Mid-Size SUVs

Geneva Debuts – 2016 Volvo XC90 EXCELLENCE – Quad-Throne PHEV Limo for Davos Crowd

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  Not just Rangies… but S-Classes and Audi A8’s too! The superlux livery market just found a new favorite: the XC90 T8 Excellence. Plugin-hybrid to ease your (guilty) conscience?  Check. SUV-easy entry and exit, plus jumbo cargo bay?  Check. Individual, 787-first-class seats in back with a full-length console and nap-ready headrests? Check. 4×4 grip for ski holidays or slushy commutes home?  Check. Subtle to the point of almost disappearing behind the bright window-edges and deep-tinted glass all around?  Check. The new XC90 Excellence certainly looks great on paper as the next favorite limousine for the Davos crowd. The Excellence order …

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2016 BMW X6 FALCON by AC Schnitzer 21

Best of Geneva – 2016 BMW X6 FALCON by AC Schnitzer

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  ACS has gone to town on their new X6 Falcon flagship! The engine kit is available for both the 35i and 50i models, bumping horsepower a cool 75 for the top-flight 650HP output of the showcar. It is the tasteful and hi-viz exterior makeover that really catches the eye, though.  Quite an X6 Evo…. and definitely with more visual intrigue than the X6M.     2016 BMW X6 FALCON by AC Schnitzer Powerful, fast and impressive The X6 FALCON by AC Schnitzer  It flexes its wings, applies the gas and shoots towards its prey like a torpedo. The latest exceptional …

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2017 Volvo V40 and V40 Cross Country Facelift Revealed

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We’re huge cheerleaders of Volvo’s long-deserved reboot. The new XC90 and S90/V90 point strongly toward the 2020 goals of the firm for its entire range.  And they are off to a racing start!  Sales of the XC90 are through the roof — recording some of the only volume gains the firm has achieved in at least the last decade. The entire line will be fully switched from its current platforms over to the new all-hybrid architectures in the future, but some models will obviously benefit from this before others. The V40 is new enough that it is falling to the …

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Concept Debrief – 2007 Land Rover LRX

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THe LRX today is kindof a non-event to view — simply because we are all so familiar with the production Range Rover EVOQUE’s design.  They are dead ringers for one another. But in 2007 when this stunning design vision rolled onstage, it was unlike any green oval truck ever before. Simply magnificent in its chunky, low and sporty proportions…. the LRX also evolved the tech-intense appeal of the LR and RR brands.  Monoblock surfacing all looks milled from solid billet steel — broken up only for ultra-slim and advanced LEDs and a blacked-out, low-roof glasshouse. The production Evoque would appear …

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Classic Icons Gallery – 1971 RANGE ROVER and 1970 RR Prototype – On Safari in Morocco

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While shamelessly photoshopping the life out of (and in to) numerous vehicles… it is good to get a sense of our roots. Range Rover SuperSport   Classic Icons Gallery – 1971 RANGE ROVER and 1970 RR Prototype – On Safari in Morocco

2016 Citroen C4 CACTUS Rip Curl Edition – Dark Detailing, GripControl + Glass Roof for Surfer Special

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Here is a pretty cool special-edition that Citroen is bringing to Geneva 2016: the C4 Cactus Rip Curl Edition. This light cosmetic makeover darkens the looks of this funky lifestyle-mobile, adds some funky graphics to the bodysides, and includes the best standard-equipment like a panoramic glass roof and other goodies. But how, one might ask, will a front-drive crossover be the right vehicle for a surf trip? Well, even without AWD or 4×4, the C4 Cactus Rip Curl hopes to park comfortably right on the beach.  Standard mud/snow tires join forces with a new GripControl ESP system that enables more slip …

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2016 Hyundai Tucson Review 1

Hawkeye Drives – 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited 1.6T Review

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2016 Hyundai Tucson Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman Two years ago, I needed to replace the wife’s aging Hyundai Santa Fe.  Since the new Santa Fe models had grown considerably in size, and she still wanted a small SUV, I went to the dealer to buy the Tucson.  We were a Hyundai family, as both daughters and a son-in-law owned Hyundai various models, and everyone was happy with their vehicles.  But I found the generation II Tucson was the first Hyundai I had ever been disappointed in.  So disappointed, we wound up with a Nissan Rogue, which we’ve been happy …

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2017 Maserati Levante 1

2017 Maserati LEVANTE Is Official!

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We’re curious about the name.  Is it said “lay-von-tay” or “lah-vant”  ?   And is it affiliated with the region in the Middle East? First look tonight at the Maserati savior: the Levante SUV. This long-confirmed model is already rolling off the assembly line in Italy ahead of its public debut at Geneva in a few weeks. These four images offer our first official bite of the new Italian Cayenne-fighter’s looks. This model is absolutely critical to Maserati’s survival.  The GP and Ghibli are bombing hard in the US market, and the GC needs an update asap. That’s their whole …

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2016 Infiniti QX50 Review 34

Road Test Review – 2016 Infiniti QX50

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The QX50 is a crossover that every single carmaker in the world would love to have in their lineup. Just think about its core package: a standard 3.7-liter V6 making 325HP, to the back wheels, through a 7-speed automatic. A balanced chassis, and roaring Z-car-like performance from a base price of just under $35k!  Sign me up. Is the QX50’s rare offering the one you want leading your fleet, though?  Let’s find out… The QX50 is the kind of anti-minivan, performance SUV that typically carries pricing in the 50s as a BMW X4, Mercedes GLC or perhaps Dodge Durango R/T.  What else can be purely rear-drive and …

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BMW X4 M40i

355HP, 4.7s 2016 BMW X4 M40i in 78 New Photos from Monterey Press Drive

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This might be one M car you have to drive and hear to appreciate. The looks aren’t really doing it for me at the moment…. Power takes a big leap up to 355-ponies and 343 pound-feet of torque. Through the standard eight-speed auto and new M-calibrated xDrive, the X4 M40i shoots to 60-mph in just 4.7-seconds. That is about a half-second quicker than the existing range-topper, the X4 xDrive35i M Sport with its $50k base price. We expect the M40i X4 to come in around $55k with its light tweaks to the style outside, grey detailing all around, and custom …

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2017 SEAT Alteca SUV 16

2017 SEAT Alteca – Sharp Spanish Marque’s First SUV is a No-Brainer

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  Despite the name: this is no Aztek!~ More and more lately, SUV reveals make you think only one thing:  what took so long? It started most recently with the Bentley Bentayga, but the theme runs frothy through even the most unlikely brands.  Jag F-Type?  Will be a HUGE seller?  Again.  One thinks: what took so long! Of course, $1-a-gallon gasoline certainly helps spike the SUV mood worldwide.  But this new ALTECA is prepped for a variety of futures.  Big engines, small engines, mini diesels, hybrids… all package-protected and ready to roll out in the coming years. This ALTCA crossover …

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2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package

2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Pack Is High-Impact Styling Upgrade with Blacked-Out Trims, New LED Fogs!

