Sport

2020 Genesis G70 Sport RWD V6TT – Road Test Review + Drive Video

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Every midsize premium sport sedan thinks it can dethrone the 3 series.   Beat BMW at their own game with the best engineering they can muster to make a relatively practical four-door sedan as playful and fun as the best sport coupes in the world. The 3 series might be king of the comparison tests but in truth all sedans in this price and size category are also chasing another prize: the top-selling Tesla Model 3.  It comfortably outsells the Euro premium brand sedans this size – combined.   But electric performance and the blob-like design of the Model 3 mean it’s …

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2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We’ve had our share of exciting new vehicles lately. Ones that drew crowds, from the Honda Civic Type R, to the Lexus LC500. Thing is, it’s usually of interest to a certain kind of buyer. The hi-po import guys for the Civic, the luxury buyers for the LC. But with the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, we’ve had tons of interest – not just from Jeep loyalists – but folks from all different backgrounds and interests. It’s the people’s vehicle! (Sorry VW) Friendly Looks The first thing that draws them in is the Gladiator’s exterior design. From the front, it’s pure Jeep …

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2019 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport – Review By Matt Barnes

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The only major update for to the Toyota Sequoia 2019 is the all-new TRD Sport trim level. In addition, many safety features are now standard that were optional in the past. This includes blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking and rear cross traffic alert. While the platform is over a decade old, it is still relevant. Toyota has one of the best reputations for reliability and the 5.7 V8 is still on par with its large SUV rivals for horsepower and torque. Review Video     Outside The Sequoia is very large and has a significant presence, yet it still somewhat …

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2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport – Road Test Review + Drive Video

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Hyundai’s global Elantra sedan brought fresh style and tech details for the 2019 model-year and this Elantra Sport trim is at the top of the range.  Pricing for the Sport comes in at about a $24k base that is well above the $18k stickers for some of the cheapest Elantras out there. For that extra cash you get a big upgrade in power, style and equipment, as you might expect.  Swapping from the default four to the turbo 1.6T with 201HP brings along an extra 52 ponies and standard 7-speed double-clutch automatic.  A stick was briefly offered but the Elantra …

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2019 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport Review by Ben Lewis

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We used to go to a movie theater that had catchy phrases on the popcorn containers. On the largest size was the especially memorable: BIG IS MORE. Well, there’s no arguing that in popcorn. Or full-size SUV’s. Which brings us to the 2019 Toyota Sequoia. If an SUV ever deserved that motto on the side, this would be it. But there’s plenty to talk about outside of the big and tall dimensions. Big is Beautiful The 2019 Sequoia is a good-looking beast. Unlike the new RAV4 (that we loved) that’s dressed up to look rugged, the big Toy bowls you …

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2020 Buick Enclave ST – Road Test Review + Drive Video

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The new-for-2020 Enclave ST looks amazing!  It is shocking how much the body-color grille edge and new gloss-black inner mesh changes the look of this jumbo crossover. Nowhere near as shocking as the resounding praise you’re about the read, though!  Believe me, this car will make anyone who drives or rides inside into a Buick fan. This coming from the kid who truly believed the 1990s Skylark was the most hideous vehicle ever made, and had disgusted reactions to every element of LeSabre and Century. This is a new era though, and this Buick is the best ever. ST stands …

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2020 Toyota Corolla SE 6-Speed Manual Sedan – Review by Ben Lewis

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If I tell you there’s a 4-door compact sedan that’s got hot styling, some real attitude, and is lots of fun to drive thanks to a 6-speed manual transmission, what would you say? Civic? Mazda 3, Elantra? How about a Toyota Corolla? Yes, the Corolla. Okay, we can’t blame you if it didn’t pop in your mind. Although there have been the occasional performance versions including the hot-hatch 1988 Corolla FX16, and the 2005 Corolla XRS sedan (8,000 rpm redline!), most of the model’s reputation has been built on solid, sensible and reliable transportation over flash. And it’s been a …

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2019 Honda Civic Sport 2.0L 4-Door Manual – Review by Ben Lewis

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Ok, we’re going out on a ledge here. But we bet this Civic may become a collectible. Yes, we get that the Civic Type R (or CTR for those in the know) will be a legend. And the current Civic Si is continuing a long line of sweet-performing Si’s. But the Civic Sport seems to go even deeper than that. More to the core of what has always made a Honda a Honda – or a Civic a Civic – for that matter. There’s a simplicity here.  A purity of purpose that typifies the man and the brand. 20-30 years …

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2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport 6MT 2

2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport 6MT – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Recently, I was picking up a press car, and they asked me – in all sincerity – if I drive a stick. Really? Yes, it’s come to this. Manuals are getting so rare that some auto scribes don’t know how to drive one. Please don’t tell Hyundai. Because recently we drove the 2019 Elantra Sport, with 6-speed manual trans, and it was a delight. A Meaner Mugshot All ’19 Elantras get a crisp new look, with a restyled hood, front fascia, grille and headlights that look more aggressive and squintier, including LED headlights and a special grille on our Sport …

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2019 Honda HR-V Sport AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We’ve tested Honda’s HR-V a while ago and found it surprisingly sporty and fun – especially when equipped in front-wheel-drive with a 6-speed manual transmission. So, when Honda announced a new HR-V Sport model for 2019 we were excited – in Europe, there’s an HR-V Sport with a manual transmission and the 1.5-liter turbo we get here in the Civic. This ain’t Europe. Unfortunately, we’re not getting that Sport. No turbo motor. And for 2019, the manual transmission is gone, too. Farewell… That said, our HR-V Sport gets some goodies unique to the model that should make it more fun …

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2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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There’s an interesting phenomenon in auto-dom. Lag time. A manufacturer will gain a certain reputation, and when it ups its game, it seems it takes a while for the buying public to find out about it. Which can be good for buyers (snag a deal0 , but a rough ride for carmakers. Acura is a perfect example of this. What do you think of the brand? Nice stuff. Not too exciting, but solid, well made. Right? WRONG! Acura has quietly been polishing its vehicles into some really exciting numbers, and it seems like the word hasn’t gotten out. We recently …

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2018 Genesis G80 Sport RWD – Road Test Review

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G80 Sport has the dark, sporty and sinister makeover of our dreams.  This luxury sport sedan has been a popular favorite among CRD writers around the country in the last few years. We’ve watched the brand go from a fledgling offshoot to a stand-alone division whose products threaten Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and BMW ownership of the luxury sedan marketplace. Is it weird to be proud of how far Genesis has come?  Perhaps. 2018 is a big year for the big G.  The model range has the traditional G80 from about $40k, G80 Sport and a new-for-2017 G90 flagship limo.  Soon a …

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2.7s, 249MPH 2018 W Motors FENYR SuperSport – Private Unveiling Party

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Dubai is now home to another glittering palace! W Motors and ICONIQ just ripped the silk sheets off their latest masterpieces: the production 2018 Fenyr SuperSport and a flagship Dubai showroom. The years-long gestation of the W Motors FENYR SuperSport actually inspires confidence.  This is the all-important sophomore album.  One that is make or break for the future of the business. For a startup exotic car-maker, the debut of the Fenyr is everything that you might have loved about the Lykan hypercar.  But in a cheaper, friendlier package.  The fact that it took a very-normal three years to make this …

