NEW CARS

1987 Buick GNX by ASC McLaren – Detail Photo Flyaround Inside and Out

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The GNX left a sweet mark on the brand and perhaps the car business in general.  It was the announcement of POWER and speed — rejoining mainstream car lines after more than a decade of downsizing, Cimmarons and K-cars. The heart and soul of the GNX is of course its McLaren-upgraded V6 engine. The 3.8-liter, intercooled turbo was a revolution at the time. Its output bested most V8s and its power delivery was the best part. Through the also-racier standard automatic transmission in the GNX, the giant lump of turbo torque made the most of its lag. Momentary boost-up for …

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1969 Ford Mustang BOSS 429 in Raven Black 28

Mecum 2016 Florida Favorites – 1969 Ford Mustang BOSS 429 in Raven Black

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This Mustang Boss 429 was the top ponycar of its year: fast, loud and even slightly luxurious! This example is a four-speed manual (v desirable) with period Magnum 500 wheels.  An alloy intake and rumble hood scoop complete the Boss appeal when static.  When rolling, this thunderclap of a car is happiest on a tire-shredding launch start. The mean style, wide and large new dimensions, plus rear-window louvres and spoiler would set the tone for 70s supercars and even superminis. 1969 Ford Mustang BOSS 429

HD Road Test Review – 2016 Hyundai Veloster RALLY Turbo 6-Speed Manual

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Welcome to the hottest Hyundai Veloster ever! Huge news for the 2016 model brings an all-new handling tune and available twin-clutch automatic option for the R-Spec, Turbo and Veloster Rally like our test car. And the changes are SERIOUSLY good!  After a week of grins and hooning at full throttle, the Veloster Rally Edition even moves up an entire competitive class in our eyes.  From before battling the Ford Fiesta ST or Nissan Juke NISMO, and up to being a credible threat to the VW GTI, Ford Focus ST and even Subaru WRX. Seriously?  How!? The 2016 Veloster is not perfect …

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1978 Pontiac Trans Am Pro Touring 15

1978 Pontiac Trans Am Pro Touring – Track-Attack Showcar Is Also Road Legal

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I defy you to find a faster, meaner and more intense second-gen Firebird Trans Am! No. Not even ‘find.’ I defy you to imagine a more hardcore upgrade of this iconic F-body. Nearly every detail under the skin, the carbon-fiber hood and bespoke racing cabin is all-new and all-modern.  Only the custom Forgeline alloys with a massive tire bite betray the original looks outside this stunner, however. That combination of old and new makes this a real dreamweaver of a machine.  The estimate of this Pro Touring custom is about $120k — for which you will have a showcar, track car …

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Mecum Florida Faves – 2014 Maserati Quattroporte – Hate at First Drive, or As-New for Half Off?

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How did this new QP end up between a Camaro IROC-Z and a violently impotent custom Wrangler? One of the great parts of the week-long Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is the ‘come-as-you-are’ vibe about the place. They make a carnival atmosphere of these 3000-plus cars finding new homes — and it is truly a fun way to see many curious cars up close and personal.  In fact, they are all unlocked and ready for close-up inspection — so it is a bit like an ‘all-you-can-sit’ sampling of various exotic cars. Wish it were all-you-can-drive… but that’s okay. One very curious find? …

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2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4MATIC

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 – Air-Sprung Crossover In US Dealers Now! $45k Pricing, RWD or 4Matic + 9-Sp Auto

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The new GLC just started arriving to Mercedes dealerships here in the USA — and seems like an outstanding all-new SUV for the brand.  The GLK and its boxy look is exiting the lineup of a half-dozen ‘Benz jeeps’ this year, making room for everything from the baby GLA to this GLC, up through the GLE and GLE Coupe and the top GLS for 2017. The GLC, as its name implies, is aligned in shape and tech with the C-Class. This brings a massive set of benefits for performance drivers — particularly in its standard rear-drive setup. Just one engine and …

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2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe 27

2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe – Posh AMG Sport Style for C300 and C400 USA Twins

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    Mercedes has a half-dozen all-new models revealed so far for 2016 and 2017.  The GLE, GLE Coupe, GLS, GLC for the SUV family are all fresh or all-new. SLC, SL, S-Class Cabrio, E-Class and many more.  So they are forgiven for meting out the excitement in auto show season.  The Deeetroit show for MB focuses on the SLC and S63 ragtop. But there is MUCH excitement in terms of new models revealed online, but as-yet unseen or driven. The new C-Class Coupe is near the top of the list!   This fresh set of 61 new photos of …

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2017 VLF FORCE 1 V10 – FULL Launch Details, Price and Auto Option for 218MPH American Beauty

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A new supercar is always a welcome surprise — and this one is like a gift that keeps on giving! The Force 1 V10 is the second launch model of rapidly-expanding VLF Automotive — a collabo and evolution on the VL Destino plans revealed in 2012. That car is now available for sale to owners as a Fisker Karma with an LS9 V8 engine swap instead of its previous turbo EREV powertrain.  A new nose and tail — now with quad square exhaust pipes — now tops out at 200-mph and delivers a 3.9-second sprint to 60-mph.  The unreal lowness of the four-seat …

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Custom Showcase – Porsche 991 Turbo S on Gloss-Black HRE RC100s

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Totally different but no less appealing makeover of this fly yellow 911 Turbo S. The multi-spoke RC100 wheel style from HRE in gloss black is a nice, modern take on the classic BBS racing alloy.  It looks dripping-wet at all times, and disappears into a whir at speed. All perfect upgrades to the gloss-black whale tail, roof and mirror caps of this Cali-plated Turbo S. Custom Showcase – Porsche 991 Turbo S on Gloss-Black HRE RC100s Porsche 991 Turbo S with HRE RC100 in Gloss Black – Grubbs Photography http://www.hrewheels.com/ HRE Wheels Follow

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Custom Showcase – Porsche 991 GT3 on HRE R101s in Satin Black

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Satin black is really the right shade of custom wheel for 2016. It flicks enough light to enhance any wheel design — while feeling brighter in low light than a glossy finish.  The HRE R101 wheel style is quite cool too: the spokes feel super strong despite their thin size. Much 3D shaping for those uprights — their sharp creases making a nice contrast to the soft/smooth GT3 bodywork. Despite being just 19s, these are clearly an integral part of this custom GT3’s curb appeal. Custom Showcase – Porsche 991 GT3 on HRE R101s in Satin Black Porsche 991 GT3 with …

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2017 Jaguar XF-S V6 - USA Media Drive 58

5.0s, 380HP 2017 Jaguar XF-S V6 – USA Media Drive Gallery + Visualizer

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Check out this stunning new design via 100 media drive photos from Sedona, Arizona. The best part of the new design?  Bringing the XF-R’s visual heat to all four engines in the US lineup. Yep: two V6 tunes and even a brand-new turbodiesel for 2017. The 2.0-liter turbo four is expected back in the USA offering for 2017, sliding a few grand cheaper than the $52k base of the new 2016 XF V6s. Both the XF 35t with 330HP and the XF-S with 380 are available with rear or AWD.  All scream to 60-mph in 5.2-seconds or quicker, too.  Mighty impressive.  The …

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Best of NAIAS – 2017 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL – No-Apologies Flagship = Limo Heaven!

