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QOROS Design Analysis – Qoros9 and Flagship Concepts Preview Exciting Future Models

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 12, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

QOROS is the German-led Chinese car firm that could change global perceptions about Chinese vehicles through sheer strength of engineering. The firm aims to deliver the best of European safety, handling, styling and quality standards to an affordable-produced model for the first time. Headed by Gert Hildebrand as design chief, Qoros is on firm footing to bring his MINI Cooper design expertise to all sorts of new segments. Here is Hildebrand with the Qoros Flagship model discussed below. QOROS Design Analysis – Qoros9 and Flagship Concepts Preview Exciting Future Models After many false starts by other brands, the Qoros 3 …

Gulf Racing Livery by CAM SHAFT for the Porsche 911 Turbo

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 11, 2014, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

It is automotive wrap fest today! These two are very eye-popping. They bring some favorite and iconic racing liveries to life on Porsche 911s in a very well-executed way. The funny thing about Gulf colors, in particular, is a joke I heard while visiting the GT40 factory of Superformance Olhoff Racing in April. They quipped, “We have made more Gulf GT40’s than Gulf ever did!” Thanks to the latest tech in wrapping, a two-color paintwork effect is no longer the perview of Wraith of Maybach customers. It was previously so expensive and exclusive because it meant the car had to …

FOSTLA.de Foliation Designs A Wild Mercedes-Benz CLS in Metallic Gold Matte

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 11, 2014, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

FOSTLA.de Foliation Designs A Wild Mercedes-Benz CLS in Metallic Gold Matte Learned a new word today… foliation Definition: the art of foil wrapping a surface, object or cherished Mercedes-Benz CLS. Etym: new Engdeutsch. The below description and intro for Fostla.de’s Porsche GT3 certainly applies to this incredibly intense CLS. It is on air-ride lowering springs and has a few other customizations noted below — but by far the most mind-warping element is the Bond Gold Matte Metallic wrap by Fostla. This is paired very tastefully with tinted lamps and a red accent bar in the fascias front and rear. The …

FOSTLA.de Shows Artful Porsche 911 GT3 Foil Wrap Design and Execution

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 11, 2014, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

In the old days, changing a car’s color was only possible in one method: a full respray. This is not a good route for high-performance and high-dollar luxury machines for many reasons. Most of which comes down to the quality of body-shop paint versus factory paint. We have all seen a sad repainted car a few years last – dull, fading on the roof and hood from the sun, and sometimes even with bits of the original color shining through the poor-quality paintjob. In addition, much of the exterior on the car has to be disassembled to do a paintjob …

Update1 – Exec Shuffle Analysis – Infiniti QQX Rebadge Architech Johan de Nysschen Joins Cadillac

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 11, 2014, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

Updated with Infiniti USA sales figures below. Uh oh! All signs indicate that Carlos Ghosn is furious today. Another key executive is gone just 10 months after the wacky Carlos Tavares was booted from Renault. Former Audi and Infiniti executive Johan De Nysschen has just been announced as the new Cadillac global leader. This is an unusually sudden departure from Renault-Nissan – and an odd hire for Cadillac as well. It is not yet clear if De Nysschen was terminated or recruited away from Infiniti, but his efforts there have been a nightmare overall. Cadillac’s global ambitions are well-known, and …

2015 Chevrolet Trax USA Arrival In September To Battle Juke, Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade Mini SUVs

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 11, 2014, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Can you blame Chevrolet for bringing the Trax to the US market? Of course not! There is no bigger growth segment in the car market than the mini SUV. This one shares most of its platform and running gear with the Sonic and other little guys in the Chevy portfolio, but will command a $3,000 premium just for sitting a bit higher up and having some SUV body cladding. This model is required to slot in below the ever-larger and very dated Equinox and very-old-indeed Captiva Sport that is a fleet-only model. Chevrolet and GM have been rightly lambasted for …

2015 Dodge Challenger Is Sporty At All Levels – 6.4L Scat Pack, 5.7L V8 RT and Even V6 Super Track Pak!

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 11, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

The biggest news for the 2015 Challenger is thew engine/powertrain advancement in all trim levels — not least the 707-horsepower SRT Hellcat supercharged. But there are huge, huge benefits inside the cabin to close deals with shoppers. While the exterior is barely-altered in the sheetmetal shapes of the body – the cabin is completely fresh in every way. Big upgrades to drive-ability come with the latest eight-speed ZF automatic up and down the range, which will help with the sometimes-lungy downshift style of the existing model. Perhaps even more notable than the Shaker, 392 and SRT is how great the …

2020 HYUNDAI EXODUS – Designing A Halo Hypercar – Part One – The Nose

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 9, 2014, 6 pm by Tom Burkart

2020 HYUNDAI EXODUS – Designing A Halo Hypercar – Part One – The Nose WHY NOW? Lots of supercars and hypercars this week, which are great fun and very enjoyable to read about. That applies to those in the market for an exotic car as well as those of us who will drive something far more mundane in reality. WHY HYUNDAI? Why try to imagine my own Hyundai hypercar, after spending much time with the new Sonata last week? I realized many things on this trip about how rapidly Hyundai is advancing in the automotive world. (Full Sonata review is …

OP_ED – 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe Coupe Has Right Platform But Boring, Old-Man Style and No Visual Impact

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 3, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

Cadillac churns through chief executives and ad agencies like you would not believe. Everyone is tasked with increasing sales and lowering the demo. Everyone for the last ten years has failed to deliver on these goals for any meaningful amount of time. The 2015 ATS Coupe has all the right stuff to be popular, but it looks like the entire “Cool Coupe” mission is lost on Cadillac. This really is not an old-man brand anymore. But sadly, it is definitely run by losers. Not losers in life, mind you. They must be smart and successful – but they are definitely, …

PART ONE! DODGE Hits 100-Year Anniversary of First Car in 1914 – Going Strong into 2015 and 2115

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 2, 2014, 11 am by Tom Burkart

PART ONE: These posts are getting huge and are breaking the interwebs. Here is part one – featuring the first 50 or so cars from Dodge below. Dodge is celebrating its 100-year anniversary today with the release of special-edition 2014 Challengers and Chargers, a new line of merchandise, and a bold outlook into the next 100 years of the Dodge Brothers legend of affordable power. Another bit of news from the 100th announcements is that SRT is being rolled back into the Dodge fold after a go at being a stand-alone brand. Below is the official announcement from dodge – …

PART TWO! DODGE Hits 100-Year Anniversary of First Car in 1914 – Going Strong into 2015 and 2115

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 2, 2014, 11 am by Tom Burkart

Dodge is celebrating its 100-year anniversary today with the release of special-edition 2014 Challengers and Chargers, a new line of merchandise, and a bold outlook into the next 100 years of the Dodge Brothers legend of affordable power. Another bit of news from the 100th announcements is that SRT is being rolled back into the Dodge fold after a go at being a stand-alone brand. Below is the official announcement from dodge – and you should also check out the new Dodge products page for some cool shirts, accessories and ways to show your Dodge/Life balance. http://www.life.dodge.com/dept_prod.asp?dept_id=316 Below are some …

HOT DAMN! 707HP 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Power Figures Are INCREDIBLE

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 2, 2014, 10 am by Tom Burkart

600-horsepower from the new Challenger SRT’s supercharged Hellcat engine — all fired up and ready to roar into the record books with deliveries starting in late Summer 2014! Scratch that. The official tally is an incredible 707 horsepower from the 2015 SRT Challenger! Full details updated below from Dodge, as well as 98 new photos of the 2015 SRT Hellcat. ENGINE START-UP AND REVS VIDEO The coolest aspects of the new Challenger SRT are the Viper-inspired hood with extra breathing and venting ports, plus the hollow driver-side highbeam lamp – which delivers air right into the airbox of the Hellcat. …

Montreal Designer Maxime de Keiser Envisions Future Audi R10

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJuly 1, 2014, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

Maxime de Keiser has some amazing ideas up his sleeve, and a vision to match. A futuristic, low and somewhat brutal aesthetic rules his style – which you might know from his DeTomaso Mangusta Legacy. He dubs this concept the Audi C8 and notes its inspiration from the Audi Type C of the 1930s, which is totally valid. But the interest for these eyes is two-fold: — we have no idea what the next R8 will look like; only that it is coming soon. Perhaps at Paris this Fall. — Truly, Mr. De Keisers’ ideas for this car seem like …

The Porsche Story in 37 Rare Photos – A Winners Racing Legacy

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJune 29, 2014, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

Porsche is ambitious to a fault. It is a core brand trait to excel in almost every single way – To the point where many thought a win at LeMans this year was almost an inevitability. Preparation, research, expertise and brilliance…. Equals: Porsche Racing. So when the 919 suffered out on the track, it was partial global surprise and partial relief. I mean, if Porsche could come in and snatch the title from Audi after 12 near-consecutive wins for Audi Motorsport — what does that really “say” about Audi? Nothing too flattering. So a bit of a relief, a bit …

Mercedes-Benz 2014 Goodwood Sculpture Is Huge But Not As Cool As The Floored Racecars!