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2017 Nissan ROGUE SPORT SV AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Over the years there have been plenty of words used to keep certain brand names high on the sales charts, and to use the halo of well-earned reputations to promote the latest and greatest. Think Grand Cherokee, Camry Solara, Mustang II. Some more successful than others. And now we have a spinoff of Nissan’s exceptionally popular Rogue. The Nissan Rogue Sport. What’s up, Sport? Sport fits the smaller, more aggressive looking Rogue, being a good foot shorter than its big brother. Designed to compete against such city funsters as Mazda’s CX-3, Honda HR-V, and Toyota’s CH-R, it’s still a handy …

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2018 Genesis G80 Sport 3.3T RWD – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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If you were asked to name luxury automobile manufacturers today, your answers would be somewhat different based upon your age. Those of you above the age of 45 would most likely include names like Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus Cadillac, and Lincoln among the top brands. One brand you wouldn’t likely think of would be Genesis, or the brand that spawned it, Hyundai. But if you were under 45, I’d bet you’d have those two brands in the mix, and near the top. The reason is that so many younger drivers have grown up with, and have enjoyed, the ownership experience …

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2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2

2018 Hyundai SONATA Limited 2.0T – Road Test Review w/ Video!

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The 2018 Sonata is quite a looker on the roads!  There is no lag time in the Genesis G80 Sport’s design trickle-down: both wear very similar shield grilles, darkened with glossy mesh and black chrome for a sinister and sexy style. Usually it takes a few years for the 7 series M Sport style to make it to a 3 series (for example), so Hyundai is definitely plugged into style trends. This review comes from a man whose middle name might be Sonata this fall.  We started with the Sport 2.0T and now are in the Limited 2.0T, which has …

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2018 GENESIS G80 Sport AWD 3.3T – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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BMW, Audi and Mercedes: better check your mirrors. There’s a new brand breathing down your neck. Hyundai. Yes, Hyundai (hey wasn’t that their ad campaign a while ago?) In this case, it’s the Korean automaker’s luxury division, Genesis. From the get-go, Genesis has taken serious aim at the luxury market, and while early cars where Hyundai Genesis models like the Coupe, it has slowly divested itself from the mothership, and become a stand-alone luxury brand. Well.. sort of, they don’t have stand-alone dealerships yet, so the lavish love you get from The Europeans, Lexus, and others is sadly missing. That …

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2017 INFINITI Q60 Red Sport 400 – Road Test Review + Drive Videos

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Power over everything! There is a specific subset of hot coupe shoppers who place speed at the top of their list. Then there are the people drawn in by the beauty and elegance of a two-door.  Then once on the test drive, they realize what true torque and big turbo boost feels like. For both groups, there is no going back. This is the 400HP threshold we’re talking about.  And for many, it opens a new world of driving pleasure. The first outing with Q60 RS400 was filled with raw shock at its performance capabilities and sensual beauty. Our second …

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2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Base Automatic – Road Test Review + 2 Videos

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There are cars that are simply better than they have to be. They go beyond just beating their obvious rivals and into another level of long-term partnership potential for their drivers. Such is the case with the five-door Hyundai Elantra GT.  This variant of the best-selling sedan shares much of its drivetrain cabin, but none of its exterior or platform design. It enters a market segment that has more strong rivals than ever.  Focus and Cruze hatchback might be easy to beat.  But how about the new Civic Sport 5-door, Mazda3 and VW Golf?  Those are some seriously good global …

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Worst of Tokyo – 2017 ZAGATO IsoRivolta Vision Gran Turismo Sport

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Not one to brag about my automotive skills, mostly.  But I can see a Corvette reskin from about five miles away.  And I certainly know what cutting-edge design does and does not look like. Zagato’s New IsoRevolta IsoRivolta Vision Gran Turismo is fairly hideous on first inspection.  It is a dated example of surfacing with little to no aerodynamic engineering to justify its many wings. The carved bodywork and pseudo floating fenders are interesting.  How could a giant Chevy V8 fit under a hood even lower than the stock Corvette?! This VGT Sport concept is ostensibly available to buy.  Not sure who would want …

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2018 Genesis G80 Sport EXTERIOR 29

2018 Genesis G80 Sport AWD – HD Road Test Review

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Imagine you really love a new luxury sedan for its stellar platform, proportions and sporting potential.   This car is genuinely large versus its mid-size rivals in the $40k-60k segment. But you have specific high-performance needs for every inch of the vehicle. Your rocket-limo must be blacked-out and badass from all angles. Especially the driver’s seat. Genesis G80 is that luxury car, and the G80 Sport is the performance special of our dreams. This machine is a thorough answer to a wishlist we had for more power and glamour from Genesis. G80 Sport proved its awesomeness in a week of THRUSTING …

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2018 Nissan 370Z Roadster Touring Sport 7 A/T – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Although summer is a memory in the rearview mirror for most of us, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy a roadster – in fact, cooler weather and leaves changing color make fall one of the joys of owning a drop top. And if you’re looking for joy in a roadster, look here. The 370Z is getting to be a senior citizen in the sports car world. The coupe appearing in 2009, the roadster in 2010. Mind you, there have been updates, including a facelift – but the basic vehicle is pretty much the same, even as its approaching it’s …

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2017 McLaren Ultimate Vision GT for PS4 Gran Turismo Sport is GO

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Always exciting to see a Vision Gran Turismo concept car come to life!  This one is official and is McLaren’s first virtual racer.  It enters the GT Sport universe as a ferocious AWD hybrid hypercar. V8TT to the back wheels and in-hub electric motors at the front channel a max of 1150HP and 1275 pound-feet of torque.  The trick power delivery and aero were specifically designed to ace a set of racing physics parameters — and will make this a hero car for those who race it in the game. The McLaren Ultimate VGT has a few unique design elements …

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2017 RAM Sport Night Edition EXTERIORS 2

2017 RAM Sport Night Edition 5.7L 4×2 – Road Test Review

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The pickup market is more competive than ever lately.  With massive new Titan, ultra-modern Silverado and alloy F-150 in the last few years, you might’ve expected big changes in market share. In fact, the biggest gainer over the last few years is the familiar Ram 1500. We spent a week finding out why RAM goes all-caps and size 1500 font for its new badges in back.  This is a machine with a bold soul! Our rear-drive tester is the amazing Night Edition with fully blacked-out details and monochrome paintwork all around.  Glossy black for the giant cross-hair grille is a …

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2017 MANSORY BENTAYGA Introduces Forged-Carbon Widebody

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Mansory has a huge variety of customization options for the first-evert Bentley SUV.  They split it into the main kit and the ‘soft kit,’ with the softie just upgrading the lower splitters and bodywork details. The full fat Mansory makeover brings a totally new set of bumpers front/back, a reverse-scooped hood and some seriously wide fender extensions.  Hard to say whether the new Lambo-like forged exposed carbon, standard exposed-weave carbon or painted carbon panels are the sexiest.  They all dramatically up the visual drama of a three-ton Flying B. The x-piped sport exhaust and sport lowering suspension are highly recommended …

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2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport 6MT – First Drive Review

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Hyundai is perfecting its performance-car credentials.  The latest pack of redesigns go as hard at their tech/ style as they do at full turbo boost and fast corners. This handling skill and steering feel are creating a new impression of the brand as a whole. You need a preface like this to absorb the impressions of how sweet a drive the Elantra GT Sport was the other day.  This is Hyundai’s Scirocco rival for Europe and GTI-fighter for the USA — with a slinky low roof, five-door layout and lively powertrain.  How alive is GT?  It forms the basis for …

