Family Cars

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2015 BMW X5 M Revealed! Cayenne-Beating 4.0s, 567HP Muscle Truck Arriving Spring 2015

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  The most powerful BMWs ever made have just shattered the glass ceiling of SUV performance. WIth 567-horsepower through standard xDrive AWD, the new X5 and X6 M have sprint times of just 4.0-seconds along with a devilish M styling overhaul. The grille and front fascia are all-new designs for the X twins, with twin-chrome vertical accents inside each kidney recalling the M3 and M5. Down below, a new trapezoidal shape forms a spiked area of the bumper, creating an all-new look not seen even from the aftermarket so far. Very menacing and mean styles here, with incredible side-view mirrors …

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AC Schnitzer BMW X5 Upgrades Are Gorgeous and Functional!

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Two things come to mind with the new X5 from BMW: the lack of an X5 M (so far…) and an overall bumper treatment that can be very busy and awkward. Where is the clean M-car styling we love so much? AC Schnitzer’s latest upgrades catalog addresses this nicely – with huge wheels, lowering springs and a tasteful bodykit to wrap the front and rear in high-speed style. The exhaust and ECU changes also free up about 50-horsepower for all of the engines, as well as sounding absolutely outstanding!  AC Schnitzer BMW X5 – Exhaust Notes Check out the parts …

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2014 Nissan Kicks Concept Is New Sao Paolo Off-Road Crossover

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  In the ‘cars we want from other markets’ category, here is the latest Nissan crossover – the KICKS for Sao Paolo’s auto show this week and next. As far as what the KICKS concept may preview, we would not bet on anything directly coming to the US market in this off-road-able mid-size crossover segment, where the Kicks appears to share much of its mechanical footprint with the Rogue. But the style and design themes shown here are a strong hint at the next-gen Patrol and xTerra SUVs for the global market. 2014 Nissan Kicks Concept Nissan debuts Kicks Concept …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited Is Nipping Camry and Mazda6 Heels

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Rave review first-drive here on the new Subaru Legacy! Along with three dozen all-new photos of this newly-competitive mid-size car. It looks like the drive video we shot did not survive its GoPro upload to the computer, so we will write this one up the old-fashioned way! EXTERIOR The new Legacy’s design is shown in its best light with the 2.5i Limited, which wears the latest LED accents and projector-beam lighting from the 3.6R top-line model. As equipped, this 2.5i is actually very handsome and premium. Why the surprise? Well, let’s face it: the base Legacy has been seriously nerdy …

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

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

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HD Road Test Review – 2015 Toyota Camry XSE Is FAST and QUIET!

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  Fast and Quiet? Yep. A variation on Fast ‘n’ Loud is what most sedan shoppers actually prefer in their daily drivers, and the Camry XSE nails these benchmarks better than any other mid-size sedan. INTRO Can you imagine how tough the Camry is on competing cars like the Accord and Fusion? As far as we see it, the Camry gets better and better every year — without one slot in the armor of this best-seller to sneak an arrow through? The only area where the previous Camry let its competition get some ideas was with the overall exterior design, …

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Best of Awards – 2015 BMW X4 xDrive35i M Sport in HD Drive Video + 50 Gorgeous Photos

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The BMW X4 and X4 crossover coupes are easy to write off as silly fashion cars. But in the flesh, they are undeniably sexy and far cooler than a normal SUV. The X435i is simply the best SUV we have ever driven. It is a car that would fit hip commuters and track junkies alike — with room in the trunk for pups and in the back seat for pals. Love it. And in a dark color, the X4 is even sexier than this too-popular red. In fact, the X4 is so good — we recommend everyone at Cadillac spend …

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50 New Photos! 2015 Lexus NX300h and NX300h F Sport Are Best-Looking SUVs of the Year

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Updated 10.24.14 with 50 New Photos These latest photos from the UK show the hybrid NX Lexus in an absolutely beautiful light. The complex and emotional creasing of the surfaces is endlessly entertaining to the eye, while the practicality of this mid-size crossover pair belies their base price in the mid-$30,000 ballpark. It is surprising and welcome to have an F Sport version of the Hybrid. This is definitely a car to worry both the BMW X3 and X5. The Lexus NX will be in dealerships in just a few months, with a December arrival projected nationwide. 2015 Lexus NX300h …

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RM Hershey 2014 Highlights – 1956 Ford F-100 Panel Truck

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In the auction world, you either go where the money is — or where the collection is. In the case of the Sam Pack collection in Dallas this November, you go to the collection. Same applied here with the Hershey, PA auction earlier in October for the Jeffrey Day estate. A charming collection of mostly pre-war vehicles is specked with stagecoaches from 1860 and curio’s like this F-100 panel van. The more utilitarian models in many millionaire’s collections carry some form of sentimental value. And how could this baby blue Ford not be special? We just wonder: how many cases …

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TECHART MACAN Stage Two Revealed! Aerokit, Exhaust Flaps, +50HP and Suspension Reflash Join The Fun

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When one of these press photos instantly becomes my Twitter profile’s headline graphic, you know TechArt is doing something right! The latest upgrades for the super-hot 2015 Porsche Macan hit exactly the right notes. In what we are calling Stage Two versus the previous wheel options from TechArt, the team has revealed a subtle but effective aero kit. Up front, a deeper nose-plate in contrast grey helps ground the Macan’s somewhat awkward grille design, and this ground effects kit wraps the sills and rear diffuser as well. We enjoy all these upgrades and accents in Acid Green, as this is …

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LA Teasers! Scion iM Concept Car Previews New tC + 2016 Acura ILX + Prius V Facelifts

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First look this morning at the very promising Scion iM concept car for Los Angeles! The ‘iM’ name of this hot new Scion prototupe is a reference to the brand’s new Driven campaign, with fans and Scion drivers encouraged to tweet with the #iMdriven hashtag to show some love. (Not to be confused with Range Rover’s #IamDriven contest .. which we did not win. A skydiver from ‘ellay’ won the trip to Carmel.) So what is this Scion iM concept? It appears to be a hotter and more-aggressive sports car. The deep scoops and lighting elements are heavily FR-S-influenced, as …

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400HP, 4.1s 2015 BRABUS Mercedes-Benz GLA Hunkers Low on 21s + Aero Kit

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  The strangest part of the GLA-Class and other small crossovers lately is how low they actually are. Is it an SUV? The OEM plastic shields on the fenders say yes, but the mind is not so sure. It has taken 20 years then for the world to catch up to the classic Subaru Legacy —> Outback conversion. Taller springs, chunkier rubber and an Eddie Bauer package outside is all you need to sell thousands of cars a year! Just kidding. (JK BFR = just kidding, but for real.) How to stay ahead of trends and planted in corners with …

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2016 Honda HR-V Is Official! Will Debut in LA Next Month With On-Sale Dates In Early 2015

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Believe it or not, this below Honda Vezel article is the most popular piece on Car-Revs-Daily.com over the past 12 months. By a huge margin. People are excited about this vehicle. It is great to see the predictions come true in a USA model of this cool and stylish small crossover – even if the name and the headlights are toned down versus some of the European and Concept models a bit. We also lose a bit of body-color trim on the outside in favor of grey plastic, but such is life. The USA-spec HR-V still looks fresh and really …

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Road Test Review – 2014 Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-Door Drives Like BMW!

