SUVs

2018 Nissan Armada Platinum 4WD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Seems like every manufacturer has their “Luxury Flagship SUV” these days, and Nissan is no exception. While most of these are more luxo-barge than flagship, there are a few that remain true to the real SUV credo of ruggedness, capability and anywhere anytime composure. We’d include the Range Rover and Toyota Land Cruiser in this select group. And now we’d also add the new Nissan Armada. It’s a whole ‘nother kind of Armada. One look and you know this is different. Where the old model was an SUV version of the previous-gen Titan, Nissan does us a solid and gives …

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Rolls Royce Teases “Viewing Suite” Ahead of Cullinan Unveiling

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As Rolls Royce beings the final preparations for the unveiling of the brand’s first ever SUV, the British luxury maker has turned up the wick on teasers for the upcoming Cullinan. The most recent teaser touts “the best seat in the house” and it shows off some of the features that we can expect to see from the Cullinan when it eventually makes its world debut. Before we begin, don’t call it an SUV in front of Rolls Royce representatives, who prefer you dub it “a slab sided high riding motor car.” While we ponder the logic behind this reasoning, …

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2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate LWB – Road Test Review

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There should be a Buzzfeed-style online quiz for SUV and crossover shoppers.  “How big an SUV do you really need?” You see, once the idea of a three-row truck enters some family minds, they go haywire and right to the extreme of a Tahoe or Land Cruiser-size vehicle.  Without thinking for a minute if one of these goliaths is actually the right vehicle.  Don’t spend years having trouble parking your big-rig and gassing up constantly. If you answer No to very-heavy Towing, keep going to the car-based, mid-size crossover category. If you value ultra-modern LED lighting and tech, carry on. …

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2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 4Motion – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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If you go by sales, VW SUVs have always been the scrawny kid on the beach getting sand kicked in his face. But, as if answering one of those mail-order bodybuilding courses, a new, big, powerful and buff VW Atlas is giving those other bullies a roundhouse to the jaw, and claiming its rightful place in the sun. Behold: the VW Atlas. Or as we named out tester, Charles Atlas. If you don’t remember Charles Atlas, you can still appreciate that the U.S. is big SUV country, and up until now VW hasn’t really courted the buyer who needs three …

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2018 VW Tiguan S 2.0T FWD 7 Seater – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the new Mini Countryman, and determined that while it’s the largest Mini yet, it still is Mini, in brand and spirit. So, now we have the all-new 2018 VW Tiguan, a big step forward in size over the previous model. Big enough to squeeze in a 3rd row of seats. But it leaves us wondering: Has the Tiguan gotten too big for its britches? One look and you know the new Tiguan is shopping at the big and tall SUV store. 10.6 inches longer, and riding on a wheelbase 7.3 longer, it’s not only a much larger …

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2017 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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It’s no fun being judged by your name. Even if it’s a good one. Take Mini, for example. Around since the 60’s, it stood for diminutive cars that surprised and delighted, in part to their snug external dimensions, and their larger-than-life performance. When the Mini Cooper was reintroduced in the US in 2003, it was much larger than the original, but still a lot smaller than just about everything else for sale. And in the past 14 years, we’ve seen the Mini product expand into larger vehicles like the Clubman and small crossovers like the Mini Countryman. And now with …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited AWD – By Carl Malek

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With ample cargo room, a healthy suite of features, as well as purposeful styling, it’s no secret that the 2017 Toyota Highlander has emerged as a key family focused entry for the Japanese auto giant. When we last met the Highlander, we gave it high marks for interior room, and the flexibility provided by its sizable cargo area. However, a key weakness that emerged during that encounter was the Highlander’s low fuel mileage. Toyota aimed to try and correct this flaw with the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but does it stand out as a must have option for Highlander fans? …

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

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

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2017 Jeep COMPASS Trailhawk 4×4 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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If you like small crossover/SUV’s, you’re living in the golden age. Where most manufacturers were once happy to offer one model, it seems like many are doubling – or tripling – down, to give you your own perfect blend of goodness. And that includes Jeep. Here we have an all-new Jeep Compass. Originally introduced in 2007, the Compass was sort of a slapped-together version based on the Dodge Caliber. More tall wagon than true ‘ute, it still proved to be very popular with buyers, but kind of felt out of place with the Jeep Brand. Fast forward 10 years, and …

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1977 International Scout II Traveler Custom – RM Sotheby’s AZ 2018 Preview

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  What if your zombie apocalypse truck …. also likes to party? Possibly this lovely army-green Scout II. Estimate is about $80k and the auction is in January.  Further details here.   1977 International Scout II Traveler Custom

2017 Nissan ROGUE SPORT SV AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Over the years there have been plenty of words used to keep certain brand names high on the sales charts, and to use the halo of well-earned reputations to promote the latest and greatest. Think Grand Cherokee, Camry Solara, Mustang II. Some more successful than others. And now we have a spinoff of Nissan’s exceptionally popular Rogue. The Nissan Rogue Sport. What’s up, Sport? Sport fits the smaller, more aggressive looking Rogue, being a good foot shorter than its big brother. Designed to compete against such city funsters as Mazda’s CX-3, Honda HR-V, and Toyota’s CH-R, it’s still a handy …

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2019 Lamborghini URUS – World Premiere of SSUV – Son of a Rambo Lambo

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The idea of a supercar Lambo SUV is not that far-fetched.  The firm is at pains to show its provenance in this arena by dusting off its LM002 Lambo Rambo from the storage vault.  Even the LM002 Cheetah variant is joining the URUS debut party! LM002 and LM002 Cheetah variant While the first Lambo SUV was a giant bruiser that crushed scales at above 5000 pounds, this new ~650HP URUS is actually pretty tiny.  Its four doors and extremely racy roofline actually wrap a Macan or Q5 sized platform.  But this time with absolutely gigantic rubber and AWD system almost right …

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Top 4 Hardcore Off-Road Debuts – Los Angeles 2017 Auto Showfloor

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LA is lousy with soft-roaders this year.  There are at least a half dozen softroad compacts all the way to plush 7-seaters.  But that is not our goal here. Here we will tease out the top four serious off-road vehicles to make their debuts or appearances at LA Automobility 2017. Special shoutouts to the very-cool foot porthole in the door of the Wrangler.  The flat floor and full front trunk of the Bollinger is also pretty special. 2018 Jeep Wrangler 2018 Bollinger B1 EV-SUV 2018 Ford Expedition Baja Concept 2018 Land Rover Discovery SVX  

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2018 Hyundai KONA – Arrives February to Clamoring US Shoppers

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The Kona is a pretty big deal for Hyundai.  It will be expected to shift more than 100,000 units a year, we estimate, to be considered a success for the brand’s SUV mission. In a perfect world, this machine might even kiss 200,000 units in 2019!?   Can you imagine? Hilarious. Or is it? When you think of the future as seen in movies, Kona’s design will fit right in.  It is a post-apocalyptic surivor — navigating the ruins of cities with enough ground clearance not to scrape.  Or to have those pesky gravel cuts in the paint — thanks to …

