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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Road Test Review – 2020 Land Rover Defender X – X Marks The Spot For Adventure

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The past few years have been a very interesting roller coaster ride for massive swaths of the automotive industry. The twists and turns have included a resurgence in the popularity of utility vehicles with the off-road segment in particular seeing a rapid surge in popularity. A pleasing result of the latter is the return of the Land Rover Defender to the U.S. market. The Defender was last seen here in the 1990s before tightening safety regulations forced it to retreat back to Europe where it remained a compelling treat that was just out of reach for Americans. Land Rover is …

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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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Hyundai Teases Kona N In New Video, Confirms Initial Specs For Super CUV [Video]

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It has been rumored for a long time, but Hyundai has finally confirmed that the next model for the N performance division will be a hot rodded version of the Kona CUV. The Kona already has an immense amount of potential baked into it as it is, but it would seem that Hyundai is willing to double down on making it into an interesting weekend track toy too as part of a broader range of updates for the 2022 model year.   Kona N Brings Spicier Styling To CUV Segment The upcoming variant will be based on the facelifted Kona …

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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 Ford F-150

Ford Sweeps The North American Car and Truck Of The Year Awards, F-150 Truck of The Year, Mustang Mach-E Bags Utility Of The Year

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Typically the announcement of the North American Car and Truck Of The Year are often associated with the North American International Auto Show. But thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, events like these have been reshuffled with the awards ceremony taking place alongside CES for the past two years. This state of flux carried over to this year’s awards, with Ford sweeping the truck and utility award segments for 2021. F-150 Snatches Win From Ram While the results for all three categories were predictable, the F-150’s win over Ram and Jeep had to be the most dynamic. The F-150 had …

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TCF Center

NAIAS 2021 Scrubbed, To Be Replaced With Smaller Motor Bella Event

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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced many auto makers and even auto show organizers to scramble and rapidly adapt to an ever changing environment. In this instance, it has forced the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) to radically rework the 2021 North American International Auto Show once again with the organization revealing that it will not only be renaming it to Motor Bella, but also moving the auto extravaganza from the TCF Center in Detroit to the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan.   A Sign Of The Times The North American International Auto Show was trying to reinvent itself for …

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1987 Oldsmobile AeroTech 24

Insider: Don’t Let These Drawbacks Of Car Ownership Bring You Down

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Our vehicles can be a costly purchase, can’t they? If not for the initial outlay of buying the car, we can often forget about maintaining them, repairing them and even fueling them. All of which have a cost and they can surely mount up over time if you don’t take control of the situation.  Many of us have no choice but to own a car. We need a vehicle to get us to work, from one place to another, or to even just get our family safely to school. However, while so many of us focus on the actual cost …

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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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Cadillac Confirms February 1st Debut For CT5 and CT4-V Blackwing Models

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The story of the Cadillac CT4 and CT5-V Blackwing models has more twists and turns than a Ezekiel Boone novel. The Blackwing moniker was originally supposed to denote a Cadillac exclusive V8 that made its debut in the axed CT6 flagship sedan. But that engine did not move beyond that particular model and it raised questions on what would be powering the Blackwing models (as well as a whole host of other subjects.) But at long last we are nearing the finish line with Cadillac revealing that the models will be making their debut on February 1st. Blackwing sure sounds …

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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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Jeep Teases 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Will Make Debut January 7th, 3 Key Things To Know

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Jeep had alot on its plate when it was developing the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. but the numerous renderings and spy photos have all led us to this key moment with Jeep revealing that the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be making its debut in less than 24 hours. The Grand Cherokee has always been a very important model for Jeep, and the 2021 iteration is no different. Here’s three key things that you should look out for when it makes its debut.   Debuts new Grand Cherokee L designation More room for adventure. Tune in tomorrow at 12 PM …

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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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2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 pricing breaks cover, costs more than Hellcat powered Ram TRX