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Lincoln Motor Company is still best known for its long-running Town Car — that darling of the global limo business for decades. The Town Car on its rear-drive, Falcon-based frame has been out of production since 2012 — with the time since spent working doubly hard to prove that the MKC and MKZ are viable global luxury cars. Sporty, modern and elegant have been the core tenets of the new Lincoln recently, but a moment of genius has now swept through the brand’s strategy. The insight?  Being modern and stylish is possible … even while embracing the legacy of the brand. …

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NAIAS 2016 – Showfloor MEGA Gallery – Day One in 180 Photos

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Uh oh!  Detroit’s NAIAS is so intense for 2016, we are well past our peak of effective coverage.  What comes next?  Deep hand and forearm soreness from so much typing.  And… alas… into just outright bitchiness about some of the more questionable model reveals.  Cough… Acura, cough-cough… But we will power through!   Resist the snark! Part of that is sharing the latest showfloor photos… en masse. =] Here are 180 images from press preview day one at the Detroit North American International Auto Show.   NAIAS 2016 – Showfloor MEGA Gallery    

Worst of NAIAS - 2016 Acura Precision Concept 3

Update1 – 2016 Acura Precision Concept – Design Reboot Ruined By Another Fugly Nose

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Updated with real-life photos. Good to see more angles of the Acura Precision Concept, a car whose design is really expressive and deep in real-life photos versus the initial renders.  The beak is still rough, but there is promise here. Acura is still having trouble rebuilding its sales since a brief peak in the early 2000s with the TL and MDX. More recently, the sales velocity for the brand is in terminal decline. A big part of the problem has been the dogged persistence with the ‘shield’ grille since at least 2007.  This is a look that no one really likes, …

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~4.8s, 400HP 2017 INFINITI Q60 – 3 Engines and Sexy Design Swagger To Top 435i

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The production Q60 is here and GORGEOUS! A full lineup met the press today at NAIAS, but the one we lust after most is the top 400-horsepower, AWD Q60! Pushing all that power to the back axle at a 0:100 ratio until slip occurs, the Q60 3.0t looks set to be a barnstormer of a two-door — with pace and grace to easily rival the BMW 435i and Cadillac ATS Coupes. That $55k stunner will only make up a part of the new Q60 offering, though. Standard rear-drive and three engine choices also neatly match the new C400 Coupe and …

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LexusLC5005

Best of NAIAS – 2017 Lexus LC500 World Debut! ~$88k 911-Fighter Also Stalking Corvette, SL63 AMG

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We knew Lexus was bringing some kind of supercoupe to the Detroit show, but had no idea the LC500 would be SO DAMN SEXY! Far from a GS two-door as some have imagined, the new LC500 is actually an all-new supercar flagship for the marque. Seating is 2+2 in layout, while the roof looks ready for a cabrio conversion, the LC500 is far lower, meaner and more intense than even the cherished RC-F — our 2015 Car of the Year here at Car-Revs-Daily.com. What makes the new LC500 so special?  Forceful power from every angle: this machine is leaner, lighter …

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325HP, V6TT 2017 Ford FUSION SPORT Leads Refreshed Midsize Sedan Lineup

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A fresh look and new tech throughout the Fusion for 2017! Three EcoBoost engines, a new V6 Sport powertrain is the most powerful midsize Ford sedan in ages — delivering its 325-horsepower and 350-pound-feet of torque through an AWD chassis. All in search of a ~5.5-second sprint to 60-mph — a class-quickest sprint speed! This is huge news versus the previous 240-horsepower EcoBoost that tops out the current Fusion lineup. New nose and tail designs integrate the latest LEDs for a fairly chic look on all sides — if a bit too Focus-like up front in these initial teasers. Very cool …

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Audi A4 allroad quattro

2017 Audi A4 Allroad – $50k Ski Wagon Set for Fall 2016 USA Arrival – Blah Exterior, but Hoorah Interior

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  The A4 Allroad has carved a nice little niche for itself in the US market, where it replaced the standard A4 Avant among most shoppers seeking a low and sporty wagon.  The current Allroad will gain all the new tech and style of the A4 sedan, but wears a more butch stance all around.  A very macho nose redesign brings vertical grille slats, some rough-rough fender flares and even a brushed-alloy chin spoiler in the nose. We are trying to get on-board with this next-gen A4 appearance.  Really trying. And the Allroad has generally been a great showcase of …

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2016 Audi h-Tron Quattro Concept 27

2016 Audi h-Tron Quattro Concept – Hypercomplex Tech Showcase Headed for Sale as $100k Tesla Rival as 2018 Q6

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Audi’s big news for the Detroit show?  The new 2017 A4 and Q7 — which are set for arrivals to US showrooms in the next few months. Alongside those dull-looking production cars come massive cabin tech enhancements, efficiency boosts and all-new powertrains. A bit more exciting on the appearance front?  This new h-Tron Quattro Concept. Roughly previewing the size of an upcoming Q6 crossover, this latest prototype shows a production-intent hydrogen-electric SUV.  And boy is is complex: multiple tanks of hydrogen power advanced electrics for a range of nearly 400 miles, a 0-60-mph sprint under 7-seconds, and AWD grip just …

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2017 Chrysler PACIFICA 23

2017 Chrysler PACIFICA Is All-New Minivan – PHEV Hybrid, Luxury and Tech to Leapfrog Sienna/Odyssey

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Welcome to the next Town & Country: the all-new Pacifica! This name-swap is quite justified when you take a peek at the seriously all-new platform, drivetrain, interior and exterior of the next-gen Chrysler minivan. The impressive details abound from every seat: the seven-seater has a stunningly advanced offering for families from July of this year when the new vans hit showrooms. What is the big deal, beyond a very swish new exterior design? Where to begin!  The biggest news is the first-ever plug-in hybrid offering in the van segment. Dubbed simply the Pacifica Hybrid, the EV tech is quite sophisticated. Not …

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2016 Buick Envision Driving Front

2016 Buick ENVISION Is New 5-Seat Crossover – Standard Turbo to Rival Audi Q5 – Arrives in April

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The 2016 Buick Envision is a pretty huge part of an upcoming Buick product onslaught: the 2017 LaCrosse and Cascada cabrio are the other hotties new to the showroom floor. New to the brand ethos in general? A sexy expectation of future products like an AWD, V6TT variant on the Cadillac ATS Coupe/Chevy Camaro platform like the AVISTA concept. The dreamers among us noted right away: the AVISTA looks like an ideal basis for a next-gen GNX around 2019.  The Envision hopes to make its Chinese-import status an afterthought for US shoppers — through the sheer strength of its luxury …

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3.7s, 585HP 2016 Mercedes-AMG S63 4Matic Cabriolet Edition 130 Is Ultimate Patent Wagen!

