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Road Test Review 2017 Audi A4 2.0 T quattro S tronic – By Carl Malek

At Audi, the phrase “Vorspung durch Technik” (Advancement through Technology) has played a pivotal role in the company’s marketing and direction in recent years. This technology first initiative has resulted in some of Audi’s most revered models including the Audi A8 as well as the R8 supercar. For 2017, the A4 sport sedan aims to fully embrace this mantra with new-found vigor. But can it still maintain the top notch driving experience that many buyers have come to expect? or has it been lost in the quest for progress?   The exterior styling of the A4 has always been known for being …

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RM Paris 2017 Highlight – 2012 Aston Martin V12 ZAGATO “No Zero”

What car from 2012 would we kill to own!? THIS ONE! Beautifully unique versus every other Aston Martin.  And finished exquisitely as one of the 65 total, handmade units that came out of the Aston/Zagato partnership. This “No Zero” example shows no mercy in its finishes and execution.  Custom badges for the number zero special and a butterfly-wing badge accent are notable special items Aston did for this owner.  This motif is gorgeous and harks back to the original Aston logos of the 1920s.  [The wings are peeling a pit, unfort.] The bright carrara white paintwork over gloss black for …

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What to Do If You Get Pulled Over While Carrying a Legal Firearm – By Scott Huntington

Even after you’ve taken the proper steps to carry your personal firearm with you in your vehicle, a routine traffic stop can be a nerve-wracking ordeal. Police officers don’t know what to expect when they pull you over, and you face the challenge of effectively communicating that you are within rights carrying a weapon. These situations are completely manageable, but enough people foul them up on a regular basis for you to learn a great deal from their mistakes. Here are a few things to remember if you’re in the car with a legal weapon and the lights come on …

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RM Arizona 2017 Highlight – 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722S Roadster

Is the SLR over the hump for hypercars?  You know, the one where it is too new to be a classic, but too dated to be sexy next to the latest Chiron Bugatti. Perhaps not the SLR Coupe.  But this SLR 722S Roadster is looking stunning again in 2017.  The fact that this is the ragtop helps.  And that this McMerc is not just a 722, but the 722S!  This was the last of the run and featured unique, upsized dark alloys and special satin Crystal Antimony Grey paintwork.  The carbon splitter in front sets the serious tone this 3.6-second supercar …

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Never-Driven 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari Joins RM Sothebys Villa Erba 2017 Sale

Time flies! LaFerrari felt so definitely like the BEST EVER big Ferrari during its glorious rollout.  How could something ever surpass this? This what happens with every real homerun Ferrari, of course.  Think F40, not F50. And of course, now we have the FXX and the FXX-K, among others. This LaFerrari is as brand new as it was when delivered three years ago to the month.  Less than 150 miles in total.  Ever. Black wheels and roof, rosso corsa paintwork.  All options like noselift and telemetry.  This car has been living in the Netherlands since being sold in Italy. A …

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2015 Porsche 918 Weissach Spyder – RM Villa Erba 2017 Preview

Hypercars might seem ‘good’ or ‘bad’ in your mind.  You’ve read the reviews and watched the comparo videos.  918 does not lack appeal in the flesh, however.  Far from it. The car with the Weissach pack in particular seems to come out of its shell.  Its polite curves, with a sharper edge.  This robin’s egg blue example is perfectly Spring-fresh as it heads to RM Sotheby’s 2017 auction in Italy. Update: this is a one-off, paint to sample car in Arrow Blue, a historic Porsche racing shade. Bluebird! 2015 Porsche 918 Weissach Spyder – Arrow Blue RM Sotheby’s Villa Erba …

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

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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Hall of Fame – 1935 Bugatti Type 57 ATALANTE Prototype by Carrosserie Bugatti

Here is an eye-popping exotic.  A car that many would rank number one among the most famous vehicles ever made.  The Type 57 Bugatti came in Atlantic and Atalante forms, with this prototype being the third ever produced in 1935.  And one of just three survivors from production, no less. This example is special for more than just its exquisite design.  That is something else, however.  Smooth fenders without the rivet seam are plush, but the shrouded back wheels and “faux cabriolet” roofline are what prove give the Atalante such glamor from all angles.  This pert little notchback of a …

