Mid-Size Luxury Sedans

1969 Lamborghini 400GT Islero S by Marazzi 1

RM Monterey 2015 – 1969 Lamborghini 400GT Islero S by Marazzi

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If there is one car that truly defies what we call the “Lambo GT curse,” it would be this stunning 400GT Islero S. Somehow escaping the frumpy style decisions of the earlier 350GT and too-large 1970s GT cars, the 400GT is a fantastic coupe style statement with V12 power up front and a leather-wrapped 2+2 cabin with real trunk out back. You can tell that the 400GT Islero S is a real timeless classic because its style almost directly previews the designs of 1980s sports coupes from around the world. The Ferrari 400i and 412i from the early 1980s would …

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Kia SPORTSPACE Concept-64243

2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept In Detailed, Real-Life Photos!

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Updated 2.27.14 With 20 New Photos In addition to the pics, Kia confirms that the powertrain is a 250-horsepower turbo four with the firm’s new DCT driving the front wheels. In that regard, the SPORTSPACE’s name is clearly SportSpace… not SportsPace. 2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept – Latest Photos Darnit! Right when we had almost completely written Kia off as poorly-driving, and poorly-marketed cars aimed at idiots — here comes this stunning SPORTSPACE estate concept for Geneva 2015. Hitting my fast-wagon passion right in the jugular, the bleeding passion down my neck is almost as red as this SPORTSPACE. Long, low …

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4DSC Returns! 2016 Nissan MAXIMA Bringing Hot Style, Tech and Paddle-Shifted 300HP From $32k!

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  The all-new Nissan Maxima made its global debut this morning at the NY auto show with a standard 300-horsepower V6, premium cabin design and details, and a special offer for first adopters! Almost as important — it looks phenomenal inside and out!  From the pure nose and tail views, the Maxima just shot to the top of the full-size sedan desirability charts with its low, wide stance and memorable details. How does the nose look so cool? Let’s look at the DRL’s at night and as an X-ray, via some photoshop. What do you get out of that? We …

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2016 Jaguar XF 20

2016 Jaguar XF Thinks It Is a Porsche 911; We Break The Bad News To Bad Mr. Kitty

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Updated 4.1.15 With 99 New Images We stand corrected – the 2016 XF is actually an all-new design, with no panels carrying over from the existing car. The chassis improvements are fairly dramatic as the XF shifts from its steel structure toward the aluminum of the XJ and F-Type. But why oh why must the styling be so dry? This trend of carmakers ever-so-lightly refreshing models makes no sense at all to me – especially if the panels are, in fact, all new. What is the point?! Chrysler 300, Kia Optima, Audi A6, Bentley Continental…. and now Jaguar XF. Every …

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2016 Cadillac CT6 – $75k Flagship World Premiere 60 Images From Brooklyn

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  The new Cadillac CT6 is official! As the top-flight limo in the newly invigorated Cadillac range, the CT6 has some huge shoes to fill. The hype and fish-eye lense videos proclaim to Dare Greatly, so how does the car live up to all this scene-setting? To convince BMW and Mercedes drivers to consider Cadillac, the CT6 needs to be far, far more than a stretched CTS. Far more than a modern STS. Based on the initial information provided by Cadillac, we are highly skeptical. Granted, the car does feel significantly wider and longer than any Caddy in years — …

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2015 Rolls-Royce WRAITH Inspired by Film Special Edition 4-tile

2015 Rolls-Royce WRAITH Inspired by Film Edition Celebrates Frozen Moment BFI Inductee

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    When a 2-minute launch movie for a car is inducted into the British Film Institute National Archive, you know it must be something special. Both the car and those magical two minutes of cinema are indeed quite special, breathtaking and goose-bump-inducing. The premise of the film ‘And the World Stood Still’ is a man piloting his Wraith through an enchanted, steaming forest when he comes across the living incarnation of the Spirit of Ecstasy badge. For one fleeting, frozen moment, the two have an ethereal bond that is at once serene, lust-filled and slightly fraught with danger. Thematically, the film shows …

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First Drive Review - 2015 Mercedes-AMG GLA45 80

First Drive Review – 2015 Mercedes-AMG GLA45 Is Tiny, Fugly and Massively Overpriced

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Lots of excellent cars driven and reviewed lately. Even if they are not a match for my personal budget or priorities, they almost all have true redeeming qualities for their intended target markets. The happy train really stops on this GLA45 AMG. This is very unusual. We have been huge Merc fans since their latest brand renaissance starting from around 2012. The cars are incredibly sexy, comfortable, fast and cool. If any machine should epitomize the new young-and-fun Mercedes appeal, it should be this GLA45 AMG. After all, this is the brand’s smallest and most-affordable new platform, paired with an …

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1965 Maserati Sebring Red 19

Gooding Amelia 2015 – 1965 Maserati Sebring in Red Brings $300k

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Can’t get enough of the very-rare and very chic Maserati Sebring? How about another in bright red? This Gooding & Co. auction car brought upwards of $300,000 – making it a well-priced entry into the club of 1960s Italian exotica.   ORIGINAL Tastemaker? With headlamps that look straight off of the Chevrolet Corvette C1 facelift in 1960? Not so much, guy! But look past the twin chrome-rimmed circles on light on this Maserati Sebring and you have the basis for some seriously futuristic sports coupes. The long hood and sunken grille and delicious, while the flat surfacing and boxy glasshouse …

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1965 Maserati Sebring 3500 GTi Series I 19

Amelia Island 2015 – 1965 Maserati Sebring 3500 GTi Was Avant-Garde Luxury Tastemaker

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Tastemaker!? With headlamps that look straight off of the Chevrolet Corvette C1 facelift in 1960? Not so much, guy! But look past the twin chrome-rimmed circles on light on this Maserati Sebring and you have the basis for some seriously futuristic sports coupes. The long hood and sunken grille and delicious, while the flat surfacing and boxy glasshouse would become mainstream and popular a full 20 years later in the 1980s. Beating a trend by two decades definitely counts as innovative, taste-making design in our book! 1965 Maserati Sebring 3500 GTi Series I      

