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2018 Genesis G80 Sport EXTERIOR 29

2018 Genesis G80 Sport AWD – HD Road Test Review

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Imagine you really love a new luxury sedan for its stellar platform, proportions and sporting potential.   This car is genuinely large versus its mid-size rivals in the $40k-60k segment. But you have specific high-performance needs for every inch of the vehicle. Your rocket-limo must be blacked-out and badass from all angles. Especially the driver’s seat. Genesis G80 is that luxury car, and the G80 Sport is the performance special of our dreams. This machine is a thorough answer to a wishlist we had for more power and glamour from Genesis. G80 Sport proved its awesomeness in a week of THRUSTING …

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2018 Rezvani TANK – 500HP Designer Assassin – 15 New Pics

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You’d be shocked how fast you can throw $50k at a custom Jeep.  And probably shocked that you can actually spend $50k on a stock, factory Wrangler right from a dealership floor. When you add those two totals, you’re already past $100k without even a toe in the sand. Rezvani has made it easier to have the ULTIMATE off-road supercar right from the start.  No fiddling with settings, stance and lifts.  The Dodge 392 6.4-liter V8 upgrade alone is worth about $30k on a factory machine. Rezvani has gone far, far beyond an engine swap and customized bodywork, though.  The …

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2018 Nissan 370Z Roadster Touring Sport 7 A/T – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Although summer is a memory in the rearview mirror for most of us, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy a roadster – in fact, cooler weather and leaves changing color make fall one of the joys of owning a drop top. And if you’re looking for joy in a roadster, look here. The 370Z is getting to be a senior citizen in the sports car world. The coupe appearing in 2009, the roadster in 2010. Mind you, there have been updates, including a facelift – but the basic vehicle is pretty much the same, even as its approaching it’s …

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2017 VW Golf Alltrack S w/ 4Motion – HD Road Test Review

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Wagons are back! Have you heard? Small families and bachelors alike are rediscovering how easy, smooth and practical they are versus the endless line of mini SUVs.  Wagons have better mileage, handling and — sometimes — even long-roof style. There are places where the Golf Sportwagen’s low ride height is simply not ideal — even with that car’s optional 4Motion AWD system.  For mountain states like Colorado or Vermont, there can never be enough tall, 4×4 wagons to choose from. Subaru has had this market on lock for decades now with their big Outback and smaller Crosstrek wagons. VW is …

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2017 Toyota GR HV SPORTS Concept Bows in Tokyo

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Toyota is eager to transition its hybrid tech into fun-to-drive machines.  Of course, the CVT automatic is a big buzzkill.  As is the front-drive layout of any Prius variant. SO how about making a rear-drive, part-manual hybrid sports car!? Seems genius, and here we are.  The GR HV Sports is Gazoo Racing (the inhouse Toyota race team)’s take on a next-gen sport Hybrid Vehicle. To up the fun quotient, the autobox can be truly shifted like an auto-stick.  It has a standard PRND button setup on the dash – But pop the M button on dash from Drive to manual.  …

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2017 Fiat 500C 1.4L Auto – Road Test Review

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Is “hilarious” a helpful car description?  What about uproarious laughter at redline on the video review? Not really.  You migtht think the guy is laughing at the the car when he is actually laughing along with it. Either way, a serious case of the giggles comes standard on the Fiat 500C. The $17k 500 Cabrio is actually the cheapest way into a softtop in the USA for 2017 and 2018.  But with hard metal roof pillars, some might say this isn’t an all-the-way cabriolet. It might not be a full ragtop but it is delightfully sunny in the little Fiat …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti (RWD) – By Carl Malek

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Alfa Romeo has seen its fair share of ups and downs since it made its most recent effort at returning to the U.S. luxury car market. For starters, instead of choosing to start its new-found U.S. adventure with a mass market oriented model, the proudly Italian sports car maker chose to unleash two borderline supercars on the market. The first was the limited production Alfa Romeo 8C which featured a delightfully good Ferrari sourced V8, stylish bodywork, and a six figure price tag. Next was the Alfa Romeo 4C an equally stylish four cylinder two seat sports car that helped …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Ford F-450 King Ranch Super Duty – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to pickup trucks, the old adage “Bigger is better” still dominates the segment. While light duty models like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will represent the bulk of pickup truck sales, customers in need of a heavy duty workhorse will no doubt be drawn to their heavy duty counterparts. With their beefy hardware, massive size, and immense towing and hauling capabilities, these big beasts are always distinctive sights out on the open road. But can they still function as daily drivers while delivering the capability customers demand? or is this an imperfect …

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VIDEO – 2017 Jeep Compass Limited 4×4 Finds Bomb-Crater Lake

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    How awful are those posts on sites that just open to a video.  No words really, just a giant play button.  And you never really want to watch the video that second, right? We try to spare you those posts here.  But there are exceptions. When a video production approaches true The Grand Tour production values.  When a drone-cam tracks your Jeep romping in tall grass and from over water.  When dual GoPro’s with different cabin angles was ridiculous but still tolerated by the talent. When you’ve found a peachy dirt road to mimic rally speeds around corners — tail …

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2017 VW Golf R w/ DCC & Nav – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Most car makers have “halo” cars.  You know, special products (usually at nosebleed prices) to show off the best of what they can do, and to make you feel better about the garden-variety products that most of us end up buying. Think Nissan GT-R, Corvette Z06, Acura NSX. VW has a halo vehicle, too. And while the family parts bin of Audi goodness could probably have given them some ridiculous $80,000 über Passat or something, they did something very cool. They made a VW Golf their showpiece. So, is the VW Golf R a hatch that super-enthusiasts can really get …

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1926 Ford Model T Speedster – 2017 RM Sotheby’s Hershey PA

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So much nostalgia today. But hey, this is a street tuning origin story! Stripped-down, shorn of bodywork and back seats.  Even doors take a pass for this open cockpit road racer.  The drum fuel tank is upsized for cross-country treks – and mounted alarmingly close to the passenger’s ears!   “T for Two” is an appropriate little name for this cutie. The T Speedster is updated with a three-speed manual and slightly modded motor details (Rajo cylinder head?) to keep it humming hard in 2017 and beyond. With a Speedster like this, the typical top speed of the Model T would …

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1937 Ford Yellowstone Park Tour Bus by Bender – 2017 RM Hershey Curio

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Nothing beats a ragtop vintage tourbus for kitsch appeal!  Sentimentality galore imagining so many thousands of happy families exploring the US National Park System for the first time.  Yellowstone was the first park to be designated — and is enormous to behold.  Great to have such roomy seating, big windows and of course that open roof.  Open to big blue skies all day and starry heavens at night.  And the doors!  The entire passenger side of the bus opens with quadruple limo exits. The delightfully Art Deco touches of this bus’s design are what make it a real showstopper.  Here’s …

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2017 Dodge Charger Daytona 392 – HD Road Test Review

