brand Topic Hub

BMW Motorcycles Evolution Since 1923 – Animated Timeline Via 20 Iconic Bikes

February 19, 2019, 3 pmDecember 19, 2017, 9 am by Tom Burkart

The history of BMW Motorrad is actually the story of the evolution of the motorcycle in general. Giant leaps of innovation are clear to see about every dozen years, but the BMW innovation throughout keeps moving the two-wheel world forward at warp speed. For a non-bikes guy like me and perhaps you, the names and styles are all a bit perplexing. We have labelled all the main bike photos to help make it all a bit clearer. The pre-war bikes in particular are hard to distinguish at first without the labels. So which is your favorite? We’d pick the …

2017 GENESIS G80 AWD 3.8 – Road Test Review

February 19, 2019, 3 pmMarch 31, 2017, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

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

2016 Porsche CAYMAN GT4 – Latest 30 Action Shots from Algarve Impress, But Car Is Poor Value

February 13, 2019, 4 pmFebruary 9, 2016, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

Reviewing the latest photos and video of the Cayman GT4 is quite perplexing. Who is this $84k machine aimed at?> Perhaps 911 GT3 aspirers, but for half the cash? The 4.2-second sprint to 60, intensely upgraded aero all around, sport exhaust and slammed ride height all point firmly toward the racetrack. But even Porsche knows it has a problem: there is no Cayman badge on the back of the car. Just Porsche and GT4 letters to mark out the model. And that is the crux of it: this is a halo Cayman that hopes to ramp up excitement around the …

JAGUAR Joins Formula E to Perfect Electric Skills and Thrills

February 13, 2019, 4 pmDecember 15, 2015, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

Pretty cool news today from Jaguar! The firm has officially signed on to race in FIA Formula E for the 2017 season. This means the team will have almost a full year to perfect their car and study the second season of the series for competitive insights. The Formula E teams all share a dedicated power unit supplied by McLaren, so the effort here is about power management, smart charging and overall racing strategy. Jaguar hopes to transfer much of their new EV track learnings back onto the road — but in a manner that matches the firm’s new Art …

Is Hollywood Co-Promotion Worse Than Brand Integration? Star Wars and FCA to Find Out

February 13, 2019, 4 pmDecember 12, 2015, 11 am by Tom Burkart

Product placement in movies has evolved radically since Bumblebee Camaro raced back into our hearts — and many driveways — following the 2007 Transformers remake. In the last 20 years, paid PP was all about screen time and brand impact. The challenges were to say the name of the product on film and have it be a hero type of character. Without appearing saccharine. (Bad examples include Acura and Sony in every Hollywood media program they have ever done.) For ‘good’ results, it was about showcasing the car organically throughout the film, with real-life displays of prop replicas generally involved …

F1 NewsBriefs: INFINITI and Red Bull Are Dunzo; Texas 2016 GP On Hold in Contract Dispute

February 13, 2019, 4 pmDecember 7, 2015, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

Update: Reports indicate TAG Heuer and Renault will be the title sponsors of the TAG-Red Bull Racing effort in 2016. Woooowww…. This is pretty intense news wrapped in mature, civilized corporate speech. Infiniti and Red Bull have broken up their world-beating Formula One partnership — effective immediately. Who ended it? That remains confidential, but it is safe to say both firms were unhappy to have their four-year winning streak so violently nabbed by Mercedes-AMG since 2013. The original INFINITI sponsorship agreement was actually a huge marketing coup at the time. INFINITI was going global and spreading its wings far …

2016 Alfa Romeo GIULIA – LA Debut + Realistic Analysis: Model May Fail at US Relaunch Mission

February 13, 2019, 4 pmNovember 20, 2015, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia debuted in North America this week — wowing LA showgoers with its extreme, high-performance exterior and interior. Still a bit light on actual details in terms of USA arrivals, or whether sales will be handled via Maserati showrooms, as on the exotic 8C Competizione from a few years ago. Below we discuss the new model’s stout performance in the original Euro debut article. But even all these months later, the GIULIA still faces an uphill climb in the US market. Reasons for this: — huge expectations for base Giulia models based on this ultra-high-performance Quadrifoglio …

Industry Insider: Auto Body Parts Suppliers

February 13, 2019, 4 pmSeptember 23, 2015, 5 pm by Auto Industry Insider

The automotive industry is huge. Accordingly, there are a great number of suppliers for every aspect of modern automobiles, from the most crucial engine parts to the most superficial body parts. However, not all auto body parts suppliers are created equally. It isn’t a matter of finding which supplier is the best, but rather which is the best for your individual needs. Different parts suppliers have different specialties, and these are what you need to look for. The first thing to consider in a parts supplier’s list of specialties is the materials they use. For instance, some auto parts …

2015 Peugeot FRACTAL Concept – EVCC Explores 3D-Printed Materials

February 13, 2019, 4 pmSeptember 17, 2015, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated with Official Details and Photos 9.17.15 Here is a gorgeous bit of unsanctioned, uncaptioned news! All 25 photos of Peugeot’s upcoming Frankfurt concept car are live a bit early this morning. And they show some sweet, sexy new angles for next-gen Pugs! The Fractal concept is the first near-production application of the blocky, angular and geometric new design ethos seen on the Exalt concept, 2008 DKR racer and a few other concepts recently, including the Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo hypercar. An ultra-wide but very low and lean design, the shape is unlike anything else on the market — and …

Best of Frankfurt 2015 – Honda Project 2&4 Concept – Floating Seats Promise Surreal Track Pleasure

February 13, 2019, 4 pmSeptember 16, 2015, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated 9.16.15 With 35 New Photos Check out the Honda Project 2&4 up close and in detail! This is one of the most outrageous concepts from Honda in years. Not just Honda, any manufacturer, really. And this is not just some track car, either, as we surmised below. By engineering the 2&4 with outboard seating, the drive experience should also blend the joy of two-wheeling. But with the cornering pace of a four-wheeled vehicle. Not having any panels, doors or bodywork anywhere to your left shoulder, hip or pedals will be a revolution on the road. Far more exposed than …

2016 Dodge Charger PURSUIT Debuts new 12-inch Touchscreen with PnP Police Computer Systems

February 13, 2019, 4 pmSeptember 13, 2015, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

Dodge just updated its 2016 Charger Pursuit LEO model with some never-before-available tech: a giant portrait touchscreen that is custom-designed to be the main display and control for law enforcement officers in daily duties. Until now, the preferred method of departments to put computers into squad cars has been a floor-mounted Panasonic Toughbook. Yes, the laptop was theoretically portable, but not as mounted on its giant metal arm. Bolted down under the seat, this arm let officers move the laptop over the center console, angled toward them a bit. But still extremely awkward, and using an touchpad / nub thing …

2015 Honda Project 2&4 Concept – World Premiere of 14000-RPM Baby NSX

February 13, 2019, 4 pmSeptember 8, 2015, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

Much as the world (and especially Japanese K-car buyers) love the S660 roadster, the sports potential of that mid-engine roadster is limited. Limited by power caps, safety rules and exhange rates — the S660 is not a global halo car, and definitely not a mini-NSX. What about the latest in Honda engine tech, paired with an open-wheeled racing design fresh from 2025? Now that would be something! Running the ultra-potent RC213V MotoGP bike engine, the Project 2&4 is ultra light and ultra simple. Ultra fresh sci-fi looks are just part of its charm, however. The real thrills will come …

Update1 – 2016 Lexus RX350 and RX450h Are All-New Inside and Out

February 13, 2019, 4 pmSeptember 8, 2015, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated 9.8.15 With 101 Real-Life Photos The all-new Lexus RX is here and stunning! As Lexus’ all-star sales champ, the RX redesign for 2016 is an all-important step in keeping the Big L’s sales and market share near the top of the luxury brand ranks. To fend of new competition from all sides in this five-seat crossover segment, the RX is dramatically redone in almost every way. First off, the style. DESIGN ANALYSIS Wearing Lexus’s new design brief and its interesting, unique and captivating creases and angles, the RX is far more exciting to look at than it has been …