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Upon driving or even seeing the new S63 AMG cabrio, few would need much of a special reason to celebrate it!  The machine is gorgeous, plush and rapid like no other full-size cabrio in ages. Mercedes-AMG is upping the glam on this highest-fashion machine with an Edition 130 model with unique details at the 2016 Detroit auto show. We’ve come a long way from the original Benz patent wagen: this new S63 4Matic Cabriolet delivers a ravishing 0-100-kph run in just 3.9-seconds.  Quite a way to travel! 2016 Mercedes-AMG S63 4Matic Cabriolet Edition 130 Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet “Edition 130”: …

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Mercedes-Benz New Year´s Reception, Detroit 2016

Update1 – 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – Official Debut of Ultra-Posh New Cabin, All-New Exterior

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This is it!  The 2017 E-Class in all its official glory. A few variants shown here in this official launch packette: from the most trad to the ultra-mod AMG Sport in bright red. A frozen grey E400 quatromattico GDM model is the wildest shown so far, but points strongly toward the new E63’s menace on the roads. The revamp outside is exceptionally sleek and organic; new flowing lines for the glasshouse and every nose and tail element replace some carry-over elements on the current car. All-new is the slightly more formal C-pillar angle than previously shown: a nice nod to …

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2016 Buick AVISTA Concept – SuperCoupe As First Glimpse of Next GNX

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Imagine a Camaro GT-R, with huge V6TT power and four-paw traction.  Brutal shout + pace to outrace an RS5 and C2S? THe Buick Avista is a first glimpse into the future of the triple-shield marque.     2016 Buick AVISTA Concept   For Release: Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, 7 p.m. EST       Buick Introduces Avista Concept Design elegance, performance heritage conveyed in turbocharged 2+2 coupe   DETROIT – Ahead of its public debut at the North American International Auto Show, Buick today revealed the Avista concept – a 2+2 coupe that pushes the brand’s contemporary design ethos and rekindles its historic …

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2016 Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept – 7-Seat Option + 20 EV Miles for 2017 USA Arrival

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We’ve been exceptionally hard on VW USA over the years, even before the ongoing trainwreck that is their emissions scandal. If there is one glaring hole in the lineup, it is the SUV range. Tiguan and Touareg have been eagerly anticipating a CrossBlue SUV to slide between them. With a Passat basis and seven seats, the CrossBlue (name TBD) is actually firmly on the way. Hiring and Chatanooga production-floor mods are readied for this summer, with production penciled in to start September 2016.  The showroom arrival, as we all know, cannot come soon enough. December of 2016 as a 2017 …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8

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2016 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8 Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman   With a major makeover in 2015, the second generation Hyundai Genesis continued it ascension in the ranks of luxury cars.  While there are few changes to the 2016 model year, the Genesis continues to amaze with its price, content, and quality. The sedan is quickly distancing itself from luxury models coming out of Japan and Germany, which it rightly rivals, in the “bang for the buck” category. Simply put, you can’t find another car in the marketplace that has the features and performance of the Genesis and not have …

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Concept Flashbacks – 2001 SEAT TANGO Trio – Cabrio, Roadster and Coupe Made Racy, Avante-Garde Superminis

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Here is the next evolution of the SEAT cabrio design concepts from around the turn of the century: the 2001 Tango twins. The Tango itself is a sexy expression of ultra-modern, flowing and intersecting surfaces. There is almost an abstract artistry to the hyper-curved elements of the Tango’s nose and hood. A nice aero strake is also a trademark part of the design theme shown here. The rounded hood and front arch then flows back and downward toward the rear axle. It is a nice look and one that translated directly to a generation of SEAT production cars very nicely. …

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Concept Flashback - 1999 SEAT Formula Roadster 3

Concept Flashback – 1999 SEAT Formula Roadster

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The 1999 SEAT Formula helped transition the brand into a new-millenium design mood. This was actually a really exciting time for the brand: the Leon Cupra was starting the earn buyers from previous GTI and Focus devotees as a five-door sportscar, while the Toledo and Ibiza were quite popular as well. This Formula concept was a mid-engined chassis layout with an alloy spaceframe chassis and bodywork, ensuring with the aim of delivering Boxster-like thrills on the road, but at prices below the Audi TT. The design themes shown on this car its main production impact, however, for the SEAT brand.   …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo

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2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman Midsize family sedans are a huge segment of the automobile business, and it’s a hotly contested space.  The Kia Optima is a strong player, and getting stronger each year, with improvements and even more standard content.  It has to keep improving in order to compete with the likes of a Toyota Camry & Avalon, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Mazda 6, or Nissan’s Altima. The 2016 Optima has been redesigned inside and out, and the result is an outstanding automobile, that ranks right up there with the best in the class. …

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Chevrolet Unveils 2017 Bolt EV at CES

Barra Delivers! 2017 Chevrolet BOLT EV – $30k Price and 200+ Mile Range Should Worry i3, Leaf and Prius PHEV

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Disbelief?  Awe?  Wonder? Trying to find the right description to pick my jaw up off my desk. The new Chevy Bolt EV is almost surreal at its CES reveal this week.  Just a year ago, the Bolt concept wowed Detroit with its big range promises, practical shape and interesting cabin tech.  Few people — this author included — ever expected a production car to be so close on the horizon. But here it is, folks!  The massive promises from General Motors about their future electric product plans were not just hot air! The 2017 Bolt EV promises a 200-mile-plus battery range …

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2017 Chevrolet CRUZE HATCH Reveals Unique 5-Door Design, Massive Trunk Ahead of Fall Arrival

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Here is a nice surprise reveal from Chevy: the upcoming Cruze Hatch. This new bodystyle builds on the massive improvements of the 2016 Cruze sedan with unique styling for the nose and tail, a giant cargo area of 18.5-cubic-feet with the seats up, and wagon-like utility with them folded down.  How big with the seats down? Nearly 50 cubes!  That is SUV-big. It is great to see Chevy offering this variant in the home US market.  Favorite details?  The bumper designs front and rear — with their swirl of painted surface forming claw-like accents to the black lower bumpers. The …

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2017 BMW i8 Spyder Teased Via BMW i Vision Future Interaction + ConnectedRide HUD Cycle Helmets

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  BMW debuted a half-dozen new tech innovations at CES this year, including gesture control and mirror-less exteriors. But the real eye-catcher?  The BMW i Vision Future Interaction — a near-production 2017 BMW i8 Spyder. Sans two critical pieces, of course. Yes, the production car will have doors.  At first we thought the BMW i VFI Concept hid its doors in the side sills, a la the BMW Technik Z1 model sold in Europe briefly in the early 1990s. Alas, the lack of doors is just to give full view of the new cockpit controls and layouts.  This new user …

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OP_ED: Meet the $25B Microbus – 2016 Volkswagen Budd-E – EV Van Concept Begs Sympathy for Poor, Mistreated VW

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Here is the seventh Volkswagen concept trying to re-invent the microbus. The difference?  This microvan may actually be produced for limited sale in EV-heavy markets like the US west coast, Atlanta and Washington DC. Really? Not for profits, but as a knee-jerk reaction to being caught lying/cheating.  So yes, the Budd-E might make it to US showrooms in some decontented form. Perhaps as soon as 2019 for the 2020 model year.  But don’t bet on it. Typically, Volkswagen has claimed a reborn van was a non-starter because it was impossible to make its bluff original face with a front-engine layout.  (They …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Lexus RX350 F Sport AWD

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2016 Lexus RX 350AWD F Sport Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman   Sixteen years ago Lexus introduced us to the RX – a midsize luxury SUV that seated 5 people, had a very usable rear cargo area, and was based on a car chassis, so it drove more like a car than a truck.  It had a pleasant ovoid or jelly bean shape, and was reasonably priced.  It struck a chord with the buying public, and quickly became Lexus’ best-selling vehicle, and it has remains their top selling vehicle as it now launches the fourth generation for 2016.  The RX …

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2016 Faraday Future FFZERO1 Concept 10

2016 Faraday Future FFZERO1 Concept Throws Down Gauntlet – Now or Never, Laggards

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Well, this is it!  Nearly 24 hours after the leaks began, and a full 12 since the press conference in Vegas last night, the Faraday Future concept car for CES is now in clear focus. Before you get too excited about a full reveal — with the normal specs, pricing and a production roadmap —it is best to temper expectations. This fantasy concept from Faraday Future is not headed for the road. Nor is it really headed for any race series. But racetracks? That is another story.  The quad-motor, AWD EV promises 1000+ horsepower and a 200-mph-plus top speed.  The electric motors are …

