2018 Jeep SRT TrackHawk 1

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

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

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

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

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2018 Lexus LS500 F Sport – Air-Ride, Active 4WS + Live NYIAS Photos

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  There is some kerfuffle that the new LS500 F Sport sticks with the 415HP V6TT from the standard car – versus bringing extra ponies like a proper F model might.  But that misses the point of F Sport entirely. Here is a style and handling upgrade that costs little and delivers big dividends.  Outside, the unique look is dechromed and diipped in a sexy gloss black.  More aggressive fascias, wheels and sill details complement the sharp new brakes.  A BBK Big Brake Kit wishes it was as cool as these Lexus clamps. A true performance mod for F-Sport are …

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Best of NYIAS – 2017 Toyota FT-4X Concept

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

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

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

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Animated Debut – 2017 Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept

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

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2018 Nissan 370Z Heritage Special Bows in NYC, In Dealers By May

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The Z-car is an engineering showpiece that has always had radical updates between model generations.  Big changes are on the horizon for the 370Z for 2019, we expect, so this new Heritage Edition is a crown on the generation in total. For those who demand naturally aspirated, high-rev power and the current steering/transmission setup?   Now is the time to pounce. The 370Z Heritage comes in yellow or black with yellow accents.  Black wheels and black stripe graphics set it apart on the road… but the yellow model does risk risk Bumble-Z nicknames.   2018 Nissan 370Z Heritage Special 2018 …

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2017 Regera Green Koenigsegg 8

HyperGallery – 2017 KOENIGSEGG Regera in 33 New Photos

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Koenigsegg is rolling deeeeep lately!  Showing up to Geneva auto show with nearly a half-dozen exotics is mighty impressive.  And we hope it means their new lightning-fast Regera flagship is selling brisky! Two examples here, with both an exposed-weave carbon fiber, tinted and glossed to perfection in red/black and green.  The red Regera has chrome-red paintwork to contrast the carbon up the middle. All Koenigsegg’s are targa tops — two cars in one! — and the look is distinct with top up or off.  Off, this is a brutally rounded/chopped speedster.  Top on, and this becomes clearly a 300MPH aero …

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2017 Honda CIVIC Si Coupe and Sedan Rock 205HP Turbos, In Stores Next Month

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It has been a long time coming, Honda fans!  We’ve been holding our collective breath hoping for greatness in the future Civic Type R. AND.. SCORE! Honda delivered and is on an unbelievable hot streak. FLASHBACK:  Here we rendered some dreams of a euro civic in USA. That was back in 2014.  Three years later: New Accord Sport, Civic Sport are world-class excellent once again.  Perhaps not causal… but certainly correlated!?  This new Si looks fairly similar to the Civic Sport from up front — which is to say, amazing.  Around back, new spoilers and exhausts speak volumes about what’s …

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Audi Q8 Confirmed for 2019 Modelyear [22 New Photos]

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We love the designs of both Q8 concepts seen so far: the original in blue at Detroit and this new Q8 Sport Concept from Geneva and NY auto shows.  The bodycolor intake flares in front are gorgeous, the new nose and tail are shockingly cool and fender flares always win friends.  We only dislike its slightly nerdy roofline in profile. After the deeply dull A4/A5 and Q5/Q7 refreshes lately, Audi is showing some design elan with their new Q8 concepts.  This four-seat plugin hybrid (Q8) promises supreme comfort for four.  A platform share with the Q7 moves the back seat …

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2018 Audi RS5 2

3.7s, 450HP 2018 Audi RS5 Scores Snarling New V6TT, Tech and Style

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The 2018 RS5 is official and packs a huge wallop of visual impact in person.  In photos, it looks like a forgettable facelift of a car that’s been on the roads since 2010.  But it really evolves in the flesh into a stellar supercoupe. Design analysis quicktake? This new nose does rely on a lot of misdirection, however, to keep you interested.  It is a buffet of intake scoops, layered spoilers, contrasting trim finishes and embossed branding/badges.  We count 1) bodycolor 2) gloss black 3) brushed alloy and 4)carbon-fiber, to name four such finishes.  (Look for black pack on blue …

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2018 VW Golfs Debut USA Facelift For Six-Strong Model Line

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The new Golf is bringing the global model upgrades to the USA at last!  In fact, the lead time/delay between the Euro debut and the USA arrival is actually much shorter than before.  [It took almost three years for the Golf 7 to arrive in USA.] The six-strong 2018 Golf lineup arrives stateside around September of 2017 as 2018 models.  The e-Golf is on a slightly different timetable but also adds these revisions. The freshening includes standard LED DRLs, full LED tail lights new wheels and upgraded cabin infotainment.  The Golf R brings a fresh 7-speed DSG versus the current …

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2017 VW Jetta GLI DSG Automatic – HD Road Test Review

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The Jetta GLI is the ultimate humble brag. For those in the know, the GLI is clearly a joyous drive and a frisky friend. A car that majors in FUN while never really showing much effort.  But as you pull up to stoplights, it will take a car-guy/gal to appreciate that this a sweet sports car.  Wrapped in mild-mannered and supremely practical four-door form. We spent a week with the throttle floored to learn if GLI’s charm can make up for its extremely subtle design and brand worries. Two videos and 60 photos accompany section headings of Exterior, Interior, Performance and …

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What to Do if Your Car Gets Dented

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It’s been a long day at work or school and you return to your car, parked where you left it in the lot, only to discover a ding. The law of civility would have the person responsible for such treachery wait around for you to get back, or at least leave a note, but we all know that’s not how things typically play out. Unless you live in the boonies and never have to park next to someone, it’s good to know how to reconcile this situation. There are lots of body shops and dent repair professionals out there. The …

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2017 GEMBALLA Avalanche – Widebody, Active-Aero 911 Turbo

