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!
How is Pagani’s sales team performing in the face of the all-new P1 and LaFerrari? So well! They are busy at the moment, can we call you back? Pagani’s huge rise to greatness has avoided the key pitfall of many hypercar brands: unsustainable growth. Luckily, the hand-crafted carbon-fiber chassis and bodywork of the Huayra makes any kind of volume production a distant, distant daydream. Not only does Pagani lay and autoclave each piece itself from the fabric forward; nearly every metal component is also machined (on site, from billet alloy blocks) one-by-one as well. This ensures two things: — Horacio’s …
Sometimes, you just cannot keep people out of the frame. With supercars as desirable as the McLaren 12C Spider, that seems to happen over and over. On the huge plus side of things for McLaren, I think this gentleman bought the car that day. Why? The next day — it was replaced with a bright orange example. Lastly, POSTERS! McLaren had a few, and I sure as heck snagged one for the collection. Posters are the best-performing supercar medium on Earth. Thousands will be discarded carelessly, but a few will end up as thousand-hour staring pieces for artful dreamers and …
My long-distance love affair with the SEAT Leon continues to heat up! I love the standard LEDs of this Spanish GTI — and also love its overall design and performance. For the Geneva show, SEAT revealed its track-champ two-door Leon as well as this delicious Sports Styling Kit for the full range. The gloss black alloys and brilliant blue paint are simply astounding, and very appealing! Now, to shorter than Ocean between us… =]
Very exciting, fast moves from Infiniti this year. While the name change is still being fine-tuned for its roll-out beyond the Q50 and the new QX60 Hybrid — all the foundation building blocks are in place for an all-star mid-term future for the company. In short: Fast luxury cars, made well. Now even more beautiful! More beautiful in large part from the Infiniti design skunkwerks in uptown Paddington. For this Concept to Reality article, the Concept Q30 from Frankfurt 2013 will step in as the near-production example of these design ideas. The Q30 looks great. It is confusing …
Something about the GS is quite special on the roads. This car looks wide, brand-new, and clearly a flagship Lexus. But it is not immediately clear which: none look this good, this rear-drive and wide. Relatively clutter-free taillamps help plant the GS from the back, where this base-model GS350 looks more than worth the price. But how to tell them apart! GS350 versus the GS350 F Sport versus GS450h? Very subtle differences to the untrained eye, but the F Sport adds some intrigue to the nose and grille that is only clear up close. In addition to the wind slashes, …
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 …
I worried about the new Q50 for three reasons: the name change did not sit well with me, at first the styling seemed … confused as well the steer-by-wire system’s early announcement freaked me out, because I actually drove a 2003 Q45 briefly (years ago, third-gen car with Gatling-gun HIDs) that had a  n appallingly-bad electronic throttle. The third-gen Q45’s throttle had two settings: no forward movement for first two inches of toe-tip, then a huge, huge over-surge that confused the transmission as you immediately backed off the throttle. Anyone know the big lurch I am referring to with …
The Z06 has only been shown in public four times since its Detroit show debut in January. It attended the auto shows of Chicago, Geneva, KC and Dallas — but otherwise has been trapped in captivity when in public. Do you remember how cooped-up KingKong felt upon arrival from overseas? The Z06 looked similarly ready to explode off this show stand. It is ready to squash Porsche 911 GT3s and perhaps even a few Italian exotics as well. Great to see this rule-breaker has escaped the convention center fluorescent bulbs ahead of its first deliveries later of this year. The …
The new 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S are fantastic additions to the already-stellar 911 sports car line. Why is this one so little? Keep reading… =] The base 911 Carrera2 is so good that it would be my choice in a heartbeat over any Cayman — even the Cayman R. But adding the drama and unique appeal of a power-retractable top section? Delicious and very tempting. Seeing it in the flesh only confirmed this intense 911 Targa longing! So where is one of my snazzy animations? I was rushing taking the photos in general, and without tripod. As a …
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 …
