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

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

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

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

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

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

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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2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus review by Ben Lewis

The times, they are a changin’ – especially for muscle car enthusiasts. We’ve been seeing lately a lot of “Final Editions” of V8 muscle cars, as the market is turning to turbo 4 and 6 cylinders, as well as hybrid and EV vehicles. That’s the bad news…the V8 seems to be on its last legs. The good news – carmakers on Dodge aren’t giving up on performance, they’re just taking it in new directions. One that’s especially interesting is the new Dodge Hornet R/T. It’s got a whole lot of cool stuff going on, from a plug-in hybrid turbo 4 …

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

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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McLaren Unveils Renamed 2025 GTS, More Luxury and Performance Are On The Menu In This Refresh

The McLaren GT certainly caught our attention when we had the chance to sample one for 24 hours awhile back. This brief encounter allowed us to see the higher amounts of luxury and technology that McLaren infused into the car. However, progress and evolution are key motivators in the Grand Touring segment and McLaren has unveiled the updated 2025 McLaren GTS which adds more luxury performance and a new name for customers to remember too.   New Name Spearheads Light GTS Exterior Updates McLaren has always been known for not straying too far from a proven formula and that’s on …

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2024 Aston Martin Valhalla Creeps Closer To Production, Will Debut Next Year

It has been a long journey for the Aston Martin Valhalla with the company first unveiling it back in 2019 as the AM-RB 003. Alot has changed since that time with a pandemic and Aston’s very survival during that time taking center stage. However, the company has kept pushing forward with the Valhalla and the company has released new details about the car while also confirming that it will be entering production next year.   Valhalla Sharpens Its Performance Sword With V8 Power The Valhalla is the latest in Aston’s growing lineup of exotic supercars but while it’s easy to …

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Road Test Review – 2023 BMW M3 50 Jahre Edition – M3’s Golden Anniversary Homage Still Has Sizzle & Bite

In the 50 years that BMW’s M brand has terrorized race tracks around the world, the performance-focused sub-brand has undergone a number of key transformations as it attempted to maximize the performance that BMW products were capable of. It can be easy to forget that this gold standard of the performance-driving world once started out as a small in-house race shop. BMW has prepared a surprise to help celebrate the occasion, the 2023 BMW M3 50 Jahre Edition which helps celebrate the M3’s history, but are new styling touches enough to help this beast stand out in a crowd?   …

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Road Test Review – 2023 MINI Clubman Untold Edition – Latest Special Edition MINI Crafts Its Own Story

When it comes to outlandish special edition offerings, few can top the creative minds over at BMW’s MINI brand. MINI has always been known for offering customers a strong roster of models that not only embrace their quirky British heritage but also offer an impressive array of options and features designed to help buyers personalize their MINI to suit their distinctive tastes. One of these is the 2023 MINI Clubman Untold Edition which not only celebrates the end of production for the Clubman model but also promises to show buyers the untold side of the model. But is the Untold …

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First Look – Lotus Emeya & Lotus Eletre – New Lotus Models Aim To Catapult Firm To EV Age, Will They Succeed?

Lotus is preparing to make big moves in the EV vehicle segment. While the company cemented its history as an automaker that made lightweight vehicles that emphasized weight-cutting and exceptional handling, Lotus has also been on a proverbial rollercoaster in recent years with COVID-related challenges and a 2017 stock purchase by Chinese firm Geely being some of the twists and turns that have faced Lotus owners the past few decades. That said, Lotus is preparing to embark on a bold strategy and will focus all of its efforts on building a lineup of EV-only offerings with the Lotus Emira being …

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

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

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Aston Martin Valhalla’s F1 Derived Technology Pushes It Closer To Production, Will Appear In 2024

Aston Martin has recently been on a roll regarding products, with the British sports car maker launching the DB12 and the wild and extremely rare Valour sports car. However, the Valhalla supercar is one model we have not heard much about in a long time. Getting its name from the Norse word for heaven, the development of the supercar has been far from a heavenly experience for Aston. The car was first announced in 2019, with the company claiming that it would get a hybrid V6. However, COVID-19 forced the company to focus on more pressing matters before announcing in …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line Premium – The Final Curtain For VW’s Four-Door Coupe

Volkswagen may be shifting towards an all-electrified future that will have a heavy reliance on SUV and other utility vehicles, but that doesn’t mean the company is ready to leave other vehicle segments just yet. One notable example is the four-door coupe segment, where the 2024 Volkswagen Arteon continues its unassuming role as VW’s lone entry. While Arteon sales numbers have taken a pounding from encroaching CUV entries, Volkswagen has made some minor updates to the Arteon in an attempt to help it stay fresh before it enters retirement. But is this the proper send off Arteon fans have been …

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2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i Review by Ben Lewis

“Entry Level” is a term that gets a bad rap sometimes. But it can also be a good thing, especially when you’re talking about a premium automotive brand. Case in point is the BMW X1, the company’s entry-level small crossover. It’s the perfect opportunity to function as a gateway drug to the more expensive and exotic Bavarian models. And now, we have an all-new 3rd-generation X1 for 2023. But how does it stand up on its own? Let’s find out! Cool but not Polarizing Design With the bold, but maybe too bold direction of many BMW products lately, we were …

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Rolls Royce Debuts Amethyst Droptail, Features Aerodynamically Crafted Wood Accents

We were intrigued with the Rolls Royce Droptail when the original La Rose Noire model first appeared. Just as we were about to sink our teeth into that model, Rolls Royce unveiled another Droptail, the Amethyst model, which adds its own share of bespoke touches to the elegant convertible.   Amethyst One Of Four Special Creations Rolls Royce claims that the Amethyst is one of four special custom models the company created for an unnamed but probably wealthy client. While the La Rose embraced vivid red hues, the Amethyst goes for a subtler shade of duotone color with the main …

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2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante Glides Into Monterey, Brings Droptop Fun To DB12 Lineup

The Aston Martin DB12 coupe was a welcome evolution over the aging DB11, with the model getting a massive suite of upgrades designed to enhance the Grand Touring (GT) experience. But what if you’re a sun worshipper wanting some droptop fun to accompany your GT ownership experience? Aston Martin has filled the missing piece to this puzzle with the all-new 2024 DB12 Volante.   DB12 Volante Shares Coupe Underpinnings, But Has Distinct Personality At first glance, the DB12 Volante and the DB12 coupe appear largely similar, with the exterior styling being largely carried over (save for the folding roof) and …

