Fiat Confirms 500e Is Coming To The U.S. Debuts Trio Of One-Off Models

When we last saw the Fiat 500e, it was way before Stellantis as we knew it existed with then FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne giving approval for it to be a pure compliance offerings with the brash CEO admitting that the company was losing money on each one it built. The 500e was also limited to the California market though some slipped through the cracks and ended up in other parts of the U.S. (usually through mass auto auctions). But times have changed and while Fiat is only selling the 500X CUV these days (it shipped the 500 hatchback back to …

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Fiat Teases New EV, Could Possibly Be 500e Variant For U.S. Market

It has been a long time since we heard anything from Fiat. The brand has had a rough go of it in the U.S., and when it last tried to sell an all-electric 500 in the U.S., it was only in specific regions of the country, but a few examples slipped through the cracks at auctions (we saw one at a Michigan vehicle auction several years ago) and then CEO Sergio Marchionne flat out admitted that the company was losing money on every one sold. Times have changed, though, and with the U.S. embracing EVs, Fiat appears ready to try …

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2020 Fiat 500x Sport by Ben Lewis

Are you a fan of Monty Python? (OK, we may be dating ourselves here..) Well, they used to have a segment with a newsman-like person at a desk saying, “And now for something completely different.” And you know, they could have been talking about the Fiat 500x. Fiat 500x Exterior – Thinking out of The Box It starts with expressive looks. While it shares the running gear with the Jeep Renegade, it won’t be confused with that, or any other small SUV. Last year, the 500x got a facelift, with new front and rear fascia that trade in a little …

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2020 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth by Ben Lewis

Ok, we’re spoiled here in California. While a great part of the country is dealing with old man Winter and shoveling their way to get cars out of the driveway, we’ve had a nice touch of warmth hitting the low 70’s. A perfect time for a zippy drop top like the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth. It’s a What? We forget sometimes that everyone isn’t a car enthusiast. But we had more than a few people asking us what our tester was. Well, it’s a Fiat, obviously, right? Until you notice that it does not say Fiat anywhere on the vehicle. …

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2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

As we write this, it’s the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. Perfect time to review a roadster, then. And on such a noteworthy day, the 124 Spider Abarth seems like the ideal car for celebrating. Brio! Translated from Italian, it means vigor, vivacity. And the Fiat serves this up, with a fun to drive personality, stunning looks, and intangibles that just feel so European…which is pretty interesting when you consider, the 124 is mostly Japanese. Underneath the swanky Italian bodywork is a Miata. But before we delve under the body, let’s linger on the handsome suit draping …

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2017 Fiat 500C 1.4L Auto – Road Test Review

Is “hilarious” a helpful car description?  What about uproarious laughter at redline on the video review? Not really.  You migtht think the guy is laughing at the the car when he is actually laughing along with it. Either way, a serious case of the giggles comes standard on the Fiat 500C. The $17k 500 Cabrio is actually the cheapest way into a softtop in the USA for 2017 and 2018.  But with hard metal roof pillars, some might say this isn’t an all-the-way cabriolet. It might not be a full ragtop but it is delightfully sunny in the little Fiat …

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2017 FIAT 124 Spider – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

  No spoiler alert needed: The Fiat 124 Spider is built on the all-new Miata. But don’t dismiss it as a Japanese sports car – and an excellent one at that – trying to pull a fast one by donning an Armani suit. It’s surprisingly different from Mazda. Let’s start with style, ok? Per favore! When the new Miata debuted, it was a surprise, the previous generations felt like organic developments of the same design, with a lot of thanks owed to the original Lotus Elan, if you ask us. But when the new model saw daylight, it was noticeably …

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1957 Fiat-Stanguellini 1200 SPIDER AMERICA [24 Photos]

  I promise you have never tripped over something so lovely.  This TINY Fiat Stanguellini is even tinier than a doorstop.  Its ultra rounded nosecone/intake is a joyous production version of the rocket/jetage themes in high auto design of the era.  1957 but conceived in the hearts and minds of the world’s car-designers together about 1953.  Tailfins, streamlined aero and UFO-like body shaping. Without advanced CAD-CAM there was no way to know what truly worked in wind tunnels.  So if it looked right, it would fly right was the old adage. This 1200 Spider America flies right.  A bite-sized dream. Is …

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2016 Fiat 500L Trekking – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

Are you taking things too seriously? Been following politics? Fighting holiday crowds? Dreading a New Year’s resolution? We have a cure for you. The Fiat 500L. While it is a real SUV, capable of meeting your daily needs, there’s just enough slightly wacky, off-the-beaten-path, Euro-quirkiness to help take you out of the doldrums and put a smile on your face. It started out with the cute as a bug’s ear 500. Enthusiasts rejoiced when the brand added the Mighty Mouse 500 Abarth. And we have many frugal friends enjoying the super-green 500e electric vehicle (especially at the $99/month lease!). For those …

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2017 Fiat 124 SPIDER – Road Test Review + HD Drive Video

It is 124 Spider week here on CRD! Carl Malek got the joy of hooning the Abarth 124 around Monticello, New York while we were flinging the 124 Lusso around Charleston, SC. Both cars are absolute heroes.  Is any 124 Spider one of those rare cars that you’d love to drive 1000 miles at the drop of a hat? Yes, yes it is. His Abarth slid in with pricing in the mid-30s, while our midspec model with automatic transmission kissed 32k out the door with a few options. For these prices, there is nothing else on the road that will bring …

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2017 Fiat Abarth 124 Spider – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

Its no secret that we are big fans of the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider and its compelling blend of retro Italian charm and its Mazda based underpinnings. Fiat has big ambitions for this model, and hopes that it can help reverse its fortunes here in the U.S. However we never had the chance to sample its spicier sibling, the 2017 Fiat Abarth 124 Spider which supposedly brings more performance and aggression to the 124’s elegant lines. But has Abarth’s interpretation of performance created a potent roadster offering that adds depth to the 124 lineup? To find out we spent sometime with …

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2017 FIAT 124 Spider – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

From 1966 through 1978 the Fiat 124 Spider roamed the streets of America, and Europe, and became an icon of a classic, affordable, Pininfarina designed Italian two-seat roadster.  Light and agile, with decent performance, the car appealed to iconoclastic drivers who wanted something different than the heavy muscle cars of the era, and when most Japanese cars looked like the boxes that their parts came in. On the downside, they were much like their British counterparts of the time, like MG’s and Triumphs, in that they weren’t very reliable.  In those days, it was joked that Fiat stood for “Fix …

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Mountain Drive! 2017 FIAT 124 Spider – By Anthony Fongaro

Colorado is an amazing place to drive! While visiting this great state, I was lucky enough to attend RMDE, or the Rocky Mountain Driving Event. This event had different vehicles from various manufacturers. Part of this event included driving 90 minutes, or 3,000 feet up a mountain. If you couldn’t guess, the car that I drove was a little black Fiat convertible. The car in question was a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso. Before the drive, I put down the manual convertible top and let the beautiful scenery of Colorado surround me. Then I put the car into gear. And …

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2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring (6MT) – Review By Carl Malek + Fiat 124 Visual Comparo!

