NEW TRUCKS

2015 Infiniti QX30 Concept 2

2015 Infiniti QX30 Concept Headed for Geneva

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  The newest Infiniti is almost here! The QX30 Concept’s first teaser image is official, and is almost a dead ringer for the Q30 concept seen at Frankfurt 2013. From the back at least, the new QX30 does appeal to be significantly more SUV-ish than the low-riding Q30. This would imply there might be road and trail versions of the model in the cars. This version is also nearly production-ready (tires aside…) and should arrive in global Infiniti showrooms by December, we predict. The premium compact crossover is likely to be an influential design template, later rolling upmarket with a …

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2015 Lexus NX300h 35 - Copy

First Drive Review – 2015 Lexus NX300h Is Swanky, Ultra-Smooth, 35MPG+ SUV!?

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2015 Lexus NX300h Review Is the Lexus NX the most impressive new luxury crossover with a base price under $40,000? After a week with the plucky and quick NX200t F Sport, we whole-heartedly say YES!! But even quick spin in the NX300h shows that the incredible (seriously otherworldly) smoothness and efficiency of the NX300h is not to be dismissed out of hand. With effiiency figures that are up about 10 on the turbo on city and highway to the mid-30s overall, the NX300h is seriously desirable as well. With 200-pounds of battery under the back seat, the NX300h handles with …

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2016 Fiat 500X Pricing, Colors and Real-Life Photos 30 - Copy

2016 Fiat 500X Pricing, Colors and Real-Life Photos!

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Can you imagine a more perfect follow-up to the Fiat 500 in the brand’s return to the US? A compact four-door crossover that is sporty, chic, right-sized and right-priced. The 500X is so good, it is likely to be the best-seller of the Fiat range almost overnight. Along with the jumbo 500L MPV, the 500X is the best news for Fiat shoppers since the brand’s return itself. Why all this steep praise? The 2016 500X just feels like a huge hit. Standard with an automatic nine-speed and turbo-charged four-cylinder, the 500X’s main powertrain option is AWD for a kinda-steep $1,900 …

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2015 Ford F-150 King Ranch STRIKES GOLD! Leads HUGE 54k January 2015 Sales, Up 17% YoY

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The accolades have showered the new Ford F-150 from every direction over the previous few months. Expectations are high, and demand is even higher. Now that shoppers are trying this revolutionary new truck, they are pulling the Buy trigger faster than ever. The new F-150 really is that good. It lives up to and beyond the hype. It is a new era in pickup trucks: tough but light, sporty but comfortable. Luxurious, but hard-working. The King Ranch trim level shares top billing with the Platinum in the new F-150 lineup. These are the boss’s trucks. If the King Ranch lives …

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2015 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 29

Road Test Review – 2015 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Feels Light, Quick and Lux

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 Video First Drive Review: 2015 VW Touareg TDI Clean Diesel INTRO Few people have been more scathing in their assessment of the new Touareg’s extremely light exterior refresh than us. But think about it: when a person gets a facelift, they do not want to be some shocking cat-lady whose new face is shocking from 100 yards away. You want it to be exceptionally subtle. You want to look 2X as fresh and young and modern, but without causing too much attention or interest in exactly how you achieved this fountain of youth. So goes the new Touareg’s refresh for …

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2016 Nissan TITAN XD in 35 New Photos

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You know that the Nissan Titan is the sixth-ranked truck in US sales, and has been for years. But we’d wager you did not know exactly how far the Titan lags behind the top-five trucks: the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, RAM 1500, GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra. Per The Wall Street Journal’s report today, the 2014 calendar sales of the Nissan Titan were less than 15,000 units. In total. For the whole year. Versus the Ford F-150’s 750,000 2014 sales, the Titan made up just 2-percent with its paltry 15,000-unit tally. The Titan peaked around 2006 with around 80,000 sales …

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2015 Nissan Juke NISMO RSnow Trax Concept Reignites Juke-R Halo Effect

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We recently gave the Juke-R concept from 2012 a hall of fame write-up – extolling the incredible global awareness the GT-R/Juke hybrid created. The next step? A new Juke RSnow Trax – highlighting the new Juke LED boomerang lamps and new projector-beam lights up front, which are fresh for the 2015 model-year. This machine was created as a support car for an ice-driving school, with the tires replaced by individual tank-like treads. The rubber and steel-spiked treads spin in sync with the new hubs up top, controlling a contact patch that is 50X larger than four tires. This upgrade can …

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2016 Renault Kadjar 8

2016 Renault Kadjar Is New Mid-Size Crossover With High Style and Available AWD

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 This is the all-new Renault Kadjar! Revealed ahead of its public launch in Geneva next month, the Kadjar is the freshest entry into Renault’s rapidly-growing crossover arsenal. After owning family car transport for the last decade or more with the Espace and Picasso minivans, Renault is changing with the times. Ultra-functional vans are no longer the must-have family accessory. The new must-have for carpools and primary-school dropoffs? Mid-size crossovers. This new Kadjar takes aim squarely at the Honda CR-V and a three dozen other alternatives. The Kadjar promises to be more luxurious and stylish than the Nissan Qashqai, which comes …

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BMW M Performance Parts for 2015 X5M and X6M Include Tri-Color Racing Stripes!

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  INTRO: Exciting discovery: these images allow a near-perfect animated comparison showing the different X6 vs X5 rooflines.   It might seem silly to buy a brand-new BMW X5 or X6 M and go shopping right away to upgrade it. But it is actually more normal than you might think. These factory upgrades are often things BMW would like to include on the factory trucks, but can’t because they are too polarizing (the M-color graphics…) or the M Performance exhaust (for legal reasons…). You have to imagine BMW ships these cars around the world in a universally appealing specification, but …

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4.0s, 567HP 2015 BMW X6 M In 140 New Photos From Austin COTA

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The X6M is harder, lower, wider and wilder than the new X5M — really cementing its status as one of the quickest SUVs of all time. The design showcases a new rear fender strike and even more chopped-roof design feeling — and sets the right for its massive new power and pace from all sides. The most powerful BMWs ever made have just shattered the glass ceiling of SUV performance. With 567-horsepower through standard xDrive AWD, the new X5 and X6 M have sprint times of just 4.0-seconds along with a devilish M styling overhaul. The grille and front fascia …

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Mecum Florida 2015 Curio – 1964 Amphicar 770 Was First Car-Boat Hybrid

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What classic 1960s American car was half boat, half convertible and cost as much as one of each? Which was a devastating turd of slowness on both pavement and lake-water? That would be the 1964 Amphicar!  And while the critiques of this 43-horsepower hum-bug are all too real, there is a special charm about the machine. It did actually operate as a slow-moving vehicle suitable for both land and water. With a bit of refinement on the theme, it is easy to envision this as the first of many far more sophisticated dual-purpose machines. In reality, it was only a …

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Houston Auto Show Customs - Top 10 LIFTED TRUCKS 21

Houston Auto Show Customs – Top 10 LIFTED TRUCKS!