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Concept Debrief – 2011 SAAB PhoeniX was DOA

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  The only thing we really recalled about the final SAAB concept car was its tail. With backlit red lighting through a screen mesh, the PhoeniX reminded us of a nasty reborn Pontiac Bonneville SSEi.  Cheap body cladding and all, unfortunately. Reviewing the PhoeniX design today four years later, the look of this sports coupe is no more appealing. Put simply, this car would have flopped like a pancake on the market. Imagine comparing this with a $50k BMW 435i? It is not just the detailing that is overwrought, but all the surfaces and even the proportions. This thing is …

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2016 Jaguar F-TYPE British Design Edition is UK-Only Sport Special

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  Pretty hot new pack of Jags on the prowl for UK shoppers: the 2016 British Design Edition.  Wearing all the sexiest options and four special colors, the BDE is offered in hard or soft-top form, exclusively in the 380HP AWD with the new eight-speed automatic paddle-shifter.   2016 Jaguar F-TYPE British Design Edition JAGUAR LAUNCHES F-TYPE BRITISH DESIGN EDITION 05/01/16   IN BRIEF Exclusive F-TYPE British Design Edition based on the 380PS V6 S enhances the F-TYPE’s multi award-winning design and features a wealth of additional equipment as standard Coupé and Convertible body styles Available in four colours: Caldera …

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2000 Lancia Stratos S81 Stola 3

Concept Flashback – 2000 Lancia STRATOS S81 by Stola

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  We have a couple really cool concepts in the pipe from CES for later tonight and tomorrow, but a bit of a lull at moment. What better time to showcase a very influential concept car from Stola for Lancia at the Turin motorshow of the year 2000. Dubbed the Stratos S81, the machine updated the original proportions and design elements of the Lancia Stratos rally hero — but three decades later. WHat really strikes you about the S81 in 2016 is how influential is details ended up being, albeit long after its retirement. Most cloned details?  The boomerrang of …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 GMC Terrain DENALI AWD V6 – Swanky Refresh for Right-Sized SUV

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GMC’s best-seller has been tearing up the sales rulebooks since its launch in 2009. We’ve admired its huge back seat and very affordable $24k base price from afar, but never from behind the wheel. The GMC Terrain welcomes a light refresh for 2016: new styling outside and new tech in the cabin helps the family favorite be even more competitive in the mid-size SUV class. And while the upgrades outside are fairly light for most trims, the new LED DRLs up front do wonders for the truck’s appeal on the road. The biggest news for the 2016 Terrain is the …

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1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC 6.0 AMG Widebody Looks Ready for One-Way Back to Affalterbach

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If there was one car that finally convinced Mercedes-Benz to launch a sportscar division, it would be this 560SEC Widebody. The car proved the global appeal of the AMG formula: giant power, wild style and exclusivity to shade any M5 — that upstart sports badge recently launched in full by rival BMW. At this time, BMW was just spreading its wings — and eating into market share — of its dominant German rival. Audi, as we know, was a total also-ran in the luxury segment throughout the 80s. It went from ultra-pricey models like the 5000 to a hard reboot …

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2014 SEAT Ibiza CUPSTER 23

Design Analysis – 2014 SEAT Ibiza CUPSTER

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The 2014 GTI Wörthersee event brought out a few exciting concept reveals: including this very playful Ibiza. If any car’s namesake location points to its mission, it would be this concept!  Why?  Ibiza (say: eeee-beee-thhaaa) is the Cancun of Europe. Sunny party people flock to this semi-trashy island resort to escape the grey, rainy winters across Europe.  They dance to all the latest club bangers, contract some STDs (worth it!), then march home — back to the real world. Would this CUPSTER make sense in just resort mode, or in real life? It does not really matter: the car is …

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2017 BMW i6 Is Hiding in Plain Sight: 2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Teased LWB i8

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Here is an interesting one, simply because it shows an upcoming machine hiding in plain sight. What car is that? The BMW i6, we predict. This exceptionally advanced concept seemed extremely unfeasible when it was revealed under the EfficientDynamics moniker in 2009. Look at those skinny tires! And Clear doors with a carbon-fiber chassis?  Silly! But they the BMW i8 concepts started appearing, with a 2+2 PHEV supercar BMW announced for production just a year after this first concept.  That car would materialize for 2014 as the i8 and i3 we know now as the real thing. Where the eventual …

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2009 Mercedes-McLaren SLR 42

Hypercar Heroes – 2009 Mercedes-McLaren SLR Still Brings the HEAT Up Close!

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The SLR might be out of the limelight these days, but the facts and curb appeal of this hypercar still stand PROUD! Came across this magnificent machine at Cars and Coffee near Charleston, SC today.  The presence of the SLR is insane: its proportions are surreal: Much wider and Much lower than you are imagining. The giant intakes form the full-width nose’s lower jawline nicely, while the pointing silver arrowhead bulges up from the badge acros the hood with intense depth. All carbon-fiber means the unit itself is featherlight. Despite opening up at the front, the closing process is just …

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2016 Porsche Boxster SPYDER Silver 27

2016 Porsche Boxster SPYDER – First USA Photos! 100-Shot Animated Flyaround

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    Incredible intro to the 380HP Porsche Boxster Spyder today!  The car is absolutely gorgeous, with upgrades dripping in aggression and hypercar hints of the top 918 Spyder. The sound on startup is suitably aggressive, with a deep baritone thrummmm after the initial startup bark. Smoked finishes all around and a liquid silver paintjob are only half the battle. The giant double bubble tonneau cover with mid-mounted brake light reminds many of the Carrera GT, or especially the Carrera GT by Zagato. What really makes the Boxster Spyder so impressive in the flesh? It is almost a total redesign.  By our count, …

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1987 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S – Mecum Kissimmee 2016 Preview

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Think what you may about the DeTomaso Pantera from the 1970s. This machine is a totally different beast. Where time and special-edition hell really destroyed the original Countach elegance, the Pantera appears fully reviatlized. The car has the presence of a F40, the nose elegance of the Lotus Esprit, yet rear-drive, naturally-aspirated purity to shade them all. This particular GT5-S Pantera has led a charmed life: just 7k miles and even the original magnesium extra pair of alloys.  Plus a cabin with plush caramel leathers like a bordello! The estimate for this Pantera GT5-S is $250k, which is stellar value. It …

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2015 W Motors LYKAN HyperSport Abu Dhabi 2

2015 W Motors LYKAN HyperSport Abu Dhabi Patrol Car – Crown Photoshoot

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The Lykan HyperSport is the proud (adopted) son of the UAE as a great new business with global appeal.  All run from within a sparkling white palace of a factory.  Where?  Right in the center of Dubai’s skyscrapers.  The firm has made the Emirates its home since just after being founded in Lebanon. Not to be outshone, Abu DHabi’s Ekin Patrol has added a customized 2015 W Motors Lykan HyperSport to the fleet. Not to issue parking tickets, but to revel in the glory of the Emirati royal family! The customization includes a special carbon-fiber mount for the lightbar unit to attach …

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2011 Volkswagen Up! Azzurra Sailing Team 4

Concept Flashback – 2011 Volkswagen Up! Azzurra Sailing Team was Playful Blue Sky Thinking

