Carl Malek

Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com. Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.

2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is The Most Powerful Corvette Ever

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It has been a long time since we saw the legendary ZR1 nameplate appear on a Corvette with the last model being based on the C7 Vette. That model was the last front-engined version made before GM and Chevrolet chose to make the C8 version a mid-engined offering a few years ago. At the time, Chevrolet said that making it a mid-engine model allowed the brand to extract higher levels of performance from the car and the 2025 Corvette ZR1 is perhaps the most potent expression of this mantra yet. The model breaks new ground for the moniker and raises …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Sedan – Is It Still Our Favorite Underdog?

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The Mazda 3 has always been the proverbial underdog in the compact car segment. While the segment itself has shrunken over the past few years as compact crossovers encroach on their territory with these models stealing customers away. As a result, automakers have slowly begun to kill off these models. Mazda is one of the few that’s still committed to the compact car wars and its Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback continue to be outliers in a rapidly shrinking segment.  The Mazda 3 has always been a stylish car and while some of its DNA (especially on the hatchback) is …

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Road Test review – 2024 Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance – Muscular In All The Right Places

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It wasn’t too long ago that V8-powered muscle cars dominated the performance market. The BMW M3, Audi S4, and the Mercedes C63 AMG all had V8s at one point in time and these V8s helped push them to new heights both in sales and performance. However, the push for tighter fuel economy forced the segment to embrace smaller engines and turbocharging. Lexus has chosen to pivot and re-use a familiar performance formula for its performance sedan, the 2024 Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance. But is it a formula that can still get results on the track and sales? or is …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Crossport SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion

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The term Cross Sport typically conjures up images of sharper performance and rugged capability and at first glance, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport seems to have embraced this trend. However, look closer and you’ll find that the Cross Sport is more of a design-focused entry versus an outright performance model. However, does the Atlas Cross Sport have the art of style and versatility in perfect harmony? 2024 Atlas Cross Sport models spearhead minor updates With the Atlas Cross Sport being heavily updated, it’s holding down the fort at Volkswagen dealers with the 2025 version focusing on minor updates including …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan S – Bargain Friendly Comfort

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In the SUV market, it can seem that luxury, technology, and bling have become the new normal with all three of these things contributing to the increased prices that you might see in the segment. However, for buyers who prefer a more functional experience, there are still a few options out there that can fit the bill. One of them is the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan S which attempts to bring some of Volkswagen’s core attributes into a more affordable package. But is the S a good gateway model into the brand? Or is it a few cards short of a …

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Road Test Follow Up – 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited – Is it Still a Disruptor?

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Hyundai wanted to disrupt the segment when it unveiled the Ioniq 6 electric sedan. Following on the heels of the Ioniq 5 SUV, the 6 was supposed to be a shot across the bow against rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and others. However, changing conditions in the EV market have given the Ioniq 6 additional challenges while its status as a sedan also causes it to be overshadowed by an increasing number of electrified SUV and CUV models. We wanted to find out if the 2024 Ioniq 6 Limited still had what it takes to be a potent disruptor …

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Cadillac Sollei Concept Drops The Top on Sun Kissed Luxury

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The Cadillac Celestiq thrusted Cadillac into the world of hyper-luxury vehicles when it made its appearance two years ago. The Celstiq gave the brand an opportunity to enter a bespoke realm of luxury where the imagination of customers plays a massive role in how each Celestiq is handcrafted and built on the grounds of the GM Tech Center. That included building the Cadillac House at Vanderbilt on the grounds of the GM Tech Center. The House at Vanderbilt is the home of the Celestiq, and Cadillac used the opulent facility to preview the next chapter, the Sollei concept. Sollei embraces …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Genesis GV60 – Genesis Attempts To Break EV Mold With GV60

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The Genesis GV60 is the brand’s attempt to break the mold in the EV segment. Combining futuristic styling with impressive amounts of range and technology, the compact CUV is supposed to be the spearhead into the broader segment for Genesis. However, recent slowdowns in growth and demand for EVs are making Genesis consider a strong push into hybrid vehicles. That said, the GV60 Magma is also showing a glimpse into what a potential performance model would look like for the brand and if the 2024 Genesis GV60 can help provide a solid enough foundation, it will help give the upcoming …

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2025 Porsche Panamera Gains GTS and More Powerful Turbo S E-Hybrid

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The Porsche Panamera was originally one of the most controversial models that the German sports car company ever made when it made its appearance back in 2009. The four-door has since become a symbol of Porsche’s performance extremes and the new 2025 model brings two new flavors to buyers that want the best in four-door sedan performance, The GTS and the beefier Turbo S E-Hybrid. Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid pushes the performance envelope Taking its spot at the top of the Panamera pecking order is the Turbo S E-Hybrid. All models come equipped with a twin-turbocharged 591 hp V8 that’s …

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2025 Cadillac Escalade Channels IQ Model With Its Mid-Cycle Updates

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Cadillac’s strong-selling Escalade is preparing to enter a pivotal chapter in its storied history. The large luxury SUV has always been the brand’s best representation of luxury and technology but with electrification and the all-electric Escalade IQ entering the picture, the ICe-powered version of the Slade finds itself in a very interesting spot. Cadillac has stated in the past that the ICE version will continue to be a strong player in its sales plans, and the 2025 Cadillac Escalade delivers on this by channeling some of the IQ’s DNA but in a distinctive package. IQ-inspired front end highlights Escalade refresh …

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Honda Teases 2026 Passport TrailSport, Will Have More Style and Capability

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Honda’s Passport has become a sales smash for the company with the model providing a key bridge between the bigger Pilot and the smaller CR-V while also injecting more rugged capability into the lineup at the same time especially with the TrailSport. However, the current generation Passport is starting to show its age and the company has now released the first teaser image for the 2026 Passport Trailsport which promises to give the SUV a newfound injection of personality. Passport Trailsport gets revised styling In Honda tradition, the two teaser images Honda released of the Trailsport don’t reveal much with …

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2025 Audi A5 Sedan and Avant Replace Axed A4, Avant Version Will Be Europe Exclusive

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When Audi axed the A5 coupe and convertible models, it was important to remember that the moniker itself was not dead with the A5 Sportback continuing to live on. However, while the Sportback is a very popular offering with consumers, there are a few who prefer a traditional sedan. Audi has engineered a solution to this problem by not only axing the compact A4, but also making an all-new A5 sedan for 2025. Is bigger better in the A5? The Audi A5 sedan has big shoes to fill with the model taking the place of the compact A4 which is …

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Stellantis Dealerships Beg for Help As Sales Plummet and Inventory Grows