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When the first factory powered Jeep Wrangler in over four decades first made its appearance back in November, the world was pleasantly surprised. Granted, it was an obvious attempt by FCA to steal attention away from the revived Ford Bronco but the notion of a Wrangler being infused with the same 6.4 liter Hemi V8 seen in other SRT products was very enticing. Early pricing for the Wrangler 392 had emerged, and be prepared to pay accordingly for the chance to have some V8 powered Wrangler fun. It costs more than the Ram TRX, for real This information does not …

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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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Jeep adds all new customization center to Wrangler and Gladiator plant, straight from factory customization now fully possible

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It’s no secret that when it comes to customization, The Jeep Wrangler SUV and its pickup cousin the Gladiator are very popular subjects for the imaginations of vehicle customizers across the nation. But while the aftermarket has risen to the occasion by offering a wide range of possibilities, Jeep itself did not have the ability to customize factory vehicles straight from the factory floor. But thanks to the recent construction of an all new vehicle customization center, Jeep has resolved this long standing flaw once and for all. Bargain real estate price secures customization playground According to the Toledo Blade, …

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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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2021 Mercedes GLS 63 AMG Review: Sand Monster By Matt Barnes

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  Exterior Even to the untrained eye, the Mercedes GLS 63 AMG is clearly something out of the ordinary. There are subtle design cues everywhere and when combined they let everyone know that this is no ordinary GLS. The front grill and bumper are a little more aggressive, the rims are massive and wrapped in sporty tires, and even at idle the sound from the dual exhaust is noticeably different from the standard GLS. Everything about this vehicle says something great is hiding under that large voluptuous body, yet somehow it appears understated. Overall, the AMG GLS looks very similar …

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A compelling tease of Buick performance that never materialized, we take a look at the Buick Avista Concept

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Buick may have resigned itself to being a luxury brand that’s focusing on CUVs and SUVS these days, but it wasn’t too long ago that the brand was reigniting the flame of performance which once burned brightly during the 1980s with the Regal Grand National and its wild limited production cousin the GNX. The revived Regal GS and even the Cascada convertible and Verano Premium Group (aka the Verano Turbo) were telltale signs that perhaps performance engineering would be able to co-exist with luxury. Things escalated in 2016 when Buick unveiled the Avista concept which was supposed to be a …

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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 Ford Bronco christmas picture

Ford brings the Christmas spirit with recreation of classic Bronco photo

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Believe it or not we are only eight days away from Christmas and while 2020 has been a wild ride for a whole multitude of reasons, some automakers are still doing what they can to help inject some much needed Christmas cheer in these interesting times. One of these companies is Ford but rather than go the usual route of building a holiday themed one-off Ford chose to recreate a touching moment in the storied history of the Ford Bronco which has never been seen by the general public, until now Obscure Bronco moment nearly lost to history The images …

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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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2021 Chevy Trailblazer Video Reviews By Matt Barnes

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Chevy re-released the Trailblazer as a 2021 model year crossover. It is available with a pair of 3-cylinder turbo power plants, and has optional AWD. Our test model was a 2021 Trailblazer AWD Activ model. The new Trailblazer is a much smaller package than the previous generation which was a body on frame SUV. Becoming a small crossover with a unibody frame has completely changed the Trailblazer from what it used to be. It now handles fairly well and has a very stiff chassis. The engines are all new for this year first debuting in the Buick Encore GX. The …

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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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Hyundai reveals E-GMP platform, confirms that it will make its debut in the Ioniq 5

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A key part of any electric vehicle is what lies underneath the skin with the platform playing a big part in its fuel saving mission. Many automakers have already released dedicated platforms for their offerings, and that includes Hyundai which took the covers off of its all new E-GMP platform and revealed that it will be the spearhead platform in the launch of the Ioniq sub-brand. The true sum of its parts In prior statements, Hyundai revealed that it plans to unleash no less than 23 different electrified models by 2025. That’s a very ambitious target, and hitting this proverbial …