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1950 Ferrari 166 MM/212 Export “Uovo” by Fontana – RM Monterey 2017

Nothing will ever — ever — beat a Uovo Ferrari for its origin-story gravitas.  This, ladies and gentleman, is where it all began.  Where engineering and racing success started to propel road car sales.  And those road car sales eventually funding the most successful, most desired car brand in the world. This stunner will go across the auction block this August in Monterey, California adjacent to the Pebble Beach concours extravaganza. Estimates of what the sale price will be?  We’d predict in the 2-4 million dollar mark. Far less that the peak Ferrari values, but also far more original.  The …

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Road-Legal 2016 McLaren P1 GTR Heads to RM Villa Erba 2017 Auctions

Oh, the whims of the ultra rich. Who can predict what they will want in 12 months time? This P1 GTR is perfect evidence of a gift-from-God hypercar available for an eager second owner. The question now: price.  Of course.  Will it have appreciated in its short time on this earth?  Or will its current owner take a $100k bath for the privilege of being one of the lucky few. This GTR has something extra in its quiver, however, atop its one-of-58 exclusivity worldwide. That is a road-legal conversion applied to only half the cars produced. Here you have a …

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1957 BMW 507 Roadster Series I – RM Sotheby’s Villa Erba 2017

Sea green over red leather is a color combo perfect for the most stylish 1950s bon-vivants of the world.  This original 507 Series I is offered unrestored and with original patina throughout.  The factory wheels and bumpers are included with the sale – set for late May 2017 in Villa Erba, Italy. The black hardtop and hood-mounted mirrors are perfect details for this iconic BMW.  This color is not a factory shade, as it was added early in the car’s life by its orignal owner. Just four lucky individuals have called this car their own, however, and its originality is …

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2017 Rolls-Royce Black Badge GHOST II – 22 Photos Inside and Out

  As great as the Black Badge is for the exterior of the Rolls Ghost, it is extra special on the inside.  The dark, moody glamour extends throughout the cabin.  Black leather contrasts with a medium cobalt seating and dash.  Most of the brightwork inside becomes a smokey brushed alloy for the coolest Roller cabin in ages. The new wheels outside meet a black chrome grille – and spirit of ecstasy inside!  We believe she is still the nickel-bright standard RR finish.  Dark exhaust rectangles out back and a dark license-plate frame are the most notable Black Badge tweaks around …

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BMW M4 By Cam-Shaft.de Goes Custom in Battleship Grey/Orange

Out on the ocean they say never to mess with any grey ships — and that will be a good rule at the stoplights now too. One of the worst things about this generation M3 and M4 is the color selection.  Each of the standard colors are dull while BMW Individual shades add $5k and endless order complexity.  SO of course there is a thriving aftermarket in personalizing the machines. CamShaft out of Germany did this light stage one mod with a powerchip, KW coilover suspension and vinyl body wrap.  It is a primer grey/blue with a smooth sheen unlike …

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Fisker VLF F1 V10 Roadster Makes 745HP Shanghai Debut

The VLF Roadster is finally here!  Now this stunning machine offers two huge upgrades unavailable on any of its donor-chassis Vipers:  an automatic transmission and an open-air convertible! Despite Viper instantly meaning roadster to many people, the current gen snake has been all hardtops since the 2000s.  That staves you of the teacup drive mood of a high-doored supercar PLUS the endless headroom of going topless.   VLF F1 V10 Roadster at Automechanica Shanghai! My favorite part is the low front windscreen & sexy rear hips! pic.twitter.com/0sWqOW7qKF — Henrik Fisker (@FiskerOfficial) April 23, 2017 The conversion here now only swaps …

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2017 Honda Civic Type R – Nurburgring Record Video & Photos

The new CIvic Type R is on full boost now.  Its US launch is two months out and production is in full swing.  This must mean the first shipment is already on a giant boat headed stateside! Excitement for the most-powerful Honda Civic of all time is palpable lately, especially with the Si  launch just last week. To prove that AWD is not necessary to take on the Focus RS and Golf R, Honda took the new Civic to break some records on track.  This is now the quickest front-driver of all time around with a 7:43:80 time.  Watch the …

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Road Test Review: 2017 Dodge Charger SXT AWD – By Carl Malek

