2016

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STARTECH Murders Out the Bentley BENTAYGA

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Updated 9.1.17 with two additional examples of the StarTech Brabus program for the Bentayga. Finally, a tuned Bentayga that will not embarrass the hell out of its driver!  We highly recommend the monochrome finish versus two-tone.    A very nice stage one mod pack for the new Bentayga just arrived!  Brabus’s StarTech division is leading the effort with custom carbon exterior upgrades, giant 23s and a remote-operated sport exhaust that bellows far louder than stock. The engine output appears to stay the same on this first upgrade.  The press release below discusses the V12 at length… but of course, the …

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Road-Legal 2016 McLaren P1 GTR Heads to RM Villa Erba 2017 Auctions

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Oh, the whims of the ultra rich. Who can predict what they will want in 12 months time? This P1 GTR is perfect evidence of a gift-from-God hypercar available for an eager second owner. The question now: price.  Of course.  Will it have appreciated in its short time on this earth?  Or will its current owner take a $100k bath for the privilege of being one of the lucky few. This GTR has something extra in its quiver, however, atop its one-of-58 exclusivity worldwide. That is a road-legal conversion applied to only half the cars produced. Here you have a …

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

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

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

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

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2017 Lexus RX350 – Design Analysis Video with 40 New Photos

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

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Widescreen Gallery – 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack – 33 New Photos!

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Bonus time!  Here are 40 extra photos of the car that didn’t make it into our glowing review of the Challenger last week.   Enjoy!  We certainly did.  =]   2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack HD Road Test Review – 2016 Dodge CHALLENGER R/T Scat Pack        

2017 Jeep Cherokee TRAILHAWK – HD Road Test Review Plus 2 Videos

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True or False: The Cherokee Trailhawk is just as serious an upgrade as any M car from BMW — but tailored to making the Jeep unstoppable offroad versus chopping its track laptimes. Preposterous comparison?  M car versus Trailhawk package? We might have thought so too until spending a week in the Trailhawk and testing out its off-road drive systems (on video below!) on some deep mud/clay here in South Carolina. The transformation of the Cherokee in off-road beastmode is as dramatic as any Sport Plus on a high-performance car.  Perhaps even more-so for how intense the drivetrain becomes in its 4Low …

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Der neue Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet: Streng limitiert: Open-Air-Luxus on- und offroad

2017 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet – Ragtop V12TT G-Wagen!?

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HOLY ****!  You are not going to believe the latest G-Class mutant from Mercedes-Maybach. It is dubbed the G650 Landauletand incorporates the hardcore suspension and chassis mods from the 4×4-squared, a monster V12TT powerplant… and an open-roofed limo cockpit! So much to take in.  Soak up the official details and 25 photos of this incredibly fun new way to spend $750 large. Love it! 2017 Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet The new Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet: Strictly limited: open-air luxury both on- and off-road 13. February 2017 Stuttgart *Fuel consumption combined: 17.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 397 g/km Stuttgart. A …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Dodge CHALLENGER R/T Scat Pack

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What is the best part of driving a near-500-horsepower car every day? Is it the thunderclap of this 6.4-liter V8 on startup that makes you feel as powerful as Thor?  Or might it be the savage ingear power on the highway? Or is it the sheer bloodlust feeling of all that HEMI power beneath you?  Knowing that a floored throttle — or anywhere close — will create a riotous crackle of engine, exhaust and squeeling tires is quite intoxicating. For us mere mortals, driving a car with such godlike power and pricing of about $40k is the absolute dream come …

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2016 INFINITI QX60 3.5 AWD – HD Road Test Review – By Tom Burkart

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  Is carlike handling and seating for seven too much to ask for in the luxury car market?  Mainstream brands seem to have this formula pretty well nailed with the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. But name a three-row, car-based crossover from a luxury brand that really delivers easy access, kid-friendly tech and a price less than $75k! Sure, there is the Mercedes-Benz GLS or the Audi Q7.  But both of those big, heavy trucks drive like forklifts around town and in carpool lanes.  Yes, you have the Lexus GX460 or Range Rover Sport to consider.  But those third rows …

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2016 VW Golf R – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

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You read the headline correctly: This is a review of a 2016 VW Golf R — not a 2017. Why are we just now getting to review this model? Because when a car is this good, every media outlet wants to drive it. Luck of the draw meant we got this Lapiz Blue example of the 2016 Golf R late in the calendar year. That’s how it goes sometimes. The Golf R is now available as a 2017 model, with an MSRP starting a little bit north of $35K and topping out at $40,475. We hear you saying it: “Forty-large …

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2016 BMW Z4 M Sport sDrive35i – HD Walkaround, Obituary and Photo Gallery

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BMW Z3/Z4: 1993-2016. Soon gone, but never forgotten!   As the last few Z4s are sold to customers, we mark the end of the line for the plucky and stylish BMW Z roadster.  It ceased production in August. The BMW Z3/Z4 used to be a huge tentpole for the brand.  In the 1990s the Z3’s arrival in stores was the most hotly anticipated arrival in the marque’s history.   A big lead time between when the Goldeneye Bond film gave us the first look at the car helped build excitement.  The fact that it would be made stateside was also huge …

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Revised Kia Soul 5

Road Test Review – 2016 Kia Soul + – By Carl Malek

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When Kia first unleashed the Soul back in 2008, the funky CUV was a bold gamble for the Korean car giant. Boasting boxy styling, youthful vigor, and an ad campaign featuring cute hamsters, the Soul proved to be a hit with CUV buyers, and prompted the company to release numerous variants including the recently launched Soul Turbo model. But has its mid-cycle update helped the Soul stay relevant among millennials? or has it lost a few steps against a new wave of CUV entries that are all vying for their piece of the greater CUV sales pie.     The exterior …

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2017 Ferrari J50 is Japan-Only Special – Launch Party in 25 Photos

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  Thought the F60 America was Fezza’s only nod to its global regions?  Think again! This new J50 celebrates the marque’s 50th year in the Japanese market.  Based on the 488 GTC, the J50 has unique design touches throughout and a very fresh nose design in particular.  Horizontally-aligned headlights are a big departure from the vertically-oriented lamps Ferrari has employed for its model range in recent years. One thing is sure with these ultra-exclusive specials: resale and collectible cache second to none. Of course, those dreaming of a J50 outside of Japan should note that even an export will still …

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2016 Volkswagen TIGUAN R-Line 4Motion – Road Test Review – By Tom Burkart       

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Our reviews here on Car-Revs-Daily.com generally try to be upbeat and playfully informative.  With insightful observations galore and a few critiques along the way. It is usually because the cars manufacturers send our way are all fairly loveable, newsworthy and generally pretty fresh on the market.  We put ourselves in the position of the buyers in that market segment for a week.  A week of driving later.. we’re usually gushing with some form of praise. This Tiguan review will have many of those characteristics, but with a darker edge. The 2016 Tiguan is woefully outclassed by nearly any compact crossover …