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2017 Mazda CX-5 GT Premium AWD – HD Road Test Review

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The compact crossover segment has a ‘masculinity gap.’  There are more than a dozen of these cute utes on the market, but none of them really looks or drives manly.  Yes, the Audi Q3 and Honda CR-V are good cars. But do they increase or decrease their driver’s sex appeal? Among the dudes of the world coming up from econoboxes and blah mid-size sedans, CUVs are theoretically perfect machines.  A bit of all-weather ability here, a dash of extra practicality there. Like it or not, people buy cars based on strange psychology.  Men and women are usually both fine with …

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2017 Jeep Compass 4×4 Limited – HD Road Test Review

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Guess who does not love compact crossovers, generally, for their woeful speed and handling?  This guy. So the 2017 Compass really had its work cut out for it when it came to CRD for a review.  We were pre-biased and would’ve been tossed from a jury trial for inability to be impartial. Our personal disdain for micro-SUVs is dead wrong based on vehicle sales charts, though. Mini crossovers are the hottest segment of the car business these days.  They are replacing huge chunks of traditional compact and midsize car sales – through their combination of coolness and capability. Jeep is …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road – By Carl Malek

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Remember the movie Jurassic Park? This classic Steven Spielberg film highlighted what would happen if dinosaurs once again roamed the earth. While these creatures are thankfully extinct, in the automotive world, there are still a handful of relics that serve as a glimpse into an era of automobiles that is slowly being replaced by crossover vehicles and a newfound zeal for green motoring. The venerable Toyota 4Runner is one of these holdouts, and has persisted thanks to its impressive degrees of capability and size. But is there still a place for the 4Runner in an ever changing marketplace? Or has the …

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2018 Rezvani TANK – 500HP Designer Assassin – 15 New Pics

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You’d be shocked how fast you can throw $50k at a custom Jeep.  And probably shocked that you can actually spend $50k on a stock, factory Wrangler right from a dealership floor. When you add those two totals, you’re already past $100k without even a toe in the sand. Rezvani has made it easier to have the ULTIMATE off-road supercar right from the start.  No fiddling with settings, stance and lifts.  The Dodge 392 6.4-liter V8 upgrade alone is worth about $30k on a factory machine. Rezvani has gone far, far beyond an engine swap and customized bodywork, though.  The …

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VIDEO – 2017 Jeep Compass Limited 4×4 Finds Bomb-Crater Lake

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    How awful are those posts on sites that just open to a video.  No words really, just a giant play button.  And you never really want to watch the video that second, right? We try to spare you those posts here.  But there are exceptions. When a video production approaches true The Grand Tour production values.  When a drone-cam tracks your Jeep romping in tall grass and from over water.  When dual GoPro’s with different cabin angles was ridiculous but still tolerated by the talent. When you’ve found a peachy dirt road to mimic rally speeds around corners — tail …

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2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4×4 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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A long time ago, the SUV was a truck. In fact, many of our SUV-owning friends used to call them trucks. It was a badge of pride. Tough, no-nonsense. Go anywhere. The anti-Minivan in every sense of the word. But we got seduced. Today, nearly everyone wants car-like comfort, luxuries, swank styling. Rugged capability? Who cares. Well, if you’ve seen the weather lately, or watch the hot TV shows, you know, it might not be such a bad idea to have a little go-anywhere in your garage. Which leads us to today’s question: What vehicle do you want when the …

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Frankfurt IAA 2017 – PORSCHE Showfloor Gallery – Cayenne Turbo + GT3 Touring

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It is shocking how many things can be fixed in this world by the sheer presence of the Rothmans rally racing 959.  The new Cayenne Turbo continues the grand tradition of Porkers looking best from the back.  The nose is hard to judge in photos … but certainly looks ravenous. The GT3 Touring Package is a new issue with all the GT3 handling but less giant wing out back.  It looks stellar from both ends. We also have our first look at the 2018 Cayenne S. This seems rather plain in the presence of the Turbo but will surely bring …

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Meet The Devils G-Wagen – 888HP, 3.9s BRABUS 900 G65

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  Any mortal senses when something just isn’t right in this world.  Mutant formations, though, can sometimes pack superpowers beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. This Brabus 900 is an unholy abonination.  In perhaps the most insane special-ops offroad supercar form ever. The G65 Widestar here is called the One of Ten and delivers absolutely ungodly thrust and speed.  V12TT stoked with gold-lined shields, bored-out cylinders and red-hot turbo boost.  8-piston calipers and 23-inch rubber help stick 1106 pound-feet of torque to the ground.  And will happily drift unlike any other Galendewagen in the world!  [Except maybe this one we rendered a …

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Brabus STARTECH Land Rover DISCOVERY is Hottest Disco Since 54

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In the flesh, the 2018 Land Rover Discovery has an unforgettably futuristic look.  The design is incredibly stunning but is a challenge to capture in photos.  Trust me. So when StarTech launches their bodykit and tuning mods, it takes a sexy truck even further into the future. Deep and chiseled new nose details and lower splitter, dark contrast hood and mirror caps and side sills make up the big changes up front.  All is gloss black with not a touch of chrome to interrupt the look. Around back is where things go particularly bonkers: huge square pipes at each corner …

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STARTECH Murders Out the Bentley BENTAYGA

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Updated 9.1.17 with two additional examples of the StarTech Brabus program for the Bentayga. Finally, a tuned Bentayga that will not embarrass the hell out of its driver!  We highly recommend the monochrome finish versus two-tone.    A very nice stage one mod pack for the new Bentayga just arrived!  Brabus’s StarTech division is leading the effort with custom carbon exterior upgrades, giant 23s and a remote-operated sport exhaust that bellows far louder than stock. The engine output appears to stay the same on this first upgrade.  The press release below discusses the V12 at length… but of course, the …

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ALFA-ROMEO Wine & Cheese at Folktale Winery – Monterey Car Week 2017

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Does Pebble Beach feel like eons ago?  Less than a week since $300-million in cars were sold at auction.  And about the same value of collectibles driving all around town. Alfa Romeo had a strong presence at 2017 Monterey Car Week.  Always a favorite on the lawn on Sunday, the brand is now heavily promoting their new Stelvio SUV and Giulia sport sedan. Both have pricing from about $50k and look a million times more special than their BMW rivals. Here are a few dozen of our favorite Alfa Romeos from Pebble Beach and beyond.  Special access to a Stelvio …

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2017 MANSORY BENTAYGA Introduces Forged-Carbon Widebody

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Mansory has a huge variety of customization options for the first-evert Bentley SUV.  They split it into the main kit and the ‘soft kit,’ with the softie just upgrading the lower splitters and bodywork details. The full fat Mansory makeover brings a totally new set of bumpers front/back, a reverse-scooped hood and some seriously wide fender extensions.  Hard to say whether the new Lambo-like forged exposed carbon, standard exposed-weave carbon or painted carbon panels are the sexiest.  They all dramatically up the visual drama of a three-ton Flying B. The x-piped sport exhaust and sport lowering suspension are highly recommended …

