Fun Cars

Hyundai Formally Unveils 2020 Veloster N Hot Hatch, 8 Speed DCT And Interior Tweaks Highlight Updates

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Following a recent rumor that appeared to suggest that the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N would get a bigger 2.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine, Hyundai has appeared to move quickly to silence this speculation by unveiling the 2020 Veloster N hatchback. The bigger engine is not in the cards, but the quirky three door does gain a few new tricks which should help it remain vibrant and fresh for the 2020 model year. The big change here is the all new DCT which is being used on the formerly manual only Veloster N for the first time ever. In this …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Hyundai Veloster N Performance Package – By Carl Malek [Video]

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Remember when Hyundai challenged segment benchmarks like the Volkswagen Golf GTI to a duel on the track? If your recollection is a bit fuzzy we don’t blame you. When the Hyundai Veloster first made its appearance several years ago, it certainly was a bold departure for the brand. Once known for making cheap runabouts, the Veloster aimed to bring about a styling change with its three door layout, hatchback proportions, and a whole new perspective on design. But while the addition of a turbo variant later in its life cycle helped bring a pinch of sizzle to the party, it …

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Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing Announced, Manual Transmission To Be Offered [Video]

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When Cadillac first unveiled the CT4-V and CT5-V at the end of May last year, it felt as if it something was missing. While the prospect of having two performance sedans to salivate over certainly pleased many enthusiasts, some were left wanting more power. Especially considering that the V-Series models that came before them packed much more muscle under the hood. Cadillac even paraded the Blackwings out on the track during the 2019 Detroit Grand Prix to give the public a fleeting glimpse at the duo. Fast forward to 2020, and Cadillac has officially confirmed that both the CT4 and …

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Upcoming Second Generation Acura TLX Could Debut A New Turbocharged V6, Engine Allegedly Developed Just For Acura

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The second generation Acura TLX has been an eagerly awaited offering. With SUVS and CUVS as well as the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic currently on the world stage, it can be easy to forget that some new products are still moving along with their launch schedule. One of these is the second generation Acura TLX, and a new report appears to suggest that buyers could benefit from an all new V6 which would be exclusive to the Acura brand. We first got a glimpse of the next generation TLX when Acura unveiled the Type S concept at the Quail event back …

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Hyundai Confirms DCT Option For Veloster N, Puts GTI On Notice [Video]

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When Hyundai first unleashed the Veloster N a few years ago, we eagerly awaited the arrival of this potent hot hatch to see if it could indeed bring the fight to the benchmark Volkswagen GTI. The quirky three door hatch proved to be a hit with buyers, and we even had the chance to experience the Veloster N on the winding turns of the Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. But Hyundai is also known for having a surprise or two under its belt, and in a Instagram post that was released earlier today, Hyundai’s N brand confirmed that …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Toyota Yaris XLE Sedan – By Carl Malek

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The Toyota Yaris has had a very interesting life, with twists and turns worthy of a Tom Clancy novel. Once unveiled as a port of the model lineup for the axed Scion brand, the little four door transitioned to the main Toyota roster where it was briefly sold alongside its cruder predecessor. This went on until it took over the Yaris nameplate a short while ago, and has continued its role as Toyota’s smallest sub-compact offering. When we last met it, it was a few years ago where we had the chance to pilot a manual transmission equipped model. But …

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Twin Test: Hyundai Kona Turbo AWD – Brilliant Speed, Grip & Handling

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Testing two cars in different trim and powertrains is often pretty dull with the same conclusions applying to both vehicles. Not in this case. For enthusiasts, the AWD is the clear favorite. The bar is extra high for these small Hyundais since experiencing the pure driving joy that is the Veloster N.  The bar is raised high by that giggly pocket rocket — so its extra admirable that Kona is in same ballpark. The top Hyundai Kona trims both run the 1.6T and double-clutch automatic but differ in their drivetrains and rear suspensions.  The AWD is the clear winner on …

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2019 Audi RS5 Sportback Review by Ben Lewis – Green with Energy