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2016 Ford EDGE Titanium – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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  The wife and I picked up our friends to go out to dinner in the Ford Edge. They weren’t in the car more than 60 seconds before they both said (almost in unison) “Wow, there’s a lot of room back here.”  A few minutes later, “these seat warmers are really nice.”  I then suggested they recline the seatbacks a little bit, and they were delighted with that feature, too. Ten minutes later, I heard, “Boy, this car rides really smoothly, even better than our Lexus RX. What is it?” They were surprised to learn that it was a Ford.  …

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2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  Is the Mazda CX-9 a Miata for 7? It’s an interesting thing. Used to be, you had needs, you bought a vehicle that fit those needs. Things changed when SUV’s got popular. Suddenly, if you needed a minivan, but didn’t want to be seen in a minivan, you could get something cooler. No more settling. Well, that opened the floodgates. Pickup truck that’s decked out like a luxury sedan? You can get them with more cow on the inside than you can tow on the outside. EV’s that will stomp all over supercars? Here’s your Tesla. Convertible Crossovers? How …

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2.9s, 646HP 2017 Novitec MCL57 McLaren 570S

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Novitec does McLarens!? Yessirs.  In addition to RR and the Italian exotics, Novitec is bringing their tuning madness to the McLaren 570S.  Ostensibly the tamest car out of Woking so far, these mods prove there is a fierce force with this baby Macca. MCL57 is pretty catchy as a name, too.  MCL by Novitec sounds nice too.   Here are 37 mouthwatering photos.  Each one better than the next.   2017 Novitec MCL57 McLaren 570S NOVITEC now also refines the sports cars from McLaren   Start with the McLaren 570S: engine tuning to up to 475 kW / 646 hp, …

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2017 Subaru Legacy 2.5i SPORT – HD Road Test Review

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The trusty midsize sedan segment of the car business has found itself in an unusual spot these days. SUVs and low gas prices mean the old days where Camrys and Accords sold by the dozen are long gone.  They are now fighting to be a purchase not of necessity, but one of desire. Subaru has stepped up with a serious rival in this high-stakes game.  A car that is still easy to buy and own, but with added pizzazz to make it pop versus the onslaught of new, high-riding competition. Subie’s answer? The new-for-2017 Subaru Legacy SPORT trimline.  The car is …

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3.5s, 178MPH 2017 Lotus EXIGE SPORT 380 is Fastest Flyweight Yet

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Standard carbon aero and a boost up to 375HP are enough to make this latest Lotus special into quite the slayer.  Its on-paper figures are outstanding and up there with a very rarified competitive set. The difference?  This Exige Sport 380 is also pretty light on the wallet!  It is priced at just 90k Euros and is aimed at the UK, German and Japanese markets. No official word on its US potential… but all this kit is certainly available for US Exige clients!  Just not bundled together right out of the factory. But hey, longing for Lotuses that are not …

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2016 Lexus NX200t F SPORT AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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If the NX200t did one of those TV Ancestry tests, what would show up? Platform sharing today makes it difficult to figure out what is a real brand anymore. You’ve got rebadged Mercedes posing as Infiniti’s. Jeeps driving around on Fiat underpinnings. Fiats driving around on Mazda bits. Subaru’s, Scions. And more.  Oh my. Then we have intermingling within the automakers as well, and they can be very well disguised. Case in point, Lexus and Toyota. There’s a lot of sharing going on. In all honesty, though, it always felt like the downscale Toyota models were getting Lexus goodness, rather …

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2016 Toyota Yaris LE – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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With the recent influx of economy minded products from both rivals as well as the dearly departed Scion brand, it is easy to assume at first glance that the humble Toyota Yaris gets lost in the shuffle. But does this tiny hatchback still have what it takes to stand out in this crowded segment? Or does it come up just a bit short?     The exterior styling of our 2016 Barcelona Red LE grade test car (2017 models have minimal changes) certainly made our car stand out in a crowd, and also helped it have a sporty flair. This …

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2017 VW Beetle DUNE Cabriolet – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Is the Beetle Dune ragtop just what the doctor ordered? Back in September, we tested a VW Beetle Dune, and decided it could be the answer to VW’s Diesel-inspired tummy troubles. While the folks at VW may (still) be reaching for a Super Gulp-size Pepto, we found a much better choice for quick relief. The 2017 VW Beetle DUNE Cabrio. The recipe for the convertible is pretty similar to the Dune hardtop. Based as an homage to the Baja Bugs of yore, all Dune models get a notable bump in the macho department, with a slightly taller ride height (half …

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Cars of Our Lives – Levante S, M235i Cabrio, 550i Shadowline, 740i, X1, 320i and 440 Gran Coupe

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  A bevy of fine-driving BMWs to share in this first-ever installment of a ‘daily gallery’ feature post.  We share MANY more photos on social media than often end up in articles here on the web.  The problem with that is the quality of the pics is greatly decreased.  An image that might be 5MB on phone is about 80kb on facebook.com/carrevsdaily or instagram/car_revs_daily On with the show!  100 or so pics from the last two weeks on my iPhone.  Cars we drove only every-so-briefly…. or not at all in some cases!  The Maserati Levante and upgraded Chevy SS have …

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2016 Nissan NV200 Cargo SV – Road Test Review

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The compact cargo van market is becoming a big deal for carmakers and small-biz owners alike. Sales growth in the segment is near the top of the charts. Why? Many reasons.  And yes, it helps that compact cargo vans did not exist until the last few years.  Nissan arguably kicked off the trend that now includes the Ford Transit Connect Cargo, RAM ProMaster City and even the Chevy City Express … ( itself an NV200 clone) Why are these vans so hot right now?   And how does the revised-in-2015 NV200 rank versus the best out there? Let’s find out… HD …

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2016 VW Golf TSI SE – HD Road Test Review + Video

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Where does the Golf fit in VW’s great comeback? The Golf has long been the most intellectual, well-travelled and worldly compact hatch.  Despite pricing from the low 20s, the Golf is clearly a classy machine.  A car for those who recoil at the idea of driving just another Corolla or Focus. VW as a ‘cognoscenti special’ in the Golf was badly bruised by the dieselgate scandal.  That much is clear. But there is no TDI badge on the back of this car.  The TSI emblem in back confirms this is a high-tech gasoline turbo engine. Revisions for 2016 now bring …

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2017 Fiat 124 SPIDER – Road Test Review + HD Drive Video

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It is 124 Spider week here on CRD! Carl Malek got the joy of hooning the Abarth 124 around Monticello, New York while we were flinging the 124 Lusso around Charleston, SC. Both cars are absolute heroes.  Is any 124 Spider one of those rare cars that you’d love to drive 1000 miles at the drop of a hat? Yes, yes it is. His Abarth slid in with pricing in the mid-30s, while our midspec model with automatic transmission kissed 32k out the door with a few options. For these prices, there is nothing else on the road that will bring …

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2016 Volkswagen Tiguan 4Motion – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

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The Volkswagen Tiguan was early to the party of compact crossovers, debuting in 2006 during a period of high gas prices. One would think it was great timing to introduce a small SUV to consumers concerned with conserving fuel. But in fact, by the time it got here in 2009, the gasser Tiguan was rated at 19 MPG city, 26 MPG highway by EPA. That didn’t get MPG-conscious consumers beating down the doors of their nearest VW dealer, and falling gas prices did little to boost Tiguan sales. Fact is, the VW Tiguan has stayed right there at an EPA …

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Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concepts Preview 2017 Production Pickups!