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This car’s badge and its massively wide stance speaks volumes.  The giant exhaust drums in back are rifled like structural pieces.  Like a fine, if giant, musical instrument! The DRS system in back can vary the downforce to nil — as ever, this Gemballa is after real 200-mph-plus action.  The central roof scoop intake and rear vertical tailfin are formed from a single piece of carbon-fiber.  Spectacular.   2017 GEMBALLA Avalanche With the GEMBALLA AVALANCHE, based on the Porsche 991 Turbo, the Leonberg finishing manufactory is presenting its unrivalled performance in the individualisation of supercars again at the Geneva Motor …

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Chronology: TECHART 30th Anniversary in 30 Perfect Porsches

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  It is spring anniversary season in the German tuning universe!   AC Shnitzer and TechArt both trace themselves to 1987.  A time when fast cars were going global — and Germany made the fastest of all.  But what about that last bit extra? Sometimes it makes all the difference in the world. Here is the TechArt timeline of major milestones, along with a huge photo pack.   30th anniversary of TECHART – a look back.   Since 1987, TECHART is known for a unrivaled range of individualization options at highest quality standards. For increased emotionality and pure passion. For any …

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Gallery: AC Schnitzer 30th Anniversary in 200 Photos

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

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3.7s 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63-S – Ready To Stomp Macan?

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Who’s got two thumbs and an evolving supercar dream ride? This-guy!  For my dream daily, the vision has gone from a four-door coupe to a proper fast wagon over my 20s as a car enthusiast.  Into my 30s, the evolved dream knows a CUV of some kind is right.  Something F-Pace ish that will fit my dogs in the back seat, and tolerate brief soft-roading. The temptation to offroad my old and very-low Subaru Legacy GT wagon led to countless new wheels and body damage.  I am a guy who loves a fast gravel path to anywhere. I also really …

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2017 Jaguar XF 35t AWD R-Sport 57

2017 Jaguar XF 35t AWD R-Sport – HD Road Test Review w/ 2 Videos

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Shhh.  The Jaguar XF does not know it’s a sedan!  With a big back seat and giant trunk! You won’t realize that either when driving.  This is a sports sedan that puts the SPORT proudly FIRST. Here is a car that doesn’t need the (optional) leaper cat emblem.  Why? Because a supercharged pop off the line delivers 5.1-second sprints to 60-mph — no matter what. This AWD variant is a tenth quicker than the rear-drive model.  So it aims to be just as quick rain, snow or shine. We took the XF by the scruff of the neck for an HD …

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2017 BMW 740e xDrive – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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I have driven the car of the future, today. OK, we hear stories like this all the time. And usually, the “Car of the Future” is some cobbled-together prototype that has little likelihood of actually making it to market. Or worse, it points to the time when folks like you and I aren’t needed. Just robots, pal. And if you think an autonomous EV is the wave of the future, I’m going to disagree. While there are plenty of folks who would rather let the machine drive, there are also plenty who still enjoy time behind the wheel. And for …

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How to Get Your Car Ready for Spring

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You’re probably well acquainted with the list of tasks you’re supposed to perform to get your home ready for Spring. Not very exciting, are they? What about your car, though? The sun will be out, and those sticky summer tires can come out and play now that it’s stopped raining. Here’s a list of things you can do to get your car ready to hit the road with its best foot forward this Spring. Some are more technical in nature, and others are just there to improve your experience. In the end, you can do all or none of them. …

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2017 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring Marketplace Comparison – By Carl Malek

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With the first flowers of spring now out in abundance, it also means that many summer cars are slowly emerging from their winter long hibernation deep in the confines of the garage. But what if your a first time buyer that’s looking for a fun car that can also deliver a good value? In this installment of Marketplace Comparisons, we aimed to answer that question, and reunited with the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring roadster to see how it measures up against two of its budget enthusiast rivals. We also threw the recently launched Mazda MX-5 RF into the fray, …

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2017 Renault ZOE E-Sport 1

3.2s 2017 Renault ZOE e-SPORT Concept Is Geneva Highlight

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RenaultSport has found itself at the apex between F1 and Formula E in 2017.  They also produce one of the biggest range of EVs available.  No one is better prepared to take track-fast electrics to the street. The new Zoe e-Sport promises just that.  With a widebody style like the iconic Renault rally rockets, and a matte blue paintwork that happily recalls past Clio V6s. 460HP is the power allowed for this hatch smaller than a Ford Fiesta.  With almost a third of the total vehicle weight as batteries, this ZOE e-Sport might even have some midengine dynamics to add …

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2.9s, 201MPH 2017 Lamborghini Huracan PERFORMANTE – Launch Gallery

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640HP from dry-sump, atmospheric V10 are the appetizer for the hottest Huracan ever.  The main course is its laptime pace.  The car has undergone a hardcore race diet — with aluminum swapped for ‘forged composite’ materials that are lighter and stronger.  Revised aero and downforce are critical for the car’s 6:52-second run around the Nordesleife — a world record for production supercars. Design-wise, the new nose is defined by body-color intake fangs near the outer edge of the bumper.  A three-level splitter/intake unit shows how serious the car is at track times from up close.  The tail is far more …

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Gallery: 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus on VOSSEN Gold Forged Wheels

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This car’s matte green factory paintwork looks HOT over these Vossen HC-1 alloys!  The rich yellowy color and dewy, wet finish are the perfect counter-visual. Only the R8 V10 Plus comes in this Camo Green Matte exterior color from Audi.  Now it pops extra hard! Running 20s in front and 21×12-inch drums out back. This exact car may be for sale, with the sticker reading a crisp $203k in the Vossen galleries linked below.   2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus on VOSSEN Gold Forged Wheels   AUDI R8 VOSSEN FORGED HC SERIES: HC-1 Wheel Size: Front: 20×9 Rear: 21×12 2017 Audi …

