MANSORY Ferrari F12 Revoluzione and Stallone Packs Offer Timely Hypercar Refresh

The moment a hotter variant of your supercar arrives on sale, a bit of the excitement in the car dims. No matter how stunning and life-changing the ride, once its facelift is on the scene, you might be second best. And so it goes with the new Ferrari F12TdF wearing new panels throughout. There is an upside: it is an opportune time to go wild with aftermarket upgrades. MANSORY does it better than almost anyone, and their F12 packages are suitably unique and gorgeous. Three levels of kit are packaged and branded together, but all the upgrades are available individually, …

Keep reading

2015 BMW Motorrad eRR Bike Concept 1

2015 BMW Motorrad Debuts eRR Bike Concept – Supersport Performance, 2WD 199HP Electrics

  Here is the latest concept from BMW Motorrad: the eRR electric racing bike. Running components from the S 1000 RR supersport bike, the eRR runs an AWD electric drivetrain plus full carbon-fiber for its bodywork and chassis. What the eRR lacks in futuristic design and style it makes up for with its production intent parts and performance. No word yet on range or sprint pace, but the eRR is an exciting snapshot into the R&D of next-gen BMW electric two-wheelers. 2015 BMW Motorrad eRR Bike Concept BMW Motorrad presents the experimental vehicle eRR. Supersport dynamism and zero emission thanks …

Keep reading

First Drive Review – 2016 Lexus RX350 FWD Luxury Package + Pricing and 100 New Photos

  The 2016 RX is huge news: an ultra-modern makeover adds style, tech and efficiency to the all-star crossover from Lexus. We had a chance to drive all five trimlines last week, and have some great news to report about the handling crispness, exterior design and cabin comfort. But also some fairly important gripes about the performance and style execution of the new RX — which can leave you slightly confused versus the BMW X5. Let’s start with the highest-volume model: the RX350 front-wheel-drive. As we can see in the pricing charts below, this $42k base price is the most …

Keep reading

985HP MANSORY S63 Black Edition Coupe – Upgrades Detail + 20 New Photos

MANSORY is getting pumped for its home auto show: the IAA in Frankfurt next week. The big reveal this year will be a Black Edition S63 AMG Coupe. This blacked-out stunner has dramatic exterior and interior changes from every angle. In addition to the expected new bumper and intakes up front, new fender slashes behind the lead axle promise functional cooling benefits as well as the massive style they bring. A full de-chrome for the windowline and glasshouse is dramatic and effective, as are the rear wheel brake cooling ducts. Around back, a dark carbon-fiber finish for the diffuser meets …

Keep reading

Vorsteiner NOVARA Lamborghini HURACAN 1

Vorsteiner Reveals Extreme NOVARA Lamborghini HURACAN Aerokit

Latest gorgeous upgrades from Vorsteiner take a deep chop to the factory Lamborghini Huracan. Every element of the lower body is redone in motorsport-intense carbon fiber, while other GT3-inspired details shout to the heavens from the main bodywork. New slices in the fenders are beautiful, as is the sharper intake flic on the side pillars behind the glasshouse. In back, we see an alternative to the other Vorsteiner gooseneck wings — with latticework of carbon-fiber for the uprights. The plane of the wing matches each tilt and surface of the main bodywork, just raised nearly a foot off the trunklid …

Keep reading

Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Mugello - World Debut of F12TdF Special, 488 GT3 + FXX K Sightings 30

Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Mugello – World Debuts of F12 TdF Special, 488 GTE + FXX K Sightings

Ferrari just wrapped up its weeklong extravaganza for the World Finals of the Ferrari Challenge one-make race series  — and crowned the huge week by debuting the new F12TdF in front of the packed crowd of 50,000-plus tifosi at Mugello circuit. The new F12 Tour de France special model wears new aero, extra power and track-optimized handling settings. This makes running around the ultra-quick circuit with 599XXs, FXX K’s and even F1 cars a natural habit for the limited-run 2016 model — despite the F12 TdF being street-legal worldwide. In real-life photos, the F12TdF is quite striking, with design elements …

Keep reading

BMW Launches M2 and M4 Performance Parts – Coming Spring 2016

  The new BMW M2 is barely on the radar of most supercoupe shoppers just a month after its official reveal, but BMW is not waiting around to juice its new baby with M Performance Parts. The M2 and M4 wearing swish new design upgrades were the centerpieces of the SEMA 2015 show: gloss-black detailing, M color body decals, and even a carbon-fiber spoiler and exhaust system for the M4. The M2’s mods so far are purely aesthetic, and we have not seen the full car yet — just glimpses of its black kidney grilles so far. The M4 Performance …

Keep reading

2016 Hyundai TUCSON by Bisimoto Engineering 10

700HP 2016 Hyundai TUCSON by Bisimoto Engineering

HYUNDAI PARTNERS WITH BISIMOTO ENGINEERING FOR A FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR TO CREATE 700+ HORSEPOWER 2016 TUCSON Bisimoto Engineering’s First CUV is the Most-Powerful Tucson Ever Hyundai has revealed the most-powerful 2016 Tucson ever created, built by the powertrain gurus at Bisimoto Engineering for 2015 SEMA. Partnering for a fourth straight year, Bisimoto’s “Brute Ute” will be revealed at Hyundai’s SEMA press conference on November 3 at 11:30 a.m. PT, in Las Vegas. Utilizing Hyundai’s 2.4-liter “Theta-II” power plant as the starting point for the build, similar to last year’s 2015 Sonata, Bisimoto mated strengthened internals with fast-burning flex-fuel, a high-boost …

Keep reading

2016 Hyundai TUCSON by Rockstar Performance Garage 16

2016 Hyundai TUCSON by Rockstar Performance Garage

    ROCKSTAR PERFORMANCE GARAGE TURNS 2016 TUCSON INTO A TRUE OFF-ROADER The bumper-to-bumper overhaul started with the most important piece of any serious off-roader: the suspension. The Tucson now sits six inches over stock height, riding on massive, 32-in. MTZ P3 tires from Mickey Thompson, and a fully-custom, adjustable shocks and struts system from King Shocks. The vehicle’s wheel wells were reconstructed to create space for the new setup, now able to fit the massive suspension and tire combination. Upgraded turbo piping, a high-flow Magnaflow exhaust and a new K&N intake and intercooler from Mishimoto help the engine breathe …

Keep reading

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

2016 Hyundai TUCSON AdventureMobile by John Pangilinan

  First of three custom Hyundai Tucsons for SEMA. JOHN PANGILINAN CREATES TUCSON ADVENTUREMOBILE FOR SEMA John Pangilinan, the renowned Southern California tuner known for creating vehicles that blur the lines between lifestyle and automotive, has released details on his 2016 Tucson SEMA build. Dubbed the “Adventuremobile,” the vehicle blends Hyundai’s new crossover platform with a passion for the great outdoors, perfect for the weekend getaway. The car will be revealed at Hyundai’s SEMA press conference on November 3 at 11:30 a.m. PT, in Las Vegas. The “Adventuremobile” is just as at home on the daily commute as it is …

Keep reading

2016 Mazda MX-5 Spyder Versus MX-5 Speedster Concepts! Vote Your Pick

2016 Mazda MX-5 Spyder Mazda Reveals Extreme Lightweight Design Concepts at 2015 SEMA MX-5 Concepts Display Two Different Takes on Staying True to Pure, Lightweight Sports Car Philosophy LAS VEGAS (November 3, 2015) – Mazda revealed two design concepts today at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, based on its all-new 2016 MX-5 Miata—MX-5 Spyder and MX-5 Speedster—demonstrating two vastly different takes on lightweight, open-air performance. Lightweight. Fun-to-drive. Roadster. Those three tenets have served as the foundation for the Mazda MX-5 Miata since its 1989 introduction and continue to serve the new fourth-generation model. Focused, lightweight engineering is a guiding …

Keep reading

LARTE DESIGN 2016 Infiniti QX80 Missuro Debuts New Dual-Mode Exhaust + Rotora 8-Piston Brakes

The QX80 has been a favorite of Larte Design (and ours!) for years. LARTE has been designing aero kits for the 400HP supertruck in many forms since 2011 or so. This is their baby. So of course, when the 2015 model debuted in Pebble Beach with a plush QX80 Limited pack and new LED lighting, the LARTE folks were quick to take note. Since those first QX80s started turning heads in Monaco with wild styling mods, Larte has expanded globally — with Cali and German offices doing great tunes on the Lexus LX570, Merc GL, Tesla Model S, QX60, QX70 …

