Luxury Cars

2020 Toyota Land Cruiser – Off-Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

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What can be said about the 200 series Land Cruiser that hasn’t already been said? It’s been around since 2008 and has only had a few meaningful changes since then. For 2020, there is an all new Heritage Edition that removes the rear seats and center armrest cooler and adds a roof rack, BBS forged wheels, and special badges. Other than that, little has changed from the 2019 model year. For our review, Toyota sent us a base model Land Cruiser for a week. Keep in mind the base model Land Cruiser starts at over $85,000 and there is only …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Lexus RC-F – Is This The Ultimate Japanese Pony Car? [Video]

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In a segment where lap times are rapidly becoming the defining measuring stick in terms of what makes a good car, it can be easy to forget that sometimes, buyers want a performance car that also excels in feeling and sounding special. Lexus is keenly aware of this, and has made some welcome updates to the RC-F for 2020. But can these updates help the RC-F truly stand out in a crowded segment, while retaining the core essentials that enthusiasts love?   A Solar Flare Of Expressive Styling: For 2020, the RC-F received a mild refresh that aimed at adding …

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2021 Lexus IS Brings New Styling and Technology To Buyers, Retains Engine Lineup

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Even though the Lexus IS has been around in some shape or form for the past 20 years, it often does not get some of the respect and credit that it rightfully deserves. With segment benchmarks like the Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class and the legendary BMW 3-Series still resonating profoundly in the compact luxury car segment, the quirky IS has never really had the opportunity to outshine the trio. Lexus engineers were eager to change that reality, and have formally unveiled the 2021 IS via a virtual event. The exterior styling of the 2021 IS will arguably be the most …

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2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited by Ben Lewis

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Well, we are always excited to hear about a new Hyundai Sonata. It seems that the automaker always tries to do something special, and their flagship sedan also seems to get some hand-me-down (we should all be so lucky!) technology from its wealthy sibling Genesis. And if you saw the Superbowl commercial, it’s bringing some amazing tech to the segment as well. So, is this the sedan to beat Camry and Accord at their own game? We’ll see! Sonata exterior – Distinctive Styling Ok, you see the word “distinctive” and you wonder – and well you should. At first glance …

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2021 BMW 4-Series Embraces Bigger Grilles, Gains More Power and Poise For New Model Year

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When BMW first revealed that the iconic twin kidney grilles on many of its cars were going to be growing in size, it caused an uproar among BMW loyalists that feared that an iconic BMW design cue was going to be lost forever. Despite this, BMW has moved forward, and has unveiled the 2021 BMW 4-Series coupe. The enlarged grille originally made its debut on the Concept 4, and while we are still processing the look of the production version of this grille, it is apparent that some changes were made in an attempt to address some of these concerns. …

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2021 Lexus IS Teases New Taillight Design, Will Make Global Debut June 9th

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When we last met the Lexus IS, we praised its commendable performance, and the impressive amounts of comfort that lurk beneath the surface. But it was also no secret that some of the finer elements of the car were starting to ungracefully show their age. With the current generation car being on the market for seven years, it was no secret that a replacement was indeed imminent. Lexus has finally revealed that one is coming, with the Japanese luxury brand releasing one lone teaser image ahead of its debut June 9th. While the teaser does not tell us very much, …

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2021 Acura TLX Revealed, Poised To Make Acura Serious Threat In Sport Sedan Segment Once Again [Video]

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Following a steady stream of teaser images that have done a good job wetting our appetite for Acura‘s revamped TLX sedan, the Japanese luxury car brand has taken the veil off of the 2021 TLX which aims to reinvigorate Acura’s ability to be a threat in the popular sport sedan segment. Based on what we see here, we think Acura could be on the right track to reaching this bold goal. The exterior styling of the 2021 TLX thankfully embraces many of the styling cues that we came to adore in the Type S concept, with chiseled lines, aggressive curves, …

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2021 BMW 5-Series Debuts With Refreshed Design, Brings More Powerful Electrified Powertrain To Consumers

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BMW recently took the wraps off of the 2021 BMW 5-Series earlier this week, and it brings a number of welcome updates that not only help keep the 5-Series fresh in the minds of buyers for a few more years, but also allows the 5-Series to take a big step closer towards formally fitting in with BMW’s renewed push towards electrification technology. But before we get into the more radical changes that take place in the performance hardware, we might as well address the decidedly more subtle updates that define the exterior styling. Being a mid-cycle refresh, the 5-Series avoids …

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2020 BMW M340i xDrive Sedan by Ben Lewis

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In every market segment there is the dominant player. Small affordable sports car? Miata. Import pickup truck? Tacoma. And when it comes to premium sport sedan, that would be the BMW 3-series. Which is not to say there isn’t competition there, in fact a bunch of wonderful sedans from the Audi A4 to the Genesis G70 to the Volvo S60 are gunning to be the quickest gun in town. But it always seemed that the BMW 3 is the benchmark. And now they went and made it incredible – welcome to the BMW M340i. M340i Exterior – Low-key flyer The …

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First Drive Review – 2020 BMW 840i – By Carl Malek [Video]