1958 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe 33

RM Amelia Island 2015 – 1958 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe Is Rocket-Brick Icon

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  For someone who loves cars as much as I do, meeting a rare and special machine can have unintended consequences. No one would blink if you were so emotionally affected by an opera or fresco, but to be weak-kneed by a car? A Pontiac from the 1950s? Like most art, the effect on the viewer is one of the many mysteries of the world. Reviewing this Bonneville Sport Coupe today is quite an emotional affair. Pontiac was trying desperately to spring-board their brand from obscurity into the greats of automobiledom. They needed a flagship — something to draw the …

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2016 Jaguar XF Reveals Fresh Nose and Tail + All-New Cabin

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800-feet above the water in a high-wire London river crossing!? Yessir – the 2016 XF is trying to make a splash by… not making a splash. The subtle nose and tail are all-new for the upcoming model-year, with new LED tech for the low and high-beams plus new F-Type-shaped LED optics for the brake lights. It is not a truly splashy makeover, but a subtle update to better fit the new design of the all-new XE compact and upcoming XJ refresh. The biggest news, arguably, happens inside the cabin. All-new Jaguar touch-screen and 12-inch TFT display bring the XF up …

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2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate by VAETH 10

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate by VAETH Adds 100% More Sound and Style

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See what we mean on the new C63-S not really feeling that special or unique versus the regular C-Class? This VAETH special on the W205 Estate is based on one of the cheapest engines offered: the C180. And it looks this good with springs, wheels and a few aero pieces??! Yes indeed. Power is up fairly dramatically from 156-horsepower to 192-horsepower via an ECU reflash, while the quad pipes in back also help liberate a few more ponies and much more sound. Lowering springs drop the car 30-mm closer to the Earth, and 20-inch wheels round out the stance refinement. …

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2015 Mercedes-AMG C63-S 51

2015 Mercedes-AMG C63-S in 63 Real-Life Photos Inside and Out

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Updated 3.17.15 With 63 New Photos This subtle but sweet C63-S is the hottest model in the new C-Class range, atop all others — even its two other AMG brothers. That’s right. There will also be a C63 and a C450 AMG. The C63-S is clearly the one to lust after, with its 510-horsepower topping the Lexus RC-F, M3 and all other exec supercoupes/supersedans. First Impressions? There is a big issue with this car, however, and the lack of people oogling it in Amelia Island makes that clear. It is just too subtle. The car, at least in this grey …

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2015 nanoFlowcell QUANT F 25

Updated With 45 New Photos – 2015 nanoFlowcell QUANT F

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Quant is back in Geneva this year with a new evolution of the Quant E from 2014 – now packing 500 extra horsepower, a new transmission and drivetrain, a bright red color outside, new LED headlights and fresh wheels. The 2014 nanoFlowcell eSportLimousine prototype was recently approved for road use in Europe, so production reality is coming along nicely for this cool supercar. Imagine a Tesla Model S crossed with a Porsche 918 Spyder, and you have the $350,000 estimated price point of the eventual production model.    2015 nanoFlowcell QUANT F   10.02.2015 nanoFlowcell AG presents new QUANT F …

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Geneva 2015 Gallery - Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V + Euro-Spec Escalade Platinum 1-tile

Geneva 2015 Gallery – Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V + Euro-Spec Escalade Platinum

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The new ATS-V and CTS-V look better and better to these eyes every time we see them! Two proper super-saloon cars for a specialized group of clients in the European market. Yes, Cadillac has always had trouble gaining traction in the UK and France, but the brand has devoted fans across many other Euro-group countries. Interesting to see the Escalade Platinum in its Euro-spec look, which takes some of our wishlist and makes it real. The brushed-alloy brightwork for the grille and details all around is now a nice dark grey, while the headlamps are now tinted a dark shade …

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Road Test Review - 2015 Lexus ES350 20

HD Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus ES350 – Still Quietly Excellent

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2015 Lexus ES350 Review     The Lexus ES350 is one of the brand’s all-time sales heroes. Over the last 20 years, the ES has been a staple on the best-selling, most-loved and best-resale-value ranks of all luxury cars. Since the most recent refresh of the ES350 in 2012, the car has averaged around 72,000 sales a year — which is a mighty impressive total that averages out to 25-percent of overall 2013 and 2014 Lexus brand sales. Year Lexus Brand Lexus ES ES Share of Total Lexus Sales U.S. Sales U.S. Sales U.S. Sales 2002      234,109        71,450 31% 2003      …

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2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept - Latest Photos 3

2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept in 20 New Photos + Powertrain Details

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Updated 2.27.14 With 20 New Photos Half of these are official shots from Kia, and the other half from KoreanCarBlog. In addition to the pics, Kia confirms that the powertrain is a 250-horsepower turbo four with the firm’s new DCT driving the front wheels. In that regard, the SPORTSPACE’s name is clearly SportSpace… not SportsPace. 2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept – Latest Photos   Darnit! Right when we had almost completely written Kia off as poorly-driving, and poorly-marketed cars aimed at idiots — here comes this stunning SPORTSPACE estate concept for Geneva 2015. Hitting my fast-wagon passion right in the jugular, …

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Cadillac Dare Greatly CT6 Teasers 1-tile

OP_ED Part 2 – Cadillac #DAREGREATLY Campaign Previews 2016 CT6 Limo + de Nysschen Progress Report

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  It is so irritating when writers quote themselves. Drives me nuts. But this one is very, very relevant. On July 3rd, 2014 – we jotted out the below Editor’s Opinion article attempting to diagnose what was making Cadillac feel so ill. We scathed… This really is not an old-man brand anymore. But sadly, it is definitely run by losers. Not losers in life, mind you. They must be smart and successful – but they are definitely, definitely not cool people. They live in Michigan and are sheltered C- and D-county (aka, rural) people who have never even stood on …