    When Mazda first unveiled the current generation MX-5 Miata back in 2014, it signaled a radical shift in focus, with Mazda designers breathing newfound life into a car that some thought had lost its way since it was first introduced in 1989. With bolder exterior styling, and a renewed emphasis on weight shedding, the newly rejuvenated MX-5 promises to blaze its own chapter in the sports car ranks. Our last sampling of the MX-5 was out on the track, but can it succeed out in the real world? The exterior styling of the MX-5 embraces newfound levels of …

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

    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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1970 Fiat 850 Spiaggetta by Michelotti – RM Monaco 2016 Preview

  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

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

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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2015 Fiat Ducato 4×4 Expedition Concept Teases New ProMaster Drivetrain Option

The new RAM ProMaster vans in the US are winning some very devoted fans with their ultra-low floors and nimbleness even in the tightest American cities. All this and more is owed to its sibling, the Fiat Ducato, across the pond. This lavish concept van was a double threat for its reveal in Dusseldorf in August:  showcasing some awesome glamping upgrades inside and out. Yet also revealing a promising new 4×4 powertrain choice.  While this particular vehicle is a passenger model fairly unlike the US panel-van ProMasters that take most of the sales, the two trucks are nearly identical under …

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Concept Flashback – 2005 Fiat OLTRE

It is somewhat azmusing that the 2005 Oltre-Fiat concept truck’s name means “over” in a direct Italian to English translation. Of course, Oltre also means ‘above and beyond’ and ‘over’ and ‘onward.’  Many adventurous descriptions for a seven-ton monster of a military truck. “Over” of course now also applies to the Oltre-Fiat’s extremely gaudy, Hummer-esque lines.  An obvious attempt at glamorizing the blocky IVECO running gear down below, the entire upper bodywork is bright white. Yes, it is an eyesore and hideous by 2015 standards. But in 2005 at the Bologna auto show, the Oltre-Fiat proved that high-fashion military vehicles …

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2017 FIAT 124 Spider – Gorgeous Miata Makeover Is Biggest LA Debut Yet

    More to follow.  Wanted this gorgeous new FIAT online ASAP!   2017 FIAT 124 Spider ALL-NEW 2017 FIAT 124 SPIDER REVIVES LEGENDARY NAMEPLATE WITH ICONIC ITALIAN STYLING AND DYNAMIC DRIVING EXPERIENCE 18/11/15 2017 Fiat 124 Spider returns nearly 50 years after original introduction Revival of roadster continues expansion of FIAT brand in North America Delivers iconic Italian style with modern adaptation of original Spider legend Powered by turbocharged MultiAir 1.4-liter engine for 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, available with manual or automatic transmission Available with an array of safety and security features, plus technologies for added …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 FIAT 500X Trekking is Bei Bei-Cute but Drives Euro-Sharp

INTRO Really wanted to incorporate Best of Awards  into the headline for this new Fiat 500X — but just ran out of space. What a stellar machine! With a drive experience recalling BMW’s and Audi’s, plus a cabin with fantastic Euro feel, the 2016 500X is an absolute gem from its $20k base price. Over a week of flogging the 500X Trekking in full sport mode glory, we fell hard for the 500X’s charms. To the point that even the design of the nose started to feel familiar and cute! As cute as Bei Bei the Panda cub at the …

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2017 Fiat 500 and 500C Facelift – 120 New Pics Show Sleeker Nose with Wraith-Style LEDS?!

The refreshed Fiat 500 just went on sale in Europe featuring fresh style, updated engines and new cabin touchscreens. While a very light facelift overall, the results outhit their weight via an all-new nose and fresh LED lighting front and back. A more premium lower grille wears metallic mesh innards for the 2017 model-year, with a slight chrome garnish off each bumper edge. A cleaner middle grille element and much tighter headlights complete the makeover up front. The ‘after’ pictures are very, very impressive. From the current 500 looking slightly gob-eyed when viewed straight on, the new 500 has a …

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2016 Fiat 500X Pricing, Colors and Real-Life Photos!

Can you imagine a more perfect follow-up to the Fiat 500 in the brand’s return to the US? A compact four-door crossover that is sporty, chic, right-sized and right-priced. The 500X is so good, it is likely to be the best-seller of the Fiat range almost overnight. Along with the jumbo 500L MPV, the 500X is the best news for Fiat shoppers since the brand’s return itself. Why all this steep praise? The 2016 500X just feels like a huge hit. Standard with an automatic nine-speed and turbo-charged four-cylinder, the 500X’s main powertrain option is AWD for a kinda-steep $1,900 …

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Concept Flashback – 2011 Fiat 500 Coupé Zagato

  How would Zagato do with a modern Fiat 500? Regretfully, the Double Bubble Zagato 500 concept from 2011 is remarkably normal and flair-free. The intersecting side and rear glass is present and correct, as is the bubble hardtop. But… somehow we have lost most of the depth in the bubbles seen on the 1958 750GT, as well as missing trunk humps.  The most joyful part of this design is the flip of the ducktail spoiler.   2011 Fiat 500 Coupé Zagato 01 MAR 2011 World Premier: 500 Coupé Zagato   One of the most iconic names in automotive design, …

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RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1958 Fiat-Abarth 750GT Double Bubble Coupé by Zagato

Almost all Italian cars from the 1950s are charming — but few are as ridiculously cute and cool as this 750GT Double Bubble. The exaggerated roofline and tail are a delightful design flourish atop the very-familiar Cinquecento hatchback form.   1958 Fiat-Abarth 750GT Double Bubble Coupé by Zagato RM Auctions Paris 4 February 2015 Lot 108 1958 Fiat-Abarth 750 GT ‘Double Bubble’ Coupé by Zagato To be auctioned on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 €70.000 – €90.000 Chassis no. 750.149 430930 Engine no. 400.000 693328 48 hp, 767 cc overhead-valve inline four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, front and rear independent suspension, …

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2016 Fiat 500X Lounge Is Right-Sized City Softroader with 4 Doors!