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An ultra-strong ladder frame, big straight-six engines and Mercedes drive manners? Mercedes today previews its future ‘crossover’ and first-ever pickup with the Concept X-Class.  This will be less of a crossover but a smart combination of MB’s truck and car resources.  Those Unimog genes and grip… now in a $70k luxury size! Two models are shown: a posh AMG-style look in shimmery white.  Low suspension and performance stance are hot.  The nose is actually pretty sexy, but has nothing on its gorgeous LED tail.  A swirlly ribbon of red LED is the brake light in back. THe other truck is …

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2017 Cadillac XT5 Platinum – Road Test Review – By Tim Esterdahl

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Is the XT5 ready for the runway, or still a work in progress?  The mid-size luxury SUV segment has exploded in recent years and the rush to bring new products to market has forced many companies to expedite development plans. Unfortunately, this means some products are released before they really deliver the wow factor consumers are looking for. Such is the case with the 2017 Cadillac XT5. It fails to stand out in a crowded market and feels like a work in progress. Before we get too far along, it is worth noting there is nothing wrong with the 2017 Cadillac …

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2016 VW Golf GTI Autobahn Performance Pack – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  It’s easy to love sports cars. They’re usually a ball to drive, fun to look at, and exist solely to make you happy. Who wouldn’t like that? Well, except that a sports car is a selfish thing. They usually seat only two. Or the rear seats are torture devices. They can ride harsh. They can be loud. Trunk space? Ha! As an only car, a sports car is best for the young and unencumbered. Otherwise you’ll need a second car. On roads clogged full of Sports Cars, Sedans, SUVs, CUVs and Trucks… …is a GTI the only vehicle you’ll ever need?The …

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2016 Ford Focus RS – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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When Ford first unleashed the Focus RS back in 2002, it was a very tempting piece of forbidden fruit that was exclusive to European roads. 212 horsepower out of a highly-modified turbo Cosworth four ensured a firecracker of a car. The strong demand for this variant prompted Ford to launch a sequel in 2009 that made use of a Volvo designed 2.5 liter turbocharged five cylinder engine to produce just over 300 horsepower in a wrapper that was bolder and more aggressive looking than ever before. Unfortunately it remained out of reach for U.S. buyers who had to make do …

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2016 KIA K900 V6 – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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My friends are used to seeing a lot of new cars in my driveway, from almost every manufacturer.  They were especially intrigued by the new Kia 900. They admired the understated exterior styling, and the absolutely beautifully appointed interior.  The next question was, “How Much?” “Just under $61,000”, I replied.  “Are you kidding???” came the response.  “A $61,000 Kia?”  “That’s just NUTS”. I had to remind them that it was only two decades or so ago that they said the same thing when Toyota, Nissan, and Honda each came out with very expensive luxury cars.  But today, nobody laughs at …

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Hardtop Jannarelly JD1 Headlines Upcoming RISE: Race The Future Console Game

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  Our lovefest with the Jannarelly JD1 continues today with a look at the car as a hardtop racer versus a street-legal roadster.  Similar to how the car would be specced for an FIA GT3 or GT4 race class, this preview is of both the car and the game!  RISE: Race The Future is set for release in a few months. Now, the only question is… shall we call this the JD2?  Or JD1 Hardtop?  JD1 Daytona?!     2017 Jannarelly JD1 Hardtop   RISE: Race The Future is the upcoming video game from the studio VD-DEV renown for their …

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2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland 4×4 V6 – Road Test Review

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Welcome to the most luxurious Jeep Cherokee of all time. Dubbed the Overland as this new-for-2016 trim, the Cherokee now packs its feature lists to overflowing proportions. You name the luxury feature, and this truck has it. Along the way, the Cherokee Overland 4×4 V6 has almost grown out of its Ford Escape and Honda CR-V competitive set.  In power, safety and premium elements, this Cherokee Overland competes much more closely against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The problem with those much-tougher rivals is easy to imagine: they are great little trucks that handle well, have speedy turbo powertrains and …

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1962 Ferrari 268 SP by Fantuzzi – RM Monterey 2016 Highlight

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One of the first-ever midengine Ferrari racers went across the block in Cali this August. Looks like it was a no-sale, curiously. A high bar was surely set: we’d estimating the reserve was around $25-million.  Perhaps 35. So it is still seeking a new home.  Home for its freaky beauty, snarky nose intakes and special-prototype LMP1 provenance. Sold or not, we’re elated to see this 1962 268SP in the sunlight in all its glory. RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2016 Lot 240 1962 Ferrari 268 SP by Fantuzzi Chassis no. 0798 Engine no. 0798 Gearbox no. 6 Estimate Available Upon Request Please note that Internet …

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2017 Jannarelly JD1 Arrives in USA! Rear-Engine and Road-Legal from $90k

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Very exciting news today! The shockingly beautiful mid-engine Jannarelly JD1 is now in low-volume production, and coming to not just USA tracks near you… but also the roads there and back! This marks a big difference between Radical, Ariel and a few other boutique supercars.  The US market is both a holy grail and a huge barrier-to-entry in the supercar business.  If your car can’t be sold in the US, you have to cut volume projections in half. Thrilling news then that Jannarelly has a new US distributor established in VanDouble.  This Bedford Hills, New York firm promises hands-on help …

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1961 Chaparral 1 Prototype – RM Sothebys Monterey 2016 Highlight

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Here is a car that might be one of the most important American racers of all time.  Not for its winning record or legendary value… but simply for its rarity and inspired engineering clarity. This was Chaparral’s answer to the Shelby Cobra, but faster and lighter and far more aerodynamic. Looks like the Chaparral Prototype 1 was a no-sale in Monterey/Pebble Beach auctions this year, for unknown reasons. Perhaps just too much of an insiders-only type of machine versus the sure-to-appreciate vehicles who are able to successfully command a million plus. Check out the official RM bio of the car …