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When one asks what makes a proper flagship coupe? Some will say that you must have eye watering style to help your offering stand out from the rest of the pack. Still, others will say performance and technology rule the day. Regardless of which principle is true, making sure all the stars align to achieve this nirvana is very difficult even for a German luxury car maker like BMW. When the world last saw the 8-Series coupe, it was back in 1990 when the first 8 Series rolled off the assembly line. Designed to be the ultimate 90’s luxury machine, …

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Lexus LS Could Bring Back V8 Hybrid Power, Four Cylinder Option Also Rumored

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When Lexus introduced the current generation LS flagship sedan a few years ago, it was supposed to bring some much needed aggression to one of the marque’s most iconic models. The design was sleeker, the interior was more luxurious than ever, and Lexus promised to make more of an effort at targeting segment benchmarks like the Mercedes S-Class as well as the BMW 7-Series. However, some folks were disappointed to see that a V8 option was not available, with the twin-turbocharged V6 being the only power plant offered. But according to a new report from Japanese publication Mag-X, it appears …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Lexus LS 500 F-Sport – By Carl Malek

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When we last met the Lexus LS 500, it was back in 2018, when we invited it to a special three way dance to see which flagship sedan could indeed emerge as the best of the best. While the F-Sport we had at the time lost out to the Genesis G90 and the first place Cadillac CT6, it also helped play a supporting role in a very key life moment for this writer (the proposal to my fiancée Emily.) With a bundle of subtle updates for the 2020 model year, we were eager to catch up with this very special …

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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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Road Test Review – 2020 Volvo S90 R-Design – By Carl Malek

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In the world of high end luxury cars, marques such as BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi and more can usually be found flooding the parking lots of shopping malls, bustling downtowns, and those elegant high end restaurants. This is due to how well built they are, as well as the love affair that many loyalists have with their elegant charms, state of the art technology, and luxury trappings. As a result, they present a formidable bar for others to surpass. One such contender looking to do this is Volvo, which has recently mounted a renewed effort at adding ample amounts of …

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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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Rolls Royce Teases Dawn Silver Bullet Collection Model, First Collection Car Model Of New Decade

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When Rolls Royce was preparing to enter the new decade, the bespoke British luxury car maker revealed that it would be offering a new series of “Collection Cars” at various points through out the decade to help celebrate key moments in the company’s iconic history, while also giving eager buyers the chance to add something unique to their diverse vehicle collections. Rolls Royce has formally teased the first of these models, with the firm confirming that the Dawn will be the canvas for its all new Silver Bullet model. The Dawn Silver Bullet draws its inspiration from the 1920’s, a …

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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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Cadillac Celestiq To Appear As Brand’s New EV Flagship Sedan

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Cadillac and GM as a broader whole shocked the world yesterday by opening the door on its electrified future, while the company stopped short of formally allowing its vehicles of the future to be photographed, one vehicle in particular stood out to us the most, the Cadillac Celstiq. Designed to be a truly proper flagship offering, the Celestiq checks all the boxes, with a hand built exterior, and an old world chic luxury interior all built on top of the Ultium infused EV modular platform. The Celestiq will also have a limited production run, though it is way too early …

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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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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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2019 Lexus ES350 Ultra Luxury – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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For 2019, Lexus introduced an all-new ES350, and it’s a radical step up from the previous model. Due in part to the all-new Camry which the ES shares a chassis, it was the last sedan to get some bona fide’s in terms of performance and pizzazz. There may some though, that kind of liked the previous models focus on the luxury and away from sport. What to do for them?  Enter the ES350 Ultra Luxury. Sleek and Sexy Okay, there’s really not much difference exterior-wise between the Ultra Luxury and other ES350’s, but we don’t mind Lexus not being shouty …

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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 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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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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Cadillac CT4 And CT4-V Pricing Unveiled, Starts Under $34,000

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Cadillac has been on a recent product blitz as of late. While GM’s pinnacle luxury brand is currently refocusing on beefing up its once sparse utility vehicle lineup, it has not forgotten about its traditional car lineup. The Cadillac CT4-V as well as its more conventional CT4 counterpart have already made their respective debuts, but the brand has finally released the official pricing ladder for every flavor of CT4. Based on what we see here, it’s very clear that Cadillac aims to draw in younger buyers with its newest four door offering. The fun starts off with the entry level …

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First Drive Review – 2019 Rolls Royce Dawn Black Badge – By Carl Malek

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When we last met Rolls Royce’s Black Badge lineup, it was at the 2018 MAMA Spring Rally where we had the chance to go for a brief spin in the Wraith Black Badge. The Wraith’s rendition was supposed to appeal to a younger audience, and give the ultra bespoke coupe a small but welcome pinch of performance engineering to go with its world class levels of luxury and opulence. With the Dawn convertible proving to be an equally popular choice for the small sector of Rolls Royce’s customer base that want to add droptop cruising to the list of things …

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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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2019 Kia K900 Luxury – Review by Ben Lewis

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If you’re shopping for a super luxury sedan, you’re probably thinking about Mercedes, BMW and most certainly, Lexus. But don’t forget about Kia. No, we haven’t overdosed on the goodness of the new 2020 Kia Soul that we enjoyed so much. There’s a Kia sedan – all-new – that takes on the likes of the Lexus LS, and does it a fraction of the cost, too. Enter the 2019 Kia K900. The what? The K900. Let’s take a step back. Remember the wonderful Genesis G90 sedan we tested a little while ago? Well peek underneath the Kia’s sheet metal and …