Update: Met Charlie Kemp and learned all about the car while down for the auctions. Â New article coming soon. =] This car. Oh man, this car! Forgive me for two RM Auctions articles in row, but have you ever seen such a gorgeous racing Shelby? The orange lip and splitter brings some Aston Martin Racing flair to the car – even though this Shelby-signed racecar came decades before. The Aston Martin Vantage from the 1970s-1990s actually shared much of the Mustang’s hood-grille style, in fact. So good sharing across the pond. This Ford GT350R is scheduled for Amelia Island’s RM …
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 …
The beauty of outdoor photos is that they do not require intensive photo editing. To publish 120-plus photos and video from Friday evening after the Huracan’s American debut in Amelia Island, Florida on the same night that it debuted was not easy. We labored pretty exhaustively to add light to these twilight photos. The other photographers had called it quits after perhaps ten photos each. Not me. The results are still miraculous even when it was already well past sunset — especially thanks to this Huracan’s reflective silver/grey paint finish. But on the lawns the next morning? Not a tap …
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 …
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 …
2005 Maserati Birdcage 75th Concept The Birdcage 75th runs the full (Enzo-derived) MC-12 running gear under these exotic panels — ensuring this is a truly rapid exotic as well as a design showpiece. Under that huge glass perspex canopy: the visible steering linkage and inboard, pushrod suspension are quite magnificent. One concern with the original Birdcage concept was that the cabin became a bit hot in any sunlight — but hopefully the Birdcage 75th solves for that with air conditioning. Unfortunately for this car’s new owner… Based on the race-car steering wheel and driver package, however, this car may not have …
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. Â 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 …
1968 Porsche 907 Longtail This is the Daytona 1968 winner himself. He is quite breathtaking in person — with me doing so many slow laps taking photos… that I think we started getting some looks from the other guests. Oh well. It was worth it. Extraordinary barely begins to describe this car’s in-person impact. These are relatively un-edited so far, but more articles on the Porsche Motorsport legacy coming soon.
The Porsche Motorsport story for 2014 is moving ahead at the usual blisteringly-rapid Porsche pace. No one knows what it under most of the 919’s racecar livery – but expect these photos of the 919 at Geneva to be some of the best. Once racing, the 919 this car will be moving fast enough to seem blurry – even when in focus. Past Glories Porsche 2014 Drivers & Key Personnel 2014 Porsche 911 RSR It was the news that motorsport fans around the world had been waiting for: Porsche returns to contest the Le Mans 24 Hours and the …
2014 Volkswagen T-ROC Concept I like the T-ROC even more in the official images versus the sketches from last week’s preview article here. The T-ROC is still firmly a concept — but here is what we predict: this exact car, with streetable tires, coming soon to VW dealers nationwide. Based on the MQB architecture, the T-ROC will hopefully be more affordable than the Tiguan, but more feature-rich than the Taigun. The night-vision, terrain cameras and blackout functions of a military vehicle headlight are present on the T-ROC’s foglight (above). Examples of this tech shown here: Very cool. Keeping the two-door …
http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/03/05/laferrari-colors-mechanical-architecture-animations-150-screen-snapshots/
2014 Nissan ZEOD RC LeMans Ask and ye shall receive? Only last week, we lamented the lack of angles of the ZEOD RC versus the flawless 29 angles of the car’s potent 1.5-liter, 400HP turbo triple, which both propels the car and charges the batteries (we think.) Well, the strip-tease continues for the ZEOD RC. The latest batch of info from Nissan’s UK-based Le Mans operation shows the real-life racer in much more detail. (Just kidding — looks like we just did not look hard enough for images. This release is tagged October 21st, 2013.) Nissan’s hybrid-electric Garage56 experimental entry …
The Geneva press days are about to be in full swing, so please accept less-thorough articles while all this hot new metal breaks cover. The 2015 Evoque Autobiography Dynamic trim is a welcome addition to the remarkably-stale Evoque in U.S. showrooms. Is it just me? This car was endlessly lauded in the UK as the ‘second coming’ — but as a result the company did not manage to get it on American roads until nearly two years later. (By which time it had lost most of its impressive launch momentum, and only faced hard critiques here of its $50,000 pricing …
