Tom Burkart

Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine. He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank. Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.

FOSTLA.de 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus – Sunflower Matte Metallic + Self-Healing XPEL

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The new R8 is available in a comically small palette of factory colors.  About the hottest one is a dark army green… and that is saying something.  Yes, the blue and red and yellow shades are on the R8 builder, but they definitely lack that last bit of supercar punch. Enter the wrapping boutique Fostla.de — forever experimenting with the latest mirrored and color films for their chic clientelle. This new look is a stunner: sunflower matte metallic vinyl wrap, protected by a layer of XPEL film all around.  This keeps the finish perfect and also adds a bit of …

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2016 Nissan TITAN XD Platinum Reserve 5.6L V8 – HD Road Test Review

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The Titan XD is making trouble in the full-size truck business! Like many disruptive troublemakers, though, they are doing a great service to the rest of the class.  Think of the rigid 1500 vs 2500 hierarchy of Fords and Chevys as the annoyed teacher, and buyers as the giggling classmates – in this broad metaphor. The established players in the segment are deeply invested in the half-ton, full-ton distinctions.  Beefier springs and a heavy-gauge chassis equals massive profits for the established truckmakers. Nissan has shaken things up with its all-new, ground-up redesign of the 2016 Titan XD – or Every …

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Paris Preview – 2018 Porsche PANAMERA 4 E-Hybrid

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Official details today on the all-new Porsche plugin: the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid.  Quite striking how much the style of this new Panamera reflects the long-term vision shown in the firm’s latest concept Mission E. Still firmly room for a gasoline motor in this production iteration, but the cab-backward — yet forward-looking — style of all Porsches since day one appears more than intact for 2018. NEW HYBRID PANAMERA MODEL UNVEILED 08/09/16 Sustainability and performance – no contradiction for Porsche ATLANTA, Sept. 8, 2016 — The Paris Motor Show will see Porsche unveil the next model in the all-new Panamera line: the Panamera …

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2016 Volkswagen PASSAT 1.8T SEL Premium – HD First Drive

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    Watch us put the new VW Passat through some autocross corners around Georgia’s Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Thrilled with the 1.8T engine’s thrust and the car’s handling balance — as well as the six-speed automatic, which fooled us into thinking it was a DSG!  But actually just a terrific Tiptronic with Sport mode.  Impressive.   2016 Volkswagen PASSAT 1.8T SEL Premium 2016 Volkswagen PASSAT 1.8T SEL Premium – Interior

2016 INFINITI Q70L 5.6 – HD Road Test Review

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How far can you get in life with a giant V8 and a hot body? That was the question we kept asking ourselves after a week  behind the wheel of this 4.7-second rocket-limo. The car is refreshingly innovative in its long-wheelbase variation — bringing what is the best-selling global choice in luxury cars to the United States for the first time.  What is this choice? Best-selling?  Allow me to explain. The long-wheelbase variants of the A6/E-Class/5 series are easily the best sellers in the Chinese car market these days.  For the most part, however, the LWB limos that luxury brands …

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2017 Hyundai ELANTRA ECO - HD Drive Video Review 2

HD First Drive – 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA ECO

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    Just the HD drive video and 40 pics of this plucky little sedan. One pic for every highway MPG this advanced-tech compact can achieve?  Yes indeed.  32-mpg city and 40-mpg highway are the audited, confirmed EPA numbers on this most-efficient Elantra ever. No full review today. Our time in the car was too brief to really make many lasting impressions.  Do recall loving that seven-speed DCT and 128-pony, 1.4-liter turbo engine.  Less the stinky brakes/clutches after a fast drive and those embarrassingly tiny alloy wheels.  At least they painted up the mini alloys a discrete anthracite grey to …

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The Escala Concept introduces the next evolution of Cadillac des

World Debut – 2016 Cadillac ESCALA Concept

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Yes, Cadillac’s new video ads are appallingly bad.  Yes, a CT6 in slow-motion down a brick street in Manhattan is ridiculous. It looks like a high-fashion version of those anti-texting PSA’s, where the beautiful couple/friends/family’s lives are shattered by a huge crash.  No overt carcrash in the Caddy ads.  But they are a trainwreck. But Cadillac does have a vision these days, even if little of the product lineup really matches that look into the future. The Escala is the third “glamour” concept from the marque, after the Ciel and the Elmiraj from 2011 and 2013, respectively. This machine is all …

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2017 Jaguar F-Pace S – USA First Drive Review, Video and 140 All-New Photos!

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    Hopping behind the wheel of SUCH a gorgeous new truck moments after the first examples hit America? A huge rush. Crowning an F-Pace arrival with top-spec engine and a hot street style?  A double win. A Lush, Plush Rush This truck is double-take inducing in any form.  So low, so lean and so new.  Yet ours is extra special.  Bright white over black everything.  Gloss-black detailing all around on the test F-Pace S extends to every inch of the car: nose, grilles, wheels, hoodvent, lower accents and the entire windowline is dripping wet gloss.  We’ve captured every angle in a …

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2016 Lexus LX570 – Road Test Review + Sport Plus DRIVE VIDEO / 100 Photos

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Welcome to the shockingly good 2016 Lexus LX570! This mid-cycle upgrade brings new styling all around, a fresh cabin and a healthy new dose of F Sport-infused performance.  This all moves the Lexus flagship dramatically upmarket versus its Land Cruiser sibling from Toyota. And you are looking at more than just a crisp jawline, industry-best LEDs all around and ultra-lux cabin upgrade versus its much-cheaper sibling.  The improvements are truly substantive, despite the two trucks sharing much of their glasshouse and door shapes. First thing to note in the LX?  This bluff new face up front is gorgeous and sets …

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2017 Chevrolet VOLT Premier – HD Drive Video + 64 Lakeside Photos

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A really fun steer — and one whose urge and handling delighted the sports-car fan in all of us!  We do even make a “Corvette hybrid” reference-slash-joke while flying around the corners of Lake Lanier Island, Georgia.     2017 Chevrolet VOLT Premier – Exterior Gallery 2017 Chevrolet VOLT Premier – Interior Gallery    

Drive Review – 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic

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A thorough video blast-off for this all-new GLC.  Nearly a quarter-hour of hard starts in Sport Plus for the nine-speed auto and 270-some foot-pound boosted tourbo four. Along with the video? A gorgeous photoset of more than three score.  All alongside a gorgeous yacht club on Lake Lanier, Georgia.               2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic

2017 Chrysler PACIFICA Limited – First Drive VIDEO Review + 78 Photos

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Feast your eyes on this beauty! The most premium minivan… ever.  The 2016 Pacifica Limited is impressive from all sides. Its drive is a nice showcase of the line.  The vehicle feels fast and quite rigid in the chassis.  This lets the ride be extra supple, and is a rarity in the van segment versus the Honda Odyssey, in particular.   No wobble around back is a delight to report in this next-gen Chrysler.  The nine-speed auto and potent V6 are terrific on hard throttle. The exterior styling is a huge hit.  It is smooth but sleekly aero-honed.  Panel gaps …

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Widescreen Gallery – 2016 Lexus GS-F Meets 1700s Carolina Angel Oaks

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The spidery shadows of the Angel Oak Trees lining the Carolina coastline make for a cool respite from 330 sunny days a year.  That was their purpose, of course, when planted in neat rows on the major plantation driveways around Charleston. Bursting with leaves year-round, these trees even wear a layer of Spanish Moss to keep things cool — centuries before AC made this climate live-able for a Chicagoan like myself. The GS-F is quite a sight under the speckles of sunrays that can break through. The intricate grille detailing, purity of surfaces and absolutely perfect proportions on the wide-body …

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2016 Lexus GS-F – HD Road Test Review – F*** YES!