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To paraphrase a famous SNL sketch, Audi been very, very, good to us. Looking back, we spent quality time with the beautiful A5 coupe, the potent S5 Sportback, and now we’re driving the Uber-fast (not to be confused with Uber, fast) RS 5 Sportback. It’s a nice progression, as each one has built on the other, but you’re never really prepared for the jaw-dropping performance an Audi RS model can provide. Green, with Energy The first thing that hit us about our tester was its Sonoma Green Metallic paint. We loved it. Audi has a tradition of bringing some awesome …

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2020 VW Jetta GLI Autobahn by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the all-new 2020 Kia Forte and came away impressed. It’s the latest of the new-class of fun-to-drive sedans that are taking the fight to the small crossover/SUV market. And one of the most exciting members of that new class is the VW Jetta GLI. For a long time, the GLI has been the hot-tach GTI’s poor relation – nice, and fun, but no GTI. Well, all that changed last year with the introduction of the new Jetta, which included a new GLI. And VW did enthusiasts a solid – giving us the same running gear of the …

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Bentley Bacalar Brings Bespoke Details, Exclusivity To Bentley Lineup [Video]

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Are you a certain kind of customer that has climbed atop the financial mountain and think that the standard and already elegant Bentley Continental GT Convertible is simply not enough of a styling statement to signify that achievement to the world? if that fits you, the British luxury car company has the answer to your needs with the all new Bentley Bacalar by Mulliner limited edition convertible. It was originally supposed to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show (before it was cancelled) but we took some time to formally examine things in-depth to find out if the Bacalar …

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Morgan Plus Four Gains BMW Engine, New Moniker For 2021

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Following on the heels of a lone teaser image that was released late last week, Morgan has finally unveiled the all new Plus Four which not only breathes new life into a vaunted nameplate, but also further cementing Morgan’s ties with engine supplier BMW for its future models. When we say all-new, the term is purposely used, with the exterior styling not deviating too much from its core heritage and retro DNA. The new car only shares three percent of its components with the outgoing model, with the front fascia, side profile, and the elegant rear deck all reminiscent of …

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Alfa Romeo Puts Giulia On Crash Diet, Adds Power With All New GTA Model

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Alfa Romeo wanted to bring some zest and fire to the Geneva Motor Show, but while the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent actions of the Swiss government thwarted Alfa Romeo’s original plans for a grand unveiling worthy of its ongoing 110th anniversary celebrations. The Italian sports car maker instead took to the digital realm to showcase the newest iteration of its Giulia sedan, which revives a vaunted moniker that has painted a trail of victories and performance during Alfa’s existence. Dubbed the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, this model arrives to serve as an even hotter version of the already …

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Bentley Teases Two Seat Bacalar, First Two Seat Bentley Since 1930s

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In an era where Bentley models are perhaps the most elegant and sumptuous models on the market today, the Crewe based firm is ready to lift the veil off of an all new Bentley offering that not only pushes the bar on proper Bentley luxury, but is also a nod to its history as well.   Dubbed the Bacalar, the model is named after a Mexican lake, and is the newest creation of Mulliner (the oldest coachbuilder in the world) the extremely lavish grand tourer will make its debut at the Geneva Auto Show on March 3rd. While many details …

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2021 Volkswagen GTI Brings New Styling, Power Bump To U.S. Consumers

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Volkswagen might not be bringing the entry level Golf here in the U.S. but that does not mean the German company is leaving performance hungry buyers high and dry. Volkswagen is bringing the GTI and the R models to the U.S. with the company using the Geneva Motor Show to showcase the eighth generation GTI. The design of the outgoing GTI is certainly a tough act to follow, with the seventh generation model blending a balanced recipe of refinement and performance into a sensibly designed package. The eighth gen model largely sticks to this proven script, but adds new touches …

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2020 Lexus NX300 F Sport – Review By Matt Barnes

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Lexus tries to keep a model as long as possible before they make any major updates. This holds true for the NX which is largely unchanged since its debut in 2014. So what, if anything, is new for 2020? Outside there are a few color changes with Silver Lining Metallic and Autumn Shimmer no longer available and Cadmium Orange being added. Inside the infotainment system now has Android Auto (for all NXs built after October 1st 2019) which joins Apple CarPlay that became available last year. There is an optional Mark Levinson audio system. The steering wheel now includes power …

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Honda Unveils Civic Type R Limited Edition, Will Only Build 600 Examples For U.S.