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJune 27, 2014, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

Every year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed has a lead automaker sponsor – the brand pays extra for the best show space, the right to brand the entryways, and numerous other places to be top-of-mind with showgoers. 2014 is Mercedes-Benz – and the MB UK team is bringing an awesome fleet of cars to race up the hill. The statue over the Goodwood House is pretty intense due to its sheer scale, but is pretty boring overall – a tired concept, in my eyes. Giant twin arcs of white-painted steel meet in the middle with two Mercedes-Benz racecars perched atop the …

The Evolution of the Nissan and Datsun Badges Since 1951

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJune 26, 2014, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

The Evolution of the Nissan and Datsun Badges Since 1951 Logos tell stories – they are the emblems we become so familiar with that seeing them becomes a mental shortcut to knowing a product is high-quality and something we recognize. Alternatively, they can become tarnished by mis-steps or changing market preferences — when a badge can be caught in a past world that does not reflect current brand aspirations. Most of all, however, they aim for consistency. Put a Nissan badge on a refrigerator — and your brain will like that fridge if you are a Nissan fan. Or if …

Update1 With 70 New Photos – 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJune 23, 2014, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

Update1 6.23.14 – 70 New Photos 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe New Photos – EXTERIOR GREEN S550 4Matic Coupe WHITE S550 4Matic Coupe The S-Class Coupe debuted this morning to rapturous praise from thisguy! It looks stunning and will hit showrooms virtually unaltered from the shockingly-attractive S-Class Coupe Concept from Frankfurt. Today may indeed mark the start of the Bentley Continental GT’s long, slow decline. As the market-makers tire of that bloated and understeering hog of a machine: both the Rolls-Royce Wraith and this new S550 4Matic Coupe are eager for their attention. Please enjoy these official images and debut …

Hyundai Genesis, Elantra and Accent Score Segment-Best Initial Quality Awards from JD Power

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJune 23, 2014, 11 am by Tom Burkart

Great news for Hyundai owners and those considering swapping to Hyundai from another nameplate: the JD Power Initial Quality Awards rankings show the Genesis, Elantra and Accent as the best in the classes. This is a great result for the Genesis as the second-best car in the entire JD Power study, but even more so for the smaller and much cheaper Accent and Elantra. (2015 Genesis shown below.) 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT shown below. Hyundai Genesis, Elantra and Accent Score Segment-Best Initial Quality Awards from JD Power In the compact segment, the biggest sales gains lately have …

Own This Authentic 1969 McLaren M10-A To Be A Racing Hero

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJune 22, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

One thing I love about the English car mag culture is their enthusiasm for track days – and track day cars. I hope this catches on here, and am doing my part with a few ‘first-times’ under my Dunlop belt. But one thing that will always beat an Exige S or other time-attack miracles? A real, fire-breathing race car. Nothing will bring all those study hall sketches to life like this 1969 McLaren M10A currently for sale by FantasyJunction in Emeryville, California. Priced at $160,000, this car comes with a drooling list of included equipment, and stretch-folders full of …

Update1 With Novak Djokovic- 2015 Peugeot 508 Facelifted With New LED DRLs, Box-Design Beams and Tweaked Cabin Tech

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJune 19, 2014, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

My passion for great LED lighting is spiraling out of control. It seems, lately, that a new headlight design with some flashy LEDs is enough to win my favor. But am I alone? LED lighting and headlights are by far the easiest piece of a car for the manufacturers to update — no new sheetmetal is required at all in many cases. But the impact on the 30-percent of the time spent driving in the dark or dusk? A totally transformed car. This new 508 is more than an LED refresh – and includes various new shapes for the grille …

2015 Peugeot 508 Facelifted With New LED DRLs, Box-Design Beams and Tweaked Cabin Tech

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJune 18, 2014, 8 am by Tom Burkart

My passion for great LED lighting is spiraling out of control. It seems, lately, that a new headlight design with some flashy LEDs is enough to win my favor. But am I alone? LED lighting and headlights are by far the easiest piece of a car for the manufacturers to update — no new sheetmetal is required at all in many cases. But the impact on the 30-percent of the time spent driving in the dark or dusk? A totally transformed car. This new 508 is more than an LED refresh – and includes various new shapes for the grille …

Acura TLX GT Racecar Boosts 2015 TLX Launch with 500HP Twin-Turbo SH-AWD

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJune 17, 2014, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

Anticipation of the all-new 2015 Acura TLX is building this summer, with shoppers from within and outside the Acura/Honda fold curious about the slinky style and new tech on offer in these mid-size luxury sedans. What better way to really establish some new performance credibility and an all-out racecar version? Sure, it might be a popular strategy for making an upcoming production car seem fast and exciting, but it is popular for a reason. Why? It works! Just look at this lowered, aero-optimized and super-rapid TLX GT Race Car! One peek from any angle shows a hardcore side of Acura’s …

2014 Lexus GS350 vs F Sport vs GS450h – Buyers Guide Info and Model Comparisons

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJune 11, 2014, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Something about the GS is quite special on the roads. This car looks wide, brand-new, and clearly a flagship Lexus. But it is not immediately clear which: none look this good, this rear-drive and wide. Relatively clutter-free taillamps help plant the GS from the back, where this base-model GS350 looks more than worth the price. But how to tell them apart! GS350 versus the GS350 F Sport versus GS450h? Very subtle differences to the untrained eye, but the F Sport adds some intrigue to the nose and grille that is only clear up close. In addition to the wind slashes, …

Track Drive Review – 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG at Road America

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJune 5, 2014, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

Hmmm, despite my grand ambitions to film every car I had the chance to drive at the MAMA Spring Rally this year for auto journalists – the exterior videos are pretty dull. Without the time and motivation to cut the interior and exterior videos together, the exteriors are best with the camera near th exhaust pipe — so there is at least some exhaust noise drama to make things watch-able. The CLA45 AMG is certainly not short of exhaust noise drama! While it never quite sounds as good as you might think and AMG should, it does have character versus …

192HP, 6.8-Second 2015 MINI 5-Door Answers the Call of Back-Seaters Everywhere

February 17, 2019, 8 pmJune 5, 2014, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

What is the back-seaters’ call? “Let us out!” ? That is not exactly the MINI Cooper’s fun-loving style! Back-seat whiners have typically just wanted to stretch their legs a little bit, but been stuck until one of the fancy front-seaters will move their tush and let the seat slide up to an open slice of door. The 2015 MINI five-door hatch promises modest solutions to both problems via an extra set of rear doors on the silly-fun urban classic. The latest MINI model is far more approachable in every way, with its turbocharged standard triple delivering more MPG and also …

2015 GMC Sierra All-Terrain HD – Real-Life Launch Photos of the King-Kong 2015 HD Truck

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMay 28, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

GMC is on a roll right now – sales are way up, market share is up, and diesel engine adoption is above 70-percent among HD truck buyers. This is all great news for the company, and shows that buyers are stepping up to the HD trucks in record numbers. The trade-offs for doing so are less than ever before, and the payout is far more capability. To make the transition as smooth as possible from the loaded half-ton trucks to the 2500 and 3500 HD lines, the Denali trim comes along and now the All Terrain package (available of SLE …