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The Dodge Charger has always made big, loud speed its reason for being.  Even the simple R/T V8 runs a shouty HEMI and gets close to 5 seconds on the 60-mph sprint.  Simply heroic thrust on the road.  All with pricing that is a damn bargain versus any hot Camaro or Mustang, let alone anything else with a V8 and four doors.  (Rare breed indeed, lately). So now we have this Daytona edition with its Hellcat-alike bodywork and sexy black details.  Atop the Daytona kit you can add a three-number code that shouts POWERRR from the heavens:  the 392. Now …

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Concept Flashback – 1990 Renault Laguna Roadster

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Concept cars serve a variety of purposes in the auto business.  They can be helpful as a grand pronouncement of new ideas — even if those are years away from the showrooms of real life.  They can also be a grand distraction.  Or a grand way to bring halo hotness to a dull lineup. And most of all, they are perfect as blank canvasses for designers to express themselves.  Take a simple idea, like a two-seat cabrio, and take it to its wildest brainstorm conclusion.  In the case of the ultra-curvy Laguna concept, this meant a mid-engine turbo four driving …

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2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4×4 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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A long time ago, the SUV was a truck. In fact, many of our SUV-owning friends used to call them trucks. It was a badge of pride. Tough, no-nonsense. Go anywhere. The anti-Minivan in every sense of the word. But we got seduced. Today, nearly everyone wants car-like comfort, luxuries, swank styling. Rugged capability? Who cares. Well, if you’ve seen the weather lately, or watch the hot TV shows, you know, it might not be such a bad idea to have a little go-anywhere in your garage. Which leads us to today’s question: What vehicle do you want when the …

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2017 Nissan TITAN SL 4×4 – Road Test Review

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Trucks are all about strength.  Why not have more towing, hauling and running power than you might need?  There is huge peace of mind in knowing you have so much excess capability. At some point, though, that extra muscle makes life more difficult.  That point is arguably between 1500 and 2500 pickups.  Yes, the 2500s have even more giant motors and higher tow ratings.  The new Nissan Titan bridges this gap and aims for 1500 ease of use but near 2500 size and stats. The Titan XD straddles that gap perfectly and the XD option comes standard with the 5.0-liter …

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Marketplace Comparision – 2017 Lexus IS350 F-Sport – By Carl Malek

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In an ever-evolving automotive world, the one segment that has always remained a hotly contested battleground (even in the current resurgence of SUV/CUV sales) is the entry level luxury sports sedan segment. It used to be a kingdom long ruled by the benchmark BMW 3-Series, but over the past few years outright anarchy has taken place, with more automakers making sport sedan entries that either match up to the venerable 3, or in a few instances, outclass it in a truly compelling challenge to the sales throne. Lexus has traditionally played second fiddle to the 3-Series with its contender, the …

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Frankfurt IAA 2017 – SEAT, VW, Opel, Mini and Renault

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Insignia GSi causes a major double-take to get things started on the euro mass-market showfloor gallery.  A brand-new Cupra R and Megane RS are headed to buyers very soon and look dynamite.  The Mini JCW GP Concept is even cooler in real life than it was in its preshow photos.  And finally VW’s soft-skinned ID Crozz Concept is red and happy to be in the world.  Like an electric puppy. 2018 Open Insignia GSi 2018 Renault Megane R.S. 2018 SEAT Leon Cupra R 2017 MINI Cooper GP Concept 2017 VW I.D. Crozz Concept, 2018 VW T-Roc

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Frankfurt IAA 2017 – MASERATI and FERRARI Showfloor Gallery

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Ferrari and Maserati had packed stands at Frankfurt this year!  The expansion into Maserati SUVs with the Levante will probably single-handedly be able to lift trident sales massively in its first year.  Maserati is rolling out semi-refreshed Ghibli and GranTurismo models for 2018.  But they are pretty light facelifts to the grilles outside and the infotainment systems inside.  Ghibli also bags new LEDs for the headlamps — something the MC Stradale needs pretty urgently too. Meanwhile, Ferrari has high hopes for its new Portofino V8 convertible-coupe to replace the unloved California T.  The Cali T had one of the shortest …

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2018 Bell & Ross BELLYTANKER Inspired By Bonneville vMax Racers

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Achieving top speeds with piston engines is almost all about aero.  Yes, thrust is key to get you above 100-mph.  And stability is critical for being able to comfortably reach 150-mph over the flat, but actually pretty choppy, salt flats of Bonneville.  Anything over 200-mph takes a seriously slippery shape.  The drag forces rise to exponentially with each extra MPH at that point.  You really need to be in as slippery a shape as possible. During the post-war maverick days of the late 1940s and 1950s, the engineers involved had to find the most sleek, ultra teardrop shape imaginable. Military …

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Part Two – 2017 Porsche 908 RSR Vision GT Hommage Meets 919 and 917K

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Part Two: The RSR!   The crew behind the gorgeous longtail 908 VGT design have a new beast for 2017’s fantasy-cars daydream. A skilled group of professional car designers has been working on a side project after work hours for the last few years.  When not designing vehicles for a Chinese car brand, this group led by Alan Derosier has created magic in the form of not one — but two Vision Gran Turismo fantasy concepts.  They took the VGT idea to heart and applied it to one of the most storied brands in racing history: Porsche.  For licensing and …

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Porsche 908-04 Longtail – Vision GT Hommage (Part One)

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A skilled group of professional car designers has been working on a side project after work hours for the last few years.  When not designing vehicles for a Chinese car brand, this group led by Alan Derosier has created magic in the form of not one — but two Vision Gran Turismo fantasy concepts.  They took the VGT idea to heart and applied it to one of the most storied brands in racing history: Porsche.  For licensing and rights reasons, Porsche does not appear anywhere in the SONY Polyphony Digital Gran Turismo game series.  As such, they were not one …

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Frankfurt IAA 2017 – PORSCHE Showfloor Gallery – Cayenne Turbo + GT3 Touring

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It is shocking how many things can be fixed in this world by the sheer presence of the Rothmans rally racing 959.  The new Cayenne Turbo continues the grand tradition of Porkers looking best from the back.  The nose is hard to judge in photos … but certainly looks ravenous. The GT3 Touring Package is a new issue with all the GT3 handling but less giant wing out back.  It looks stellar from both ends. We also have our first look at the 2018 Cayenne S. This seems rather plain in the presence of the Turbo but will surely bring …

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174MPH 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Is Frankfurts Designated Badass Wagon

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Audi has long preferred to put their highest-performing RS handiwork into wagons.  The RS6 and now this RS4 can reach such high speeds, the thought is, that the longer roof aids their overall stability and aero. Whatever gets more people to buy wagons, right? This new RS4 Avant promises a giant upgrade in thrust thanks to a V6TT making 125 pound-feet of torque more than the previous model.  This means the 100-kph sprint time of 4.1 seconds really is just amuse bouche.   This RS4 is all about spine-shredding G-force around corners and through its eight-speed tiptronic’s gears.  The bodywork …

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2019 Bentley Continental GT Flaunts Stunning New Stance, Cabin at IAA

