ROAD TEST REVIEWS

2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata and came away very impressed with its style, luxury, and neat gizmos like the self-parking feature. Would you use it much? Probably not, but it sure impresses your friends when you do. More than just another gizmo, Hyundai also has a very interesting Sonata Hybrid, loaded with even more tech and neat stuff, plus it offers up to 52 combined mpg! Test drive? Count us in. Unique and Elegant We loved the looks of our ’20 tester so we’re glad they didn’t do much to our ’21 Hybrid. The cross-hole grille has …

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McLaren Artura Electrifies The Supercar Ranks, Features 671 Horsepower V6 and New Hybrid Tech

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When McLaren first got its feet wet in hybrid technology back in 2012, it did so with the P1 hypercar. While it was designed to be a limited production offering from the beginning, the P1 did help provide the British supercar maker with the insight and knowledge needed to refine its new for the period hybrid technology. Fast forward to 2021, and the company is now ready to unveil the next evolution of its hybrid lineup with the all-new 2022 Artura supercar. The Artura aims to push Mclaren into new territory in the hybrid supercar segment, and here are 4 …

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Mitsubishi Reinvents The Wheel With 2022 Outlander, New Styling and Technology Reinvent Languishing Nameplate

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Regarding major facelifts, few are as big of a deal as the one that the Mitsubishi Outlander has received for 2022. The Outlander’s last revamp was back in 2014, and it has slipped behind rivals ever since. While our previous exposures to the Outlander did allow us to soak in its impressive fuel economy numbers, it also showed just how behind the times it was, especially regarding interior quality and technology. The 2022 model aims to change that, and here are our four favorite things about this revamped Mitsu.   Concept Car Styling In A Utility Driven World The exterior …

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2022 GT3

Porsche Unveils 2022 911 GT3, More Power And New Suspension Highlight Key Changes

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It has been a long time since the world was treated to a new iteration of the legendary Porsche 911 GT3. But after countless spy photos and a brief teaser campaign by Porsche, the German sports car maker has pulled the cover off the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3, and we think that Porsche fans will be very excited with the changes on hand. Here are 4 things you should know about Porsche’s newest thrill ride.   Huge Wing Highlights GT3 Exterior Changes A wild exterior canvas has always been a key hallmark of any 911 GT3 offering, and this latest …

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Chevrolet Adds Magic To Bolt Lineup for 2022, Unveils All New Bolt EUV and Updated Bolt EV

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It’s no secret that General Motors is committed to an all-electric future. The company fired the first big salvo when the Hummer EV made its virtual debut. The Hummer was just the beginning of GM’s Ultium battery-powered endeavor, with the Cadillac Lyriq and Celestiq also teased. However, the company knows that it needs to have offerings at the lower end of the pricing bracket to bring in more customers. That’s where the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV and the redesigned Bolt EV models come into play. No Ultium Here But Still Plenty To See Before we go any further, we might …

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2021 Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus by Ben Lewis

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We were big fans when Mazda introduced the all-new 2019 Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback. Shortly thereafter the CX-30, basically a tall version of the 3 hatch came along as well. And they all shared the same DNA, bringing a new, more luxurious and upscale experience to the 3 line, while still keeping the Mazda love of the drive. And the Zoom-Zoom company has shown they’re not going to rest on their laurels – bringing their 2.5-liter, turbocharged engine into the 3. So, is the 250 horsepower turbo sedan the stuff enthusiast dreams are made of? Let’s find out! A …

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Stellantis Files Trademark For Magneto Moniker, Could It Be Name For Wrangler BEV?

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We’ll admit Jeep and Stellantis did a good job catching our attention when they revealed that a Wrangler EV concept would be making its debut soon. But we were left with more questions than answers since Jeep chose only to release two shadowy images and a brief teaser video of the Wrangler EV buried in the brand’s “The Road Ahead” website. But a newly discovered patent filing suggests that we could at least get a hint into what the concept will be called with the Magneto name making its appearance.   Magneto Makes Us Run For Our X-Men Comics When …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Hyundai Kona EV – Can Old Man Winter Damper This Electrified CUV?

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The change of the seasons can be a make or break time for certain automobiles. In the case of EVs, this dilemma plays out when it comes to battery capacity, with the extreme heat of summer and winter’s icy cold grip having their respective effects on battery charge and driving range. When we last met the Hyundai Kona EV in Michigan, it was during the fall of 2018, with the state experiencing summer-like weather. Hyundai also limited our brief exposure to the area near its Hyundai America Technical Center (HATCI), which kept us from exploring the EVs day to day …

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AVA Stingray

Studio AVA Brings Back C2 Corvette, Old-School V8 Swapped For Modern EV Performance In AVA Stingray

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The C2 Corvette was a revelation when it first appeared in the early 1960s. It not only introduced the Stingray moniker to buyers, but it arrived with a radical redesign that drew inspiration from the Stingray racing program as well as the original Q-Corvette concept. When it thundered its way to showrooms, the C2 offered buyers a wide range of small and big block V8s that established it as a key 60s icon. But while the last C2 was made in 1967, this particular chapter in Vette history is preparing to make its return after 54 years with the unveiling …

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Suzuki Details Key Updates For 2022 Hayabusa, More Power and Technology Redefine Icon [Video]

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Suzuki promised that big changes were coming to the iconic Hayabusa for the 2022 model year. But we were left in the dark on just how far the changes went towards making the 2022 Hayabusa a better motorcycle? Suzuki has shed some new light on the subject, and we think buyers will be very pleased with the changes. Slicker Styling Improves Aerodynamics, Diet Cuts Weight A key change that many buyers will notice is the exterior styling of the 2022 Hayabusa. Suzuki wanted to try and make the Hayabusa even more aerodynamically efficient than ever before. The trimmed-down appearance is …

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2022 Nissan Pathfinder Pitches The CVT, Gains New Interior Technology and Revamped Exterior Styling

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The Nissan Pathfinder has always been a reliable soldier for Nissan when it came to competing in the mid-size utility segment. The Pathfinder is one of Nissan’s strongest sellers. Still, it was also one of the oldest models in its arsenal, with the Pathfinder only bested in that dubious distinction by the outgoing Nissan Frontier pickup. Nissan is keen to keep the Pathfinder viable and has unveiled the updated 2022 Pathfinder to the digital masses.   What’s Wrong With Being Confident? Much like the hit song by music artist Demi Lovato, Nissan aimed to make the Pathfinder look much more …

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2022 Frontier Buries The Past, Helps Nissan Race To The Future With New Technology

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The current generation Nissan Frontier is a textbook case of how to stay stagnant in a rapidly developing world. First making its appearance back when George W. Bush was president, the rugged Frontier was supposed to be a value-focused mid-size pickup offering that could bring buyers capability and utility. That formula worked for a time, until the competition caught up, and then subsequently lapped it over the years. Nissan has had enough of being the butt of jokes in the mid-size pickup segment and has unveiled its long-awaited (and quite frankly overdue) replacement, the 2022 Nissan Frontier, after a brief …