2015 Volvo XC90 Interior Is Official! 7-Seat Comfort, Luxury and Tech

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMay 27, 2014, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Volvo has rediscovered all of its best brand attributes – and is bringing them to market this fall with the very promising 2015 XC90 SUV. The slow drip of the launch has taken the form of three outstanding concepts since Frankfurt 2013: the Volvo Concept Coupe, the Concept Estate and the XC Coupe Concept. All have shown the firm to be on an exceptional path toward restoring its brand luster. This is a company that is poised for greatness — all by going back to its core roots: stylish but subtle, efficient and safe, and comfortable on the North Pole …

This 1974 Triumph TR6 Is Track-Prepped and Rally-Ready in Flat Black

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMay 25, 2014, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

Any car with X’s over the headlights is an instant favorite. It is a sign that the car is ready to play — and play hard. This Triumph TR6 from ~1974 at Kiawah Island Cars and Coffee definitely looks ready to run itself with the gas pedal pinned to the floorboards. The paint-job is a bit heat-collecting for the hot South Carolina summers; at least top-down air will keep you cool once on the move. Overall, the lower rally lights and good body panels make this car a chic and fun option versus a modern roadster. All the thrills, but hopefully …

2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith First Drive – A Fleeting Fantasma

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMay 17, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith First Drive – A Fleeting Fantasma Since being swept away on a huge wave of new-found enthusiasm for the Double-R, Wraith has never been more than a few thoughts away. As fun and posh and unforgettable as the ride in a *brand new* Phantom Series II was – the time spent inside Wraith is most tingly. I should mention this now: the name of the vehicle is simply “Wraith” – without anything in front. It might be a bit formal at first, but if not for a 624-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V-12 coupe.. when? Some of the colors that …

2016 USA Honda Civic Type R Renderings + Strategic Rationale

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMay 17, 2014, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

YAY… HONDA MOJO IS BACK! After guest editor Chris May’s article this week, the Honda sportscar fan owner situation feels very real. His main message was one of frustration and confusion about the lack of a US Type R akin to the outstanding concept and real-life model that is heading to Japan, Europe and the UK within the next year or so as a production car. Spy Shots photo credit: MotorAuthority.com Finally. Finally! A turbo engine in a Honda Civic that is promised to deliver “at least” 280 horsepower. And a lean and mean pocket-rocket bodystyle that packs five doors …

2014 Nissan Lannia Concept Shows No Tailpipes – May Preview Next Leaf EV

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMay 15, 2014, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

Surely, Tom, you must just have meant to say “No tailpipe emissions…?” Nope. No tailpipes whatsoever on this Beijing 2014 concept car from Nissan. It is quite pretty and unique from all sides, and has instant allure and attractiveness. This is all a good sign for Nissan in China, where local teams have played a critical part in the Lannia’s design and development. The only angle that proves this is not a sports car is the rear three-quarter, which brings things back down to Earth with a pretty eco-minded appearance. The lack of tailpipes, overall size match, and EV aspirations …

2017 BMW i6 Materializes in Renderings As Huge Carbon-Fiber Plant of Toray Industries Heads to Spartanburg

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMay 13, 2014, 7 am by Tom Burkart

What is next for the BMW i brand? We have been speculating on that topic for weeks now, but a recent announcement has kicked things into high gear: BMW’s Moses Lake plant in Washington state is tripling production of carbon fiber. Second *strong* indicator? Toray Industries of Japan is a leading carbon-fiber manufacturer globally. It has just announced a 400-acre land purchase in Spartanburg, South Carolina for a gigantic new production facility. This is expected to feed both the Boeing 787 plant in Charleston as well as Spartanburg’s other famous factory resident: BMW. http://www.compositesworld.com/news/toray-plans-us-expansion-for-americas-carbon-precursorfiberprepreg-lines That points to a new BMW …

Meet the Extremely Rare, 75-Total Jeep Wrangler Lilly Pulitzer Edition

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMay 12, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

Lilly Pulitzer is a brand of fancy ladies apparel for the “resort” crowd — typically summery dresses and clothes with floral prints. But a full special-edition Jeep Wrangler? “Oh yes, we have one of those too. Right outside front, Ma’am…!” This 2008 special was offered to owners of a Lilly Pulitzer boutique, and is certainly as feminine as it gets. In terms of female-oriented special editions, this Lilly Jeep is quite an attention grabber, while declining to be as sexist as some of the others that have come before. This includes the Dodge LaFemme of 1955 and 1956, which was …

2014 Renault Captur Helly Hansen Edition – Authentic Brand Equity First, Outdoor Fashion Statement Second

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMay 5, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

Like most Americans, my coverage of (and interest in) Renault is decidedly spotty. I flit in and out during their press briefings, reading and becoming interested in perhaps one and three that cross this desk. But to see the production Captur Helly Hansen was too much to dismiss! Why? I love Helly Hansen! It is an awesome brand of outdoor apparel – in America wearing prices 2X the comparable North Face and 3X the Columbia sportswear it competes with in the mass market. As such, it is a bit of a sweet-tooth fashion element for fancy people tired of the …

2015 MINI Countryman Debuts Dark-Trimmed Style and LED Foglamp Rings

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMay 4, 2014, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

Okay, these updates probably could have been grouped together, considering the below is almost a complete Search/Replace for Paceman –> Countryman. But such is life. Here are the 2015 MINI Countryman details. MINI USA UNVEILS 2015 MINI COUNTRYMAN WITH WORLD PREMIERE AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW 16/04/14 MINI Countryman is currently the second highest selling model in the U.S. by volume, led only by the MINI Hardtop New safety and functional features enhance the premium crossover model Expanded range of paint finishes now includes Jungle Green metallic, Midnight Grey metallic, and Starlight Blue metallic Woodcliff Lake, NJ – …

Venturi VOXAN WATTMAN Concept Bike is EV Brutalism on Two Wheels – Colors + Specs

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMay 3, 2014, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

This concept bike from Voxan Motors is the debut model for the brand. An off-shoot of Venturi Automobiles, the bike is called the WATTMAN in a less-than-subtle nod to its electric powertrain. All seems well with the specs – until you get to the weight and performance — which are both pretty abysmal. The other missing element is the price, which is conspicuous in its absence. Even so, as a concept previewing a design vision? Stunning. Desirable. Brutal but delicate details. It is quite lovely. If only it weighed less than 700 pounds and was not projected to carry a …

MINI Paceman Adventure Concept Leverages DAKAR Winning Streak – Previews Next MINI Paceman Cabrio?

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMay 3, 2014, 8 am by Tom Burkart

Sometimes reverse psychology is the best way to read quotes written by hardcore commincations professionals – folks like PR teams and diplomats, for example. So when MINI says… “The MINI Paceman Adventure is a true one-off and there are no plans for series production.” The jaded auto journo like me reads this as true, with a big “But…” While the off-road kit outfitted to this Paceman Adventure is surely a fantasy-level that is best fit for a concept, the basic drop-top premise seems much more plausible. This cabrio soft-roader is totally do-able once the concept embellishments like the steel pickup …

Affordable Rewards – All-Original 1965 Porsche 356C in Togo Brown

February 17, 2019, 8 pmApril 30, 2014, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

It is hard to believe the 356 was still rumbling around in 1965, one year after the first 911 models started arriving to the United States. The 356 was carried into 1965 primarily to serve as a more-affordable entry into the Porsche brand versus the 911 and its six-cylinder layout. The 356C was also a hedge against the chance – albeit a very rare one – that buyers would not like the new Butzi-penned shape of the 911. Togo Brown is a period color that still screams vintage today. This paint is so thick and pure, it looks like it …

Mustang 50th Favorites – 1966 Mustang 2+2 Coupe running Big Brake Kit and LED Brake Lights

February 22, 2019, 3 pmApril 23, 2014, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

Intro note: The hood and trunk and doors are all open in these photos on purpose. The car is running fine, but car photos with the hood up can be really confusing on first glance. This darling 1966 Mustang 2+2 Coupe stopped by Olthoff Racing for a bit before making his way to the big 50th Anniversary gathering with his 5,000 closest Mustang pals. It was a nice chance to see such a well-modded example that is also abolutely pretine inside. Drive-able upgrades all around, including radar detector and other accessories – Cold AC included. How …

SHOCK! Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Banned NASCAR Mustang Prototype… Actually Looks Like a Mustang

February 22, 2019, 3 pmApril 23, 2014, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

Confession time: I have not been an active NASCAR fan in more than 20 years. But I am definitely a fan of the cars’ outright speed, power and the bravery needed to take one to victory over near-identical others on the grid. This extremely homogenized approach to racing rules is epitomized outside by what NASCAR calls the “Car of Tomorrow” bodyshell. It makes all the cars the exact same shape, excluding stickers. This seems like a huge error in judgment versus what fans want to see: actual rivalries among not just drivers, but the car manufacturers’ racing technology and expertise. …

BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept for Beijing 2014 – Previews Low-Roof 8 Series Gran Coupe?

