ROAD TEST REVIEWS

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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2017 Ford Mustang SHELBY GT350 – Review w/ 5 HD Videos

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Why? Because Racecar! Spending a week in the Shelby GT350 is one of the highlights of my life so far.  Nothing else has come close to this level of animal aggression on the road.  The GT350’s $60k pricetag feels like the bargain of the century.  For a Mustang so special that it’s the 911 GT3 RS of muscle-cars. A car this tight and taut feels like it’s doing 170-mph even at idle.  No other Mustang gets anywhere near this power-on brilliance.  High revs, high power peaks and few shifts are the way to rock GT350 around a racetrack fast. This …

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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 Honda ODYSSEY Elite – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Minivans aren’t often objects of desire. Sure, they can be objects of affection, and we know many owners who swore they’d never own one who now swear they’d never drive anything else, but mostly they lie in the job title of family workhorse – destined to be covered in sweaty sports gear and crumbled cheerios. But maybe things have changed. Is the new 2018 Honda Odyssey lust-worthy? Well, it’s certainly handsome. Hard to believe, but the 2018 is the 5th generation of Honda’s people mover, with 2.5-million units sold it’s Honda’s 4th best-selling vehicle of all time. Impressive. For its …

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2018 Genesis G80 Sport RWD – Road Test Review

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

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2018 Kia Rio EX 5-door – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We’ve often said it’s more interesting to see how a manufacturer makes their inexpensive cars vs. the big-ticket items. We recently tested the Genesis G80 Sport, one of the most lux of the Kia/Hyundai/Genesis family, and came away mightily impressed. How about the other end of the spectrum, Kia Rio? Can the littlest Kia win us over? Welcome to the Rodney Dangerfield section of the auto market. It’s hard to get any respect. The little Rio is the cheapest car K-H-G sells in the U.S., and while the brand has made huge strides, especially in the last 10 years, it’s …

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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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2018 McLaren SENNA – P15 Ultimate Series is Raw Purists Special

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McLaren’s P1 successor is here and it is shocking, to say the least. An unfinished looking cutjob of a design statement is actually on purpose.  Senna escews beauty in favor of raw, purist principles.   Dimensions shink-wrap the driver, as does the open-air cockpit with glass doors.  Fully free-standing front fenders make a slice of air to wrap the cockpit and the reverse + scoop vents ahead and behind the butterfly doors. Light weight, strict aero and performance like a trackbound rocket.  Check out the first photoset and official details from McLaren below.   2018 McLaren SENNA The McLaren Senna: the …

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2018 Lexus LC500 – Supercar of the Year – Road Test Review

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No test car here at CRD has created more of a stir than this Lexus LC500. Long-lost pals sought out rides. The Cars ‘n Coffee crowd was enchanted LC even stirred wild thumbs-ups from other drivers on the road. Nobody loved this next-generation Lexus supercar more than its driver, though. This all-new platform started life on a mission to sink the engine lower and much more mid-ship than any Lexus before.  The results not only lighten the handling mood dramatically, but they also sharpen the turn-in radically. A new 10-speed automatic joins the thrilling 5.0-liter V8 from the GS-F and …

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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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Road Test Review: 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF Club (6MT) – By Carl Malek

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When we last met the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF, we praised the fastback for offering a hardtop alternative to the venerable soft top variant, as well as giving customers better protection from the elements. However, the one thing we missed was the doses of sporty character that other MX-5’s are known for (mainly due to our tester being a luxury oriented Grand Touring model.) To find out if the wait was indeed worth it, we spent some time with the MX-5 Club to see if it could stand out in any discernible way from its slightly more sedate cousin.   …

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

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

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2017 Nissan Maxima SR – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Recently we tested the all-new 2018 Camry. Ours was the sportiest V6, XSE and it managed to clear the $40,000 hurdle with optional equipment. It’s certainly a great evolution in Camry-dom, but it had us thinking, for 40-large you’re treading on some well-established toes. Including the self-proclaimed 4-Door Sports Car, the Nissan Maxima. So, is the Maxima still the sport/luxury sedan of choice for value conscious buyers? Well, it’s certainly aging well. While competitors like the Camry are handsome, the Maxima still lives in a league above. It looks long, low, and wide, full of serious intent. Also tying in …

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2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2

2018 Hyundai SONATA Limited 2.0T – Road Test Review w/ Video!

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The 2018 Sonata is quite a looker on the roads!  There is no lag time in the Genesis G80 Sport’s design trickle-down: both wear very similar shield grilles, darkened with glossy mesh and black chrome for a sinister and sexy style. Usually it takes a few years for the 7 series M Sport style to make it to a 3 series (for example), so Hyundai is definitely plugged into style trends. This review comes from a man whose middle name might be Sonata this fall.  We started with the Sport 2.0T and now are in the Limited 2.0T, which has …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Kia Soul Turbo – By Carl Malek

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In a world where CUVs are slowly becoming the dominant species in the automotive world, one particular entry has always stood out for offering a unique yet successful approach to this often rehashed segment of the market, the Kia Soul. The Soul arrived when boxy was in, and it competed with mainly with its equally square counterparts the Nissan Cube, and the Scion xB. Both the Cube and the xB have entered automotive retirement, but the Soul has managed to soldier on, and transform itself into a solid competitor for a new wave of CUV entries. But can a dash …

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

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

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2018 INFINITI QX30 Sport – Road Test Review w/ Performance Drive Video!