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Stellantis dealerships are already shouldering the burden of having to deal with several massive recalls while also contending with massive shifts in consumer buying trends. However, a growing inventory problem is now having these dealerships ask for help as Stellantis is forced to undertake quick actions to try and curb the tide of excess vehicles. Growing inventory putting the squeeze on dealerships The glut of excess vehicles entering Stellantis showrooms is putting the squeeze on many franchise owners with some of them asking for help from management in an attempt to curb the flow of excess inventory. These pleas for …

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Jaguar Kills Nearly All of Its Models, F-Pace Sole Survivor

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Jaguar made waves when the British luxury car brand announced its “Reimagine” strategy with the plan focusing on transforming the brand into an all-electric brand by 2025. While the I-Pace went over like a soggy bowl of cereal in the minds of customers, the company is still determined to embrace this new path and is doubling down by axing five more models (six if you count the already axed F-type) to make room for the new EV arrivals. Jaguar is cleaning house In addition to the F-Type Jaguar also confirmed that it will be axing the XE, XF, XF Wagon, …

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Audi A5 and RS5 Bite The Dust After 2024, Sportback to Live On

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The Audi A5 and RS5 long represented the brand’s competition to the BMW 4-Series and its entry into the broader coupe segment as a whole. However, Audi is currently streamlining its model lineup and when you add in increasing SUV sales to the mix, it spelled doom for the coupe and convertible which will leave Audi’s model lineup after the 2024 model year comes to a close.  A5 to have sportback future While the A5 and RS5 coupes and their droptop counterparts are going away for 2024, the nameplate is not completely dead. Instead, the luxury brand will focus on …

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Mazda Adds Hybrid Model to 2025 CX-50, Part of Broader Electrification Plan

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Mazda has stated in the past that it remains committed to its plans for electrification while also boosting its presence in the SUV market at the same time. The CX-50 is a classic example of this in action with the station wagon-esque SUV giving the Japanese automaker a contender that can bring the fight to rivals like the Subaru Outback. The CX-50 has proven to be a strong seller for the brand, and the company is hoping to continue this momentum with the 2025 CX-50 Hybrid. Hybrid promises to sharpen CX-50’s green game A key change for 2025 is that …

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2025 Hyundai Inster Attempts to Smash Pricing Barrier, Will it Come to the U.S.?

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Pricing and affordability have rapidly emerged as two key obstacles for mass adoption by consumers. While Hyundai’s Ioniq lineup of EVs are very compelling vehicles, there’s no denying that their respective pricing ladders still keep some consumers from making the leap into EV vehicles. The Korean car giant is now giving consumers a bridge into the segment with the 2025 Inster CUV. Inster’s cute looks hide potent EV package The exterior styling of the Inster shares some minor similarities with the Venue but the EV embraces Hyundai’s pixel lighting with the lone exception being two bug-eye-shaped pieces in the lower …

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2025 Aston Martin Valiant is a Hardcore Expression of Raw Performance

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Aston Martin has had an established habit of making limited production models that are track-ready but without losing the road legal status that make them rolling sculptures when cruising through town. The Valour was the last of these creations and the British sports car brand has followed up on it with the all-new limited-production Valiant. Aston Martin makes bold statement with Valiant The Valiant is heavily based on the Valour and as a result, the bulk of the core styling largely carries over from that car. However, this special edition gives the car numerous upgrades that put luxury on the …

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2025 Volkswagen Jetta Lowers Price Of Entry, Gets New Upgrades

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When we last saw the current generation Volkswagen Jetta it was back in 2023 after the company gave it a light refresh in 2022 to build upon the major revamp that the car got in 2019 after years of having styling that resembled a bland vanilla wafer. Volkswagen has chosen to give the Jetta a more extensive suite of updates for 2025 that not only improve its looks, but also introduce some new features to spruce things up. New look hides old Jetta bones Volkswagen is once again keeping the Jetta on its current platform but while the old bones …

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Audi’s RS Q8 Performance Is Brand’s Most Powerful Model, Fastest Around The Nurburgring Too

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The Audi Q8 and SQ8 recently received a minor refresh that tweaked the exterior and interior styling and even bumped up performance. The lone model that felt left out of the proceedings was the range-topping RS Q8 which is the pinnacle of Q8 luxury and speed. The German auto brand has finally addressed the elephant in the room and has unveiled the RS Q8 Performance which not only slays the Nurburgring but will also be the potent exclamation point on Audi performance now that the R8 supercar has been pitched. RS Q8 Performance beats BMW in style The exterior styling …

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BMW i1 and i2 Will Provide Brand With Entry-Level Models According to New Report

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BMW is proceeding full speed ahead on EVs but as the brand prepares to expand its electrification efforts, it also knows that buyers will want entry-level models to provide them a gateway to the brand’s electrification technology, but without breaking the bank. A new report appears to indicate that BMW is addressing these concerns and will introduce two entry-level models that will make their respective appearances in 2027 as the brand prepares to fire on all cylinders to get its electrification strategy up and rolling.  i1 and i2 are currently under development In a new report that was published by AutoCar BMW …

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2026 Bugatti Tourbillion Is a V16 Powered Masterpiece, Hybrid Tech Boosts Performance

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Bugattis are always known for raising the bar when it comes to performance and luxury. While Ferrari and Lamborghini may have some things to say about that assertion, there’s no denying the unique appeal that a Bugatti model brings to any driveway. The brand has also proven to be resilient to market changes and has had plenty of ups and downs in its long and illustrious history. However, Bugatti knows that tightening emissions standards will force it to comply with the times, and with the Chiron hypercar already beginning to show its age, Bugatti has thrown the veil off of …

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Cadillac’s “Expressive Coupe” Concept Previewed M8 Rival That Never Was

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The luxury coupe segment is a shell of its former self. Once enviable crown jewels in the lineups of many automakers, the luxury coupe market went through massive downsizing in the 1990s and the amount of entries that exist in the space these days are few and far in between. Cadillac was apparently eying a new attempt in the luxury coupe market, and GM Design revealed a rejected concept coupe that would have rivaled German rivals if it had gotten the green light for official production from GM’s board of directors.   Expressive Coupe focused on muscular style The concept …

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Maserati Pays Tribute To MC12 With MC20 Icona and Leggenda Special Editions

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Exactly 20 years ago, Maserati went racing with the MC12 which brought the Italian brand back into motor racing after a four-decade absence. The MC12 was an extreme expression of Maserati’s performance DNA and the MC20 is the figurative successor to this legend with the twelve-cylinder being swapped out for a V6. Maserati is preparing to celebrate this anniversary with a pair of special edition models, the MC20 Icona and Leggenda.   Styling tweaks give these MC20 special editions swagger Both of these special editions feature paintwork and livery that’s borrowed from the MC12. In the case of the Icona …

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Nissan Heritage Z Pays Homage To Datsun, Starts at $60,275

