Jaguar Type 00 Shatters Expectations, Raises New Questions
Jaguar’s Type 00 Concept attempts to shock and awes but can it silence the critics?
Jaguar’s Type 00 Concept attempts to shock and awes but can it silence the critics?
Jaguar made waves when it unveiled a bizarre teaser video that initiated a brand reset for the British luxury car company. Images of heritage, history, and performance gave way to images of abstract images, bizarre colors, and a small group of serious/sad-looking models doing strange things. So far, reactions from around the world have been negative with many critics saying that Jaguar has gone off course. That said, is this brand reset the renewed injection of vigor that Jaguar needs, and if it is, can it help Jaguar be a viable contender in the EV segment as it attempts to …
As the saying goes, what’s old is new again. Case in point: the new Acura ZDX A Spec. It’s not that the vehicle itself is old—it’s more that the way this vehicle came to market. 1996 was a year chock-full of optimism, with Americans everywhere doing the Macarena as they poured their life savings into the can’t-miss investment vehicle known as Beanie Babies. Cheap gas allowed sales of the newly defined SUV market to surge. Everyone, everywhere, was scrambling to get into one of these fancy-ish trucks, and perhaps more importantly, OEMs the world over were scrambling to get their …
While Lincoln’s Corsair is technically a compact SUV—it’s based on the similarly compact Ford Escape—thanks to some clever packaging and design tricks, it feels a lot bigger than it actually is. The specific ride you see here is the Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring—the one with the plug-in hybrid electric powertrain—and it just so happens to be my ride for the week. It’s deceptively small As is the case with all of Lincoln’s current vehicles, the Corsair is classically handsome. There’s a simplicity and restraint to the traditional two-box design that’s pleasing to the eye. And while I love some of …
American luxury. Built in China. Two statements, seemingly disconnected, that when put together describe the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. But if we’re being honest, it’s probably more accurate to say that this newest Lincoln shows Americans the Chinese take on luxury. Take a quick look at Chinese car brands like Zeekr or Xpeng and you’ll see luxury vehicles that are defined by technology. Beyond the requisite electrified powertrains, these rides go all-in on features like animated exterior lighting, AI-powered driving assistants, and—most importantly—acres and acres of interior screens. It should come as no surprise, then, that this latest Nautilus—and its massive …
Rolls-Royce is always known for never declining the opportunity to challenge itself, especially when it comes to building one-off custom creations. In this case, the company completed a build that took over three years to complete with the one-off paying tribute to the iconic James Bond film Goldfinger Paying homage in style The Rolls Royce Phantom takes center stage in this build but the exterior is meant to pay homage to the 1937 Rolls Royce Phantom III owned by the movie’s antagonist (sorry James you get to sit this one out) Aurich Goldfinger. The exterior gets matching gold and black …
Aston Martin packs on the glitter with all-new DB12 Goldfinger. The 60 car production run pays homage to the film and gets real gold accents.
It’s easy to say that words have meanings, but that ignores the reality that words are in an ever-changing state of flux. Those of you old enough to remember the sitcoms of the 1980s are familiar with the trope of the out-of-touch old-timer pondering if a kid’s use of the word “bad” actually meant “good,” or if said kid meant things are bad-bad. And let’s not get into a debate as to whether or not no cap, fr fr or skibidi toilet even qualify as language. What I’m trying to get at, I guess, is that luxury–both as a word …
The Lexus LC continues to be one of the most underrated GTs on the market today. While the V8-powered Lexus often blends into the background when compared with rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and even higher-grade models like the Maserati GranCabrio and its coupe counterpart the GranTurismo. It has inner charms that beg to be explored if you’re willing to get to know it better. That includes the 2024 LC 500 Bespoke Series which adds a pinch of custom flavor to the LC experience. Copper Crest paint draws plenty of stares to the LC The 2024 Lexus LC lineup doesn’t change …
When Aston Martin unleashed the DB12, the lack of a V12 option broke tradition and it caused a considerable amount of uproar from buyers who still wanted a V12 even if the V8 is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter that makes over 600 horsepower. As they say, greed is good and the need for more power inspired Aston Martin to dig into the vault and bring back the 2025 Vanquish which will be its new flagship model. Vanquish goes back to its roots When we last saw a production Vanquish it was six years ago with the sleek coupe being the pinnacle …
Monterey Car Week 2024 The annual celebration of automotive excellence known as Monterey Car Week is upon us! For the uninitiated, “Monterey Car Week” is the grand finale of events for the unofficial close out of “car show season” in North America. It is here that manufactures are known to show brand new cars, special editions and beautiful one-offs that naturally fit right in with the Monterey crowd. Motorlux On Wednesday, kicking off the festivities is MotorLux (formerly McCalls Motorworks Revival) – now a Hagerty Company event. Features vintage race cars, aircraft and high-brow culinary fare. Tickets will run you …
The sport sedan segment has always been dominated by the Germans with the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, and the Mercedes C-Class being the default trio that buyers were directed to. Genesis attempted to shake things up with the first-generation G70 sedan. The G70 had the look, luxury, and the technology to bring the fight to the Germans but it was dogged by some early teething pains and a manual transmission that was the bane of enthusiasts everywhere. The 2024 model is attempting to add more polish to the model, but is this G70 the model that finally shifts the nameplate …
Rolls Royce is always known for wowing the crowds with a special vehicle or concept every year at Monterey. The British ultra-luxury car maker is continuing this established tradition further with the unveiling of the one-of-a-kind Spectre Semaphore which is the latest in the company’s lineup of stylish one-off custom creations. Flashy exterior paint highlights the bulk of the changes on Spectre The centerpiece here on the Spectre Semaphore is the flashy yellow exterior paintwork which is called… Semaphore Yellow with Rolls Royce stating that the color was specially designed just for this custom one-off vehicle. The yellow paintwork is …