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Road Test Review -2023 Volkswagen Jetta Sport – Affordable Performance In A German Package

The Volkswagen Jetta is often considered to be the outsider looking in. With the GTI and Golf R lineup commanding the bulk of the attention from a shrinking pool of buyers, Volkswagen knows it has to think outside the box when it comes to occasionally when it comes to keeping things fresh for the Jetta. One of these efforts is the 2023 Jetta Sport which aims to inject value-focused performance into the lineup. But is that enough to help reel buyers who would otherwise gravitate toward crossovers?   Jetta Sport Styling Walks Proverbial Tightrope The Jetta Sport is one rung …

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Volkswagen Celebrates 40th Year Of GLI Production With Limited Production 40th-Anniversary Edition

With all of the headlines that the Volkswagen GTI gets, it can be easy to forget that there is another turbocharged Volkswagen badged budget performance model, the Jetta GLI. First making its debut in 1984, the GLI attempted to blend the GTI’s traits in a slightly more sedate four-door sedan wrapper. While VW’s marketing department has never given the model not as much attention as it should have, the four-door has still managed to garner a legion of fans, and VW is looking to pay homage with the limited production 2024 40th-Anniversary Edition GLI.   Styling Package Adds Retro Flair, …

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2023 Mercedes Benz EQE 350 4MATIC sedan review by Ben Lewis

We recently tested the all-new, Mercedes EQS 450 all electric SUV and loved the combination of luxury and EV goodness. So, what if you’re more of a sedan person? Enter the EQE sedan. While sharing much of the EQS technology, it ends up being quite a bit different. Tempted? Let’s take a look! Low, wide and sleek Transferring from a more conventional SUV to a sedan creates a much more evocative piece of rolling art. The front is similar to the EQS, but the EQE loses the massive grille for a less tall unit. It still has the “black panel” …

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Maserati Celebrates End Of V8 Production With Ghibli 334 and Levante V8 Ultima Editions

It’s hard to believe that Maserati has continuously made V8 engines for over 64 years, with the eight-cylinder powerplant being responsible for some of the most iconic moments in the Italian brand’s long and illustrious history. However, the push for electrification and tightening emissions laws in Europe, is forcing Maserati to end V8 production next year. Before the production lines fall silent, the company is unleashing one last wave of V8-powered models, the 2024 Ghibli 334 and Levante V8 Ultima Editions. Ultima Editions Promise Epic Retirement Party For Old-School Performance As the name implies, both the Ghibli and Levante Ultima …

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2024 Aston Martin Valour Mixes V12 Smoothness With Old School Manual Driving Fun, Only 110 To Be Built

Aston Martin is preparing to retire the legendary V12 engine from its model lineup, with the majestic twelve-cylinder being axed due to encroaching fuel regulations. We thought the DBS 770 Ultimate would be the V12’s swan song, but the British supercar maker has confirmed that we were wrong, and that the engine will play its final show in another model, the all-new 2024 Aston Martin Valour Victor Who? Aston Martin Looks To The Past For Valour Styling Direction At first glance, it’s easy to write off the Valour as a lightly reskinned version of the Victor coupe that’s currently sitting …

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Aston Martin and Lucid Motors Announce Partnership, Will Source EV Components From Lucid

Aston Martin has announced that it intends to create a future that BEV models will eventually dominate. The main question we had was where the company would get EV components for its models. The company has revealed the answer and has killed two birds with one figurative stone by extending its existing partnership with Mercedes-Benz and entering a new partnership with EV maker Lucid Motors.   Lucid To Supply The EV Backbone For Aston’s Green Future The deal between the two companies will see Aston Martin pay Lucid $232 million in shares and cash, with the upstart firm providing Aston …

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First Look – 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Modena – This Maserati Finally Has The Tech To Go With Its Looks

When we last saw the Maserati GranTurismo, it was in a rather sorry state. Its exterior styling (despite updates) had roots that dated all the way back to the George W. Bush administration, while its technology had just as many cobwebs to deal with. As a result, the outgoing GranTurismo was an odd duck that was rapidly falling behind rivals. Maserati knew that it couldn’t go on like this any longer, and it has unveiled the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo, which gets all-new styling while also getting a massive infusion of new technology. But is all of this enough to help …

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First Look – 2024 Lotus Emira First Edition – Lotus Says Farewell to ICE Powertrains With Best Sports Car Yet

The 2024 Lotus Emira is shifting things over at Lotus in multiple regards. The Emira is not only replacing the aging Evora in Lotus’s lineup, but it will also be the last ICE-powered Lotus to be offered before the British sports car maker fully switches over to BEV models only. We recently had a chance to spend some time with the Emira at a recent Cars & Coffee event at our local Lotus dealer, and we came away very impressed with what we saw during our brief encounter with Lotus’s newest sports car offering.   Emira Has Porsche In Its …

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Maserati Introduces GranTurismo PrimaSerie Limited Edition Model To North America Only 50 To Be Produced

Maserati is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the GranTurismo, and to help ring in the celebrations with a bang, the Italian luxury car maker is introducing the all-new 2024 Maserati GranTurismo PrimaSerie to U.S. shores with the model helping to spearhead the GranTurismo’s U.S. sales launch.   GranTurismo PrimaSerie Is Rolling Tribute To The Past When one looks at the all-new GranTurismo, it becomes clear that Maserati is out to reshape how its fanbase thinks about luxury. The crisp styling, as well as the strong emphasis on curves and lines, drives home the point that the GranTurismo is aiming to …

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BMW Rumored To Drop “i” From Model Names, Potential Attempt To Clear Up Model Confusion

BMW’s “i” range of electric vehicles has seen steady growth in recent years, especially after a slow start with the i3 and the i8 models. The lineup is projected to grow and widen its reach over the next few years, which is good news for BMW. However, it’s also inadvertently created a culture of confusion among BMW buyers with the “i” also being used on ICE-powered models such as the BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, etc. A new report, however, suggests that BMW is solving this unenviable situation once and for all by removing the letter altogether on models moving forward.   …