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The Nissan Z has made waves since it was heavily revamped after a long era of stagnation and power creep by some of its rivals. However, the one item that has always been missing is a heritage-flavored model with the company reserving these models for the Japanese market. However, that’s now changing with the company confirming that it is creating a special retro-inspired Z Heritage Edition for the U.S. that will celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Datsun 240Z’s original debut. Color us impressed The Z Heritage Editon is based on the Z Performance model which slots below the hardcore …

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First Drive Review – 2024 Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster – Old-School SUV Charm in a Modern Wrapper

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The iconic old-school Land Rover Defender left some empty shoes to fill when it left U.S. shores. The rugged old-school SUV delivered massive amounts of capability and also created a small following among loyalists. When it left the U.S., it created a void, and while the revitalized Defender is doing an admirable job of restoring the nameplate’s luster in the U.S., hardcore Defender fans were still not pleased. One of these fans was Sir Jim Ratcliffe the CEO of the massive chemical conglomerate Ineos. When Land Rover refused to build a suitable replacement for the Defender, he embarked on a …

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Ford Reveals Mustang GTD Option Packages and an Interior That’s To Die For

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The Mustang GTD made waves when Ford confirmed that it created a no-holds-barred performance entry that would shatter everything we knew about the Mustang. While driving this unhinged beast would set you back over $325,000 Ford claims that the sheer amount of performance on hand would be worth every penny. With the Mustang GT3 preparing to compete in the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race, the company has decided to release some new details about the GTD and not only provided clarity about the option packages that will be coming to the GTD, but also decided to show us …

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Lotus Emeya Gets Top Spot In EV Charging Test, Will Be Potent Selling Point When it Comes To The U.S.

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The Lotus Emeya is promising to be a potent entry in the EV wars. The sleek British EV sedan promises to bring the latest in EV tech to consumers while also pushing Lotus into the EV age alongside the Eletre SUV. However, how quickly it can charge at a charging station will be a paramount buying point for customers, and the Emeya managed to trounce its competitors in a recent EV charging test that took place in Asia. Sending a statement to the competition The result was achieved in testing by the management consulting company P3. P3 surveyed EVs that …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre – Rolls Silently Enters The EV Age

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It wasn’t too long ago that if you either walked into a Rolls Royce showroom or an owners group and asked for an EV, chances are good that you would have the same reaction as the Daleks did in this clip from the BBC series Doctor Who. However, the automotive market is changing and even Rolls Royce has been forced to make some changes to try and adapt to the new normal. The Rolls Royce Cullinan helped the brand enter the SUV market, and the 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre is silently pushing the brand into the EV age. Seductive Styling Makes …

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Volkswagen Could Make Clubsport Version of Golf R According to New Report

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Volkswagen enthusiasts looking for the best in budget performance will be directed to the Golf R with the super hatch featuring a heavily revamped 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 315 hp and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. However, it appears that Volkswagen is possibly preparing a spicier version of the Golf R with a new report suggesting that the Club Sport moniker might finally make its way to the R to give VW buyers a spicy treat ahead of the Golf R’s eventual revamp. A track-ready version is coming The report comes from a statement that was released …

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Scott Dixon Notches Win In Chaotic Detroit Grand Prix Race, Fuel and Tire Strategy Play Key Role

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The 2024 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix had the makings of a classic and the race had plenty of internal plot points that would play a big role in the outcome of the race. But while the controversial Santino Ferrucci didn;t live up to his pre-race bluster, the environment was primed for Scott Dixon to emerge as the winner in the streets of Detroit.   Strategy powers Dixon to victory Scott Dixon has always been considered to be a master strategist out on the track and his knack for long-term planning proved to be key in snatching victory once again. Dixon …

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Colton Herta Blitzes Qualifying With Record Lap, Gets Andretti Motorsports its First Pole Position of the Season

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The Detroit Grand Prix is less than 24 hrs away but qualifying proved to be an exciting precursor for Andretti Motorsports when driver Colton Herta managed to get the team its first pole position of the season with a scorching fast lap time of 1:00.547 in the No. 26 Honda at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. Herta’s time places Honda in prime spot for tomorrow’s races Herta’s impressive lap time capped off a busy day of qualifying for the Grand Prix with Honda gaining control of the front row with fellow Honda driver Alex Palou in the N0. 10 Chip …

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Josef Newgarden Has Contract Extended by Team Penske, Will Race Beyond 2024 Under Penske Banner

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Josef Newgarden is having a strong 2024 season, and with the veteran driver coming off of back-to-back victories at the Indy 500. Newgarden is preparing to expand on this success with a new contract extension that not only locks him into Team Penske but will also see him continue to represent the team for the next few years.    “Josef Newgarden is a true winner, and we are excited that he will continue as a part of Team Penske for years to come,” said team owner Roger Penske. “What he did Sunday in the Indianapolis 500 shows how Josef consistently …

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Jeep Leaps Into EV Wars With 2024 Wagoneer S, Will Spearhead Broader Assault On Segment

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Jeep is preparing to bank its future on EVs and broader electrification moving forward. While the brand has sold the Avenger EV in Europe for the past few years, the city-focused Avenger is far from a trail-ready offering (the 4xe version will fix that) and is limited to Europe only. However, the U.S. and other markets are about to experience Jeep’s next big step in the EV segment with the 2024 Wagoneer S which not only brings electrification to the Wagoneer nameplate for the first time ever, but also shines a spotlight on how serious Jeep is about making its …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Cadillac Escalade-V – Cadillac’s Performance SUV Trades Bling For Fun

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The Cadillac Escalade has often been associated with the rich and famous especially with the copious amounts of bling that the big SUV brings to the driveway. However, it’s also a crucial piece of Cadillac’s broader sales plans with the Slade’s profits helping the brand make new EVs like the Lyriq and the recently revealed Optiq. Cadillac recently confirmed that the model is slated to go all-electric but before it ditches its V8 for good, the American luxury brand decided to fulfill a fantasy and create a performance model, the 2024 Cadillac Escalade-V to end the party with a big …

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2025 Cadillac Optiq Is Promising To Sharpen Cadillac’s Focus On EV Market

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Cadillac is hoping that cooling EV demand will not hamper its plans to become an all-electric brand. The Lyriq and the Escalade IQ are providing glimpses into its broader electrification strategy but Cadillac knows that more models are needed in order for it to truly complete its EV transformation. One of these is the 2025 Cadillac Optiq SUV. The Optiq will allow Cadillac to compete in a segment where small luxury crossovers have rapidly become key players in the broader sales plans of automakers. But does the Optiq have the tools to help shift Cadillac’s plans into high gear? Size …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV – Capability and Nameplate Flexibility Shine in EV SUV