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 We start the drive video review asking a serious question: does this Euro Infiniti QX30 belong in the USA? This baby Infiniti has two variants on sale in America: the crossover-ish QX30 and QX30 AWD.  Then there is the wild cousin: the QX30 Sport.  Lowered ride height.  Performance mods and gloss black finishes galore.  Stance to make the most of the double-clutch automatic and turbo motor from Mercedes-Benz. Premium compact five-doors are big business on the continent.  Instead of trading up to a sedan after the Golf/Focus class, owners will shell out big cash to get into the A3, 1 …

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2017 Toyota Yaris iA – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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While it’s great to test the latest hi-tech, hi-buck vehicles, we really enjoy when a manufacturer makes an inexpensive car something special. Especially when it’s not only good, but also a surprisingly good drive.  And this is one of those vehicles. Yaris, I am your father… OK, the Yaris has a confused parentage going on here. Until last year, the iA was a Scion. And when Toyota got rid of that brand, it adopted the little sedan. Hence the funny iA name – clearly a remnant from Scion. But of course, that’s only half the story, because the iA is actually …

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Aston Martin Reinvents Its Sporting Pedigree With 2018 Vantage Coupe

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With a new era being ushered in thanks to a partnership with Mercedes Benz, the newly re-energized Aston Martin is keen on reinventing itself, and has followed up on the recent unveiling of the DB11 with perhaps the most important offering yet, the 2018 Aston Martin Vantage. The previous generation Vantage was a lingering spectre of the old Aston Martin with an aging platform, V8 engine, and a fussy semi-automated manual relegating the otherwise handsome Vantage to the back of the sports car line. In short, it was like a hipster wearing Abercrombie and Fitch in a sea of Ralph …

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

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

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

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

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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 VW Passat 1.8T R-Line – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Hankering for a sporty European performance sedan, but stunned by the high prices? Never fear – we’ve found a sweet sedan that ticks all the right boxes and even surprised us with its sensible pricing: the 2017 VW Passat. Now you have to be a smart shopper, or you could get carried away and end up dropping a fair amount of loot on some maxed-out model. You have to know the magic word. The magic word is R-Line. VW actually serves up 6 different models, but the R-Line gives you a nice dollop of sporty goodness in its second-to-lowest priced …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Toyota Yaris iA – By Carl Malek

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The legacy of Scion continues to permeate throughout Toyota showrooms. While the logos, marketing material, and the fancy displays have long since been deposited in the dark corners of history, several of its models continue to linger in Toyota showrooms. One of these is the budget friendly iA sedan. Designed and engineered with help from Mazda, the iA was Scion’s last ditch effort at attracting young first time buyers before the rug was pulled from under it. Will the addition of a Toyota badge and a new name allow the Yaris iA to still fulfill its mission in life? Or …

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2017 Toyota AVALON Hybrid XLE Premium – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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  When it comes to hybrid vehicles, Toyota knows their stuff.  The Prius has been around for decades now, and have constantly improved them with each new makeover.  It is the best-selling hybrid of all time.  So as the company expanded their hybrid offerings to many of their other models, customers can feel comfortable enough to buy these larger vehicles in hybrid form.  I couldn’t wait to see how their full size Avalon, which I enjoyed in its gasoline version, would stack up.  The verdict?  It’s a wonderful hybrid car too. We tested the 2017 Avalon XLE Premium, which slots …

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2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Base Automatic – Road Test Review + 2 Videos

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There are cars that are simply better than they have to be. They go beyond just beating their obvious rivals and into another level of long-term partnership potential for their drivers. Such is the case with the five-door Hyundai Elantra GT.  This variant of the best-selling sedan shares much of its drivetrain cabin, but none of its exterior or platform design. It enters a market segment that has more strong rivals than ever.  Focus and Cruze hatchback might be easy to beat.  But how about the new Civic Sport 5-door, Mazda3 and VW Golf?  Those are some seriously good global …

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2017 Dodge Challenger T/A – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Some cars just take you back. And the 2017 Dodge Challenger is one of them. Sure, it’s loaded with modern technology and conveniences, but once you fire up that awesome Hemi V8, and just listen to it whump, whump, whump – it becomes a time machine that transports you back to when driving was almost everything you could think about. It’s big, it’s bold, it’s positively bad-ass. What’s not to love? The design is familiar, the Challenger hasn’t changed much since it was re-introduced 2008. And they were smart – the proportions, the stance, the swagger – it’s all true …

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Old vs New – 2018 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2017 Chevrolet Equinox – By Carl Malek

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When an automobile is extensively redesigned and or updated for the new model year, it really makes you wonder if it can indeed be better than the model it replaced? That question compelled us to take a closer look at one of Chevrolet’s strongest selling crossover entries, the venerable Chevrolet Equinox. When the second generation model was introduced in time for the 2010 model year, it proved to be popular with a wide swath of buyers, and as a result, they are a common sight on the roads of Metro Detroit. The 2018 model aims to continue this tradition of …

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2018 BMW M550i – HD Road Test Review

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

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Electric or Hybrid, Which Is Indeed The Superior Green Option?