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2021 BMW X5 X Drive 45e by Ben Lewis

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Amazing how quickly time and technology change things. It used to be an EV was a golf cart, and a hybrid was one of the agrarian looking Toyota Prius models. The good thing is, there are a lot of talented engineers that work for the automakers, and the vehicles we get today are exciting and fun – no matter what may be under the hood. And a perfect example of today’s performance hybrid is the 2021 BMW X5 with the all-new 45e plug-in hybrid system. If you were expecting something for the Birkenstock and Bean Sprout crowd, the X5 will …

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Ford Hits The Dunes With The 2021 F-150 Raptor, Hotter Raptor R Coming Next Year

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When Ford first unleashed the F-150 Raptor back in 2009 it wanted to create a distinct mold that could separate it from other off-road trucks. While the Raptor was capable of going through rough trails, the company also wanted to create an offering that could allow owners to have fun especially when going high speed down sandy terrain and even catching hang time occasionally when going over a big jump. This formula has proven to be very successful for Ford, with the Raptor getting a sizable cult following over the years. But with the Ram TRX waving its battle flag …

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Blackwing

Cadillac Spreads Its Wings With 2022 Blackwing Sedans, Goes On Sale This Summer

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Were you one of the Cadillac faithful that threw their hands up in the air in disgust when Cadillac unveiled the CT4 and CT5 V-Series models in 2019? If so you weren’t alone with those models lacking some of the vigor that once defined their ancestors. Cadillac revealed that it was planning on making a new performance ladder for the CT4 and CT5 and that a hotter dish of performance was coming. After countless teasers as well as a few glimpses at select race events, Cadillac has finally unveiled the 2022 Cadillac CT5 and CT4-V Series Blackwing models and they …

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Steinmetz 1

Cadillac Steinmetz Catera Concept Was A Glimpse Into Modern Cadillac Performance Models

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Cadillac is on the cusp of debuting the most potent track ready models it has ever offered the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwings. While the duo represent just how far the brand has come in the world of luxury performance sedans, it also makes one look back at the V-Series range and in particular some of the early ancestors that helped play a role in the creation of this special performance focused sub-brand and what they brought to the table. One of these concepts was the Steinmetz Catera concept which previewed what would happen if a healthy dose of …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE (Sedan) – The World’s Most Underrated Performance Sedan?

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In a world filled with fun entries like the Mazda 3, Honda Civic, and even the Volkswagen Jetta we will understand if the Toyota Corolla appears to not have the chops to enter this esteemed pedigree of compact cars at first glance. The Corolla was an avid follower of the Maytag school of driving. It looked like a dryer, drove like an uninspired pack of socks, and rode through the motions like the novel Irene Iddesleigh. But times are changing at Toyota with the Japanese auto giant embracing newfound levels of fun and style. The Supra might have helped spearhead …

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2021 BMW 430i Coupe by Ben Lewis

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Have you ever been all ready to dislike something, and then get won over? Well, we were kind of in that boat with the all-new BMW 4-series coupe. We had seen pictures, heard the grumbling, and based on just that, were ready to give it the cold shoulder. Except, pictures and grumbling are not a good way to evaluate a car – it needs to be driven. And drive the all-new Bimmer, and you’ll find it easy to love. Prominent Proboscis Okay let’s take care of the 800 lb. Gorilla in the room. The 4-series nose. The familiar BMW kidney …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 T SEL – Saying Goodbye Is Never Easy

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The Volkswagen Passat has been in a very interesting plain of existence over the past few years. Once seen as a step up from the smaller Jetta sedan, the Passat has slowly been left in the background as SUVs and alternative fueled vehicles become more important for Volkswagen’s bottom line. That prompted Volkswagen to reveal that the Passat will be axed in 2023. With the future of the Passat looking bleak, we wanted to get behind the wheel one last time to not only say goodbye, but to also find out if the 2020 Passat still has the chops to …

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2022 Tucson N Line

Hyundai Brings N Line Package To 2022 Tucson N Line, Sporty Style Blends With Practicality

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Sportiness and SUVs can be two words that many people will not necessarily see co-existing together. But as the utility world continues to rapidly evolve and morph into a vital artery of sales for automakers, we have noticed a trend towards adding some spice to their utility offerings especially to draw in male buyers that might otherwise stay away from them. Hyundai is determined to get its N Line package on solid footing, and has unveiled the second iteration of the package on the 2022 Tucson N Line.   Tucson N Line Puts On Quite A Show Like other N-Line …

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Buick Officially Launches 2021 Buick Envision, Will Launch Ad Campaign This Spring

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The 2021 Buick Envision first made its appearance back in 2020 and while the brand was willing to share some information about the model, we were still left in the dark on some of the more detailed aspects that made this iteration of Envision stand out from its predecessors. Buick has ended this drought of information and has officially launched the 2021 Envision with the model trickling its way into dealer showrooms now. Revamped Styling Pumps Vigor Into Envision When the Buick Envision first appeared it was often described as a model that looked handsome but lacked the visual spark …

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2020 Titan XD Platinum Reserve Drive and Off-Road Review by Matt Barnes

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2020 Titan XD Platinum Reserve Nissan updated the Titan XD for 2020 with a bit of a refresh. Horsepower is up just a little when using premium fuel and gone is the 5.0 Cummins V8 diesel. Nissan only offers the Titan XD in one configuration, the Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot bed. This was the biggest seller in previous years and should help Nissan cut costs while still providing consumers with what they want the most. Exterior Outside the Titan XD has been given a new front design that’s a bolder and more aggressive. Every trim level has a unique …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid – Does Luxury and Green Driving Mix?

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The RAV4 has emerged as one of the most versatile SUVs in Toyota‘s vehicle arsenal. The RAV4 has a foundation that can be suited for a wide variety of uses including camping as we proved in a prior RAV4 related test and even in the plug-in realm with the recently launched RAV4 Prime. But what if your a buyer that’s looking for something that can sip fuel instead and also deliver decent amounts of comfort for the money? Toyota may have just the solution for you with the RAV4 Hybrid Limited. But does this particular flavor of RAV4 go far …

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2021 Toyota Sienna Video Review by Matt Barnes

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The 2021 Toyota Sienna is a great effort to stop the decrease in minivan sales. If anything, the minivan battle is heating up between the Pacifica, Odyssey, and Sienna. While the Sienna keeps the looks similar to the previous generation Toyota has made some body changes that really up the appeal. Beyond the updated looks, Toyota has greatly improved the driving dynamics as well. Toyota has done an excellent job in making the ride and handling more like a sedan than a van. Gone is the nauseous wafting feeling of yesteryear, in is a firm-controlled ride.

Road Test Review – 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch – Is It Still King Of The Pickups?