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2017 Volvo S90 T6 – Road Test Review + Best of 2017 Award-Winner

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We all knew the brand-new Volvo S90 sedan would be a quantum leap ahead of its S60 and S80 predecessors in the luxury segment.  We knew this new S90 is the second Volvo since XC90 to be a real class-best achievement in style and safety. But knowing all this still offers no prep for how absolutely phenomenal the new S90 is inside and on the road.  It is so magnificently high-tech, yet grounded in light Swedish leathers and a open-pore walnut woods. It drives with lightness and agility unlike anything you might expect from a 5 series or E-Class rival. …

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2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid – Road Test Review – by Ben Lewis

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Hybrids are everywhere. And with the rare exception, while they offer improved fuel efficiency, they rarely offer the enthusiast excitement. Now an Acura hybrid? Well that might be something. After all, the new NSX supercar qualifies as a hybrid. Then again, so does the Accord Hybrid, from Acura’s sibling Honda. So the question is, is the MDX Hybrid a sleeper supercar, or just a snooze? Well the looks don’t give anything away. This is the same large 3-row SUV we’ve known for some time. Acura has been honing the design for 2017, with a new “Diamond Pentagon” grille, “Jewel Eye” …

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2017 Dodge Charger DAYTONA 6

2017 Dodge Charger DAYTONA – First Drive w/ Active Exhaust + 44 Photos

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The new Charger Daytona brings the looks of the Hellcat, sound of the SRT392 and price of a loaded R/T. A fantastic combination, no? From $39k, we cannot think of a cooler or more fun big sedan.  Check out the video below to get a sense of the new Sport-mode’s louder exhaust – and check out the photo flyaround below that! The Daytona pack brings a huge list of upgrades inside and out.  The monroney sticker for the car is included below but is slightly out of focus.  Go drive this car to have the full HEMI immersion — at …

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2017 Kia Cadenza Limited EXTERIORS 16

2017 KIA Cadenza Limited – Road Test Review + 2 Videos

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There is real buzz around the brand-new 2017 Kia Cadenza. Car reviewers near and far have been shocked by its lux feel and right-priced tech. Are they right? We spent a week in the loaded Cadenza Limited to find out.  Hard on throttle and chucking it around corners… and honestly expecting the worst.  After all, it is a hard time for near-luxury sedans.  Cars like the Maxima, Avalon, Lacrosse or Chrysler 300 are suffering from low sales and a crowded marketplace.  Meanwhile, the deeply unfun Lexus ES still hoovers up sales for reasons no one truly understands. How can Cadenza …

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LARTE Design Launches Carbon Kit for MASERATI LEVANTE

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Larte Design has a new set of carbon-fiber goodies to dress up one of the world’s hottest new trucks: the Maserati Levante. These make perfect gifts – even to yourself! — for DIY car guys and gals.  Why?  No heavy lifting here or intense bodyshop skills needed to mount these properly. The extra CF bits and bobs (about nine in all) extend the factory spoilers just a touch deeper for added sporty coolness.Sounding like a fanboy here but nobody does stick-on carbon fiber as nicely as Larte Design.  The chin spoiler, side spats and mirror caps are elegant and appear …

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2017 INFINITI Q60 3

2017 INFINITI Q60 3.0t Premium – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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The all-new Infiniti Q60 has a heck of a fight on its hands, and we don’t envy it. The premium coupe segment is where manufacturers like to work your endorphins to peak frenzy to get you to buy, buy, buy their latest sweethearts. And they have been offering up some tasty temptations. Tempting to swoon the 2-door dollars out of your wallet are the handsome and proven BMW 4-series, surprisingly good upstart Cadillac ATS, stunning Lexus RC, Mercedes’ rounded C-Class coupe, and just-introduced Audi A5. And if that’s not enough to get your head spinning, just about every manufacturer now offers …

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2017 BMW M4 CS Special Edition Bows in Shanghai

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BMW just rolled out a middle ground between the M4 competition package and the top-flight GTS road racer.  It is called the ClubSport and this CS nomenclature will serve on future hardcore M models as well.  Atop the CS badge is a CS Special Edition, the most limited-release specials with all the performance goodies standard. Performance will be incredible, for what its worth.  460HP is the stat, which does seem low for a $120k price estimate in the USA, but its delivery will be the event.  The car has standard sport exhaust and nearly all the GTS upgrades, like CFRP …

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540HP BMW M2 ClubSport by Dähler Brings S55 M4 Engine Swap

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The main gripe that purists have with the M2 is that its engine is not, technically, a BMW Motorsport spec engine.  It still makes monster power but is less able to cope with sustained high G forces than the M4’s S55-series motor. Daehler (or Dahler) of Switzerland now has a three-pack of custom M2s as showcases of their tuning skills.  The standard coupe, an M2 Convertible (!) and now this M2 Clubsport.  With the S55, it is the “CS competitionline.” Parts can be shipped worldwide for local installation, or they will happily sell you a complete vehicle as well.  That might …

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2017 W Motors FENYR SuperSport 10

2017 W Motors FENYR SuperSport In Near-Production Form for Shanghai

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W Motors sophomore supercar is almost on the road! This Fenyr SuperSport is a more attainable, yet still hyper-exotic, followup to the legendary Lykan Hypersport. The Fenyr will be W Motors big break – its chance to leverage its stunning launch success with the Lykan into commercial success.  Scale, in this sense, is relative.  Anything more than the dozen or so HyperSports made will be an increase for W Motors.  The team hopes to sell around 200 of these Fenyr SuperSports per year, with production eventually localized to the Dubai HQ.  At this time, the W Motors lineup is still …

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2017 Porsche 911 GT3RS 6

2017 Porsche 911 GT3RS – 180MPH Ride Along

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  Hearing and feeling the 911 GT3 RS pull a smooth-yet-violent launch start followed by savage fullthrottle all the way to 180-mph was a life highlight we got to enjoy this weekend. Granted, the queasy stomach feeling from all the launch and acceleration G-force did ruin me for mere mortal vehicles. Even Focus RS felt a but slow getting out of this Porsche. The other most memorable element?  The ring in your ears from the boxer six at full chat.  Not sure if it is the fuel pumps or the simple engine harmonics — but this is a heavenly sound …

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2018 Alfa Romeo STELVIO19

2018 Alfa Romeo STELVIO – 70 Dynamic Pics On Namesake Road

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Feeling like every day there is a brand-new SUV from a luxury brand? You’re right.  Bentayga and Levante join F-Pace and even a Maybach G-Class for 2017. The class of 2018 includes this stunner: the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The big press launch just took place in Europe and offers a great look at the truck in the wild. Certainly a wild look! Ultra rounded fenders, nose and hood lead to a very-low and bubbly hardtop shape.  Big wheels and fenders enforce the machine’s performance credentials — if the giant Alfa V grille didn’t do it! The top model matches the …

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2017 Audi S3 Quattro S-tronic – HD Road Test Review

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This big question you have for yourself when spending near $50k for a compact exec car is:  does the performance upgrade make up for its lack of scale? For the same money as the revised 2017 S3, you can find yourself in a (small-engined) fullsize luxury car like Genesis G80 or even Audi’s own A6. While that is a rational thoughtline for your brain, it all goes out the window in real life. The money spent upgrading an A3 to this S3 quattro sedan with S-tronic all goes directly to your cheeks.  To help you smile bigger, and laugh harder! …