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Remember back when gasoline (and to a lesser extent) diesel engines, were once the sole choices for U.S. drivers looking to buy an automobile for their driveway? We sure do, and we also remember back when the idea of electric let alone hybrid offerings were mere science experiments that existed in the world of concept cars. Fast forward a few decades, and this established order has been toppled by a strong pool of hybrid vehicles, as well as the emergence of a new wave of all electric offerings. But which choice is better for consumers? And which choice will stand …

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2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We like cars that shake things up. That take what you thought you knew, and lead you in a whole new direction. One of the biggest surprises this year is Toyota’s venerable family sedan. From the sharp creased lines, to the sharply-creased performance, it’s got a lot of people asking the same question. That’s a Camry? Yep. But first, some housekeeping. The rumor of the family sedan being dead is a bit overstated. Yes, crossovers are big business, but there are a lot of buyers out there who are just as happy with a solid, sensible, four-door sedan. And they …

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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 Lexus LC500 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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

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2018 Genesis G80 Sport EXTERIOR 29

2018 Genesis G80 Sport AWD – HD Road Test Review

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

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2018 Nissan 370Z Roadster Touring Sport 7 A/T – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Although summer is a memory in the rearview mirror for most of us, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy a roadster – in fact, cooler weather and leaves changing color make fall one of the joys of owning a drop top. And if you’re looking for joy in a roadster, look here. The 370Z is getting to be a senior citizen in the sports car world. The coupe appearing in 2009, the roadster in 2010. Mind you, there have been updates, including a facelift – but the basic vehicle is pretty much the same, even as its approaching it’s …

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2017 VW Golf Alltrack S 10

2017 VW Golf Alltrack S w/ 4Motion – HD Road Test Review

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Wagons are back! Have you heard? Small families and bachelors alike are rediscovering how easy, smooth and practical they are versus the endless line of mini SUVs.  Wagons have better mileage, handling and — sometimes — even long-roof style. There are places where the Golf Sportwagen’s low ride height is simply not ideal — even with that car’s optional 4Motion AWD system.  For mountain states like Colorado or Vermont, there can never be enough tall, 4×4 wagons to choose from. Subaru has had this market on lock for decades now with their big Outback and smaller Crosstrek wagons. VW is …

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2017 Fiat 500C 1.4L Auto – Road Test Review

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Is “hilarious” a helpful car description?  What about uproarious laughter at redline on the video review? Not really.  You migtht think the guy is laughing at the the car when he is actually laughing along with it. Either way, a serious case of the giggles comes standard on the Fiat 500C. The $17k 500 Cabrio is actually the cheapest way into a softtop in the USA for 2017 and 2018.  But with hard metal roof pillars, some might say this isn’t an all-the-way cabriolet. It might not be a full ragtop but it is delightfully sunny in the little Fiat …

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

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

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Road Test Review – 2017 Ford F-450 King Ranch Super Duty – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to pickup trucks, the old adage “Bigger is better” still dominates the segment. While light duty models like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will represent the bulk of pickup truck sales, customers in need of a heavy duty workhorse will no doubt be drawn to their heavy duty counterparts. With their beefy hardware, massive size, and immense towing and hauling capabilities, these big beasts are always distinctive sights out on the open road. But can they still function as daily drivers while delivering the capability customers demand? or is this an imperfect …

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2017 VW Golf R w/ DCC & Nav – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Most car makers have “halo” cars.  You know, special products (usually at nosebleed prices) to show off the best of what they can do, and to make you feel better about the garden-variety products that most of us end up buying. Think Nissan GT-R, Corvette Z06, Acura NSX. VW has a halo vehicle, too. And while the family parts bin of Audi goodness could probably have given them some ridiculous $80,000 über Passat or something, they did something very cool. They made a VW Golf their showpiece. So, is the VW Golf R a hatch that super-enthusiasts can really get …

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2017 Dodge Charger Daytona 392 – HD Road Test Review

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The Dodge Charger has always made big, loud speed its reason for being.  Even the simple R/T V8 runs a shouty HEMI and gets close to 5 seconds on the 60-mph sprint.  Simply heroic thrust on the road.  All with pricing that is a damn bargain versus any hot Camaro or Mustang, let alone anything else with a V8 and four doors.  (Rare breed indeed, lately). So now we have this Daytona edition with its Hellcat-alike bodywork and sexy black details.  Atop the Daytona kit you can add a three-number code that shouts POWERRR from the heavens:  the 392. Now …