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If there is one memory of the Houston Auto Show that really sticks with you, it is the dominance of lifted trucks. Tuners, custom shops and even new-car dealerships all are deeply into the custom truck business. We have little idea who the tuning companies are who created all these beasts, so we’ll just label them by the base machine they started as from the factories when tuner branding is not available. 1. RAM 2500 Bolt Locks If the challenge is to be tallest, this Ram definitely won. Seeing its handler come down from the cabin was shocking. He literally …

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Mecum 2015 Florida Faves - 1962 Willys JEEP Utility Wagon 9 - Copy

Mecum 2015 Florida Faves – 1962 Willys JEEP Utility Wagon

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  Despite being painted like the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, this Willys Utility Wagon is actually really cool and special. This machine, of course, was a Willys and not a Jeep by name. But in spirit, it shows what Jeep could be as a commercial and civilian machine in a post-war world. In terms of charm, the wood paneling outside is real, and also lines the roof of the cargo bay. Very cool.   1962 Willys JEEP Utility Wagon       1962 Willys Utility Wagon Lot L215// Mecum Auctions Kissimmee 2015 // Jan 16-25 High Bid: $21,000 1962 Willys Utility …

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Hall of Fame – 2012 Nissan JUKE-R – Branded Marketing Halo Worth Weight in Gold

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The 2012 Nissan Juke-R broke all the rules of concept cars, branding and supercar manufacturing. ‘Broke the rules’ is an absolute marketing cliche in this day and age, with every brand and their mom trying to play the rebel and bad-boy, all in search of that most elusive of demographics: the male 13-34. The reason this freakish creation with a Juke body atop a shortened Nissan GT-R platform was ostensibly just to showcase the GT-R’s amazing skills, perhaps living under the skin of normal and affordable Nissan models. In the JUKE-R’s case, the resemblence was far more that a branding …

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2016 Land Rover Discover Sport HSE 11

2016 Land Rover Discover Sport HSE – Full Design Analysis + Letter Grade Scores

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INTRO: ICELAND IN JANUARY The new Land Rover Discovery Sport just enjoyed its big coming-out party over the weekend in Iceland, with many auto writers enjoying a 1000-mile adventure trying out the new baby Landie across heaps and dales and ice bales. But from our impression back at home, the vast majority of the travel time was not by car, but by plane. Iceland is farrrrr from everywhere in the United States. Far. (Sidebar, would we have gone if invited? YES!) And a general rule of thumb? The more exotic the launch location of a hum-drum car, the worse the …

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1946 GMC Pickup Truck 9

Mecom Florida 2015 Favorites – 1948 GMC Half-Ton Pickup Truck

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You can tell how hard this 1948 GMC Pickup was ready to work in the profile shot. It is all nose. With an empty bed or now trailer, the truck looks like it might tip upward onto its nose. And that would be a shame. What a nose this was!  With a stamped steel shape so deep, modern industrial presses would be jealous! Melting down over the tall OHV and intake mechanicals, this amazing flow of metal is pure smooth bliss. It was also a functional feature: dropping each side of the hood let you have a much clearer view …

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2015 Chevrolet Silverado Rally Sport and Custom Sport Trucks + New Midnight Edition Preview

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The 2015 Silverado packs four special editions for 2015: the Texas Edition, upcoming Midnight Edition and the just-launched Rally Sport and Custom Sport Trucks. The Midnight Edition will bow in Chicago next week, while the Texas Edition has been on sale for a month or so already. In between are the new RS and Custom Editions — which we caught up with in Houston. They look good and are a cool way to have a distinctive and customized rig – right from the factory with warranty intact and lifetime durability for the paintwork and finishes.     2015 Silverado Midnight …

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1970 Ford Bronco V8 Pickup 33

Mecum Florida 2015 Favorites – 1970 Ford Bronco V8 Pickup

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What is it about these 1970s Ford Bronco’s? There is just something so crisp and charming about their utilitarian design. Along with nearly no front and rear overhangs, a short wheelbase and heavy off-road hardware — the Bronco was just totally overprepared and over-strong for most road duties. It was like a heavy-duty, 2500-payload beast trapped in the dimensions of one of today’s mini crossovers. This red pickup hardtop with roll bars and a 302-cubic-inch V8 was fully restored with a body-off upgrade to new diffs, plus new air conditioning. 1970 Ford Bronco V8 Pickup      

2015 Jeep Wrangler Willys Edition 3

2015 Jeep Wrangler Willys Edition in 20 New Photos + Freedom Edition Preview

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The new Willys Edition Jeep Wrangler looks very, very cool and desirable with its gloss-black grille and wheels. The Freedom Edition with a dark grey grille and military star is pretty cool too, mind you. That being said, Jeep Wranglers have never struggled to be ‘cool.’ They have always been cool as hell. But these minor factory customizations just might spark a must-have sentiment in shoppers. Even after deciding on a Freedom or Willys Edition, the doors and roof options are still plentiful!   2015 Jeep Wrangler Willys Edition      

Houston Auto Show - 2015 BMW X5 M 17

Houston Auto Show – 2015 BMW X5 M Looks Mean, But Logos Nearly Invisible

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Perhaps this is the new BMW M strategy for M trucks – small badges. Whatever the case, it is increasingly difficult to know which car is the X5 M and which is the X5 xDrive50i M Sport. Even so, the performance is the main selling point of this hot new muscle-truck. The giant footwear and unique chinstrap bumper design are the clearest signs that this is the X5 M versus an M Sport X5. That and the ridiculous pace, of course. 2015 BMW X5 M        

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Houston Auto Show – 2015 BMW X6 xDrive50i – LEDetails Front and Rear in 50 New Photos

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The first-gen BMW X6 seemed like a huge joke, if we’re honest. All the impracticality of a tiny rear seat, plus barely half the total luggage volume of the X5. But the new X6 really does make a convincing style argument for itself versus the very-practical new X5 shape. The X6 also wears the new wide-spaced LED headlamp signature only visible on the X5M. The base X5’s have an indicator in the corner of the lamps, and tighter and smaller angel eyes inside. The M Sport model shown here does a very impressive M truck impression, despite being just the …

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Giovanna Wheels On RR Ghost, G-Wagen and Ferrari F12 Berlinetta 21

Houston Tuner Highlights – Giovanna Wheels On RR Ghost, G-Wagen and Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

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Do people still say “murdered out” ? When you completely black-wash a vehicle? These three certainly qualify, if so. Our favorite in the group would have the be the Rolls-Royce Ghost. Despite the thuggish wheels, the ultra-low stance and brushed-alloy finish of this Ikon Wrap really seals the car’s style nicely. The complete dip of all the Roller’s chrome elements in gloss black is hugely successful at changing the car’s look, and the pure gloss contrasts nicely with the subtle sheen of the wrap.   Giovanna Wheels On RR Ghost, G-Wagen and Ferrari F12 Berlinetta      

Houston Auto Show - Camp JEEP 21a

Houston Auto Show – Camp JEEP – Animated Action Sequences!