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Aston Martin DB12 Pitches The V12, Embraces New V8 And Next Generation Technology

The aging Aston Martin DB11 was an elegant example of the time-honored tradition of combining V12 performance with Grand Touring luxury. However, The V12 couldn’t keep up with fuel regulations, and some of the interior technology was starting to age very rapidly. Aston Martin is out to solidify its place in the Grand Touring ranks with the unveiling of the all-new Aston Martin DB12, which will help usher Aston into a new generation of GT luxury.   V8 Is More Powerful Than Outgoing V12 The big story here is that contrary to what the 12-part of its moniker seems to …

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2023 VW Golf GTI S review by Ben Lewis

VW released an all-new eight-generation GTI for 2022, and we thoroughly enjoyed its great fun to drive qualities and practicality. But time doesn’t stand still, and with the recent introductions of serious performance competition, including the Hyundai Elantra N and the Toyota Corolla GR we were wondering if the Golf GTI can still wear the hot hatch performance crown. Time for another road test!    Welcome to the Evolution Changes are few since last year, so let’s recap what you get. Although this 8th gen is an all-new design, it couldn’t be anything but a GTI. Look at a previous …

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Maybach Embraces The Dark Side With Night Series Models, Rosegold and Black Accents Add Style

Blacked-out versions of various car models have become a rapidly growing trend in the automotive marketplace, especially in the luxury car market. The folks at Mercedes-Maybach have noticed this trend and unveiled the all-new Night Series lineup, which adds darkened accents to all three Maybach models to keep them fresh and draw in younger buyers.   Triple Dose Of Night Time Style The Night Vision Series will be available on all three models that can be equipped with the Maybach package (S-Class, EQS, and GLS) and will serve as a styling package for the trio with Maybach adding Rosegold accents …

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Aston Martin Poised To Debut Next Gen DB, Promises “Grand Is Not Enough”

Aston Martin is preparing to unleash a new generation of high performance grand touring vehicles into the luxury car segment, with the British sports car maker confirming that the next DB is coming sooner than many people realize with a new pool of teaser images pointing to a very potent surprise for loyalists and new buyers alike.   How Grand Will This New DB Be? For now, Aston Martin isn’t divulging too many details about the new DB and the company’s wafer thin press release didn’t reveal too many clues either. What is known, is that this upcoming DB will …

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Bentley Speed Edition 12 Special Edition Models Cover All Nameplates, Celebrate W12 Engine

Bentley’s long-running 6.0-liter W12 engine has played a number of roles over the years. While the twin-turbocharged wonder is primarily known for its time in Bentley badged vehicles, it has also appeared in the Volkswagen Phaeton, Audi A8 and even the Spyker C12 La Turbie and Zagato models. With this diverse of a resume, it’s no wonder why the W12 has become an icon in the automotive world. Sadly, its time in the spotlight is rapidly coming to an end with Bentley confirming that it will be ending production of the bespoke engine in 2024. Before it goes away though, …

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2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin AWD review by Ben Lewis

We recently tested the Volvo S60 Recharge plug-in Hybrid and came away massively impressed. With Volvo mentioning that all vehicles sold for 2023 on will be hybrid or full-on electric, we wondered if the fun was going to get lost in the process. Well, it certainly didn’t on the S60. So now, we were really excited to test the all-electric C40 Recharge. We’re pretty hopeful about the fun, but we also wondered in the world of EVs, does the C40 keep that special Volvo-ness that we’ve come to love? Let’s find out! Swedish Smurf The first thing you notice about …

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2024 Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur Enter The Summer With Minor Updates

Bentley is preparing updates for all of its model lineup with the company confirming that it will be rolling out these changes gradually. The bulk of them though will be focused on the company’s long-running Continental GT as well as the four-door Flying Spur with both models getting some attention for the new model year.   Continental and Flying Spur Get New Depth For Azure Trim The Azure trim was meant to be an offering that promoted well-being behind the wheel with an interior that was designed to deliver a “stress free” experience. The exterior of the GT and GTC …

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2024 McLaren 750S Succeeds 720S, Adds Polish To Performance Focused Track Weapon

  McLaren promised that a successor to the 720S was coming but kept the key details tightly under wraps, but at long last we finally get to see the next chapter in McLaren performance, with the British supercar maker formally unveiling the 2024 McLaren 750S which aims to deliver more performance, luxury and style to bespoke supercar buyers.  750S Exterior and Interior Benefit From Upgrades The exterior styling of the 750S retains some of the core DNA that defined its predecessor but a new front bumper helps channel cold air into the redesigned air intakes which are narrower and more …

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Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante Drops The Top On Performance, It’s Already Sold Out

When Aston Martin first introduced the DBS 770 Ultimate coupe, it promised that this model would be the swan song for the aging 6.0-liter V12 that helped define Aston Martin’s modern era. However, while the world got to see the coupe, Aston Martin held the droptop Volante model close to the vest. That’s now changed with the British sports car maker revealing the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante for the whole world to see.   Same Performance Inspired Styling, Now With A Foldable Roof At its core, the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante doesn’t stray too far from the coupe version when …

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Bentley Continental Le Mans Collection Celebrates 2003 Win, Only 48 To Be Produced

Bentley might not hit your radar when it comes to Le Mans competition but it was over 20 years ago when the brand last won the iconic racing event. To celebrate this milestone, Bentley revealed that it will be producing 48 examples of the Le Mans Collection Continental before ending production of the sleek tribute model. Le Mans Collection Hits Victory Lane In Style At first glance, these 48 cars might appear to be nothing more than a styling package with each one featuring a large “7” in the front grille as well as a coat of Verdant Green paint …

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Maserati GranTurismo Luce and Prisma One-offs Celebrates Iconic Past, Previews What’s To Come

The 2023 Maserati GranTurismo is making its appearance at the 2023 Milan Design Week extravaganza. Maserati wanted to make a splash and has chosen to not only pay homage to the past, but also preview its future with the unveiling of the GranTurismo Luce and Prisma.   Italian DNA But Distinct GranTurismo Personalities The GranTurismo Prisma and Luce were created by Maserati’s Fuoriserie department which is responsible for handling unique customer requests and serves largely in the same vein as Aston Martin’s Q-Division and its ability to create wild one-off models. The GranTurismo Prisma is the first of the duo …