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  Everyone wants their new Explorer to look cool and mean, like some kind of crosso between a Raptor and a Range Rover Sport. But not everyone is willing to pay for the Explorer Sport and its V6TT engine. Solution? XLT Sport Appearance Package! Despite the awful name, the results of this very-sexy upgrade to 20-inch dark grey wheels, dark grey or black trims all around, and semi-suede sport seats are clear to see.  Still stuck with this ghastly halogen foglights, but that is a quick DIY bulb swap to LEDs if you want. I stand corrected — the XLT …

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2016 Nissan WINTER WARRIORS! Murano, Pathfinder and Rogue Get DOMINATOR Tracks

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Nissan just revealed three deeply cool concepts for the Chicago Auto Show! These three comfy family crossovers might be slightly unlikely candidates for tank tracks, and that is what makes them so cool. The Winter Warriors are crossovers upgraded with black wraps, Nissan accessories and Dominator brand truck tracks.  Sleek red foil wraps look shimmery over dechromed V-motion grilles.  On a white backdrop with dark tints all around makes these quite captivating to see.   Our favorite part of the new look — besides the tracks! — might be the extended V shape in black up the hoods of the machines.  It is …

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Porsche MACAN PD600M Widebody by Prior Design – Chopster Looks, Easy Pricing

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  Prior Design is a favorite for the gorgeous enhancements they provide to a huge range of exotic cars.  The Macan is a fave too!  Any SUV that can do an accidental four-wheel-drift when making a U-turn is a hero car for us!!   And you are forgiven for thinking these customs are $100k or more atop whatever the base price of the car is — a la Brabus or Mansory, among others.  Those firms are known for one-off and bespoke carbon-fiber creations, full fender swaps and general re-engineering on a very dramatic scale. Prior Design is more of a …

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2017 Audi RS Q3 Performance 15

~4.3s, 367HP 2017 Audi RS Q3 Performance – Latest RS-UV Delivers Stonking Power, Style Upgrades

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Audi’s RS Q3 is now even hotter than ever!  This Euro-only model is now up to 367-horsepower via its turbo five-cylinder engine — and sprint pace to 62-mph is down to an official 4.4-seconds. Both of these are big improvements over the RS Q3 in its previous 310 and 340-pony varieties. Officially, the RS Q3 shot to 62-mph in 5.2-seconds when launched, down to 4.8s for the 340HP 2016 model.  The 4.4-second blast is extremely promising — and might correspond to the shorter 60-mph run as quick as 4.0-seconds dead. This new RS Q3 ‘Performance’ model looks extremely cool on the way to …

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Exclusive! TopCar Teases New Mercedes-AMG GLE Inferno Coupe

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TopCar is taking its Porsche love to new heights in 2016: a major stand at the Geneva show set the brand on level footing with other supertuners like Brabus, KAHN Design and Novitec Group.   TopCar is focused on all Porsche models, clearly, but also now with great new upgrades for Range Rover, BMW and Mercedes SUVs. The latest creation?  An AMG GLE dubbed the INFERNO! Bold names are not something TopCar needs help with, clearly.  =] This new take on the GLE Coupe looks quite striking. Major changes in mood and style are visible from even 1000-paces thanks to contrast-carbon …

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1987 Toyota BJ-74 Land Cruiser RHD TURBO Automatic with White FRP TOP 15

1987 Toyota BJ-74 Land Cruiser RHD TURBO Automatic with White FRP TOP

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Not clear what kind of strange mood your snapper was in during the Mecum walkthrough.  Whatever it was, we came home with some curious finds! This certainly fits the bill! Freshly restored to as-new condition outside, the truck looks stellar with its white details over shiny blue-black metallic paint. The cabin is a delightful throwback — also looking absolutely crisp and clean.     1987 Toyota BJ-74 Land Cruiser RHD TURBO Automatic Mecum Auctions Lot S168.1 // Kissimmee 2016 // Jan 15-24 1987 Toyota BJ-74 Land Cruiser Trans Automatic HIGHLIGHTS – From the Unique Collectibles Collection – Turbo Diesel engine – …

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Mecum 2016 – 1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera Customs

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This amazing one-off Bronco has a special ops / Lambo Rambo vibe in all the best ways. That’s no accident: this beaut by Chimera Customs was made to taise money for the Armed Forces FOundation. ANd did it deliver! A cool half-mill bought this desert jackal in 2013. The 2016 estimate is a snip then, at just $125k. Mecum 2016 – 1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera Customs Lot T205// Kissimmee 2016 // Jan 15-24 1969 Ford Bronco Built by Chimera Customs   Engine 406 CI Trans 5-Speed Color Black Interior Black ESTIMATE: $100,000 – $125,000 Chimera Customs of North Palm …

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2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4MATIC

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 – Air-Sprung Crossover In US Dealers Now! $45k Pricing, RWD or 4Matic + 9-Sp Auto

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The new GLC just started arriving to Mercedes dealerships here in the USA — and seems like an outstanding all-new SUV for the brand.  The GLK and its boxy look is exiting the lineup of a half-dozen ‘Benz jeeps’ this year, making room for everything from the baby GLA to this GLC, up through the GLE and GLE Coupe and the top GLS for 2017. The GLC, as its name implies, is aligned in shape and tech with the C-Class. This brings a massive set of benefits for performance drivers — particularly in its standard rear-drive setup. Just one engine and …

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5.1s 2017 JAGUAR F-Pace SUV – USA Photos, Colors/Wheels Visualizer and Pricing – From $42k!

