Ultimate

2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Blurs Boundaries With Cadillac, Adds New Luxuries

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When the Denali Ultimate line first appeared on the Sierra, it signified GMC’s ambition of expanding the sales grip of its hot-selling Denali lineup. Boasting more standard equipment and luxury than a standard model, Ultimate models are a noticeable upgrade over their slightly tamer cousins. With the Sierra Denali Ultimate riding a wave of momentum, the brand has revealed the second member of the Ultimate lineup the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate.   An Escalade In GMC Clothing   Looking at the exterior of the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate, the changes here may not seem obvious at first glance. …

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2019 Hyundai Kona Ultimate AWD – Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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FEATURES-FUN-PRACTICALITY AND VALUE The 2019 Hyundai Kona is one of the best subcompact crossovers that money can buy. That’s a bold statement, but the Kona can back it up. This 5-passenger SUV is available in five trim levels, the SE, SEL, Limited, and Ultimate, with starting front-wheel-drive models coasting $19,240, $21,050, $24,300, and $26,250 respectively. Add $1,400 for All-Wheel-Drive. The Iron Man trim, at $30,550, comes with a matte grey finish with red accents all around the vehicle,  red trim inside the cabin, and larger wheels. Not worth the money. The first 2 trim levels come with a 2.0 liter …

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2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0T AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We’ve been into Sports lately: The Elantra Sport, the HR-V Sport and soon, the Civic Sport. So, in the growing enterprise of sporty vehicles, it’s interesting that for the all-new 2019, the model formerly known as Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has been simplified to just Santa Fe. Hey, the Santa Fe has been here for 32 years, and is the burgeoning brand’s best-selling SUV. Has Hyundai found a different path? Will it have lost the fun-to-drive and stylish vibe of the previous model? The question is… Do We Know the Way to Santa Fe? Well, it’s still pointed in a …

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Subtlest RUF Ever? 1990 Porsche RUF BTR Carrera 4 Turbo – RM Amelia 2019 Preview

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Who says RUF can’t make some refined and restrained posh models along with their wild bodykits and slantnoses of the same era. This 1990 model was a classy AF upgrade in its day.  So much so that the inhouse name for the 425HP stunner was The Ultimate. This beauty’s condition today more than two decades later is nearly as good — and surely a drive feel that is a lot more rare. 1990 Porsche RUF BTR Carrera 4 Turbo     RM | Sotheby’s – AMELIA ISLAND 2019   Full RUF BTR conversion with 425 hp; dubbed the “Ultimate” Built at …

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2018 Hyundai KONA Ultimate FWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the Hyundai Elantra sedan and Elantra GT hatchback, which we really liked. We even mentioned the GT Hatch might be an excellent alternative to a small crossover. And then Hyundai introduces the all-new Kona compact crossover – and makes liars out of us. Well, maybe not liars. There’s a lot to like about the Elantra GT, but after our time in the Kona, we’re ready to go Island time, full time. (Kona, Hawaii reference for those playing at home). We do it Island Style Let’s start with the looks. The Kona is one great-looking small CUV, with …

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2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate LWB – Road Test Review

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There should be a Buzzfeed-style online quiz for SUV and crossover shoppers.  “How big an SUV do you really need?” You see, once the idea of a three-row truck enters some family minds, they go haywire and right to the extreme of a Tahoe or Land Cruiser-size vehicle.  Without thinking for a minute if one of these goliaths is actually the right vehicle.  Don’t spend years having trouble parking your big-rig and gassing up constantly. If you answer No to very-heavy Towing, keep going to the car-based, mid-size crossover category. If you value ultra-modern LED lighting and tech, carry on. …

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2018 McLaren SENNA – P15 Ultimate Series is Raw Purists Special