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2023 BMW 330e Sedan review by Ben Lewis

There are best sellers, and there are true best sellers. And for BMW, you have to count the 3-series as a long time favorite. BMW made their reputation in the States on small sporting sedans, and today the 3 sedan is the rightful heir to the crown. Which is not to say there’s no competition for the throne – everyone from Audi and Mercedes to Lexus and Genesis are gunning for that spot. So, is the 2023 BMW 330e still top of the pops? Let’s take a look. Still a Looker On the outside, the 2023 model gets a fresh …

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2024 BMW M3 CS Storms The Track With More Power, Louder Styling And Less Weight

When BMW released the first-ever M3 CS model in 2018, the German luxury car giant claimed that the CS would be the pinnacle of M3 performance, with the 2018 CS making 430 hp and blending it all with the tried and true rear-wheel drive layout. The 2024 M3 CS aims to continue the legacy, but it does so in a big way, with all-wheel drive coming to the CS for the first time ever.   CS Styling Is Ready For The Track The core styling for the 2024 BMW M3 CS is carried over from the standard M3, including the …

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2024 Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Is V12 Powered Swan Song To Iconic Model, Comes Loaded With Upgrades

The Aston Martin DBS was always considered the last word on performance regarding the iconic DB line of cars. The nameplate made its most recent return on the axed DB9, and it managed to solider on into the DB11 (Aston Martin skipped the ten and jumped straight to the DB11). However, the company knows that the V12’s days are numbered, and it has been celebrating its impending retirement not with a whimper but with a very loud bang. We first saw this on the V12 Vantage, and now the 2024 DBS 770 Ultimate will be the figurative last word both …

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2022 Audi S4 Sedan review by Ben Lewis

We recently tested the BMW M340i xDrive, and loved the intoxicating blend of performance and practicality. But there’s more than one Great White shark swimming in the Euro-sedan Ocean, and one that’s a direct competitor to that Bimmer is the Audi S4. So does the Audi put the bite on the BMW, or vice versa? Let’s find out. Stunning Design The S4 makes a bold first impression, with segmented LED running lights framing the hexagonal headlights. Like most manufacturers, Audi is a member of the big grille club, but like the BMW, it’s done tastefully here, with lower side intakes …

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McLaren Officially Axes 720S Supercar, Artura Lone Remaining Member Of Supercar Series

Following a small flurry of rumors, McLaren has confirmed that it has officially axed the current-generation 720S supercar as the British supercar maker seeks to add more hybrids and EVs to its lineup of world-class performance machines.   720S Leaves Big Shoes To Fill The 720S’s departure leaves some huge shoes to fill, especially in the performance department. We even had a chance to briefly experience the 720S during a weekend office visit. The 720S was always considered the most potent “mainstream” McLaren in the company’s supercar lineup and was only occasionally eclipsed by some of the wild limited production …

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2023 BMW M340i xDrive review by Ben Lewis

Like the sun rising in the morning, you can count on certain things in the automotive world. And one of them is a BMW 3-series is a great drive. OK, some sun rises are better than others, but for 45 years, the compact BMW has been the target that everyone who makes a premium performance vehicle has been aiming for. BMW has made some changes to the venerable 3 for 2023, so we ask, is it once again an early riser? Or has the carmaker hit the proverbial Snooze button? Let’s take a look! Fresh But not Freakish We can …

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Road Test Review – 2023 Jaguar F-Type Roadster – Aging Cat Is Losing Ground To Rivals

When the Jaguar F-Type appeared in dealer lots, it was supposed to bring the iconic British luxury car maker back into the mix in the two seat sports car market. The F-Type was the spiritual successor to the E-type and proved so popular it managed to upstage the Jaguar XK. But Jaguar is navigating rough waters as it prepares to morph into an all-electric luxury brand. Can the aging 2023 F-Type still be a top feline in the sports car ranks, or is its age finally beginning to catch up with it?   F-Type’s Added Lipstick Can’t Hide Wrinkles The …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 – Adding Green To Established Estate Form

Volvo’s commitment to electrification is unquestioned especially when you look at the wild EX90 flagship EV SUV that the brand recently revealed in Sweden. However, the company also knows that for now, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will play a key role in laying down the foundations for this EV future. The 2022 Volvo V90 B6 Cross Country is one of these models and it aims to prove that green technology and a proper station wagon can indeed co-exist. But has Volvo indeed succeeded in this pursuit?   V90 Styling Carries Over, Hides Changes Underneath At first glance, you would …

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2022 VW Golf GTI 2.0T S Review by Ben Lewis

VW recently released the all-new eight-generation GTI, and since it’s always been one of our favorite hot hatches for driving fun, we couldn’t wait for an opportunity to test it. Well, our wishes have come true and now the question is, is the GTI still the King of Fun? Let’s find out! All-new and Completely Familiar So, VW says this is an all-new design, and yet, it couldn’t be anything but a GTI – Volkswagen likes to make design evolutions instead of revolutions. That said, the update does keep things fresh and interesting. The front is a nice mix of …

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

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

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2023 Porsche 911 Dakar Brings Safari Spirit In A Factory Ready Package, Will Be Limited To 2,500 Examples

While a Porsche 911 may be the last thing that you would expect when someone asked you to name an off-road-ready performance vehicle? They do exist, especially in the coveted Safari guise. However, these conversions were largely done by aftermarket firms, with Porsche not offering a factory-ready version for customers that crave desert-ready capability but with a factory warranty backing them up. Porsche has finally answered the call and has unveiled the 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar.   Porsche 911 Dakar Raises The Temperature On Off-Roading The Porsche 911 Dakar might have styling that largely sticks to the 911 family tree, …

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

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

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

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

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Rolls Royce Debuts All-Electric Spectre, Bespoke EV Boasts 260 Miles Of Range

When Rolls Royce first announced plans for the Spectre it appeared to go against everything that Rolls Royce stood for. For countless decades, Rolls Royce was proud to promote its twelve-cylinder powered heritage and dismissed any notion of electrification in its lineup (except for the occasional experimental concept.) But the gloves are now off, and Rolls Royce has finally unveiled its entry into the EV wars, the 2023 Rolls Royce Spectre.   The Spectre Is A Prelude To A New Era While the 2023 Rolls Royce SPectre continues the long-running tradition of being named after various aspects of the paranormal, …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Volkswagen Jetta SEL – The Jetta For The Masses?

