Month: April 2016

BEIJING 2016 – Top 10 Chinese Production Models

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PART TWO One look at any of the top concepts from the Beijing Motor Show will tell you: China has come of age in the car business. These were some of the most well-executed, on-trend and exciting models in the entire, gigantic show. The Chery FV2030 earns our vote as the best in show for futuristic concepts.  The Hongqi S Concept wins best in show for production-intent machines. And a special nod to the custom Karlmann King!  This SUV may or may not be a superlux, stealth-skinned Ford Expedition.  For $1.9-million.  =] A variety of sexy EV concepts and supercars definitely …

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BEIJING 2016 – Top 10 Chinese CONCEPT Cars and SUVs!

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One look at any of the top concepts from the Beijing Motor Show will tell you: China has come of age in the car business. These were some of the most well-executed, on-trend and exciting models in the entire, gigantic show. The Chery FV2030 earns our vote as the best in show for futuristic concepts.  The Hongqi S Concept wins best in show for production-intent machines. And a special nod to the custom Karlmann King!  This SUV may or may not be a superlux, stealth-skinned Ford Expedition.  For $1.9-million.  =] A variety of sexy EV concepts and supercars definitely warrant a …

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BEIJING 2016 – Analysis: State of the Chinese Car Industry + Top 12 Global-Brand Debuts

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The Beijing Motor Show is the flagship event for the absolutely gigantic Chinese car market, and as such is a great barometer of how the industry there is evolving.  For many years, the narrative has been twin threads: — huge potential and rapid advancement from bicycles 25 years ago — shameless flouting of IP via copies of well-known brands and cars, right down to the smallest details. All executed in horrible fashion.  Door shutline gaps that could swallow a hand, paint mismatches, cabin gawps, weird detailing and — last but not least — some laughable names to English-speaking ears. Enter, …

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2016 Lexus GS-F – GoPro Adventures! 3 Full-Throttle Drive Videos, LED Walkaround and Startup/Exhaust Note

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Updated 4.29.16 We’re very aware that the HD drive reviews we post here are not world-class. Not anywhere close.  Sticking a GoPro up and heading out has basically been our gameplan.  The uploading the ginormous video files to YouTube virtually unedited whatsoever.  The real way to do this would be to do a script, many takes, and then refine it meticulously in the editing room.  By an expert editor. Alas, the videos so far have been more of ‘extra credit’ additions to written drive reviews. Then this GS-F came along, and we had to up our game.  Still no script …

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$10 Grand Per Pound! 1968 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART Spider = 821 New Miatas?!

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This Ferrari tops the estimate lists of the upcoming RM Sotheby’s auction in Monaco next month.  The experts predict a total of about 20-million Euros, which comes to about $23-million in US monies. The scale and performance of this V12 icon are remarkably close to a 2016 MX-5 Mazda Miata.  So we thought it would be fun to show how much each costs per pound.  The results are shocking, to say the least. First off, the Miata is about 12 bucks a pound.  It weighs 100 pounds more than the Ferrari, but costs only about $28k in total. If we …

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RM Monaco 2016 Preview – 1995 Lamborghini Diablo SE30 Jota

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The absolute best time to buy a classic exotic, aging hypercar or “future classic” ? The golden age is between 20 and 25 years old.  Just think of how hot you were at that age! Just kidding.  You were never hot. Still kidding! With supercars, the early 20s are when a car is firmly out of fashion among the trendiest shoppers, yet before it turns 25 and becomes an official classic car.  That lets you import it to the US and make it road legal with no clever DMV acrobatics.  And on cars’ 25th birthdays, their values generally start to …

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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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RM Monaco 2016 Preview – 1948 Tucker 48

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The only Tucker in Europe is headed for auction in the next few weeks. This car is an icon.  Triple headlights with cornering functionality, a boxer six engine up front, independent suspension all around and even a four-speed transmission!  A sports sedan 20 years before the term would gain meaning. Six exhausts out back and even brake cooling intakes on the rear fenders?  Yep. Tucker was ahead of his time, and the fact that just 50 of his creations would be made is a crying shame. This car in blue looks about as nice as they come. RM Monaco 2016 …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Kia Sportage SX FWD – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Review: 2017 Kia Sportage SX FWD By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman So I get a new Kia Sportage dropped off in my driveway on March 21, 2016.  I look at the window sticker and is says that’s it’s a 2017 model.  What’s up with that?  Seems a little early in the year to be bringing out next year’s model, no?  And they’re still selling 2016’s, next to the all-new 2017’s.  Sometimes I just can’t figure out how the car companies work.  So depending upon when you’re reading this post, you’ll get an insight into this authors work habits.  Do I write …

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Power Surge! LARTE Design TESLA Model S P85D Elizabeta REDLINE

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PART TWO: The Redline Look! 50 more gorgeous photos from Larte Design of their Tesla Elizabeta mods.  This time at a heavy industrial site.  The heaviest industry of all, in fact! What’s that?  Nuclear power…!  No cooling towers needed for this Tesla’s hot black and red look. Tesla is wiping the face off the Model S for its first facelift, but we think Larte Design’s new bumpers and aerokit are far sexier.  Please enjoy a thorough look at the Larte ‘Elizabeta’ upgrades in this posh shopping photoshoot!  The parts are available in three materials, with the top carbon-fiber/basalt combination said …

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LARTE Design TESLA Model S P85D Elizabeta Mods Are Hot!

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  Tesla is wiping the face off the Model S for its first facelift, but we think Larte Design’s new bumpers and aerokit are far sexier.  Please enjoy a thorough look at the Larte ‘Elizabeta’ upgrades in this posh shopping photoshoot!  The parts are available in three materials, with the top carbon-fiber/basalt combination said to be stronger and much lighter than traditional fiberglass.  The nose and tail is the most upgraded, to our eyes, but the sill extensions, spoilers all around and exposed-weave carbon elements are deeply sexy throughout. The upgrades from Larte Design are pretty reasonable, in terms of …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Jaguar XF 35t R-Sport RWD

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Here is another new Jag that absolutely wallops the competition. Brutally competent.  Ruthlessly efficient.  Stylishly elegant. Very fast with a 5.2-second sprint to 60-mph, yet never too shouty about it. The new 2016 XF is stunningly good.  This mid-range model lives between the base Ingenium diesel here in the USA and the top XF S with its 380HP and sport exhaust. 340 ponies are always on tap thanks to the supercharged engine configuration.  Same goes for the worlds-best ZF eight-speed automatic.  And the lightweight, part-aluminum chassis that drops hundreds of Lbs versus its arch-rivals the 535i and Mercedes-Benz E350. How …