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By Special Contributor Ken Glassman Mazda has been making some great cars for a long time. And Mazda has been setting themselves apart from the crowd by dialing in more driving excitement. You can always count on a Mazda to offer outstanding handling and excellent performance into all their models. And the 3 series Grand Touring is no exception.  EXTERIOR The styling of this 5-door hatchback is slick and unique. Hatchbacks are not nearly as popular in the US as they are everywhere else in the world, but this one may change how Americans look at a hatchback, and see …

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Concept Flashback – 2006 Toyota F3R Directly Previewed Swagger Wagon Sienna

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When it comes to making a seriously sexy minivan, you have to bring every design vision in the book to life. In many ways, the proportions of a giant van make the goal of stylish and sporty themes harder to deliver than any other type of car or truck. So many ideas have been tried over the years – from the Pontiac TransPort Montana to the Ford Aerostar and then Windstar — the cool minivan can be a time-suck extrordiaire. It is just a black hole for resources, in many ways. This is partially why the unique and egg-shaped Nissan …

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Audi LA Concept Teaser May Be Upcoming Q4 Crossover

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Audi’s cryptic teaser image of its upcoming Los Angeles showcar creates many more questions than it answers. On the one hand, the overhead view is enticing and definitely exciting. The flowing surfaces and glasshouse bulge out into the fenders and overall nose and tail shape enticingly. But what the heck is it? Audi has already shown two coupe-style concepts this year in the form of the TT OffRoad concept in Beijing (yellow) and the TT sedan in red below. Audi also has a variety of models that are overdue for the next model to come out, including the Q7 and …

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Update1 – Road Test Review – 2015 Ford Fiesta ST Is Freaky Fast, Freaky Good

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 Updated 10.18.14 With New Videos Performance Specials. They are the cream of the crop. They are the CTS-V’s of the world, the M5s and the Lancer Evo’s. They are freaky specials that are the product of pure driving joy, allowed to slip into showrooms every now and then. For car guys, they are the holy grail. Rare. Special. Excellent. From the moment you sit in the Ford Fiesta ST, you know that it is going to be a hugely fun drive. The seats are packed with support bolsters and the engine start button kicks the Fiesta into life with a …

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BMW X Model SUVs Celebrate 15-Year Anniversary Ahead of X7 Launch

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What a kerfuffle the BMW X5 created! Between when the X5 was revealed in 1999 and began arriving in the US as a 2000 model-year, people were seriously up-in-arms. They were angry and skeptical and vocal critics. Why would any BMW SUV ever seem logical, they said. How could an SUV maintain the BMW driving style epitomized by the well-liked 3, 5 and 7 series luxury cars? But all that came to a sharp stop the moment you sat in the X5’s driver seat — or any of its five seats, frankly. Led by the 4.4-liter V8 engine and its …

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Update1 With 50 New Photos – 2014 Renault Eolab Concept PHEV Is Not Ebola-Proof

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  The Renault Ebola Eolab concept PHEV is back with 50 new photos! Renault reads the newspaper, right? How could they let a name so close to the deadliest disease known to man be attached to the back of a damn-sexy concept car previewing a PHEV Megane? We especially like the orange-red accent color that appears to be bleeding out the Eolab’s grille and under its floating A-pillars. Classy. Eolab. Ebola. Pretty close. We are excited for the upcoming Chevrolet Cancer and Vauxhall SIDS. Or how about the new Volkswagen HIV? Mazda Malaria? Opel Polio?     PREVIOUS Ahh! What …

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2015 Land Rover Discover Sport Enters Production With Uniquely British Launch Art and Events

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Giant flowing art installations in red and blue outside a brutal banking building in London? Check. Off-road course made in astroturf on a river barge up and down the Seine in Paris? Check. Collaboration with Virgin Galactic to shuttle passengers from Spaceport America out to their intergalactic spacecraft idling on the runways? Check. All good stuff to launch the Discovery Sport in style and with memorable flair. This seven-seat Discovery Sport is now in production for first UK customers before arriving in the US market in Spring 2015 as a 2016 model. Check out the details on the Nino Mustica …

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Chevrolet SEMA Cars Lineup Includes Blacked-Out Impala, SS, Cruze and Sonic Sedans

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Okay now! After being seriously unimpressed by the SEMA Colorado and Silverado concepts from Chevy, we are pleased to share a better sedans lineup. Everything from the SS to the Impala to the Cruze and Sonic benefits from a cool personalization. The performance of the cars will stay the same, but the desirability and ‘want’ factor is clearly increased dramatically on all four cars. The lack of a Malibu here hints that a Malibu performance concept may still be forthcoming from Chevy before SEMA next month. Our favorite among this group is the Impala Blackout — which is likely to …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

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Like any project, the ones you are passionate about are far easier to do quickly and with great results. Alternatively, the ones where there is tough news to deliver can sit on the back burner for far longer than is ideal. And so it is with car reviews – even week-long press loaner reviews that are usually top-priority. There are great updates to the latest Avalon and Avalon Hybrid, including the exterior style, interior tech and great efficiency. But there are also serious areas where the new Avalon Hybrid neither delivers the cushy ride of the old model — nor …

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Zero to Hero in the 2015 Chevrolet Impala CNG SuperCruise

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The Chevrolet Impala is a critical test-bed for two future GM technologies in 2015: a bi-fuel CNG option and the forthcoming SuperCruise automated highway driving system. We caught up with a 2015 Impala LTZ featuring the shield grille that comes on LTZ cars with the Safety tech option package – and this is still the best-looking full-size sedan from Chevy in decades. The current setup does not yet incorporate lane-keeping and automatic steering, but that is certainly in the pipeline. The Cadillac CT6 is tipped to debut a true SuperCruise functionality next year — with on-ramp to off-ramp highway driving …

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2015 Honda Pilot – Colors Guide in 8 Animated Turntables

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Just a graphics post here, none of the usual write-up and specs detailing. No nonsense – a bit like the 2015 Pilot itself! Below all the color spinners is a guide to which cabin colors pair with which exterior colors. 2015 Honda Pilot COLORS Alabaster Silver Metallic   Crystal Black Pearl   Dark Cherry Red   Dark Amber Metallic Modern Steel Metallic   Obsidian Blue Pearl   Taffeta White   White Diamond Metallic     2015 Honda Pilot COLOR CHART   LX EX SE EX-L Touring Alabaster Silver Metallic Gray Fabric Gray Fabric Gray Fabric Black Leather Gray Leather Black …

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2014 Nissan Sentra NISMO Concept + Altima NISMO Rendering with V6, Six-Speed Manual, LSD and Nismo Tuning

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Updated 10.11.14 With 35 Photos and Altima NISMO Renderings We love the NISMO strategy at Nissan. The sporty overhaul of conventional models has always been a secret weapon of the German premium brands, and Nissan appears to be taking this niche strategy to the broader market via the $21,000 Juke NISMO and hopefully this Sentra NISMO in the future. A 2016 Maxima NISMO has been teased and is virtually a sure thing when the hot future Maxima debuts this winter at one of the big auto shows.   But let’s step back a moment and think closely about the potential …