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2019 Jaguar i-Pace EV400 – First Drive Review – By Becky Antioco

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The Jaguar I-Pace is everything you’d expect from a luxury car, and more than you would from an electric vehicle (EV). The case for EVs, in general, is complex, with considerations like environmental impact, practicality, range anxiety, and issues of substance and style coming into play. I’d argue that the I-Pace has the last two, in spades. I-Pace’s accolades are many: World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, and World Green Car for 2019, European Car of the Year, and one of AutoTrader’s Best New Cars for 2019, to name a few. Yet, judging by sales …

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2019 Lexus LS500 F Sport – Review by Ben Lewis

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We’ve always been fans of the Lexus luxury flagship. And when it’s the sporty F SPORT model, even more so. We enjoyed the previous-gen 2017 Lexus 460 F SPORT, and were enamored with its powerful V8 engine. And then we were seduced by the new 2018 Lexus LS500, especially with the reclining rear seats with massage function – pure luxury limo. But even then, we knew the hot ticket would be the LS500 F SPORT. Losing the 460’s V8 would be tough, but gaining 30 hp and 67 lb-ft of twin-turbo V6 muscle seemed like a pretty good deal. Add …

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Cadillac CT5 To Be Sedan Only Affair, No Coupes Or Wagon In The Works

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Even though the 2020 Cadillac CT5 is aimed at being a strong entry for buyers that typically shop in what the brand calls the “Lux 3” segment (we are still scratching our heads on that statement) which includes rivals such as the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class, the car’s dimensions also cause it to fall into the same size category as the larger BMW 5-Series and the Audi A6. This situation reminds us of the second generation CTS sedan, which originally straddled the line between these two sedan classes, but whereas that model had enough flexibility to spawn a …

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2019 Buick Regal TourX Essence AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Tonight, the as I drive the streets of Gotham, the city is safe. I glide silently by, constantly aware, constantly on the watch. I am Batman Ok, maybe I’m not the Caped Crusader, but when I first saw my Buick Regal TourX, dressed in its Ebony Twilight Metallic, I thought “Batmobile”. Which brought up a great discussion – while we all have our favorite actor, from Adam West to Ben Affleck, there seems to be a mutual agreement – the Batmobile has always been cool. Purists, I apologize, we’re talking only TV and movies here. It’s the Buick that makes …

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Cadillac Unveils CT5 Sedan, Replaces CTS and ATS In Sedan Lineup

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Ahead of its debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show, Cadillac has formally unveiled the 2020 CT5 sedan online, with the new model showing how commited Cadillac really is to simplifying its sedan lineup in the wake of increasing CUV demand. This step towards simplifying the lineup means that the CT5 will resurrect its role as a tweener offering for buyers, with the car replacing both the 3-Series sized ATS sedan, as well as the bigger CTS, which also initally performed this same duty when the second generation version first debuted back in 2008. We are still scratching our …

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Road Test Review – 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i – By Zeid Nasser

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The 2018 BMW X3 rolling out of the Spartanburg, SC plant has received a total revamp inside and out. The new X3 is writing the next chapter in the X3 story with a more striking design, powerful yet efficient drive systems, and standout-driving qualities with unrestricted everyday usability. DESIGN X3 elevates the already boldly dynamic design language of its predecessor. The third generation of the X3 treads a familiar BMW path in combining rugged off-road looks with generous presence. The exterior dimensions are largely unchanged, however, the wheelbase has been extended by 2.2-inches and its long hood, extremely short front overhang …

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2019 Lexus UX200 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Hello. Small crossovers and suv’s are all the rage now. Oh, we’ve said that? Well, without further ado, let us introduce the latest of the small luxury crossovers, the 2019 Lexus UX. Small in size, but big in goodies, the UX competes in the segment where we find the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. But we found it’s a very different vehicle than the Europeans, and it’s quite tempting. It’s all about the UX. While Lexus says UX stands for Urban Crossover, in this case, we think it means the tech term User Experience (known as UX) – the process …

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1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham – Meet the Original 4-Door Coupe

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Is this my favorite Cadillac of all time? YES! I love the Eldorado Brougham for all its quirks, but most of all for its incredible design and packaging.  Here is a fairly compact — for the era — machine with low-slung lines and width to take up an entire freeway lane.  Hidden rear suicide doors are truly invisible until you know where to look.  Then once these all open you discover a pillarless layout!  That makes it unlike nearly all other coach-door classic cars and quite special in my book. The other really coupe-like element that ties the design togehter …

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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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Lexus Showcases 2020 RC F & Limited Production RC F Track Edition Ahead of NAIAS

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In a world where it seems SUVs are out to take over everything that the automobile stands for, Lexus has decided to buck the trend for NAIAS 2019, and instead has chosen Detroit to debut a trio of new cars. In addition to the fore-mentioned LC Convertible concept, Lexus is also debuting much needed updates to the 2020 Lexus RC F, as well as the limited edition RC F Track Edition in an attempt to make the RC F a true contender to some of the best that Germany and Italy have to offer.   2020 Lexus RC F: Before …

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Lexus Raises Ante On LC Luxury With All New LC Convertible Concept