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2017 GENESIS G80 AWD 3.8 – Road Test Review

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The Genesis G80 is a real luxury-car hero around here. The car’s beating performance heart is evident every time we have the pleasure of snapping Sport mode on and the throttle down.  Here is a long-wheelbase limo that handles! The AWD upgrade on the G80 3.8-liter V6 makes a fantastic case for itself on the basis of handling alone.  WHat it brings to the table is a precise, grippy nose and unshakeable confidence around fast corners. The Big G as a standalone brand for 2017 kept this car essentially the same as 2016.  With the car business — and especially …

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Gallery: 2017 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T in 33 Gorgeous Photos

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The fastest breadvan ever created!  Hard to get a sense of the car’s beauty from up front, even in these Tuscan landscapes.  The tail is a much bigger hit.  Its individual LED lightpods are deeply 3D and stylish, hidden under a strong tail spoiler crease. The profile is hot for all wagon and shooting brake fans.  Would love to see it with tinted windows! 2017 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T

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2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder by FOSTLA.de

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He who has the gold makes the rules Sure, this R8 V10 Spyder is striking in chrome-matte gold over gloss black details.  A matte gold R8 was clearly this owner’s dream machine. Who are we to judge? A remote exhaust and powerchip from PP-Performance join the gloss-black alloys and tinted glass – rounding out a very nice stage-one custom. And as a wrap, gold will be swappable in a few years to a new shade.  Full details after the gallery.     2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder by FOSTLA.de Fostla.de in Hannover has an established reputation for the elevation of …

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2018 Nissan GT-R Track Edition Adds Nismo Grip, Widebody Fenders and Racier Cabin

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What is the most unforgettable supercar you’ve ever driven, Tom? Certainly the Nissan GT-R. Every Altima review we write has a glimmer of GT-R excitement behind it.  Maybe if I am just clever enough with words or camera… one will come my way for a week!? It has not happened yet.  Our only experience with the GT-R was the previous-gen Track pack back in 2013.  We spent 30 boneriffic minutes behind the wheel and will never forget it. So much power, so much sheer violence in its delivery!  The only car you can four-wheel drift around a simple turn! So …

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2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring – HD Road Test Review w/ 2 Videos

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The 2017 Mazda6 is an affordable midsize car for those seeking something better.  A car with premium handling, design and cabin feel.  Yet with pricing that undercuts its spiritual Audi and BMW rivals by tens of thousands. We’ve been a big fan of the Mazda6 for years now.   Our reco of the car has even led more than a few friends and neighbors to buy one. And for most of those people, the car was not even on their radar. So to answer the question of ‘Why don’t more people buy the Mazda6?‘ the answer is a lack of …

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2017 Hyundai IONIQ Electric – First Drive Review w/ Video

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The sleeper hit of the Hyundai Ioniq launch? The full EV! This will be the rarest of the three Ioniq models as it will be sold in California only for the first year.  [First arrivals around April/May in stores, by the way, and Ioniq EV can be special-ordered nationwide at that time too.] It was not just the incredible normalcy about the EV drive Ioniq that makes it surprising.  Really it’s the thoroughness of the engineering and exceptional value this car represents. Hold your horses, though!  Let’s discuss what this car offers, how it looks, drives and feels.  Click play below …

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NOVITEC Tridente Launches Maserati Levante Upgrades

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

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~1936 Delahaye 135 S Competition Roadster at Amelia [35 Photos]

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There is something really spectacular about “finding” a priceless exotic car just parked silently.  Slid into a space like any Camry, locked and left alone for however long.  The location helps.  This back lot is behind the Amelia Island Ritz residences.  On Concours weekend.  Which does tend to help the selection. WHen the car in question is the stunningly fast, low and lean Delahaye 135S Competition Roadster!? The patina of this car — its dull paintwork, its myriad road rash scars, and its unpolished brass grille details — shows it is likely authentic.  Sick, perhaps, but we thought it might …

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2017 Renault-Sport R.S.01 GT3 by Gtronix McChip-DKR

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One of our favorite engine tuners from Germany is heading out onto the racetrack!  Big news for the growing McChip-DKR best known for making unstoppable turbos! The 2017 RenaultSport RS01 GT3 looks like it might not need much extra boost — but the track will be the judge.   2017 Renault-Sport R.S.01 GT3 by Gtronix McChip-DKR   MCCHIP-DKR made A STUNNING ANNOUNCEMENT Secrets are made in order to be disclosed in a well timed manner. Mcchip-dkr in Mechernich recently revealed a big surprise with regards to the upcoming racing season 2017: A team named Gtronix-mcchip-dkr will be launched in the …

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2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid – First Drive Review w/ Video [60 Photos]

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Ioniq launches for 2017 as the first direct Prius rival in years.  Yes, I hear you — there are dozens of Prius rivals! And you are right: hybrids and EVs have gained traction in midsize sedans, luxury cars and SUVs at a rapid clip recently.  But no car actually tries to out-do Prius in 2017.  Not the cancelled Honda Insight.  And not the plug-in Chevy Volt, or battery-only VW eGolf. The reasons for this are many.  Mostly because Prius has beaten them all.  Ridiculously good mileage – no matter what.  A formula that surprisingly has never been cracked by another …

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How to Switch to LED Headlights

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As automotive technologies go, lighting has given us an example of the “elbow curve” in terms of development over the last twenty years. There was a time back in the annals of history, often referred to as “the 90s,” when halogen lights were what cars came with. Some cars had good ones, which made them slightly brighter than the lights on cheap cars. And then Xenon technology became cheap enough to offer as an OEM. Luxury automakers quickly spotted an opportunity to distance themselves from the proverbial Yugos and Skodas of the world. Xenon was followed by HID, and most …