February 17, 2019, 8 pmApril 19, 2014, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

This BMW Concept limousine for Beijing just broke cover, and is a huge and desirable rolling art form – a sculpture on wheels. This is what will set BMW’s future luxury sedans apart from the more ubiquitous and less-exclusive competing brands — all of whom are clamoring for Chinese and global limo shoppers. But volume and cache are mutually exclusive in most areas of the ultra-lux market. Anything that is mass-market is immediately disqualified – even the S-Class might share a bit too much with the the C-Class for these types of high-fashion clients. Coach doors are hinged at the …

Fixing the Acura Woodchuck Nose Is Easy – Speculative Design Renderings Without Shield Nose Piece

February 17, 2019, 8 pmApril 18, 2014, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

It is not fun to review a car that … is … not living up to its potential. Many cars that should be good are not. Design is important from my vantage because I have not been wined/dined on some swanky launch event. Those types of personal relationships with the people behind the car tend to water down most of the harsh critiques. But your humble scribe must share these views on behalf of you, the little guy! Little guy? C’mon now. Big Boss Hog is more like it! Car buyers make or break any brand — not the writing …

Presto, Here-We-Go! Animated Evolution of GMC from 1902 Rapid Truck to 2015 Sierra Denali HD + Brand Origin Explained

February 17, 2019, 8 pmApril 11, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

GMC really has some deep truck roots! Even while Chevrolet hoovers up most of the sales volume these days — and has for many years — the GMC legacy actually predates Chevrolet. Something that has never changed in the 102 years of this evolution span is the need by Americans for heavy-lifting trucks. The GMC line added two-ton weights, panel cabs and chassis cabs in 1915, and has never looked back. But what did GMC really “stand” for when added to the General Motors portfolio as GMTC, selling Rapid and Reliance trucks from around 1909? Two clues are right there …

Lexus International Is High-Culture Exemplar – Design Awards + Swarm – Coding Motion is Elegant Technology at its Best

February 17, 2019, 8 pmApril 11, 2014, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Lexus is getting very clever. Showroom experiences have broadened from just a warm dealer with leather chairs and dough-nuts. The brand is fully immersed in the art, media, fashion and culture segments. One stunning piece of this Lexus culture mission is the below “Swarm” video link from Lexus International. In addition to its obvious high-art appeal, the Swarm projects applications are tantalizing. The Swarm theme and arching mission? Find a snack for the hungry museum residents — T-Rex’s and other long-deceased creatures. It speaks to technology looking forward, anticipating an orgnaism’s needs, and even wishes. But the humor in …

Update1 – 2015 Lexus NX300h and NX200t F Sport Revealed! Expected Fall Arrival To US From $29,900

February 17, 2019, 8 pmApril 11, 2014, 8 am by Tom Burkart

The eagerly-awaited Lexus NX compact crossover is here! With the NX300h and a brand-new turbo option called the NX200t F Sport, the NX is shaping up to be a fine addition to the Lexus global model line. Its compact five-seater dimensions will also make room above it for the RX to grow in size, perhaps even adding a third row of seating in some form of a length stretch — a la the BMW X7. Yes, Lexus currently has a broad SUV and crossover lineup with the GX460 and LX470 models at the very top of the ladder. These cars …

Citroen DS Brings Parisian Street Style to Beijing with DS 5LS — 5LS R Version Packing 300HP!

February 17, 2019, 8 pmApril 4, 2014, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

Citroen and Peugeot are hugely popular brands in China. But so far, the cars on offer have not achieved the market share to go along with all that admiration. Step forward, Citroen’s high-fashion DS brand. With a logo that looks like French designer couture, the exteriors and interiors of many current Citroen models become far more stylish and appealing. The 5LS sedan is a great example of Citroen’s re-alignment toward not only having a fashionable brand, but selling hundreds of thousands of that car in China’s extremely competitive market. WIth every brand on Earth trying to tap the same “Cuppies” …

2014 GT-R + 2015 GT-R NISMO Now Far More Beautiful, Luxurious… and EVEN FASTER!

February 17, 2019, 8 pmApril 2, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

Orig Published on: Nov 22, 2013 @ 11:33 The next GT-R just debuted in Tokyo, and boy, is it magnificent. A beautiful vision in anthracite grey. Hugely redesigned surfaces appear all over the exterior, with the nose and grille graphic perhaps the most enhanced versus the current car. All-new LED lighting is featured throughout, finally bringing the GT-R’s styling up to the same caliber as its world-beating performance. The evolution of the 2015 GT-R brings much of the revised technical solutions from the brand-new 2014 Nissan GT-R NISMO — but wraps the enhancements in that far prettier exterior and now, …

QOROS e-BIQE Concept Is Human Pedal Power + Plug-in Electricity

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMarch 30, 2014, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

QOROS e-BIQE Concept Is Human Pedal Power + Plug-in Electricity QOROS is showing some real promise lately. Here is the basic idea behind the QOROS brand: World-best European engineering, branding and safety expertise. Built in low-cost China, but to German quality standards. The idea certainly has promise, and some huge-name executives behind the efforts. Most of them are German OEM refugees — who know a thing or two about excellent quality, safety, performance and handling on two wheels, four, or 18. If there is one core template for (real) global transport exports from China, it will be led by a …

2015 INFINITI QX80 Eau Rouge – Digital Rendering – 700HP Turbo V8 To Stomp GL63 AMG?

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMarch 26, 2014, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

Okay, this is admittedly very silly on many levels. But here you go! It started out as a Photoshop experiment to de-chrome the QX80, but then, it got really out of control. The roof chop is particularly delightful to these eyes, but not necessary for the below performance upgrades of a possible IPL or Eau Rouge edition. Next thing I knew, I was adding Q50 Eau Rouge details left and right! Ahhh! But one thing is certain: the 5.6-liter V8 in the QX80 could, in theory, make 700 horsepower with some of the GT-R’s turbo technology. Heck, with a K&N …

2.8s QUANT e-SportLimo – Design Shootout vs Porsche 918

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMarch 25, 2014, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

2.8s QUANT e-SportLimo – Design Shootout vs Porsche 918 Why so curious about this car’s origin and vision? A few things seem a bit unusual. Let’s dive into the salty blue of QUANT together. We knew suspected from first seeing this car’s badge that it comes with a large beer-mug of Bavarian heritage: the Quandt (with a D) family is a major controlling shareholder in the BMW Group. Along with the Porsche’s and the Piech’s — these are some of the most revered industrial dynasties in Germany. And also some of the most shielded and private. But is …

Cosmetic Car Mods Part 5 – White LED Emblem Baseplate

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMarch 25, 2014, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

Cosmetic Car Mods Part 5 – White LED Emblem Baseplate LED emblem base-plate. (Sticks under badge, wired into low-beams) This one is self-explanatory. Can be fun, and also comes in various styles for the rear ends of many brand logo’s as well — making the white outline flip to red under braking. But these are just the single white baseplate I had on my Subaru (briefly). Quality is dismal, and this one was never the exact same oval shape as my OEM Subaru badge — but for $12 or so, you definitely get some up-close curb appeal. Who else has …