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It’s no secret that Lexus has been wanting a large convertible since the demise of the SC convertible. The last production car to boast a standard tape cassette player brought open top luxury in a comfortable and roomy package that has been missed by some Lexus owners since it was axed. The LC coupe made a splash three years ago when it debuted at the North American International Auto Show, but its sleek and futuristic design seemed incomplete without a drop top conversion. Lexus has answered this calling by formally unveiling the LC convertible Concept ahead of its debut next …

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Road Test Review – 2018 Lexus GS 350 (AWD) – By Carl Malek

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The mid-size luxury sedan market is undergoing subtle but key changes in a bid to allow it to stay truly distinct from the onslaught of CUV and SUV entries that are draining sales away like an old school medical leech draining blood from a hospital patient. While the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, and the Mercedes E-Class still remain the bench marking trilogy at the top of the segment, other automakers have not given up trying their best to topple these established icons. One of these marques is Lexus, with their GS series sedan. The GS was crafted towards style, and …

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BRABUS 800 Mercedes-AMG E63-S and Widebody AMG GTS in Emerald Green by Fostla.de

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Had to post this beaut because the E63 is one of my all-time favorite cars.  And one cranked up to 800 by Brabus and wrapped in green?  It just pushes all my buttons! As a bonus, also including one of Fostla’s other recent greenies: a widebody AMG GTS!   BRABUS 800 Mercedes-AMG E63-S by Fostla.de A BRABUS 800 IN EMERALD-GREEN-MATTE by FOSTLA.DE Photos: fostla.de concepts  Vehicles from the noble tuner BRABUS – by the way, a neologism from the two founders’ names Klaus Brackmann and Bodo Buschmann – in Bottrop one usually sees in black, and mainly Mercedes-Benz models. Fostla.de …

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Lincoln Showcases Continental 80th Anniversary Edition, Brings Back Suicide Doors

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Following a brief teaser campaign that started on Lincoln’s Instagram page, and quickly backfired on the luxury brand when a lone image of the car leaked to the masses on its own Facebook page. Lincoln has formally unveiled a limited production version of the Continental sedan, which brings suicide doors (aka coach doors in Lincoln speak) back onto a mass market luxury offering for the first time in over 60 years. Formally dubbed the Continental 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition, this special Continental revives the stylish center opening doors that first made waves back in 1961, when they debuted on …

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Lincoln Teasing Return of Center Opening Suicide Doors?

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The reborn Lincoln Continental has taken its lumps recently, with the flagship sedan suffering from the combination of declining sedan sales, and the spike in CUV and SUV demand. That isn’t stopping Lincoln from teasing what could be the return of an iconic feature to the Continental that would be a bold effort at bringing more exclusivity, heritage, and distinctive design touches to its luxury laden four door just in time for the 2020 model year.   The seemingly innocent post on the company’s Instagram page starts out as the typical Throwback Thursday post, with a shout out to the …

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Novitec to Release Limited Edition N-LARGO McLaren 720S

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The McLaren 720s is already a supercar in its own right with a 4.0L V8 engine that generates 710 horsepower and can accelerate from 0-60 in 2.9 seconds. How can you improve on that kind of engineering perfection? By putting even more power under the hood and reworking the exterior, which is precisely what Novitec Group set out to do with their new N-LARGO. Let’s take a closer look at this super limited edition supercar and see just what they’ve changed. Novitec Group Novitec Group, based in Stetten, Germany, is no stranger to luxury cars and the amazing things that …

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2020 Genesis G90 Revealed, Brings Massive Design Changes To Consumers

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When the Genesis G90 first appeared on the scene, it was a spirited contender that helped spearhead the launch of the Genesis sub-brand, and proved to be a big hit at the Car-Revs-Daily offices as well due to its bold styling and its Ripleys Believe It or Not-esque pricing. But maturity hits us all at some point, and the G90 receives a big injection of it for 2020 to help it keep up with many of its rivals including the Mercedes Benz S-Class. While it’s technically a refresh that Genesis has done, the design changes here will undoubtedly have the …

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2018 Lexus RX450h – Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

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The 2018 Lexus RX has always been a big seller for Lexus, and the new version is the best one yet. All variants of the mid-size luxury SUV use a 3.5 liter V-6, but the 450h (hybrid) model adds a small battery and three electric motors. There is also a new long version that has been stretched a little over four inches to accommodate 3rd row seating. Like all Lexus vehicles, the RX 450h has high quality interior materials, a quiet ride and smooth braking and steering. Does the hybrid RX really deliver luxury-car feel and econo-car mileage? The V-6 …

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2019 Lexus ES350 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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The Lexus ES has always been a nice car. It was one of two models offered by Toyota’s luxury division when it launched in 1990. The LS400 was an all-new technological tour de force that took on Europe – and America’s – finest, and showed that the Japanese could compete and win on the world stage. And then there was the ES. Basically, a Camry with sporty C-pillar that was sold in other markets, Lexus put a heavy ladle of luxury on it, but compared to the LS, it was kind of lukewarm. In many ways, that has remained the …

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2018 Lexus LS500h – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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What does it feel like to drive $104,000 of prime quality Lexus beef on the hoof? It’s actually kind of unnerving. We’ve occasionally driven cars that cost even more, but the mission of the LS500h is daily luxury. Superb and supremely comfortable luxury, but daily nonetheless. And this one’s a hybrid. We tested the 416 horse, twin-turbo V6 LS500 sedan a while ago, and loved it. And a part of that love came from the big sedan’s ability to lift up its figurative skirt and haul like a bat out of hell when it needed to. But does a fuel-saving …