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2015 Audi Prologue Avant Concept Shows 4-Door, Fast-Wagon Style Ahead of Geneva Show

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We have seen two iterations of the Prologue concept so far from Audi: both coupes with the scale and presence to compete between the BMW 6 series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupes. With a design that harks back to the low and lean appearance of the Audi 5000 from the late 1980s, the Prologue design does feel much better as a deeply-sloping wagon silhouette. More naturally Audi, but still a bit blah for our tastes. It engenders little to no visual passion or excitement, despite being a clean and pure design. This latest Prologue Avant dramatically decorates the exterior details …

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2015 Toyota Camry - DAYTONA 500 Official Pace Car 25

2015 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Morphs Into DAYTONA 500 Official Pace Car + #83 Johnny Sauter Camry NASCAR

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First up-close look at the 2015 Camry Pace Car in real life. A modified 2015 CAMRY XSE V6, shiny exhausts and a lower stance are visible above 19-inch BBS alloys and Z-rated tires. Just a tire and spring change away from being approved for 155mph? Yep. Summer rubber on this pace car, even in chilly February! The pair of Camry Pace Cars is active regularly during the Budweiser Duel Races that serve as a qualifier for the Daytona 500 lineup. This new LED-lit 2015 Camry Pace Car has no trouble managing track brutes at up to 125-mph around tracks like …

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kia sportspace concept - exterior - 1

Wow! 2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept Previews Future Optima Estate in Stellar Fashion

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Darnit! Right when we had almost completely written Kia off as poorly-driving, and poorly-marketed cars aimed at idiots — here comes this stunning SPORTSPACE estate concept for Geneva 2015. Hitting my fast-wagon passion right in the jugular, the bleeding passion down my neck is almost as red as this SPORTSPACE. Long, low and sexy — the SPORTSPACE concept packs a gorgeous new design from double-quad LED light-pods back to its low-roofed tail and slimline glasshouse. Inside, things improve perhaps even further, with a full-length The SPORTSPACE is a strong statement of intent and first glimpse of the new Frankfurt-led design …

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2016 Citroen DS5 3a

2016 Citroen DS5 Is Fresh With Upscale Cabin and Ultra-Modern LED Lighting

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The 2016 Citroen DS5 is here and very cool!  Packing a cosmopolitan luxury-wagon style, a premium and laid-back cabin layout — the latest DS model really proves the transformation from basic Citroens up to the premium and swanky DS lineup. 2016 Citroen DS5   NEW DS 5: THE SYMBOL OF THE DS BRAND The New DS 5 is a vehicle of avant-garde styling, allying dynamic behaviour, refinement and attention to detail with a selection of advanced technologies. It embodies all the attributes of present and future DS vehicles. The DS flagship model introduces the brand identity and gains the new …

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Winter Drift Gallery – 2015 Buick Regal GS AWD Slides Sideways Across Canadian Border

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The big news on the very-cool Buick Regal GS this year is the addition of AWD as an option on the automatic transmission, plus a stick-shift choice for the Hy-Per-Strut front-driver. Eager to get sideways, the new Regal GS is at home in the snow like no Buick sports-sedan in decades. Enjoy this photo blast…. just try not to get snow in your eyes! 2015 Buick Regal GS AWD    

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3.6s 2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe Updated With Latest 6-Series Tech and Style

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We really wondered about the just-released-in-the-US Alpina B6 for 2015. How would this sync with the overall 635i, 650i and M6 Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe that are all packing barely-noticeable updates? Luckily, the Aplina B6 benefits from these ultra-subtle tweaks for 2016. We recently spotted (what the owner said) was the first B6 GC on the East Coast, after falling hard for the first USA B6 GC at a BMW event in Pebble Beach. 2015 BMW Alpina B6 (current model)   The biggest change to spot is that the current car has its LED indicator elements below the main …

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2015 nanoFlowcell QUANT F Headed to Geneva With New 1000HP Powertrain

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Quant is back in Geneva this year with a new evolution of the Quant E from 2014 – now packing 500 extra horsepower, a new transmission and drivetrain, a bright red color outside, new LED headlights and fresh wheels. The 2014 nanoFlowcell eSportLimousine prototype was recently approved for road use in Europe, so production reality is coming along nicely for this cool supercar. Imagine a Tesla Model S crossed with a Porsche 918 Spyder, and you have the $350,000 estimated price point of the eventual production model.    2015 nanoFlowcell QUANT F 10.02.2015 nanoFlowcell AG presents new QUANT F in …

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2016 Acura ILX COLORS – All Six Shades in Flawless Animated Turntables

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The new 2016 Acura ILX A-Spec proves that the TLX was not a fluke — Acura is indeed on a roll. The A-Spec ILX is priced from $32,000 and includes a sportier body kit, sill extensions, a rear spoiler and foglamps in the deeper front bumper. It is also sportier inside with a dark headliner and alloy accents for the pedals. So, which color to choose? There are six shades available, but it looks like Basque Red II is not available for the A-Spec trim. No official word on when the new ILX will arrive in showrooms, but we’d shoot …

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2016 Acura ILX A-SPEC Makes Credible, Playful and Chic Audi A3-Fighter

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The first-gen Acura ILX did not do it for us. It seemed too much like a lightly-upfitted Civic to really turn heads, and its design never appealed much either. But for 2016, the ILX takes huge advances on the performance, style and tech realms. The new eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic is a peppy and responsive playmate for the 201-horsepower 2.4-liter engine, while even the new design is actually quite cool. ILX is bit more handsome than the Audi A3? What is happening!?! Even the much-maligned Acura single-bar grille is suddenly much cooler, with a sharp and three-dimensional new shape making it …

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Design Analysis - 2013 Opel-Vauxhall MONZA Is Exotic, Advanced PHEV GT 12