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When it comes to reigning supreme over the heavy duty pickup segment, few can match the track record wielded by Ford’s Super Duty lineup. The Super Duty has been a sales force for Ford, and it has consistently been a thorn in the side of its chief HD rivals the Chevrolet Silverado (and it’s GMC badged clone the Sierra) as well as the Ram heavy duty lineup of trucks. But this work focused segment is evolving at a rapid pace and Ram in particular is turning up the heat in the heavy duty pickup wars. Does Ford still have what …

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2021 Honda Pilot Black Edition by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the VW Atlas, and came away impressed with the 3-row SUV’s nice driving manners and European feel. A VW through and through to be sure. And now we have Honda’s competitor for your same hard-earned dollar the 3-row Pilot. So how does it stack up? Let’s take a look! Dressed to Impress Following the sensible design of such models as the CR-V and Passport, the Pilot was never one to knock you over. In fact, we loved the original Pilot, which was a big, square and blocky – so functional it was stylish in its own way. …

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2021 Nissan Rogue SL AWD Review by Matt Barnes

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The Rogue is Nissan’s top selling vehicle. Therefore Nissan knew that any changes made would have to be done with precision. Nissan has a noteworthy plan to introduce 10 new models over the course of 20 months and the Rogue is part of that plan. Quick Take Nissan has been struggling the past few years, but we are hoping these new updates to nearly all their models will change that. Helping push the value concept, the Rogue has the most standard safety technologies in its class. This includes Nissan Safety Shield 360, Intelligent Driver Alertness, and Rear Door Alert. Furthermore, …

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2020 Ford Expedition Review by Matt Barnes

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2020 Ford Expedition Can the 2020 Ford Expedition take on GM’s Tahoe/Yukon twins? GM created the full-size SUV segment and has pretty much been the undisputed leader until recent years. Many have tried, but few have been successful in competing with GM in this arena. The Ford Expedition is one of the few that have. The last major redesign of the Ford Expedition was in 2018 and the updates for 2020 have been minor. Consequently, Ford sent us a middle of the pack Expedition Limited 4×4 to test for a week. There are two wheelbases of the Expedition available, the …

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Bolt EUV

Chevrolet Bolt EUV Teased With New Image and Video, Will Make Its Debut Later This Summer

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In addition to the waves Cadillac made with the first teaser video and images of its Celestiq flagship sedan, Chevrolet was also out to stake its claim in the EV utility wars with the brand sharing the first image of its Bolt EUV to the assembled digital crowds at CES. The EUV version of the Bolt aims to expand the Bolt lineup and give buyers a utility focused alternative to the standard Bolt.   Bolt EUV Cruising To The Future With Super Cruise Unlike the festivities surrounding the Celestiq, the folks at Chevrolet kept the bulk of their cards closely …

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Cadillac Teases Celestiq Flagship Sedan, Confirms Novel Dimming Sunroof [Video]

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The race to electrification is heating up, and Cadillac is out to show the world that it still has what it takes to bring the fight to the Germans in a rapidly developing segment. The Lyriq was the first stanza in this push, but the luxury brand has now added a crescendo to the mix with the first ever teaser of its upcoming Celstiq flagship sedan. Electrifying The Flagship It wasn’t too long ago that American flagship sedans were known for being floaty luxury filled barges that were filled to the brim with coddling extras, but lacked the motivation to …

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2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD by Ben Lewis

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You don’t really have to twist our arms to get us to review a Mazda. Just about all of them are great fun to drive, from the Miata sports car up to the big CX-9 SUV. The Mazda 3 and CX30 are also faves. But the heart and soul of Mazda’s lineup – and for most manufacturers – is its compact SUV. And with some nice updates to make it more appealing, we’re excited to take to the road in the CX-5. Stay Classy, CX-5 For 2021 not much has changed on the CX-5’s shapely flanks, and that’s ok, it …

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2021 GMC AT4 vs 2021 Chevy RST Z71

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Half-ton truck diesel engines have made their way into the big three American brands. Ford and Ram both use 3.0-liter V6 engines while the GM products use a 3.0-liter Inline 6. How does this engine perform in GM’s 1500 twins and what are the differences between the two trucks? GMC has been trying to differentiate themselves from Chevy as a more premium brand. Often times new tech will debut in the GMC and trickle down into the Chevy equivalent i.e. the MultiPro and MultiFlex tailgates. Other times GMC will get tech not available in the Chevy i.e. the Denali exclusive …

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2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Revealed, More Tech, Revamped Styling and Third Row Are Highlights [Video]

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While the Jeep brand is usually better known for the rough and rugged Wrangler and Gladiator models, the Grand Cherokee SUV still plays a vital role in the company’s sales ambitions. First making its debut in 1993, the Grand Cherokee has been a vital cog in Jeep’s operations and is the true bread and butter model of the off-road focused brand. The current generation Grand Cherokee is still a strong seller, but as we mentioned in our last GC related piece, it’s long overdue for a revamp. Jeep has finally addressed this with the unveiling of the 2021 Grand Cherokee …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier: Is GM’s Full-Size SUV Better Than Ever?

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When we last had the chance to see the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, it was when the made their debut at the Little Caesars Arena late last year. The Suburban and the Tahoe rolled across the stage debuting brand new exterior styling, a revamped platform, and a completely reworked interior that aimed to rocket Chevrolet into the modern age. But can the duo follow up on the success of their predecessors while also incorporating new ideas at the dame time? We were eager to find out.   Refreshed duds keep Tahoe fresh To find out, Chevrolet sent us a …

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2021 VW Atlas V6 SEL Premium R-Line by Ben Lewis

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The 3-row SUV segment is a funny thing. It seems to get hot and cold. Suddenly everyone wants one. Then just as suddenly, only those with an absolute need want them. Right now the market is hot, hot, with big winners including the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander. Along with them has been the VW Atlas, which for 2021 gets a bit of a makeover, helping it take on these relative upstarts. How does it stack up? Let’s take a look! Bigger and Buffer While the Atlas has been the poster child for the “Big Box” SUV school …

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Oldsmobile Aerotech 34

An Eighties Veyron? How The Oldsmobile Aerotech Paved The Way For The Modern Hyper Car

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It might seem hard to believe, but it wasn’t too long ago that the very idea of a hyper car was considered a pure fantasy. While the supercar segment would morph into one of the most iconic parts of the 1980s and 90s, hyper cars were pure science fiction, and were relegated to being curious science experiments for automakers. However, the Oldsmobile Aerotech concept would help give the world a glimpse into a future where the hyper car would synthesize its way into modern culture especially in terms of design.   Subtle similarities help paint broader picture Unlike the Aerotech …

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Best & Worst Cars of 2020: The Metro Detroit/Pandemic Apocalypse Edition

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The year 2020 will arguably go down as one of the most significant periods in all of human history. In addition to the social upheaval and rapid political changes that took place, the world was also thrusted into the shackles of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges though, we still remained committed to not only bring you world class news content, but also a steady stream of Michigan made reviews. With that out of the way, Here’s our three best and not so best cars of 2020   The Best: 2020 Lincoln Aviator Black Label It’s no secret that …

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2020 Genesis G70 Sport 2.0 T Road Test Review: Will We Miss The Manual Transmission?

