First Drive Photos

2014 Superformance LOLA MkII Can-Am Spyder at Olthoff Racing12

Dream Garage – Superformance LOLA MkIII Can-Am Spyders

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Lola racecars are extremely special for their value-for-money today, racing pedigree, and also their incredibly timeless grace and beauty. This was a racing team directly formed in the late 1950s with one goal: build a car from scratch to win LeMans. The resulting semi-monocoque chassis design – now known as a unibody – was revolutionary at the time of frame-based racers from nearly every other racing company and nearly every single road car. A semi-monocoque? Oh yes. The other part is also pretty advanced for the time: a steel spaceframe for the engine and rear suspension cradle. In fact, the …

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HD First Drive Review – 2015 Audi A3 1.8T Sedan

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 The Audi A3 family is pretty massive for 2015 – with the new sedan just the first in the offensive that will include the A3/S3 Cabrio, A3 Sportback and Sportback Hybrid, an S3 sedan and even the Q3 mini SUV. So there is a lot riding on this compact exec’s shoulders – not least a worry that it might be overpriced and under-amazing. But that is not the case in the slightest. What we discovered after flogging Audi’s latest machine around Lake Lanier, Georgia last week is a fun, peppy car with outstanding driving characteristics, very intuitive steering, and a …

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2015 Unimog U5023 Gains Even-More-Hardcore Off-Road Equipment Package

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Updated 11.11.14 As if the Unimog U5023 range-topper were not extreme enough for you… the sexy new flagship of the Unimog range can now be equipped with  a special off-roading package shown below. Giant tires and huge new wheel flares mark out the toughest and most-capable trucks in the world. The U4023 and U5023 are the freshest of the Unimog family visually thanks to that sweet new single-bar grille and a Mercedes star logo that is as big as a large pizza — and stares down at you from above eye level! Included below is the full write-up of the …

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3.2s 2015 Tesla Model D Arriving in February With AWD and AutoPilot in 60D, 85D and 85D Performance Trims

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Pretty exciting news last night from Tesla! The Model S is now available with a dual-mode AWD system that boosts mileage by 10-percent and is a $4,500 option on all three battery sizes of the Model S. Few changes outside except a small radar box in the lower nose of the Model D, along with new badges out back. Inside, updated systems integrate a new AutoPilot automated drive mode — but we are still awaiting official details from Tesla on the functionality of the system. Overall, we expect lane-keeping assist, full-speed cruise control with city braking as new convenience and …

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2015 INFINITI QX80 Pebble Beach Photos + Specs, Options, Pricing, Colors

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UPDATED 9.1.14 with 2015 QX80 Photos from Pebble Beach   When planning this article, I cannot help but think of the QX80 is a ‘reliable Range Rover,’ a smoother and better-handling Land Cruiser, or an Escalade with actual class. But throwing sand never wins any points in life. So let’s stick to the high road with this newly-renamed QX56 model for 2014. A few extra packages enter the fray for 2014, including a huge number of laser/radar and sonar-based active safety elements as standard — and even more with the optional Tech Package. 400-horsepower through a seven-speed automatic continues with …

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Updated With 188 New Images – Road Test Review – 2013 BMW 535i M Sport – Animated Visual Buyers Guide

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Updated 7.29.14 with 188 new images Update info: BMW GLOBAL The BMW 5 series is incredibly trim-sensitive. It can obviously look amazing in full M5 track apparel, but looks very lonesome and humdrum in the low-range 528i and even 535i without the M Sport package. As a strong indication that this four-year-old model range is on the way out next year — there are hardly any new BMW press photos of the car since 2011. So we turned to the BMW.com global site configurators to try and make an amazing-looking 535i or, even better, a 550i. Even *more* recent update! …

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Updated with 60 New Photos – 2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Gets RESULTS with 580HP and 3.9s Sprint

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If the goal of the Z/28 is to get some respect for the Camaro’s performance and track speed, the goal of the ZL1 is to get results out on the street. With 580-horsepower from the supercharged LSA V8, an available automatic with fool-proof launch control, and magnetic shocks as standard — the ZL1 is the easiest performance bargain on the market. Notably, the way the Z/28 has delivered most of its sheer pace is through weight reduction and detail handling tweaks over the ZL1. Dropped luxuries like the optional Kicker audio and ZL1 subwoofer will be missed, along with all …

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2015 Lexus IS250 and IS350 Still Gorgeous – Now With LED Foglamps and Heated Steering Wheel for AWD Models

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Is the Lexus IS one of the best-looking, best-made and best-sounding luxury cars on the market? Yes, yes it is. The BMW 320i is competing hard on price with the entry-level IS250 this year, as the Audi A3 is nosing into the fray as well. But none look quite as sexy or dynamic is this rear-drive Lexus. Below are photos from a quick spin in the Fall with the IS350 AWD, plus 60 official press shots — with the car looking outstanding in nearly all of them! Below are the full details on the 2015 update – which does not …

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 in 102 Super-High-Res Photos near Autobahn Country Club

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 in 102 Photos The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is poised to be the absolute hottest sports car for 2014, with pricing just below $70,000, carbon-fiber galore, and even the handy targa roof panel that stows in the trunk. During our chance to test out this incredible car, we were astounded by its amazing chassis rigidity, vastly improved touch points all around, and the easy performance on offer. Even after driving a Viper and a few other tasty machines, the pure joy of hearing the Corvette howl through its vocal range is deeply memorable. Enjoy these photos …

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Update1 – Road Test Review – $32k 2015 Audi A3 Sedan 1.8T FWD

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Updated 6.23.14 with 40 New Photos 2015 Audi A3 Sedan Review  The Audi A3 family is pretty massive for 2015 – with the new sedan just the first in the offensive that will include the A3/S3 Cabrio, A3 Sportback and Sportback Hybrid, an S3 sedan and even the Q3 mini SUV. So there is alot riding on this compact exec’s shoulders – not least the expectation that it might be overpriced and under-amazing. But that is not the case in the slightest. What we discovered after flogging Audi’s latest machine around Lake Lanier, Georgia last week is a fun, peppy …