2014 ItalDesign Clipper Crossover by Giugiaro – A Mad Six-Person Golf Variant?

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMarch 25, 2014, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

ItalDesign’s Clipper Crossover by Giugiaro – A Mad Six-Person Golf Variant? The thing with VW owning Giugiaro these days is that many of the concepts have much more production-possibility than ever before. Take the Parcour SUV — many of its ideas are flowing directly into a future Lamborghini model. The style and themes shown on this Clipper van most directly relate to Volkswagen’s newly-clean aesthetic — but take the block forms and flat surfacing to a very interesting place. Is it beautiful? Oh no. But might it be after refinement into a production vision? Perhaps. Additions like a brand-specific element …

2014 SEAT Leon Cupra Scores First OEM Embedded Spin-Table! Plus 3 Reasons The Leon Cupra Spanks Renaultsport Megane (…and VW GTI)

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMarch 24, 2014, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

The most unlikely fan of SEAT? Any American! While our LED obsession is well-documented — it is not just the available full LED headlights that are big turn-ons for the Leon. We love the latest SEAT car style, value proposition and brand statement. Any favorites in the ten-strong SEAT range? We are huge Leon admirers especially. Why? Check out the (mid-range) Sports FR Kit below and tell me it is not incredibly sexy. Three reasons to crave the SEAT Leon: 1.) — Value: Versus the VW GTI, the Leon is significantly more affordable for new-car shoppers, both in actual transaction …

TurboSquid 3D: Mercedes SSK, Jaguar D-TYPE Longnose and Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMarch 22, 2014, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Including TurboSquid.com’s 3D design models of the Pagani Huayra ‘Extreme’ last night opened a really stinky can of worms for your humble scribe — who tries to Do The Right Thing more than even Spike Lee. On the one hand, these design models can and should be used for ethical and legal purposes. On the other hand: let’s imagine you own the intellectual property at play. Making the entire design available for just $100 or so to anyone online would be like Coca-Cola giving away the secret recipe after a customer takes their first sip of soda. Not in anyone’s …

Legendary Racecars — 1983 March Porsche 83G-4 — Still Seeking New Home after Gooding Amelia 2014

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMarch 21, 2014, 8 am by Tom Burkart

Alarming fact error on this one, guys. Our sincere apologies for any confusion, and a thankyou to Wayne at Pelican Parts for pointing out the issue. This is, in fact, a 1983 March Porsche 83G-4 — a BMW prototype racer retrofitted with a flat six from Porsche. Hearing the March Porsche 83G-4 fire up immediately brought droves of people up close and personal to fawn over its details, including your humble scribe. My video of the car firing up is missing somewhere in the archives, but the photos are intact! NOTABLE ELEMENTS: — In fact, Kreepy Krawly is a brand …

Hyundai COUPE Design Analyses: Concept HND-9 Shows Best Possible Style Roadmap for Both Shorter and Longer RWD Coupes From Hyundai

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMarch 20, 2014, 6 pm by Tom Burkart

Hyundai is a very smart and savvy organization, staffed by some of the keenest automotive minds available at any price. Further proving their strategy to move upmarket and laterally toward enthusiasts, the Genesis sedan and Coupe lines continue to blossom. With this core rear-drive platform, many cars are possible that would have been mere pipe-dreams in the past. (And the present for others such as Acura who are tied to front-drive up and down the range.) HYUNDAI CONCEPT HND-9 My favorite details on the HND-9 are many, but include the free-form grille shape, the swan-wing doors that bring part …

Engineering Student Envisions Future W154 Silver Arrow Racer (Open-Wheel, Closed-Cockpit!)

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMarch 20, 2014, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

Renderings done by students are sometimes the most exciting new ideas out there. Phil Berger is one such visionary first-year mechanical engineering student. He is an active participant in the Local Motors Forge project, which is a co-creation community and a bit of a gathering place for dreamers. Mechanical dreamers! The tricky part of student, or any renderings, for that matter: brand names and logos. All this company IP is fiercely protected, especially in a bold new age of shameless counterfeiting. But there are other concerns besides factories running mystery “ghost shifts,” or the adage of a complete twin factory …

The Sold-Out 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG — Design Walkaround + Exhaust Note Videos

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMarch 14, 2014, 8 am by Tom Burkart

From afar, the CLA45 AMG never seemed to live up to the hype since launching in mid-2013 as the A45 AMG in Europe. Under auto show glare, it can be easy to miss altogether why this car is so special or groundbreaking for Mercedes. But up close, even between to its big E63 and S63 siblings, the CLA45’s case starts improving dramatically. These are not only new styling themes for the ever-traditional Star brand. Not just a transition to a transverse, front-drive basis for a next-gen of luxury compacts. This car really lays the future template for making Mercedes-Benz to …

2014 Lexus GS350 vs F Sport vs GS450h – Buyers Guide Info and Model Comparisons

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMarch 13, 2014, 7 am by Tom Burkart

Something about the GS is quite special on the roads. This car looks wide, brand-new, and clearly a flagship Lexus. But it is not immediately clear which: none look this good, this rear-drive and wide. Relatively clutter-free taillamps help plant the GS from the back, where this base-model GS350 looks more than worth the price. But how to tell them apart! GS350 versus the GS350 F Sport versus GS450h? Very subtle differences to the untrained eye, but the F Sport adds some intrigue to the nose and grille that is only clear up close. In addition to the wind slashes, …

2015 Renegade is Laughable, Euro-Trash Caricature of a “JEEP” — Arriving From Italy in Feb 2015 from About $16,500

February 17, 2019, 8 pmMarch 4, 2014, 9 pm by Tom Burkart

The one thing thing American buyers have liked least about the Fiat 500? Its size. Buyers also dislike its performance and pricing that easily crests $22,000 — yet lacks comfort, economy, tech and usability features that are standard equipment on the $12,000 Nissan Versa Note SR. But surely — it will be far more competent than the 1998 Dodge-Neon-based Compass and Patriot? No? Larger? No. Cooler? Please? That is a biggg negatory, ghostrider. With products like this, one wonders the prescription glasses spec of the man in charge. Who would approve these monstrosities? So how to make the 500X into …

2014 Skoda Superb Outdoor and VisionC Concept for Geneva Causing Some Angular Euro Style Envy…

February 17, 2019, 8 pmFebruary 27, 2014, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

Skoda is becoming a real asset for the Volkswagen Group. Bought for a song as the Czech firm was failing in the 1980s — Skoda now commands a quite sizable market share in Europe’s most profitable markets. Skoda’s core selling points have really been popular among anti-fashion consumers. People who (claim to) value a vehicle for its merits, value and durability versus a fleeting style. Skoda is also a surprise, run-away success story in China. The latest cars from Skoda seem to take the next step in the brand’s evolution: a cheaper, more avant-garde ethos than even Audi can manage …

Concept Estate Confirms It! Volvo’s New Design Lead Th. Ingenlath Should Be Sweden’s Man of the Year!

February 17, 2019, 8 pmFebruary 27, 2014, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

Go Volvo Go! I love an underdog, and have thrown my continued support behind Volvo since the VCC debuted in Frankfurt in September. Sidebar: Did I love Volvo before? Yes, as a brand. But not the cars. Only one year ago — almost exactly — I wrote an op-ed for a defunct media outlet that debated Acura versus Volvo in the battle for the Worst Luxury Brand In America. Scathing barely does that one justice. Seeing the Concept Estate makes me glad that article is not still online, and that the original Word doc is long gone as well. Such …

VIDEO + Renders of 8 Future Hot-Rods From German Special Customs — Which Is Your Favorite?

February 17, 2019, 8 pmFebruary 26, 2014, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

GSC is broadening their scope. They are now applying their trademark upgrade style to brands beyond the Mercedes-Benz star. The latest future projects from German Special Customs work in a hot-to-trot new Range Rover and even an Aventador-from-Hell called the Estatura GXX. Using the names of brands by GSC is a bit touchy, so GSC has these future mock-ups under simplified working titles. Estatura GXX McLaren P1 Night Glow by German Special Customs Which do you like best? My choice is probably the E-Class, but I am open to debate! Hey, if you’re not having fun on the …

2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Pack — Looking Great in Latest Real Life Photos!