Updated 11.17.14 The 500X Cross looks just about *perfect* to answer to wishes of all Fiat dealerships across the US — compact, city-friendly but now a four-door and arguably a bit more handsome than even the original 500. Included below is a mega photo pack of the 500X Cross — which is the off-road guise with chunkier bumpers and gravel-proof plastic sills. Also below are the wheels and trim personalization options, interior photos and UK pricing. No word yet on US pricing or arrival time-frames, but we’d predict around a June 2015 arrival to the US as a 2016 model. …

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2016 Fiat 500X Cross AWD Trim Looking Svelt and Handsome in 75 New Photos

Updated 11.17.14 The 500X Cross looks just about *perfect* to answer to wishes of all Fiat dealerships across the US — compact, city-friendly but now a four-door and arguably a bit more handsome than even the original 500. Included below is a mega photo pack of the 500X Cross — which is the off-road guise with chunkier bumpers and gravel-proof plastic sills. Also below are the wheels and trim personalization options, interior photos and UK pricing. No word yet on US pricing or arrival time-frames, but we’d predict around a June 2015 arrival to the US as a 2016 model. …

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2015 Fiat 500 Ribelle and Fiat 500L Urbana Trekking Revealed at Miami Auto Show

Cool style upgrades joining the Fiat 500 and 500L range! FIAT BRAND TO INTRODUCE TWO SPECIAL EDITION VEHICLES AT MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW 07/11/14 Two new special editions expand the appeal of the Fiat 500 and the Fiat 500L with unique exterior and interior features  Fiat 500 Ribelle highlights the rebellious side of the Fiat 500, with Rosso (red) and Nero Puro (Gloss Black) exterior accents  Fiat 500L Urbana Trekking features unique Matte Nero (black) accents and six exterior paint colors November 7, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – The FIAT brand continues to showcase the multiple personalities of the FIAT …

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Ferrari IPO! Fiat Chrysler to Float 10% Stake on Global Market

BBC and FT.com are reporting today that Ferrari will be spun off from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles into a seperate unit. The vast majority of existing Ferrari equity will go to FCA shareholders and current backers, but a 10-percent portion of the firm is heading for an IPO. No word on the timing or location of this first-ever public sale offer from Ferrari, but New York is the most logical venue for a mega-debut of the firm in the stock market. The Ferrari spin-off is said to be part of an overall capital investment plan by FCA, which is heavily leveraged …

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2014 Fiat FCC4 Concept For Sao Paolo Is Samba Rambo SUV Pickup!

Lambo Rambo… in Portuguese… is Samba Rambo? This amazing concept from Fiat is called the FCC4 and looks to be about the size of the Jeep Cherokee, but wearing giant rock-crawling rubber and a bad-ass pickup-truck bodystyle. Fresh ideas and designs abound, including the floating C-pillar and wrap-around brightwork of the glasshouse. Inside the roof and bed structure, we see some of the organic bracing seen from Bertone lately — all good stuff. Looks fantastic, and opens new doors to what the Fiat brand can be in the large Brazilian market. Fiat FCC4 Concept    

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RM Hershey Highlights – 1905 FIAT 60HP Five-Passenger Tourer by Quinby & Co.

A top earner at the Hershey, Pennsylvania event from RM Auctions earlier this month? This 1905 Fiat Tourer with a whopping 60-horsepower. 60HP is double what anything else offered in 1905 — with huge power like this making it the Rolls-Royce and Bentley of its era. The Fiat packs triple the 20-hp that the Ford Model T’s “L-head” four-cylinder delivered from from 1910 to 1930. A wheel and triple-pedal setup on the floor also predates nearly any other car with this now-standard control layout. This very car was originally owned by August Anheuser Busch Senior — to give a sense …

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MOPAR Rolling Deep Into SEMA With A Dozen Custom Chryslers, Dodges, Fiats and Jeeps!

  MOPAR GOES ALL-IN WITH FLEET OF CUSTOMIZED SEMA SHOW RIDES 24/10/14 The 15,000-square-foot Mopar Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show display will feature Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brand vehicles personalized with Mopar products Hundreds of existing and prototype Mopar parts and accessories also will be showcased at the Las Vegas Convention Center Dodge brings a high-powered collection of concepts and production performance vehicles, including the Dodge Viper ACR Concept, Dodge Dart R/T Concept and Dodge Challenger T/A Concept, as well as the new 2015 Dodge Charger Scat Pack powered by the 6.4-liter 392 HEMI® and the 707-horsepower …

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2016 Fiat 500X Makes Paris Debut With Optional AWD and 9-Speed Automatic

Fiat has big plans for the 500X, a four-door off-roader sharing a name and styling themes with the popular 500 line of mini cars. This machine is a logical next move for Fiat as the 500 enters its third year on the US market. Under the skin, the 500X shares major platform and chassis pieces with the upcoming Jeep Renegade mini SUV, and benefits from the Jeep’s AWD and automatic transmission requirements. Both features are relatively critical to the 500X achieving sales volume in the US market when it arrives in Spring 2015 as a 2016 model. Perhaps even more …

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1910 Fiat S10 Racing Is Highlight In World of Steam Cars and Slow-Coaches

It is hard to believe that Fiat was racing cars like this when the rest of the world was debating which horse to pull a carriage. In fact, that is far from true. Only the richest of the rich were even considering a car purchase during this time period. So for Fiat to be heavily involved and winning races — is a true testament to the marque’s history and heritage. 1910 Fiat S10 Racing  

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Junkyard Jems – The Europeans – Lancia Zagato, Saab, Opel GT, Triumph, Mercedes, Fiat, Alfa, MG, BMW… and Lada?

PART TWO: The Europeans And now…. for something completely different! You may not know this about your humble scribe — but when not writing about brand-new cars all day long, he is often found roaming around auto junkyards. Junkyards are so alluring and entertaining for a real car nut; they have a pull of the exotic, the mysterious, and the unknown at almost every visit. Sure, most of the cars will be old Dodge Neons and unloved Isuzu Rodeos — but there is that rare chance of finding a diamond in the rough. Here are some favorite European cars I …

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2014 Fiat Abarth 500C Wins Hottest Exhaust Note on Autocross Track

 Listen to this gurgling little slugger! The 500C Abarth was perhaps the closest kindred spirit to the Fiesta ST we crowned as Most Fun around the Road America Go-Kart Autocross track. And while the Fiesta ST’s induction path in the front of the car definitely sounds good, it really cannot compete with the amazing aurals out back from the Fiat. The Abarth 500C’s drop-top is a welcome piece of kit for the fun little machine – operating smoothly and in a power-operated fashion that makes losing the whole roof panel as easy as opening a normal car’s moonroof. Where the …

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RM Monterey 2014 Preview – 1953 Fiat-Siata 1500 Coupe Speciale

This Fiat-Siata 1500 Coupe Speciale looks good enough to eat! Adorable lines shown here, in a style that is a dead ringer for the Ferrari road cars of this year as well. Monterey 15 – 16 August 2014 1953 Fiat-Siata 1500 Coupe Speciale Chassis no. MI 0139154 MI Engine no. SL0215   Entrant at the 1954 and 1955 Mille Miglias; One-off, custom-built Italian competition coupe; Extensive restoration by the current owner; Shown at the 2010 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance  

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Phew! Latest Real-Life Photos Show a Much Cuter 2014 Fiat 500L

The all-new 2014 Fiat 500L is exploring its new home in America! A cute couple guides us on this scenic photo shoot through seaport towns, cities, and the countryside. It is a relief to see the 500L looking cute – because that is a critical part of its selling proposition. Hip moms, cool dads, and bright colors are all in the 500L playbook. But even parents have a sense of style! And the first few sets of digital renderings really made the 500L look strange. Yes, it is still the same design – but now it is an adorable odd …