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Nothing prepares you for the GS-F. Even after weeks of heated anticipation, the GS-F’s arrival out front dropped jaws. And whipped heads around with its sonics for anyone within a mile radius of the highest-performance Lexus four-door of all time. The GS-F introduction for the 2016 modelyear joins a comprehensive GS revamp of the tech, style and powertrains up and down the lineup. A new turbo four kicks off a nine-strong model range as the GS200t, while and this monster 467HP V8 tops the broad new GS offering.  F Sport upgrades for the GS200t, GS350 and GS450h are all available, with the middle …

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First Drive – 2016 RAM 1500 LIMITED EcoDiesel + VIDEO Walkaround and 70 Pics

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  The absolute king of the job sites? The RAM Limited pack offers unlimited access to major energy, mining and construction projects.  Simply by its bad-ass visual boldness! In black over chrome for this tester, the $3k Limited package’s bright RAM script was well worth the cash, front and rear.  The new grille is an objet d’art.  It stencil motif lives inside in a twisted, western-inspired stitching across the cabin details.             We even warmed up to the 14000-size RAM font on the tailgate.  Might prefer the Limited-spec, body-color bumpers versus the $300 return to …

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2016 BMW 2002 Hommage Concept Slides Into Villa d’Este + VIDEO!

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Not really sure what to say about this M2 reskin that is the BMW brand’s big debut at this year’s Villa d’Este concours in Lake Como, Italy. It certainly has some expressive lines, deep shaping and a deconstructed aesthetic.  It is fabulous to see versus the absolutely repulsive BMW Vision Next 100 from a few weeks ago.  Both in style and substance. But while deconstructed, in a way, the design of this upgraded 2-series is a wide miss.  It feels like a fiberglass redo OVER and above the existing design, versus a holistic exercise in itself.  A frozen glasshouse, doorlines …

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2016 Aston Martin Vanquish ZAGATO Concept

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For years now, the car world has collectively wished for a new-looking Aston Martin flagship. Do we finally have one? Yes, yes we do.   2016 Aston Martin Vanquish ZAGATO Concept ASTON MARTIN UNVEILS VANQUISH ZAGATO CONCEPT AT VILLA D’ESTE 20/05/16   20 May, 2016, Cernobbio, Italy: Aston Martin and Italian design-house Zagato are proud to announce the Vanquish Zagato Concept, the latest creation from their long-standing partnership. The Vanquish Zagato Concept will make its global debut at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, held at Lake Como in Italy from 21 – 22 May 2016 The Vanquish Zagato Concept …

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NOVITEC TORADO Tunes the Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce

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Carbon aerodynamics components, centerlock forged wheels and engine tuning to 786 HP! Making the thrilling sports cars from Lamborghini even more powerful, faster and more custom is the specialty of NOVITEC TORADO. The company now also offers a sophisticated racing-look refinement program for the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce lightweight model. The product lineup ranges from carbon aerodynamic-enhancement components developed in the wind tunnel and hi-tech center-lock forged wheels co-developed with American manufacturer Vossen to a performance upgrade to an output of 578 kW / 786 hp and 738 Nm of torque. In addition, NOVITEC TORADO offers various sport exhaust systems …

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2017 Honda RIDGELINE RTL-E – SpeakerBed Stereo Intro and Photo Flyaround!

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We missed our chance to drive the new Ridgeline!  Can you believe it? How!? Just an action-packed day of drives at the Atlanta Auto Media group’s Family Car Challenge. One with lines waiting for a taste of this new 280HP Truck-UV.  TUV? Favorite Ridgeline feature in a pitch from Honda to journalists .. even without a drive?  The in-bed speaker system! The bed of the truck is a giant speaker.  Pure, deep and LOUD sound. So what, right?  Aren’t they just waterproof speakers or something? Will leak and break and be weak. NOPE! In-bed, magnetic-resonance audio that uses the inner chassis and truck …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Lincoln MKX EcoBoost AWD – Best of Awards

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Who makes the best sport SUVs? ‘Ze Germans! It is the Germans, without a doubt. The Germans have really defined the genre with their excellent Macan Turbos and X550i’s — with little serious competition from Japan or the US.  At least since the Infiniti FX and original, RWD Cadillac SRX faded. Something about an SUV cargo area, megalux cabin, corner-hungry handling and shouty 5-second sprints to 60-mph!  The combo is magic. There is a new hotshot on the block.  Just moved in. Named MKX. The 2016 Lincoln MKX EcoBoost AWD. I know, I know.  I understand your incredulousness. A truck as fast and …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Infiniti QX60 AWD – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 Infiniti QX60 AWD Great Style, Small Misses Over the past several years, Infiniti has really turned up the heat on its competitors by adding great styling and really improving their interiors. Add in a host of new features and a competitive price point, the 2016 Infiniti QX60 is really good, yet small details and a lack of torque hold it back. With Infiniti products, I often refer to them as the “sleeper” luxury pick. Why? Where other manufactures have a strong brand presence to bring in customers – like BMW, Mercedes Benz or Audi – Infiniti, for whatever …

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2016 TOYOTA TUNDRA TRD Pro Trophy Truck – Best in Baja?