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Road Test Review – 2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake S AWD – By Carl Malek

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When the second generation XF sedan made its debut back in 2016, it brought a more refined suit of clothes to the big cat, as well as a duet of delightfully pleasurable all new four cylinder engines to the mix. Combined with a redone interior, Jaguar hoped that the XF would be able to claw its way to the top of the luxury sport sedan segment once and for all. However, the XF ended up being a tiny drop in a very big ocean dominated by entries from Germany and Asia, and thus, its impact was decidedly less noticeable. Jaguar …

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2018 Lexus GS350 F Sport RWD – Road Test Review – By Tom Burkart

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In an age now where mid-size luxury sedans are stronger, faster and better than ever before…. How come they aren’t the kings of the family fleet any more? Way back in the 90s when your scribe grew up, we had a quick way of telling whether the cars lined up for a party in the neighborhood were from parents or the kids.  If it was all 4Runners and Explorers, then it was definitely a kid party and time to get wild! But if it was stately 740iL’s, XJ’s and Lexus LS sedans… then we knew it was a parent party …

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Luxury Flagship Comparison – 1st Place – 2018 Cadillac CT6 Platinum – By Carl Malek

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When we first started this comparison series, three flagship luxury sedans entered the fray, but ultimately, only one emerged with the coveted first place slot. The 2018 Genesis G90 and the 2018 Lexus LS 500 F-Sport gave it there all in a wide range of categories, but in the end it, was ultimately the CT6 that had what it takes to emerge victorious. The exterior styling of our 2018 tester (2019 models arrive with updated styling elements) is the latest interpretation of Cadillac’s Art & Science language, and the execution is a bit jumbled. The front fascia is bold, but …

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Luxury Flagship Comparison – 2nd Place – 2018 Genesis G90 3.3T – By Carl Malek

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Genesis has certainly hit its stride over the past few years. Models like the G80 (a rebadged Hyundai Genesis) as well as the recently unveiled G70 sport sedan have helped the young luxury brand ascend to new heights since it was first introduced to the world in 2015. This surprising emergence, as well as the G90’s ambitions to topple luxury flagship benchmarks, helped it earn an invitation to our Luxury Flagship Comparison challenge to see if it could measure up to its two rivals the 2018 Lexus LS 500, and the Cadillac CT6. The exterior styling of our tester still …

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Luxury Flagship Comparison – 3rd Place – 2018 Lexus LS 500 F-Sport – By Carl Malek [Video]

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With the recent swath of new luxury flagship sedans that have entered the marketplace, it can be very difficult to find which one is indeed the best fit for you and your budget. This tough choice helped serve as inspiration for our inaugural three way international luxury car comparison test. We assembled three of the most popular luxury flagship sedans and drove them side by side to help find which one is indeed best. The German benchmarks (BMW 7-Series, Mercedes S-Class, and Audi A8) were excluded, and instead we focused our attention on two new players (the Genesis G90 3.3T …

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Buick Reveals 2019 Regal Avenir

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Buick’s Regal lineup is shaping up to be an all round offering for buyers, and it has seen impressive growth since the original Sportback and TourX wagon made their respective debuts. Looking to further hone its identity, Buick has revealed that the Regal is next in line to receive the Avenir trim in a move to solidify its aim against rivals from Audi, BMW and Lexus, and boost sales in the wake of increased CUV demand. Making its debut on the Enclave, and more recently the Lacrosse sedan, the Avenir package brings a whole suite of luxury equipment and finesse …

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Design Analysis – 2018 BMW M8 Concept GranCoupe – Goodwood FoS 2018

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BMW needs some new halo vehicles at the top of its lineup.  Both to compete with the rockstar AMG GT as well as subdue all the M-car loyalists who despise the i8. The new 8 series serves that purpose nicely. And before it has even arrived — we have a new variant with totally unique styling and details. Oh, and two extra doors.  The M8 GranCoupe concept tries to keep the Mustang-like raciness of the 850’s roofline while squeezing in two seats back there.  Headroom!?  Who cares! How is this different than the current M6 GC, you ask? Scale. This …

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2018 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro S-tronic – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Welcome to world of the sequel. Just like the movies, the auto world is always challenged by the follow up to a blockbuster. And make no mistake, Audi Q5 SUV is the real deal – the company’s number one selling vehicle. So, for all of us who lust after the R8, the S5 Sportback we just tested, or even the TT Roadster, we have the immensely popular Q5 paying the bills so Audi can bring in all the other good stuff we love. Thank you, Q5. Now, what have you done for us lately? Of course, that is not to …

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Road Test Review – 2018 Rolls Royce Wraith Black Badge – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to ultra British luxury cars only one brand has managed to generate a unique appeal and a sense of grandeur that has come to define its iconic history. That brand of course, is none other than Rolls Royce, which has always managed to steal the show in its own unique way. It’s most recent attention grabbing feat was a few years ago in 2016 when the brand unleashed a Rolls Royce Wraith Black Badge on the legendary Goodwood Festival of Speed. Placing sixth in the Supercar Run portion of the event, the Black Badge was a glimpse …

