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Mustang 50th Anniversary Showcase – 1972 Ford Mustang Convertible – Driven 1600 Miles From Colorado!

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I have done many, many huge roadtrips in my life – and hope to do many more! (Starting this Thursday, actually… on way to The Mitty vintage race at Road Atlanta…) But overall, I have about a 1200-mile cap before my eyes start bleeding and have to stop driving for a few days. 1,000 miles typically is two 12-hour days behind the wheel. 1,600 miles is more like three 12-hour days – despite the official Google Map estimate that the journey is only 23 hours. This discounts and stops for fuel, restrooms, or tourist attractions – without which most roadtrips …

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Mustang 50th Anniverary Showcase – $150,000 Race-Prepped 1986 Mustang GT Convertible!

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An unlikely hero?  Here it is!  The 1986, Fox-body Mustang GT Convertible. Proof that being feeling young and hip and bad-ass will never go out of style. Like all cyclical trends, the 1980s, 1990s and pre-2005 Mustangs were all firmly out-of-favor at the Mustang 50th Anniversary extravaganza in Charlotte. But even while the public moslty fawns over most-popular first and latest-gen cars, these 80s and 90s Mustangs are still the epitome of fast and brash youth culture to their owners. This was my key take-away from meeting hundreds of Mustang guys: The Mustang of all years and styles embodies being …

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2015 Hyundai Sonata Goes Huge – Forget Camry and Accord, This Sonata Is Benchmarking Buicks

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Uh Oh. Old habits really do die hard, apparently. This new Sonata shows that some vile old standard-operating-procedures are back in vogue at Hyundai-Kia, in a BIG way: — shoddy design — shoddy performance — shoddy quality We could also add Shoddy Strategy and Shady Promises for handling, efficiency, value…. EXPLAIN: WHAT DO YOU MEAN? The recent model range changes from Hyundai are very, very bizarre in chucking the baby out with the bathwater. Three years of great sales have emboldened the team to go back to its roots in the worst possible ways. The latest ‘Busch-league’ maneuver? Ditching the …

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1964 1/2 Ford Mustang Convertible — NY Worlds Fair Magic Skyway Car Number One

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      Ford definitely knew they had a major hit on their hands leading up to the Mustang’s original launch – even before the World’s Fair opened in Queens, New York City on April 17th of 1964. This car, serial #5F08F100004 — the 100004 part is the clue to its early-days provenance — was built as one of the very first pilot cars off the line, before March 5th of that same year. The build dates are a real pride point among Mustang owners of this period – and this 1964 1/2 Convertible was definitely, definitely one of the …

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To Denali or not to Denali? 2014 GMC Sierra Style and Equipment Comparison

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  Q:)    Why go for the top-of-the-line Sierra Denali ? A:)    Allows optional 6.2-liter engine, style and cabin materials. The Denali is the only Sierra 1500 that is offered with the 6.2-liter V8 versus the top 5.3-liter engine in the standard trims. It is also equipped with perhaps 50 pieces of desirable equipment, including mechanical pieces like the external diff and transmission coolers, tougher undertrays, and a huge overhaul inside to bring this truck near-Escalade refinement levels. The road noise reduction and standard equipment inclusion is likely to biggest reason to go Denali over the $2,000-less SLE trim at the …

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VIDEO: Olthoff Racing Factory – Superformance GT40 Mark II – Specs, History + High-Res Photo Comparison Vs. GT40 Mark I

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Is there beauty in functionality? That is the question to ask when debating a GT40 Mark I versus its successor, the GT40 Mark II. Is authenticity of the actual 1-2-3 1966 7.0-liter Mark II race win better than the clean lines and simple aesthetic of the Mark I — which was actually a trouble-prone testing bed for the losing 1964 and 1965 seasons? The 24 Hours of LeMans is widely known as the most grueling durability and endurance test ever fathomed, let alone run annually with a field of more than sixty cars across four racing categories: LMP1, LMP2, GT2 …

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2015 Ford F-150 Platinum Is Disruptively Attractive in Real Life at Mustang 50th Event

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The 2015 F-150 looks as incredibly new, high-tech and desirable in the flesh as it did on the auto show stands! It is set up to be a major sales disruption in a market segment it already owns with a 2:1 sales advantage over any other brand. The new F-150 is not a sure thing, but it appears to have it all via such a perfect storm of new equipment, new efficiency, new comfort and new style. Why upset a market that already earns, we reported in January, a cool $14-billion in revenue every single year based on slice/dicing of …

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GT40 vs Cobra Track Battle VIDEOS! Superformance Brings American Racecar Glory Global via Shelby Asia

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Superformance Ford GT40 – in-car track cam Editor’s Intro: Can you tell I am getting excited to visit Olthoff Racing tomorrow in Charlotte, NC?   Have you ever wished you could just wake up tomorrow day inside Gran Turismo?  Or even better, in the pit lane of Daytona circa 1965 ? Well beyond 3D — and into 4D of not just SSM (sight, sound and motion) but SSMTSFG — Sight, Sound, Motion, Touch, Smell, Fear and Glory? Well, for a modest amount of cash and enough skill – Superformance racecar recreations can do just that. These two videos demonstrate the …

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Land Rover Discovery Concept – Design is Boldy Futuristic – But 5 Years Late and Still 2 Years Away

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The Discovery LR4 replacement is five years late, and still (at least) two years from even hitting the US market as a likely 2016 model. It is hard to be bullish on such a foolish folly.   Jaguar Land Rover gets so excited about every new design… that it becomes hard to keep a lid on all the news. It boiled over on this Discovery Concept in a similar way as the Jaguar CX-17 (SUV) from Frankfurt, but this time: at least Land Rover followed up with a full release. The trouble-some scenario for the Jaguar leak actually being credible …

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Bentley Boys, Roller Gents – Building My #RollsRoyceinColour Ghost SWB V-Specification

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Orig Published on: Jan 8, 2014 @ 22:21 The Rolls-Royce Ghost is absolutely spectacular on all levels, in all colors and even considering the cost. Experiencing Ghost up close only makes the configuration options of the new V-Spec even more enticing.   The new-for-2014 Ghost V-Specification is welcome because even though a Ghost could be made to look like this in the aftermarket, it is nice to see some of the wild old spirit of the founding gentlemen back in action. Before we dive in: Rolls-Royce refers to their vehicles as simply Ghost and Wraith, not The Ghost and the …

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DRIVEN REVIEW: 2014 Kia Sorento SX-L Feels Lux Inside, But Steering Is Very Unusual

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Orig Published on: Dec 4, 2013 @ 10:18 My Snow White Kia Sorento SX-L loaner from the other week has been very perplexing. On the one hand, I was downright smitten with the interior quality and materials. As my first press loan from Kia, I started the week very eager to impress the company’s California-based team as well as the executive bosses at HQ in Korea.   But my time with the Sorento was not a love-fest. With recent driving impressions of the very impressive Ford Explorer Sport and Nissan Pathfinder 4×4 Platinum, the Sorento had competition in the seven-seat …

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MEGA Buyers Guide — 2015 BMW 740Ld Forms 11-Strong Model Range — Pricing, Diesel Build-Out, Tech Specs and Must-Have Options

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The previous article here on Car-Revs-Daily.com slammed the BMW 7 Series for its loss of focus since the wretched third-gen car stole my hope and courage and aspirations with its vile redesign. This is now the fifth-gen car, introduced in 2012. Is is all better? No. Is it much better? Yes. But let’s get a bit more real for this one. Is it or was it ever a bad car, or just one that is trying to change with the times? Change is hard. It really is. That is why I cannot stop over-sharing, try as I might to keep …

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Audi SUV and Crossover Showcase — 600-Photo Galleries of Q3, Q5 hybrid, SQ5, and Q7 TDI S-Line Plus