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Widescreen Mega Gallery – 2017 INFINITI Q60 RS400 in 130 Original Photos

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The Q60 Red Sport 400 could be our favorite car of the year.  Granted, we are early in 2017.  Would love to drive something as joyful as this RS400! We just crowned the Q60 RS400 our SuperCoupe of the year in the full review over here. But with 2200 words and five videos.. that URL got pretty crowded. So here is a photo-focused post.  Just 130 beautiful photos of this beautiful car.  Enjoy!   Photo Slideshow Video     2017 INFINITI Q60 RS400    

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2017 INFINITI Q60 Red Sport 400 – HD Road Test Review

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The Infiniti Q60 is a rolling climax.  This is a car whose excellence is the stuff of dreams.  Made real, this design and powertrain come together to become the stuff of legends. One week with the car is far too short.  We can still hear its ultra-smooth twin-turbo surge toward its redline.  Still feel its back wheels break traction in the smoothest, most nonchalant drifts and burnouts ever.  And still see its stunning beauty as it becomes more special, more breathtaking from each angle. With pricing from $51k but power that nearly matches the BMW M4 costing $25k more, the …

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USA-Bound 2017 Lotus Exclusive EVORA 410 Honors Submersible Bond Esprit

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Two pieces of cool news in this new Lotus Exclusives special:  a salute to one of the coolest movie cars of all time AND news that a US-legal version of the Evora 410 is headed to the USA around May of 2017. The Lotus Exclusive team rebodied parts of the Evora Sport 410’s nose and tail to make it a true homage to the 1970s Lotus Esprit S1 that James Bond used so deftly to escape the bad guys on a mountain road… before driving off a cliff! Oh no! But wait: in one of the greatest Bond (and action …

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2017 Ford Fusion Sport AWD – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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  Ford launched the Fusion back in 2006, slotting in between the smaller Focus sedan and the larger Taurus. It was an excellent offering in the crowded mid-size sedan marketplace and it was well received by the press community, and buying public. The second generation came along in 2013, with improvements and more model options, and sales got even stronger.  For 2017, a mid-cycle update brings a new model to the Ford table with the Fusion Sport. Unlike the Lexus F-Sport designations, which mainly consist of a lot of badging, and styling modifications, Ford has really put the extra money …

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2017 Honda CIVIC Sport 6MT Hatchback – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Civic loyalists, your car is back! If you’ve wanted a performance Civic hatch, it’s been a long wait.  The last one was in 2003! In Si form, that Civic five-door was a neat little car.  We especially liked the rally-style shifter mounted high on the center console, the sport bucket seats, and the large (for Honda) 2.0-liter with i-VTEC. And while not a nose-bleed revver like the smaller Civics, it was still fun to drive hard. But that was 14 years ago! And while we’ve had plenty of enjoyable Civics to drive, they’ve only been offered in Coupe and Sedan …

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2018 Genesis G80 Sport Shows Gorgeous New Style, V6TT Upgrade

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There might not be any bigger Genesis fans than the good folks here at Car-Revs-Daily.com.  Just check out the love-fest of reviews at this link if you are skeptical! But what have we wished for?  More grip and sportier style.  And of course, a 20-percent bump on horsepower is always invited! The G80 Sport addresses all these wishes and more.  Under the sexy new hood, the new 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 puts out a stout 365HP and oodles of low-end torque.  Rear or AWD are set to be offered on the G80 Sport when it arrives midyear as a 2018 model in …

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2017 Subaru WRX 5

2017 Subaru WRX Limited Sport Lineartronic – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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WRX= love. But CVT= hate. Can they get along? For Subie’s sake!? Few cars are as enamored by enthusiasts as the WRX. While the rest of the world had enjoyed Subaru’s extreme rally car for the street, it wasn’t until 2002 that we got one here. It was worth the wait. While it had a cult following for the in-the-know, the majority of the population had no idea. We have happy memories of terrorizing a Porsche 911 with a silver, bug-eyed 2002 test sedan. It was so unassuming, yet with its turbo-four cylinder and all-wheel-drive, immensely capable and fast. What’s …

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2017 Subaru Legacy 2.5i SPORT – HD Road Test Review

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

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

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

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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SPORT 2.0T AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Is this sexy new Sante Fe SPORT ready to play in the big leagues? Both Hyundai and Kia have been huge success stories lately, but we still get comments from buyers that hadn’t considered “one of those brands.” Which is sort of understandable, if you only buy a new vehicle every 8-10 years, you might have missed out on the great turnaround of the Korean automaker. And you might be surprised how many crossovers and SUV’s are out there vying for your dollar – even if you’re the cheapskate that only parts with the greenbacks every decade or so. So let us …

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Updated with Live Photos – 2016 Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Concept

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Second look at the Infiniti QX Sport concept — but the first time outside of its debut in Asia! This stylish number is widely thought to preview an upcoming QX70 replacement.  Or perhaps a pair of them! A long-wheelbase, seven-seat variant of the model is likely. We’re unclear on the basis for this vehicle.  It may be an evolution of the Q50 platform, or could share its underpinnings with the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.  If the latter, this would be the second deep partnership between Infiniti and MB — after the just-launched Q30 and QX30 models. 2016 Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Concept …

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RM Monaco 2016 Preview – 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet by Pinin Farina

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The glamour of this design is clear to see. We especially love the shallow cowl and low-roof glasshouse.  With the top down, this low roofline and chopped windshield create and mean and modern style.  One that looks much younger than its seven-decade tenure on Earth. The detailing is particularly enchanting. The hidden door handles, the clear gauge dials and the red Alfa badges are all favorites.   1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet by Pinin Farina Lot 268 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet by Pinin Farina Chassis no. 915.766 Engine no. 928.072 €550.000 – €800.000 …

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2016 INFINITI QX Sport Inspiration Concept Bows in Beijing

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Well well well! Look what we have here: the all-new Infiniti QX Sport concept — with many all-new and sexy lines in an ultra-modern crossover size. We expected the teasers for this concept to be a clear look at the upcoming QX70 replacement (FX)… but we’re much less sure now that 30 photos from all sides are available. What is certain?  Infiniti’s future SUVs will all look hot.  Dripping glamour in every wavy rise and crest. But this machine in particular?  We have a sortof Murano-for-China feeling about the machine’s proportions.  Though impressive and on-trend, the rear-drive cross/coupe style of …

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TECHART Carbon Sport Package for the 911 GT3 RS 8

TechArt Goes Carbon Crazy on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS!