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The Houston Auto Show brought some really cool drive experiences inside the convention center this year: with Camp Jeep a real highlight and crowd-pleaser. It might not seem realistic to simulate off-roading with ultra-steep ramps, buck-board surfaces and steeply tilted later angles. But based on the screams and smiles of drivers sampling Jeep hill-descent-controls and off-road prowess, we’d say the internal thrills and G-forces are authentic! Enjoy these two brief sequences of the Grand Cherokee and Cherokee making their ways down a 45-degree ridge. Smooth and under control, like true off-road pros. Houston Auto Show – Camp JEEP – Animated …

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2016 Lincoln MKX 18

Houston Auto Show – 2016 Lincoln MKX Really Impresses in 27 New, High-Res Photos

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Like us, you might have been slightly underwhelmed by the design of the brand-new, 2016 Lincoln MKX when it was revealed in Detroit just two weeks ago. It seemed new, yes — but virtually identical to the MKC crossover!? In the flesh, there are dramatic family resemblences between Lincoln’s two new crossovers, but the MKX does impress with its own premium details and much-larger overall profile. The MKC is bite-size next to this luxury cruiser. They both seat five, but the MKX will have much happier occupants in the posh second row of seats, and more luggage room in back …

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1973 Ford Bronco 7

Mecum Florida 2015 – 1973 Ford Bronco 302ci V8 Custom Off-Roader

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Editing these photos, we just saw the $24,000 sticker on the windshield and kept thinking what a great buy this was. All these off-road parts would tally about $20,000 even in crates off the truck. A rusty original Bronco might be worth $24,000 by itself…. so obviously to get both in perfect, restored and custom condition would be quite a steal. Alas, $24k was the high bid — and did not meet the reserve. The one good thing!? That means this very cool truck is still available for sale.   1973 Ford Bronco            

Mecum Florida 2015 Favorites - 1987 Volkswagen SYNCHRO 4x4 TurboDiesel Westfalia 11

Mecum Florida 2015 Favorites – 1987 Volkswagen SYNCHRO 4×4 TurboDiesel Westfalia

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A VW Vanagon with, get this: – factory Synchro 4×4 – Westfalia full camper van setup inside – turbodiesel engine from the factory with five-speed manual – and 45k original miles Those four, folks, are a very rare combination in the US market. Any suriviving VW Vanagon — or bus, for stoners — is relatively special these days. But a 4×4 with these cool off-road upgrades like the steel bumpers, rally lights, custom nose detailing and four-pack of round headlamps, plus tinted brake lights!? Very, very cool. For me, the only thing that would make this VW cooler would be …

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Mecum Florida 2015 Favorites - Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser 1

Mecum Florida 2015 Favorites – Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser With Matching Trolley!

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We’re back from some epic adventures last week, and eager to share the wealth of 3000-plus photos taken along the way. We counted at least four FJ40 Land Cruisers at the Mecum 2015 Auctions in Kissimmee Florida, but this sunkissed red example with knobby off-road tires and matching trailer stole our vote. It sold for $35,000. It is interesting to note that the new TRD Pro Tundra echoes this Toyota grille script almost exactly for 2015. Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser  

1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing Transporter 12

Updated with 36 New Photos – Mecum Kissimmee 2015 – 1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing Transporter

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This Shelby-upgraded Ford Super Duty truck was a real sentimental favorite ahead of the Mecum auctions. In person, the truck is just as sweet and lovable. It sold for more than $50,000 – proving our affection for the big brute was not a one-off feeling.   PREVIOUS Sure, this Shelby transporter from 1966 might not be as glamorous as the classic Mercedes, Porsche or Ferrari transports — but it does have one huge factor in its favor. Authenticity. This truck is the real deal and in original, unrestored condition. That alone will make it quite a special find for Shelby …

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Houston Auto Show - 2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition 1

Houston Auto Show – 2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition in 20 New Photos + Pricing From $35k

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  Updated 1.23.15 With Pricing and 20 New Photos The Sierra Elevation Edition is one cool black 1500 on the Houston Auto Show floor! Just as we snapped these 35 new photos, GMC revealed the pricing of this new factory custom– with an enticing $34,865 base for the rear-drive V6. It is great to see the double-decker LED lights as standard on the Sierra Elevation, despite them not being lit in these photos. 2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition Pricing: 4.3L 2WD: $34,865 4.3L 4WD: $38,795 5.3L 2WD: $35,960 5.3L 4WD: $39,890   2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition     PREVIOUS …

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2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country 16

2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country – Updated With 20 New, Real-Life Photos from Houston

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First details today on the newest Volvo – a US-bound V60 Cross Country! The new V60 XC is a tough and rugged version of the V60 sportwagen, and will ship to the US with standard AWD and the 250-horsepower T5 engine. Some have asked if the V60 Cross Country is necessary, considering the presence of the XC60 SUV in the lineup. There is certainly some overlap, but the V60 XC will appeal to a sportier customer and have pricing a few thousand less than the taller XC60 SUV. More models are a good thing for Volvo in the US – …

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2016 Ford Explorer Sport 6

2016 Ford Explorer Sport Inside and Out in 28 New Photos from Houston

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  Thrilled to see the 2016 Explorer is progressing and evolving into an even better seven-seat SUV: new engines, new luxury and tech inside, and new style outside are all very promising. Even more exciting for shoppers than the new Platinum trim level at the top of the ladder? All new colors for every trim level – even the base Explorer 2.3-liter EcoBoost from $31,000. We’ve prepared this animated colors visualizer with half an eye toward file sizes. Previous Mustang and 2015 Edge color articles have nearly broken the poor interwebs under the weight of 400-plus images. =]     …

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2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro 8

Houston Auto Show – 2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro In Black/Black

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 When the bright orange TRD Pro Toyota Tundra first was revealed and arrived in dealers a few months back, did you ever think of how amazing it would look completely blacked-out? Everything on this big Tundra is black: badges, grille, running boards, headlights, wheels — everything. Stunning in person and a great truck flagship for the front of Texas Toyota showrooms.    2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro   Houston Auto Show Tickets Admission $12 for adults. There is an ATM on-site. $5 for children 6 to 12 years old; children 5 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult. …

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2015 Jeep Renegade 42

Houston Auto Show – 2015 Jeep Renegade Inside and Out in 45 New Photos

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The Renegade is the second Jeep we have absolutely hated upon first sight, but really warmed up to as the style sunk in and was seen in the flesh. Visiting the Jeep stand at the Houston Auto Show this week confirms the cool and chunky stance of the Renegade, as a right-sized compact SUV. The ultra-traditional tall windshield and functional upper bodywork maximize cabin and storage space, with the Jeep heritage styling cues at once both very modern but also classic. If the new Cherokee is almost Cayenne-like in its swoopiness from the rear three-quarter angle, the new Renegade harks …

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2015 Peugeot 2008 DKR Rally Racer – Tech Specs and Pre-Dakar Photos

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The Peugeot DKR prototype currently blasting through the Chilean sahara on the 2015 Dakar rally has been a bit of a wallflower before the race. Few official photos of the truck have been seen. The mid-engine, rear-drive off-roader is an evolution of the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak car, but raised dramatically for its new Dakar mission. The same team that created the LeMans 908 HDi FAP cars have created both of these latest racing Pugs, and all have shared the primary super-diesel engine power. This 3.0-liter twin turbo-diesel is a total torque monster: it pushes out 590 pound-feet of …

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Dakar 2015 – IVECO Making Big Gains With One-Two Finish on Day 11 in T4 Trucks Class

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These Dakar press releases are always a bit confusing due to how long and how many stages there are in this grueling race. We are wrapping day 12 today, with two more to go. The T4 trucks class is always a fun one to watch because the vehicles are simply so gigantic. To see a 10-ton truck do flying leaps and landings is an unfortgettable spectacle, to be sure. Italian Iveco has been moving up the charts late in the Dakar 2015 race, but still languishes about 7th in overall truck rankings — behind the huge volume of Kamaz, Renault …

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Infiniti QX70 by AHG-Sports 3