2016 Renault MEGANE GT Leads All-New Model Launch – I See You Baby?

February 13, 2019, 4 pmSeptember 7, 2015, 10 am by Tom Burkart

The Renault Megane became a cultural touchstone with its first-gen lines. All geometric choppiness plus an architectural, vogue set of curves? The body language of the car was a massive hit — and became one of the best-selling models in recent Renault history. In its best years in the early 2000s, the Megane was often neck and neck with the VW Golf for UK sales. A dance-pop ad campaign made the most of the Megane’s funky trunk lines, all set to Groove Armada’s “See You Baby, Shakin’ That A**.” This author recalls the first time he saw one in the …

2015 Citroen Cactus M Concept – Jolly Surf Special Runs Inflatable AirFrame Soft-Top

February 13, 2019, 4 pmSeptember 2, 2015, 11 am by Tom Burkart

French makes, and Citroen in particular, have a strange and unjustified fascination with surf cars. Think of these as part Fiat Jolli with its wicker seats, and part Jeep Wrangler. But with Euro6 emissions and zero practicality. We saw this in the Pluriel and numerous Cacti concepts over the years. The new Cactus M is a far more practical fantasy, if that is possible. Real doors and even a roof! The convertible crossover has fixed A and D-pillars in a sexy woodgrain wrap. The contrast between these organic pillars and the bright Hawaiian blue of the body is certainly …

2015 Peugeot FRACTAL Concept – Modular Cabrio Previews 2017 209 and RC-Z Replacement

February 13, 2019, 4 pmAugust 31, 2015, 11 am by Tom Burkart

Here is a gorgeous bit of unsanctioned, uncaptioned news! All 25 photos of Peugeot’s upcoming Frankfurt concept car are live a bit early this morning. And they show some sweet, sexy new angles for next-gen Pugs! The Fractal concept is the first near-production application of the blocky, angular and geometric new design ethos seen on the Exalt concept, 2008 DKR racer and a few other concepts recently, including the Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo hypercar. An ultra-wide but very low and lean design, the shape is unlike anything else on the market — and is beautifully executed to help the lion …

2017 Smart ForTwo Cabrio Revealed Ahead of US Arrival In Summer 2016

February 13, 2019, 4 pmAugust 29, 2015, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

The 2017 Smart Cabrio is official ahead of its public debut in Frankfurt next month, with the first confirmed timeframe for its US arrival. The overall rollout has been extremely slow so far, but US Smart showrooms are finally close to clearing their inventory of the existing — and deeply unpopular — model. Why bother bringing Smart back at all ? And why start with this cabrio? Smart is coming back mainly thanks to a new four-door variant of the rear-engine city car. The larger model is expected to eventually compete with the Fiat 500 and base MINI Coopers, in …

Renault Emblem Evolution – 117 Years Crowned with Fresh 2015 Motif

February 13, 2019, 4 pmAugust 24, 2015, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

The evolution of a brand’s logo can be fascinating, especially when you see that the icons we all know by heart are actually fairly new creations. The Renault diamond logo is certainly one of the most long-running in history, even though it did not make an appearance on a Renault until 25 years after the company began operations in 1898. The diamond badge replaced a short-lived round emblem from 1923 onward — with its sharper angles better suited to the sharp nose creases of the era’s cars. While not quite as zany as the round badge (that was actually …

2016 Cadillac CT6 Black Pack Renderings + Animated COLORS Visualizer

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJune 30, 2015, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated 6.30.15 With Color Visualizer and Rendered Black Pack Cadillac is keeping the CT6 momentum building ahead of the car’s arrival near the end of 2015 as a 2016 model-year. The brand just revealed the color choices buyers will have outside, and the two inside. These interior renders are preliminary, with additional woods and leathers likely to complement the tan and black shown so far. The nine colors are all Hamptons-ready classic shades — with a subdued and wealthy palette right out of the Brooks Brothers swatch book. Our favorite by far? The new green! Dubbed Dark Emerald Metallic, this …

Update1 – 3.9s, 510HP 2016 Alfa Romeo GIULIA Quadrifoglio Sounds Sublime On Track!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJune 26, 2015, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

Update1 – Rendered Color TestWOW! First look at the new Alfa Giulia today leaves us floored! On-Stage Debut Romeo & Juliet appear to be in fine form these days — running sideways around 90-mph corners at the fantasy Verona racetrack! The numbers and initial details for this production-spec GIULIA (proniunced ‘Julia’) Qaudrifoglio are mouth-watering. 510 horsepower via a twin-turbocharged V6. Rear or AWD. Torque vectoring and active aero. Style to make you weak in the knees from up front. Fresh LED designs and a wide V have a sporty feel that vaguely recalls the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept, but …

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Revealed as $50k Macan-Fighter With Air Suspension and Fab Cabin

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJune 19, 2015, 11 am by Tom Burkart

The Mercedes-Benz SUV blitz is in full swing — after the GLE and GLE Coupe twins, the latest family member has finally broken cover: the 2016 GLC. Renamed to align with the E-Class and C-Class in overall size and tech, the latest Merc SUV range is now far broader and able to scoop up sales that might have been lost to the BMW X3, Porsche Macan and Land Rover Discovery Sport. The GLC is a drastic departure from the boxy and off-road-oriented design of the GLK. This new truck focuses on practical and aesthetic improvements across the board. Added …

2015 ALPINE Celebration Concept – Mid-Engine 2016 TT-Fighter in HD LeMans Lap

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJune 15, 2015, 8 am by Tom Burkart

Surprise reveal for the next chapter in Alpine sportscars! This 2015 ALPINE Celebration Concept is a mid-engine prototype that represents the first look at the brand’s move to a stand-alone marque in the RenaultSport fleet. Initiated as a collaboration with Caterham a few years ago, the plan was to acquire a low-cost and proven sports-car chassis from the English. Custom bodywork and RenaultSport engines would provide authentic French zing for the machine – which would become a halo sportscar for the entire Renault/Dacia lineup — worldwide. HD Le Mans Lap Renault ran into major troubles synchronizing its big-company safety, reliability …

Ferrari Bringing FXX-K + 488GTB and More to 2015 Goodwood FOS in New Concours Strategy

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMay 29, 2015, 11 am by Tom Burkart

Ferrari is the most-collectible car brand of all time. Vehicles from the company’s storied past have owned the top-ten vehicle value charts for at least the last 20 years — with that dominance set to continue indefinitely. Especially considering the brilliance of the current range! As the dominant force in supercars, racing and exotics — Ferrari can be choosy about the events it attends officially, and the coolness of the cars they bring along to show. Case in point? The FXX K has not been seen again in public since its debut at Yas Marina the other month. The F12 …

2015 IVECO Vision PHEV Concept Shows Futuristic Design + Cabin Tech Innovations

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMay 18, 2015, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

Your packages have never traveled in such comfort and style! The 2015 IVECO Vision Concept finally brings a cool sci-fi, Hollywood-ready look to a full-size van. Its surfacing and proportions take a bold look into the future of IVECO van designs — pairing brutal and aggressive lighting and nose to friendly, flowing forms to van roof-lines that are usually far boxier. But before we look at the cool design and tech of the IVECO Vision, there is one thing to note first thing: the IVECO Vision is absolutely gigantic. From some angles, the concept appears to be only slightly larger …

Concept Flashback – 2009 Mazda MX-5 Superlight in 88 Photos!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMay 2, 2015, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

Racers worldwide have made lightening Mazda MX-5’s more than an art or craft: there is a science to shedding grams and gaining pace. This 2009 concept from Mazda’s European R&D center is a serious and comprehensive speedster conversion and custom strip-out. Once totally bare, the full MX-5 Superlight was resprayed in a Japanese Racing white pearl. The color and the contrast details for the hood and double bubble rollbars make the MX-5 Superlight’s proportions even more intensely rear-drive. A favorite detail is the brake light LED lining those integrated roll hoops. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept …

2015 MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4-Door – HD First Drive Video + 150 Photos

February 17, 2019, 7 pmApril 27, 2015, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

With a base price of $25,000, the 2015 MINI Cooper S 4-Door Hardtop overlaps closely with an unlikely competitor: the new Focus ST. Both are fun-running favorites with a cultlike following, and both achieve 60-mph in the low 6.0-second range through six-speed manuals. Though the Cooper S is down 65 horsepower versus the Focus ST, the MINI’s Cooper S upgrade is more important than ever for 2015. As with the MINI hardtop, the base Cooper runs a three-cylinder to the Cooper S’s turbo four. Power is up from 134 horsepower in the Cooper to 184 in the Cooper S, a …

Real-life Photos Show Sexier 2015 Audi Prologue Allroad Than Preview Renders

February 17, 2019, 7 pmApril 21, 2015, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

Okay, this is just getting ridiculous now. After the Prologue in LA and La Vegas, plus Prologue Avant in Detroit, we thoroughly get the point of this concept car. The second frustrating thing about the Prologue concept series is that the Audi A4 needs to be replaced. Urgently. Where is it? This latest Prologue Allroad is as expected – a high-riding version of the Avant, but this time powered by a giant V8 hybrid as with the first Prologue Coupe. The Avant was a diesel-electric hybrid if we are not mistaken. So where the F is the new A4? After …

Update1 – 2015 QOROS 2 SUV PHEV Concept Previews Upcoming Juke-Fighter

February 17, 2019, 7 pmApril 20, 2015, 9 am by Tom Burkart

Updated 4.21.15 with 10 Real-Life Photos Qoros is by far our favorite Chinese car brand — plucking exceptional talent from the UK car scene like Gerte Hildebrand of MINI fame and Jamie Barrett from the RCA design program. The goal is to bring global car safety, design and equipment standards to China-made vehicles. This is more than lip-service: QOROS has the only Chinese vehicles to pass the tough EuroNCAP crash tests and on sale across the highly competitive European car market. Qoros recognizes the opportunity for new brands in the crossover and SUV space — with this latest Qoros 2 SUV …

2016 McLaren 540C Is New Smoothie Supercar With Road-Friendly Torque

February 17, 2019, 7 pmApril 20, 2015, 1 am by Tom Burkart

McLaren just revealed its second model in the new entry-level range: the 540C. Along with the 570S, the McLaren Sport Series hopes to take a huge bite out of Porsche 911 Turbo sales with its advanced tech and hypercar brand. The 540C is a lightly tweaked version of the 570S with new nose detailing and a subtly tweaked diffuser around back. The main difference in the two cars is that the 540C will be slightly cheaper, and much more comfortable in everyday traffic. This comes from slightly more friendly tuning to the suspension and a remapped twin-turbo engine. This latest …

Update1 – 500HP, 3.8s 2015 Peugeot 308R HYbrid Concept Adopts QUARTZ Details

February 17, 2019, 7 pmApril 16, 2015, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Here is an exciting debut for Auto Shanghai in a few days — the Peugeot 308R HYbrid Concept. The design is a fantastic look at how the latest Pug concept styles can join the production range. The Quartz and Exalt concepts are some of the best design from any manufacturer lately, with crisp proportions and functional bulges along with a organic and flowing surface treatment. The Quartz SUV concept is actually back for the Shanghai show, where it will accompany this hot 308 with matching French Racing Blue paintwork, box-weave grilles and lower intake brightwork. Both show a contrast-black matte tail …

2015 Audi Prologue AllRoad Makes High-Riding Shanghai Debut

February 17, 2019, 7 pmApril 16, 2015, 8 am by Tom Burkart

Okay, this is just getting ridiculous now. After the Prologue in LA and La Vegas, plus Prologue Avant in Detroit, we thoroughly get the point of this concept car. The second frustrating thing about the Prologue concept series is that the Audi A4 needs to be replaced. Urgently. Where is it? This latest Prologue Allroad is as expected – a high-riding version of the Avant, but this time powered by a giant V8 hybrid as with the first Prologue Coupe. The Avant was a diesel-electric hybrid if we are not mistaken. So where the F is the new A4? After …

Land Rover Heritage Division Launched + Own This 1987 RR Classic For $20k!?

February 17, 2019, 7 pmApril 15, 2015, 11 am by Tom Burkart

We’ve been trying to find a way to write about this absolutely flawless 1987 Range Rover Vogue SE that is up for sale with no reserve from RM Auctions on May 2, 2015. Have you ever seen a more radiant and almost-brand-new classic Rangie!? Finished in Tuscan Blue, the 1987 model was the USA relaunch model for the brand. Four doors, a fantastic cabin and a driving position so unique and special, anyone would instantly fall in love. Just 150 horsepower from the big Buick-derived Rover V8, but enough to make the RR feel like a king as it romps …

Shell Oil and Gordon Murray Partnering on Project M for Reborn T.25 City Car

February 17, 2019, 7 pmApril 9, 2015, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

A car funded and developed by an oil company feels more than a little dishonest right from the start. After all, there is no bigger conflict of interest: oil companies would naturally want all cars to use as much fuel as possible. It is in their core interests to increase gasoline consumption on a grand scale. Even so, deep-pocketed oil companies are also interested in two things: branding and green-washing. By branding the Shell lubricants business as an innovator and supporter of advanced technology, Shell and Gordon Murray’s Project M can be a grand public-relations coup among some. Oil companies …

Best of Awards – 2015 SEAT 20V20 Concept In 55 New Outdoor Photos

February 17, 2019, 7 pmApril 5, 2015, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated 4.6.15 With 55 New Outdoor Photos The SEAT 20V20 Concept looks fantastic out in the sun in these latest photos. Our primary question now is what platform this design study is running underneath: Audi Q5 or Audi Q7. But either way, we love its angular design and think the design would fit perfectly even on a $150,000 Lamborghini SUV, let alone a $30,000 SEAT. A best of 2015 concept, for sure. 2015 SEAT 20V20 Concept The New SEAT 20V20 concept is only the second SUV showcar to come out of VW’s Spanish off-shoot, but you wouldn’t know they …

2016 Kia Optima Brings New, Wider Style With Dramatically Better Handling and Refinement

February 17, 2019, 7 pmApril 1, 2015, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

The 2016 Kia Optima refresh has a very familiar feel to it, does it not! We were surprised with how much sheetmetal appears to be carry-over on first glance. In fact, the car has a half-inch longer wheelbase and is an inch wider overall. Only the doors appear to be carry-over from the existing car, with a new shape to the front and rear fenders, nose, tail and rear glasshouse. The design is similar to the SportSpace concept from Geneva, but highly toned down for production. A new shape to the hood leads into a painted top part of …

2016 Lexus RX350 and RX450h Are All-New Inside and Out in 84 Images!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmApril 1, 2015, 10 am by Tom Burkart

The all-new Lexus RX is here and stunning! As Lexus’ all-star sales champ, the RX redesign for 2016 is an all-important step in keeping the Big L’s sales and market share near the top of the luxury brand ranks. To fend of new competition from all sides in this five-seat crossover segment, the RX is dramatically redone in almost every way. First off, the style. DESIGN ANALYSIS Wearing Lexus’s new design brief and its interesting, unique and captivating creases and angles, the RX is far more exciting to look at than it has been in years. The noses are characterized …

2016 Cadillac CT6 – $75k Flagship World Premiere 60 Images From Brooklyn

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 31, 2015, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

The new Cadillac CT6 is official! As the top-flight limo in the newly invigorated Cadillac range, the CT6 has some huge shoes to fill. The hype and fish-eye lense videos proclaim to Dare Greatly, so how does the car live up to all this scene-setting? To convince BMW and Mercedes drivers to consider Cadillac, the CT6 needs to be far, far more than a stretched CTS. Far more than a modern STS. Based on the initial information provided by Cadillac, we are highly skeptical. Granted, the car does feel significantly wider and longer than any Caddy in years — …