Keep reading

BTR Veloster Turbo

Blood Type Racing Makes 500HP Hyundai VELOSTER Turbo R-Spec for SEMA 2015

Blood Type Racing delivered a Best of SEMA concept last year in its 800HP Genesis Coupe (photo gallery below). Stunning ideas and execution made that hemoglobin-hued showcar so special, we’d be scared to drive it on the highway — let alone sideways on a racetrack! BTR earned a pretty high honor for its incredible 2014 efforts: another slot in the Hyundai official SEMA customs roster. This year brought a pretty big challenge, however, for the Blood Type hoons: a Veloster Turbo R-Spec as the starting point. The Veloster is a challenging tuner platform for a variety of reasons, but none …

Keep reading

Hyundai SEMA 2015 – Genesis Coupes From ARK and TJIN Are 1200HP of Sideways Bliss

Two Genesis Coupes are among the six-pack of official customs from Hyundai for the 2015 SEMA show. While the results from ARK Performance and TJIN are quite distinct, interesting similarities are present and notable between the two.  Most critically, the standard-equipment 3.8-liter, 350HP V6 is boosted up to quite extreme power levels via supercharged induction. TJIN runs a Vortex V4 supercharger with Bisimoto ECU tune, but few other mechanical mods to the engine internals. A ballpark output from this conversion is around 475 horsepower. Clearly enough to make the Genesis Coupe a powerhouse, of course, and one that looks divine …

Keep reading

SEMA 2015 - Showfloor Mega Gallery in 288 Photos 186

SEMA 2015 – Showfloor Mega Gallery in 288 Photos

SEMA is wrapping up today after a wild showcase of the current aftermarket car business.  Highlights are too numerous to mention, but the Ford GT in yellow is my personal favorite sighting. The new MX-5 concepts are pretty fantastic as well.   SEMA 2015 – Showfloor Mega Gallery in 288 Photos

Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS Preview – Baja F-150 in Gulf Racing Colors Leads Pack

Some really cool custom Edges and Explorers join the F-150 wolfpack from Ford for SEMA 2015. Initial favorite is off-roader Explorer or the Galpin Auto Sports F-150. Wearing a widebody and custom PPG paints in Gulf Racing colors… the truck is just a few logos and Raptor badges from being the ultimate in HOT new metal headed out to Vegas. No word on if the custom trucks will include a Pepto and Z-pack for your well-being after a few days in Vegas… =]   Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS Preview Edge Two Popular Ford SUVs Storm SEMA with Wild Versions …

Keep reading

Ford SEMA 2015 Custom Cars 39

Ford SEMA 2015 Custom CARS Preview – Rally Focii, Street Fiestas and 900HP EcoBoost Mustang!?

  Ford is going even more bananas for SEMA this year than usual!  We have at least two dozen custom Fords headed to the Vegas aftermarket equipment show — and that is just what we know so far. Last year included more than a few surprises closer to the event. Among the eight custom Mustangs headed to the Ford SEMA stand, the BISIMOTO turbo might be the most tempting and body performance upgrade. The EcoBoost in question, by the way, is not the V6TT — but the Mustang EcoBoost’s stock 2.3-liter twin-scroll turbo! A full carbon-fiber exterior looks sweet and …

Keep reading

Renault_71370_global_en copy

2016 Renault TALISMAN – Pricing and Trims from €27,900

Updated 11.1.15 with French prices and new photos.         Welcome to the top of the Renault range: the new Talisman sedan. This fresh D-segment saloon is a larger and more plush big brother to the Laguna — promising world-class comfort, design, luxury and technology. All with a completely fresh design and dimensions to compete with the BMW 5 series. A total length of 4.85-metres is fairly gigantic for a front-drive luxury sedan in France. As the segment’s built-in government and livery driver pool looks to Germany for their fleets, the large car market in France is fairly …

Keep reading

subaru impreza 5-door concept 6

2015 Subaru Impreza 5-Door Concept, WRX S207 NBR Challenge Join Packed Tokyo Showstand

Subaru is really growing in leaps and bounds! No better evidence than a frankly packed Tokyo stand from the once-humble maker of AWD mountain cars. Joining the all-new VIZIV Future Concept on the stands is the also-new Impreza 5-Door Concept. While the new WRX still feels very fresh, it is always good to take a sneak peek at the next-gen design vision for the product. Since the WRX and Impreza lineups were formally divorced in this generation in the US, the XV Crosstrek has taken on a bit of an entry-level role in the Subaru range. But this is traditionally …

Keep reading

Tokyo Auto Show 2015 – Mega Gallery in 230 New Photos

Some sweet strange at the 2015 Tokyo Auto Show! Fave reveals include the NC2020 in red, plus the Yamaha Sports Ride concept — which is a mini Pagani for all intents and purposes. Of course, the Mazda RX-Vision is also a fantastic indication of future turbo rotaries returning to the Japanese supercar battle of 2018.  Picture it: GT-R vs Supra FT-1 vs NSX vs RX-7 Turbo! On the other side of the power spectrum, the Honda S660 and Daihatsu Copen have potential fresh competition beyond the Yamaha above in a mini Toyota sportscar: the S-FR Concept.  Or the mysterious Kode-9 …

Keep reading

Nissan IDS Concept-4 copy

2015 Nissan IDS Concept is Autopilot EV with Sharply Stylish Aero

Here is a pretty interesting concept car from Nissan for the Tokyo auto show: the IDS. This rolling showcase shows the latest Nissan vision for a sporty, ultra-efficient battery-electric vehicle of the future. One might think of this as a superLeaf, as well as a look at the tech expected to underpin the redesigned ~2017 Leaf. The major upgrades are everywhere: exterior design is all-new and aggressively sleek in the wind tunnel. The cabin is a future-tech fantasy of touchscreens and AI controls, including a fully autonomous drive mode. Under the actually-pretty-stylish nose and its extreme lower splitter, next-gen LEDs …

Keep reading

2015 Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo 7

2015 Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo is Yuppy-Chic Hydrogen PHEV

Tokyo has long been the global auto show to see some weird, wild and wacky stuff. Futuristic dreams on four wheels, usually with brightly lit color-schemes and adaptive video screens to boot. The show this year is still tech-rich, but a bit more somber than previous years. A firm production focus appears to be the concept-car focus so far. But here glides in an unlikely hero for wild and crazy concept cars, none other than Mercedes-Benz!? The Vision Tokyo is a funky style wagon aimed at chic yuppies stuck in traffic. As opposed to chic oldies in the back of …

Keep reading

Petty's Garage Mustang GT King Edition

727HP 2016 Ford Mustang GT KING Edition Headed to Ford Stores w/ Race Parts, Factory Warranty

Pretty incredible new Mustang heading to Ford showrooms this year! The Petty’s Garage KING Edition is set to be produced and sold with a full warranty, yet wild race parts and custom detailing. The wildly sexy lower-body and flip tail spoiler are offered in matching blue crush of the previous Mecum auction car, donated to the Paralyzed Veterans of America foundation and scoring a major sale haul — in the half-mil range! These new King Editions will go fast, both on the street and on the lot, of course. Standard horsepower for the supercharged base model is 627-ponies, while a …

Keep reading

5857McLaren-570S-Coupe---Mantis-Green-008

3.1s, 204MPH 2016 McLaren 570S Coupe – Portimao Launch and USA Pricing from $185k

  The 2016 McLaren 570S is firmly in production and headed to a garage near you! Enjoy these latest press photos from sunny Spain, plus the final tech specs. VERY impressive power and pace: 3.1s is the official 60-mph sprint, on to a screaming 10.9-second quarter mile and up to a 204-mph top speed. Pricing for the 570S is from $185k in the USA, and we highly encourage you to explore the animated buyers guide and color visualizers via the ‘Very Similar’ links below. Especially for the MSO nose and tail in bare carbon.  2016 McLaren 570S Coupe – Portimao …