Design Analysis – 2013 Opel-Vauxhall MONZA Is Exotic, Advanced PHEV GT

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This Monza concept feels subtle at first. Its slinky and silky metallic gunmetal finishes are the perfect shade of subtle, and let the wild surfaces and flowing silhouette speak for itself. How to think of this car? A future production model? Not at all. This is perhaps best thought-of as a potential Tesla Model S-fighter, with ambitions to compete with the BMW i8 from a technological perspective. Theoretical pricing would be around $100,000 — so obviously in the fantasy realm for the mid-premium Opel and Vauxhall brands. Let’s do a full design assessment by angle. But first! Here is what …

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Concept Flashback – 2000 Audi Rosemeyer

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Steampunk? Does that apply here? No, none of the original Audi race-cars from the 1930s were powered by steam, but this Rosemeyer concept seems to fit into this new, retro-mechanical style movement. Exposed rivets, pop-up lamp covers, individual headlight pods, massive vents all down the back of the engine compartment — all fantastic and moody. The brushed-aluminum surface takes a big step toward authenticity versus the clean and polished surface of the Avus Quattro concept, while the front vents all feel milled from a solid piece of metal. 2000 Audi Rosemeyer

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RM Amelia 2015 Preview – 1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Two-Door Saloon by Vanden Plas

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If everyone has an era of classic cars to which they naturally gravitate, ours is easily the early 1930s. This Alvis almost perfectly captures the more avant-garde coupe style of the era. Two doors, olive drab paint, ultra-long hood and low roof. A dream-car if there ever was one! The cabin and coachwork by Vanden Plas only sweetens the deal for this dreamer. 1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Two-Door Saloon by Vanden Plas RM Auctions Amelia Island 14 March 2015 1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Two-Door Saloon by Vanden Plas Chassis no. 11845

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SuperSedan Debrief – 1993 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton

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The Lotus Carlton was not just a hero because of its massive turbocharged engine and rear-drive handling balance. Not just an icon because of its Lotus-honed grip and track prowess. Not just a stylish executive saloon that suddenly competied with Audi and BMW thanks to its sweet wide fenders and aerokit. Not just a British national champion because it was created by Vauxhall and Lotus, and built there too. Little Opel input was needed for asked-for, nor help from General Motors across the Atlantic. Nor simply an extremely-rapid autobahn missile with a Vmax of more than 180-mph. The real reason …

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2016 Nissan Maxima #WithDad Commercial – Creative Strategy Analysis

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  This 90-second Nissan ad is a huge, huge overall branding push – with a (negotiated) price of about $10-million just for the media, it needs to connect a lot of dots and hit the right notes to earn its worth. It is admittedly pretty touching, and themes such as bonding with a distant father are highly universal. The scenes are also uniquely Nissan. You could not switch out the brand or product easily, which is a sign of good creative. The same cannot be said for Kia Motors Pierce Brosnan ad, or even the touching Jeep Renegade spot. When …

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2015 Hyundai Azera LEDs 17

2015 Hyundai Azera – LEDetails Front and Rear + Cabin Feels Very Lux!?

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Hyundai is really learning the luxury ropes very, very convincingly. The speed of the Hyundai Evolution is so quick that this new Azera totally shames the flagship Equus in classiness of design, materials and touchability. Outside, the style is still pretty blah, but the LEDs are extremely striking. Not quite sure if the impact the nose delivers is a good thing or a bad thing for the retiree target clientele — but we love the gatling-gun look on any headlamp. Complementing these striking LED lights up top as DRLs are the primary HID projector low-beams and halogen reflector high-beams. The …

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2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country 16

2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country – Updated With 20 New, Real-Life Photos from Houston

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First details today on the newest Volvo – a US-bound V60 Cross Country! The new V60 XC is a tough and rugged version of the V60 sportwagen, and will ship to the US with standard AWD and the 250-horsepower T5 engine. Some have asked if the V60 Cross Country is necessary, considering the presence of the XC60 SUV in the lineup. There is certainly some overlap, but the V60 XC will appeal to a sportier customer and have pricing a few thousand less than the taller XC60 SUV. More models are a good thing for Volvo in the US – …

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2015 Chrysler 300S 1

Houston Auto Show – 2015 Chrysler 300S Reveal + LED Detail Shots Front and Rear

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The new Chrysler 300S is the real pick of the range. With V6 and Hemi V8 power offered, the 300S is sporty in all ways: suspension tuning and handling feel, but also exterior style and cabin ambiance. The most impressive part of the 300S is plain to see: stunning gloss-black details and a full de-chrome of the exterior. The 2015 Chrysler 300 feels familiar, but updated and very nicely refined in all ways. We love the cool technical detailing of the 300S grilles up front, the flush-mounted exhaust finishers in back, and the subtle but convincing rear end with pert …

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Super Sedans 2016 design shootout2

Super Sedan Design Shootout – 2016 Lexus GS-F vs. 2016 Cadillac CTS-V vs. E63 AMG vs. M5

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  INTRO: How freaky does that sliced image montage look above!?  Despite the four car’s here not quite matching up in the photos we have at hand, they all share a great deal of buyer and market appeal. For shoppers needing supercar pace with room for five people, there have never been more choices. Very exciting times in the super-sedan business! In a segment that the BMW M5 once owned all to itself, the current M5 Jahre 30 Edition is a run-out special for 2015 that feels ancient versus the latest AMG, Cadillac and Lexus four-doors. To save the M5 …

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5.9s 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-In Hybrid Coming Fall 2015

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  The Plug-in Hybrid is really gaining steam with the launch of mainstream models left and right. The combination of EV-mode driving almost forces the full electric integration of the hybrid components. This is especially important for the big German luxury brands, who have so far launched some of the mildest hybrids of all. This new C350 PHEV promises a 20-mile electric cruising range, at speeds up to 80-mph. Performance from the turbo four-cylinder engine combined with a charged batter is actually pretty impressive: 5.9-seconds to 60-mph. Five drive modes and a coasting ‘sail’ mode optimize the regenerative braking functions …