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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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2017 Nissan TITAN SL 4×4 – Road Test Review

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Trucks are all about strength.  Why not have more towing, hauling and running power than you might need?  There is huge peace of mind in knowing you have so much excess capability. At some point, though, that extra muscle makes life more difficult.  That point is arguably between 1500 and 2500 pickups.  Yes, the 2500s have even more giant motors and higher tow ratings.  The new Nissan Titan bridges this gap and aims for 1500 ease of use but near 2500 size and stats. The Titan XD straddles that gap perfectly and the XD option comes standard with the 5.0-liter …

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

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

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

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

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Road Test Review – 2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to sporty driving, the folks at Mazda have always had a knack for balancing sporty virtues with enough value and style to make their vehicles a compelling choice for budget minded enthusiasts. For a while, that tradition didn’t necessarily apply to their SUV/CUV offerings. But with the recently revamped CX-5 and CX-3 blowing a blast of fresh air into this segment, it was only fitting that the CX-9 would embrace this wind of change with vigor. Does the 2017 CX-9 gain some new tricks from its suite of updates, or does this people hauler lose out against …

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2017 RAM Sport Night Edition EXTERIORS 2

2017 RAM Sport Night Edition 5.7L 4×2 – Road Test Review

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The pickup market is more competive than ever lately.  With massive new Titan, ultra-modern Silverado and alloy F-150 in the last few years, you might’ve expected big changes in market share. In fact, the biggest gainer over the last few years is the familiar Ram 1500. We spent a week finding out why RAM goes all-caps and size 1500 font for its new badges in back.  This is a machine with a bold soul! Our rear-drive tester is the amazing Night Edition with fully blacked-out details and monochrome paintwork all around.  Glossy black for the giant cross-hair grille is a …

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

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

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2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Limited Sedan – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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When people ask us what’s “in” this year, we have an answer: Premium. It seems like these things cycle through. One year, it’s performance, the next – gadgets. Safety and autonomous tech are going to be with us now for the foreseeable future. But this year – especially in smaller vehicles – carmakers are pumping up the quietness, the tech, and the high quality goods. And with so many buyers fleeing to small crossovers, this makes sense. If you can’t compete with the versatility, you compete with feel-good of an upscale drive. And next in line for the primo treatment …

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2017 Ford F-150 RAPTOR 4x4 3

2017 Ford F-150 RAPTOR 4×4 Supercab – First Drive Review

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When Ford gives you Raptor keys, there is an instant rush of blood to the brain.  Me!? Yes! The truck is absolutely gigantic even in shortie Supercab setup here.  A half-foot wider and big step taller than any stock F-150 around.  The cabin is the tiniest part of the huge widebody fenders, wide-track racing suspension and jumbo offroad tires. It is quite an event — even just parked calmly in subtle magnetic grey. What’s the first thing you do with a Raptor?   For me, it is Go find mud!  A rock quarry with greenlight from the dudes working?  YES! …

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2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport 6MT – First Drive Review

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Hyundai is perfecting its performance-car credentials.  The latest pack of redesigns go as hard at their tech/ style as they do at full turbo boost and fast corners. This handling skill and steering feel are creating a new impression of the brand as a whole. You need a preface like this to absorb the impressions of how sweet a drive the Elantra GT Sport was the other day.  This is Hyundai’s Scirocco rival for Europe and GTI-fighter for the USA — with a slinky low roof, five-door layout and lively powertrain.  How alive is GT?  It forms the basis for …

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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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Road Test Review – 2017 Lexus RX350 F Sport – By Carl Malek

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With the crossover segment quickly transforming into a key battleground for the worlds automakers, the pressure is on for these companies to create a compelling crossover that’s a perfect fit for a wide range of customer tastes. Lexus aims to establish itself as a top player in the luxury crossover segment with the 2017 RX350. The RX first appeared back in 1998, and quickly made a name for itself not only because of its approachable price tag, but also its slick for the period styling elements. But can the 2017 RX continue its winning ways? Or has it become a …

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2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid SEL – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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These days a lot of automakers offer a hybrid of some sort. But pretty much the undisputed king is the Prius. And Toyota earned the reputation the hard way – putting out their necks first with a little agrarian car that earned more than its share of jibes and rude noises. But Toyota’s laughing now. Interestingly, there have been precious few direct competitors to the Prius. But now we have a new fuel-sipping gunslinger in town –the all-new Hyundai Ioniq hybrid. So, does it send the Prius packing, or is it more ironic than Ioniq? Well it definitely has the …

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2017 Lexus RC350 RWD – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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I’ve driven a fair amount of Lexus sedans and SUV’s recently. I have enjoyed all of them as far as luxury cars are concerned. Quiet, sedate, upscale interiors, enough power, and almost everything a luxury buyer could desire.  What they all lacked, however, was some driving excitement.  While I pointed that out in the reviews, I didn’t give those cars demerits on that point.  The reason is because they weren’t designed to be thrilling driving machines. They were designed for luxury and comfort, and they checked most of the boxes for that mission statement. But things are somewhat different when …