Infiniti QX70 by AHG-Sports Shows Great Style and Stance

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One of the big advantages of going to a big tuner for your car upgrades is that — no matter how eye-watering;y expensive they are, a big tuner’s parts will be far less than commissioning the work piece by piece. In Germany, driving one of the big local brands really helps broaden the availability, and affordability, of tuner parts and car mods. The Infiniti here by AHG-Sports lacks both of these benefits: it is nearly a one-off upgrade and each change is deeply pricey. Secondly, Infiniti’s in Europe are so rare that limited options exist to go wild on power …

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2015 Dakar Rally – Peugeot 2008 DKR – 100-Photo Action Gallery

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In the previous Dakar article today about the MINI Countryman All4 team, we noted how their action photos from the event took the cake for sharing the race excitement with the rest of us. After a bit of digging, we’ve found a real treasure-trove. Photos and videos so amazing they make MINI’s effort look a little silly and amateurish. Who could deliver this? None other than the racing powerhouse Red Bull. Videos, photos, interviews – all numbering in the hundreds. All with production values that are ready for 4K HDTV. Most of the MINI team is powered by Monster Energy, …

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MINI Countryman Team Looks Set for Dakar Four-Peat

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MINI has been dominating the Paris-Dakar rally in Chile for the last four years running — and that dominance looks set to continue this year. The MINI squad is up about 30 minutes ahead of the next-quickest team as we enter day 12 of the race. The major competition in the form of the very-cool Peugeot 2008 DKR is still in the game, but with only one truck left. One of the DKR Pugs crashed out early in the competition. So will MINI sweep the competition again!? Watch this space. But when it comes to amazing action shots from the …

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2014 Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV 14 - Copy

Design Analysis – 2014 Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV

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When Mitsubishi rolled out its latest trio of design concepts in Geneva last March, we were slightly horrified and very shocked. The designs are quite ‘advanced,’ — which is another way of saying they are freakishly ‘out there’ and not exactly attractive on first glance. But after seeing how this look filtered down to the 2016 Outlander, we are determined to give the new Mitsubishi design style a chance. And clearly, Mitsubishi believes it is on to something here. The XR-PHEV here became the firm’s Vision Gran Turismo car as an ‘Evolution’ version of this design, so you cannot say …

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#NAIAS 2015 Showfloor Gallery – Day Two in 175 Photos!

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175 more photos from the Detroit Auto Show! A few at the beginning from the Industry preview the 14th and 15th, with engineers pouring over the competition in very extreme detail. The Detroit auto show opens to the public on the 17th. This gallery is the new slideshow — so after the new tab opens, the main window is now a slideshow. Next photo: click right-hand side of image. Previous photo; left-hand side. Enjoy!   NAIAS 2015 Showfloor Gallery Two    

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3.8s 2015 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Is Quickest SUV EVER!

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  Here is the scenario: two amazing Porsches. Which to do first? Our first article definitely led with the new Targa GTS — until we looked at the spec sheets. The PDK Targa GTS sprints to 60-mph in a very-respectable 4.1-seconds with the PDK pack. But brace yourself for some real heat with the new Cayenne Turbo S. This $160,000 super-truck is now the quickest SUV of all time: 3.8-seconds to 60-mph. Apologies for the lack of formatting in the specs below. Screenshots of the full specs PDF included, however, as proof of this unbelievably quick new Cayenne Turbo S. …

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2016 Volvo XC90 R-Design Is Damn Sexy Swede

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When the Volvo XC90 debuted earlier this year in Stockholm, we were floored by its super luxurious cabin and extremely smart PHEV powertrains that actually deliver huge horsepower — and mileage. The 400-horsepower T8 is far ahead of any other seven-seat hybrid SUV, and is the world’s first plug-in seven-seater. But to be honest, the style of the normal two XC90’s — one body-colored and one with off-road pieces unpainted — seemed extremely frumpy and dull. The XC90 R-Design helped a great deal in those stakes, but it is always hard to get a sense of a car from renderings, …

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2016 Lincoln MKX – Will Mini-Bentley Design Appeal to US and Chinese Luxury Crossover Buyers?

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Updated 1.13.2015 Mini-Bentley!? Yes, that is the sense we have when viewing the MKX in some of its profile shots. It is actually a really well-resolved and premium appearance, with great proportions that say Luxury and Big Back Seat loud and clear. This is important, because the MKX is aimed squarely at two markets that value those two things very highly: the USA and China. Lincoln is launching in China with the MKX as one of its star cars. The luxury crossover segment is one of the few segments that is still red-hot in Chinese sales, and Lincoln is well-positioned …

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Update1 #NAIAS 2015 Showfloor Gallery – Day One in 160 Photos!

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Press day one is complete, one more to go! Enjoy this 160-photo mega gallery of the hottest debuts, and watch this space for a full docket of press conferences tomorrow as well. The Detroit auto show opens to the public on the 15th. This gallery is the new slideshow — so after the new tab opens, the main window is now a slideshow. Next photo: click right-hand side of image. Previous photo; left-hand side. Enjoy! #NAIAS 2015 Showfloor Gallery

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2016 Nissan TITAN Hopes to Quadruple Sales With HD Style and 5.0L Cummins Diesel

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You know that the Nissan Titan is the sixth-ranked truck in US sales, and has been for years. But we’d wager you did not know exactly how far the Titan lags behind the top-five trucks: the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, RAM 1500, GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra. Per The Wall Street Journal’s report today, the 2014 calendar sales of the Nissan Titan were less than 15,000 units. In total. For the whole year. Versus the Ford F-150’s 750,000 2014 sales, the Titan made up just 2-percent with its paltry 15,000-unit tally. The Titan peaked around 2006 with around 80,000 sales …

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hyundai santa cruz concept

2015 Hyundai Santa Cruz Concept Explores SUV Pickup Crossover

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  What is this Hyundai Santa Cruz? A pickup/SUV? Think of it like a Honda Ridgeline, but perhaps tilted a bit more toward the SUV side of things versus the pickup truck? The Hyundai Santa Cruz concept revealed minutes ago in Detroit is certainly a headscratcher.Not least because the Honda Ridgeline has been a bit of a dud, despite a new model coming for 2016 for Honda. The best way to think of the concept is a look at Hyundai entering new truck segments in the future, as well as a snapshot of the brand’s latest design ideas in the …

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tacoma trd offroad

2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Trim Is Mid-Size Raptor-Hunter

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Lots of action in the new 2016 Tacoma range this year. Along with the leather-seated Limited trim come two new TRD packages, with this TRD Off-Road trim level particularly captivating. Huge 35-inch tires, mud-friendly detailing and the AccessCab shown here are all very new and cool indeed. The lift and suspension tweaks for the special-wheeled TRD Off-Road package make it the only mid-size truck capable of going everywhere a Ford Raptor can on the rough stuff. The sandy Moab color help reinforce the Tacoma TRD’s Moab credibility, as do the fender flares and unique grille versus the Limited. A new …

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tacoma limited

30 New Photos! 2016 Toyota Tacoma Delivers Big Tech Upgrades, LED DRLs + New Limited and TRD Trims

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Updated 1.12.2015 Thrilled to share the full details of the upcoming Toyota Tacoma, which packs all-new engines and transmissions, a full redesign outside and in, and even a new range-topping Limited trim level. The biggest news for the best-selling Tacoma is the addition of six-speed automatics for the base four-cylinder trucks and the top 3.5-liter V6. The new transmission promises a quicker sprint time as well as a near 15-percent jump in fuel economy all by itself. But it is not working solo. The new V6 is very special indeed, with a truck-first combination of direct and port fuel injection …