Volkswagen may be rapidly expanding its presence in the utility vehicle market, but it also understands that the compact sedan segment is still hotly contested in the broader sales sphere. The Jetta has certainly gone through its ups and downs, but while the GLI we recently reviewed provides budget enthusiasts with a pinch of GTI-inspired performance flavor, we wanted to see how the Jetta does as a vehicle of the masses and we decided to spend some time with a 2022 Jetta SEL to see how it fares in this role.   Jetta’s Exterior Styling Blends In With The Masses, …

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Audi Says Adios To V10 With 2022 R8 GT Model, Most Potent R8 Variant Yet

Audi’s 5.2 liter V10 has been a long running staple in the R8 supercar especially after it punted the V8 out of the engine lineup several years back. But the mighty ten cylinder is also a dinosaur from an era where fuel economy was placed in the backseat and displacement and horsepower reigned supreme in the performance car scene. That means it’s now unable to comply with pending fuel economy regulations but Audi is sending it out now with a whimper, but a bang with the all-new 2022 Audi R8 GT   Familiar Name Signifies Beefier Performance While the=is version …

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Maserati GranTurismo Sharpens Its Image, Folgore EV Marks Milestone

The Maserati GranTurismo was once known for being one of the oldest models in Maserati’s lineup. Combining the classic sports car layout with a Ferrari sourced V8, the coupe was a stylish throwback to an era where cylinders, luxury, and style defined the GT segment. However, it’s interior technology was aging rapidly and electrification has become a must have item for well heeled buyers. After a short break, the revived GranTurismo returns, and it’s aiming to reclaim its status as a class-leading GT offering.   Sleek GranTurismo Styling Combines Traits From The Past And Present At first glance, you might …

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2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn Review by Ben Lewis

We recently tested the all-new Acura Integra A-Spec, and we loved it.  With great looks and performance, it reminded us that the world hasn’t gone completely SUV crazy – there’s still a deserving place for a well-tuned sport sedan. (or hatch in the Acura’s case). While the Acura returns a familiar name, The VW Jetta has never gone away. And with the recent re-imagining of the sporty GLI model, it’s even more of an enthusiast’s dream come true. Significant updates for 2022 give us another chance to drive VW’s sports sedan. Fresh Face The Jetta GLI has always been handsome, …

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Maserati Shows Off GranTurismo Design, Confirms Nettuno V6 Will Be On Board And Adds Nice Livery

Maserati may have not formally unveiled the all-new GranTurismo coupe just yet, but that doesn’t mean the company is willing to sit idly by and let some of its rivals command the global spotlight. The company has decided to show off the car early and not only added a nifty livery to it, but also confirmed that the Nettuno V6 will be coming along for the ride too.   GranTurismo Walks The Cat Walk With New Livery Package Maserati claims that the GranTurismo is the “true icon” of Maserati and that’s reflected in some of the styling that this coupe …

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Road Test Review – 2022 BMW M340i xDrive – The Four Door Toyota Supra?

It’s a classic case of sibling rivalry in the world of BMW. While the M3, M5, and other formal M models continue to be the range toppers in their respective model families, the M Performance models have always been the figurative middle children. Designed to deliver M-level performance at a more approachable price point these models are the perfect balancing act, but they can sometimes fall behind the spotlight when their fire-breathing M cousins are wheeled in. That includes the 2022 BMW M340i, which aims to deliver an alternative slice of performance. But can it accomplish this goal, and is …

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2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed Is Luxury Lined Rocket, Retains 626 hp W12

While the Bentley Bentayga and Bentley’s upcoming electrification strategy have undoubtedly taken the bulk of the world’s attention, it can be easy to forget that the company also has the venerable Flying Spur sedan. When we last experienced the luxury-lined borderline limousine, it was in a smaller V8 package, and it certainly delivered a solid first impression. But what if you’re a business tycoon, world leader, or enthusiast that prefers to have a pinch of speed to your limo experience? Bentley has the answer to that very question with the 2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed.   More Performance And Flying …

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2022 MINI Cooper S Convertible Review by Ben Lewis

We’re in the dog days of August, and while the days are starting to get shorter (booooo) the weather has been staying hot and humid. What better time for a convertible – especially one as fun as the MINI Cooper S! Even better, for 2022 the MINI has gotten a new look inside and out that promises even more enjoyment. Put on your sunblock, we’re going for a cruise! Undeniably Stylish, Undeniably MINI Well, you might worry that a new look for the MINI could mess things up, but MINI has always been such a design icon, we know that …

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Aston Martin Drops The Top On V12 Fun With Vantage Roadster, Will Be Even Rarer Than Coupe Version

Aston Martin is saying goodbye to its long-running V12 engine. But while the coupe was a welcome surprise and it certainly gets the job done well. One piece was always missing in the puzzle: the ability to drop the top and soak in the sun. Aston Martin has found this proverbial square hole’s square peg and unveiled the all-new V12-powered Vantage Roadster. Vantage Roadster Takes Open Air Motoring To Next Level When you take your first glance at the Vantage Roadster, it might seem as if you’re staring at a mirror, with the rVantage Roadster sharing the bulk of its …

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2022 Audi A3 Review by Ben Lewis

We get to test an interesting range of vehicles here at Car_Revs_Daily, from the entry level Hyundai Accentup to the plush Mercedes E450 convertible. What is unusual for us is to test the entry-level model of a premium maker. But with an all-new Audi A3 for 2022, it gave us a great reason to try the carmaker’s most affordable vehicle. So, is it a bargain Bahnstormer, or inexpensive imitation of greatness? Let’s find out! Strong Family Looks From the outside, this is one handsome sedan, if not a large one. The new model is more evolutionary than revolutionary – it’s …

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Rolls Royce Spectre Testing Moves To France, Company Confirms It Will Retain Core Character