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Between 1994 and 2004, Audi’s biggest barrier to more US sales was a pretty limited number of model choices. In 2014, that is definitely no longer an issue: Audi’s American model range is huge. Disregarding the many, many engines available in each model, as well as S and RS cars — Audi is now packing at least 30 body styles. Add five more with the A3 and Q3 family for 2015, and keep adding five extra mystery machines for at least the next four years. Overall, plenty to choose from — with pricing that starts at $30,000 for the crossovers …

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Op-Ed — Is Motors Liquidation Corp (Old GM)’s Rotten Culture Actually Gone? Refusal To Provide Safe Loaner Cars Is Shameful

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I hate politics. Rarely will you catch an article on here about NHTSA’s ridiculous, farcical witch-hunts around recalls. If you think this stuff is not political, think again. Do not get me started on the useless, fleabag vote-mongers in both houses of congress, from both sides of the aisle. Counterpoint: Or the NHTSA’s actual customer assistance in ensuring recall work is fulfilled by manufacturers? “Send them a letter” is not sufficient, @NHTSA — when you are steamrolling billions of company value from the books with these opportunistic investigations. A disgusting disgrace for the agency, and one that will not go …

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Writers Wanted! Bikes, Cars, Trucks, Boats, Planes, Trains… The Mechanized World Is Your Oyester

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New Car Website Seeking WRITERS! On this new site, we are looking for writers with motivation, passion about cars that borders on the insane, and professional degrees. Writing and producing automotive news content is AWESOME. But it is also a job in the traditional “exhausting” sense. A demanding one that takes skills, might cause chills, and …. eventually might even pay the bills. Is it a “paying” job? Ummm…. For the time being, special contributors will be compensated only by the glory of seeing their car opinions and insights as published articles. There is no budget to even pay myself …

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Update1 -3.8s 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 in 78 Original First-Drive Photos

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Update — Originally published in November, when I foolishly included over 350MB of images on one web page. That leads to a lousy user experience, shockingly! With slow pages, browser crashes and other issues. We are learning, however, and improving. The compressed images do not lose too too much quality when shrunk from 5MB each down to 1MB each — but you will like them better because it will not crash the entire Internet. =] The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 3LT is poised to be the absolute hottest sports car for 2014: pricing just below $70,000, carbon-fiber galore, and even …

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Okay Now! European JUKE Nismo RS Features Matching LEDs Above and Below The New Round HID Lamps

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The recent European Nissan JUKE article spent a faintly absurd amount of words and on the color choice of the show car, as well as the LED lighting functionality of the JUKE Nismo. Hiding on my desktop is another Geneva debut I have yet to cover: The JUKE Nismo RS with the solution to both the LED and icky color problems! This photo of the JUKE Nismo RS for Europe confirms: all three lighting elements can now be used simultaneously.     Perhaps a trivial distinction, but one that American JUKE Nismo owners will understand. The JUKE Nismo RS in …

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Concept to Reality — Design Analysis — Hyundai HCD-14 to the All-New 2015 Genesis — Plus US Pricing and Equipment

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Last week we explored the fresh and innovative appearances of the Hyundai Intrado concept SUV, HCD-9 Coupe concept and the PassoCorto sports car concept — with generous praise for the ideas and execution shown in all three.   Will that gravy train keep rolling with the new Genesis? Unfortunately, after comparing the two side-by-side and in detail: the answer is a firm “No.”   Overall, the transition from HCD-14 to Genesis loses all of the concept’s unique surfaces, elegance,  and all semblance of premium appeal. The artful and contemporary sweeping shapes of the HCD-14 are all completely gone; replaced by …

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QOROS e-BIQE Concept Is Human Pedal Power + Plug-in Electricity

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 QOROS e-BIQE Concept Is Human Pedal Power + Plug-in Electricity QOROS is showing some real promise lately. Here is the basic idea behind the QOROS brand: World-best European engineering, branding and safety expertise. Built in low-cost China, but to German quality standards. The idea certainly has promise, and some huge-name executives behind the efforts. Most of them are German OEM refugees — who know a thing or two about excellent quality, safety, performance and handling on two wheels, four, or 18. If there is one core template for (real) global transport exports from China, it will be led by a …

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Update2 ~2015 BMW X7 Officially Joins X3, X4, X5 and X6 at Spartanburg

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UPDATE2: 5.28.14 with Digital Rendering Spartanburg is a crowning achievement of the BMW Group today, 20 years since the first US-built BMW rolled from this once-small South Carolina factory in 1994. Today: the Ultimate Driving Machine is far more than a just a machine. BMW has become a sentient being, born and raised on trustworthy US soil.   BMW today is a compelling human endeavor as well as one whose faith in the United States makes it the ‘Ultimate Driving’ employer, taxpayer and corporate citizen. But to most SC residents? A global titan of a company we are giddy with …

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2014 BMW 228i M Sport in 36 All-New, High-Res Photos

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How is it in the flesh? Very new, very low, very wide. The ideal BMW Coupe! The proportions are dead-accurate to the desirable long-hood appearance BMW coupes have long delivered their loyal fans (and fan-boys alike). The is the car I would order versus the pricier 235i — the 228i in M Sport trim. The other options are a bit tamer outside without this front bumper and other sport enhancements. Stay tuned for the big first drive article soon — plus photos of the 228i Luxury that sat beside this M Sport car. Overall — a great entry into rear-drive …

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Amelia Island 2014 – 1939 Aston Martin 15/98 ans DB4 SuperLeggera

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 Amelia Island 2014 – 1939 Aston Martin 15/98 ans DB4 SuperLeggera Before we dive into this incredibly delicate but very powerful 15/98 shortie roadster — here is a selfie of your humble scribe with a touchably-smooth (caressably-soft?) 1960 DB4. Smooth, but definitely not soft. This DB4 wears the cherished SuperLeggera badge — indicating its body was made of aluminum-alloy versus steel.Aston-Martin worked with Milan’s Carrozzeria Touring on a number of projects in this era. Estimated weight saving with alloy? 250-pounds or more. This DB4 sold for $462,000 by RM Auctions on March 8th, 2014. Adding $150,000 to that total takes …

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2014 SEAT Leon Cupra Scores First OEM Embedded Spin-Table! Plus 3 Reasons The Leon Cupra Spanks Renaultsport Megane (…and VW GTI)

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The most unlikely fan of SEAT? Any American! While our LED obsession is well-documented — it is not just the available full LED headlights that are big turn-ons for the Leon. We love the latest SEAT car style, value proposition and brand statement. Any favorites in the ten-strong SEAT range? We are huge Leon admirers especially. Why? Check out the (mid-range) Sports FR Kit below and tell me it is not incredibly sexy. Three reasons to crave the SEAT Leon: 1.) — Value: Versus the VW GTI, the Leon is significantly more affordable for new-car shoppers, both in actual transaction …

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Video Walk-Around + 33 Photos – 1935 Amilcar G36 Pegasé Boattail Roadster

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This car is quite special. The video notes that thhe Pegase Boattail Roadster was by Jacques Soutchek, but that may not be the case. The tiny Amilcar company of Paris certainly shared much of the Soutchek style shown in various custom Delehaye’s and Bugatti’s — a style which was typically hand-formed alloy and steel by only a small group of skilled craftsmen like Mr. S. Overall, the Pegase Boattail Roadster is most notable for its rarity and immaculate presentation, if not its sheer pace or the grandeur of some of the gigantic Delehaye’s and Bugatti’s from this interwar period. Tent/Lawn …

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My 30PSI-Boosting Subaru Legacy GT on HD GoPro Video + Photo Comparo vs Cadillac CTS 3

My 30PSI-Boosting Subaru Legacy GT on HD GoPro Video + Photo Comparo vs Cadillac CTS 3.6 Wagon