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Ever since the Honda Civic Type R made its appearance for the first time ever in the U.S. back in 2017, it has rapidly emerged as one of the best performance cars currently on sale. Honda is very keen on maintaining this reputation, and has unveiled a special track centric version of the Type R for those that need a bit more poise and confidence in their performance sedan purchase. Known as the Civic Type R Limited Edition, the model will not break any new ground when it comes to formal creativity for its name, but Honda hopes that buyers …

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Honda Debuts Mature Version Of Civic Type R, No Wing, More Comfort And Not Coming To America

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When Honda unleashed the current generation Civic Type R, its boy racer charms, potent turbocharged four cylinder engine, and a moniker soaked in history were a winning formula for a majority of young buyers. But what if your an older buyer that wants to have plenty of Civic Type R fun but in a more subtle wrapper? Honda has unveiled the answer with the debut of the all new Civic Type R Sport Line. Before we get into what makes this flavor of Civic unique, there is a bit of bad news report with Honda having no plans to send this …

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2021 Toyota Supra Gets Big Boost In Power, Sleek A91 Special Edition [Video]

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When Toyota first took the wraps off of the 2021 Toyota Supra during the days leading up to the Daytona 500, Our attention first gravitated towards the all new Supra four cylinder which aimed to bring lighter weight and a lower asking price to buyers looking for an alternative way to get into the Supra. But for those that only crave the sound of the six cylinder working its magic, the Japanese auto giant also revealed the updated six xylinder model which brings more power and a whole suite of extras to the sleek two door for 2021. Before we …

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Value Focused Supra Four Cylinder Model Emerges For 2021 [Video]

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When the Toyota Supra returned to the automotive scene after a long hiatus, the Japanese auto giant indicated that it had no plans to bring the four cylinder engine to the U.S. instead preferring to let the 3.0 liter model spearhead the charge onto U.S. soil. But with the Supra now entrenched in the marketplace, Toyota has walked back on this initial edict, and has confirmed that the four cylinder engine is indeed coming to the U.S. for the 2021 model year. Dubbed the Toyota Supra 2.0, this model is aiming at the value focused portion of the segment, especially …

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Aston Martin Unveils Vantage Convertible, Touts World’s Fastest Convertible Roof

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The current generation Aston Martin Vantage certainly has the goods to be a good sports coupe. With curvaceous styling, newly improved technology, and a spirited twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood the Vantage can finally be considered a legit competitor in the sports car ranks. However, the one thing that has always missing from this iteration of Vantage is the ability to drop the roof. Aston Martin was keen to rectify that problem, and has formally unveiled the all new 2021 Vantage roadster. Dropping the Volante moniker for the first time ever, the roadster adopts many of the same styling cues …

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Polaris Unveils 2020 Slingshot, New Automatic Transmission And Turbocharging For Everyone

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Polaris had us and the world wondering what was in store when they began teasing the 2020 Slingshot. Serving as a radical revamp of the lovable three wheeler that we had the chance to fully experience in Traverse City, the company promised that big changes were in store for the hot selling three-wheeler, and now that the covers have come off, and we have had a chance to soak it all in the 2020 model is a very different animal in a number of very encouraging ways. The bulk of these changes will not be found in the exterior design. …

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2020 Lexus RC F – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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For a long time, Lexus has stood for really wonderful cars. Beautifully built, wonderfully smooth, but it’s been the rare Lexus model that could turn the heads of buyers who pony up serious dough for Mercedes’ AMG, BMW’s M Division, and Porsche. Well, there was the Lexus LFA. And it was sensational, but priced new at $400,000 and going for mid-400’s to 600’s (yes, thousands) now, it was always a halo car that was going to be out of reach of almost all of us. (We do still buy Lottery tickets and dream, though). For the rest of us, Lexus …

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2019 BMW Z4 M40i – Road Test Review & Drive Video

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It was a BMW fun-fest at Car-Revs-Daily.com this Fall and we loved every minute of it. Driving the new Z4 let us experience the amazing torque-rush of the B58 “M40” motor we loved so much in the X4 in a lighter and far more aerodynamic package.  One with the wind in your hair and sun on your face.  There are quite a few contrasts in the new Z4’s mission: to be both more luxurious while still keeping its playful and sporty appeal intact. We came away thrilled with the machine for so many reasons — and only mention the Supra …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2020 Toyota 86 Hakone Review by Ben Lewis