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TechArt just revealed their latest hot mods for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS: a comprehensive carbon sport package! This swaps all the exterior’s matte grey plastic for pure, exposed-weave carbon fiber. The TechArt pieces are lighter, stronger and much more eye-catching.  Favorites include the CF splitter and sills, plus the front fender outlets and rear fender intakes.  Swapping these for carbon pieces dramatically ups the wow factor of this track-attack Porker.   TECHART Carbon Sport Package for the 911 GT3 RS Leonberg, April 20th, 2016   For a striking appearance and motor sport accents, TECHART carbon fiber parts set distinct exterior …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Hyundai SONATA SPORT 2.0T (+Drive Video)

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The new Sonata generation has not been universally loved.  It largely abandons the previous swirling design and CLS-style low roof in favor of a longer wheelbase and larger rump.  Backseaters will be thrilled: it is now truly jumbo back there and in the trunk. The benefit of this move is a much larger, and technically full-size, cabin versus its mid-size rivals.  What was lost, however, was the near-premium appeal of the Sonata on the roads versus identical Accords and Camrys. We’re into the second year of this new Sonata generation, and the range is filling out to meet many buyer …

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Road Test Review - 2016 BMW 340i xDrive - By Tim Esterdahl 9

Road Test Review – 2016 BMW 340i xDrive – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 BMW 340i xDrive – Exhilarating Driving Performance For years, BMW has boasted that it builds the “Ultimate Driving Machines” and while critics and competitors have increasing sought to counter that claim, a recent weeklong drive in a 2016 BMW 340i only confirmed that claim. If driving, real fun, spirited driving is at the top of your buying list, the 340i has to be a top choice. Delivered to me in a Melbourne Red Metallic, the iconic looking 340i certainly had all the distinctive character and desirable appearance attributes reminiscent of BMW models over the years. While I’ve watched …

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2017 Subaru Impreza SPORT 22

2017 Subaru IMPREZA SPORT and 5-Door – Live NY Debut

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Some serious WRX coolness in the new Impreza Sport sedan and 5-Door! Here is the official release plus 20 live photos from New York. 2017 Subaru Impreza SPORT   SUBARU INTRODUCES ALL-NEW, U.S.-BUILT 2017 IMPREZA 23/03/16   Sedan and 5-Door Styles New Subaru Global Platform Significantly Enhances Safety, Ride Comfort and Agility Award-Winning EyeSight®, Plus New Driver Assist Technologies SUBARU STARLINK™ Safety and Security Features and AppsNew Subaru Design Language Debuts 2.0-liter Boxer Engine with Direct Injection and Higher PerformanceFirst Impreza to be Built in U.S. New Sport Version with 18-inch Wheels, Sport Suspension and Active Torque Vectoring NEW YORK –  …

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2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Leads Updated Range (+50 Images)

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Very cool to see Acura’s well-liked SH-AWD Hybrid tech join the firm’s best-seller: the MDX! Since its debut on the RLX and now the NSX, the Sport Hybrid has been the saving grace for at least one of those cars.  We’ve yet to sample it but the sheer pace alone is impressive: it drops the RLX’s sprint times almost two seconds.  The tech is tuned more for comfort and efficiency in the MDX Sport Hybrid, adding seven MPG at all times and 35-horsepower too. Will it work the same magic on the MDX? Acura certainly hopes so! The less we …

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2016 TechArt Magnum SPORT 1

TechArt Magnum SPORT for Porsche Cayenne is New Carbon Flagship

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Great showing at Geneva for TechArt! They have a wild Cayenne for every level of madness…. right up to the new exposed-carbon Magnum Sport. But below the Magnums are many flavors of hot exhaust, rims, bodykit elements and more — all chosen and sold individually to the Cayenne lover in your life.     2016 TechArt Magnum SPORT Leonberg, March 9th, 2016   For over a decade, four TECHART Magnum Generations are synonymous with unsurpassed Premium Refinement based on the Porsche Cayenne models. Renowned for their unmistakable design, breathtaking performance and superior quality.   From March 3rd – 13th, the …

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2017 Corvette Grand Sport Makes Surprise Geneva Debut

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Imagine the bulk of the monstrous, 2.9-second COrvette Z06 — but available without the supercharged engine!? The results would be very similar to this just-launched GS.  460-horsepower from the dry-sumped V8 also includes a heavenly active exhaust and seven-speed manual transmission.  You get a hang of the extra gear in a snap because the long–throw shifter is so precise and feelsome. The Grand Sport is set for a summer 2016 arrival to the US — and just a few months later to Europe! The price premium over the loaded Z51 is likely to be around $5k, or around $70k. A Z07 …

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~3.8s 2017 BMW M3/M4 Competition Pack – Gloss Black Trims, +20HP and Standard Sport Exhaust

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Competition Pack from BMW M certainly implies track battles and knife-edged races against the stopwatch.  Every advantage that can be fed down from the top 500HP M4 GTS will be precious seconds closer to the top of any laptime board. But Competition Pack has a second meaning to us: the M3 and M4 are feeling major heat from all sides, in a segment they once owned wholeheartedly. The Lexus RC, C63 and even Cadillac ATS-V are all very valid, and oftentimes preferred, rivals to the BMW twins.  Therefore, the Competition Pack helps address some of the odd standard M3/M4 style …

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3.9s, 186MPH 2017 LOTUS Evora Sport 410 – USA-Bound Carbon Special Cuts 150Lbs

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There is a an even hotter variant of the new Evora 400 — and it packs more of a punch than its Sport 4110 badge might boast. A massive light-weighting program swaps the front splitter, front trunklid, roof and rear end to exposed-weave carbon fiber and drops a full dude’s weight in the process! New CF seats make up the rest of the weight savings.  All complemented by a sportier chassis tune and a bump in power. Sounds heavenly — and there is great news for US buyers too — a North American version will join the lineup too for …

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2017 SEAT Alteca SUV 16

2017 SEAT Alteca – Sharp Spanish Marque’s First SUV is a No-Brainer

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  Despite the name: this is no Aztek!~ More and more lately, SUV reveals make you think only one thing:  what took so long? It started most recently with the Bentley Bentayga, but the theme runs frothy through even the most unlikely brands.  Jag F-Type?  Will be a HUGE seller?  Again.  One thinks: what took so long! Of course, $1-a-gallon gasoline certainly helps spike the SUV mood worldwide.  But this new ALTECA is prepped for a variety of futures.  Big engines, small engines, mini diesels, hybrids… all package-protected and ready to roll out in the coming years. This ALTCA crossover …

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2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package

2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Pack Is High-Impact Styling Upgrade with Blacked-Out Trims, New LED Fogs!

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  Everyone wants their new Explorer to look cool and mean, like some kind of crosso between a Raptor and a Range Rover Sport. But not everyone is willing to pay for the Explorer Sport and its V6TT engine. Solution? XLT Sport Appearance Package! Despite the awful name, the results of this very-sexy upgrade to 20-inch dark grey wheels, dark grey or black trims all around, and semi-suede sport seats are clear to see.  Still stuck with this ghastly halogen foglights, but that is a quick DIY bulb swap to LEDs if you want. I stand corrected — the XLT …

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RENAULT SPORT Signs INFINITI and Bell & Ross for 2016 F1 Reboot

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This one is a triple play! Renault Sport just outlined its new F1 effort: with the backing of two inhouse favorites: Infiniti and Bell & Ross watches. Infiniti is transitioning from its previous title sponsorship of the Red Bull Racing crew over to Renault, which recently focused on making and selling F1 engines only.  This engine-only focus tossed out many years of Renault-branded F1 cars from the 1970s through the 1990s. Renault Sport is now fielding their own Formula One team proper, and is leaning on Infiniti for help with their hybridization efforts. This comes down to the ERS (energy recovery …

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1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera 12

Mecum 2016 – 1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera Customs

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This amazing one-off Bronco has a special ops / Lambo Rambo vibe in all the best ways. That’s no accident: this beaut by Chimera Customs was made to taise money for the Armed Forces FOundation. ANd did it deliver! A cool half-mill bought this desert jackal in 2013. The 2016 estimate is a snip then, at just $125k. Mecum 2016 – 1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera Customs Lot T205// Kissimmee 2016 // Jan 15-24 1969 Ford Bronco Built by Chimera Customs   Engine 406 CI Trans 5-Speed Color Black Interior Black ESTIMATE: $100,000 – $125,000 Chimera Customs of North Palm …