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1994 Bugatti EB110 GT – RM Sothebys Duemila Ruote 2016

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Here is a very extensive collection of four and two-wheelers that will go on the block in Milan late November of 2016.  RM promises 750-plus lots with no reserve — so this is a prime chance to grab some rare collectibles at fairly decent rates. A first favorite?  Obviously this EB110 GT in signature French blue. Duemila Ruote 25-27 November 2016 1994 Bugatti EB110 GT

2017 Jaguar F-PACE – SUV of the Year Review + Video

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The Jaguar F-Pace absolutely rocks our world.  This SUV is a masterclass whose strength will power the brand’s rapid evolution.  New market segments and new sales records will keep coming rapidly with cars as strong as the F-Pace in the big cat range. How could Jag’s first-ever SUV out-do the premium entries from BMW, Mercedes and Lexus right out of the gate? It comes down to driver engagement, value and style.  We’ll continue to touch on these themes throughout this HD Review and its standard headings of Exterior, Interior, Performance and Price. Kicking things off is this very speedy HD video …

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2016 Jeep RENEGADE Trailhawk – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

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When I took delivery of the 2016 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk for testing, a colleague told me, “The little Jeep is surprisingly capable.” Those two words — “surprisingly capable” — came to define my experience with the Renegade Trailhawk as I took it down some deep, difficult rock-and-mud-and-gravel trails in the hills of eastern Middle Tennessee. Design Notes There’s no denying the Jeep Renegade has a definite cute factor. That’s probably the first reason many Jeep purists scoff at the littlest Jeep in the lineup. It doesn’t look like a chiseled-jawed Wrangler. That notwithstanding, there’s no mistaking the Renegade for anything …

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2016 BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100

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Welcome to the final piece of the BMW Next 100 mosaic: the Motorrad Vision concept. This gorgeous bike is the only one of these far-future-looking vehicles that actually seems cool.  The rest are quite a sight for sore eyes. This Vision Next 100 is not, though.  It is dark and menacing and clearly dripping in high-tech solutions.  Its integrated chassis flexes intelligently, replacing typical suspension systems with a full-body take on the theme.  A sport shoe is the idea: breathing and moving over bumps in perfect harmony of grip and smoothness. The driver is not sidelined, either, in this EV …

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2016 Rolls-Royce Concept 103EX Lands in California

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The extremely provocative 103EX Rolls Royce just landed in the States for the first time! A glitzy gala at the Santa Monica airport will introduce this striking vision of future luxury to well-qualified buyers this week, along with the Dawn and Ghost II that are available to buy today. Why is this concept so freaky?  Or, to put it even more bluntly, “ugly” as many Facebook.com/carrevsdaily fans noted? Part of the reason its design is so striking and such a shock to the system?  The Vision Next 100 premise. This is not a 10-year look into the future, but aims to …

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World Debut – 2016 GLM G4 is Four-Door HyperEV Out of Japan

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One of the most stunning vehicles at the Paris motor show?  This unknown entry from a Japanese startup called GLM. Their debut model is dubbed the G4, an all-electric supersedan with stellar performance and untouchable style. Think of the size of a Lamborghini Huracan or Gallardo, but stretched lengthwise and integrating four doors.  Still an ultra-low roof and brutal, mid-engine proportions… but expressed for a new era.  This is a car that competes with the Tesla Model S, but is a cool half-foot shorter and far more extreme overall. The closest spritual predecessor of this model is surely the Fisker/VLF …

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2016 BENGALA F12 Caballeria Is All-Carbon Ferrari Style/Speed Upgrade

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Delighted to see Bengala evolve from a design boutique into a proper supercar tuner! The Madrid-based firm just revealed its first serial production model.  But huge volume will never be the name of this high-dollar game. Nope, exclusivity is the core of the all-carbon Bengala upgrade suite.  Reiminaged panels, lighter weights and upgraded aero are all a huge part of the ten-unit run of F12 Caballerias that Bengala will produce this year. The design is wilder than stock, of course, thanks to heavily exaggerated swoops and airducts.  As though the original car were some kind of insane widebody — but …

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2016 Lexus RX450h F Sport AWD – Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Way back in 1998 Lexus introduced the RX model, and it was an instant hit.  In those days it was a unique blend of car and truck. It featured a high seating position for a command of the road, along with the cargo capacity of a large station wagon. The RX offered the smooth quiet ride of a Lexus sedan, along with the luxury interior appointments they’d come to expect from the Lexus brand, and better gas mileage than any truck based vehicle. The public snapped them up like hotcakes. In fact it became the first Lexus model to sell …

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2016 Chrysler 300S – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Everybody’s gone SUV/Crossover crazy lately. Manufacturers are luring us out of small cars with the new CX-3, HR-V, Trax models, while sales of the largest SUV’s like Escalades, Tahoe and Suburbans –  thanks in part to cheap gasoline – are selling like crazy. In the rush for capability, capacity and audacity, something’s been lost. In case you might have forgot, there’s a segment that still deserves your attention. Ladies and Gentlemen, may we re-introduce a performer we’ve know and loved for years – the Great American Sedan. And perhaps there’s none greater than the 2016 Chrysler 300S. Depending on your …

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2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland EcoDiesel – Review – By Tim Esterdahl

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For the last several years, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been the leader among mid-size, off-road SUVs. Legendary Jeep off-road equipment, luxury-like interior finishes, sharp exterior styling and powerful V8 engines have enhanced the appeal of this trusty truck significantly. With the pump-busting 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel engine now available too, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is at a level where competitors don’t dare to go. It is pricey, yet so, so good. Styling Sets It Apart From the first day I received the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland as a press loan, I remarked at how stylish it was. This isn’t always …

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2017 Chrysler PACIFICA Touring – Road Test Review – By Tim Esterdahl

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Minivans are minivans right? They are soccer mom vehicles, often shunned by the general public who lust after more stylish and powerful SUVs. What if an automaker turned “what makes a minivan, a minivan” on its head? You would get the stylish 2017 Chrysler Pacifica – a real challenge to your notion of what a minivan is. Or rather, what a minivan can be! My notions and deeply held beliefs on minivans were challenged during my week of driving my press loan of a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. This minivan definitely felt more like an SUV with the added bonus of kid …

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2016 Jeep RENEGADE Trailhawk 4×4 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  You say you want a small crossover/SUV? We can’t blame you. It’s just about the hottest-selling segment in the industry, and it looks like the small family sedan is taking a firm backseat because of it. And while there are a lot of nice choices out there, there is a problem. They all sort of look alike. There are notable exceptions like the mutant amphibian Nissan Juke. And the squat-and-squashed Mini Clubman. But in general, and HRV, CRV, CX-3, CX-5, RAV4, Forester, Rogue all look – and function – like relatives at a family reunion. Is the Jeep Renegade the cure …