2016 Scion iM Debuts in NY With Focus Size But Fiesta Pricing

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 31, 2015, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

Scion just rolled out two brand-new 2016 models for the subcompact and compact segments — with this iM hatchback being the firm’s shot against the Kia Forte5, Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic. The single-trim entry price of below $20,000 is set to be fairly well-equipped and roomy versus the rivals mentioned; the iM is almost the exact same size as the Ford Focus and VW Golf. But those expecting a credible threat to those car’s performance might be underwhelmed. The chassis seems fairly promising with a double-wishbone independent rear suspension paired with sport-tuned electronic power steering. Big rubber and a standard …

2015 Lincoln Continental Concept Paves Way for SuperLux 2017 MKS Variant

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 30, 2015, 9 am by Tom Burkart

Lincoln is re-earning its stripes car by car these days — with excellence but a bit of inconsistency. One segment it still owns almost completely even after the Town Car bowed out in 2012 is the livery market. The MKS and MKT are still the default choice for limo companies across the US. How to springboard this luxury reputation into continued US comfort plus the brand’s biggest opportunity in decades: China. The Chinese love the Town Car and feel affinity toward the Lincoln brand in general. It has deep roots, back-seat panache and classiness of a premium brand. To hit …

First Drive Review – 2015 Mercedes-AMG GLA45 Is Tiny, Fugly and Massively Overpriced

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 28, 2015, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

Lots of excellent cars driven and reviewed lately. Even if they are not a match for my personal budget or priorities, they almost all have true redeeming qualities for their intended target markets. The happy train really stops on this GLA45 AMG. This is very unusual. We have been huge Merc fans since their latest brand renaissance starting from around 2012. The cars are incredibly sexy, comfortable, fast and cool. If any machine should epitomize the new young-and-fun Mercedes appeal, it should be this GLA45 AMG. After all, this is the brand’s smallest and most-affordable new platform, paired with an …

Amelia Island 2015 – BMW Brings 507, M1, CSL and Targa Tii To Join 2015 X5 M and New 650i M Sport

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 20, 2015, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

You might be wondering – what is with all these new cars at a classic car show like Amelia Island or Pebble Beach? It is a fantastic way to establish brand credibility, legacy loyalty and customer acquisition. After all, few of these millionaires will be tooling around in a vintage car on a day-to-day basis. They need a 2015 BMW! On that note, the 2015 X5 M joined the fun along with the very-lightly-revised 650i M Sport. Highlights also include the M1 and 507 roadster, plus the Goldeneye Z3 and a few 2002s. The orange one is a very-rare targa …

2015 BMW Z4 GTLM CSL Homage Livery Meets 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL Racecar At Amelia Island Concours

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 15, 2015, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

It is hard to beat BMW’s on-track photos of this impressive pair of racecars. At Sebring, sun setting and cars in formation!? Yes please! The new 2015 Z4 GTLM CSL wears an official Homage Livery for this year, 40 years since the first BMW USA Motorsport victory. TO celebrate this anniversary, the new Z4 GTLM CSL matches its forebear’s BMW Motorsport colors that have come to define the brand. This incredibly intense Z4 widebody fired up with the deep rumble of sheer power, with its rear slicks and massive downforce package the added proof. Relative to this giant-killing Z4, …

2016 Hyundai Tucson Impresses in 25 New Geneva Pics + Advanced 48-Volt PHEV

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 5, 2015, 9 am by Tom Burkart

Updated 3.6.15 With 24 New Photos The new Hyundai Tucson looks really, really cool in Geneva! Can you believe this compact SUV will compete with the Nissan Juke and Fiat 500X? It just seems so much larger and more substantial. In fact, it is actually quite wide for this new generation, but still has the compact length needed to make it easy to park and drive in cities around the world. We are also impressed to see a 48-volt hybrid version on the stand. This four-fold leap in transmittable power is a big architecture change in the car world, and …

2015 Nissan SWAY Concept Shows Future Golf and Focus-Fighter

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 3, 2015, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

This new Nissan SWAY Concept is a really stylish and handsome design study. From the nose and tail, it is low and wide and seriously cool-looking. The contrasting copper accents are a nice detail in the lower bumpers and sills, while also forming a nice floating roof. This copper section becomes a horseshoe around the clear glass roofline in a very premium and advanced way. In profile, the Sway falls a bit from its cool perch. Clearly a front-drive hatchback with an oddly short but tall hood, the Sway hopes to hide these humdrum details with hugely flowing surfaces. The …

Updated With 25 New Photos – 2015 Porsche Cayman GT4 Is Rock-Hard Cockster!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 3, 2015, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

Reviewing the latest photos and video of the Cayman GT4 is quite perplexing. Who is this $84k machine aimed at?> Perhaps 911 GT3 aspirers, but for half the cash? The 4.2-second sprint to 60, intensely upgraded aero all around, sport exhaust and slammed ride height all point firmly toward the racetrack. But even Porsche knows it has a problem: there is no Cayman badge on the back of the car. Just Porsche and GT4 letters to mark out the model. And that is the crux of it: this is a halo Cayman that hopes to ramp up excitement around the …

2015 Aston Martin DBX Concept Is Surprise Geneva Crossover

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 3, 2015, 11 am by Tom Burkart

Prepare to be stunned and perhaps aroused! This all-new Aston Martin DBX takes a second swing at an SUV from the Gaydon HQ of James Bond. But is Bond running the show at AML? Not at all. The new lead is Andy Palmer, poached from Nissan a few months ago and bringing his smart and hyper-productive product plans to the Aston range. At Geneva, Aston rolled out the Vantage GT3, the new Vulcan hypercar, a production announcement for the Rapide Taraf (now selling up to 200 copies worldwide), and this interesting DBX SUV. A high-riding GT car with two doors …

2015 SEAT 20V20 Concept SUV Is Large and Remarkably-Handsome Design Study

February 17, 2019, 7 pmMarch 2, 2015, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

The New SEAT 20V20 concept is only the second SUV showcar to come out of VW’s Spanish off-shoot, but you wouldn’t know they are amateurs based on this car’s cool style and perfect size. Large by Euro standards, this new “twenty twenty” SUV brings the interior roominess of a BMW X3 but width of an X5 — while lower than both. The 20V20 is a very, very appealing design and would surely be a big seller for SEAT in crossover-mad markets like the UK. 2015 SEAT 20V20 SEAT PRESENTS THE 20V20 SHOWCAR 02/03/15 Prospect of an extremely dynamic, four-door …

OP_ED Part 2 – Cadillac #DAREGREATLY Campaign Previews 2016 CT6 Limo + de Nysschen Progress Report

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 25, 2015, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

It is so irritating when writers quote themselves. Drives me nuts. But this one is very, very relevant. On July 3rd, 2014 – we jotted out the below Editor’s Opinion article attempting to diagnose what was making Cadillac feel so ill. We scathed… This really is not an old-man brand anymore. But sadly, it is definitely run by losers. Not losers in life, mind you. They must be smart and successful – but they are definitely, definitely not cool people. They live in Michigan and are sheltered C- and D-county (aka, rural) people who have never even stood on …

Last Bugatti VEYRON ‘La Finale’ To Take Bow in Geneva

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 23, 2015, 8 am by Tom Burkart

The time has come, ladies and gentleman. After ten years of production and 450 units, La Finale is indeed upon us. This final Veyron caps off perhaps the most-successful hypercar program of all time. Still the ultimate king of speed, the Veyron is the pride of the Volkswagen Group — and also the entire automotive industry, in some ways. We can only smile imagining what barriers the next Bugatti models will break through, what records smashed and fantasies ignited. 2015 Bugatti VEYRON Grand Sport Vitesse La Finale 2015 Bugatti VEYRON Grand Sport Vitesse La Finale Bugatti sells …

2016 Skoda Superb Revealed in Prague With Audi A8-Rivaling Roominess and Superior Design?!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 17, 2015, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