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2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe 27

2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe – Posh AMG Sport Style for C300 and C400 USA Twins

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    Mercedes has a half-dozen all-new models revealed so far for 2016 and 2017.  The GLE, GLE Coupe, GLS, GLC for the SUV family are all fresh or all-new. SLC, SL, S-Class Cabrio, E-Class and many more.  So they are forgiven for meting out the excitement in auto show season.  The Deeetroit show for MB focuses on the SLC and S63 ragtop. But there is MUCH excitement in terms of new models revealed online, but as-yet unseen or driven. The new C-Class Coupe is near the top of the list!   This fresh set of 61 new photos of …

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325HP, V6TT 2017 Ford FUSION SPORT Leads Refreshed Midsize Sedan Lineup

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A fresh look and new tech throughout the Fusion for 2017! Three EcoBoost engines, a new V6 Sport powertrain is the most powerful midsize Ford sedan in ages — delivering its 325-horsepower and 350-pound-feet of torque through an AWD chassis. All in search of a ~5.5-second sprint to 60-mph — a class-quickest sprint speed! This is huge news versus the previous 240-horsepower EcoBoost that tops out the current Fusion lineup. New nose and tail designs integrate the latest LEDs for a fairly chic look on all sides — if a bit too Focus-like up front in these initial teasers. Very cool …

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All-New V6TT 2016 INFINITI Q50 Red Sport 400 Tops New Four-Engine Range!

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HUGE news on the Infiniti front today: An all-new pair of twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6s join the new 2.0-liter turbo four and 360HP hybrid. Dubbed the VR-series engines, the top output is the headline 400HP and 350-pound-feet of torque unit. This stump-puller will be offered in rear or AWD, with its torque starting a long plateau from just 1600-rpm. Kicking things off right is a limited-run model with giant alloys and sport cabin under the guise of Red Sport 400. This badge steps in for Eau Rouge nicely! No word on sprint pace, but the time should be comfortably in the …

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2016 LOTUS ELISE 220 and ELISE SPORT 13

4.2s 2016 Lotus ELISE 220 Is Quickest Ever! USA Arrivals in March; No Fatties T-Shirt Optional

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  Shocking speed from this new Elise 220 from Lotus!  Just 4.2-seconds to 60-mph for its estimated $60k US price makes it one of the most rapid machines for the money. And that is just in a straight line! Put some curves in the road course, and the Elise will walk away from most American metal — regardless of price or power ratings. The new Elise Sport is the base model below the 220, but is down about 80 ponies from the 217 of the top road-legal Elise in 2016.  Even so, the Elise Sport’s 6-second blast to 60-mph will …

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2016 Lotus EXIGE SPORT 350 27

3.7s, 170MPH 2016 Lotus EXIGE SPORT 350 is New Road-Legal Cup Racer

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A two-pack of exciting news from Lotus today: the new Exige Sport 350 drops nearly 100 pounds from the Exige S via an extensive lightweighting program.  Along with its 345-horsepower supercharged 3.5-liter V6, the new Exige Sport 350 is an absolute rocketship! Consider that the total weight of the Exige is barely 2500-pounds, and you can instantly know how fast the car is.  That weight is up just 200 versus the front-engine MX5 for 2016… a car with only 160-ponies in its most potent guise. Interestingly, the new Exige Sport 350 is now even more rapid as a paddle-shifted automatic: …

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2016 Lexus RX450h F Sport AWD 93

HD Road Test Review – 2016 Lexus RX450h F Sport AWD – A Plush Rush?!

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The new Lexus RX is one of the most eagerly-anticipated new SUVs for 2016.  This redesign proves the RX can be a style leader even while outselling entire luxury brands like Volvo and Jaguar in the USA. So far, the RX has been so ubiquitous on the roads that any sense of chic sexiness was seriously diluted.  The 2016 model wears all-new styles and new trimlines to bring variety to the efficiency, lux ride comfort and versatility its 2-million owners love so much. The upgrades for 2016 are extensive — with the entire cabin, exterior and some drivetrain parts refreshed …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Range Rover Sport SVR – Porsche-Beating YESSS Machine?

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It is hard to drive any 550HP car and come away unimpressed.  We worried this Range Rover might be the first. Nope.  In fact, it is so awesome, we’d pick it over the Cayenne Turbo.  How?  Why? Read on: 100 new photos and two HD videos to get you onboard.   HD Drive Video – 2016 Range Rover Sport SVR The Range Rover Sport SVR is proudly the fastest, quickest and sportiest Landie ever to wear the green badge. And after the first few hard corners, you almost wonder what took them so long. The SVR is absolutely heaven to …

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2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SPORT 8

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SPORT – Official Debut Shows New Nose, Cabin and Colors

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The new Outlander Sport is here, and demands respect!  Check out that butch new face!~ Mitsu calls this look Dynamic Shield, but whatever it is, the execution works here. A bluff new contrast-black horizontal elent takes over the nose graphic of the Outlander Sport for 2016. New headlights and interesting new wheels and body cladding complete the updated compact crossover. A $19k base makes the Outlander Sport a tempting choice for surf and ski fans mostly stuck in the city. To go with the new LEDs and butch new mug?  Three new satin semi-gloss paint colors: — Cool Silver –Diamond …

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2017 Ford Escape Facelift Reveals New Tech, Engines, and Dark Sport Packages for Spring 2016 Arrival

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The new Ford Escape is official this morning!  But boy is this redesign subtle. In fact, facelift is a bit more accurate. A fresh new nose wears a more defined horizontal three-bar grille design than the slim upper grille of the current model. A new headlamp design wears brighter, more current white DRLs in the lower edge of the lighting, while squared projector balls are shown with HID lamps in the Titanium spec shown so far. This loaded Escape Titanium always looked cool and premium, however, at the expense of its much more popular SE and S trims, which lacked …

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2016 Mazda MX-5 Recaro Edition is New UK Special: Aerokit, Diamond-Cut Alloys + Sport Seats

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Some handy shortcuts in the spec of the 2016 MX-5 in the UK: the Sport Recaro Limited Edition picks the best options from the standard kit, plus adds a gloss-black bodykit and unique diamond-cut alloy wheels. Although just 17-inchers, these really fill out the fenders quite well. The premium paints like this Ceramic Metallic or Soul Red are no-charge for the 25k MX-5 Recaro edition, which is available for order now across Britain.   2016 Mazda MX-5 Recaro Edition   MAZDA REVEALS ALL-NEW MAZDA MX-5 SPORT RECARO LIMITED EDITION 11/11/15 Limited Edition range-topping model joins the all-new Mazda MX-5 line …

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PlayStation GT SPORT Stills 24

Meet Gran Turismo SPORT – FIA-Blessed PlayStation Spinoff Starts Private Alpha in Paris

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Here is a brilliant idea that took two decades to achieve! Another Gran Turismo. One of the most potent profit engines in the PlayStation empire, the exclusive console arrangement has been a golden goose for parent Sony. But the development of the game by Polyphony Digital is so exhaustive that a spin-off game was long thought just a drain on resources. Fans were already waiting rabidly for the mid-decade updates of Gran Turismo since its launch, now up to GT6 as the latest and greatest. What started as a vaguely frontier investment in gaming for Sony in the late 1980s …