Keep reading

2016 Nissan GT-R NISMO N-Attack Package

Nissan GT-R NISMO N Attack Package – Upgrade Details and Pricing

Not sure how this even-hotter-than-ever NISMO GT-R slid by us when it was announced in August of this year, but we are all over it now! The new N Attack Package is a major overhaul of the factory NISMO GT-R — letting any OEM driver have the exact specification that delivered a Nurburgring production track record earlier in the year. In Japan, the assembly of the N Attack pack is handled in-house by NISMO, but in the USA (and worldwide) the distributor and official installation partner is long-time Nissan guru STILLEN. This upgrade is massively involved. We have the full …

Keep reading

Design Analysis – 2015 Renault COUPE CORBUSIER Is All-New Flagship Concept

Shades of brutalism, yet light on the inside and accented with with fantasy curves. The description of the iconic Villa Savoye country house in France neatly applies to almost all Le Corbusier’s creations. The architect is a legend in modernism, a movement that prioritized livable interiors, created with advanced industrial construction methods leaning heavily on steel and concrete. The idea of Villa Savoye being a legendary cabin in France just epitomizes the era of its design. Cold-war emotions were running hot, while WWII and its mass destruction of France inspired a clean break in the national mood.   Villa Savoye, …

Keep reading

Chevrolet Reveals 2015 SEMA Fleet: 6-Pack of RED LINE Concepts

Pretty awesome little pack of Chevys heading to SEMA! The concept theme this year is Red Line — which is a light aesthetic upgrade for a variety of models using factory accessories and DIY-style customizations. Dark trims, LED-lit emblems, huge alloys and blacked-out details are a recurring element on the Malibu, Sonic RS, Camaro Red Line, Silverado, Colorado and the Trax! Enjoy this exclusive preview with 100 or so images of the yet-to-be-seen Red Line Series for SEMA 2015.   Chevrolet 2015 SEMA RED LINE Concepts Chevrolet Red Line Concepts Showcase Latest Accessories Themed collection highlights production, concept components   …

Keep reading

Bentley INSPIRATOR App Is World-First Intelligent Configurator with Facial-Recog Emotion Mapper

Most automotive preview or promo Apps are pretty lousy. They show a posh experience, videos and photos in a nice branded environment, but generally offer little new info you cannot find on the web. Additionally, they are all just a giant funnel to point you toward your local dealership, or to the OEM’s main website for complex configurations/specs/etc. The new Bentley INSPIRATOR iOS app just launched today with a vastly different approach: a scientific exploration of your moods, preferences and tastes — that requires few of the “next” clicks of a typical configurator. We were heavily skeptical that the app …

Keep reading

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

2016 Toyota TACOMA Goes Back to the Future + Previews Diesel Powertrain for USA

A few cool things going on with this 80s-chic 2016 Tacoma that Toyota created in partnership with Universal Pictures and the Back to the Future crew.  The 2016 update references Marty McFly’s date-night ride from Back to the Future II — with shockingly accurate results. The new Tacoma in custom 1985 flat black plus a variety of off-road goodies? A strong look, even what feels like 100 years on from the original Hilux. Celebrating BTTF day is fun and all, but there is a future-previewing Easter egg in the new Tacoma concept. And it lives in quite an auspicious place: …

Keep reading

2015 Nissan TEATRO for DAYZ 13

2015 Nissan TEATRO for DAYZ Concept is Next-Gen Stoner Streamer

Some trends have a strong basis in real-life, timeless buyer preferences. Boot-cut jeans fit a huge range of bodytypes in a flattering way. Ugg boots are actually ridiculously comfy and easy to wear all day. Workout clothes are comfiest when you are not working out. Same goes for urban yoofs of the world. Young-person culture adores the idea of a boxy social pod on wheels — as the Scion xD/xB and Nissan Cube took global. The hotness of the box shape never really went out of style in Japan. But is definitely in need of a connected-services and design-ethos refresh. …

Keep reading

2015 Subaru VIZIV Future Concept 16

Subaru Tokyo 2015 – All-New VIZIV Future Concept and Impreza 5-Door Concept

Subaru has a new flagship design concept for the Tokyo Auto Show in early November. And despite its familiar VIZIV name, this masculine and high-tech design theme is very fresh. This third VIZIV Concept Future is an interesting preview of a future LWB Outback with seven seats. The powertrain and seating layout are much more Forester size for this sporty concept car, but the intention is a three-row variant of the large Outback platform, versus the smaller Impreza/Forester footprint.  Or perhaps just a super-lux future Forester. The cabin is shockingly advanced, as is the powertrain. A next-generation hybrid is paired …

Keep reading

2016 Honda CIVIC Sedan – Full Tech Specs, 160 Photos and Upgraded Features Detail

The 2016 Honda Civic sedan is absolutely miraculous. We had no idea Honda would go do-or-die on this model redesign, but are thrilled with the results! The new Civic is the biggest compact in its class now by interior room, is more than two inches longer and wider than before, yet chops nearly an inch off the roofline. Available full-LED headlights complement the standard LED brakelights on the sci-fi tail, while the nose sports new LED DRLs for most trims this year. The design is hard to fully comprehend — or was before we had this mega photo set of …

Keep reading

2016 RAM Rebel Silver 17

First Drive – 2016 RAM REBEL – An Air-Ride Raptor?

The new RAM Rebel is the latest slayer to join the Dodge trucks lineup — this time with its radar locked onto the Ford F-150 Raptor. The Rebel wears unique bodywork for the giant power-dome hood and special, new-shape Rebel grille up front. Most of the numerous other body features are rock-proof black plastic accents — the fender flares, badges and all brightwork is swapped for matte black. This includes the GIANT script on the tailgate. Color options include a few with a black lower body paint look across the doors and bed too, looking hot and functional-yet-macho. Silver is …

Keep reading

HD Road Test Review - 2015 Lincoln NAVIGATOR 4x4 Reserve 25

HD Road Test Review – 2015 Lincoln NAVIGATOR 4×4 Reserve – Best Full-Size SUV?

We’ve loved the new Navigator since a brief drive back-to-back with an Escalade. The design might not be as flashy as the new GM trucks, but initial comparisons leaned heavily in favor of the Lincoln for ride, handling and performance. After many miles in Yukons, Suburbans and Escalades since that first drive, there is clearly much to love about their utility and V8 power. The new eight-speed automatics for the 6.2-liter V8s in Escalade and Denali are particularly impressive. But do they beat the anytime surge of turbo torque in the Navigator? Or the easy cabin tech controls? Same scenario …

Keep reading

4.0s ZENDER Alfa Romeo 4C is Hardcore Style and Speed Upgrade

Holy Dino, Batman! Zender just released details on its Alfa Romeo 4C upgrades — and they are ridiculously sexy and desirable. But first: have you seen a 4C up close yet? The 4C Coupe and Spider are ridiculously hot and exotic in the flesh. With the new LEDs and headlamps up front, the design is even more fantastic than this 2015 4C Coupe from Italy. The 4C is so intense and a true Ferrari cousin in the flesh because of its mid-engine proportions, obscenely low rood and comical overall width. The 4C feels dramatically lower, shorter but MUCH wider than …

Keep reading

Flawless 917K Launches Porsche Racecar Resto and Race Mgmt Services

    Caveat on the header image!  Porsche is not resto-modding its priceless racing icons.  Just a bit of photoshop fun for the header graphic — melding 917K with 2016 Cayenne quad LEDs. The Gulf-Porsche 917K LeMans-winner must be one of the most iconic racecars of all time. Celebrated and hated in equal measure by track opponents during its competitive reign, the stunning champion is now a universal all-star at classic races like the Mitty Reunion at Road Atlanta every Springtime. Porsche knows its classic racecar owners love nothing more than tracking and competing hard — so is rolling out …

Keep reading

2016 Porsche Cayenne Vantage WHITE by TOPCAR 3

TOPCAR 2016 Porsche Cayenne Vantage WHITE

Updated with Vantage White — plus 2015 Porsche Mission E Concept wheel comparisonCheck out the latest stunning custom upgrades from TopCar: the Porsche Cayenne Vantage 2015. The GTS widebody version looks even better in real life than it did in the hot renders. The giant flares and carbon-fiber vented hood are some of the meanest on any SUV. More than two dozen exterior mods on all sides make the sleek new Cayenne every inch the super-truck. Available a la carte or as a package, the TopCar Cayenne parts are gorgeous in exposed carbon-fiber — but can also be ordered in …

