Compact Cars

Drive Review – 2016 Honda CIVIC COUPE – By Ben Lewis

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    Is the new Civic a great little coupe, or the end of the automobile as we know it? A bit over-dramatic? Maybe not. We’ll get there. But first…   Honda recently introduced and all-new Civic Sedan that marked the 10th generation of feel-good affordable Honda sedans. And over the years, the Civic has had its ups and downs, but it’s always been pretty good and sometimes brilliant. The new one gets a very, very, very good rating from us. And like before, there’s a Coupe version on offer as well. In this case, we prefer the Coupe. To …

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2016 MINI Clubman 15

Drive Review – 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman S – By Ben Lewis

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  Pardon us while we get all Existentialist on you. But is Mini as a measure of size, or a state of mind?  That’s what’s got us scratching our heads with the latest Clubman S. This is actually the second generation of the Clubber, the first was a longer wheelbase version of the existing model, with a small suicide door on the passenger side to help passengers pile in and enjoy the extra room. It actually made a lot of sense, it gave a bit better ride, and introduced Mini drivers to the joys (accessibility) and horrors (visibility) of split …

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BMW Unveils Updated 2017 i3 with Giant New 33kWh Battery – By Carl Malek

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  When BMW first unveiled the i3, it brought several innovations to the electric vehicle segment, while also allowing the company to launch its green minded i brand. However, with the current trend towards bigger batteries, the tiny i3 found itself slowly falling behind rivals when it came to driving range. BMW has rectified this flaw with the unveiling of the updated 2017 i3. Known formally as the 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah) the second chapter of the i3 doesn’t focus so much on its long moniker, but rather on giving buyers more driving range than before. This is made …

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

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

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

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

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2017 smart BRABUS 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Road Test Review – 2016 Chrysler 200 Limited with Tim Esterdahl

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

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2016 Renault CLIO by WALDOW Performance 20

2016 Renault CLIO by WALDOW Performance – Smurfberry Blue Track Special

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

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

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

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

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2016 Scion iM Review by Ken Glassman 10

Road Test Review – 2016 Scion iM by Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Road Test Review – 2016 Scion iM By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman In 2003, Toyota created the Scion brand to appeal to younger buyers with small fuel efficient vehicles that were entry level, but without making the buyer feel like they were entry level. Also, Toyota was never known to push the styling envelope, so Scion was supposed to be the new brand that would put more hip styling on display without upsetting Toyota’s core customers. As it turns out, young buyers prefer the Toyota brand over the Scion brand.  Over the years, Scion had built some interesting vehicles, but they …

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2017 Subaru Impreza SPORT 22

2017 Subaru IMPREZA SPORT and 5-Door – Live NY Debut

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Some serious WRX coolness in the new Impreza Sport sedan and 5-Door! Here is the official release plus 20 live photos from New York. 2017 Subaru Impreza SPORT   SUBARU INTRODUCES ALL-NEW, U.S.-BUILT 2017 IMPREZA 23/03/16   Sedan and 5-Door Styles New Subaru Global Platform Significantly Enhances Safety, Ride Comfort and Agility Award-Winning EyeSight®, Plus New Driver Assist Technologies SUBARU STARLINK™ Safety and Security Features and AppsNew Subaru Design Language Debuts 2.0-liter Boxer Engine with Direct Injection and Higher PerformanceFirst Impreza to be Built in U.S. New Sport Version with 18-inch Wheels, Sport Suspension and Active Torque Vectoring NEW YORK –  …

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#NYIAS: 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF – Retractable Fastback Is New GT86 Rival

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RF does not stand for Really Fast.  But it could stand for Really Fun! In reality, it is the new badge for the MX-5 hardtop. This power retractable targa panel slides behind the new B-pillar uprights in back and atop the trunk. Scratch that: the entire roof actually folds under the rising uprights behind each seat.  These buttresses lift up and let the hardtop fold away.  This keeps a wind deflector in back with the top down, but does not appear to let the rear glass or roof move individually: only as a unit. It is not exactly as clean …

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First Drive Review – 2015 Mitsubishi MIRAGE ES

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When cheap doesn’t equal cheerful. Light and nimble city cars – what they lack in power they joyously make up for with quirky styling, low price tags, and interior accommodations. Enter Mitsubishi. Previously, the smallest car in Mitsubishi’s lineup was the mid-size Lancer, but in 2014 they rolled out a small car priced around $13,000. On paper, the 2015 Mirage seemed like it could it be a decent city car. Then you take a look at it and the mirage vanishes (pun intended). Without even giving away any stats about the Mirage, you look at it and straight away shake …

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2017 Abarth 124 Spider 10s

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

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

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2016 Abarth 124 Rally Prototype 5

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

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

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1985 Volvo 480ES – ‘Project Galaxy’ Showcar Turns 30 + Lessons In Retrospect

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Trust and affection go hand in hand. When you love a brand, you are willing to follow it to the ends of the Earth if need be. The BMW X5 proved this conclusively — with initial haters eventually loving the SUV’s Bimmer-ness, and its sales success worldwide still quite striking. Volvo proved its brand flexibility in a similar way with the XC90 — a game-changer of an SUV that saved the marque from a possible SAAB-like fate during the industry shakeout of ~2009. In fact, Volvo has long been remarkably flexible in moving beyond its core family sedan and wagon …

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2017 Volvo V40 and V40 Cross Country Facelift Revealed

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We’re huge cheerleaders of Volvo’s long-deserved reboot. The new XC90 and S90/V90 point strongly toward the 2020 goals of the firm for its entire range.  And they are off to a racing start!  Sales of the XC90 are through the roof — recording some of the only volume gains the firm has achieved in at least the last decade. The entire line will be fully switched from its current platforms over to the new all-hybrid architectures in the future, but some models will obviously benefit from this before others. The V40 is new enough that it is falling to the …

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2016 BMW M2 – Laguna Seca Photoset – Jaw like Popeye, Shoulders like BRUTO!