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Styling often plays a prominent role in the success or failure of an automobile especially a futuristic clean EV looking to shake up the world stage. Mercedes-Benz is trying to do just that with their EQ lineup of EVs. But so far, the reaction has been mixed with customers showing their lukewarm enthusiasm for the bulk of the lineup. But can the SUV version of the EQE reverse this trend while still helping Mercedes-Benz reach out to more family buyers with its enhanced versatility and high level of technology?   EQE SUV Goes Off In a Different Direction Unlike the …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE – EV Credentials Lack AMG Flair

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It wasn’t too long ago that some folks in the industry thought that the EV revolution would be highlighted by vehicles that had plenty of range, but were slow and didn’t have the charisma needed to stand out in showrooms. That was especially evident in the 1990s with some of the EV concepts that appeared on the show circuit. But the times are changing, and Mercedes-Benz is eager to show the world that the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE goes far beyond being a mere appliance trying to get maximum range. It promises to be a worthy sequel to the flagship EQS, …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Range Rover Sport SE – Polish and Spice Add Depth To Luxury Icon

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The Range Rover Sport has always been the nimbler member of the Range Rover family. Unlike its more relaxed cousin, the Range Rover Sport is all about giving SUV buyers a pinch of fun with their luxury SUV purchase and often had distinctive exterior styling that helped it stand out from the more traditional Rover. But does that continue to be the case? We wanted to find out Range Rover Sport Is Lightly Tweaked In All The Right Places The 2024 model benefits from some of the exterior upgrades that the standard Range Rover received as part of its major …

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Jaguar’s New Electric GT Will Be Bold Gamble, Starts at $125k and Will Make Debut In Key Market

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When Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) revealed that they were embarking on an ambitious and expensive rebranding campaign last year, the firm made it clear that it was treating this as an all-or-nothing play. The program saw the company not only shorten its name to JLR, but also split Land Rover’s models into individual brands. One other item that flew below the radar up until now is the full electrification of Jaguar which will also simultaneously push the brand upmarket as JLR attempts to compete with Bentley and Porsche.  A new report suggests that Jaguar will start its EV revolution …

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Next Generation Mazda CX-5 To Get Hybrid Model, WIll Maintain Mazda’s Green Push

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Mazda is on a push to expand its green ambitions and is slowly building up towards an all-electrified lineup of vehicles. However, the company is working with what it’s got and is currently expanding its lineup of hybrid vehicles. While the CX-90 and the CX-70 are the latest examples of models getting the hybrid treatment, the aging CX-5 has been bucking the trend with its engine choices. While the current CX-5 will soldier on without a hybrid engine, that will be changing when the next generation model appears with Mazda quietly confirming that the next generation model will get a …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid – Sipping Fuel In Style

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Compact cars have long been relegated to the role of being basic transportation with style and features once being considered a mere afterthought. However, with CUVs putting the pressure on these vehicles both in terms of demand and sales, automakers have been forced to inject these vehicles with more style and substance as they attempt to preserve the business case for making these vehicles. One of these offerings is the 2024 Hyundai Elantra with the four-door compact attempting to stand out by offering a wide range of trims and performance options. The hybrid is hoping to appeal to those that …

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TWR Gets Into Restomodding Trend With Jagaur Based Supercat, Will Be Limited To 88 Units

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The resto-modding craze has picked up steam over the past few years with modified versions of the Volvo P1800 and the Porsche 928 being a few notable examples of this trend in action. However, the folks at TWR have decided to raise the bar up a notch and have formally unveiled the TWR Supercat which will be limited to 88 units when it enters production.   Supercat Shares XJ-S Hardware The Supercat is a wild beast, but it gets its DNA from a 1976 Jaguar XJ-S. The XJ-S was the controversial replacement for the Jaguar E-Type and attempted to offer …

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Tesla’s Cybertruck Gets Software Update To Make It More Capable

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While the Tesla Cybertruck began rolling out to customers five months ago, it was readily apparent that it was missing some core pickup truck features and was instead relying on some of its core essentials to make a crack at breaking through the EV pickup segment. That’s changing with the company confirming that a new software update will help add some luster to the Cybertruck’s capabilities.   Off-roading Is Now In The Cards For Cybertruck A key provision in this update is that the truck gets a new Off-Road mode with many of the new features Tesla added being found …

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2025 Aston Martin DBX707 Becomes Default DBX, Gets Interior Updates

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Aston Martin wanted to make a splash when the company unleashed the DBX SUV in 2020. The model was supposed to enhance Aston’s foothold in the segment and give the company a secondary sales avenue that wouldn’t rely so heavily on their lineup of sports cars and rand touring models. The DBX proved to be very successful for the company and with the DBX707 in particular proving to be a runaway hit, Aston Martin has used the new model year to not only trim the lineup, but also make interior updates to the model as well.   DBX707 Becomes The …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Maserati Grecale & 2023 Quattroporte Trofeo – Two Flavors Of Performance

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Maserati is preparing to shift its EV ambitions into high gear with models like the recently announced GranCabrio Folgore attempting to make EVs stylish options for buyers willing to make the plunge. However, Maserati also knows that its ICE models will ultimately provide the fuel needed for these EV offerings to expand and cement themselves in the marketplace. Maserati recently allowed us to spend time with both the Quattroporte and the Grecale Trofeo models to not only show us what they bring to the table, but how they will help secure Maserati’s future.   2023 Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo The 2023 …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Lotus Emira First Edition – The End Of An Era

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When Lotus unveiled the 2024 Emira sports car, it represented the end of an era for the company. The Emira was designed to be a successor for the Evora GT but it could also be considered a spiritual successor for the Elise. When the U.S. last saw the Elise, it was better known for being an ultra-lightweight thrill machine that sliced flab at the cost of creature comfort and refinement. Tightening safety regulations ended its run in the U.S. with the Evora being the lone solider for Lotus in our country. But can the Emira successfully walk the proverbial tightrope …

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Lotus Annouces U.S. Pricing For Eletre SUV, Opens Up Order Books For Customers

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Lotus wanted to make waves when it revealed the Eletre SUV. The Eletre would not only be Lotus’s first SUV, but also its first all-electric utility offering so the pressure on Lotus to get it right was immense. We enjoyed our first taste of the Eletre awhile back and buyers in the U.S. will soon be able to take their first drive behind the wheel too with the company not only opening ordering for the SUV, but also revealing final pricing as well. Eletre Expected To Appeal To Family Buyers When the first Lotus Eletres make their way to Lotus …

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GMC Sierra EV Shifts Into High Gear For Launch, Will Feature CrabWalk

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GMC made a splash when it unleashed the Hummer EV lineup on the masses a few years ago. The Hummer pickup and SUV proved to be very popular with customers and while these rugged beasts were a good opening act, GMC has been preparing a sequel with the GMC Sierra EV. Not much was known about what the Sierra EV would bring to the table but the brand released final specifications in an announcement earlier today which also included a few surprises as well.   CrabWalk Makes Transition To Sierra Before we get into the nitty gritty, we might as …