February 17, 2019, 9 pmFebruary 18, 2014, 11 am by Tom Burkart

The driving characteristics of the Genesis coupe remain unknown to this author. I tried to go spend some time reviewing sporty Hyundai or Kia models since making some bold critiques of the Sorento’s variable electric steering last fall. I was not eager to report how atrocious the Sorento’s steering was in all three settings — but honesty and authenticity are sorely lacking from most auto mags these days. How unhelpful is that for shoppers? As you may know by now, we are not into dancing around the truth until the page runs out. Alas, no test drive (or even interior …

Hottest LA Debuts: Ford Edge Concept Is A Thinly-Disguised Production Model

February 17, 2019, 9 pmFebruary 15, 2014, 6 am by Tom Burkart

[Orig Published on: Nov 26, 2013 @ 10:47] Ford cares about your feelings. I recall reading a report a few years ago about Ford’s styling team using a new concept car strategy. The goal of this strategy is to avoid disappointments in the transition from dreamy show car to boring real cars. Limiting this unpleasant feeling is important for car brands, especially if a concept is very well-received. Car mags love to describe in all the gritty details how much the show cars have been watered down in order to make production. It turns out, avoiding this disappointment is really …

UK Honda Civic Tourer Touts Inner Beauty — But This Wagon Is Gorgeous vs. Clinically-Depressed U.S. Civic

February 17, 2019, 9 pmFebruary 10, 2014, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

Long headline alert! Sorry about that. Just pointing out the irony in Honda’s “Inner Beauty” campaign — aimed to highlight the functional and useful interior benefits of a wagon shell for small families. But how good does this Civic wagon actually look!? And why is Honda of Europe able to make cars that are so vastly more interesting than Honda of America? No answers are immediately forthcoming. Built in Swindon, England — the most plausible explanation is that Honda Europe is taking a loss on every single car it can manage to sell. Even with this premium styling, Honda Europe …

2015 Nissan Versa Note SR is Ultra-Chic for Chicago Auto Show — Dark Hipster Style on Low Budget + 40MPG Highway!

February 17, 2019, 9 pmFebruary 6, 2014, 11 am by Tom Burkart

So, let’s imagine you are young and trendy and super-cool. You have not hit 37 years old yet, nor added the extra 37 pounds that comes standard with that anniversary (…for most people.) You are cool as F***! Seriously, you guys. How f****** cool are you in those tight dark denims? But what new cars reflect your fashion sense… as well as budget, performance and reliability standards? For brand-new cars with a full factory warranty, the 2015 Versa Note SR is about as cool as it gets. Friends might not mistake its profile for a GT-R or the hot future …

Concept Volkswagen Taigun Debuts in Delhi – But Set to Battle Nissan Rogue (*or Juke) and Mitsu Outlander Sport in U.S. From 2015

February 17, 2019, 9 pmFebruary 5, 2014, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

The Taigun and the Tiguan. Not a good combination for dyslexics – but VW’s mini SUV concept does show great progress in refining the brand’s chiseled future SUV look. It is also hugely important because of its size. Typically, VW has not imported its smallest cars to America because they would all price themselves out of consideration for most shoppers. The Euro-only Up! is just adorable and would sell like ice-cold water bottles at Burning Man — but importing this Euro-made mini-car ould push prices past $20,000. Not a good set of options, then, to increase sales volume for VW …

Concept Flashback: Zagato Draws A Blank Trying to Make 2012 BMW Z4 Roadster and Z4 Coupes Sexy Again

February 17, 2019, 9 pmFebruary 4, 2014, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

The 2012 BMW Z4 faced a real crisis of confidence. While overall roadster sales have fallen off a cliff since 2009, the Z4’s problems are even more severe. From an all-star BMW style icon … into a niche-within-a-niche model that tallies sales in the hundreds per year? But was the styling of the fourth-gen car partly to blame? The original Z3 was such a smash hit – I can clearly recall being smitten with this humdrum four-banger roadster. Even on steel wheels, it look fantastic. Even with just a 20-second James Bond Goldeneye cameo its only claim to fame at …

2015 BMW 428i and 435i Gran Coupes Bring Wide, Low Style + xDrive, 4 Doors and Huge Trunks – Arriving Summer 2014 From $43,000

February 17, 2019, 9 pmFebruary 4, 2014, 9 am by Tom Burkart

The BMW Gran Coupe and Gran Turismo strategy is finally starting to make sense. It really comes down to sporty proportions in the GC’s versus the taller and more limo-like roominess of the GT’s. There is still some inevitable overlap in the model lines – most notably with the 3GT versus this 4GC – but generally this idea lets all buyers have the best of all worlds. Wearing the aggressive, low and wide styling of the new 435i and 428i two-doors, the Gran Coupes offer a huge wheelbase stretch for limo-like rear legroom and that huge top-hinged tailgate. Overall, the …

KAHN 600LE and RS600 Upgrades for Current Range Rovers Are Very Special + Available for U.S. Owners!

February 17, 2019, 9 pmJanuary 26, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

Kahn Design is still setting the tone for ultimate Range Rovers. This is a huge business at this point, however, with lifestyle gizmos of all kinds to go with your new, one-of-a-kind Kahn 600LE. More than a tuner, which is the worst word ever, Kahn is really a design boutique. KAHN’s vision sees the road in carbon-fiber, lacquered woods and some of the dreamiest leathers ever seen. It is a full makeover – with the exhaust of the RS600 looking extra special. Land Rover parts are the most popular sellers from Kahn here in America — but this aesthetic also …

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe Includes Overboost and 5.6s 0-60 Sprint.. As a 2.0T!

February 17, 2019, 9 pmJanuary 21, 2014, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

One of the most promising elements of the Cadillac ATS Coupe is that it adds platform rigidity and performance focus to this new contender in the hotshot exec coupe segment. Two fewer doors does not cut the weight of the 2015 ATS Coupe much in launch 2.0T trims, but the performance focus is very clear from Cadillac. The specs of both ATS Coupes look outstanding, and with as much or more tail-out grins than the 428i and 435i from BMW. Correction coming soon: the red ATS Coupe photos shown here are off-color. These will be replaced soon. The real-life color …

Car Revs Daily – Outage Apologies and Site Status Updates

February 17, 2019, 9 pmJanuary 21, 2014, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Cherished readers! We are thrilled to be back online, and sorry for the abrupt 404 URLs last week. Many Pinterest and other social links will remain broken until we can resolve other pressing site issues – namely, keeping it online and packed with the latest car news, artwork, and expert reviews. As you may have noted – we are about a month behind. During this giant technical snafu, dozens of posts are still either in Word on my desktop waiting to be re-uploaded, or perhaps gone altogether– for the articles I wrote online only. Que sera, sera. Tech troubles are …

Boom! Lexus RC F Goes Supersonic in 41 Images – LEDs, Interior, Air Scoops, Active Aero…

February 17, 2019, 9 pmJanuary 10, 2014, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

The hottest Lexus since the LFA has just landed in America: the RC F coupe takes all the race-ready V8 power and rear-drive performance from the previous IS F, and absolutely cranks the knob off. We’re preparing an article on the Lexus RC F’s styling versus its two key rivals: the BMW M4 and Audi RS5. In doing so, we’ve gathered a number of additional screenshots from Lexus’s B-roll video in order to show the coolest unseen parts of the RC F: the sports coupe’s brand-new LED lighting, hood venting, and active rear spoiler! This car looks intense from almost …

Boom! Lexus RC F Goes Supersonic in 41 Images – LEDs, Interior, Air Scoops, Active Aero…

February 17, 2019, 9 pmJanuary 10, 2014, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

The hottest Lexus since the LFA has just landed in America: the RC F coupe takes all the race-ready V8 power and rear-drive performance from the previous IS F, and absolutely cranks the knob off. We’re preparing an article on the Lexus RC F’s styling versus its two key rivals: the BMW M4 and Audi RS5. In doing so, we’ve gathered a number of additional screenshots from Lexus’s B-roll video in order to show the coolest unseen parts of the RC F: the sports coupe’s brand-new LED lighting, hood venting, and active rear spoiler! This car looks intense from almost …