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2018 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T – First Drive Review w/ Video

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This heavily revised Sonata arrives in the nick of time. Its two core rivals in Camry and Accord have just undergone dramatic redesigns – bringing the latest tech, style and efficiency to their legions of devoted owners. Staying competitive on the design front means every panel besides the doors and roof of Sonata are fresh for 2018.  All wear a very Genesis-like ‘cascading’ front grille for the first time, as well as a brand new tail with longer and sharper detailing. It really works in the flesh.  Pulling the visuals of the car’s nose downward and the tail further back …

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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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2017 Lincoln Continental 3

2017 Lincoln Continental 3.0T AWD Black Label – Road Test Review

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Welcome to a future where the Lincoln Continental has the grace of a Bentley.  It has cabin comfort worthy of a private jet and a backseat to shame most Mercedes. Impressive?  That barely does the Continental’s first impression justice. We spent a week getting to know the machine inside and out.  Learning the delights of cooled and massaged comfort in all four corners of the machine.  And flinging the Continental out of corners with unreal speed thanks to the Focus RS-style torque vectoring AWD system.  Of course, the whole time, surfing full throttle of 400HP/400 pound-feet of torque from the …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Dodge Challenger GT – By Carl Malek

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A revolution is in the air in the muscle car segment. Ever since one can remember, a typical American muscle car was generally known for having a big V8 engine and, more importantly, rear-wheel drive. Even 10 years ago, the very idea of an all-wheel drive muscle coupe was seen as an alien concept to the big three domestic automakers (GM Ford and FCA.) The folks at Dodge are eager to overthrow the established order with the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT, but can this pioneering model bring true four season performance to a traditionally two season vehicle segment? or is …

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2017 GMC Canyon Denali 4x4 SWB Crew 9

In Pictures: 2017 GMC Canyon Denali 4×4 SWB Crew

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Hard to hide the disappointment we had with the 2017 Canyon Denali.  This was a delayed-release flagship for GMC’s midsize trucks.  Denali models usually have everything standard and are a big, big upgrade in luxury style and amenities. This Canyon Denali does have a huge standard equipment list and a new grille to its credit.  But overall, the amount of Denali badges is the biggest change you will notice. Underwhelming on the off-road course with these low, low running boards.  Not thrilled that the GMC Canyon’s LED light accents are not actually DRLs.  And bummed to find regular halogen reflectors …

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2017 Lexus LS460 F Sport – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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If you know anything about Lexus, you already know the LS460. This is the whole enchilada, the übersedan (not to be confused with Uber-sedan), the division’s luxury flagship, providing all aboard uncompromised wafting comfort. Oh wait, this is the F-Sport version. Whaaaa? Yes F-Sport. In the Lexicon of Lexii, you have your regular models, your AMG-baiting F division RC-F and GS-F, and in between, F-Sport. Kind of like BMW’s M-sport. Sporty, but not designed to remove fillings at the first speed bump. And we’ve tested various F Sport trims, including everything from the IS350 F Sport, which we loved dearly, …

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2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty 6.7L Platinum – Road Test Review w/ Videos

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Where to start?  Super Duty is stronger than before, yes. But you are not prepared for how much stronger it is.  Ford quotes the strength of the (high-strength steel) boxed ladder frame as being 20X more rigid than before.  2000 percent! Ford added hundreds of pounds to this frame to blow away its rivals in max towing. All bodywork and the bed of the truck make the swap to aluminum for 2017 at the same time.  So if the new frame added 300 pounds, the alloy bodywork subtracts 700 from the total.  All in all, the new F-250 is a full …

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2018 Toyota C-HR – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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There’s a lot of talk lately that the small car is on its last legs. And you-know-who is to blame…the crossover. It started quite a while ago with SUVs swaying the public, with their rugged looks, great versatility, and comfy, tall seating position. Then came the small SUV wave, and it’s become a Tsunami – the Nissan Rogue is currently the best selling non-pickup vehicle (full-size pickups are still big business) in the country, with a passel of CR-V’s, RAV4’s, and CX-5’s and more not far behind. Still, the smallest of the small cars felt safe until recently, when the …

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2017 Kia Cadenza Limited – Marketplace Comparision – By Carl Malek

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When we last met the 2017 Kia Cadenza Limited, it was on the roads of South Carolina in the hands of CRD chief editor Tom Burkart. You can check out his detailed review here, but we wanted to see how the Cadenza would fare in other environments, as well as against rivals in a segment that has taken a pummeling in recent years due to the resurgence of crossover vehicles. To find out, we took the Cadenza to the CRD Metro Detroit outpost to see if Michigan’s rough roads were enough to unsettle this spirited sedan, while also crunching the …

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2018 Land Rover DISCOVERY 21