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You have to give Toyota credit. After all, with home runs like the RAV4 (best-selling SUV in America) Camry (best-selling car in America 18 out of 19 years) Tacoma (best-selling mid-size pickup), they really don’t have to go out and sell sports cars. But they do. In fact, this year they’ve got not one, but two, the 86, and the all-new Supra. OK, you can argue the big T doesn’t go it alone – the 86 is a cooperative effort with Subaru that markets its near twin the BR-Z, and the Supra shares a great deal with the new BMW …

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

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

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2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport – Road Test Review + Drive Video

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Hyundai’s global Elantra sedan brought fresh style and tech details for the 2019 model-year and this Elantra Sport trim is at the top of the range.  Pricing for the Sport comes in at about a $24k base that is well above the $18k stickers for some of the cheapest Elantras out there. For that extra cash you get a big upgrade in power, style and equipment, as you might expect.  Swapping from the default four to the turbo 1.6T with 201HP brings along an extra 52 ponies and standard 7-speed double-clutch automatic.  A stick was briefly offered but the Elantra …

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2019 BMW M850i Convertible Review and Drive Video – The Richmaker

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What is it like spending a week behind the wheel of the new M850i?  There are barely words to capture how amazing it is, but we will try. This reborn 8 series continues the essence of that original shark-nosed executive supercoupe perfectly — updating and evolving it into the present and future. How well?  After a few days behind the wheel, this M850i will make you feel ridiculously rich. Tax haven rich. City, beach and Tahoe ski house rich. Capital gains tax rich. So rich you stop calling it money and start calling it wealth. So rich you can barely …

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

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

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AC Schnitzer Launches Upgrades for Toyota GR Supra

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AC Schnitzer just brought their BMW tuning wizardry to an extended family member…: the new Supra! These stage one mods consist of a reprogrammed ECU taking power up 60 ponies to an even 400 and torque up by a similar amount.  Carbon aero details, a variety of wheels and special suspension tunes are also in the offering. Clearly more mods down the road.  Going with such an expert in this engine’s internals is a trusty way to more power — and the ACS Supra’s even have an extra three-year warranty!  The parts are available worldwide from the AC Schnitzer site.  …

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2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe – Road Test Review + Drive Video

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The C43 had huge shoes to fill when it arrived out front for its review recently. The car it replaced was none other than a flagship from its top rival BMW in the M850i.  Though not size or price rivals at all, the level of excellence as my benchmark for comparisons was sky-high. So it is a shock to say that this car exceeded all expectations of what a hot exec sports coupe can and should be. The AMG C43 is a scalpel for slicing apexes on track, dicing with rivals in long straights, and icing its competitors with brick-wall …

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2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Debuts In L.A.

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

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2019 Honda Civic 1.5T 2dr Touring – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Love at first sight. Okay, not at first sight. The Honda Civic coupe has been around for a while now, but there’s something special about our tester that keeps us coming back for more. And we have an idea why. It starts with choosing the right Civic We have tested a wide range of Civics, and being enthusiasts, we’ve gravitated to the hi-po models like the Civic Type R, the Civic Si and the grins-for-the-buck Civic Sport.  The first thing we noticed, they’re all 4-doors. And in the case of the Type R (or CTR for those in the know) …

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

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

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2019 Mazda3 Hatchback – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the all-new Mazda 3 sedan, and with its premium feel and refined road manners, called it the best Euro sedan for the money right now. Not bad for a Japanese brand, eh? Well, Mazda seems to always serve up a hatchback on the 3 as well, to give those who want more practicality with a larger cargo bay, but the vehicles are usually pretty similar. (If you wanted a high-performance Mazda 3, the MazdaSpeed 3’s were built on the hatchback, but they haven’t done that in a while.) So, we were excited to test the all-new Mazda …

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2019 BMW X4 M40i Review and Drive Video – A Love-Bug Passion Play

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There are some cars you just click with right away as a reviewer, and the rest of the week with that ride just makes you love it more and more. I sometimes refer to these as “first-block” cars.  Vehicles that enchant you moments after putting them in Drive and rolling away for the very first time.  These are machines that sell themselves better than any salesperson ever could.  For me, the X4 M40i is one of those cars and is actually one of my top-three SUV drives of 2019.  (Behind Levante Trofeo and X7 M50i). X4 is an amazing machine …