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Gen-6 Toyota Camry NASCAR Revealed Ahead of 2015 Season

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The NASCAR ‘Car of Tomorrow’ is now in its sixth generation after barely as many years roaring round the nation’s speedways. Luckily, this latest design rulebook allows the cars to look much less generic, and more like their actual namesake road car models. The first out of the gates for the 2015 season of the Sprint Cup and 2015 Xfinity (formerly Nationwide) racing series is the new Camry. It really does look like the production car! ANIMATED OVERLAY ANALYSIS: Camry v ‘NASCamry’ In this transparency of the production Camry XSE versus the NASCAR Camry, we can see how similar these …

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3.2s 2015 Tesla Model D Arriving in February With AWD and AutoPilot in 60D, 85D and 85D Performance Trims

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Pretty exciting news last night from Tesla! The Model S is now available with a dual-mode AWD system that boosts mileage by 10-percent and is a $4,500 option on all three battery sizes of the Model S. Few changes outside except a small radar box in the lower nose of the Model D, along with new badges out back. Inside, updated systems integrate a new AutoPilot automated drive mode — but we are still awaiting official details from Tesla on the functionality of the system. Overall, we expect lane-keeping assist, full-speed cruise control with city braking as new convenience and …

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Speculative Renderings – 2016 Volvo S80 and 2017 Volvo S60

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The new Volvo XC90’s style is being very warmly received across almost all of the seven-seat SUVs major markets. This all-new platform brings a stunningly-luxurious cabin and a high-tech PHEV hybrid drivetrain with T6 and T8 engine choices. But the secret behind those badges and the T8 moniker? They are both turbocharged four-cylinder engines, with varying levels of electric assistance. So how will the new XC90 influence the rest of the Volvo lineup, both under the skin and in the exterior designs? The answer to both, we predict, is heavily. The tech of this new chassis is set to roll …

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European-Market 2015 Volkswagen Passat Is Luxury Sedan For Contract Killers on a Budget

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Updated 10.9.14 We had some seriously scathing things to say about this new 2015 Passat for European markets when it debuted the other month online. Overall, the new Passat is not nearly as dull and lifeless as it seemed in VW’s initial renderings. In real life, the detail in the new design is pretty fresh up front and in back. A new-to-VW LED style is seen in both the head and taillamps, and is the most successful part of the design. Overall, the wagon is far more appealing in its quest to bring some of the low-roof / long-hood look …

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Update2 – Road Test Review – 2015 Lincoln Navigator Driven Back-to-Back with Escalade ESV = Surprise Winner!

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UPDATED 10.9.14 Corrections to the suspension specs of the Navigator Select trim, as well as the name of the LWB Escalade from EXT to its actual name, the ESV. It has been hard to take the new Navigator and Expedition seriously in the face of the newer-seeming Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade. The Navigator seemed to be the slightest of light refreshes versus those all-new models from across town. But after time at the wheel of both the Navigator and the new Escalade ESV — we were strongly leaning toward the Navigator. This surprised no one more than your humble scribe. …

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Update1 – Wow! 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S

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Update1 – Wow! 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S   Photos from Paris confirm it: the new Mitsubishi Outlander looks absolutely fantastic. Hard the believe how much more desirable the new car is than the current Outlander, which is lost in a sea of rounded corners. 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S       PREVIOUS Are you getting pumped for Paris? Kicking off the 2014/2015 auto show season in high-fashion style, the debuts are set to come fast and furious… ahem. Pre-empting the big debuts of the new Infiniti Q80 flagship, Lamborghini SUV and many, many more is the new Mitsubishi …

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

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

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2014 Audi TT Sportback Concept Is a Stylish Escape From Current Audi Styling Funk

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Audi design is in a major funk. After a full 15 years of making BMW and Mercedes seem old and tired and boring, Audi lost the plot some time around 2010. We are not sure what exactly happened, but the magic seemed gone. The cars started to look like cheap copies of earlier Audi ideas – with the current A6 and new TT perhaps exemplifying this major design problem best. Sure, its proportions are cleaner than ever in 2015, and its new lighting is very dapper indeed. But what the heck? It looks like a 1999 model. This is a …

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2015 Honda CR-V Revealed With More Torque, More Tech and New Touring Trim!

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    The new CR-V is here and looks darn sexy, perhaps for the first time ever! The enhanced styling is really quite premium and desirable for an SUV with a base price in the $23,000 range. A new nose brings a slimmer grille and more premium headlights. Those LED accents are standard on EX trim and above, while the EX-L and new Touring trim actually pack projector-beam lamps inside for the low-beams for the first time. All good news, especially as the CR-V’s RAV4 arch-rival and Ford Escape chase car are looking mighty dull and cheap these days. It …

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Ford Advanced Design Sketches Show Direction of 2016 Taurus Redesign

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The 2016 Taurus is rumored to ditch its jumbo Volvo-based platform in favor of an enlarged Fusion chassis. The current Fusion has been a total savior for Ford as rival Chevy Malibu and Chrysler 200 have nose-dived in recent years. Originally designed for the Mazda6, this platform is lighter and has been heavily tweaked to meet all the latest crash and emission standards. These updates continue for 2016, as the Taurus is markedly larger in every dimension than the mid-size models. So what will the new Taurus look like? Today’s reveal of the updated European-market Mondeo also includes a variety …

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2015 Ford Mondeo Brings New LED Headlights + Redesigned Steering and Suspension

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  Ford’s new Mondeo is heading to European dealers by the end of this year! Revised LED lighting, tech and redesigned steering/suspension round out the changes. The Mondeo Hybrid will also be new to the European and UK market. Might these updates show the direction of Ford’s hot-selling Fusion here in the US? Time will tell! Despite lots of moves toward global models, the Mondeo vs Fusion name difference is slightly helpful in making different update cycles by market a bit easier to swallow. This is in sharp contrast to the Euro VW Passat versus the US Passat, for example, …

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70 New Photos! 2016 Kia Sorento Debuts in Paris With Jaguar-Baiting Style at Ford Prices

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Updated 9.29.14 with 70 official (Euro-spec) 2016 Sorento photos!   The updated Sorento is likely to arrive in the US market some time in the spring of calendar 2015 as a 2016 model. The 2015 Sorento is already available at dealers, which is why we speculate about the 2016 model year. Kia calls this the third-gen Sorento, as Europe is less concerned with model years than we are in the USA. Overall, the styling update is a big success. It is paired with a new refinement on the road, an all-new cabin, and a much larger third row of seats …

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2015 Volvo V40 XC Adds 245HP T5 Powertrain – USA Imports Coming Soon?