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This one is pretty fun. My first external GoPro mounting that also includes some very hard driving. Challenge: Name that Video’s Locale! At least half the time in this film was spent worrying that the camera would fly off the hood at any moment! Got lucky this time, but definitely looking into a more reliable and stick-able suction mount. My Personal Subaru Legacy GT Limited Wagon in photo comparo versus 2011 Cadillac CTS 3.6 Wagon. Which would you prefer? Worth noting is that the Subaru is currently in the shop at the moment for a 115,000-mile service. A “Custom Tune” …

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Hyundai COUPE Design Analyses: Concept HND-9 Shows Best Possible Style Roadmap for Both Shorter and Longer RWD Coupes From Hyundai

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Hyundai is a very smart and savvy organization, staffed by some of the keenest automotive minds available at any price. Further proving their strategy to move upmarket and laterally toward enthusiasts, the Genesis sedan and Coupe lines continue to blossom. With this core rear-drive platform, many cars are possible that would have been mere pipe-dreams in the past. (And the present for others such as Acura who are tied to front-drive up and down the range.) HYUNDAI CONCEPT HND-9   My favorite details on the HND-9 are many, but include the free-form grille shape, the swan-wing doors that bring part …

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Amelia Time Capsules — 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limo by Park Ward — 60 Delightful Photos — Sold for $99,000 By RM

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This stately car was such a huge milestone for Rolls-Royce that the core template and style of this 1960 car barely changed for the next thirty years. In fact, Queen Elizabeth probably still wishes this were her daily cruiser. Such is its elegant simplicity, comfort and joyousness outside and in. The Phantom V Park Ward is still the utmost in formal living, so this realistic auction result is even more appreciable. Channel4 in the UK will air a relatively candid look inside Rolls-Royce this evening, but candid is a relative term in Goodwood. While the youthfulness of the staff and …

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Green With Envy! 2015 Audi S1 Sportback Evokes Cut-Length Sport Quattro S1

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2015 Audi S1 Sportback ]We will not see the Audi S1 here in the states for the current generation of models, but there is still something really delightful about the cars. The latest news is the reveal of a five-door version of this speedy and highly pivotal cutie. Grip in a these S1 pocket rockets is also sublime — look for the grip comparison videos versus the Nissan GT-R for evidence of how fly-paper-like the S1 can be, even versus other four-paws. The green is my new favorite car color, and something we hope to see crossing the Big Blue …

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2014 Ferrari FF COLORS and 100+ Interior Options

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2014 Ferrari FF COLORS At first, I thought the Ferrari FF was only offered in about six colors. How wrong was I!? That is just the first batch of paints available on the outside — with five collections the total blooms to a robust 60-plus, we estimate. But that is literally the tip of the iceberg when configuring an FF! Wait until you get inside the cabin — then the real magic of low-volume exotic production takes hold. We’ll present these configuration screenshots in some order from the outside in, as is the layout of the Ferrari FF’s main web …

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2015 Alfa-Romeo 4C Spider Debuts Welcome Style Enhancements via Classier Headlamps — US Arrival Pushed to 2015 At Earliest

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The 2015 Alfa-Romeo 4C Spyder’s headlamps finally look like an OEM effort, which is always a plus on any exotic sports car with pricing expected to be in the $65,000 range when it ever arrives stateside. We have no data to confirm this, but have a strong hunch that even those who have shelled out $600 for F-150 aftermarket headlight kits are not pleased with the tacky and police-attracting appearance. The 4C’s production lamps with odd LED dots in random places reminded one on-looker of a bad venereal disease. There is nothing less erotic than a bad venereal disease to …

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OP-ED: Tesla Increasing Already-Hefty Risks + Online Build Shows $72k Model S Is Tech Vanguard Bargain vs. Accord PHEV at $45k

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As my Tweets previewed a few minutes ago: “When you or I flip a coin, there are two possible total outcomes. When Tesla flips a coin, it lands as a still-spinning Rubik’s Cube.” PART 1: DEVILS ADVOCATE DISCLAIMER — OPINIONS ONLY We have been pretty hard on Tesla recently for a variety of reasons that have little to do with the excellence of the firm’s main product: the Model S sedan. Before you write this off as uninformed Tesla ‘hating,’ please note a few things about his article right at the top:   The Model S is ** by far** …

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My Ford #INAMUSTANG Contest Entry — GT350R Goes Flat-Out Around LeMans, Fuji and Monaco

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This is a draft for what we hope will be a very memorable entry into the #INAMUSTANG challenge — where-in the best ideas will be made into short films. For me, the prize might even be a media invite to some upcoming Mustang events. April 17th is the big anniversary of the original launch at the 1964 New York Auto Show, so things are likely pretty near on the horizon. Ideally, these ideas would utilize a 2015 Mustang as the basis instead of the NeedForSpeed car shown here. The inspiration, of course, is Charlie Webb’s $984,000 1965 Mustang GT350R. Even …

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2014 Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost in Deep Impact Blue – 69 All-New Photos and 2 Driving Videos

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This Escape is a really fun, well-equipped and affordable crossover in SE front-drive guise. It also runs the deceptively powerful 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, with the badge and twin pipes on the back just like the 240-horsepower models! 2014 Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost – Exterior Gallery 2014 Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost – Interior Gallery Drake meeting a new friend Only $29,000 out the door!

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East Coast West Coast Benz Battle: CLS550 4Matic versus CLS550

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So you need a Mercedes-Benz with a giant V8, about 5.0-seconds to 60-mph or less, and perhaps four doors — perhaps only two. Options will lead you to the CLS, the original “foupe” and inspiring act for the very fashionable new CLA250 and CLA45 AMG. This is not really a Tupac vs Biggie-style rap battle. Just noting that the CLS550 is available both in rear-drive and AWD setups. They are both very tail-happy and will play along when you are in the mood. But once the CLS trigger is pulled, you might be compelled to only consider the CLS63 AMG. …

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180MPH, Million-Dollar Ford Mustang! 1965 SHELBY GT350R — Video Walkaround, Insights and 35 All-New Photos

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This Mustang is so amazingly hot in person, one finds it hard not to paw up and down its panels. RM Auctions Amelia Island really aced this huge sale — earning $984,000 for its original driver and owner, Charlie Kemp. Mr. Kemp and his top mechanic were on hand with some fascinating insights about the racecar, shared in the below video around the three-minute mark. The most exciting things I learned from him were regarding the extremely low suspension setup to limit aero drag, the paint job, and the top speed at redline.   — Aero and structural stiffness enhancements: …

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Amelia Concours — Marque Showcases — Mercedes-Benz 219 Peking-to-Paris, 220SE (Coupe), 250SL Pagoda and Even 500E HAMMER!

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Bored of these concours articles yet?! With 3,000 photos snapped in three days — I was even a bit tired of all this out-of-reach metal myself my the end of the weekend. But there really were some stunning machines in attendance. Best part? Their owners were typically nearby — more than happy to extol the benefits of their cherished cars. And more often, the great care and passion they have put into getting these machines up to show-quality. Yes, in theory, anyone with a cool car could apply for a lawn badge. But be prepared for light interrogation by fellow …

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Pre-War Rolls-Royce Showcase — Phantom II Henley Roadster A Sweet, Smooth Operator — Gooding & Co. Amelia Island 2014

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It was convertible Rolls-Royce season down in Florida last weekend!   Three exceptional pre-war Rollers were in proud residence, with both soft-tops bringing in far more cash than the single hardtop: the 1929 Phantom I Newmarket. All are exceptionally-desirable, but clearly some more than others. Results for the cars featured here are included with headers noting which is which. The real star of the show was the Henley Roadster, but the 1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Three-Position Drophead Coupe has many merits of its own. One quick one? This was the firm’s official 1933 Paris auto show car. A running, bespoke concept …

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1932 Cadillac V-16 452B Madame X Imperial Sedan — Gooding & Co. Amelia Island 2014 — Sold for $264,000