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Aston Martin Unveils Sleek 2019 DBS Superleggera

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When it comes to defining the ultimate production Aston Martin, the DBS nameplate has always played a key role in distinguishing these special cars from the rest of the fold. The DBS moniker also means more performance, which is whats exactly in store for the newest chapter of DBS. Dubbed the DBS Superleggera, this DB11 based monster replaces the old Vanquish S and also resurrects the “Superleggera” moniker which has not been seen on a production Aston Martin for several decades. Aston Martin stylists added a larger hexagonal shaped front grille, as well as a tweaked lower bumper which is …

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Comparo! 2018 Lexus RX350 vs RX350L Luxury – By Ben Lewis

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Now Trending It seems that no carmakers are immune to the latest trends. And here is the latest in crossover-dome, 3rd row seats in mid-size vehicles. It’s actually not a new idea, heck you could even get 3rd row seats in small SUV’s like the RAV4 for a while. Then we had a nice long run where mid-size vehicles were sensible 5-passenger models, and if you needed to seat 7 you got a larger SUV or even a minivan. And then, all of a sudden 3 row vehicles started coming back. Models like the new VW Tiguan, Land Rover Discovery …

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Road Test Review – 2018 Volvo V90 Inscription – By Carl Malek

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The idea of looking to the past has always been a long enduring trend. In the automotive world, the massive glut of SUV and CUV offerings can make folks forget that long before those two segments rose up to smother the utility vehicle market, another brand of utility reigned supreme. We’re of course talking about the venerable station wagon, which has endured various twists and bends in its iconic existence. However, like the endangered White Rhinoceros, these vehicles are straddling the line between relevance and extinction in the U.S. with only a small handful of models remaining. One of these …

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2018 Genesis G90 5.0 V8 RWD – Road Test Review

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Here’s the secret in full-size limos from the premium brands: they are all pretty splendid to drive and have in your life. The speed and road presence alone of driving a land-yacht of a vehicle is enough to earn serious respect on the road. And they all class up a driveway like nobody’s business. The new class is all turbocharged and uber-packed with tech — to the point where even the new LS500 crosses the $100k threshold in a huge hurry. Does the new G90 really run with the big dogs like the S550, 740i and A8L in the fastlanes …

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2018 BMW M550i xDrive Sedan – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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OK, I’m going to buy a lottery ticket. A fun game we enthusiasts play – win the big Powerball, and what would you drive? An exotic? Classic muscle car? An Opel GT with a 5.0-liter V8 and fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror? The mind boggles. Allow us a recco for a daily driver – the BMW M550i xDrive.  Why? It’s beautiful – in a tasteful way. The 5-series was restyled for the 2017 model year, and the change was evolutionary – not a big surprise for BMW’s popular mid-level executive express. Having sold 7.9 million 5’ers over 6 generations, …

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Road Test Review – 2018 Genesis G80 3.3T Sport – By Carl Malek

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With all the buzz surrounding the Genesis G90 flagship sedan, as well as the recent news the brand made during its appearance at the New York Auto Show. It can be easy to forget about Genesis’s other sedan offering, the G80. Originally starting its run as the Hyundai Genesis, the launch of the new brand forced the luxury laden Hyundai to transform into the newly renamed G80, and up its luxury and performance credentials at the same time. But can the G80 still stand out from not only the bigger G90 sedan? but also a field of opulent entries? or …

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Insider: Everything You Need to Know About Purchasing Your Dream Car

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Cars may be pervasive throughout our society and around the world, but the luxury car class is something else. It’s no wonder that people around the world dream of them. They offer everything from the greatest design to the best materials and the highest safety ratings. Luxury cars are an exercise in taste, but for many, their higher price points place them out of reach. Follow these steps, and you can make your dream of owning a luxury car a reality:   To Buy New, To Buy Used There is a certain amount of pride that comes with buying a …

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2018 INFINITI Q Inspiration Concept – Photo & Video Flyaround

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The Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept is not an instant love-at-first-sight type of machine. Its Tesla overtones are quite obvious.  And not always for the best. The white front grille and the ultra rounded fenders do come to life in person.  The grille is not just a slat shield but a 4D bending thing of great beauty.  Check out the new depth on the Infiniti badge up front — directly off the Prototype 9 open-wheel EV racer in the background of tna few of these shots. And as smooth and dolphin-like as the tail is… keep an eye on the upper …

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Cadillac Reinvents Itself With All New CT6, V-Sport Packs 626 lb-ft of Torque

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With Cadillac still tackling issues with long term sales growth, and a lineup lacking strong CUV presence, the brand needed to prove it was not down for the count. If the 2019 CT6 is to be believed, there is still plenty of vigor left in the iconic luxury car maker.   The 2019 CT6 debuts a new trim strategy (more on that later,) but the exterior enhancements might not standout at first glance, especially if one views the car head on. It takes a look sideways to fully see the strong emphasis on three dimensional elements present here. Thinner headlights and …

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2018 Lexus LS500 RWD with LLS+A – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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$98,930. That’s the first question, isn’t it? So, if you had to ask, now you now. That’s if you know what it is. And frankly, a lot of people, didn’t. Oh, sure they knew it was a Lexus, but even in the premium rarefied air the previous LS model cruised, the new model looks so different, so more upscale and personal, they thought it was some new super-sedan from Toyota’s luxury division. Jaws Will Drop Based on the same chassis as the gorgeous LC coupe, the new LS as just as thrilling – if a bit more reserved, due to …