Skoda is very proud of the Superb, their flagship of the line and packing a gigantic back seat that is in the same league as the standard-wheelbase A8 limousine. How and why is this possible in a car that is priced under the VW Passat? How comes down to the mass-market MQB chassis componentry and lack of an aluminum-spaceframe chassis or alloy bodywork. Front-drive is the name of the game, but this is also a side benefit. The trunk is bigger than any Audi sedan. Why? That is a bit more complicated. Think of the Superb as the Phaeton of …

2015 KTM X-Bow GTR Is Reskinned and GT4-Ready To Race via Reiter Engineering

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 17, 2015, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

KTM’s branch-out from its motorcycle core with the X-Bow has created a rapid and fierce bunch of loyalists on and off the racetracks of the world. A simple idea of a carbon-fiber tub, mid-engine dynamics and deconstructed and minimalist panels was such a revolution six years ago — yet today is almost the global supercar template. From the X-Bow — pronounced CrossBow — came the X-Bow GT and the latest one-make race series, increases to 400-plus horsepower, and even a windshield for those days when you can drive without a race helmet. The next step for the X-Bow takes the …

2016 Hyundai Tucson Breaks Cover Ahead of Geneva Show Packing New DCT

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 17, 2015, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

Warning: this is not a concept. This fresh and big-SUV design is in fact the real Euro-spec Hyundai Tucson! This seriously stylish upgrade of the compact Tucson crossover also includes new engines and a brand-new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission on some trim levels. You can really see the Hyundai first-mover advantage coming into play: as this Hyundai crossover looks far more grown-up than the new Chevy Trax or Honda HR-V, but is likely to be priced at similar sub-$20,000 base prices when it arrives stateside this Fall. 2016 Hyundai Tucson The all-new Tucson All-New Tucson represents significant step forward …

2016 Citroen DS5 Is Fresh With Upscale Cabin and Ultra-Modern LED Lighting

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 16, 2015, 8 am by Tom Burkart

The 2016 Citroen DS5 is here and very cool! Packing a cosmopolitan luxury-wagon style, a premium and laid-back cabin layout — the latest DS model really proves the transformation from basic Citroens up to the premium and swanky DS lineup. 2016 Citroen DS5 NEW DS 5: THE SYMBOL OF THE DS BRAND The New DS 5 is a vehicle of avant-garde styling, allying dynamic behaviour, refinement and attention to detail with a selection of advanced technologies. It embodies all the attributes of present and future DS vehicles. The DS flagship model introduces the brand identity and gains the new …

2015 Mitsubishi GC-PHEV – 40 Photos and 4 Reasons This Concept Previews USA-Bound 2017 Montero Full-Size SUV

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 13, 2015, 9 am by Tom Burkart

Okay, okay. We can certainly echo your initial thoughts on this design. First reaction at this desk was a blasphemous exclamation. “Sweet Jesus.” Second reaction after thinking we might see a production-spec Montero reborn. But ended up with this? “Holy Mary, mother of God…. what is this evil monstrosity?” But step back a minute. Appreciate its creamy and sily surfaces atop this unapologetically blocky shape. Functional, futuristic, and certainly eye-catching. The nose and tail are absolutely ghastly, but then, the 2016 Outlander shows how cool and chic production-spec nose like could look. With some tweaks, the overall scale of …

2016 Volvo XC90 Hits 16,000 Pre-Orders So Far + 38 New Dynamic Photos

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 12, 2015, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

The 2016 XC90 is easily the most important Volvo in the last five years. Scoring a hit with buyers is a make-or-break venture for the much-loved Swedish car brand. A simple refresh with new cabin tech, design and exterior upgrades might have secured a 30-percent sales increase all on its out. The previous scenario assumes carry-over powertrains. Volvo has not taken that route. The new strategy is an all-new platform with standard plug-in hybrid tech, a T6 power level and T8 setup with 400-horsepower. If the old gains might have been modest, the new XC90 is looking set to …

Watch the PP-Performance Porsche 911 Turbo Slam a 9.8s Quarter Mile!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 12, 2015, 8 am by Tom Burkart

Talk about bang for the buck! Or maybe a better phrase? G-forces for your G’s? 2.5G of acceleration pushing you into the 911 Turbo’s seat twice as hard as stock, for just 15G’s of your cash. This PP-911 Turbo upgrade creates a stonking 150 extra horsepower for just 12,000 Euros. Roughly exchanged to dollars, this is a very reasonable $100 per pony. The results of this giant torque and horsepower expansion take the 911 Turbo to a new league of performance. 2.5-seconds to 60-mph, and a blistering 9.8-second 1/4-mile sprint. Stellar numbers, both. Finely honed on the PP-Performance dyno’s and …

Update1 – 2016 Mazda CX-5 Goes From Good To Great

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 7, 2015, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

The Mazda CX-5 just went from one of the best crossovers available to perhaps the single best under $30,000. The changes for 2016 include a freshened exterior via a more premium dark-grey grille in a smaller shape, dark-accented wheels and more body-colored accents. Stylish new LED lighting in a cool and expressive design are standard front and rear, plus LED main beam headlamps for the first time. These Adaptive LED Headlights are part of a suite of new safety tech for the CX-5 and a redesigned cabin infotainment setup. Mazda MZD, this new tech package has a larger screen and …

2016 Fiat 500X Pricing, Colors and Real-Life Photos!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 4, 2015, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

Can you imagine a more perfect follow-up to the Fiat 500 in the brand’s return to the US? A compact four-door crossover that is sporty, chic, right-sized and right-priced. The 500X is so good, it is likely to be the best-seller of the Fiat range almost overnight. Along with the jumbo 500L MPV, the 500X is the best news for Fiat shoppers since the brand’s return itself. Why all this steep praise? The 2016 500X just feels like a huge hit. Standard with an automatic nine-speed and turbo-charged four-cylinder, the 500X’s main powertrain option is AWD for a kinda-steep $1,900 …

380HP 2015 Porsche Cayman GT4 Is Hardcore, Track-Attack Cockster!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmFebruary 3, 2015, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

The new Cayman GT4 is a huge bit of news! An ultra-hardcore model with 380-horsepower and a chassis overhaul complete with 911 GT3 tech bits throughout, this sweet new Cayman flagship will make many Porsche Club members thrilled. The GT4 is not just the huge wing and aerokit all around. It also crosses a threshold Porsche has so far been reluctant about: a pricing overlap with the base 911. The base 911 Carrera 2 is a cruiser at heart, though, and will not really compete directly with this new $85,000 Cayman GT4. Overlap is good. Let the Cayman GT4 have …

Renault ALPINE Vision Gran Turismo Racer on Video and 70 Photos!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 28, 2015, 8 am by Tom Burkart

Welcome to the future of racing, courtesy of the racing boffins at Renault ALPINE and Gran Turismo! Sony’s PlayStation GT6 just got a bit more exciting today, with a mid-mounted, 4.5-liter V8 pushing this new prototype to a Vmax of 199-mph. We have two versions of the Alpine Vision GT here, one with the dual boattail venturi tail and one with a LeMans-style rear wing. On both, there is a cool active aero air-brake functionality in the sides of the rear end. These square-shaped flaps snap open to keep the rear end planted under braking, and slow the vehicle by …

Infiniti QX70 by AHG-Sports Shows Great Style and Stance

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 16, 2015, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

One of the big advantages of going to a big tuner for your car upgrades is that — no matter how eye-watering;y expensive they are, a big tuner’s parts will be far less than commissioning the work piece by piece. In Germany, driving one of the big local brands really helps broaden the availability, and affordability, of tuner parts and car mods. The Infiniti here by AHG-Sports lacks both of these benefits: it is nearly a one-off upgrade and each change is deeply pricey. Secondly, Infiniti’s in Europe are so rare that limited options exist to go wild on power …

4.5s, 326HP 2015 BMW M135i xDrive Gives Supercar Thrills for VW Golf Bills

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 16, 2015, 9 am by Tom Burkart