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4.9s, 362HP 2015 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4Matic Sportier, Faster than C400

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The new C450 AMG Mercedes revealed at Detroit this week will be the sixth in the new C-Class range in the USA, and is perhaps the sweet spot of them all: the C63, C63 S-Model, C400, C350 Hybrid and C300 4Matic. With 362-horsepower, the 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 in the C450 makes room for itself in the line as a second line of AMG sports models. With standard 4Matic AWD that is not offered on the V8 C63, the new C450 will also be the go-to choice among people in snowy climates. A sportier setup for the Airmatic suspension, sports exhaust, …

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2015 Honda FCV Concept + Year of Honda Turbo VTEC and Turbofan HondaJet Arrival

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Honda is very re-energized lately. It will take time for the actual products to catch up with the mood inside the halls of America Honda these days, but when they arrive, they should be terrific. After years of a relatively glum and forlorn outlook, there is a palpable sense of future potential in Honda today. The FCV concept is still in its production-engineering mode, as Honda is keen to perfect every detail before the global rollout. This sense slightly delayed the new Acura NSX as well, but we now see it was worth the wait. Honda is diving head-first into …

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buick avenir

2015 Buick Avenir Concept Shows Design of Future RWD Flagship Limo

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This is a tricky design to love at first sight. The sketches whisper ‘chic’ the real car’s nose and profile shouts ‘eek.’ Even so, it is a promising look at a future Buick flagship limo.    2015 Buick Avenir Concept         Avenir’s Design-driven Global Collaboration Buick concept developed via collaboration of GM’s Australia, Michigan studios 2015-01-11 DETROIT – The Buick Avenir concept announced today ahead of the North American International Auto Show represents a collaboration of General Motors’ global designers and fabricators, who worked between studios in Australia and the United States to develop the striking design …

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brabus cls

BRABUS Mercedes-Benz CLS Mega Gallery – Upgrades From Mild to Wild!

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The CLS is ripe for more power and style from the factory, and Brabus is happy to indulge. From wheels and exhausts, to ECU tunes, to full engine upgrades — the CLS catalog is one of the deepest in the Brabus range. Featured here are six of their coolest CLS upgrades, starting with the king of the range: the 850.   BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo based on the Mercedes CLS 63 BRABUS 730 B63S NEWS RELEASE World debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show 2013: 730 hp for the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG The BRABUS B63S – 730 with 537 …

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Bugatti SUV Design Concept by Ondrej Jirec

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In the original article toward the bottom of this page, we explore an online rendering of a Bugatti Veyron-style SUV, plus created our own janky lift of the official Galibier concept from Bugatti. But neither of the below ideas is really as avant-garde as Bugatti would seek for any Super SUV with its EB logos attached. College of Art Center of Design student Ondrej Jirec has a very cool idea for a Bugatti SUV. Grand style, grand pace, and the name? The Grand Colombier. A nod to the explorer Cristobol Colon — who we Americans know as Christopher Columbus — …

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legacy b4 blitzen

2015 Subaru Legacy B4 BLITZEN Concept Debuts at Tokyo Auto Salon

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As a current Legacy GT owner, you can bet we were floored to see how sweet this sixth-gen Legacy B4 Blitzen concept looks!  It is a luxury sports styling concept – with the standard 175-horsepower boxer engine. But the all-new front and rear fascias are very convincing, as are the carbon-fiber accents in the sills, wheels and rear spoiler. Favorite details are the gloss-glack mesh grille and the integrated LED styling accents in the outer bumpers. 2015 Subaru Legacy B4 BLITZEN Concept   In third-generation and fourth generation Legacy, has been planned and developed as a special specification car ‘BLITZEN’  …

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s60 xc

Volvo S60 XC Marks Return of the SUS!

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The SUS lives! Sport Utility Sedans are a rare breed indeed. Only a few hundred of the original Subaru Outback Sedan were made and sold in core Subie markets like Vermont and Colorado in the late 1990s. Volvo’s new S60 XC entry will head to Detroit and then nationwide as a fun niche model for the brand. The Cross Country style actually looks amazing on the S60 sedan shell – and we’re eager to spot the rare and elusive SUS Volvo in the wild later in 2015…! Volvo S60 XC Volvo takes Cross Country brand into sedan territory Volvo Cars …

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Concept Flashback – 2009 Mercedes-Benz F800

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If you want a solid starting point for the latest sexy Mercedes designs, you might start at the first-gen CLS in 2005. But those proportions needed work, and the surfacing left much to be desired. Between the CLS and this 2009 F800 Style lived the ghastly F700 and the notorious bionic fish van concept. F700 This 2009 F800 Style Research Concept really set the tone for a new Mercedes aesthetic. This slinky design was followed by the Style Coupe concept in 2012 — wearing lines that are even closer to what is now the CLA-Class. 2012 Style Coupe Concept There …

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624HP Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate by WIMMER Rennsporttechnik

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It is only recently that the US market enjoys super-high-performance AMG wagons — our European friends have been loving their AMG Kombi’s and Estates for years now. But even for German domestic-market clients – we do not believe a wagon C63 was ever in the factory catalog. That makes this Wimmer conversion extra special. Bumping the power and style of the C63 is Wimmer RST — a helpful acronym when shortening Rennsporttechnik! Nothing shorthand about the 150-horsepower conversion in power in this yellow C63, nor the slammed stance and custom styling upgrade. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate by WIMMER     …

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2016 Cadillac ATS-V Latest Photos + Colors and Wheels Preview

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Updated 1.1.2015 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Colors and Wheels Preview A variety of sexy new photos of the 2016 ATS-V Coupe and Sedan via CadillacATS-V.com forums, plus the official GM reveal photos. To cap it off, we have a preliminary colors guide to the six shades, two wheel styles and three cabin colors for this new set of Wonder-Twins. Whenever a fresh pair of high-performance cars’ tech specs can elicit a “holy shit!” from your scribe — sitting solo in the office — you know something amazing is coming. The ATS-V Coupe and Sedan photo and specs caused numerous swear words …