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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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2020 GLB 250 Video Review By Matt Barnes

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Recently we had the chance to test a 2020 Mercedes GLB 250 with the 4Matic AWD system. The on-road driving chacteristics of the GLB 250 are amazing and it is quite capable off-road as well. The 4Matic AWD system should be great for all weather conditions. Check out the videos below for our complete review. Review Off-Road Pricing The base price of our tester was $38,600 but it had nearly $20,000 in upgrades bringing the total with destination charges to $57,475. The options were: Titanium Grey/Black Leather $1,450 AMG Line Sport Steering Wheel $360 20” AMG Multi-Spoke Wheels, Black $1,050 …

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2020 Mustang Shelby GT500

Ford eying AWD Mustang? Ford exec appears to confirm it in interview

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You didn’t think that Ford and GM would sit back and let Dodge have the all-wheel drive muscle car market for itself did you? When we first drove the Challenger GT back in 2017 Dodge was out to shake up the established order with the notion of a true four seasons muscle car. The GT has since proven to be a success for the performance focused brand and it appears that Dodge’s domestic rivals are starting to take notice. This is according to an interview that our friends at FordAuthority had with Mustang brand manager Jim Owens. During the interview …

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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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2020 Mazda CX-30 Off-Road Drive Review By Matt Barnes

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Mazda is unique in the automotive world, as it doesn’t report to a parent company. Mazda has a proven record of making reliable and fun to drive vehicles. They have once again delivered with the all new CX-30. Exterior From the outside the CX-30 looks very similar to the Mazda 3 hatchback. Upon closer inspection it becomes clearer that these two are quite different. The CX-30 is about 5-inches taller than the 3 with an additional 2.5-inches of ground clearance. Interestingly enough the CX-30 is also shorter than the 3 by 2.5-inches and has a 3-inch shorter wheelbase. The exterior …

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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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New study confirms what some have long suspected, driver assistance systems making us less safe, not more

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The prevalence of various driver assistance technologies over the past few years has radically changed the way that consumers approach the simple task of driving their vehicles. These technologies have rapidly become much more advanced over the past few decades, but have they actually helped make drivers safer? A new study suggests that the opposite is happening, and that drivers are actually becoming less safe out on the road Technology making drivers less safe? Yes This is according to a new study that was released by both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and MIT’s AgeLab which revealed that …

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McLaren confirms Artura nameplate for upcoming hybrid supercar, promises it will go on sale next year

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Rumors have been swirling about McLaren and its new hybrid supercar for the past few months. They included tantalizing tidbits such as the company ditching its long running numerical naming system, as well as the appearance of exotic technologies aimed at improving fuel economy and performance. The British supercar maker has added newfound fuel to the fire by releasing two teaser images, as well as confirming that the model will be known as the Artura. But what does it all mean for buyers Artura what goes into a name? We might as well address the big elephant in the room, …

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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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1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera 12

Auto Industry Insider: Turning Your Old Banger Into A Custom Classic

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There are few things worse than driving a car you don’t like. This part of life is almost as important as the place you call home, with many people spending hundreds of hours of their life sat behind the wheel. Of course, though, when you can’t afford the latest cars to roll out of the factory, it can be hard to be satisfied with the options that are available to you. To help you out, this post will explore some of the work that can go into making an old banger into a custom classic that you can feel proud …

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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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2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition arrives, closest thing to a Bison that GMC gets

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GMC has been on a roll when it comes to expanding its growing AT4 lineup of vehicles. The brand like others in its segment, sees off-roading as the next lucrative cash cow, and has made a key step towards cementing its fortunes in the segment, with the unveiling of the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Performance Edition. The Performance Edition represents a noticeable upgrade over the standard AT4, but what does it bring to the table?   It’s not a Bison, but it’s close to one For those that wonder whether the AT4 Performance Edition is the long awaited equivalent to …