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2017 Ford Raptor Is EcoBEAST! Cool New Style, Much Quicker and Even More Bad-Ass

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It is very rare to have a truck’s front suspension A-arms be a styling detail that lights up your eyes from the front, but the 2017 Raptor proves the exception. The truck shows off its tough and rough off-road equipment and suspension from all sides, especially dead-on from the nose. Here we see the Raptor’s trademark honeycomb grille and giant FORD letters writ large, paired with the super-cool new LED lighting from the top F-150 Platinum trims. Here the lamps are exposed and free of a clear shell — the better to show off the box-LED style and also to …

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chevy bolt

2015 Chevrolet BOLT Concept Previews All-New EV 5-Door Arriving Within a Year

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We are big bears on EV adoption overall, and love seeing Elon Musk squirm. In that regard, the Bolt is a fun new entry to the rapidly-irrelevant EV model niche. The Bolt is a relatively exciting surprise from Chevrolet: the new five-door EV concept that is a lightly-veiled production model arriving within a year to Chevy showrooms. The new Bolt EV concept shows the potential of a utility and family-friendly package with EV underpinnings. No pricing has been quoted, but expect this package to sticker from about $35,000 before tax incentives bring its costs to about $30,000. It is most …

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2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupé S-Model Storms The D With 585HP

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The new GLE63 Coupe is official!  It is the flagship model above the AMG GLE450 Coupe, and packs a huge wallop from its twin-turbo V8: from 557HP in the normal truck to the 585HP in the S-Model. Stunning performance is a sure thing: we could be looking here at the quickest-sprinting SUV of all time via pace of 4.0-seconds to 60-mph.   2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe   The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupé 4MATIC: Driving performance reinterpreted Affalterbach/Detroit Jan 12, 2015   Affalterbach/Detroit.  With the new GLE 63 Coupé, Mercedes-AMG is in highly dynamic mood as it enters the 2015 …

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2015 Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE

Update2 – 360HP Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE Is Sporty PHEV Crossover Concept

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The Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE has arrived today with sporty looks and a five-passenger cabin that is about the size of the BMW X6 inside and out. The concept runs a 3.6-liter V6 plus a large hybrid power unit with EV-driving ability. Its style is an important preview of the production CrossBlue, a Passat-based seven-seater set for assembly in Tennessee beside its sedan cousin. We are likely to see this style replicated near-exactly on the large CrossBlue, but in a larger and blockier roofline layout. This design is production-ready in almost all ways, with the actual Cross Coupe a possibility …

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alpha-t

Concept Flashback – 2001 Nissan Alpha-T

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Nissan is giving journalists a first look at the 2016 Titan pickup today in Detroit at a football viewing party, and we wish we were there to see it! To set the stage, it seems timely and relevant to share Nissan’s first full-size pickup truck concept: the 2001 Alpha-T. Definitely a product of its moment in time, but also a bit stylish and adventure-bound in its style — even almost 15 years since. 2001 Nissan Alpha-T Jan. 8, 2001 Nissan Explores New Territory with Radical aT Concept – First Foray Into Full-Size Truck Market Makes ‘Big’ Statement     Nissan …

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mkx

2016 Lincoln MKX in 30 Photos – 2.7L EcoBoost, Open-Pore Wood, 19-Speaker Audio

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The 2016 Lincoln MKX has broken cover, and it is a very impressive next step for the resugent American luxury brand. A step up in size from the MKC, the MKX is larger and more posh, of course, but also a bit more evolved. The MKX images here show sexy new detailing inside and out, with a heavy emphasis on advanced luxury not offered on any Ford at any price. These details include the new twin LED DRL accents in front, a multi-lens HID low and highbeam design, and a full-width LED lightbar in back. The MKX with these modern …

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Bugatti-SUV-Grand-Colombier-by-Ondrej-Jirec

Bugatti SUV Design Concept by Ondrej Jirec

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In the original article toward the bottom of this page, we explore an online rendering of a Bugatti Veyron-style SUV, plus created our own janky lift of the official Galibier concept from Bugatti. But neither of the below ideas is really as avant-garde as Bugatti would seek for any Super SUV with its EB logos attached. College of Art Center of Design student Ondrej Jirec has a very cool idea for a Bugatti SUV. Grand style, grand pace, and the name? The Grand Colombier. A nod to the explorer Cristobol Colon — who we Americans know as Christopher Columbus — …

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subaru rally cars 2015

2015 Subaru WRX STi Rally Racecars + Outback SuperGT First Rescue Operation

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Three distinct Subaru’s here: the WRX STi for the Japanese Rally Championship, the WRX STi for Global Rallycross and lastly the custom SuperGT support Outback. The Japanese rally spec appears purest and most like the production car, aside from chassis bracing for the roll cage, a roof vent for the drivers to get some air, and a slightly taller ride height on rally-sped wheels and tires. The Global Rallycross car is interesting: it wears a much wider front-end and bumper that acts as a bit of a flexible splitter. This seems able to take impacts and also be a decent …

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2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71

HD Road Test Review – 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 is 200k-Mile, 2025 TOTY

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2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 Review Spending a week in this Ocean Blue Chevy Silverado is enough to make anyone a truck guy. Effortless capability and strength have always been key elements of the Silverado, and continue for 2015 — even as the rest of the truck becomes far more tech-savvy, comfortable and fun-to-drive. The Z71 LTZ 1500 trim of the test truck brings the best style and equipment to the table, and really helps show the Silverado in its best light. The upgraded cabin for 2015 is packed with cool goodies: some standard like the 4G LTE wi-fi, and …

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q7 tech

2016 Audi Q7 Shows New MMI Touch, Audi Connect and MIB Tablet Interfaces by Nvidia

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The new Audi Q7 will debut not just a much lighter chassis and all-new styling outside, but a cabin that is fresh from the carpet upward and absolutely packed with tech goodies. Where to start? The latest Virtual Cockpit design uses a 12.3-inch TFT panel in the main guage cluster, able to show 3D instruments, full Google-Earth navigation and maps, and a dozen other custom displays as needed. These are operated by voice, redundant knobs and buttons on the wheel and dash, or by the new MMI Touch control panel with multi-touch capabilities (ahead of the shifter). On the road, …

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tacoma

2016 Toyota Tacoma Is Official: Butch New Design + Rugged Capability

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The full batch of 2016 Tacoma images are now all online – with the truck looking fresh and butch up front. A large grille and more deeply-stamped creases and curves give the new Tacoma a bit of the 4Runner’s style kudos, plus new headlights with an LED accent not even the 4Runner enjoys. 2016 Toyota Tacoma    

s60 xc

Volvo S60 XC Marks Return of the SUS!