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One of four built. Madame X indicates the owner was so wealthy — and likely so famous / infamous — that even initials on the build sheet were stripped. The $264,000 earned by this stunning V16 limousine at Gooding’s Amelia Island 2014 event was very impressive, but certainly not in the Rolls-Royce price or prestige echelon just yet. Even so, the twin sets of suicide doors are lovely. The back seat is enormous and cushioned in crushed velvet. A repeated speedometer in back lets back-seat drivers really know their stuff. Green paint in this era was extremely rare and extremely …

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2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG COLORS, Options + Leathers Guide

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2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG COLORS So, which 2014 S-Class is for you? The S550 starts things off with a 4.8s sprint to 60-mph for just $90,000, while the S63 AMG lops that time down to just 3.9s for an extra $50 Large. For real-life Kings and Queens? Still the rear-drive S65 AMG for now — but stay tuned for the extra-long-doors version and perhaps even a six-door Pullman S700 (?) in the next few years. The all-new AMG 4Matic is heavily rear-biased, with last fall’s E63 4Matic drive proving these are still exceptionally-balanced and great-steering vehicles.       S63 …

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PurSang Argentina Shows Innovative Marketing with Street-Parked 1920s Bugatti GP Car

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Amelia Island this weekend was sensory overload. But most of the really high-dollar machines came with their own cadre of security — making this Bugatti’s solo parallel parking even more curious. Between the Porsche driving demos and the Infiniti test drive booth sat a lovely 1920s Bugatti for many hours each day since Thursday. Uncovered, unguarded — and, of course, certainly mobbed by the curious almost every minute. After all, is this not the exact Type 37 that was well-guarded inside RM’s indoor showroom? [On further research, I believe the photos show a Type 35B Grand Prix, versus the Type …

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1928 Bugatti Type 37A Grand Prix Supercharged– $962,000 at RM Auctions Amelia 2014 — 45 Original Photos

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This former GP car was one of two 1920s-era Bugatti’s roaming the Ritz-Carlton grounds this weekend. The other was black and will be featured in even more photographic detail than this little blue fella.   Both are absolutely enchanting up close, with a metal wire closure system for most bodywork that was ideal for rapid servicing without the need to un-bolt any bodywork. These GP cars carry a similar shape to other Bugatti racers, but are actually far smaller and more nimble machines than their big-engined brothers. Why? Racing rules from FIA specified a maximum engine size — with four cyclinders being …

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1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder in 59 High-Res Photos

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1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder This little 718 RSK is the ultimate in 1950s racing roadster chic. That is part of the reason this 1,270-pound flyweight earned $2,600-per-pound. The 550 is perhaps better-known, and certainly easier to build yourself via replica kits, but this 718 RSK is perhaps Porsche’s first real track-ready road car. Just looking at its five-speed manual and 148-horsepower top-line specs shows how advanced this car was in 1959. Tech Specs c/o Gooding & Company Twin Weber 46 IDM Carburetors 148 BHP at 8,000 RPM 5-Speed Manual Transaxle 4-Wheel Finned Alloy Drum Brakes Independent Trailing-Arm Front Suspension …

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Gooding & Co. — Amelia 2014 — Flawless 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL — 67 Photos Outside and In!

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The weather might have been a little rough yesterday in Amelia Island, Florida — but the Gooding team was pulling no punches with this flawless BMW collection.   Even the tents were fantastic — providing far better photo lighting than I anticipated. This car is a real highlight. I cant find today’s results quickly, but its original estimate was between $125,000 — $225,000 and sold without reserve. How good is this CSL? It seemed **too good** to me. Too good to be true? Nope. Too legit to quit! Plexiglass rear window and all =] Enjoy.     This is currently …

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2015 Renegade is Laughable, Euro-Trash Caricature of a “JEEP” — Arriving From Italy in Feb 2015 from About $16,500

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The one thing thing American buyers have liked least about the Fiat 500? Its size. Buyers also dislike its performance and pricing that easily crests $22,000 — yet lacks comfort, economy, tech and usability features that are standard equipment on the $12,000 Nissan Versa Note SR. But surely — it will be far more competent than the 1998 Dodge-Neon-based Compass and Patriot? No? Larger? No. Cooler? Please? That is a biggg negatory, ghostrider. With products like this, one wonders the prescription glasses spec of the man in charge. Who would approve these monstrosities? So how to make the 500X into …

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2012 Nissan cube

BOX SOCIAL: New 2014 Kia Soul Takes On Scion xB, xD and Nissan Cube

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The Scion xB brought a series of updates for 2013, including LED running lights up front and LED brake lights out back. The Kia Soul is also new for 2014, but to call this all-new is a bit far-fetched. It is refreshed — but where it counts. The LED brake lights are really cool at night, on the highway, from behind. This should be a simple article to write: xB has a $17,500 base price and one engine, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 158 horsepower. This boxy shape is still pretty useful and popular – see the all-new 2014 Kia Soul’s …

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German Special Customs Turns Mercedes-Benz ML into Autobahn Cruise Missile

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This overhaul looks seriously awesome, and completely reinvigorates the Mercedes-Benz ML from the outside – its weakest current point. This W166 generation of ML-Class is actually far better than ever before under skin and inside, where this versatile family car now equals the cabin quality of the E-Class.   The latest Mercedes-Benz ML Widebody kit from German Special Customs dramatically increases the road presence of this mid-size SUV. From well below the Jeep Grand Cherokee in the styling stakes — to flexing and eating Cayenne Turbo’s for breakfast. The Mercedes-Benz ML is a relatively unloved member of the range, albeit …

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CarRevsDaily Buyers Guide - 2014 Hyundai Sante Fe LWB 28 - Copy

2014 Hyundai Sante Fe Sport vs LWB – Buyers Guide with Specs, Colors, and Pricing

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Orig Published on: Dec 24, 2013 @ 11:24 The Hyundai Sante Fe recently made the top ten list of most-researched cars in 2013. This is great news for the re-designed AWD crossover – which is now looking seriously classy across all of its many trim levels. Lots of researching could be not-so-great news as well, by indicating buyers are confused by the new Sport and LWB sizes. Many trim levels? On a Hyundai? Not really – allow me to explain the key differences between the five-seat Sante Fe Sport (seen directly below) and the seven-seat Sante Fe LWB.   BUYER …

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Buyers Guide — 2014 Jeep Wrangler — Doors, Trims, Tops and Options + All Colors Visualized

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The Jeep Wrangler lineup is larger and more inviting than ever for 2014. Standard V6 power and a new six-speed manual start things off in the two-door trucks from about $23,000 — which is an excellent driver’s package versus previous entry-level Wranglers. The Wrangler with the four-cylinder and automatic in the 1990s (of my high school days) was a very fun truck to ride around town in. Truly one for those who want to see and be seen doing the coolest things with the coolest people.   But at anything over 50mph, the soft-top Wranglers of the 1990s lost me …

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RM Auctions Lands 1971 Maserati Ghibli Spyder for Amelia 2014

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The Pray collection is a big part of the upcoming 2014 Amelia Island Concours at RM Auctions. It looks like the RM drinks social is at the Ritz. I am nervous already. The Ghibli Spyder was so immensely-popular when revealed that it also created an entire cottage industry of custom conversions. This really makes sense. The shark-like bit of the Ghibli’s styling was dramatically weighed down by the huge fastback coupe style. The rear canopy is large enough to overwhelm the delicate front shapes in total. Therefore, seeing any out and about is a good thing. One offered for sale? …

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1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman SWB 12

Update1 — 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman SWB for $75,000 In Charleston, South Carolina