2015 VW e-Golf a Snooze, But its EV Tech Also Powers Very Cute e-Up Lite and EcoMotion Van

February 17, 2019, 9 pmJanuary 4, 2014, 3 pm by Tom Burkart

The Volkswagen e-Golf, e-Up! and Up Lite will join the Detroit auto show festivities, with the Golf BEV debuting its all-new battery and powertrains in 2015 production form. Featured in the cover image is the Frankfurt e-Co-Motion van concept. The newest is the Up! Lite, which appears to bring some of the cool tech and style of the XL1 exotic prototype. I called it the e-Up! Lite before by mistake, the up!Lite appears to be a PHEV of some kind. The 2015 VW e-Golf is a fully electric vehicle, evolving and refining some of the components previewed under the Blue-e-motion concept …

How Plucky Visual Humor and Lavish Color Saved the VW Beetle in America (100+ Images)

February 17, 2019, 9 pmJanuary 4, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

I’ve been really hard on VW lately, and passed up an opportunity to test drive the 2014 Beetle GSR this summer – which I strongly regret! A few background items: — My first car was a 1975 SuperBeetle, which was the final and best evolution of the design with a curved windshield, hand-crank sunroof, L-Jetronic Fuel Injection and a new MacPherson strut front suspension design. I drove Walter, as he was named before joining our garage, throughout high school until year 2000, and for much of college until 2005. I miss him on winter days like this. — Silverado out …

New Supercar or Vintage Racecar: The Case for Recreations + Quiz: Which is the Fake?

February 22, 2019, 3 pmJanuary 2, 2014, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

Here is the case for exotic, hand-crafted replica vintage racecars: They Exist. They did not hit the walls, or churn tires through bodywork, or reek of urine. They start the first time, and can be titled and driven on the roads. At Motor Classic & Competition in Westchester County, New York — the all-time best hero racecars come back to life, rumble onto 2014 streets, and perhaps even find a home in your garage. Most race-winning examples of anything need to be treasured and preserved; maintained and respected. To put it in plain language: the GT40s in this article are …

Caterham Coming to America! 620R to be sold by Superformance (Without An Engine…)

February 17, 2019, 9 pmJanuary 2, 2014, 2 pm by Tom Burkart

Caterham just announced a U.S. distribution deal for its track-only car line via Irvine-based Superformance. Superformance is best known for its amazing Le Mans GT40 re-creations and other exotic sports cars, so the Caterham deal seems like a good fit to add some lightweight track racers to its customer brochures. The sales of rolling Seven 480 and 620R models will not include an engine, but Superformance retailers or their teams are likely to complete most assemblies for customers after the car is sold and titled. How great would a small-block Chevy V8 be in this tiny machine! A Shelby Cobra …

Voracious 12C Spider Demand Propels McLaren to Add 5 New Dealerships

February 17, 2019, 9 pmJanuary 2, 2014, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

Updates for the 2014 McLaren 12C Spider include a wider variety of Special Ops customization choices, a new Android operating system for infotainment, and dealerships a bit closer to home. McLaren is hot on the heels of Ferrari in the battle to monetize their racing pedigree with high-dollar sports car purchases. This track battle is much less about lap times – and more about huge cash flow. McLaren recently announced the addition of five more official retailers, taking the total to 20 dealers across Canada and the U.S. by mid 2014. This is still much less than Ferrari’s 49 total …

2014 Challenger SHAKER Lets Hemi V8 Rumble, Snort and Howl

February 17, 2019, 9 pmDecember 23, 2013, 10 am by Tom Burkart

The 2014 Challenger is only lightly refreshed versus its Charger sedan sibling, but even so: this big bruiser is not going quietly into the dark night. As the first rear-drive premium coupe made by Dodge in more than three decades, the Challenger has all the right stuff to burn rubber and have fun. The latest 300-horsepower V6 is a welcome addition to this big machine’s base configuration, while the SXT models will even offer a 100th Anniversary Edition with unique crimson paints and detailing. The real rubber-cooker is the R/T package and its 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 375 horsepower and …

Timelapse Video: 1961 MINI Drops 54 Years at Past/Future Dutch MINI Factory

February 17, 2019, 9 pmDecember 18, 2013, 5 pm by Tom Burkart

A charming, *exclusive* time-lapse of a 1961 model’s rebirth from MINI, just as the firm debuts its hottest 2014 JCW Concept and the all-new Hardtops are officially official. Long pre-amble: Short video. Enjoy this ’61 Mini’s rebirth. This 1961 Austin Seven was originally built in the Netherlands after Mini fever swept Britain and wider Europe by storm. Similar tides these days, as Mini has signed up to build cars again in the Netherlands starting in Summer 2014. While this is not a fully Mini plant, the Dutch crew is giving it all of their love. A team of – no …

MINI Cooper JCW Concept Debuts Brushed-Alloy Paints on Hot New Bod

February 17, 2019, 9 pmDecember 17, 2013, 10 am by Tom Burkart

The all-new MINI John Cooper Works is taking shape! After the recent debut of the all-new 2014 Mini Cooper and Cooper S, the hottest member of the MINI clan is closing fast in the rear-view mirror. Even as a concept, the huge body revisions are visible from almost every angle versus its 2014 MINI siblings. Up front, the JCW brings nearly double the square footage of air intakes, and a far more menacing lower chin style. Expected to run a turbocharged four-cylinder versus the top Cooper S model’s turbo triple, the JCW will be able to really push the …

Update1 Racing Heritage: the Silver Arrows from Mercedes-Benz (100+ Rare Photos)

February 17, 2019, 9 pmDecember 16, 2013, 8 pm by Tom Burkart

Imagine a combination of all forms of racing – off-road to high-speed – done by one core chassis design. During the 1930s, the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows were storming every type of racing one could imagine: both competitively in Formula races and for world record attempts outside the circuit. This sent the Silver Arrows up hillclimb events, on ultimate Vmax runs, and even a few winter setups that included a dually rear wheel and a closed shell cockpit at one point. All these variants were highly ingenious engineering achievements around one core chassis design. The open-wheel profile of any …

Own This Authentic 1969 McLaren M10-A To Be A Racing Hero

February 17, 2019, 9 pmDecember 15, 2013, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

One thing I love about the English car mag culture is their enthusiasm for track days – and track day cars. I hope this catches on here, and am doing my part with a few ‘first-times’ under my Dunlop belt. But one thing that will always beat an Exige S or other time-attack miracles? A real, fire-breathing race car. Nothing will bring all those study hall sketches to life like this 1969 McLaren M10A currently for sale by FantasyJunction in Emeryville, California. Priced at $160,000, this car comes with a drooling list of included equipment, and stretch-folders full of …

Classic Supercars: Ultra-Chic Ferrari 400i and 412i

February 17, 2019, 9 pmDecember 14, 2013, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

Classic car shopping is often like staring over a city from high atop a mountain. Once your eye sees one thing it likes, there are ten more within the same focal point. Such is Hemming’s Classifieds section. This site allows is a much broader type of browsing and car shopping, with long distance delivery of anything bought online. Generally, private sellers online come in two flavors: – extreme obsessives who are forced to part with a car they have cherished – extremely careless people charged with liquidating an asset You can guess which one you want to buy from to …

Car Junk? LED Emblems Arriving from Major OEMs – not just Ebay

February 17, 2019, 9 pmDecember 10, 2013, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

I love buying ridiculous things for my car. As long as it can theoretically be removed *when* it breaks, and costs less than $20: I am usually ready with a Visa in hand. What do I mean? I buy really trashy stuff. In upcoming articles, I am trying to think of a way to write about fake Brembo caliper covers ($4.00/set), and also this trippy LED stick-on banner equalizer that dances to music. Yes, it sticks on your back windshield, and matches the rythym of whatever is on your stereo. This is not some “Ha ha look at them” article. …

Hot New Wagons: 2014 Volvo V60 Coming to U.S. with R-Design and Polestar Trims

February 17, 2019, 9 pmDecember 9, 2013, 9 am by Tom Burkart

The Volvo V60 is an exciting new entrant for the Swedish luxury brand. This core Volvo model was initially left off the American price sheets in favor of the much larger V70 and XC70 Cross Country, but Volvo has now come to its senses! What the V60 offers is the mid-size package from the S60 sedan, including all the latest styling updates and tech enhancements inside. The R-Design’s new T6 engine promises about 304 horsepower and a ~5.7-second sprint to 60 mph, while the Polestar could bring up to 375 horsepower for a sub-5-second sprint time. Polestars come with AWD …

Update1: 2014 Nissan 370Z NISMO – Full Driven Review with Videos!