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18 photos have never packed such a punch! Look. At. This. Beast! Around Laguna Seca for the international press launch, this ridiculously fast and fun supercoupe dramatically ups the ante to Audi and AMG.  The closest you can get to this speed from outside Europe?  Definitely a pony-car killer, this M2! 2016 BMW M 2 – Laguna Seca     When BMW goes for performance glory, everyone else best stand back or be blown clear in jetwash. The new ~$130k M4 GTS reveal is being followed closely by a shadow that maintains nearly 99-percent of the big brothers’ track pace, …

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2016 SEAT Leon CUPRA 290 – GTI-Beating Coupe, Hatch and Wagon Gain New Sport Exhaust and Power Bump

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A new sport exhaust for the five-door and SC Cupras for 2016 opens up a shouty new bellow on throttle — and ramps up max power by about 10 ponies. The wagon appears to miss out on the new sport exhaust — but is bumped up to 290 all the same.  Vmax?  156MPH!  0-60?  5.7-seconds on its best day, and 6.2-ish like clockwork on other days.  Both are a half-second beyond what the fastest GTI can deliver. As before on the Cupra 280, this wagon/coupe/hatch family is the quickest front-drive production car to ever lap the Nurburgring.  Standard LED lighting all …

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2016 MINI JCW Hardtop - USA 22

2016 MINI JCW Hardtop – USA First Look – Sweet New LEDs, Wider Stance Mark Out New $31k Bulldog

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Updated 2.15.16 with first USA photos from Daytona Cool to see and hear the new MINI sports flagship at Daytona the other week.  It might have lagged the BMW M-livery M5 and M3s off the line for the IMSA Hot Lap Experience shown in the below video…. but it definitely looked like it was enjoying every second on that high-speed racetrack! The new look is most recognizable thanks to the new full-moon LED DRLs, LED fogs and smart bi-xenon projector beam main lamps in front. We even hate the tail less than before: in JCW guise, the too-large rear lamps shrink into …

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2016 Acura ILX Review 5

Road Test Review – 2016 Acura ILX Tech Plus – Hawkeye Drives!

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  2016 Acura ILX Tech Plus Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman Acura describes the ILX as a “Gateway” product that allows a customer to enter the world of Acura at a lower price point, in the hopes that more expensive move-up models will be in their future.  Perhaps that will prove true, but there is a lot of competition in the “Near Luxury” segment, loosely defined by sticker prices in the low to mid $30,000 range, and cars like the Buick Verano, or Audi A3 might be better choices, among others. The 2016 ILX is a mid-cycle updated vehicle, with …

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2016 nanoFlowcell QUANTiNO – AWD EV Aims Squarely at BMW i3 via Revolutionary Battery Tech

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NanoFlowcell is the stunning startup trying to make energy from ordinary salt water. A revolutionary new battery chemistry is at the heart of the firm’s products to date.  Cars like the super-exotic Quant F — a four-seater with gorgeous gullwing doors opening the entire bodyside. Looking like a stretched Porsche 918 Spyder, the main quant prototype is still a stunner. But what about production feasibility?  FOr that, the plan has evolved into this slick electric hatchback.  A premium model aimed right at the BMW i3, the QUANTiNO majors on realistic goals.  Four electric motors — one at each corner — …

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

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

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2016 MINI Clubman ALL4 Is New AWD, LWB Cooper S 66

2017 MINI Clubman ALL4 Is New AWD, LWB Cooper S

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MINI’s new Clubman is the most desirable model in the revamped lineup.  Why?  Not just because it is HUGE versus the others, but now for its added capability with its All4 AWD system. The core platform is shared with the MINI Cooper 4-Door, but dramatically wider and longer. How much wider and longer than the 4-Door Hardtop?  About a half foot stretch to the sides, and nearly a fool foot of extra length.  Most of that bounty heads right to the back seats and cargo areas — making the new Clubman All4 a serious rival to the Countryman. But lower …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Hyundai Veloster RALLY Turbo 6-Speed Manual

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Welcome to the hottest Hyundai Veloster ever! Huge news for the 2016 model brings an all-new handling tune and available twin-clutch automatic option for the R-Spec, Turbo and Veloster Rally like our test car. And the changes are SERIOUSLY good!  After a week of grins and hooning at full throttle, the Veloster Rally Edition even moves up an entire competitive class in our eyes.  From before battling the Ford Fiesta ST or Nissan Juke NISMO, and up to being a credible threat to the VW GTI, Ford Focus ST and even Subaru WRX. Seriously?  How!? The 2016 Veloster is not perfect …

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Concept Flashbacks – 2001 SEAT TANGO Trio – Cabrio, Roadster and Coupe Made Racy, Avante-Garde Superminis

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Here is the next evolution of the SEAT cabrio design concepts from around the turn of the century: the 2001 Tango twins. The Tango itself is a sexy expression of ultra-modern, flowing and intersecting surfaces. There is almost an abstract artistry to the hyper-curved elements of the Tango’s nose and hood. A nice aero strake is also a trademark part of the design theme shown here. The rounded hood and front arch then flows back and downward toward the rear axle. It is a nice look and one that translated directly to a generation of SEAT production cars very nicely. …

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Chevrolet Unveils 2017 Bolt EV at CES

Barra Delivers! 2017 Chevrolet BOLT EV – $30k Price and 200+ Mile Range Should Worry i3, Leaf and Prius PHEV

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Disbelief?  Awe?  Wonder? Trying to find the right description to pick my jaw up off my desk. The new Chevy Bolt EV is almost surreal at its CES reveal this week.  Just a year ago, the Bolt concept wowed Detroit with its big range promises, practical shape and interesting cabin tech.  Few people — this author included — ever expected a production car to be so close on the horizon. But here it is, folks!  The massive promises from General Motors about their future electric product plans were not just hot air! The 2017 Bolt EV promises a 200-mile-plus battery range …

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2017 Chevrolet CRUZE HATCH Reveals Unique 5-Door Design, Massive Trunk Ahead of Fall Arrival

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Here is a nice surprise reveal from Chevy: the upcoming Cruze Hatch. This new bodystyle builds on the massive improvements of the 2016 Cruze sedan with unique styling for the nose and tail, a giant cargo area of 18.5-cubic-feet with the seats up, and wagon-like utility with them folded down.  How big with the seats down? Nearly 50 cubes!  That is SUV-big. It is great to see Chevy offering this variant in the home US market.  Favorite details?  The bumper designs front and rear — with their swirl of painted surface forming claw-like accents to the black lower bumpers. The …

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OP_ED: Meet the $25B Microbus – 2016 Volkswagen Budd-E – EV Van Concept Begs Sympathy for Poor, Mistreated VW

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Here is the seventh Volkswagen concept trying to re-invent the microbus. The difference?  This microvan may actually be produced for limited sale in EV-heavy markets like the US west coast, Atlanta and Washington DC. Really? Not for profits, but as a knee-jerk reaction to being caught lying/cheating.  So yes, the Budd-E might make it to US showrooms in some decontented form. Perhaps as soon as 2019 for the 2020 model year.  But don’t bet on it. Typically, Volkswagen has claimed a reborn van was a non-starter because it was impossible to make its bluff original face with a front-engine layout.  (They …

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Concept Debrief – 2011 Volkswagen NILS – Govt-Funded EV Commuter Now Seems Like Unfathomably Bad Joke

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It is very, very challenging to read (and write) about VW’s eco mobility ideas in light of the company’s current emissions scandals. The “diesel issue” — as it is known in German — really puts all the last ten years of innovative, visionary concept cars in the shameful, punishment corner of the automotive universe. What about the “C02 issue”?  Oh, that has resolved itself.  Not a pattern of lies and systemic fraud.  Hooray! Super, super trustworthy company, obviously. Beyond that obligatory caveat… This NILS concept shows how seriously the VAG once took its mission to mass-produce zero-emissions automobiles. VW was actually …

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2016 Chevrolet Trax Midnight Edition is Coolest $500 Style Upgrade … Ever?