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The SUS lives! Sport Utility Sedans are a rare breed indeed. Only a few hundred of the original Subaru Outback Sedan were made and sold in core Subie markets like Vermont and Colorado in the late 1990s. Volvo’s new S60 XC entry will head to Detroit and then nationwide as a fun niche model for the brand. The Cross Country style actually looks amazing on the S60 sedan shell – and we’re eager to spot the rare and elusive SUS Volvo in the wild later in 2015…! Volvo S60 XC Volvo takes Cross Country brand into sedan territory Volvo Cars …

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lr defender2

Land Rover Honors 2015 Defender Retirement with Trio of Special Editions

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  Heading back to the start 65 years ago, Land Rover has created a fantastic Earthen honor to its founding model: the Series I. The legend of this truck actually started in the sand. The salty ocean fringe medium was actually where the first engineering sketches were drawn. Long after the waves washed the shape away, the product of those ideas is now a global icon in off-roading. This brief video shows the latest Defender sand drawing on the English coast – as etched by three new 2015 special-editions in a 1-kilometer-wide shape.     Among the new Heritage, Adventure …

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glk sema

Concept Flashbacks – 2010 SEMA Mercedes-Benz GLK Tuner Cars

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Shocked and appalled by hideous custom Mercedes-Benzes prowling the world’s roads? Wish there were an upgrade kit that fits the refined aesthetic of the Merc brand? If only Mercedes would commission a few tuner custom show cars of its own, it would have control and be able to yay/nay any questionable elements. For the US launch of the GLK in 2010, MB-USA did just that: four custom GLK’s for the SEMA show in Vegas. Unfortunately for those who do not like loud, brash designs…. what resulted are four of the wildest, silliest concept GLK’s ever seen. Removing the constraint of …

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nomad colors

2015 ARIEL Nomad – Exclusive Digital COLORIZER

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This Ariel Nomad is a very cool piece of news – even as CES is in full swing and Detroit is starting to build momentum ahead of press parties starting on Sunday. We’ve spent a bit of time in photoshop to create an exclusive color visualizer for the new Nomad — with our skills obviously best able to create bright, Skittles-style shades. We’ve also lightened and darkened the wheels for a few ideas of what the gloss-black optional rims might look like. This car seems like it is *perfect* for the X-raid class of rallying, and as such there are …

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ariel nomad

3.3s 2015 ARIEL Nomad – Tech Specs, Options and Full-Throttle Testing Video!

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Updated 1.6.2015 If anything, the real-life Ariel Nomad is even cooler than last week’s teaser renders indicated. Power is a stout 235-ponies, the Yokohama 35-inch mud tires are insane, and the options list will make you start drooling onto your touchscreen. Is there any downside to the ultra-light yet super-strong Ariel Atom chassis concept being applied to an off-roader? Not that we can think of. A heated windshield is even offered. The rear-engine playfulness and handling joy seem to apply themselves perfectly to the Nomad’s off-road mission — as well as guaranteeing traction for sprints and heavy braking. The 100-kph …

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highlander hybrid

Road Test Review – 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited AWD – By Ken Glassman

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  2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review   By Ken Glassman Last year the Toyota Highlander underwent its third major makeover, and not much has changed for this year. While the Highlander is technically a crossover vehicle, based upon a car platform, it looks and feels very much more truck-like, and seems more akin to the Toyota 4Runner than a Camry. It is a large vehicle, which seats 7 or 8 depending upon the interior choices, and has more cargo space than the last generation. It is also better looking, with a bold front end and brawny, bulging fenders. The base …

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e63 wagon

HD Road Test Review – 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S-Model

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Updated 1.5.2015 With 63 New Photos   When it comes to the rarest of Mercedes-Benz AMG cars and trucks, the S-Models are the absolute top of the pops. And the E63 AMG S-Model 4Matic Estate? The ultimate in rare supercars – the S-Model Estate is certainly up there with the most-exclusive cars available. By our estimates, fewer than 200 total S-Model E63 AMGs will come to the United States per year, but even one is a huge blessing.   The E63 Estate is just one click slower to 60-mph than the S-Model sedan. That makes this the 3.6-second wagon king. …

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2002 Dodge M80 Concept

2002 Dodge M80 Concept Was Faithful Remake of 1940s Power Wagons

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  Remakes and retro redesigns were all the rage in the early 2000s – and Dodge had a whopper in its back catalog eager for a modern restyle. The Dodge Power Wagons of the 1940s became quite a symbol of American might both domestically and abroad thanks to their plentiful presence in the US Army ranks. This remake is a little less jokey than the Chevrolet HHR or SSR, but still feels relatively more than 12 years after its debut. That is the Catch 22 of retro designs, as any New Beetle owner can explain thoroughly. 2002 Dodge M80 Concept …

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700c

2012 Chrysler 700C Concept Looking Like True Preview of 2016 Town & Country

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When the 2012 700C arrived on the scene for Detroit 2012, it seemed extremely far-fetched. But viewed in the context of the new Chrysler 200, the 700C not only looks possible — it looks extremely likely. The cabin of the 700C in particular shares much of the functional and style moves seen first in the 200, including the rotary-shifter and numerous contrast color elements like the steering wheel. A reveal of the next-gen minivans may take center stage for Chrysler and Dodge next week in Detroit. 2012 Chrysler 700C Concept  

larte rrs

LARTE Design Launches Flashy New Range Rover Sport Upgrades

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There are no shortage of custom upgrades for the new Range Rover Sport, but this latest kit from Larte Design is instantly one of the most distinctive. A gloss black dip for all the trim elements and the new alloys sets the tone, while new bumpers front and rear are fresh and angular like the best supercars.A new pair of white LED DRL’s live in the lower intakes, and an F1-inspired rear central brake light shines bright red from the lower bumper. The new three-pod grille insert is a fresh take on the RRS style – and is one of …

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jeep renegade

2008 Jeep Renegade Concept Was Off-Road EV Speedster

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The Fiat Chrysler Automobiles concept parade continues unabated! Here we have the 2008 Jeep Renegade concept — which was a brave look at what a wider, lower and EV-powered Wrangler might look like. The exposed doors and organic surfaces, along with integrated fenders, meld well with the chopped windshield glass. Overall, the Renegade concept showed a modern form language whose lighting elements are seen on the upcoming 2015 Renegade small crossover. 2008 Jeep Renegade Concept

jeep hurricane

Concept Flashback – 2005 Jeep Hurricane Was Twin-HEMI Warthog-Fighter?

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As the Jeep Hurricane started spinning in its own wheelbase length on the stage of the 2005 Detroit show, the crowd nearly forgot all about the truck’s real trump card. Or pair of Kings. A giant HEMI V8 at each end of the Hurricane promised otherworldly off-road power and movement precision. Sure, this vaguely recalls the Peugeot Hoggar from a few years before, but much more closely resembled the HALO video-game machine known as the Warthog. As the Halo game franchise has evolved, the Warthog has too. In 2010, the military machine fantasy even earned a spot in Forza Motorsport …

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f sport colors wheels

2015 Lexus NX Colors, Trims and Cabin Visualizer + Prices for NX200t vs F Sport vs NX300h

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The 2015 Lexus NX is one of the most hotly-researched new crossovers. Its nationwide rollout is in full swing, with three models that all look extremely fresh, modern and premium. The performance of the NX200t, NX200t F Sport and NX300h Hybrid are all respectable, and AWD is available across the board for $1500 extra. Base prices start from just under $35,000 — which is great value for a vehicle that is larger than the BMW X3 inside. The NX is very, very close to the current RX in size, as the next-gen RX350 is expected to grow a bit and …

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ez miev

Concept Flashback – 2006 Mitsubishi EZ MiEV

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  If the Concept D5 Mitsubishi van represents a hard and blocky view of the future, this EZ MiEV is a much softer look into next-gen van style and tech.With its ultra-rounded and white pearlescent exterior features, the resemblence of this concept to the iPod from Apple is intentional. But things in this bubble van are just getting started with the exterior design and wrap-around glass. With a flat-battery platform an in-wheel electric motors, the EZ MiEV takes cabin versatility to a whole new level. The seats fold to form a full eight-foot bed with room for two adults. The …