Exterior gallery Interior gallery Specs highlights Official details from Toyota below. 2014 Tacoma Pricing Model # Grade MSRP 2013 MSRP 2014 MSRP Chg ($) MSRP Chg (%) 7103 TACOMA REGULAR CAB 4X2 $17,625 $17,875 $250 1.4% 7104 TACOMA REGULAR CAB 4X2 $18,525 $18,775 $250 1.3% 7113 TACOMA 4X2 ACCESS CAB $20,415 $20,515 $100 0.5% 7114 TACOMA 4X2 ACCESS CAB $21,315 $21,415 $100 0.5% 7162 TACOMA PRERUNNER ACCESS CAB $22,075 $22,125 $50 0.2% 7164 TACOMA PRERUNNER ACCESS CAB V6 $23,510 $23,560 $50 0.2% 7182 TACOMA DOUBLE CAB 4X2 $22,525 $22,625 $100 0.4% 7186 TACOMA PRERUNNER DOUBLE CAB 4X2 $23,175 $23,225 $50 …
Geneva supercars? Again? Oh yes. TechArt is one of my favorite technical upgrade shops because their focus is primarily under the hood. Yes, they embellish their models with lurid body kits and wild colors: but that is only to show off the amazing power and grip solutions TechArt has done in the oily parts of these Porsches. A few all-stars are present and accounted-for in the TechArt Geneva lineup, with much focus these days on the Cayenne and Panamera. The 911 is not left out: TechArt’s upgraded 911’s also look good enough to kiss on the badge. TECHART unveils numerous …
Another day, another concept for Geneva 2014! The show is set to be much more sales-focused this year: with regular-priced cars aiming for center stage alongside Geneva’s famed hypercar showstoppers. So, why Geneva? It is the right time of year, and almost perfectly-located for last-minute additions by Europe’s largest car companies. Or perhaps these concepts just were not completed in time for the other big shows. Whatever the case: the VW T-ROC is an exciting and production-feasible compact SUV that VW notes would slide into the price sheets just under the $26,000-$38,000 Tiguan. This T-ROC would round out the range …
I am not sure if you will agree, but, to me: the NFS trailer from summer 2013 made this movie seem like a pretty lackluster effort. Luckily, that no longer seems to be the case. Production values are especially-important to movie-goers. Many of these fans can spot crappy CGI effects from 10,000 miles away. Jump-cuts and sloppy slow-mo? You just lost all M13-34. I only got four seconds into summer’s teaser trailer before an (involuntary) Big Eye-roll. So, among this audience: it is critical to have the action feel, sound and look as authentic as possible. The Ford Mustang is this movie’s …
Skoda is becoming a real asset for the Volkswagen Group. Bought for a song as the Czech firm was failing in the 1980s — Skoda now commands a quite sizable market share in Europe’s most profitable markets. Skoda’s core selling points have really been popular among anti-fashion consumers. People who (claim to) value a vehicle for its merits, value and durability versus a fleeting style. Skoda is also a surprise, run-away success story in China. The latest cars from Skoda seem to take the next step in the brand’s evolution: a cheaper, more avant-garde ethos than even Audi can manage …
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 …
It is no coincidence that the Nissan ZEOD RC’s engine is a 1.5-liter turbo triple. This is for at least three reasons: Â — The 1.5-liter Turbo V6 is Formula One’s new engine size — Halve that engine at the crankshaft, and you have this tall drink of 88-pound engine, making 400 horsepower to supplement the electrics on-board the ZEOD RC. Nissan Motorsport’s guys explain it a bit better here. Â The exciting thing about the LeMans experimental Garage56 program is that there… are almost no constricting rules. In theory, the Porsche 911 GTR R Hybrid from a few years ago …
Published on: Jan 30, 2014 @ 6:00 I got some great drives during a recent trip to Colorado, including the legendary Pikes Peak hillclimb route. After a week in the area, I discovered that the really fun roads are the smooth but unpaved mountain roads in the region. Included in the first Travel Adventure Series, here are descriptions, maps and video of a 22-mile stretch of rally-style gravel heaven called the Phantom Canyon Road in Adelaide, Colorado. My criteria for off-roading trails are pretty wimpy. My car, a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT, is all-wheel-drive but very, VERY low. I know …
Oh, you are a comically-inept and hopelessly-corrupt politician? Riding high as some kind of monarchy cousin? News Flash: your constituents are tired of seeing your multiple Bentley’s running others off the road all over the world. Your stage winks last for 15 seconds of awkwardness as the kickback cashier’s check peeks from under your lapel? #Byezees. As Ukraine’s people write the blueprint for taking down these fat-cats — the rest of the world’s hate-regimes best take note: your time is rapidly running out. Very aware of the times, Bentley has updated two of its most important models in hopes of …
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. Â BUYER …
Buyer’s Guide article coming soon. But how cool is this fly-around?