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 No words to describe this immaculate 1970 Pullman? I am never short of words! Yes, a tech thing prevented description of this car yesterday. But I will say these things now: — cars in this quality are very rare — price just 10% of a the total earned by drop-top six-door 1971 600 Pullman earlier this month in Paris by RM Auctions — for history fans or the inherently curious: the eagle in the front grille is the German Imperial flag — and nothing to do with some other eagle iconography that is perhaps better-known from Deutschland. https://www.deutschland.de/en This car …

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New McLaren 650S Bridges $700,000 Price/Tech Gap Between 12C and P1 — First Orders Arrive Spring 2014

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Surprising news from Woking today! It seems the more troubles the F1 team endures, the better the road cars get? No, just kidding. It is not nearly that simple. But while the McLaren F1 team has not won a race championship in too-many years — the supercar range from McLaren is better every day. The 650S surprised me because I thought the next car in line for McLaren was the P11, which is widely believed to be a bit cheaper and more accessible than the 12C. That is not this car. The 650S slots in above the 12C coupe and …

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188HP Turbo Standard — 2014 Nissan JUKE Midnight Edition — 6-Sp Manual FWD From $19,000 — AWD Auto from $21,000

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The Juke S is the most affordable spec in the trim lines that also include SL, SV, Nismo and the new-for-2014 Nismo RS model. While loving the 2013 Nissan Juke NISMO recently, and giving it the Best Turbo Sports Car, Under $25,000 Best Of Award here on CarRevsDaily, we realized something else. What was that discovery? In the latest new-for2014 paint colors like this triple black: this is a car that looks and feels like it is worth at least $10,000 more than its $24,000 total price. The NISMO is $24,000, but honestly represents such good value for this style …

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2014 Maserati Ghibli Q4 -- Interior Feels Luxe and High-Quality, But Back Seat A Bit Tight 16

4.7s, 175-mph Ghibli S Q4 Also Debuts All-New Maserati Online Configurator — Colors, Wheels and Leathers Built-Out

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The new Maserati configurator is really excellent — with far more choices for the exterior and interior than anticipated. Over a dozen exterior colors, six wheel choices, four brake caliper colors and a sport pack are available outside. Wheels   Brake Calipers Indoors — the Italian craftsmanship idea really blossoms. Six leathers are available for the seats, five themes for the dashboard, four accent materials like wood or carbon-fiber, and even special carpet and headliner colors. Is this information overload for an executive sports car? For many BMW shoppers with silver exterior/black interior preferences — perhaps. But the Italian nature …

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Helicat22 At Miami Boat Show Seems to Best of All Worlds -- Twin-Engine Catamaran is FAST -- Even In Rough Waters 10

Helicat22 At Miami Boat Show — Twin-Engine Catamaran is Cool and FAST — Even In Very Rough Seas

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Most of the boats and yachts in the world employ a single-hull design, with the classic shape offering merits via the huge enclosed living space they can provide. But every bit of hull displacement becomes extra problematic over rough waters. These videos show: a wakeboarding trial with the red Helicat22 a rough-water scenario at speed. Watching some of the bone-jarring impacts suffered by James May and the TopGear team over the years is proof enough — and reason enough — to slow down to a crawl in any rough seas. But how un-fun is going slowly in a fast car?  …

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2015 Volvo V60 T5 Sport Pack -- Video Walkaround and 30 All-New Photos 22

2015 Volvo V60 T5 Sport Pack — Video Walkaround and 30 All-New Photos

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The 2015 V60 has landed in America — with fresh looks and excellent merits as a BMW or Infiniti alternative. Is this the first V60 in America? Nope, Volvo of Charleston got their first last week — and sold it in two days. That is a good sign for Volvo’s improving market performance. It carries an all-new and very chic style, along with all the latest high-tech features and base pricing from about $36,000. As tested, this T5 Sport trim comes in at $43,570 with a few desirable tech, safety and styling upgrades. Overall: a fantastic new Volvo and one …

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Wealth Dreams -- 1930 Lancia Lambda 8 Sports Tourer Seeks New Home -- My Home 6

Wealth Dreams — 1930 Lancia Lambda 8 Sports Tourer Seeks New Home — My Home!

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So, if you were in the audience or bidding online during RM Auctions’ Paris 2014 event, what would you pick to drive home? Let’s have an imaginary budget of $150,000 — which is plenty — where would your dollars go? For me, it is this 1930 Lancia Lambda 8 Sports Tourer. It speaks to me. I think about it often. It is like a lover I will never have, or a friend I’ll never lose. Four doors, low roof, drama from all angles — yep. This is just my style. It is still seeking a new ‘forever home’ since not …

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RM Auctions Paris Feb 2014 - 1982 Porsche 956 Group C Sports-Prototype 13

Update2 — RM Auctions Paris Gala Brings Out the Global Jet Set… But Also High Reserves

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RM is a real class act. This Blenheim, Ontario-based automotive specialist auction house took the best possible route to the European collector’s market via a glittering February 5th, 2014 Gala in Paris. For a relative new-comer in the seven-figure classic car world, RM is making all the right moves. Did they arrive in Paris with a variety of old Mustangs and Corvettes? Nope — not a single yank tank is in the top-thirty list from this event. The hand-crafted list of cars includes a number of unique and special pieces with extra relevance to France and European racing history. Names …

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1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Six-Door Landaulet - RM Auctions Paris 2014 - 7

1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 ‘Six-Door’ Pullman Landaulet — *Just* $731,000 at RM Auctions Paris 2014

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Just $731,000? That is still a huge sum of money, right? In today’s world, for a six-door Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet, this is an absolute bargain. First off: most of these cars have never left the banana republics they originally called home. Many are still in active service all over the world. Secondly, this car might look rough cosmetically, but let me assure you: the Mercedes-Benz 600 (and all their pre-1989 cars, for that matter) are unbelievably strong automobiles.     I know this for a fact because I spent three weeks a few years ago dis-assembling the interior of …

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2015 Lincoln MKC Crossover – A Cool Mix of Infiniti and Audi from $34,000

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[Orig Published Nov 28, 2013 @ 14:37] A big piece of news from Lincoln Motor Company this week. The production-specification MKC crossover debuted with pricing from $34,000, with an arrival in late Spring 2014 to Lincoln showrooms looking just like this.   Included in this article are 138 photos of the 2015 MKC. Those details are interesting, but not quite as much as the advanced styling concepts and a choice of two sizes of EcoBoost engine. The excellent 2.0-liter brings 240-horsepower in the lowest priced models, while the bigger option offers a meaty 270 horsepower. This is the new up-level …

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2015 Ford F-150 Almost Unbelieveably New – $14B Golden Goose Goes Hog Wild with LEDs and EcoBoost Tech

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Supercars are awesome, but almost no other product (of any kind) can match the F-150’s sales volume and reliable revenue. By my rough, rough estimates, shown below based on Ford’s 2012 Annual Report — the F-150 nameplate alone is worth at least $14 billion in annual revenue. ! In terms of satisfied owners coming in for the new F-150 every few years: The Ford Truck line is certainly Dearborn’s golden goose.   How Important Is the F-150? Units ESTIMATES Ford 2012 Approx Total Auto Revenue Dollars  $              120,567,000 Total Global 2012 Sales Units                     5,668,000 Ford North Am Approx 2012 …

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New Range Rover Sport HSE in 30 Real-Life Photos 7

New Range Rover Sport HSE in 30 Real-Life Photos (and 20 Fake-Life Photos) + Tech Specs — HSE V6 Priced from $64k

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The all-new 2014 Range Rover Sport has arrived! The first few boatloads of this hot new luxury truck are unloading as we speak — but demand is still far outstripping supply. So how does the new RRS look in person? Very nice and modern, thank-you-very-much. Sidebar: Starting to think I did not win the #IamDriven contest, by the way. These latest photos already appear to be from Carmel, California. Sad panda – worked hard on these entries=] On second glance, these California-based photos appear to be… cleverly inserted onto the PCH digitally. A glimmer of hope remains! Even in the …