Dodge has been on a performance vehicle blitz the past few months. From unveiling the fire breathing Durango SRT, to the recent unveiling of the utterly bonkers Dodge Challenger Demon at the New York Auto Show, it’s no secret that the brand is going all in on its quest to nab performance minded enthusiasts. But with the slow selling Dodge Dart mercifully sent to the land of discontinued automobiles, can the 2017 Dodge Charger still draw in family buyers looking for a sedan that can haul occupants and cargo? While still allowing you to unleash your weekend warrior tendencies at the …

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Best of Shanghai – 2017 Chevrolet FNR-X Concept [18 Photos]

Chevrolet’s new FNR-X concept for the Shanghai auto show is incredibly sexy.  In fact, it is one of the coolest SUVs in a show absolutely packed with one-off showpieces.  Most of these are a million miles from the production cars on that same brand.  Is the FNR-X? Perhaps only a half-million miles.  It actually seems feasible for these design themes to come to life, as well as the Volt-inspired PHEV drivetrain. The reasons we love the FNR-X design are its gorgeous proportions, low roof and sharply carved surfaces.  Check out the three-dimensionality of the tailgate!  Or the slimline LED lamps …

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Gallery – TOPCAR 911 Turbo STINGER GTR Gen2

Three Stingers in this swarm!  The second-gen TopCar GTR takes the 911 Turbo up a few big notches in the supercar world.  In terms of unique curb appeal, these TopCar mods are hard to beat. New leathers inside, Capristo titanium exhausts, ADV.1 wheels, and an engine powerkit round out the upgrade. TOPCAR 911 Turbo STINGER GTR Gen2

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2017 BMW M4 CS Special Edition Bows in Shanghai

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

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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TOPCAR 911 Turbo STINGER Gen2 Carbon Edition Shows Joy of Customs

Yes, bare carbon on supercars and hypercars is astounding.  How would it be so light, so strong and so beautiful!?   How does the weave intoxicate the eye with its perfect form? Bare carbon on a car that started with metal bodywork is somehow extra special.  It just confirms that the unibody in question is now 10X as strong and only a third the weight. Imagine the performance to be gained! TopCar’s carbon fiber skills are ridiculously advanced in 2017.  This is a firm that has made CF accessory production possible in any shape imaginable.  Mostly spoilers and accent pieces, of …

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2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX Premier – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

Car manufacturers apparently do not use the same calendar as the rest of the world. I know this because I found myself in Asheville, North Carolina last month — before the end of the first quarter of 2017 — road testing the new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. I’m not sure why they time-shift like this, but I guess the folks at Chevy thought this new groundup re-make was so good, they just couldn’t wait to get it into customer’s garages.  And after spending the day with the new Equinox, I can say that they’ll have a lot of happy customers. In 2016, compact crossover …

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New TECHART Panamera GRAND GT Looks Like 911 Widebody!

It is actually fairly easy to forget about the Panamera as a tunercar platform.  Mostly because Porsche themselves make so many stonking-fast variants themselves! But if the new Turbo is too demure on the outside for your tastes?  If the limo-lux shell doesn’t broadcast its low-3’s sprint to 60 and 220-mph potential loud enough? TECHART solves for that with the Grand GT. This obscene Panamera is the king of the TechArt range and is as shockingly new inside as outside. The new Panamera is keen on the mods, too. It might look familiar up front but big action lives around …

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Why You Should Make the Leap and Get a Lift for Your Car – By Scott Huntington

The occasional scraped knuckle or bruised knee is likely to occur even if you only work on your car when it’s absolutely necessary, which is why if you’ve committed to a long-term project or have several vehicles that regularly require extensive repairs, it’s time to bite the bullet and get a lift. Lifts aren’t cheap, but if you’re working in conditions that force you to crane your back and contort your body to reach difficult underbody parts, you’ll pay for that in medical bills down the road. To avoid the heavy toll working in these conditions can levy on the …

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2017 RenaultSport RS2027 Vision – Active-Aero F1 Prototype

What would F1 cars be without their giant wings?  Faster and more futuristic, if the RS2027 Vision is any indication! The latest RenaultSport concept takes a look at where F1 will be in a decade from now.  The result is a gorgeous expression of the open-wheeled racecar.  The future-tech is nose-to-tail, with intriguing details being the side-hinged driver canopy, open-mesh cockpit walls and the streamlined tail with integrated rising wing.  Not as wild about the idea of a transparent helmet for the drivers, or the web-connected and public telemetry data the RS2027 shares with fans in realtime. The RS2027 looks at …