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The new Continental is a smash hit.  The live debut in Frankfurt shows a car even more stunning than the photos suggested.  Slinky lowness for the hood and a chopped overhang blend flawlessly with butched-up fenders and squatter rear end.  The whole machine seems just compressed downward — in the best ways.  The cabin is also shockingly sexy and opulent. [Updated 9.13.17 with 14 new photos] This is it ladies and gentleman! The big one! Bentley’s all-new Conti GT platform is ready for primetime and will make its first appearance in a few weeks at the Frankfurt IAA.  This is …

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2017 Renault SYMBIOZ Concept Car (and House!) – Holistic 2030 Nature-Mobile

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You know we love a good Renault concept around here.  They generally present a future design language on a wild, unrealistic bodystyle. But the advent of electric cars can be really freeing.  SYMBIOZ envisions a car that perfectly fits into its environment and makes a showpiece of everything that passes by these glass windows and roof.  The flatpack battery is Tesla-style and lets the front end be cut to nothing, the overall height radically low and the width stretched to the extreme.  Advanced ultra-strong materials mean SYMBIOZ can pass crash tests even without typical crumple zones.  And with all the …

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Frankfurt IAA 2017 – Mercedes-Benz, AMG + Smart – Showfloor Gallery [81 Photos]

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A full dozen new machines from Mercedes for the Frankfurt auto show this year.  X-Class pickup and AMG Project One hypercar are taking a lot of headlines.  But the Maybach Vision 6 and G650 are in the house.  Plus the new EQ A electric suppository and the EQ crossover EV as well. Frankfurt IAA 2017 – Mercedes-Benz, AMG + Smart 2017 Mercedes-AMG Project One Hypercar 2018 Mercedes-Maybach G650 2017 Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 Cabriolet 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT Sedan Concept 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class Pickup Truck 2018 Mercedes-AMG G-Class Exclusive 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT and C63 Racecars 2018 S-Class Coupe and Convertible 2017 Mercedes-Benz …

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2017 KIA Proceed Concept Brings Hot-Wagon Style to Frankfurt

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KIA is really movin’ on up in this world.  Their Stinger GT AWD promises some real grand touring luxury and speed when it arrives in showrooms next month.  And their Euro lineup is stronger than ever thanks to extensive tuning at the Nurburgring.  And thanks to a giant crew of German engineers poached from the top carmakers in the world. So this Proceed concept’s fast-wagon nature is not too far from reality.  Simply GORGEOUS flowing lines, great long-roof proportions and a chopped front overhang make for the stuff of dreams.  This bodystyle is headed for production, Kia strongly hints, as …

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Situation Analysis: Can 2017 i Vision Dynamics Concept Save BMW?

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Sometimes I just want to shake BMW like a British nanny. What are you thinking, bad BMW baby!!!!? The X7 Concept, Z4 Concept and 8 Series concepts are all fairly new design ideas for the IAA BMW stand in Frankfurt this year.  A new M5 and X3 are the production cars with some fresh excitement around them.  A new BMW i3S looks slightly less hideous from the front and will be quicker than the base model.  None of these models is the silver bullet BMW needs to get back to brand health.  And sales growth. The X7’s design is shockingly …

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Launch Party – 2017 Mercedes-AMG Project ONE [51 Photos]

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We shouyld have taken Mercedes more seriously when they said their new hypercar concept would be an F1 car for the road.  The cliche is so tired as to barely raise an eyebrow in 2017. But here we are: with a screaming 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged beyond all sense to deliver its 1000 ponies.  And electrified with a bombastic KERS hybrid system. The looks are right off a racetrack and promise a car vastly less practical than any 911, but much more than most racecars.  A deep, McLaren-style door opening brings the entire lower sill up and away from  the bodywork …

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Meet The Devils G-Wagen – 888HP, 3.9s BRABUS 900 G65

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  Any mortal senses when something just isn’t right in this world.  Mutant formations, though, can sometimes pack superpowers beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. This Brabus 900 is an unholy abonination.  In perhaps the most insane special-ops offroad supercar form ever. The G65 Widestar here is called the One of Ten and delivers absolutely ungodly thrust and speed.  V12TT stoked with gold-lined shields, bored-out cylinders and red-hot turbo boost.  8-piston calipers and 23-inch rubber help stick 1106 pound-feet of torque to the ground.  And will happily drift unlike any other Galendewagen in the world!  [Except maybe this one we rendered a …

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2017 Bugatti CHIRON Breaks Records – 0-250MPH-0 In 42 Seconds + Under 2 Miles

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400kph is a messianic number for auto engineers.  It is a point few road cars can even contemplate, let alone attempt in a hot blast of full throttle then full braking. The Chiron just set the world record for this insane benchmark of a test.  42 seconds and just 1.92 miles are all that Chiron needed to make auto history forever. Among the rare few other cars that could even attempt this test, Chiron proves how fearsome its total power package really is.  Yes, Pagani and Koenigsegg are faster than ever these days.  But they are not — as of …

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2018 Audi A5 Coupe 2.0T Quattro S Tronic – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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If we’ve learned anything from Hollywood, it’s that the sequel is treacherous territory. While famous follow-ups like Godfather 2 and even Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, come to mind, the 2.0 movie has a bad reputation – and it boils down to where do we go from here? And if you look at the first-run Audi A5 Coupe, (some say coo-pay) you’ve got to feel for the folks at Audi. Penned by famed designer Walter de Silva, he called it “the most beautiful car I have ever built”. And you can see his point. It was stunning – and …

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Autocross Class of 2017! Which Pocket Rocket Is Quickest?

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Imagine the best kart track ever – inside the amazing Road America racetrack itself.  Then swap the karts for real cars.  And race them against the stopwatch in rapid-fire rotations of drivers! It was an squeely good time with the class of 2017’s new and special pocket rockets.   A big variety in power, drivetrain layout and body style: everything from the Abarth 500C to MX-5 RF and 370Z Heritage Edition.  Hyundai’s new Elantra Sport joined the fun, as did a ragtop Miata, 124 Abarth, Toyota 86 and VW Golf R.     They were all a laugh riot around …

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2018 TVR Griffith – Gordon Murray Carbon Supercar Is REAL!