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Video Walk-around and Photos - Near-Mint 1969 Land Rover Series II Defender at Baker LR in CHarleston 16

Video Walk-around and Photos – Near-Mint 1969 Land Rover Series II Defender

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A left-hand-drive Series II from 1969? Flawless condition and only 22,500 miles showing on the odometer? Yessirs, this Series II Land Rover is about as perfect, rare and special as it gets. A factory restoration sees all-new canvas for the top, not a spot of grime or wear on the underbody, and even seven seats inside. A seven-seater? Not in the traditional sense… This Series II seats seven via three up front and four in back. The bucket seats are all hilariously undersized, and the rear passengers will lock knees and boots a bit more often than soldiers prefer. Even …

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2014 Maserati Ghibli Looking, Sounding Marvelous -- 40+ All-New, High-Res Photos -- Available Now from $67k 4

2014 Maserati Ghibli Looking, Sounding Marvelous — 40+ All-New, High-Res Photos — Available Now from $67k

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Took a bit of time to meet the all-new, 410-horsepower Maserati Ghibli S Q4 in person today in Charleston, South Carolina.   I’m pretty smitten with this sexy twin-turbocharged sports sedan — even more so after some time up close! The excellent Maserati Super Bowl commercial sets the tone for this bellowing Italian stallion. The Ghibli is available in two trims: standard from about $67,000 and the Ghibli S Q4, which carried a sticker of $94,000. Please enjoy these images ahead of a more thorough test-drive video in the coming weeks – and this quick slideshow featuring the Ghibli’s rich …

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Swanky 2015 BMW X3 xLine Debuts In Chicago Ahead of Spring 2014 Arrival In U

Swanky 2015 BMW X3 Debuts In Chicago Ahead of May 2014 Showroom Arrival from $39,325

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Hooray! The 2015 BMW X3 debuted last night in a sneak peak at the Chicago auto show – and all seems well for this glamorous new five-seat crossover. Why the elation? I hated was not a fan of the previous X3. Sometimes my own critiques are so scathing that the words echo and reverberate in my head after I type and publish them. What do I mean? Well, I called the previous X3’s LED and nose look a “zombie-like stare.” Accurate? Maybe, maybe not. Memorable? Perhaps too much so. The X3 has indeed been a rougher launch than expected for …

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Concept Volkswagen Taigun Debuts in Delhi – But Set to Battle Nissan Rogue (*or Juke) and Mitsu Outlander Sport in U.S. From 2015

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The Taigun and the Tiguan. Not a good combination for dyslexics – but VW’s mini SUV concept does show great progress in refining the brand’s chiseled future SUV look. It is also hugely important because of its size. Typically, VW has not imported its smallest cars to America because they would all price themselves out of consideration for most shoppers. The Euro-only Up! is just adorable and would sell like ice-cold water bottles at Burning Man — but importing this Euro-made mini-car ould push prices past $20,000. Not a good set of options, then, to increase sales volume for VW …

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2014 MX-5 Club (32)

2014 Mazda MX-5 Club Brings New Colors, Dark Wheels, Gloss Black Accents and Power Hardtop Option from $26,000

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The next MX-5 is in the home stretch of development in Japan ahead of an expected debut some time in 2014 or early 2015, with deliveries to America set to start shortly afterward. The next MX-5 will spawn an Alfa Romeo Spider twin, with both built to quality standards Fiat could not dream of achieving without Mazda’s Hiroshima-based talent. Development of the MX-5 is the cornerstone of Mazda’s sports car teams these days – and for good reason! The MX-5 is the ultimate track-day thriller: with enough power to feel the rush but also enough playfulness to really test your …

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Buyers Guide to the 2014 Toyota Highlander with Specs, Pricing and 88 Photos

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[Orig Published on: Dec 29, 2013 @ 15:30] The 2014 Highlander is finally looking like a classy option versus its sibling, the wildly-popular Lexus RX crossover. But while the RX has always made its rich appearance a selling point, the previous Highlander was best described as “forgettable.” No more. This new series really cleans up the styling, while keeping the same fundamental proportions and $29,000 base pricing. On that side of the three-engine range, the Highlander runs a front-drive 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 170 horsepower and 24 MPG on the highway. Buyers who need AWD can choose between the V6 gasoline …

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2015 BMW 428i and 435i Gran Coupes Bring Wide, Low Style + xDrive, 4 Doors and Huge Trunks – Arriving Summer 2014 From $43,000

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The BMW Gran Coupe and Gran Turismo strategy is finally starting to make sense. It really comes down to sporty proportions in the GC’s versus the taller and more limo-like roominess of the GT’s. There is still some inevitable overlap in the model lines – most notably with the 3GT versus this 4GC – but generally this idea lets all buyers have the best of all worlds. Wearing the aggressive, low and wide styling of the new 435i and 428i two-doors, the Gran Coupes offer a huge wheelbase stretch for limo-like rear legroom and that huge top-hinged tailgate. Overall, the …

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Best of Awards – 2014 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO – Biggest Trunk and EcoBoost Turbo Innovator

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EcoBoost is coming on-line in a big way! The popularity and roll-out of turbo Ford engines owes a big thanks to this SHO — the first intercooled twin-turbo Ford in decades. With the announcement of the F-150 this month, Ford confirmed that a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 will join the truck line-up. The 6.0-liter V8 is replaced by a 5.0-liter delivering similar power, but no turbo V8’s yet. That is when the SHO will get really, really exciting! For now, this is a huge and comfortable car that also has big passing power and sprint pace on demand.   As a …

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2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Buyers Guide to Engines, Suspensions and Top Trims: Summit, Altitude and Overland

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The 2014 Grand Cherokee is a hugely versatile truck – both in terms of its on-road/off-road skill set and the numerous configurations available. The base Jeep GC Laredo comes in at just $29,000 – and even this 4×2 truck has the latest 3.6-liter engine and eight-speed automatic. In other words, it is no slouch and a solid handler in corners from that light nose. But many buyers will have major engine envy if they stick with the V6. Why? The Three other optional engines catapult the Grand Cherokee from competing with the Ford Explorer — and on to competing with …

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RM Auctions – Paris 2014 Preview Series, Part3 – 1936 Delahaye Type 135S 17

RM Auctions – Paris 2014 Preview Series, Part3 – 1936 Delahaye Type 135S

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Despite being the third entry in this series of articles, the 1936 Delahaye 135S is my sentimental favorite ahead of RM Auctions Paris Gala on February 5th. Online bidding is available – with full details near bottom of this article. French Racing Blue might be the subliminal theme of the auction, which also includes 50-plus legendary racecars and priceless classics. You can sense the excitement in the preview program for this Delahaye in particular. Another close favorite in this genre is the Gordini 53S – featured in a previous article here. The video of the Gordini at full throttle is …

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2014 BMW 228i and M235i 42

2014 BMW 228i and M235i Herald New Dawn of 5-second RWD Coupes from $33k

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If there is one downside of the new 428i’s butch stance and wide proportions, it might be the price that comes along with it. Not sure if you’ve been keeping track, but it is extremely easy to spend $60,000 on a loaded 3 or 4 series BMW these days. So what if legroom in back could be sacrificed in a big wheelbase chop, along with fewer pounds from these tight new overhangs? You will would land on the all-new 228i and M235i. The 228i starts just below $33,000 in its sport line trim. The 228i’s official sprint time is 5.5 …

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1939 Delahaye 165 V-12 Cabriolet at Mullin Auto Museum18