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Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

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

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

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Road Test Followup – 2019 Lexus GS350 – By Carl Malek

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

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2019 Nissan Maxima SR – Road Test Review + Drive Video

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Have you ever seen a sexier facelift?  This term for a vehicle’s mid-cycle refresh is usually a bit of a put-down but in Maxima’s case it takes a sexy silhouette and gives it the nose and tail the design always deserved. It is enough to make folks do a double take on the road and that is quite surprising for such a popular mainstream model. Maxima’s 2019 upgrade and also 2020 tweaks to the range update the machine very nicely — and not a moment too soon in the face of impressive new competition from the Kia Stinger, the ever-popular …

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

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

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2019 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 60th Anniversary – Review by Ben Lewis

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When we talk about performance cars, the benchmark is still 0-60. Which may be outdated, but it’s easy to get your head around and compare cars of the past with cars of today. (Spoiler Alert – cars of today are much faster today.) That said, we are talking 0-60 mph. But with the 2019, we are talking something completely different. 0 – 60 Years Yep, years. Hard to believe that the original Mini first bowed in 1959. Especially since a super-small, efficient and fun vehicle seems so now. 1959 was an interesting year – The first Barbie Doll was introduced, …

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

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

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

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

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Chevrolet Drops The Top On 2020 Chevrolet Corvette

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

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

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

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

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

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2019 Hyundai Veloster N – Road Test Review + Performance Drive Video

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What’s the purpose of owning a car besides just transportation? Sure, you need to be able to scoot around town, commute and take the occasional road trip. But beyond that, the real joy of car ownership is the entertainment value. Having a car you love to drive, and one that makes you smile every time you tap the start button, is one of the true joys in this life for some of us. Over the course of 2019 there is no car that has elicited more howling laughter in my hands than this Veloster N. Here we have Hyundai’s first …

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2019 Subaru WRX Series.Gray – Review by Ben Lewis

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Funny how things change. Today, if a friend tells you they’ve bought a Subaru, it’s probably a Forester, or an Outback, maybe an Ascent. And they’re all lovely vehicles. But back in 2002, when you bought a Subie, it was probably a WRX. And it was revelation – a rally proven, high-performance legend that the brand finally decided to bring over here. And it radically changed what people thought about Subaru. And it was the beginning of a long relationship between the cute little sedan or hatch and those who love to drive. Well, now we have the 2019 WRX …

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2019 BMW X2 M35i – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Every time there’s a new small BMW, we hear the talk about the “Spiritual Successor to the BMW 2002.” This was BMW’s small 2-door that around 1970 took the quite pleasant 1600 2-door and stuffed a larger 2.0-liter 4-cylinder motor in it – classic hot-rodding, actually – and basically turned the automotive world on its ear. With the 2002, you had a totally practical, roomy and innocuous little sedan that outperformed the traditional sports cars of the day, and when the later fuel-injected 2002tii appeared, it was hunting down bigger game – including expensive European cars and powerful domestics, too. …

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

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

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2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – Road Test Review + Performance Drive Video

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Eclipse Cross is such a class-leading vehicle that it instantly moves Mitsubishi to the A-list of car brands.  It is that well-equipped, feels like it has stellar build quality, and just leapfrogs most of its rivals on drive manners. Mitsubishi gone from worst to first!!? Perhaps we should take a step back and explain what makes the new Eclipse Cross so great. Yes, let’s take a more mature approach to detailing how Eclipse Cross’s build quality, tech and drive manners make it one of the most sophisticated supermini SUVs available.  Kick things off by watching the performance drive review video …

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First Drive Review – 2017 Ford GT – By Carl Malek

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

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Mclaren GT By MSO Turns Up The Opulence For McLaren Buyers

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

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

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

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

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

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2020 Shelby GT350R Debuts, Borrows Tricks From Big Brother GT500

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

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2019 VW Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary Edition DSG Review by Ben Lewis