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2016 Lamborghini Huracan XtremeXperience 7

Track Drive Video + Photos – 2016 Lamborghini HURACAN LP610-4 – XtremeXperience

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Here is a curious machine.  One that we’ve loved from afar — and up close — for a few years now.  The Huracan fired up in the AMP pit lane for XtremeXperience’s track day with the most fury, and the most sheer energy. There is no hiding the 5.2-liter, naturally-aspirated V10’s goodness.  And if you think it sounds great on ignition… wait until we get into the throttle! In standard Strada street mode due to the track conditions, however, the Huracan drove itself into a solid third place among the 458 Italia and McLaren 570S.  While the AWD Lambo had …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 Volvo XC60 T6 Is Safe, Family SUV When it comes to safety few automakers go to the same level that Volvo does and the 2016 XC60 is a perfect example of this. From the built-in booster seats for children, to the host of alert systems, this SUV is perfect for safety-conscious families. The 2016 Volvo XC60 is a 5-seat, SUV with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged/supercharged engine which produces an impressive 302 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is mated to an 8-speed transmission which is geared for a low-end pop off the line with a …

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First Track Drive – 2016 McLaren 570S Coupe at XtremeXperience (Plus Twin-Camera Video!)

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  The new 570S was the most exciting sight of a day filled with exotic cars from XtremeXperience.  This team travels all over the midwest and east coast of the US making dreams come true with their supercar fleet. So getting fixated on one is not required, especially with their three-car drive special at discounted rates. But fixated, we were.  This 570S is all-new and the cheapest car McLaren has ever made. Yet skim the brochure and their is little to knock the kid brother down from its P1 and 650S siblings. Similar carbon-fiber chassis tub, similar lightweight bodywork and …

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2017 Lexus IS Preview – New Noses, Wilder F-Sport Upgrades and Quicker Sprint Pace

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The new IS is half-way here!  The revised model just bowed in Beijing with fresh bumpers, lighting, transmissions and infotainment. Why half-way?  We have only seen a partial look so far at the new US-market IS based on this debut.  The IS shown here in F Sport guise is wearing China-exclusive LEDs that are not the design we’ll see stateside.  The other show vehicle in China shows the base IS face, with new arrowhead LEDs, a slice of LED inside the lamp itself, and projector-beam main lights.  All good stuff — especially as these new lights have auto highbeams — …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 6-Speed – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 VW Golf GTI Improves on Technology While Keeping Superb Drive While VW may be mired in a diesel scandal, this doesn’t mean the rest of their gas vehicles should be overlooked. A great example is the critically acclaimed 2016 VW Golf equipped with a turbocharged gasoline engine and featuring updated technology features. The big news for the 2016 VW Golf is all-new technology features found in a new 6.5” touchscreen infotainment screen and part of VW Car-Net. This was a big need in prior Golf vehicles and VW stepped up to fill this gap. The new touchscreen is …

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2016 Lexus GS200t – By Ben Lewis

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    If you read our recent preview, or saw Tom’s video of the new Lexus GS-F, you know that Lexus is going after the German ‘Bahnstormers in a big way. How big?  A 5.0-liter V8 that pumps out 467 hp at a zinging 7,100 rpm, backed up by a chassis that could easily handle a good amount more. It’s an amazing machine. But allow me to play the devil’s advocate here. If you want the most German of the GS models, go for the entry level GS200t.  Yep, the one with the turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder. Allow me to explain. …

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Maserati Embracing Aluminum for Production-Spec Alfieri? By Carl Malek

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Reports from the inner confines of Maserati suggest that the Italian luxury car firm is seriously exploring the idea of a production version of the Alfieri! This concept first made its appearance a few years ago at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in what would amount to an ambitious charge into the sports car segment. Designed to take on rivals such as the Jaguar F-Type, Porsche 911, and even the Nissan GT-R, the Alfieri is expected to ride on a more performance oriented version of the modular platform that is also used on the Ghibli. However, the Alfieri would be …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special (w/ Videos!)

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    The Mustang GT Convertible had a hell of a week here at Car-Revs-Daily.com! First we shot photos of the pony-car icon alongside a LaFerrari, then took an epic road trip down to Botany Bay for yet more photos.  And some very exciting full-throttle videos, too! You would do the same when presented with a dream-car, right? This Mustang GT Cali Special is a life-changing vehicle.  One that is so outstandingly fun, sexy and playful that you gladly forgive its autobox spec and slight cowl shake over big bumps. Wind in your hair, V8 bellow in your ears…… is there any …

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Beijing Debuts – 2017 Mazda CX-4 is New Crossover Coupe for China

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Mazda has been growing their CX lineup of crossovers over the last few years and has revealed yet another new one in Beijing. Slotted in-between the CX-3 and CX-5, the CX-4 uses Mazda’s Kodo design language which incorporates a rather handsome hatchback-like design rather than a traditional SUV design. Mazda says that the CX-4 has a “sleek, coupe-like” look and their claims seem to be correct. On the inside, the CX-4 is similar to its other Mazda siblings with a touchscreen infotainment system wedged on the dashboard along with traditional analog gauges and a three-spoke steering wheel. There are two …

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Beijing Debuts – 2017 Audi TT RS Coupe and Roadster – 3.7s via 400HP!

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A fantastic range-topper for the new TT twins: the RS! Power is up by 60Hp over the previous TT RS via a new turbo five-cylinder engine. Ultra-short new ratios for the launch gears of  the DSG twin-clutch auto rocket the new TT RS Coupe to 62-mph in just 3.7-seconds. The ragtop is not far behind. Various trim options for the deep lower splitter, all-new bumpers and grilles front and rear make unique statements.  The black is dark and menacing, while the silver effect (as shown on the red Coupe below) is just as modern and mean… but a bit brighter. …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Chrysler 300 Limited – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 Chrysler 300 Limited Offers Lots of Value Celebrating its 90th year of production, the 2016 Chrysler 300 Limited AWD could just be the best value ever offered in the large sedan. Our test model came in at just under $40k and it is LOADED. For the 2016 Chrysler 300 90th Anniversary Edition, there is more standard equipment than ever offered before. For example, the Limited edition comes standard with an 8.4” Uconnect system with navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, plus a spectacular dual-pane sunroof and unique commemorative appointments. Chrysler says the Limited edition is the most “well-appointed …

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4.2s, 350HP 2017 Porsche 718 CAYMANS Revealed! Boosted Boxer Fours Are Faster, Cheaper