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Toyota Signs Championship Off-Road Racer BJ Baldwin to Multi-Year Sponsorship Two-Time Baja 1000 Champion Reveals Tundra TRD Pro Trophy Truck at AMA Supercross Finals May 07, 2016 LAS VEGAS, Nevada, May 7, 2016— Before a roaring crowd of AMA Supercross fans, Toyota announced its sponsorship of BJ Baldwin, off-road racing superstar and mastermind behind the successful #Recoil video franchise. “Ballistic” BJ, an off-roader who has won the grueling Baja 1000 twice without the assistance of a second driver, will join Toyota’s diverse roster of sponsored athletes and will field a Tundra TRD Pro Trophy Truck in the SCORE International and …

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PRIOR-DESIGN Dodge Challenger PD900HC Widebody

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  Just a hyperlinked hat-tip to this incredible Dodge upgrade from PD! This fits all Challengers.   PRIOR-DESIGN Dodge Challenger PD900HC Widebody PRIOR-DESIGN PD900HC Widebody Aero-Kit for Dodge Challanger PRIOR-DESIGN Exclusive Tuning > Tuning for DODGE > Challanger > PD900HC Widebody Share this: Aerodynamics Interior Exhaust Systems Wheels Suspension Optional INFO This product is made from quality Fiberglass-Duraflex mix. This material is characterized by an excellent surface finish that provides sufficient flexibility combined with high stability and allows for easy and inexpensive painting. Also, our parts are all made with excellent fitment with no modifications or alterations needed for the …

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Audi A6/S6/RS6 Widebody! PRIOR-DESIGN PD600R Is Hot New Aerokit

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  The RS6 might not have crossed the pond to the USA, but now you can one-up that flagship via a massive new aerokit from Prior Design.  At least in terms of pure curb appeal, this PD600R widebody will make any A6 or S6 a fastlane king. Check out the gorgeous new PD600R in its element around Monte Carlo via the gallery, plus an itemized upgrade list and links to buy below that. PRIOR-DESIGN PD600R Widebody Aerodynamic-Kit for AUDI A6/RS6 With our PD600R Widebody Aero-Kit installed, the car is 8cm wider on the front & 10cm at the back. Complete …

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2016 SPOFEC Rolls Royce Wraith OVERDOSE – 717HP Widebody Dream!

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  Spofec calls this latest custom exotic the Overdose, but we call it the antidote! To the ultra trad, and kinda sad, stock looks coming out of Goodwood these days.   2016 SPOFEC Rolls Royce Wraith OVERDOSE P R E S S   R E L E A S E   SPOFEC OVERDOSE Limited-edition widebody version for the Rolls-Royce Wraith Extravagant design and twin-turbo V12 with 527 kW / 717 HP   An extravagant widebody design that characterizes the spectacular appearance and a matching 12-cylinder twin-turbo engine performance-tuned to produce 527 kW / 717 HP of peak power and 986 Nm …

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VIDEO: 2017 Ford Focus RS RX – Project RX Episode 1 – Design and Development

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            FORD PERFORMANCE RELEASES “PROJECT RX”: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE FORD FOCUS RS RX DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY The Ford Focus RS RX was designed to be the ultimate rallycross vehicle in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. Collaborating with UK-based M-Sport and Hoonigan Racing Division, Ford Performance engineers implemented the same high-tech instruments and procedures used on production vehicles to develop the Focus RS RX for competition. The first of a four-part documentary, episode one of “Project RX” highlights the design and development of the vehicle between Ford Performance headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, and the M-Sport …

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ItalDesign GIUGIARO Parcour – DIY Design Contest Entry Materials + 100 Renderings

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ItalDesign is taking new looks for its Parcour super-truck this month — with the winner scoring VIP passes to a giant gala in Valentino Park. The examples they’ve provided are pretty cool, but will take work to revamp stylishly.  A plan view from all sides, plus six PDFs of letters.  These outline what GIUGIARO does best. The DIY Design Contest goal is a new Livery, not just color and look.  So that likely includes some kind of wrap or graphics. But we’ve stuck to more of a colorblock type of fashion for most of the 110 renderings below.  Custom wheel …

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MSO Special! 1998 McLaren F1 #069 – Low Miles, Full Service History, CD Player

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The opposite of most classified ads today from McLaren Special Operations! The final F1 hypercar masterpiece, chassis #069, is available to a new home.  This car is absolutely concours-flawless and has been maintained since new by the MSO Heritage center. They’ve spiffed it up to as-new condition.  This car was clearly owned by a VIP for its whole life, and the trappings all come along near 20 years later when it is sold almost as-new. Including the titanium toolkit, toolbox, custom luggage and many other goodies. Pricing is rumored to be a cool $3-million.  As the only way to own what is …

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BEIJING 2016 – Top 10 Chinese Production Models

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PART TWO One look at any of the top concepts from the Beijing Motor Show will tell you: China has come of age in the car business. These were some of the most well-executed, on-trend and exciting models in the entire, gigantic show. The Chery FV2030 earns our vote as the best in show for futuristic concepts.  The Hongqi S Concept wins best in show for production-intent machines. And a special nod to the custom Karlmann King!  This SUV may or may not be a superlux, stealth-skinned Ford Expedition.  For $1.9-million.  =] A variety of sexy EV concepts and supercars definitely …

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BEIJING 2016 – Top 10 Chinese CONCEPT Cars and SUVs!

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One look at any of the top concepts from the Beijing Motor Show will tell you: China has come of age in the car business. These were some of the most well-executed, on-trend and exciting models in the entire, gigantic show. The Chery FV2030 earns our vote as the best in show for futuristic concepts.  The Hongqi S Concept wins best in show for production-intent machines. And a special nod to the custom Karlmann King!  This SUV may or may not be a superlux, stealth-skinned Ford Expedition.  For $1.9-million.  =] A variety of sexy EV concepts and supercars definitely warrant a …

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BEIJING 2016 – Analysis: State of the Chinese Car Industry + Top 12 Global-Brand Debuts

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The Beijing Motor Show is the flagship event for the absolutely gigantic Chinese car market, and as such is a great barometer of how the industry there is evolving.  For many years, the narrative has been twin threads: — huge potential and rapid advancement from bicycles 25 years ago — shameless flouting of IP via copies of well-known brands and cars, right down to the smallest details. All executed in horrible fashion.  Door shutline gaps that could swallow a hand, paint mismatches, cabin gawps, weird detailing and — last but not least — some laughable names to English-speaking ears. Enter, …

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2016 Lexus GS-F – GoPro Adventures! 3 Full-Throttle Drive Videos, LED Walkaround and Startup/Exhaust Note

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Updated 4.29.16 We’re very aware that the HD drive reviews we post here are not world-class. Not anywhere close.  Sticking a GoPro up and heading out has basically been our gameplan.  The uploading the ginormous video files to YouTube virtually unedited whatsoever.  The real way to do this would be to do a script, many takes, and then refine it meticulously in the editing room.  By an expert editor. Alas, the videos so far have been more of ‘extra credit’ additions to written drive reviews. Then this GS-F came along, and we had to up our game.  Still no script …

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$10 Grand Per Pound! 1968 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART Spider = 821 New Miatas?!