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The moment is here.  Rebirth of the famous Blackpool fiberglass wizards TVR. The brand lives on even if the old steel chassis designs and all legacy engines are dropped.  Production takes a massive leap into the future with Gordon Murray’s iStream process for fast and affordable carbon fiber.  Murrary’s GMD company has shopped this tech for a few years now so it is a double thrill for it to make its debut alongside the Griffith. The roster of other UK supercar suppliers continues to Cosworth for the 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 sending power exclusively to the back wheels.  0-60 is promised …

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2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid – Road Test Review

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Ioniq is really a charmer on the road.  This is a car that can out-eco a Prius and yet also sling itself around corners like a balanced Lotus. 50 mpg has never been so easy, or fun!  No plugs needed and no range anxiety.  Ioniq is good enough to make you really rethink the logic of a full EV.  This just seems so much smarter and more versatile.  It is a seamless normal-car replacement.  Smoother than a normal sedan’s drivetrain and just as easy to own. We spent a week testing the Ioniq’s limits in a high-performance drive video.  And …

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Brabus STARTECH Land Rover DISCOVERY is Hottest Disco Since 54

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In the flesh, the 2018 Land Rover Discovery has an unforgettably futuristic look.  The design is incredibly stunning but is a challenge to capture in photos.  Trust me. So when StarTech launches their bodykit and tuning mods, it takes a sexy truck even further into the future. Deep and chiseled new nose details and lower splitter, dark contrast hood and mirror caps and side sills make up the big changes up front.  All is gloss black with not a touch of chrome to interrupt the look. Around back is where things go particularly bonkers: huge square pipes at each corner …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to sporty driving, the folks at Mazda have always had a knack for balancing sporty virtues with enough value and style to make their vehicles a compelling choice for budget minded enthusiasts. For a while, that tradition didn’t necessarily apply to their SUV/CUV offerings. But with the recently revamped CX-5 and CX-3 blowing a blast of fresh air into this segment, it was only fitting that the CX-9 would embrace this wind of change with vigor. Does the 2017 CX-9 gain some new tricks from its suite of updates, or does this people hauler lose out against …

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2017 MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept – Design Analysis

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MINI fatigue is undeniable lately as an enthusiast and for car shoppers alike.  The improvements are so substantive, but the design and image seems frozen in time.  Most of the time. Then rumbles up a track-attack prototype so extreme that even it hates being a hatchback.  It hates that its breadvan shape lacks the low nose of a supercar or the mid-engined silhouette. So this JCW GP concept rejects its limitations.  It says: i will create extreme downforce and aero — hatchback shape and all.  It does not accept that front-drive is a demerit on the Nordschleife. Floating external fenders …

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1971 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Cabriolet by Frua

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We have hilarious convertibles on the brain since shooting a giggly 500C review video today. What is sillier or more absurd as a ragtop than a four-door Rolls-Royce Phantom! This 1971 All-Weather Cabriolet by Frua is famously special.  One-off design details and executions extend far beyond the giant cashmere roof.  This car has basically no miles and is as-new condition, so perhaps not the ideal beach car from the RR. But certainly one that would delight anyone in the Hamptons or other luxury seaside enclaves. This beaut sold for $390k at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 auctions the other week. 1971 …

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2011 Morgan AeroMax LHD Tall-Boy Special – RM London 2017

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Just 100 of these AeroMaxes were produced for sale!  Seems a small quantity compared to the outsized reputation this machine has for its Top Gear and UK car-mag popularity.  The AeroMax is sure to be collectible thanks to its well-known teardrop hardtop design, split rear window and somewhat cross-eyed appearance from certain angles. This edition to be sold by RM Sotheby’s London sale this week is a delicious metallic blue over lipstick red inside.  It has less than 2000 miles from new and was originally sold to a member of the British royal family. A coupe special features of this …

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2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet – RM London Preview

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This CLK DTM is a rarer version of the ultra-rare DTM hardtop.  Just 80 copies of this stunning ragtop were produced — and this racing widebody is extra WILD with no roof. Fabric folding top also makes the tall rear wing seem to stand even prouder than it does on the coupe!  The full carbon tonneau cover, and seating all around adds a nice bit if racing flair to a lux hotrod for the street. When new, this machine cost near $350k and was only pre-sold to a select few in Europe. The current owner is seeking about the same …

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1986 GEMBALLA Slantnose 911 Twins Join RM London 2017

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What becomes of high-dollar custom exotics 30 years after they meet the world? Most are not in nearly the flawless, as-new condition as these two. That is a sure thing. Nor are there many box-fresh 911s of any kind from that era.  Let alone with completely outrageous bodywork and spoilers? These two are almost twins – the white Avalanche a hardtop and the red Cyrrus a ragtop. Although they are twins in many ways, they each actually wear totally unique executions for their nose and whale tail designs.  The straked intakes along the doors and into the rear axle were …

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F70! 2017 Ferrari 70 Anni Collection at Pebble Beach Concours [150 photos]

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Ferrari made a huge splash with new cars at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours.  There were LaFerrari Apertas underfoot at almost every step.  None more special perhaps than this one-off Tailor Made model for the 70th anniversary collection. This set of specialized cars included the soft-top LaFerrari, 488 Spider and F12 Berlinetta.  Each with personalized details and F70 badges on the flanks. Sitting nearby were many of the inspiration liveries for this F70 collection.  All-stars include many Testa Rossas and a dozen significant 250’s.  Favorites include the 250 California bodystyle of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off fame and the vented, beastly …

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STARTECH Murders Out the Bentley BENTAYGA

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Updated 9.1.17 with two additional examples of the StarTech Brabus program for the Bentayga. Finally, a tuned Bentayga that will not embarrass the hell out of its driver!  We highly recommend the monochrome finish versus two-tone.    A very nice stage one mod pack for the new Bentayga just arrived!  Brabus’s StarTech division is leading the effort with custom carbon exterior upgrades, giant 23s and a remote-operated sport exhaust that bellows far louder than stock. The engine output appears to stay the same on this first upgrade.  The press release below discusses the V12 at length… but of course, the …

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217MPH BRABUS Rocket 900 Cabriolet Is Ultimate Blowout

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A hair dryer? Really? No, this car is far more than just follicle removal at warp speeds. The V12TT fettled by Brabus boffins now absolutely pegs the car against its 217MPH top speed.  This top end may or may not even be governed electronically for tire/client preservation purposes. That 217 figure is significant as it equals 350kph — a time when all but the most specialized, perfect rubber will shred itself to pieces. But this Rocket 900 doesn’t gasp or even struggle at this pace.  Unrestricted and with cats removed, you are looking at a potential McLaren F1-beater of close …

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2017 RAM Sport Night Edition 5.7L 4×2 – Road Test Review

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The pickup market is more competive than ever lately.  With massive new Titan, ultra-modern Silverado and alloy F-150 in the last few years, you might’ve expected big changes in market share. In fact, the biggest gainer over the last few years is the familiar Ram 1500. We spent a week finding out why RAM goes all-caps and size 1500 font for its new badges in back.  This is a machine with a bold soul! Our rear-drive tester is the amazing Night Edition with fully blacked-out details and monochrome paintwork all around.  Glossy black for the giant cross-hair grille is a …

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Marketplace Comparisons – 2017 Genesis G90 Ultimate (RWD) – By Carl Malek

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Remember when the flagship luxury car segment used to be solely defined by the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and the Audi A8? Granted, there were also entries like the Jaguar XJ, Maserati Quattroporte, as well as the Lexus LS, but each of these entries only offered a small slice of the broader all round package that is demanded by elite buyers. The past few years have seen an explosion of choices with these familiar names being joined by new entries such as the Volvo S90, Lincoln Continental, Cadillac CT6, and the subject of this installment of Marketplace Comparisons, the 2017 …

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Meet the Original 1964 Ford GT40 Concept and 1965 GT40 Roadster Prototype 11

Concept Flashback – 1965 GT40 Roadster Prototype

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The GT40 was actually a pretty derivative design – with a chassis and overall structure partially borrowed from Lola. But the GT40 as it came from Lola was not a winner right away. While the Mark I GT40 is a bit more pure, and a lot more beautiful by many eyes — it was not a race-winner. The GT40 started winning races with the Mark II GT40 with its huge air scoops, front sill spats, and other aero mutations to the overall design. But still – it is hard to argue with the clean beauty of these initial concept prototypes. …

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3.6s, 626HP 2019 Bentley Continental GT Revealed!

