seat, and no frills layout did little to enhance comfort for passengers. This humble truck also highlights the rapid evolution that both the iconic pickup truck …

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Toyota Brings More Refinement, Technology To the 2020 Highlander CUV

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Remember when the Toyota Highlander was stylish and refined? If you said no to either of these, it’s completely understandable considering how past iterations of the venerable Highlander embraced the functionality and purposeful lines that defined it as a perennial favorite among family buyers, but at the cost of losing ground to more design centric family haulers. Toyota is out to completely change the way people perceive the big Highlander, and has given it a very massive makeover for the 2020 model year. The exterior of the 2020 Highlander will certainly draw plenty of stares thanks to its rebooted styling …

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Hyundai’s Venue Brings Big Personality In Small But Tidy Package

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Hyundai has bold plans for the SUV market, and with the flagship Palisade and the subcompact Kona CUV covering both ends of the spectrum, the Korean auto giant has decided to unleash an even smaller utility entry into the fray to try and steal precious sales from new rivals such as the Nissan Kicks, Ford EcoSport, and the Chevrolet Trax, the 2020 Hyundai Venue. When we last met the Venue, it was through several teaser images. However, Hyundai has finally pulled the veil off of its newest SUV offering. When we say the Venue is small, we’re not exaggerating, with …

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Lincoln Ups Luxury Ante With All New Corsair

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When we last saw the 2020 Lincoln Corsair, it was via a heavily veiled teaser video that revealed the new moniker, but not much else. This time around, Lincoln has let the wraps come off its MKC replacement, and folks will certainly be in for a treat when it eventually makes its way to showrooms. Buyers looking for a radical change will find plenty to talk about, with the exterior styling leading the way. The front fascia is much more cohesive than before, and the bulk of the design takes a significant amount of inspiration from its bigger stablemates the …

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Ford Pays Homage To SVO With All New Mustang High Performance Package

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With the soon to be launched 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 primed to re-establish itself at the top of the pecking order in Ford’s stable, Dearborn has turned its attention downmarket, and focused on addressing a noticeable void between the base EcoBoost four cylinder and the V8 powered GT models. Channeling some 80’s inspired magic into its creation, the company has unveiled the final result, the 2020 Ford Mustang High Performance Package. Paying tribute to the long gone SVO model which appeared during the decade that featured the rise of Madonna and the Nintendo Entertainment System (but sadly not reviving …

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Acura Reveals Hand Built PMC Edition TLX and MDX Ahead of New York Debut [Video]

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With all the performance infused muscle that will be making their way onto the floor of the 2019 New York Auto Show, Acura did not want to be left out in the spring sunshine, and has revealed that attendees to this year’s show will recieve a unique surprise (two all new special edition models.) Dubbed the PMC edition, Acura claims that the basic framework for these special TLX and MDX models was inspired by the bespoke capabilities of the brand’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, with the TLX PMC driving home this point by being hand assembled at the facility. …

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Refreshed 2020 Audi TT-RS To Debut In New York

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It’s not too often that an automaker is tasked with making changes to arguably an already perfect offering, but the engineers at Audi were assigned with the unenviable challenge of updating what is arguably one of their best performance offerings for the 2020 model year, the TT-RS, and thankfully, they were able to make just enough changes to help it stay fresh, but without tainting the formula that has helped make the TT-RS a compelling buy among well heeled enthusiasts. At first glance, the changes might be hard to spot, with the 2020 TT-RS retaining a lot of the purposeful …

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Subaru Teases 2020 Outback, Promises More Capability and Technology

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When the 2020 Subaru Legacy first made its appearance at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show in February, the first question on the world’s mind was when the Subaru Outback going to make its eventual appearance? The long running wagon version of the Legacy has always been a key partner for its sedan sibling, and the company has revealed that the Outback will indeed make its debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show on April 17th. Subaru’s teaser images don’t reveal too much about what kind of design defines the newest iteration of the Subaru Outback, but the Outback does …

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2020 Toyota Highlander Teases Sleeker Design With 3D Images

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Over the years we have become used to automakers releasing various images and teaser sketches to try and build as much hype as possible for the model that they are going to unveil at an auto show. For a long time, Toyota has fitted this well worn mold with the Japanese auto giant offering various teaser images and sketches of many of its models before their respective world debuts. However, for the 2020 Highlander, Toyota has decided to throw convention out the window, and has taken a rather unorthodox approach to showing the world a preview of its upcoming big …

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Hyundai Sheds More Light On Upcoming Venue CUV With New Sketches

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When Hyundai first revealed that they were releasing another utility model in time for the 2019 New York Auto Show, we were curious to see what exactly the Korean car giant had in mind. While the original batch of teaser images preferred to showcase the Venue’s design inspiration (versus the CUV itself,) this time around, Hyundai released several teaser sketches that help shed just a bit more light on what we can expect from the Venue when it eventually makes its debut in the flesh. From what we can see, it appears that the Venue will share a lot of …

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