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The sport sedan segment has been one long dominated by benchmarks like the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class and even the Audi A4. Many attempts have been made to try and usurp this trio from their respective pedestals for years. Some have come very close to achieving that goal, while others promptly flamed out and settled for low sales numbers. The 2020 Genesis G70 is the latest contender to try and do the seemingly impossible task of toppling Germany’s finest. But can it channel its inner Sam Darnold and lead Genesis to a New York Jets worthy upset win? Or will …

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2021 Volvo XC60 T5 AWD Momentum by Ben Lewis

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Volvo has always gone its own way. In the early days, they were stout little machines, that were some of the greatest innovators when it came to safety. Their rugged and reliable drivetrains helped make them rally champions, and became legendary for logging high miles. (Remember that guy with the P1800 that went over 3 million miles?). Outside of maybe the P1800, they weren’t really known for being stylish – they were sensible and functional, but design wasn’t on the menu. And then suddenly we got the modern Volvo, and taking a page out of Swedish Design, with its cool …

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Relive your Oldsmobile memories with pint-sized Aerotech go-kart, one of only 70 made

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Typically Sunday is when we launch another installment of our ongoing concept car series, but this unique offering on Facebook Marketplace certainly caught our attention, and if your willing to make the drive to New Hampshire, this slice of Oldsmobile Aerotech linked history can be yours for $1200. Aerotech looks with half the size We might as well address the obvious, this is not the official Oldsmobile Aerotech concept which served as the pinnacle of Oldsmobile’s engineering efforts in the 1980s. For those that need a brief refresher course, the Aerotech was an experimental high speed concept car which was …

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McLaren Sabre makes surprise debut, most powerful two seat McLaren ever built will only go to 15 owners

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McLaren is in the midst of completely rebooting its lineup as it prepares to enter a new era defined by tightening fuel regulations and the challenges brought by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But while some aspects of its future plans have slipped out over the past few months, it appears that the company still had a surprise up its sleeve with the unexpected debut of the McLaren Sabre. This ultra exclusive two seater talks a big game and boasts the horsepower figures to shake up the scene. Here’s 3 key things to know about the McLaren Sabre. It really was …

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Hyundai makes Palisade Calligraphy more accessible, adds front wheel drive variant

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Hyundai‘s range topping Palisade Calligraphy comes loaded to the brim with technology and even adds extra amounts of luxury to the Palisade. But what if your a family buyer that wants to add one to your growing garage but don’t need all-wheel drive and would like to save a few pennies in the process? If that description fits you, Hyundai has delivered an early Christmas present that aims to add some extra cheer to your holiday. Front wheel drive with all the luxury Palisade fittings So how was Hyundai able to shave some dollars from the Calligraphy’s sticker? It all …

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Toyota pays homage to the past with all new Supra Sport Top Concept, will debut at SEMA

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The Toyota Supra elicits a wide range of reactions when its viewed by enthusiasts. The Supra is always a welcome visitor to the Car-Revs-Daily offices and we have had the chance to sample both the 3.0 liter and the base 2.0 liter model. But could the Targa top be making its return to the Supra lineup. Toyota appears to be giving the world a subtle glimpse of what one could look like with the unveiling of the 2021 GR Supra Sport Top Concept. Paying homage to the past with a retro feature The most immediate change that observers will notice …

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2020 Mazda MX-5 Club Comparison Review: Supra vs MX-5 who wins?

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The 2020 Mazda MX-5 has always been a very interesting entry for Mazda. It serves as a very budget friendly option for those looking to enter the sports car segment and it has been a value focused icon in the segment since its debut in the 1990s. During this period though the Toyota Supra was morphing into its most potent form and was a very potent performance car entry. However, volatile economic factors and currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Yen forced the Supra to take a brief respite from production while the MX-5 continued on. But …

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Production Bollinger B1

For 10th straight year in a row white emerges as most popular car color

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What hue is universally associated with refrigerators, is virtually impossible to keep clean consistently, and just topped the popularity charts for car colors for the 10th year in a row? If you chose the color white then you won the grand prize with the typically unassuming shade being named the most popular car color for new vehicles for the 10th year in a row according to Axalta. Running away with the vote The report was put together by the folks at Axalta (a firm specializing in industrial paint coatings) with the goal of helping automakers understand and predict color trends. …

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2021 Honda Odyssey Elite by Ben Lewis

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It’s always interesting to see what an Automaker does with a best-selling model. You want to keep things fresh and exciting, but you also don’t want to alienate the faithful, right? Such is the case with the Honda Odyssey minivan – America’s retail best-selling minivan for the past 10 years. It’s a great record. But do you mess with success, or play the conservative game? Let’s see what the 2021 Model Year brings for the popular Honda people mover. Fresh Face Well, the Odyssey was already quite a sporty looking vehicle, but that didn’t stop Honda from making it even …

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2020 4 Runner TRD PRO Review By Matt Barnes

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With Toyota sending us the 4 Runner TRD PRO to test for a week, we have now had seat time in all their currently available off-roaders. The 4 Runner still uses the 4.0 V6 and 5 speed auto, which uses a little more fuel and isn’t as refined as some newer offerings, but that didn’t matter once we left the pavement. In our opinion, the 4 Runner TRD PRO is the best Toyota for all types of off-road terrain. Scroll to the bottom to get our take on the other TRD PRO Vehicles. The 4 Runner TRD PRO starts at …

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2020 Alfa Romeo 4C 33 Stradale Tributo

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider dead after 2020, will go out with all new 33 Stradale Tributo Model

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Sometimes the end of an era can be bittersweet and that’s especially true if your a fan of the Alfa Romeo 4C coupe and spider. Alfa Romeo made a buzz when it ended U.S. sales of the 4C coupe back in 2019 and the bell now tolls for the 2020 4C Spider with no 2021 models planned for U.S. distribution. We had a chance to drive a yellow 4C back in 2016 and we came away impressed with the renewed levels of driver involvement that the quirky coupe brought to the table. Thankfully, Alfa is not letting the 4C leave …

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Production Bollinger B1

Bollinger reveals production versions of B1 and B2, 3 important things to know

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When we last heard from Oak Park, Michigan based EV manufacturer Bollinger Motors the company revealed a rudimentary pricing ladder for the B1 SUV and B2 pickup along with news that a chassis cab variant was in the works. Since then, the company has maintained a low profile, but it decided to surprise the world with the production versions of both the B1 and B2. Here’s 5 things to know about what has carried over to the masses and what hasn’t. A new color hides rudimentary changes A major thing that curious observers will notice is the addition of a …