Keep reading

2016 Chevrolet SILVERADO 12

2016 Chevrolet SILVERADO Brings Lux LED Upgrades, 8-Speed Auto for 5.3L V8

First good look today at the 2016 Silverado! The truck is making a real-life debut in Dallas, where it will be vying for attention with the new 2017 Ford Super Duty range. Both are a bold and futuristic milestone in the evolution of trucks. The two designs feel both quite different, as ever, but share a similar organic brutalism in their bodywork. The Chevy leaves its main fender boxes and glasshouse alone for the 2016 update, but swaps the hood and bumpers on both ends for new, sleeker units. That hood in particular has some awesome sharp inward shaping toward …

Keep reading

2017 SUPER DUTY Fords Revealed: Stunning Alloy Terminators in F-250, F-350 and F-450

Feast your eyes on the 2017 F-Series Super Duty!  The F-250, F-350 and F-450 are all-new next year, with stunningly modern and futuristic looks available. Solid bars in the grille recall the Atlas concept in all its glory — LEDs and brushed-satin finishes included! The stunner of the trims shown below is really the F-450 —  which benefits from a huge quantum leap in tech and style. The new trucks arrive in late 2016 as 2017 models. More details to follow.   2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty 2017 Ford F-450 Super Duty       …

Keep reading

2016-Peugeot-DKR16-Rally-Racer-10

Peugeot DKR16 Gets Floored Redesign: Group B Fury in 200 New Images + Tech Specs and Dirty Video!

Reviewing this nearly all-new 2016 Peugeot Dakar racer almost brings tears to a racer’s eye! And the blatt of the V6TT making 800Nm of torque is just the immersion to make your month. Will this make Peugeot and Red Bull’s year down in Chile in January? You’d be a fool to bet against this breathtaking prototype from the far future. Check out this animated evolution in GIF form showing the huge change in scale, proportions and stance for the newly-renamed Peugeot 2008 DKR16 racer. As we scroll through the past year, the original 2015 spec became the 2015+ configuration for …

Keep reading

Brabus STARTECH Land Rover Discovery Sport 1

Brabus STARTECH Land Rover DISCO SPORT Meets Glam Squad

Brabus’s English-focused StarTech division is having a very busy month! At least a dozen reveals at the Frankfurt IAA include this sexy and chic new Discovery Sport. One might question the motives for balling-out the entry-level Landie, but that is not really the point. For those wanting some SVR panache with their mid-size seven-seater…. these mods certainly do the trick! Brabus STARTECH Land Rover Discovery Sport Land Rover Discovery Sport   from 2015   exterior Aerodynamics STARTECH Front skirt attachment element STARTECH Front skirt attachment element, PUR R-RIM 980.00 € Prices ex works (DE-Bottrop) Article no.: LC-200-00 Aerodynamics STARTECH LED …

Keep reading

2016 GMC Sierra ELEVATION Edition Revealed Ahead of February Showroom Arrival

Holy cow! Is this the best-looking truck on the roads in 2016? Definitely in the top three — the Sierra Elevation Edition is back on the refreshed GMC half-ton truck books with dark and premium looks, top-shelf tech upgrades, and pricing that is far more do-able than the loaded Denali. We love the blacked-out styling tweaks, the new lighting front and rear, plus the HID bi-xenon projectors for the first time in a GMC pickup. New DRL designs in white LED appear on all 2016 Sierras, but few are going to turn heads as often as the Elevation edition. GMC …

Keep reading

TechArt 2016 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Powerkit 5

TechArt Launches 700HP 2016 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Powerkit

  The 2016 Cayenne update is about the get TechArted! The first step in the well-known MAGNUM widebody upgrades is now avaiulable: a ridiculously potent powerkit to up the Cayenne Turbo to a bonkers 700-horsepower. The full madness via extreme aero changes, new fenders and fresh bumpers as the next-gen Magnum is set to arrive later in 2015. Until then, however, how does a bump of 180 ponies sound?! Fan-f-ing-tastic is how the TechArt Cayenne will sound in Sport mode — which unleashes the full beans versus a cooking 640HP in standard mode. The free-flowing intake and exhaust system is …

Keep reading

Jaguar Land Rover – James Bond Launch Party 2015 – 120-Photo Mega Gallery

Updated 9.18.15 with 120 Photos from Frankfurt and James Bond events Balls-to-the-wall action in this new SPECTRE trailer! JLR is clearly featured throughout the film, coming this October, but these three cars are particularly integral to the plot. Which we can now see includes a madcap car chase through Rome: DB10 evading CX-75.     But also waist-deep powder in the mountain scenes! A perfect showcase for craftily Q-ed special Jags and Landies. A particularly proud moment, this film, in the Bond franchise already. For the first time in ages, the film is really ‘coming home’ in terms of UK car …

Keep reading

2015 Audi A3 1

HD First Drive Review – 2015 Audi A3 1.8T Sedan

 The Audi A3 family is pretty massive for 2015 – with the new sedan just the first in the offensive that will include the A3/S3 Cabrio, A3 Sportback and Sportback Hybrid, an S3 sedan and even the Q3 mini SUV. So there is a lot riding on this compact exec’s shoulders – not least a worry that it might be overpriced and under-amazing. But that is not the case in the slightest. What we discovered after flogging Audi’s latest machine around Lake Lanier, Georgia last week is a fun, peppy car with outstanding driving characteristics, very intuitive steering, and a …

Keep reading

HONDA PROJECT 2&4 POWERED BY RC213V AT FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW 2015

Best of Frankfurt 2015 – Honda Project 2&4 Concept – Floating Seats Promise Surreal Track Pleasure

Updated 9.16.15 With 35 New Photos Check out the Honda Project 2&4 up close and in detail!  This is one of the most outrageous concepts from Honda in years. Not just Honda, any manufacturer, really. And this is not just some track car, either, as we surmised below. By engineering the 2&4 with outboard seating, the drive experience should also blend the joy of two-wheeling. But with the cornering pace of a four-wheeled vehicle. Not having any panels, doors or bodywork anywhere to your left shoulder, hip or pedals will be a revolution on the road. Far more exposed than …

Keep reading

007 SPECTRE Bond Cars – Jaguar CX-75, Defender and RRS in Mouthwatering 99-Photo Closeups

Balls-to-wall action in this new SPECTRE trailer! JLR is clearly featured throughout the film, coming this October, but these three cars are particularly integral to the plot. Which we can now see includes a madcap car chase through Rome: DB10 evading CX-75. But also waist-deep powder in the mountain scenes! A perfect showcase for craftily Q-ed special Jags and Landies. A particularly proud moment, this film, in the Bond franchise already. For the first time in ages, the film is really ‘coming home’ in terms of UK car stars. Which all three of these certainly are. Enjoy a few custom …

Keep reading

Audi at the 2015 IAA

2017 Audi S4 Will Rock 354HP Turbo In Quest to Beat BMW 340i and C400 Sport

The new Audi S4 made its glittering debut at the top of the Audi showcar stand last night in Frankfurt. Along with the new E-Tron Quattro EV SUV previewing a future Q6, the 2017 S4 was joined on stage by a “G-Tron” A4 Avant designed to run on CNG. Smart stuff. The S4 is clearly the closest to buy hands, however, with sales promised “in 2016.” This is likely to mean a March 2016 USA arrival at the earliest, and July probable for first orders. The S4 is Audi’s big engine upgrade from launch. The A4 TFSI power output is …

Keep reading

2016 BRABUS 850 4x4 Coupe is GLE63 1

2016 BRABUS 850 4×4 Coupe is GLE63 Pumped Up to 850HP

Holy shiz! Look at this machine. Somehow, the full customization upgrade from BRABUS rocket sedans is even more intense on the SUVs. The new GLE63 Coupe is a perfect starting point. A launchpad, if you will. And stand back when this sucker blasts off! 3.8-seconds to 62-mph is the new pace, nearly a half-second quicker than the stock truck and its ~573HP.  Not just induction or electronics tweaks here. Nor just fortified engine internals. Nope, this 850 “6.0” has that name for a reason: the whole displacement of the motor is upped from 5.5-liters to 6.0L. This is a perfect …

Keep reading

BRABUS StarTech Bentley Flying Spur and GTC Are Seriously Fresh and Sexy

We’d wager you’ve seen a few gorgeous Continental GT and GTC super-tunes in your time. The machine really adds aggression and exclusivity with ease — almost as easy as a romp up to 100-mph anytime your toe gets itchy. But HOT makeovers of the Flying Spur? They are a rare sight indeed. Looking through these images, it is hard not to be impressed with the StarTech customization. The new nose, wheels, lowered ride, rear bumper and quad pipes all work together to create a damn sexy limo. Check out how light and lean the tails look with those contrast-carbon diffusers …