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This is it ladies and gentleman! The big one! Bentley’s all-new Conti GT platform is ready for primetime and will make its first appearance in a few weeks at the Frankfurt IAA.  This is the long-rumored, Porsche-derived platform with the engine located much farther back than before.  The new layout also makes room for the latest in double-clutch tech.  And eight-speed PDK variant here maximizes all that power from the W12TT up front.  The raw figures of 3.6s and 207MPH as a 60-mph sprint and top speed are good, if not world-shattering improvements over the predecessors. But the dynamics of …

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2017 Donkervoort D8 GTO RS Bare Naked Carbon Edition

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Just 15 of these outrageous machines are set for production.  Donkervoort sold out the initial run of D8 RS models in record time.  This makes sense: the machine offers a sensory hypercar experience unlike any other. Imagine the ultra-low and precise drive position of a Morgan.  The rigidity of a Pagani and the thrust like a McLaren. You land somewhere close to the D8 GTO RS. Power comes from a tuned 2.5-liter Audi five-cylinder making about 450HP.  With a curb weight of just 1600 pounds and massive traction from the wide back rubber, the GTO RS sprints to 60-mph in …

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2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Limited Sedan – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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When people ask us what’s “in” this year, we have an answer: Premium. It seems like these things cycle through. One year, it’s performance, the next – gadgets. Safety and autonomous tech are going to be with us now for the foreseeable future. But this year – especially in smaller vehicles – carmakers are pumping up the quietness, the tech, and the high quality goods. And with so many buyers fleeing to small crossovers, this makes sense. If you can’t compete with the versatility, you compete with feel-good of an upscale drive. And next in line for the primo treatment …

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ALFA-ROMEO Wine & Cheese at Folktale Winery – Monterey Car Week 2017

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Does Pebble Beach feel like eons ago?  Less than a week since $300-million in cars were sold at auction.  And about the same value of collectibles driving all around town. Alfa Romeo had a strong presence at 2017 Monterey Car Week.  Always a favorite on the lawn on Sunday, the brand is now heavily promoting their new Stelvio SUV and Giulia sport sedan. Both have pricing from about $50k and look a million times more special than their BMW rivals. Here are a few dozen of our favorite Alfa Romeos from Pebble Beach and beyond.  Special access to a Stelvio …

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2017 Ford F-150 RAPTOR 4×4 Supercab – First Drive Review

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When Ford gives you Raptor keys, there is an instant rush of blood to the brain.  Me!? Yes! The truck is absolutely gigantic even in shortie Supercab setup here.  A half-foot wider and big step taller than any stock F-150 around.  The cabin is the tiniest part of the huge widebody fenders, wide-track racing suspension and jumbo offroad tires. It is quite an event — even just parked calmly in subtle magnetic grey. What’s the first thing you do with a Raptor?   For me, it is Go find mud!  A rock quarry with greenlight from the dudes working?  YES! …

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Concept Flashback – 2006 RINSPEED ZaZen is Bubble Hard 911

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This concept from RINSPEED in 2006 is actually quite magnificent. A clear polycarbonate hardtop and a variety of innovative supplier solutions round out what is a very intriguing concept car from RINSPEED. The rear fenders and nose treatment with Ferrari 612 lighting elements are very interesting, but the RINSPEED ZaZen is absolutely hideous from the pure nose and tail angles. An unusual and sloppy mess of amateurish block shapes. Other lighting by the huge list of experimental parts suppliers are more special.  Diamond-cut glass for the brake lights is intricate, beautiful and very special.  The LED laserlight CHMSL is notably …

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2017 MANSORY BENTAYGA Introduces Forged-Carbon Widebody

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Mansory has a huge variety of customization options for the first-evert Bentley SUV.  They split it into the main kit and the ‘soft kit,’ with the softie just upgrading the lower splitters and bodywork details. The full fat Mansory makeover brings a totally new set of bumpers front/back, a reverse-scooped hood and some seriously wide fender extensions.  Hard to say whether the new Lambo-like forged exposed carbon, standard exposed-weave carbon or painted carbon panels are the sexiest.  They all dramatically up the visual drama of a three-ton Flying B. The x-piped sport exhaust and sport lowering suspension are highly recommended …

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2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport 6MT – First Drive Review

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Hyundai is perfecting its performance-car credentials.  The latest pack of redesigns go as hard at their tech/ style as they do at full turbo boost and fast corners. This handling skill and steering feel are creating a new impression of the brand as a whole. You need a preface like this to absorb the impressions of how sweet a drive the Elantra GT Sport was the other day.  This is Hyundai’s Scirocco rival for Europe and GTI-fighter for the USA — with a slinky low roof, five-door layout and lively powertrain.  How alive is GT?  It forms the basis for …

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2017 Mansory GRONOS 6×6 G-Wagen

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The Mansory Gronos G-Class goes right into the “Because.. Of Course” folder. The design upgrades are fairly deep with an all-new face and fresh rear bumper as well.  Much more modern than the factory G-CLass.  But nothing compares with the raw curb appeal. A truck whose fenders are at eye level needs little upgrade.  And of course, this 6×6 version is an even more capable forebearer to the trendy 4×4-squared.  WIth an extra locking diff there is a big traction advantage in the 6×6.  Its external pickup bed is also a favorite feature among its Falcon-loving owners. Here are three …

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Monterey Car Week 2017 GALLERY By Anthony DAquisto 60

217mph LUCID Alpha Speed Car + 2018 LUCID Air at Pebble Beach

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One of The most promising Tesla-killer of the next year is Lucid Motors. This beauty is packing up to 1000 horsepower and in its top trim, and a base price of $55k at the bottom. It is a dead-on hit at the Tesla Model S, but upgraded to sci-fi limo spec. Fittingly, Lucid brought out their production prototype as well as this road rocket: the Alpha Speed Car. Wearing wrapped and de-mirrored bodywork and a giant clear plexiglass wing in back, the Lucid Alpha Speed was officially clocked at 217MPH. This is one fast forward to the future!  The below …

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Updated w/ 33 Real-Life Photos – 2017 Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet

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  Here is a car absolutely perfect for the Pebble Beach concepts lawn. Ultra low.  Ground-hugging panels and exotic, exaggerated proportions.  A level of exotic eroticism unseen on 99.999-percent of all the world’s cars. This is no ordinary car.  It is a look at what a Merc rival to Bugatti might look like.  Pricing north of two mill a pop will keep them rare, while massive top speed performance potential is clear from the machine’s very shape. We have a few dozen real-life photos of the car to share, from the Mercedes House at Pebble Beach and the Concept Lawn …

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4.5s 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 – First Drive Video + 50 Photos