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2024 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Is The Ultimate All Electric Droptop

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Maserati pulled no punches when it said that it was going all in on EVs. The Folgore lineup promised to push the envelope of EV performance and range. While the Maserati MC20 supercar will eventually get a Folgore model of its own, the company is using the approaching days of summer to drop the top on its first production EV, the 2024 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore. Silence Even With The Top Down The exterior styling here is shared with the ICE version of the GranCabrio and the two look nearly identical at first glance with the EV even retaining the gas …

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Road Test Review – 2024 BMW Z4 M40i – Dropping The Top On Fun and Style

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All sports cars come with fundamental DNA that makes them enjoyable to drive while also being stylish and reasonably comfortable at the same time. The 2024 BMW Z4 aims to bring these fundamentals into a package that’s upscale and luxurious but without sacrificing some of the dynamics that have made the model special over the years. The 2024 models aim to continue this but has it lost some of the sharpness that has defined it over the years?   Sinister Purple Adds Character to M Sport Lines When our tester arrived at the office, one of the things that made …

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2025 Toyota 4Runner Proves Wait Is Worth it, Gets Major Upgrades

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The Toyota 4Runner was once a mascot for just how long an automobile could possibly go without any major updates. The last time it was revamped was 15 years ago with the outgoing 4Runner entering the market when President Obama was newly elected. That long wait gave Toyota engineers plenty to think about as they prepared to make the 4Runner stand out to a new generation of young buyers. New Styling Makes Impact One of the prominent changes that buyers will notice is the 4Runner’s revamped exterior styling. The front fascia is chunkier and more aggressive than before with some …

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2025 Buick Enclave Makes Big Bet On Technology, Gets New Styling Too

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The Buick Enclave was a visual reminder of the neglect that the Buick brand as a whole experienced over the past few years. However, GM is once again giving Buick the attention it rightfully deserves. The Buick Envista is a potent reminder of this in action for budget buyers and flagship Buick buyers now get a piece of the action too with the 2025 Buick Enclave.   Exterior Styling Takes Some Getting Used To The exterior styling of the 2025 Enclave is more squared off than before with the odd-looking headlights being replaced by a front end that adopts cues …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Buick Encore GX Avenir – GX Packs Impressive Luxury, Stumbles on Style

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Buick’s gamble on SUVs is paying off with the brand reporting record sales and demand for its lineup of utilities. That includes the Buick Encore GX which not only got revamped for the 2024 model year but also newly promoted up a rung in the model ladder with the release of the entry-level focused (albeit very stylish) Buick Envista. But does the 2024 Buick Encore GX Avenir wear its new clothes well enough to still stand out? or are there a few rough edges remaining in the final product?   Wildcat Cues Don’t Translate Well Before we dive into many …

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2024 Buick Envision Debuts New Infotainment System and Styling

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When we last saw the 2024 Buick Envision, it was in a lone image that the company released back in March of 2023. A long time has passed since then and Buick is now finally ready to fully reveal the 2024 Buick Envision which brings new styling and technology to buyers looking to envision themselves in a Buick SUV for their next purchase.   2024 Buick Envision Has Wildcat In Its Genes The biggest change that buyers will see when they look at the 2024 model is that the front fascia gets replaced with a new one that gets alot …

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Road Test Review – 2023 BMW 330i – Aging 3-Series Still Has Plenty of Tricks up Its Sleeve

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The BMW 330i is a symbol of the old guard in some ways when one looks at BMW’s lineup. It’s still the benchmark others strive to beat in the luxury sport sedan segment and it’s also one of the few remaining that have not had their twin-kidney grilles enlarged to comical proportions. While the pressure of SUV and CUV demand has certainly cut into some of its sales, the four-door still has a strong following. But what if you don’t have the budget for a fire-breathing M3 and prefer something that’s more budget-oriented> BMW thinks it has the answer with …

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Genesis Brings Magma Brand To U.S. GV60 To Lead The Charge

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Genesis has made it clear that it intends to be a contender in the luxury car wars and while its products have been the proverbial Cinderella pick in an NCAA bracket, the one item that was missing was a performance model. That’s changing with Genesis bringing the Magma sib-brand to the U.S. Magma sub-brand follows established playbook While the Magma brand’s entry into the U.S. is new, the core script has been used before. The Genesis GV80 SUV coupe concept was slathered in bright orange paint (though the brand never admitted it was launching a sub-brand) and Genesis followed that …

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Lotus Enters Bespoke Motoring Market With Lotus Chapman Bespoke Service

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Lotus is preparing to embark on the biggest gamble it has ever done, with the company preparing an all-electric future for its lineup. But while the Lotus Emira we drove recently (review pending) is a potent last stand in the ICE market, the company knows that customization and individuality motivate the big spenders that buy their products. That’s why the company has formally unveiled the all-new Lotus Chapman Bespoke service to make their customer’s wishes come true.   Lotus Chapman Bespoke Service Follows Familiar Script If it feels like you heard this movie before, that’s because other exotic automakers have …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe – This SUV Is The Real Deal

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When Hyundai announced that it was revamping the Santa Fe for the 2024 model year, we wondered how the Korean car maker could possibly top the previous generation model. While it was starting to show its age, the previous generation Santa Fe had a strong focus on comfort and technology. This time around, Hyundai wanted to bring the Santa Fe back to its roots with the company bringing rugged charm to the Santa Fe’s bag of tricks. But is it all enough to bring the fight to a new crop of SUV entries?   Boxy Shape Mixes Santa Fe With …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander – Offshoot of Iconic Highlander SUV Goes Big

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The Toyota Grand Highlander is the answer to a question few had the thought to ask, what would happen if you took the iconic Highlander and made it bigger and added more tech to good measure? The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is poised to make a splash but does it have enough in its arsenal of tricks to help carve a slice of the market for itself?   Toyota’s Grandest Highlander Boasts Plenty of Personality The exterior of the Grand Highlander goes off in its own direction and will be a noticeable departure from its brand mate. While the standard …

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Cadillac Opulent Velocity, Could Point To The Future For V Performance Models

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Cadillac has been heavily invested in electrifying its lineup of luxury vehicles. But while the brand (and GM as a whole) has talked a big game, in the case of Cadillac this supposed push into electrification has only produced two production models: The ultra-rare Cadillac Celestiq and the Lyriq SUV. While the duo are good at showing off Cadillac’s innovative spirit, they are also a figurative drop in the proverbial bucket. That’s changing though, with the brand unveiling the all-new Opulent Velocity concept.  Opulent Velocity puts Spotlight On Performance Cadillac chose to tease the concept in a brief teaser video that …