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McLaren’s P1 successor is here and it is shocking, to say the least. An unfinished looking cutjob of a design statement is actually on purpose.  Senna escews beauty in favor of raw, purist principles.   Dimensions shink-wrap the driver, as does the open-air cockpit with glass doors.  Fully free-standing front fenders make a slice of air to wrap the cockpit and the reverse + scoop vents ahead and behind the butterfly doors. Light weight, strict aero and performance like a trackbound rocket.  Check out the first photoset and official details from McLaren below.   2018 McLaren SENNA The McLaren Senna: the …

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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 Genesis G90 1

2017 Genesis G90 5.0 Ultimate RWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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The hunt for the elusive Luxury buyer is on with the all-new Genesis division. We recently tested the G80 sedan, and came away mightily impressed – a dynamic, stylish, beautifully-equipped competitor to the BMW 5 series. But for the price of a lowly turbo 4-cylinder Bavarian, the G80 had 5.0-liters of rip snorting V8 muscle. While Genesis is on safari for luxury brand competitors, it doesn’t stop at the G80, because with the larger G90, the brand is taking on the big game – Lexus LS, BMW 7-series and Mercedes S-Class. So, does it come home with a trophy, or …

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2017 Genesis G80 5

2017 Genesis G80 5.0 Ultimate – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Heads up: you need to be on the lookout for 5-0. In this case, it’s not Steve McGarrett and his task force careening around on Oahu. It’s a luxury sedan from Hyundai’s newly-minted Genesis division, and in this case, it’s looking to take on the existing marks including the highly-prized BMW 5-series. And you know what? We might opt for the G. It’s that good. First, some housekeeping. The name Genesis has been around for a bit. In 2009, we had the first Hyundai Genesis sedan, and then it was freshened up for 2015. For 2017, though, the Hyundai has been …

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2017 Genesis G80 5.0 Ultimate – HD Road Test Review – By Tom Burkart

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The Genesis launch is in full swing for 2017! No more Hyundai badges to be found anywhere on the two-model range.  Flying wings for the nose and tail are a huge relief for customers who disliked the previous dissonance of two ‘brand’ emblems on the same car. The G80 and its EQUUS-replacing G90 are both lightly refreshed beyond the badge upgrades, however. We were blessed to spend a week in the top G80: the 5.0-liter V8 Ultimate.  This rear-drive sports sedan delivers some SERIOUS heat to chase its 550i and E550 rivals. How do 420 ponies and sub-5-second sprints sound …

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2017 Hyundai ELANTRA Ultimate – Road Test Review + Drive Video

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The 2017 Elantra Limited is a knockout. It blew us away with its supremely European handling and best-ever-tested autonomous drive. How do we do this phenomenal car justice in a text-only written review?  Impossible! As such, we have the usual 50 photos of the car plus a very cool HD drive video to come along for the ride. Just try not to be wowed by what this Acura ILX rival can do!   HD DRIVE VIDEO – 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA Ultimate     EXTERIOR First things first, though.  How does it look?  Remarkably mature and sophisticated.  The Elantra Limited is the top …

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2017 Audi SQ7 TDI 38

2017 Audi SQ7 TDI – Triple-Turbo Diesel V8 is Ultimate Tax on Society

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  Could there be a worse time for the SQ7 TDI to make its world debut? Ultra-high-performance.  Diesel.  SUV. These top models like the previous V10 turbodiesel appeal to a tiny slice of the population, mostly in crowded European city centers, who are incentivized by the tax programs of their countries to choose a high-powered diesel over a similar gasoline model. The differences in tax, insurance and running costs for any diesel — no matter how hot — are dramatically lower than a similar Cayenne Turbo of GLE63 AMG.  Ballpark?  About a third cheaper for the diesel models like this 90k …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Hyundai GENESIS Ultimate V6 RWD

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Our love affair with the “impossibly good” Hyundai Genesis just got stronger for 2016! Testing out a rear-drive version of the 2016 V6 is a nice counter-point to the V6 AWD we fell so hard for a few months ago as a 2015 model. The 2016 Genesis has a few very notable updates to the V6 model lineup: standard HID headlights and available LED foglamps for the V6 — lamps that were previously a V8 exclusive. And even better, the Genesis now runs its gorgeous — and standard — LED headlamp accents as the main DRLs for normal driving.  This …