Keep reading

2016 BRABUS G500 4x4² 2

2016 BRABUS G500 4×4² and G63 850 6.0 Biturbo WIDESTAR Are Rambo Twins for IAA

What IAA SUV debut is as tall as a monster truck, yet wears mirror-polished undertrays front and rear?   The new Brabus G500 4×4-squared! An upgraded G63 AMG 850 Widestar dramatically ups the power of the standard G-Class, but with a much more road-oriented stance and cornering grip versus the 4×4-squared. 2016 BRABUS G500 4×4²   World premiere at the IAA 2015   BRABUS refines the Mercedes G 500 4×4²   368 kW / 500 HP, 710 Nm of torque and exclusive BRABUS luxury appointments for the extreme off-roader   Mercedes G 500 4×4²: the new special model of the G-Class …

Keep reading

2016 MANSORY Lamborghini Huracan TOROFEO 7

1250HP, 211MPH 2016 MANSORY Lamborghini Huracan TOROFEO Is Full CF Reskin + Screaming V10TT

  Lambo power games are back – bigtime! After years of enormous power upgrades for the Gallardo, the Mansory team had a good playbook when taking on the new engine. The vast majority of the critical moving components have been strengthened, optimized and honed to ridiclous strength levels. All this is very, very needed. Because once this beast starts howling, two big additions make themselves known. Doubletime! Bespoke twin turbochargers with water to water intercooling crank the factory power output off the scale. Stock 610PS becomes 1250HP. Gulp. Torque is limited in the all-wheel-drive Huracan to 1000-nm in low gears, …

Keep reading

2015 BRABUS Mercedes-AMG GT-S 1

2015 BRABUS Mercedes-AMG GT-S – Stage One Mods Revealed in 38 Photos

  Here is one we have been eagerly anticipating!  A Brabus tune for the new AMG GT-S seems like the best of all worlds, right? This latest Frankfurt concept is mostly a stage one upgrade. Meaning, much more hardcore engine, body and exclusive upgrades are still in the works. Even so, the ECU module adds 88-horsepower, carbon aero detailing and 21-inch forged alloys. Watch this space for the next level of Brabus power trips in the near future! 2015 BRABUS Mercedes-AMG GT-S World premiere at the IAA 2015   BRABUS refines the Mercedes-AMG GT S 441 kW / 600 HP, …

Keep reading

2017 Cadillac XT5 4

2017 Cadillac XT5 in NY Fashion Week Fly-By! First Photos of SRX Crossover Replacement

  Cadillac has taken its high-culture ambitions to new heights!  A partnership launch gala with fashion-focused Public School in New York was topped off last night by a helicopter-assisted fly-by of the 2017 XT5 SUV. Replacing the unloved by most — but driven by General Motors CEO Mary Barra — SRX crossover, the XT5 is sorely needed in the Cadillac range. Battling the Lexus RX350 and BMW X5, the XT5 is a critical missing addition to the next-gen Cadillac range. Despite the proliferation of mini SUVs, Cadillac has largely missed the boat. So it took a helicopter instead? Perhaps. This …

Keep reading

VOS CARS BMW M4-6

2015 BMW M4 by VOS-CARS.de Adds 120HP, Clubsport KW Chassis and Akrapovic Exhaust

Another stunner from the German custom car scene! 2015 BMW M4 by VOS-CARS.de BMW-M4-PROJECT by VOS The word might have spread that the term standard is missing from the vocabulary of VOS company seated in Neckarwestheim. Even for assumingly perfect vehicles of euphonic names the Baden-Württembergers and their head Michael KELLER do have improvements at hand, may it be regarding the casing or the engine. Perfection is always priority in Neckarwestheim without restricting road capability in any way. This time the VOS-team picked a BMW M4 to let it shine with all its qualities with their VOS-Performance. First there is …

Keep reading

2017 Bentley BENTAYGA Colors and Options Configurator + Sexy Black Brightware Specification

The Bentayga just launched last night, so its full configurator going live at the same time is a big deal! All is there… minus one detail at the end: the price. Even so, among the hundreds of custom options lie some very tempting choices to really make it roar in your style. We’ve spent wayyy too long in there today so will pop out and show you a smattering of the fabulousness via 50 or so color samples, a wheels guide/visualizer, and even a look at the accessories and options. But first: a nugget of smile-inducing info about the Bentayga? …

Keep reading

2015 Honda Project 2&4 Concept – World Premiere of 14000-RPM Baby NSX

  Much as the world (and especially Japanese K-car buyers) love the S660 roadster, the sports potential of that mid-engine roadster is limited. Limited by power caps, safety rules and exhange rates — the S660 is not a global halo car, and definitely not a mini-NSX. What about the latest in Honda engine tech, paired with an open-wheeled racing design fresh from 2025? Now that would be something! Running the ultra-potent RC213V MotoGP bike engine, the Project 2&4 is ultra light and ultra simple. Ultra fresh sci-fi looks are just part of its charm, however. The real thrills will come …

Keep reading

4.0s, 187MPH 2017 Bentley BENTAYGA Is Official! Full Launch Details, Video and Tech Specs

Welcome to the most luxurious SUV ever made. The new Bentley BENTAYGA has been many years in the making, but the results look worth every minute of effort. This Q7 and Cayenne-derived vehicle will join the Lamborghini LM002 from the 1980s in the hall of fame books. Why? 12 giant cylinders in front. Stonking power, balanced foot-down handling and cloud-like air suspension all join forces to make the BENTAYGA a fascinating look into the future of super-trucks. The huge engine and worlds-fastest top speed for an SUV will help set the Bentaya apart from its siblings, and also the most …

Keep reading

2016_Lexus_RX_350_F_SPORT_006_D0F0E62A3FDA81EF3F718D52513104BDF9A8A1A4

Update1 – 2016 Lexus RX350 and RX450h Are All-New Inside and Out

Updated 9.8.15 With 101 Real-Life Photos The all-new Lexus RX is here and stunning! As Lexus’ all-star sales champ, the RX redesign for 2016 is an all-important step in keeping the Big L’s sales and market share near the top of the luxury brand ranks. To fend of new competition from all sides in this five-seat crossover segment, the RX is dramatically redone in almost every way. First off, the style. DESIGN ANALYSIS Wearing Lexus’s new design brief and its interesting, unique and captivating creases and angles, the RX is far more exciting to look at than it has been …

Keep reading

985HP MANSORY Black Edition S63 Coupe Debuts Before Frankfurt with Giant Rear Wing!

  MANSORY is getting pumped for its home auto show: the IAA in Frankfurt next week. The big reveal this year will be a Black Edition S63 AMG Coupe. This blacked-out stunner has dramatic exterior and interior changes from every angle. In addition to the expected new bumper and intakes up front, new fender slashes behind the lead axle promise functional cooling benefits as well as the massive style they bring. A full de-chrome for the windowline and glasshouse is dramatic and effective, as are the rear wheel brake cooling ducts. Around back, a dark carbon-fiber finish for the diffuser …

Keep reading

2016 Renault MEGANE GT Leads All-New Model Launch – I See You Baby?

The Renault Megane became a cultural touchstone with its first-gen lines. All geometric choppiness plus an architectural, vogue set of curves? The body language of the car was a massive hit — and became one of the best-selling models in recent Renault history. In its best years in the early 2000s, the Megane was often neck and neck with the VW Golf for UK sales. A dance-pop ad campaign made the most of the Megane’s funky trunk lines, all set to Groove Armada’s “See You Baby, Shakin’ That A**.” This author recalls the first time he saw one in the …

Keep reading

HD Road Test Review – 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Automatic is 5.5-Second Hero!