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Dodge Unveils 2024 Charger, Challenger Nameplate Dies But Hurricane & EV Power Confirmed

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When Dodge chose to kill the long-running Charger and Challenger models due to tightening fuel economy standards and the aging platform that underpinned both models, enthusiasts across the U.S. lamented their demise. However, it turned out that Dodge had a trick up its sleeve and after teasing the future with the Charger SRT Daytona EV Concept, the muscle car brand has turned up the heat with the company unveiling the 2024 Charger which writes a new chapter in the history of Dodge performance.   Challenger is Dead, Long Live Charger A big change that buyers will notice before they even …

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Aston Martin Vantage F1 Safety Car Builds On Essentials Bumps Up Screens

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The old Aston Martin Vantage F1 safety car looked stylish and had a good track record of service at various F1 events. However, its performance was not up to everyone’s taste with reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen torching the car’s performance. Verstappen’s complaints (among others) prompted Aston Martin to unleash an improved Vantage F1 Safety Car which not only gets more muscle but also more technology as well. More Performance Sharpens Vantage Safety Car Vibes A key change that race fans and Aston Martin loyalists will notice is the infusion of extra power with this latest version of the safety …

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Maserati GranCabrio Kisses The Sun With New Droptop Styling and Trofeo Flavored Performance

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The Maserati GranCabrio has been an enduring presence, both in the way it’s connected to the GranTurismo coupe, but also how the model has often been considered Maserati’s style model with only exotic offerings like the MC20 surpassing its beauty. The 2024 GranCabrio aims to take the moniker in a new direction and also represents the start of a new era in styling and performance.   GranTurismo Underpinnings Give GranCabrio Depth The outgoing version had styling that was around since the mid-2000s but it was starting to age badly when viewed against some of its GT rivals. The 2024 version …

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Rolls Royce Taps Into Mythology With Arcadia Droptail, Third Build In Series of Four Planned

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Rolls Royce made it clear that it was going to push the boundaries of artistry and design when it began making its ultra-limited run of Droptail Roadsters. Four of them will be produced and the British luxury car maker unveiled the third in the series, the Arcadia Droptail.   Greek Mythology Adds Unique Twist to Droptail Luxury  Like other Droptail-based builds, the Arcadia follows the same core script when it comes to its exterior styling with the roadster featuring a large chrome front grille and elegant headlights with the convertible top stowing neatly away in the sweptback bodywork. The differences …

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Toyota Tacoma Recall Encompasses 381,000 Trucks, 2022-2023 Model Year Trucks Affected

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The Toyota Tacoma has rightfully earned its spot as the benchmark of the mid-size pickup wars with the truck being available in a wide range of flavors. However, Toyota has announced a new recall for the Tacoma with owners of 2022-2023 models being asked to watch their mail for a notice. Weld Debris And Tacoma Rear Axles Don’t Mix  The recall in question affects 381,000 trucks from the 2022-2023 model year with the figure representing 86% of Tacomas sold during that period. Toyota says that accumulated weld debris from the assembly process can build up in the ends of the …

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Buick Debuts New Brand Slogan, Also Shows Gold Colored Wildcat Concept

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The Buick Wildcat has always been the perfect tease for Buick owners and enthusiasts. The sleek coupe is sadly still not for sale but it’s a nice throwback to a time when design and traditional car entries defined the brand. Buick wants to make sure that buyers don’t forget about that history and has debuted a new slogan and a new flavor of the Wildcat concept in a new video.   Good as Gold Color Sharpens Buick Wildcat Buick’s video didn’t reveal anything out of the ordinary with the video focusing on being a montage of Buick’s greatest hits including …

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Hydrogen Powered 2025 CR-V eFCEV Shows Honda Is Still In Fuel Cell Race, Adds PHEV Capability

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Honda may be better known for its EV and hybrid offerings these days, but the Japanese auto giant has also been known for its experiments in hydrogen fuel cell technology. The Clarity FCEV was a glimpse into how far Honda’s hydrogen technology has evolved and the company is now ready to start the next chapter with the 2025 Honda CR-V eFCEV: Motivation   CR-V eFCEV Doesn’t Stray Too Far From Basic Formula At first glance, the 2025 Honda CR-V eFCEV: Motivation resembles a standard CR-V but Honda designers have made minor modifications to the exterior styling with the front end …

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Road Test Review – 2023 Toyota GR86 Premium – Does It Still Have The Fun Factor?

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It’s not often that improvements bring out the best in an automobile, but in the case of the 2023 Toyota GR86, it was exactly what the doctor ordered. The 2022 model gave the model more power and also made some revisions to the exterior and the interior which resulted in a noticeable transformation. But does it have long-term staying power? We wanted to find out.   GR86 & BRZ Siblings To The End Both the 2023 GR86 and its Subaru cousin the BRZ were designed to appeal to budget-focused performance buyers and that’s evident in the exterior styling with designers …

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Cadillac Lyriq Regains Elgibility For $7,500 Tax Credit, Brand Cites Change In Supplier

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GM announced this week that the Cadillac Lyriq will once again qualify for the Federal $7,500 tax credit after the company changed battery suppliers for two components in the all-electric SUV to help it once again fall into the criteria for that aforementioned tax credit.   New Supplier Helps Lyriq Buyers Cash In On Credit The Lyriq’s recent troubles began after the U.S. Treasury passed revised battery sourcing rules on January 1st which changed the qualification requirements for the credit. These changes knocked half of available EVs for sale off the list and among those hit was the Lyriq. GM …

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2025 Mazda CX-70 Has Less Seats, Still Costs As Much As a CX-90

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When we had the chance to see the 2025 Mazda CX-70 up close in New York a short while ago, Mazda wasn’t ready to talk about pricing for what was essentially a two-row version of the CX-90. Thankfully, the company didn’t make us wait very long to get the answer with the Japanese auto giant releasing final figures for the two-row SUV which turns out to be more than the CX-90.   CX-70 Wants How Much For Two Rows? At first glance, we were understandably puzzled about what we were seeing in the overall pricing ladder. The CX-70 will only …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Kia Niro PHEV & EV – Sharper & Greener Than Ever

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The Kia Niro wanted to bring green motoring to buyers in a shape that was functional yet bold at the same time. However, the outgoing model had exterior design elements that were bland and awkward looking with performance that made it drive like a bland plate of oatmeal. Kia was paying attention to feedback from its customers and used the 2024 model year to make changes to both the PHEV and the EV models. However, are all of these changes enough to help the duo stand out in the green vehicle race? To find out, we had the opportunity to …

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Chrysler’s Halcyon Concept Pushes EV Elegance, Is It A Glimpse Of A Future 300?