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The FIAT brand partners with Condé Nast for the limited-edition Fiat 500c GQ Edition

Best of Awards – Most Playful Sport Compact – Fiat 500C Abarth

Hey, can you pop that top off? Ahh, being yelled at in Italiano. Is there anything sexier? Charming and sexy, a fast-talker who never breaks eye contact. If that seductress with the Abarth Scorpion tattoo does not prove it conclusively: this car is a little slice of Italy. Sweet and nice, but ready to give some kiss bites. And like most hot Italian romances, all this might happen in public! Whatever happens, the Abarth 500C is always packing a body by Speedo, and ready for a dip to cool off. Oops, you forgot your bathing suit? That’s okay.   2014 …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Maserati MC20 – Maserati’s Return To Supercar Segment Marks End Of ICE Era

Maserati is the figurative traveler who’s facing a choice at the proverbial fork in the road. The Italian luxury automaker tried to embark on a push towards enhancing its sales, but while the Grecale and the Levante have certainly made their mark in the SUV segment, the broader sales picture is mixed at best. In the meantime, Maserati is also focusing on returning to some of the core things that helped it be an icon in the luxury segment, with performance and artistic flair being two prominent pillars. One example of this in action is the Maserati MC20, which launches …

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Pricing Comparison Test – 2023 Mazda MX-5 Club vs 2023 Toyota GR86 Which Is The Best Purchase?

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 is an icon in the affordable sports car ranks. The tiny two-door is the classic example of what happens when you combine a solid platform with simple ergonomics and the fun that comes with a droptop. But what happens when the MX-5 is forced to go head to head with the 2023 Toyota GR86 when it comes time to decide between the two for a potential purchase?   MX-5 and GR86 Are Both Finely Honed Instruments Of Fun   Look past the Mazda’s ability to flip its lid up and down (the GR86 has no convertible …

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Maserati’s F Tributo Models Pay Homage To First Woman In Formula 1, Will Be Ghibli and Levante Exclusive

Maserati may be focusing the bulk of its efforts on electrifying its growing pool of models, but the company is still taking time to pay homage to key moments in its history. Case in point is the new lineup of F Tributo models that are helping to highlight the legacy of the first female driver in Formula 1, Maria Teresa de Fillipis.   F Tributo Duo Will Be Ghibli and Levante Exclusive Fillipis is one of a small handful of female drivers that have competed in the largely male dominated sport and is from Maserati’s home country of Italy. Fillipis …

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2023 Ram ProMaster Brings Sharpened Styling And New Features To Work Van Segment

The Ram ProMaster has been a reliable workhorse for commercial buyers ever since it made its debut back in 2009. However, it was no secret that the Fiat-based van was rapidly aging and it was also getting schooled in sales by the hot-selling Ford Transit. Ram is out to change these fortunes and has unveiled the all-new 2023 ProMaster. Beauty Still In The Eye Of The Beholder The exterior styling of the ProMaster was always a love it or hate it affair but Ram stylists went to work trying to add more polish to the van’s lines for 2o23. The …

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Ram Unveils Three New Special Edition Ram Models, Spicy TRX Igntion Edition Leads The Charge

The State Fair Of Texas has unofficially become ground-zero for the pickup wars with the Domestic Big Three (Ford GM and Ram) using the festivities to show off their latest wares. Ram has chosen to go to a familiar but welcome chapter in their playbook with a wave of special edition models, with the trio being led by the Ram TRX Ignition Edition TRX Ignition Edition Adds Bright Color To Unchanged Performance Hardware The 2022 Ram TRX Ignition Editon leads the way, which adds some unique trim applications to the truck. The firebreathing 702 hp Hellcat V8 and the performance …

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Jeep adds all new customization center to Wrangler and Gladiator plant, straight from factory customization now fully possible

It’s no secret that when it comes to customization, The Jeep Wrangler SUV and its pickup cousin the Gladiator are very popular subjects for the imaginations of vehicle customizers across the nation. But while the aftermarket has risen to the occasion by offering a wide range of possibilities, Jeep itself did not have the ability to customize factory vehicles straight from the factory floor. But thanks to the recent construction of an all new vehicle customization center, Jeep has resolved this long standing flaw once and for all. Bargain real estate price secures customization playground According to the Toledo Blade, …

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Dodge brings devilish performance to the masses with 807 horsepower Redeye Hellcrate motor

Are you a performance junkie that owns a Dodge product and thinks the standard 707 horsepower Hellcat engine is about as exciting as a pack of expired pop rocks? If so, the brand appears to have your needs covered with the unveiling of the crate motor version of the Redeye version of the fabled engine. The engine is the latest entry into the company’s growing library of crate motors, and joins the standard 6.2 liter blown engine, and the limited production 1,000 horsepower 426 “Hellephant” in the parts catalog. As is the case with the factory installed motor, the Redeye …

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2020 Mazda Miata MX-5 RF Grand Touring by Ben Lewis

Great cars seem to have a few things in common. But it really boils down to this – a great car always creates a sense of occasion, every time you drive. And that’s something you can say about every Miata since the first one came ashore in 1990. Yep, 30 years. While you can argue which model is best, there’s never been a mis-step, they’ve never tried to change its mission…a Miata is not a luxury car. Or an SUV. Or heaven forbid, a minivan. It’s a sports car, pure and undiluted. Let’s celebrate the MX-5’s big 3-0! Classic Proportions …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Mini Cooper S Clubman – By Carl Malek [Video]

The 2020 Mini Cooper S Clubman is the answer to a very interesting question. What would happen if you take a Mini Cooper hatchback, and try to apply some of its quirky charm and appeal to a segment blurring utility focused model? The end result is the Clubman which tries to add more versatility and cargo hauling ability into its distinctly British flanks. But while the Clubman Panel Van a few years ago was a short lived and ultimately flawed experiment, the standard Clubman has managed to gather a sizable following of loyalists over the years. We were eager to …

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2020 Kia Forte GT by Ben Lewis

Many have said that the small car is on the way out. That small crossovers like the Hyundai Kona or tall hatchbacks like the Mazda CX30 will pushing them out. And the numbers don’t lie, SUV crossovers are king. (outside of full-size pickup trucks). But the sedan isn’t ready to throw in the towel yet. In fact, struggling to stay relevant has brought some of the best 4-doors to market that we’ve seen in a long time. The new Toyota Camry is excellent and fun. The Honda Accord, too. Heck they even put a turbo motor in the Mazda 6. …

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FCA And PSA Group Complete 50:50 Merger, Set To Become Fourth Largest Automaker

Following the initial announcement back in October that revealed FCA and PSA Group were interested in formally merging, the two firms have formally signed on the dotted line, creating the fourth largest automotive company in the world, with projected annual sales of around 8.7 million cars in the process. On the subject of profits, they are expected to be massive, with initial figures suggesting that the newly combined entity’s revenues will be around $190 million, as well as a recurring operating profit of over $12.2 billion dollars. These are very impressive figures, and it’s easy to see why they played …