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In case you hadn’t heard: Jaguar is on a villainous quest for growth in the USA. From 2016, the lineup includes the all-new XE sedans, now-alloy XF and facelifted XJ.  F-Types hard or soft. And by summertime, the coup de grace. The F-PACE SUV! Looking as wild as a concept, as pricey and posh as a Cayenne Turbo, and with a cabin so delicious you will want to move in? Plus SERIOUS speed.  That ‘Pace, Grace and Space’ adage definitely applies to the aluminum feline crossover.  The slowest V6, for example, makes 340HP but shoots the F-Pace to 60-mph in an official …

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2017 GMC ACADIA Shows Radical Redesign: 700Lb Weight Loss, New All Terrain Spec

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My my, what have we here! A very sexy makeover for the well-liked GMC Acadia? This three-row crossover has been winning friends for years with its Yukon-like cabin room, but easier parking manners and comfier ride quality. The 2017 model builds on these strengths… but does it drop some capability along the way? Surely, something MUST have fallen by the wayside for the 2017 Acadia to be a massive 700 pounds lighter than the current model.  No swap to aluminum a la the Range Rover or new Q7.  High-strength steel can only do so much, right? It turns out what …

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2017 Honda RIDGELINE – Challenges Mid-Size Roughriders with Smooth, Plush and Efficient Pickup Solution

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At first look, the new Honda Ridgeline seems like even more of an open-bed Pilot than ever before. And in many senses, that is exactly what it is. Then you zoom out a bit, and consider the growing mid-size pickup truck market. The new Colorado, Canyon, Tacoma and upcoming Frontier refresh will make a totally reinvented truck class. And within that group, the general theme is full-size ability — now in a fun travel size. For a large swath of buyers, the refinement and road manners of the Ridgeline make it a unique offering. With nearly all the towing and …

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2016 Kia TELLURIDE Concept – LWB SUV Brings 7-Seat Chalet Cachet

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The face of this all-new KIA Telluride concept hit me like a sucker punch in thumbnail form.  What is that, a Lada Bentley? But after a closer look, we have nothing but praise the this Telluride’s bluff yet rounded design themes. The core basics are all there: short front overhang, awesome long and level hood, plus a steep windshield rake like a future G-wagen. It all really works for the Telluride, especially in profile. Here the elegant, techy and innovative glasshouse wears a signature brightwork wrap-around.  In the tail, we have more clean lines and vertical forms. Yet all smooth …

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Audi A4 allroad quattro

2017 Audi A4 Allroad – $50k Ski Wagon Set for Fall 2016 USA Arrival – Blah Exterior, but Hoorah Interior

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  The A4 Allroad has carved a nice little niche for itself in the US market, where it replaced the standard A4 Avant among most shoppers seeking a low and sporty wagon.  The current Allroad will gain all the new tech and style of the A4 sedan, but wears a more butch stance all around.  A very macho nose redesign brings vertical grille slats, some rough-rough fender flares and even a brushed-alloy chin spoiler in the nose. We are trying to get on-board with this next-gen A4 appearance.  Really trying. And the Allroad has generally been a great showcase of …

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2016 Buick Envision Driving Front

2016 Buick ENVISION Is New 5-Seat Crossover – Standard Turbo to Rival Audi Q5 – Arrives in April

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The 2016 Buick Envision is a pretty huge part of an upcoming Buick product onslaught: the 2017 LaCrosse and Cascada cabrio are the other hotties new to the showroom floor. New to the brand ethos in general? A sexy expectation of future products like an AWD, V6TT variant on the Cadillac ATS Coupe/Chevy Camaro platform like the AVISTA concept. The dreamers among us noted right away: the AVISTA looks like an ideal basis for a next-gen GNX around 2019.  The Envision hopes to make its Chinese-import status an afterthought for US shoppers — through the sheer strength of its luxury …

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2016 Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept – 7-Seat Option + 20 EV Miles for 2017 USA Arrival

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We’ve been exceptionally hard on VW USA over the years, even before the ongoing trainwreck that is their emissions scandal. If there is one glaring hole in the lineup, it is the SUV range. Tiguan and Touareg have been eagerly anticipating a CrossBlue SUV to slide between them. With a Passat basis and seven seats, the CrossBlue (name TBD) is actually firmly on the way. Hiring and Chatanooga production-floor mods are readied for this summer, with production penciled in to start September 2016.  The showroom arrival, as we all know, cannot come soon enough. December of 2016 as a 2017 …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Lexus RX350 F Sport AWD

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2016 Lexus RX 350AWD F Sport Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman   Sixteen years ago Lexus introduced us to the RX – a midsize luxury SUV that seated 5 people, had a very usable rear cargo area, and was based on a car chassis, so it drove more like a car than a truck.  It had a pleasant ovoid or jelly bean shape, and was reasonably priced.  It struck a chord with the buying public, and quickly became Lexus’ best-selling vehicle, and it has remains their top selling vehicle as it now launches the fourth generation for 2016.  The RX …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 GMC Terrain DENALI AWD V6 – Swanky Refresh for Right-Sized SUV

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GMC’s best-seller has been tearing up the sales rulebooks since its launch in 2009. We’ve admired its huge back seat and very affordable $24k base price from afar, but never from behind the wheel. The GMC Terrain welcomes a light refresh for 2016: new styling outside and new tech in the cabin helps the family favorite be even more competitive in the mid-size SUV class. And while the upgrades outside are fairly light for most trims, the new LED DRLs up front do wonders for the truck’s appeal on the road. The biggest news for the 2016 Terrain is the …

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Rally Dakar 2016 Peugeot DKR16 Red Bull 27