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Rendering a DIY Black Pack for the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

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We mentioned a few times that customizing the excellent 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe would be a quick and simple job as an owner. We’ve digitally envisioned this $500 upgrade from a few angles — and are stunned with the coolness of the results. The rules are simple: no aftermarket parts of upgrades. Just trim tweaks: dipping the wheels in anthracite grey, tinting the windows to 20-percent, and changing the brushed-alloy brightwork into a black chrome or gloss black. The hardest part of this upgrade, and perhaps the only one that would require a body-shop’s assistance for OEM results, is the …

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HD Road Test Review – 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe 2.0T Performance

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 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe Review A great luxury sports coupe needs a few critical areas of excellence. In the second page of this article, we show the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe in a 150-photo mega gallery showing the style and sexiness of its two-door shape. Cool LEDs all around, a great stance, proportions to envy — the ATS Coupe has style for days. In this full review, we’ll cover two other critical successes of the ATS Coupe: Its  cabin luxury and incredibly fun, tactile and playful power and handling. Included are three drive videos. The outline of this article is: …

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2016 Cadillac CTS-V in 99 New Images + Roaring Dynamic Video!

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  The above 45-second CTS-V promo video is heaven. The super-sedan category has a very potent new entry in the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V. Revealed today online ahead of its public showing in Detroit in two weeks, the new CTS-V is powered by a supercharged 6.2.-liter V8 making a stonking 640-horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Let’s repeat those numbers. 640HP, 630 Ft/LB. That is a cool 100 over the BMW M5 and 60-plus more than the E63 AMG S-Model. The rear-drive sedan has a limited-slip diff in back along with the latest eight-speed automatic from the Corvette Z06. The one …

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Future Supercar Renderings – 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Sedan

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There are a few realities to consider when asking: is this Z06 Sedan likely or even possible in the future? The first: Many Corvette fans have pined over a four-door version for as long as the car has been around — since 1953, then. The second fact: Chevrolet has long sought to imbue its regular models with Corvette-like traits. Corvette engines in the Impala SS, anecdotes galore about the new Cadillac CTS-V being a ‘Corvette with four doors,’ etc. Chevrolet is back on the Corvette love parade lately, with many future models like the Volt and Malibu said to benefit …

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LA Auto Show 2014 – Photo Gallery of 80 Cool New Cars

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Now that it is a full month after the LA auto show, and only a few weeks from Detroit, it seems like many of these images are not going to be utilized in full articles. So that they are not snapped in vain…. here are 137 photos from the showfloor. A few of these are from the tuner/specialist booth outside the LA show proper – but this is where we find Morgan, Galpin Ford and the GTR1, Saleen and other popular brands. Two really cool showcars that have not been covered much? The Black Pearl custom low-rider and the Zelectric …

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Updated With 50 New Photos – 540HP, 3.7s 2015 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive GranCoupe

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Updated 12.25.14 The BMW 6 Series wears perhaps the most unnoticeable facelift for what we believe will be the 2016 model-year. That does not diminish how cool and exclusive the B6 xDrive GranCoupe is. Nor does it dampen the huge, HUGE sprint and top-end pace of this AWD super-sedan. PREVIOUS Meet the first (and only) Alpina B6 in the United States at the moment. This blue stunner is, in fact, the quickest BMW ever made. The addition of AWD and a huge jump in twin-turbo V8 power means the Alpina B6 is more rapid to 60-mph than any other BMW. …

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Update1 – 640HP, 200MPH 2016 Cadillac CTS-V Revealed + Tech Specs

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  The super-sedan category has a very potent new entry in the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V. Revealed today online ahead of its public showing in Detroit in two weeks, the new CTS-V is powered by a supercharged 6.2.-liter V8 making a stonking 640-horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Let’s repeat those numbers. 640HP, 630 Ft/LB. That is a cool 100 over the BMW M5 and 60-plus more than the E63 AMG S-Model. The rear-drive sedan has a limited-slip diff in back along with the latest eight-speed automatic from the Corvette Z06. The one that is .4-seconds-quicker to 60-mph than even the …

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BMW 550i By Fostla

BMW 550i By Fostla.de Is Wrapped, Uncapped and Remapped to 570HP Bliss

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  The stock BMW 5 series has all the makings of an amazing sports sedan – one with outstanding performance, luxury and room inside for every situation. But from the factory, even the 550i M Sport lacks a bit of visual aggression. How to better project its unique performance cred on the outside? Fostla.de not only wrapped this F10 in a subtle satin-finish “grey olive matte metallic” foil, color-matches the new 21-inch Yido wheels, and accents the design with another shade of bright tan. The foil wrap delivers real visual punch by being subtle and also quite special and flashy …

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Road Test Glamour Gallery – 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe 2.0T Performance

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What is glamour? A combination of style, luxury and sex appeal is how we define it in the car world. We are on hour three of editing the 250-plus photos taken of the stellar 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe 2.0T Performance from the other week. Something crosses the mind during this mental prep and planning time for the big road test review: style and desirability are critical to any coupe’s success in the marketplace. To drum up some of the passion we felt behind the wheel, here is a preview gallery showing 75 photos of the ATS Coupe in an old-grown …

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Best of Awards – 2014 Audi TT Offroad and TT Sportback Concepts

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After really hating the Audi Prologue, we are eager to balance those sharp opinions on Audi design. The expanded TT range via two concepts this year shows huge promise and great potential. A TT sedan! So simple an idea, and one that would be a sharp competitor for the BMW 1 Series sedan in 2016 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The TT Offroad shows the same potential. Both have an approachable and modern-but-fun design, great proportions, and a style that will pull sales. 2014 Audi TT Sportback Concept 2014 Audi TT Offroad Concept      

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2016 Lexus GS-F Teased Ahead of Detroit + Exclusive Digital Renderings

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Lexus has not specified exactly what new F model is coming to Detroit – preferring to leave a bit of mystery in the two teasers just revealed. We have a hunch it is the long-rumored GS-F in production form, arriving to Lexus showrooms in Summer 2015 as a 2016 model. But it could be a new IS-F, or perhaps even the expected LS revamp. We believe it is the GS-F from a close look at the front fenders, the hood length, and the fact that the GS would greatly benefit from the latest nose shown in the IS and RC. …

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2014 INFINITI Concept Vision Gran Turismo – 55 High-Res Images – Now Raceable in GT6!