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We’ve been talking about great European sedans lately. In fact, we came away saying the new Mazda 3 sedan might be your best entry level Euro choice – yes, it technically isn’t European, but it sure drives that way! Well VW must have heard us, because they’ve now introduced an all new Jetta GLI, (we recently drove the regular Jetta) and it’s not only a great European sedan, it’s what the GLI should always have been – a true 4-door version of the beloved GTI hatch. Big is More We used to see that motto on popcorn at the movie …

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

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

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Tracking the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

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Automotive executives and brand managers are always keenly aware of slicing the product offering in a variety of ways the results of which can not only be confusing but lead to actual sales losses amongst the offerings. One only has to look at the current numerous and future-slightly-LESS-numerous cars from the likes of BMW and Mercedes. Business school might call this classic cannibalization. But this week I experienced a new use of the term, maybe call it predatory cannibalization. Nothing faulty with the positioning of cars by planners at all. No, this new type of cannibalization is surely more along …

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2019 Ford Mustang GT BULLITT – Road Test Review + Drive Video

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These days you know you’re about to drive an awesome car when it has Ford Performance sill plates and a Ford Performance window sticker. These are not regular Fords, people!  From Raptor to Focus RS and Shelby GT350 — these are some of the best-developed speed specials on the road. Regular cars.  Made a million times better for enthusiasts. It is extra gratifying to know that the Bullitt Mustang is not just a badge and stickers job.  Gratifying to think about and especially behind the wheel.  We’re talking just 20 extra ponies but a very different rev character for the …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2019 Toyota Camry XSE V6 – Drive Review with Performance Video

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What a difference a year can make! For the shockingly designed Camry that was so polarizing in 2018, 2019 has mellowed the reaction to its looks and let us really focus on what a terrific upgrade it is. Both versus previous-gen Camrys and its most of its mid-size rivals, for that matter. For your scribe, a year of driving his personal ‘beach car’ (CX-9) during in a press-car drought meant that getting in Camry V6 is nothing short of a revolution!  So fast! So quiet and such sophisticated electronics!  I had a thought the day before Toyota announced there will …

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

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

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

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

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2020 BMW 330i M Sport xDrive – First Drive Review Video & Photo Gallery

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A rainy morning in hilly northern Wisconsin was the perfect time and place to try out the new BMW 3 series with AWD.  This redesign was sure to be pretty excellent – focused on the interior roominess and luxury, and maintaining the excellent pace and agility that the sedan perfected generations ago. We flogged its turbo four to really feel the 5.3-second sprint to 60-mph and came out grinning.The xDrive AWD models have the same turbo four as the rear-drive models but this time tuned with about 80 extra pound-feet of torque. BMW has done this for years and it …

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Ford Teases Hardcore Version Of GT Ahead of Goodwood

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

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

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

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2020 Mustang Shelby GT500

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

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

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Scalpel or Hammer?

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2019 Acura NSX vs 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye If you’re like me, you might be anticipating a major life phase change. And as a car person, likely the next thing on your mind will be how this might positively affect your future stable. My current phase is one of “peak college”, let’s call it. Come autumn, three of my offspring will be chasing higher education. The title of this post does not represent which of my kids are shooting to become a doctor and which are aiming for trade school. But, instead, which car might anyone in anticipating that …

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Track Test Review – 2019 Acura NSX – By Carl Malek

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Caterham Sevens: The Official Story of a Unique British Sportscar From Conception to CSR Book Review

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(Editor’s Note:) At Car-Revs-Daily.com, we enjoy having the chance to not only help contributors of all types have the opportunity to showcase their work on a unique and growing platform, but to also occasionally help their respective websites as well. In this regard, we recently collaborated with Emily Blakowski (an aspiring book reviewer when she is not assisting the Detroit office with audiophile things) and challenged her to review a selection from the Car-Revs-Daily Metro Detroit archives (which can be seen below.) Please enjoy, and let us know if you want to see more – Regards Carl Malek   Ever …

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

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

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Refreshed 2020 Audi TT-RS To Debut In New York

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

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2019 Ferrari P80C 11

2019 Ferrari P80/C Is Heavenly One-Off Based on 488 GT3 Car

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Ferrari has done an amazing job over the last five years at creating one-off machines for its most special customers.  From the Sergio to the FXX series and many more, Ferrari has found a way to make bespoke designs feasible for extremely limited production.  The 488 and its mid-engined platform has proven the perfect donor for many of these customs.  Perhaps Ferrari got the idea from the reborn Stratos that also reskinned the entry-level Ferrari? This latest example is a favorite so far. The design is extreme and pushes boundaries that production Ferrari models avoid. The hyper-rounded glasshouse and bubble …