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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Rolls-Royce DAWN EXTERIORS 19

2017 Rolls-Royce DAWN – First Drive Review + Video

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Imagine being tossed the keys to this beauty! All 400 grand cruises like a parade float for the first block.  Impossibly smooth.  Riding high off the ground somehow, but with a low cowl and incredible visibility to the front and sides.  With the top down, the horizons really open an endless sky above. Something strange happens driving a convertible so large and so plush.  You’re almost swept away with emotion as you greet walkers on the road.  They will stop, turn, stare and wave almost involuntarily.  Not sure who they are expecting — but surely a big somebody.  This car is …

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2017 Lexus IS350 F Sport – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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There’s a little Jekyll and Hyde going on at Lexus. Does the brand want to be that same trusted conservative luxury purveyor the pampered have learned to love? Or does it want to throw off the kidskin gloves, and take on the Europeans in the performance pantheon? Does the Lexus IS350 F Sport Sprechen the Lingo? Well, you get the intent from the exterior design. Hard to believe it’s been with us since 2013, the IS really still looks fresh, and aggressive. For 2017, all IS models get kicked up a notch, with a redesigned front end with an even …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF Grand Touring (6MT) + 2 videos – By Carl Malek

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It’s no secret that the Mazda MX-5 is always a welcome visitor in the Car-Revs-Daily offices. We have sampled the roadster in many locales, and even had seat time behind the wheel of its Italian cousin the Fiat 124 Spider. In short, the MX-5 (in either guise) has become an iconic example in how to make a proper two seat roadster. However, we also like the idea of adding something new to this proven recipe, and we were quite excited when Mazda unveiled the RF version. But does the addition of a folding hardtop roof add a bit more pep …

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2018 Toyota CAMRY – First Drives of LE, XLE and XSE – By Zeid Nasser

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[Parts of this post originally appeared on TheIntelligentDriver.com] Toyota knows how valuable the Camry is. It’s known as one of the most reliable, efficient and safe vehicles on today’s roadways. But times are changing, and many of today’s vehicles ace those hallmark Camry qualities. Toyota wants to keep their customers happy and maintain their sales lead with emotional design, leading tech and an engaging (gasp) driving experience. Did they accomplish it? Well, first some background info. Back in 2006 when I earned my license, I convinced my mother that the newest generation 2007 Camry was the way to go. I …

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2017 Lexus GS350 RWD Luxury 5

2017 Lexus GS350 RWD Luxury – Road Test Review + Drive Video!

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The GS slides into 2017 with great stance, racy handling and serious value. The Lexus transformation into a performance-car brand is firmly ON TRACK with this new GS.  So smooth and easy… but handles and hustles in Sport+? Even without the F Sport package, our tester drew stares like the GS-F during its week in the speed fleet. We thoroughly enjoyed its performance and luxury, with a special nod to some amazing options that make a good car into a great car. Standard article headings and a quick drive video of the fresh-faced Lexus GS here to share. HD Drive …

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2017 Honda Civic Si Sedan – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Honda’s redesigned Civic is a big hit. And they’ve been clever, rolling out the vehicles over a period of time. Sedans, then hatchbacks, (long missing from the Civic lineup), then Civic Coupe.  Then a turbo, (a first for a Civic in the U.S) and then an aggressive-looking Civic Sport model. And each model has been a tasty treat, but we’ve always known there might be something better in the wings. Well now we have the new Civic Si – long-time top of the line for the Civics sold here in the states. The new Si is tantalizing different from models …

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2018 Accord

Honda Unveils 2018 Accord, Promises New Levels Of Refinement And Performance

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With the Honda Accord entering its 10th generation, Honda engineers had a big challenge when it came to updating the venerable sedan. They had to achieve it in a way that would make the Accord embrace the future, but without alienating the basic virtues that have made the company’s bread and butter model a household name among car buyers. With the unveiling of the 2018 Honda Accord earlier today in Detroit, Michigan (following on the heels of a prior teaser sketch,) it appears that Honda is pulling out all the stops to achieve this lofty goal.     It all …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Limited – By Carl Malek

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Once considered rolling science experiments 15 to 20 years ago, electric vehicles are seeing a resurgence in both relevance and importance to a new generation of car buyers. When I was growing up in Metro Detroit, it was in a GM household, and the infamous EV-1 was the symbol of GM’s brief but compelling trip into the world of mass market vehicle electrification. Tremendous progress has been made since then (case in point the Chevrolet Bolt), and electric vehicles are slowly making the transition from curiosity, to mass market reality. But does this mean that electric vehicles are at long …

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2018 Acura TLX A-Spec 3

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD – First Drive Video + 42-Photo Flyaround

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The new TLX A-Spec is the first affordable Acura to share the NSX’s halo coolness.  And this sport special is certainly macho in the flesh. The dark grey grille is menacing and its unique A-spec internals are fresh.  New LEDs up front bring LED indicators in a lit amber setting as normal plus LED fogs for good measure.  This A-Spec’s lower bumper is all-new and unique with a swirl of body-color intake above the contrasting front splitter.  Dark alloys and A-spec badges are cool, as is the dechromed exterior in general. The stance of the SH-AWD TLX is incredibly low …