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2016 Volkswagen ID Concept

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This is it! A near-production EV platform that VW will take global in three dozen flavors. Promising tech and ambition for a company still neck-deep in trouble. Some elements of the ID are more production-ready than others.  Details like the shrouded mirror-cams and roof sensor pods are actually farther out than the core architecture. The ID EV runs a flatpack battery and spaceframe chassis, a la tesla, but with a price that is hopefully a bit more Model 3 than Model S. The cabin is now enormously roomy for a Golf-length car.  Slightly formless elements of the design are aero-dynamic …

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2016 Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 – Paris Debut GALLERY + Render

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I love this car.  I love its viciously post-modern take on a low-drag monstercar. The design is quite spectacular, if overshadowed by its final finishing.  Imagine this machine without red wheels, blasting by you in the fastlane… just a lightbar *flash* and it’s gone from view in front.  2016 Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 – Paris Debut GALLERY Study of an ultra-stylish luxury-class coupé: The ultimate in luxury: Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Stuttgart/Pebble Beach. Every August classic car fans from around the world converge on Pebble Beach in California for a very special beauty contest. This gathering of magnificent classic cars is the perfect …

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2016 BMW X2 Concept – Live Paris Photos/Analysis of Intriguing New Design Language

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Interesting new look for the 2016 BMW X2 Concept today in Paris!  The X2 is smoother and softer than the traditional X3/X5 design feel, but is still quite macho and aggressive.  We love the nose detailing, long and low roofline like a fastback, and the pert rump. This concept X2 hopes to broaden the crossover appeal of cars in the VW Golf size class, with minimal tradeoffs when scaling skyward.  As such, it appears about half-way between the normal BMW aesthetic and the latest X-model appearance. This becomes clear with the ultra smooth bodysides and minimal fender flaring, in contrast to …

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2014 INFINITI Q50S AWD Hybrid -- 1080p HD Road Test Videos & 50 Photos -- AAA+ Refinement and Truly Authentic Steering -- An Excellent BMW 535i Competitor 23

2016 Infiniti Q50 2.0T – Road Test Review – By Tim Esterdahl

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After three non-stop hours behind the wheel of a 2016 Infiniti Q50, I’ve never been more mixed on a car. It simply delights, frustrates, pleases and annoys all at the same time. Here’s why. Throughout my week of driving the car, I had taken short trips while saving one long-distance trip for the compact car. My reasoning is simple. This trip was a mix of city, highway and dirt driving through the northern Colorado landscape of fields and rolling hills. There are hair-pin turns, long, straight roads and plenty of deep drops and quick climbs. It is ideal for seeing …

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2016 Audi A3 2.0T Quattro – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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When gas prices jumped a few years ago, a new breed of luxury car immediately came to the forefront of automotive buyers. Dubbed the “compact luxury car” these vehicles promised to offer their owners a long list of equipment, performance, and luxury in a decidedly smaller package. The 2016 Audi A3 aims to stand out against rivals such as the BMW 2-Series and the Mercedes CLA in this hotly contested segment, but has its push for sales diluted the very traits that have defined recent Audi models?   The exterior styling of our Monsoon Gray Metallic tester is a compelling …

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2016 Bentley BENTAYGA By StarTech Adds Remote Exhaust + 23s

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A very nice stage one mod pack for the new Bentayga just arrived!  Brabus’s StarTech division is leading the effort with custom carbon exterior upgrades, giant 23s and a remote-operated sport exhaust that bellows far louder than stock. The engine output appears to stay the same on this first upgrade.  The press release below discusses the V12 at length… but of course, the Bentayga runs a W12!  =] 2016 Bentley BENTAYGA By StarTech The first further refined Bentley Bentayga comes from STARTECH   Sporty-elegant widebody version, 23-inch forged wheels, sport exhaust with sound management, and exclusive interior   The new …

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2016 BMW M2 By Lightweight – 690 Pound-Feet, 185MPH!

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„LW M2“ by LIGHTWEIGHT Photos: Jordi Miranda LIGHTWEIGHT in Mittenaar is deeply committed to the slogan „Innovations are generated from passion rather than satisfaction“. The company’s name portrays their program, because weight reduction – for example by a titanium exhaust system in combination with a performance upgrade – provides minimal weight and maximum performance. The LIGHTWEIGHT team led by Managing Director Marc MÜLLER chose a BMW M2 in order to optimize its weight and performance. For starters, the original version of this vehicle already comes with a mighty engine. As of now the dynamic BMW – referred to as LW …

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Mountain Drive! 2017 FIAT 124 Spider – By Anthony Fongaro

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Colorado is an amazing place to drive! While visiting this great state, I was lucky enough to attend RMDE, or the Rocky Mountain Driving Event. This event had different vehicles from various manufacturers. Part of this event included driving 90 minutes, or 3,000 feet up a mountain. If you couldn’t guess, the car that I drove was a little black Fiat convertible. The car in question was a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso. Before the drive, I put down the manual convertible top and let the beautiful scenery of Colorado surround me. Then I put the car into gear. And …

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2016 BMW M5 GTS by Carbonfiber Dynamics

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A multi-stage upgrade here from Carbonfiber Dynamics.  OEM-like quality execution for this M5 is the result of fresh Vossen alloys, GTS Fire Orange paintwork and a 3DDesign carbon bodykit all around.  Power is way up, naturally, but the machine itself appears quite aged.  If even an estimated $50k in mods fail to revive the tired design…. then it is probably time to get pumped for the next-gen M5? Among fanboys, sure.  But for owners, the F10 M5 has much left to give!  We’ve dubbed the overall package the M5 GTS — a name that has a great ring to it!   2016 BMW …

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2016 Nissan TITAN XD Platinum Reserve 5.6L V8 – HD Road Test Review

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The Titan XD is making trouble in the full-size truck business! Like many disruptive troublemakers, though, they are doing a great service to the rest of the class.  Think of the rigid 1500 vs 2500 hierarchy of Fords and Chevys as the annoyed teacher, and buyers as the giggling classmates – in this broad metaphor. The established players in the segment are deeply invested in the half-ton, full-ton distinctions.  Beefier springs and a heavy-gauge chassis equals massive profits for the established truckmakers. Nissan has shaken things up with its all-new, ground-up redesign of the 2016 Titan XD – or Every …

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2016 Audi TT Coupe 2.0T Quattro S-Tronic – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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The Audi TT has always been a bit of a head scratcher for us enthusiasts. When it first launched in the mid 1990’s, it was a visual stunner. And in many ways, it was the birth of the Audi cool that we have today. But there was a problem. As stylish and trendsetting as the TT was, it was not a sports car. And in the world of Porsche Boxsters and BMW Z4s, the TT was odd man out. When the second-gen TT bowed in 2006, it lost some of the groundbreaking style, but was well on the way to …