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Nobody will preach the virtues of a black pack like ThisGuy! A properly de-chromed and blacked-out look can make even the most awful Jetta SportWagen a little bit stylish… so clearly the potential to improve already-modern and stylish rides? HUGE! And the more popular a car is on the roads, the more appealing it is for some buyers to stand up and stand out from the crowd.  DIY black packs work wonders in photoshop — and real life — on GM models in particular.  We’ve shared many with you here… an ATS black pack coupe dream, CT6 Black Tie limo …

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2016 MINI 4-Door CARBON EDITION 1

2016 MINI 4-Door CARBON EDITION Features New JCW Pro Tuning, Dual-Mode Exhaust!

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Excellent new special MINI for the USA in 2016: the very fresh and flash Carbon Edition of the hardtop 4-door. The upgrades and special tweaks versus the Cooper S basis are visible and very audible!  A new JCW Pro Tuning Kit package bundles in special programming for the intake and a remote-operated sport exhaust. This valve-operated setup will make the Carbon a real screamer! Along with its GTI-large cabin and pace, the MINI 4-Door Carbon is definitely a viable WRX competitor — from 1000-yards!   2016 MINI 4-Door CARBON EDITION   Introducing the MINI Carbon Edition: The fastest, loudest, and …

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Concept Flashback – 1995 BMW Z21 Just 4/2

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Here is a very fun roadster concept from BMW Technik in 1995: the Just 4/2.  Also known as the Z21 internally, the rear-engine design was intended as a lightweight sports roadster in the mold of the Lotus/Caterham Seven — but designed to be safe and road-legal worldwide. The UK’s very forgiving road safety rules are all that allow their thriving mini track car industry — so BMW hoped to take the sheer joy of an open-cockpit, open-wheeled plaything to a global audience. Interesting details abound: the removable door panels keep their upper frame element in place for side crash protection …

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2016 LOTUS ELISE 220 and ELISE SPORT 13

4.2s 2016 Lotus ELISE 220 Is Quickest Ever! USA Arrivals in March; No Fatties T-Shirt Optional

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  Shocking speed from this new Elise 220 from Lotus!  Just 4.2-seconds to 60-mph for its estimated $60k US price makes it one of the most rapid machines for the money. And that is just in a straight line! Put some curves in the road course, and the Elise will walk away from most American metal — regardless of price or power ratings. The new Elise Sport is the base model below the 220, but is down about 80 ponies from the 217 of the top road-legal Elise in 2016.  Even so, the Elise Sport’s 6-second blast to 60-mph will …

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2016 Lotus EXIGE SPORT 350 27

3.7s, 170MPH 2016 Lotus EXIGE SPORT 350 is New Road-Legal Cup Racer

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A two-pack of exciting news from Lotus today: the new Exige Sport 350 drops nearly 100 pounds from the Exige S via an extensive lightweighting program.  Along with its 345-horsepower supercharged 3.5-liter V6, the new Exige Sport 350 is an absolute rocketship! Consider that the total weight of the Exige is barely 2500-pounds, and you can instantly know how fast the car is.  That weight is up just 200 versus the front-engine MX5 for 2016… a car with only 160-ponies in its most potent guise. Interestingly, the new Exige Sport 350 is now even more rapid as a paddle-shifted automatic: …

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2016 Citroen E-MEHARI Is Production-Bound EV Beach Car

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Think of the original 1950-1980s MEHARI Citroen like a French Volkswagen Thing. Mostly open bodywork in corrugated panels increase the monocoque strength dramatically, allowing both cars to haul much more than their car-shaped siblings. Some of the first continental pickup trucks, if you will. The 2016 model shares some of the silly and playful beach spirit of the original MEHARI, but with more focus on stressfree driving than do-it-all utility. The E-MEHARI is not a concept, and is headed for sale in France in Spring 2016. It is a full EV with (we believe) front-drive for its advanced lithium metal …

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2016 Toyota S-FR Racing Concept 9

2016 Toyota S-FR Racing Concept is Trackday Dream – Turbo Triple with 300HP?

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Holy cow, how incredibly fun and intense does this new S-FR Racing Concept look! With a cleanly integrated widybody, Supra-sexy sills and air dams, plus a huge wing in back atop a giant GT3 diffuser?! LOVE! Imagine this car with 300-horsepower. Suddenly its insane grip package and centerlock alloys start to make sense. This is all mainly concept-car bluster ahead of the Tokyo Auto Salon event in January of 2016, when this upgraded S-FR will meet the public. The latest rumor is that the S-FR may run a turbo triple versus the 1.5-liter MX-5 four-cylinder we speculated previously. We still …

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BAC MONO Sweeping Hong Kong! New Showroom Sells 8 Cars on First Day

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Alternative headline? MONO-nucleolus outbreak in Far East! =] Yea. Too alarmist. Moving on… BAC just opened their second Asian showroom in as many months — with Hong Kong a natural follow-up to the new Japanese dealer recently established. Demand is clearly strong globally for this one-seat supercar, but showrooms nearby is the best way to really ramp up volume. Sure, there might be one or two MONO’s in Hong Kong already, but the eight just sold would likely never have happened without buyer’s knowing where to service and maintain the cars.  The MONO is the perfect stepping-stone between sportscars in …

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Audi TTRS Clubsport by HPerformance.de

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  PART TWO: The Clubsport. HPerformance took its major engine-upgrade skills to make this TTRS Clubsport a 510-horsepower track missle. Upgrades outside are awesome – especially the spats up front! Audi TTRS Clubsport by HPerformance.de PREVIOUS Wow!  750 horsepower from a 2.5-liter five-cylinder!? Not easy to achieve — and something that took almost a total redesign of the TTRS engine from all sides.  New turbo, fuel system race tech, MTR tune, custom downpipe and exhaust system…. the list literally goes on and on. The results shout for themselves, however, rocketing this TT to 60-mph in an estimated ~3.3-seconds and on …

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Audi TTRS Black Hawk by HPerformance