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2018 Citroen C5 AIRCROSS On Sale Late Summer

Vague headline alert! On sale where, exactly?  The best-looking and biggest Citroen SUV ever brings hydaulic suspension for that ultra smooth ride.  Part of why the Citroen DS was so legendary was its hydraulic ride.  Same for the MB 600 Pullman and all modern McLarens. Good tech peers for hydraulics, then. And brands the C5 Aircross will meet when it hits showrooms in Europe around November of 2017.  The model will bow in China a few months earlier, though the production location is unknown at this time. The C5 Aircross really appeals with a bluff, tall hood edge but a …

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3.4s, 186MPH 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 Scores Full Drivetrain Makeover

The revised S-Class is out today in Shanghai and the S63 is leading the pack!  The stunning musclecar of a limo gains a new engine, new wet-clutch-launch nine speed automatic and a newly engaging AWD system.  Power is up about to 603 ponies for the S63, while the S65 LWB model sticks at 621HP. The name of the game for the new S63 is POWER.  The 3.4-second number is official for the USA run to 60-mph and is virtually fightin’ words versus Audi and BMW.  How did AMG get the time down even lower? The autobox now has a clever …

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2017 Mercedes-Benz Concept A – Debuts Fresh Design in Shanghai

This new Mercedes-Benz concept feels a bit disingenuous.  On the one hand, we have a clear look at the next CLA-Class compact sedan.   But on the other, we have a heavy-handed effort to link this piglet with the 4-door AMG GT Concept.  Aka, the full hog. AMG GT CONCEPT Actually, we take most of that back.  The look of this Concept A is endlessly charming.  Its new LeMans-type grille with vertical slats meets ultra slimline LED headlights.  Wide intakes below leave no doubt as to how turbocharged and speedy MB’s always are. Could the LEDs up front be even …

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2017 VW ID Crozz Concept – Goofy Preview of Future E-SUV

The tsunami of EV crossovers in development from all brands is starting to worry us.  Where will demand for these E-SUVs (trademark!:) come from when these all arrive together in late 2018?! Automakers near and far are sure that these vehicles are the way forward.  Expensive vehicles as a way to offset the giant costs of the battery packs needed for 300 miles.  The same size batteries would be needed for a compact size car, but who would buy that?  As such, EV crossovers do make some sense, and will let carmakers in the US keep selling a load of …

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Update1 – 2017 Audi e-Tron Sportback Concept – Previews Q5-Sized 2019 EV

Audi’s astounding sales growth is slowing to a near halt lately.  The firm needs to expand its range horizontally as well as vertically with new model sizes.  The horizontal expansion will add hybrid variants and EVs to similar sizes of Audi’s we know and love today. Unlike just swapping engines, these e-tron models require to be unique platforms from the ground up. There is simply no other way to incorporate flat-pack batteries (a la Tesla) in a conventional chassis. A fresh hint at Audi’s new mission is the 2017 E-Tron Sportback concept.  This full EV just bowed in Shanghai with …

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

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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4.0s, 400HP Jaguar I-PACE Concept – Design Analysis: Is It Sexy?

The Jaguar I-Pace has a hard name to overcome.  And when it was first shown in silver, it had a mountain to climb for good style, too. Too generic EV, they said. FastForward two months and the I-Pace is back in striking red paint with dark details.  More fitting, perhaps, for the first credible Model X rival. Going full electric for the i-pace means the proportions are radically rethought.  Yes, this is crossover territory, but with a chopped (and hard to digest) nose and nonexistent overhangs.  A lower roof and much lower ride height than F-Pace.  But looking wide as XJ and …

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2017 Toyota Prius PRIME – HD Road Test Review

Our hopes about Prius Prime were through the roof.  Gorgeous new looks.  A battery pack 10X as large as the most thrifty standard Prius.  Luxed-up cabin and 20 miles of EV range? It seemed like a winning formula on paper, and it is a winner in the flesh on the road. We spent a happy week in the Prime to see how this Super Prius compares versus young gun Hyundai Ioniq as well as full EVs like the eGolf, Focus Electric or even a pre-owned Tesla.  ANd how about the upcoming Honda Clarity Plugin? There is great and less-great news to …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Toyota Corolla XSE – By Carl Malek