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2019 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 60th Anniversary – Review by Ben Lewis

When we talk about performance cars, the benchmark is still 0-60. Which may be outdated, but it’s easy to get your head around and compare cars of the past with cars of today. (Spoiler Alert – cars of today are much faster today.) That said, we are talking 0-60 mph. But with the 2019, we are talking something completely different. 0 – 60 Years Yep, years. Hard to believe that the original Mini first bowed in 1959. Especially since a super-small, efficient and fun vehicle seems so now. 1959 was an interesting year – The first Barbie Doll was introduced, …

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Road Test Followup – 2019 Hyundai Kona Ultimate By Carl Malek

When we last met the Hyundai Kona, it was in Detroit where we got to briefly experience its charms on various roads in the Metro Detroit area (as well as run into Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond of Top Gear and Grand Tour fame). Our brush with the stars aside, the Kona delivered a good first impression, thanks to its compact size, as well as the sheer amount of standard equipment that is infused into every Kona. The Kona even took its act to the green car market, where the Kona EV has been making waves since it …

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Tracking the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Automotive executives and brand managers are always keenly aware of slicing the product offering in a variety of ways the results of which can not only be confusing but lead to actual sales losses amongst the offerings. One only has to look at the current numerous and future-slightly-LESS-numerous cars from the likes of BMW and Mercedes. Business school might call this classic cannibalization. But this week I experienced a new use of the term, maybe call it predatory cannibalization. Nothing faulty with the positioning of cars by planners at all. No, this new type of cannibalization is surely more along …

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1955 ABARTH 207A Boano Speedster – Gooding Amelia 2019 Favorites

Part of Carlo Abarth’s first-ever sports racer series of ten cars — and this is chassis 001.  Aka, the first one! Abarth made a great name for himself by making custom racecars from Fiat bits.  Fiat 500s were in amble supply at the time so Abarth was free to experiment with many layouts, including this mid-front-engine design.  The paltry 66-horsepower available meant that lightness, corner speed and aero were everything. This 207/A has alloy bodywork to make the most of the power available, and its design was very smart for 1955. Some of the coolest elements of the racer’s design …

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2019 Toyota 86 GT 2

2019 Toyota 86 GT – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

Someone said a bad thing. They said driving is on the way out. That people would rather Uber or Lyft than own a car of their own. That sports cars will be the first to go. Someone has not been in a Toyota 86. The Toyota 86 could be the ambassador for all things that car lovers love. And a little bit of time behind the wheel could convert a lot of skeptics too. Let the propaganda begin! Sports Car Ancestry.com The 86 is beautifully-designed. Time flies in auto-dom. When the 2013 FR-S appeared, it was a sensation – a …

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Nissan Unveils Updated 2020 Rogue Sport

When Nissan first unveiled the Nissan Rogue Sport in the U.S. market, the repatriated and lightly tweaked CUV was supposed to give buyers a smaller option that would be much more compact than the Rogue, while also being a good companion for urban driving. The lone flaw was that the Rogue Sport looked a bit too much like its bigger brother the Rogue. Nissan has addressed this minor blemish, and unveiled the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport alongside the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek edition. Wheras the old model looked like a Rogue that went through the dryer one too many times, …

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First Look: Mahindra ROXOR 4×4 UTV – By Carl Malek

With our coverage of the 2019 Auto Show ongoing, we decided to visit our friends at Mahindra to see the ROXOR and find out exactly what it brings to the 4×4 market. The ROXOR has managed to build quite the reputation for itself in the few years that it has made the rounds. A lot of potential buyers are enamored by its combination of keep it simple engineering, and its low price point, others like its flexible suite of options, and the bargain basement price point. But does the ROXOR has what it takes to carve a viable niche for …

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2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia TI Sport AWD – Review By Ben Lewis

Have you ever been at a get-together, and it’s ok, but kinda snoozy? You know just about everyone; the talk is the same stuff it always is. Then someone new shows up that’s fun, different and interesting, and all of a sudden, you’re glad you were there. Meet the Alfa Romeo Giulia – the life of the party. You may know Alfa Romeo. The last time the brand sold a vehicle here was in 1995. But this is a famous brand with an amazing heritage. Alfa was the first car to win the World Automobile Championship in 1925, and followed …

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Top 20 Reviews in 2018 – RDX Whistler Trip and MB Pebble Concept Top List

Ranked by traffic and readership! 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec – First Drive Review – By Josh Seaman   Pebble Beach 2018 – Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow Concept – By James Crabtree 2018 VW Passat SE 2.0T w/ Technology – Road Test Review 2019 Mazda6 Turbo – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis   2018 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Inscription – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis 2018 Lexus LS500h – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis 2018 Kia Stinger GT1 RWD V6TT – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis     2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth …

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2018 Ford EcoSport 2.0L Titanium AWD – Road Test Review w/ Drive Video

You’re looking at one of the best surprises of the year in the car world. Yep, this little fella here! The new EcoSport is the entry-level SUV in the Ford range moving forward – and you might have seen one on the road without realizing it. We definitely let out a few giggles on first sight but really came to like the machine after a few days on the road.  Yes, tiny.  But so current with tech and the drive experience is very perky in city traffic. What we have here is the first true supermini sport-ute!   That means you …

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Road Test Review – 2018 Toyota Prius C – By Carl Malek

The green car segment has seen its fair share of twists and turns over the past several years. While Tesla currently has the spotlight when it comes to pure EV offerings, Toyota and its Prii range in particular are considered by many to be the benchmark offerings in the hybrid vehicle segment. The Japanese auto giant doubled down on hybrids in the mid 1990’s with the original Prius, much to the astonishment and the occasional snicker of a few of its domestic competitors. That initial gambit has transformed into a lucrative business, with the Prii lineup redefining green car culture …

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Sergio Marchionne Steps Down, Michael Manley To Replace Him As CEO

In a stunning development that is currently unfolding as we speak, longtime CEO of Ferrari and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Sergio Marchionne, is stepping down from his post due to ongoing medical issues. The 66 year old CEO recently had shoulder surgery three weeks ago, but “massive complications” following the surgery forced FCA’s board to make their move, though the company has not disclosed the extent of the medical complications, as well as Marchionne’s current condition. FCA did however issue a brief statement regarding today’s events stating “While Mr. Marchionne was recovering from surgery,” his health has “worsened significantly in recent …

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2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

I say Miata, you say convertible. Or roadster. Drop top. You get the idea. For most people, a Miata is a 2-seater convertible with a folding fabric (or vinyl) top that lets you take in the sun, the stars, the breeze. But there’s a percentage of people that like a Miata with a hardtop. Those that live in 4 seasons, but want to drive their Mazda year-round. Or those in environments where the added security of hard roof makes you less of target. Racers need them too – look at the prices for a hardtop – sans Miata –on Craigslist …