Rolls Royce made waves a short while ago when it revealed that it was producing the Spectre EV. The Spectre will be the first EV to move beyond concepts and limited production exercises with the model showing the world what a production Rolls Royce EV will look like. Rolls confirmed that testing has now moved to the coastal scenery of France, and they even revealed some new things about the Spectre, including the suspension.   Ghostly Spectre Will Be A Different Kind Of EV The Spectre may be taking Rolls on the fast track to electrification but that doesn’t mean …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Mercedes E450 4MATIC Cabriolet – Coast To Coast Droptop Fun

Do cars have personalities? We think so. Some are your buddy, that say “Hey let’s play”. Others are reliable workhorses. Trusted friends. Some even feel like movie characters. So, what to make of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 450 Cabriolet? How about Batman’s loyal companion and butler, Alfred? Bold and Sophisticated Design Ok, this is one beautiful convertible. Mercedes design language is an interesting one, and we applaud the fact that you don’t think you’re looking at a BMW or Audi. Mercedes has its own brand of curvaceous, and we think it works better on some models than others. The …

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VW I.D. Aero Sedan Reveals Shape In New Design Sketches

Volkswagen’s line of I.D. badged offerings has long focused on blocky designs that are catered towards utility offerings as well as vans in the case of the I.D. Buzz. However, things are about to get much sleeker, with the German car giant confirming that it will be adding an I.D. Aero sedan to the roster with the help of a new set of design sketches that confirmed the basic shape of the four-door.   I.D. Aero Sedan To Have Common DNA With CUVs While the sedan shape will be a noticeable departure from other I.D. models, the Aero will share …

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Cadillac Celestiq Teases More Metal In New Images, Looks Promising

The Cadillac Lyriq and the Escalade V are immediate examples of Cadillac’s push to become a major player against European luxury benchmarks. But hiding in the shadows is the Cadillac Celestiq which was touted to be the flagship for Cadillac’s all-electric ambitions. It’s not often that we get to see teasers of it, but this latest round appears to confirm that it will reassert the role that design will play in the Ultium family.   Celestiq’s Red Paint Draws Stares Like other Celestiq images of the past, there’s not much to make out here but there are some valuable nuggets …

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Bentley Continental GT-S And GTC-S Add New Dimesnion To Customization Experience For Buyers

When it comes to offering buyers the ultimate car creating experience, few can top the charts the way Bentley can. The company’s strong emphasis on putting the customer first in the ultra-luxury segment has defined it for over 100 years and the British firm aims to continue this tradition with the all-new Continental GT-S and GTC-S models.  Back In Black And Sleeker Than Ever, This Continental S Has The Goods All S models begin their lives as standard V8 models but they subsequently go under the knife to become S models. The exterior appointments are mostly limited to blacked-out pieces …

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Bentley Debuts New Azure Range, Redefines Interior Luxury And Promotes Automotive Wellness

Bentley‘s interiors are considered to be the pinnacle of luxury when it comes to the ultra-luxury car segment. The standard Bentley range already offers an impressive degree of customization and materials for imaginative buyers, but what if you want more sparkle and perhaps more opulence in your Bentley purchase? The British luxury carmaker thinks it has the next best thing with the all-new Azure range.   Azure Range Morphs From Model To Interior Package When we last saw the Azure name, Bentley used it to label convertibles with the Continental R and Arnage getting the designation when their roofs were …

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Rolls Royce Unveils Updated Phantom Series II, Adds New Shine To Icon

A key trait of Rolls Royce over the years is that when the company updates one of its models, it prefers to do things subtly, with the car’s presence and the features it’s packing doing much of the talking. That established script has carried over to the 2023 Rolls Royce Phantom which has received a suite of new updates and an all-new Series II designation.   Phantom Styling Takes Pages From Ghost When Rolls Royce execs said that the changes to the Phantom were mild, they were not kidding with the car looking much like it did when it is …

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2022 Volvo S90 B6 AWD R-Design review by Ben Lewis

Volvo used to be famous for sedans (and wagons). But if you ask today’s buyer, it’s probably all about the SUV XC models like the XC40, XC60 and XC90. They also have some gorgeous wagons if you are interested. And while they don’t always get the prime-time headlines, Volvo makes some very appealing sedans. Case in point, our 2022 S90 sedan. In fact, it may just be one our favorite Volvo’s! Big, Bold, Beautiful The first thing that grabs you is the sheer size of the Swedish sedan. It’s as long as many 3-row SUV’s and its sharp lines really …

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Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Lights Up Rome

The iconic Maserati GranTurismo is making significant progress in its quest toward production reality. Maserati has released heavily veiled teaser images of it in the past, but a trip through the streets of Rome has given the world its clearest look yet at the all-new GranTurismo Folgore. Italian Style Personified The Folgore part of its name (not to be confused with the similar-sounding character from the Killer Instinct video game series) signifies that it’s an all-electrified model, and it also gives the car a nice ring to it as well. The exterior styling largely follows the same basic script that …

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2022 BMW M240i xDrive review by Ben Lewis

There are a lot of BMW models out there. A lot. But if we had to pick just one as a fave, we’d be leaning towards the 2-series coupe. Why? Well, call us old school, but the 2 reminds us most of the brand’s roots, from the early 1600-2002, to the 1-series, to the previous 2-series. Close coupled, personal with loads of performance and personality – and at the lower end of the price spectrum for the brand. So, when we heard there was an all-new 2-series, we were thrilled to get the opportunity to test one. Does it stay …

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Aston Martin Unveils Third Generation Vantage V12, Last Of The Breed

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage has always been the pinnacle of performance for the Vantage coupe, a fire-breathing demon in a sea of V8-powered imps. The last two generations of V12 Vantage pushed the envelope of performance despite being hobbled by the limitations of an aging platform and a laughably bad semi-automated manual transmission in the case of the Vantage S. Aston Martin knows that the days of the V12 are numbered and has revealed the third generation V12 Vantage which will be the end of the line for the legendary twelve-cylinder.   V12 Vantage Is Leaner, Meaner, And Better …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing – Super Sedan Spreads Its Wings For Maximum Performance