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Concept Flashback - 2004 Mitsubishi Sport Truck

Concept Flashback – 2004 Mitsubishi Sport Truck

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Mitsubishi was actively exploring its mid-size truck future in this time period – with an eye on US sales for a truck like this. A bit smaller and lighter-duty than even the Honda Ridgeline, this Sport Truck was based on the Endeavor SUV chassis. To make it in the US market, it would need to be built in the US to avoid a punishing 25-percent tariff on all imported pickup trucks, however. Mitsu just did not have the bandwidth to make a business case for this beauty, which is a shame, but understandable. The company went with a rebadged Dodge …

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mitsubishi concept d5

Concept to Reality – 2006 Mitsubishi D5 to 5th-Gen Delica

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When we think of cars from the future, the aesthetic is generally minimalist and slightly brutal with its form language. This can be typical normal shapes like hatchbacks and pickups and mid-size sedans — but all designed with a lean and crisp look that eschews frivolous bulging and chrome in favor of minimalism. Will this be what cars in the future actually look like? Probably not. Just like we do not dress in spandex StarTrek outfits or one-piece tracksuits in 2015. But those are still the most popular uniform for most hyper-futuristic hollywood movie. Cars that would fit in that …

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ariel nomad

2015 ARIEL Nomad is Off-Roader With ATOMic Lightness and Speed!

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Thrilled to see the latest move from Ariel Motors in the UK: an off-road version of its legendary Atom sports car! This new variant is called the Nomad and is based on the latest Atom 3 running gear — but with a totally new roll-cage/chassis combination, a huge suspension upfit and giant dune-munching tires. A windshield is also in the mix on the teaser shots. This will be helpful for keeping the mud and sand out of your face! 200-horsepower is the output from the rear-engine Nomad, with rear-drive keeping things just a few hundred pounds up on the flyweight …

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la

LA Auto Show 2014 – Photo Gallery of 80 Cool New Cars

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Now that it is a full month after the LA auto show, and only a few weeks from Detroit, it seems like many of these images are not going to be utilized in full articles. So that they are not snapped in vain…. here are 137 photos from the showfloor. A few of these are from the tuner/specialist booth outside the LA show proper – but this is where we find Morgan, Galpin Ford and the GTR1, Saleen and other popular brands. Two really cool showcars that have not been covered much? The Black Pearl custom low-rider and the Zelectric …

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gsc g400 cdi

Latest G-Class Widebody by German Special Customs Is Classy and Subtle, But Still Super Lux

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When it comes to upgrading your G-Class Mercedes-Benz, the widebody exterior treatments from German Special Customs are some of the best and most realistically desirable. We love their latest bright blue over dark charcoal wheels. The monchrome exteior is much wider and far more modern than the factory model – but is not too over-the-top about becoming such a custom brute. The widebody fits the G400 CDI, G500, G550 , G63 and even the G65 AMG — or is also available on a per-piece basis. Installing all together is highly recommended so you can paint and color-match everything at the …

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mansory g-couture

MANSORY G-Couture and G63 Soft Upgrades Add Fresh LED Headlight Strakes

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The Mansory G-Couture is an absolutely brutal upgrade of the already-militant G-Class — with a huge new bumper and lower body upgrade that is wider, stronger and meaner than ever. The G63 “Soft” kit is a bit more comfort and style-oriented, and is where the latest Bentley-style LEDs debut their new embedded light elements. Beside these new round lamps are three horizontal white LED strakes behind a new glass shroud. It’s a nice update for the Galendewagen’s well-known style — and matches the lower bumper LEDs and roof LEDs very nicely! The upgrades lists are very, very extensive. See the …

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evoques

Six Custom BRABUS StarTech Range Rover Evoques Show Huge Style Gains

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Brace yourself! Evoques on parade today from StarTech Refinement, the Range Rover division of Brabus. This six customs in 120 photos show some really cool style enhancements – making the most of the low-roof and contrast-color designs of the factory truck. Out favorite elements are the five-spoke alloys and the super cool rear spoilers. Te seats from an F-Type R are pretty sweet too.   StarTech Range Rover Evoque Black and Red StarTech Range Rover Evoque White/White StarTech Range Rover Evoque Light Blue StarTech Range Rover Evoque Medium Blue StarTech Range Rover Evoque Urban Tan StarTech Range Rover Evoque White …

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MANSORY Range Rover Sport

MANSORY Range Rover Sport Widebody Upgrades Catalog

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  Mansory typically builds custom vehicle conversions that are so thorough that they’re sold as a completed supercar. The latest Range Rover Sport upgrade program is a bit friendlier and approachable for owners looking for a few a la carte upgrades. The result of the whole widebody kit is still as dramatic as any other Mansory, but being able to pick up individual pieces will broaden the potential market dramatically. For the first time, you do not have to be super-ultra rich to drive a Mansory!  But everyone will still think you are with these Range Rover Sports…. MANSORY Range …

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shleby raptor

575HP SHELBY RAPTOR – Animated Colors and Options Guide

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The Ford  RAPTOR off-road special is the biggest hit among shoppers since the F-150 Lightning of the 1990s. Performance street trucks like the Ram SRT10, Silverado SS and GMC Cyclone appear to be taking a backseat to baja-ready machines like the Tundra TRD Pro and the stock Raptor. But with the huge popularity of the Ford dune-blaster comes a bit less excitement and exclusivity for owners. Enter, Shelby American. You can equip and buy a custom Shelby Raptor as new or retro-fit these cool parts to an existing truck. Highlights in the full $17,000 Shelby upgrade are the Whipple supercharger …

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2015 Cadillac Escalade ChopTop Renderings

Fantasy ChopTop Renders – 2015 Cadillac Escalade Feeling Lowww!

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Big drama in development work on the site today. The only respite for this author – to stay busy and resist panicking as all images went down? Making more custom images, oddly enough. A chop-top conversion is one of the hardest to handle with OEM quality. A widebody is almost exclusively an exterior upgrade, but a chopped roofline requires some serious changes. Roll cages, electronics, cabin trims, doors, doorframes and glass all need to be redone. Not exactly something you can eyeball along the way, or carbon-fiber your way out of CAD-CAM studies in advance. But for visual impact, a …

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tt concepts

Best of Awards – 2014 Audi TT Offroad and TT Sportback Concepts

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After really hating the Audi Prologue, we are eager to balance those sharp opinions on Audi design. The expanded TT range via two concepts this year shows huge promise and great potential. A TT sedan! So simple an idea, and one that would be a sharp competitor for the BMW 1 Series sedan in 2016 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The TT Offroad shows the same potential. Both have an approachable and modern-but-fun design, great proportions, and a style that will pull sales. 2014 Audi TT Sportback Concept 2014 Audi TT Offroad Concept      

2017 audi q6 q8

Future SUV Renderings – 2017 Audi Q6 and Audi Q8

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  With gasoline prices in the US now below $2.00 again in a few spots, you can bet that any large SUV idea is seeming brilliant in Germany. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and BMW X7 are two key segments where Audi is not competing with its fierce rivals. The GLE-Class Coupe and the BMW X6 is another huge market opportunity where Audi’s lack of large SUVs makes it a non-competitor. Not matching Mercedes and BMW for every model in the cheaper price ranges might make sense for Audi. But these giant SUVs have the fattest profit margins in the car business, …

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f-150 review

First Drive Review – 2015 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 3.5L EcoBoost Is Best. Pickup. Ever.