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2021 Lexus IS350 F SPORT by Ben Lewis

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We have a lot of vehicles that we like. And then the manufacturers manage to tweak and massage, and Boom! You get something really special. We felt that way with the larger-engined Subaru Crosstrek we tested recently.  And there was something about the latest Civic Coupe that just felt perfect. And now we’re ready to add the Lexus IS350 F SPORT to that list. Already a very good sport sedan, the changes for 2021 make it, as they say ….”just right”. Evocative Looks First impressions matter in sport sedans, and the IS350 F SPORT makes us feel all tingly. Slightly …

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Nissan brings new technology and revamped styling to 2021 Armada: 5 things you should pay attention to

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Nissan is wading through some troubled waters as the Japanese auto company tries to not only navigate its way through the fallout created by the ouster of former CEO Carlos Ghosn but also the unique economic challenges brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The recent unveiling of the Z Proto concept showed that the company was off to a good start, and it has now brought this renewed vigor to the flagship SUV segment with the unveiling of the heavily revamped 2021 Armada. Like the company, the Armada was adrift for a while, watching helplessly as rivals were updated …

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Acura unveils the 2022 MDX SUV: 5 Important Things To Know

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When Acura unveiled the MDX Prototype Concept it was very clear that the Japanese luxury brand was taking the flagship SUV market very seriously. The company wanted to show that it still had some tricks up its sleeve and that its ongoing efforts to rebuild its performance heritage were not merely a smoke and pony show. Thankfully after a brief wait Acura has pulled the veil off of the 2022 MDX which aims to shatter the perceptions that people have about Acura. Here’s five important things to know about Acura’s new and improved people hauler.   It’s a looker Acura …

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2021 F-150 Tremor

Ford hits the trail with the 2021 F-150 Tremor: 5 things you should know about this latest off-road toy

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When Ford first rebooted the Tremor lineup with the introduction of the Tremor Super Duty it aimed to bring a whole new approach to the way Ford marketed off-road vehicles. A buyer didn’t have to be limited to the Raptor and could instead opt for a completely different off-road package that could bust the trails for much less money. But while the Ranger Tremor arrived to serve as the definitive entry model, there was a noticeable void between it and the Super Duty. Ford has now filed that gap with the introduction of the 2021 F-150 Tremor. Here’s five important …

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2020 Sequoia TRD Pro

2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Review: Off-Roading For The Whole Family

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When it comes to blazing through rugged off-road trails and countless other slices of the road less traveled few can compete with Toyota‘s TRD Pro lineup. From the Tacoma and Tundra pickups to the venerable 4-Runner the Japanese auto giant has a tool available to help you best Jeep Wranglers Chevy Colorado ZR2s and others in rough and tumble dogfights. But what if your an off-road enthusiast that has a growing family and you want to take them along for the ride? For awhile, you were limited to the 4-Runner which is a capable hauler in its own right, but …

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A performance focused minivan? We take a look at the 1999 Dodge Caravan R/T Concept

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Ever wonder what would happen if the humble minivan was given a serious infusion of performance to go along with its mall crawling functionality? Many automakers have teased the idea of a performance model, but very few have actually produced it (Dodge did produce a R/T version in 2016.) But did you know that the idea actually had its roots much earlier? In this installment we take a look at the 1999 Dodge Caravan R/T concept to see if  it successfully planted the seeds for a performance focused family mobile? Race ready styling First unveiled to the world in 1999 …

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Lexus swings for the fences with the 2020 Lexus UX 250h hybrid, comes up short

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It’s no secret that Lexus practically invented the luxury SUV category when it first debuted the RX a few decades ago. The RX was a hit and it rode a proverbial sales rocket towards the top of the segment. Despite some recent challenges by a few rivals, Lexus is clearly trying to replicate the success of that model. It’s doing so by introducing a diverse range of smaller crossover models but can models like the 2020 UX 250h hybrid bring some much needed to the lineup? Or is it a noteworthy dead end? Controversial styling reigns supreme on UX The …

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Subtle updates blend with green focused technology to add dimension to 2020 Hyundai Ioniq

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Remember back when the Toyota Prius was once considered to be the de-facto benchmark of the green vehicle segment? We do and apparently so do some of its rivals who are out to show the world that there are indeed other options besides the mighty green icon. One of these firms is Hyundai who has perhaps pulled the boldest coup of them all with the 2020 Ioniq. On the surface the Ioniq appeared to check off alot of the boxes that green car buyers want. That included exceptional fuel economy and futuristic technology but can the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq continue …

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2020 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT by By Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, and it’s a capable, honest and quite fun SUV. Between that and the Forester and Ascent, Subaru knows how to make an SUV. But interestingly enough, its best seller isn’t an SUV. Yet it competes with them and shows them up in many ways. Welcome to the Subaru Outback – a tall, capable All-wheel-drive wagon that offers those SUV attributes in a different package. Hey, we like different! And for 2020 the Outback’s all new, too. Let’s take a look. Familiar but tougher looks On the outside, you might have trouble distinguishing the …

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2022 Acura MDX puts on a tease ahead of its December 8th debut

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It’s no secret that Acura is preparing to take the covers off of its revamped 2022 Acura MDX. The newest MDX will represent a very interesting chapter in its history as the model evolves to truly embrace its role as the flagship model for the luxury brand (NSX where are thou? However, the one other thing that has eluded us (along with the NSX’s current status in the lineup) was a date for the MDX’s debut and the Japanese luxury brand has revealed that it will take place December 8th. Keeping up with the 2022 Acura MDX Prototype Acura also …

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The torque wars just got hotter, Ram unveils 2021 2500 & 3500 HD models and reveals 1,075 lb-ft figure

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In an era where the battle for truck supremacy has never been more important, the torque wars can be an often overlooked statistic of the fight (especially with many buyers focusing on other things in their truck purchase.) But the last few years have seen an arms race in torque, with Ford and Ram in particular going back and forth in this fight. Ram is aiming to rewrite the rules of battle though and has unveiled the 2021 Ram HD lineup.   Familiar styling retains big rig look Buyers looking for a new suit of clothes will not find it …

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Remember when Audi found its step? What happened to the 2000 Steppenwolf Concept?