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Road Test Review – 2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited 2WD Is Low and Sexy

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A two-wheel-drive 4Runner? Why? I might have asked myself the same thing if it weren’t 95-degrees of scorching sun in South Carolina today. In places like this, the usefulness of four-wheel-drive is extremely limited. 2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited 2WD … Is Sexy?   Yes, it is. Especially in this white with dark windows – the new 4Runner Limited is quite a looker. The benefits of rear-drive for the 4Runner make it a real stand-out in the seven-seat segment — the vast majority of other crossovers are front-drive machines that can be AWD when equipped. Standard rear-drive is a blessing for …

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Update1 70 Real Life Photos – 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 Debuts All-New Configurator

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The new Maserati Ghibli (pronounced ‘ghee-blee’) configurator is really excellent — with far more choices for the exterior and interior than anticipated. Over a dozen exterior colors, six wheel choices, four brake caliper colors and a sport pack are available outside. 1967 Ghibli   2014 Maserati Ghibli – White Wheels   Brake Calipers 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 – Black Indoors — the Italian craftsmanship idea really blossoms. Six leathers are available for the seats, five themes for the dashboard, four accent materials like wood or carbon-fiber, and even special carpet and headliner colors. Is this information overload for an …

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Road Test Review – 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet – Buyers Guide to Specs, Pricing and Equipment

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      Here are some road testing videos I took near Autobahn Country Club in Illinois last September. This car is surprisingly-awesome Some full-throttle sprints are included in the last two videos. Part One: Leaving the Gates Part Two: Spotting a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. Look Closely Near Middle of Video…! Part Three: Quick Sprint Demonstration Optional LED Star 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet – Exterior Gallery 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet – Interior Gallery 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet – Details from MBusa.com

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2015 BMW 740Ld Joins 7-series Lineup – Pricing, Specs and Must-Have Options

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The previous article here on Car-Revs-Daily.com slammed the BMW 7 Series for its loss of focus since the wretched third-gen car stole my hope and courage and aspirations with its vile redesign. This is now the fifth-gen car, introduced in 2012. Is is all better? No. Is it much better? Yes. 2015 BMW 740Ld Joins 7-series Lineup – Pricing, Specs and Must-Have Options But let’s get a bit more real for this one. Is it or was it ever a bad car, or just one that is trying to change with the times? Change is hard. It really is. That …

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2014 JAGUAR XFR -- Driving Review with Full-Throttle Rolling Sprint + Exhaust Bellow 2

2014 Jaguar XFR Video Review – Full-Throttle Sprint + Exhaust Bellow

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The XFR was much better to drive and far more rapid than expected. This first video gets really good about 2/3 of the way through — at which point I paddle down to second gear before flipping to first and flooring the throttle. Both of our heads hit headrest with AMG-style torque as 510-horsepower brings its full might to the table. Very entertaining, the XFR is, with barely a whistle of supercharger whine to accompany this massive velvet knockout punch. Here is the exhaust note.  2014 jaguar xfr review

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Road Test Review – 2014 Ford Escape SE 1.6 EcoBoost – Scores a C+ Overall – Slow, Pricey and Uncomfortable

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The Ford Escape is still an excellent crossover and a solid choice for a huge group of buyers – from the base $23,000 Escape S to the loaded Titanium AWD 2.0-liter EcoBoost, there is really something for everyone. But has time been kind to the Escape — in a segment filled with new entries like the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue? Let’s dive in with a structure of Exterior, Interior, Powertrain and Summary. EXTERIOR The style of the Escape still looks great even three years since the car’s first appearance on the market. It is a …

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White Dynamite – 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4Matic S-Model

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What is it about white cars lately? Perhaps because white was previously the cheapest paint known the man, it got a rough reputation for being about as classy as a burned-out Econoline van. But the new white is indeed new. It is deeper, richer, whiter and ultimately a slinky color that even looks good dirty and at night. It is The Color. The Car? The new E63 AMG 4Matic S-Model.   The BMW M5 might claim a faster Nurburgring lap time, but lags a full half-second behind this bad-ass Benz in 60-mph sprints: 3.7s plays 4.2s. That is a big …

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Road Test Review w/ Pricing and Specs – 2014 Mazda3 Grand Touring

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We were amazed with the all-new 2014 Mazda3 from the moment we laid eyes on it – especially the slinky and low-slung sedan variant that just arrived this Spring to Mazda dealers nationwide. After some joyful driving of the loaded 2014 Mazda3 s Grand Touring model, it is clear that the praise we shared in the “2014’s Smartest Compact” article was not sufficient. This might be the best car on the market in general, with no caveats for size or price. It is that good. I am struggling to convey how outstanding a machine it is in all regards — …

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MEGA Road Test Review – 2014 Lexus GX460 Driven Back-to-Back with 2015 Tahoe LTZ

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INTRO For road testers as well as shoppers, there is a huge benefit in driving two considered vehicles back-to-back, with insights and detail differences coming to the surface that might not have been noticeable before. The closer the competition in terms of quality and specifications — the more critical it is to get a sense of each machine from the driver’s seat. Probably common sense, but a good reminder to myself nonetheless on my favorite aspect of any car magazine. So what did I notice coming right from the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe into the Lexus GX460? Find out in the …

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2014 Radical RXC Lands in America! Track Shakedown with WISKO Racing + Mega Gallery Inside/Out

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WISKO racing is based in Virginia and is an official Radical distributor in the United States — which is a bit of a relief for me as a car writer. Why? As you may note in the below photos, there is a “For Sale” placard in the windshield, which would be worrying for such a new car in any other circumstances…! But not for this amazing machine, which delivers such LeMans levels of down-force that it becomes nearly unflappable in any track scenario. All the better to put down some race-ready laptimes..! The RXC is priced from just under 100,000 …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 4WD – 150 Photos and Four 1080P GoPro Videos