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The Infiniti Vision Gran Turismo is here and absolutely stellar! What an exciting design, with dozens of all-new details for future production Infiniti’s to emulate. A 4.5-liter, naturally aspirated V8 mounted mid-ship with one electric motor to extra shove — all shooting the Infiniti VGT out of corners sideways and on full blast. The Infiniti Vision GT shows a strong resemblance to the Infinti Essence concept from a few years ago, but evolves the nose dramatically to evoke the more-recent Q80 Inspiration. All of these design ideas are hopefully to be fed into the production 2016 Q60 Coupe, which is …

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2015 BMW M3 and M4 Original M Performance Parts Are Sweet! Racing Stripes Available…

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With every tuner and their mom jumping on the new M3 and M4 with upgrades, a buyer might be very tempted to go aftermarket right away. But what about factory-approved BMW M Performance goodies first? These maintain an OEM feel to the car, as well as ensuring the pieces are perfect fits that will last the life of the car in perfect condition. Our favorite pieces are the black grilles and the M racing stripes! 2015 BMW M3 and M4 M Performance Parts http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PERFORMANCE/BMW-M-PERFORMANCE/

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2015 BMW M6 Coupe, Cabrio and GranCoupe Refreshed with 560HP

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The new M6 triplets are fresh this year with revised LED headlamps, black chrome detailing, and a new trunk design. The rear end is perhaps easier to spot than the nose — where the LED indicators are the biggest clue. These are now mounted above the headlamps versus below on the previous car. In back, the trunk has an extra bustle form in its lower leading edge. This is the line closest to the badge on the vertical trunk face, as opposed to the one right below the new spoiler. New LED optics inside the lamps are also fresh for …

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174MPH, 4.1s 2015 Audi RS3 Sportback Revealed For Europe with 376HP I5T

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In a nod to past Audi heroes, the latest RS3 Sportback is turning up the wick — and burning it from both ends. Quattro all-wheel-drive legend’s are claimed to be alive in this latest Audi RS3 , with performance that is certainly eye-catching! And it needs to be: this mini-supercar segment is becoming not just a prestige battle for halo consumers buying cheaper trims, but a grudge match between the big German luxury brands. The CLA and A45 AMG vs the BMW M235i vs the RS3!  Audi is stacking the deck in their favor by fielding not just this RS3 …

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First Teasers of INFINITI Vision Gran Turismo Concept

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First look at the upcoming Infiniti entry to GT6’s Vision Gran Turismo concept collection – and it is quite a stunning piece! The two teaser images so far show a strong resemblance to the Infinti Essence concept from a few years ago, but a likely to evolve the nose dramatically to evoke the more-recent Q80 Inspiration. All of these design ideas are hopefully to be fed into the production 2016 Q60 Coupe, which is strongly rumored for a reveal this winter in Detroit or Chicago. INFINITI Vision Gran Turismo Concept   INFINITI Q80 Inspiration INFINITI Essence   INFINITI CONCEPT Vision …

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Concept Flashback – 2008 Peugeot RC HYbrid4 Finally Turned Design Tide

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After highlighting two of Peugeot’s less-impressive achievements from 2006 in the 907 and 908 RC, we are eager to show how the brand turned its style page — to a far better step in the right direction. The 2008 RC HYbrid4 takes some of the initial sketches from the 908 RC to fruition, but is not burdened by a giant mid-engine package in its proportions. In addition to showing a promising and crisp new style, the HYbrid4 was a showcase for Peugeot’s then-new hybrid AWD powertrain. Running a unique electric motor and battery on the back axle but a normal …

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Mecum Austin 2014 Preview – 1955 Chrysler 300C Is Flawless in Fire-Engine Red

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There are old cars, and then there are classic cars. A third group is the absolutely flawless show car — with every inch of the car looking arguably better than it did the day it rolled off the assembly line. This stunning 1955 Chrysler C-300 is in that third group. Sure, the chrome and paint outside is stunning. But wait until you open the hood. Your jaw will hit the grille with the condition of the engine compartment. The cabin is another huge achievement in originality, expert restoration and preserving the complete originality of the vehicle. It is great to …

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2015 BMW 6 Series Revised With New Grille, LED Headlights and Dual-Mode Exhaust

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The 2015 BMW 6 Series Coupe, GranCoupe and Convertible are freshened for the 2015 model year, with a new look for the nose, upgraded trims and cabin tech, and a few tweaks to the performance setup. Arriving from around February to showrooms, the new 640i, 650i and M6 have a few meaningful design tweaks that go a long way. The most noticeable element is admittedly pretty subtle, but is a new, larger and sharper twin kidney grille. This new look fixes some of the awkwardness of the previous car’s grille and hood intersection, where there was some uncomfortable overlap between …

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591HP 2014 Subaru VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo – Latest GT6 Concept in 70 Photos!