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This Ferrari tops the estimate lists of the upcoming RM Sotheby’s auction in Monaco next month.  The experts predict a total of about 20-million Euros, which comes to about $23-million in US monies. The scale and performance of this V12 icon are remarkably close to a 2016 MX-5 Mazda Miata.  So we thought it would be fun to show how much each costs per pound.  The results are shocking, to say the least. First off, the Miata is about 12 bucks a pound.  It weighs 100 pounds more than the Ferrari, but costs only about $28k in total. If we …

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RM Monaco 2016 Preview – 1995 Lamborghini Diablo SE30 Jota

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The absolute best time to buy a classic exotic, aging hypercar or “future classic” ? The golden age is between 20 and 25 years old.  Just think of how hot you were at that age! Just kidding.  You were never hot. Still kidding! With supercars, the early 20s are when a car is firmly out of fashion among the trendiest shoppers, yet before it turns 25 and becomes an official classic car.  That lets you import it to the US and make it road legal with no clever DMV acrobatics.  And on cars’ 25th birthdays, their values generally start to …

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RM Monaco 2016 Preview – 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet by Pinin Farina

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The glamour of this design is clear to see. We especially love the shallow cowl and low-roof glasshouse.  With the top down, this low roofline and chopped windshield create and mean and modern style.  One that looks much younger than its seven-decade tenure on Earth. The detailing is particularly enchanting. The hidden door handles, the clear gauge dials and the red Alfa badges are all favorites.   1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet by Pinin Farina Lot 268 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet by Pinin Farina Chassis no. 915.766 Engine no. 928.072 €550.000 – €800.000 …

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RM Monaco 2016 Preview – 1948 Tucker 48

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The only Tucker in Europe is headed for auction in the next few weeks. This car is an icon.  Triple headlights with cornering functionality, a boxer six engine up front, independent suspension all around and even a four-speed transmission!  A sports sedan 20 years before the term would gain meaning. Six exhausts out back and even brake cooling intakes on the rear fenders?  Yep. Tucker was ahead of his time, and the fact that just 50 of his creations would be made is a crying shame. This car in blue looks about as nice as they come. RM Monaco 2016 …

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Power Surge! LARTE Design TESLA Model S P85D Elizabeta REDLINE

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PART TWO: The Redline Look! 50 more gorgeous photos from Larte Design of their Tesla Elizabeta mods.  This time at a heavy industrial site.  The heaviest industry of all, in fact! What’s that?  Nuclear power…!  No cooling towers needed for this Tesla’s hot black and red look. Tesla is wiping the face off the Model S for its first facelift, but we think Larte Design’s new bumpers and aerokit are far sexier.  Please enjoy a thorough look at the Larte ‘Elizabeta’ upgrades in this posh shopping photoshoot!  The parts are available in three materials, with the top carbon-fiber/basalt combination said …

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LARTE Design TESLA Model S P85D Elizabeta Mods Are Hot!

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  Tesla is wiping the face off the Model S for its first facelift, but we think Larte Design’s new bumpers and aerokit are far sexier.  Please enjoy a thorough look at the Larte ‘Elizabeta’ upgrades in this posh shopping photoshoot!  The parts are available in three materials, with the top carbon-fiber/basalt combination said to be stronger and much lighter than traditional fiberglass.  The nose and tail is the most upgraded, to our eyes, but the sill extensions, spoilers all around and exposed-weave carbon elements are deeply sexy throughout. The upgrades from Larte Design are pretty reasonable, in terms of …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Jaguar XF 35t R-Sport RWD

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Here is another new Jag that absolutely wallops the competition. Brutally competent.  Ruthlessly efficient.  Stylishly elegant. Very fast with a 5.2-second sprint to 60-mph, yet never too shouty about it. The new 2016 XF is stunningly good.  This mid-range model lives between the base Ingenium diesel here in the USA and the top XF S with its 380HP and sport exhaust. 340 ponies are always on tap thanks to the supercharged engine configuration.  Same goes for the worlds-best ZF eight-speed automatic.  And the lightweight, part-aluminum chassis that drops hundreds of Lbs versus its arch-rivals the 535i and Mercedes-Benz E350. How …

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Track Drive Video + Photos – 2016 Lamborghini HURACAN LP610-4 – XtremeXperience

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Here is a curious machine.  One that we’ve loved from afar — and up close — for a few years now.  The Huracan fired up in the AMP pit lane for XtremeXperience’s track day with the most fury, and the most sheer energy. There is no hiding the 5.2-liter, naturally-aspirated V10’s goodness.  And if you think it sounds great on ignition… wait until we get into the throttle! In standard Strada street mode due to the track conditions, however, the Huracan drove itself into a solid third place among the 458 Italia and McLaren 570S.  While the AWD Lambo had …

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First Track Drive – 2016 McLaren 570S Coupe at XtremeXperience (Plus Twin-Camera Video!)

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  The new 570S was the most exciting sight of a day filled with exotic cars from XtremeXperience.  This team travels all over the midwest and east coast of the US making dreams come true with their supercar fleet. So getting fixated on one is not required, especially with their three-car drive special at discounted rates. But fixated, we were.  This 570S is all-new and the cheapest car McLaren has ever made. Yet skim the brochure and their is little to knock the kid brother down from its P1 and 650S siblings. Similar carbon-fiber chassis tub, similar lightweight bodywork and …

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2017 Lexus IS Preview – New Noses, Wilder F-Sport Upgrades and Quicker Sprint Pace

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The new IS is half-way here!  The revised model just bowed in Beijing with fresh bumpers, lighting, transmissions and infotainment. Why half-way?  We have only seen a partial look so far at the new US-market IS based on this debut.  The IS shown here in F Sport guise is wearing China-exclusive LEDs that are not the design we’ll see stateside.  The other show vehicle in China shows the base IS face, with new arrowhead LEDs, a slice of LED inside the lamp itself, and projector-beam main lights.  All good stuff — especially as these new lights have auto highbeams — …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special (w/ Videos!)

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    The Mustang GT Convertible had a hell of a week here at Car-Revs-Daily.com! First we shot photos of the pony-car icon alongside a LaFerrari, then took an epic road trip down to Botany Bay for yet more photos.  And some very exciting full-throttle videos, too! You would do the same when presented with a dream-car, right? This Mustang GT Cali Special is a life-changing vehicle.  One that is so outstandingly fun, sexy and playful that you gladly forgive its autobox spec and slight cowl shake over big bumps. Wind in your hair, V8 bellow in your ears…… is there any …

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Beijing Debuts – 2017 Audi TT RS Coupe and Roadster – 3.7s via 400HP!

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A fantastic range-topper for the new TT twins: the RS! Power is up by 60Hp over the previous TT RS via a new turbo five-cylinder engine. Ultra-short new ratios for the launch gears of  the DSG twin-clutch auto rocket the new TT RS Coupe to 62-mph in just 3.7-seconds. The ragtop is not far behind. Various trim options for the deep lower splitter, all-new bumpers and grilles front and rear make unique statements.  The black is dark and menacing, while the silver effect (as shown on the red Coupe below) is just as modern and mean… but a bit brighter. …

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4.2s, 350HP 2017 Porsche 718 CAYMANS Revealed! Boosted Boxer Fours Are Faster, Cheaper

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  The new Cayman has arrived!  Just in time to make anyone who ordered the Boxster Spyder or Cayman GT4 feel like a fool? Not really.  This new generation has new styling, all-new cabin tech and a vastly changed powertrain duo. Swapping to standard twin-turbo four power for the Cayman means this will be a very changed Porsche versus its flat-six predecessors.  Pace is way up across the board, and pricing is sharply down.  The entry price in Euros is now below the 718 Boxster for the first time, unlike the previous hardtop premium that made no sense. But justifying a …

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2017 Smart BRABUS Twins Revealed – 20% Power Bump, Quicker Steering and Sport Exhaust

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The new Smart twins are actually quite promising in their first major redesign since the brand was started in the late 1990s. The microcars have been as popular as polio in the US market in their ten years on the market, so the US arrival of the on-sale-now generations to America was never a top priority.  That still stands: there is no official timeframe for them to jump the pond.  A November arrival in 2016 seems plausible. We hope the ForFour will join the unloved ForTwo in the back corner of Mercedes-Benz service loaner folder. Only for clients they hate …

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Plum Crazy 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T – XtremeXperience Wet Track Laps Are Mesmerizing (w/ HD Video!)