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2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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There’s an interesting phenomenon in auto-dom. Lag time. A manufacturer will gain a certain reputation, and when it ups its game, it seems it takes a while for the buying public to find out about it. Which can be good for buyers (snag a deal0 , but a rough ride for carmakers. Acura is a perfect example of this. What do you think of the brand? Nice stuff. Not too exciting, but solid, well made. Right? WRONG! Acura has quietly been polishing its vehicles into some really exciting numbers, and it seems like the word hasn’t gotten out. We recently …

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Jaguar Promises Bigger Size, More Sportiness For Next Generation XJ

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Despite not being spotted in the wild as of yet, Jaguar is indeed working on the eventual replacement for the current XJ flagship sedan. While key details are still being kept close to the hilt, Jaguar’s chief design guru Ian Callum has decided to reveal some preliminary details in an interview with the folks at Car Advice at the Geneva Motor Show. During the fore-mentioned interview, Callum revealed that the next generation XJ will grow in size to help enhance cabin space. This is obviously a response to criticism about the cramped confines for occupants, especially rear passengers that have …

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2018 Volvo V90 T6 AWD Inscription – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Before the SUV, the Minivan, the Crossover, and SAV (how many ways can they slice this pie?) there was the station wagon. And there has, and always will be, those faithful to a vehicle that gives you all the car-like goodness you could want with the hauling ability of an SUV. Really, no vehicle looks cooler with a surfboard strapped to its roof. And within the “wagons ho!” crowd, there’s a special place just for Volvos. Like this Volvo V90 wagon. It stands apart from other wags as Volvo’s always have, and yet breaks new ground in a way Volvo’s …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Lexus RC 350 F-Sport (RWD) – By Carl Malek

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When we last had a chance to sample Lexus’s two door stable in our Northern outpost, it was behind the wheel of the brand’s most opulent offering, the V8 powered 2018 LC 500. The LC is proof that Lexus can build sporty coupes, but does this magic transfer over to the more mainstream RC lineup? Or does the RC lack the sizzle that has defined Lexus’s past coupe efforts?   When you look at the RC 350 from various angles, it’s obvious that the RC is an intriguing canvas. The spindle grille for example is a love it or hate …

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2018 Kia Stinger GT1 RWD V6TT – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  We’ve been very impressed by Kia lately. It seems every new model is exceptionally good. But now we have something completely different: The Kia Stinger. Offering something you won’t find at any Toyota, Nissan or Honda dealer – a high performance rear-wheel-drive sedan. From the design, you’d think they’re taking on the new Audi A5 Sportback, and the performance the BMW 5-series. So, Kia is clearly targeting the European thoroughbreds. But does the Stinger have the horse-sense to back it up? Ich bin ein Frankfurter… No, not the hot dog. It’s no surprise that Stinger looks so European. Kia …

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Infiniti Teases Flagship Sedan Ahead of NAIAS

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Infiniti has bold ambitions for its upcoming flagship, and a new teaser image that the Japanese luxury automaker just released gives us another glimpse at its NAIAS bound concept car. The new image (like before) doesn’t reveal much, but it does appear to hint that curvier styling is on the menu, with a narrower headlight design, as well as a crevice along the hood that flows into the fender. The front grille also has aggressive undertones, and has a sawtooth-esque design. This new flowing theme will be a radical departure from the angular motif that has defined Infiniti models for …

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2018 Genesis G80 Sport RWD – Road Test Review

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G80 Sport has the dark, sporty and sinister makeover of our dreams.  This luxury sport sedan has been a popular favorite among CRD writers around the country in the last few years. We’ve watched the brand go from a fledgling offshoot to a stand-alone division whose products threaten Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and BMW ownership of the luxury sedan marketplace. Is it weird to be proud of how far Genesis has come?  Perhaps. 2018 is a big year for the big G.  The model range has the traditional G80 from about $40k, G80 Sport and a new-for-2017 G90 flagship limo.  Soon a …

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2018 INFINITI QX80 – First Drive Review w/ Performance Handling Video

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QX80 is truly a gentle giant.  This full-size SUV has massive amounts of space and towing strength – key reasons this big brute is still so popular years since its 2011 launch. This 2018 refresh is the second round of facelift updates for the QX80.  New bodywork in the entire nose and tail strikes a fresh pose for 2018 – and certainly looks sharp. We got an early chance to drive the new QX80 around Charleston SC this week.  This is a deeply impressive truck with superb ride quality and luxury galore.  Lux materials and of course the luxury of …

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Morgan Announces End Of Aero 8 Production, Teases Limited Edition GT Model [Video]

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  It’s not too often we get a new model offering from our friends at Morgan, but the bespoke British automaker has revealed that it is drawing the final curtain on its Aero 8 Roadster, but not before it unleashes one last special edition model for eager Morgan enthusiasts (this author included.) Dubbed the GT, this special model draws a lot of its inspiration from the company’s extensive experience in GT3 racing, and it certainly looks the part, thanks to a number of styling revisions. A key one is new bodywork that is designed to reduce drag, and increase downforce …