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2017 Mansory GRONOS 6×6 G-Wagen

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The Mansory Gronos G-Class goes right into the “Because.. Of Course” folder. The design upgrades are fairly deep with an all-new face and fresh rear bumper as well.  Much more modern than the factory G-CLass.  But nothing compares with the raw curb appeal. A truck whose fenders are at eye level needs little upgrade.  And of course, this 6×6 version is an even more capable forebearer to the trendy 4×4-squared.  WIth an extra locking diff there is a big traction advantage in the 6×6.  Its external pickup bed is also a favorite feature among its Falcon-loving owners. Here are three …

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

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

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2017 Ford Escape Titanium – Road Test Review

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How time flies! Ford launched this platform for the Escape around 2012 and it was a revelation for the compact crossover segment.  Handling and engine shared with the Range Rover Evoque, but with pricing $20k less?  Sign us up. Five years later and this newly-refreshed 2017 model is not nearly as appealing.  Is this lightest-of-light refreshes for 2017 enough to keep Escape competitive with its arch-rivals RAV4 and CR-V?  How about the dozens of other new CUVs with the same $25-$40k pricerange? We spent a week with the new Escape Titanium EcoBoost 4WD – the tippy top drivetrain and trim …

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Own the 007 Spectre 2014 Land Rover Defender SVX!

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A Defender pro-mod by Q himself!  Or was this the villain car in that Alpine chase.  Oh yes.  Bond is actually driving a crashed plane at the time. This SVX machine will let its new owner be a Bond hero daily.   2014 Land Rover Defender SVX “Spectre”

2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring FWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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It’s tough being Mazda. After all, in the automotive world, you’re a small company, up against giants like Toyota, Ford, and Nissan. And even though you’re a famous sports car maker, you need to compete in the big-money segments like small crossovers to survive. But Mazda did more than just compete. With the original CX-5, Mazda made one of the best, most fun to drive small crossovers on the market. But time moves on, and Mazda has to as well. Will Mazda’s new CX-5 be another winner, or will it suffer from sophomore slump? Well, first of all, it’s not …

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2018 Land Rover DISCOVERY – Off-Road First Drive

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When the truck that gets stuck — metal to rock — in front of you on an offroad course is a 2017 Raptor, you start to wonder if your truck will make it through the same obstacle. Except when it is a Land Rover? We found out just how incredible the 2018 Disco was offroad the other week.  And documented the experience thoroughly! Not totally fair to call this a review of any sort.  Seat time was less than an hour, while we never touched pavement.  So these observations are nearly static impressions. But here goes. WOW! The most ultramodern …

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2018 Jaguar E-Pace – 300HP CUV Pricing and USA Launch Details!

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Jumping for joy! This new Jaguar E-Pace compact SUV is the perfect model for Jag right now.  Hot on the heels of the F-Pace SUV’s knockout launch, this E-Pace is firmly on the way for the 2018 model-year — and even has USA pricing in full included below!  Spoiler alert: it runs from $39k to about $55k. While the I-Pace name has been linked to a full EV concept from the big cat, this new E-Pace is a close relative.  Sharing a platform and much design and tech, they are both starting assembly in the next six months. Jaguar is …

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Novitec Debuts Tesla Model X Stage One Bodykit, Vossen 22s and CCBs

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Welcome to Hell! Electric cars heading to the supertuning boutique? Yes, the day has come, folks. Just kidding. The Tesla X is already over $100k easily and rips to 100-mph like a stabbed rat.  So why not upgrade its style and stance to match? If you’re like us, you loathe the Tesla roofline and bloated surfaces.  But realize: the looks outside, and the glasshouse in particular, are basically just there to create ridiculously airy cabins.  The same reason there is a double-height windshield — to make the X feel like a legit spaceship.  Once you accept that — and know …

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2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid – Road Test Review – by Ben Lewis

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Hybrids are everywhere. And with the rare exception, while they offer improved fuel efficiency, they rarely offer the enthusiast excitement. Now an Acura hybrid? Well that might be something. After all, the new NSX supercar qualifies as a hybrid. Then again, so does the Accord Hybrid, from Acura’s sibling Honda. So the question is, is the MDX Hybrid a sleeper supercar, or just a snooze? Well the looks don’t give anything away. This is the same large 3-row SUV we’ve known for some time. Acura has been honing the design for 2017, with a new “Diamond Pentagon” grille, “Jewel Eye” …

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2017 Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum (AWD) – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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Three row SUVs have always possessed a special spot in the minds of many family buyers. With enough seating for a whole family, as well as tremendous amounts of cargo space, these bruisers have become a must have tool for many families. The Toyota Highlander is one of the top entries in this class, but can the updated 2017 Highlander allow Toyota to continue its winning ways? Or have they caused the Highlander to lose some ground to a growing crop of SUV rivals?   The exterior styling of the Highlander was lightly revised for the 2017 model year, and …

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2017 Kia NIRO Touring Hybrid – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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As auto journalists, we’re constantly asked about what’s new, what we like, what we’re driving. So, it’s surprising that the vehicle we’re talking a bunch about lately is the exciting Kia Niro hybrid. Kia? Hybrid? Exciting? Yes, Yes, and really… Yes. And we’re just as surprised as you. We were expecting a decent little vehicle – probably more of a penalty box – in the pursuit of all elusive high mpg numbers, at the expense of everything else. But it ain’t so. The Niro is a stylish, well-equipped, little hatch/crossover that happens to be great fun to drive. And fun …

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LARTE Design Launches Carbon Kit for MASERATI LEVANTE

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Larte Design has a new set of carbon-fiber goodies to dress up one of the world’s hottest new trucks: the Maserati Levante. These make perfect gifts – even to yourself! — for DIY car guys and gals.  Why?  No heavy lifting here or intense bodyshop skills needed to mount these properly. The extra CF bits and bobs (about nine in all) extend the factory spoilers just a touch deeper for added sporty coolness.Sounding like a fanboy here but nobody does stick-on carbon fiber as nicely as Larte Design.  The chin spoiler, side spats and mirror caps are elegant and appear …

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2017 Toyota LAND CRUISER – HD Road Test Review + 3 Videos

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Driving the incredible Land Cruiser for a week is a major dream-come-true for any car reviewer. So legendary!  So rare! Practically speaking, Land Cruiser is also a test of skills to describe – and do this unique machine justice.  But all the while?  A huge grin on my face and a major thrill to accept this challenge. What makes Land Cruiser so special?  For one, it sits proudly atop the Toyota hierarchy in terms of pricing.  This is the most expensive Big T by far. Continuous production since 1951 is evidence of enduring appeal. And sure, Land Cruiser’s worldwide acclaim …

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2018 Dodge DEMON and SRT Durango – Startup, Revs and Exhaust Note VIDEOS