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“…Come Mister Tallyman, TALLY ME BANANA… Daylight come and me wanna Tahoe…” INTRO: Is this bizarro-world where all is backwards? The 2015 Tahoe is vastly improved over the outgoing trucks in every single meaningful way. These four videos shot near Lake Lanier, Georgia last week are a testament to how smitten I was with the new Tahoe’s handling, chassis rigidity and quietness, interior overhaul and even the exterior style upgrade. But as we will outline below, there is some curious switching in the big SUV game. The Chevy’s interior is vastly superior to the Lexus GX460, but the Lexus costs …

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VIDEO: Touring the Olthoff Racing Dream Factory – Superformance GT40s and Cobras Galore

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Tucked beside a country highway in North Carolina, impossible dreams come to life in the form of howling racecar replicas from Superformance. The model year says 2014, but the dream of piloting a Le Mans car on the street generally share a birthday with a 196* starting point. Authorized and licensed by Safir Spares and Shelby American, Superformance is not a fly-by-night organization. Badges and paperwork are a sure thing with every model they sell from the dozen or so assembly and retail outlets like Olthoff Racing all over the world. But the one thing with racecar assembly versus mass-market …

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Ariel Atom Duo on Slicks at the Road Atlanta Skidpad for ATL Driving Experience

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Ariel Atom ATL Driving Experience Q: what is even quicker than an Ariel Atom at any track, worldwide? A: an Ariel Atom on racing slicks! I’ll take the blue one. You hop in the orange. Let’s do this. The Ariel Atom is well-known as the elastic fun-cooker that shook Jeremy Clarkson’s face apart around Dunsfold Air Force Base in 2007, then hung his cheeks out to dry via a high-speed blast down those world-famous TopGear runways just moments later. The Atom is now on to generation 3.5, with the much-wider track and chassis making it even more like a shrieking …

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Road Test Review – $32k 2015 Audi A3 Sedan Is Surprisingly Handsome, Modern and Fun to Flog!

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 The Audi A3 family is pretty massive for 2015 – with the new sedan just the first in the offensive that will include the A3/S3 Cabrio, A3 Sportback and Sportback Hybrid, an S3 sedan and even the Q3 mini SUV. So there is alot riding on this compact exec’s shoulders – not least the expectation that it might be overpriced and under-amazing. But that is not the case in the slightest. What we discovered after flogging Audi’s latest machine around Lake Lanier, Georgia last week is a fun, peppy car with outstanding driving characteristics, very intuitive steering, and a contender …

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Mustang 50th Favorites – 1968 Ford Drag Team – Mustang 428 Cobra Jet in Wimbledon White

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It is impossible to very the authenticity of this car as a 428 Cobra Jet model without a thorough VIN inspection in multiple places, but we are leaning toward “Homage” versus “Original.” That is no bad thing when considering the care and exhaustive effort to bring this Mustang up to ‘Winternationals 1968’ spec – where eight Cobra Jet Mustangs joined the drag racing pit area, for a combined 3000-plus Mustang horsepower from each car’s FE engine making 390-horsepower. This was a real shock to the shock the competing teams, generally equipped with one car (total) plus one backup engine. The …

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Fatcat Chic – Design Comparison ~1965 JAGUAR Mark 10 vs. 2014 XJL 3.0 AWD

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The Jaguar Mark 10, or Mark X in Roman numerals, was such an odd sight that I honestly had no idea what it was until just researching it now. Not only have I not seen one, I have never even read about one. In photos, it might be easy to mistake the Mark 10 car for a 1950s Jaguar saloon car. But not in real life. This Jag is quite enormous – with the upright and tall bodywork of Rolls-Royce and Bentley fame. This (estimated) 1965 car is huge and outrageous in person. It looks like a meld of the …

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Exclusive World Debut – 2014 Superlite SLC Le Mans Spyder – $70k, 430HP V8, Porsche Trans and 2200 Pounds Total!

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Unless I am in Chicago traffic from O’Hare to Wrigleyville, I rarely like to toot my own horn. But the Superlite SLC Le Mans world debut might be a seriously exclusive piece of supercar news – seen only by readers of Car-Revs-Daily.com, so far. Why? The Spyder (or Roadster) SLC Le Mans is absolutely brand new and has never before been shown in public. This is the first complete prototype of the full Le Mans Spyder bodystyle of the Superlite SLC Coupe, an it is magnificent. Completed with a Chevrolet LS3 V8 engine and Porsche transaxle by H Craft Customs …

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1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 Racecar Awaits Engine Buildout at Charlotte Motor Speedway

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  A few issues in the video above, namely that when I am in the engine compartment noting the steering components. I refer to the “rack” of the typical modern rack-and-pinion steering setup. The original Mustang ran a worm-gear setup, which goes a long way toward explaining the factory car’s waywardness on the road (versus a modern car.) This recreated and not-original Shelby GT350 racecar build is just about the ideal starting point for most people. Almost any engine, transmission and interior setup are feasible with such a clean example like this. 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 Racecar  

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2015 INFINITI QX60 Buyers Guide – Pricing, Specs and Features – AWD Hybrid Highly Recommended

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There was a time when the Hybrid models in many car ranges were much more of a style and eco-conscience type of choice. The biggest example of this paradox of the Hybrid actually being a far worse machine, but much more successful with consumers, is the Lexus RX350 versus the RX450h. The RX Hybrid is so ubiquitous that it is easy to forget the standard model still exists! But is it a better car? That is very open to debate – as the Lexus system of AWD with electric power to the back axle is less-than-helpful in many slick road …

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Speculative Renderings – 2014 Superformance GT40 Can-Am Spyder or Street-Able Convertible

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So, if the Ford GT40 and the LOLA T70 Mk II Spyder share so much under the skin, and if the Lola is already available from Superformance — why bother with a meld of both these ideas?   Three reasons: – The Lola cars have a far smaller following among the world’s enthusiasts, and therefore are a very niche machine – If Ford had continued racing the GT40 concept after its four LeMans victories from 1966 to 1969, it is likely that the car would have adopted this style to match FIA’s rule changes. Can-Am was much closer to home …

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2014 Superformance LOLA Mk III and MkII Can-Am Spyder at Olthoff Racing – Chevy-Friendly Racing Speedster?