3.3s, 750HP Audi TTRS Black Hawk by HPerformance.de

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Wow!  750 horsepower from a 2.5-liter five-cylinder!? Not easy to achieve — and something that took almost a total redesign of the TTRS engine from all sides.  New turbo, fuel system race tech, MTR tune, custom downpipe and exhaust system…. the list literally goes on and on. The results shout for themselves, however, rocketing this TT to 60-mph in an estimated ~3.3-seconds and on to a gear-limited ~178-mph? INtense! You have been warned.  If you see an HPerformance charge cooler graphic in your rearview mirror on the autobahn, get right.   Clear the way, slowpokes! The whole 750HP shebang is priced …

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4.0s 2015 KTM X-Bow R Limited Edition by WIMMER RST

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Just three of these very special KTM crossbowes will be made as a special performance model by German KTM distributor Wimmer Racing. Power is up by 80 ponies to 380 in total, dropping acceleration times comfortably into the 4’s via a new engine tine, carbon intake elements, and sports turbo upgrades. The X-Bow R wears a few of the tastiest KTM factory options, including a full aero underbody with extreme new diffusers and splitters. Plus the downforce package from a shockingly huge new wing in back.   2015 KTM X-Bow R Limited Edition by WIMMER RST KTM X-BOW R LIMITED …

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2016 OKUYAMA Kode9 Coupe (Production Model) 6

2016 OKUYAMA Kode9 Coupe – Production Debut, Tech Specs and Detailed New Photos

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We love these gorgeous exotics from ex-Pininfarina man Ken Okuyama. They were the darlings of the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show — even nabbing headlines from the big OEM displays thanks to their alien design, exotic measurements and production intent. Nearly finished the below article before we discovered the Lotus link under the skin of the Kode9 Spyder and Coupe. At the time it seemed like a writeoff of a few hours effort… only to have major bait/switch feelings. Since that distant original article went out (40 hours ago), however, we have a bit more perspective.  And more info to share …

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2016 Ken Okuyama Design KODE9 Spyder – Bespoke Japanese Exotic, or Triple-Price Knockoff?

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For all of Japan’s hard-earned prestige in the car-making business, there are few to no supercar startups emerging from this island nation full of automotive talent. Perhaps this speaks to the export-centric nature of the industry, or to the plethora or superb global hypercars among which to choose for your fast drives around Fuji speedway and others. And again still, perhaps the native driver mentality is simply conservative and hyper-urban. Being stuck in traffic in a $200k exotic is just as boring as being stuck in traffic in a Honda S660 ragtop, or perhaps an MX-5. Few would doubt Japan’s …

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2017 Hyundai ELANTRA Sedan Debuts Impressive Redesign, Giant Cabin and Fresh Tech

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The new Elantra is pretty impressive!  Competing for LA attention with the new Civic twins from Honda, the Cruze/Volt twins from Chevy and many others… the Elantra had its work cut out for it from day one. Luckily, the new model holds its own versus those rivals. A seriously generous helping of premium style, roominess and tech makes the Elantra quite a contender. The 2017 model is about an inch longer and wider, with a much sleeker aero rating — down to just 0.27 cD in the wind tunnel. This is achieved via a new full-frame grille, underbody aero shrouds, …

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2015 BMW Concept Compact Sedan Teases Upcoming 135i: $25k Base Price, Standard Turbo, RWD?

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  Here is a bit of a mystery concept from BMW: the 2015 Concept Compact Sedan. Debuting at the Guangzhou auto show in China this week, the Concept CS is not mysterious about its production intent. One look inside the cabin of even the renders shows that this car is nearly finalized already, and likely to be in some global Bimmer showrooms by the end of calendar 2016. From there, things line up with logical powertrains in 120i, 128i and 135i, mirroring the two-door 235i, etc. Pricing for the eventual 1 series is likely to start at about $25k, at …

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2016 Nissan Sentra Breaks Cover – New Face, Fresh Tech from $17k

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Well hello there, fresh Sentra! 2016 Nissan Sentra 2016 Nissan Sentra Press Kit: Overview 2016 Nissan Sentra Offers New Exterior Appearance, Refreshed Interior and Advanced Safety and Driving Technologies Nissan’s popular compact sedan continues to stand out with “class-above” style, premium design qualities and enhanced driving experience Exterior redesign brings Sentra closer in look and feel to the bold new 2016 Maxima and redesigned 2016 Altima – reflecting Nissan’s new design language Revised interior features new TFT-type (Thin Film Transfer) LCD flat panel display, available Siri Eyes Free™ Voice Recognition Available technology includes NissanConnectSM Services powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription …

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2017 INFINITI QX30 Official Debut – Stylish Crossover Hits Showrooms in June

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Official reveal today of the crossover Infiniti Q30 — the QX30! Infiniti has been teasing these twins via a series of concepts for what feels like years. The finish, production product shows why it took so long — with concept-like detailing, fabulous surface tension in the body shape, and a high-quality interior. Infiniti is product that the cabin of the QX30 shares virtually nothing touchable or visible with its Mercedes GLA platform-mate. In fact, the QX30 runs a bit more rugged and tough look inside overall than even its Q30 street sibling. Performance and power should match buyer needs in …

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2016 Honda CIVIC Coupe Reveal – Big Style, Power from First-Ever Turbo Engine Option

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First look today at the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe! Very impressive and sexy new form language, design elements and a gorgeous, coupe-exclusive tail make this the hottest 10th-gen Civic shown so far. Power is up across both LX and EX trims, with a fairly potent new 1.5-liter turbo four making 174 horsepower, an improvement of 31 ponies versus the equivalent engine last year. Joining the Civic sedan, the Coupe is the second reveal in a broad Civic assault over the next year. The first-ever US-market Civic 5-door is coming along soon, followed by Si versions of at least the Coupe …

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2016 Ford Focus RS

2016 Ford Focus RS Priced from $36k – Color Visualizer + 40 New Launch Photos

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Fresh batch of 40 gorgeous photos from the 2016 Focus RS media launch this week — with the flagship Focus model stunning all comers in its Nitrous Blue over standard charcoal 19-inch alloys. Pricing is from $35,700, with options like $2k alternate wheel styles, plus the RS2 package for about $3k even. Most will leave the showroom with a price within $100 of of $40k. And for good reason! This playful hyper-hatch packs stunning track speed and grip beyond most Mustangs. Just four colors for the exterior are offered on the RS, but they are all exclusive and never-before-seen on …

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Ford SEMA 2015 Cars Recap – Ice Nine Mustang GT350-EcoBoost Wins Hearts/Minds

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What’s your favorite among this dozen-plus group of Ford SEMA customs? After seeing the finished products, we’d say our favorite is the Ice Nine Mustang widebody. Running a 475-horsepower EcoBoost turbo and GT350 nose pieces, the race-ready fender extensions with exposed rivets are particularly sexy and on-trend for 2016. The Cobra Jet is looking faster and louder than ever in its new-body form, but its skinny front tires make it less of a road-legal dream car than others. PREVIOUS Ford is going even more bananas for SEMA this year than usual!  We have at least two dozen custom Fords headed …