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It might seem unlikely to kick off a five-part article series about XtremeXperience supercar track days with the slowest, heaviest car in the pitlane. But anyone who has driven a Challenger R/T… a) in the rain or b) on a racetrack …knows that combining those two is a recipe for white knuckles, at the very least. And more likely, one of two endgames: a crawling pace or a big spin-out into the grass. And perhaps from there into a tire-lined safety fence beside the track. So this experience as the first outing of the day at Atlanta Motorsports Park left …

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2017 Ford F-150 RAPTOR Going Global to 96 Markets, Including China!

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  The unstoppable new Raptor Supercrew is going global!  Just like its Mustang brother, the big Raptor will be a halo model in major markets for the first time.  96 in total for the Raptor, and this now includes China! Its stonking, high-flying act arrives in China in the spec previewed here, with slightly altered lights and bumpers, arrives in China around February 2017.   2017 Ford F-150 RAPTOR China FEARLESS, FEROCIOUS AND FUN: FORD INTRODUCES F-150 RAPTOR SUPERCREW TO CHINA All-new Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew makes its China debut, bringing unmatched levels of off-road excitement and performance to the …

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2016 INFINITI QX Sport Inspiration Concept Bows in Beijing

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Well well well! Look what we have here: the all-new Infiniti QX Sport concept — with many all-new and sexy lines in an ultra-modern crossover size. We expected the teasers for this concept to be a clear look at the upcoming QX70 replacement (FX)… but we’re much less sure now that 30 photos from all sides are available. What is certain?  Infiniti’s future SUVs will all look hot.  Dripping glamour in every wavy rise and crest. But this machine in particular?  We have a sortof Murano-for-China feeling about the machine’s proportions.  Though impressive and on-trend, the rear-drive cross/coupe style of …

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Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1959 Berkeley SE492 – Micromini FWD English Roadster?!

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It is difficult to describe how small this car is. The 1959 Berkeley Sports Twosome SE492 is about the size of a normal carnival bumper-car.  And perhaps only slightly larger than most PowerWheels children’s toys. Its 70-inch wheelbase meets extremely low and narrow overall dimensions — and is literally dwarfed by some of the bigger classic cars parked nearby. The concept of a lightweight and cheap English roadster was taken to new millimeter-small dimensions during the 1956-1960 production run of the Berkeley automotive venture. The engine of this SE492 is an air-cooled triple making just 30 horsepower. A four-speed automatic send …

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TECHART Carbon Sport Package for the 911 GT3 RS 8

TechArt Goes Carbon Crazy on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS!

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TechArt just revealed their latest hot mods for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS: a comprehensive carbon sport package! This swaps all the exterior’s matte grey plastic for pure, exposed-weave carbon fiber. The TechArt pieces are lighter, stronger and much more eye-catching.  Favorites include the CF splitter and sills, plus the front fender outlets and rear fender intakes.  Swapping these for carbon pieces dramatically ups the wow factor of this track-attack Porker.   TECHART Carbon Sport Package for the 911 GT3 RS Leonberg, April 20th, 2016   For a striking appearance and motor sport accents, TECHART carbon fiber parts set distinct exterior …

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Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1954 SIATA 200CS Balbo Coupe – Inspired Design and Iconic Beauty

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Here is a vehicle whose beauty is only surpassed by its rarity. The 1954 Siata Torino 200CS. It has the elegance of many Maserati’s, but also the purpose and aeronautical inspiration that made the Aston Martin DB3 and DB4 such hits.  And what is this!?  No cutlines whatsoever in the back bubble fastback?! Hidden headlamps? These might be the second-ever application of pop-up headlights since they made their first aero-inspired appearance in the Cord 810 of the 1930s.  The elegance of a pure, clean upper hood edge would come in vogue by the 1970s, and ride the wave through the …

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2016 Inferno REVENTADOR – Nightmarish Lambo Reskin, Or Dreamy Hyperexotic?

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This Inferno Reventador has been giving us nightmares for weeks every time the file folder is open.  Just the thumbnails are enough to make my skin crawl. But perhaps they make yours warm and tingly? The bodywork is said to be made of a “zinc aluminum foam” that claims to offers light weight and ballistics protection. We hate the idea of a gap-filler being used as a car body, but its need to be shaped rapidly does go one step beyond clay models used by many styling houses.  In reality, these shapes are likely cast in molds, like fiberglass, and …

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First Drive Gallery – 2016 Porsche Panamera GTS

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We mis-spoke when saying on GS-F videos last week that the Lexus was the only naturally-aspirated, rear-drive super-sedan on the market! There is one big daddy to contend with: the Panamera GTS. This hardcore sports model is the most stylish, most playful and best-sounding Panamera of all time. It is impossible to do the car justice from a fairly brief test drive, but the photos speak very clearly for themselves! Just like the 4.8-liter, 440HP V8, in fact! Pricing for the GTS as shown here rings in at $129k.  Worth it?  Oh yes. The base of $113k climbs rapidly, with …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Hyundai SONATA SPORT 2.0T (+Drive Video)

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The new Sonata generation has not been universally loved.  It largely abandons the previous swirling design and CLS-style low roof in favor of a longer wheelbase and larger rump.  Backseaters will be thrilled: it is now truly jumbo back there and in the trunk. The benefit of this move is a much larger, and technically full-size, cabin versus its mid-size rivals.  What was lost, however, was the near-premium appeal of the Sonata on the roads versus identical Accords and Camrys. We’re into the second year of this new Sonata generation, and the range is filling out to meet many buyer …

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784HP, 218-MPH Ferrari F12 N-Largo S by Novitec Rosso

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The N Largo upgrades to the Ferrari F12 and California from Novitec Rosso are clear favorites of ours in the exotic tuner scene.  The crew from Stetten, Germany is back with an even wilder evolution of the widebody racecar theme: the new N-Largo S. Now even wider and even racier! Power is now up to a stout 784HP from the 6.3-liter V12, while top speed climbs ever higher to kissing 218-mph, or a round 350-kph.  Deeply impressive, perhaps especially so in this monochrome gunmetal grey.  Favorite design details are many.  The full-width intake up front is intense with its extra …