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2016 VW Beetle DUNE – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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You might not be a big fan of VW right now. Diesel has once again become a dirty word, and while the automaker struggles to make things right with the government and the buying public, the brand has been getting the stink eye in a lot of ways. We’re going to look past the diesel models, because there’s also a lot of goodness in the VW lineup, and we think there are an awful lot of folks who design, make, and sell the brand that had nothing to do with the problems going on. Right now, VW needs a new …

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2017 Volvo XC60 T6 Inscription – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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  With all the attention and fanfare that the revamped 2016 Volvo XC90 has received since it was unveiled to the world a year ago, it can be easy to forget about the other SUV in the Swedish automaker’s lineup the 2017 XC60. With the spotlight currently on its bigger brand sibling, does the XC60 still have what it takes to stand out in the hearts and minds of SUV buyers? Or has it fallen behind the times? The exterior styling of our Osmium Grey Metallic tester is an exercise in smoothness and elegance with Volvo designers even adding subtle …

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2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD 3

2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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  Mazda’s new 2016 CX-9 is the largest of their three SUV offerings, and in fact, the largest Mazda vehicle they have ever made.  The larger dimensions are put to good use, as there is ample room for driver and passenger in the front, very good leg and headroom for second row passengers, and even decent, if not spacious, room for average size adults in the third row. We had a chance to spend a week with the top of the line Signature AWD model.  Mazda threw everything it had into this one, and it came with a very un-Mazda …

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2016 INFINITI Q70L 5.6 – HD Road Test Review

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How far can you get in life with a giant V8 and a hot body? That was the question we kept asking ourselves after a week  behind the wheel of this 4.7-second rocket-limo. The car is refreshingly innovative in its long-wheelbase variation — bringing what is the best-selling global choice in luxury cars to the United States for the first time.  What is this choice? Best-selling?  Allow me to explain. The long-wheelbase variants of the A6/E-Class/5 series are easily the best sellers in the Chinese car market these days.  For the most part, however, the LWB limos that luxury brands …

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2016 Toyota PRIUS Four Touring – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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When Toyota first revealed the 2016 Prius, it signaled a drastic evolution for the hybrid that helped define the green vehicle segment and also established Toyota as a prominent force in green vehicle technology. But has its latest evolution helped the Prius maintain its prominent place in the green vehicle hierarchy? Or has it lost a step or two to an ever evolving suite of green contenders? The exterior styling of our “Hypersonic Red” tester is the latest example of Toyota’s philosophy that the Prius shouldn’t look like a conventional car. While the last generation’s lines could be best described …

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2016 Volkswagen Passat CC 2.0T R-Line – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Volkswagen brought out the CC model in 2009, and it was an immediate hit styling-wise, as it separated itself from the more upright and boxy Passat that it was based on. And since that first model, the styling hasn’t changed much, which is a good thing, since it is still a striking timeless look.  The long arc of the roofline gives the CC a low, long, sleek look that reminds one of a Mercedes CLS, or Audi A-7.  Like the lines on a true coupe, the frameless doors make interesting visuals, like a four-door-coupe.  And there is enough chrome around …

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2016 Toyota Prius Four Touring – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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The Toyota Prius hasn’t really been on the radar of auto enthusiasts. Oh sure, it’s been technically interesting – and with hybrid powertrains showing up in many supercars these days, you have to give a tip of the hat to Toyota for spearheading the effort. Of course, if you’re a diesel fan, you might not feel so warm and tingly. Where the Europeans have long felt that diesel was the way to get performance with miserly fuel economy, Americans bought into Hybrids in a big way. So big, in fact, that it forced many of the Europeans to develop both …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Toyota Rav4 SE – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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If you are in the market for a small crossover SUV there is good news, and bad news.  The good news is that virtually every auto manufacturer from Japan, America, Europe, and Korea make at least one.  The bad news is that virtually every auto manufacturer from Japan, America, Europe, and Korea make at least one.  So choosing the right one to buy will be a daunting task.  There isn’t a rotten apple in the whole bushel full of competitors. This is by far the most hotly contested segment in the industry.  And it’s not hard to see why. These …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Honda CIVIC 1.5T Sedan – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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It seems like Honda has been making Civics forever.  It could be because that from the very first one, the Civic has been an outstanding small compact car with a reputation for value, reliability, and excellent gas mileage among other virtues.  It was loved by journalists and buyers, alike. However, the last generation Civic (2011 through 2015) was received with tepid enthusiasm from the press, and from customers.  That led to a very unusual second-year update, but even that didn’t do much to help keep the Civic near the top of the competition that got fiercer every year. For 2016, …

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The Escala Concept introduces the next evolution of Cadillac des

World Debut – 2016 Cadillac ESCALA Concept

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Yes, Cadillac’s new video ads are appallingly bad.  Yes, a CT6 in slow-motion down a brick street in Manhattan is ridiculous. It looks like a high-fashion version of those anti-texting PSA’s, where the beautiful couple/friends/family’s lives are shattered by a huge crash.  No overt carcrash in the Caddy ads.  But they are a trainwreck. But Cadillac does have a vision these days, even if little of the product lineup really matches that look into the future. The Escala is the third “glamour” concept from the marque, after the Ciel and the Elmiraj from 2011 and 2013, respectively. This machine is all …

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2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring (6MT) – Review By Carl Malek + Fiat 124 Visual Comparo!

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    When Mazda first unveiled the current generation MX-5 Miata back in 2014, it signaled a radical shift in focus, with Mazda designers breathing newfound life into a car that some thought had lost its way since it was first introduced in 1989. With bolder exterior styling, and a renewed emphasis on weight shedding, the newly rejuvenated MX-5 promises to blaze its own chapter in the sports car ranks. Our last sampling of the MX-5 was out on the track, but can it succeed out in the real world? The exterior styling of the MX-5 embraces newfound levels of …

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2016 Volkswagen TIGUAN SEL 4Motion – Review By Tim Esterdahl

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REVIEW: 2016 VW Tiguan AWD – Fun Drive, Boring Design In some cases cars are designed so perfectly their popularity can carry them for years and well beyond when they typically receive updates. For the 2016 VW Tiguan, this is not the case and the all-new 2018 model, set to arrive next summer, is desperately needed. The fact is there is nothing wrong with the Tiguan per se, yet there isn’t really anything that exciting either and that’s a problem. The compact crossover market these days is hot with many great models from all manufactures. Typically, these vehicles provide ample room, …

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2016 Lexus LX570 – Road Test Review + Sport Plus DRIVE VIDEO / 100 Photos