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450HP 2016 Audi A8L 4.0T Sport – S8 Style for $25k Less

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Audi has revealed some stunningly sexy S8 and A8 specials in Europe and the UK, including the Edition 21 and the S8 Plus with its 605-horsepower and 189-mph top speed. The first tweaked model we have — aside from the S8, of course, which is on the US price lists from $115,000 for 2016 — is this new A8 4.0T Sport. This new Sport replaces the old 4.0T model with a bump of 15 horsepower to a round 450, plus an upgraded exterior look that is kissing-close to the S8 from all angles. The most dramatic change, of course, comes …

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2015 RenaultSport RS01 Blasts Around Jerez Circuit in New Video and Photoset

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Fresh videos and photos of the Renault RS01 racecars blasting around Circuit Jerez this week in Spain! And crucially, a look under the hood of this mid-engine stunner — confirming the well-known rumors that the 3.8-liter engine under that back canopy has GT-R origins. [Actually, Renault confirmed this right from the start: see tech specs included below video.] What a prospect. Imagine not just a true mid-engine racing GT-R, but actually a pure speed-demon with bespoke CF chassis and bodywork, racing suspension and all that power to just the back wheels! Just the thought of such a machine is enough …

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All-new BMW X1 and 340i launch drive in Chihuahua, MX

USA-Spec 2016 BMW 340i Stretches Turbo Legs in Copper Canyon

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Copper Canyon, Mexico is exceptionally beautiful — a perfect place for the launch drives of the new X1 and the new 340i M Sport xDrive. Located in northern Mexico’s Chihuahua state but far from the Gulf of California, the mountainous region is a cool 500-miles from the salty blue water and gorgeous beaches that typically draw tourists south of the border. So what is the draw? A thousand-year-old mining trail and original indigenous trade route — one running up from central America and up through similar places in Colorado. Not just copper from these hills, but something much brighter.  Gold! …

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Brabus STARTECH Land Rover Discovery Sport 1

Brabus STARTECH Land Rover DISCO SPORT Meets Glam Squad

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Brabus’s English-focused StarTech division is having a very busy month! At least a dozen reveals at the Frankfurt IAA include this sexy and chic new Discovery Sport. One might question the motives for balling-out the entry-level Landie, but that is not really the point. For those wanting some SVR panache with their mid-size seven-seater…. these mods certainly do the trick! Brabus STARTECH Land Rover Discovery Sport Land Rover Discovery Sport   from 2015   exterior Aerodynamics STARTECH Front skirt attachment element STARTECH Front skirt attachment element, PUR R-RIM 980.00 € Prices ex works (DE-Bottrop) Article no.: LC-200-00 Aerodynamics STARTECH LED …

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2016-Nissan-Altima-SR

Updated with New Photos – 2016 Nissan ALTIMA SR Leads Refreshed Lineup

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Big reveals at New York’s Climate Week 2015!  After the Passat launch last night, the new Altima is next today. Impressive tweaks to the design front and rear, tech inside, plus drive manners headline the refresh for Nissan’s best-selling vehicle. Efficiency takes a huge jump up to 39-mpg highway for the standard 2.5-liter engine models thanks to a reduction in aero drag to 0.26 cD from 0.29 cD, active grille shutters and full underbody shrouds. This headline mileage stat does not exclude the new SR models — a sporty trimline that is new for 2016 and offered on the 2.5-liter …

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2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport DYNAMIC Makes Sexy Debut in Frankfurt

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The Land Rover Discover Sport is not on US roads yet, but there is already a very sexy special edition for European shoppers: the new Dynamic package. An exterior sportification via body-color bumpers, body kit and special details… the makeover is very convincing — and helps the new Disco Sport share some of the curb appeal of its sexier RRS and Evoque siblings. The Disco Sport already wears a great deal of gloss black for its trims and grilles, but this Dynamic upgrade takes the lower bodywork to the same standard. Everywhere there was previously grey plastic, now there is …

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Audi at the 2015 IAA

2017 Audi S4 Will Rock 354HP Turbo In Quest to Beat BMW 340i and C400 Sport

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The new Audi S4 made its glittering debut at the top of the Audi showcar stand last night in Frankfurt. Along with the new E-Tron Quattro EV SUV previewing a future Q6, the 2017 S4 was joined on stage by a “G-Tron” A4 Avant designed to run on CNG. Smart stuff. The S4 is clearly the closest to buy hands, however, with sales promised “in 2016.” This is likely to mean a March 2016 USA arrival at the earliest, and July probable for first orders. The S4 is Audi’s big engine upgrade from launch. The A4 TFSI power output is …

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2016 INFINITI Q30 Makes Global Debut Ahead of January Arrival to USA Showrooms

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This is a big year for Infiniti. A bevy of new products hope to invigorate the range in its core US market, but also establish a foothold in the premium compact markets of Europe and China. To that end, the new Q30 is a big next chapter for the firm. It joins the new 2.0-liter turbo engine option on the 2016 Q50 and a production-spec Q60 (coupe) coming in January. The Q30 comes in two flavors stateside: the base, Premium and Sport. The Q30S wears a unique nose clip with beautiful swirls around its lower grille/jawline. Special wheels, boxed twin …

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2016 BMW 750Li Stars in Massive New Photoshoot

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Updated 9.7.15 The new 7 Series is here! This is a major update — firmly on the ‘revolution’ side of the typical BMW model evolution. Not a piece of exterior shared with the current range, this new 750 headlines with 250-pounds of weight loss via the new carbon/steel/aluminum platform. Is this new ‘carbonium’ a woven mix of aluminum and carbon-fiber? Something out of CyberDyne Systems? Almost. This new carbon-fiber is industrially-produced using large-scale methods of the BMW i3 and i8, Boeing tech partnership and Toray Industries materials expertise. The passenger cell sides and doorframes appear to be the primary recipients …

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2015 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Z71 4WD Custom Sport Edition 9

Road Test Review – 2015 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Z71 4WD Custom Sport Edition

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Imagine a grinning face with a smile so big it put dimples on my cheeks. It was an August Wednesday — my change day for press drive vehicles — and I learned it would be a double week. And not just two polar-opposites; this week would be a head-to-head battle between a bright blue 2015 F-150 and a Diamond White Silverado. You might think you know what to expect of a different trim level of a car you’ve driven before. A Camry is a Camry is a Camry, right? But these trucks are different. Exponentially large configuration choices in the …

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2016 Mazda MX-5 Spec Secret + Prices, Colors and Options Guide

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The new MX-5 is in your area!  The launch is in full swing – so a perfect time to explore the trims, prices, colors and options! The configurator is almost a two-click affair. Just a few key choices to make it yours from $25k: transmission, trim and cabin color. (All these prices include the $820 delivery charge, by the way.) Sport kicks things off, followed by Club, and up to the top-line GT. With an automatic and every option checked, the new MX-5 GT is almost $33,000 exactly. A Club with the Brembo/BBS pack is within a few hundred bucks, …

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2016 Mercedes-AMG C63-S Coupe 12