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2017 Lexus ES350 – HD Road Test Review w/ 2 Videos – By Tom Burkart

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The Lexus ES was refreshed for the 2016 model-year to enhance its styling and luxury equipment, along with a new build location as the first Lexus to be made in the USA. Its upgrades are fairly skin-deep, however, so we worried this car would be left behind by all the new midsize luxury models.  Vehicles like the Lincoln Continental or C-Class are all significantly fresher than the ES350 outside and in.  The ES has a huge target on its back — even from upstarts like the latest Avalon, Acura TLX and even Kia Cadenza. These rivals often have the latest turbo …

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2017 Genesis G90 5.0 Ultimate RWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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The hunt for the elusive Luxury buyer is on with the all-new Genesis division. We recently tested the G80 sedan, and came away mightily impressed – a dynamic, stylish, beautifully-equipped competitor to the BMW 5 series. But for the price of a lowly turbo 4-cylinder Bavarian, the G80 had 5.0-liters of rip snorting V8 muscle. While Genesis is on safari for luxury brand competitors, it doesn’t stop at the G80, because with the larger G90, the brand is taking on the big game – Lexus LS, BMW 7-series and Mercedes S-Class. So, does it come home with a trophy, or …

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2017 Toyota RAV4 Platinum – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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With all the new entries that have entered the compact SUV segment over the past few years, it is easy to forget about one of the pioneers in this hotly contested segment, the Toyota RAV4. Designed to bring a compelling blend of safety, versatility, and value to a segment that was in its infancy at the time. The RAV4 would emerge as one of the leading compact SUV entries on the market, while also proving to be a huge sales success for Toyota at the same time, but can the current generation RAV4 confidently follow in the tire tracks of …

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

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

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This Exact 1952 Mercedes-Benz W194 Won Lemans

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Just parked up on the lawn in front of the Mercedes stand!  Read into the details of W194 number 7 and you quickly learn this exact car won LeMans. Impressive!   Of course, this tanker aero design hides a Super Light alloy spaceframe with giant structural sills.  Escape was via the future-icon gullwing doors. This car went on to race at the Nurburgring and as a timer in the Carrera Panamericana.   1952 Mercedes-Benz W194 Number 7

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1980 Lancia BETA Monte Carlo Turbo at Amelia Island [22 Photos]

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This Group 5 rally racer won the WRC championship in the silhouette category for two years running for 1980 and 1981.  It was a bleeding-edge technological showpiece that ran a carbonfiber chassis and part-kevlar bodywork. Great to meet this stunner at the Amelia Island Concours 2017, where it actually lives locally in the stunning collection of John Campion. We had the pleasure of seeing its home garage before the concours and almost had to sit down from excitement.  So much Martini Racing and so many authentic Lancia race-winners! The Beta Monte Carlo turbo’s most dramatic angle and aero needs came …

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1971 Bizzarrini 128P Prototype Speedster at Amelia Island Concours [28 Photos]

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    A barchetta speedster as a racecar!?  This car is inspired by the top can-am spyder style LMP1 racecars of its era — all giant wings and scoops galore.  A simple rollbar and twin plexiglass cowls instead of a windshield means this is a helmets-on affair at speed.  The pure definition of street speedster cool! This flowing and curvy design style was the anti-wedge.  Counter-programming versus the sharp Countach and Esprit look, perhaps.  Curvy panel surfaces like these would take decades to go mainstream.   1971 Bizzarrini 128P Prototype

1957 Fiat-Stanguellini 1200 SPIDER AMERICA 8

1957 Fiat-Stanguellini 1200 SPIDER AMERICA [24 Photos]

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  I promise you have never tripped over something so lovely.  This TINY Fiat Stanguellini is even tinier than a doorstop.  Its ultra rounded nosecone/intake is a joyous production version of the rocket/jetage themes in high auto design of the era.  1957 but conceived in the hearts and minds of the world’s car-designers together about 1953.  Tailfins, streamlined aero and UFO-like body shaping. Without advanced CAD-CAM there was no way to know what truly worked in wind tunnels.  So if it looked right, it would fly right was the old adage. This 1200 Spider America flies right.  A bite-sized dream. Is …

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

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

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1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Streamliner at Amelia Island Concours [40 Photos]

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  The 540K Streamliner is always a delight to see and photograph.  A few things to note: the machine is HUGE! It is truly enormous by all dimensions, including its width.  A massive scale for a road car. The next is that this machine was as otherworldly and advanced in 1938 as it seems today.  Nothing approaching such a streamlined design was ever applied to a closed, luxury grand tourer of a car.  This machine excelled at a core MB trait: extreme high speed and extreme luxury.  Their hotrod limos and perhaps the S-Class Coupe still embody most of the …

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1939 Bentley 4.25-Litre Embiricos Coupe – Amelia Island RM [31 Photos]

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  This Bentley really stops your eye dead on sight.  Teardrop fenders with sharp upper edges?  Pinched, gangster glasshouse?  Suicide doors and fastback tail? What is this! A Bentley true and true, with its bodywork a recreation to one-off Embiricos Coupe specification. From its rounded waterfall of a grille to its sleek tail… we adore this car! Someone else does too.  It sold for $671k at the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island 2017 auction.   Lot 154 1939 Bentley 4¼-Litre “Embiricos” Coupe Recreation by Bob Petersen Engineering Chassis no. B119MX Engine no. W9BC Sold for $671,000   1939 Bentley 4.25-Litre Embiricos …

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2017 VW Golf R 6-Speed Manual – HD Road Test Review