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Dodge brought out the big guns for the recent Midwest Auto Media event at Road America racetrack. Their two new sluggers left the crowd in awe!  The SRT Durango was a surprising arrival — considering it has never been seen in real life to date.  The huge news with this monster-V8 SUV is that its tires are simply massive.  Taller than you might expect and wider than most true performance cars — these Pirellis are critical for putting so much power to the ground.  Dodge promises performance to wallop the Yukon Denali and even out-handle the SRT Grand Cherokee. But the …

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2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock – Review By Tim Esterdahl

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Rubicon Hard Rock – Tough As Nails As one of the most recognized nameplates in the off-road community, the 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock is just about the most purpose built vehicle you can buy. It is a rugged, off-road machine meant for those “hey watch this” moments in the outdoors. Virtually unchanged for the past several years, the 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon offers the same powertrain, style and off-road equipment its fans have come to enjoy and rely on. About the only thing new this year is the shocking Hypergreen exterior paint color on our $43,325 test model. That …

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Novitec ESTESO is Designer Widebody Maserati LEVANTE

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What to do when the latest Cayenne tunes no longer give you a tingle in your loins? When the widest widebody Macan no longer makes your pulse race? How about trying on this stunning new Novitec custom based on the Maserati Levante S.  Novitec is calling this the Esteso and it includes the full gamut of their tuning expertise.  Engine, suspension, exhaust, cabin and exterior all get a heavy makeover. The results are so badass they are sure to make your pants tent once again. Check out the stunning machine in its full detail below — and order the finished …

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2017 Lexus RX450h F Sport – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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The world is clamoring for hybrids. Especially since VW has probably signed the death warrant on Diesel, at least in the U.S. Luckily for Lexus and Toyota, their brands have been THE place to go for Hybrids selling the funky and agrarian Prius sedan here since 2000. And hybrids have come a long way, in performance, livability, and technology. So if you’re looking for a luxury SUV, but still want to feel good about yourself among your eco-conscious friends, where to go? Ahem… right here. The 2017 Lexus RX450h. Feel good is what the RX450h is all about. Partly, because Lexus …

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Best of Shanghai – 2017 Chevrolet FNR-X Concept [18 Photos]

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Chevrolet’s new FNR-X concept for the Shanghai auto show is incredibly sexy.  In fact, it is one of the coolest SUVs in a show absolutely packed with one-off showpieces.  Most of these are a million miles from the production cars on that same brand.  Is the FNR-X? Perhaps only a half-million miles.  It actually seems feasible for these design themes to come to life, as well as the Volt-inspired PHEV drivetrain. The reasons we love the FNR-X design are its gorgeous proportions, low roof and sharply carved surfaces.  Check out the three-dimensionality of the tailgate!  Or the slimline LED lamps …

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2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX Premier – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Car manufacturers apparently do not use the same calendar as the rest of the world. I know this because I found myself in Asheville, North Carolina last month — before the end of the first quarter of 2017 — road testing the new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. I’m not sure why they time-shift like this, but I guess the folks at Chevy thought this new groundup re-make was so good, they just couldn’t wait to get it into customer’s garages.  And after spending the day with the new Equinox, I can say that they’ll have a lot of happy customers. In 2016, compact crossover …

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2018 Citroen C5 AIRCROSS On Sale Late Summer

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Vague headline alert! On sale where, exactly?  The best-looking and biggest Citroen SUV ever brings hydaulic suspension for that ultra smooth ride.  Part of why the Citroen DS was so legendary was its hydraulic ride.  Same for the MB 600 Pullman and all modern McLarens. Good tech peers for hydraulics, then. And brands the C5 Aircross will meet when it hits showrooms in Europe around November of 2017.  The model will bow in China a few months earlier, though the production location is unknown at this time. The C5 Aircross really appeals with a bluff, tall hood edge but a …

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2017 VW ID Crozz Concept – Goofy Preview of Future E-SUV

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The tsunami of EV crossovers in development from all brands is starting to worry us.  Where will demand for these E-SUVs (trademark!:) come from when these all arrive together in late 2018?! Automakers near and far are sure that these vehicles are the way forward.  Expensive vehicles as a way to offset the giant costs of the battery packs needed for 300 miles.  The same size batteries would be needed for a compact size car, but who would buy that?  As such, EV crossovers do make some sense, and will let carmakers in the US keep selling a load of …

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Update1 – 2017 Audi e-Tron Sportback Concept – Previews Q5-Sized 2019 EV

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Audi’s astounding sales growth is slowing to a near halt lately.  The firm needs to expand its range horizontally as well as vertically with new model sizes.  The horizontal expansion will add hybrid variants and EVs to similar sizes of Audi’s we know and love today. Unlike just swapping engines, these e-tron models require to be unique platforms from the ground up. There is simply no other way to incorporate flat-pack batteries (a la Tesla) in a conventional chassis. A fresh hint at Audi’s new mission is the 2017 E-Tron Sportback concept.  This full EV just bowed in Shanghai with …

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4.0s, 400HP Jaguar I-PACE Concept – Design Analysis: Is It Sexy?

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The Jaguar I-Pace has a hard name to overcome.  And when it was first shown in silver, it had a mountain to climb for good style, too. Too generic EV, they said. FastForward two months and the I-Pace is back in striking red paint with dark details.  More fitting, perhaps, for the first credible Model X rival. Going full electric for the i-pace means the proportions are radically rethought.  Yes, this is crossover territory, but with a chopped (and hard to digest) nose and nonexistent overhangs.  A lower roof and much lower ride height than F-Pace.  But looking wide as XJ and …

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2017 Nissan ROGUE ONE Star Wars Edition – Review By Ben Lewis

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  We had mixed feelings about testing the 2017 Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition Rogue. Nissan has made some notable improvements on its popular crossover, and we were looking forward to testing it. Then they announced the Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition model. Since they both had the name “Rogue” it kind of smacked of opportunism. Cue rolling of eyes. So, the question becomes, is The Force with the new Rogue, or just the farce? Well, since we don’t want to spoil the ending, let’s start with what’s new for Rogue. Already a crisp design, we have a …

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2017 Genesis GV80 SUV Concept Makes Surprise NY Debut

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Genesis is engineering a fleet of SUVs to rival the best in the world.   This is our first look at their vision for a $50k midsize SUV about the size of an X5. The GV80 is mostly a design study and showcase of what is coming to the realworld.  For that purpose, its design outside … needs further study.  We can’t get a sense of its details in these preview renderings.  What is clear is that the truck has an awesome, F-Pace-ish stance and low roofline.  The bodysides show interesting firmness and strong lines.  This also shows up in …

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3.5s, 180MPH 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT TRACKHAWK – 25-Photo Debut w/ Video

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Dodge brought some world-shaking POWER to New York this year.  The 840HP Challenger Demon is honestly one of the most insane production cars of all time. And now this.  Which, before Demon arrived, would certainly have been near the top of the “insane” list. Ladies and gentleman, please welcome: the most powerful SUV in the world. The 3.5-second, 707HP Cherokee TrackHawk. Bow down. Where did SRT hide the ram-air intake for this Hellcat 4×4?  One of the lower foglamp areas is a direct line to supercharged heaven/hell. The GC looks similar to how we know and love it, but the …