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It’s not too often that automaker manages to find its figurative step when it comes to designing a concept car for the masses. But Audi managed to take things in an interesting direction when the new millennium arrived on the scene. The company that was typically known for making well buttoned luxury cars was keenly aware that not only were SUVs important, but that the very definition of what an SUV should be was also rapidly changing. Perhaps sensing that the wheels of change were grinding into motion, Audi commissioned the Steppenwolf concept car which aimed to answer what would …

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2021 Subaru Crosstrek 2.5L Limited by Ben Lewis

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It’s hard not to like the Subaru Crosstrek – it’s a great looking small crossover, based on the equally likeable Subaru Impreza and it combines a nice compact size with good off-road abilities, and most of the friendly traits that make Subaru an agreeable brand. It has been hard to love the Crosstrek, though. It’s always felt a little underpowered, and the lack of power seemed to highlight the CVT transmission in a negative light. In short, a good vehicle looking for a better engine. Well, Subie heard our wishes, and for 2021, a more powerful 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder replaces the …

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Has Honda created a true Golf R killer? We take a second look at the 2021 Honda Civic Type R

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The Honda Civic Si for the longest time has always been the de-facto top performance offering for Honda in the United States. But our friends across the pond always had access to something a bit spicier, the Type R. The long wait matched the level of our collective jealousy, but at long last the current generation Type R finally arrived to truly unify the performance car constellations. The Type R has had some time to cement its place in the performance car ranks, and Honda has added some minor updates to the hottest of all Civics for the 2021 model …

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Honda unveils all new 2021 Rebel 1100, promises improved performance and value

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Honda’s motorcycle division has been on a roll when it comes to upgrading some of its lineup of motorcycles. Naturally, all of that work also creates its own share of rumors, and one of them centered around the possibility of the company creating an all new iteration of Rebel motorcycle. The company has thankfully confirmed this rumor, and has formally unveiled the 2021 Rebel 1100 Rebel without a cause, well except for style This latest iteration of the Rebel thankfully brings a number of familiar traits to Honda buyers, with the bike continuing to ride on its cruiser style chassis. …

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Ford returns to fabled Baja 1000 race, Bronco R prototype gets second chance at slaying the course

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Ford‘s Bronco is rapidly powering its way towards a pivotal 2021, with the model slated to go on sale nation wide this coming spring. However, before that happens, the company is out to shake a very big monkey off of its back, and has revealed that the Bronco R racing prototype will be making a second attempt at completing the treacherous Baja 1000 race. Aiming to rectify past mistakes The Bronco R’s last trip to Baja could be viewed like the build up to the first encounter between boxers Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz, with Ford generating a massive amount …

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A subtle evolution shapes the 2021 Ford F-150 lineup, luxurious interior and Pro Power Onboard feature add depth

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When Ford announced the 2021 Ford F-150, the company knew that it had a very tall order to fill. The F-150 is a very strong seller, and F-150 buyers know what they want in their pickup. As such, any updates that the company did couldn’t be just thrown wildly into the wind for the sake of doing it. Each one had to be carefully thought out to ensure that they made the most impact, and also brought something unique to the customer. Ford thinks it has managed to succeed in this role with the 2021 F-150, But are all these …

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2021 Kia K5 GT-Line by Ben Lewis

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When Kia introduced the new Soul recently, we mourned the loss of the adorable hamsters in their ad campaign. But the all-new vehicle more than made up for it. This time Kia is killing off a model name – Optima – and replacing it with the all-new K5. Will we be as enthused as we were with the Soul? Let’s find out! Bigger Bolder, Badder The All-new K5 shares the platform with the all-new Hyundai Sonata, and it’s interesting how different they look. We’ll take the K5’s aggressive lines, and it definitely looks longer, lower and wider than the already-handsome …

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Honda brings power to the gamers, unveils 2022 Civic Prototype on Twitch

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Honda has big plans for the Civic. When we first reported on it yesterday, Honda aimed to make waves with Generation Z, and chose to unveil the 2022 Civic Prototype via Twitch (the first time that an automaker has ever used the service for that purpose.) But we were left wondering, can the 2022 Honda Civic serve as an effective continuation of the Civic nameplate? Especially as younger buyers are rapidly moving towards utility vehicles? Radical styling shift signals more polish is coming to the Civic We learned several things from Honda’s trip to Twitch. The fact that there are …

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2022 Infiniti QX55 breathes new life into brand’s lineup, features sleek infotainment system

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We won’t judge you if luxury brand Infiniti doesn’t come to mind right away when asked to name one of their models. Infiniti has been in the doldrums as of late both in sales, as well as the current state of their lineup. Our last encounter with Infiniti was several years ago when we traveled out to California to check out the QX50. Since then, not much has happened, but that has all changed, with the luxury brand finally pulling the covers off of the 2022 QX55. FX inspired attitude defines QX55 design When it came to penning the lines …

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Jeep unveils V8 powered 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 392, rewrites the off-road benchmarks

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It has been awhile since a V8 engine found its way into the Jeep Wrangler. For the past several decades, the most potent engine that you could get in a Wrangler was the venerable albeit wimpy 285 horsepower 3.6 liter V6. But we always knew that the Wrangler had a hidden potential for more power, and Jeep has finally delivered on the promise of a V8 powered factory Wrangler, with the unveiling of the Wrangler Rubicon 392. Jeep claims that it’s the perfect blend of both worlds, but is it? Here’s 4 key things to know about the fastest Wrangler …

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2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport aims to appeal to a wider spectrum of buyers, can it succeed?

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The Volkswagen Atlas is a solid three row contender in the SUV segment. But while the Atlas is a solid workhorse for growing families, the big VW is not exactly known for its athletic charm. Volkswagen aims to solve all that with the all new Atlas Cross Sport. But does the Cross Sport succeed in adding more excitement to the Atlas? Or is it a dead end? Sloping roofline and revised looks add some needed edge to Cross Sport At its core, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is pretty much what you expect it to be, which is to …

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A trip back in time, we take a retrospective at the 1974 Jaguar XJ12 PF Concept

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With our focus on concept cars and their links to current products, it’s also important to look back on concept cars that helped play a key role in either their history, or their continued existence (in the case of Porsche and its 1993 Boxster concept.) This theme carries through with the latest entry to this particular sub-theme, the 1974 Jaguar XJ12 PF. This obscure design exercise not only highlighted the international connections between auto companies, but could also be considered a key stepping stone for Jaguar models of the period. Britain and Italy create an interesting XJ fueled collaboration Jaguar …

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2022 Rezvani Motors Hercules 6×6 goes wild, 3 things that you should know about this insane truck offering

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Remember when pickups used to be treated as a mere tool designed to haul cargo, boats, and were destined for a life out on the job site? These days, it seems that pickups are roleplaying as a wide variety of things. From being off-road focused Billy goats, to even being luxurious and decidedly more capable substitutes for minivans, the segment has never been so diverse as its been in recent years. However, we never suspected that a truck would rise up and call itself “the God of all pickups.” But Rezvani‘s newest creation the Hercules 6×6 aims to do just …

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A yellow flash of fun, we check out the 2021 Toyota Supra four cylinder

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A legacy can be defined as something that is left long after the person or thing creating it is gone. For a long time, that also defined the Toyota Supra which was Toyota‘s pinnacle of budget focused performance. First appearing in the 1980s, the Supra really got into its groove in the 1990s, with the later turbocharged models making a name for themselves out on the street and on the track. However, shifting economic headwinds forced the Supra to exit our shores in 1998, and for awhile, that was the end of the story. But a new generation of buyers …