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Kiawah 2016 Highlights - 1974 DeTomaso Longchamp 15

Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1974 DeTomaso Longchamp

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Here is a seriously rare exotic that influenced virtually every American car in the 1980s: the DeTomaso Longchamp.  But here’s the key detail: this car is a 1974. The 80s Ford Mustang and even Chevy Caprice likely thought their inspiration was a secret thanks to the Longchamp’s non-imported status. But what about the Volvo 960 and even the Maserati Quattroporte of the 1980s?!  Shameless copies, and now we know the origin of the epoch-defining block styling. DeTomaso’s widebody, rear-drive GT coupe proportions fender details are still stunning in 2016.  As is the massive cabin width and great luxury throughout. Thankyou to …

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Kiawah 2016 – 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost – Video Startup and Walkthrough of Pre-War Lineup

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We started recording just as the Kiawah Concours judges were reviewing this majestic limo, and got to watch the startup!  It chugged for a second then purred into life sounding smooth and very quiet for the era!   Kiawah 2016 – 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost – Video Startup      

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Kiawah 2016 – 1928 AUBURN 8-115 Speedster

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This Auburn 115 Speedster would have made Jay Gatsby’s yellow Rolls-Royce look like a city bus by comparison.  Just two seats, roadster cockpit with aero windshield in twin planes, plus a boattail rear end that makes its giant hood even more prominent. Fast has a mascot in the roaring twenties, and it was this Auburn.   Kiawah 2016 – 1928 AUBURN 8-115 Speedster

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Kiawah 2016 – 1919 Pierce-Arrow 66A-4 Owned by Fatty Arbuckle

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Imagine the showiest hypercar in the world, driven by the world’s biggest movie star. Then flash back 100 years. The owner was Fatty Arbuckle and his Pierce-Arrow was just as gigantic as the Hollywood legend himself. In the flesh, this machine is absolutely gigantic.  It looks like it could swat Model T’s off the road without breaking a sweat.  Its creme tires are a delight, too. 1919 Pierce-Arrow 66A-4 Owned by Fatty Arbuckle

2017 Porsche 911 C2S – RACE YELLOW and GUARDS RED (+First Drive Videos)

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    PART TWO: RACE YELLOW and GUARDS RED   It is quite unusual for a new-gen 911 with an all-new engine, freshness up front and an all-new tail to be upstaged by a simple paint color. But that is the effect Miami Blue has in the flesh! This $4k optional shade joins the new Lava Orange as the brightest, sexiest shades Porsche has offered in years.  Even the standard, no-charge colors are quite becoming on this new Carrera S, however.  The Guard Red is as traditional a color as ever, yet looks fan-tas-tic up close in the flesh.  Various …

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2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S – First Drive in MIAMI BLUE! (+Videos and Color Visualizer)

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It is quite unusual for a new-gen 911 with an all-new engine, freshness up front and an all-new tail to be upstaged by a simple paint color. But that is the effect Miami Blue has in the flesh! This $4k optional shade joins the new Lava Orange as the brightest, sexiest shades Porsche has offered in years.  Even the standard, no-charge colors are quite becoming on this new Carrera S, however.  The Guard Red is as traditional a color as ever, yet looks fan-tas-tic up close in the flesh.  Various dark or light headlight trims and many finishes for the …

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Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder – Ingram Collection

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An authenticity check is very helpful before falling in love with the first 550 Spyder you find out in the real world! And once you find that original, you have to drink in its details throughout.  Smoother than a porcelain lion-claw bathtub, with aircraft rivets throughout its cabin and even lightweight drilled mechanicals.  Check out that handbrake!  The holes reduced its total weight. The carved-out rear decklid is perhaps just as striking as the vehicle’s tiny size.  Between the semi-sharp rear fender-tops, the rear metal sinks deep and low to the ground.  Stunning. Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1955 Porsche 550 …

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1963 LOTUS Super 7 Cosworth 8

Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1963 LOTUS Super 7 Cosworth

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So tiny. So elegant! The Lotus Seven in the flesh is unreal in its engineering purity and basic beauty. The cabin with basic lower seat cushions but hardbacked pieces for both perches?  Or the giant, one-piece front fenders.  And the elaborate, contrast-creme weatherstripping between its central body and fenders?  All exquisite. Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1963 LOTUS Super 7 Cosworth

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2016 McLaren 675LT Spider – Media Launch Brings 50 New, Real-Life Photos

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  Updated 4.18.16 with 50 new photos from the sunniest part of Northern Europe…!? McLaren just set the configurator of the new 675LT Spider live on the web! The builder is tweaked versus previous McLaren visualizers — simplified and tailored for the small batch of 500 LT Spiders to be produced. Six custom configurations of exterior and interior design are grouped into themes for the launch, but eight wheel styles and three dozen other colors are on the list for standard pricing. Favorites do not include the new 675LT Spider exclusive color: Solis.  This is definitely a rich golden metallic …

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2016 Volkswagen BEIJING CONCEPT 1

2016 Volkswagen BEIJING CONCEPT – CrossBlue GTE Preview?

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The only way out of this VW TDI mess is product.  That much is clear.  Product, asap! So this latest reveal from VW is very promising. Even as just teaser images. The specs outlined below from VW are enticing: 516-pound-feet of torque via its PHEV drivetrain.  Along with 6.0-seconds to 60-mph and a top end of 139-mph. No word on what the production intentions are for this new truck, nor the number of seats.  But this Beijing Concept is a good look at a five and seven-seat medium crossover coming from all VW regions in the mid-term future. Sliding under …

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Kiawah Concours 2016 - 1990 Jaguar R9R aka XJR-15 10

Kiawah Concours 2016 – 1990 Jaguar R9R aka XJR-15

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This R9R Jaguar looks absolutely current next to cars 25 years younger. That might be the vehicle’s huge achievment over the XJ220 that would follow this 50-unit special’s production run in the early 1990s. The XJR-15 as shown here also delivered on some goals the XJ220 could not.  Primarily, running a 450HP V12 midship, while the XJ220 reverted to a turbo six after the big 12-cylinder could not be fit in its giant tail section, somehow. Kiawah Concours 2016 – 1990 Jaguar R9R aka XJR-15  

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Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 – Photo Flyaround

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We wouldn’t normally include a midsize crossover in the mix of concours hits out of Kiawah Island 2016.  But the GLC is a real fave: real-drive, low-roof stance and air suspension available. This fairly mainstream trimline runs a 2.0-liter turbo four making 241HP and 273 pound-feet of torque to the back wheels.  A nine-speed auto and a $39k base price make this a very tempting new option for buyers.  No LED headlights or posh DRLs for this $47k example with its 19-inch wheels and other options, though. Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 – Photo Flyaround

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BMW i8 – Widescreen Photo Flyaround – Inside and Out at Kiawah Concours

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THe i8 never fails to impress in the flesh! This car is so low, so otherworldly and so exotic up close. Even in 2014 spec and this fairly familiar silver, the vehicle is a stunning piece of design and engineering. BMW i8 Photo Flyaround – Inside and Out at Kiawah Concours