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Best of NYIAS – 2018 Lincoln NAVIGATOR – 450HP, 10-Speed

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There have been three or four times in my lifetime when Lincoln Motor Company seemed like it was really on to something.  It had a lot to prove: we only knew it as the Town Car company.  Certainly not a credible luxury contender. The Jag-look Continental of the late 1990s had us doing double takes, even if it was a total boat and deeply FWD from behind the wheel.  Or when the first Nav arrived. Then when the LS sedans came out.  A luxed-up, 4-door Mustang for Lincoln sounded great! But these moments for Lincoln were one-offs. Flukes, almost, in …

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Best of NYIAS – 2017 Toyota FT-4X Concept

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Welcome to Toyota getting hip with the kids! Since Scion was politely folded into the Big T proper, there are many products in the pipeline that still embody that wacky Scion spirit. The FT-4X is one of those, and looks set for arrival to showrooms within about a year at the most.  This machine is a heavily redesigned and off-road-optimized version of the sexy new C-HR subcompact crossover.  The FT-4X is far more than just a tall-roof variant.  (Although that is its core nature). From a tread perspective, the FT-4X rides far higher, with grippier rubber and longer-travel suspension.  Likely-standard …

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2017 Subaru ASCENT Concept is Jumbo, 7-Seater Outback Headed to Showrooms Next Year

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Subaru has been hinting and teasing its 3-row intentions for years now.  Since the Tribeca bowed out gracefully, in fact, we’ve seen VIZIV concepts galore.  We lost track. Maybe six concepts on that Viziv badge.  Refining what a seven-seat Subaru might be. A new approach was needed, and we now have a 98-percent look at the finished, production product.  The high roofline adds nearly a half-foot of air inside the cabin versus the 5-seat Outback.   An all-new platform drops the floor dramatically in the second row too, giving what looks like amble wayback access and big captains chairs for …

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Animated Debut – 2017 Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept

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The newest Infiniti is upon us!  It is dubbed the QX80 Monograph. That term is defined as a singular passion project – and shows the lux truck business is important to Infiniti. Very important. This design study upgrades the design of the QX80 immeasurably.  The glasshouse feels familiar, as does the nose. But they are slippery, sexy new expressions on this frame.  The bodysides take a similar space-future upgrade to their look, too, naturally.  The silhouette-racer description is apt.  Minus the giant mirrors of the current model. This beauty uses camera stalk embeds.  Stance is seriously low, with massive rubber …

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Gallery: AC Schnitzer 30th Anniversary in 200 Photos

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Anniversaries are a nice vote of confidence in any company.  But when the total years is less than 30 or so, the business is usually still pretty new.  Recordkeeping was usually poor and the products sometimes laughable in hindsight. You better believe this last bit applies to the tuned car business.  AC Schnitzer is one of the best – broadening from their first M3 and 635CSi offerings into MINI, Range Rover and every fast BMW since.  But the company did keep records, and it does celebrate its weirder achievements.  3 series X-Road wagon in 2001?  Or the 2003 Topster Z3 …

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NOVITEC Tridente Launches Maserati Levante Upgrades

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This is a seriously sexy custom SUV!  Carbon aero pieces might blend in with this dark bronze paintwork, but are incredibly cool up close.  The nose splitter, side sills and rear spoilers are naked carbon for this stage one mod, but can be painted to suit. A performance ECU reflash takes the twin turbo Levante to 494HP without getting any hands dirty.  Same goes for the air suspension module that allows the truck to lower itself much farther than stock.  Yet another high-tech module brings Levante by Novitec an active exhaust baffle. Capping off this stunner are 22-inch wheels that …

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2017 Hyundai SANTA FE Ultimate – Road Test Review – By Tim Esterdahl

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  Overlooked by many consumers, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is the sleeper pick by many journalists as the best full-size CUV on the market. Why the disconnect between consumers and critics? No idea, it is really that good. The Hyundai Santa Fe has been around for years and in 2012 a longer-wheel base model called the Limited hit the sales rooms. As opposed to the smaller Sport model, the Limited offers a third-row – a key item for family shoppers. It also received a different grille design, optional 19 inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips and its overall shape …

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2017 Nissan ARMADA Platinum – Road Test Review – By Tim Esterdahl

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In a segment long dominated by the Chevy Tahoe and the GMC Yukon, the 2017 Nissan Armada arrives to take them both head on. With a huge interior and plenty of horsepower under the hood along with a very unique style, it is bold challenger, yet does it truly measure up? Yes and it might just surprise many large SUV buyers. Fresh off a one-year hiatus, the 2017 Armada is back with new looks, improved V8 and loads of safety and security tech. It continues Nissan’s push to be more than a low-budget volume seller and instead be a major …

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2017 GMC Acadia DENALI – Road Test Review – By Tim Esterdahl

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  GMC angling to be a “premium brand” these days — a long way from their trucks’ deserved reputation as rebadged Chevrolets.  GMC has definitely changed, but not everything makes sense. The 2017 GMC Acadia Denali is a perfect example of this. It is essentially a rebadged Chevrolet Traverse with upgraded features and luxury. Do these luxury features push it to another level above the Traverse? Absolutely, yet they may do more harm than good. The 2017 GMC Acadia is one of several SUV models offered by GMC these days as the brand works to find complements to its better-selling Yukon Denali and Sierra …

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2017 Maserati LEVANTE at Amelia Island Concours [22 Photos]

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The new Levante in Blu Emozione paintwork is gorgeous and quite unique in its design.  We love its serious, toothy nose and sharky hood/grille edge.  Not as sure about the rear three-quarter angle or the slightly narrow-looking rubber. The truck is even more special on the inside, where it is lined with Zegna cashmere, leathers and suedes from roof to floor.  Quite pretty.  Not a huge back seat but decent trunk room versus F-Pace or the Cayenne/Macan. The Levante starts from $74k  with 350HP while the S kicks off from $84k with a tuned V6TT making 424 ponies.  2017 Maserati …

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2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4 at Amelia Island Concours [45 Photos]

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  Ever wanted a truck that was so outrageous it might stop traffic dead on sight? Welcome to the G-Class 4×4-squared. This G550 4×4 even upstages the G65 parked right beside it.  This “normal” twin-turbo V12 G-wagen looks like a child’s toy parked next to the 4×4! The G65 and this G550 are actually priced pretty similarly.  The 4×4 comes in G550 and G63 variants, with this G550 coming in at about $220k.  The G65 is just a few thousand more and will be MUCH quicker.  But not nearly as outlandish.   2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4

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2017 Ford Explorer Platinum 4×4 – HD Road Test Review