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Dodge Unveils Widebody Charger Concept, Could Tease Production Model

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The fantasy of a Dodge Charger widebody variant has always resonated strongly in the minds of some enthusiasts, especially those that already enjoy the charms and unique curb appeal that defines the Challenger widebody. Dodge officials have listened to these ambitious dreams, and has unveiled a special Charger widebody concept. Unveiled at Spring Fest (an annual gathering for LX platform enthusiasts) Dodge claims that the concept is a near production prototype, which could mean that it could feasibly make its production debut after the 2020 model year. Visually, the concept retains alot of its Charger DNA, with the key change …

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2020 Toyota Supra Color Range Revealed

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With all the buzz and hype surrounding the unveiling of the reborn 2020 Toyota Supra sports car, it’s perhaps fitting that the newest item on Toyota’s news page is Supra related information, this time regarding the full suite of colors that buyers will be able to choose from. In addition to meeting one of the Launch Edition colors at the Supra’s NAIAS debut (Renissance Red,) the company also revealed that the other two launch colors will be Absolute Zero White, and Nocturnal Black with all three gaining red mirror caps and other contrasting accents as part of the Launch Edition …

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2020 Shelby GT500 Embraces The St. Patricks Day Spirit With All New Grabber Lime Hue

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With all the hype and buzz that the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has generated since its debut at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in January, Ford has just recently begun to unleash some of the finer details that help define the performance oriented mission that is infused into this potent serpent. When we last met the 2020 GT500, it was in a wind tunnel where we had the opportunity to learn about some of the lengths that Ford went to maximize the GT500’s aerodynamic potential. This time however, Ford has a neat surprise that arrives just in …

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3D Printing and Super Computers Transform Mustang Into Slithering Serpent of Speed [Video]

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It’s no secret that the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is going to be the fastest Mustang that Ford has ever built, with the company being very confident in its ability to trounce Camaro ZL1s and Dodge Challenger Redeyes out on the track. But while Ford is still keeping the vaunted horsepower figure for the GT500 a closely guarded secret, the Detroit auto giant has released new details on some of the behind the scenes engineering that took place to help make sure that the GT500 could meet its full potential in hard track driving. Wheras the last generation GT500 …

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DBS Superleggera 8

2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera – Startup Video & Gallery – Amelia Concours Highlight

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The DBS Superleggera is hard to preview in photos. We were blase about the machine overall and leaning toward thumbs-down on the design — before seeing one in the flesh at Amelia Concours. Witnessing this machine is enough to bring butterflies — even when parked next to a Countach and new Vantage. Nearby to McLarens galore and even the SCG-003C hypercar.  DBS simply has stage presence and curb appeal that is impossible to quantify. Impossibly cooler than its lightweight clamshell bonnet or wider tracks could imply on paper versus DB11. Of course, the fact that this vehicle has all the …

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Morgan Unveils All New Plus Six Roadster, Debuts New CX Platform

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When we last checked in with our friends at Morgan, they were teasing the future, shelving the V8 powered Aero, and promising a turbocharged future for their future models. With the Geneva Motor Show now upon us, Morgan has formally unveiled the fruits of their labor, with the all new Morgan Plus Six roadster which brings a number of new technologies to the Morgan brand. The exterior styling of the Plus Six may not look like its hiding much at first glance, with the Plus Six embracing the distinctively retro elements that have become an iconic calling card for the …

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2019 Ginetta Akula – Underdog Debut Pips Geneva Hypercar Elite

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We’re fans of underdog supercar maker Ginetta for a few reasons.  First of all is that they are actual racers. Most of the supercars that debut today will not have bona-fide tracktime in their futures, while this Akula certainly does. And secondly, for the functionality of their approach to sports cars. The spirit of the new Akula’s design vaguely recalls TVR from the wild old days.  This is not a machine that went  through dozens of focus groups and design evolutions.  This is a murderous slasher film in CFRP — all vents and intakes and outlets throughout the entire lower …