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2016 Dodge VIPER ACR - Bondurant Black 4

2016 Dodge VIPER ACR – Bondurant Black Mamba

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Updated 1.31.16 Just drove the 2016 Viper GT on track and am still in V10 nirvana. But there is a new king in the Viper range: the road-legal American Club Racer. Seeing the car in person is a jaw-dropping experience — this exterior is the coolest supercar since the TVR Sagaris! Huge new fender vent slashes, a underbody fully shrouded with air channels, and a nose and tail treatment more aggressive than even the wildest tuners can make real. Let alone make for sale as a $20k option! 2016 Dodge VIPER ACR – Bondurant Black 2016 Dodge VIPER ACR PREVIOUS …

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2016 Dodge VIPER ACR 8

2016 Dodge VIPER ACR – First Real-Life Photos Show Insane Aerokit

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Just drove the 2016 Viper GT on track and am still in V10 nirvana. But there is a new king in the Viper range: the road-legal American Club Racer. Seeing the car in person is a jaw-dropping experience — this exterior is the coolest supercar since the TVR Sagaris! Huge new fender vent slashes, a underbody fully shrouded with air channels, and a nose and tail treatment more aggressive than even the wildest tuners can make real. Let alone make for sale as a $20k option!   2016 Dodge VIPER ACR PREVIOUS   Welcome to the fastest road-legal Viper of …

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2017 Jaguar F-PACE Is GO! Full Launch Specs, UK Pricing + 100 New Photos

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Here it is, ladies and gentleman! The crossover that saved Jaguar from certain misery. This angel is called F-PACE and is coming to high streets worldwide in the next six months. This is not the concept? Nope, this is the production SUV that is priced from Pounds 35k with a huge range of engines, a playful RWD or AWD chassis, and aluminum throughout its bones and skin. Full configurator, pricing and trimlines are available for UK shoppers already — which is a strong indication that production is already under way. We’re thrilled the production model carries all of the chic, …

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RM Hershey 2015 Preview – 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Drophead Coupe

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This feels timely. But is outre and fabulous on its own, even without Dawn intro…! This 1950s Cloud is just lovely. It shows how far Rolls-Royce has come, but the luxury standard continuing uninterrupted. In example? A giant air conditioner unit up front in this ragtop, plus rear table trays in matching burl walnut. 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Drophead Coupe RM London 2015 London 7 September 2015 Lot 160 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Drophead Coupé Adaptation by H.J. Mulliner To be auctioned on Monday, September 7, 2015 Sold for £218,400 Chassis no. SNH14 Engine no. SN139 Body no. 6213 …

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RM London 2015 - 1974 Abarth 2000 SE 027 6

RM London 2015 – 1974 Abarth 2000 SE 027 Is Ultimate Soapbox Fantasy Racecar

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If the debate between Huracan and Miura might be clearly won by the new model, the same is not true for track cars. Imagine actually driving a snorting, rorting racecar to your local track, racing a few hot laps til afternoon, then rumbling home. The design and ultra-short wheelbase of this 1974 Abarth 2000 SE makes it pin-prick accurate. And fiesty. 280-horsepower from a LM-spec four-cylinder? Yep. Rearing to go! RM London 2015 – 1974 Abarth 2000 SE 027 RM London 7 September 2015 Lot 127 1974 Abarth 2000 SE 027 To be auctioned on Monday, September 7, 2015 Sold …

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2010 Red Bull X1 Launched Gran Turismo As Ultimate MMO R&D Engine

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As we look to the future of disruptive, breakthrough innovations in racing — it helps to start with a blank sheet of paper. This is counterintuitive, of course, versus the typical half-step of evolution among all species — racecars included. What is needed to deliver the TV ratings and championship trophies all race series crave? Speed, beauty, drama and technical innovation. There must be balance between outright speed, sound and safety. In short, a revolution is needed to put put racing into hyperdrive. The world championship Red Bull and Vettel pairing from 2010 provided a clever look at priorities of …