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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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Jeep teases spicier V8 powered Wrangler, but leaves us guessing on what V8 will be used [Video]

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17pfVeE2rIQ&feature=emb_title When Jeep first introduced the world to the idea of a V8 powered Wrangler, many naturally assumed that that this was merely a knee jerk reaction to the recently unveiled Ford Bronco. But it seems that Jeep was very serious about offering it, and has released an all new teaser video that all but confirms the Wrangler will indeed be getting an eight cylinder shot in the arm. But we’re also left with a number of questions that need to be answered. What’s exactly going on? The big question on everyone’s mind is what V8 will ultimately be finding …

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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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2022 Honda Civic promises to be a welcome evolution of iconic marque, 5 things to pay attention to

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The venerable Honda Civic has certainly been a trailblazer for the Japanese automaker since it first appeared on the scene several decades ago. The Civic has gone through its fair share of changes and revisions during that time, and the end result is perhaps one of the best compact offerings on the market today. But it’s hard to ignore that the current generation Honda Civic is starting to get long in the tooth, and that change is indeed needed. Honda is planning to do that with the 2022 model, and here’s 5 things that you should know about it. Sleeker …

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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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Hyundai amps up its assault on the utility market with the 2022 Tucson, Teases N Line Model

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When Hyundai first unveiled the 2022 Tucson earlier this year, it represented a very bold direction forward for the company. While the first production units went on sale in South Korea, U.S. customers were still left with a number of unanswered questions about the newest iteration of Tucson. But after a brief wait, Hyundai has unveiled the U.S. version of the Tucson, and it turned out that the Korean car giant still had some surprises to share with us.   Sporty N Line model ratchets up the fun factor Hyundai has always been good at surprising the world, and the …

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Performance in its purest form, we check out the 2021 Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport

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Purity is often portrayed as being free of imperfections, flaws, and a clearer sense of self. This form of purity also extends out into the automotive world, where many cars try to achieve it, but only a select few can achieve it. One of these elite talents is the Bugatti Chiron hypercar. The Chiron made waves when it debuted back in 2018. With an 8.0 liter quad turbocharged W16 engine producing over 1400 horsepower, the Chiron was a clear step up over the Veyron, and had the 300 mph barrier firmly in its sights. Since then, the French bespoke luxury …

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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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Dodge brings devilish performance to the masses with 807 horsepower Redeye Hellcrate motor

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Are you a performance junkie that owns a Dodge product and thinks the standard 707 horsepower Hellcat engine is about as exciting as a pack of expired pop rocks? If so, the brand appears to have your needs covered with the unveiling of the crate motor version of the Redeye version of the fabled engine. The engine is the latest entry into the company’s growing library of crate motors, and joins the standard 6.2 liter blown engine, and the limited production 1,000 horsepower 426 “Hellephant” in the parts catalog. As is the case with the factory installed motor, the Redeye …

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Mercedes Sprinter 2500 Review by Matt Barnes

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Mercedes offers over 30 configurations of the Sprinter van, suiting a wide variety of needs. The Sprinter also offers the only true 4wd system in the class. Ford has an AWD system for the transit van and all others in the class are 2wd. Mercedes sent us a 12-passenger high roof 4wd Sprinter 2500 to evaluate for a week. All 4wd models are equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. 4wd System Sprinter vans are often converted into capable motorhomes for adventurists. The factory 4wd system is a big plus for those leaving the beaten …

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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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GM unleashes all new performance parts for 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban

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The revamped 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and its bigger sibling the Suburban just recently began trickling into dealer inventory across the nation, but that’s not stopping GM Performance from preparing a lineup of performance parts for the duo that aim to not only spice up performance, but also provide higher amounts of stopping power too to help beef up their performance game. First thrusted into the spotlight by the folks at GM Authority, these new components are Limited Production Options (LPO) and they bring a number of welcome upgrades to the duo. As expected, the first of these upgrades is found …