2017 Mercedes-AMG C63-S Coupe Revealed! 510HP Widebody V8TT With RWD LSD

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The new Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupes just debuted online — and have rocketed from the bottom of the AMG desirability charts to bang near the top. The very ancient-feeling CLK has been run into the hills; the villagers are too distracted by its icky design to appreciate even the Clarkson-approved Black Series lately. Even the CLK name betrayed its old-Merc place in the product lineup. So the biggest new update is a full name change: Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG becomes the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe. And that just starts a massive mudslide of changes for the all-new platform, powertrain and tech suite. The …

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2016 Lotus Exige 360 Cup 10

2016 Lotus EXIGE 360 Cup Packs Upgraded Race Tech, Sport Exhaust and Lightweight Louvered Hoods

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Louvered hoods! And not the stick-on kind, either. We are using that hoods term as broadly as possible… for the new matte-black front end, roof, and rear engine cover might all be technically called hoods. These aluminum upgrades help the new Exige 360 Cup stand proud among even its V6 Cup siblings… despite the 360 packing just an extra 10 ponies over the standard Exige V6 Cup. Those extra horses are present thanks to a shouty new sports exhaust with a freer flow than before. The bellow is getting more soulful every iteration for Lotus and their crate motor from …

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2016 Honda Accord Sedan Touring

2016 Honda Accord SPORT in 120 New Pics + Animated CarPlay and Android Auto Demos

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Updated 8.11.15 The Accord Sport is where it’s at for anyone who loves driving. The Sport trim level adds the Coupe’s suspension tune and powertrain tweaks to the standard bodystyle with impressive results. We have a mega pack of new photos to share, primarily of this fire-engine-red Accord Sport cruising around some scenic mountain roads. On this mid-priced example, the lack of the new LED lamps on the loaded Touring line speaks to the low entry prices of the Sport overall. Versus the much more luxury-focused other variants, the Sport is by far the most entertaining steer. The Sport appears …

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2016 Honda Accord Coupe Touring

2016 Honda Accord COUPE Shows its Fresh, Sexy Design in 50 New Photos

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Updated 8.11.15 The Coupe joins the Accord reveal today! Did you do a double take on first sight?? We did… perhaps for the first time in years for an Accord Coupe. Shown in the top-spec V6 Touring trim level, the new Accord Coupe is vastly more attractive than the frisky and fast — but dull-looking — existing model. The Coupe looks really striking with all its new LEDs and styling upgrades – especially up front, where it is far more serious with black chrome in place of the sedan’s normal brightwork. The nose look is similar to the Accord Sport …

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1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Cabriolet – Saoutchik Opus Seeking $2M-Plus At Monterey Auctions

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Any of the lavish, shouty luxury cars by Jacques Saoutchik are highly cyclical vehicles in terms of their desirability and value. In the boom times, there is no vehicle more iconic than and hand-made mid-century creation from this grand master. But in lean times, they are a lightning rod for the wrong kind of attention. Depending on where your finances are this year, the GS Cab might scream for your checkbook or make you run for the hills. Either way, the chance to buy an original, authentic Saoutchik is quite rare. And among the bon vivants for whom there is …

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RENAULT SPORT R

2015 RenaultSport R.S. 01 Racecar Headlines World Series Renault at Silverstone Next Month

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Renaultsport is revving up its fanbase this month ahead of the World Series of Renault race weekend extravaganza at Silverstone in early September. F1 cars, Clio Cup cars and 115 years of Renaultsport racing legends will be proudly attending this petrolhead woodstock. The UK debut of the RS01 racecar is perhaps the most exciting new detail for this fun event: the global racing series is part branding, part driver development and part technical R&D. The RS01 features in 30 or so new photos ahead of the big race — shown below along with details on the $12 tickets to join …

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2016 Honda Accord

2016 Honda Accord Bringing Tech-Tastic LED and Infotainment Updates

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The 2016 Accord refresh is out and looking fantastic! Shown here on the loaded V6 Touring trim, the 2016 Accord is quite a looker with its new 19-inch alloys, standard LED taillights and a very fresh face up front. Packing LED foglights and LED DRLs on Sport or Touring trims, these special Acura-like lighting designs will really set the loaded Accord apart on the roads. The Touring flagship trim is now available on the Coupe, which also packs LED headlamps for the first time. The engines specs are not yet out, but the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 are set …

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Turbo 2016 Lexus IS200t and IS300 AWD Join Refreshed Range with F Sport Packs

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Two new Lexus IS powertrains are joining the rear-drive executive sedan ranks for 2016: the turbocharged IS200t and the AWD IS300. The 2.0-liter turbo puts out 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque from just 1650 RPM — ensuring it will have the fun drive manners of the NX200t. This is a really quick-boosting turbo with great character in its power delivery. Always charging ahead like a puppy. The IS200t replaces the IS250 to become the base model of the IS line — but also one of the friskiest. The turbo is rear-drive only and offered with or without the …

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2016 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan

2016 Cadillac CTS-V in 50 New Pics + Colors, Wheels, Options and Pricing

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Updated 7.20.15 With 40 New Photos + Option Details Cadillac’s new performance superhero is very close to buyer hands!  The firm just released a beautiful new image set from Milwaukee Art Museum and Road America racetrack in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. We also have a full look at the configurator and options for this 3.7-second M5-fighter. A base price of $84,000 can bump up to $102k with the big option packs like the carbon fiber upgrades for $5k, Recaro race seats and PDR recorder for a few thousand each. We’re surprised by the six total colors available, but happy to report …

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1971 Mazda COSMO Sport 18

1971 Mazda COSMO Sport – 130HP/Liter Flyweight Laid Roots for MX-5 and Wankel RX-7

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As you might know, we get really excited to find any Japanese car in the high-dollar auction world. The Monterey sale is the Super Bowl for car collectors. Tens of thousands of wealthy individuals descend on Pebble Beach and Carmel for a week-long extravaganza of past, present and future exotics. This makes the atmosphere fairly competitive even outside the fast-talking auctions. Polish up your current ride and eyeball what might become your next? A few Datsun roadsters, Skyline’s and Toyota 2000GT’s are the only regular attendees of the oceanfront Cali spectacular — but are joined this year by an exceptionally …

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2016 Maxima SR Midnight

2016 Nissan MAXIMA SR Midnight Is Official! Revealed At BET Experience Festival

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Updated 6.26.15 The 2015 Maxima black pack is official! The entire upgrade detailed below can now be ordered as the Maxima SR Midnight edition. Launched at the BET Experience, the key difference between the Maxima SR Midnight and a DIY black pack via Nissan accessories is that the Midnight comes exclusively in Super Black exterior paintwork. However you get to these 19-inch black alloys and sport bodywork upgrades, the results speak for themselves! 2016 Nissan MAXIMA SR Midnight The 2016 Maxima is finally arriving!  The new 4DSC is one of Nissan’s biggest launches for 2015 — and the company is …

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2016 Nissan MAXIMA SR Black Pack Details, Track Test Video and 99 New Photos

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The 2016 Maxima is finally arriving!  The new 4DSC is one of Nissan’s biggest launches for 2015 — and the company is going all-out to rev up excitement among loyalists. Nissan just revealed its sport styling parts, and they are right up our alley. Gloss-black 19-inch wheels with matching black diffuser and trunk spoiler are deeply cool. The side sills are a contrast metallic grey and really help deliver some concept-car stance to the sportiest Maximas. Pricing from $32k to around $39k is detailed in the animated configurator mid-way down the page, along with colors and tech specs.   2016 …

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