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  The new Cayman has arrived!  Just in time to make anyone who ordered the Boxster Spyder or Cayman GT4 feel like a fool? Not really.  This new generation has new styling, all-new cabin tech and a vastly changed powertrain duo. Swapping to standard twin-turbo four power for the Cayman means this will be a very changed Porsche versus its flat-six predecessors.  Pace is way up across the board, and pricing is sharply down.  The entry price in Euros is now below the 718 Boxster for the first time, unlike the previous hardtop premium that made no sense. But justifying a …

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2017 Smart BRABUS Twins Revealed – 20% Power Bump, Quicker Steering and Sport Exhaust

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The new Smart twins are actually quite promising in their first major redesign since the brand was started in the late 1990s. The microcars have been as popular as polio in the US market in their ten years on the market, so the US arrival of the on-sale-now generations to America was never a top priority.  That still stands: there is no official timeframe for them to jump the pond.  A November arrival in 2016 seems plausible. We hope the ForFour will join the unloved ForTwo in the back corner of Mercedes-Benz service loaner folder. Only for clients they hate …

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Plum Crazy 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T – XtremeXperience Wet Track Laps Are Mesmerizing (w/ HD Video!)

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It might seem unlikely to kick off a five-part article series about XtremeXperience supercar track days with the slowest, heaviest car in the pitlane. But anyone who has driven a Challenger R/T… a) in the rain or b) on a racetrack …knows that combining those two is a recipe for white knuckles, at the very least. And more likely, one of two endgames: a crawling pace or a big spin-out into the grass. And perhaps from there into a tire-lined safety fence beside the track. So this experience as the first outing of the day at Atlanta Motorsports Park left …

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2017 Ford F-150 RAPTOR China 2

2017 Ford F-150 RAPTOR Going Global to 96 Markets, Including China!

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  The unstoppable new Raptor Supercrew is going global!  Just like its Mustang brother, the big Raptor will be a halo model in major markets for the first time.  96 in total for the Raptor, and this now includes China! Its stonking, high-flying act arrives in China in the spec previewed here, with slightly altered lights and bumpers, arrives in China around February 2017.   2017 Ford F-150 RAPTOR China FEARLESS, FEROCIOUS AND FUN: FORD INTRODUCES F-150 RAPTOR SUPERCREW TO CHINA All-new Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew makes its China debut, bringing unmatched levels of off-road excitement and performance to the …

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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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Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1959 Berkeley SE492 – Micromini FWD English Roadster?!

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It is difficult to describe how small this car is. The 1959 Berkeley Sports Twosome SE492 is about the size of a normal carnival bumper-car.  And perhaps only slightly larger than most PowerWheels children’s toys. Its 70-inch wheelbase meets extremely low and narrow overall dimensions — and is literally dwarfed by some of the bigger classic cars parked nearby. The concept of a lightweight and cheap English roadster was taken to new millimeter-small dimensions during the 1956-1960 production run of the Berkeley automotive venture. The engine of this SE492 is an air-cooled triple making just 30 horsepower. A four-speed automatic send …

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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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Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1954 SIATA 200CS Balbo Coupe – Inspired Design and Iconic Beauty

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Here is a vehicle whose beauty is only surpassed by its rarity. The 1954 Siata Torino 200CS. It has the elegance of many Maserati’s, but also the purpose and aeronautical inspiration that made the Aston Martin DB3 and DB4 such hits.  And what is this!?  No cutlines whatsoever in the back bubble fastback?! Hidden headlamps? These might be the second-ever application of pop-up headlights since they made their first aero-inspired appearance in the Cord 810 of the 1930s.  The elegance of a pure, clean upper hood edge would come in vogue by the 1970s, and ride the wave through the …

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2016 Mazda 6 GT 3

Road Test Review – 2016 Mazda6 – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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2016 Mazda 6 i Grand Touring By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman I always look forward to getting a Mazda dropped off in my driveway for a week’s worth of driving.  You can always count on a Mazda to deliver three things: peppy performance, great gas mileage, and outstanding handling. Our test car was the top of the line model, the Grand Touring model. As all Mazda 6 models, it comes with a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder direct injection, variable valve timing engine with a very high 13:1 compression ratio and is designed to use unleaded gas.  The engine makes 184 horsepower and …

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2016 Inferno REVENTADOR – Nightmarish Lambo Reskin, Or Dreamy Hyperexotic?

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This Inferno Reventador has been giving us nightmares for weeks every time the file folder is open.  Just the thumbnails are enough to make my skin crawl. But perhaps they make yours warm and tingly? The bodywork is said to be made of a “zinc aluminum foam” that claims to offers light weight and ballistics protection. We hate the idea of a gap-filler being used as a car body, but its need to be shaped rapidly does go one step beyond clay models used by many styling houses.  In reality, these shapes are likely cast in molds, like fiberglass, and …

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First Drive Gallery – 2016 Porsche Panamera GTS

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We mis-spoke when saying on GS-F videos last week that the Lexus was the only naturally-aspirated, rear-drive super-sedan on the market! There is one big daddy to contend with: the Panamera GTS. This hardcore sports model is the most stylish, most playful and best-sounding Panamera of all time. It is impossible to do the car justice from a fairly brief test drive, but the photos speak very clearly for themselves! Just like the 4.8-liter, 440HP V8, in fact! Pricing for the GTS as shown here rings in at $129k.  Worth it?  Oh yes. The base of $113k climbs rapidly, with …

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Road Test Review - 2016 Ford Focus Titanium - By Tim Esterdahl 4

Road Test Review – 2016 Ford FOCUS Titanium – By Tim Esterdahl

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While all the attention these days is on its faster brother, the 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback Titanium isn’t so quickly overlooked. With its fun to drive size, quick acceleration and plentiful cargo room, the Focus is a great commuter or around town vehicle and probably not the best choice for long road trips. Hatchbacks hold a special place in the automotive landscape with plenty of fans and critics of its size and styling. Fans love the size, fun to drive sporty aspect of it and its versatility of holding 5 with cargo room. Yet, critics see SUVs as better options …

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2016 BENETTI Fisker 50 – Diesel-Electric Hybrid Superyacht

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When the name “Henrik Fisker” comes into conversation, vehicles like the Aston Martin DB9, BMW Z8, and his own vehicle, the Fisker Karma spring to mind. Being a world-renowned designer, it was only time before Fisker would design something without four wheels. Enter the yacht company Benetti. The collaboration between the man behind the Fisker Karma and Benetti yachts has created this: the Benetti Fisker 50 megayacht. The partnership with the two started about a year ago. As for the name, the 50 stands for 50 meters or 164 feet and shows off Fisker’s contemporary design. There are some intelligent …

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Which Car Wins? 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth vs. 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Rally – By Ben Lewis