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A harborside revival of many beach cars, the Up! Azzurra Sailing Team concept for the 2011 show circuit was the most whimsical part of a five-pack of custom Up! variants. The vehicle features exquisite wood and brass detailing for its doorlets and seatbacks, and a totally bespoke solid sill and rear window. The entire roof is just blue sky. And while this type of cabrio is questionable from all perspectives, it is exceptionally well-executed as a showpiece for the standard Up! Even with that million-dollar four-seat cabin, the nose, bumpers and even mini steel wheels are all exactly what Euro …

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Meet the Original Black Swan: The McLaren M1

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Wow. There is a reason you have not seen or heard many of these killer McLaren racecars.  The original McLaren origin story as a driver who starts his own race shop, and sells a few chips of genius to other enthusiasts and race crews. Refined and stiffened over the M1A, the B is one of the most sought-after of its era. Just 28 of these M1B Can-Am cars were sold to be raced in the Can-Am racing series. The North American market was obviously the focus of these races, so the fact that just 28 were ever sold makes this …

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NOVITEC TORADO Reveals New Lambo HURACAN N-LARGO Widebody with 860HP

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N-Largo is like a special passcode behind the velvet rope of the supercar universe. Since falling HARD for the sister-company Novitec Rosso’s California N-Largo, the name has sent a tingly shiver up my trousers. The new Novitec Torado Huracan N-Largo therefore is a very welcome new-year’s surprise. Gorgeous aggression and new-ly scultped panels take the Huracan shape to new levels of aggression from all angles. And unlike many widebodies accomplished via manually-extended metal fenders, or tacked-on flares, Novitec goes a much more thorough route. Those wild new front fenders with trailing vent slash?  All-new. The giant lower and upper intake scoops behind …

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2017 Lexus RX-L Renderings 2

Exclusive Animated Renderings – 2017 Lexus RX-L Is LWB 7-Seat Variant

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The new Lexus RX is already flying off showroom floors — with its devoted owner-base loving its all-new cabin inside, design outside and eight model variants.  With F Sports and Hybrids all available with or without AWD, the RX350 and RX450h are looking at a huge sales year in 2016. One thing Lexus mentioned at the launch of the new RX is that owners did not want the next-gen model to grow.  To that end, the new RX and its chopped roofline adds second row legroom over the 2015 models (plus powerfold and recline controls).  But the new RX is …

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217MPH, 756HP 2014 VÄTH CLK63 AMG Black Series Is Still Devastatingly Rapid

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    To bump the twin-turbo V6 of the new C63-S up to its max output of 680HP so far, the outlay for buyers is about $10k.  A jump of at least 170 horsepower via only a half-dozen mechanical upgrades, an ECU reflash and big brake kit?  The 2016 makes it look so easy. But the previous-generation CLK63 AMG Black Series?  That machine was already cranked up to race-baiting for its 517 horsepower. Adding a giant supercharger takes the CLK63 Black by VATH up to 756 ponies and a scary-fast Vmax of 217-mph.  Also a scary-spice price of about $70k …

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680HP, 199MPH 2016 VÄTH Mercedes-AMG C63-RS Delivers Massive Performance Gains for Minimal Cash

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VAETH is quickly becoming a favorite among the German customs scene.  Why?  The umlaut dots, of course in the name!  VÄTH = VATH = VAETH, by the way.  All the same powermad crew. For the new C63 AMG sedan and coupe, Vaeth has a $5k stage one mod focused on the engine programming and oil system tweaks. THe result is a bump from the 4.0-liter V6TT’s stock outputs of 477HP and 510HP (for the C63-S) up to a very potent 609 ponies. All to the back wheels via the latest sportshift automatic and active vectoring differential, this will make sideways …

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2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Pack 12

RM Arizona 2016 – 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Pack in P.Exclusive Frozen White

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Uh oh. Pretty unusual to see such a new hypercar going across the auction block. Picking a more desirable spec would be hard, though. A painted-to-sample white metallic, the 2015 918 Spyder wears the hot and functional Weissach Pack over dark grey RS Spyder alloys. Will it top its price when new, 1500-miles ago?  We’ll see in Scottsdale at the end of January 2016!   2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Pack

1955 Porsche 550 SPYDER 28

This 1955 Porsche 550 SPYDER Is Worth $4k per Pound

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This is the real deal folks!  One of just 75 factory-made 550 Spyders, the premier race-winner of a generation and a timeless icon still today. As such, there is a healthy business in replica models. None will exude the raw genius of this 550 Spyder’s endurance fuel-tank wrapping the entire nose, nor its single-piece frame with strategic lightweighting to the monocoque.  The 550 Spyder is the supreme Porsche, and this one will fetch quite a bit. The pre-sale estimate is about $4-million, but we can see double that from someone in love with its delicate curves and blue topaz contrast …

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UFC Hero Conor McGregor Scores 2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead

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Nothing evokes images of wealth and affluence quite like the sight of a Rolls Royce rolling down the street. That may have been the thought that crossed UFC champion Conor McGregor’s mind when he splurged on an early Christmas gift: a Phantom Drophead Rolls Royce Coupe. McGregor is no stranger to high-end luxury cars and is currently working on building a fleet of his own. His current lineup includes three BMWs – a 4 series, a 5 series and an i8 – a Range Rover, a Cadillac Escalade and a Mercedes S500 AMG Coupe. The Rolls Royce that is making …

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2011 Volkswagen NILS 20

Concept Debrief – 2011 Volkswagen NILS – Govt-Funded EV Commuter Now Seems Like Unfathomably Bad Joke

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It is very, very challenging to read (and write) about VW’s eco mobility ideas in light of the company’s current emissions scandals. The “diesel issue” — as it is known in German — really puts all the last ten years of innovative, visionary concept cars in the shameful, punishment corner of the automotive universe. What about the “C02 issue”?  Oh, that has resolved itself.  Not a pattern of lies and systemic fraud.  Hooray! Super, super trustworthy company, obviously. Beyond that obligatory caveat… This NILS concept shows how seriously the VAG once took its mission to mass-produce zero-emissions automobiles. VW was actually …

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1963 Buick Riviera 1

RM Paris 2016 Preview – 1963 Buick Riviera

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This Riviera had to be a very curious sight thrumming around France, and its namesake golden coastline. 1963 Buick Riviera   RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1963 Buick Riviera Without Reserve Chassis no. 7J1105700 Engine no. 7J1105700    

1974 Maserati Bora 4

RM Paris 2016 – 1974 Maserati Bora 4.9

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Ahh, the Bora. Giugiaro’s dream wedge was approaching production from various marques by the mid-1970s, and for Maserati, represented a swing for the fences.  Big leagues. Long story short?  It ended badly. But the car?  Still quite a fetching design icon from the past — yet lively today and ready for the future. 1974 Maserati Bora 4.9 RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1974 Maserati Bora 4.9 Chassis no. AM117/49-US 0720 Engine no. 2132 Body no. 300 482 320 bhp, 4,930 cc mid-mounted V-8 engine with four Weber 42 DCNF twin-choke carburettors, five-speed ZF manual transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension with unequal-length …

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1997 Ferrari F50 58

RM Paris 2016 Preview – 1997 Ferrari F50

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RM Sotheby’s is on a major roll lately — establishing classic cars as a true luxury auction staple, along with fine art of all kinds. The 2016 calendar is filling up fast. Some very exciting recent additions to the Paris auction on February 3rd, 2016….   1997 Ferrari F50   RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1997 Ferrari F50 Chassis no. ZFFTA46B000106825 Engine no. 45134 Body no. 210 Gearbox no. 380   520 bhp, 4,698 cc V-12 engine with Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine management, six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs and unequal-length wishbones, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: …