DAKAR 2016 – Prologue and First Stage Gallery – Red Bull PEUGEOT-TOTAL DKR16

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Dakar got off to a fairly rough start this year: a big crash canceled the timed events of the Trucks class, while a smaller incident saw the four-time defending champion MINI Countryman careen off the course and injure multiple spectators. Reuters and AP report a father and son were seriously hurt and are in serious condition. The MINI driver was the first female driver from China, and she also sustained injuries.  Initial reports are of a hard jump landing and subsequent loss of control of the vehicle. This was always a very, very dangerous race. And at least these traumatic events …

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1971 Ford Bronco Stroppe Baja Edition 4

1971 Ford Bronco Stroppe Baja Edition Is Retro Delight; Sharp Bumps And All!

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Although this Bronco Baja Edition by Stroppe looks amazing, the idea of actually taking it down through Baja California is … daunting. Sure, you might not get robbed right away.  And with retrofit A/C and a body-off restoration, the truck will definitely pull its own weight. But the bumps. Dear God, the bumps. You will need an ass cushion the size of Mama Cass to be comfy in this beast at speed over rough trails! We’d follow behind in an LX570, just to make sure you get there safe. =]     1971 Ford Bronco Stroppe Baja Edition MECUM 2016 Auctions …

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2017 Lexus RX-L Renderings 2

Exclusive Animated Renderings – 2017 Lexus RX-L Is LWB 7-Seat Variant

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The new Lexus RX is already flying off showroom floors — with its devoted owner-base loving its all-new cabin inside, design outside and eight model variants.  With F Sports and Hybrids all available with or without AWD, the RX350 and RX450h are looking at a huge sales year in 2016. One thing Lexus mentioned at the launch of the new RX is that owners did not want the next-gen model to grow.  To that end, the new RX and its chopped roofline adds second row legroom over the 2015 models (plus powerfold and recline controls).  But the new RX is …

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2016 Infiniti QX60

2016 INFINITI QX60 Shows Fresh Style, Retuned Chassis Updates

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Here’s a welcome update on one of the smoothest seven-seaters around: the 2016 QX60! With a new dark mesh grille, defined jawline and sleek new LEDs front and rear, the 2016 QX60 is almost a bit of a looker now!  The larger wheels with dark inner spokes set the tone for upgraded handling, and the new QX60 is said to deliver. A smoother ride but also much more body control around corners. As before, front or AWD is available for both the V6 engine and the Hybrid model. 2016 INFINITI QX60   Infiniti QX60 premium crossover offers enhanced design, dynamics, …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus NX300h – Future-Proof Cruiser

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By now you have definitely done a double-take on seeing the 2015 Lexus NX on the road. At first, another of the RX cavalry. Then new creases, new LED graphics and a sleek and low roofline make clear this is no RX. With the lean and chic nose look off the RC and IS, the NX is a deeply stylish crossover in all three of its trimlines: NS200t, NX F Sport and the NX300h tested here.  Both the base turbo four and this uplevel Hybrid model share their appearances, with only the F Sport getting the aggressive front chin spoiler, …

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2016 Lexus RX – Reviews Roundup + 150 All-New RX350 F Sport Photos in Ultra White

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Yet more all-new and exclusive photos of the 2016 Lexus RX? Yes indeed!  This is the last batch: the RX350 F Sport. We have full reviews of the RX350 and RX450h over at the below links, plus drive videos of the F Sport versions of both engines. This F Sport RX350 is a nice sweet-spot in the RX range, priced between the $42k RX350 and $58k RX450h F Sport. The RX350 F Sport is also the one most enhanced by its F Sport-exclusive adaptive suspension and Sport Plus drive modes. We also really enjoyed the F Sport seats and shift …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Lexus RX450h F Sport AWD – A Plush Rush?!

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The new Lexus RX is one of the most eagerly-anticipated new SUVs for 2016.  This redesign proves the RX can be a style leader even while outselling entire luxury brands like Volvo and Jaguar in the USA. So far, the RX has been so ubiquitous on the roads that any sense of chic sexiness was seriously diluted.  The 2016 model wears all-new styles and new trimlines to bring variety to the efficiency, lux ride comfort and versatility its 2-million owners love so much. The upgrades for 2016 are extensive — with the entire cabin, exterior and some drivetrain parts refreshed …

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2017 ZAROOQ SandRacer – Pricing, Tech Specs and 50 Pics of New Emirati Off-Roader

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Zarooq just held its launch press conference! Very cool premier of an exceptionally promising rear-engine rally race truck — the SandRacer 300.   Teased since last summer, this new project is a partnership between global racing legends, skilled engineers and marketing savvy. All built and optimized for us in Zarooq’s back yard: the massive dunes of Arabia. The latest details make us even more excited about the project: rear-drive with a 3.5-liter V6 mounted in the mid-rear, the SandRacer is priced from about $100k at launch and will be road legal in the Middle East. The Zarooq’s otherworldly design outside …

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2016 Volvo XC90 T8 R-Design Flagships Arriving Now – 472 Torques, Priced from $69k

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The new Volvo XC90 is set to become the brand’s biggest-ever launch. Buried in preorders and scrambling to get the HOT new truck into buyer hands, Volvo started production of the new seven-seater with exclusively T6 engines and the luxury trimlines. These are fab, of course, but not technically the coolest or fastest new XC90. Nope, that honor definitely goes to the 400HP T8 R-Design!  Running a turbo PHEV drivetrain, the XC90 T8 will become the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV with seven seats. It will also be the quickest XC90 ever — V8 included. How?  This incredible twin-engine drivetrain …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Range Rover Sport SVR – Porsche-Beating YESSS Machine?

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It is hard to drive any 550HP car and come away unimpressed.  We worried this Range Rover might be the first. Nope.  In fact, it is so awesome, we’d pick it over the Cayenne Turbo.  How?  Why? Read on: 100 new photos and two HD videos to get you onboard.   HD Drive Video – 2016 Range Rover Sport SVR The Range Rover Sport SVR is proudly the fastest, quickest and sportiest Landie ever to wear the green badge. And after the first few hard corners, you almost wonder what took them so long. The SVR is absolutely heaven to …

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Land Rover DEFENDER CHALLENGE by Bowler Motorsport - Borders Rally Season Finale 1223

Land Rover DEFENDER CHALLENGE Race Series Wraps Epic 2015 Season, Crowns Winner!