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Welcome to the shockingly good 2016 Lexus LX570! This mid-cycle upgrade brings new styling all around, a fresh cabin and a healthy new dose of F Sport-infused performance.  This all moves the Lexus flagship dramatically upmarket versus its Land Cruiser sibling from Toyota. And you are looking at more than just a crisp jawline, industry-best LEDs all around and ultra-lux cabin upgrade versus its much-cheaper sibling.  The improvements are truly substantive, despite the two trucks sharing much of their glasshouse and door shapes. First thing to note in the LX?  This bluff new face up front is gorgeous and sets …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Limited – By Carl Malek

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When the revamped Hyundai Sonata first made its appearance back in 2009, it immediately stood out thanks to its slick exterior styling which marked a noticeable departure from the more mundane styling cues that once defined older Sonatas as well as Hyundai products in general. Can the revamped 2016 Hyundai Sonata still deliver on its promises of slick styling, while also retaining the impressive levels of technology that made the last generation model a hit with buyers? The exterior styling still looks handsome and elegant but whereas the last generation model was a ground up design, this iteration shares more …

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2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition (6MT) – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek   

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EVO = “the gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form.” That definition best describes the Lancer Evolution, a car that originally started out life as the mediocre Lancer compact sedan, but would gradually transform into a performance car bargain thanks to the efforts of Mitsubishi engineers. Its rivalry with its Asian arch nemesis the Subaru WRX rewrote the performance car genre, and inspired other automakers to follow suit with entries such as the Dodge Neon SRT-4 (and its horrible follow up the Caliber SRT-4) the Ford Focus ST, and the Volkswagen Golf R. Sometimes …

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Drive Review – 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic

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A thorough video blast-off for this all-new GLC.  Nearly a quarter-hour of hard starts in Sport Plus for the nine-speed auto and 270-some foot-pound boosted tourbo four. Along with the video? A gorgeous photoset of more than three score.  All alongside a gorgeous yacht club on Lake Lanier, Georgia.               2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic

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Road Test Review – 2016 Lexus CT200h – By Carl Malek

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  Looking for a luxury branded vehicle that can deliver Prius grade levels of fuel economy without telling the world that you’re driving a Prius? Lexus thinks that it has the solution with the 2016 Lexus CT 200h, but can this sporty looking eco warrior successfully deliver stellar fuel economy while also living up to the lofty expectations that comes with donning the iconic Lexus badge? The exterior styling of the CT certainly does a stellar job of hiding its Prius roots. Wheras the Toyota’s styling can be best described as being boring and outright amorphous, Lexus designers went for …

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Drive Review – 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata – by Ben Lewis

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There are people out there not enamored by the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. And you can include me. Well, sort of. Let me explain. First of all, a disclosure. A well-worn 1990 Miata lives in the Ben Lewis garage. I’ve had it over 15 years. And yes, it’s red. So I’m a fan. And when the Second Gen (NB to you and me) bowed in 1999, I liked it. But I was amazed that even though it only lost an inch of legroom, I didn’t fit comfortably. And really, I’m not that tall. I was personally happier when the …

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2017 Chrysler PACIFICA Limited – First Drive VIDEO Review + 78 Photos

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Feast your eyes on this beauty! The most premium minivan… ever.  The 2016 Pacifica Limited is impressive from all sides. Its drive is a nice showcase of the line.  The vehicle feels fast and quite rigid in the chassis.  This lets the ride be extra supple, and is a rarity in the van segment versus the Honda Odyssey, in particular.   No wobble around back is a delight to report in this next-gen Chrysler.  The nine-speed auto and potent V6 are terrific on hard throttle. The exterior styling is a huge hit.  It is smooth but sleekly aero-honed.  Panel gaps …

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2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Tell the truth: when you see one of the big SUV on the road, the first thing you think about is how much the gas costs to run it. And while we are currently enjoying relatively low gas prices right now, trust me, the oil companies are working night and day to reverse that trend.  And they will invent some reason to scare us into believing that gas prices are justified in going up.  But I digress . . . When the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited showed up in my driveway, I was amazed to look on the Monroney Label and …

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Best Ride-Share Cars – By Anthony Fongaro – Featuring 2016 Toyota PRIUS

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  By now, you’ve inevitably heard how easy it is to make a little extra cash driving for ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. All you have to do is sign up, sign in and get paid to drive people around whenever you want. You probably even know a couple people who moonlight as drivers using their own vehicles. And if you’re like a lot of cash-strapped Americans, maybe you’ve considered signing up yourself. But not all cars make for great ride-sharing vehicles. Usually, the car has to be a 4-door and 2001 or newer unless stated otherwise in major …

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Widescreen Gallery – 2016 Lexus GS-F Meets 1700s Carolina Angel Oaks

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The spidery shadows of the Angel Oak Trees lining the Carolina coastline make for a cool respite from 330 sunny days a year.  That was their purpose, of course, when planted in neat rows on the major plantation driveways around Charleston. Bursting with leaves year-round, these trees even wear a layer of Spanish Moss to keep things cool — centuries before AC made this climate live-able for a Chicagoan like myself. The GS-F is quite a sight under the speckles of sunrays that can break through. The intricate grille detailing, purity of surfaces and absolutely perfect proportions on the wide-body …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Lincoln MKX AWD – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Ford has been producing Lincoln vehicles for 98 years, but I’m sure Henry Ford never envisioned making a crossover as great as this one. There is a lot of competition in this luxury crossover space, and this MKX is right up there with the best of them, from Japan, Europe, and cross-state rival Cadillac. It’s obvious that Lincoln is shooting to make a new name for itself as being a company that builds vehicles that can pamper its customers in luxury, and also make their customers smile with invigorating performance and handling.   The standard engine in the MKX is a …

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Drive Review – 2016 Lexus GS-F – By Ben Lewis in Los Angeles

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  Not Godzilla. More like T-Rex. To paraphrase Sally Field, “Lexus likes us. They really, really like us!” At least enough to let us spend some more time in the GS F. But we have some different perspective here, as this time, your humble scribe spent a week partaking in the GS here in sunny LA-LA land. And it ends up netting some mixed results. First, a quick rehash of the technical pleasantries. Like BMW’s M division, with models ranging between M235i’s and M2,3,4, and 5, there are F-Sport cars, and then there are F-Sport cars. F-sport is Lexus’ catch-all …

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2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL S-AWC – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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2016 has brought a stormy spring to our beloved Mitsubishi. From the firm’s recent troubles with emissions, to the ensuing merger with Nissan, the company has forged through some pretty turbulent waters. But can models like the recently updated 2016 Outlander allow Mitsubishi to tap into the recent surge in SUV/CUV sales? Or does it get lost in the shuffle? The exterior styling of my Cosmic Blue tester is certainly an improvement over past iterations of the Outlander, but it ends up being disjointed and unbalanced. On the one hand, the front fascia embodies the sporty spirit that once defined some …

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Review – 2016 DODGE Journey CROSSROAD – By Tim Esterdahl