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Mitsuoka Motors Unveils MX-5 Based Himiko Roadster

When it comes to creating weird vehicles that even make vintage Rinspeed vehicles look tame, no company can beat the folks at Mitsuoka Motors. This small Japanese car company has a long history of grafting unique bodywork onto existing models, and it has unveiled its latest creation, the Himiko roadster. Like other Mitsuoka models, the Himiko is based on a current production model, in this case the Mazda MX-5. Unlike the standard MX-5 which looks at home in a Japanese manga series, the Himiko goes for a decidedly more retro presentation, and the end result is a distinctive, albeit love …

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2017 Jeep COMPASS Trailhawk 4×4 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

If you like small crossover/SUV’s, you’re living in the golden age. Where most manufacturers were once happy to offer one model, it seems like many are doubling – or tripling – down, to give you your own perfect blend of goodness. And that includes Jeep. Here we have an all-new Jeep Compass. Originally introduced in 2007, the Compass was sort of a slapped-together version based on the Dodge Caliber. More tall wagon than true ‘ute, it still proved to be very popular with buyers, but kind of felt out of place with the Jeep Brand. Fast forward 10 years, and …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Toyota Yaris iA – By Carl Malek

The legacy of Scion continues to permeate throughout Toyota showrooms. While the logos, marketing material, and the fancy displays have long since been deposited in the dark corners of history, several of its models continue to linger in Toyota showrooms. One of these is the budget friendly iA sedan. Designed and engineered with help from Mazda, the iA was Scion’s last ditch effort at attracting young first time buyers before the rug was pulled from under it. Will the addition of a Toyota badge and a new name allow the Yaris iA to still fulfill its mission in life? Or …

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2017 VW Golf Alltrack S w/ 4Motion – HD Road Test Review

Wagons are back! Have you heard? Small families and bachelors alike are rediscovering how easy, smooth and practical they are versus the endless line of mini SUVs.  Wagons have better mileage, handling and — sometimes — even long-roof style. There are places where the Golf Sportwagen’s low ride height is simply not ideal — even with that car’s optional 4Motion AWD system.  For mountain states like Colorado or Vermont, there can never be enough tall, 4×4 wagons to choose from. Subaru has had this market on lock for decades now with their big Outback and smaller Crosstrek wagons. VW is …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF Grand Touring (6MT) + 2 videos – By Carl Malek

It’s no secret that the Mazda MX-5 is always a welcome visitor in the Car-Revs-Daily offices. We have sampled the roadster in many locales, and even had seat time behind the wheel of its Italian cousin the Fiat 124 Spider. In short, the MX-5 (in either guise) has become an iconic example in how to make a proper two seat roadster. However, we also like the idea of adding something new to this proven recipe, and we were quite excited when Mazda unveiled the RF version. But does the addition of a folding hardtop roof add a bit more pep …

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Top 11 Hot Hatchbacks in the USA for 2017

This spring has been a renaissance for hot hatch testing here at Car-Revs-Daily.  We’ve had the great pleasure of flogging the two reigning champs: the Focus RS and Golf R — and realized these pocket rockets are a speedfreak’s dream come true.  So tight and nimble.  So ferocious on throttle.  And so affordable versus a big V8 in Camaro  or Mustang!  Affordable to buy and also to insure and own. They make spouses less furious  than an impractical two-seat coupe.  And they are actually useful at transporting big things via their fold-down back seats. The market for hot hatchbacks has …

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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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2018 Dodge Durango SRT

4.4s, 475HP 2018 Dodge Durango SRT Revealed + Video

  There is something hypnotic about watching the new SRT Durango churn all four wheels in a hard burnout!  The video below is the perfect intro to such an awesome machine.  The best part of this burnout!!?  He never actually moves an inch! But the idea of the SRT392 engine with AWD and all the Hellcat-inspired suspension/grip upgrades seems insanely smart.  The numbers speak for themselves.  A 4.4-second launch matches the SRT392 itself thanks to the four-paw grip. The SRT Durango also has a giant tow rating and herculean bellow for all seven passengers to enjoy! 2018 Dodge Durango SRT …

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2016 Volkswagen TIGUAN R-Line 4Motion – Road Test Review – By Tom Burkart       

Our reviews here on Car-Revs-Daily.com generally try to be upbeat and playfully informative.  With insightful observations galore and a few critiques along the way. It is usually because the cars manufacturers send our way are all fairly loveable, newsworthy and generally pretty fresh on the market.  We put ourselves in the position of the buyers in that market segment for a week.  A week of driving later.. we’re usually gushing with some form of praise. This Tiguan review will have many of those characteristics, but with a darker edge. The 2016 Tiguan is woefully outclassed by nearly any compact crossover …

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2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring – Marketplace Comparison – By Carl Malek

When we last met the Mazda CX-3, we praised its ability to bring Mazda style fun and flair to a segment that is steadily getting more and more crowded with entries from various automakers. With the segment also booming in sales and overall demand, choosing the right CUV for your driveway can be the most important decision many growing families face. With that said, does the Mazda CX-3 still have what it takes to win a spot in your driveway? To find out we went behind the wheel of a second CX-3, and crunched the numbers to see how it …

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2016 Lexus NX200t F SPORT AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

If the NX200t did one of those TV Ancestry tests, what would show up? Platform sharing today makes it difficult to figure out what is a real brand anymore. You’ve got rebadged Mercedes posing as Infiniti’s. Jeeps driving around on Fiat underpinnings. Fiats driving around on Mazda bits. Subaru’s, Scions. And more.  Oh my. Then we have intermingling within the automakers as well, and they can be very well disguised. Case in point, Lexus and Toyota. There’s a lot of sharing going on. In all honesty, though, it always felt like the downscale Toyota models were getting Lexus goodness, rather …

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2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

With the dust still settling on our review of the 2017 McLaren 570GT, it brings up a compelling question in our minds, is there such a thing as an “affordable” exotic car? The 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider aims to be one of these cars, while also serving as the face of Alfa Romeo’s anticipated and often times delayed resurrection in the U.S. market. The 4C certainly has the bold styling, and Italian inspired flair that one expects out of an Alfa Romeo badged offering, but can it really succeed as an affordable alternative to the pricier established exotic car …

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2016 Jeep RENEGADE Trailhawk – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

When I took delivery of the 2016 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk for testing, a colleague told me, “The little Jeep is surprisingly capable.” Those two words — “surprisingly capable” — came to define my experience with the Renegade Trailhawk as I took it down some deep, difficult rock-and-mud-and-gravel trails in the hills of eastern Middle Tennessee. Design Notes There’s no denying the Jeep Renegade has a definite cute factor. That’s probably the first reason many Jeep purists scoff at the littlest Jeep in the lineup. It doesn’t look like a chiseled-jawed Wrangler. That notwithstanding, there’s no mistaking the Renegade for anything …

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Drive Review – 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata – by Ben Lewis