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How does the Golf R’s halo/hero status match up with reality in your garage? Well, it scores huge with 5-second sprints and a $36,475 price right off the bat.  Then you get Golf R into its race mode and HANG ON for its throaty brummm up redline/supralegal speed. It’s been a thrilling few months of hot hatch and performance car reviews around here – so we feel well-placed to judge this hot hatch king.  Focus RS will be the main competitor for comparisons, but also feedback on how Audi S3 differs too.  Longtime Subaru WRX fan/owner helps to appreciate Golf …

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

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

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2017 Rolls-Royce DAWN – Bespoke Inspired By Fashion

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  The Dawn might be the best Rolls-Royce yet! Stunning grace and top-down proportions.  Swapping the Wraith’s heavy, buttressed roof lightens the look of the car dramatically.  The tail of the Dawn is then perfect for a perfectly horizontal tonneau cover and trunklid.  Truly elegant. This Inspired By Fashion creation is from the RR Bespoke team.  Andalusian white paintwork is a shimmery spectacle in bright sunlight.  THe cabin wears blue silk detailing featuring a profile headshot of the Spirt of Ecstacy.  So, looking at her from the side, that is. Little details, of course.  But the roof in bright blue …

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2017 Mercedes-Maybach S650 Convertible [24 Photos]

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The new Mercedes-Maybach strategy is to offer multiple special variants of production Mercedes models.  It makes more sense than the stand-alone Maybach brand — but appeals to the same types of people. People who want/need to one-up their wealthy neighbors. Yes, this S650 looks quite different than an S550 Cabriolet.  It is a gilded, glittery dream versus that plebian weakling! But the S650 basically looks and feels exactly like the S65 AMG. Same grille and lower brightwork garnish, same seats and cabin with stenciled woods. Different wheels and perhaps different suspension tuning for the slightly-quicker V12TT engine variant also mark …

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2017 Porsche Panamera TURBO – Startup/Exhaust Video + 44 Photos

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  The new Panamera Turbo is all about headline numbers versus the rest of the range. 3.4-seconds to 60-mph. 190-mph top speed. All-new 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 with 550HP and a snarl worthy of the Porsche crest. The exterior is indeed very evolutionary from up front.  New PDLS+ and LED matrix lighting sets the car apart as the new model, as do the new intercoolers behind every nose hole.  Intercooler as fashion statement!  They are bright silver so definitely stand out to the eye — in the best way.   Around the side and rear end, the car looks much …

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How to Change the Exterior Color of Your Car with Plasti-Dip

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This how to Plasti-Dip your car guide will make changing of car color fast and easy. For those who are not familiar with Plasti-Dip, it is a new product being used to change the color of your car temporarily. It is usually in liquid form used to vinyl-wrap cars, and you can spray it on like regular paint. As it dries up it becomes flexible that protects the paint underneath. If applied properly, it can make your vehicle looks good on the outside and keep the finish of the car well-maintained (innovatecar.com). The Plasti-Dip can survive the harsh weather both …

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2017 VW Jetta GLI 2.0T 6MT – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Crave the delectable deliciousness of a German Sport Sedan, but don’t have the coin for an Audi, BMW or Benz? We’ve got a solution for you. The Jetta GLI sedan. Yes, a Jetta. With all the heavy-duty incentive, low-low financing, come-on-down-to-your friendly V-Dub dealer ads for garden variety Jettas, you might have forgotten VW’s love letter to the Sport Sedan. And it’s a tough world for sedans these days. With the heat for crossovers and the newfound interest in hatchbacks, the pickings for the discerning sedan driver on a budget are few. In the spectrum of things, there’s the hard-edged …

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1965 Prince INFINITI R380 – First-Ever USA Show for Porsche-Beating Racer [50 Photos]

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Infiniti has adopted the design and sports credentials of the Prince marque from its glory days of the 1950s and 1960s.  The firm is best known for creating the Skyline and was acquired by Nissan in 1966 — the same year a pair of these stunning, magnificent beasts took one-two in the Japanese Grand Prix.  It was a pride match for the locals in Japan.  Porsche 904s and 906s beating Skyline front-engine racers on Japanese tracks that inspired the entire vehicle.  Mid-engine endurance racer. With a 1964 Brabham spaceframe to start from, the company crafted its ultra-shrieking straight six making 200 …

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5 Motorcycles to Ride This Spring

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Dust off your helmet and pull the cover off your bike — spring is here (or at least almost here… sorry East coast people who are covered in snow) and it’s time to get out and ride. The change in weather means you can once again enjoy the open road aboard your two-wheeler, and if you’re in the market, 2017 has brought at least five new ways to do that. These five new bikes have something to offer for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned road warriors. Motorcycle technology continues to advance at an amazing rate, and that means each year, …

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2017 Maserati LEVANTE at Amelia Island Concours [22 Photos]

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

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

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

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2017 Porsche 718 Cayman S – Autocross Drive Video

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The new 718 Cayman and Cayman S certainly are not baby Porsches any more!  These are proper track stars in any configuration.  The price gap between the Cayman and 911 is now pretty wide — about $75k ($54k base) plays about $90k and up for the big brother. As ever, most of the goodies you will really want are optional and can take the price of the 911 in particular easily into the 130s for a Carrera 2S. So Cayman seems like a viable, smart choice. Power from the new 718 Cayman S comes from a turbo four for the …

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2017 Porsche 911 GT3RS – 180MPH Ride Along

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  Hearing and feeling the 911 GT3 RS pull a smooth-yet-violent launch start followed by savage fullthrottle all the way to 180-mph was a life highlight we got to enjoy this weekend. Granted, the queasy stomach feeling from all the launch and acceleration G-force did ruin me for mere mortal vehicles. Even Focus RS felt a but slow getting out of this Porsche. The other most memorable element?  The ring in your ears from the boxer six at full chat.  Not sure if it is the fuel pumps or the simple engine harmonics — but this is a heavenly sound …

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Design Analysis: 2018 Lexus LS500 at Amelia Island Concours [23 Photos]