Fantastic speed has never felt so bittersweet. Guard Green with the standard 18-inch alloys help the 2015 Mustang EcoBoost blend into traffic nicely. Humming along the highway with 32-mpg, you might forget what a honed sportscar the new Mustang is. But when alone with an endless stretch of road ahead of you, this Mustang turbo delivers excellent results. A 5.5-second sprint to 60-mph was a hugely gratifying time. Keep it nailed and the EcoBoost Mustang roars ahead at speeds to make the WRX and Scion FR-S blush with embarrassment. Why all about that pace? It proves the 2.3-liter, 310-horsepower EcoBoost …

Keep reading

JAGUAR 2016 Model-Year: Big Price Cuts + $35k Base for New XE25t Rear-Drive Sedan

Jaguar’s transition to aluminum has been a godsend for playful and fun handling. Even the big XJ can be thrown around with verve. The flipside of the lightweight alloy? Price, of course. Luckily, Jaguar is adjusting its 2016 USA lineup’s pricing. Big chops in list prices are not really in the calculus — the max cut is around $3k — but better standard equipment will take much of the sting out of the options list. Aluminum is currently at six-year price lows as the global commodities slump takes hold — so this is not pure altruism on Jaguar’s part. Jaguar …

Keep reading

3.7s BRABUS C600 Rockets to 186MPH Via ECU Module + New Active Exhaust

Imagine getting a UPS package about the size of a textbook arriving on your doorstep. Head to the garage, and within a half hour, your new machine could be making an extra 100 horsepower! That is the idea with the first set of power modules from BRABUS for the new C63-S. Power is the Geneva show-car spec is up to 591-horsepower from the stock 510 thanks to the BRABUS ECU re-flash but also a new exhaust system. Extra downpipe and muffler capacity is a must to max out a turbo engine tune, so all this works together. The new exhaust …

Keep reading

2015 TOPCAR Porsche Cayenne 5

2015 Porsche Cayenne Vantage and Vantage GTS by TOPCAR

Check out the latest stunning custom upgrades from TopCar: the Porsche Cayenne Vantage 2015. The GTS widebody version looks even better in real life than it did in the hot renders. The giant flares and carbon-fiber vented hood are some of the meanest on any SUV. More than two dozen exterior mods on all sides make the sleek new Cayenne every inch the super-truck. Available a la carte or as a package, the TopCar Cayenne parts are gorgeous in exposed carbon-fiber — but can also be ordered in any paint shade to match your Cayenne’s color code perfectly – right …

Keep reading

Triple Hit! 3 Gorgeous 2015 Porsche 918 Spyders on HRE P101 Forged Centerlock Wheels

One of the best ways to know if a new style of alloys is a good fit is how OEM they look. They should be credibly high-quality to match the overall hypercar ethos. But just a touch cooler, a touch more exclusive. The HRE P101 in Brushed Dark Clear centerlocks have just that dark and sexy glam element. But still look Weissach-ready. Here are the 22 finish swatches for the HRE P101 — with that last one representing a custom color. A few 918’s prefer HRE wheels — and the HRE Flickr feed has some incredible shots of Graham Rahal’s …

Keep reading

2015 BMW M235i Convertible by DÄHLER Design & Technik 3

390HP, 4.0s 2015 BMW M235i Convertible by DÄHLER Design & Technik

The Swiss have a wild reputation for custom cars — one that is totally at odds with the national psyche of quiet, law-abiding mountain folk. When the need for a custom-tuned machine from BMW or Weismann is in your sights, Daehler is a smart choice for holistic upgrades to power, stance, grip and overall performance. The M235i Convertible is a fantastic upgrade to the massively fun and massively fast M235i Convertible. But this time with an extra 90 or so horsepower, a thrumming sports exhaust, and exterior design tweaks to turn up the car’s aggression beyond M Sport. With all …

Keep reading

Koenigsegg Agera R ADV5

Custom Showcase – 2015 Koenigsegg Agera R on ADV1 Centerlock Alloys

  Upgrading hypercar wheels is a complex process at times. But not for the team at ADV1 wheels. The variety and customization choices from this exclusive wheel manufacturer is what makes ADV1 one of the most popular customizers for supercars and exotics. Walk-ins do not come much more exotic than a 2015 Koenigsegg Agera R! The Agera was fitted for ADV5.2 wheels in M.V1 cut, with the CS centerlock option. Among those many selections, you also have a dozen wheel finishes or limitless custom colors. This set of one-piece alloys is a mux of brushed aluminum for the spokes, with …

Keep reading

2015 Mercedes-AMG GT S – Colors, Wheels and Options Visualizer

Considering how obsessed we are with the new AMG GT, it is somewhat surprising not to have explored the configurator yet. First observations: they are all gorgeous! Barely a bad style combo to be found — and some excellent ones hiding in the styling pack options. Semi surprising is that the AMG GT-S is the base model. No regular GT is available stateside, just the top power model. Base pricing is from $129,000 — which feels like exceptional value for such a super-wide and ultra-low machine. Whatever combo you pick among the six wheels, eleven colors and numerous options… you …

Keep reading

2016-Renault-Talisman-Estate-3

2016 Renault Talisman Estate Runs New Tech and Style To Battle Euro Wagon All-Stars

The full-size car market in Europe is one of the lifebloods of the industry. Renault cites sales of D-segment cars totaling more than a million units annually. Of that, wagons make up 54-percent! That is a shocking total, but it makes great sense. Room for families, dogs, skis, bikes and everything else… but the handling and luxury ride of a posh limo? That is the fast-wagon promise. The new Talisman will deliver thanks to a giant new trunk and even a big bump in rear headroom. Just seating for five and front-drive would limit the Talisman’s potential if sold off …

Keep reading

Revised Peugeot DKR 2015+ Battle-Testing New Engine/Suspension Setups Ahead of Dakar 2016

No person (or rally race) should be treated like ‘a means to an end.’ But when that ultimate goal looms larger than anything else in sight, you tend to focus on the main event. All others are just prep work. And so it is for the refreshed Peugeot 2008 DKR 2015+ racecar. That 2015+ coding is the internal tag for the heavy upgrade work done by the racing boffins at Peugeot Sport. The DKR was our clear favorite to win the Dakar rally in 2015, but lost out to the brutally fast MINI Countryman race squad, who are shooting for …

Keep reading

HD Road Test Review – 2015 Nissan JUKE Nismo RS Manual

Imagine a core group of Nissan GT-R engineers, drivers and designers set loose on the Nissan Juke NISMO. Task? Take the quickest and most performance-focused crossover, and make it truly track-tight in every way. That is how the Juke Nismo RS came into this world — with astounding results. The speed, style and drive experience of the Nismo RS is absolutely incredible versus its $28k competitors — and even versus pricier cars like the AMG GLA45, WRX or Mustang EcoBoost. The Juke Nismo RS is incredibly focused from first sitting in its racing Recaro hard-back bucket seats. A pair of …

Keep reading

2016 Toyota LAND CRUISER Sports Fresh Design and Big Tech Upgrades

  Toyota’s loveable Land Cruiser is fresh for 2016 with a variety of cool updates to the style, performance and luxury inside! The Land Cruiser is all new from the A-pillars forward, with a much larger and truckier grille than the current model. The two-piece intake element now includes thick chrome bars extending into the headlamps. It is clearly a much more butch appearance all around, thanks to that grille and the new domed hood. The upper hood now wears a deep rounded edge between the engine cover and the fenders. A dip in the middle of the hood flows …

Keep reading

2015 BMW M4 GTS Concept 5

~540HP 2016 BMW M4 GTS Concept Is Real-Deal Production Car with Innovative Hydro Turbo Boost Chiller

Here is a confusing ‘concept’ production car… the Concept M4 GTS is actually well on its way to first US owners next Springtime. The big tech change beside lightweighting and aero upgrades is a new water-cooled turbo system. Shared with the M4 MotoGP car, this feature is an innovative way to make huge boost that can sustain hours of track abuse without losing power. The cooled charge is very different from a more basic intercooler spray. Where a spray is helpful, the cooling all happens outside the closed boost and turbo system. BMW’s charge cooler actually atomizes water into the …

Keep reading

2015 Dodge CHARGER RT 45

4K Road Test Review – 2015 Dodge CHARGER R/T Is Four-Door Musclecar Dream From $34k

The 2015 Dodge Charger is a real favorite. So much so… that it might have ruined me for other cars. Since balling around Charleston this summer in the Redline Red HEMI R/T, it has been hard to get back into my normal groove of turbo stickshifts. Why? 370HP for 37k. That is a power and price combo that can’t be beat from any manufacturer, nor are others close to the excellence of the eight-speed ZF auto. Or the cabin comfort, room and tech. Or the style outside — which is eye-poppingly cool. Driving the Charger R/T redefines effortless speed, and …