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  UPDATE: The fine print of Volvo’s release below actually invalidates much of the below editorializing — it looks like the V40 Cross Country may be coming to the States after all!!! Say a big thankyou to the new XC90’s strong initial sales if this does become the case… watch this space for all the updates.   PREVIOUS The V40 is Volvo’s smallest model range and is no longer imported to the US market. Is this a total letdown? It is a bit of a disappointment, that is sure. Especially because this platform has housed many of the latest Volvo …

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Lamborghini Paris Launch Rumored To Be All-New 2016 URUS Super-SUV

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Lamborghini’s SUV ambitions are well-documented. In addition to the LM002 ‘Lambo Rambo’ truck from the 1980s, the Urus SUV concept from 2012 let its intentions be shouted to the rooftops. The latest bit of news comes from the Lamborghini media preview invite for October 2: a profile showing a short and tall model unlike anything mid-engined. So what will it be? The production URUS is widely believed to be what is coming. A 600-horsepower four-seat crossover based on the Macan? Pricing from $120,000 and arrival in May 2015 as a 2016 model? Yes, that is our prediction — but time …

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Update2 New Photos – 2015 Peugeot 508 Facelifted With New LED DRLs, Box-Design Beams and Tweaked Cabin Tech

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

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Renault Espace New for 2015 With More-Butch Styling, Will Not Come to UK

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  The Renault Espace has long been one of the biggest players in luxury French family travel. Consider its history: the minivan exemplar has been plying Europe’s roads since its near-simultaneous debut in the mid-80s with the Chrysler minivans over here in the States. Many variations on the Espace’s appeal have moved the car upmarket over the years, without reclaiming much if its initial sales volume from its first few generations. The new Espace is a seriously low-volume seller at this point, and will not be made in right-hand-drive since being dropped from the UK price lists two years back. …

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2015 Subaru Impreza Brings Fresh Nose Design, New Lighting and Refined Interior Details

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America’s most winterized and adventurous compact car range is slightly freshened for 2015! This brings a new nose to include the grille, front bumper and headlamps, while out back the hatchback gets a new spoiler and the sedan switched to LED lighting for its CHMSL. Subtle changes, but effective at keeping the Impreza clean and stylish versus its powerful WRX siblings.   2015 SUBARU IMPREZA® GETS NEW LOOK, NEW REFINEMENTS AND NOW OFFERS EYESIGHT® DRIVER ASSIST TECHNOLOGY Revised front styling with new headlights, grille and bumper Enhancements make cabin quieter New infotainment systems and features Upgraded interior trim Improved mileage …

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2015 Honda CR-V Refreshed Inside and Out – On Sale October 1st

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Just a first look at this one – but the launch timing is approaching fast! The new CR-V will go on sale in the US in just a week’s time, on October 1st, 2014. Full details are promised from Honda on September 30th. Overall, the new nose eliminates some of the grin from the current car, with an updated nose and LED lighting to bring a classier appearance to this best-selling crossover. The 2014 model carries a base price of $23,500 — which is the ballpark of the new model as well. Looking sharp! 2015 Honda CR-V     HONDA …

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Wow! 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Facelift previewed By Very Stylish Outlander PHEV Concept-S

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Are you getting pumped for Paris? Kicking off the 2014/2015 auto show season in high-fashion style, the debuts are set to come fast and furious… ahem. Pre-empting the big debuts of the new Infiniti Q80 flagship, Lamborghini SUV and many, many more is the new Mitsubishi outlander PHEV Concept S. This tasteful refresh brings a more angular and sophisticated appeal to Mitsu’s hot-selling seven-seat crossover.       MITSUBISHI MOTORS LINEUP AT 2014 PARIS MOTORSHOW WORLD PREMIERE OF THE OUTLANDER PHEV CONCEPT-S 22/09/14 Tokyo, September 22 2014 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will present the world debut of the Outlander …

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Digital Renderings Fix the 2009 Aston Martin LAGONDA SUV Concept

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 This is a light update to the previous LAGONDA article, but one that is best as a distinct piece to avoid confusion. As identified below, the nose and tail of the Lagonda SUV concept were its biggest problems. The make it hard to love. FIXED NOSE RENDERINGS The grille is far too large and far too bright. During a few hours in Photoshop, we have identified the eggcrate grille design as the true fault up front. It makes this Lagonda look like a Chrysler Sebring — which is not a flattering comparison for a superlux SUV. We have made the …

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Concept Debrief – 2009 Aston Martin LAGONDA SUV Concept

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  The Aston Martin  Lagonda SUV was easily the most-hated SUV concept of 2009 when it debuted. People absolutely hated it. They hated the design mostly, but fell back on SUV hate for extra emphasis. The only other concept whose design has been so roundly hated was the Bentley EXP-9F — which required a full redesign, led to the re-assignment of the CEO who approved it, and ultimately pushed the production Bentley SUV debut back at least three years. What do these two hated SUVs have in common? — Long-history sports-car brands’ first attempts to move into the crossover market …

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Fiesta ST

Road Test Review – 2015 Ford Fiesta ST Is JJ Fantastic: Freaky Fast, Freaky Good! Even Better than BR-Z and FR-S

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Performance Specials. They are the cream of the crop. They are the CTS-V’s of the world, the M5s and the Lancer Evo’s. They are freaky specials that are the product of pure driving joy, allowed to slip into showrooms every now and then. For car guys, they are the holy grail. Rare. Special. Excellent. From the moment you sit in the Ford Fiesta ST, you know that it is going to be a hugely fun drive. The seats are packed with support bolsters and the engine start button kicks the Fiesta into life with a snort from up front and …

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2015 Ford S-Max SportVan Adds LED Lighting and Next-Gen SYNC in Comprehensive Redesign

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Ford of Europe just revealed the new S-Max sports activity vehicle with all-new everything: engines, cabin design and exterior styling are all fresh for 2015. The S-Max is now clearly part of the C-Max and Grand C-Max family, but with premium features that are missing from the smaller and cheaper siblings. The new Ford nose blends nicely into this sportvan shape, and the LED styling front and rear is great to see. LED headlights and accents are included in the S-Max — as only the second Ford model to every pack this technology, right after the 2015 F-150 Platinum. The …

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2015 Ford C-Max and 7-Seat Grand C-Max Make UK Debut With Revised Styling and Tech

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Very subtle tweaks to the nose of the C-Max and Grand C-Max debuted today for the UK market. No word yet on when the US-market C-Max Hybrid might receive these changes, but a Spring arrival to US showrooms is likely. The Grand C-Max with seven seats would be a welcome car for the US market — but Ford has those bases covered with the Transit Connect Wagon — which is far better-looking than the sliding-door C-Max shown here in a dark tan color. What the Grand C-Max does offer shoppers is a more-sophisticated set of drivetrains and a more refined …

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2014 Renault Eolab Concept is Ultra-Aerodynamic Innovation Showcase

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Ahh! What a terrible, terrible name for a pretty cool concept, Renault. The focus of this machine is to maximize the efficiency of an EV powertrain in a holistic way. This means aero as well as weight and management and materials innovation. The car is said to preview an EV that will be larger than the current ZOE hatchback and will integrate many of these features into a production car. The drag coefficient of the Eolab concept is just 0.235, which is very good but not very much better than the slipperiest new cars available in 2015 – like the …

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2015 VOLVO XC90 R-Design Adds Sex Appeal to All-New 7-Seater

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  Hooray for Volvo! We are very excited for the XC90 launch and have a strong feeling that Volvo’s efforts in the cabin and with the ultra-modern powertrains will be a big hit with shoppers. But if one thing was missing from the XC90 announcement last week — it might have been a bit of sex appeal. Where was the VaVaVoom of the Concept Coupe and Concept Estate? The new XC90 seemed a little too practical for its own good? Luckily, the R-Design trim is now out and addresses many of these concerns. It looks hot — and even hotter …