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1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster 5

RM Paris 2016 Preview – 1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster

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RM Sotheby’s is on a major roll lately — establishing classic cars as a true luxury auction staple, along with fine art of all kinds. The 2016 calendar is filling up fast — with some exciting new additions to the Paris auction on February 3rd, 2016. To kick off the preview, let’s feature this stunningly original and fabulous Kaiser-Darrin Roadster. Brave and innovative, the car was a massive super-GT car with power and prestige unlike its contemporaries. 1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster Chassis no. 161-001031 Body no. 161-1031

2016 Chevrolet Trax Midnight Edition is Coolest $500 Style Upgrade … Ever?

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Nobody will preach the virtues of a black pack like ThisGuy! A properly de-chromed and blacked-out look can make even the most awful Jetta SportWagen a little bit stylish… so clearly the potential to improve already-modern and stylish rides? HUGE! And the more popular a car is on the roads, the more appealing it is for some buyers to stand up and stand out from the crowd.  DIY black packs work wonders in photoshop — and real life — on GM models in particular.  We’ve shared many with you here… an ATS black pack coupe dream, CT6 Black Tie limo …

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2016 MINI 4-Door CARBON EDITION 1

2016 MINI 4-Door CARBON EDITION Features New JCW Pro Tuning, Dual-Mode Exhaust!

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Excellent new special MINI for the USA in 2016: the very fresh and flash Carbon Edition of the hardtop 4-door. The upgrades and special tweaks versus the Cooper S basis are visible and very audible!  A new JCW Pro Tuning Kit package bundles in special programming for the intake and a remote-operated sport exhaust. This valve-operated setup will make the Carbon a real screamer! Along with its GTI-large cabin and pace, the MINI 4-Door Carbon is definitely a viable WRX competitor — from 1000-yards!   2016 MINI 4-Door CARBON EDITION   Introducing the MINI Carbon Edition: The fastest, loudest, and …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Black Pack

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  Wheel time in the 2016 LR4 with its sexy new Black Package has turned my frown upside down.  We really thought the car was outflanked in 2016 by the exploding market for seven seat crossovers, let alone the new three-row varieties of Range Rover Sport and Discovery Sport also in the American lineup. The LR4’s familiar silhouette hides an all-new — and SUPERB — standard powertrain, all-new LEDs all around and even the dripping-wet hotness of dark 20s and a full blackout of every exterior detail.  All this is either new since 2015 or fresh for the new model …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Toyota AVALON Touring

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2016 Toyota Avalon Touring Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman We recently tested a 2015 Toyota Avalon, the first Avalon we had tested in quite a few years.  And the full size car impressed us with its roominess, performance, and its luxury look and feel. But before I had a chance to write the review, the 2016 model became available, so I decided to wait a little bit, and write about that one, to also report on the subtle changes for the 2016 model year. This year, the Avalon’s grill gets a bit larger, and sports a little downturn at the …

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Concept Flashback – 1995 BMW Z18 is Fascinating Rally Roadster

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BMW Technik was really up to some clever stuff in the mid-1990s. This concept is chock full of interesting and production-bound ideas — even set far apart from the kooky nature of a rally roadster. A convertible crossover… as we might call it today. But still unlike anything this side of the Ariel Nomad in terms of purity of purpose. And the Z18 would actually be a pretty fun off-roader. Check out the nonexistent front bumper, fantastic ride height and river-ready wading depth. There is interesting ‘flame’ surfacing on the Z18, as a matter of fact, far before Bangle made …

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Concept Flashback - 2001 RINSPEED Rone 16

Concept Flashback – 2001 RINSPEED Rone – Single-Seater Debuted Dynamic Cockpit Control

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This is a pretty cool one from the RINSPEED back catalog: the Rone, or R-one. Racing One is the name, and also the ethos of the single-seater with origins in the Audi TT. Ultra-low and lean is the name of the game for this sporty vision: the Rone is is just 38-inches off the ground at its highest point. This is a cool 15-inches below the roof of the Audi TT — and it gets even better. The single-seat layout in the center of the Rone is part of a very innovative Dynamic Cockpit Control Concept — a flying center …

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2017 Jannarelly Design JD1 is All-New, Rear-Engine Exotic from Talent Behind LYKAN HyperSport and Zarooq Sandracer

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WHat happens when two of the most skilled talents in bespoke supercars come together?  Fusing design vision, carbon-fiber production and a bit of marketing magic? The JD1 from Jannarelly Design! This is a fantastic bit of absolutely breaking news: Anthony Jannarelly is a clear favorite of ours since obsessing over his crisp, layered aesthetic as seen on the W Motors Lykan and Fenyr, plus the recently-revealed Zarooq SandRacer. This new venture pairs Jannarelly with Frederic Juillot, lead at Equation Composite, to make their own supercar vision a reality. A look behind the curtain of the two Frenchmen’s lives shows that their …

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2016 W Motors FENYR SuperSport 9

2016 W Motors FENYR SuperSport – Updated w/ Tech Specs, Video and Latest Photos

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  World premiere of a screaming new hypercar: the Fenyr Supersport from W Motors! Following the incredible LYKAN in production form, the new FENYR is more compact, more wicked and even more exotic. Power comes in mid-engine RUF boxer form; the FENYR runs a 900-horsepower, 1100-foot-pound 4.0-liter twin turbo. Porsche basis, but remade by RUF to an extreme degree. That giant-killing motor is mounted inches above the ground in the mid-rear of the full carbon monocoque.  The FENYR drives the rear wheels alone through a new 7-speed PDK and limited-slip differential. Quoted performance figures so far are 2.7-seconds to 100-kph, …

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Concept Flashback - 2009 RINSPEED iChange 34

Concept Flashback – 2009 RINSPEED iChange

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How about an awesome Rinspeed concept to help forget the X-Trem from 1999? Flash forward ten years later, and we have the 2009 iChange — an ultra-low, sleek and sexy single-seat sports car — with a twist. At the touch of a button, the track-attack looks and functionality of the iChange into a chic three-seater with bubble glass canopy.  How?  The entire glasshouse shifts upward and forward, with its rear section base extending a few inches upward to give more headroom in back.   (It is subtle)  Very subtle.  So the name is iChange, but might be better billed as the …

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JOTA is Back in HUNT! 2016 Jaguar XJR Dragraces JetMan Dubai

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  XJ. Not XF or XE. This is the big daddy superlimo, the XJR, in rare form! Jaguar has really upped its content-creation budget, and we are all the beneficiaries! The new XJR driven by F1 legend Martin Brundle races aginst Yves Rossy in a 1.75-mile matchup. The four rockets of the ‘jetman’ are all fired and pushing hard as the new XJR stomps the gas, with the winner declared at a finish line deep in the sandy horizon. The XJR is showcasing its latest rear-drive power and launch traction, courtesy of a new ASPC (all surface progress control) that …

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2017 Bentley Continental R-Type - Renderings 6

2017 Bentley Continental R-Type – Renderings, Rationale and Analysis

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The previous Bentley R-Type 1952 meetup with the 2016 GT Speed started a snowballing effort in photoshop. While Bentley certainly focuses on selling their current W12 Speed — especially versus its incredibly good V8S sibling — we are focused on the future! The Panamera basis for the next Continental GT platform is well-known and virtually confirmed in the car business, and has been for years.  But will it be a Panamera clone? Absolutely not. Not one bit of cabin, engines or design anywhere will be in common among the two. Key changes versus the current Conti range are expected to …