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If you’re a fan of the Chrysler brand these days, the current state of this iconic nameplate isn’t pretty. Once a beacon of Chrysler’s pre-DaimlerChrysler prosperity with a diverse lineup of offerings, the lone soldier remaining is the Pacifica minivan. The Airflow concept was a glimpse into Stellantis’s EV plans, but it has still not entered production. In the meantime, Chrysler has decided to give the world a consolation prize with the unveiling of the Halcyon Concept.   Halcyon Raises The Bar On Design While the Airflow focused on simplicity and elegance, the Halcyon focuses on going all out to …

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2025 Aston Martin Vantage Gets More Power, New Looks, & A Pinch Of Familiarity

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It can be hard to believe that the Aston Martin Vantage has been in production for over 74 years. While the model has certainly seen its fair share of ups and downs (some of them reflecting Aston Martin‘s shifting fortunes) the Vantage has always been the most popular model that the British sports car maker sells. Aston has chosen to make some key updates to the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage as it prepares to enter a new sports car era.   Vantage, A Blend of Old & New The exterior styling of the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage is a mixture …

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2025 Kia Carnival Goes Under The Knife With New Face, K5 Sedan Gets Refresh Too

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When Kia first brought the Kia Carnival to our shores, the Korean car giant promised that the Carnival was going to introduce more SUV DNA into the venerable minivan mix. For any doubters remaining in the room, Kia has chosen the 2025 model year to give the 2025 Carnival an extensive facelift that further hones in the SUV undertones while also adding new tech to the van as well. As a bonus, it also decided to extend the updates to the 2025 Kia K5 sedan.   Angrier Face Draws In More Carnival Buyers, Hybrid Model Debuts The updates to the …

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2025 BMW 5 Series Touring Is Part Hauler, Part Sleeper Car, Gets New i5 EV Variant

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The BMW 5-Series is still soldiering on in its quest to woo over luxury car buyers. But while the sedan has had an established presence here in the U.S. the Touring variant (aka station wagon) has been a Europe-only exclusive for the past few years. For now, it will continue to be a Europe-only treat but the 2025 BMW 5-Series Touring might just preview a trim or two that might make the trip across the pond to our shores.   Hauling The Goods In 5-Series Luxury and Touring Style There was a time when the 5-Series Touring was a relatively …

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2025 Aviator Brings Jet Set Style To All, Gets New Tech & Improved Performance Too

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The 2025 Ford Explorer’s refresh gave the popular SUV a new face and upped its interior game too. As such, it was only inevitable that the 2025 Lincoln Aviator would benefit from some of the same basic updates, with Lincoln still finding ways to add some special touches to the SUV for the new model year.    Jet Package Expands Availability, New Face Adds Punch Like the aforementioned Explorer, the 2025 Aviator is a refresh versus an outright redesign and as a result, Lincoln prefers you focus your attention on the new front fascia (the rear end is largely carried …

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2025 Ford Explorer Gets New Trim Ladder & New Look, Starts At $41,220

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The Ford Explorer has always been an icon in the ongoing SUV wars, but if you were to look at the state of affairs when it came to its trim ladder, things were starting to get a bit complicated. Ford has decided to simplify things for 2025 with the new 2025 Ford Explorer aiming to not only clean up some excess flab for the new model year but also add new levels of tech and style to the venerable three-row hauler too.   Explorer Exterior Gets Touched Up, But Interior Steals The Show One of the things that Explorer buyers …

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Road Test Review – 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige – An MPV For The Jet Set & Busy Families

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The venerable minivan may have been shoved out of the spotlight by SUV and CUV entries (remember when they dominated the 1990’s?) But these versatile Swiss army knives on wheels still play a key role in the family vehicle market. Kia is hoping that some of this magic will help the 2024 Kia Carnival carve out a slice of the sales pie for itself. But does the Carnival have the chops needed to stand out in a world where SUVs and technology have become the new must-have items for growing families?   Carnival Styling Attracts The Masses While the Carnival …

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Road Test Review – 2023 Toyota Crown Limited – Is It’s Luxury Indeed Fit For A King?

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It has been a few decades since Toyota brought the Crown nameplate to our shores. The Crown was originally offered here in the U.S. market from 1958 to 1972 before it was replaced by the Corona. The Crown morphed into a Japanese-exclusive offering at that point which was supposed to offer well-heeled buyers a step up in Toyota luxury with the U.S. getting the Lexus luxury brand as a consolation prize. The Crown returned to the U.S. in 2022 and this time, Toyota is using it as a distinctive sub-brand. But is it enough to lure in buyers and Avalon …

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Jeep Offers First Glimpse Of Wagoneer S BEV, Screens To Take Center Stage In This EV

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It has been a while since we heard anything new about the Jeep Grand Wagoneer S. The sleek Wagoneer S is poised to make history with the model not only being the first Wagoneer to go all-electric, but also one of the first Jeep models to embrace Stellatnis’s new EV architecture.   New Sketches Show New Details On Wagoneer S When we last saw the Wagoneer S, it was in the form of sketches and we hope you like this particular art form because Jeep released, (you guessed it) more sketches of the exterior. However, these have more detail now …

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Aston Martin Poised To Debut New Vantage, Will Be Formally Unveiled February 12th

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The Aston Martin Vantage is poised for a big change. The British sports car maker recently confirmed that the Vantage was going to be overhauled but didn’t reveal much info on when we would see it in the flesh. But that’s now changing, with the company not only confirming that it would be unveiled on February 12th, but also supplying a lone teaser image as a sample dish.   A Sign Of Things To Come For Vantage The lone teaser image Aston sent primarily focuses on one of the front fenders with the vent work taking center stage. The vents …

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Mazda Formally Unveils 2025 CX-70, There’s More Here Than The Sum Of Its Parts

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Mazda’s commitment to the SUV segment has grown over the past few years. Models like the CX-50, CX-30, and even the flagship CX-90 are keen to show that the Japanese auto brand is willing to play with some of the most iconic high rollers in the segment. That includes the two-row side of the coin and Mazda has decided to fill a gap in its lineup with the all-new 2025 Mazda CX-70 which slots in between the CX-90 and the smaller CX-50 in the brand’s SUV lineup.   It May Look Like A CX-90 But Look Closer At first glance, …

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Cadillac Adds Polish and Tech to 2025 CT5 V-Series, Keeps Manual Alive In CT5-V Blackwing

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At first glance, it’s easy to assume that the Cadillac CT5 is a mere bookend when it comes to the brand’s broader sales forecast with the Escalade and other SUV models stealing the spotlight. However, the CT5 is in fact, the best-selling model the brand has when it comes to overall sales, with the CT5 seeing its sales increase ever since it first went into production back in 2019 (bucking a broader downward slide in sales across the sedan landscape.) Cadillac decided to reward this strong showing by giving the model a refresh for 2025 and has now extended it …