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    One thing we hear all the time is, “What can I get that’s fun, affordable and most especially, I won’t see coming the other way all day long.” That’s not an easy task – there’s always a lot that’s new and exciting prowling the concrete jungle. But fear not, we have a couple really interesting choices for you. Welcome to the Compact Car Wild Kingdom. Let’s start with the Mad Mouse. Well, we think it sort of looks like a mouse, with its round shape, big eyes, and front grill that sort of looks like a moustache, The …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Mazda CX-5 – By Tim Esterdahl

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A surprise hit for many automotive journalists, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 has been called out for its “impressive efficiency, responsive handling and bold style.” Add this journalist to the list of those pleasantly surprised by the CX-5. It is really, really good. One of the first things grabbing you about the CX-5 is the exterior styling and, more specifically, the nose. The look is almost a take on a Mercedes-Benz GLE which is a big compliment to the Mazda designers. Fortunately, it doesn’t stand out as a direct knock-off and the CX-5 retains its own personality with a well-designed front …

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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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784HP, 218-MPH Ferrari F12 N-Largo S by Novitec Rosso

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The N Largo upgrades to the Ferrari F12 and California from Novitec Rosso are clear favorites of ours in the exotic tuner scene.  The crew from Stetten, Germany is back with an even wilder evolution of the widebody racecar theme: the new N-Largo S. Now even wider and even racier! Power is now up to a stout 784HP from the 6.3-liter V12, while top speed climbs ever higher to kissing 218-mph, or a round 350-kph.  Deeply impressive, perhaps especially so in this monochrome gunmetal grey.  Favorite design details are many.  The full-width intake up front is intense with its extra …

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Kiawah 2016 Highlights - 1974 DeTomaso Longchamp 15

Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1974 DeTomaso Longchamp

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Here is a seriously rare exotic that influenced virtually every American car in the 1980s: the DeTomaso Longchamp.  But here’s the key detail: this car is a 1974. The 80s Ford Mustang and even Chevy Caprice likely thought their inspiration was a secret thanks to the Longchamp’s non-imported status. But what about the Volvo 960 and even the Maserati Quattroporte of the 1980s?!  Shameless copies, and now we know the origin of the epoch-defining block styling. DeTomaso’s widebody, rear-drive GT coupe proportions fender details are still stunning in 2016.  As is the massive cabin width and great luxury throughout. Thankyou to …

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2016 Lincoln MKX - By Tim Esterdahl 2

Road Test Review – 2016 Lincoln MKX Black Label – By Tim Esterdahl

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Spirited, Luxurious Drive with Amazing Seats Review: 2016 Lincoln MKX Black Label Loaded with features, powered by a spirited and fuel efficient powertrain along with a comfortable and spacious interior, the 2016 Lincoln MKX Black Label is a growing competitor in its segment. It is clear why it is. I didn’t want to stop driving it. The all-new MKX is Lincoln’s newest push to knock the Lexus RX juggernaut from atop the midsize premium SUV segment. This is the largest segment in the luxury market and represents one-quarter of the market. In order to counter newly refreshed RX models, Lincoln …

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2016 Ram 150 HFE EcoDiesel Review 1

Road Test Review: 2016 Ram 150 HFE EcoDiesel – By Tim Esterdahl

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Bare Bones And Fuel Efficient Review: 2016 Ram 150 HFE EcoDiesel A point of contention among truck fans is the rising price of full-size trucks. These prices are largely driven by the growth in so-called “Cowboy Cadillacs,” yet basic trucks still exist. Marrying the basic truck features with great fuel economy, we recently got to test a bare bones 2016 Ram 1500 HFE EcoDiesel. Ringing in just under $40k, it was surprising how different a truck feels without all the upgraded features. Our test model was a Quad Cab, 4×2 with standard equipment and only a $695 optional equipment package …

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Kiawah 2016 – 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost – Video Startup and Walkthrough of Pre-War Lineup

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We started recording just as the Kiawah Concours judges were reviewing this majestic limo, and got to watch the startup!  It chugged for a second then purred into life sounding smooth and very quiet for the era!   Kiawah 2016 – 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost – Video Startup      

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Kiawah 2016 – 1928 AUBURN 8-115 Speedster

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This Auburn 115 Speedster would have made Jay Gatsby’s yellow Rolls-Royce look like a city bus by comparison.  Just two seats, roadster cockpit with aero windshield in twin planes, plus a boattail rear end that makes its giant hood even more prominent. Fast has a mascot in the roaring twenties, and it was this Auburn.   Kiawah 2016 – 1928 AUBURN 8-115 Speedster

1919 Pierce-Arrow 66A-4 Owned by Fatty Arbuckle 6

Kiawah 2016 – 1919 Pierce-Arrow 66A-4 Owned by Fatty Arbuckle

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Imagine the showiest hypercar in the world, driven by the world’s biggest movie star. Then flash back 100 years. The owner was Fatty Arbuckle and his Pierce-Arrow was just as gigantic as the Hollywood legend himself. In the flesh, this machine is absolutely gigantic.  It looks like it could swat Model T’s off the road without breaking a sweat.  Its creme tires are a delight, too. 1919 Pierce-Arrow 66A-4 Owned by Fatty Arbuckle

2017 Porsche 911 C2S – RACE YELLOW and GUARDS RED (+First Drive Videos)

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    PART TWO: RACE YELLOW and GUARDS RED   It is quite unusual for a new-gen 911 with an all-new engine, freshness up front and an all-new tail to be upstaged by a simple paint color. But that is the effect Miami Blue has in the flesh! This $4k optional shade joins the new Lava Orange as the brightest, sexiest shades Porsche has offered in years.  Even the standard, no-charge colors are quite becoming on this new Carrera S, however.  The Guard Red is as traditional a color as ever, yet looks fan-tas-tic up close in the flesh.  Various …

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2017 Porsche 911 Miami Blue 28

2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S – First Drive in MIAMI BLUE! (+Videos and Color Visualizer)

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It is quite unusual for a new-gen 911 with an all-new engine, freshness up front and an all-new tail to be upstaged by a simple paint color. But that is the effect Miami Blue has in the flesh! This $4k optional shade joins the new Lava Orange as the brightest, sexiest shades Porsche has offered in years.  Even the standard, no-charge colors are quite becoming on this new Carrera S, however.  The Guard Red is as traditional a color as ever, yet looks fan-tas-tic up close in the flesh.  Various dark or light headlight trims and many finishes for the …

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Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder – Ingram Collection