It wasn’t too long ago that V8-powered muscle cars dominated the performance market. The BMW M3, Audi S4, and the Mercedes C63 AMG all had V8s at one point in time and these V8s helped push them to new heights both in sales and performance. However, the push for tighter fuel economy forced the segment to embrace smaller engines and turbocharging. Lexus has chosen to pivot and re-use a familiar performance formula for its performance sedan, the 2024 Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance. But is it a formula that can still get results on the track and sales? or is …
The Cadillac Celestiq thrusted Cadillac into the world of hyper-luxury vehicles when it made its appearance two years ago. The Celstiq gave the brand an opportunity to enter a bespoke realm of luxury where the imagination of customers plays a massive role in how each Celestiq is handcrafted and built on the grounds of the GM Tech Center. That included building the Cadillac House at Vanderbilt on the grounds of the GM Tech Center. The House at Vanderbilt is the home of the Celestiq, and Cadillac used the opulent facility to preview the next chapter, the Sollei concept. Sollei embraces …
The Porsche Panamera was originally one of the most controversial models that the German sports car company ever made when it made its appearance back in 2009. The four-door has since become a symbol of Porsche’s performance extremes and the new 2025 model brings two new flavors to buyers that want the best in four-door sedan performance, The GTS and the beefier Turbo S E-Hybrid. Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid pushes the performance envelope Taking its spot at the top of the Panamera pecking order is the Turbo S E-Hybrid. All models come equipped with a twin-turbocharged 591 hp V8 that’s …
When Audi axed the A5 coupe and convertible models, it was important to remember that the moniker itself was not dead with the A5 Sportback continuing to live on. However, while the Sportback is a very popular offering with consumers, there are a few who prefer a traditional sedan. Audi has engineered a solution to this problem by not only axing the compact A4, but also making an all-new A5 sedan for 2025. Is bigger better in the A5? The Audi A5 sedan has big shoes to fill with the model taking the place of the compact A4 which is …
Aston Martin has had an established habit of making limited production models that are track-ready but without losing the road legal status that make them rolling sculptures when cruising through town. The Valour was the last of these creations and the British sports car brand has followed up on it with the all-new limited-production Valiant. Aston Martin makes bold statement with Valiant The Valiant is heavily based on the Valour and as a result, the bulk of the core styling largely carries over from that car. However, this special edition gives the car numerous upgrades that put luxury on the …
Bugattis are always known for raising the bar when it comes to performance and luxury. While Ferrari and Lamborghini may have some things to say about that assertion, there’s no denying the unique appeal that a Bugatti model brings to any driveway. The brand has also proven to be resilient to market changes and has had plenty of ups and downs in its long and illustrious history. However, Bugatti knows that tightening emissions standards will force it to comply with the times, and with the Chiron hypercar already beginning to show its age, Bugatti has thrown the veil off of …
The luxury coupe segment is a shell of its former self. Once enviable crown jewels in the lineups of many automakers, the luxury coupe market went through massive downsizing in the 1990s and the amount of entries that exist in the space these days are few and far in between. Cadillac was apparently eying a new attempt in the luxury coupe market, and GM Design revealed a rejected concept coupe that would have rivaled German rivals if it had gotten the green light for official production from GM’s board of directors. Expressive Coupe focused on muscular style The concept …
It wasn’t too long ago that if you either walked into a Rolls Royce showroom or an owners group and asked for an EV, chances are good that you would have the same reaction as the Daleks did in this clip from the BBC series Doctor Who. However, the automotive market is changing and even Rolls Royce has been forced to make some changes to try and adapt to the new normal. The Rolls Royce Cullinan helped the brand enter the SUV market, and the 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre is silently pushing the brand into the EV age. Seductive Styling Makes …
It wasn’t too long ago that some folks in the industry thought that the EV revolution would be highlighted by vehicles that had plenty of range, but were slow and didn’t have the charisma needed to stand out in showrooms. That was especially evident in the 1990s with some of the EV concepts that appeared on the show circuit. But the times are changing, and Mercedes-Benz is eager to show the world that the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE goes far beyond being a mere appliance trying to get maximum range. It promises to be a worthy sequel to the flagship EQS, …
There’s no denying it, we love European sport sedans. While most premium buyers are looking at SUVs, it’s worth remembering that brands like BMW, Mercedes and Audi made their bones on excellent performing sedans. And while the Europeans are developing SUVs and EVs, it seems like sedans still hold a place in those carmaker’s hearts. We recently tested the BMW M340i and found it a high-performance bahnstormer. So, when Audi offered up an S4 sedan to test, we jumped at it. Can the brand with the four rings offer up similar thrills to the famous Roundel? Let’s find out! Racy …
When Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) revealed that they were embarking on an ambitious and expensive rebranding campaign last year, the firm made it clear that it was treating this as an all-or-nothing play. The program saw the company not only shorten its name to JLR, but also split Land Rover’s models into individual brands. One other item that flew below the radar up until now is the full electrification of Jaguar which will also simultaneously push the brand upmarket as JLR attempts to compete with Bentley and Porsche. A new report suggests that Jaguar will start its EV revolution …
The resto-modding craze has picked up steam over the past few years with modified versions of the Volvo P1800 and the Porsche 928 being a few notable examples of this trend in action. However, the folks at TWR have decided to raise the bar up a notch and have formally unveiled the TWR Supercat which will be limited to 88 units when it enters production. Supercat Shares XJ-S Hardware The Supercat is a wild beast, but it gets its DNA from a 1976 Jaguar XJ-S. The XJ-S was the controversial replacement for the Jaguar E-Type and attempted to offer …