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Nissan stealthily provides sneak peek of 2021 Frontier’s new face, shows big changes are coming

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The current generation Nissan Frontier is something of an immortal figure in the pickup segment. Drawing comparisons to the ancient knight in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the Frontier has soldiered on in its current form since 2004. A recent update gave the Frontier a new engine and transmission, but there was no denying that the bare bones of this long in the tooth truck dated back to the Bush administration. Thankfully, big changes are coming for this reliable workhorse, and while the company is not ready to formally reveal the new model just yet, Nissan’s Mexican division has …

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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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The genesis of a cult culture icon, the 1999 Pontiac Aztek concept

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When it comes to being a true full circle vehicle offering, the Pontiac Aztek would certainly rise through the ranks to be a potent candidate. The Aztek was one of the first CUVs of the period, and was supposed to be Pontiac’s ultimate adventure vehicle. The Aztek shared its platform with the Montana minivan, and it offered all kinds of interesting features. This included a removable center console that could double as a portable cooler, and the ability to turn the entire rear of the Aztek into a tent via an optional accessory. But while the ability to go tenting …

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2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review Off-Road By Matt Barnes

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Honda’s number one selling vehicle in the United States is the CR-V. As such, Honda engineers and designers are going to do their best to keep this vehicle a major competitor in its class. For 2020, there has been a minor refresh to the front end and the center console. The one major change for 2020 is the introduction of a hybrid model for the first time in the CR-V’s history. Exterior On the outside, the CR-V has design cues that are similar to the Civic. The hexagonal-shaped grill houses the Honda emblem and some swooping chrome trim that underscores …

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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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Volkswagen teases 2021 Golf R, claims it will be most powerful Golf model in history

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Volkswagen has always had a way of pleasing the masses. The current generation Golf GTI still remains one of the best performance bargains in the market today, but what if your a hot hatch buyer that craves more power, and wants something that can really make a splash at the local track day? Volkswagen has just the answer for you, with the German auto giant releasing the first official teaser for the 2021 Golf R.   Exterior styling pumps up the volume Volkswagen chose to release one lone teaser image which appears to show a portion of the model’s rear …

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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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2021 MINI Cooper 1499 GT and Countryman Oxford Edition add spice and value to MINI lineup.

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Keeping an icon fresh can be a challenge sometimes, and its even more so when you are trying to add some spice and vigor to the iconic MINI Cooper and its CUV focused sibling the Countryman. However, MINI designers and engineers have always stepped up to the challenge in the past, and they did it again with the unveiling of the MINI Cooper 1499 GT and Countryman Oxford Editions.   1499 GT Edition is a throwback to budget performance We’ll give MINI credit, we actually had to go back in time (and read a few old books) to find the …

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Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid Mountain Drive By Matt Barnes

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Toyota was first to market a mass-produced hybrid vehicle with the Prius, and they continue to innovate and improve. The new Highlander is evidence of that with incredible efficiency for a three-row SUV. It switches from full electric to hybrid to full gas motor so smoothly that you’ll miss it unless you’re paying very close attention. The e-CVT uses an ingenious planetary gear system, so no belts like other CVT’s. Toyota has made significant updates for the 2020 Highlander and it is by far the best Highlander yet! Exterior Toyota redesigned the Highlander for 2020 and it looks significantly better …

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2022 Hummer EV pickup takes center stage, 1,000 horsepower and innovation lead the way

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It has been a long journey for GMC and the revived Hummer EV. We were originally supposed to see it back in summer, but the rapid onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the company to retract those plans and postpone it. But with the colors of fall fully in bloom, GMC is at last ready to pull the covers off of the Hummer EV pickup. This bruiser comes packed to the gills with technology and innovation, but here are the key essentials that make this truck a true make it or break it gamble for GMC and GM as a …

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