There are people out there not enamored by the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. And you can include me. Well, sort of. Let me explain. First of all, a disclosure. A well-worn 1990 Miata lives in the Ben Lewis garage. I’ve had it over 15 years. And yes, it’s red. So I’m a fan. And when the Second Gen (NB to you and me) bowed in 1999, I liked it. But I was amazed that even though it only lost an inch of legroom, I didn’t fit comfortably. And really, I’m not that tall. I was personally happier when the …

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RM Monaco 2016 – 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato

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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2016 Pininfarina H2 Speed – Monaco Palace Intro to EV Champion Prince Albert

The stunning Pininfarina H2 Speed just scored one of the highest honors in automobiledom: a royal invite to the palace of Monaco! HSH Prince Albert was the honorable host for this glittery and exclusive look at a 503-horsepower exotic that runs on pure hydrogen.  It combines the massive thrust of eAWD via potent electric motors, plus the rapid-refill potential of hydrogen.  Not quite an open-road dream versus gasoline’s ubiquitous availability, but the H2 Speed does show promise for an all-day blast around a racetrack.  This is something that no full EV can promise, as their batteries go dead in about an hour …

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7 New JEEP Concepts Hiding Among Easter Jeep Safari Madhouse! +30 Live Photos

There is alot of love and alot of great tradition on display for this year’s seven-pack of all-new concept vehicles for the MOAB Safari. One in bright green will be churning up much of the excitement… and that is the Trailcat! An ultra-intense race truck aimed at the glacier-climbers of Iceland… this off-roader really does pack the engine of the Hellcat.  707-horsepower through a stickshift will make quite the entrance wherever it goes! In terms of production feasibility… this dusty desert party of Jeeps also has some clear winners beyong the Trailcat.  The Crew CHief 715 is the clearest production …

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2017 Abarth 124 Spider 10s

2017 Abarth 124 Spider – Boosted Turbo, Shouty Exhaust and Butch Body Mods

Stunning new Fiat from Abarth at Geneva this year — proving the in-house tuner is still a big asset in the brand’s expansion worldwide.  The Mirafiori speed demons have wasted no time upgrading the design, performance and panache of the adorable baby Fiat: the new 124 Spider. From its cute looks emerges yet another harsh, focused look at what Abarth does best.  The scorpion logo makes sense the first time you fire up one of their specials: pops and brummy exhaust and engine notes that recall Maserati much more than Mazda. Then you turn to see… and are shocked that …

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Best of Geneva – 2016 Abarth 124 Rally Prototype – 300HP Kicks Off 2017 Abarth Racing Revival

  In case the hot new Abarth Fiat 124 Spider were not enough to get your heart revving, Abarth Racing has brought along an even hotter version! A rear-drive rally racecar that started life as a ragtop!?  Sounds like a winner to us.  And it definitely looks like a winner too. A slightly raised ride height, boosted engine putting down 300Hp, plus a locking rear differential promise exciting, tail-out action to rally fans next year. Custom fender extensions, sill extensions and brake air vents behind the back axle speak to this car’s gravel-slinging dreams.  As does its gigantic, fire-spitting single …

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Design Analysis – 2016 Alfa Romeo DISCO VOLANTE SPYDER By Touring Superleggera + 1952 C52

It takes a master designer to reinterpret a retro model in a desirable, futuristic modern car.  The fail count is much larger than the short success list of the New Beetle, Ford GT and perhaps MINI. Fails?  Fiat 500, Lamborghini Miura, Ford Thunderbird, Chevrolet HHR, Plymouth Prowler, etc. etc. Among supercars, it is even harder to continue designs from so long ago.  Why? The designs were always extra wacky, with limited appeal even in their original iterations. In addition, supercar shoppers are always craving the next hotness.  The unattainable, never-before-seen machines that will bring traffic to a halt around you. Therefore, Touring Superleggera struck a …

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Design Analysis – 2016 Pininfarina H2 Speed and Sigma Grand Prix

This is one of the first times someone has dusted off the idea of a hydrogen FCEV supercar in quite a while.  The most notable effort was likely from BMW more than a decade ago. There is certainly promise in a 180-second refill from a hydrogen station, then all the benefits of a full-EV drivetrain. Namely, SPEED! The H2 Speed is quoted at some quite impressive figures.  100-kph flashes by in a 3.4-second whir, and on to a max speed of 186-mph. DESIGN ANALYSIS All this is wrapped in the purest snow white panelwork you’ve ever seen.  The bubble-like nose …

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2010 BERTONE Pandion for Alfa-Romeo Is Next-Level Brilliance Inside and Out 30

Hall of Fame – 2010 Alfa Romeo Pandion by BERTONE

We obviously cover a lot of concepts and dream cars here, but rarely does one captivate the eye and mind more than the 2010 Bertone Pandion. BERTONE: COMPANY SITUATION ANALYSIS First things first: Bertone (pronounced ‘Bear Tony’) is currently restructuring after some lean years in the Italian car business drained its corporate accounts to breaking point. Is this any way indicative of the quality of the firm’s design work? Absolutely, positively not. In fact, it is because of Bertone’s amazing ideas that the firm branched back into actual car factories versus just dreamy, steamy concept cars and prototypes. Full-scale production …

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2016 Chicago Auto Show – MEGA GALLERY – PART ONE – The Cars

Some great live photos of many new Chicago debuts here!  THe Ford GT stuns in semi-gloss white, while the new Camaro 1LEs look the business, for sure. The new Prius and Subaru Impreza 5-Door concepts are also cool to see in real-life photos. As is the R8 V10 Plus! And the Fiat 124… but just one pic of that cutie here. Best car in the flesh?  Perhaps the Genesis Coupe Concept. Most underwhelming?  The Buick Avista. Somehow, the design elegance is not visible here.  Very reminiscent of a Tesla Model S — a car begging for a facelift itself.     …

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2016 Chrysler 300S and 200S Alloy Editions – Sport Chassis Tunes Now Featuring Titanium and Dark Bronze Finishes

  The main Chrysler trim letter to lust after?  C, right? For 2016-and-beyond style, the coolest Chryslers are now definitely wearing the S! Bold pronouncement, perhaps, but over the last few years the 200C and 300C have become the lux and powerful versions of the standard models.  The S twins, however, are the badass ones with mean night styling and performance-tuned handling — regardless of engine. To drive that point home even more explicitly, Chrysler just pre-launched its coolest S models yet: the 300S and 200S Alloy Editions. They are gorgeous and easily the most SRT-infused cars in the Chrysler …

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231HP, ~6.3s 2016 MINI JCW Convertible – Legacy Looks, Speed Shortage = Wandering Eyes

Do you remember the will-they/won’t-they drama around the first JCW Convertible?  People wondered if such a hotted-up MINI could handle being roofless.  Would its front-drive chassis just fall apart around corners? That was certainly not the case for the eventual ragtop JCW — but the buzz and enthusiast excitement is relatively interesting.  Why?  It is not present whatsoever for this general of MINI Cooper S JCW. The extreme continuity of the looks for this third-gen new MINI generation are doing the new-gen Coopers no favors.  Despite being an all-new chassis with all-new engines and virtually zero carryover from the second-gen MINIs…. …

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Is Hollywood Co-Promotion Worse Than Brand Integration? Star Wars and FCA to Find Out

Product placement in movies has evolved radically since Bumblebee Camaro raced back into our hearts — and many driveways — following the 2007 Transformers remake. In the last 20 years, paid PP was all about screen time and brand impact.  The challenges were to say the name of the product on film and have it be a hero type of character.  Without appearing saccharine.  (Bad examples include Acura and Sony in every Hollywood media program they have ever done.) For ‘good’ results, it was about showcasing the car organically throughout the film, with real-life displays of prop replicas generally involved …

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FCA 2016 #DriveforDesign Contest Seeks Teen Input on 2025 Dodge SRT Hellcat!