Iconic Classic Car: 1939 Delahaye 165 V-12 Cabriolet at Mullin Auto Museum

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Only at the Mullin Automotive Museum could a car as brilliant, unique and influential as this Type 165 Cabriolet be summed up as “Car 30.” Amid the world’s finest collection of all-things pre-war and coach-built, the Oxnard, California Mullin Museum is a must-visit for all car fans. Those with a special passion for classics will find none other than 90-plus completely one-off models in the astounding collection. Housed in a glamorous stage-type museum building, the mood is right for period flashbacks with a recreated LeMans pit area real enough to be a fire hazard. Everything is magnificent about the museum, …

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RM Auctions Paris Feb 2014 - 1982 Porsche 956 Group C Sports-Prototype 13

RM Auctions – Paris 2014 Preview Series, Part2 – 1982 Porsche 956-004 Group C

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What would happen if the long-body racers from the late 1960s could be made stronger, lighter and 3X as quick around corners? Turbocharging and advanced aerodynamics in this 956 Group C racer were paramount to winning championships – as were high-speed pace and near-unbreakable reliability. It added up to a world-beating racing program for much of the 1980s for Porsche. The dream is very much alive today – with 620-horsepower and fantasy track thrills – and will be auctioned on February 5, 2014 in Paris by RM Auctions. 1982 Porsche 956 Group C Sports-Prototype – To be auctioned on Wednesday, …

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RM Auctions - Paris 2014 Previews - 1969 Lola T70 Mk IIIb by Sbarro20

RM Auctions – Paris 2014 Preview Series, Part1 – 1969 Lola T70 Mk IIIb by Sbarro

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Wow. RM Auctions had a record year in 2013, with a top-five list so classy there are barely any non-Duesenbergs. But things are even brighter so far in 2014. The Porsche below is one example. 1961 Porsche 718 RS 61 Spyder – Sold for $2,750,000 on Thursday, January 16, 2014   Chassis no. 718-066 Engine no. P90316 This is part one in a series of articles highlighting a handful of favorites ahead of the Place Vauban on February 5th from 5pm. A selection of the 50-plus cars being sold that night will be on display February 4th, after the International …

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Classic Porsche Face Off - White 1972 911S vs Black 1967 911S Targa

Road Scholars in Raleigh, NC – White 1972 911S vs Black 1967 911S Targa

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Which would win your heart? The white 911S packs a bit more street charisma up front, but the “Soft Window” Targa from 1967 is much, much rarer. The Targa seller’s ad notes that only 483 of these models were imported in 1967 – the only year it was offered. Pricing is $215,000 for the Targa, and upon inquiry for the white 911S. As Porsche is finalizing the next-gen 911 Targa, that brushed-alloy roll hoop is about to skyrocket in popularity. Both 911s are extremely desirable and about as flawless as can be had from 100-percent authentic and original Porsche 911s. …

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2014 Audi SQ5 Brings 350-plus HP - Buyers Guide Colors - Q-car Appeal 2

2014 Audi SQ5 – The Best of All Worlds? Big Power, Lux Cab, High Fashion

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The Audi Q5 is heating up! Since its light refresh last year, this capable, superfast and classy crossover is passing many established players on the sales charts. This is no fluke: the Q5 is perhaps the ultimate all-season, all-cargo sports car these days. Imagine the pace and cabin of the RS7 — but in a deceptively stylish crossover shell. The SQ5 might not have that last 10-percent of track-day flair versus its upcoming Macan sibling, but Audi is competing to win. Even within the Volkswagen Group, where the teams genuinely respect and collaborate across brands and specialties, competitiveness is only …

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2014 Audi Q5 Hybrid Shows Guts of 2.0-liter TFSI: 245HP and 354 Lb-Ft … Without The Electrics!

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The Audi Q5 is really becoming a huge, huge success for Audi in America. Unlike many markets, there really is no volume ceiling in the premium mid-size SUV segment.   Without stats on hand: the Q5 in any flavor and any color is definitely one of the fastest cars out the door of Audi dealers nationwide. The Flavors include the below options, with a Hybrid snuck in at the buzzer. Pricing for the Hybrid Prestige matches the SQ5 with a base price in the $52,000 range. What seems most exciting about the Hybrid is that its wick is cranked far …

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Updated with Selfie in Madrid – Seat Leon FR – The Case for ‘Fast Fashion’ Cars From Europe to USA… and Back?

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First things first: pronouncing this car’s name takes a bit of Latin flair on every syllable. “SayAht Leyyonn” is how it is pronounced. I have to offer this insight first because I read articles and books for years with hilarious internal mis-pronounciations. I gave an oral report on some book, referencing “Colonel Plum” or something. Colonel is said “kernel.”  And that can really change a book, let alone a hot Spanish car. Sidebar: Here is a photo of me doing a mini kitchen load of laundry. I lost half my wardrobe to bad clothespins. Lost forever into the central shaft …

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2015 WRX STI Even Quicker and More Playful – Buyers Guide, Trims, Specs

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Quicker and more playful!? Yes sir – the new STI also looks far better equipped than ever before. The 2015 WRX STI debuted yesterday in Detroit – wearing a cool new style and packing benefits under every body panel. The key highlights are listed below from Subaru, but really come down to three items: — All-new engine with more eager power delivery, 305 HP, and more SI-Drive modes — ‘Remastered’ suspension tuning, 41-percent-stiffer chassis, and a much quicker steering rack — Interior worthy of $35,000 performance car – with luxury features and tech that are all new to the STI …

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2014 Q60 IPL Convertible

2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL Coupe and Cabrio – Specs, Pricing and Trim Details

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The hotshot executive sport coupe market is always fun: the Lexus RC F and BMW M4 are already stars of the Detroit show – months and months ahead of their arrival to buyers. The Lexus RC F in production form this week in Detroit ups the ante quite a bit. So what’s missing?   Well, the Cadillac ATS Coupe – which is coming tomorrow – has room under than hood for some huge power, as well as a rear-drive platform that is already very performance-focused.   What else? The Infiniti Q60 IPL is absolutely worth considering when in the $40,000-plus …

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Audi RS5 Taming U.S. Racetracks with New Colors and Black Ops from $70k

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The Audi RS5 is a truly astounding car. With so much atmospheric power from this racing V8 and the Audi’s class-best dynamics in the wet: the RS5 even seems like a supercoupe that could be driven hard in bad weather. Not something most summer-tired supercars would attempt. Dan Neil noted some traction issues when reviewing the twin-turbo RS7 last month in his Wall Street Journal column – which might be related to RS7’s big-boost layout versus the RS5’s naturally-aspirated engine. For the time being, the Lexus RC F and BMW M4 appear to keep their rear-drive layouts. But AWD is …

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Audi Q3 Looking Classy + Packing Standard 200HP Turbo for U.S. Sales From August 2014

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The Audi Q3 looks so much better in the flesh than it did in Audi’s teaser sketches from last month – what a relief! While the car does show a bit less aggression in its proportions versus the long-hood Q7, there is enough family similarity for the Q3 to rub shoulders with BMW and Mercedes-Benz SUVs costing much, much more. The Q3 is part of a broad new 2015 Audi A3 family of models coming to the U.S. in the next six to eight months: — A3 four-door sedan — S3 four-door sedan — A3 Cabriolet — 2015 A3 e-tron …

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2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Spec Adds Power + Dark Glamour to SWB and LWB 4-Doors 3

2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Spec Adds Power + Dark Glamour to SWB and LWB 4-Doors

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There almost are no words to properly convey the quality and luxury of every single detail in the 2014 Rolls-Royce model lineup versus normal cars. Speed and handling during my Wraith press drive in November was very, very impressive – this platform has fantastic poise, but enough movement and sway when being pushed hard to remind you about the speedometer. Wraith’s fun-to-flog nature is important because Many of the fastback’s sportier elements are introduced for the first time on Ghost V-Spec cars.   I am smiling at my desk as I type. While many fast cars make it seem “easy” …