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2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic Bases at $34k with Standard 6.9s Sprint Time

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 When it comes down to it, Mercedes-Benz has traditionally been very, very conservative about entering new market segments. That is going out the door with new entrants like the GL-Class or the CLS Shooting Brake. But in truth, a front-drive compact crossover is about as far from the Mercedes sweetspot as anything one can imagine — especially in the image-managed US market. We are not offered the nerdy and frumpy B-Class, nor the A-Class. We also generally receive the most-loaded models in every range. This is why the GLA-Class will be offered in Europe as the GLA200 and GLA220 CDI …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus ES300h Delivers Industry-Best Value, Efficiency and Cabin Comfort

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The ES is by far the most-successful Lexus nameplate since the brand launched in 1989. These days, the ES is outsold only by the crossover king RX350 and RH Hybrid, so the ES flame is still burning bright in Lexus showrooms worldwide. The ES300h Hybrid is just about the opposite of the car most performance-sedan fans might pick for themselves, but the fact of the matter is: we absolutely adored the ES300h after spending a week together.   Intro: ES Bias? From an outsider perspective, one might write off the ES350 and ES300h as legacy models — cars sold to …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Chrysler 200C AWD Is Solid Drive with Potent V6 and Swanky Cockpit

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  By Ken Glassman A few months ago, I had the chance to spend about 20 minutes in the new Chrysler 200C, and I liked it very much. Now after spending a week with the car, I can confidently say that it will be my choice for Car of the Year. And I suspect that it will garner many votes from journalists for that title. It’s that good. The first generation of 200 sedans was offered in 2011, and were a good improvement over the Sebring models it replaced. But these new 200 sedans, labeled as 2015 models, takes the …

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VOLKER SCHMIDT 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Is Low and Lean With New Springs and Wheels

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It has been more than a few years since a C-Class Mercedes was a real pin-up beauty. And for a C220 to look as good as the original C36 AMG!? That is some achievement without changing one body panel or aero piece. These Volker Shmidt Revolution wheels come with a ride height drop courtesey of coil-over springs all around. This might not be our choice — the newly-available AirMatic ride in the forthcoming US-market C400 and C300 is hard to beat! But it would look a hell of a lot better with these hot wheels. VOLKER SCHMIDT 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class …

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2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Makes UK Debut with Fresh Style and Tech

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Mercedes-Benz USA is fairly certain that the B-Class’s incremental sales increase for the brand would not be worth the time or brand image ding to bring to the US market. Is this true in the latest swoopy generation? It would surely find buyers with a $25,000 price– butwhat about $35,000? Price is the clear barrier to entry here. A seven-seat version might make a compelling MPV or light crossover upgrade…. As the ML-Class is set to change its name to the GLE-Class… perhaps the future may bring this car stateside as the BLE-Class. No word yet on when or if …

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2015 Citroen C4 Cactus Is Large-Cabin Crossover With Funky Design Details

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At first and second glance, there are many things bizarre about the C4 Cactus from Citroen. A production version of the Cactus show car, this funky little crossover packs conventional diesel engines and front-drive under those futuristic panels. This ditches the need for AWD and any off-road credibility, but the tradeoff for big cabin room at a low price is well worth it. Perhaps most importantly, the C4 Cactus can play to both the young hipster crowd as well as the young parent consumer segment. A big child seat or three will certainly fit inside — with Mom and Dad …

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‘Little Volvo’ PV444 Celebrates 70th Anniversary In Charming Retrospective

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Volvo has come a long way in the last few weeks – selling out the launch edition of the new XC70 in less than 48-hours and poised to grow its market share across the globe. These new products are whole-heartedly Volvo’s to the core. But what is that core? Outside Sweden, the ubiquity of the PV444 was never an issue. Despite being a huge hit in the domestic market, the PV444 is exceptionally rare in the US today, where the car was imported by the mid 1950s. If VW has their Beetle, and Citroen the DS, and BMW the 2002 …

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Update2 – 2015 Lincoln Navigator $63k Price + 380HP Confirmed

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Update2 – 2015 Lincoln Navigator $63k Price + 380HP Power Confirmed     Pricing for the 2015 Lincoln Navigator is here! We’ve put together a handy chart for ease of use versus picking the numbers out of the below… 2015 Lincoln PRICING 4×2 4×4 Navigator $       62,475 $       65,400 Navigator Reserve $       69,975 $       72,900 Navigator L $       64,640 $       68,215 Navigator L Reserve $       72,140 $       75,715 The Navigator’s available ‘Reserve’ trim level will be the best bet for the Navigator’s loyal buyers – it brings a brand-new set of super-plush leathers and the 22-inch wheels that help update …

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2014 Peugeot EXALT Concept Refreshed for Paris – Will Future 509 Sedan Reach This Level?

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UPDATED 9.5.14   2014 Peugeot EXALT Concept   PEUGEOT EXALT CONCEPT: A NEW INCARNATION FOR THE PARIS MOTOR SHOW 04/09/14 European version of PEUGEOT EXALT Concept Car brings a host of innovative features Hybrid petrol-electric power train has a combined output of 340hp A new version of ‘Newspaper Wood’ returns to uniquely tailor the Concept’s bespoke interior PEUGEOT is showcasing the EXALT Concept Car in a new livery at the Paris Motor Show next month. The bodywork features shades of grey that emanate from the bare steel covering the majority of the exterior to the distinctive ‘Shark Skin’ rear end. Inside, the …

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Updated With Pricing: 2015 Toyota Camry Preview

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 UPDATED 9.3.14 With Pricing Prices are here for the new Camry! 2015 Toyota Camry – Pricing The Camry LE receives a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $22,970 while the SE will carry a base price of $23,840.  The XSE and XLE models will carry identical MSRP’s of $26,150 for models equipped with the four-cylinder and $31,370 for the V6 versions. Pricing for the Camry Hybrid will start at $26,790 for the LE model, $27,995 for the SE, and $29,980 for the premium XLE. The MSRP for the 2015 Camry does not include the delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee …

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2015 INFINITI QX80 Pebble Beach Photos + Specs, Options, Pricing, Colors

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UPDATED 9.1.14 with 2015 QX80 Photos from Pebble Beach   When planning this article, I cannot help but think of the QX80 is a ‘reliable Range Rover,’ a smoother and better-handling Land Cruiser, or an Escalade with actual class. But throwing sand never wins any points in life. So let’s stick to the high road with this newly-renamed QX56 model for 2014. A few extra packages enter the fray for 2014, including a huge number of laser/radar and sonar-based active safety elements as standard — and even more with the optional Tech Package. 400-horsepower through a seven-speed automatic continues with …

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USA Debut in 80 New Photos – 2014 Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupé SUV

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Updated 8.31.14 The Concept COupe SUV earned a huge share of foot traffic at the Mercedes-Benz Pebble Beach house. One of perhaps twenty vehicles on display, this concept is clearly going to be a huge sales hit. Despite being an advanced vision and not a production model whatsoever, almost everyone who approached the truck wanted to get inside. Many tries at those flush door-handles, to no avail. These awesome nose and tail designs are reafy for primetime! The next-gen ML-Class is rumored to be name-changed to GLE-Class, This name change would bring along a new-segment GLC-Class in a racy, X6-form, …