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R-Type Continental Races 2016 GT Speed in Charming Family Reunion

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Bentley is bringing out the big icons in its back catalog recently for side-by-sides with the current 2016 Continental lineup. Last week, we saw the GT3 and GT3-R road models rendezvous with their iconic 1930 forebearer: the Birkin Blower Le Mans racecar. This week, we trot forward in time to the R-Type Continental of 1952 — the closest direct link to the current car in spirit and execution. This fastback stunner is a magnificent machine for defining its buyer wants and needs, and exceeding all expectations with the eventual product. What were these goals? True sit-up luxury and generous space …

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2016 Infiniti QX60

2016 INFINITI QX60 Shows Fresh Style, Retuned Chassis Updates

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Here’s a welcome update on one of the smoothest seven-seaters around: the 2016 QX60! With a new dark mesh grille, defined jawline and sleek new LEDs front and rear, the 2016 QX60 is almost a bit of a looker now!  The larger wheels with dark inner spokes set the tone for upgraded handling, and the new QX60 is said to deliver. A smoother ride but also much more body control around corners. As before, front or AWD is available for both the V6 engine and the Hybrid model. 2016 INFINITI QX60   Infiniti QX60 premium crossover offers enhanced design, dynamics, …

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2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC Reveals Yummy Revamp, New SLC43 AMG

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  We certainly appreciate your confusion if we praise the new SLC’s style, while hating the new SL proper for 2017. But that is how it goes!  The SLC wears familiar proportions but truly light and sporty detailing for the name-change update. The grilles and styles up front are classy and masculine, aggressive but also deeply premium.  We’re seeing the SLC300 Sport here as well as the 367HP SLC43, which tops the line for now. The new SLC is set for a March arrival to first clients, who will love its newly-available AirScarf and Magic Sky roof, much-loved tech from …

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All-New V6TT 2016 INFINITI Q50 Red Sport 400 Tops New Four-Engine Range!

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HUGE news on the Infiniti front today: An all-new pair of twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6s join the new 2.0-liter turbo four and 360HP hybrid. Dubbed the VR-series engines, the top output is the headline 400HP and 350-pound-feet of torque unit. This stump-puller will be offered in rear or AWD, with its torque starting a long plateau from just 1600-rpm. Kicking things off right is a limited-run model with giant alloys and sport cabin under the guise of Red Sport 400. This badge steps in for Eau Rouge nicely! No word on sprint pace, but the time should be comfortably in the …

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JAGUAR Joins Formula E to Perfect Electric Skills and Thrills

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Pretty cool news today from Jaguar!  The firm has officially signed on to race in FIA Formula E for the 2017 season. This means the team will have almost a full year to perfect their car and study the second season of the series for competitive insights. The Formula E teams all share a dedicated power unit supplied by McLaren, so the effort here is about power management, smart charging and overall racing strategy. Jaguar hopes to transfer much of their new EV track learnings back onto the road — but in a manner that matches the firm’s new Art …

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2016 RINSPEED Etos Concept – Self-Driving, Drone-Launching Technical Tour de Force

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The RINSPEED concept for 2016 is out, with highly advanced digital-car tech of the future taking a front seat for nearly every technical element of the machine. And if there were a back seat in the Etos, the two occupants could both chill back there while the self-driving tech takes over, sinks the steering wheel into the dashboard, and performs fully autonomous self-driving. A basis on the BMW i8 platform means that style, to some extent, has taken a back seat to tech this year.  This means the BMW kidney grilles are replaced up front by ultralight plastics and 3D-effect …

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2017 Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet 15

630HP, V12TT 2017 Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet Arrives in May – Bentley GTC and RR Dawn Beware

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The new S65 Cabrio is official!  Mercedes-AMG just revealed the top of the S-Class convertible range with this V12TT — with unique styling, ridiculous power levels and a super-plush cabin to take on the Bentley GTC in the $250k price bracket. The big benefit of the S65 is of course prestige, along with outright speed. But with just rear-drive versus the USA-standard 4MATIC AWD on the S63 and S550 ragtops, the S63 will only leave its siblings in the dust from about 50-mph upwards. Before that point, a full-throttle launch will be a smokey festival of wheelspin from out back. …

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TAG Motorsports 2015 McLaren P1 HRE P101 Alloys 18

2015 McLaren P1 on HRE P101 Forged Alloys in Brushed Dark Finish

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So many musclecars! How to get an ultra-modern mood back? The P1 on HRE P101 alloys, of course! The finish chosen is called Dark Brushed Clear, and is a great complement to the somewhat reserved silver paint finish of this car. Photographed ahead of a Pacific sunset… it is impossible not to love this P1 by TAG Motorsports on HRE wheels. Photos by TAG c/o HRE. 2015 McLaren P1 on HRE P101 Forged Alloys in Brushed Dark Finish

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback in Candyapple Red 1

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback in Candyapple Red

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Update:  Or maybe THIS is the car? This is the car. The one. Perhaps the pinnacle of muscle-car design and culture… a forever car. 1969 BOSS 429.  Candyapple Red.   http://www.nvsaac.com/Details/1969_ford_mustang_paint_colors.htm Get ready for a rapid-fire of awesome musclecars on their way to auction! The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But there are just too many special beauties to handle individually. Even so, we pulled out a dozen or so very unique icons …

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Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1969 Ford Mustang BOSS 429 Fastback in Wimbledon White

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This is the car. The one. Perhaps the pinnacle of muscle-car design and culture… a forever car. BOSS 429.   Is it Wimbledon White or Polo White?  The Wimbledon shade was a bit creamier, and we think that is the color code of this rolling erotica. Update: yes, it is Wimbledon White.   Get ready for a rapid-fire of awesome musclecars on their way to auction! The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But …

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1971 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 6

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1971 Oldsmobile 442 W-30

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Olds 442 W-30! They might not seem like it, but all were very desirable codes in their day…   Cruise over to Mecum.com for the full auction details, list of lots for sale, and info on how to bid online or in the flesh.   The event is a 9-day extravaganza starting January 15th, 2016. Each of the cars featured has their auction lot numbers in the header section, which may be helpful when tracking them down in advance or on their auction days. Mecum 2016 Auctions Kissimmee, January 15-24, 2016   F156_R235_1971 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 Photos by John Hollansworth Jr., …

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1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe 5

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe

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The L88 Corvette is one of the rarest and meanest supercars ever produced by Detroit. It gives new meaning to the Big Block descriptor, and made all other Camaro’s or Mustang’s into distant specs in your Corvette’s rear-view mirrors.   Even so, we pulled out a dozen or so very unique icons to showcase in a series of posts today.  Forgive the lack of writeups, please, and cruise over to Mecum.com for the full auction details, list of lots for sale, and info on how to bid online or in the flesh.   The event is a 9-day extravaganza starting January …

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1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger RT Convertible 1

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger RT Convertible

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Get ready for a rapid-fire of awesome musclecars on their way to auction! The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But there are just too many special beauties to handle individually. Even so, we pulled out a dozen or so very unique icons to showcase in a series of posts today.  Forgive the lack of writeups, please, and cruise over to Mecum.com for the full auction details, list of lots for sale, and info …

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1968 Dodge Hemi Dart LO23 Super Stock 1

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart LO23 Super Stock

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The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But there are just too many special beauties to handle individually. Even so, we pulled out a dozen or so very unique icons to showcase in a series of posts today.  Forgive the lack of writeups, please, and cruise over to Mecum.com for the full auction details, list of lots for sale, and info on how to bid online or in the flesh.   The event is a …