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For years now, larger vehicles have dominated car sales with families putting a premium on space and seating over handling and fuel economy. The 2016 Dodge Journey is a perfect example of this with its third-row seating offering room for seven while sacrificing great handling and power. Yet, after driving it around for a week, it is clear why it has perennially been one of Dodge’s best-selling models. The extra space in the smaller size (easy to park and easier to drive for most) with a seating position that fits many people is quite honestly precisely what the American buying …

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2016 JEEP CHEROKEE Latitude 75th Anniversary Edition – Review By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 75th Anniversary Edition There are iconic vehicles out there and then there are Jeep vehicles. You literally can’t say the word iconic without referencing a Jeep. In fact, describing what an iconic vehicle is to someone who doesn’t know immediately brings up the example of a Jeep. And what happens when an iconic vehicle reaches a milestone like 75 years in production. Well then, you fill it with Jeep iconic badging, offer it in green, accent the exterior with bronze and orange and challenge people to find some open-air, dirt and a smile. The 75th …

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2016 BMW 750i – Road Test Review – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 BMW 750i xDrive – Perfect or Superfluous Luxury Sedan On a warm summer afternoon, I sit with my feet up, my body reclined, a pleasing smell in the air, cool drink in hand while listening to music in the shade as a cool breeze blows. It is an ideal setting, except I’m not sitting outside. I’m actually sitting in the rear of the 2016 BMW 750i xDrive. Its long list of features, comfort and material choices make it infinitely more appealing than a lawn chair, but is it all just a bit too much? Maybe to some, but …

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2016 Lexus GS-F – HD Road Test Review – F*** YES!

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Nothing prepares you for the GS-F. Even after weeks of heated anticipation, the GS-F’s arrival out front dropped jaws. And whipped heads around with its sonics for anyone within a mile radius of the highest-performance Lexus four-door of all time. The GS-F introduction for the 2016 modelyear joins a comprehensive GS revamp of the tech, style and powertrains up and down the lineup. A new turbo four kicks off a nine-strong model range as the GS200t, while and this monster 467HP V8 tops the broad new GS offering.  F Sport upgrades for the GS200t, GS350 and GS450h are all available, with the middle …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Nissan Altima SL – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 Nissan Altima SL Offers Smooth Ride With Stylish Looks The all-new 2016 Nissan Altima is a great example of improving on what works with smart upgrades and improved style complementing a smooth riding sedan. While critics bemoan its lack of pep, after a week behind the wheel, it’s hard to understand what they are talking about. Now in its 5th generation the refreshed 2016 Nissan Altima features a host of styling improvements seen in the V-motion grille with boomerang-shaped headlights carried through the back officially called an “Energetic Flow” by Nissan. Equipped with new sheet metal as well …

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2016 Mazda MX-5 Club 6MT 3

Road Test Review – 2016 Mazda MX-5 Club 6MT – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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  In the spring of 1971, I was almost finished with my freshman year at the University of Iowa, and it was time for me to get my first new car.  My father and I were to split the cost.  His idea of the perfect car for me was a low mileage, 1969 Chevrolet Impala, 4-door.  And my idea was a 1971 MGB rag top.  While my friends were into muscle cars of the time like Mustangs, Camaros, Chargers and Barracudas, I was more interested in small British cars that, while not fast, were known for handling prowess, rather than …

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2016 Toyota Corolla S 6MT - By Carl Malek 2

Road Test Review – 2016 Toyota Corolla S 6MT – By Carl Malek

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When Toyota unleashed the current generation Corolla back in 2013, it had lofty shoes to fill. While its predecessor was about as bland as a pair of 80’s era tennis shoes, it was also a key cog in Toyota’s formidable sales machine, and helped the brand lure in budget focused buyers. With that formidable sales reputation, and the inevitable pressure that it brings, does the current generation Corolla have what it takes to keep up this momentum? Or has it lost a step or two? Looking at the exterior styling of my 2016 Corolla S Plus tester, it is obvious …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Dodge DURANGO – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 Dodge Durango Citadel Offers Luxury at Bargain Price One of the great things about the Dodge brand is how they can take one product and completely change it with features and styling upgrades. A great example of this is the 2016 Dodge Durango Citadel with its luxurious interior materials, plethora of features and great exterior styling touches. It almost feels like a completely different vehicle and not a Durango at all. Quite frankly, the 2016 Dodge Durango Citadel is so much different than a Durango, it really could be a wholly separate vehicle and it is so good …

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2016 RAM 1500 LIMITED EcoDiesel BLACK 2

First Drive – 2016 RAM 1500 LIMITED EcoDiesel + VIDEO Walkaround and 70 Pics

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  The absolute king of the job sites? The RAM Limited pack offers unlimited access to major energy, mining and construction projects.  Simply by its bad-ass visual boldness! In black over chrome for this tester, the $3k Limited package’s bright RAM script was well worth the cash, front and rear.  The new grille is an objet d’art.  It stencil motif lives inside in a twisted, western-inspired stitching across the cabin details.             We even warmed up to the 14000-size RAM font on the tailgate.  Might prefer the Limited-spec, body-color bumpers versus the $300 return to …

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Drive Review – 2016 Honda CIVIC COUPE – By Ben Lewis

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    Is the new Civic a great little coupe, or the end of the automobile as we know it? A bit over-dramatic? Maybe not. We’ll get there. But first…   Honda recently introduced and all-new Civic Sedan that marked the 10th generation of feel-good affordable Honda sedans. And over the years, the Civic has had its ups and downs, but it’s always been pretty good and sometimes brilliant. The new one gets a very, very, very good rating from us. And like before, there’s a Coupe version on offer as well. In this case, we prefer the Coupe. To …

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2016 MINI Clubman 15

Drive Review – 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman S – By Ben Lewis

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  Pardon us while we get all Existentialist on you. But is Mini as a measure of size, or a state of mind?  That’s what’s got us scratching our heads with the latest Clubman S. This is actually the second generation of the Clubber, the first was a longer wheelbase version of the existing model, with a small suicide door on the passenger side to help passengers pile in and enjoy the extra room. It actually made a lot of sense, it gave a bit better ride, and introduced Mini drivers to the joys (accessibility) and horrors (visibility) of split …

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2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 14

Can the New BBC TopGear Survive? By Anthony Fongaro

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(Note: this is only about Top Gear, not about Extra Gear which airs right afterwards). May 30th, 2016. That date will be known as the day that “New Top Gear” was born. Officially known as season 23 of Top Gear, everything from the cast, set design, and track were changed. Gone were the three middle-aged buffoons that we knew and loved and in their place comes a couple of Brits, an American, and a German. Guess what? It sucked! As soon as host Chris Evans opened his mouth (whispering that Top Gear was back), nothing felt the same. Matt LeBlanc …

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