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Lola racecars are extremely special for their value-for-money today, racing pedigree, and also their incredibly timeless grace and beauty. This was a racing team directly formed in the late 1950s with one goal: build a car from scratch to win LeMans. The resulting semi-monocoque chassis design – now known as a unibody – was revolutionary at the time of frame-based racers from nearly every other racing company and nearly every single road car. A semi-monocoque? Oh yes. The other part is also pretty advanced for the time: a steel spaceframe for the engine and rear suspension cradle. In fact, the …

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SHELBY COBRA – How These Two Words Ultimately Killed the Ford Takeover of Ferrari in 1963

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No series of articles about the GT40 can begin without a look at how the car came to exist. A battle of spite between Ferrari and Ford? Yes. But also a battle to establish Ford as a racing powerhouse – which was a new opportunity to regain face as Chevrolet and General Motors dominated the coolest car news via Motorama shows and Corvettes in the 1950s. FROM DE-FACTO BANS ON BOTH RACING CARS AND RACY MOVIES… Racing was also heavily discouraged by the United States government of the time – until the case was made that racing improved the breed. …

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

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

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

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

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VIDEO: 1999 Lamborghini Diablo VT at Charleston Cars & Coffee — Still Crazy After All These Years

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Crazy cool… but also crazy compromised? It took a three-point-turn for this “FARM” license-plated thoroughbred to squeeze its way into this generous parking space…! The FARM plate might be a tongue-in-cheek reference to Lambo’s origins making giant tractor engines… but the car is from Lake Forrest, Illinois!  My old stomping ground… As far as curb appeal and stopping power to draw stares, little can compete with the Diablo VT.

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2014 Camaro ZL1 Convertible Blasts Off in Wild Sprint Starts — 2 In-Car and 1 HD GoPro Hood-mounted Video

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These videos really speak for themselves, do they not? They speak in a language of burnt rubber, supercharger hum and exhaust bellow — but the message is loud and clear: the ZL1 is a huge monster of a machine and a dream muscle car without a doubt. Even with an automatic… this car is a heat-seeking missile! In-Car Video of Same Launch Above First Corner…   Bonus! the Z06 Convertible is front and center in the new Chevrolet performance lineup images released today. Our United States Navy pal’s 2014 ZL1 Convertible  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition – Drake the Akita

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UPDATE: Drake is home from surgery and doing well. It is this April Fool’s birthday tomorrow and my best friend, Drake Burkart the Akita Labrador, is in surgery right now overnight for a torn ACL.   The TPLO procedure is hopefully not life-threatening, but I am very upset anyway to see him in such pain. Therefore, is a very emotional day for me, so I am going back to some all-time favorites for car-news comfort. Here is Drake. As an American Akita breed, he is something like the GT-R in many ways. Akitas in the US were generally bred with …

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HD Road Test Review – 2014 TESLA Model S 85 – Smooth Power, Great Dynamics, Unequivocal EV Brilliance

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 2014 TESLA Model S 85 Review After a scathing Op-Ed the other week about Tesla Motors’ many (perceived) shenanigans on Wall Street and in Washington: I decided it was time to get behind the wheel to experience the car itself. I registered my interest in the Model S at TeslaMotors.com and promptly received a nice phone call from Silicon Valley to help arrange things. But the nearest Tesla dealers were at least five hours away from me, so I put a pin in the Tesla test drive and went back to work on normal vehicle reviews/ keeping the website up/ …

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Road Test Review – 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet + Specs, Pricing and Options

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2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet Review Here are some road testing videos I took near Autobahn Country Club in Illinois last September. This car is surprisingly-awesome Some full-throttle sprints are included in the last two videos. Part One: Leaving the Gates Part Two: Spotting a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. Look Closely Near Middle of Video…! Part Three: Quick Sprint Demonstration Optional LED Star 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet – Exterior Gallery 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet – Interior Gallery 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet – Details from MBusa.com

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Road Test Review – 2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SEL – Great Handling, Refinement, Efficiency and Cargo Space

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2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SEL Review Looks like I shaved before taking video two (in blue shirt), which always helps to look less like a mountain man…! Second video is directly below and is a bit more interesting overall. These are from last Fall, but went unpublished due to my then-editor rejecting the story topic. This was pre-GoPro — which just proves how much easier it is to make quality content when you have a week with the car versus twenty minutes. Sadly, my long-form original review and photos of this machine were shredded via a previous Toshiba laptop. My …

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

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

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2014 INFINITI QX80 Review – Specs, Options, Pricing, Colors + 30 Real-Life Photos

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When planning this article, I cannot help but think of the QX80 is a ‘reliable Range Rover,’ a smoother and better-handling Land Cruiser, or an Escalade with actual class. But throwing sand never wins any points in life. So let’s stick to the high road with this newly-renamed QX56 model for 2014. A few extra packages enter the fray for 2014, including a huge number of laser/radar and sonar-based active safety elements as standard — and even more with the optional Tech Package. 400-horsepower through a seven-speed automatic continues with this chain-driven marvel of a V8 — and the big …

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HD Road Test Review – 2013 BMW 535i M Sport

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2013 BMW 535i M Sport Review Carmax? Oh yes. A new depth of drudgery in our quest to bring amazing car news to the world! This pre-owned BMW 535i M Sport called my name today across five lanes of traffic. I zoomed in on the beefy Alpine White/Gloss Black M Sport presence and knew: you must be mine!  