When we last met the Toyota Corolla back in 2016, we loved its compact size, improved styling, as well as its high value for the money ratio. However, we pulled no punches when it came to its lackluster performance hardware, especially its fussy manual gearbox. With the arrival of the 2017 Corolla, Toyota promises new things for its venerable compact offering. But can the Corolla’s suite of updates help it stand up to a growing wave of compact competition? Or will it still get left in the dust once again? The exterior styling of our XSE grade tester certainly makes a …

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2017 Ford Focus RS – HD Road Test Review

From the moment the Focus RS fires up with pops from its race exhaust system, you know you are in for something special. How could a normal car, one that is practical and affordable, be so hilariously fast, playful and potent? 350HP to all four wheels makes this a hyperhatch.  Or maybe a boiling hot hatchback.  This is car on that can sprint to 60-mph in the 4’s and have WRX STi levels of grip as its flung around corners.  Yet one whose Drift Mode and ultra-hightech rear axle also give you tail-out adjustability like a stunt car. Now that …

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2017 Nissan ROGUE ONE Star Wars Edition – Review By Ben Lewis

  We had mixed feelings about testing the 2017 Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition Rogue. Nissan has made some notable improvements on its popular crossover, and we were looking forward to testing it. Then they announced the Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition model. Since they both had the name “Rogue” it kind of smacked of opportunism. Cue rolling of eyes. So, the question becomes, is The Force with the new Rogue, or just the farce? Well, since we don’t want to spoil the ending, let’s start with what’s new for Rogue. Already a crisp design, we have a …

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2018 LUCID AIR – $60k EV Limo Is Dream Tesla Rival

Pretty fascinating new make at the NY auto show this year.  Lucid out of California, a startup set to take on Tesla.  How will they succeed where others failed?  Similar talent pools help, while Tesla’s current market cap makes an investment in Lucid seem genius.  What can take down a killer startup?  An even more-killer startup. Lucid is making big promises and is taking reservations for their launch model now.  This is a real-deal car versus a one-off concept.  But still, production remains some time off into the future.  Likely about a year from now. Let’s focus elsewhere: the powertrain with three …

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2017 Honda Civic Type R – 20-Photo USA Debut Gallery w/Video

Check out the most intriguing hyper-hatch in ages!  Here is a 306HP turbo to the front wheels — making it the fastest Honda of all time! The engineering upgrades list to manage that power is long….  but majors on grip and adjustability.  Drive modes and adjustable suspension will give supreme control.  We absolutely crave its exterior design.  It is so massively aggressive.  So carefully modified for the track.  You can sense that none of this body addenda — like the giant front splitter or artful rear wing — is there for looks alone.  This is a purposeful car that came to …

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2017 Genesis GV80 SUV Concept Makes Surprise NY Debut

Genesis is engineering a fleet of SUVs to rival the best in the world.   This is our first look at their vision for a $50k midsize SUV about the size of an X5. The GV80 is mostly a design study and showcase of what is coming to the realworld.  For that purpose, its design outside … needs further study.  We can’t get a sense of its details in these preview renderings.  What is clear is that the truck has an awesome, F-Pace-ish stance and low roofline.  The bodysides show interesting firmness and strong lines.  This also shows up in …

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3.5s, 180MPH 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT TRACKHAWK – 25-Photo Debut w/ Video

Dodge brought some world-shaking POWER to New York this year.  The 840HP Challenger Demon is honestly one of the most insane production cars of all time. And now this.  Which, before Demon arrived, would certainly have been near the top of the “insane” list. Ladies and gentleman, please welcome: the most powerful SUV in the world. The 3.5-second, 707HP Cherokee TrackHawk. Bow down. Where did SRT hide the ram-air intake for this Hellcat 4×4?  One of the lower foglamp areas is a direct line to supercharged heaven/hell. The GC looks similar to how we know and love it, but the …

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Best of NYIAS – 2018 Lincoln NAVIGATOR – 450HP, 10-Speed