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The Land Rover Defender might be concluding series production after more than 50 years, but its loyal following around the world is still burning bright. Nowhere more so than in rainy, chilly Britain! Land Rover enlisted the rally experts at Bowler Motorsport to launch an all-Defender rally series in the UK this year, with dozens of race teams bringing their semi-pro skills up to scratch with their race-prepped Bowler Defenders. The final stage sounds like it was a thrilling conclusion to a season full of adrenaline, sweaty helmets and wet race shoes. Crashes were common but typically bruised egos more …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Lincoln MKX – Tops New Lexus RX with Style, Power and Panache

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Lincoln MKX beats Lexus RX. You read it here first! True story. As one of the only car reviewers to have driven both 2016 models, we are surprised to report that the MKX is the better machine. First Drive Review – 2016 Lincoln MKX What a difference a few years can make! If you had told me in 2005 that Lincoln would be making globally-competitive cars, four SUVs and debuting exclusive tech like the new 3.0-liter V6TT making 400HP in the 2017 MKZ, we would have laughed right in your face. Sure, Lincolns have been “okay” for a while now …

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Chelsea Truck Co Jeep CJ300 by Kahn Design

Update1 – 2015 Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE Jeep Wrangler VOLCANIC ROCK

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Love the look of this KAHN Jeep — with its blacked-out styling and wide, four-slot grille making a mean new face for the offroader. 2015 Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE Jeep Wrangler VOLCANIC ROCK   The Jeep Wrangler 2.8 Diesel – Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE stands out with its vibrant Volcanic Rock exterior that is contrasted by door handles, mirrors, and roof, while Satin Black is worn by the fuel filler cap. The Volcanic Rock theme is also featured up front where two shadow chrome headlights sit on either side of the four-slot Chelsea Tuck Company grille with industrial …

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2017 Sportage SX Turbo

2017 KIA Sportage SX Turbo Debut – Quad LEDs + Euro Handling Focus

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The new Sportage is here in USA form, which we pleased to say looks exactly like the min-Cayenne of the Euro GT-Line rangetopper. The poshest trim for the USA is the SX Turbo AWD, as shown here. 2017 KIA Sportage SX Turbo PREVIOUS KIA’s push to excel globally is ramping up nicely. Frankfurt, California and Korea-based teams are now aligned to make the most of each area’s strengths. Korea as the lead manufacturing hub/supplier base, Cali as a tech and design center of excellence, and the European R&D division taking a much bigger role in vehicle development. It is a …

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2017 INFINITI QX30 Official Debut – Stylish Crossover Hits Showrooms in June

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Official reveal today of the crossover Infiniti Q30 — the QX30! Infiniti has been teasing these twins via a series of concepts for what feels like years. The finish, production product shows why it took so long — with concept-like detailing, fabulous surface tension in the body shape, and a high-quality interior. Infiniti is product that the cabin of the QX30 shares virtually nothing touchable or visible with its Mercedes GLA platform-mate. In fact, the QX30 runs a bit more rugged and tough look inside overall than even its Q30 street sibling. Performance and power should match buyer needs in …

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2016 RANGE ROVER Evoque Convertible Goes Stargazing in Santa Monica

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Naomie Harris is bringing some James Bond magic to the LA premiere of the new Evoque Convertible, with a gorgeous new photoset from the Cali beach and around SoCal hotspots with snapper Ben Watts behind the camera. The truck certainly looks gorgeous and right for its environs throughout!  Just don’t forget the black pack to get the sexy dark detailing shown on this first production model. Pricing is a worry. Volumes will be limited, of course, as a halo car in the Land Rover lineup, and the first soft-top Landie in the US since the Defender bowed out in the …

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2017 Ford Escape Facelift Reveals New Tech, Engines, and Dark Sport Packages for Spring 2016 Arrival

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The new Ford Escape is official this morning!  But boy is this redesign subtle. In fact, facelift is a bit more accurate. A fresh new nose wears a more defined horizontal three-bar grille design than the slim upper grille of the current model. A new headlamp design wears brighter, more current white DRLs in the lower edge of the lighting, while squared projector balls are shown with HID lamps in the Titanium spec shown so far. This loaded Escape Titanium always looked cool and premium, however, at the expense of its much more popular SE and S trims, which lacked …

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Bentley debuts Bentayga First Edition(9)

600HP, 4.0s 2016 Bentley BENTAYGA First Edition Debuts with Carbon-Fiber Aero Details

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Like a dream come true from the Bentley Bentayga configurator and Inspirator apps, the new First Edition is a gorgeous showpiece flagship for the whole line. The first Bentayga you see will be the best; a breathtaking evolution on the super-SUV theme. 608 copies of the First Edition will be allocated to markets worldwide, with all other specs to follow.   2017 Bentley BENTAYGA Colors and Options Configurator + Sexy Black Brightware Specification Bentley INSPIRATOR App Is World-First Intelligent Configurator with Facial-Recog Emotion Mapper 2016 Bentley BENTAYGA First Edition BENTLEY DEBUTS BENTAYGA FIRST EDITION AT EXCLUSIVE VIP CUSTOMER EVENT First …

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Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS 11

Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS – Galpin F-150 in Gulf Racing Livery Is Best of Group

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

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2016 Lexus RX350 Colors Gallery Inside and Out + 80 New Pics of New Eminent White Pearl Paint

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Best exterior color for the new 2016 Lexus RX?  Eminent White Pearl! Devoted an insane amount of hours today editing just half of the RX photos we have to share — and eager to show off this gorgeous set of the RX350 in new colors inside and out. Eminent White Pearl is the name of this breathtakingly beautiful new white. The semi-gloss finish really brings all the curves and creases of the RX’s new bodywork to life. Inside, this RX350 features the new Noble Brown leather choice, paired with the Grey Sapele woodwork. These are just one choice among the …

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

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

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2016 Land Rover LR4 Discovery Scores New Graphite and Landmark Editions