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A car whose in-person effect was knee-weakening? This new LS500. So, so new and so revolutionary for the Lexus icon.  Wait until you see this car’s unreal side sculpting and ultra-LWB, fastback-like proportions.  Its nose wears a next-gen level of sculpting throughout the bumper and hood.  The grille almost takes a back seat to the intensely low, long and muscular fenders and slim LED headlights.  The new DRL’s little lashes are intriguing too. The LS and its ultra low new nose and long hood lead the eye to the windshield.  Check out the rake angle!  This is seriously streamlined and likely …

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2017 Mercedes-AMG C63S Cabriolet at Amelia Island [25 Photos]

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Even parked up between the V12TT SL65 and S65 AMGs… this new C63 Cab has real style and presence.  Massive wheels and fenders are overflowing with performance and aggression from all sides. The C63’s active exhaust and Sport+ mode engage a deep, ripping bark from the exhaust was enough to draw a crowd of hooray’s from the Ritz parking area.  Its cabin impressed too.  Far better looking than new SL… The C43 starts at $61k while the C63 is priced from $73k in the USA. 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63S Cabriolet  

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1957 Jaguar XKSS 716 at Amelia Island Concours [41 Photos]

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A ‘racecar for the road’ is almost cliche these days in how often it describes sports and supercars.  But this XKSS was a revolution in its time: it added bumpers, road lights and a luggage rack to the LeMans-dominating speed of the XKD.  Of, and a windshield, softtop and side glass! But beyond these detail mods, the XKSS is pure racecar. In person, its otherworldly curves and body flow are spectacular to behold.  The curt front end metal wraps the oval intake and glassed-in headlamps with no flab whatsoever.  Just like a bubble flying through the universe.  But this bubble …

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Amelia Island 2017 – 1930 Alfa Romeo 1750GS Testa Fissa [27 Photo]

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Here is a stunning racer that stands proud even in a line of million-dollar one-offs at Amelia Island Concours 2017. What really spoke to us about this Alfa Romeo is its artful, graceful and yet quite serious racing bodywork.  The chassis is fully shrouded for aero smoothness — right down to the louvered frame section down below, covered arrow steel for the front suspension, and teardrop tail with zero shutlines.  It is basically a one-piece clamshell for most of the metal!  Even the windshield is a nice flip of metalwork. Quite special in the flesh.  This car raced extensively in …

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267MPH 1987 Oldsmobile AeroTech at Amelia Island Concours [36 Photos]

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What the Oldsmobile AeroTech lacks now and arguably lacked then?  Brand appeal. But what it brings today 30 years after its rollout and stunning 250-mph plus top speed runs?  Importance. This is an important machine.  An extreme aerodynamics, tire and engine prototype, the AeroTech showed the world what it would take to cross into seriously dangerous speeds.  Its tires, brakes, cooling and streamlined underbody taught General Motors important lessons.  Most significant?  The move to shrouded lighting, smooth surfaces and wind tunnel testing. Beyond just showing off as a very ambitious GM prototype, the AeroTech has now even outlived its Oldsmobile …

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2018 Lexus LC500h at Amelia Island Concours [44 Photos]

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Kicking off the slew of posts we have to write from the always-fun Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Amelia Island’s tight layout in the Ritz Carlton hotel in northeast Florida makes for a thrilling sensory overload.  Every step means a one-off car you’ve never seen, never imagined.  Needless to say, you can’t believe your eyes — so much HOT metal! Amelia excels in new-car promotions as well as the pre-war etc Concours categories.  After all, 10k rabid car fans in one place?  Oh, and they are wealthy!?  Let’s do a ride-and-drive! Alfa, Rolls, McLaren, Porsche, Infiniti and Jaguar were the stands. …

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

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

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2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Is the new Sentra NISMO heir to the SE-R throne? That depends on who you ask. And really, ask the right person. Why? Well there’s a lot of snobbery, and it seems to come from people who haven’t taken the trouble to even drive the car. And they’re missing out. From the enthusiast camp, the issue seems to be the expectations based on the NISMO name – that you should expect BMW M Division, Mercedes AMG level commitment to performance. While we think that’s true in the GT-R NISMO and 370Z NISMO, when it comes to models like the Sentra …

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Working on a Racecar With Leaf Springs

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Racing isn’t the first application that comes to mind when leaf springs are mentioned. This simple technology dates back to medieval times in its most basic form, and now cars with leaf spring suspension arrive at drag strips around the country every weekend — and win. Like the venerable Chevy small block, leaf springs offer racers an affordable, robust solution that has evolved over time to remain competitive with newer, more expensive technologies. Getting the most out of your leaf-sprung racecar means understanding how to properly build and tune a leaf spring suspension. Let’s take a look at a few …

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

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

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2.5s, 1020HP 2019 Artega SCALO SuperElletra By Touring Superleggera

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Here is a surprise for the 2017 Geneva show!  A full-electric supercar that is headed for production — and hell-bent on beating the Tesla Model S P100D’s acceleration. Tesla loves to take their jumbo hatchback sedan to dragstrips to make fools out of the hottest gas-powered metal anyone can find.  And with its very-annoying Ludacris mode much ballyhooed as a unique Tesla trait. But what about a real EV supercar that is designed from the start as a speed demon? Enter the latest project from Touring SuperLeggera and German supercar startup Artega. They call it the SCALO SuperElletra.  The showcar …

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2017 Fittipaldi EF7 By Pininfarina – Geneva Debut LIVE

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What if Sony’s Gran Turismo physics engine was SO GOOD at predicting which cars would win races… that you could designa car expressly to excel in Vision GT and have it be a world-challenger right from the start? That is the idea behind the Fittipaldi EF7 by Pininfarina.  This concept car launches the new Fittipaldi Motors today in Geneva.  Aiming to rival Ferrari and McLaren and the rest, the EF7 takes a design-led approach that is holistic: light and ultra strong chassis, race-levels of grip and speed, and aerodynamics to make the EF7 unbreakable on any track surface. We love …