The current Cayenne series has been on U.S. streets since 2011, but it sure does not feel like it. These trucks all still really deliver a massive visual punch versus standard cars or SUVs. A second magic thing for the Cayenne gen2? There really is not a bad-looking one in the bunch. Some may recall the first cars looking amazing in full Turbo kit, and slowly becoming less and less macho with every tiny new engine introduced. That is really no longer the case. The below cars are the Turbo, the GTS and the Cayenne S in descending order. All …
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 …
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? …
The prospect of the Eau Rouge Infiniti Q50 just became much, much more tantalizing. @TheRealAutoblog has discovered a brilliant tidbit of information: this car sounds turbocharged. This is news because no Q50 sedans are currently turbocharged. In fact, I do not think Infiniti has ever implemented turbo engines (so far). Aside from the Q45 and its well-known 278-horsepower V8, the first 1990-92 M30’s were V6-powered, as was 1993-1998 J30… and so on. The Q50 Eau Rouge does not just sound turbocharged. It sounds GT-R turbocharged. The GT-R has a particularly gruff but high-strung appeal to its engine and exhaust harmonies. …
Something to warm even the coldest hearts, fingers and toes today. 19 retro BMWs from the Gooding and Co. Amelia Island events in early March. (Most are 2014 entries, but a handful appear to be from 2012 or 2013.) Presented here in chronological model-year order, from the 1957 503 Coupe through the M1 and the M6 of the 1980s. They are all simply delightful to behold. Favorites? The 1960 BMW 700 is cuter than cute can be in M racing colors. Or the white M1 is still a big hero of mine. Many more articles on the Amelia Island, Florida …
Orig Published on: Dec 31, 2013 @ 15:24 Is the 2014 Cayman the most rewarding sports car in the world? The never-ending debate among shoppers remains strong with a new 911 Carrera and Cayman on the market in the same year. Which is right for you? What are the benefits of each? From an on-paper standpoint, the Cayman: – Brings much of the 911’s new cabin luxury and tech – Is extremely fast as a base or S model, with six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK choices – Sharper turn-in and (arguably) more track confidence in Cayman than the 911 …
Codename 001 — DB9 Carbon White These new Carbon DB9’s are really the cream of the crop. While still wearing the DB9 tag, this car is almost totally new versus any pre-2012 cars. The Carbon DB9’s 0-62MPH time is quoted below at 4.6-seconds with the latest Speedshift II torque-converter automatic and launch control, which almost ensures a 4.5s or below time for the slightly shorter 60-mph sprint run. That torque converter note is not a jab. A smooth and relaxed auto is an asset for this car in 99% of real-life driving. The beauty of being a small, high-glam …
The Mazda3 is an amazing, incredible achievement. While preparing this article, I could not help being stunned by these tasteful, unique and attractive designs inside and out. Both the 5-door and the brand-new four-door sedan are extremely good-looking and sophisticated cars from all angles. I thought to myself — is this the thinking man’s BMW or VW Golf? As I moved further into the specs, I realized — this is just a brilliant package up and down the range! Automatic, manual, small engine or big: the Mazda3 just nails every single category or theoretical competitor I can think to name. …
This one slipped by me yesterday! Ford has revealed the 2015 Expedition ahead of its public debut soon at the Dallas-Fort Worth Auto Show. Why Texas? This is a huge market for the largest automobiles on Earth, and a significant earner for Ford Trucks. Dallas and Houston are the first and second top-selling DMA’s for the Expedition since 2011. In addition, the smaller show should ensure a bit more attention on the Expedition versus competing for flashbulbs in LA, Detroit or Chicago. The new Expedition wears a new front end with optional LED lighting down below — but like the …
The latest Audi concepts are a bit dazzling — but often for all the wrong reasons. But even while the Sport Quattro loses appeal on its exterior, the interiors of this next-gen set of Audi sports cars might be the real news. A totally clean-sheet layout revamp brings an ultra-low and minimal front dashboard that is simply divine. Allroad Shooting Brake – 2014 Concept Interior: CES 2014 – SQ Concept Interior Will the TT be able to proudly join the Audi sports car family in this generation? Despite is alloy-intensive construction in the current generation of TT and TTS …