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2016 Mazda CX-3 GT – HD First Drive Video + Photoshoot

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The CX-3 looks incredible in person and drives very nicely as well. The matching LED projectors, DRLs and foglamps are a particular highlight in this compact crossover segment. The cabin, while narrow and slightly tight in back, delivers an excellent drive position and effective Eco/Normal/Sport drive modes. We have major gripes with Mazda USA at the moment, so are holding off recommending the CX-3 beyond this video brief. 2016 Mazda CX-3 GT – HD First Drive Video 2016 Mazda CX-3 GT Review

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Group B Debrief – 1986 Ford RS200 – Road-Legal Rally Legend Up For Sale

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Imagine if suddenly all the power-cap rules for a major racing series were abolished overnight. A mad rush of skunkworks projects would be fast-tracked, with racecars zinging out their red-hot turbochargers through the World Rally Championship stages just 18-months later. Porsche, Ferrari, Lancia, Ford, and Audi all dove into the Group B program with both feet. The results on track were mixed for many of these cars: the lack of power cap rules meant that intagibles like chassis control, visibility and reliability were paramount for winning rallies in the short Group B time on the global stage. The excitement of …

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2016 Hyundai Tucson – Animated Colors Visualizer – All 8 Shades From Every Angle

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A brief spin in the loaded Tucson Limited with its all-new turbo and dual-clutch automatic instantly confirms this will be one of the hottest-selling crossovers of 2016. It drives exceptionally well, looks premium and fairly European in its design outside and in, and is priced from just $23k at its cheapest trim. We’ve created an animated colors visualizer to give you a sense of the eight shades available on the 2016 Tucson, plus pricing and photos from the first drive video published yesterday. Style-wise, there are major incentives to move up from the base SE spec: it is the only …

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First Drive Review – 2016 Honda HR-V – Looks Cool, Drives Poorly with Zero Power

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    Really wanted to love the new HR-V as an emblem of new Honda mojo. But after a brief drive, the HR-V is a huge letdown and not in the top five cars in the compact-crossover segment. How to go from excitement to extreme aversion in just an hour on the road? The HR-V is perhaps not as bad as it seems when I end this drive video with “Hate It.” But Honda desperately needs to ace at least four big criteria for its next-gen models, this HR-V and new Civic included: — Design — Drive — Cabin tech …

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Ford SEMA 2015 Custom CARS Preview – Rally Focii, Street Fiestas and 900HP EcoBoost Mustang!?

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  Ford is going even more bananas for SEMA this year than usual!  We have at least two dozen custom Fords headed to the Vegas aftermarket equipment show — and that is just what we know so far. Last year included more than a few surprises closer to the event. Among the eight custom Mustangs headed to the Ford SEMA stand, the BISIMOTO turbo might be the most tempting and body performance upgrade. The EcoBoost in question, by the way, is not the V6TT — but the Mustang EcoBoost’s stock 2.3-liter twin-scroll turbo! A full carbon-fiber exterior looks sweet and …

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2015 YAMAHA Sports Ride Concept – Deep Dive of Gordon Murray Links, Production Intent

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More info and a huge batch of photos to share of the very-exciting Yamaha Sports Ride concept from Tokyo!  But, frustratingly, no actual engine specs or performance to share. What we know know is definitely enough to wet the lips: a 1500-pound, mid-engine sports coupe embracing motorbike fun as well as mass-production pricing. Sounds promising, yes?  Of course! Likely to be powered by a high-strung four-cylinder engine to back wheels via a paddle-shift automatic transmission, the Sports Ride concept is not just a flight of fancy from Yamaha. Yamaha’s precision engineering skills are well-known globally, with a built-in distribution network …

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2015 Subaru Impreza 5-Door Concept, WRX S207 NBR Challenge Join Packed Tokyo Showstand

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Subaru is really growing in leaps and bounds! No better evidence than a frankly packed Tokyo stand from the once-humble maker of AWD mountain cars. Joining the all-new VIZIV Future Concept on the stands is the also-new Impreza 5-Door Concept. While the new WRX still feels very fresh, it is always good to take a sneak peek at the next-gen design vision for the product. Since the WRX and Impreza lineups were formally divorced in this generation in the US, the XV Crosstrek has taken on a bit of an entry-level role in the Subaru range. But this is traditionally …

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Tokyo Auto Show 2015 – Mega Gallery in 230 New Photos

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Some sweet strange at the 2015 Tokyo Auto Show! Fave reveals include the NC2020 in red, plus the Yamaha Sports Ride concept — which is a mini Pagani for all intents and purposes. Of course, the Mazda RX-Vision is also a fantastic indication of future turbo rotaries returning to the Japanese supercar battle of 2018.  Picture it: GT-R vs Supra FT-1 vs NSX vs RX-7 Turbo! On the other side of the power spectrum, the Honda S660 and Daihatsu Copen have potential fresh competition beyond the Yamaha above in a mini Toyota sportscar: the S-FR Concept.  Or the mysterious Kode-9 …

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2016 Ford Focus ST Kona Blue ST1 Flyaround in 120 Pics + HD Video

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    Really had a ball flogging the Focus ST on track the other week. GoPro video came back as a photo-set by accident, so left with *just* these gorgeous 120 photos of the new slugger. Kona Blue is the color, with minimal options and an as-tested price very close to the $25k base. Versus the $36k of the RS, the ST really earned its keep out there in the twisties. Strong brakes, awesome front diff grip that felt totally understeer-proof, plus a snorty throttle intake and shouty new exhaust. The stick is as feelsome and snicky as ever — …

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Chevrolet Reveals 2015 SEMA Fleet: 6-Pack of RED LINE Concepts

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Pretty awesome little pack of Chevys heading to SEMA! The concept theme this year is Red Line — which is a light aesthetic upgrade for a variety of models using factory accessories and DIY-style customizations. Dark trims, LED-lit emblems, huge alloys and blacked-out details are a recurring element on the Malibu, Sonic RS, Camaro Red Line, Silverado, Colorado and the Trax! Enjoy this exclusive preview with 100 or so images of the yet-to-be-seen Red Line Series for SEMA 2015.   Chevrolet 2015 SEMA RED LINE Concepts Chevrolet Red Line Concepts Showcase Latest Accessories Themed collection highlights production, concept components   …

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2015 Nissan TEATRO for DAYZ Concept is Next-Gen Stoner Streamer