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Concept Flashback – 2005 RINSPEED Chopster vs Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

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This one was always a memorable favorite. EDAG Design and RINSPEED worked together to make a concept show car that few other tuners could handle: the Cayenne Chopster. Lowering the roof of any car is a huge, huge job that requires hundreds of hours of laser cutting, pillar height changes, re-mounting and re-welding. Not to mention the glass, the rear tailgate shape alterations, the new nose, new fenders front and rear… While we knew a lowered roof on the RINSPEED Chopster was fantastic at providing a hot look and profile, we did not really realize how unique the Chopster is …

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Road Test Review – 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In Is Quietly Excellent, More Iso-Tank Than Eco-Warrior

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INTRO: Here is the scene: you are in traffic. It is a work-day and you are behind a dawdling Prius. ‘How the **** is that car going so slowly!? Oh, this guy is coasting up to red lights now!?’ Cue the inpatient passing maneuver/lane change or silent sulking while looking at the familiar Prius tail shape. Has this ever happened to you? We bet it has. The difference for sports-car drivers – or drivers who push every machine like a sports-car? Slight annoyance gives way to murderous rage after a few stoplights like this. And not just hatred for the …

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2015 INFINITI QX70S Brings New Sport Package With Black Exterior and Cooled Front Seats

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Are we spotting some trends here? — Many hot new cars debuted at Pebble Beach this year — White over black is the sexiest style of 2014 and 2015, by far — Infiniti is keeping it fresh with new S packages for the Q60 coupe and QX70 crossovers Trned-spotting this latest convergence of car brand marketing also offers a bit of insight into how quickly car brands can take an idea to market. Lexus with the Crafted Line of five models in white/black definitely shows a rapid-fire way to get sexy machines into showrooms ASAP, while even staid old Lincoln …

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2015 VOLVO XC90 World Premiere – Pricing from $48,000 – Fabulous Hybrid Tech and Cabin Innovations

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The 2015 XC90 is official and it is fantastic! At once both very futuristic and innovative, while also rebuilding on the Volvo luxury and family safety that have been brand pillars for decades. The base price is $48,000 in the US market, where the first trucks will hopefully be arriving before year-end. The two launch packages are likely one of the biggest choices to make when considering the new XC90: — Urban luxury: body-color trims and 21-inch wheels — Rugged luxury: grey body cladding and some very handsome 22-inch wheels 2015 VOLVO XC90 World Premiere   World premiere: the all-new …

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2015 Porsche Macan S – 108 All-New Photos In Almost-Base $50k Trim

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The new Macan S might not be a total USA scoop like the extensive Amelia Island galleries were here on Car-Revs-Daily.com, but sighting one in the flesh at the Quail last week did result in three insights: — completely overlooking the also-brand-new Cayman GTS and Targa 4S models sitting on either side of this mid-size SUV — The Macan is definitely not an easy truck to photograph; its beauty is elusive and tricky to capture — deep longing to own a Macan S… but *definitely* with painted “Side Blades” option checked What is with these hideous door panel protectors pieces? …

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2015 INFINITI QX80 Limited Is Red-Carpet Glamour with Genius IQ – 150 Photo Debut

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Think the Escalade is the freshest and best super-luxury full-size SUV for 2015? Think again: the new QX80 Limited has a new VIP backstage pass. The QX80 Limited is a new flagship trim level that is a comprehensive style and substance upgrade for an already-extremely-tough truck — with all the dark trims, 22-inch wheels, latest LEDs and Autech cabin restyle adding serious desirability to this already-formidable package. Build with a frame + unibody and a 5.6-liter V8, the QX80’s strength and size has never been in question. What the truck was missing was some of the X factor of style …

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LARTE Design INFINITI QX70 Is Mad-Fast, Mad-Sexy SUV Upgrade Program

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As shown by the extremely yummy LARTE Design Infiniti QX60 and QX80 overhauls, Larte Design has a vision for the ideal muscle truck of the future. And that vision can be applied to any of today’s three largest Infiniti SUVs to create a Porsche Cayenne, Brabus Benz and BMW X5 M chasers from Japan. Perhaps the most striking upgrades of all come to the already-sporty QX70 crossover, which now wears the stance and footwear package of a true autobahn muscle truck. Like the QX80 upgrades, the LARTE Design program for the QX70 comes in three levels of madness: LR1, LR2 …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Acura TLX 2.4L Is Seriously Good Fun: Quick, Lux and Nimble

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Just like delivering a compliment is easy and second-nature, writing a good car’s review is remarkably easy and refreshing. It feels great to give praise, and the words come flowing out. Alternatively – delivering bad news tactfully in a car review requires much more graceful delivery. You must plan your points carefully so they are constructive and helpful. The 2015 Acura TLX firmly falls into the easy compliment category. Say what you will — and what I have written — about the Acura nose in the last few years: this 2015 TLX absolutely blew me away with its amazing combination …

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Update1 – 2015 VOLVO XC90 – 400HP Twin-Engine PHEV Dubbed T8, 316HP T6 Also Coming to USA

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Updated 8.12.14 with additional platform info from Volvo More info from Volvo today about the all-new XC90’s platform – plus the first official exterior image! Granted, it is just a headlight close-up… but we are excited all the same. [ The full exteriors shown here are unofficial renderings. ]     2015 VOLVO XC90 Powertrain   Well, here is some good news! So far, we have seen the new XC90’s interior luxury and infotainment solutions. The luxury looks good, but the info touchscreen is a bit short of the Tesla 17-inch ideal. Under the hood? This has been another worry …

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Updated With First Official Photos – 2016 Kia Sorento Paris Preview

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Updated 8.10.14 with three official (Euro-spec) 2016 Sorento photos   Kia reveals first official photos of third generation Sorento First photos of the all-new Kia Sorento released today confirm that the third generation of the popular SUV will feature a new look, with bold, swept-back styling and sophisticated surface detailing. Longer, lower and wider, with an extended wheelbase, the new Sorento builds on the success of the outgoing model, delivering a premium look and feel, with more space and numerous innovative features. With the brand’s hallmark design features and a more mature appearance, the new model is instantly recognizable as …

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2015 Honda Fit Buyers Guide and Pricing: Cute and Edgy New Style, Latest HondaLink Touchscreen and 41MPG

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The 2015 Honda Fit is updated with a subtle but attractive redesign, vastly more comfortable cabin, and tech like the latest (and very good) HondaLink touchscreen controls. Paired with the Fit’s exceptional usefulness as a city car with the trunk size of a SUV — and the economy of a supermini — the 2015 Fit from about $16,000 is an exceptional little machine. Most shoppers will go for the EX-L or the EX-L with Navigation thanks to the top trims standard automatic transmission. The auto is a CVT unit, however, so sporty people might like the light and slick six-speed …

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2015 Kia Sedona Becomes Seriously Competitive With Lux Style, Tech and Comfy Cabin Space