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CarRevsDaily

BMW 328d and 328i Wagons Back in U.S. for 2014 – Buyers Guide

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Fast wagons are cooler than ever in 2014. Even a lowly Jetta Sportwagen on dark steel winter wheels can cause a double-take. They are rare, and achieve a low-roof profile that all the sportiest SUVs envy. Even better? Sweeping on-ramps and highway curves can be confidently driven fast, on throttle, with family and kids in the back. Try the same thing in many SUVs, and there will be much more body roll and potential life partner jabs to ribs. Slow down!     But the low, low center of gravity is like a gift that keeps on giving with the …

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Low-Volume Specials – Buick Regal Country Tourer Could Be Yours… At A Price

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When a long-term product plan from GM was released a few years ago by a disgruntled employee to a German newspaper, the revelations about what exactly lay ahead for Opel were quickly silenced. Luckily, it was not the Guardian who received the documents. The one thing I recall before all the news … went away … was the Country Tourer name for a potential Vectra replacement wagon.   An all-road-style option for families who not only need AWD, but need some extra ground clearance and gravel resistance on the lower panels as well. These are not some kind of “country” …

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2014 Camaro Z/28

2014 Camaro Z/28 Engineering Upgrades and Specs Detailed

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If the old BMW adage was “one bratwurst, three lengths…” — the new Camaro is selling Nurburgring stamina by the pound like ground chuck. As the aero animation above shows, this was a global project on a huge, long-term scale. Aero studies like these are mesmerizing to behold – but are only the beginning of the Z/28 Camaro story. The Z/28 is a really stunning piece of machinery. It follows all paths toward achieving its 7:37.447 lap time – in the rain – in October 2013.   Italian Trofeo R tires are a Camaro first, as are Brembo carbon brakes …

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2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

Mea Culpa: 2014 Jeep Cherokee Not "Fug Nasty" – Looks Great in Trailhawk Trim

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The Jeep Cherokee’s styling hit me like a kick from a horse when first glimpsed earlier this year.   I took to Twitter to say some less-than-encouraging things about its new appearance. Luckily, using Twitter is like throwing effort into a well – hopefully no one noticed… I’m actually very relieved to report four things about the 2014 Cherokee: – Optional 271-horsepower V6 engine with nine-speed auto and available 4WD promises a fun and powerful truck – Nose looks good on highways and in real life, LEDs visually widen car. The red trailhawk tow hooks are awesome. – The profile …

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CarRevsDaily

Transformers 4 Truck Called Hound is Oshkosh Defense M1157 A1P2

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The GMC TopKick had a really good run with the Transformers franchise, surviving through the end of the third movie on the strength of Ironhide’s close friendship with our hero. But General Motors quietly exited the C4500 – C8500 truck classes altogether in 2009. Most of the larger trucks were absolutely ancient. Imagine a Frito-Lay extra-long delivery truck, and you’ve got it. The TopKick was a strong option for the films: huge, versatile with a dump-truck rear end, and looked great. Ironhide outlived the Hummer H2 BayWatch car and Jazz, the oft-mocked Pontiac Solstice character with a somewhat racist accent. …

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CarRevsDaily

New Supercar or Vintage Racecar: The Case for Recreations + Quiz: Which is the Fake?

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Here is the case for exotic, hand-crafted replica vintage racecars: They Exist. They did not hit the walls, or churn tires through bodywork, or reek of urine. They start the first time, and can be titled and driven on the roads. At Motor Classic & Competition in Westchester County, New York — the all-time best hero racecars come back to life, rumble onto 2014 streets, and perhaps even find a home in your garage. Most race-winning examples of anything need to be treasured and preserved; maintained and respected. To put it in plain language: the GT40s in this article are …

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2013 GLK350 4MATIC

GLK250 Diesel Joins GLK350 from $37,000 – Buyers Guide to AMG Sport trims

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The Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is a cool little truck. The really great thing about this package versus other crossovers is how agile and fun it is to toss around. The low proportions and general handling excellence really shame the Acura RDX and even the Range Rover Evoque. The GLK makes no apologies for its macho lines, and really looks exclusive on city streets. The GLK is rear-drive as standard, making this one of the most balanced in its segment for fast drivers. That segment is growing fast, with the GLA250 also joining the U.S. price books for 2014, and the BMW …

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CarRevsDaily

Update1 – Teaser Images Only – KIA GT4 Stinger Coupe to Pack 315HP Turbo

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Update1: This article has been updated to remove some amateur renderings of the rear-drive coupe ahead of its show debut today. The real thing looks AMAZING! Kia is building buzz around the debut of its first RWD performance coupe with a new teaser image and an official name: the GT4 Stinger. That is an aggressive badge, and one that leaves room for this car to compete with the Ford Mustang or Subaru BRZ at one end, or perhaps even the BMW M6 on the top end. The Stinger GT4 is more likely to hit the market with a $32,000 price …

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CarRevsDaily

Update1 – Teaser Images Only – KIA GT4 Stinger Coupe to Pack 315HP Turbo

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Update1: This article has been updated to remove some amateur renderings of the rear-drive coupe ahead of its show debut today. The real thing looks AMAZING! Kia is building buzz around the debut of its first RWD performance coupe with a new teaser image and an official name: the GT4 Stinger. That is an aggressive badge, and one that leaves room for this car to compete with the Ford Mustang or Subaru BRZ at one end, or perhaps even the BMW M6 on the top end. The Stinger GT4 is more likely to hit the market with a $32,000 price …

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2014 Infiniti Q50S

2014 Infiniti Q50S Fantastic in Real Life + Very Fast: 4.9s to 60mph for RWD or AWD Hybrids

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Perhaps it was just me: but the Infiniti Q50’s design was not a real favorite since it debuted earlier this year. There seemed to be too much light swirling and photo magic to even see what the car really looked like. I am thrilled to report that this Q50’s style really works in the real world: a low nose and that cat’s-eye of LED lighting in the corner of the lamps is quite fresh, looks expensive, and shows class. Other elements of the Q50 Sport Hybrid’s breauty really come to light in the latest real-life photos of the car, taken …

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2014 Honda Civic Si Coupe

2014 Civic Si Coupe – First Night Sighting: Great-Looking LEDs

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Spotted my first white 2014 Honda Civic Si Coupe on the road tonight near Chicago, and it looked really confident and sporty. While we sliced and diced in traffic, it was almost as if the Civic knew the horrible things I have written (and printed) about the Honda Civic … in the past. Ahh!    While Honda and I do not always agree, we have a few important things in common. Honda also loves my fair Sweet Home Chicago, with the night-time visualizer on Honda.com showing the world-famous Wacker Drive on that rare, blissfully-traffic-free time of night. The 360-degree visualizer …

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CarRevsDaily Best Wheels - A Kahn Design - Cosworth Wheels 47

Best of Awards – Luxury Wheels – Kahn Design RS600, RS and Cosworth Alloys

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Wheels are the only aftermarket upgrade that can improve a car’s style, handling, and resale value in one fell swoop.   The reasons for upgrading are therefore clear: a much cooler and more unique appearance for any car, at any price. New wheels will almost always look amazing, especially in a +1 or +2 jump in diameter. Here are a few quick facts to consider about new wheels: — OEM wheels are significantly stronger than most aftermarket products – in terms of long-term pothole resistance as well as the paint finish, etc. — Much slimmer tire sizes, especially on luxury …

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Best of Awards – Zero to Hero in the 2014 Chevrolet Impala

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The 2014 Impala looks amazing in the flesh and on the streets. One might even say it is… “really, really, really ridiculously good-looking.” Even its base trims are very cool and dark up front, with a really solid appearance that is unique and very attractive. Yes, on a Chevy Impala!   The 2014 Impala comes in three engine options, from the eAssist 2.4-liter up to the 3.6-liter V6 that should be a must for anyone reading this. The headlights are even quite interesting, which is special at this price point. HID bi-xenons are optional, with LEDs ringing the main beams …

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