TechArt is rapidly becoming the most stylish of the high-dollar European customization houses. Orig Published on: Nov 27, 2013 @ 14:36 Who doesn’t love a Cayenne, Panamera, Boxster or Cayman that looks track-ready and wears LED lighting from 2016 or beyond? The personalization options from TechArt are almost limitless. There are more than 40 styles of steering wheels from which to select, for example. Most products are sold individually, but the jaw-dropping full model makeovers really show the depth of TechArt’s work outside, inside, and under the hoods of these Porsche’s. Taste is highly subjective, but be sure: these TechArt …
Intro/Summary Points: Wow. Aston really wants to sell these cars. Today. The N430 upgrade comes in five flavors that are all very modern, exciting and enticing. The N430 is also visualized and configurable on a this very dashing new website . I personally really admire the volume and quality of new images, which are far more extensive than Aston has typically provided to the press ahead of special edition models. Without these angles, none of my turntables are possible.(The 5MS table above is comprised of 90 images, for example.) Big hat tip for this and the RT from @AstonMartin …
The driving characteristics of the Genesis coupe remain unknown to this author. I tried to go spend some time reviewing sporty Hyundai or Kia models since making some bold critiques of the Sorento’s variable electric steering last fall. I was not eager to report how atrocious the Sorento’s steering was in all three settings — but honesty and authenticity are sorely lacking from most auto mags these days. How unhelpful is that for shoppers? As you may know by now, we are not into dancing around the truth until the page runs out. Alas, no test drive (or even interior …
I love making these turntables. 2014 Cadillac ATS4 – High-Res Photos 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport – High-Res Photos Many more CTS images in this mega galleries article…
[Orig Published on: Nov 25, 2013 @ 9:25] Here are two insight-rich video reviews from the exceptionally-competent, handsome and affordable Mazda6. 2014 Mazda6 i Touring – Benefits Summary Video 2014 Mazda6 i Touring – Highway Refinement Video
[Orig Published on: Nov 22, 2013 @ 17:03] Quick Video Reviews – 2014 Cadillac CTS4 2.0T This next one is not terrific, admittedly. But the Cadillac CTS is outstanding in AWD base engine configuration!
Despite big desire for better videos and (some) effort from me, these are perhaps the worst quality of any of mine yet. Shockingly bad, even for my third final GoPro knock-off camera. Time to upgrade my tech package to the real thing… Edit — removed driving video. In addition to poor quality, the audio is out of sync. Too embarrassing to discuss further. The XTS4 Vsport is also a huge upgrade versus the previous-generation STS models and even the first few flavors of XTS to hit the market. In performance, rigidity, quality, competitiveness and durability — the old STS was …
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 …
A bit too zonked to re-write this whole article, but here are all the images from yesterday’s 800-word recommendation of this fun sports sedan. Exterior Spinner on 20-inch optional alloys Wheel Options Animation Color Choices Animation High-Res Image Gallery – Exterior High-Res Image Gallery – Interior BMW.com configurator Static Images Accessories Animation
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 …
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 …
Lots of recent coverage of the Ghibli here lately. Why? 175MPH top speed, 4.7-seconds to 60MPH in awd S Q4 format — or just 4.9 for the rear-drive Ghibli S. Sonorous and Ferrari-evoking exhaust note, handling purity and exclusivity. First cabin impressions: great seats, four front cupholders, sporty steering wheel and large infotainment touchscreen. The 8.4-inch Maserati Tough Control (MTC) screen also includes side-mounted analog knobs for rapid adjustments, and the panel is both near-vertical to avoid glare and pretty closeup for easy tap-ability without leaning or stretching. The trunk even seemed pretty generous. But the rub? The back seat …
Initial thoughts from first in-person sighting of an F-type? It looks stellar. The lights look great. Crisp LEDs front and back. The lower indicators do not disable the DRLs in a switchback fashion, which is great news. Switchback LED lighting is not very appealing and can be visually jarring to other road users.
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 …
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 …
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 …
Both my gorgeous French Racing Blue favorites could not approach the total earned by this BRG stunner from Jaguar the other week in Paris. RM Auctions delivered a possible world-record Jaguar total with the sale of this flawless 1955 D-type for just over $5 million on February 5th, 2014. Stay tuned for more details in the next few minutes via an upcoming article. But wanted to highlight the exceptional nature of this D-type Jaguar. Well bought and well sold — a rare combination. Photos courtesy of RM Auctions. Thankyou!