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

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

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

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Three-Part HD Road Test Review + 60 Photos -- 2014 Chevrolet Captiva Sport LT -- Euro-Capable, High-Speed EconoCross!6

Three-Part HD Road Test Review + 60 Photos — 2014 Chevrolet Captiva Sport LT — Euro-Capable, High-Speed EconoCross!

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These videos are pretty good!  I have worked hard to ‘up my game’ in terms of video production quality. Is this just a fancy way of saying: numerous camera mounts and a fresh GoPro Hero3+. But also a renewed focus on delivering high-quality, often humorous, and insightful expert automotive road tests. The results are now imminently high-quality, meaning a shower and perhaps a shave are definitely mandatory items before going in front of the 1080P lens. But while I highly recommend the GoPro Hero3+, what do I think of the 2014 Captiva Sport LT, which brings new-for-2014 touchscreen MyLink controls …

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2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid -- 30 Real-Life Photos -- Live Configurator Link + 80 Images of Options, All Colors and All Wheels 93

2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid — 30 Real-Life Photos — Live Configurator Link + 72 Images of Options, All Colors and All Wheels

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Panamera desire but also confusion? Such is life in the fast lane. This hugely-successful model has bloomed into an eight-strong fleet this year. What is new? The Turbo S, Panamera LWB, Diesel and even this all-new plug-in e-Hybrid. (Versions outlined and pricing comparisons here in previous article.) The Panamera S e-Hybrid slides in between the Panamera S and the Panamera 4S on price. Surely, luxury limo’s are passe company cars for those with more dollars than actual eco guilt? No longer. The Panamera S e-Hybrid is the first-ever plug-in luxury car in existence. Doubtful? Count them down. 1. Tesla = …

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Morris Minor V8? Yessir! Custom Racecar By 6 Proton Engineering of Jacksonville

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This car was a real head-scratcher for me — and I think everyone, everywhere — who sees it in the flesh. Wheels from a Camaro, a steering boss from the 325i, seats from a racing boat? What the heck is this gurgling, V8-powered bubble-car? Is is the bespoke work of 6 Proton Engineering, a custom fabrication shop in Northern Florida. Why? Why not! For custom fabricators like 6 Proton: anything is possible. What better way to showcase that fact than a Morris Minor V8 racer. Special thanks to chief engineer Tripp Ferrer for letting me mug for a few photos …

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

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

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2015 Porsche Macan Turbo Is Fast, Athletic and Nimble in 50+ Real-Life Photos

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  I’ve been a huge fan of the Macan since first seeing the finished show cars last Fall. With Macan S and Macan Turbo variants in the USA launch line-up — it seems like it is hard to go wrong with this latest — and sportiest-so-far — Porsche crossover. But how does its $49,900 base price feel in real life? Is that a bit steep considering the Cayenne also carries that same base price for 2014? The base pricing, as many Porsche owners know, is really just a starting point. Finding a car without a single option would be like …

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2014 McLaren 12C Spider Is Mobbed in Amelia Island! (Failed) Drop-top Animations in 39 Photos

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Sometimes, you just cannot keep people out of the frame. With supercars as desirable as the McLaren 12C Spider, that seems to happen over and over. On the huge plus side of things for McLaren, I think this gentleman bought the car that day. Why? The next day — it was replaced with a bright orange example. Lastly, POSTERS! McLaren had a few, and I sure as heck snagged one for the collection. Posters are the best-performing supercar medium on Earth. Thousands will be discarded carelessly, but a few will end up as thousand-hour staring pieces for artful dreamers and …

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

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

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Inimitable Future-Tech 2015 BMW i8 Feeling Chummy with Concept M4 and 1980 BMW M1 -- Fleming Flashbacks 20

BMW i8 and M1 — Dynamic Desktop Wallpapers — Alpha Testing Reveals… They Do Not Animate =]

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UPDATE1: These… do not work. They do not animate once set as desktop background. Sorry guys. =] We tried. A great idea from special contributor Chris Maypole yesterday! Add some downloadable desktop backgrounds! So here they are. =]   Dynamic Desktop Backgrounds — Usage Instructions: 1. Open this image in a new tab or window 2. Rightclick image   3. Select “Set As Desktop Background”   Piece of cake!  But this is a beta. I do not know if it will work on anything besides the exact type of Lenovo stinkpad I am typing on.   Sizes: 800×372 These are …

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2014 INFINITI Q50S AWD Hybrid — 1080p Road Test Videos & 50 Photos — AAA+ Refinement — Truly Authentic Steering That Beats 535i on Feel

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I worried about the new Q50 for three reasons: the name change did not sit well with me, at first the styling seemed … confused as well the steer-by-wire system’s early announcement freaked me out, because I actually drove a 2003 Q45 briefly (years ago, third-gen car with Gatling-gun HIDs) that had a   n appallingly-bad electronic throttle. The third-gen Q45’s throttle had two settings: no forward movement for first two inches of toe-tip, then a huge, huge over-surge that confused the transmission as you immediately backed off the throttle. Anyone know the big lurch I am referring to with …

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2014 Porsche 911 Targa4 -- Animated Roof Sequence + 30 High-Res Photos 21

2014 Porsche 911 Targa 4 — Animated Roof Sequence + 30 High-Res Photos

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The new 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S are fantastic additions to the already-stellar 911 sports car line. Why is this one so little? Keep reading… =] The base 911 Carrera2 is so good that it would be my choice in a heartbeat over any Cayman — even the Cayman R. But adding the drama and unique appeal of a power-retractable top section? Delicious and very tempting. Seeing it in the flesh only confirmed this intense 911 Targa longing! So where is one of my snazzy animations? I was rushing taking the photos in general, and without tripod. As a …

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HyperGallery – 2.6s Porsche 918 Spyder in 77 All-New, High-Resolution Photos