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Some trends have a strong basis in real-life, timeless buyer preferences. Boot-cut jeans fit a huge range of bodytypes in a flattering way. Ugg boots are actually ridiculously comfy and easy to wear all day. Workout clothes are comfiest when you are not working out. Same goes for urban yoofs of the world. Young-person culture adores the idea of a boxy social pod on wheels — as the Scion xD/xB and Nissan Cube took global. The hotness of the box shape never really went out of style in Japan. But is definitely in need of a connected-services and design-ethos refresh. …

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2016 Honda CIVIC Sedan – Full Tech Specs, 160 Photos and Upgraded Features Detail

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The 2016 Honda Civic sedan is absolutely miraculous. We had no idea Honda would go do-or-die on this model redesign, but are thrilled with the results! The new Civic is the biggest compact in its class now by interior room, is more than two inches longer and wider than before, yet chops nearly an inch off the roofline. Available full-LED headlights complement the standard LED brakelights on the sci-fi tail, while the nose sports new LED DRLs for most trims this year. The design is hard to fully comprehend — or was before we had this mega photo set of …

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FUTURE-SPEC – Mazda MX-5 and CX-3 Platforms Reborn as Scion S-FR and Scion iD

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A few months ago, Toyota and Mazda announced a major partnership in vehicle development and production. The Mazda2’s conversion into the US-exclusive four-door Scion iA is a huge hit, and the two Japanese rivals seemed eager to deepen the bond. There may have been an equity swap to even seal their newly-strong link. But details on the ground were — and are — very secret. What are they working on together? PART ONE:  The S-FR As the months pass, we have a much clearer idea: specific Toyota variants of Mazda platforms. The S-FR sports coupe for the Tokyo auto show …

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2016 BMW M2 Is Official! Speed and Stance Make M4 GTS Look Silly

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Vaya vaya!  [Get Out!!] When BMW goes for performance glory, everyone else best stand back or be blown clear in jetwash. The new ~$130k M4 GTS reveal is being followed closely by a shadow that maintains nearly 99-percent of the big brothers’ track pace, but with a far more agile turn-in and — critically — a more affordable price. Will the estimated $55k total be too much for such a pocket rocket? We’d say NO!!! Take a look at those all-new fenders front and rear. Wide enough to slip into a DTM race, and hiding wheels with giant contact patches …

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2016 Mitsubishi LANCER GT Leads Fresh Range: AWD and New Transmissions from $18k

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  The Mitsubishi Lancer is fresh for 2016! Mitsu just revealed the facelift, pricing and new features ahead of showroom arrivals in the next few weeks. Big changes to the look of the nose, fresh LEDs and wheels around back, plus a sporty Evo-lite look for the loaded Lancer GT models. Evo-ish is a good look for the new Lancer GT — especially as the Evo proper will not be joining the 2016 lineup. This facelift will likely hold for two years or so, when an all-new Evo and Lancer will arrive for the 2018 or 2019 model-year. Part-hybrid drive …

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

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

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

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

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MINI Goes HUGE! Just-Revealed 2016 CLUBMAN is Foot Longer, Much Wider than MINI 4-Door Hardtop

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The MINI range is in the midst of a full rebirth. New tech, swanky and posh cabin materials, plus fresh looks outside. The big plus is that the driving playfulness of the standard hatch applies to any body style, or even SUV. But the downside is that they all look pretty similar. Don’t let this reveal miss your radar, though, because the new Clubman might be the ideal and long-sought-after fast wagon variant of your dreams! First off, the dimensions. The Clubman is 10.6 inches longer than the new 4-Door Hardtop (aka the 5-Door in UK). The Clubman is also …

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2015 Peugeot FRACTAL Concept – EVCC Explores 3D-Printed Materials

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Updated with Official Details and Photos 9.17.15 Here is a gorgeous bit of unsanctioned, uncaptioned news!  All 25 photos of Peugeot’s upcoming Frankfurt concept car are live a bit early this morning. And they show some sweet, sexy new angles for next-gen Pugs! The Fractal concept is the first near-production application of the blocky, angular and geometric new design ethos seen on the Exalt concept, 2008 DKR racer and a few other concepts recently, including the Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo hypercar. An ultra-wide but very low and lean design, the shape is unlike anything else on the market — and …

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2016 Honda CIVIC Sedan – 70-Image Reveal of Lux New Look + 1.5L Turbo

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Honda’s live YouTube concert and Civic reveal is streaming the world debut of the all-new sedan tonight — with shockingly advanced design, tech and cabin luxury upgrades. The all-new look is quite distinctive and very sexy, particularly versus the current Civic. An all-new platform brings a lower hoodline, a more rear-mounted windshield, plus flying C-pillars out back that plunge into the trunk nicely. Out back, an aero-optimized octagon forms the main trunk and bumper shape, wearing striking LED light pipes around the top edges. Those lights are a great complement to the LED headlights, turn signals and DRLs in the …

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HONDA PROJECT 2&4 POWERED BY RC213V AT FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW 2015

Best of Frankfurt 2015 – Honda Project 2&4 Concept – Floating Seats Promise Surreal Track Pleasure

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Updated 9.16.15 With 35 New Photos Check out the Honda Project 2&4 up close and in detail!  This is one of the most outrageous concepts from Honda in years. Not just Honda, any manufacturer, really. And this is not just some track car, either, as we surmised below. By engineering the 2&4 with outboard seating, the drive experience should also blend the joy of two-wheeling. But with the cornering pace of a four-wheeled vehicle. Not having any panels, doors or bodywork anywhere to your left shoulder, hip or pedals will be a revolution on the road. Far more exposed than …

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2015 Toyota C-HR Concept Updated as 4-Door, Production Model En Route for 2017

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Toyota’s baby SUV is almost ready for primetime! The second variant on the C-HR theme since Geneva in March of 2015, this new version is a rich metallic silver with production-intent proportions. Versus the original purple C-HR, this latest concept adds a pair of rear doors versus being a soft-road coupe. Mind you, the doors are well-hidden behind an interesting upward bulge of metal in the side surfaces. Other big tweaks to the shape of the body take the C-HR design from completely one-off to production-ready. We saw a similar evolution of the Lexus NX via various concepts, eventually leading …

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2016 INFINITI Q30 Makes Global Debut Ahead of January Arrival to USA Showrooms

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This is a big year for Infiniti. A bevy of new products hope to invigorate the range in its core US market, but also establish a foothold in the premium compact markets of Europe and China. To that end, the new Q30 is a big next chapter for the firm. It joins the new 2.0-liter turbo engine option on the 2016 Q50 and a production-spec Q60 (coupe) coming in January. The Q30 comes in two flavors stateside: the base, Premium and Sport. The Q30S wears a unique nose clip with beautiful swirls around its lower grille/jawline. Special wheels, boxed twin …

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

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

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2016 Nissan LEAF Scores Big EV Range Bump With New Li-ion Battery and Touchscreens

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  The Nissan Leaf is a cult hit. Like Tesla zealots or early Prius adopters, LEAF-ers absolutely love the machine. Up and down the west coast, Atlanta and DC — the Leaf is as common a sight as an Altima. These cities and regions have pushed hard to roll out charging infrastructure in their city centers and beyond, with helpful tax incentives to buyers also part of the mix. But since the Leaf went on sale in 2010, there has not been a huge incentive for these loyal ‘silent mafia’ of EV drivers to upgrade to the new Leaf. A …

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2.8s, 450HP 2016 Lotus 3-Eleven Nearing 7-min Nurburgring Laptime + Evora 400R Now Shipping!