As if the world were not scary enough — It seems even our cherished Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky is facing a huge disaster today. A sinkhole in the grand pavilion appears to have swallowed a number of Corvettes whole. I guess we know what the Devil’s sports car choice is? Our thoughts are with the Corvette Museum team. We will rebuild. Stronger, better, faster – like all next-gen Corvettes. The Zora spirit still shines brightly on Bowling Green. Image: CNN Official details from the Corvette Museum below. Sinkhole Collapses at National Corvette Museum We received a call at …
[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 …
Finally, Honda is back! The Vezel looks so good, it could proudly wear a red Type R badge. Honda proved itself in Tokyo this week, with the debut of the charming and on-trend Vezel compact crossover. With a roofline racier than any Honda model to date and a sensible, handsome and refined style: the Vezel will be climbing the U.S. sales charts starting in Spring 2014. The Tokyo debut is a RHD hybrid variant, indicating a name change may even be possible before this little Juke-fighter arrives. CR-V… CR-Z…CR-Y… CR-X? Nothing comes to mind. I like Vezel, and hopefully it …
Long headline alert! Sorry about that. Just pointing out the irony in Honda’s “Inner Beauty” campaign — aimed to highlight the functional and useful interior benefits of a wagon shell for small families. But how good does this Civic wagon actually look!? And why is Honda of Europe able to make cars that are so vastly more interesting than Honda of America? No answers are immediately forthcoming. Built in Swindon, England — the most plausible explanation is that Honda Europe is taking a loss on every single car it can manage to sell. Even with this premium styling, Honda Europe …
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 …
The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky was a brilliant way to spend a Friday morning last week. This museum is huge and stocked with some of the most unique Corvettes ever made. But more likely — not ever made. America’s Sports Car has undergone seven drastic re-births in its 61-year lifespan. In order to ensure the next-gen Corvette’s success through the years, hundreds (if not thousands) of one-off prototypes and concepts were crafted to evaluate big ideas before series production. The museum charmingly covers the entire Corvette story since 1951 or so when Zora sent his famous letter …
Took a bit of time to meet the all-new, 410-horsepower Maserati Ghibli S Q4 in person today in Charleston, South Carolina. Â 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 …
Chicago is feeling some big Toyota love with the all-new TRD Pro Series, a special option pack for 4×4 Tacomas, Tundras and 4Runners that will be available to buy from October 2014. The all-new cars from the Chi-town auto show — which is the most-attended auto show on Earth by foot traffic — are making some huge headlines. Toyota is best known as a serious, responsible and trust-worthy company. But any firm that is as big, as successful or as bank-able as Toyota will always be staffed by hundreds, if not thousands, of guys born and bred on high-power automotive …
Shock me, shock me, shock me… with that deviant behavior. – Empire Records (1995), Warner Bros. 2014 might be the year hybrids really start to blossom as a tech option that does not have to ruin your style like a light-green Prius. Case in point is the deceptively handsome Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L – shown in silver here – and even the Accord Hybrid Touring is a bit less dorky for this year. [Wearing nothing but a MusicTown apron] Gina: Welcome to MusicTown, may I service you? That is great news for Honda. Have you seen the Ford Fusion …
The Volvo renaissance just hit max boost before squealing all four tires on its full-throttle launch back to greatness. The Volvo racing legend grows for 2014 with the American debut of the S60 and V60 Polestar today in Chicago. As with many blue-sky dream sessions among Volvo R wagon lovers, the enhancements to the S60 and V60 are deceptively simple. Huge boost via giant new turbocharger, new high-capacity boost cooler Styling overhaul outside and in 3.5-inch exhaust drums in back Brembo brakes large enough to stop a Bentley in heat and Ohlins dampers all around The stats are very …
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 …
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 …
[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 …
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 …
In terms of #ZeroCompetition – The GT-R’s performance really does stack up amazingly well versus almost any other hypercar. To have an Audi R8 that can really compete takes the V10 Plus S-tronic AWD – and a $180k price. Similar story with the Porsche 911 Turbo – which bases for around $150,000, but is easy to spec up to $180k once all is said and done. The only surprise listing? The Jaguar F-Type V8 S – which is quoted by ChromeData as delivering a cool 495-horsepower in U.S. spec. This bodes well for a 600HP R-S eventually from Jag! Amazing. …