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Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Tanker 10

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Tanker

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1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Tanker Get ready for a rapid-fire of awesome musclecars on their way to auction! The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But there are just too many special beauties to handle individually. Even so, we pulled out a dozen or so very unique icons to showcase in a series of posts today.  Forgive the lack of writeups, please, and cruise over to Mecum.com for the full auction details, list of …

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1970 Ford Torino King Cobra 2

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1970 Ford Torino KING COBRA

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1970 Ford Torino KING COBRA Best name on this Torino King Cobra, as well as some of the most advanced aero sleekness for any musclecar of the era.  But wow.  Stings like real snakebite venom when viewed from the front…!   Get ready for a rapid-fire of awesome musclecars on their way to auction! The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But there are just too many special beauties to handle individually. Even so, …

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1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 11

Mecum 2016 Musclecars – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

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1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Get ready for a rapid-fire of awesome musclecars on their way to auction! The Mecum Kissimmee, Florida auction is billed as the largest in the world — and we believe them wholeheartedly after a visit to the event last year. Wish we could preview them all… But there are just too many special beauties to handle individually. Even so, we pulled out a dozen or so very unique icons to showcase in a series of posts today.  Forgive the lack of writeups, please, and cruise over to Mecum.com for the full auction details, list of lots …

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1995 BMW Z21 6

Concept Flashback – 1995 BMW Z21 Just 4/2

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Here is a very fun roadster concept from BMW Technik in 1995: the Just 4/2.  Also known as the Z21 internally, the rear-engine design was intended as a lightweight sports roadster in the mold of the Lotus/Caterham Seven — but designed to be safe and road-legal worldwide. The UK’s very forgiving road safety rules are all that allow their thriving mini track car industry — so BMW hoped to take the sheer joy of an open-cockpit, open-wheeled plaything to a global audience. Interesting details abound: the removable door panels keep their upper frame element in place for side crash protection …

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Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile)

2015 Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA – Extreme Teardrop Drips Elegance for New Photoshoot

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 This concept IAA is the best-looking among the trio of piloted-drive, alternative-propulsion concepts from big Benz this year. But how to love its active rear flange and sleek roofline, when the nose hits you like a punch in the cheek? Seeing the machine out in the wilds of natural light*, the integrated lighting up front creates a nicer glow. With so much solid white OLED in the grille slat edges, the inner portion resembles a more traditional V-shaped element. Even if it is just a matter of distance or movement, the IAA is undoubtedly stunning in these new photos —- …

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Is Hollywood Co-Promotion Worse Than Brand Integration? Star Wars and FCA to Find Out

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Product placement in movies has evolved radically since Bumblebee Camaro raced back into our hearts — and many driveways — following the 2007 Transformers remake. In the last 20 years, paid PP was all about screen time and brand impact.  The challenges were to say the name of the product on film and have it be a hero type of character.  Without appearing saccharine.  (Bad examples include Acura and Sony in every Hollywood media program they have ever done.) For ‘good’ results, it was about showcasing the car organically throughout the film, with real-life displays of prop replicas generally involved …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus NX300h – Future-Proof Cruiser

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By now you have definitely done a double-take on seeing the 2015 Lexus NX on the road. At first, another of the RX cavalry. Then new creases, new LED graphics and a sleek and low roofline make clear this is no RX. With the lean and chic nose look off the RC and IS, the NX is a deeply stylish crossover in all three of its trimlines: NS200t, NX F Sport and the NX300h tested here.  Both the base turbo four and this uplevel Hybrid model share their appearances, with only the F Sport getting the aggressive front chin spoiler, …

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Buy, Sell or Hold? Ford EV Push Promises Dozen New Hybrids in 5 Years

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Ford is making a giant hoopla over a very unexciting announcement. One mostly sans cars, by the way, excluding the 2016 Focus Electric and teased ______ Energi PHEV. The plan lacks a catchy name for now, so let’s just call it e-Ford for short. Will e-Ford be able to make a big market impact from the 4.5-billion investment over the next half-decade?  And is Ford really the one to pursue this?  Their tech, as many know all too well, is woeful at times. They kept paying SONY and Microsoft ridiculous licensing and tech-services fees for MyFord Touch long after the …

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2017 Genesis G90 World Premiere – Tech Specs and 100 Images Inside and Out

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The first official Genesis model is out!  Dubbed the G90, this giant limo will replace the EQUUS in the US market, above the current Hyundai Genesis lineup in pricing and size. First things first: — the car is huge! — the looks are unique, if derivative of very-recent global superlux cars like the Mercedes-Maybach S600. — do not prejudge its looks too much: these are Korean-market trims and details, with changes probable for US cars (trims, wheels, etc.) — tech and cabin luxury take a huge leap forward from the already-impressive Genesis sedans — powertrains and pricing are finalized for …

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2016 LOTUS ELISE 220 and ELISE SPORT 13

4.2s 2016 Lotus ELISE 220 Is Quickest Ever! USA Arrivals in March; No Fatties T-Shirt Optional

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  Shocking speed from this new Elise 220 from Lotus!  Just 4.2-seconds to 60-mph for its estimated $60k US price makes it one of the most rapid machines for the money. And that is just in a straight line! Put some curves in the road course, and the Elise will walk away from most American metal — regardless of price or power ratings. The new Elise Sport is the base model below the 220, but is down about 80 ponies from the 217 of the top road-legal Elise in 2016.  Even so, the Elise Sport’s 6-second blast to 60-mph will …

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McLaren Wraps P1 Production with Painted Stunner, MSO Now Creating Full-Carbon Example

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McLaren just announced the conclusion of P1 production. Just 375 units were promised in total, and those are now all built and on their way to eager owners! For the final P1, McLaren has flipped many of the bare-carbon surfaces to body color– in an interesting twist on the look of the hypercar hero.  The nose plate, side intakes and rear diffuser element are fully painted on this orange beauty, and we love the results.   You may or may not recall a set of renderings in an article titled “Unpainted CF Robbing Hypercars of their Beauty.” As a counterpoint, MSO …

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2016 Lotus EXIGE SPORT 350 27

3.7s, 170MPH 2016 Lotus EXIGE SPORT 350 is New Road-Legal Cup Racer

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A two-pack of exciting news from Lotus today: the new Exige Sport 350 drops nearly 100 pounds from the Exige S via an extensive lightweighting program.  Along with its 345-horsepower supercharged 3.5-liter V6, the new Exige Sport 350 is an absolute rocketship! Consider that the total weight of the Exige is barely 2500-pounds, and you can instantly know how fast the car is.  That weight is up just 200 versus the front-engine MX5 for 2016… a car with only 160-ponies in its most potent guise. Interestingly, the new Exige Sport 350 is now even more rapid as a paddle-shifted automatic: …

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The All-New E-Class

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Striptease Begins! Cabin Tech and Design Are Mighty Impressive

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The new E-Class from Mercedes-Benz is pretty huge news for all luxury car shoppers. Despite our obsession with the E63 and E550 range-topping models, and their delicious LEDs and black-chrome trims all around, the latest E-Class is not selling well. Its current iteration is a heavy facelift of the car first seen in the mid-2000s, and really needs this deep revamp to take on the 535i in USA sales. A big part of the E-Class’s issues stem from its current cabin. This is generally loveable and very liveable, but the tech is confusing and the overall experience is dark and …

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