The new BMW 1-Series just came out, and it is a really cool evolution of the rear-drive compact hatch. The premise is the same as before: sports-car thrills, VW Golf bills. The new model range is a three-door and five-door hatch to start, with a future four-door sedan headed to the US market. We are unlikely to see either of the hatchback styles, but the five-door might theoretically be in the cards for the US market as well. Engines start with the 116d, and extend up to the 118, 120, 125 and finally the 135i at the top of the …

2016 Cadillac CT6 A No-Show in Detroit, but CTS-V Heals All Wounds

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 13, 2015, 11 am by Tom Burkart

How excited were we to see the new Cadillac CT6 flagship at the Detroit auto show press conference? *Very* We have been refreshing the Cadillac media website throughout the CTS-V introduction, hoping the new flagship photos would be live momentarily. After all, Cadillac announced months ago that the CT6 would make a Detroit reveal. But all that might have been before new Caddy President Johan de Nysschen (far right in below photo) took the reins of the brand. Our hunch is that he had some last-minute tweaks to the CT6 that are still being implemented. We hope one of them …

2015 Infiniti Q60 Concept – Private Debut in Detroit Shows Swanky Cabin and ~440HP V6TT

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 11, 2015, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

The 2015 Infiniti Q60 Concept is here! Absolutely miraculous style and luxury shown here, with the power to back it up. The styling concept is said to be 98-percent of the finished product, sans a few of the more extravagant details like the super-lux pearlescent paint, much of the carbon-fiber in the bumpers, and things like the etched fiber-optic amber blinker lights in front. The uncut gemstone lens of the main beam headlights are particularly fascinating in their style appeal, but are also likely to fall by the wayside for production. Even so, the real 2016 Q60 Coupe promises something …

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible Is Official! 75 Images + Tech Specs

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 11, 2015, 11 am by Tom Burkart

Buick revealed a surprise production car today ahead of its live debut at the Detroit auto show tomorrow: the very sexy Cascada convertible. The Cascada is a surprise only in part: the car is a clone of its European Vauxhall and Opel Cascada twins, and arrives as a Buick production model to dealers in early in the 2016 calendar year. So while the car might not be a total shock, seeing Buick integrate it into the US lineup is relatively big news. It joins the current Regal as a fully autobahn-ready Buick with premium cabin, performance and handling. This sexy …

Volvo S60 XC Marks Return of the SUS!

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 8, 2015, 7 am by Tom Burkart

The SUS lives! Sport Utility Sedans are a rare breed indeed. Only a few hundred of the original Subaru Outback Sedan were made and sold in core Subie markets like Vermont and Colorado in the late 1990s. Volvo’s new S60 XC entry will head to Detroit and then nationwide as a fun niche model for the brand. The Cross Country style actually looks amazing on the S60 sedan shell – and we’re eager to spot the rare and elusive SUS Volvo in the wild later in 2015…! Volvo S60 XC Volvo takes Cross Country brand into sedan territory Volvo Cars …

Update3 – INFINITI Q60 Concept – 30 Photos

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 6, 2015, 9 am by Tom Burkart

Updated 1.6.2015 Second update today with 22 more photos. These appear to be some kind of leak. A few more photos of the upcoming Q60 Concept have appeared online, but not officially from Infiniti yet. Usually, with a massive leak like this, a car will then debut online shortly afterward. It hurts a brand to have people deciding on its style merits based on extremely low-quality digital renderings like these. So, is this concept the real-deal 2016 Q60 arriving in late summer 2015? Yes. Excluding a few tiny details like the glass roof and the inner bumper details, this is …

Update1 – INFINITI Q60 Concept Previews Striking New 2016 Sports Coupe

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 5, 2015, 9 am by Tom Burkart

Updated 1.5.2015 with second teaser image. When it rains, it pours! Infiniti just teased a gorgeous new Gran Turismo prototype and now is showing some ankle on its new Q60 Coupe. This concept is headed for Detroit and is said to be nearly 98-percent of what the real-life Q60 Coupe will be when introduced in August as a 2016 model. The most action is of course around the doors and glasshouse, where the Q60 has a far more expressive and aggressive roofline and C-pillar treatment versus its sibling, the Q50 sedan. The lower front wheel-arch also shows a dramatic …

1958 Porsche 356 Carrera Zagato Speedster Is Worlds Only Aluminum-Bodied Example

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 3, 2015, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Zagato Classic has recreated their first-ever Porsche project here: a 356 Speedster that was lightened and made quicker for a racing customer in Paris. The tailfins are particularly delightful as functional and style-enhancing elements, as is the lower and lighter windshield. If you are thinking: hey, this Zagato 356 Speedster actually looks much more like the 550 Spyder — you are correct. The commission of a new aluminum body for the steel-skinned 356 meant Zagato could make the car as streamlined as Porsche’s most-successful racer ever (at the time): the 550. Shown below on the grass, you can see the …

Design Talent Showcase – 2020 Lamborghini Perdigon by Ondrej Jirec

February 17, 2019, 7 pmJanuary 2, 2015, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

The Cadillac Estill design vision from last week is not the only incredible future exotic designed by Ondrej Jirec recently. While in his final years as a student at the Art College of Design in Pasadena, Jirec has also been dreaming of future Lamborghini’s. But his dreams turn out far better than any study-hall doodle we could ever achieve… that is for sure. This Gallardo-sized Lamborghini looks fairly traditional from the nose, but is actually a mean and deconstructed beast with ultra-short overhands, complex leading edges, and a full glass canopy. The first thing that hits your eye is the …

2012 AC 378GT by ZAGATO – Animated Visualizer of 25 Custom, Race-Inspired Liveries

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 31, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

The Zagato design of the AC 378GT is actually remarkably sexy and fresh, even five years since it was first previewed in 2009. To add buzz and sales momentum to the AC Cars branding, the Italian design boutique created 25 stunning liveries to inspire supercar buyers. There are some really sexy ideas for paint and trims in here. Sure, it might not have been make-or-break in the car’s (very) limited production run, but they are cool to see in one of our animated visualizers. These two animations below are extra cool because they are synced up – with each of …

Bespoke Supercars – 2012 AC 378GT by ZAGATO

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 31, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

ZAGATO has been in a front-engine-GT mood recently, and the AC 378GT was the only one in a series of sexy designs that was produced for sale. This AC Cars 378GT was initially conceived as a new sports-car brand called Perana. With a tubular steel chassis and full engineering by Zagato, the car was thisclose to production form when Perana suddenly ran out of cash in the midst of the 2008-present economic meltdown. Step in, AC Cars, a German and English consortium importing and selling South African-made Cobra MkVI models of various sizes and specifications. The resemblance of the …

Concept Flashback – 2005 Chrysler Firepower Was HEMI Viper With An Automatic

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 31, 2014, 8 am by Tom Burkart

As we wrote that headline, it seemed to come across as a scoffing sacrilege to have a Viper chassis with a V8 and automatic. But truly, the opposite is true. The Firepower’s time has come. Three reasons: — Corvette sales this generation have been split 70/30 in favor of the automatic transmission. —-> Viper does not offer an automatic — For nearly all owners, a 6.1-liter V8 would be more than plenty to give true supercar performance —-> The Viper’s 8.4-liter V10 is a major cost center for the vehicle, which in this generation stickers from $100,000 and up. — …

2015 BULTACO Rapitan and Rapitan Sport Bring Are EV Superbikes To Take On Ducati

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 23, 2014, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

EV is Electric Vehicle. How about an Electric Bike? Would this category be EB’s? A handful of electric motorcycles have been released so far, but only in extremely limited numbers with a super-premium price. With its flagship concepts the Rapitan and Rapitan Sport, Bultaco hopes to democratize the silent and super-torquey motocycle market. Production is coming along nicely since the launch Brinco pedal/EV hybrid started taking orders this month. A new distrubition deal with extreme sports retailer Ski World in Madrid and Barcelona is just the start. Watch this space for production updates of the new Bultaco superbikes in the …

BMW Motorcycles Evolution Since 1923 – Animated Timeline Via 20 Iconic Bikes

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 18, 2014, 10 pm by Tom Burkart