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As recently as ten years ago, all you had to ask for was a seven-seat SUV. The options were pretty limited and you found your way into various full-size Suburbans or Expeditions. These days, car shoppers have to get a lot more specific.  There are over 50 SUV and crossover models capable of seating seven.  But they are certainly not all equally capable. The Ford Explorer aims to be one of the largest mid-size SUVs out there – one with real seating in the third row and decent luggage room with all seats up.  The Explorer is very-much an SUV versus a …

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2017 Brabus 550 Adventure G-Class 4×4² – Geneva Debut

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Brabus starts with G550 4×4-squared mod with one of the most pumped-up factory trucks of all time: the G-Class 4×4.  This widebody, lifted offroad special now has a huge bump in power, sound and jungle capability.  Brabus sells the complete vehicle — which is convenient one-stop shopping for the world’s millionaire travelers!     2017 Brabus 550 Adventure G-Class 4×4² World premiere at the Geneva Auto Show 2017   BRABUS 550 ADVENTURE 4×4²   The exclusive extreme off-roader with 404 kW / 550 HP, 800 Nm of torque and exclusive BRABUS equipment   BRABUS 550 ADVENTURE 4×4²: The world’s largest independent …

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2018 Alfa Romeo STELVIO – 70 Dynamic Pics On Namesake Road

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Feeling like every day there is a brand-new SUV from a luxury brand? You’re right.  Bentayga and Levante join F-Pace and even a Maybach G-Class for 2017. The class of 2018 includes this stunner: the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The big press launch just took place in Europe and offers a great look at the truck in the wild. Certainly a wild look! Ultra rounded fenders, nose and hood lead to a very-low and bubbly hardtop shape.  Big wheels and fenders enforce the machine’s performance credentials — if the giant Alfa V grille didn’t do it! The top model matches the …

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2017 Citroen DS7 Crossback – Yay or Nay?

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And now… for something completely different! Citroen is a favorite around here thanks to its wild designs, brave vision and often-odd product lineups.  Long a hero of urban France, the brand actually has great reach into central/south America and much of Asia.  One place in Asia, in particular.  No prizes for knowing it! The CHinese market has embraced Citroen’s designer flair and euro drive manners.  Especially its upscale DS brand. This new DS7 Crossback is the closest thing to a globally-competitive flagship SUV from any of the French brands.  This five-seater is stunningly luxurious, high-tech and high-style. A 300HP plugin-hybrid …

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2017 Maserati LEVANTE By Brabus-StarTech

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Levante is pretty intense in the flesh.  A macho chin and shark nose up front, but ultra low roof tapering to nothing in the back. But how to take some of Maserati’s trim and style choices up a few big notches? StarTech to the rescue.  This Brabus brand has a full line of Levante parts available for shipping worldwide.  Pick a few or go for the works…! Granted, finding tires for the 23s on this Geneva showtruck might be tricky.  Such is life… in the fastlane.   Scratch that: this truck runs centerlock 21s.  More info below the gallery. 2017 …

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2018 Range Rover VELAR World Debut w/Video

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Hey handsome! Check out the latest and greatest Range Rover in history: the new VELAR!  The RR Velar is another genius product that fits the five-seat super-sport SUV niche.  Yes, there was open space for new customers above the Evoque bu below the seven-sear Range Rover Sport. This Velar is set to hoover them up.  Next-gen powertrains and tech abound – but there’ll be time for all that later.  First things first: how gorgeous is it? VERY!     An ultra-streamlined new aesthetic for the bodywork hugs the ground like no Land Rover before.  The ultra wide track appears straight …

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Launch Gallery – 2017 Land Rover DISCOVERY

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Ahhh-roooo-bahhh! Definitely lives up to its One Happy Island tagline. The hilly island is the perfect backdrop for the all-new Discovery. Just kidding!  Many of these pics were labelled Aruba… but that is the name of the color. =]   Photos from Utah.  Aruba does have awsome cliffs and red rock… but much more ocean and flora all around.  Our real clue was seeing snow in one of the photos. The 2017 Discovery arrives around April/May to US showrooms with pricing from $50k to $74k.  Two engines: the supercharged gas six or a turbodiesel that adds about $8k to the base price. …

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2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC By VAETH – Not Quite GLC500 But Style Is Hot

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Slammed stance, great grip and pipes… annnnd it’s a diesel.  Wham.  Slight disappointment but an interesting look regardless. For example, why not remove the 220d from the trunk?  And why with this deeply lowered suspension… are there running boards?  The hood is definitely open in these pics, by the way. Oh well.  The power bump is modest but also well-priced for an ECU reflash. 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC By VAETH VÄTH LAUNCHED A GLC Photos: Jordi Miranda VÄTH in Hösbach near Aschaffenburg gained worldwide recognition with their two business segments, automobile technology and engine technology. Vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and AMG are …

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2017 Lexus RX350 – Design Analysis Video with 40 New Photos

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Here are some very pretty photos and an informative video walkaround of the best-selling Lexus RX.  Count the vehicle as a solid follow-up to the smooth, comfy and quiet Lexus crossover hero.  As dull/proven as the powertrains are, it is really the exterior design of the new RX350 that future-proofs such a familiar machine. The cabin will seal the deal among previous owners not wild about the new full-frame grille!  It is much more luxurious and one of the smoothest-riding SUVs we’ve ever driven. For a half-dozen more articles and drive reviews of the Lexus RX, be sure to check …

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2017 Jeep Cherokee TRAILHAWK – HD Road Test Review Plus 2 Videos

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True or False: The Cherokee Trailhawk is just as serious an upgrade as any M car from BMW — but tailored to making the Jeep unstoppable offroad versus chopping its track laptimes. Preposterous comparison?  M car versus Trailhawk package? We might have thought so too until spending a week in the Trailhawk and testing out its off-road drive systems (on video below!) on some deep mud/clay here in South Carolina. The transformation of the Cherokee in off-road beastmode is as dramatic as any Sport Plus on a high-performance car.  Perhaps even more-so for how intense the drivetrain becomes in its 4Low …

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Der neue Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet: Streng limitiert: Open-Air-Luxus on- und offroad

2017 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet – Ragtop V12TT G-Wagen!?

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HOLY ****!  You are not going to believe the latest G-Class mutant from Mercedes-Maybach. It is dubbed the G650 Landauletand incorporates the hardcore suspension and chassis mods from the 4×4-squared, a monster V12TT powerplant… and an open-roofed limo cockpit! So much to take in.  Soak up the official details and 25 photos of this incredibly fun new way to spend $750 large. Love it! 2017 Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet The new Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet: Strictly limited: open-air luxury both on- and off-road 13. February 2017 Stuttgart *Fuel consumption combined: 17.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 397 g/km Stuttgart. A …

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2018 Dodge Durango SRT

4.4s, 475HP 2018 Dodge Durango SRT Revealed + Video

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  There is something hypnotic about watching the new SRT Durango churn all four wheels in a hard burnout!  The video below is the perfect intro to such an awesome machine.  The best part of this burnout!!?  He never actually moves an inch! But the idea of the SRT392 engine with AWD and all the Hellcat-inspired suspension/grip upgrades seems insanely smart.  The numbers speak for themselves.  A 4.4-second launch matches the SRT392 itself thanks to the four-paw grip. The SRT Durango also has a giant tow rating and herculean bellow for all seven passengers to enjoy! 2018 Dodge Durango SRT …

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2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD – Road Test Review + New Photos!