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2025 Chevrolet Equinox Gets Radical Revamp, Adds Activ Trim

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Chevrolet may be preparing to place a big bet on BEVs in the future but while the Equinox EV is just now beginning to make its way to dealerships, Chevy knows that not everyone is ready to make the switch to pure electrification just yet. These customers still crave an ICE alternative and the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox aims to keep these customers firmly in the fold   Equinox Activ Spearheads Revamp, Interior Gets New Infotainment System Unlike the outgoing Equinox which had flowing lines and an aerodynamic look, the 2025 model appears to have taken inspiration from the Chevrolet Trailblazer …

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Ford and Lincoln Promise To Reinvent Digital Experience With New Tech Suite

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Screens have become a near-defacto item in new automobiles these days and as a result, it’s easy to wonder how automakers can possibly reinvent a technology that’s become so ingrained in the minds of consumers. Ford and Lincoln think that they have found a way to do so and have big plans for the technology starting with the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus which will debut the Digital Experience system.   An Encompassing Digital Experience Ford and Lincoln claim that software and screens will become a prominent part of the buying experience moving forward. While we have to wait a bit to …

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Ram Spearheads Entry Into EV Wars With Ram ProMaster Van, Other BEVs To Follow Later

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Ram spent plenty of time teasing the Ram REV 1500 pickup and we even had a chance to see the production version of the truck last year at the New York Auto Show. However, contrary to what we have seen from other automakers, the pickup will not be Ram’s spearhead entry into the BEV market. Instead, the honor will be given to the newly unveiled 2024 Ram ProMaster EV.   Zero Emissions Hauling For The Commerical Market While the ProMaster’s new gig may seem a bit baffling at first glance, when you look at the bigger picture, it all starts …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Volkswagen Taos SEL – Has VW Found Gold In The CUV Segment?

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The Volkswagen Taos was a gamble for Volkswagen when it first hit the market a short while ago. The Taos was entering new territory for VW in the CUV wars and expectations were high especially for its long-term success at attracting younger buyers to the brand while also blending many of the things that buyers liked about the Golf and Tiguan into one unified package. The Taos has so far met VW’s expectations in terms of sales and the company is releasing light updates for 2024 that attempt to add zest to the urban-focused model. Is it all enough to …

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Road Test Review – 2023 Lexus RX 500h AWD F Sport – Lexus Goes For Performance With This RX

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The Lexus RX has been the ultimate jack of all trades for Lexus in the CUV segment. While the doomed RX 350L showed that there were limits to how far the RX could go in meeting certain segment needs, the CUV proved to be more than capable of meeting challenges when it was allowed to operate within its comfort zone. Lexus wanted to build on the core formula when it redesigned the RX for 2023 but it also wanted to inject more spice into the mix with the new 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance model. But does the …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Lexus IS 350 F Sport AWD – Light Updates Polish Up Familiar Recipe

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It was no secret that the Lexus IS was in need of a major revamp. The aging exterior styling looked like it was drawn by a mad axe killer and the interior suffered from technology that was rapidly falling behind the times (including the most frustrating way to get around an infotainment system this side of iDrive.) Lexus listened to the feedback it got from IS owners and they also wanted to make the car more appealing to young buyers. The end result is the 2024 Lexus IS and the company thinks that this version of the IS has a …

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VinFast Doubles Down On U.S. Market With VF3 SUV and VF Wild EV Pickup Concept

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When VinFast first announced plans to build the VF3 mini-SUV it wasn’t clear if the compact utility would enter the U.S. market or if it would remain an international market exclusive just out of reach of American buyers. VinFast thankfully answered our prayers by not only announcing that the VF3 was indeed coming to the U.S but that the company is also entering the EV pickup wars with the VF Wild concept.   VinFast VF3 Promises To Be The Perfect Urban Commuter At first glance, it appears the VF3 is doing an impression of the Suzuki Jimny (another international market-only …

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Kia Prepares For A Mobility Focused Future, Previews PV5, PV7 and Pint-Size PV1 At CES

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Kia is preparing to enter a future where the automobile will become a crucial component of a consumer’s life with the vehicle having Life Modules that can be swapped out to help it achieve a wide range of tasks. The Korean auto brand used CES 2024 to preview two of these concepts in the flesh, the PV5 and the PV1.   PV5, The Ultimate Vehicular Swiss Army Knife While we had to wait until we were on the show floor itself to see the PV1, Kia chose to use their conference to unveil the PV5. The PV5 and the PV1 …

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Dodge Teases Next Generation Charger, Confirms Daytona Moniker For Possible EV Variant

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When Dodge revealed that it was saying goodbye to the Charger and Challenger muscle cars, the performance brand promised that it still had a surprise or two up its sleeve. One of them was the all-electric SRT Daytona concept which wowed the crowds gathered at M1 raceway in Pontiac, Michigan. We had a bit of a wait since then, but Dodge has chosen to reveal (kinda) the next chapter of performance with several teaser images of the next-generation Charger.   Next-Generation Charger Pays Homage To The 1960s With the Challenger name still MIA for now, Dodge says these early images …

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Scout Set To Debut First Wave of EVs This Summer, Revives Iconic Nameplate In The Process

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It has been awhile since we heard from Volkswagen on its plans to revive the Scout nameplate. The German car giant has teased this plan on and off for a few years, but not much has emerged beyond statements and rumors. However, that’s going to change sooner than many folks have realized, with Volkswagen releasing a new teaser video that celebrates the storied tradition behind the Scout name.   Teaser Video Points To Key Scout Developments At first glance, the teaser video appears to be a greatest hits album for the Scout pickup with plenty of angles of the truck …

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A Year In Review – 2023 Best & Worst Drives, And What’s Next?

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As 2023 is slowly coming to a close, we wanted to circle back and share some of the things that happened throughout the year and provide a glimpse into what we have planned for the new year starting with the Best & Worst Drives of 2023 that our Metro Detroit branch office experienced this year.   Best: 2022 Maserati MC20 Coupe (V6) In our Best category is the 2022 Maserati MC20 supercar. The MC20 is the last great expression of ICE performance for the Italian luxury car maker before it fully embraces pure BEVs. While a tri-motor Folgore model will …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross XSE Hybrid – A Corolla For The SUV Set

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The Toyota Corolla has certainly had a very interesting history during its long time in production. We have seen it appear as a sedan and a hatchback over the years, but the one segment that it has never ventured into is the utility vehicle segment. That’s now changing with the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross which is preparing to help the nameplate venture into this new frontier. Is The Corolla Cross XSE Hybrid the perfect gateway into the CUV segment?   Corolla Cross Formula Is Time Tested At first glance, it’ll be hard to see how Toyota is reinventing the wheel …

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