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2018 Genesis G80 Sport 3.3T RWD – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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If you were asked to name luxury automobile manufacturers today, your answers would be somewhat different based upon your age. Those of you above the age of 45 would most likely include names like Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus Cadillac, and Lincoln among the top brands. One brand you wouldn’t likely think of would be Genesis, or the brand that spawned it, Hyundai. But if you were under 45, I’d bet you’d have those two brands in the mix, and near the top. The reason is that so many younger drivers have grown up with, and have enjoyed, the ownership experience …

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2018 GENESIS G80 Sport AWD 3.3T – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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BMW, Audi and Mercedes: better check your mirrors. There’s a new brand breathing down your neck. Hyundai. Yes, Hyundai (hey wasn’t that their ad campaign a while ago?) In this case, it’s the Korean automaker’s luxury division, Genesis. From the get-go, Genesis has taken serious aim at the luxury market, and while early cars where Hyundai Genesis models like the Coupe, it has slowly divested itself from the mothership, and become a stand-alone luxury brand. Well.. sort of, they don’t have stand-alone dealerships yet, so the lavish love you get from The Europeans, Lexus, and others is sadly missing. That …

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2017 INFINITI Q60 Red Sport 400 – Road Test Review + Drive Videos

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Power over everything! There is a specific subset of hot coupe shoppers who place speed at the top of their list. Then there are the people drawn in by the beauty and elegance of a two-door.  Then once on the test drive, they realize what true torque and big turbo boost feels like. For both groups, there is no going back. This is the 400HP threshold we’re talking about.  And for many, it opens a new world of driving pleasure. The first outing with Q60 RS400 was filled with raw shock at its performance capabilities and sensual beauty. Our second …

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Road Test Review – 2018 Lexus LC 500 – By Carl Malek [HD Videos]

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The 2018 Lexus LC 500 has always had a way of allowing people to relive their inner most fantasies. When we last met the LC 500, it allowed fellow Car-Revs-Daily writer Ben Lewis to channel his inner Bond Villain while proving itself as an excellent grand touring coupe. But how does the LC 500 measure up against its elite competition? and is the LC 500 capable of taking its impeccable elegance to other locales? To find out we took the LC 500 to our Metro Detroit outpost to see if a change of scenery allowed it to blossom to its full …

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SPOFEC OVERDOSE for the Rolls-Royce Dawn – 700HP Widebody Ragtop

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How do you turn an ultimate luxury cabriolet into a bad-ass gangster musclecar? Enlist the experts at SPOFEC by Novitec. Extra boost for the V12TT joins a widebody makeover with ground-effect aero and a grip package of your dreams.  Electronically dropping the suspension and electronic flaps for the big new exhaust complete the makeover nicely. Only the hood, doors and trunklid escape a full redesign.  One of the nicest details of the SPOFEC Overdose is how seamless the aero package is.  No tacky shutlines and panel gaps here! All naughty for this new Dawn Overdose, though, make no mistake!   …

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2018 BMW M550i – HD Road Test Review

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What if one of the most comfortable cars you’ve ever driven … is also one of the fastest? A big sedan that pivots like a track star? How has BMW defied physics?  Yes. The M550i is a revelation on the road.  After a week of flogging this beauty for kicks – and the cameras – we came away absolutely in love with BMW’s fastest ever 5 series. The 3.9s sprints to 60-mph from the almost-violent launch control are enough to make up for its lack of M5 sounds from the V8TT.  The hyper-adaptive suspension and standard xDrive turn a soft car …

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220mph Breadvan! NOVITEC Ferrari GTC4 Lusso

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The breadvan spettacolare! This most-practical Ferrari can still be as boss as the rest. This comprehensive upgrade from Novitec includes the bodywork accents on all sides, Novitec NF4 custom 21/22-inch wheels, lowering springs and a shouty variety of Iconel exhaust choices.  The plug-n-play ECU mod adds a cool 99HP electronically and can return the car to stock as needed. The pack looks sexy and subtle — ready for a roof rack and some Vmax adventures! Top end for the stock model is 208 and we’d be surprised if 220-mph was as high as this beauty will go.   NOVITEC Ferrari GTC4Lusso NOVITEC …

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2018 Lexus LC500 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Most times, I’m an auto journalist. Testing and writing about the latest and greatest from manufacturers, and hoping to give you the info you need to know. But today, I’m a Bond villain. Well at least I feel that way. I’m in the new Lexus LC500, and it makes such a definitive statement, and takes the brand in a bold new direction. And it does make you feel evil. In a good way. For your eyes, only…. Let’s start with the looks. While James Bond started with Astons, got sidetracked with Lotus and BMW’s along the way (and the occasional …

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2018 Genesis G80 Sport AWD – HD Road Test Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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1971 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Cabriolet by Frua

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

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

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

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Concept Flashback – 1978 Jaguar XJ Spider by Pininfarina

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How advanced is this Pininfarina concept for Jaguar? It is hard to believe there is an XK under these swoopy panels, which predated anything else curvy by more than eight years. Of course, Jaguar had been rocking serious curves since the 1940s.  This Pininfarina exercise re-introduced a swoopy, flowing shape that was markedly different from the boxy production XK. Very, very impressive level of production value for a 1978 concept.  Although not adapted for sale, some vindication for the designers came when this basic surfacing template was a huge hit for the Aston Martin DB7 and even the Jaguar XK …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2017 Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet

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