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  Every SUV with a sprint time near the 6’s feels monster fast. Being up that high amplifies G-forces, making even Escalade and a few other big SUVs feel fairly quick. But what about a 4.5-second time?  Even BETTER! This GLC43’s major advantages over rivals are its air-ride suspension with varying levels of firmness.  From pillow soft to fudgey firm – the GLC43 has impeccable ride qualities.  The handling balance of this SUV is also notable.  It really just takes to corners like a fast wagon more than a proper truck. But this silhouyette looks amazingly practical, and the cabin …

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2017 Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta – Pebble Beach Debut

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It has a name!  We knew this car was special on sight.  Next to the Huayra BC and Huayra Roadster… the Barchetta only somewhat fits in. This is a more brutal, hard-edged design in the front and rear.  Zonda lights also look like nothing else. Yet what is this?  Chopped windshield glass?  Snorkel intake and BC-like tall wing?!  Did we render something like this last summer?  [Yes=] And the coup de grace?  Shrouded rear wheels and extreme underbody aero and rear splitter.  Stunning. Here is Huayra Roadster in front of Barchetta, plus Zonda Cinque which is similar apart from the …

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2017 Ford Escape Titanium – Road Test Review

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How time flies! Ford launched this platform for the Escape around 2012 and it was a revelation for the compact crossover segment.  Handling and engine shared with the Range Rover Evoque, but with pricing $20k less?  Sign us up. Five years later and this newly-refreshed 2017 model is not nearly as appealing.  Is this lightest-of-light refreshes for 2017 enough to keep Escape competitive with its arch-rivals RAV4 and CR-V?  How about the dozens of other new CUVs with the same $25-$40k pricerange? We spent a week with the new Escape Titanium EcoBoost 4WD – the tippy top drivetrain and trim …

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2017 Guntherwerks 400R is Pro-Tuned 993 for 25-Unit 2018 Production Run

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The last air-cooled 911 is going down in history as the most-desirable, collectable and unattainable of all the rear-engined Porsches of modern times. What if Porsche kept working on the 993 without the concerns about noise, emissions or safety?  That pocket-rocket size machine before it grew new crash structures, heavier chassis details and feel-dulling insulation throughout? The result might be something like the new Guntherwerks 400R.  This concept debuted at the Quail to raves among the most hardcore car enthusiasts in the world.  Guys who have a half-dozen supercars in their collections at any one time. They absolutely love it. …

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700HP 2018 Porsche 911 GT2RS – First Look at The Quail in 30 Photos

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All intercoolers and carbon bodywork, this one! The carbon-fiber extends to the bodywork and even the front fender vents on this turbo, rear-drive track special. JC got a close look at this wildest-911 ever at the Quail over the weekend, and even mugs for a selfie midway through the roll! Pricing for the insanely potent GT2RS starts from $293k. 2018 Porsche 911 GT2RS  

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2017 Pebble Beach Concours – CONCEPT LAWN – PART THREE

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Concept lawn adjacent? Here we find the 2018 Porsche 911 RSR, 2018 Rolls-Royce DAWN Black Badge (World Soft Launch), and 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante by ZAGATO. Check out parts one and two for the full class of 2017 concept lawn stars. 2017 Pebble Beach Concours – CONCEPT LAWN – PART THREE 2018 Porsche 911 RSR 2018 Rolls-Royce DAWN Black Badge 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante by ZAGATO

2017 Pebble Beach Concours – CONCEPT LAWN – PART TWO

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We’re back with another round of simply gorgeous photos fresh from The Lodge at Pebble Beach. Seems our previous “all 12 cars” headline really came back to bite in the ass?! We forgot some notables. More pics of the Fux 720s, VW ID Buzz, the Italdesign Zerouno, Pagani Zonda Roadster Exclusive Evo, Lamborghini Huracan Performante, and last but not least, the Infiniti Q60 Project Black S. A few more glamor shots of the Prototype 9 and Vision 6 included for good measure. Bonus points if you can spot Horacio Pagani (aka the Head Dude at Pagani) and Gorden Wagener, the …

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2017 Pebble Beach Concours – CONCEPT LAWN

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Wish you could take a slow walk around this practice putting green at the Pebble Beach Ritz? You are not alone! We have a terrific class of 2017 to show — including a few world premieres!  The Infiniti Prototype 9 and the Maybach Vision 6 are quite something to behold in the flesh. The Concept Z4 is also popular, as is the Fux pink McLaren 720S we’ve been featuring all weekend. A pair of Ford GT and GT40 Le Mans racers bring some real grit to the show, and set the tone for the Acrua ARX-05 racer nicely. Bentley’s gorgeous …

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Werkswagen! 2.8s, 205MPH 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series [28 Photos]

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The dawn of the $260k 911 is here and glorious.  All the performance.  All the luxury. All the power! The works.  Or Werks? 607 ponies to be exact. This shade is Golden Yellow Metallic and is one of just three on the Exclusive Series Turbo S for 2018. Favorite detail photo photographer James Crabtree?  The carbon front fender slices!  [Whoops, those are GT2RS]  In fact, all the air vents and addenda on this beauty are bare carbon to contrast the paintwork.  But no front fender slashes here. The engine cover with CF intake snorkel is a delightfully exclusive touch indeed …

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In Pictures: First USA Bugatti CHIRON Delivered!

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Morning honey-bee! This gorgeous two-tone Bugatti is officially the first ever car delivered to America.  The key handoff took place in Pebble Beach (where else?) but it is presumed the $3-mil was not in cash.  That would be too large a briefcase for one man to carry. Generously, the total price already includes tax and shipping. CHeck out the beautiful specimen via the seaside photoset below. 2017 Bugatti CHIRON

McLaren VIP Event [118 Photos] M6GT, M7A, 570S Spider, 720S + Longtails

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  This is basically the most McLarens per square mile on Earth.  Pebble Beach in general, yes.  But this exclusive mansion in particular!  Enjoy this mega set of gorgeous Macca’s from CRD pal JC, who is on site for the boostfest! If you get far enough in the gallery below you will even see these badass supercars lined up politely for test drives.  Yes please~! 2017 Pebble Beach – McLaren VIP Villa

In 150 Pictures: Exotics at Cannery Row 2017 – Monterey Car Week

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Welcome to an all-you-can-eat supercar extravaganza! In this gallery by Anthony D’Acquisto from Exotics on Cannery Row yesterday in Monterey, you will find not only 100+ cool, high-res pics how the event’s hottest cars. Not only a video with more than 20 of those machines in motion. Just 150 photos of the rarest of the rare supercars in real life. Newness captured includes the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato in dark red, the VW e-Bus concept and the brand-new 2018 Bentley SuperSports.  Nice to meet the USSV Rhino XT in wild too!  (The Bentleys and the Fux Rolls Royces are actually …

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2017 Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet

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  Here is a car absolutely perfect for the Pebble Beach concepts lawn. Ultra low.  Ground-hugging panels and exotic, exaggerated proportions.  A level of exotic eroticism unseen on 99.999-percent of all the world’s cars. This is no ordinary car.  It is a look at what a Merc rival to Bugatti might look like.  Pricing north of two mill a pop will keep them rare, while massive top speed performance potential is clear from the machine’s very shape. 2017 Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet

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In Pictures: Pebble Beach 2017 – Welcome to CASA FERRARI

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Ferrari’s 70th anniversary celebration at Pebble Beach this year means the place is wall-to-wall Italian stallions. At the Casa Ferrari house on the concours grounds, Ferrari has a few tasty appetizers on display.  Multiple LaFerrari Aperta’s are almost hard to spot. The combination of painted hard side pillar with cloth on the inner roof top is the way to spot the open-topped special. Along for the trip is the very rare Ferrari Sergio, designed to honor Sergio Pininfarina by his team at the design boutique.  It is so out-there and unique as to be a bit puzzling. No challenges with …

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2017 Rolls-Royce DAWN in FUXIA Celebrates Michael Fux

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The owner of the Fux Fuchsia McLaren 720S is the illustrious Michael Fux! A prolific collector and ultra-VIP client with a very bold personality streak. Mr. Fux took delivery today of his 11th bespoke Rolls-Royce: a Dawn finished in this year’s Fux Fuchsia paintwork.  This color is the most eye-popping candy metallic you have ever seen.  It makes other, normal hues look like matte construction paper. The unique shimmery metallic is part of a power group of colors from the same family, each reserved for Mr Fux and unavailable to other buyers.  Non-Fux-ers will have to find something within the …

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2018 Acura ARX-05 Endurance Racer Bringing V6TT To Track

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  Acura racer… coming in hot! This new ARX-05 will race in 2018 for Team Penske in the DPi class of endurance racers — some of the fiercest competitors on US tracks. Acura’s motorsport V6TT serves here and will power the car for its Rolex 24 race premiere in Daytona. On to the design!~ It is mean.  Mean and fast. This nose tells cars in front: You’re About To Get Passed.   2017 Acura ARX-05   Acura Reveals Striking ARX-05 Prototype Race Car in Monterey; Debut Set for Daytona Aug 18, 2017 – MONTEREY, Calif. Acura to take on top …

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2017 OKUYAMA Kode 0 – Tech Specs + World Premiere at The Quail

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Here is a true dreamcar if there ever was one.  A modern expression of the Gandini wedge design ethos that ruled the supercar world for decades. But leaner, cleaner and more functional under Okuyama’s pen. This machine is ostensibly a one-off created by Ken Okuyama Cars, but a micro-batch of customer cars are possible with style like a Stratos Zero or Ferraro Modulo! It is a masterpiece of linearity.  But with nice overlapping layers that give depth to the front bumper, lower windowline and multi-material tail.  Part of this square rump is notably decorated with chrome brightwork, while the edges …

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FUX FUCHSIA McLaren 720S by MSO Whips Heads at The Quail

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The car causing some serious neck problems in NorCal this week? The MSO 720S in a bespoke Fux Fuchsia paint scheme over stealth grey carbon trim and opal white leather. The car is at the Quail for these photos.  Do some neck rolls now so you don’t hurt yourself when you see it. The owner is my new hero.  But he needs to get to the window tinter pronto after the show! FUX FUCHSIA McLaren 720S by McLaren Special Operations McLAREN SPECIAL OPERATIONS PRESENTS UNIQUE McLAREN 720S CUSTOMER COMMISSION AT PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Bespoke McLaren 720S by McLaren Special …

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Best of Pebble Beach – 2017 INFINITI Prototype 9 in 33 New Photos

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Updated 8.22.17 How can we give a Best Of Award already?   The Concours has not even begun yet! In terms of modern OEM exotics and concepts, the Infiniti Prototype 9 is already one of the most memorable and high-impact designs.   Absolutely stunning. High-impact but low volume!  The Prototype 9’s main drawback might be its lack of period combustion engine note….!     A 1940s racer for modern day?  How about one with an all-electric driveline and single-seater cabin? The perfect fit for the world’s most prestigious concours: Pebble Beach. Infiniti just whipped the silk capes off their Prototype …

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Monterey Car Week 2017 GALLERY – Thursday Carmel & Spanish Bay – By Anthony DAquisto

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Brace yourself for high-dollar, high-performance supercars galore!  Monterey Car Week 2017 is in full swing.  Centenario’s are like Corolla’s here. In the middle of August, Pebble Beach is indeed the center of the automotive universe. CRD pal Anthony D’Acquisto from Newport Beach has 100 photos of his sightings yesterday.  Glowing indigo 720s?  Check.   One-of-six Ferrari Sergio?   LaFerrari Apertas?  Yep.   New TdF and original Ferrar Tour de France specials?  You know it! The brand-new Bentley SuperSports and Black Packs?  Oh yes! A favorite has to be the shimmery silver RUF Porsche. A huge thanks to Anthony for sharing …

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1957 Arnott-Climax 1100 GT – Gooding & Co. Pebble Beach 2017 Preview

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  Have you ever laid eyes on a more beautiful teardrop racer? Competing with the likes of the Porsche 356 and other micro-lights was a tough game in the late 1950s.   Competitiveness in this era meant this Coventry Climax ran just a shouting 96-horsepower four, with all its weight mid-center ahead of the driver.  This played out on track nicely versus the rear-engined Porsches of the era.  Totally different but both very pure track setups. Granted, this little bugger might have had its gullwing doors blown off by a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racer of the same era, whose big …

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2017 BMW Concept Z4 – Design Analysis

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Well well well! The i8 Spyder rumors are unfounded as of now!  BMW just unveiled the brand-new Concept Z4 — and enticing look at the next generation of this F-Type fighter. What is that?  No longer just the Boxster and SLC in the Z4’s competitive set.  The new model aims to move significantly upmarket — and up in performance — via the unloved current model. The most radical view into the production 2018 Z4 model from this concept is its design language.  First off, a much more aggressive level of slashes and overlapping  surfaces is prominent.  Also new — for …

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Own the 007 Spectre 2014 Land Rover Defender SVX!