Maserati is preparing to shift its EV ambitions into high gear with models like the recently announced GranCabrio Folgore attempting to make EVs stylish options for buyers willing to make the plunge. However, Maserati also knows that its ICE models will ultimately provide the fuel needed for these EV offerings to expand and cement themselves in the marketplace. Maserati recently allowed us to spend time with both the Quattroporte and the Grecale Trofeo models to not only show us what they bring to the table, but how they will help secure Maserati’s future. 2023 Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo The 2023 …
When Lotus unveiled the 2024 Emira sports car, it represented the end of an era for the company. The Emira was designed to be a successor for the Evora GT but it could also be considered a spiritual successor for the Elise. When the U.S. last saw the Elise, it was better known for being an ultra-lightweight thrill machine that sliced flab at the cost of creature comfort and refinement. Tightening safety regulations ended its run in the U.S. with the Evora being the lone solider for Lotus in our country. But can the Emira successfully walk the proverbial tightrope …
Maserati pulled no punches when it said that it was going all in on EVs. The Folgore lineup promised to push the envelope of EV performance and range. While the Maserati MC20 supercar will eventually get a Folgore model of its own, the company is using the approaching days of summer to drop the top on its first production EV, the 2024 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore. Silence Even With The Top Down The exterior styling here is shared with the ICE version of the GranCabrio and the two look nearly identical at first glance with the EV even retaining the gas …
All sports cars come with fundamental DNA that makes them enjoyable to drive while also being stylish and reasonably comfortable at the same time. The 2024 BMW Z4 aims to bring these fundamentals into a package that’s upscale and luxurious but without sacrificing some of the dynamics that have made the model special over the years. The 2024 models aim to continue this but has it lost some of the sharpness that has defined it over the years? Sinister Purple Adds Character to M Sport Lines When our tester arrived at the office, one of the things that made …
Have you heard of the Toyota Crown? Well, if you’ve been around awhile, you might remember that the Crown was the first Japanese car to hit American shores in 1958. While the name disappeared here in 1972, it’s been a steadfast seller in other parts of the world – in fact this current model is the 15th generation! So, it’s pretty darn exciting that Toyota has decided to bring back the name in an all-new flagship sedan for the US market. So, does it deserve the right to wear that crown? Let’s find out. Real Presence First impressions are awesome. …
The BMW 330i is a symbol of the old guard in some ways when one looks at BMW’s lineup. It’s still the benchmark others strive to beat in the luxury sport sedan segment and it’s also one of the few remaining that have not had their twin-kidney grilles enlarged to comical proportions. While the pressure of SUV and CUV demand has certainly cut into some of its sales, the four-door still has a strong following. But what if you don’t have the budget for a fire-breathing M3 and prefer something that’s more budget-oriented> BMW thinks it has the answer with …
Cadillac has been heavily invested in electrifying its lineup of luxury vehicles. But while the brand (and GM as a whole) has talked a big game, in the case of Cadillac this supposed push into electrification has only produced two production models: The ultra-rare Cadillac Celestiq and the Lyriq SUV. While the duo are good at showing off Cadillac’s innovative spirit, they are also a figurative drop in the proverbial bucket. That’s changing though, with the brand unveiling the all-new Opulent Velocity concept. Opulent Velocity puts Spotlight On Performance Cadillac chose to tease the concept in a brief teaser video that …
The Maserati GranCabrio has been an enduring presence, both in the way it’s connected to the GranTurismo coupe, but also how the model has often been considered Maserati’s style model with only exotic offerings like the MC20 surpassing its beauty. The 2024 GranCabrio aims to take the moniker in a new direction and also represents the start of a new era in styling and performance. GranTurismo Underpinnings Give GranCabrio Depth The outgoing version had styling that was around since the mid-2000s but it was starting to age badly when viewed against some of its GT rivals. The 2024 version …
Rolls Royce made it clear that it was going to push the boundaries of artistry and design when it began making its ultra-limited run of Droptail Roadsters. Four of them will be produced and the British luxury car maker unveiled the third in the series, the Arcadia Droptail. Greek Mythology Adds Unique Twist to Droptail Luxury Like other Droptail-based builds, the Arcadia follows the same core script when it comes to its exterior styling with the roadster featuring a large chrome front grille and elegant headlights with the convertible top stowing neatly away in the sweptback bodywork. The differences …
If you’re a fan of the Chrysler brand these days, the current state of this iconic nameplate isn’t pretty. Once a beacon of Chrysler’s pre-DaimlerChrysler prosperity with a diverse lineup of offerings, the lone soldier remaining is the Pacifica minivan. The Airflow concept was a glimpse into Stellantis’s EV plans, but it has still not entered production. In the meantime, Chrysler has decided to give the world a consolation prize with the unveiling of the Halcyon Concept. Halcyon Raises The Bar On Design While the Airflow focused on simplicity and elegance, the Halcyon focuses on going all out to …
We recently tested the 2023 Lexus LC 500 Coupe and found it a dream – stunning looks, storming V8 power, Lexus quality, and just the feeling of exclusivity. A Lexus to covet, to be sure. And then Lexus offers us a visit in the 2024 LC 500 convertible. Not only that, thereʻs some significant upgrades in the technology, and a Bespoke Build package – just in case all the above in the coupe wasnʻt enough. So will the drop-top LC create another level of Lexus Lust? Letʻs find out! Stately Wayne Manners The first impression you get looking at the …
The BMW 5-Series is still soldiering on in its quest to woo over luxury car buyers. But while the sedan has had an established presence here in the U.S. the Touring variant (aka station wagon) has been a Europe-only exclusive for the past few years. For now, it will continue to be a Europe-only treat but the 2025 BMW 5-Series Touring might just preview a trim or two that might make the trip across the pond to our shores. Hauling The Goods In 5-Series Luxury and Touring Style There was a time when the 5-Series Touring was a relatively …
It has been a few decades since Toyota brought the Crown nameplate to our shores. The Crown was originally offered here in the U.S. market from 1958 to 1972 before it was replaced by the Corona. The Crown morphed into a Japanese-exclusive offering at that point which was supposed to offer well-heeled buyers a step up in Toyota luxury with the U.S. getting the Lexus luxury brand as a consolation prize. The Crown returned to the U.S. in 2022 and this time, Toyota is using it as a distinctive sub-brand. But is it enough to lure in buyers and Avalon …