Keep reading

2016 Scion iM 105

HD Road Test Review – 2016 Scion iM Is Sporty and Uber-Practical New Focus-Fighter

The all-new 2016 Scion iM is part of a big new-product push from Scion: the iM hatchback and much smaller iA sedan replace the boxy xD and xB. Why so normal and conventional from Toyota’s youth brand this year? Following buyer trends, of course!  Extensive research on how to resonate with today’s 35-and-under car shoppers shows a big shift in preferences. Perhaps feeling the crunch of a slower global economy on their hipster jeans, first-time new car buyers want a car with more evergreen appeal than the once-trendy Scion box cars. The iM hopes to ace the 2016 buyer mood …

Keep reading

Concept Flashback - 2009 BRABUS E V12 'One of Ten' 23

Concept Flashback – 2009 BRABUS E V12 ‘One of Ten’ in Streamliner Rear Fenders

Brabus obviously crushes it when making ultra-powerful upgrades of Mercedes and AMG engines. But what do you do when there is just no power left to give? You take drastic aero steps! Exponential growth in drag as speed rises is what makes overall top speed runs so difficult to master, and why we aren’t in 400-mph cars yet. This 2009 BRABUS E-Class uses a time-honored way of lowering drag: put the rear wheels inside fender farings. The result is pretty cool, even wearing the old E63 design as a base point. The tires create a 217-mph top speed for the …

Keep reading

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Adds DuraMax Diesel Option + Trail Boss and Midnight Packages

Go Chevy! Usually, the larger a company is, the less nimble they are to market wants. Subtle trends like gloss black details and chrome delete started in the aftermarket, went to supercars, and are now going mainstream. The look of the new blacked-out Colorado Midnight and the seriously cool Trail Boss offroaders are absolutely perfect to snag style shoppers. Yes, you could do most of these upgrades post-sale as a DIY, but it’s much simpler to have a factory upgrade available. This ensures your DIY skills won’t come back to bite you in the ass a year later if things …

Keep reading

ARES Modena Renders 4-Pack of 2019 Megabuck SUVS: RR Ghost II, Mulsanne and Spur SUV + G63 Vision

ARES Modena just opened a flagship showroom in London to showcase their fabulous custom supercar upgrades. Nearly a dozen vehicles are in the current atelier customs catalog — fully revamped inside and out. A deeper look at the firm uncovers some serious design talent that goes above and beyond the typical wheels and bodykits of many premium tuners. Flawless and intriguing Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Mercedes-AMG SUV concepts show the depth of skill in the ARES toolbox. They are some of the best looks into the future of these sure-thing SUVs based on the Ghost II and Bentley Flying Spur. The …

Keep reading

LARTE Design Lexus LX570 Alligator Bodykit Brings Exotic, Designer Feel to VIP Fave

  Considering that the Lexus LX570 is the ride of choice for VIPs worldwide, the exterior of the truck is remarkably demure. Yes, the updated 2014 factory LEDs and grille design help distinguish the LX570 a bit from its Land Cruiser cousin — but where is the visual punch, the sex appeal and pure aggression of the hottest Cayennes, QX80s and Mercedes SUVs? For an LX570 that will take you (*and your family!) safely into and out of hot zones around the world — while looking exotic, exclusive and even more expensive than ever — the Larte Design ‘Alligator’ pack …

Keep reading

BRABUS STARTECH SIXTY8 Defender 110 7

BRABUS STARTECH SIXTY8 Is Land Rover Defender 110 Sendoff Special

  StarTech Refinement just revealed its honorary salute to the Land Rover Defender in its last year on the market: the SIXTY8 Defender 110. Offered as a five-seater or seven, the Sixty8 is a gorgeous upgrade of the 100 Station Wagon body style. A small turbodiesel is the only letdown in an otherwise very thorough upgrade package. The interior is absolutely stellar – a massive improvement. But the exterior is more subjective. This Sixty8 is based on the StarTech Series 3.1 styling, which runs a vertical grille in a retro flowing shape. It’s certainly distinctive, especially in contrast Santorini Black …

Keep reading

RC F BPM7

2015 Lexus RCF Saatchi BPM Concept Debuts Stunning Biometric Paint

rcf bpm video crop PART TWO: RCF BPM You can tell how excited Lexus is about their new RC Coupe from the global customs, concepts and performance packs galore. The latest wild upgrades to the RC come from opposite sides of the world, but are each pretty exciting in their own right.   RCF BPM The second upgrade is far more cosmetic, but just as exotic. This Australian creation displays a dynamic paint finish based on the driver’s heart rate. As his or her beats-per-minute go up, the electro-luminescent paintwork outside glows in unique cascading patterns. From 100-bpm upward, the …

Keep reading

2015 Lexus RCF GT Concept Drops 900Lbs For Pikes Peak  11

2015 Lexus RCF GT Concept Drops 900Lbs For Pikes Peak

You can tell how excited Lexus is about their new RC Coupe from the global customs, concepts and performance packs galore. The latest wild upgrades to the RC come from opposite sides of the world, but are each pretty exciting in their own right. The first? An all-new 2015 Lexus RCF GT Concept, which raced up to 14,500 feet the other week at the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb. Billed as a true development prototype, the RCF GT is a race-ready lightweighting exercise. From the factory curb weight for the RCF at 4048-pounds, the RCF GT drops almost 1000 pounds to …

Keep reading

Apollo Edition 2015 Mustang

627HP 2015 Ford Mustang APOLLO EDITION Wears CF Bodykit + Forgiato 21s

Before you get too excited… this Apollo Edition Mustang is a one-off custom — not one coming to showrooms to rival the 2016 GT350. Created for this week’s Experimental Aircraft Association show in Oshkosh, Wisconin, the Apollo Mustang will be sold to benefit EAA AirVenture and youth engineering programs. The Apollo Mustang wears a variety of off-the-shelf Ford Performance parts, custom details, and designer features like the Forgiato wheels. The carbon-fiber body kit is beautiful with its functional strut supports looking great on the Apollo’s slammed stance. 2015 Ford Mustang APOLLO EDITION     FORD ANNOUNCES APOLLO EDITION MUSTANG TO …

Keep reading

2016 GMC Sierra 18

2016 GMC SIERRA Reveals Facelift + LED Lighting Upgrade in SLT, Denali and All Terrain Trims

Let this facelift be a great reward for all who wished the Silverado and Sierra had LEDs to match the new F-150! A full makeover for all three major trims changes the look of the nose pretty dramatically. These new-shape LEDs bring an updated group of grille and bumper designs, plus LED fogs to boot. Around back, LED C-shaped lamps share their cool look with the Yukon Denali. The Silverado is also fresh-faced for the 2016 model year, with just one preview rendering to go on so far.   2016 GMC SIERRA     2016 GMC Sierra Unveiled 2015-07-15 DETROIT …

Keep reading

2015 G-Class 26

2016 Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4-Squared Priced from $265k, Arriving In December

  The incredibly cool and macho new G500 4×4-Squared is officially available! Orders are open now for this new flagship, with pricing from $230k Euros and 422 horsepower via a new twin-turbo powertrain. The 4.0TT is shared with the AMG GT and delivers better power, efficiency and torque profiles than ever before. This engine is standard on the 4×4-squared as well as the standard G500 for this year, hitting 60-mph in just 5.9-seconds for the normal truck and up to 7.4-seconds as the 4×4-squared. The Squared’s biggest change mechanically is the addition of portal axles. Shared with the AMG 6×6, …

Keep reading

Prior Design G-Class Aero Kit 14

Prior Design G-Class Aero Kit Now Offered as a Widebody

 Sometimes it seems like there are more customization programs for the G-wagen than there are actual G63’s in the world. Why is this such a popular model for posh custom overhauls outside and in? Our theory is that the type of owner is naturally a wild extrovert already – so giant wheels, bumpers, hood, fenders and LEDs all fit the personalit type nicely. They are also generally super wealthy, too, which always helps sell merch. Secondly, the G-Class is a fantastic starting point for customizers. Its block-chic design and frozen bodywork make it the perfect candidate for sporty bumpers, extra-wide …

Keep reading

2016 Renault Talisman 14

2016 Renault TALISMAN Is All-New French Flagship Saloon

Welcome to the top of the Renault range: the new Talisman sedan. This fresh D-segment saloon is a larger and more plush big brother to the awkward Laguna — promising world-class comfort, design, luxury and technology. All with a completely fresh design and dimensions to compete with the BMW 5 series. A total length of 4.85-metres is fairly gigantic for a front-drive luxury sedan in France. As the segment’s built-in government and livery driver pool looks to Germany for their fleets, the large car market in France is fairly depressed and likely to continue deteriorating. As the Citroen C6 and …

Keep reading

2015 Divergent BLADE Concept 9

700HP, 2.2s 2015 Divergent BLADE Concept – The Tesla of Small-Batch Supercars?