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  The new Pathfinder is quite the looker in this flashy Sandstone paintwork! It is quite unusual for a family crossover to attract as much attention as this beauty received in our care for a week.  The facelift definitely works at reinvigorating the Pathfinder’s style, then. But the 2017 refresh for the Pathfinder is actually more than skin-deep. An all-new 3.5-liter V6 is the big news under the redesigned hood – upping the tow rating to 6000-pounds and juicing the 0-60 times as well. Is the refresh enough to make the Pathfinder top of the class with the Toyota Highlander, …

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2017 GMC Acadia SLT-1 FWD – HD Road Test Review

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You know the shorthand details on the all-new 2017 Acadia from GMC:  it is 700-pounds lighter and overall far more carlike than its predecessor. While still seating six or seven with its three-row seating. Another few changes slipped out of the big news, though: the Acadia is gorgeous now, and runs a gorgeous 26-mpg highway via its standard front-drive, four-cylinder power. This is pretty huge news versus the Acadia’s at the top of the range with their big V6 engine and ubiquiotus AWD and huge wheels.  A rarity in the car-reviews business, then. We have ourselves an entry-level model to …

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2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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In the sport of mountain climbing, reaching the summit is always the endgame. All of the blood, sweat and careful planning needed to reach this tiny patch of real estate is certainly worth it once you get there. Jeep aims to replicate this feeling with the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee model lineup. Like the fore-mentioned rock formation, the Summit represents the pinnacle of Jeep luxury and capability. But can it still stand out against a crowded field of luxury SUV contenders aiming to take advantage of low fuel prices and increased demand from a new generation of customers?     …

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2017 Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD Touring – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  An exciting new twist with the 2017 CR-V.  Five of them, in fact!~ Honda’s really got us spinning with the all-new CR-V. And while it already was one of the very best, they’ve done a lot of things – big and small – to make sure it keeps its leadership position.   Twist 1: It will turn heads: CR-V’s have always been modern, contemporary vehicles, but not Wowzers. Until now. First of all, the new CR-V looks noticeably bigger, and it is. Give partial credit to the smaller HR-V being offered so its big brother can stretch out. The …

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2016 INFINITI QX60 3.5 AWD – HD Road Test Review – By Tom Burkart

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  Is carlike handling and seating for seven too much to ask for in the luxury car market?  Mainstream brands seem to have this formula pretty well nailed with the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. But name a three-row, car-based crossover from a luxury brand that really delivers easy access, kid-friendly tech and a price less than $75k! Sure, there is the Mercedes-Benz GLS or the Audi Q7.  But both of those big, heavy trucks drive like forklifts around town and in carpool lanes.  Yes, you have the Lexus GX460 or Range Rover Sport to consider.  But those third rows …

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2017 Audi Q8 Concept – Near-Production SUV Limo Shows Face in Detroit

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  Finally!  Some fresh design from Audi! After the deeply dull A4/A5 and Q5/Q7 refreshes lately, Audi is showing some design elan with their new Q8 concept.  This four-seat plugin hybrid limo promises supreme comfort for four.  A platform share with the Q7 moves the back seat rearward and focused on backseat comfort for just the second row.  No third row, then. A stonking 516 pound-feet of torque ensure a rapid getaway for the lucky four-some.  And a silent one too!  The machine promises 37-miles of pure EV driving range. What this limo indicates is that Audi’s model expansion has …

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2017 KIA SOUL! Turbo DCT – HD Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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The Kia Soul has been one of the most successful small ‘utes in history.  Those engaging Hamster commercials did a great job of renting some space in our minds. When the Soul was redesigned, we saw the hamsters hit the gym, slim down, and start dressing like Daniel Craig in the Bond films. But what happens when the carmaker introduces the turbo, double-clutch 2017 Kia Soul! (pronounced “exclamation”)? Hamsters on steroids! And we have to give Kia credit for putting the loveable Soul on the juice, because they could probably sell every one they make already. It’s a great little …

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2018 VW Atlas R-Line First Look – Arrives May 2017 to USA Showrooms!

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No big power bump on the Atlas yet, but this R-Line upgrade is the sportiest we’ve seen yet! Available as a style and grip tweak to the 235HP turbo four or 276-pony V6, the R-Line adds unique 20-inch alloys and a very chic new appearance front and rear.  Baby steps! The Atlas itself is en route to production and a showroom arrival by around April of 2017 in the USA.  Yes! It is true.  The truck is on the way! In fact, based on these pics… we’d say it is already in pre-production as we speak!  It cannot come soon …

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2017 Ford ESCAPE Titanium FWD – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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A third of the auto industry’s sales last year were SUV’s. That means that about 5 million of them were sold here.  At Ford, their leading SUV model is the Escape. Over 300,000 units were sold last year alone, making the Escape the number 2 selling Ford model, behind only the Ford F-150 pickup truck.  The Escape debuted way back in the year 2000, and they have sold more than 2.4 million of them.  After spending a week with the 2017 Escape, it’s not hard to understand why. For 2017, the Escape gets a mid-cycle refresh, bringing some significant changes to the …

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First Drive Photos – 2017 BMW X4 M40i – Widescreen Gallery

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The briefest of brief spins in the sexy 2017 BMW X4 M40i! How does this all-new turbo six feel versus the previous X4 xDrive35i M Sport? Far more focused, to be honest.  The new motor series is not just up 20HP/30-pound-feet of torque.  It also gains a biting new exhaust bark in all forms.  That back-bellow and M-style popping on the overrun is cranked to the max in the X4 M40i.  And we adore it. The exterior is also quite sexy with its dark-tinted badges, chrome-free appearance and overall sinister-ness. The grey mirror caps and blocky alloys reinforce this impression …

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2016 Volkswagen TIGUAN R-Line 4Motion – Road Test Review – By Tom Burkart       

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Our reviews here on Car-Revs-Daily.com generally try to be upbeat and playfully informative.  With insightful observations galore and a few critiques along the way. It is usually because the cars manufacturers send our way are all fairly loveable, newsworthy and generally pretty fresh on the market.  We put ourselves in the position of the buyers in that market segment for a week.  A week of driving later.. we’re usually gushing with some form of praise. This Tiguan review will have many of those characteristics, but with a darker edge. The 2016 Tiguan is woefully outclassed by nearly any compact crossover …

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2017 Nissan Armada Platinum – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

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The big news with the second-generation Nissan Armada is this: We finally got a Nissan Patrol in America! Perhaps bigger news still is that the 2017 Nissan Armada, Nissan’s largest SUV, doesn’t drive nearly so large as it is. Nissan does the SUV — bigly Riding on a 121.1-inch wheelbase, the 6,000-lb. Armada measures 208.9 inches from bumper-to-bumper and straddles a piece of ground 79.9 inches wide. It stands 75.8 inches tall. It’s a large beast — not quite as large as the also new-for-2017 Nissan Titan, but close. Maneuvering in tight quarters may require your full, undivided attention. Thankfully, …