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2017 McLaren 720S Reveals Active Aero and Hyperflowing Design [w/ Track Video)

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Hyper-flowing? That is not a word and is vague at best to describe the milky, smooth and rounded look of the new 720s.  The machine actually looks like a direct successor to the F1 flagship of the 1990s.  In a great way! But the look is certainly evolved even versus the latest P1 that just wrapped up production.  The ideas for this new Super Series McLaren are to leverage P1-style active aero, new chassis software for the full-hydraulic suspension that can tweak each corner massively in milliseconds, and overall make the most of the revised V8TT.  This 4.0liter unit now …

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2.8s 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT Concept – LIVE Geneva Debut in 40 Pics

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Does this car live up to its preshow hype!?  YES! A four-door fastback supercar with the space of Panamera but the speed of 911 Turbo? Quite a potent blend. The concept wears much body adornment and even a hybrid ERS powertrain teaser.  But this shape is certainly en route to buyers VERY SOON with the standard (!) turbo V8s we have come to know and love from AMG. Look for pricing around 200k when this car makes its way to showrooms about a year from today. Worst thing about it so far?  The name?  This is the AMG GT … …

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2017 Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e Concept – Geneva Debut w/ Video

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We can’t wait for the next generation of ‘small’ Bentleys to start arriving!  No longer saddled with its Audi and VW platform, the Bentley range is set to take a big leap up the performance charts. The revolution started with the Speed 6 concept and now continues with this hybrid Speed 6e cabriolet. Its beauty is nothing short of a stunning!  Still a high bathtub shape in profile, but look closer.  Intricate details like the lower sills and even the hood are carved out, scultped for aero and cleanly proportioned like no recently Flying B. The cabin of this two-seater …

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Aston Martin Unveils VALKYRIE, Rapide AMR and Vantage AMR Pro [Video + 60 Pics]

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When Aston Martin first unveiled its new hypercar to the world, we were big fans of nearly everything about it. From the slick styling to the promise of impressive performance numbers, everything seemed to align perfectly. That is, except the AM-RB 001 moniker which was reminiscent of a typical part code at your local Autozone store. Thankfully, Aston Martin has rectified this error with an all new moniker. Dubbed “Valkyrie,” this beast was created in a joint effort between Aston Martin and Red Bull with the Valkyrie showcasing Red Bull’s advanced vehicle technologies, as well as subtly previewing a new …

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Road Test Review: 2017 Kia Niro EX – By Carl Malek

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Its not too often that we encounter a new vehicle that manages to hit that proverbial sweet spot between practicality, efficiency, and, style. While many vehicles out on the market strive to achieve this deceptively difficult feat, very few succeed. Kia aims to change all that with the 2017 Kia Niro a CUV that not only aims to bring style to the green vehicle segment, but also underpins an all new green car platform for both Kia and Hyundai.     The exterior styling of our Metal Stream hued EX grade tester was a tasteful blend of style and practicality. …

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2018 Alfa Romeo STELVIO – 70 Dynamic Pics On Namesake Road

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

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2017 Citroen DS7 Crossback – Yay or Nay?

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

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Road Test Review: 2017 Lexus ES 300h – By Carl Malek

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Lexus has been on a roll the past few years. With the recent introductions of the sleek LC coupe, and the technology packed 2018 LS 500 at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, the Japanese luxury brand is firmly focused on adding a new dimension to its ongoing battle with German luxury rivals. The 2017 Lexus ES sedan aims to bring this new-found spirit to the brand’s core audience, but can it still stand out among a crowded field of luxury sedan contenders?     Crisp exterior styling is typically a proven formula when it comes to drawing stares, …

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VIDEO: First Bugatti Chirons Roll Out! w/ Animated GIFs

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  These three new Chirons are the first-ever customer vehicles.  Just 70 Chirons are expected to be made in Molsheim this year — with more than half already in some stage of production. With every inch customizable, the build process is not rapid.  But that is what it takes to make the fastest car in the world. Enjoy.      

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2017 INFINITI Q60 Black S Concept

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Buckle up, bros! THe hottest-ever Infiniti just debuted with the Black S badge.  This race-ready M4 GTS rival is packing ERS hybrid tech to rocket the machine out of corners — even faster than stock!   The Red Sport 400 — aka the red S in the Q60S badge — is already a hero over here.  Adore.  SuperCoupe of the Year. SO this variant with its extreme aero, grip and powertrain upgrades? Nothing short of elation. More details to follow. 2017 INFINITI Q60 Project Black S Concept     Mar 3, 2017 Introducing Project Black S – an exploration of …

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2017 Audi S3 – Photo Slideshow + 50 Extra Pics!

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  50 pics of the new S3 that didn’t make it into the review — but too pretty not to share! In addition, a video slideshow of the review pics (not these..) for those who want to just lean back and soak it in. That mansion in some of the pics is Drayton Hall, a home completed in 1742.  This makes it one of the oldest surviving structures in the United States. 2017 Audi S3 Quattro S-tronic – HD Road Test Review       2017 Audi S3   2017 Audi S3 Quattro S-tronic – HD Road Test Review

2017 Audi S3 Quattro S-tronic – HD Road Test Review

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This big question you have for yourself when spending near $50k for a compact exec car is:  does the performance upgrade make up for its lack of scale? For the same money as the revised 2017 S3, you can find yourself in a (small-engined) fullsize luxury car like Genesis G80 or even Audi’s own A6. While that is a rational thoughtline for your brain, it all goes out the window in real life. The money spent upgrading an A3 to this S3 quattro sedan with S-tronic all goes directly to your cheeks.  To help you smile bigger, and laugh harder! …