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An authenticity check is very helpful before falling in love with the first 550 Spyder you find out in the real world! And once you find that original, you have to drink in its details throughout.  Smoother than a porcelain lion-claw bathtub, with aircraft rivets throughout its cabin and even lightweight drilled mechanicals.  Check out that handbrake!  The holes reduced its total weight. The carved-out rear decklid is perhaps just as striking as the vehicle’s tiny size.  Between the semi-sharp rear fender-tops, the rear metal sinks deep and low to the ground.  Stunning. Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1955 Porsche 550 …

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1963 LOTUS Super 7 Cosworth 8

Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1963 LOTUS Super 7 Cosworth

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So tiny. So elegant! The Lotus Seven in the flesh is unreal in its engineering purity and basic beauty. The cabin with basic lower seat cushions but hardbacked pieces for both perches?  Or the giant, one-piece front fenders.  And the elaborate, contrast-creme weatherstripping between its central body and fenders?  All exquisite. Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 1963 LOTUS Super 7 Cosworth

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2016 McLaren 675LT Spider – Media Launch Brings 50 New, Real-Life Photos

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  Updated 4.18.16 with 50 new photos from the sunniest part of Northern Europe…!? McLaren just set the configurator of the new 675LT Spider live on the web! The builder is tweaked versus previous McLaren visualizers — simplified and tailored for the small batch of 500 LT Spiders to be produced. Six custom configurations of exterior and interior design are grouped into themes for the launch, but eight wheel styles and three dozen other colors are on the list for standard pricing. Favorites do not include the new 675LT Spider exclusive color: Solis.  This is definitely a rich golden metallic …

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2016 Volkswagen BEIJING CONCEPT 1

2016 Volkswagen BEIJING CONCEPT – CrossBlue GTE Preview?

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The only way out of this VW TDI mess is product.  That much is clear.  Product, asap! So this latest reveal from VW is very promising. Even as just teaser images. The specs outlined below from VW are enticing: 516-pound-feet of torque via its PHEV drivetrain.  Along with 6.0-seconds to 60-mph and a top end of 139-mph. No word on what the production intentions are for this new truck, nor the number of seats.  But this Beijing Concept is a good look at a five and seven-seat medium crossover coming from all VW regions in the mid-term future. Sliding under …

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Kiawah Concours 2016 - 1990 Jaguar R9R aka XJR-15 10

Kiawah Concours 2016 – 1990 Jaguar R9R aka XJR-15

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This R9R Jaguar looks absolutely current next to cars 25 years younger. That might be the vehicle’s huge achievment over the XJ220 that would follow this 50-unit special’s production run in the early 1990s. The XJR-15 as shown here also delivered on some goals the XJ220 could not.  Primarily, running a 450HP V12 midship, while the XJ220 reverted to a turbo six after the big 12-cylinder could not be fit in its giant tail section, somehow. Kiawah Concours 2016 – 1990 Jaguar R9R aka XJR-15  

2016 GMC Terrain Denali Review 1

Road Test Review – 2016 GMC Terrain Denali AWD – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 GMC Terrain Denali AWD Falls Short In Key Areas While most people think of a “Denali” as a large, luxury SUV, the name really applies to a whole range of products GMC offers. One of these is the small Terrain SUV with ample cargo room and lots of features. However, if you are looking for the Yukon or Sierra Denali experience in this smaller package, it just falls short. Officially, GMC lists the Terrain as a mid-size crossover utility and it was launched in 2010 – replacing the Pontiac Torrent when the Pontiac brand ended. It shares the …

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Fifth Gear's Tiff Needell Presents - Volvo FH Truck vs Koenigsegg One1 11

Top 4 Reasons to Become a Professional Truck Driver

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Considering how in-demand truck drivers are, this career path seems like a pretty good one to get into. Every type of business in every industry needs truck drivers for all sorts of deliveries, so why can’t that be you? With the demand for these professionals as high as it is right now, it seems like today is a good time to get into the industry. Here are a few reasons why you should be looking at trucking jobs today to seal a profitable career: Get Paid Well Everyone wants to get paid well, and being a truck driver is a …

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2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 12

Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 – Photo Flyaround

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We wouldn’t normally include a midsize crossover in the mix of concours hits out of Kiawah Island 2016.  But the GLC is a real fave: real-drive, low-roof stance and air suspension available. This fairly mainstream trimline runs a 2.0-liter turbo four making 241HP and 273 pound-feet of torque to the back wheels.  A nine-speed auto and a $39k base price make this a very tempting new option for buyers.  No LED headlights or posh DRLs for this $47k example with its 19-inch wheels and other options, though. Kiawah 2016 Highlights – 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 – Photo Flyaround

BMW i8 Kiawah 9

BMW i8 – Widescreen Photo Flyaround – Inside and Out at Kiawah Concours

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THe i8 never fails to impress in the flesh! This car is so low, so otherworldly and so exotic up close. Even in 2014 spec and this fairly familiar silver, the vehicle is a stunning piece of design and engineering. BMW i8 Photo Flyaround – Inside and Out at Kiawah Concours

1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan - Charleston Policecar 10

Kiawah Island Concours 2016 – 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan – Charleston PD

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Lots of really special classics, and lots of modern metal too, at the first-ever Kiawah Island Motoring Retreat! This concours takes place on the oceanside golf course of the resort island near Charleston, South Carolina. One favorite find?  This Charleston Police car from 1948! It is a Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan that has been lovingly brought up to code inside, outside and under that triple black paintwork. 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan – Charleston PD

1970 Fiat 850 Spiaggetta by Michelotti 2

1970 Fiat 850 Spiaggetta by Michelotti – RM Monaco 2016 Preview

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  Want to ensure exclusivity for your new harborside Fiat?  Build only eighty in total, and sell them to counts and royals up and down the Riviera! The goal of the 850 Spiaggetta was the update the classic Fiat Jolly ethos with modern aesthetics and performance.  The tail of this wicker-cabined cruiser is perhaps its most avante-garde and influential part. Check out the pinched inner tail and circular lamps!  These would directly inspire the Ferrari Mondial, among others.   1970 Fiat 850 Spiaggetta by Michelotti Without Reserve Chassis no. 100GB 1290331

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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2015 Volkswagen Golf R Review 20

Hands-On with Apple CarPlay + List of VW USA Models Offering Full Smartphone Integration

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Nowadays, distracted driving is on the rise. Android and Apple phones can be used for navigation but people also use them to text while driving. With technology evolving, it was only time before our phones became a part of our in-dash infotainment systems. Not surprisingly, both Android and Apple have created Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to simulate your phone on your current infotainment systems. For 2015 and on, some cars come with either Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, or both. My car has the option for both, but since I own the much superior iPhone, I have the option to …

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Travel Adventures – 2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special Visits Botany Bay, SC (+Video, 50 Photos)