The history of BMW Motorrad is actually the story of the evolution of the motorcycle in general. Giant leaps of innovation are clear to see about every dozen years, but the BMW innovation throughout keeps moving the two-wheel world forward at warp speed. For a non-bikes guy like me and perhaps you, the names and styles are all a bit perplexing. We have labelled all the main bike photos to help make it all a bit clearer. The pre-war bikes in particular are hard to distinguish at first without the labels. So which is your favorite? We’d pick …

2016 Acura NSX Production Model Coming to Detroit! First 4 Images

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 17, 2014, 8 am by Tom Burkart

In less than one month, we will see and hear the all-new production Acura NSX at the Detroit show! Check out the four teaser images below for a look at this exciting new supercar. We have run the teaser images through Photoshop to see all the hidden details — and it is mighty enticing. Watch this space for all the latest NSX news. 2016 Acura NSX Acura NSX production model to make world debut at 2015 North American International Auto Show The production version of the highly anticipated Acura NSX supercar, successor to the legendary original NSX, will make its …

1969 Mercedes-Benz C111 and 1970 C111-II: Wankel vs V8 Proved Piston-Engine Dominance

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 15, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated 12.15.14 Including the first two C111 prototype designs here: the C111 proper from 1969 with a Wankel engine, and a C111-II running a 3.5-liter V8. The way to tell them apart is that the V8-powered C111-II has open spaces in the rear flying pillars, while the C111-I has louvered and solid-looking pillars. 1969 Mercedes-Benz C111 and 1970 C111-II PREVIOUS The Mercedes-Benz C111 was a sports-car vision revealed in the late 1960s with a slant-nosed, mid-engine design far removed from any Mercedes passenger vehicle. It was part of the continuing quest to broaden the Mercedes brand into …

INFINITI Q60 Concept Previews Striking New 2016 Sports Coupe

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 12, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

When it rains, it pours! Infiniti just teased a gorgeous new Gran Turismo prototype and now is showing some ankle on its new Q60 Coupe. This concept is headed for Detroit and is said to be nearly 98-percent of what the real-life Q60 Coupe will be when introduced in August as a 2016 model. The most action is of course around the doors and glasshouse, where the Q60 has a far more expressive and aggressive roofline and C-pillar treatment versus its sibling, the Q50 sedan. The lower front wheel-arch also shows a dramatic vent between the tire opening and the …

201MPH 1977 Mercedes-Benz C111-III Diesel World Speed Record Car

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 9, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

The Mercedes-Benz C111 was a sports-car vision revealed in the late 1960s with a slant-nosed, mid-engine design far removed from any Mercedes passenger vehicle. It was part of the continuing quest to broaden the Mercedes brand into new segments, in this case the supercar market. We will cover the orange-colored C111 and C111-2 models in a later article. This post is dedicated to the much-later iteration on the theme from 1977 and 1978. The original C111’s Wankel engine was shelved indefinitely by the early 1970s, and production of the car was a non-starter due to dramatic Wankel failures in Audi …

Concept Flashback – 2003 Cadillac Sixteen Hoped to Join $100k+ Limo Segment

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 6, 2014, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

The Cadillac Sixteen created a huge, huge stir around the world after its reveal in early 2003. This was shortly after the Rolls-Royce Phantom had been reborn in its ultra-long and cab-backward style, and the world was even more gaga for the Sixteen. Cadillac trotted the car around the world at least thrice to attend every major auto show you could ever name. Fashion and lifestyle agazines wrote about it. Famous photographers snapped it in famous places. All this love came out of left field, to be honest. No one in the $100,000-plus luxury car market of 2003 would ever, …

Concept Flashback – 2002 Cadillac Cien XV12 – Halo Hypercar Back in Product Plans?

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 6, 2014, 6 pm by Tom Burkart

Cadillac in 2002 was just, just starting to reclaim its place in the luxury car ranks. Long blighted by horribly-engineered boats that failed every objective and subjective comparison with any true luxury brand, Cadillac was finally committing to rear-drive and actual merits as a corporate philoshophy. The new Art & Science tagline for the brand’s style — coined by Leo Burnett Chicago — needed an exemplar. People were thrilled by the Catera-replacing CTS but the brand needed a real shove upmarket. And fast. Enter stage left: the 2002 Cadillac Ciel concept running a mid-engine XV12 Northstar of 7.5-liters. It was …

2014 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf Unveiled in Dubai with DB10-Influencing Nose

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 4, 2014, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated 12.5.14 Well, big day for Aston Martin! The new DB10 was front and center for the SPECTRE cast announcements, with director Sam Mendez pulling back the silk cloth on Aston’s future sportscar. Not a moment too soon!? Aston has been endlessly jabbed for their reheated styles in the last few years. But what we all may have forgotten is that we *love* that current style. But time moves onward and so does Aston. The new DB10 makes much more sense in the context of the limited-release Lagonda by Q Branch for 2014. This car is absolutely intense from many …

Concept Flashback – 2011 Chevrolet Miray Roadster Was Chevy Europe Halo Sportster

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 3, 2014, 11 pm by Tom Burkart

Chevy Europe! Eeek. Remember that adventure? The ManU jerseys are definitely bow-tie-blazing this year, thanks to a huge a executive media marketing decision that costs General Motors more than half a billion dollars. During that rush of launching Chevrolet as a global brand — including Europe — the Opel Germany teams were suddenly tasked with a variety of extremely mundane projects. One extra sexy spinoff project slipped through the net for Frankfurt 2011, however. It was called Miray and is a breathtaking roadster vision. Designed in the same zeitgeist as the BMW i8 Roadster and Porsche 918 Spyder, the Miray …

HD Track Drive Review – 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Is Powerful But Huge And Floaty

February 22, 2019, 3 pmDecember 3, 2014, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

HD Track Drive Review – 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Updated 12.3.14 With Additional Photos We were slightly embarrassed to come back from Chicago the other month with zero in-focus photos of the Challenger R/T we took for hot track laps. Luckily, another chance presented itself. Certainly a cool machine in the flesh — but the R/T is a luxury car without the sharp handling of the latest Mustangs and Camaro’s. It takes a few ticks toward the Hellcat for the Challenger to add suspension composure to this menacing muscle-coupe style. PREVIOUS We were thrilled to get in the new Challenger …

2015 Chevrolet Trax Arriving in January With Base Price of $21,000

February 17, 2019, 7 pmDecember 1, 2014, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated 12.1.14 The Chevy Trax is arriving to Chevy dealers very, very soon! As these latest photos and top 20 features below show, Chevy is eager to make Trax in the compact crossover market sales charts! We were pretty far below the Trax’s actual prices in our ballpark below of $19k to $25k — the Trax will actually start from $21,000 as a front-drive and $22,500 with AWD. Simple trim levels at least mean the LTZ AWD will not be much of a jump up the price ladder – with our new estimate being $27,000 with every available option. Fuel …

Best of Awards – 2016 Mazda CX-5 Goes From Good To Great

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 21, 2014, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

The Mazda CX-5 just went from one of the best crossovers available to perhaps the single best under $30,000. The changes for 2016 include a freshened exterior via a more premium dark-grey grille in a smaller shape, dark-accented wheels and more body-colored accents. Stylish new LED lighting in a cool and expressive design are standard front and rear, plus LED main beam headlamps for the first time. These Adaptive LED Headlights are part of a suite of new safety tech for the CX-5 and a redesigned cabin infotainment setup. Mazda MZD, this new tech package has a larger screen and …

2014 Renault-Dacia DUSTER OROCH Shows 4WD Pickup-Truck Potential For Value Brand

February 17, 2019, 7 pmNovember 17, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

Dacia’s line-up of cheap but sturdy models is expanding rapidly. Sure, you know the Logan sedan and the Duster SUV — but there lineup is much deeper than just two cars. The variations on these models mean Dacia now offers its unique brand of low-cost and hardy mechanicals in no less than ten passenger-car models and three light commercial vehicles. Dacia (pronounced “Da-Cha”) models are sold in select markets as Renaults — hence the badges on this car for Sao Paolo. Dacia Logan Pickup The Duster Oroch is a logical extension of the Duster platform — with a short-box …