The Aston Martin Vantage is poised for a big change. The British sports car maker recently confirmed that the Vantage was going to be overhauled but didn’t reveal much info on when we would see it in the flesh. But that’s now changing, with the company not only confirming that it would be unveiled on February 12th, but also supplying a lone teaser image as a sample dish. A Sign Of Things To Come For Vantage The lone teaser image Aston sent primarily focuses on one of the front fenders with the vent work taking center stage. The vents …
At first glance, it’s easy to assume that the Cadillac CT5 is a mere bookend when it comes to the brand’s broader sales forecast with the Escalade and other SUV models stealing the spotlight. However, the CT5 is in fact, the best-selling model the brand has when it comes to overall sales, with the CT5 seeing its sales increase ever since it first went into production back in 2019 (bucking a broader downward slide in sales across the sedan landscape.) Cadillac decided to reward this strong showing by giving the model a refresh for 2025 and has now extended it …
It was no secret that the Lexus IS was in need of a major revamp. The aging exterior styling looked like it was drawn by a mad axe killer and the interior suffered from technology that was rapidly falling behind the times (including the most frustrating way to get around an infotainment system this side of iDrive.) Lexus listened to the feedback it got from IS owners and they also wanted to make the car more appealing to young buyers. The end result is the 2024 Lexus IS and the company thinks that this version of the IS has a …
The McLaren GT certainly caught our attention when we had the chance to sample one for 24 hours awhile back. This brief encounter allowed us to see the higher amounts of luxury and technology that McLaren infused into the car. However, progress and evolution are key motivators in the Grand Touring segment and McLaren has unveiled the updated 2025 McLaren GTS which adds more luxury performance and a new name for customers to remember too. New Name Spearheads Light GTS Exterior Updates McLaren has always been known for not straying too far from a proven formula and that’s on …
It has been a long journey for the Aston Martin Valhalla with the company first unveiling it back in 2019 as the AM-RB 003. Alot has changed since that time with a pandemic and Aston’s very survival during that time taking center stage. However, the company has kept pushing forward with the Valhalla and the company has released new details about the car while also confirming that it will be entering production next year. Valhalla Sharpens Its Performance Sword With V8 Power The Valhalla is the latest in Aston’s growing lineup of exotic supercars but while it’s easy to …
In the 50 years that BMW’s M brand has terrorized race tracks around the world, the performance-focused sub-brand has undergone a number of key transformations as it attempted to maximize the performance that BMW products were capable of. It can be easy to forget that this gold standard of the performance-driving world once started out as a small in-house race shop. BMW has prepared a surprise to help celebrate the occasion, the 2023 BMW M3 50 Jahre Edition which helps celebrate the M3’s history, but are new styling touches enough to help this beast stand out in a crowd? …
Lotus is preparing to make big moves in the EV vehicle segment. While the company cemented its history as an automaker that made lightweight vehicles that emphasized weight-cutting and exceptional handling, Lotus has also been on a proverbial rollercoaster in recent years with COVID-related challenges and a 2017 stock purchase by Chinese firm Geely being some of the twists and turns that have faced Lotus owners the past few decades. That said, Lotus is preparing to embark on a bold strategy and will focus all of its efforts on building a lineup of EV-only offerings with the Lotus Emira being …
Maserati is the figurative traveler who’s facing a choice at the proverbial fork in the road. The Italian luxury automaker tried to embark on a push towards enhancing its sales, but while the Grecale and the Levante have certainly made their mark in the SUV segment, the broader sales picture is mixed at best. In the meantime, Maserati is also focusing on returning to some of the core things that helped it be an icon in the luxury segment, with performance and artistic flair being two prominent pillars. One example of this in action is the Maserati MC20, which launches …
The annual Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog is usually jam-packed with exotic premium things. Clothes, jewelry and more can be found in its celebrated pages. Occasionally, an offer or two is included that are meant for special buyers that want to make a splash in their Christmas shopping and don’t mind throwing around some cash to do it too. Cadillac is stealing the spotlight in this regard with a special catalog offer that stars the Celestiq EV hyper luxury sedan. Want A Cadillac Celestiq Under The Christmas Tree? This Celestiq-themed offer is the latest entry in Neiman Marcus’s Fantasy Gift …
All manufacturers have what is called a “flagship” – the top-of-the-line model that shows off what the brand is all about. And for Lexus sedans, that means the LS 500. The LS has the longest history with the brand, it was the LS 400 that started the legend in 1990, taking on all comers from luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes and Cadillac. Yes, there was also an ES model, but that was a fancy Camry. So, 33 years later, does the Lexus still have the stuff to take on the high-end Europeans? Let’s take a look! Aging Passionately We recently …
2023 Lexus LC 500: Lessons From the LFA The 2023 Lexus LC 500 is a stunning embodiment of the automaker’s commitment to creating vehicles that seamlessly blend luxury and performance. This grand tourer coupe, first introduced in 2018, is a testament to Lexus’ dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and delivering an unforgettable driving experience. With its captivating design, potent powertrain, and impeccable interior, the LC 500 is a modern masterpiece that has earned its place among the elite in the luxury sports car segment. Exterior Design At first glance, the Lexus LC 500 is a true head-turner. Its low-slung, aggressive stance …
We love Volvos. Oh yes, we do. From a brand that started out as funky and functional to elegant and excellent, they’ve always kept their unique Swedishness. And lately that has also been combined with some storming performance. See our reviews of the S60 Recharge and the C40 Recharge, and you’ll see that Volvo is showing that you can combine hybrid and traditional powertrains to create outstanding range, performance and a bright future that will also be a greener one. So now we have the opportunity to test the Swede’s largest SUV, the 3-row XC90, long a luxury bastion, and …