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2015 Hyundai Santa Fe LWB Ultimate 7

Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe LWB Ultimate

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The seven-seat crossover market is a cut-throat place for carmakers. These fairly wealthy families are the bulls-eye for more than three dozen unique SUV models in 2015 — and earning big sales and market share is extremely difficult for even the best new machines. With so many choices, three-row SUVs have become the new wild west of the car biz. Explorer vs Highlander becomes the modern equivalent of a pistol duel at high noon. As such, Hyundai threw a huge amount of resources at its redesigned 2015 Santa Fe — thinking through every step of the consideration and ownership process …

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2014 Pagani Zonda Revolucion 21

2014 Pagani Zonda Revolucion Adds DRS Dynamic Downforce + 50HP for Ultimate Time-Attack Prowess

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If the 2009-2010 Pagani Zonda R is shocking in its depth of changes versus the ‘regular’ Zonda, this R-EVO model honors the near-perfection of the original model. Even so, the ‘Evo’ version of any supercar is generally far better. Benefiting from real-world tuning and production tweaks, the Zonda Revolucion is no exception to this rule. Power from the AMG V12 is up to 800 ponies, while the on-track dynamics are massively enhanced by a new Drag Reduction System out back. Controlled via a steering-wheel button, DRS can selectively engage as needed on track, or a two-second push of the button …

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2016 Dodge Viper ACR

2016 Dodge Viper ACR Brings Extreme Aero, 3-inch Ride Height Adjustment + New Carbon Brakes

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Welcome to the fastest road-legal Viper of all time!  The  2016 Viper ACR debuts a major chassis upfit with new adjustable Bilstein dampers, Carbon brakes, a new Extreme Aero kit, lightweight cabin and specially formulated Kumho rubber. The combination creates a potent machine with flypaper grip around corners and nearly 1-ton of downforce near its top speed. The available Extreme Aero kit wears a huge and dramatic adjustable splitter, multi-wing spats and a giant lightweight wing. Integral brake ducts and vents are also beefed up for the ACR, with the visible fender slices a seriously cool detail. The shocks are …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport FWD 2.0T Ultimate

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INTRO – 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Review Think of the new Hyundai Santa Fe siblings like the Nissan Murano/Pathfinder. The Santa Fe Sport is a five-seater with a wheelbase five inches shorter than the big seven-seat Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Sport and Santa Fe deviate from the Nissan offering with custom powertrains by vehicle size: the Sport’s uplevel engine is a 2.0-liter turbo, while the jumbo Santa Fe offers a V6 powertrain as a step up from the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Spending time in both SUVs helps shed light on the differences the Sport’s new engine and chassis …

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sienna xle 2015

Road Test Review – 2015 Toyota Sienna XLE Brings All-New Infotainment and Fresh Comfort Upgrades

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On the way to test out the 2015 Sienna, we traveled by Sienna! Our chariot of 2014 Sienna SE offered a great basis point to evaluate the 2015 model’s improvements. Let’s dive in with the usual format of Exterior, Interior, Performance and Summary. We have split each segment into Sienna XLE and Sienna SE portions, in hopes of offering a good idea of what both offer families – highlighting relevant differences between the two. EXTERIOR Sienna XLE There are subtle style changes outside around front and back. The SE and Limited Sienna’s benefit from some classy LED accents in the …

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sienna se

Road Test Review – 2014 Toyota Sienna SE Is The Ultimate High-Speed Q-Ship

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When you think of minivans, the sportiest one available might seem like a dumb question. I mean, what is the point of having huge power on demand when you are likely to have a car full of kids? After a week rocking the 2014 Sienna SE to Ponte Vedra, Florida and back for the Camry rollout, we became seriously attached to the Sienna’s easy highway manners and friendly city maneuverability. Without a variety of kids and 1000-pounds of toys in the eight-passenger Sienna SE, we can tell you that this is the sportiest van of them all. Standard format of …

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