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The Land Rover LR4 might look older than Madonna’s b00bs, but actually drives really nicely. Worth recalling is the air suspension and overall shared platform with the Range Rover Sport’s first-generation truck. The legacy looks do the LR4 Disco no favors moving into 2016, so these two new special editions for the UK are a great stopgap before the next-gen model arrives for the ~2018 modelyear. The Graphite package seems like the sexier, meaner look thanks to its evolved Black Pack detailing, special wheels, and unique trims all around. Landmark is also classy and fresh from the nose thanks to …

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2017 Cadillac XT5 Tech Specs, Cabin Details Reveal New 8-Speed Auto, Giant Backseat + Turbo for China

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Cadillac Arabia just revealed the XT5 at the Dubai auto show — the region’s first global debut for the expanding marque. The XT5 is fresh for 2017 with a quieter and smoother ride, extremely lavish cabin materials and design, plus a big leap up the roominess charts. This makes sense: the two-row luxury crossover market is all about the kings in the second row. An extra 3.2-inches of legroom are welcome in the new reclining and sliding second row of the XT5. The style of the XT5 outside is both fresh and slightly familiar: the nose and tail look very …

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

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

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2016 RANGE ROVER Evoque Convertible – World Premiere

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The key question we had about the new Evoque Cabrio is if it would channel the Defender spirit, or be a bit of a Murano CC. The production model is here in official form tonight, and you can judge for yourself. There’s no denying how hot the Evoque Convertible would be on the streets. Somehow that ultra-low roof’s disappearance dramatically ups the sexiness of the box/tub shape. Paired with giant wheels, the Evoque Coonvertible will be like a concept car for the roads. Definitely go for the available black pack!   Black Design Pack   SPECIFICS 20 inch Five Split-Spoke …

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2016 Hyundai Tucson – Animated Colors Visualizer – All 8 Shades From Every Angle

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A brief spin in the loaded Tucson Limited with its all-new turbo and dual-clutch automatic instantly confirms this will be one of the hottest-selling crossovers of 2016. It drives exceptionally well, looks premium and fairly European in its design outside and in, and is priced from just $23k at its cheapest trim. We’ve created an animated colors visualizer to give you a sense of the eight shades available on the 2016 Tucson, plus pricing and photos from the first drive video published yesterday. Style-wise, there are major incentives to move up from the base SE spec: it is the only …

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2016 Mitsubishi Outlander 3

HD First Drive Video + Photoshoot – 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 GT S-AWC

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  The new Outlander is arriving and looks outstanding!  The Mitsubishi seven-seater wears all-new and very premium styling for its loaded 3.0 GT trimline, including some very flashy nose chrome, LED DRLs and even quad-LED low-beam projectors. The contrast versus the fairly humdrum 2015 Outlander is striking in the flesh— particularly from the nose and tail. In profile and from a few quarter angles, the Outlander still shows some massive overhangs and slightly underwhelming design elements. But overall — a massive improvement and one that will help the Outlander to deliver its three-row space to buyers who’d only get two …

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2016 Hyundai TUCSON by Bisimoto Engineering 10

700HP 2016 Hyundai TUCSON by Bisimoto Engineering

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

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2016 Hyundai TUCSON by Rockstar Performance Garage 16

2016 Hyundai TUCSON by Rockstar Performance Garage

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

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2016 Hyundai TUCSON AdventureMobile by John Pangilinan

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

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2017 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 vs Cookie Monster: Battle of the NomNomNoms

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The new Mercedes-Benz GL is out — and is packing a powerful suffix for the 2017 model year: S~! The power and lure of the S-Class is certainly notable in its current sexy-Benz styling generation, so the name change does not seem as capricious as Infiniti or Cadillac’s recent and current botching of the name schemes. So atop the GLE and GLC lives this new GLS. The facelift is deeper than some of its recent LED upgrades for 2014 or so, but not exactly radical on the design front. It will take a real socialite to know the new trucks …

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

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

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2015 DATSUN Go-Cross Concept Previews High-Ride, Low-Price Future Crossover

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The Datsun brand’s revival is still at full speed, with a variety of models for sale in launch markets around India and Asia. Now we have a look at the brand’s next stage, a high-riding crossover. This preview shows us two things, both pretty impressive for a design concept: — the Datsun face and overall design style translate well onto an SUV shape — while this Go-Cross is dripping with swanky LEDs and gloss-black detailing, the parts underneath appear production-ready in most places. Datsun will certainly be producing this car, by the way. No coyness about that from the Nissan …

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2016 Porsche Macan GTS 11

2016 Porsche Macan GTS Makes World Debut in Tokyo

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Porsche’s new Macan GTS just made its global debut in Tokyo — with a monochrome lipstick red over black motif a faithful recreation of the truck’s Cayenne GTS big brother. The new Macan GTS packs fresh engine programming to deliver 360-horsepower, up 20 from the the V6TT of the Macan S. Paired with an available Sport Chrono pack, the GTS snarls to 60-mph in just 4.8-seconds before hitting is 159-mph Vmax. Pricing for the new GTS sports model is not yet confirmed, but likely to slide in around $65k to start, which splits the difference between the USA base price …

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

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

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2016 Chevrolet EQUINOX – First Look at New LEDs, Nose and Interior in 50 Photos

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First in-person look at the refreshed 2016 Chevy Equinox — which is an even-more-impressive execution of a large SUV with the pricing of a compact crossover. The 2016 model starts from just $23k in its front-drive 2.4-liter form, where it comes in with an impressive 32-mpg. The uplevel 3.6-liter V6 engine is the real sprint champ, however, with just a 6.7-second official time. Other impressive elements of the Equinox? Inside, the tech and build quality take a huge leap upward. The loaded LTZ model shown here features the new Saddle brown leather for its seats as well as dash wraps. …

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2015 Subaru VIZIV Future Concept 16

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

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

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AC Schnitzer BMW X6M F86 11

Watch the 3.8s, 650HP AC Schnitzer BMW X6M In Thunderous Launch Start!

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    The X6 M has one big demerit versus its rivals from Porsche and AMG: its very modest exhaust. The Cayenne Turbo and GLE63 AMG are both far more vocal on hard throttle, with that backbellow becoming a really endearing trait of the machine over its lifetime in your garage. The stock exhaust is swapped out in favor of a far more free-breathing and evocative unit in the new AC Schnitzer X6 M upgrades. Paired with turbo tuning module, the ACS truck now boasts 650-horsepower, a leap 75 ponies over the stock truck. We’d estimate the changes are quite …

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2017 Zarooq Sand Racer – a 500HP DAKAR LYKAN?