February 22, 2019, 3 pmDecember 6, 2013, 12 pm by Tom Burkart

Update1: This article now includes the latest official images from Nissan. Intro The Nissan 370Z was the first model to get the comprehensive Nismo upgrade from the revered tuning arm of the Japanese auto giant. Long housed in an anonymous mid-rise factory with only a bright red door to signal something special inside, the Nismo team is spreading its wings with further upgrades to normal Nissan models. The best-known work from these honorable speed demons is, of course, the GT-R . As we will see, this is not a team who adds some stickers and a lightly revised ECU to …

EuroChevy Halted in Favor of Opel / Vauxhall – But What About the ManU Jerseys!?

February 17, 2019, 9 pmDecember 6, 2013, 10 am by Tom Burkart

EuroChevy Runs Out of Gas In what seems like a curious move from General Motors, Chevrolet today reports it will no longer promote or sell Chevy-branded cars in Europe by the end of 2015. This is a very complex decision, but one that has sound business principles at its core. Europeans do not want to buy Chevrolet cars. Period. Most new brands, like Infiniti, face an uphill battle to sway these entrenched buyers with very specific brand loyalties to local marques. But let us say Infiniti started at a brand index of 0, and is working to move that …

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Style Reset Leaves BMW 528Xi Out Cold

February 17, 2019, 9 pmDecember 3, 2013, 1 pm by Tom Burkart

A hard reboot? The “Microsoft recommended solution” – aka ripping the plug from the wall? Factory settings reset? The new E-Class is so hot. It is as if a paper-clip poked the Mercedes design reset brain for ten seconds consecutively, triggering a full reboot from core system files. Of course, the most noticeable and memorable part of a pretty car is the nose. This new soft graphic is now looking beautiful from its thrummy E250 base configurations, through the rich E350 sedans, wagons and coupes, on to the E400 Hybrid and E550 4MATIC. All the way up to the …

Update1 Lexus Rocks SEMA – Wild IS350 Widebodies Showcase

February 17, 2019, 9 pmDecember 1, 2013, 11 am by Tom Burkart

Lexus Rocks SEMA – Wild IS350 Widebodies Showcase Lexus is also getting very clever. Showroom experiences have broadened from just a warm dealer with leather chairs and dough-nuts. The brand is fully immersed in the art, media, fashion and culture segments. One stunning piece of this Lexus culture mission is the below “Swarm” Video links from Lexus International. Lexus – ‘Swarm – Coding Motion’ from Rogue Films on Vimeo. Director: Mark Jenkinson Lexus Design Award-Winners Showcase 2014 IS350 AWD F Sport

Update1 – 2014 Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II – First Ride Brief and LED Lighting Photos

February 17, 2019, 9 pmNovember 30, 2013, 10 am by Tom Burkart

Freshly home from a fascinating day today with the brilliant and charming minds behind the best luxury car brand in the world. Invitations to drive a variety of $300,000-plus super-luxury cars would be enough to make me fall down jealous if it were not happening to me. The Wraith North American launch was held in the glimmering mountain ranges of Scottsdale, Arizona today. But not just one Roller in residence: more than $5 million dollars worth of RR spent the week living at the posh Phoenician Resort. When Rolls-Royce Invites You To Something, SAY YES! Arizona is… not the most …

All-New 2014 MINI Hardtop Debuts LEDs Galore and Futuristic Cabin Tech

February 17, 2019, 9 pmNovember 29, 2013, 11 am by Tom Burkart

BMW’s MINI is absolutely a future textbook example of how to revive and relaunch a silent brand into a loud, crowded age. While the original 1960s Mini was much more of a phenom inside England, BMW’s ambitions have always been far more global. Spending ten years with the nightmare of Rover Cars Limited taught BMW many lessons in the 1990s about what *not* to do with a classic brand. Divesting Rover and Land Rover helped BMW pivot to a far more logical and promising ownership of Rolls-Royce, Mini, and a few other moribund sports car brands in the early 2000s. …

2015 Audi A3 Cabrio Seeks Cheer Team Leaders (Video and All Interior/Exterior Photos)

February 17, 2019, 9 pmNovember 27, 2013, 10 am by Tom Burkart

My bad jokes aside, the A3 Cabrio will be very popular with all types of sun-seekers. The cute A3 Cabrio joins the U.S.-bound 2015 A3 line-up that also includes an all-new compact sports sedan and plug-in hybrid Sportback body styles. The little A3 Cabriolet has been quite a hit in Europe in its current generation, where it brings (some of) the classy and expensive-looking style of its larger A5 and S5 Cabrio siblings. While the display model wears the full S-line body kit, far more humble A3 Cabrio’s should start with pricing in the low $30,000 range when arriving stateside …

2015 GT-R + GT-R NISMO Official Debut! Now Far More Beautiful, Luxurious… and EVEN FASTER!

February 17, 2019, 9 pmNovember 22, 2013, 11 am by Tom Burkart

The next GT-R just debuted in Tokyo, and boy is it magnificent. A beautiful vision in anthracite grey. Hugely redesigned surfaces appear all over the exterior, with the nose and grille graphic perhaps the most improved versus the current car. All-new LED lighting is featured throughout, finally bringing the GT-R’s styling up to the same caliber as its world-beating performance. The evolution of the 2015 GT-R brings much of the revised technical solutions from the brand-new 2014 Nissan GT-R NISMO — but wraps the enhancements in that far prettier exterior and now, even a lavish interior. The Infiniti ‘leathers and …

2014 GT-R + 2015 GT-R NISMO Now Far More Beautiful, Luxurious… and EVEN FASTER!

February 17, 2019, 9 pmNovember 22, 2013, 11 am by Tom Burkart

The next GT-R just debuted in Tokyo, and boy is it magnificent. A beautiful vision in anthracite grey. Hugely redesigned surfaces appear all over the exterior, with the nose and grille graphic perhaps the most improved versus the current car. All-new LED lighting is featured throughout, finally bringing the GT-R’s styling up to the same caliber as its world-beating performance. The evolution of the 2015 GT-R brings much of the revised technical solutions from the brand-new 2014 Nissan GT-R NISMO — but wraps the enhancements in that far prettier exterior and now, even a lavish interior. The Infiniti ‘leathers and …

Mobil 1 Glamour Photo Shoot + Turbo Internals Video

February 17, 2019, 9 pmNovember 19, 2013, 4 pm by Tom Burkart

A glamour photo shoot for a bottle of motor oil? As much as we all love our cars, they often need to feel that love. In the form of Full Synthetic. Cranked over the Subaru today and it was very unhappy. Battery self-discharging seems to be fixed – but I am now trapped in AutoZone hell. This one failed after three months, the one before: six. They are getting less polite at handling the returns, and will only process the exchange with a stink-eye. Why is this relevant? Mobil 1 is absolutely the best motor oil available. It is …

Rolls-Royce Wraith – Color Showcase – Salamanca Blue

February 17, 2019, 9 pmNovember 11, 2013, 7 pm by Tom Burkart

Since being swept away on a huge wave of new-found enthusiasm for the Double-R, Wraith has never been more than a few thoughts away. As fun and posh and unforgettable as the ride in a *brand new* Phantom Series II was – the time spent inside Wraith is most tingly. I should mention this now: the name of the vehicle is simply “Wraith” – without anything in front. It might be a bit formal at first, but if not for a 624-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V-12 coupe.. when? Some of the colors that really make Wraith leap into action are set to …