On the heels of Ferrari’s very promising design challenge for 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles just launched its multi-playform FCA Drive for Design contest. The objective for all entries is to envision a 2025 Dodge SRT Hellcat — and is limited to high school students in grades 10-12, sophomores to seniors.  The goal is to see what tomorrow’s design talent would do with the 2025 Hellcat in a no-limits world of the future. Will it be an open-wheeled racecar with tandem double cockpit? Or a mid-engine exotic like the SRT Tomahawk Vision Gran Turismo? 2015 SRT Tomahawk Vision Gran Turismo Or …

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RM NYC 2015 – 1954 Siata 208S Spider by Motto

Many people cite the Mazda Miata’s inspirations from English roadsters. But the formula was really perfected well before the Lotus Elan, in Italy by a sports-car consortium names S.I.A.T.A. Swapping “S” for “M” and we get to the Miata name! Regardless, this 1954 Siata 208S Spider by Motto wears exclusive alloy engine components and even bodywork, ensuring an ultra-light and nimble application of the 125-horsepower. From a four-cylinder, you assume? So did we. But no! This last-ever Motto Siata 208S runs a 2.0-liter V8 engine with dual Weber carburettors. The formula would later inspire the Shelby Cobra and many a …

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HD Track Drive Review – 2016 Dodge VIPER GT – LOVE at Full Throttle

2016 Dodge Viper – HD Track Drive Video It is pretty fashionable to hate on the Viper right now. Its latest generation took a big leap in price, dropped its ragtop bodystyle option, and lacks the sheer, effortless sprint times so adored in the Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 Turbo, and even the Hellcat twins. We have heaped a bit of scorn on the Viper as well, and after an oh-so-brief drive last year came away confused. This hulking beast of a car felt heavy, uncomfortable and hopelessly one-dimensional versus the STELLAR Corvette Z06 and even Z51 base engines. Even that …

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2015 Scion C-HR Concept Teases Upcoming Production Crossover – $24k Pricing, Hybrid Option Predicted

Hey good lookin’! Your eyes are not deciving you: this new Scion concept might look very familiar. If so, it is because we have seen it at Geneva and Frankfurt in Toyota guise. The purple and grey C-HR concepts shown so far are exact clones of this Scion for good reason: all tease the same upcoming compact crossover. Priced below the RAV4 and tipped to offer a hybrid engine option, the C-HR is a handsome and on-trend statement of intent for Toyota and its Scion offshoot. This concept is not in the slightest bit production feasible, however, with wild shapes …

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2015 LA Auto Show – MEGA Gallery in 250 Photos

Worst of show so far?  Definitely the 2017 SL63. Best is perhaps the Fiat 124 Spider, or the new Mazda CX-9.  Or the new Honda Civic Coupe!!! Just the humdrum EX trim shown so far, but it looks hot and wide and high-tech from all sides. Also lovely to catch any glimpse of the 2017 Ford GT supercar, plus its kid bro the 2016 Focus RS in Nitrous Blue. 2015 LA Auto Show Photos

4.0s ZENDER Alfa Romeo 4C is Hardcore Style and Speed Upgrade

Holy Dino, Batman! Zender just released details on its Alfa Romeo 4C upgrades — and they are ridiculously sexy and desirable. But first: have you seen a 4C up close yet? The 4C Coupe and Spider are ridiculously hot and exotic in the flesh. With the new LEDs and headlamps up front, the design is even more fantastic than this 2015 4C Coupe from Italy. The 4C is so intense and a true Ferrari cousin in the flesh because of its mid-engine proportions, obscenely low rood and comical overall width. The 4C feels dramatically lower, shorter but MUCH wider than …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Buick Encore AWD Premium with Ken Glassman

2015 Buick Encore AWD Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman   The marketing folks at Buick have identified a large group of auto buyers who are looking for cars that have a prestige image, contemporary styling, and nicely appointed comfortable cabins. These shoppers want luxury amenities, but are also environmentally conscious and don’t require strong gas guzzling performance. The 2015 Buick Encore was designed with those attributes in mind. The handsome, rugged exterior styling features sculpted lines from the front clip and steeply raked hood (complete with Buicks iconic Venti-ports) to the character lines running just above the beltline, and door …

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2016 Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 AWD

2016 Dodge Charger PURSUIT Debuts new 12-inch Touchscreen with PnP Police Computer Systems

Dodge just updated its 2016 Charger Pursuit LEO model with some never-before-available tech: a giant portrait touchscreen that is custom-designed to be the main display and control for law enforcement officers in daily duties. Until now, the preferred method of departments to put computers into squad cars has been a floor-mounted Panasonic Toughbook. Yes, the laptop was theoretically portable, but not as mounted on its giant metal arm. Bolted down under the seat, this arm let officers move the laptop over the center console, angled toward them a bit. But still extremely awkward, and using an touchpad / nub thing …

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HD Road Test Review – 2015 Buick ENCORE – Drives Like an Audi, Priced Like a Kia?

Compact crossovers could not be hotter right now. They avoid the depressing drive experience of small sedans, no matter how tight they might be inside. The flipside is that carmakers can be tempted to overprice the mini-SUVs — with options taking the ultra small machines deep into real SUV territory.  This is certainly the case with the $48k BMW X1 sDrive28i we tested last year. Or how about the $67k AMG GLA45? Clearly the temptation of luxury features, equipment and options is powerful for both the brands and to buyers, though. The compact SUV is therefore quite perplexing at times: …

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2015 Renault ALASKAN 17

2015 Renault ALASKAN Concept Previews Upcoming Mid-Size Pickup Truck

Renault just revealed a pretty exciting Frankfurt concept — without a shred of coyness, either. The ALASKAN pickup truck concept is an overt preview of an upcoming Renault to be sold globally. The firm hopes to firm up its market-leading position in the light commercial vehicle segment, which is exploding with dual-use buyers in the UK and dozens of other markets. Tax advantages and the huge functionality of pickup trucks meets modern style, efficiency and tech for these buyers. This idea is nothing new, of course, for the 3-million US pickup sales annually. The vast majority of those trucks are …

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