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2017 Maserati LEVANTE By Brabus-StarTech

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

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2017 Cadillac ATS 3.6 Performance – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Drive this Cadillac and you’ll never want an Electric Vehicle. Ever. We’ve been having this discussion lately. While some of our friends are having eye-watering fantasies about driving the new Tesla to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, we’re rather meh on the whole deal. And you can blame this Cadillac ATS for that. The Caddy doesn’t try to redefine the sport sedan segment – and it doesn’t need to. What the ATS does is remind you about everything a great sport sedan brings to the table, lays it out in front of you, and invites you to dig in. …

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2018 Range Rover VELAR World Debut w/Video

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

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2017 KIA Soul Turbo – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Kia sells a full lineup of excellent vehicles, from small economy sedans and crossovers, to mid and full size sedans and Suv’s . They even build a luxury sedan rivaling some of the best from Japan and Europe.  They have many hybrid models, and even a fully electric car.  But their best-selling model is the Soul. This compact crossover is designed to appeal to the young Millennial generation, but even this old greybeard find it an engaging vehicle that provides a lot of features, roomy interior, gas mileage economy in a fun package. For 2017, Kia has upped the fun …

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2017 VW Golf TSI SEL (Wolfsburg Edition) – Road Test Review w/ Video

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Three tentpole themes define the VW Golf SEL for 2017:  its discreetly sporty drive manners, its intense build quality, and how the SEL might be sweet spot of the Golf line.  Some clarity into the SEL vs Wolfsburg trims, too. This post is centered on the very-good performance drive video below.  We start outside the car and hop in to floor it down some country roads.  Then a right turn into one of the twistiest roads we have here by the Atlantic Ocean here in South Carolina.   Fun to Drive There we find the Golf’s mid-spec 1.8-liter turbo plays very nicely …

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Launch Gallery – 2017 Land Rover DISCOVERY

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

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TECHART Reveals 718 Boxster and Cayman w/ 50HP PnP Powerkit

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  How sexy are these?   We love all Porsches in Miami blue but this TechArt Cayman and Boxster are extra special.  Their gorgeous new LEDs and intake details are so sexy when paired with the bodykits and wheel/tire changes by the TechArt crew. TechArt has a plug-and-play Powerkit available for the 718 lineup now, too.  15 minutes adds 50HP! Sprint pace drops a third of a second into the high 3’s.  Impressive.   TECHART Reveals 718 Boxster and Cayman   Leonberg, February 22nd, 2017   TECHART intensifies the sporty character of the Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster models. …

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2017 Nissan Maxima SR Midnight Edition – HD Road Test Review

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Is the coolest Maxima in ages also the best? We found out over a week of driving the 2017 Maxima SR Midnight and came away impressed, if full of caveats.  And understanding some of the fanboy hate for the Maxima’s drivetrain these days. We didn’t get too bogged down by worries about how true a 4DSC the Maxima really is in this generation.  You see, describing Maxima as a four-door sports car sets some pretty unrealistic performance expectations. Let’s explore this complex car for what it is: a stylish and comfortable full-size sedan that is blessed with a standard 300-horse V6. Breaking …

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

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

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2017 Nissan TITAN Pro-4X V8 - Exterior Photos - By Ben Lewis 14

2017 Nissan TITAN Pro4X V8 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  The full-size pickup truck is as American as BBQ, and it sells like hot cakes. But it’s not something just Ford, GM and Dodge have noticed. While Nissan and Toyota both have made strong inroads in the compact pickup truck market, they’ve long wanted a slice – even a sliver – of that huge Full-size pie. Well for 2017 we have an all-new bigger, better, Titan. Did Nissan get the recipe right, or are they going to end up being extra crispy? Well, they’ve certainly given it their best shot. Outside of the Nissan badge on the hood, this …

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2017 Ford Ranger By MR Car Design 7

2017 Ford Ranger By MR Car Design Is Global Raptor Junior

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Wow, it is hard to get used to saying Ford Ranger again!  But we’ll need in a few years here in the USA. Global truck guys, of course, have never lost their Ranger.  This upfit by MR Car Design is Germany is a fun Raptor Junior of a baja upgrade. 2017 Ford Ranger By MR Car Design A dazzling FORD RANGER by MR CAR DESIGN Photos: MR Car Design e. K. The experts of MR Car Design in Erftstadt, near the Rhine, are very well-respected for their exclusive tuning, as well as for the refinement of sports cars and luxurious …

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2017 Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe By FOSTLA.de Is Dripping Blue Chrome

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Have you ever seen a real car that looks more like a digital dream?  A rendering — too good to be true. Well, this latest wrap by Fostla.de achieves a rare blue chrome matte blue that is as unique as it is seductive.  These new matte finishes are still highly metallic and have more of a satin look than a dull effect, in the flesh.   2017 Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe By FOSTLA.de   FOSTLA.DE reveals an AUTOMOBILE METAMORPHOSIS Photos: fostla.de Fostla.de, located in Hannover, is the first place to look for a truly spectacular vehicle makeover and a significant upgrade …

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2017 Lexus RX350 – Design Analysis Video with 40 New Photos

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

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2017 PAGANI Huayra Roadster – Official Debut

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  Pagani’s latest creations always shake the Earth a little bit for hypercar fans.  This is a machine that makes a 918 Spyder feel like a Boxster. And so it is for the most beautiful Pagani yet: the Huayra Roadster. Twin rooves come standard: a glass targa panel and a soft-top kit for the frunk. Both promise an easy way to enjoy the AMG V12’s 770HP right over your ear. Added bonus for the Huayra Roadster?  You have a much better view of the rear wings and their g-force reactive moves around corners.  These slim planes of carbon create active …

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