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Ford electrifies the commercial van wars with the 2022 Ford E-Transit, boasts 126 mile electric driving range

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Ford is continuing its rapid march towards pure electrification, and the company has unveiled a key step that helps push its goals even further in the commercial vehicle segment, the 2022 Ford E-Transit.   Subtle styling tweaks hint at E-Transit’s electron fueled mission The Ford Transit is the best selling cargo van in the world, and naturally, Ford did not want to rock the boat too much when it came to exterior styling for the E-Transit. As a result, the core design carries over virtually intact. However, the few changes that are present here focuses solely on the front fascia, …

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Celebrating an icon, 2021 Ram 2500 Power Wagon pays homage to iconic original’s 75th anniversary

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2020 has truly been the year of the 4×4. From the recently revived Ford Bronco, to the Land Rover Defender. This year has certainly been a year to remember for off-road enthusiasts (a welcome distraction from COVID 19 for many of them.) With these kings of the beaten path seeing newfound fame, you can be forgiven if you forgot about the Ram Power Wagon. The rugged Power Wagon has been around in some shape or form for the past 75 years, and Ram is celebrating with the all new Ram 2500 Power Wagon 75th anniversary Edition A classy tribute to …

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Can a concept car save a company and build a bright future? What happened to the 1993 Porsche Boxster Concept?

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When one looks at Porsche today, the company is a vividly different representation of what it once was. From the 918 hypercar, to the latest iteration of the Cayenne SUV, the Stuttgart based automaker seems to offer something for everyone. However, this was not the case, and for a brief period of time, the company was teetering on the edge of extinction. Fortunately for Porsche, a lone concept car emerged, and single handedly righted the ship for the firm. This show piece was the 1993 Boxster, what happened to it, and how did it help bring newfound prosperity to Porsche? …

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2020 Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition by Ben Lewis

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Legend, Icon, familiar friend. All of these can be said about the Nissan Z. First offered as a 1970 model, the 240Z blew away the affordable sports car marketplace, making the MG’s and Triumphs of the day seem absolutely ancient, which they kind of were. Over the years, the Z has veered on and off the path of true sports car-ism, the 280ZX and early 300ZX were posh cruisers, but offered little thrills. The 1990 Z was a return to form – an excellent sports car. And the 350Z and the current 370Z continued the trend. So, we are happy …

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Hyundai reveals official pricing for spicy 2021 Sonata N Line, starts at $34,195

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Remember when Hyundai showed the world the 2021 Sonata N Line. The new model promised to bring some much needed firepower to the Sonata, and also give it a fighting chance against some of its range topping rivals. However, the Korean car giant left us with a cliffhanger when it came to the question of how much it would cost to bring one into your garage? Thankfully, Hyundai has remedied that problem, and has formally released that crucial piece of information. Pricing will begin at $34,195 for the base N Line which includes the $995 destination fee. The way it’s …

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Ducati unveils the trail ready 2021 MultiStrada V4, lighter, sleeker, and more powerful than ever [Video]

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Ducati always manages to make a splash when it has something new to show the world, and with 2021 rapidly approaching, the Italian motorcycle maker decided to formally unveil the 2021 MultiStrada V4 which aims to be the most capable and sophisticated MultiStrada the company has ever produced.   All new from the ground up The core shape of the MultiStrada might look like it hasn’t changed much at first glance, but Ducati revealed that the bike has been completely redesigned from the ground up, and tweaks have been made from end to end. The bike is now slightly shorter …

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Volkswagen doubles down on performance with 2022 Golf R, here’s four things to know about this newest R model

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Volkswagen is very keen to remind people that it’s still the benchmark when it comes to the hot hatch segment. While some were disappointed that the German auto giant did not bring the standard issue Golf to U.S. shores, execs revealed that the GTI and the Golf R were un affected by this edict. With the current generation GTI being unveiled awhile ago, Volkswagen has made things go full circle, with the firm revealing the 2022 Golf R. The new and improved R promises to make a big splash in the segment, and here are five key things that you …

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Hellfire and unholy levels of performance define insane 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT63 S [Video]

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It’s not too often that the fires of hell craft a piece of machinery that’s the perfect combination of otherworldly temptation and world class performance. But Mercedes-Benz has done just that with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT63S. The “S” is one of the heavy hitters in Mercedes-Benz’s lineup, and was the most powerful Benz money could buy before it was usurped by the ultra limited 720 horsepower AMG GT Black Edition. But with that model being a pure two door, the GT63 aims to bring some of this track slaying performance into a distinctly four door flavored package. But does …

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2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE AWD

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If I say name the fastest 4-door Toyota right now, with over 300 hp and 0-60 under 6 seconds what would you say? Camry TRD? Avalon? Nope. It’s the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Wait a sec. The friendly and familiar RAV4 SUV? A performance vehicle? Yep, and then some. Toyota has been on a roll lately, and they’ve making fun to drive a big part of their new direction as a brand. Camry, Corolla, Supra, heck, even the Highlander is a lot more fun than it used to be. And where hybrids used to be just for super-efficiency, Toyota is showing …

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2020 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E AWD by Ben Lewis

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As we write this, GM just announced the GMC HUMMER EV, a full-EV pickup truck with an available 1,000 horsepower (no typo!), 0-60 in 3 seconds, and even hands-free Super Cruise technology. So, it kind of makes us wonder, what is the definition of a pickup truck? Other manufacturers have messed around with the idea – Dodge offered a convertible pickup, and all the major manufactures offer SuperTrucks that are a mix of muscle car and truck. Honda loves to engineer, and they went a different route – how about a pickup truck that gives you the comfort and ride …

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Intercepting the past, whatever happened to the 2007 Ford Interceptor concept?

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Intercepting trends are a big challenge for automakers, especially in an age where the market is rapidly evolving and changing. As mentioned in our prior Facebook post, we wanted to take a look at the Blue Oval (after a brief detour to make up for our absence last week) and we wanted to find out whatever happened to the Ford Interceptor concept? Did it have a chance of making production, does it still have a strong influence in current Ford products, and what happened to it?   Purposeful styling and substance added charm to Interceptor When the Ford Interceptor appeared, …

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Ambition and luxury, what happened to the 2006 Chrysler Imperial Concept?

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Another week, and another Chrysler concept enters the spotlight in our ongoing concept and show car focused series. For those that missed us last week, you can forgive us for catching Teofino Lopez’s shocking upset victory over Vasyli Lomachenko on ESPN (we’re big fight fans at the Metro Detroit office) but with the dust having fully settled from that epic clash, it’s back to our weekend task of dissecting concept vehicles from years past to find out what happened to them after their time on the show circuit, and whether they had a lasting impact in current vehicle offerings? This …

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2020 Subaru Ascent by Ben Lewis

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What if you love your Subaru Outback but find yourself needing more room, especially a 3rd row of seats? Or if you have a 3-row SUV and always wanted a Subaru to call your own? Easy, get yourself a Subaru Ascent. We worried that the transition to such a large vehicle might dilute the Subie goodness we’ve found in the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek – even the WRX. So, we had to ask. Is the biggest Subaru still true to the cause? Subaru Design on Display Well, it certainly looks that way. If you didn’t have a reference point, you might …

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2020 Hyundai Genesis G90 Ultimate Review – With major revamp, can it still be a luxury bargain?