Volkswagen may be shifting towards an all-electrified future that will have a heavy reliance on SUV and other utility vehicles, but that doesn’t mean the company is ready to leave other vehicle segments just yet. One notable example is the four-door coupe segment, where the 2024 Volkswagen Arteon continues its unassuming role as VW’s lone entry. While Arteon sales numbers have taken a pounding from encroaching CUV entries, Volkswagen has made some minor updates to the Arteon in an attempt to help it stay fresh before it enters retirement. But is this the proper send off Arteon fans have been …
Cadillac may be preparing to enter an era where electrification and utility vehicles will play prominent roles in its long-term future. However, the brand is still paying attention to its sedan lineup. The 2025 Cadillac CT5 has been doing well in sales, and the brand has decided to refresh it for the new model year that aims to build on this performance while also giving it new vigor in its fight against rivals from BMW and Audi. Refresh Brings Bolder Styling and Sportiness To CT5 Cadillac is currently focusing on the standard CT5 lineup with today’s announcement, and as …
2023 Lexus IS 500 Premium review by Ben Lewis Do you remember the original Mad Max movie? We see Max, aka Mel Gibson driving the Pursuit Special, a heavily modified Australian Falcon GT, that in the movie they call “The last of the V8 Interceptors.” It’s funny that the thought popped in my head when I drove the Lexus IS 500 with its massively powerful 5.0-liter V8. But I did wonder, how much longer will we have cars like this? While we seem to be marching towards a world of EVs, many of the IS competitors have swapped a naturally …
G90 vs LS500 Review and Comparison The Genesis G90 E-Supercharger and the Lexus LS 500 F Sport are both luxury sedans that offer a premium driving experience, but they have distinct features and characteristics that set them apart. We had the chance to test these two back to back. Be aware that the Genesis had a significantly higher price tag than the Lexus, so while this is apples to apples, it’s maybe a pink lady apple to Gala apple comparison. Performance The G90 E-Supercharger boasts a powerful electric supercharged 3.5-liter V6 twin turbo engine that delivers impressive acceleration and ample …
We were intrigued with the Rolls Royce Droptail when the original La Rose Noire model first appeared. Just as we were about to sink our teeth into that model, Rolls Royce unveiled another Droptail, the Amethyst model, which adds its own share of bespoke touches to the elegant convertible. Amethyst One Of Four Special Creations Rolls Royce claims that the Amethyst is one of four special custom models the company created for an unnamed but probably wealthy client. While the La Rose embraced vivid red hues, the Amethyst goes for a subtler shade of duotone color with the main …
The 2023 Lexus LC 500 has always been in a very peculiar place in the two-door GT segment. The model seeks to dethrone many of the segment heavyweights, but it brings an old-school charm to its look that aims to appeal to a wide range of customers. Lexus is so confident in the model that it has carried over mostly unchanged for the 2023 model year. But is this policy of light updates a good long-term solution in a segment where rapid evolution has taken hold? LC 500 Sails Full Steam Ahead Into The New Model Year As mentioned, …
The Aston Martin DB12 coupe was a welcome evolution over the aging DB11, with the model getting a massive suite of upgrades designed to enhance the Grand Touring (GT) experience. But what if you’re a sun worshipper wanting some droptop fun to accompany your GT ownership experience? Aston Martin has filled the missing piece to this puzzle with the all-new 2024 DB12 Volante. DB12 Volante Shares Coupe Underpinnings, But Has Distinct Personality At first glance, the DB12 Volante and the DB12 coupe appear largely similar, with the exterior styling being largely carried over (save for the folding roof) and …
We recently tested the all-new, Mercedes EQS 450 all electric SUV and loved the combination of luxury and EV goodness. So, what if you’re more of a sedan person? Enter the EQE sedan. While sharing much of the EQS technology, it ends up being quite a bit different. Tempted? Let’s take a look! Low, wide and sleek Transferring from a more conventional SUV to a sedan creates a much more evocative piece of rolling art. The front is similar to the EQS, but the EQE loses the massive grille for a less tall unit. It still has the “black panel” …
It’s hard to believe that Maserati has continuously made V8 engines for over 64 years, with the eight-cylinder powerplant being responsible for some of the most iconic moments in the Italian brand’s long and illustrious history. However, the push for electrification and tightening emissions laws in Europe, is forcing Maserati to end V8 production next year. Before the production lines fall silent, the company is unleashing one last wave of V8-powered models, the 2024 Ghibli 334 and Levante V8 Ultima Editions. Ultima Editions Promise Epic Retirement Party For Old-School Performance As the name implies, both the Ghibli and Levante Ultima …
Aston Martin is preparing to retire the legendary V12 engine from its model lineup, with the majestic twelve-cylinder being axed due to encroaching fuel regulations. We thought the DBS 770 Ultimate would be the V12’s swan song, but the British supercar maker has confirmed that we were wrong, and that the engine will play its final show in another model, the all-new 2024 Aston Martin Valour Victor Who? Aston Martin Looks To The Past For Valour Styling Direction At first glance, it’s easy to write off the Valour as a lightly reskinned version of the Victor coupe that’s currently sitting …
We recently tested the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid, and found it delightful, efficient and affordable. It’s pretty much the very affordable end of the electrification movement right now. In the middle, we have vehicles like the Volvo C40 recharge – bringing great fun and style at a slightly elevated price. And finally, we have the premium EVs, which are growing by huge amounts. BMW, Mercedes and Audi are already experienced players in this sandbox. So, what’s state of the art EV Luxury look like today? That’s what we wondered, and that’s why we’re testing the 2023 Mercedes EQS. Let’s take …
When we last saw the Maserati GranTurismo, it was in a rather sorry state. Its exterior styling (despite updates) had roots that dated all the way back to the George W. Bush administration, while its technology had just as many cobwebs to deal with. As a result, the outgoing GranTurismo was an odd duck that was rapidly falling behind rivals. Maserati knew that it couldn’t go on like this any longer, and it has unveiled the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo, which gets all-new styling while also getting a massive infusion of new technology. But is all of this enough to help …