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Porsche 918 Spyder This article’s turntable is more of a DIY effort — on your part! (Excluding these first snippet spinners) Simply scroll down at your own pace to take in all of the angles we could capture on this exotic hybrid supercar. The 918 is approximately 70-percent sold, but act fast to make sure you are not left out in the cold in the upcoming hypercar rumble royales. After tonight’s TopGear feature, the Porsche team is sure to knock that sold percentage up to 80-percent! Why not sold out? Porsche will make 918 of these cars, which is 3X …

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

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

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2014 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG and S63 AMG – Jaw-Droppingly Posh in 40 Real-Life Photos

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2014 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG and S63 AMG The 2015 S-Class is set to be a giant leap over the uncomfortably-compromised BMW 750iL and the ungainly 2014 (and 2015) Audi A8 models. Sidebar: What is up with the 7 series and A8 these days? The old kings are both fuddy-duddy specials lately, one might say. — The BMW drives like an Avalon Hybrid with roid-rage, while the A8 is simply tiny in the back seat and trunk by most real-world measures. — I do not have the stats at hand, but know for a fact the Chevrolet Impala’s legroom, headroom, shoulder …

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JAGUAR XFR Sprint Video — 20-second Snippet

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We’re all busy — so here is the best part of the JAGUAR XFR video reviews from a few days ago… in 20-second form. =] Another 12 minutes of high-def JAGUAR XFR driving reviews about four articles below this excerpt. Or on click here.

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2015 Lamborghini Huracan — New Sunny Photos — LED Blinker Sequence — USA Launch Galleries — HD Video

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The beauty of outdoor photos is that they do not require intensive photo editing. To publish 120-plus photos and video from Friday evening after the Huracan’s American debut in Amelia Island, Florida on the same night that it debuted was not easy. We labored pretty exhaustively to add light to these twilight photos. The other photographers had called it quits after perhaps ten photos each. Not me. The results are still miraculous even when it was already well past sunset — especially thanks to this Huracan’s reflective silver/grey paint finish. But on the lawns the next morning? Not a tap …

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2013 SAAB 9-5 Turbo6 XWD Aero — 48 HQ Photos — The Coolest AWD, Turbo V6 Limo You Cannot Buy

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The 9-5 is an exceptional car caught in the wrong place at a disastrous time. The rapid pullout and poison IP pill from General Motors is still causing major delays in all efforts to restart the storied Trollhatten brand. The saddest part of the SAAB downfall were the two models launched as a Hail Mary pass deep downfield in 2011. The 9-6X and 9-5 are both fantastic cars. Ultimately, some time in the 9-5 shows exactly how excellent the core package is at matching SAAB’s brand and design ambition, market priorities with giant rear seat, and even XWD and turbo-diesel …

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My Car In Detailed Turntable Animations + 30 Photos -- 2006 Subaru Legacy GT Limited 31

My Car In Detailed Turntable Animations + 30 Photos — 2005 Subaru Legacy GT Limited

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One would assume that after working for some big tech names like Pandora.com and Starcom Worldwide that I would be able to master aspect ratios. Yet that silly Kodak-style 4×6, 5×7 etc layout glitch often keeps my swanky animations from playing on the homepage. Probably for the best — the site is slugggg-ish today, and those Aston Martin N430 Spinners topped 8MB in some configurations. Each! So, not exactly a low-bandwidth type of mind on thisguy. Sidebar: all the GIFs are download-able on purpose =] Regardless, I saw another very pretty car today that might make for an attractive animated …

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2014 Cadillac XTS4 Platinum Vsport -- First Drive Video and Photos 8

2014 XTS4 Vsport Platinum — First-Drive Videos and New Cadillac Showroom Concept

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Despite big desire for better videos and (some) effort from me, these are perhaps the worst quality of any of mine yet. Shockingly bad, even for my third final GoPro knock-off camera. Time to upgrade my tech package to the real thing… Edit — removed driving video. In addition to poor quality, the audio is out of sync. Too embarrassing to discuss further. The XTS4 Vsport is also a huge upgrade versus the previous-generation STS models and even the first few flavors of XTS to hit the market. In performance, rigidity, quality, competitiveness and durability — the old STS was …

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Rolls-Royce Wraith – Color Showcase – Carrara White – 67 All-New Images

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[Orig Published on: Nov 22, 2013 @ 18:28] Rolls-Royce Wraith – Color Showcase – Carrara White Oh. Wow. In case you did not already want to murder me for spending a day driving Wraith all over Scottsdale, Arizona last week, you will definitely feel pangs of something seeing these latest images. Wraith in Carrara White is simply breathtaking. The fleet last week was mostly darker shades, but this is the color. It is quite similar to a lovely milky shade that is new from Audi this year, in what they call Carrera White. (Carrera with an “e” versus an “a” …

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

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

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

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2014 Maserati Ghibli Looking, Sounding Marvelous -- 40+ All-New, High-Res Photos -- Available Now from $67k 33

2014 Maserati Ghibli — First Cabin Impressions — Interior Feels Luxe and High-Quality, But Back Seat A Bit Tight

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Lots of recent coverage of the Ghibli here lately. Why? 175MPH top speed, 4.7-seconds to 60MPH in awd S Q4 format — or just 4.9 for the rear-drive Ghibli S. Sonorous and Ferrari-evoking exhaust note, handling purity and exclusivity. First cabin impressions: great seats, four front cupholders, sporty steering wheel and large infotainment touchscreen. The 8.4-inch Maserati Tough Control (MTC) screen also includes side-mounted analog knobs for rapid adjustments, and the panel is both near-vertical to avoid glare and pretty closeup for easy tap-ability without leaning or stretching. The trunk even seemed pretty generous. But the rub? The back seat …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2014 Silverado 1500 LT Nighttime Headlight Photos + 7 Styles of 22-in Wheels Just $3k Extra