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A fresh supercar to report today! The 2017 Zarooq Motors Sand Racer — the launch model for an all-new Emirati sportscar venture. Proudly designed and made in the UAE, the Sand Racer hopes to take the bespoke supercar crazy into the dunes. A bespoke racing chassis mounts its 500HP engine in the rear for optimal offroad balance, while the bodywork is exciting and feels like an authentic rally raid prototype from the Dakar series. That bodywork was penned by the lead designer of the W Motors Lykan Hypersport — bringing plenty of local flavor to the military-style bodywork. The project …

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2016 BMW X4 M40i 52

355HP, 4.7s 2016 BMW X4 M40i Brings SuperTruck Style and Pace from $55k

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Catching up here!  The new X4 M40i came out earlier this month, and is heading to USA showrooms in the next few months! Power takes a big leap up to 355-ponies and 343 pound-feet of torque. Through the standard eight-speed auto and new M-calibrated xDrive, the X4 M40i shoots to 60-mph in just 4.7-seconds. That is about a half-second quicker than the existing range-topper, the X4 xDrive35i M Sport with its $50k base price. We expect the M40i X4 to come in around $55k with its light tweaks to the style outside, grey detailing all around, and custom chassis settings. …

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2016 Honda Pilot Elite AWD – Photo Flyaround Shows Classy LEDs, All-New Look

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  Updated 10.18.15 with 37 New Photos The 2016 Pilot is nearly unrecognizable. It is completely new from all sides, with the next-gen Honda face and LEDs brightly glowing front and rear. While the silhouette of the new Pilot’s nose, windshield and glasshouse is extremely rakish now, the dimensions also appear to have grown quite a bit. The second row and rear overhang are particularly jumbo in this new design from the exterior. Inside, of course, you get the benefits of that large and in-charge profile.   The new 2016 Honda Pilot is here! With a striking new design that …

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2016 BMW X1 Alpine White 3

2016 BMW X1 xDrive28i Arrives in November with Pricing from $35k – Colors + Real-Life Photos

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The new X1 is in the wild, but you might not know it from first glance. It is a majorly convincing upgrade from the fairly low-slung and diminutive model. Sure, we loved the way the BMW X1 M Sport handled a track day. But it was quite low-slung and a bit too wagonlike, apparently, for mass consumption. The cab-backward look continues for 2016 in this second-gen model, but the entire visage grows up, out and across. The new X1 will still carve canyon tarmac, but now looks much more comfortable in rusty trails. The new model is basically a super-chunky …

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2016 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD Inscription STUNS in Person: Worlds-Best Cabin and Q7-Smacking Exterior Beauty

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  As you may know, we’ve followed the development of the all-new Volvo XC90 with a magnifying glass — loving the design vision, tech solutions and family-first attitude of this first in a new series of Volvo models. Meeting the truck in person this week was a seriously competitive affair. Journalists were literally running to reserve it for a quick spin every time it became available. Just an exceptionally short test drive as a result — without the chance to take a video or really get on-road impressions. Even so, we do have a gorgeous set of photos of the …

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2016 Tesla Model X – Mouth-Watering Tech and Speed; Sleeker Nose for $140k 7-Seater

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Watch this on The Scene. WIRED drive video embed alpha Tesla unveiled the Model X last night with some seriously impressive tech specs, cabin features and range estimates. But first: the nose. This is the biggest and most dramatic change versus the near-production models previewed at SEMA and elsewhere over the last three years. Replacing the gloss-black grille shell is a smooth one-piece painted bumper. Just a sliver of black grille remains up at the hood edge. This black grille houses the sharp Tesla T badge, making a point into the bodycolored bumper below. EXTERIOR The look is quite unique …

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RENNtech 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 SPEC

Concept Flashback – RENNtech 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 SPEC.R Hybrid Pikes Peak

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Renntech won the Mercedes SEMA 2010 tuner challenge, and was awarded a little present as a result! Another iteration of the concept — but this time as a real rally car! All the enhanced aero is needed when climbing up to 14,000-feet at Pikes Peak International Hillclimb — when the KW springs and new NITTO grip setup are also helpful. The powertrain is a RENNtech-tuned V6 pushing 350HP, an increase of around 80 ponies versus the atmospheric petrol. Non-turbo at Pikes Peak is challenging, so the SPEC.R Hybrid adds a jumbo PHEV battery under the rear floor. Finally, custom graphics …

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2016 Porsche Cayenne Vantage WHITE by TOPCAR 3

TOPCAR 2016 Porsche Cayenne Vantage WHITE

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

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

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

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Brabus STARTECH Land Rover Discovery Sport 1

Brabus STARTECH Land Rover DISCO SPORT Meets Glam Squad

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

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TechArt 2016 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Powerkit 5

TechArt Launches 700HP 2016 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Powerkit

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

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Road Test Review – 2015 Buick Encore AWD Premium with Ken Glassman

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2015 Buick Encore AWD Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman   The marketing folks at Buick have identified a large group of auto buyers who are looking for cars that have a prestige image, contemporary styling, and nicely appointed comfortable cabins. These shoppers want luxury amenities, but are also environmentally conscious and don’t require strong gas guzzling performance. The 2015 Buick Encore was designed with those attributes in mind. The handsome, rugged exterior styling features sculpted lines from the front clip and steeply raked hood (complete with Buicks iconic Venti-ports) to the character lines running just above the beltline, and door …

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

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

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2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport DYNAMIC Makes Sexy Debut in Frankfurt

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The Land Rover Discover Sport is not on US roads yet, but there is already a very sexy special edition for European shoppers: the new Dynamic package. An exterior sportification via body-color bumpers, body kit and special details… the makeover is very convincing — and helps the new Disco Sport share some of the curb appeal of its sexier RRS and Evoque siblings. The Disco Sport already wears a great deal of gloss black for its trims and grilles, but this Dynamic upgrade takes the lower bodywork to the same standard. Everywhere there was previously grey plastic, now there is …