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2019 Toyota 86 GT 2

2019 Toyota 86 GT – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Someone said a bad thing. They said driving is on the way out. That people would rather Uber or Lyft than own a car of their own. That sports cars will be the first to go. Someone has not been in a Toyota 86. The Toyota 86 could be the ambassador for all things that car lovers love. And a little bit of time behind the wheel could convert a lot of skeptics too. Let the propaganda begin! Sports Car Ancestry.com The 86 is beautifully-designed. Time flies in auto-dom. When the 2013 FR-S appeared, it was a sensation – a …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF – By Carl Malek

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Perfection, how hard is it to indeed update an icon that has been winning over the hearts of enthusiasts for the past several decades? Mazda engineers had the unenviable task of bringing even more magic into the ND platformed MX-5 (aka the Miata,) which already had the formula for fun sports car ownership firmly baked into its DNA when it originally debuted in 2016. But is it really worth it to trade up to a 2019 MX-5 versus its older predecessors? We were keen to find out, and see if this newly refreshed MX-5 does indeed have the tools necessary …

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Gallery – Audi e-tron GT Concept

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The rumor  is that e-tron in French means excrement. If so, it is certainly a very shimmery and metallic form of it! The aggressive shoulders and surfacing ideas are the coolest part of this e-tron GT, a sibling of the Porsche Taycan coming next year with all-electric power.  And Tesla-tastic pricing likely above $100k. The cabin looks slightly tight at that price but who knows. The good news is that this machine appears imminent and the concept is a near-production look.  It is hard to evaluate the busy nose and tail in photos but we’re cautiously optimistic.  Quattro might be …

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First Drive – 2019 Polaris Slingshot SLR – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to 3-wheel cycle cars (aka “autocycles,”) these special vehicles strike a welcome and particular chord in the heart of this author. For those that aren’t familiar with this type of vehicle, it is essentially the best of both worlds between a motorcycle and a car, with each one trying to do something different depending on how much car or motorcycle DNA is in it. Autocycles were invented before traditional four wheeled cars, and for a time were a sales phenomenon, especially in Europe. The Morgan 3-Wheeler is arguably the most iconic and historic of these particular vehicles, …

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Volkswagen Teases 2020 Jetta GLI Sedan Ahead of Chcago Debut

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Volkswagen is primed and ready to showoff the new generation Jetta GLI at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show later this week, but before the sportiest of al;\l Jettas makes its mark, the German car giant has chosen to release a small teaser of what buyers can expect when the new and improved GLI eventually makes its way to dealerships later this year. Unlike the typical teaser campaign that usually begins with a lone teaser image usually from odd or even unorthodox angles, Volkswagen has chosen to release a small GIF image of the GLI going in and out of focus …

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Toyota Teases GR Supra Performance Line Concept Ahead of February 9th

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Amid all the Toyota vehicles that will be making there debuts at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show next week, the Japanese auto giant has released a teaser sketch of a concept that will not make its in augural appearance in the Windy City. Dubbed the GR Supra Performance Line concept, it promises to be a compelling showcase of just how far the envelope for Supra performance can be pushed. Admittedly, the teaser sketch is very limited in details, with only the basic outline being apparent. However, some details do manage to poke through to help catch the eye of enthusiasts. …

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2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia TI Sport AWD – Review By Ben Lewis

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Have you ever been at a get-together, and it’s ok, but kinda snoozy? You know just about everyone; the talk is the same stuff it always is. Then someone new shows up that’s fun, different and interesting, and all of a sudden, you’re glad you were there. Meet the Alfa Romeo Giulia – the life of the party. You may know Alfa Romeo. The last time the brand sold a vehicle here was in 1995. But this is a famous brand with an amazing heritage. Alfa was the first car to win the World Automobile Championship in 1925, and followed …

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~755HP Shelby GT500 Joins Horsepower Wars, Sinks Fangs Into Hellcat and Camaro ZL1

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In the current iteration of the muscle car wars, the extreme end of the segment has lately been dominated by two distinct entries, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the 717 Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Both of these models have been slugging it out in sales and on the racetrack for awhile now, but that’s partially due to the absence of a third contender, the Shelby GT500. The GT500 last terrorized the dragstrip in the mid 2000’s before ending production in 2013. Ford has not forgotten the unique allure of the GT500, and has unleashed the latest GT500 to try and reclaim …

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