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When the first generation Genesis G90 appeared on the scene, it was trying to rid itself of a fresh identity crisis that dated back to when it was formerly known as the Hyundai Equus. The Equus was a flagship sedan with potential, but it didn’t get the flashy state of the art fashion designs that its rivals got. Instead, its exterior design was more akin to a bland sweater or cardigan that your relatives got you for Christmas at the last minute. It did the job, but kept people from really noticing its inner talents. The G90 was a welcome …

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Buick grows Encore range with larger Encore GX, can it fill sales niches for luxury brand?

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Buick is now an all SUV brand. With the demise of the Regal and the slow selling Cascada convertible, the venerable luxury marque has now betted all of its chips on SUV and CUV models. A key part of this strategy is to do what rivals are doing, and try to find new niches or holes in the lineup to fill. In this instance, Buick had an opportunity to fill a hole in between the smaller Encore and the Envision models with the all new Encore GX. This model promises more luxury, capability, and the compact size that buyers still …

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Mazda adds its signature to the mid-size sedan segment with 2020 Mazda6 Signature

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When it comes to straddling the line between mainstream and entry level, we’ll admit that Mazda is a very hard act to follow. When you look at the company’s pricing ladder as well as the segments it competes in, it’s easy to write it off as a mainstream luxury brand. However, the interior designs recently make it clear that Mazda is shooting far above its weight class when it comes to this particular category. With sedans being pinched for sales and attention by a growing army of SUV and CUV entries, they have to embrace new ways of maintaining the …

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2020 VW Golf GTI 2.0T Autobahn by Ben Lewis

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We often get asked, what vehicle do you recommend for an enthusiast who also needs real-world practicality? While we would love to recommend something like the BMW M235i Gran Coupe we tested, we get it – it’s not inexpensive. Ditto for the Mini Countryman JCW. But for those who especially like European driving manners, there’s always been an easy answer – VW’s delightful GTI. And with a new model around the corner, we thought we’d take a last look at the 7th gen hot hatch to see if it still holds up as a great all-rounder. ( A new 2022 …

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STARTECH adds new flair and polish to Tesla Model 3

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The Tesla Model 3 is certainly one of the most talked about electric vehicle entries in the market today. But while it brings massive amounts of electric range and state of the art technology to the forefront, there’s no denying that it’s the least attractive of all of Teslas offerings. STARTECH is out tor try and change that however, and has unveiled an all new upgrade suite for the 3 that aims to up its game inside and out.   Highlights include a custom body kit, a revamped interior with higher quality materials, as well as other touches aimed at …

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Volvo swings for the fences, but comes up a tad short with 2020 Volvo S60 T5 R-Design

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When Volvo announced that it was preparing the all new S60, we were curious to see how it would fare out in the real world. The S60 represents the most serious effort that Volvo has put into dethroning segment benchmarks like the BMW Series, Mercedes C-Class, and the Audi A4. But while the rapid growth of crossovers has indeed put some pressure on this segment, the stakes are still very high in the luxury sport sedan segment, and bragging rights are still the ultimate trophy to strive for. But does the S60 have the tools to do what no other …

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2020 Pacifica Hybrid Limited Review By Matt Barnes

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The Chrysler Pacifica is possibly the most awarded minivan ever. FCA has invested billions of dollars into the development of the Pacifica in an effort to make it the top of its class. So, what has all the investment done for this hybrid family hauler? Exterior Elegance is not a word often used on minivans, but the design of the Pacifica is a great example of a top tier product. The upper and lower grills combine to produce a dumbbell shape for the front end. The hood has clearly defined lines that flow into the sides and disappear seamlessly. Oddly …

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2022 Acura MDX Prototype previews a very dynamic future for venerable people hauler [Video]

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Acura had alot riding on its shoulders when it unveiled the 2022 Acura MDX Prototype. While the MDX was arguably the more family focused offering of Acura’s SUV lineup, it was also losing ground to some of its rivals in the three row luxury SUV segment. Even though the MDX Prototype is a thinly veiled concept, it does appear to show that the MDX is about to take a big step up in terms of what it can bring to customers. There’s alot to unpack here, but here are some of the key essentials that you should know about the …

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Volkswagen doubles down on CUVS with 2022 Taos, fills void in the process

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The SUV segment is a rapidly changing place, and when you have a void in your lineup, it can be quite noticeable. That was the predicament that Volkswagen was facing with the firm having a noticeable hole below its volume focused Tiguan SUV. With subcompact CUVs proving to be a very reliable honey hole for consumers, Volkswagen had to act quickly, and it has chosen to do so with the 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The Taos aims to bring instant success to Volkswagen, but can it fill the shoes left by the Golf?   Shrunken Tiguan wrapper creates distinctive look: The …

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2020 Mazda Miata MX-5 RF Grand Touring by Ben Lewis

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Great cars seem to have a few things in common. But it really boils down to this – a great car always creates a sense of occasion, every time you drive. And that’s something you can say about every Miata since the first one came ashore in 1990. Yep, 30 years. While you can argue which model is best, there’s never been a mis-step, they’ve never tried to change its mission…a Miata is not a luxury car. Or an SUV. Or heaven forbid, a minivan. It’s a sports car, pure and undiluted. Let’s celebrate the MX-5’s big 3-0! Classic Proportions …

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A relic of a lost world? what happened to the original T-Rex concept?

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While the world is intensely focused on the 700 plus horsepower Ram TRX that will be making its way to showrooms next year, we were curious to find out what happened to the concept? No, not the hellcat powered concept truck that preceded the current Jurassic inspired titan that we have come to know and love, but rather the original T-Rex concept that preceded both of them. Buckle up for this inaugural look into concepts of the past, how they played a part (if any) in some of the hottest offerings in the market today, and what ultimately became of …

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Honda brings more aggression, interior tweaks, and new HPD package to 2021 Ridgeline

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The Honda Ridgeline was a very interesting vehicle when it first appeared on the scene. It had some whiffs of the Chevrolet Avalanche when it first appeared, and was supposed to be everything that the old Ridgeline wasn’t. It certainly seemed to be on the right track, with car like comfort, good fuel economy, and even a commendably sized bed. However, the one thing the Ridgeline didn’t have on its side was strong sales numbers, with the truck often being relegated to being a mere afterthought in the sales race. But Honda is not ready to call it quits, and …

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