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A Defender pro-mod by Q himself!  Or was this the villain car in that Alpine chase.  Oh yes.  Bond is actually driving a crashed plane at the time. This SVX machine will let its new owner be a Bond hero daily.   2014 Land Rover Defender SVX “Spectre”

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1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Works Rally Car – RM London 2017

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 Never. Been. Raced! Seeking $250k. Will make your rally dreams come true. 1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Works RM Sotheby’s London 2017 Lot 123 1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Works To be auctioned on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 £170,000 – £190,000 Photo Credit: Rowan Horncastle ©2017 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

In Pictures: 2016 Aston Martin VULCAN Details – By James Crabtree

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The Vulcan is beyond intense in person.  Lower than anything and wider than a Hummer! With nearly seamless doors and windshield showing the extreme, race-ready aero of this machine in stark contrast with all production cars.  Not even a slight bump between windshield and roof!  Meanwhile, the tail wears wings and diffuser that cost more than most whole cars. The opaque orange brakelights are spikes of material extending a half foot behind the back fenders. The hood opened forward also offers an interesting look and the Multimatic inboard suspension and the all-carbon intake manifolds. Photo credits: Thanks to James Crabtree …

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2000 Lamborghini Diablo GTR – RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017

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Diablo GTR is an incredible example of Lambo previewing the future.  We’ve seen the Countach evolve radically as the template.  But as Diablo became Murcielago, and Murci became Aventador… there is always a VERY special run-out model. Think Reventon and Centenario for this generation.   These bridge the design and performance gap with the next-gen model – milking the last year of production for max profits. A good formula! GTR is so special that RM Sotheby’s expects at least $600k when it sells this week in Monterey, California.  This is the same price as a brand-new Aventador SV Roadster, coincidentally! …

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2014 Pagani Huayra Tempesta – RM Sotheby’s 2017 Preview

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It is easy to lump the Huayra into the LaFerrari and McLaren P1 competitive set.  But in actuality, the only vehicle with a similar price/performance quotient is the Bugatti Chiron.  (As well as Koenigsegg and perhaps W Motors if we’re generous.) Pricing for Pagani’s never leaves much change from a $3-million cashier’s check.  While its delivery timeframes are easily 18 months or longer. So whenever one comes up for sale, particularly a US-legal model, it is newsworthy. This Huayra Tempesta was the first-ever customer car in the states and one of only 100 made in total.  It is equipped with …

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2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Gets Triple ZAGATO Gifts! Speedster + Shooting Brake

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A hot trio of new ZAGATO Aston Martin models just hit the web ahead of their concept lawn debuts at Pebble Beach Concours! The Vanquish Zagato Volante takes the DB-Z coupe looks to new heights.  Those taillights alone are worth their design weight in gold!  But wait, there is more.  More of Zagato’s trademark Double Bubbles in the Vanquish Volante Speedster!  Twin helmet cowls on the rear decklid add a racy touch indeed.  Just 28 of the Speedsters will be made, versus 99 of the cabrio and 99 coupes. A production run of 325 leaves another 100 cars somewhere.  And …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Lexus RX350 F Sport – By Carl Malek

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With the crossover segment quickly transforming into a key battleground for the worlds automakers, the pressure is on for these companies to create a compelling crossover that’s a perfect fit for a wide range of customer tastes. Lexus aims to establish itself as a top player in the luxury crossover segment with the 2017 RX350. The RX first appeared back in 1998, and quickly made a name for itself not only because of its approachable price tag, but also its slick for the period styling elements. But can the 2017 RX continue its winning ways? Or has it become a …

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2017 Jannarelly Design-1 Heads to First Owners!

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A great startup launch story for Jannarelly Automotive this year.  From prototype to production in just a matter of months is a huge achievement. The first ever JD1 is now in its happy owners hands in France, but the second is headed to NY!  The US distributor Vandouble is handling orders for the machines stateside, with around a six-month delivery timeframe.  Production is sold out until February 2018, Jannarelly tells us, so get your order in soon to be among the first owners. As a recap, we have a mid-mounted V6 driving the back wheels and flyweight carbon construction to make the …

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1955 Ferrari 121LM Spider by Scaglietti – RM Sotheby’s Monterey Preview

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Only in Monterey would crummy roadside motels be filled with Ferrari’s and Lambo’s! And even around the corner from Pebble Beach, these special cars (and people!) only come out once a year. RM Sotheby’s auction this week will be action-packed.  A favorite presale machine that deserves all the spotligght in the car world? This 1955 Ferrari 121LM Spider. It is the third of four ever made.  It is a shrouded-cockpit, single-seat racer in iconic French Blue.  A shrouded roll hoop behind the RHD steering setup is glamourous, as is the tiny perspex wind deflector.  Helmet or at least goggles definitely …

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2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid SEL – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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These days a lot of automakers offer a hybrid of some sort. But pretty much the undisputed king is the Prius. And Toyota earned the reputation the hard way – putting out their necks first with a little agrarian car that earned more than its share of jibes and rude noises. But Toyota’s laughing now. Interestingly, there have been precious few direct competitors to the Prius. But now we have a new fuel-sipping gunslinger in town –the all-new Hyundai Ioniq hybrid. So, does it send the Prius packing, or is it more ironic than Ioniq? Well it definitely has the …

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2017 Lexus RC350 RWD – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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I’ve driven a fair amount of Lexus sedans and SUV’s recently. I have enjoyed all of them as far as luxury cars are concerned. Quiet, sedate, upscale interiors, enough power, and almost everything a luxury buyer could desire.  What they all lacked, however, was some driving excitement.  While I pointed that out in the reviews, I didn’t give those cars demerits on that point.  The reason is because they weren’t designed to be thrilling driving machines. They were designed for luxury and comfort, and they checked most of the boxes for that mission statement. But things are somewhat different when …

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2017 INFINITI Prototype 9 Makes Retro Pebble Beach Debut

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A 1940s racer for modern day?  How about one with an all-electric driveline and single-seater cabin? The perfect fit for the world’s most prestigious concours: Pebble Beach. Infiniti just whipped the silk capes off their Prototype 9.  And boy will it stop you in your tracks. Even the ‘endless road’ Infiniti badge is expressed artfully.  It now stands proud atop the hood edge like a radiator cap.  The waterfall front grille is slightly tacky on first glance but does make sense.  When viewed directly head-on, the shape of this sunken grille matches the wide jawline of the Q60 sports coupe, …

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2018 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T – First Drive Review w/ Video

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This heavily revised Sonata arrives in the nick of time. Its two core rivals in Camry and Accord have just undergone dramatic redesigns – bringing the latest tech, style and efficiency to their legions of devoted owners. Staying competitive on the design front means every panel besides the doors and roof of Sonata are fresh for 2018.  All wear a very Genesis-like ‘cascading’ front grille for the first time, as well as a brand new tail with longer and sharper detailing. It really works in the flesh.  Pulling the visuals of the car’s nose downward and the tail further back …

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2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring FWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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It’s tough being Mazda. After all, in the automotive world, you’re a small company, up against giants like Toyota, Ford, and Nissan. And even though you’re a famous sports car maker, you need to compete in the big-money segments like small crossovers to survive. But Mazda did more than just compete. With the original CX-5, Mazda made one of the best, most fun to drive small crossovers on the market. But time moves on, and Mazda has to as well. Will Mazda’s new CX-5 be another winner, or will it suffer from sophomore slump? Well, first of all, it’s not …

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2017 Lincoln Continental 3

2017 Lincoln Continental 3.0T AWD Black Label – Road Test Review

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Welcome to a future where the Lincoln Continental has the grace of a Bentley.  It has cabin comfort worthy of a private jet and a backseat to shame most Mercedes. Impressive?  That barely does the Continental’s first impression justice. We spent a week getting to know the machine inside and out.  Learning the delights of cooled and massaged comfort in all four corners of the machine.  And flinging the Continental out of corners with unreal speed thanks to the Focus RS-style torque vectoring AWD system.  Of course, the whole time, surfing full throttle of 400HP/400 pound-feet of torque from the …

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