There have been three or four times in my lifetime when Lincoln Motor Company seemed like it was really on to something.  It had a lot to prove: we only knew it as the Town Car company.  Certainly not a credible luxury contender. The Jag-look Continental of the late 1990s had us doing double takes, even if it was a total boat and deeply FWD from behind the wheel.  Or when the first Nav arrived. Then when the LS sedans came out.  A luxed-up, 4-door Mustang for Lincoln sounded great! But these moments for Lincoln were one-offs. Flukes, almost, in …

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2018 Lexus LS500 F Sport – Air-Ride, Active 4WS + Live NYIAS Photos

  There is some kerfuffle that the new LS500 F Sport sticks with the 415HP V6TT from the standard car – versus bringing extra ponies like a proper F model might.  But that misses the point of F Sport entirely. Here is a style and handling upgrade that costs little and delivers big dividends.  Outside, the unique look is dechromed and diipped in a sexy gloss black.  More aggressive fascias, wheels and sill details complement the sharp new brakes.  A BBK Big Brake Kit wishes it was as cool as these Lexus clamps. A true performance mod for F-Sport are …

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Best of NYIAS – 2017 Toyota FT-4X Concept

Welcome to Toyota getting hip with the kids! Since Scion was politely folded into the Big T proper, there are many products in the pipeline that still embody that wacky Scion spirit. The FT-4X is one of those, and looks set for arrival to showrooms within about a year at the most.  This machine is a heavily redesigned and off-road-optimized version of the sexy new C-HR subcompact crossover.  The FT-4X is far more than just a tall-roof variant.  (Although that is its core nature). From a tread perspective, the FT-4X rides far higher, with grippier rubber and longer-travel suspension.  Likely-standard …

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2017 Subaru ASCENT Concept is Jumbo, 7-Seater Outback Headed to Showrooms Next Year

Subaru has been hinting and teasing its 3-row intentions for years now.  Since the Tribeca bowed out gracefully, in fact, we’ve seen VIZIV concepts galore.  We lost track. Maybe six concepts on that Viziv badge.  Refining what a seven-seat Subaru might be. A new approach was needed, and we now have a 98-percent look at the finished, production product.  The high roofline adds nearly a half-foot of air inside the cabin versus the 5-seat Outback.   An all-new platform drops the floor dramatically in the second row too, giving what looks like amble wayback access and big captains chairs for …

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Animated Debut – 2017 Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept

The newest Infiniti is upon us!  It is dubbed the QX80 Monograph. That term is defined as a singular passion project – and shows the lux truck business is important to Infiniti. Very important. This design study upgrades the design of the QX80 immeasurably.  The glasshouse feels familiar, as does the nose. But they are slippery, sexy new expressions on this frame.  The bodysides take a similar space-future upgrade to their look, too, naturally.  The silhouette-racer description is apt.  Minus the giant mirrors of the current model. This beauty uses camera stalk embeds.  Stance is seriously low, with massive rubber …

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2018 Nissan 370Z Heritage Special Bows in NYC, In Dealers By May

The Z-car is an engineering showpiece that has always had radical updates between model generations.  Big changes are on the horizon for the 370Z for 2019, we expect, so this new Heritage Edition is a crown on the generation in total. For those who demand naturally aspirated, high-rev power and the current steering/transmission setup?   Now is the time to pounce. The 370Z Heritage comes in yellow or black with yellow accents.  Black wheels and black stripe graphics set it apart on the road… but the yellow model does risk risk Bumble-Z nicknames.   2018 Nissan 370Z Heritage Special 2018 …

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HyperGallery – 2017 KOENIGSEGG Regera in 33 New Photos

Koenigsegg is rolling deeeeep lately!  Showing up to Geneva auto show with nearly a half-dozen exotics is mighty impressive.  And we hope it means their new lightning-fast Regera flagship is selling brisky! Two examples here, with both an exposed-weave carbon fiber, tinted and glossed to perfection in red/black and green.  The red Regera has chrome-red paintwork to contrast the carbon up the middle. All Koenigsegg’s are targa tops — two cars in one! — and the look is distinct with top up or off.  Off, this is a brutally rounded/chopped speedster.  Top on, and this becomes clearly a 300MPH aero …

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2017 Honda CIVIC Si Coupe and Sedan Rock 205HP Turbos, In Stores Next Month