Maserati is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the GranTurismo, and to help ring in the celebrations with a bang, the Italian luxury car maker is introducing the all-new 2024 Maserati GranTurismo PrimaSerie to U.S. shores with the model helping to spearhead the GranTurismo’s U.S. sales launch. GranTurismo PrimaSerie Is Rolling Tribute To The Past When one looks at the all-new GranTurismo, it becomes clear that Maserati is out to reshape how its fanbase thinks about luxury. The crisp styling, as well as the strong emphasis on curves and lines, drives home the point that the GranTurismo is aiming to …
The 2024 Polestar 2 is getting some major updates for 2024, with the model getting more power and range, all for a relatively small boost in the asking price, which Polestar thinks is a good deal for buyers as the company prepares to expand its EV presence. Polestar 2 Gets More Power And Range, What’s Not To Love? A major update that the Polestar 2 is receiving for 2024 is that it will get more power and range from its electrified hardware. The base model gets newly instituted rear-wheel drive and a new rear-mounted electric motor that makes 299 …
BMW’s “i” range of electric vehicles has seen steady growth in recent years, especially after a slow start with the i3 and the i8 models. The lineup is projected to grow and widen its reach over the next few years, which is good news for BMW. However, it’s also inadvertently created a culture of confusion among BMW buyers with the “i” also being used on ICE-powered models such as the BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, etc. A new report, however, suggests that BMW is solving this unenviable situation once and for all by removing the letter altogether on models moving forward. …
The aging Aston Martin DB11 was an elegant example of the time-honored tradition of combining V12 performance with Grand Touring luxury. However, The V12 couldn’t keep up with fuel regulations, and some of the interior technology was starting to age very rapidly. Aston Martin is out to solidify its place in the Grand Touring ranks with the unveiling of the all-new Aston Martin DB12, which will help usher Aston into a new generation of GT luxury. V8 Is More Powerful Than Outgoing V12 The big story here is that contrary to what the 12-part of its moniker seems to …
Blacked-out versions of various car models have become a rapidly growing trend in the automotive marketplace, especially in the luxury car market. The folks at Mercedes-Maybach have noticed this trend and unveiled the all-new Night Series lineup, which adds darkened accents to all three Maybach models to keep them fresh and draw in younger buyers. Triple Dose Of Night Time Style The Night Vision Series will be available on all three models that can be equipped with the Maybach package (S-Class, EQS, and GLS) and will serve as a styling package for the trio with Maybach adding Rosegold accents …
Aston Martin is preparing to unleash a new generation of high performance grand touring vehicles into the luxury car segment, with the British sports car maker confirming that the next DB is coming sooner than many people realize with a new pool of teaser images pointing to a very potent surprise for loyalists and new buyers alike. How Grand Will This New DB Be? For now, Aston Martin isn’t divulging too many details about the new DB and the company’s wafer thin press release didn’t reveal too many clues either. What is known, is that this upcoming DB will …
Bentley’s long-running 6.0-liter W12 engine has played a number of roles over the years. While the twin-turbocharged wonder is primarily known for its time in Bentley badged vehicles, it has also appeared in the Volkswagen Phaeton, Audi A8 and even the Spyker C12 La Turbie and Zagato models. With this diverse of a resume, it’s no wonder why the W12 has become an icon in the automotive world. Sadly, its time in the spotlight is rapidly coming to an end with Bentley confirming that it will be ending production of the bespoke engine in 2024. Before it goes away though, …
We have to admit, we are slowly changing our opinion about electrification of vehicles. Take our recent test of the Kia EV6 GT, with 576 horsepower and 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Oh yes, that was fun. But we’ll also point out that it wasn’t always easy finding a charging station and a range of 208 miles or so did fire up the occasional range anxiety. We think hybrids are the best way to go right now – the joy of EV combined with the reliability of a gas-powered engine. Well for Volvo the times they are a changing – …
Bentley is preparing updates for all of its model lineup with the company confirming that it will be rolling out these changes gradually. The bulk of them though will be focused on the company’s long-running Continental GT as well as the four-door Flying Spur with both models getting some attention for the new model year. Continental and Flying Spur Get New Depth For Azure Trim The Azure trim was meant to be an offering that promoted well-being behind the wheel with an interior that was designed to deliver a “stress free” experience. The exterior of the GT and GTC …
When Aston Martin first introduced the DBS 770 Ultimate coupe, it promised that this model would be the swan song for the aging 6.0-liter V12 that helped define Aston Martin’s modern era. However, while the world got to see the coupe, Aston Martin held the droptop Volante model close to the vest. That’s now changed with the British sports car maker revealing the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante for the whole world to see. Same Performance Inspired Styling, Now With A Foldable Roof At its core, the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante doesn’t stray too far from the coupe version when …
Bentley might not hit your radar when it comes to Le Mans competition but it was over 20 years ago when the brand last won the iconic racing event. To celebrate this milestone, Bentley revealed that it will be producing 48 examples of the Le Mans Collection Continental before ending production of the sleek tribute model. Le Mans Collection Hits Victory Lane In Style At first glance, these 48 cars might appear to be nothing more than a styling package with each one featuring a large “7” in the front grille as well as a coat of Verdant Green paint …
When we last checked in with the Genesis G90 it was in the middle of a clumsy refresh with the car’s exterior styling doing little to project its ambition of being a potent disruptor in the luxury flagship sedan segment. Genesis designers went back to the drawing board for 2023 and have unleashed the 2023 G90 which aims to add polish and substance to the G90 while also allowing owners to get closer to living out their ultimate Rolls Royce inspired luxury fantasies. 2023 G90 Styling Goes In More Bespoke Direction The 2023 Genesis G90 has benefitted from an …