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Among savvy families and van-experts, the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey have been the go-to choices for at least the past decade. The comfort, road manners, interior quality and exterior style shaded the dated and extremely un-refined Chrysler and Dodge options.  The previous Kia Sedona carried premium styling but a wretched cabin, dynamics, feature-set and performance versus the top-two players. Kia is looking to leapfrog up to the top of the class with this very handsome and premium 2015 Sedona. Value pricing will certainly be a part of the equation with low-$20s base prices. But the top end of the …

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LARTE Design INFINITI QX60 Is Completely Transformed into Gorgeous Performance SUV

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If you liked the LARTE Design makeover of the Qx80 – brace yourself for what the LARTE team has done with the QX60 and the QX70! The QX60 is perhaps the most transformed and benefits the most from such a deep and thorough style overhaul. The QX60 is actually deeply slinky and sexy in person, but is let down a bit on the coolness stakes with small wheels and chrome galore. The LARTE Design QX60 package fits the new QX60 and QX60 hybrid, as well as the previous JX35 from Infiniti. Great stuff. Especially eager to see those low-beam projectors …

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2015 Toyota Sienna Brings Refreshed Touchscreens + Dark New Nose with LED Low-Beams and LED DRLs

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The AWD and FWD Toyota Sienna is a huge player in the lux van segment. New competition in the form of the 2015 Kia Sedona might eat into either the Sienna or Odyssey’s honeypot — so the Sienna updates to compete. The changes are very, very subtle on the exterior. SE and Limited models bring the body-color accent package as before, with a remodeled nose and grille design in dark gunmetal. The headlamps themselves are a bit darker-tinted overall, completing the refresh nicely. Lighting-wise, up front the Sienna’s all now have LED Daytime Running Lights as a slash of white …

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LARTE Design Arrives in California! INFINITI QX80 Customs Are Scary-Cool With 3 Levels of Upgade Kits Offered 51

LARTE Design Arrives in USA With Scary-Cool INFINITI QX80 Upgrades

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America, please meet LARTE Design. It is pronounced like “Bart,” but with an L. Larte. LARTE Design, meet America. This exciting new automotive upgrade house in California brings all the bad-ass appeal of a Brabus Mercedes-Benz or KAHN Range Rover — but with its own unique design aesthetic and a fleet of upgrades for the often-overlooked INFINITI SUV range. The designs of the Infiniti QX80 and its siblings are clearly high-quality and highly sophisticated in their appeal and aesthetics – right from the factory. 2014 INFINITI QX80 (stock) But what they might lack is a big hit of testosterone. A …

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2015 Audi Q3 Is Arriving Now From $33k-$42k Packing Standard 200HP Turbo for U.S.

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The Audi Q3 looks so much better in the flesh than it did in Audi’s teaser sketches from last month – what a relief! While the car does show a bit less aggression in its proportions versus the long-hood Q7, there is enough family similarity for the Q3 to rub shoulders with BMW and Mercedes-Benz SUVs costing much, much more. The Q3 is part of a broad new 2015 Audi A3 family of models coming to the U.S. in the next six to eight months: — A3 four-door sedan — S3 four-door sedan — A3 Cabriolet — 2015 A3 e-tron …

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Concept Flashback – 2005 Volvo XC70 All Terrain and 2007 XC70 Surf Rescue are California Dreams

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Sure, the SEMA show may be physically located in Las Vegas, Nevada. But Volvo certainly had California Dreamin’ on repeat throughout that winter’s day in the Trollhaten design center. The potential of these amazing XC70 lift concepts is two-fold: — shows the potential of the platform to accept a much, much larger suspension, wheel and tire package. Makes Car-Revs-Daily.com Aston ELV8 concept rendering seem almost feasible… 2005 Volvo XC70 All Terrain Concept   2007 Volvo XC70 Surf Rescue Concept  

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2014 Range Rover By StarTech Brings Best of Brabus Tech to Lux SUV King

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“Who is this StarTech,” I hear you asking. StarTech is BRABUS – for Range Rovers. The Brabus name is so synonymous with Mercedes-Benz that the folks decided to run a different high-power customs program for Range Rovers and Jaguars under the StarTech banner. The tweaks and enhancements Brabus is so well-loved for delivering to Mercedes-Benzes is perhaps even more striking with the latest Range Rover and RRS program. Inside and outside are barely left alone from any angle, the cabins are re-wrapped in dozens of new cowhides, and the engines can be given added zoot as well. StarTech calls the …

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205HP 2014 Honda Civic Si Sedan Is FU-Cool from $23k + Visual Buyers Guide

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Ever since the 2002 Subaru WRX and the Lancer Evolution arrived in the US – the Honda Civic has always taken a firm third place in the cool compact ranks. Honda is serious about winning car guys back. The 2014 Honda Civic Si is packing a huge wing, turbo-style polished allous with gloss black accents, and a wing to make the WRX blush. This is a car that is seriously cool. Curb appeal of the 2014 Civic Si now trumps the latest WRX and is up to WRX STI levels of aggression. The powertrain of the Si is still optimized …

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Updated With 188 New Images – Road Test Review – 2013 BMW 535i M Sport – Animated Visual Buyers Guide

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Updated 7.29.14 with 188 new images Update info: BMW GLOBAL The BMW 5 series is incredibly trim-sensitive. It can obviously look amazing in full M5 track apparel, but looks very lonesome and humdrum in the low-range 528i and even 535i without the M Sport package. As a strong indication that this four-year-old model range is on the way out next year — there are hardly any new BMW press photos of the car since 2011. So we turned to the BMW.com global site configurators to try and make an amazing-looking 535i or, even better, a 550i. Even *more* recent update! …

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2016 Kia Sorento Paris Preview Shows Deeply Sexy New Design, With Elements of K900 Flagship to Nose

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INTRO CAVEAT: All these hopefuly statements are moot. Why? Kia is still furious with your humble scribe for what he said about the current Sorento’s woeful steering.   The Kia Sorento has the makings of a great SUV – but needs a few extra tweaks to really get to the same levels as its Hyundai Sante Fe cousin. Those changes required include a fresher and more appealing exterior style, some dynamic tweaks, and a sportier cabin and driving position. 2014 Kia Sorento SX-L Kia looks set to address all three of these needs in one fell swoop for the all-new …

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Update2 Debut Photos – 2015 BMW X4 Arriving Now to USA BMW Dealers – Pricing From $46,000

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Updated 7.28.14 with 74 real-life dynamic photos of the 2015 BMW X4 M Sport.     The production BMW X4 was a nice surprise when touring the BMW Spartanburg factory in late March. The car is very attractive in real life – especially in this M Sport trim level!           Much better than expected and a solid proposition for all AWD performance sedan shoppers. More thorough articles coming soon, plus all the full details from BMW below. The New BMW X4 Sports Activity Coupe A new dimension for the mid-sized premium Sports Activity Vehicle Woodcliff Lake, …

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2015 BMW X3 xLine vs M Sport, Pricing + Specs with 100 New Real-Life Photos

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Updated 7.28.14 with Pricing, Specs and 100 New Photos Hooray! The 2015 BMW X3 debuted last night in a sneak peak at the Chicago auto show – and all seems well for this glamorous new five-seat crossover. Why the elation? I hated was not a fan of the previous X3. Sometimes my own critiques are so scathing that the words echo and reverberate in my head after I type and publish them. What do I mean? Well, I called the previous X3’s LED and nose look a “zombie-like stare.” Accurate? Maybe, maybe not. Memorable? Perhaps too much so. The X3 …

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2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo is Track Star With A Trailer Tow Bar!