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2017 Volvo S90 T6 – Road Test Review + Best of 2017 Award-Winner

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We all knew the brand-new Volvo S90 sedan would be a quantum leap ahead of its S60 and S80 predecessors in the luxury segment.  We knew this new S90 is the second Volvo since XC90 to be a real class-best achievement in style and safety. But knowing all this still offers no prep for how absolutely phenomenal the new S90 is inside and on the road.  It is so magnificently high-tech, yet grounded in light Swedish leathers and a open-pore walnut woods. It drives with lightness and agility unlike anything you might expect from a 5 series or E-Class rival. …

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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 Dodge Charger DAYTONA 6

2017 Dodge Charger DAYTONA – First Drive w/ Active Exhaust + 44 Photos

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The new Charger Daytona brings the looks of the Hellcat, sound of the SRT392 and price of a loaded R/T. A fantastic combination, no? From $39k, we cannot think of a cooler or more fun big sedan.  Check out the video below to get a sense of the new Sport-mode’s louder exhaust – and check out the photo flyaround below that! The Daytona pack brings a huge list of upgrades inside and out.  The monroney sticker for the car is included below but is slightly out of focus.  Go drive this car to have the full HEMI immersion — at …

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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 Cadenza Limited – Road Test Review + 2 Videos

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There is real buzz around the brand-new 2017 Kia Cadenza. Car reviewers near and far have been shocked by its lux feel and right-priced tech. Are they right? We spent a week in the loaded Cadenza Limited to find out.  Hard on throttle and chucking it around corners… and honestly expecting the worst.  After all, it is a hard time for near-luxury sedans.  Cars like the Maxima, Avalon, Lacrosse or Chrysler 300 are suffering from low sales and a crowded marketplace.  Meanwhile, the deeply unfun Lexus ES still hoovers up sales for reasons no one truly understands. How can Cadenza …

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2017 Lexus IS350 F Sport RWD – Road Test Review + Performance Drive Video

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The IS350 was a perfect way to hit the roads of CHicago and Wisconsin ahead of a track event the other week. Here is a fun, fast and tactile sport sedan for the ages! Fun because it loves revs and Gs. Fast as its F-Sport induction harmonics encourage floored throttle all the time. Tactile because its steering is alive in your hands.  IS350 F-Sport steering feel has heft like a great sports car, but also a sharp and eagerness to change direction any time.  Any place.  This IS350 pivots like a boss. Just a big soppy lovefest for this car, …

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2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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For 2017 Hyundai introduces their 6th generation Elantra, and it’s destined to be a big hit.  Gone is last year’s brash, in-your-face design that separated it styling-wise from the more bland competitors in this compact car segment. Now we have an emphasis on a more elegant shape, and sophisticated style, and that sophistication is evident throughout the cabin and in the entire feel of this new model. Boomerang-shaped LED running lights fame a deeper, wider gill, with chrome horizontal slats that give the front end a more bold and obvious presence.  The cut lines on the sides of the Elantra …

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2017 BMW M760i – Launch Starts Video + 71 Photos

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The new M760 is an instant icon and forever flagship. Here is a car that defies all physics with its speed.  6.6 chugging liters fed by massive twin turbos.  Both nestled within the perfect V12. The results on this BMW’s power delivery are breathtaking.  A ripping snort on throttle and a rich, layered bellow from the pipes out back.  601 horsepower and standard LWB spec for the USA market also bring dual silver-bullet technologies. Tech to make the chassis as long as a yacht, but corner like a gyro.  This comes in the form of xDrive and super-adaptive M suspension. …

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First Drive – 2018 Audi A5 2.0T S-Line Quattro Coupe

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  Is Audi doing a greatest-hits album? You might have asked yourself that upon seeing the new A4/Q5 generations.  In the presale renders, the new cars barely look new. Then you land them in the flesh.  Deep chisel for the bathtub beltline?  Integrated shut/cut lines and sharper edges all around?  Sharky hoodline and wide, low singleframe.  Even visible open aero channels in the bumper edges. Yep.  This exec coupe looks hot.  And looks the business for taking on 430i and new Q60. This test A5 wears the incredibly helpful S-line package with unique bumpers, sills, wheels, cabin and suspension.  This …

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2017 Indian Scout 69 – Ride Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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In August of 2013 Indian Motorcycles, built by Polaris Industries, in Spirit Lake Iowa, unveiled their first new motorcycle at the Sturgis rally. The Indian Chief was a huge hit with the public, and they have introduced more Chief models since then. All Chief models are fitted with large displacement engines and designed to go head to head with Harley-Davidson, just as they did from the early 1900’s to 1953, when Indian closed their doors. But to truly compete with Harley today, they also needed a smaller displacement motorcycle, and the Indian Scout nameplate was resurrected. Today you can buy …