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Some photos slipped through the cracks from the recent Silverado All-Star Edition which spent the blizzard here. They are night-time images of the LT spec, which includes just standard halogens for the low beams and optional halogen fogs down below.     The light output is very good in the low-beams and foglamps setting, but not quite at xenon levels with the brights on.   Like many classic Chevy trucks, the lighting elements are split: low beams on top, high beams below. Very comforting and familiar, but refreshed with better blinkers.   Also included here is a selection of the …

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BMW X1 sDrive28i M Sport - Alpine White in 60 High-Res Photos38

BMW X1 sDrive28i M Sport – Alpine White in 60 High-Res Photos

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This summer’s 2013 BMW X1 sDrive28i press loaner still makes me smile when looking at the photos. As my first week-long loan from BMW, the pressure was on to a) write a brilliant review and b) not hurt the car in any way! here’s a debrief: — Went to my local track, Blackhawk Farms Raceway in Rockford, IL — took some great videos, I thought, of car on track. Spent so long editing, but … — did not read terms of sign – track big no no.  sad face days later while prepping article/review. The X1 is a hilarious riot …

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2014 Silverado 1500 LT An All-Star Truck for All Seasons – 120+ High-Res Photos

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The Chevy Silverado is my new favorite pickup truck. Even while firmly on the bench of the truck battles between Ford and Chevy – I always quietly considered myself a Ford guy. Yes, even when the F-150 was saddled with the most anemic V8 engines in the world. It just felt more like me. A new F-150 comes out next week in Detroit, so the battle is about to get serious. But I am a huge Chevy Silverado fan after spending a week in this big sweetie. This 1500 LT Double Cab V6 might seem like a wimpy specification on …

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HD Videos – Blizzard Testing a 4×2 Pickup Truck! 2014 Chevrolet Silverado LT All Star Edition

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Testing a truck during a Chicago blizzard on New Year’s Day seems about right: Chevy Silverado pickups will face some of the hardest living conditions of any new vehicle sold. They will get filthy, they will be a little less shiny than this new All Star Edition LT Double Cab 1500 V6 – but the Chevy truck core has always been extreme durability in harsh conditions. Today certainly qualifies! After about 10 inches of snow so far in Lake in the Hills outside Chicago, even walking up my driveway is a challenge – let alone reversing out in a 2WD …

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HD Videos – Blizzard Testing a 4×2 Pickup Truck! 2014 Chevrolet Silverado LT All Star Edition

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Testing a truck during a Chicago blizzard on New Year’s Day seems about right: Chevy Silverado pickups will face some of the hardest living conditions of any new vehicle sold. They will get filthy, they will be a little less shiny than this new All Star Edition LT Double Cab 1500 V6 – but the Chevy truck core has always been extreme durability in harsh conditions. Today certainly qualifies! After about 10 inches of snow so far in Lake in the Hills outside Chicago, even walking up my driveway is a challenge – let alone reversing out in a 2WD …

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2014 Audi Q7 TDI S-line Plus – Buyers Guide with Galleries, Specs and Pricing

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The 2014 Q7 TDI is a very compelling option versus the other supercharged V6 gasoline engine options available on this luxury seven-seater in American Audi dealers. There basically are no downsides – only benefits – to choosing this Clean Diesel engine. – Huge torque advantage, 406 pound-feet from from just 1750 rpm. – Big efficiency advantages on paper and in real life. – Just as quick as 3.0T models at 7.7-seconds to 60-mph. —- (But down 1.0 seconds versus the 3.0TFSI S-Line with 333 horsepower versus 280 for 3.0T) – Optional air suspension a TDI and TFSI exclusive option, not …

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2014 4Runner Offers Third Row and Very Cool SR5 and Limited Styles 45

2014 4Runner Offers Third Row + Very Cool SR5 and Limited Styles

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The 2014 4Runner is all-new from Toyota, bringing a comprehensive restyle outside and a tech overhaul inside. The best parts of the 4Runner package remain: hardy suspension and locking diff options, off-road prowess that goes beyond electronic settings, and of course that roll-down back glass. In place of the old tailgate bench is a new slide-out parcel floor that can hold serious weight. Most critically: a third row of seating is a $1,400 option – and money well spent. It folds out of the way when not needed, but will come in handy eventually. The crimson Trail Premium 4Runner’s photos …

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2014 4Runner Offers Third Row and Very Cool SR5 and Limited Styles 45

2014 4Runner Offers Third Row + Very Cool SR5 and Limited Styles

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The 2014 4Runner is all-new from Toyota, bringing a comprehensive restyle outside and a tech overhaul inside. The best parts of the 4Runner package remain: hardy suspension and locking diff options, off-road prowess that goes beyond electronic settings, and of course that roll-down back glass. In place of the old tailgate bench is a new slide-out parcel floor that can hold serious weight. Most critically: a third row of seating is a $1,400 option – and money well spent. It folds out of the way when not needed, but will come in handy eventually. The crimson Trail Premium 4Runner’s photos …

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Car Shopping: 2014.5 Toyota Camry SE Updates Styling With Dark Rotor Wheels

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The 2014.5 Camry is subtly revised versus the 2014 models, with largely tech upgrades and enhanced features and packages across the line.   As the long-running sales champ, the Camry is not quite a “stop and stare” type of car to see on the street. This continues for 2014.5 for all the LE and XLE trims from about $23,000 and up.   The SE model is by far the best-looking of the bunch, with a far better style all around. Most notably – up front, where the SE Camry uses a new grille style, lower air dam with central painted …

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Best of 2013 Awards – Tail-Out, Balls-Out Supercar – $70,000 Lotus Exige S

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What a pivot for Lotus Cars in 2013. While still reeling from ownership changes and a variety of management re-alignments, Lotus Cars shines its green and gold flags through any fog. This is a racing company at its core, and the Exige S arrives to American buyers with all the power, prestige and class of true exotic cars. While sharing a vaguely familiar silhouette with the Elise and previous-gen Exige, the looks are very modern and fresh up close. All the race-ready Exige S styling elements really work together with its ultra-low, ultra-wide footprint.     Where the previous Exige …

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First Drive Videos: 2014 Chevrolet Malibu Turbo – 5.9s to 60 mph!?