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Any list of great drive adventures on the East Coast should include Botany Bay.  This special nature preserve in Edisto Beach South Carolina offers stunning old Oak trees and curvey roads from start to finish. The property is free to enter, with a parking area a few miles in at the tital marsh and dunes.  Then the action happens for most visitors: you stroll a boardwalk to a beach that is absolutely frozen in time.  It is completely original, with hundreds of trees in the sands. The backstory of the property traces to the Seabrook family’s Sea Cloud plantation.  Construction started …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Chrysler 200 Limited with Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 Chrysler 200 Limited, Overlooked For No Good Reason One of the hardest jobs of any automotive journalist is writing about a vehicle when the company says it will stop producing it. Such is the case with the 2016 Chrysler 200. FCA boss Sergio Marchionne has declared they will let it run its course. For consumers, this may cast a bad mark on the vehicle since the perception is something must be wrong with it. Yet, taking a close look at the Chrysler 200, it is obvious what the problem is. The car is simply overlooked on sales lots …

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493HP 2016 BMW M4 GTS Media Launch in Barcelona – 300 Cars Coming to USA!

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Gorgeous launch photos and lineage recap from BMW’s media drive event for the new M4 GTS! This new water-injected turbocharger system ups power to a stout 493HP to go along with its track-attack grip setup, aero package and lightweighting regime.  One particularly awesome detail?  The power-extendable chin splitter!    We’re not sure if the splitter is manually extended or power operated.  The GTS does come with a special toolkit for customizing its shock stiffness and height or different racetracks.  That rear wing is also remarkably beautiful up close.   Beautiful and deeply functional!  Especially in its most raised angle… pinning …

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2016 Toyota UBOX Concept 5

2016 Toyota UBOX Concept – Clemson’s Gen Z Vision for EV Offroader

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UBOX is a very fresh face from Toyota!  This all-EV off-roader was created by the grad students of Clemson University’s CU-ICAR research center to meet the upcoming needs of generation Z on the road. The design is actually quite refreshing, with sharp creases and a chic minimalism to its appeal.  That includes a bluff and trucklike nose and ride height, paired with a giant reconfigurable cabin. But why that minivan windshield angle? That is a big part of an innovative new “pultrusion” process for making carbon-fiber roof rails.  This technique is apparently all-new and very interesting to top Toyota brass …

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Road Test Review: 2016 MINI Cooper S CLUBMAN

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REVIEW: 2016 Mini Cooper S Clubman Is Unique, Sporty Drive … Once Inside Cabin In a world of mega – huge trucks, large SUVs and big sedans – there is the 2016 Mini Cooper S Clubman. It is a drastic departure from other cars on the market with its unique styling, sporty powertrain and zippy turning radius. Now with more cargo room, the Mini Cooper Clubman is simply a great drive, albeit if you are OK sacrificing some entry/exit ease and long-drive comfort. Without a doubt, Mini Coopers are uniquely different – even refreshing – compared to an automotive market …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum with Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum – Fully Loaded SUV Goodness As the leader of the SUV market, the all-new 2016 Ford Explorer has big shoes to fill. Fortunately, Ford filled the Explorer Platinum with an almost absurd of luxury features making sure it not only hits all the marks, but it blows customers away. Simply put, it feels like a luxury SUV and that is precisely the point. The new Explorer is an evolution of where the SUV has been heading in the past few years and for this recent iteration, Ford really went after the design. There is new …

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Gran Turismo Red Bull X2014 Fan Car – Genius Racer… Now in 4D, Desktop Size

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Red Bull’s prototype racecars for Gran Turismo are some of the most influential looks at the future of racing, and have been since the X2010 and X2014 challenges.  A four-pack of concept vehicles was the result of those efforts, with the machines raceable in the game. Because GT5 and GT6 have such intense details in their physics simulator algorithms, you really can get a sense of each vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses on track.  You become extremely familiar with their behavior at the limit — like a true racing scenario.  It sounds like a cliche to say, but GT6 is that …

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2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 by BBM Motorsport 13

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 by BBM Motorsport – Hear the 700HP Blackbooty’s CAPRISTO Exhaust

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If any sports car is really universal, it must be the Porsche 911…  AND the C7 Corvette! The new Corvette is so, so amazing to drive that its appeal transcends borders and cultures like wind, water or sunlight. The seven-speed stickshift, the standard targa roof panel, the 4-second launches, the big trunk, and the big V8 howl.  All these things make the Eurotrip in full working order, and have perhaps an even larger impact on those more familiar with grimey diesels than a clean cut of American sirloin. It is interesting to know what BBM Motorsport would do to their C7 …

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2016 Renault CLIO by WALDOW Performance 20

2016 Renault CLIO by WALDOW Performance – Smurfberry Blue Track Special

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Any time the words “Smurf” and “Blue” make it into an official press release, it is usually good for a belly laugh.  We were seriously loving the color and black alloys, contrast-red rollbars and the slammed KW stance of this Clio already.  But then they go and mention the Smurfs. And we’re back to feeling silly! That laughing, delightful character is a big part of any Clio’s appeal.  This one just happens to be a battle-Smurf!  Deadly serious, regardless of its skin tone! 2016 Renault Clio by WALDOW Performance   WALDOW Performance reveals the Renault Clio 4 – The Real …

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2013 Tesla Model S P85+ - Vossen VFS-2 Wheels -_25685987910_o

VOSSEN VFS-2 Alloys Sex Up TESLA Model S

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  Tesla’s Model S is rumored to have a facelift debuting very soon.  And it is about time!  We are shocked to know they are still making many of these EV benchmarks with those same bright alloys and boring maroon paintwork.  Just like they have for years!  This is not great for the $100k super-sedan shopper, who has plenty to choose from these days. Staying stylish is just a phonecall away with these gorgeous Vossen wheels. These VFS-2 forged alloys in matte bronze/copper finish are enough to make even a very-familiar silver Model S feel fresh.  The lowered ride height helps, …

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RM Monaco 2016 - 1971 March 711 F1 Car 8

RM Monaco 2016 – 1971 March 711 F1 Car – Scored Second-Place in Monaco Gran Prix

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What March lacks today in brand recognition, it more than made up for in its prime via engineering brilliance. You even get that sense looking at this F1 racer today.  Its aero is intense, but not a defining element of the car.  The glory in the March 711 would be mostly left to driver skill.  Massive rubber all around was the key to rapid corner exits for this car, much more than its primitive wings in the nose and tail.  The oval aero plane in front earned the nickname Spitfire as well as ‘tea tray’ out on the GP circuit. While …

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RM Monaco 2016 – 1969 MG MGC GTS Sebring