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Lotus just completed a 1200-mile testing session at the Nurburgring Nordeschleife, and the stopwatch is promising some fantastic pace! As the lightest and most-powerful Lotus ever made, this new 3-Eleven has high hopes for the brand at toppling the Radicals, BAC Mono, various Caterhams and numerous other track specials. After all, a lightweight track machine is Lotus’s core identity!  Who are these upstarts carving global sales from Hethel!? Even taking the 3-Eleven to the Nurburgring is huge news: most Lotus handling and performance R&D is handled on the firm’s headquarters test tracks. Jaguar and Aston share that track too at …

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2016 Volkswagen GTI Clubsport Anniversary Edition Packs New Aero Kit + 290HP Overboost

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  VW just revealed one of its Frankfurt specials: the new GTI Clubsport Anniversary. This hot model bumps up the output from the previous Euro-only Clubsport by 35 horsepower. The baseline power is 265 ponies through a six-speed manual and or optional DSG. Sprint pace is down to 6.0-seconds for the stick, or 5.9 for the DSG. A massive jump in overall power comes via overboost tech in the engine programming. For around 15 seconds, the Clubsport Anniversary can deliver 290 horsepower — enough for a massive jump in acceleration forces. Outside, the Clubsport Anniversary wears a fresh set of …

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2016 Toyota PRIUS Intros Future-Tech Design, Sharper Handling and 10% Efficiency Bump

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New new Prius made a splashy debut last night in Las Vegas — marking a new phase in hybrid-electric cars right in a desert city that neon and AC made possible. Is this fun-loving mission a disconnect for the ultra-responsible Prius? Not at all: the new Prius adds efficiency and new tech to the classic Prius merits, but injects a healthy share of fun and style for the first time in 2016. What does this mean? Let’s break it down into three buckets: tech, fun and style. TECH The basics are that the new Prius is 2.4-inches longer, 0.6-inches wider …

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2015 Honda Project 2&4 Concept – World Premiere of 14000-RPM Baby NSX

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  Much as the world (and especially Japanese K-car buyers) love the S660 roadster, the sports potential of that mid-engine roadster is limited. Limited by power caps, safety rules and exhange rates — the S660 is not a global halo car, and definitely not a mini-NSX. What about the latest in Honda engine tech, paired with an open-wheeled racing design fresh from 2025? Now that would be something! Running the ultra-potent RC213V MotoGP bike engine, the Project 2&4 is ultra light and ultra simple. Ultra fresh sci-fi looks are just part of its charm, however. The real thrills will come …

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

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

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2015 Citroen Cactus M Concept – Jolly Surf Special Runs Inflatable AirFrame Soft-Top

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  French makes, and Citroen in particular, have a strange and unjustified fascination with surf cars. Think of these as part Fiat Jolli with its wicker seats, and part Jeep Wrangler. But with Euro6 emissions and zero practicality. We saw this in the Pluriel and numerous Cacti concepts over the years. The new Cactus M is a far more practical fantasy, if that is possible. Real doors and even a roof! The convertible crossover has fixed A and D-pillars in a sexy woodgrain wrap. The contrast between these organic pillars and the bright Hawaiian blue of the body is certainly …

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2015 Peugeot FRACTAL Concept – Modular Cabrio Previews 2017 209 and RC-Z Replacement

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Here is a gorgeous bit of unsanctioned, uncaptioned news!  All 25 photos of Peugeot’s upcoming Frankfurt concept car are live a bit early this morning. And they show some sweet, sexy new angles for next-gen Pugs! The Fractal concept is the first near-production application of the blocky, angular and geometric new design ethos seen on the Exalt concept, 2008 DKR racer and a few other concepts recently, including the Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo hypercar. An ultra-wide but very low and lean design, the shape is unlike anything else on the market — and is beautifully executed to help the lion …

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2015 BMW M235i Convertible by DÄHLER Design & Technik 3

390HP, 4.0s 2015 BMW M235i Convertible by DÄHLER Design & Technik

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The Swiss have a wild reputation for custom cars — one that is totally at odds with the national psyche of quiet, law-abiding mountain folk. When the need for a custom-tuned machine from BMW or Weismann is in your sights, Daehler is a smart choice for holistic upgrades to power, stance, grip and overall performance. The M235i Convertible is a fantastic upgrade to the massively fun and massively fast M235i Convertible. But this time with an extra 90 or so horsepower, a thrumming sports exhaust, and exterior design tweaks to turn up the car’s aggression beyond M Sport. With all …

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smart fortwo cabrio 2015

2017 Smart ForTwo Cabrio Revealed Ahead of US Arrival In Summer 2016

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The 2017 Smart Cabrio is official ahead of its public debut in Frankfurt next month, with the first confirmed timeframe for its US arrival. The overall rollout has been extremely slow so far, but US Smart showrooms are finally close to clearing their inventory of the existing — and deeply unpopular — model. Why bother bringing Smart back at all ?  And why start with this cabrio? Smart is coming back mainly thanks to a new four-door variant of the rear-engine city car. The larger model is expected to eventually compete with the Fiat 500 and base MINI Coopers, in …

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2016 Mazda MX-5 Spec Secret + Prices, Colors and Options Guide

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The new MX-5 is in your area!  The launch is in full swing – so a perfect time to explore the trims, prices, colors and options! The configurator is almost a two-click affair. Just a few key choices to make it yours from $25k: transmission, trim and cabin color. (All these prices include the $820 delivery charge, by the way.) Sport kicks things off, followed by Club, and up to the top-line GT. With an automatic and every option checked, the new MX-5 GT is almost $33,000 exactly. A Club with the Brembo/BBS pack is within a few hundred bucks, …

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Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG in Satin Red Chrome Wrap by FOLIEN EXPERTE 6

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG in Satin Red Chrome Wrap by FOLIEN EXPERTE