Cadillac is about to fully double down on its commitment to the electric vehicle market. The luxury brand plans to eventually ditch gasoline vehicles in place of an all-electric future. Before that happens, though, the luxury brand is throwing one final celebration of performance with the Blackwing lineup of performance models (and the Escalade-V to a lesser extent.) One of these is the 2022 CT4-V Blackwing which strives to have one last dance with rivals like the BMW M3. But does it finally have the mustard to overcome the benchmark of the sport sedan segment?   Blackwing Exterior Styling Is …

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Auto Industry Insider – Buying a Car or Truck from a Dealership: What to Know Beforehand

If you’re thinking of getting yourself a car, a dealership is a good place to look, but there are some things you should know beforehand. Every dealership is different, and you’ll want to make sure you’re able to get the best deal for the car of your choosing. If you’re going to do that, then you need to know about the car, your rights, the condition of the car, and so on. While you do have the option to buy from a private seller, you should know that your rights are different when buying, and you’ll have a lot less …

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Maserati Celebrates Racing History With Trio Of MC Edition Models

Maserati may make the bulk of its sales dollars in the luxury car market these days, but did you know that the Italian luxury brand also has had its fair share of success out on the track? If you didn’t it’s understandable with much of the company’s recent marketing focusing more on the comfort side of the coin versus its racing pedigree. Maserati is out to change that though and has unveiled a new crop of MC Edition models to remind the world of its racing pedigree.   A Trio Of MC Editions For Any Occassion For now, the Maserati …

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Road Test Review – 2021 McLaren GT – Supercar Quirks Blunt GT Character

When one looks at a McLaren offering, chances are good that track-ready performance and Ferrari slaying styling will immediately leap out into mind. While the British supercar maker has primarily delivered the goods, for the most part, the firm also knows that it needs to expand its reach to appeal to a broader range of buyers. The recently unveiled Artura was McLaren’s first leap into the green vehicle market, and for GT buyers, the company has unleashed the all-new McLaren GT, but is it finally the perfect balance of supercar daring and GT elegance?   Exterior Styling Looks Slick The …

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Road Test Review – 2022 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible – Dropping The Top On Compromised Performance

The iconic MINI Cooper has always managed to find a way to win over even the most skeptical of skeptics thanks to its combination of quirky good looks and deceptive amounts of driving fun. JCW models enhance this feeling with their mixture of style and inner substance. But can the JCW lineup still stand out as a top-tier performance bargain? Or has it lost some of its luster?   JCW Exterior Styling Still Shines To find out, MINI allowed us to spend some quality time with the JCW convertible, which serves as the droptop member of the JCW family. The …

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France To Require All Car Ads To Mention Bicycling, And Walking, Comes Amid Green Vehicle Mandate Push

One of the perks of being a professional boxing fan when I’m not writing here is sometimes seeing advertisements from other markets during the commercial segments. If you’re a resident of France, a new but very interesting rule will take effect soon that will change the way that automakers in France will be able to advertise their products according to a report by France24.   Walking And Biking To Have Prominent Mentions In French Media The rule in question will take effect on March 1st and will force all automakers to mention both biking and walking when promoting a vehicle. …

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Mercedes EQXX Concept Makes Splash, Previews Multiple Production Bound Features

Mercedes-Benz is preparing to make radical changes on its future lineup of all-electric vehicles, and the German luxury carmaker has previewed this future with the all-new EQXX concept which will preview a whole trove of production bound technologies that will eventually make their way to future EQ models.    A Whole New Look Is Coming One of the things that many observers will notice is that the EQXX is previewing a brand new front fascia design for the lineup. The grille less space is smooth and aerodynamic and even the hood-mounted metal tri-star is gone. Fans of the star will …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription – Suave Green Filled Sophistication In Sedan Form

With Volvo‘s reputation so entrenched in vehicle safety, it can be easy to forget that the Swedish luxury carmaker is also trying to build a name for itself in the green vehicle market. The Recharge series is an attempt to introduce customers to electrification gradually, and we enjoyed our last exposure to the Recharge when we had a chance to drive the XC90 Recharge. But with the XC90 sharing a platform with the S90 sedan, it was only a matter of time before it too received the electrification treatment. But will it deliver the same positive vibes that the XC90 …

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Aston Martin Teases V12 Vantage Again, Confirms Wild Bodywork Is Coming To Aston’s Sports Hero

When Aston Martin first confirmed that the V12 Vantage was returning to the marketplace, the company made it clear that not only would this be the final chapter of the V12, but that it would be the most hardcore iteration of the Vantage yet. A new teaser gives us a glimpse of the rear end and it appears that the new model will have the beauty to back up its brawn.   Vantage F1 Edition Donates To The Cause Do not go gentle into that good night.#AstonMartin #V12Vantage #NeverLeaveQuietly — Aston Martin (@astonmartin) December 21, 2021   At first glance, …

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Maserati Teases MC20 Cabrio, Supercar Loses Its Top For More Style

Winter may have much of the United States in its winter clutches, but as they say, it’s always summer somewhere and Maserati is attempting to make consumers flashback to warmer weather and even driving through curvy coastal roads with the all-new MC20 Cabrio which is set to add a new flavor of fun to the lineup.   Dropping The Top In The Name Of MC20 Style As the name implies, the MC20 Cabrio is at its core, an MC20 convertible with the performance-packed two-door now having the ability to generate open-aired driving thrills on-demand. Like other recent Maserati products, the …

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2022 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door Review by Ben Lewis

Porsche used to have an ad campaign that said, “There is no substitute”. But when you look at a lot of the company’s latest SUV’s and the like, well…there are plenty of substitutes. No, we think if you want something really unique – and somewhat affordable – you look at the MINI. We were especially excited to drive the base model, 3-door hatchback. For 2022, the MINIs have gotten a new look and some added features to keep things fresh, and we like the idea of getting into the brand’s most affordable model. Let’s Motor! (Ok, that’s their ad campaign). …

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Morgan Shows Off First Completed Plus 8 GTR, Will Only Build Nine Models

It wasn’t too long ago that Morgan revealed that it was reviving the Plus 8 GTR using leftover components including several vehicle chassis that were found years after the original Plus 8 ended its production run. Unfortunately, at the time Morgan kept silent on the key details surrounding this repurposed model, but the British sports car maker has confirmed the final production number and even unveiled the first completed GTR in a set of new images.  Morgan Shows Off Flexible Customization Options Before we get into the actual production numbers, we might as well take a moment to talk about …