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INTRO One-word takeway from a drive of the new 2015 F-150 Lariat 3.5-liter EcoBoost? Outstanding. The new F-150 is perhaps the most-anticipated new pickup truck of all time, and as such it is hyped almost beyond belief at the moment. Trucks are arriving now to Ford stores nationwide after shipments started in early December, but before driving it — we had a hefty, hardy amount of skepticism. Would its all-new alloy bodywork over a steel frame be that much of a revolution? Are its LED lights just icing for the top $50,000-plus models? Let’s dive into this review drive with …

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kahn 600le

KAHN Design Range Rover RS600 Is Private Haven in Snow White/Gloss Black

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KAHN Design will make you turn-key stunner like this or help you upgrade your Rangie a la carte via Kahn wheels, grilles, trims and styling pieces over time. Either way, the results are definitely unique and striking. The level of vulgarity and hints of criminals behind the wheel goes up dramatically with any kind of matte or monochrome paintwork, so this white/black stunner is a great balance. Flashy and classy in all the right ways. There are widebody flares on this car, and totally unique front and rear bumpers as well. The design of these pieces is so well-integrated and …

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explorer colors header

2016 Ford Explorer Colors and Pricing – Animated Turntables in Every Color!

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  Thrilled to see the 2016 Explorer is progressing and evolving into an even better seven-seat SUV: new engines, new luxury and tech inside, and new style outside are all very promising. Even more exciting for shoppers than the new Platinum trim level at the top of the ladder? All new colors for every trim level – even the base Explorer 2.3-liter EcoBoost from $31,000. We’ve prepared this animated colors visualizer with half an eye toward file sizes. Previous Mustang and 2015 Edge color articles have nearly broken the poor interwebs under the weight of 400-plus images. =] BASE PRICING …

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Future SUV Renderings - 2016 Audi RS Q7 16

Future SUV Renderings – 2016 Audi SQ7

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Here is an exclusive look at how the new Audi Q7 might look as an S or even an RS Q7. Despite the current Q7 S-line being the sportiest trim offered, the strong rumor is that this generation of Q7 will have performance upgrades in the trim structure. This will make sense to battle the Mercedes GLS63 AMG, formerly called the GL-Class — as well as the BMW X7 M Sport. We’ve prepared two angles to review, plus a few grille trims to see how the new Q7’s style takes to the latest gloss-black themes. Overall, the appearance of a …

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1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing Transporter

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing Transporter

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Sure, this Shelby transporter from 1966 might not be as glamorous as the classic Mercedes, Porsche or Ferrari transports — but it does have one huge factor in its favor. Authenticity. This truck is the real deal and in original, unrestored condition. That alone will make it quite a special find for Shelby and Ford Racing fans. Highlights include the COBRA LeMans engine block, among other tasty details. The big blue rig hits the auction block at Mecum’s Kissimmee, Florida auction in mid-January, 2015. 1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing Transporter   Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview 1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing …

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1938 studebker coupe pickup

Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1937 Studebaker J5 Express Coupe Pickup

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Clarification: Some confusion on which truck is which: this is the Studebaker, the previous article incorrectly referred to a 1948 Diamond T as the Stud. Part of a series. What really sticks with you about the 1937-1950 trucks featured here is how fun a joyful their designs are. Sure, they were work trucks – but the work was fun. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.    https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 …

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1948 Willys Jeep Pickup

Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1948 Willys Jeep Pickup

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Part of a series. What really sticks with you about the 1937-1950 trucks featured here is how fun a joyful their designs are. Sure, they were work trucks – but the work was fun. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.  https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 AM-6 PM Auction: Gates open daily at 8 AMVEHICLES: Friday at 10 AM Saturday at 10 AMROAD ART: Will begin 30 minutes priorTV BROADCAST SCHEDULE:Friday, December …

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1941 Chevrolet AK Pickup

Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1941 Chevrolet AK Pickup

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Part of a series. What really sticks with you about the 1937-1950 trucks featured here is how fun a joyful their designs are. Sure, they were work trucks – but the work was fun. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.  https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 AM-6 PM Auction: Gates open daily at 8 AMVEHICLES: Friday at 10 AM Saturday at 10 AMROAD ART: Will begin 30 minutes priorTV BROADCAST SCHEDULE:Friday, December …

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willys 38

Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1939 Willys Series 38 Pickup

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Part of a series. What really sticks with you about the 1937-1950 trucks featured here is how fun a joyful their designs are. Sure, they were work trucks – but the work was fun. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.  https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 AM-6 PM Auction: Gates open daily at 8 AMVEHICLES: Friday at 10 AM Saturday at 10 AMROAD ART: Will begin 30 minutes priorTV BROADCAST SCHEDULE:Friday, December …

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q7

2016 Audi Q7: Dramatic Quattro-Style Redesign is 700-Pounds Lighter!

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Here is a welcome new crossover! The long-anticipated 2016 Audi Q7 is here and official. The revamp is far more thorough than the Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg, with Audi using a new mixed-material body and numerous other lightweighting tech to drop its weight ratings dramatically. At 4,400-pounds, the 2016 Q7 is still no ballerina, but is now the lightest in its class, per Audi. It is certainly much more svelte than the 5,000-pounds-plus of the latest Escalade and others. These benefits have a multiplicative impact on performance, handling feel and efficiency for all engines and driving scenarios. We are …

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1937 Hudson Terraplane Series 70 Pickup

Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1937 Hudson Terraplane Series 70 Pickup

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Part of a series. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.      https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 AM-6 PM Auction: Gates open daily at 8 AMVEHICLES: Friday at 10 AM Saturday at 10 AMROAD ART: Will begin 30 minutes priorTV BROADCAST SCHEDULE:Friday, December 12 NBCSN: 6:30 PM-12 AM ET/5:30-11 PM CT SDD Saturday, December 13 NBCSN: 3-7 PM ET/2-6 PM CT LIVE Notice: Big Brochure Deadline: Wednesday, October 29 at 5 …

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1937 diamont t

Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1948 Diamond T Model 201 Pickup

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Clarification: Some confusion on which truck was which: this is the Diamont T, the previous article incorrectly referred to a 1938 Studebaker. Part of a series. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.  https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 AM-6 PM Auction: Gates open daily at 8 AMVEHICLES: Friday at 10 AM Saturday at 10 AMROAD ART: Will begin 30 minutes priorTV BROADCAST SCHEDULE:Friday, December 12 NBCSN: 6:30 PM-12 AM ET/5:30-11 PM CT …

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2015 Subaru Outback 1

Updated With 100 New Photos – 2015 Subaru Outback COLOR Visualizer

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Updated 12.10.14 With 100 Real-Life Photos Third Update: We reversed Lapis Blue and Twilight Blue Metallic. We mixed them up. Lapis blue is the darker color. The new Legacy and Outback are vastly improved over their predecessors in every important way: exterior style is cooler, interiors are more luxurious and refined, and the cabin safety and infotainment take a huge flying leap into the future. To help you pick which Outback color suits your tastes, we’ve prepared a full animated colors guide to all nine options. Many of these colors are premium and new for this year – with the …

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