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2016 Ford EDGE Titanium – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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  The wife and I picked up our friends to go out to dinner in the Ford Edge. They weren’t in the car more than 60 seconds before they both said (almost in unison) “Wow, there’s a lot of room back here.”  A few minutes later, “these seat warmers are really nice.”  I then suggested they recline the seatbacks a little bit, and they were delighted with that feature, too. Ten minutes later, I heard, “Boy, this car rides really smoothly, even better than our Lexus RX. What is it?” They were surprised to learn that it was a Ford.  …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Toyota 4Runner Trail Premium – By Carl Malek

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In an era where CUVs and even full size SUVs are embracing car based platforms as their underlying DNA, the 2016 Toyota 4Runner is a compelling glimpse into an era when pickup based SUVs ruled the roads both on and off the beaten path. With its sole rival the Nissan Xterra being discontinued last year, the 4Runner is one of the few remaining stalwarts in a shrinking market segment. But does its blend of capability, size, and utility still allow it to stand out against rivals? or has the passage of time finally caught up to Toyota’s off road bruiser? …

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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SPORT 2.0T AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Is this sexy new Sante Fe SPORT ready to play in the big leagues? Both Hyundai and Kia have been huge success stories lately, but we still get comments from buyers that hadn’t considered “one of those brands.” Which is sort of understandable, if you only buy a new vehicle every 8-10 years, you might have missed out on the great turnaround of the Korean automaker. And you might be surprised how many crossovers and SUV’s are out there vying for your dollar – even if you’re the cheapskate that only parts with the greenbacks every decade or so. So let us …

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2017 Volvo XC90 – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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  It has been a very long time since I’ve reviewed a Volvo. So I was anxious to get my hands on the 2017 XC90 T6 Inscription with AWD.  As I did a quick walk around of the vehicle, the styling showed a fairly generic shape, especially when viewed from the side.  It doesn’t have a long front overhand, nor a steeply raked windshield.  The front end shows the traditional Volvo grill, which in my youth looked outdated, as it was mostly seen on boxy shaped boring sedans. But on the XC90 it looks more stately, sitting between the headlights …

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2016 Lexus NX200t F SPORT AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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If the NX200t did one of those TV Ancestry tests, what would show up? Platform sharing today makes it difficult to figure out what is a real brand anymore. You’ve got rebadged Mercedes posing as Infiniti’s. Jeeps driving around on Fiat underpinnings. Fiats driving around on Mazda bits. Subaru’s, Scions. And more.  Oh my. Then we have intermingling within the automakers as well, and they can be very well disguised. Case in point, Lexus and Toyota. There’s a lot of sharing going on. In all honesty, though, it always felt like the downscale Toyota models were getting Lexus goodness, rather …

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505HP, 3.9s 2018 Alfa Romeo STELVIO – High-Performance SUV Wows LA, World

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Very big day today out in elle-lay! The new Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the latest big debut for the left coast — and it is a doosey! Meet the new 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: the range-topping, 505-horsepower SUV that delivers some seriously stonking numbers right out of the gate.  It is named after the knotted Stelvio Pass mountain road made so famous from Top Gear.  And that means Alfa are more than confident about how well this machine can corner! The Stelvio will rival the Maserati Levante, Jaguar F-Pace, BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe up and down the range.  Starting at the …

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Cars of Our Lives – Levante S, M235i Cabrio, 550i Shadowline, 740i, X1, 320i and 440 Gran Coupe

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  A bevy of fine-driving BMWs to share in this first-ever installment of a ‘daily gallery’ feature post.  We share MANY more photos on social media than often end up in articles here on the web.  The problem with that is the quality of the pics is greatly decreased.  An image that might be 5MB on phone is about 80kb on facebook.com/carrevsdaily or instagram/car_revs_daily On with the show!  100 or so pics from the last two weeks on my iPhone.  Cars we drove only every-so-briefly…. or not at all in some cases!  The Maserati Levante and upgraded Chevy SS have …

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2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Nissan and the Pathfinder are working hard to give you the SUV you really want. Which is really pretty admirable. Along with Toyota’s 4Runner, the Pathfinder is one of the most storied names in SUV-dom. But unlike the Toy, which has soldiered on being rugged and truckish – with pros and cons attached – in 2013, Nissan took the Pathfinder into the meat of the SUV marketplace with a unibody, 3-row family vehicle. OK, this was tough for some to swallow; the rugged little Nissan that drove all the way to the Amazon (memorialized in a series of commercials in …

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2016 Volkswagen Tiguan 4Motion – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

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The Volkswagen Tiguan was early to the party of compact crossovers, debuting in 2006 during a period of high gas prices. One would think it was great timing to introduce a small SUV to consumers concerned with conserving fuel. But in fact, by the time it got here in 2009, the gasser Tiguan was rated at 19 MPG city, 26 MPG highway by EPA. That didn’t get MPG-conscious consumers beating down the doors of their nearest VW dealer, and falling gas prices did little to boost Tiguan sales. Fact is, the VW Tiguan has stayed right there at an EPA …

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2017 Honda Ridgeline RTL–E – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Is the Honda Ridgeline too good for most truck buyers? I mean after all, when the first Ridgeline appeared in 2005, it was revolutionary. Where trucks had trundled on for decades on separate chassis and bodies, the Honda re-envisioned the pickup with a unibody design. Much in the way the SUV’s and crossovers were dramatically improved with car-like comfort and manners, the Ridgeline should have been the standard bearer for pickups. Instead, after making a small splash, the majority of truck buyers went back to the harsh riding, less fuel efficient, but perceived tougher and more durable traditional trucks. They …

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Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concepts Preview 2017 Production Pickups!

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An ultra-strong ladder frame, big straight-six engines and Mercedes drive manners? Mercedes today previews its future ‘crossover’ and first-ever pickup with the Concept X-Class.  This will be less of a crossover but a smart combination of MB’s truck and car resources.  Those Unimog genes and grip… now in a $70k luxury size! Two models are shown: a posh AMG-style look in shimmery white.  Low suspension and performance stance are hot.  The nose is actually pretty sexy, but has nothing on its gorgeous LED tail.  A swirlly ribbon of red LED is the brake light in back. THe other truck is …

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2017 Cadillac XT5 Platinum – Road Test Review – By Tim Esterdahl

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Is the XT5 ready for the runway, or still a work in progress?  The mid-size luxury SUV segment has exploded in recent years and the rush to bring new products to market has forced many companies to expedite development plans. Unfortunately, this means some products are released before they really deliver the wow factor consumers are looking for. Such is the case with the 2017 Cadillac XT5. It fails to stand out in a crowded market and feels like a work in progress. Before we get too far along, it is worth noting there is nothing wrong with the 2017 Cadillac …

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