HD Track Drive Review – 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Is Powerful But Huge And Floaty

February 22, 2019, 3 pmOctober 28, 2014, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Updated 10.28.14 With Track Drive Video We were thrilled to get in the new Challenger for some hot laps around Autobahn Country Club — and extra happy it was a V8! But despite being near the top of the range of many Challengers for 2015, this R/T automatic was greatly outclassed by serious sports cars. The R/T felt fast, but also enormously floaty and very heavy around all corners. There was an odd sense of height in the car at all times – like it was riding too high and had a lofty center of gravity as well. In corners, …

BMW X Model SUVs Celebrate 15-Year Anniversary Ahead of X7 Launch

February 17, 2019, 8 pmOctober 18, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

What a kerfuffle the BMW X5 created! Between when the X5 was revealed in 1999 and began arriving in the US as a 2000 model-year, people were seriously up-in-arms. They were angry and skeptical and vocal critics. Why would any BMW SUV ever seem logical, they said. How could an SUV maintain the BMW driving style epitomized by the well-liked 3, 5 and 7 series luxury cars? But all that came to a sharp stop the moment you sat in the X5’s driver seat — or any of its five seats, frankly. Led by the 4.4-liter V8 engine and its …

Update2 New Photos – 2015 Peugeot 508 Facelifted With New LED DRLs, Box-Design Beams and Tweaked Cabin Tech

February 17, 2019, 8 pmSeptember 25, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

My passion for great LED lighting is spiraling out of control. It seems, lately, that a new headlight design with some flashy LEDs is enough to win my favor. But am I alone? LED lighting and headlights are by far the easiest piece of a car for the manufacturers to update — no new sheetmetal is required at all in many cases. But the impact on the 30-percent of the time spent driving in the dark or dusk? A totally transformed car. This new 508 is more than an LED refresh – and includes various new shapes for the grille …

Updated with 30 New Photos – 2015 MINI 5-Door Answers the Call of Back-Seaters Everywhere!

February 17, 2019, 8 pmSeptember 23, 2014, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Updated 9.23.14 What is the back-seaters’ call? “Let us out!” ? That is not exactly the MINI Cooper’s fun-loving style! Back-seat whiners have typically just wanted to stretch their legs a little bit, but been stuck until one of the fancy front-seaters will move their tush and let the seat slide up to an open slice of door. The 2015 MINI five-door hatch promises modest solutions to both problems via an extra set of rear doors on the silly-fun urban classic. The latest MINI model is far more approachable in every way, with its turbocharged standard triple delivering more MPG …

Update1 Racing Heritage: the Silver Arrows from Mercedes-Benz (100+ Rare Photos)

February 17, 2019, 8 pmSeptember 20, 2014, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

Imagine a combination of all forms of racing – off-road to high-speed – done by one core chassis design. During the 1930s, the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows were storming every type of racing one could imagine: both competitively in Formula races and for world record attempts outside the circuit. This sent the Silver Arrows up hillclimb events, on ultimate Vmax runs, and even a few winter setups that included a dually rear wheel and a closed shell cockpit at one point. All these variants were highly ingenious engineering achievements around one core chassis design. The open-wheel profile of any …

‘Little Volvo’ PV444 Celebrates 70th Anniversary In Charming Retrospective

February 17, 2019, 8 pmSeptember 10, 2014, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

Volvo has come a long way in the last few weeks – selling out the launch edition of the new XC70 in less than 48-hours and poised to grow its market share across the globe. These new products are whole-heartedly Volvo’s to the core. But what is that core? Outside Sweden, the ubiquity of the PV444 was never an issue. Despite being a huge hit in the domestic market, the PV444 is exceptionally rare in the US today, where the car was imported by the mid 1950s. If VW has their Beetle, and Citroen the DS, and BMW the 2002 …

Update2 With 20 New Photos – 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe Priced from $116k

February 17, 2019, 8 pmAugust 31, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

Update2 8.31.14 The new S550 Coupe is super posh and low in person, with a fantastic cabin. It can be hard to tell it from the S63 AMG, and S65 AMG – so here is a comparison. 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC and S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe Quick Reference Guide Customer Availability & Pricing S550 4MATIC Coupe – Fall 2014; Pricing TBA (MY14: CL550 4MATIC starts at $116,600) S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe – Fall 2014; Pricing TBA (MY14: CL63 AMG starts at $154,600) S65 AMG Coupe – Embargo lifts July 2014 (MY14: CL65 starts at $215,500) …

Updated USA Debut – 2014 BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept – Design Analysis

February 17, 2019, 8 pmAugust 27, 2014, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated 8.27.14 The fact that the BMW Vision Future Luxury concept headed to Beijing this Spring instead of to the concurrent New York show says quite a bit about its market-makers. This machine needs to be successful in China. Period. As the biggest growth opportunity, China represents perhaps the only non-American and non-German (domestic) volume market for ultra-luxury sedans in the coming decade. But while the Chinese limo shopper has whole-heartedly adopted the Audi brand, BMW and Mercedes-Benz find themselves playing second fiddle. At the same time, the VFL concept needs to revive the unpopular current 7 series in the …

2015 Lexus RC-F Ultra Sexy in Red – Flawless Animations + 122 Photos

February 17, 2019, 8 pmAugust 17, 2014, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated 8.17.14 with 122 Pebble Beach photos. Lexus is the official vehicle of the Pebble Beach golf courses and the Lodge hotel – so a few delicious RC Coupes were on hand this week for the big concours. The RC-F is absolutely unreal in person. It looks like it wants to rip down from its shown stand and do a huge smokey burn-out. This is a supercoupe that out-muscles supercars. Previous: The hottest Lexus since the LFA has just landed in America: the RC F coupe takes all the race-ready V8 power and rear-drive performance from the previous IS F, …

Update1 – The Porsche Story in 99 Rare Photos – A Legacy of Victory

February 17, 2019, 8 pmAugust 12, 2014, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

Porsche is ambitious to a fault. It is a core brand trait to excel in almost every single way – To the point where many thought a win at LeMans this year was almost an inevitability. Preparation, research, expertise and brilliance…. Equals: Porsche Racing. So when the 919 suffered out on the track, it was partial global surprise and partial relief. I mean, if Porsche could come in and snatch the title from Audi after 12 near-consecutive wins for Audi Motorsport — what does that really “say” about Audi? Nothing too flattering. So a bit of a relief, a bit …

Updated With 44 Real-Life Photos – 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe Includes Overboost and 5.6s 0-60 Sprint.. As a 2.0T!

February 17, 2019, 8 pmAugust 11, 2014, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated With 44 Real-Life Photos Talk about a huge letdown. The ATS Coupe packs an unbelievable amount of dullness into a two-door shape. What a snooze this car is. The latest media drive photos only confirm our earlier assertion: http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/07/03/op_ed-2015-cadillac-ats-coupe-is-boring/ Cadillac really dropped the ball on every single CTS and ATS trim and style decision. This car looks about as cool as a rented Impala Classic. 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe One of the most promising elements of the Cadillac ATS Coupe is that it adds platform rigidity and performance focus to this new contender in the hotshot exec coupe segment. …

Is Now The Smartest Time To Buy a 2014 Ford F-150? New Truck This Winter Bringing BEST DEALS EVER on Current Models

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 13, 2014, 10 am by Tom Burkart

This is somewhat counter-intuitive for a car news writer to ask – but I’m sure the thought has crossed your mind at some point as well. Here is the scenario: You want and need a new truck. New F-150 looks awesome, so you have been waiting to see it come out before you decide whether to buy one. But here is an alternative scenario: Save yourself $10,000 or more buy snapping up one of the 2014-model-year trucks — loaded to the gills and priced to move. Tempting, right? As new as the 2015 F-150 is, the 2014 truck is still …