It has been a long time coming, Honda fans!  We’ve been holding our collective breath hoping for greatness in the future Civic Type R. AND.. SCORE! Honda delivered and is on an unbelievable hot streak. FLASHBACK:  Here we rendered some dreams of a euro civic in USA. That was back in 2014.  Three years later: New Accord Sport, Civic Sport are world-class excellent once again.  Perhaps not causal… but certainly correlated!?  This new Si looks fairly similar to the Civic Sport from up front — which is to say, amazing.  Around back, new spoilers and exhausts speak volumes about what’s …

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Audi Q8 Confirmed for 2019 Modelyear [22 New Photos]

We love the designs of both Q8 concepts seen so far: the original in blue at Detroit and this new Q8 Sport Concept from Geneva and NY auto shows.  The bodycolor intake flares in front are gorgeous, the new nose and tail are shockingly cool and fender flares always win friends.  We only dislike its slightly nerdy roofline in profile. After the deeply dull A4/A5 and Q5/Q7 refreshes lately, Audi is showing some design elan with their new Q8 concepts.  This four-seat plugin hybrid (Q8) promises supreme comfort for four.  A platform share with the Q7 moves the back seat …

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2018 Audi RS5 2

3.7s, 450HP 2018 Audi RS5 Scores Snarling New V6TT, Tech and Style

The 2018 RS5 is official and packs a huge wallop of visual impact in person.  In photos, it looks like a forgettable facelift of a car that’s been on the roads since 2010.  But it really evolves in the flesh into a stellar supercoupe. Design analysis quicktake? This new nose does rely on a lot of misdirection, however, to keep you interested.  It is a buffet of intake scoops, layered spoilers, contrasting trim finishes and embossed branding/badges.  We count 1) bodycolor 2) gloss black 3) brushed alloy and 4)carbon-fiber, to name four such finishes.  (Look for black pack on blue …

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2018 VW Golfs Debut USA Facelift For Six-Strong Model Line

The new Golf is bringing the global model upgrades to the USA at last!  In fact, the lead time/delay between the Euro debut and the USA arrival is actually much shorter than before.  [It took almost three years for the Golf 7 to arrive in USA.] The six-strong 2018 Golf lineup arrives stateside around September of 2017 as 2018 models.  The e-Golf is on a slightly different timetable but also adds these revisions. The freshening includes standard LED DRLs, full LED tail lights new wheels and upgraded cabin infotainment.  The Golf R brings a fresh 7-speed DSG versus the current …

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2017 VW Jetta GLI DSG Automatic – HD Road Test Review

The Jetta GLI is the ultimate humble brag. For those in the know, the GLI is clearly a joyous drive and a frisky friend. A car that majors in FUN while never really showing much effort.  But as you pull up to stoplights, it will take a car-guy/gal to appreciate that this a sweet sports car.  Wrapped in mild-mannered and supremely practical four-door form. We spent a week with the throttle floored to learn if GLI’s charm can make up for its extremely subtle design and brand worries. Two videos and 60 photos accompany section headings of Exterior, Interior, Performance and …

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What to Do if Your Car Gets Dented

It’s been a long day at work or school and you return to your car, parked where you left it in the lot, only to discover a ding. The law of civility would have the person responsible for such treachery wait around for you to get back, or at least leave a note, but we all know that’s not how things typically play out. Unless you live in the boonies and never have to park next to someone, it’s good to know how to reconcile this situation. There are lots of body shops and dent repair professionals out there. The …

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2017 Gemballa Avalanche 1zd

2017 GEMBALLA Avalanche – Widebody, Active-Aero 911 Turbo

This car’s badge and its massively wide stance speaks volumes.  The giant exhaust drums in back are rifled like structural pieces.  Like a fine, if giant, musical instrument! The DRS system in back can vary the downforce to nil — as ever, this Gemballa is after real 200-mph-plus action.  The central roof scoop intake and rear vertical tailfin are formed from a single piece of carbon-fiber.  Spectacular.   2017 GEMBALLA Avalanche With the GEMBALLA AVALANCHE, based on the Porsche 991 Turbo, the Leonberg finishing manufactory is presenting its unrivalled performance in the individualisation of supercars again at the Geneva Motor …

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Chronology: TECHART 30th Anniversary in 30 Perfect Porsches