Verrrry interesting new supercar concept to share! Meet the 2015 Divergent Microfactories Blade. The product of a Palo Alto-based tech startup, the Blade highlights the rapidly falling barriers to entering the automotive business. One-time giant fixed costs like factories and industrial presses are on the outs thanks to innovations in material science. While billed by many as the 3D-printed supercar, that does not strictly seem to be the case. Yes, many components in the Blade are produced in an unconventional fashion — but are the truly 3D printed pieces on display, or mostly hidden details? The main chassis evolves from …

Keep reading

The Nissan JUKE-R gets an exciting upgrade: Introducing the JUKE-R 2

2015 Nissan JUKE-R 2.0 Updated to GT-R NISMO Mechanicals + New Style for Goodwood

Two must-watch videos to show off the incredible, gravity-defying performance of the 2015 Juke-R 2.0! The upper video embed is the Juke-R 2.0 flying up Goodwood hill, while the below video is the Juke-R flat-out around the fabled TopGear test track. The Juke-R sequel doubles the airflow to the GT-R NISMO’s 600HP engine up front via an all-new carbon-fiber bumper, widebody fenders, and diffuser element out back. Still utterly sideways on command, the Juke-R 2.0 also shows off the latest 2015 model-year Juke nose, lighting and panels.  JUKE-R 2.0 Dunsfold Track Testing Video 2015 Nissan JUKE-R 2.0 THE NISSAN JUKE-R …

Keep reading

Road Test Review - 2015 Hyundai AZERA Limited 102

HD Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai AZERA Limited Vastly Outhandles and Outcomforts Avalon, LaCrosse + 300

Few automotive market segments have such a tightly defined target market as full-size sedans. And unlike minivans, SUVs and even musclecars, the real-life buyer profile of large cars is almost always this core set of consumers. The full-size sedan buyer is in their mid-50s, seeks limo-large back-seat space, and wants the latest premium tech. All with a price cap of $40,000. For their cash, full-size sedans typically deliver a huge bump in roominess versus their mid-size siblings, but sometimes with unintended consequences. After all, it is extremely tough for even the best carmakers to pack S-Class tech into a half-price …

Keep reading

Maserati 975 Ernesto Concept by Maurice Maschmeyer 2

Design Talent Showcase – 2019 Maserati 975 Ernesto Concept by Maurice Maschmeyer

Pasadena College of Art and Design is just the finishing touch on a thorough artist’s education for this month’s student designer, Maurice Maschmeyer Maschmeyer is a native German speaker fluent in English and French as well. An recent Italian immersion will make him a quadruple threat linguistically. In terms of automotive and industrial design vision, Maschmeyer has an interesting eye for beauty and a sweeping, holistic aesthetic that previews next-gen hypercar styles. Graduating in 2017, Maschmeyer will leave California to take his aesthetic and automotive design skills into a major OEM, and onto a street near you a year or …

Keep reading

150624_Alfa-romeo_Giulia-Reveal_03-copy3zhe5td

Update1 – 3.9s, 510HP 2016 Alfa Romeo GIULIA Quadrifoglio Sounds Sublime On Track!

Update1 – Rendered Color TestWOW! First look at the new Alfa Giulia today leaves us floored! On-Stage Debut Romeo & Juliet appear to be in fine form these days — running sideways around 90-mph corners at the fantasy Verona racetrack! The numbers and initial details for this production-spec GIULIA (proniunced ‘Julia’) Qaudrifoglio are mouth-watering. 510 horsepower via a twin-turbocharged V6. Rear or AWD. Torque vectoring and active aero. Style to make you weak in the knees from up front. Fresh LED designs and a wide V have a sporty feel that vaguely recalls the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept, but …

Keep reading

2015 Lexus RCF #RseaF SEMA Showcar 2

2015 Lexus RC Playdate Includes Vossen SEMA Showcar and APEX Radio-Controlled Drifters!

  Two things you must drive ASAP to push the limits of your smile muscles? The 2015 Lexus RC Coupe and the matching Team Associated RCF radio-controlled car! A quick meeting with the rockstar team of the Lexus Southern region this week offers definitive proof that the RC marks a seachange for Lexus overall. The playful new mood of the Japanese luxury juggernaut is clear from first approach: five RC coupes to test drive, joined by a handful of the ultra-rapid RCF radio-controlled cars. The ‘RC-RCF’ is another stark reminder that your drive memory for Lexus (and all radio-controlled cars) …

Keep reading

F1 Canadian GP Auto Racing

2019 McLaren-Honda F1 Racer Rendered With Gorgeous Closed-Cockpit Canopy

  Andries Van Overbeeke’s third set of future F1 car designs is his most intriguing yet — thanks to a subtle tweak up top and a revolution down below. Up top in the Overbeeke F1 McLaren-Honda we have a closed cockpit for the first time. No F1 car has run enclosed in the history or the event. Shaped like a fighter jet canopy, this forward-hinged cockpit promises smoother aero at high speeds and enhanced safety in any accident. F1 cars have typically been open for practical reasons. Venting exhaust fumes at first, then allowing drivers to be ejected or extracted …

Keep reading

2015 Honda CR-V Touring AWD Review 56

Road Test Review – 2015 Honda CR-V Touring AWD is Stylish Top Trim

The best-selling Honda CR-V is many things. Efficient, roomy, practical and safe are traits all closely linked to Honda’s mid-size SUV. Stylish and luxurious, though? The 2015 CR-V Touring is the best-looking and most premium CR-V Honda has ever made. EXTERIOR   You will see the new CR-V coming from afar. Gorgeous LED lighting up front glows for miles with a ribbon of white light around the headlamp edges, with the lower edge extra bright for LED DRL functionality. These LEDs are standard for EX, EX-L and Touring trims. Only the base LX with its $24k price and steel wheels …

Keep reading

2015 Hyundai Sonata ECO Review 2

HD Video Drive Review – 2015 Hyundai Sonata ECO Introduces 1.6T and 7-Sp DCT

The 2015 Sonata ECO is the perfect blend of the base Sonata and the loaded Sonata Sport 2.oT. With styling inside and out that is darker and sexier than the base model, the Sonata ECO wears a tasty black chrome for its grille that really moves the car’s look upmarket. At least from the front. From the side and in profile, the ECO is a bit more humble. 17-inch low-rolling resistance tires look a bit silly and undersized, while a single exhaust pipe out back is down by half versus the Sonata Sport 2.0T. But where the ECO really pulls …

Keep reading

2015-Bell-&-Ross-BR-03-RAFALE-21

2015 Bell & Ross BR 03 RAFALE Is Ceramic Special With Fighter-Jet Tech Transfer

Welcome to the latest Bell & Ross showpiece: the BR 03 Rafale. Revealed at this year’s Basel World convention, this 500-unit run takes the Bell & Ross aesthetic and identity well into the future via all-new style and military technology transfer. The most striking element of this $6,200 watch is its case, which eschews the typical milled alloys and stainless steel of most watches from this hot French marque. By swapping metal for ceramic, the Rafale promises to be a real featherweight on the wrist. The big-watch trend takes some time to get used to on your wrist. You learn …

Keep reading

2015 Torino Design WildTwelve Concept 3

2015 Torino Design WildTwelve Concept Debuts at Parco Valentino

Exciting supercars galore at this week’s Parco Valentino Gran Premio. A blend of design expo, luxury showcase and car show — this ‘Goodwood South’ just wrapped up a fun week at Turin’s magnificent Valentino Castle. Torino Design revealed a very interesting new concept, the WildTwelve Concept. This is a carbon-chassis exotic with bespoke design and engineering inside and out. A hybrid V12 lives behind the cockpit, yet this machine is in the same size class as the Huracan or Ferrari 488. Primarily a design showcase, the Torino Design WildTwelve is not headed for production any time soon. But it is …

Keep reading