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SuperTruck? Muscle Truck? SuperSUV? What is the best descriptor for ultra-high-performance crossovers? Still being determined, it seems. But when you see this Cayenne Turbo parked outside the Atlanta Motorsports Park private garages, next to a GT-R and while the guys inside work on their Radical SR3 SL and a few formula racers… you get it. Best of the best only. Porsche GT3 office chairs….!? Yes.   The Cayenne Turbo is unlike 99-percent of other SUVs. It will keep up with a GT-R on the track, and make the driver of a base Carrera 911 very nervous about his times. It …

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2014 Buick Regal Turbo and GS AWD – Inside and Out in 50 High-Res Photos

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We still have yet to drive the Buick Regal, but the car is very handsome for 2014 in both the base eAssist or Turbo trims — and definitely int he sexy GS package. The GS is the OPC/VXR version from across the pond – with everything the European cars have to increase the sportiness of the handling, performance and cabin feel. Our GS trades the twin-turbo V6 of the Euro cars for a turbo four – which is the biggest change overall besides the new Buick badges everywhere. The lighter engine up front actually dramatically enhances road feel and how …

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Buick OnStar 4GLTE As Standard Is A Game-Changer for In-Car Mobile Broadband

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Spent some time today with the latest Regal and Lacrosse sedans from Buick – a surprising leader in the tech segment of the car business. Standard 4G LTE in all 2015 Buicks (except the Enclave, which makes it for 2016) will make the first three months of owning car car true heaven. That is the length of the trial period of in-car 4GLTE services with Onstar. I say this with a bit of a smirk because the sign-up rate will be amazingly high. The pricing, already-installed access and friendliness of the sign-in for up to seven devices is a miracle …

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JAGUAR Special Ops F-Type Coupe and XFR-S SportBrake for Team Sky Tour de France Cyclists

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Say what you might about all other sports physicality, strength and stamina requirements – but know that none is really as grueling a challenge as the Tour de France. A bike race that whittles its winners down to rail-skinny, crying fools. Emotional, physical and spiritual battering come with every stage of the race. Evidence? There are few other athletes who would keep charging forward when their scrotum has been rubbed raw and blood-red by constant seat pressure/chafing. It makes this first-ever bike under the English Channel seem like a cakewalk. But the Tour de France is not just won by …

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2016 JAGUAR XQ-Type Preview – C-X17 SUV in 150 Photos, 4 Colors from Frankfurt, LA, Dubai and Guangzhou

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Everything we have seen so far from the C-X17 concept is included here!  The first-ever Jaguar crossover is expected to be a huge volume hit for the resurgent brand, with commercial prospects that seem far more lucrative than the just-confirmed XE compact exec sedan. The XE-type will debut September 8th in Paris, while the XQ-type — as it is expected to be called — should see its production debut around that time as well. The other name trademarked by Jaguar is the Q-type – which could be an alternative name for this five-seat SUV or the name of a possible …

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BRABUS ML-Class Mercedes-Benz Increases Speed, Exclusivity and Cabin Luxury

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UPDATED for the ML-Class — and this all certainly applies to the five-seat Benz SUV as much as it does the seven-seater!   Who are we to judge a megalux custom SUV? Nobody – that is who. At least, nobody with anywhere near the wealth or status to feel let down by the factory ML-Class AMG from Mercedes-Benz. But in certain worlds, the factory model is just too plain, and too similar, to even find in a Brentwood organic produce parking lot — let alone feel passionate about. BRABUS takes things up a notch in every regard. More premium, much …

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TECHART MACAN Upgrades for Wheels, Engine, Exhaust, Suspension and Cabin Revealed

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The Macan is the hottest thing to hit the Porsche books since the Panamera – and TechArt knows it. Their first set of upgrades is already well under way — with details promised for a styling overhaul in a month or so. Until then, we have the first four wheel styles available for any Macan Porsche, plus the well-regarded Engine and Suspension module upgrades from the TechArt Cayenne. Both of these plug-and-play mods keep all the mechanicals the same, but liberate a huge amount of extra power and earlier torque peaks. High recommended is the new exhaust as well. Stay …

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186MPH 7-Seat SUV? BRABUS B63S 700 Widestar for Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

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Who are we to judge a megalux custom SUV? Nobody – that is who. At least, nobody with anywhere near the wealth or status to feel let down by the factory GL63 AMG from Mercedes-Benz. But in certain worlds, the factory model is just too plain, and too similar, to even find in a Brentwood organic produce parking lot — let alone feel passionate about. BRABUS takes things up a notch in every regard. More premium, much faster, more exclusive and *much* more expensive. But these upgrades are so deep and thorough that they have a definite value proposition in …

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Updated with 50 New Photos – 2015 Porsche Macan S and Macan Turbo

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A few new pieces of information about the Macan S and Macan Turbo thanks to this latest photo set from Porsche: — The Macan S on its optional 21-inch 911 Turbo wheels looks as good as the Macan Turbo – with both wearing quad pipes in back. Round for S, squared for Turbo. — The Macan is so fast…. that the photographer could not keep up! Many of these photos are out-of-focus. Here are all the latest Macan photos, specs, pricing and details from Porsche — plus a few of the legendary 1978 911 SC Rallye just for fun. MACAN …

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RENDERED RUMORS: Bugatti Galibier Back in Pipeline – As 2017 Super SUV!

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It might make you chuckle on first thought: a Bugatti SUV. But take a step back and think about sales trends and Buagtti’s next steps. Sure, a SUperVeyron is very likely in 2016 or so as the current model finishes production by January 2015. And sure, a limo with a front-engine setup would be a logical next step. But here is the thing with limo’s versus SUVs and supercars: they are a hard sell. The car would have to be something quite spectacular indeed for people to stump up about 5X the $500,000 cost of a new Rolls-Royce Phantom. Similarly, …

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2015 Ford Explorer XLT Appearance Pack Adds 2.0L Turbo, Big Wheels and Dark Grey/Black Trims

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The lovable Ford Explorer brings a few updates for the 2015 model year, highlighted by the new XLT Appearance Pack and its dark grille, big wheels and black trims. This brings much of the street presence of the range-topping Explorer Sport to the volume leader of the Explorer group — and is a welcome style and handling upgrade! The main way to tell the XLT Appearance Pack trucks from the Explorer Sport is the grille: the XLT option is a dark grey grille, while the Explorer Sport runs a gloss black grille. 2015 Ford Explorer XLT Appearance Pack 2015 Ford …

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MEGA Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai Sonata Is Like A Value-Added Audi A6 – Choice Between Lux or Sport Dynamics

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MEGA Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai Sonata Is Like A Value-Added Audi A6 – Choice Between Lux or Sport Dynamics   If you are keeping track, this is perhaps the fifth article in a series covering the 2015 Sonata’s launch. We were fortunate enough to attend the big event the other week and have been working up to this: the definitive review! After much consideration, the new Sonata reminds me most of the Audi A6 2.0T – in size, what it offers buyers, and in overall appeal. Shocking, right? Especially with the Sonata’s base pricing in the $20,000’s that …

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