There’s good design and then there’s great design. Recently Lexus asked if we’d like to test the LC 500, and it took a little looking to find out it’s been over 5 years since we were last in one. So, does one of the most gorgeous cars we’ve ever tested hold up over time? Let’s find out! Stunning is as Stunning Does Well, in the past 5 years, we’ve seen pretty much of an overhaul of the brand, just about every SUV (UX, NX,RX, LX) are new, and the IS sedans got a big refresh. And they all are leaning …
There are best sellers, and there are true best sellers. And for BMW, you have to count the 3-series as a long time favorite. BMW made their reputation in the States on small sporting sedans, and today the 3 sedan is the rightful heir to the crown. Which is not to say there’s no competition for the throne – everyone from Audi and Mercedes to Lexus and Genesis are gunning for that spot. So, is the 2023 BMW 330e still top of the pops? Let’s take a look. Still a Looker On the outside, the 2023 model gets a fresh …
The Rolls Royce Wraith has lingered in Rolls Royce’s lineup for the past few years. We even had the opportunity to briefly sample a Wraith Black Badge several years ago at MAMA’s Spring Rally. However, production of this ghostly coupe and the V12 that powers it is coming to an end, with the company unveiling one final Wraith model, the Black Badge Black Arrow Edition. Rarity Thy Name Is Black Arrow In keeping with the theme, these Black Arrow models will be rare members of the breed with Rolls Royce confirming that they only plan to build 12 examples …
When Acura promised to give the TLX a pinch of NSX supercar flair, the company followed through with the TLX Type S PMC Edition and some of the colors that came with it, including the latest addition to the color roster, Gotham Grey Matte. Bruce Wayne, Your Acura TLX Has Arrived Even Batman needs a break from the Batmobile, and the TLX S PMC Edition is shaping up to be a compelling candidate. Like other PMC Editions, this Gotham-hued example will be limited to 50 units and will continue to be a largely designed-focused creation. In addition to the …
The 2023 Lexus RC350 F Sport is an interesting entry in the luxury coupe segment. While the aggressive exterior styling projects sporty driving and track-ready prowess, the RC350 prefers to cruise through the motions with the range-topping V8-powered F model taking on formal track duty. But while the mainstream RC’s approach to the slow life has helped it maintain a presence in the marketplace, it’s also no secret that the model is rapidly aging and losing ground to rivals. But does the RC lineup as a whole still have a few tricks up its sleeve to help it stay fresh …
The 2024 Cadillac Celestiq is shaping up to be a game-changer for Cadillac as the brand prepares to enter the EV age. While the $300,000 plus four door sedan is preparing to bring the fight to Bentley and Rolls-Royce with its bespoke levels of luxury. GM chose to share more details about the all-new Ultra Cruise system which will be a trademark feature on the Celestiq when it goes on sale. Ultra Cruise Is What Happens When Super Cruise Goes To Reform School The Ultra Cruise system is based on GM’s Super Cruise system. As such, Ultra Cruise shares …
Rolls Royce is often the trend setter when it comes to glitz, glamour and style. However while the bespoke British luxury car maker has certainly been busy rewriting the rules of luxury with the all-electric Specter EV, it has been awhile since we saw Rolls Royce in the world of fashion. That’s changing with the company confirming that it has teamed up with fashion designer Iris van Herpen for a special Phantom, the Rolls Royce Phantom Syntopia Phantom Syntopia Embraces Haute Couture Themes Rolls Royce has made plenty of bespoke Phantom custom models over the years but company reps …
The 2023 Infiniti Q50 may be an aging offering in the luxury car segment, but the luxury brand still has a few tricks up its sleeve to help keep the long-running model fresh in the eyes of customers. In the case of the all-new 2023 Infiniti Q50 Opal Edition, it gets an all-new color-shifting paint scheme that allows it to draw plenty of attention to itself while also basking in the rarity that often comes with a limited production run. Black Opal Edition Color Shifting Paint Is New Take On Familiar Gimmick With the bulk of the 2023 Infiniti …
Cadillac made waves late in 2022 when the luxury brand unveiled the 2024 Celestiq. The Celestiq catapults Cadillac back into the hyper-luxury market and also serves as the brand’s attempt to shake up the way that most customers would think about Cadillac as a whole. But does it succeed in this mission, and what does it all mean for Cadillac’s broader EV efforts? We decided to take a brief dive into how the $300,000 plus Celestiq fits into the broader sales puzzle. Celestiq Is Showcase Halo For Brand, Helps Break The Ice With Buyers Not long ago, Cadillac would …
The Aston Martin DBS was always considered the last word on performance regarding the iconic DB line of cars. The nameplate made its most recent return on the axed DB9, and it managed to solider on into the DB11 (Aston Martin skipped the ten and jumped straight to the DB11). However, the company knows that the V12’s days are numbered, and it has been celebrating its impending retirement not with a whimper but with a very loud bang. We first saw this on the V12 Vantage, and now the 2024 DBS 770 Ultimate will be the figurative last word both …
We recently tested the BMW M340i xDrive, and loved the intoxicating blend of performance and practicality. But there’s more than one Great White shark swimming in the Euro-sedan Ocean, and one that’s a direct competitor to that Bimmer is the Audi S4. So does the Audi put the bite on the BMW, or vice versa? Let’s find out. Stunning Design The S4 makes a bold first impression, with segmented LED running lights framing the hexagonal headlights. Like most manufacturers, Audi is a member of the big grille club, but like the BMW, it’s done tastefully here, with lower side intakes …
The Lexus IS was the classic example of age before beauty. Lexus wanted to bring the fight to the Germans, but in the end, there was no hiding the fact that the IS was too old, clunky, and unpolished for it to pose any serious form of threat to the established benchmarks (even the Cadillac CT4 managed to outshine it). This time though, Lexus went back to the drawing board for the 2022 IS, and while some of the old bones carry over from the outgoing model, there’s still plenty to talk about here. New IS Styling Is Bolder …
When the Jaguar F-Type appeared in dealer lots, it was supposed to bring the iconic British luxury car maker back into the mix in the two seat sports car market. The F-Type was the spiritual successor to the E-type and proved so popular it managed to upstage the Jaguar XK. But Jaguar is navigating rough waters as it prepares to morph into an all-electric luxury brand. Can the aging 2023 F-Type still be a top feline in the sports car ranks, or is its age finally beginning to catch up with it? F-Type’s Added Lipstick Can’t Hide Wrinkles The …