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Kiawah Island Concours 2016 – 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan – Charleston PD

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Lots of really special classics, and lots of modern metal too, at the first-ever Kiawah Island Motoring Retreat! This concours takes place on the oceanside golf course of the resort island near Charleston, South Carolina. One favorite find?  This Charleston Police car from 1948! It is a Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan that has been lovingly brought up to code inside, outside and under that triple black paintwork. 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan – Charleston PD

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1970 Fiat 850 Spiaggetta by Michelotti – RM Monaco 2016 Preview

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  Want to ensure exclusivity for your new harborside Fiat?  Build only eighty in total, and sell them to counts and royals up and down the Riviera! The goal of the 850 Spiaggetta was the update the classic Fiat Jolly ethos with modern aesthetics and performance.  The tail of this wicker-cabined cruiser is perhaps its most avante-garde and influential part. Check out the pinched inner tail and circular lamps!  These would directly inspire the Ferrari Mondial, among others.   1970 Fiat 850 Spiaggetta by Michelotti Without Reserve Chassis no. 100GB 1290331

Travel Adventures – 2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special Visits Botany Bay, SC (+Video, 50 Photos)

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Any list of great drive adventures on the East Coast should include Botany Bay.  This special nature preserve in Edisto Beach South Carolina offers stunning old Oak trees and curvey roads from start to finish. The property is free to enter, with a parking area a few miles in at the tital marsh and dunes.  Then the action happens for most visitors: you stroll a boardwalk to a beach that is absolutely frozen in time.  It is completely original, with hundreds of trees in the sands. The backstory of the property traces to the Seabrook family’s Sea Cloud plantation.  Construction started …

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493HP 2016 BMW M4 GTS Media Launch in Barcelona – 300 Cars Coming to USA!

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Gorgeous launch photos and lineage recap from BMW’s media drive event for the new M4 GTS! This new water-injected turbocharger system ups power to a stout 493HP to go along with its track-attack grip setup, aero package and lightweighting regime.  One particularly awesome detail?  The power-extendable chin splitter!    We’re not sure if the splitter is manually extended or power operated.  The GTS does come with a special toolkit for customizing its shock stiffness and height or different racetracks.  That rear wing is also remarkably beautiful up close.   Beautiful and deeply functional!  Especially in its most raised angle… pinning …

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2016 Toyota UBOX Concept 5

2016 Toyota UBOX Concept – Clemson’s Gen Z Vision for EV Offroader

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UBOX is a very fresh face from Toyota!  This all-EV off-roader was created by the grad students of Clemson University’s CU-ICAR research center to meet the upcoming needs of generation Z on the road. The design is actually quite refreshing, with sharp creases and a chic minimalism to its appeal.  That includes a bluff and trucklike nose and ride height, paired with a giant reconfigurable cabin. But why that minivan windshield angle? That is a big part of an innovative new “pultrusion” process for making carbon-fiber roof rails.  This technique is apparently all-new and very interesting to top Toyota brass …

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Gran Turismo Red Bull X2014 Fan Car – Genius Racer… Now in 4D, Desktop Size

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Red Bull’s prototype racecars for Gran Turismo are some of the most influential looks at the future of racing, and have been since the X2010 and X2014 challenges.  A four-pack of concept vehicles was the result of those efforts, with the machines raceable in the game. Because GT5 and GT6 have such intense details in their physics simulator algorithms, you really can get a sense of each vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses on track.  You become extremely familiar with their behavior at the limit — like a true racing scenario.  It sounds like a cliche to say, but GT6 is that …

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2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 by BBM Motorsport – Hear the 700HP Blackbooty’s CAPRISTO Exhaust

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If any sports car is really universal, it must be the Porsche 911…  AND the C7 Corvette! The new Corvette is so, so amazing to drive that its appeal transcends borders and cultures like wind, water or sunlight. The seven-speed stickshift, the standard targa roof panel, the 4-second launches, the big trunk, and the big V8 howl.  All these things make the Eurotrip in full working order, and have perhaps an even larger impact on those more familiar with grimey diesels than a clean cut of American sirloin. It is interesting to know what BBM Motorsport would do to their C7 …

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2016 Renault CLIO by WALDOW Performance – Smurfberry Blue Track Special

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Any time the words “Smurf” and “Blue” make it into an official press release, it is usually good for a belly laugh.  We were seriously loving the color and black alloys, contrast-red rollbars and the slammed KW stance of this Clio already.  But then they go and mention the Smurfs. And we’re back to feeling silly! That laughing, delightful character is a big part of any Clio’s appeal.  This one just happens to be a battle-Smurf!  Deadly serious, regardless of its skin tone! 2016 Renault Clio by WALDOW Performance   WALDOW Performance reveals the Renault Clio 4 – The Real …

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VOSSEN VFS-2 Alloys Sex Up TESLA Model S

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  Tesla’s Model S is rumored to have a facelift debuting very soon.  And it is about time!  We are shocked to know they are still making many of these EV benchmarks with those same bright alloys and boring maroon paintwork.  Just like they have for years!  This is not great for the $100k super-sedan shopper, who has plenty to choose from these days. Staying stylish is just a phonecall away with these gorgeous Vossen wheels. These VFS-2 forged alloys in matte bronze/copper finish are enough to make even a very-familiar silver Model S feel fresh.  The lowered ride height helps, …

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RM Monaco 2016 - 1971 March 711 F1 Car 8

RM Monaco 2016 – 1971 March 711 F1 Car – Scored Second-Place in Monaco Gran Prix

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What March lacks today in brand recognition, it more than made up for in its prime via engineering brilliance. You even get that sense looking at this F1 racer today.  Its aero is intense, but not a defining element of the car.  The glory in the March 711 would be mostly left to driver skill.  Massive rubber all around was the key to rapid corner exits for this car, much more than its primitive wings in the nose and tail.  The oval aero plane in front earned the nickname Spitfire as well as ‘tea tray’ out on the GP circuit. While …

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RM Monaco 2016 – 1969 MG MGC GTS Sebring

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Generally speaking, the more acronyms after a car’s name the better. It usually means it is some rare, high-performance variant that may or may not have even been road-legal. And the best possible indication that speed is a sure thing?   If that long name ends with a famous racetrack! Think 599 GTB Fiorano, 365GTB/4 Daytona… This MGC GTS Sebring is the most intense MG we’ve ever laid eyes on!  The black and gold livery is lovely, as is the widebody, wide rubber and wide-open throttle in this featherweight slugger.   1969 MG MGC GTS Sebring RM Sotheby’s Monaco 14 …

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RM Monaco 2016 – 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato

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The Roadster Zagato is perhaps even more unique and special than its SZ (Sprint Zagato) hardtop sibling!  The styling is truly otherworldly for a production model.  Performance was pretty brisk, too.  A 210HP V6 drove the back wheels via a five-speed transaxle, ensuring good traction and weight distribution. 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato RM Sotheby’s Monaco 14 May 2016 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato Without Reserve Chassis no. ZAR16200003002164 Serial no. 145 Engine no. AK5150100138 Photo Credit: Tim Scott ©2016 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s Type ES-30. 210 bhp, 2,959 cc DOHC V-6 engine with electronic fuel injection, five-speed …

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1965 Fiat 600 Multipla 1

RM Monaco 2016 – 1965 Fiat 600 Multipla – First 7-Seat Minivan?