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Generally speaking, the more acronyms after a car’s name the better. It usually means it is some rare, high-performance variant that may or may not have even been road-legal. And the best possible indication that speed is a sure thing?   If that long name ends with a famous racetrack! Think 599 GTB Fiorano, 365GTB/4 Daytona… This MGC GTS Sebring is the most intense MG we’ve ever laid eyes on!  The black and gold livery is lovely, as is the widebody, wide rubber and wide-open throttle in this featherweight slugger.   1969 MG MGC GTS Sebring RM Sotheby’s Monaco 14 …

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1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato 11

RM Monaco 2016 – 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato

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The Roadster Zagato is perhaps even more unique and special than its SZ (Sprint Zagato) hardtop sibling!  The styling is truly otherworldly for a production model.  Performance was pretty brisk, too.  A 210HP V6 drove the back wheels via a five-speed transaxle, ensuring good traction and weight distribution. 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato RM Sotheby’s Monaco 14 May 2016 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato Without Reserve Chassis no. ZAR16200003002164 Serial no. 145 Engine no. AK5150100138 Photo Credit: Tim Scott ©2016 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s Type ES-30. 210 bhp, 2,959 cc DOHC V-6 engine with electronic fuel injection, five-speed …

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1965 Fiat 600 Multipla 1

RM Monaco 2016 – 1965 Fiat 600 Multipla – First 7-Seat Minivan?

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No reserve for the auction of this delightful Fiat Multipla in cobalt blue over white. The origins of the minivan are widely debated, but this three-row machine is damn close to nailing the template.  Albeit with rear-engine, rear-drive layout.  That engine in the trunk would be a godsend for summer vacations — where a front-engine car’s tremendous heat would have the cabin near-boiling after a few hours on the autostrada. 1965 Fiat 600 Multipla RM Sotheby’s Monaco 14 May 2016 1965 Fiat 600 Multipla Without Reserve Chassis no. 100D.108 126736 Engine no. 100D.008 4541 Photo Credit: Tim Scott ©2016 Courtesy …

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1965 Alpine-Renault A110 in Group 4 Rally Spec 12

RM Monaco 2016 – 1965 Alpine-Renault A110 in Group 4 Rally Spec

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  A full rally special has been made out of this A110 road car, and it is all the better for it! The stretched fenders front and rear, unique airdam, custom intakes and whale tail out back are all stunning.  We hope this Alpine earns some big bucks when it goes up for sale next month in Monaco. 1965 Alpine-Renault A110 in Group 4 Rally Spec RM Sotheby’s Monaco 14 May 2016 1965 Alpine-Renault A110 Chassis no. 3336 Engine no. 4350 Photo Credit: Remi Dargegen ©2016 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s Est. 160 bhp, 1,798 cc inline four-cylinder engine with Lucas …

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2016 Audi A8L Extended 5

2016 Audi A8L Extended Length – Six-Door, Six-Seat Megalux Limo

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What a freaky machine to find in your inbox on a bright Monday morning! A jumbo A8L with six doors, giant glass moonroof and six giant seats. While jaded about the car and what it stands for, we can’t help but like the way the cabin turned out.  The three rows of seats are slightly more functional than the Maybach Pullman, which has two rear-facing seats in its limo compartment’s midsection.  This A8L Extended has more practicality and comfort for all its riders, but much less throne-like legroom for the money seats in the wayback. The 2016 Audi A8L Extended is …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 GMC Yukon DENALI 4WD

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GMC unknowingly timed their full Yukon redesign perfectly:  as the new full-size trucks arrived in 2015, gas prices dropped to historic lows.  Rave reviews on the new trucks’ style, tech and performance propelled massive sales gains: nearly double the sales of the overall vehicle, and almost tripling the previous year’s Yukon XL sales. These are still down from their heady highs in the 70k-units-plus annual tallies that evaporated after 2008’s gas-price spike.   There is much more to the success of the Yukon Denali than external factors like gas prices., however.  This lux truck is a perfect sweet-spot between yummy …

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2016 INFINITI QX80 Limited AWD Review - EXTERIOR PHOTOS 3

Road Test Review – 2016 INFINITI QX80 Limited with Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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2016 INFINITI QX80 Limited AWD Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman   The first thing I noticed when the Infiniti QX80 arrived in my driveway was how big it is.  It’s HUGE.  How huge is it?  I think the front bumper resides in a different zip code than the rear bumper. (Rim-shot)  You don’t look for a parking space as much as a mooring. (Another rim-shot).  If you are not Shaquille O’Neal, you better get a ladder if you want to wash the roof. The QX80 is a full five-inches longer than a Cadillac Escalade, and has a five-inch longer wheelbase.  That’s …

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1894 SILSBY Horse-Drawn Steam Fire Engine 8

1911 Stanley Model 63 Toy Tonneau – Steamer Speedster Earns $290k at RM Amelia

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A steamer speedster if there ever was one!  Forward thrust was readily available when  on full boil.  Brakes, mind you, were still in a nascent phase.  Speed was for the brave! 1911 Stanley Model 63 Toy Tonneau RM Auctions Amelia Island 2016 Lot 165 1911 Stanley Model 63 Toy Tonneau To be auctioned on Saturday, March 12, 2016 Without Reserve Sold for $286,000

1894 Silsby Fourth Size Horse-Drawn Steam Pumper 9

1894 SILSBY Horse-Drawn Steam Fire Engine – RM Auctions Amelia Island 2016 Highlights

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Motorized, steam fire engines were some of the highest-tech wagons on the roads between 1850 and the dawn of the motorcar 50 years later. The need for mechanized, high-volume water pumps to extinguish urban and industrial accidents was what drove such huge innovation at the time.  These high-tech water wagons didn’t know at the time that their steam-engine solutions would spur internal combustion.   For this machine, the steam boiler drove a turbine, which then drove a water pump. Hoses attached to the input would pull water through the system and out the main fire-fighting nozzles and ladders at high pressure and volume. …

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2016 Lexus GS-F Caviar Black 9

Speed Fleet Intro! 2016 Lexus GS-F – First 70 Photos in Caviar Black

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One of the hottest new super-sedans just arrived out front! Then something magical happened.  They tossed me the keys … and said bon voyage.   We’re barely an hour into this week-long tryst, and I can tell it is going to get pretty steamy.  467HP, active intake and exhaust, standard torque-vectoring-differential in back.  And perhaps even four-wheel-steering in Sport + drive mode??! Only a few cautious prods of the GS-F’s throttle so far, and less than a block of driving.  200 photos later, and we can’t wait to share this stunning M5 rival with you.  Rushing this a bit, as you might …