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Maserati Ghibli Slated To Be Axed In 2023, 2022 Model Rumored To Be Swan Song

The Maserati Ghibli promised to be a whole new beginning for Maserati when it made its appearance in 2013. The Ghibli was supposed to be a smaller sedan alternative to the Quattroporte and allow Maserati to target the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, and the Mercedes E-Class while reaping the rewards of higher sales at the same time. But it appears that the Ghibli experiment will be ending with a report suggesting that Maserati will not make a 2023 version and will use the 2022 model to play its proverbial swan song.   Ghibli, What Happened? The report comes from the …

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Mercedes-AMG A35 Latest Sedan To Leave U.S. Market, Poor Sales Possible Factor

The lumps keep coming for Mercedes-Benz and AMG. First, the ongoing pandemic forced Mercedes-AMG to not ship V8 engines into the U.S. for the 2022 model year, and it now appears that poor sales are potentially forcing the spunky A35 AMG sedan to bail from our shores after 2021.   A35 AMG Receives Neuralzyer Treatment Fans that have followed the Men In Black film series will undoubtedly remember scenes where agents use a neuralyzer to wipe and alter the memories of those pointing at it to cover up their activities. While Mercedes reps aren’t planting new memories into buyers, they …

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Aston Martin Teases Vantage V12, Is It The Final Swan Song For The Twelve-Cylinder?

Ever since the current generation Aston Martin Vantage made its way into dealerships a few years ago, rumors have swirled about whether it will once again receive a V12 engine. Aston Martin denied the rumors at first claiming that it wouldn’t fit (we didn’t believe them) and it appears that our suspicions were proven correct, with the British sports car maker revealing that it will indeed be putting a V12 into the new Vantage, but it appears that it will be the last time the Vantage will be paired with it.   Cryptic Teaser Video Points To Swan Song The …

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Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Blackline Embraces Noir Vibes, Expands Customization

The Bentley Continental GT and GT Convertible are still a very luxurious way to celebrate the finer things of life, especially when equipped with the Mulliner Package. But what if you’re a discerning buyer that wants to blend all of this world-class performance and luxury with the noir styling that can only come from sinister black accents. The British luxury carmaker thinks it has found a perfect balance with the all-new Mulliner Blackline edition.   Noir Is In Style Like other blackout packages that we have seen from other automakers, this one takes the existing chrome pieces and replaces them …

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Rolls Royce Ghost Becomes Spectre Of The Night With All New Ghost Black Badge Model

Rolls Royce is riding a wave of success, especially regarding its Black Badge lineup of ultra-luxury models. Black Badge alone represents about 30 percent of Rolls Royce’s global sales, with the company planning to offer Black Badge versions of nearly all of its models (Phantom excluded). That includes the newest member of the Black Badge family, the Ghost Black Badge sedan.   Ghost Back Badge Adds Sinister Charm To Exterior Styling The Ghost Black Badge largely follows the exact patented blueprint that has defined other Black Badge models. Black is the color of choice here, with the large chrome grille …

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Mercedes-AMG Reboots An Icon With 2022 SL Roadster, More Power And Style Define Open Top Roadster

The Mercedes SL roadster has always been an iconic marque in the droptop luxury roadster segment. The two-seater was the benchmark for the segment and did a good job projecting Mercedes’s influence in the luxury car game for the bulk of its existence. But the outgoing SL represented a decline, with the roadster suffering from a sales slide and some signs of aging. Mercedes aims to change all that with the 2022 SL, which will be the most significant change that the model has seen.   AMG Infused Exterior Styling Gives This SL More Visual Bite A significant change for …

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Learning The Ropes On And Off The Track, We Spend A Day At BMW’s Performance Center West

Growing up as a kid, I always had a solid drive to learn new things, which helped me be very adaptable in various aspects of my life and allowed me to participate in a multitude of roles during the first few years of my time in the working world. That would later extend to my press career, where I learned to hone my driving skills. But something always seemed to be missing, like the critical piece in a Lego set needed to complete whatever model one is working on completing. To help fill that proverbial void, I traveled to BMW’s …

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Rolls Royce Makes Electrified History, Confirms That Spectre EV Will Be First Production Rolls Royce EV

Rolls Royce has always been a very consistent entity in how it handled core aspects of its business. All of their models focused on being the best luxury cars globally, the company focused on achieving symbolic perfection, and the V12 reigned supreme in the engine bay. That third item has always been a central pillar for Rolls, with company execs getting hot and bothered when the subject of green technology is raised. However, it appears that the V12’s dominant reign could soon be coming to an end with the unveiling of the all-new Spectre model.   Ghostly Spectre Signals All-Electric …

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Lotus Unveils 2022 Emira Packages And European Pricing, U.S. Gets To Wait

The 2022 Lotus Emira will serve as the final swan song for ICE-powered Lotus offerings before the storied British sports car maker embraces an all-electric future. But while the Emira looks gorgeously elegant and seems to have the performance essentials to make it stand out from the crowd, we still had some questions especially surrounding the final price tag. Lotus has been listening and has put the Emira’s configurator online that gives us a look at the various packages on hand and initial pricing.   Emira Pricing Puts It In The Running With Porsche And Others Before we go on …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line – CC Replacement Does An Even Better Audi Impression

The Volkswagen Arteon had alot on its plate when it first appeared in the U.S. in 2018. Not only did it have to replace the languishing CC in the U.S., but it also showed that top-notch Volkswagen design could move beyond the GTI and Golf R hot hatches and into other nameplates that might not have as much firepower under the hood. But does the Arteon truly succeed in finally bringing cohesive luxury to buyers in this regard? We followed up our west coast encounter of the Arteon with a sequel here on the east coast to see if the …

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2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing vs 2022 BMW M3 – A Battle Of Numbers And Bragging Rights

In our last Blackwing-related slice of coverage, we took a look at the numbers surrounding the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and compared it with one of its rivals to see how the big bad Caddy fared when it came to benchmarking the competition. While we did find some surprises when we compared it to the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, Cadillac’s insistence on making this model a tweener forces it into a grey area when it comes to rivals. This time around, we chose to take a more direct approach and crunched the numbers to see whether the 2022 CT4-V Blackwing …

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