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No reserve for the auction of this delightful Fiat Multipla in cobalt blue over white. The origins of the minivan are widely debated, but this three-row machine is damn close to nailing the template.  Albeit with rear-engine, rear-drive layout.  That engine in the trunk would be a godsend for summer vacations — where a front-engine car’s tremendous heat would have the cabin near-boiling after a few hours on the autostrada. 1965 Fiat 600 Multipla RM Sotheby’s Monaco 14 May 2016 1965 Fiat 600 Multipla Without Reserve Chassis no. 100D.108 126736 Engine no. 100D.008 4541 Photo Credit: Tim Scott ©2016 Courtesy …

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RM Monaco 2016 – 1965 Alpine-Renault A110 in Group 4 Rally Spec

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  A full rally special has been made out of this A110 road car, and it is all the better for it! The stretched fenders front and rear, unique airdam, custom intakes and whale tail out back are all stunning.  We hope this Alpine earns some big bucks when it goes up for sale next month in Monaco. 1965 Alpine-Renault A110 in Group 4 Rally Spec RM Sotheby’s Monaco 14 May 2016 1965 Alpine-Renault A110 Chassis no. 3336 Engine no. 4350 Photo Credit: Remi Dargegen ©2016 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s Est. 160 bhp, 1,798 cc inline four-cylinder engine with Lucas …

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2016 Audi A8L Extended 5

2016 Audi A8L Extended Length – Six-Door, Six-Seat Megalux Limo

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What a freaky machine to find in your inbox on a bright Monday morning! A jumbo A8L with six doors, giant glass moonroof and six giant seats. While jaded about the car and what it stands for, we can’t help but like the way the cabin turned out.  The three rows of seats are slightly more functional than the Maybach Pullman, which has two rear-facing seats in its limo compartment’s midsection.  This A8L Extended has more practicality and comfort for all its riders, but much less throne-like legroom for the money seats in the wayback. The 2016 Audi A8L Extended is …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 GMC Yukon DENALI 4WD

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GMC unknowingly timed their full Yukon redesign perfectly:  as the new full-size trucks arrived in 2015, gas prices dropped to historic lows.  Rave reviews on the new trucks’ style, tech and performance propelled massive sales gains: nearly double the sales of the overall vehicle, and almost tripling the previous year’s Yukon XL sales. These are still down from their heady highs in the 70k-units-plus annual tallies that evaporated after 2008’s gas-price spike.   There is much more to the success of the Yukon Denali than external factors like gas prices., however.  This lux truck is a perfect sweet-spot between yummy …

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2016 INFINITI QX80 Limited AWD Review - EXTERIOR PHOTOS 3

Road Test Review – 2016 INFINITI QX80 Limited with Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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2016 INFINITI QX80 Limited AWD Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman   The first thing I noticed when the Infiniti QX80 arrived in my driveway was how big it is.  It’s HUGE.  How huge is it?  I think the front bumper resides in a different zip code than the rear bumper. (Rim-shot)  You don’t look for a parking space as much as a mooring. (Another rim-shot).  If you are not Shaquille O’Neal, you better get a ladder if you want to wash the roof. The QX80 is a full five-inches longer than a Cadillac Escalade, and has a five-inch longer wheelbase.  That’s …

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1894 SILSBY Horse-Drawn Steam Fire Engine 8

1911 Stanley Model 63 Toy Tonneau – Steamer Speedster Earns $290k at RM Amelia

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A steamer speedster if there ever was one!  Forward thrust was readily available when  on full boil.  Brakes, mind you, were still in a nascent phase.  Speed was for the brave! 1911 Stanley Model 63 Toy Tonneau RM Auctions Amelia Island 2016 Lot 165 1911 Stanley Model 63 Toy Tonneau To be auctioned on Saturday, March 12, 2016 Without Reserve Sold for $286,000

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1894 SILSBY Horse-Drawn Steam Fire Engine – RM Auctions Amelia Island 2016 Highlights

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Motorized, steam fire engines were some of the highest-tech wagons on the roads between 1850 and the dawn of the motorcar 50 years later. The need for mechanized, high-volume water pumps to extinguish urban and industrial accidents was what drove such huge innovation at the time.  These high-tech water wagons didn’t know at the time that their steam-engine solutions would spur internal combustion.   For this machine, the steam boiler drove a turbine, which then drove a water pump. Hoses attached to the input would pull water through the system and out the main fire-fighting nozzles and ladders at high pressure and volume. …

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2016 Lexus GS-F Caviar Black 9

Speed Fleet Intro! 2016 Lexus GS-F – First 70 Photos in Caviar Black

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One of the hottest new super-sedans just arrived out front! Then something magical happened.  They tossed me the keys … and said bon voyage.   We’re barely an hour into this week-long tryst, and I can tell it is going to get pretty steamy.  467HP, active intake and exhaust, standard torque-vectoring-differential in back.  And perhaps even four-wheel-steering in Sport + drive mode??! Only a few cautious prods of the GS-F’s throttle so far, and less than a block of driving.  200 photos later, and we can’t wait to share this stunning M5 rival with you.  Rushing this a bit, as you might …

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2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR – HD Road Test Review + Drive Video

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The Nissan Altima is a favorite around here.  Even drivers coming from exotic cars would be astounded by the compentence of this vehicle for 2016. We recently dubbed it the ‘world’s smoothest sedan’ in 2.5SL form.  That smoothness is from effortless drive manners, the infinite-ratio Xtronic automatic and, of course, the pillowy ride quality of the mid-spec Altima. This SR trimline is new for the 2016 model-year on the four-cylinder engine.  An effective nose darkening with smoked headlamp lenses and optics sets a great mood from the start.   Larger wheels and sport-suspension and cabin are added bonii. All good, …

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1950 Jaguar XK120 Alloy Roadster 8

RM Monaco 2016 – 1950 Jaguar XK120 Alloy Roadster – War, Peace and Speed Records

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You can almost sense that how much post-war Jaguar was still heady with knowledge and insights from designing torpedos, fighter planes and bombers. On the return to civilian life, that knowledge greatly enhanced the performance of their vehicles. Their insight into light construction, aerodynamics and pure, function-first aesthetics is clear to see on this XK120 Alloy from 1950.  We love how these weapons-designers applied a softer, lighter mood overall to this sports roadster.  Its baby blue color only reinforces the peace-making mission this car would tackle. The hints of brutality and war, however, are not hard to find in this iconic machine’s design …

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