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It has been a few years since my last seat time in a Chevy Malibu, and I was expecting the worst. What I found in the Malibu Turbo is an eager plaything with gobs of power all over the rev range and a firm feel from the ‘Bu’s latest leather-wrapped steering wheel. Pls note: Mis-Adventures in video camera tech continue. The audio of these videos is really, really bad, and makes the Malibu seem much louder than it is. A brief presentation today with Chevy offered some insights into the three areas of dramatic overhaul for the 2014 Malibu, which …

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Best of 2013 Awards: Turbo Sports Car, Under $25,000 – Nissan Juke NISMO

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The Juke NISMO as the turbo sports car of the year? In this budget range: you bet your alcantara headlining and carbon-fiber diffusers! The NISMO Juke makes no apologies for being different from the norm. After spending a week with the Juke NISMO earlier this fall, I discovered a fun-to-drive car that is nimble and toss-able in all situations. It also turned heads like a GT-R on roads filled with boring tan sedans. The unusual headlamp setup of the Juke is brought to life with the GT-R’s white LED accents in the lower bumper area. With the LEDs blazing white, …

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Silverado High Country – Visualizer with All New Colors and 22-inch Wheels Galore

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Look at all these stunning paints and wheels! In addition to all the other improvements to the 1500 Silverado, it looks like 22-inch wheels are the major option to select – right after the $2,000 6.2-liter engine upgrade box. The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado is now one of the cleanest and sharpest-styled trucks on the roads. The new grille and lighting setup is only the start of the design changes for the Silverado 1500 lineup, which is available now with a variety of tempting Christmas promotions. (Stay tuned for Silverado V6 All-Star Edition details in an upcoming article). We sampled a …

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2014 Nissan 370Z NISMO

Update1: 2014 Nissan 370Z NISMO – Full Driven Review with Videos!

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Update1: This article now includes the latest official images from Nissan. Intro The Nissan 370Z was the first model to get the comprehensive Nismo upgrade from the revered tuning arm of the Japanese auto giant. Long housed in an anonymous mid-rise factory with only a bright red door to signal something special inside, the Nismo team is spreading its wings with further upgrades to normal Nissan models. The best-known work from these honorable speed demons is, of course, the GT-R . As we will see, this is not a team who adds some stickers and a lightly revised ECU to …

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CarRevsDaily

Hammer Down! Full Throttle Sprint Video in 2014 E63 AMG 4MATIC

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Video is so great. Long gone are the days of shoulder-mounted VHS Handi-Cams. Simply snapping a 60-second clip of something on your iPhone seems silly in the moment, but the results can be really special afterwards – for remembering the details in 1080p detail. iPhones actually take video in 4K resolution, then down-scale the .MOV files to 1080p for export. What this means is that the iPhone is now one of the best video-cameras ever made – and fits right in your pocket. What do I mean? Well, the 2014 E63 AMG is easily one of the best cars I …

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Supercar First-Drive Video: Nissan GT-R Black Edition near Autobahn CC

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The Nissan GT-R was the stand-out hero in a parking lot that also included the hottest and latest machinery from BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Maserati, Audi… and many more. Autobahn Country Club is exactly what it sounds like. A private membership gives you access to the track seven days a week, with special events throughout the summers. This is the Autobahn Country Club performance fleet, continually updated with all the hottest cars.   It is a dream come true for car guys, and was where I met the GT-R for a brief spin around the block. This is the GT-R 2013 …

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2014 Nissan Pathfinder – Reviewed in Video and 78 High-Res Photos

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The Pathfinder is a real charmer. With lockable four-wheel-drive and seven seats, it checks many boxes right in the first block. The vastly improved CVT automatic is no longer a sore point, with polite but perceptible downshifts and great cruising refinement and economy.   Powertrain and Towing Highlights   A Hybrid model joins the ranks for 2014, but this press loaner was the loaded Platinum model, which focuses dollars more on luxury and technology in the cabin. Interior Amenities Highlights 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum – Exterior Sunny Day Animation 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum – Exterior Gallery 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum …

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Road Test Video Reviews, Photos and Buyers Guide — 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet

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Published on: Nov 30, 2013 @ 12:36 Here are some quick videos I took outside Autobahn Country Club in Illinois earlier this fall. Please disregard my employer’s name at the time and enjoy this twin-turbocharged luxury drop-top. Part One: Leaving the Gates Part Two: Spotting a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. Look Closely Near Middle of Video…! Part Three: Quick Sprint Demonstration Optional LED Star 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet – Exterior Gallery 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet – Interior Gallery 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet – Details from MBusa.com

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Video: Carrara White Rolls-Royce Wraith in Action

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Worth recalling is that Wraith is *scary* fast, with only a soft woof and gurgle from up front to warn you that warp drive is engaged. Hang on. The music in this first one is via YouTube licensing, and hopefully shows the beauty of Wraith in motion. Full screen and 1080p High-Definition should enhance the experience. These photos are amazing, and are meta-tagged with Vienna and James Lipman, who we can only assume is a famous photographer. Hat tip to brilliant snapper Mr. Lipman! GIF City, USA … is no Vienna, Austria This next one is a silent old GIF. …

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Update1 – 2014 Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II – First Ride Brief and LED Lighting Photos

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Freshly home from a fascinating day today with the brilliant and charming minds behind the best luxury car brand in the world. Invitations to drive a variety of $300,000-plus super-luxury cars would be enough to make me fall down jealous if it were not happening to me. The Wraith North American launch was held in the glimmering mountain ranges of Scottsdale, Arizona today. But not just one Roller in residence: more than $5 million dollars worth of RR spent the week living at the posh Phoenician Resort. When Rolls-Royce Invites You To Something, SAY YES! Arizona is… not the most …

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