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2017 Honda Fit 2

2017 Honda Fit – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We’re often asked for buying recommendations, and certain models are our go-to cars. We know they’re good, fun, reliable, and the odds of getting a bad one are slim. (We hate angry emails.) And for many years, the city car of choice has been the Honda Fit. These days, so many buyers are clamoring for mini-crossovers, we forget that for a lot of folks, a small hatch is equally capable to do the job. So, is today’s Fit still a good fit for buyers? Well, it’s certainly a good looking little guy. Okay, we should probably caveat that. The bright …

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2017 Nissan GT-R Review 5

2017 Nissan GT-R Premium – First Drive Review w/ Video + 77 Photos

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Let me invite you behind the scenes for a moment.  Reviewing the photos that come back from my Nikon is an exercise in Deletion.  Usually every third photo will be wonky.  Either out of focus, framed wrong or perhaps with just one LED lit.  Taking 100 photos then leaves us with about 60. Not so with this Nissan GT-R.   We’re finding focus and beauty in almost every frame! A lot like the drive, in fact.  This car in a downpour outside Road America racetrack in Wisconsin was 40 minutes in heaven.  The roads were slick, wound through the woods …

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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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2017 Lexus ES350 – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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  If you are looking for a large, roomy, luxury vehicle with a soft comfortable boulevard ride, the Lexus ES 350 is an excellent choice.  If you want a bit more driving excitement, you’ll need to look to the smaller IS or GS models. The ES offers two powerplants.  The hybrid model has a 2.5 liter inline four, with an electric motor system for high gas mileage, and the standard 3.5 liter V-6 that makes 268 horsepower, and 248 ft. lbs. of torque. This engine provides good acceleration, and there is a control knob setting for Sport that adds a …

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2017 BMW 540i M Sport – First Drive Review + 50-Photo Flyaround

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We stopped flogging the 540i on its first drive only for a few moments.  A few fleeting flashbulb pops. Then back on the road and back hard on throttle. The new 5 series is an incredible machine and one that is New Game versus any one before.  More nimble, more feelsome and fast as f***!  But also serene and triple-rubber-damped. The M Sport with Dynamic Handling Pack comes alive in Sport and Sport plus modes.  Here you have a true thhhummppp on the instant upshifts and pop on overrun.  Engine is ferocious and mad for horizons. Traction actually seemed stellar in …

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2017 Volvo S90 T6 AWD Inscription – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Thinking that if you want a European Sport Sedan, It’s got to be a Bimmer, Benz, Audi or Jag? Maybe taking a chance with an Alfa? You might be missing out on something very cool.  The Volvo S90 T6. Yes, Volvo. Most people think they’re mostly a maker of SUV’s (they make a couple of excellent ones) or don’t even know they’re still in business. So sure, they look great loaded up outside IKEA with your latest FINNBY Bookcase (who comes up with these names?), but does it have the credibility on the streets with the big boys from Bavaria? …

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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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2017 Polaris Slingshot SL – First Drive Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman  

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Taking a ride out to Nielsen Enterprises, in Lake Villa, IL is always a treat. They’re the ultimate big boy toy store.  You can buy anything from ATV’s, UTV’s personal watercraft, snowmobiles, all four Japanese motorcycle brands, Can-AM Spyders, and Polaris products. If it’s fun, and it goes fast, Nielsen’s got it. Today’s mission is to take a Polaris Slingshot out for a test and find out why they can’t make them fast enough. The Slingshot is a three-wheel vehicle, with two wheels in front, and a single wheel in back.  It is 150” long, which is 4” shorter than …

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Road Test Review: 2017 Lincoln MKZ 3.0T Black Label – By Carl Malek

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Lincoln has recently seen an upswing in fortunes over the past several years. With slick TV commercials starring celebrity Matthew McConaughey as well as a string of new vehicles, it’s clear that Ford’s once flat lining luxury brand is pulling out all the stops in its quest to lure new customers into its showrooms. But can Lincoln’s new lineup of vehicle’s reflect the new-found pulse that is circulating through the brand? Or do they come up a bit short? Even though the 2017 Lincoln Continental is currently the vehicle at the forefront of Lincoln’s recent string of TV ads due to …

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2018 KIA Stinger GT AWD 8

2018 KIA Stinger GT AWD – 4.8s, 167MPH Stats Confirmed – 31 Photos

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The Stinger GT from KIA is the dream on wheels.  Four-door fastback with a rear-drive chassis and huge twin-turbo power.  So many dreams, in fact, that the car’s giant trunk will actually come in handy right away.  In what is a clear confirmation of the car’s production-ready status, the power operation of the liftgate up or down is Panamera-esque.  Audi A7 and the A5 Sportback also form strong core templates for the Stinger.  This German-designed and German-engineered machine headed to KIA showrooms for under $50k in the next six months. Black chrome laces the bottle-nose front fenders and the extremely …

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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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