Volvo’s commitment to electrification is unquestioned especially when you look at the wild EX90 flagship EV SUV that the brand recently revealed in Sweden. However, the company also knows that for now, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will play a key role in laying down the foundations for this EV future. The 2022 Volvo V90 B6 Cross Country is one of these models and it aims to prove that green technology and a proper station wagon can indeed co-exist. But has Volvo indeed succeeded in this pursuit? V90 Styling Carries Over, Hides Changes Underneath At first glance, you would …
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 has been on sale in Korea for a while now, but we still wondered what an Americanized version of the sleek EV sedan would look like and what it would bring to U.S. buyers. Hyundai used the 2022 L.A. Auto Show to glimpse what such a future would look like when the Ioniq 6 makes it to our shores. Minimal Changes Define Sleek Ioniq 6 Design At first glance, the Ioniq 6’s design changes look largely identical to its Korean market sibling. However, the U.S. government is still not receptive to advanced camera mirror …
While a Porsche 911 may be the last thing that you would expect when someone asked you to name an off-road-ready performance vehicle? They do exist, especially in the coveted Safari guise. However, these conversions were largely done by aftermarket firms, with Porsche not offering a factory-ready version for customers that crave desert-ready capability but with a factory warranty backing them up. Porsche has finally answered the call and has unveiled the 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar. Porsche 911 Dakar Raises The Temperature On Off-Roading The Porsche 911 Dakar might have styling that largely sticks to the 911 family tree, …
Genesis promised something special for the third concept in its “X” series of show cars, and the upstart luxury brand has managed to deliver the goods in spades with the L.A. reveal of the Genesis X Convertible concept. X Convertible Is The Droptop Version Of The Speedium We Never Knew We Wanted At first glance, the X convertible looks like the Speedium concept, but unlike the coupe, chopping off the roof allowed designers to go further with the design. The front fascia still features a grille less panel with the lighting elements wrapping from fender to fender while also …
The Genesis G80 has always been our favorite whenever it visits the office. It was already an exceptional value lay in the luxury segment when it was known as the Hyundai Genesis. The second generation G80 pivoted closer to the brand’s core mission, but there was no denying that it was still a Hyundai underneath. Genesis has listened to these complaints and has launched the revamped 2022 G80. But is this radical refresh finally enough to make the G80 a true threat to German mainstay models? Elegant Styling Makes G80 Look Like Jewelry As mentioned, a prominent complaint of …
Maserati may be focusing the bulk of its efforts on electrifying its growing pool of models, but the company is still taking time to pay homage to key moments in its history. Case in point is the new lineup of F Tributo models that are helping to highlight the legacy of the first female driver in Formula 1, Maria Teresa de Fillipis. F Tributo Duo Will Be Ghibli and Levante Exclusive Fillipis is one of a small handful of female drivers that have competed in the largely male dominated sport and is from Maserati’s home country of Italy. Fillipis …
When Rolls Royce first announced plans for the Spectre it appeared to go against everything that Rolls Royce stood for. For countless decades, Rolls Royce was proud to promote its twelve-cylinder powered heritage and dismissed any notion of electrification in its lineup (except for the occasional experimental concept.) But the gloves are now off, and Rolls Royce has finally unveiled its entry into the EV wars, the 2023 Rolls Royce Spectre. The Spectre Is A Prelude To A New Era While the 2023 Rolls Royce SPectre continues the long-running tradition of being named after various aspects of the paranormal, …
Cadillac has made it clear that they intend to take the EV market very seriously as the luxury brand continues its transformation into an all-electric brand. We got a small slice of this impending future when we had the chance to get behind the wheel of the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq all-electric SUV. However, Cadillac is now about to embark in a rather ambitious direction with its second EV offering, the 2025 Cadillac Celestiq. Sleek Celestiq Bodywork Hides State Of The Art Structure The exterior styling of the Celestiq has changed little from when we last saw it as …
Maserati may have not formally unveiled the all-new GranTurismo coupe just yet, but that doesn’t mean the company is willing to sit idly by and let some of its rivals command the global spotlight. The company has decided to show off the car early and not only added a nifty livery to it, but also confirmed that the Nettuno V6 will be coming along for the ride too. GranTurismo Walks The Cat Walk With New Livery Package Maserati claims that the GranTurismo is the “true icon” of Maserati and that’s reflected in some of the styling that this coupe …
Chrysler promised that something powerful was coming to the brand for 2023. While it’s unfortunately not a Hellcat powered creation, Chrysler instead chose to dust off an old but very potent formula with the unveiling of the 2023 Chrysler 300C which brings potent V8 power to the venerable 300 for one final time. Familiarity Plays Big Role In 2023 300C If you feel like you have seen this script play out before you’re not wrong, and that’s because the 2023 Chrysler 300C is roughly a rebadged version of the international market 300 SRT and is also a sequel to …
While the Bentley Bentayga and Bentley’s upcoming electrification strategy have undoubtedly taken the bulk of the world’s attention, it can be easy to forget that the company also has the venerable Flying Spur sedan. When we last experienced the luxury-lined borderline limousine, it was in a smaller V8 package, and it certainly delivered a solid first impression. But what if you’re a business tycoon, world leader, or enthusiast that prefers to have a pinch of speed to your limo experience? Bentley has the answer to that very question with the 2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed. More Performance And Flying …
Lincoln may be looking towards a future where electrification and technology will define automobiles, but that doesn’t mean that it has decided to completely ignore its past. On that front, the brand has formally unveiled its newest concept, the Model L100 Model L100 Lives Large The Model L100 is a 2+2 Coupe but don’t let Lincoln’s press photography fool you; this concept is a large expression of design, with Lincoln designers being allowed to throw everything they could at it to make it special. With the concept being longer than a Navigator, they had plenty of canvas to work …