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  WOOOWWW! This is one of the best-looking wraps we have seen in years. What started as a semi-DIY matte black wrapping trend has evolved rapidly in the last decade. The latest wraps use super sophisticated, multi-later materials to create a satin, shimmery effect that is virtually impossible to do with paint. For the rich, lustrous red to pop so well on the A45 AMG is testament to the new materails scientists at 3M, but also to the skilled industry wrapping has spawned. Where the original wraps were tough to apply with flawless, OEM-level production values — the technique could …

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HD Road Test Review – 2015 Nissan JUKE Nismo RS Manual

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Imagine a core group of Nissan GT-R engineers, drivers and designers set loose on the Nissan Juke NISMO. Task? Take the quickest and most performance-focused crossover, and make it truly track-tight in every way. That is how the Juke Nismo RS came into this world — with astounding results. The speed, style and drive experience of the Nismo RS is absolutely incredible versus its $28k competitors — and even versus pricier cars like the AMG GLA45, WRX or Mustang EcoBoost. The Juke Nismo RS is incredibly focused from first sitting in its racing Recaro hard-back bucket seats. A pair of …

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2016 Ford Focus RS

2016 Ford Focus RS Pricing Leaked – Here’s What You Need To Know

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    2016 Ford Focus RS Pricing — Here’s What You Need to Know The Internet is a great place for car lovers. Not only do we get seemingly up-to-the-minute, behind-the-scenes updates about cars that are coming down the pipeline — it seems like we get leaked prices, too. It took Ford long enough to reveal the specs of the upcoming 2016 Focus RS. As such, it seemed like it was going to take forever for the American carmaker to unveil the new model’s pricing. But thanks to a digital mishap, the pricing for the new car leaked online late …

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Jaguar_XE_Polaris_V6S_070_(108559) copy

2016 JAGUAR XE USA Launch Details: XE35t Making 340HP or XE20d Ingenium Diesel

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  The XE is looking very sharp in the latest photos from Spain. But when is it coming to America, and which will we get? Jaguar USA has the details for us down toward the bottom of this massive configurator demo post…. But here is the skinny: US launch cars will arrive in Spring 2016 as the XE 20d or the XE 35t with the 340HP V6 from the F-Type. The other engine is set to be a diesel! Fantastic news. We we’re sure if JLR would bring it over in a Jag as well as the new Land Rovers …

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2016 Lotus Exige 360 Cup 10

2016 Lotus EXIGE 360 Cup Packs Upgraded Race Tech, Sport Exhaust and Lightweight Louvered Hoods

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Louvered hoods! And not the stick-on kind, either. We are using that hoods term as broadly as possible… for the new matte-black front end, roof, and rear engine cover might all be technically called hoods. These aluminum upgrades help the new Exige 360 Cup stand proud among even its V6 Cup siblings… despite the 360 packing just an extra 10 ponies over the standard Exige V6 Cup. Those extra horses are present thanks to a shouty new sports exhaust with a freer flow than before. The bellow is getting more soulful every iteration for Lotus and their crate motor from …

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2016 Scion iM 105

HD Road Test Review – 2016 Scion iM Is Sporty and Uber-Practical New Focus-Fighter

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The all-new 2016 Scion iM is part of a big new-product push from Scion: the iM hatchback and much smaller iA sedan replace the boxy xD and xB. Why so normal and conventional from Toyota’s youth brand this year? Following buyer trends, of course!  Extensive research on how to resonate with today’s 35-and-under car shoppers shows a big shift in preferences. Perhaps feeling the crunch of a slower global economy on their hipster jeans, first-time new car buyers want a car with more evergreen appeal than the once-trendy Scion box cars. The iM hopes to ace the 2016 buyer mood …

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2016 Scion iA Review – Best Compact Sedan… Ever? 55 Pics + HD Drive Video

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Quick: what are the biggest issues with compact cars? — They are typically a total snooze outside — And alarmingly depressing to drive Is that just an unbreakable curse, or can Scion engineer and design its way to greatness on its first attempt? INTRO Scion has a double threat of new compacts for 2016: the all-new iA sedan and iM hatchback take over for the discontinued iQ, xD and xB. After years of wild niche models, Scion is refocusing its mission to speak to 2015 buyer wants and needs via far more traditional body styles. The iM is a tC-based …

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1971 Abarth Scorpione Prototipo 5

1971 ABARTH Scorpione Prototipo is Rear-Engine Rallycar for RM London 2015

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    Abarth built a series of fascinating race concepts between the 1950s and the mid 1970s, usually somehow based on a Fiat 500 but often completely redesigned. This Scorpione Prototipo was a very contemporary take on a quasi-factory rally car. The glasshouse and overall proportions of the vehicle are far more advanced than any Cinquecento, with a complete repackaging into a two-seat GT car with its engine in the trunk. Theoretical competition in racing would come from cars like the Alpine A110 or the Lancia Fulvia. The Abarth 1300 badge in back next to the circular punch-drilled ventwork is …

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New ŠKODA Octavia Scout

Top 5 UK Family Cars of All Time! Sam Dickson and Tilsun Group Rank Their Faves

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Guest Post By Sam Dickson   Top 5 Family Cars When it comes to buying a family car, there are certain factors that need to be considered: Will it be big enough? What are the safety features? Will the car be suitable for my children when they reach their teenage years? With questions like this and much more, it’s hugely important to do some thorough research to ensure you choose the perfect car for you and your family. As a vastly competitive market in the car world, you’ll come across a large range of family cars that showcase features designed …

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2015 Jeep RENEGADE Trailhawk Review 87

HD Road Test Review – 2016 Jeep RENEGADE Trailhawk Is Fun, Stylish and Smart!?

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    INTRO – 2016 Jeep RENEGADE Trailhawk Review HD Off-Road Drive Video 1 Nearly everyone has a great Jeep Wrangler memory from their youth. You were thin and gorgeous, laughing and loving the top-down lifestyle. Hanging a foot out the doorframe on a sunny afternoon. Tunes were playing, and exploring the world around you took on new meaning. Or you were discovering the huge straight-six torque that defined the truck for decades. Or just pining from the sidewalk at your sexy crush driving away. That collective memory is a core element of the brand’s appeal — and always has …

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1971 Mazda COSMO Sport 18

1971 Mazda COSMO Sport – 130HP/Liter Flyweight Laid Roots for MX-5 and Wankel RX-7

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As you might know, we get really excited to find any Japanese car in the high-dollar auction world. The Monterey sale is the Super Bowl for car collectors. Tens of thousands of wealthy individuals descend on Pebble Beach and Carmel for a week-long extravaganza of past, present and future exotics. This makes the atmosphere fairly competitive even outside the fast-talking auctions. Polish up your current ride and eyeball what might become your next? A few Datsun roadsters, Skyline’s and Toyota 2000GT’s are the only regular attendees of the oceanfront Cali spectacular — but are joined this year by an exceptionally …

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