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

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

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2016 BRABUS 850 4x4 Coupe is GLE63 1

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

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

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Nissan Gripz Concept

Updated1 with 50 New Pics – 2015 Nissan GRIPZ Concept Rally Racer

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This Nissan GRIPZ Concept is out and stunning!  Bold and sculptural lines take on a new level of layered surfacing, unique spoilers and evolved design themes. There is good news and not-so-good news to share, however. The good is that this compact crossover is gorgeous and previews a next generation of Nissan SUVs and crossovers. Everything from the next Frontier to the next Armada may wear designs influenced by the GRIPZ. Nissan calls this new form language ’emotionalgeometry.’ The not-great news is that this concept does not, after all, run a twin-turbo V6 — as we speculated last week. No, …

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2017 Jaguar F-PACE Is GO! Full Launch Specs, UK Pricing + 100 New Photos

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Here it is, ladies and gentleman! The crossover that saved Jaguar from certain misery. This angel is called F-PACE and is coming to high streets worldwide in the next six months. This is not the concept? Nope, this is the production SUV that is priced from Pounds 35k with a huge range of engines, a playful RWD or AWD chassis, and aluminum throughout its bones and skin. Full configurator, pricing and trimlines are available for UK shoppers already — which is a strong indication that production is already under way. We’re thrilled the production model carries all of the chic, …

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Update1 with 25 New Photos – 2015 Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept is Sexy but Pointless EV SUV

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Updated with 25 Live Frankfurt PhotosThis is the latest Audi fantasy concept. And it is not named Prologue. Yay! But it is just as exhausting to behold. The E-Tron Quattro is a 100-percent electric SUV concept promising 310 miles of range and AWD traction. In truth, though, the idea of an EV SUV is the most ridiculous thing we can even fathom. Electric vehicles and SUV adventures are anathema. They do not mix. Imagine going skiing from Denver to Vail or Breckenridge, a three hour mountain drive climbing thousands of feet on steep mountain roads. It is snowing, with fresh …

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2017 Volkswagen TIGUAN Is Truly All New in R-Line or Standard Style + Concept GTE PHEV

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NOTE: VW clarifies that this the European-market Tiguan. The US model may differ with a caveat like that — a la Passat USA vs Passat EU. Oh my. The only word we can think of? FINALLY. Volkswagen has been in USA reboot mode since 2012. But the results on the showroom floor are exceptionally underwhelming, so far. The boring and tired model range is designed so conservatively, and launch so slowly (1.5-years after Euro rollouts, 2.5-years after concept debut at times), that they feel old upon arrival. And ancient shortly after that.   2015 Volkswagen Golf R and Golf Sportwagen …

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2016 BRABUS G500 4x4² 2

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

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

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2015 Nissan GRIPZ Concept 3

2015 Nissan GRIPZ Concept – Off-Road Z Car With V6TT!?

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Our second teaser look today at the new Nissan Frankfurt concept: GRIPZ. Inspired by two wildly diverse race vehicles, the GRIPZ may or may not preview a next-gen Juke: a rally racing Datsun 240Z and a Specialized road racing bicycle. We initially thought it was definitely a preview of next juke, but now believe (hope?) this GRIPZ might be an off-road Z car. Would this even be possible!? Oh yes. As the original Infiniti FX showed, the Nissan front-midship reardrive platform is exceptionally flexible. Everything from the 350Z to the G35 was built of these all-star bones — so the …

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HD Road Test Review – 2015 Buick ENCORE – Drives Like an Audi, Priced Like a Kia?

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Compact crossovers could not be hotter right now. They avoid the depressing drive experience of small sedans, no matter how tight they might be inside. The flipside is that carmakers can be tempted to overprice the mini-SUVs — with options taking the ultra small machines deep into real SUV territory.  This is certainly the case with the $48k BMW X1 sDrive28i we tested last year. Or how about the $67k AMG GLA45? Clearly the temptation of luxury features, equipment and options is powerful for both the brands and to buyers, though. The compact SUV is therefore quite perplexing at times: …

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2017 Cadillac XT5 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2016 Dacia Duster Altaï Green 6

2016 Dacia Duster Adds Easy-R Automatic + Altaï Green and Urban Explorer Specials

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  As you know, Renault’s budget brand Dacia has been a surprise hit in developed, rich-world markets in the last few years. European buyers like the large size of the vehicle, its basic running-gear and cheap configurations. Even loaded, the Duster SUV is priced around 20-percent less than a Nissan Qashqai’s base price. Along with Dacia’s growing global popularity comes a new Oroch pickup model next year, plus some jazzed-up Dusters with new tech and special-edition trim levels. The new tech is an automated-manual transmission dubbed Easy-R — which may be the first time a self-shifter has been in the …

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

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

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2016 Range Rover SENTINEL Is New SVO Armored Upgrade

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Special Vehicle Operations at JLR is delivering some very cool specials lately — in the form of the Project 7 F-Type speedster and RRS SVR. Both coming from an all-new side factory in Oxford specifically created to produce JLR’s most exclusive vehicles. But this armored Range Rover Sentinel takes the cake as a hugely upgraded, hugely customized vehicle. The fortification is a chassis-up job incorporating the original engineering teams and blueprints. Alloy for the chassis and bodywork is now wrapped above massive steel plating on all sides. The armor promises protection up to 7.6MM armor-piercing bullets, up to 15KG of …

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2015 Citroen Cactus M Concept – Jolly Surf Special Runs Inflatable AirFrame Soft-Top

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  French makes, and Citroen in particular, have a strange and unjustified fascination with surf cars. Think of these as part Fiat Jolli with its wicker seats, and part Jeep Wrangler. But with Euro6 emissions and zero practicality. We saw this in the Pluriel and numerous Cacti concepts over the years. The new Cactus M is a far more practical fantasy, if that is possible. Real doors and even a roof! The convertible crossover has fixed A and D-pillars in a sexy woodgrain wrap. The contrast between these organic pillars and the bright Hawaiian blue of the body is certainly …

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