Orig Published on: Nov 27, 2013 @ 17:05 So, which new GT-R is which? The below snapshot is very helpful in understanding the new GT-R. The 2014 Nissan GT-R is hugely revised, and arriving in American Nissan stores in the next month or two. Very exciting LED revisions are joined by richer cabin styles, redesigned aerodynamics, far more power, and three distinctly-tuned trim levels: Premium, Black and Track. The 2015 GT-R NISMO arrives in early Summer 2014 to the U.S. – but most of its major improvements are helping the 2014 model to be sharper and comfier at the same …
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 …
Full article here. http://car-revs-daily.com/2014/01/07/2014-camaro-z28-full-engineering-upgrade-specs-galleries/
The Ghibli has a rich history, with great appreciation here for the interior leathers, high-speed pace and exterior style of the original 71 SS models, in particular. That is, to say nothing of the quite rare Spyder, of which only 20 were produced for sale. It is with this great history and cache that the Ghibli name is reborn. It is pronounced “Ghheee Bhhleeee” or thereabouts. WIth a gelato in one hand and una Bella in the other, the name sounds and feels right. Enjoy these images of the 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4, and cruise over to ghibli.maserati.com for …
This track-attack two-seater might look like a teardrop, but it is ready with explosive V8 power at the flick of a claw. First things first, however: this prototype is wearing composite glass — a testament to the racing pedigree of A.Bessette, the founding gent. That is why the mounting and glare characteristics are like a race car. But if ever in a hard crunch, plexi is always safer. And much lighter. The prototype FELINO has a top-hinged windshield. Founding spirit, I tell you! Alfresco options too… but I digress. FELINO is living the dream. When this FELINO initially came across …
The S60 just got much, much cooler for 2014. A totally redesigned grille and nose meld well with new dark alloys and R-Design styling upgrades. Sure, you can buy a safe, smooth and reliable T5 S60 from just $33,000. Is there better seat comfort or standard audio system on any other car? Volvo’s are full of surprise-and-delight features — with extra tech flair for 2014. The Polestar package is definitely available on all the T6 models below, including the new-for-2014 V60 sportwagon! http://car-revs-daily.com/2013/12/09/hot-wagons-2014-volvo-v60-coming-u-s-r-design-polestar-trims/v60-animated-gif/#main 2014 Volvo V60 2014 Model Year Updates: Volvo S60 T5 New hood and front fenders New …
Subaru is very busy these days. From a usually-quiet and predicable company, years of continued success are finally bringing out some excitement. Here is some juicy dirt on the marketing behind this success: Perhaps the real kudos (definitely in Japan, at least) is shared with the BRZ project. But regardless: Subaru is awesome. #Love really is the greatest ad slogan, c/o Carmichael Lynch in Minneapolis. Many may know that name best from their three decades of legendary work for Porsche Cars North America. When Porsche left for greener pastures, Subaru assigned the firm their whole account without a review. That …
I love this new #GoodToBeBad campaign. It allows Jag to vamp up its image in full 1080P glory, but closes with a relatively lighthearted ‘flip.’ The creative insight of trusty — slash —evil Englishmen is right on the mark. My only thought: beware of Vampire creativity along with the new dark-themed shots. The Super Bowl ad environment is *very* fast, so perhaps more car time? Who knows. Every creative shop is scrambling to debate re-edits. But Jaguar, if this “ISCI” code and traffic instructions are already sent — well done. [tv jargon=] Final well-wishes: This campaign seems right on the …
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 …
For many Porsche 911 owners, the rumble from out back becomes one of the car’s most loved and central features. Far more than a gimmick, the 911 breathes directly from the wind ‘backflow’ at the rear of the car at high speeds. Ideally, the Carrera S Powerkit will sound much like the Sport Classic below: Like it’s own pressure chamber, the spoiler’s effectiveness is required to channel that cold air directly into this once-air-cooled engine setup. 430HP is on tap, a jump from 400. Classic 911 RS Wind tunnel Image credit: Stuttcars.com Sidebar: found this on Pinterest yesterday via …
Any readers recall the flip-book from Mitsubishi when launching the 3000GT Spyder in 1995? Such a simple idea: 100 pages of roof in sequence while retracting. But that little red flipbook made the 3000GT Spyder the star of the year’s auto shows. If there were ever a car whose features would benefit from a CarRevsDaily animation, it must be the new 911 Targa. The 911 Targa and Porsche’s 360-degree spinners are perfect inspirations for a modern-day “moving picture” of the Targa’s showpiece. Far more than just the elaborate moonroof of the most recent previous-gen Targa models — this is a …
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 …
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 …
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, …