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Beating the Supercar Paradox - 2007 Ferrari F430 at Velocity Motorsports Supercar Track Drive 30

The Do’s and Don’ts of Renting an Exotic Car – Scott Huntington Shares Best Practices

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Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of zipping around town in a Ferrari 360 Modena Spider, or maybe you want a standout car for a special occasion such as a honeymoon or dream vacation. Whatever the reason, when it comes to renting luxury or exotic cars, you want to make sure you’re spending your money wisely with a legitimate company. DO Pay Attention to the Rules A reputable luxury car rental company is going to have similar rules to any other car rental company. You’ll likely need to be a certain age – for some companies that might be 25 and for …

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Camden Thrasher Interview 6

Behind the Lens with Camden Thrasher! David Arnouts Interviews Famous Race Photog

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Race Photographer Camden Thrasher tells CRD’s David Arnouts about all the blood, sweat and tears that go into capturing iconic motorsport moments.   Question: You’ve just recently wrapped up Sebring, how is the excitement for the season building up? Personally is there anything specific you enjoyed most about the race? Thrasher: I’m a big fan of endurance events, especially ones with great racing like the Daytona finish for Corvette Racing, then followed up by the competition in Sebring; it’s a great way to start the season. To actually be there, to experience it, and shoot (photos of) it is awesome. Even cooler is …

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2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR – HD Road Test Review + Drive Video

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The Nissan Altima is a favorite around here.  Even drivers coming from exotic cars would be astounded by the compentence of this vehicle for 2016. We recently dubbed it the ‘world’s smoothest sedan’ in 2.5SL form.  That smoothness is from effortless drive manners, the infinite-ratio Xtronic automatic and, of course, the pillowy ride quality of the mid-spec Altima. This SR trimline is new for the 2016 model-year on the four-cylinder engine.  An effective nose darkening with smoked headlamp lenses and optics sets a great mood from the start.   Larger wheels and sport-suspension and cabin are added bonii. All good, …

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1950 Jaguar XK120 Alloy Roadster 8

RM Monaco 2016 – 1950 Jaguar XK120 Alloy Roadster – War, Peace and Speed Records

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You can almost sense that how much post-war Jaguar was still heady with knowledge and insights from designing torpedos, fighter planes and bombers. On the return to civilian life, that knowledge greatly enhanced the performance of their vehicles. Their insight into light construction, aerodynamics and pure, function-first aesthetics is clear to see on this XK120 Alloy from 1950.  We love how these weapons-designers applied a softer, lighter mood overall to this sports roadster.  Its baby blue color only reinforces the peace-making mission this car would tackle. The hints of brutality and war, however, are not hard to find in this iconic machine’s design …

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1965 Porsche 911 Art Car 007 By Peter Klasen 22

RM Monaco 2016 – 1965 Porsche 911 Art Car 007 By Peter Klasen

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Vivid airbrushing, wild colors and a vaguely sexualized — yet also high-tech and militaristic — themes pop from every side of this 1965 Porsche 911. The one-off art car will cross the block in Monaco, celebrating Peter Klasen’s remarkable career as an artist since his birth in 1935. The 007 911 will not be to everyone’s taste, and has a strong late-80s vibe to some of its imagery.  The importance and originality of this piece as rolling artwork, however, should still see at least a $300k premium over a similar 911 from this era.  The race-prep seats, bodywork and roll …

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GTI for an Eye! 2016 Volkswagen GTI Avenges MkV GTI Sins

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GTI Battle: 2008 VW GTI DSG vs. 2016 VW GTI Autobahn with Performance Package & DSG Just how much of a difference can two generations make? I love hot hatchbacks. Being able to have a practical performance-oriented vehicle is immensely appealing. For nine years, I drove a Mk5 2008 Volkswagen GTI whose sole option was the DSG automated-manual gearbox (Yes, it wasn’t a manual and no I don’t care). It was a fantastic car, but the time finally came when I wanted to upgrade. What to get? Something sporty like a Nissan 370Z? Some American muscle in the form of a Ford Mustang …

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2016 Jaguar XJ Carves $3B China Skyroad in Plush, Superlux Fashion!

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Who loves grand infrastructure projects? We all do, on some level. But the engineering, cost and sheer complexity of many mountain road projects make them cost-prohibitive for all but the grandest planners. Luckily, China and Jaguar are both chock full of the passion and budget to innovate. In the case of the Paxi Expressway in the Sichuan province, this meant building a modern expressway through mountain passes that have been limited to rural, often-unpaved hiking trails for the last 3000 years.  Since 2010, though, the infusion of a million man-hours of prep, and perhaps a billion hours of collective labor, …

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Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 16 with optional black wheels and painted roof

2016 Volkswagen GTI Clubsport Edition 40 – Locking Diff, Slicks and Aerokit for R-powered Front-Driver

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‘Dead On Arrival’ is a better cliche than VW’s botched choice words to introduce this car: VW Says:  “””  ‘ Iconic’ is, perhaps, a word bandied around all too freely but, when applied to the mould-breaking Golf GTI, it can be used with genuine justification. “””   Forgive the slight lack of enthusiasm here.  But the GTI Clubsport Edition 40 is really not doing it for me.  A bump in power to 265 ponies, and 290 on a brief turbo overboost, is great from the Golf R-derived turbo 2.0-liter four.  The car delivers a seriously underwhelming 6.3-second sprint to 62-mph …

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2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S 21

3.7s, 206MPH 2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Updates Tech, Adds 7-Speed Stickshift Option

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The Aston V12 Vantage S has future-classic writ large all over it.  Aston Martin’s smallest, lightest platform paired with their largest engine.  What could be better!? A stickshift option, that’s what! The 2017 model introduces a new seven-speed manual transmission choice to go along with the paddle-shifted variety.  New infotainment units across the board for all 2017 Astons will bring the V12 Vantage S bang up to date on the tech integration front too. Performance is shared across the six-speed automatic or the new stickshift: 3.9-seconds to 62-mph and a 206-mph top end. The slick new stick has a dogleg …

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Future VW USA SUV Roadmap Projects 15 Variants by 2021

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The new Tiguan is a great shining hope for VW lately, and they could use a win.  Here is the loaded Euro-spec model in its first photoset.  Around Berlin and a fun off-road park, the next-generation model is defined by much greater scale all around.  Wider and much longer, with the roof looking quite chic and low.  The new Tiguan’s style is also a close preview of its larger, US-made CrossBlue.  The CrossBlue is set for launch as a seven-seater, with a fastback 5-seat model likely for 2019. The Tiguan as we see here will spawn a few variants itself: …

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