  It is spring anniversary season in the German tuning universe!   AC Shnitzer and TechArt both trace themselves to 1987.  A time when fast cars were going global — and Germany made the fastest of all.  But what about that last bit extra? Sometimes it makes all the difference in the world. Here is the TechArt timeline of major milestones, along with a huge photo pack.   30th anniversary of TECHART – a look back.   Since 1987, TECHART is known for a unrivaled range of individualization options at highest quality standards. For increased emotionality and pure passion. For any …

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Gallery: AC Schnitzer 30th Anniversary in 200 Photos

Anniversaries are a nice vote of confidence in any company.  But when the total years is less than 30 or so, the business is usually still pretty new.  Recordkeeping was usually poor and the products sometimes laughable in hindsight. You better believe this last bit applies to the tuned car business.  AC Schnitzer is one of the best – broadening from their first M3 and 635CSi offerings into MINI, Range Rover and every fast BMW since.  But the company did keep records, and it does celebrate its weirder achievements.  3 series X-Road wagon in 2001?  Or the 2003 Topster Z3 …

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3.7s 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63-S – Ready To Stomp Macan?

Who’s got two thumbs and an evolving supercar dream ride? This-guy!  For my dream daily, the vision has gone from a four-door coupe to a proper fast wagon over my 20s as a car enthusiast.  Into my 30s, the evolved dream knows a CUV of some kind is right.  Something F-Pace ish that will fit my dogs in the back seat, and tolerate brief soft-roading. The temptation to offroad my old and very-low Subaru Legacy GT wagon led to countless new wheels and body damage.  I am a guy who loves a fast gravel path to anywhere. I also really …

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2017 Jaguar XF 35t AWD R-Sport 57

2017 Jaguar XF 35t AWD R-Sport – HD Road Test Review w/ 2 Videos

Shhh.  The Jaguar XF does not know it’s a sedan!  With a big back seat and giant trunk! You won’t realize that either when driving.  This is a sports sedan that puts the SPORT proudly FIRST. Here is a car that doesn’t need the (optional) leaper cat emblem.  Why? Because a supercharged pop off the line delivers 5.1-second sprints to 60-mph — no matter what. This AWD variant is a tenth quicker than the rear-drive model.  So it aims to be just as quick rain, snow or shine. We took the XF by the scruff of the neck for an HD …

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2017 BMW 740e xDrive – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

I have driven the car of the future, today. OK, we hear stories like this all the time. And usually, the “Car of the Future” is some cobbled-together prototype that has little likelihood of actually making it to market. Or worse, it points to the time when folks like you and I aren’t needed. Just robots, pal. And if you think an autonomous EV is the wave of the future, I’m going to disagree. While there are plenty of folks who would rather let the machine drive, there are also plenty who still enjoy time behind the wheel. And for …

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How to Get Your Car Ready for Spring

You’re probably well acquainted with the list of tasks you’re supposed to perform to get your home ready for Spring. Not very exciting, are they? What about your car, though? The sun will be out, and those sticky summer tires can come out and play now that it’s stopped raining. Here’s a list of things you can do to get your car ready to hit the road with its best foot forward this Spring. Some are more technical in nature, and others are just there to improve your experience. In the end, you can do all or none of them. …

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2017 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring Marketplace Comparison – By Carl Malek

With the first flowers of spring now out in abundance, it also means that many summer cars are slowly emerging from their winter long hibernation deep in the confines of the garage. But what if your a first time buyer that’s looking for a fun car that can also deliver a good value? In this installment of Marketplace Comparisons, we aimed to answer that question, and reunited with the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring roadster to see how it measures up against two of its budget enthusiast rivals. We also threw the recently launched Mazda MX-5 RF into the fray, …

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2017 Renault ZOE E-Sport 1

3.2s 2017 Renault ZOE e-SPORT Concept Is Geneva Highlight

RenaultSport has found itself at the apex between F1 and Formula E in 2017.  They also produce one of the biggest range of EVs available.  No one is better prepared to take track-fast electrics to the street. The new Zoe e-Sport promises just that.  With a widebody style like the iconic Renault rally rockets, and a matte blue paintwork that happily recalls past Clio V6s. 460HP is the power allowed for this hatch smaller than a Ford Fiesta.  With almost a third of the total vehicle weight as batteries, this ZOE e-Sport might even have some midengine dynamics to add …

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