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      How did we miss this!? It has been about two weeks since the amazing Subaru Viziv GT concept was revealed for Gran Turismo 6 – but seeing its details up close still quickens the pulse. We absolutely love these chiseled and chopped lines, the proportions of an ultra-low shooting brake, and the detailing throughout. It is a stunning interpretation of the ultimate Subaru track car. The tech details are a turbo 2.0-liter boxer in front, supplemented by twin electric motors in back and a single electric motor in front. The combination delivers 591-horsepower and 593 pound-feet of …

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Concept to Reality – 2010 Mazda Shinari to 2013 Mazda6

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Now here is a company with some genius ideas, and the brilliance to bring them to a street near you. The Shinari is gorgeous, and the Mazda6 is too. Well done.     Concept to Reality – 2010 Mazda Shinari to 2013 Mazda6 2016 Mazda6   2013 Mazda6           2010 Mazda SHINARI Concept  

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4.7s 2015 Chevrolet SS Upgraded With Magnetic Suspension and New Six-Speed Manual

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The Chevrolet SS is what happens when a Camaro SS meets the full-size Impala. It has the performance chops to drift with the best muscle-cars, but also to blend smoothly into fastlane traffic anonymously. Perhaps a bit too well? The SS is handicapped only a year after its launch by looks that fail to excite and vaguely recall the previous-generation Impala, to some eyes. These facts make its amazing performance and 415-horsepower V8 the car’s main selling points. The new magnetic ride control and no-cost six-speed manual will definitely help the SS appeal to its core buyer segments — and …

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Design Analysis – 2012 Pininfarina Cambiano – Why So Lifeless, Bland and Generic?

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We feel a bit guilty for absolutely skewering the Pininfarina/Ferrari Sergio the other day.  After all, they may have had no control over the lame production-friendly changes done by Ferrari. Let’s take another look at some of Pininfarina’s other recent work to balance things out, shall we? The 2012 Pininfarina Cambiano concept was an expression of a clean, EV sedan in the mold of the Tesla Model S, Fisker Karma or the Quant e-Sport Limousine. The vehicle has two doors on the passenger side, and one longer coupe door on the driver side. The trouble is: it is super boring …

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Update1 – 2016 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 Shooting Brake Shuns LA Debut; USA-Bound?

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Updated 12.4.14 with 22 new photos.   As you may or may not have noticed, Mercedes and BMW seem to have given the LA show this week a big middle finger. Neither revealed anything significant (Maybach S600 aside) and have both been relatively quiet on the overall announcement front. Detroit and New York are generally the German’s favorite North American shows to make a splash – but here is one curio. The CLA45 AMG Shooting Brake revealed online just moments ago. Would this car not have made a good Los Angeles debut? If it were coming to the US, it …

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HD Track Drive Review – 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Is Powerful But Huge And Floaty

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HD Track Drive Review – 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Updated 12.3.14 With Additional Photos We were slightly embarrassed to come back from Chicago the other month with zero in-focus photos of the Challenger R/T we took for hot track laps. Luckily, another chance presented itself. Certainly a cool machine in the flesh — but the R/T is a luxury car without the sharp handling of the latest Mustangs and Camaro’s. It takes a few ticks toward the Hellcat for the Challenger to add suspension composure to this menacing muscle-coupe style. PREVIOUS We were thrilled to get in the new Challenger …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Buick LaCrosse V6 Premium Is Deceptively Sporty and Extremely Luxurious

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Quick: name the best large sedan on the market for less than $50,000? Requirements for consideration are a huge back seat, width to never touch elbows with front passengers and all-day cruising comfort. Because you are a keen driver and love a great curving road, let’s add mountain road poise to the list. We are not considering luxury cars like the BMW 5 series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz C or E-Classes — they are too small in the back seat. The immediate group of competitors with these prerequisites are: the Hyundai Azera, Lincoln MKS, Toyota Avalon, Kia Cadenza and perhaps …

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717HP SPOFEC Rolls-Royce Wraith Upgrades Are All-New From Novitec Group

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More power, more exclusivity and more visual impact on the stunning Rolls-Royce Wraith? Yes please! SPOFEC is the latest marque-specific offering from Germany’s Novitec Group. What is the name? It means SPirit OF ECstacy — and this is the second model after the Ghost to benefit from these cool and functional overhauls. Our favorite elements? The engine power chip, air suspension controls to lower the car on command, and an exhaust sportifier to do the same with the 7170horsepower, 986-pound-feet of torque from the pipes in back. We love the styling upgrades as well. The dark wheels and full gloss-black …

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AC Schnitzer Brings Hot BMW 4-series Gran Coupe and M235i to Essen

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The 428i and 435i Gran Coupes are just about the biggest rule-book-shredders in the automotive game. A four-door coupe based on an actual coupe seems more logical than the CLA and A7, no matter how swoopy their rooflines might be. Its closest competitor is the A5 Sportback, which is not imported to the USA for fear that our tiny brains would explode at the options. We are glad BMW gives shoppers more credit than that. AC Schnitzer’s 435i M Sport GC becomes the next-best-thing to a four-door M4 – with the Laguna Blue of this demo model especially striking and …

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2015 BRABUS C300 and C400 Sport are Stage 2 Aero, Wheels and ECU Reflash Kits

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  New products from Brabus for the 2015 C-Class today: wheels and aerodynamic addtions for the ‘Sport’ trims of the new C-Class. For the US market, this is the C300 Sport and C400 Sport. The Sport style option replaced the previous AM Sport and comes from the factory with different bumper and grille detailing versus the standard car. Great to see Brabus making special products to be exact-fits to whichever Mercedes you own. This set of upgrades is extremely subtle – replacing the black chrome lower splitter in the front bumper with a grey carbon-fiber element, changing the grille bars …

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2016 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 Shooting Brake Shuns LA Debut, But Likely in US By Fall 2015

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As you may or may not have noticed, Mercedes and BMW seem to have given the LA show this week a big middle finger. Neither revealed anything significant (Maybach S600 aside) and have both been relatively quiet on the overall announcement front. Detroit and New York are generally the German’s favorite North American shows to make a splash – but here is one curio. The CLA45 AMG Shooting Brake revealed online just moments ago. Would this car not have made a good Los Angeles debut? If it were coming to the US, it would have indeed. But we believe the …

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2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Shooting Brake Revealed – Only for Euro Markets?

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Just for Euro markets? We do not know that for sure at this point – and we give the CLA250 Shooting Brake a 50/50 chance of being sold here in the US as well. The fifth member of the new Mercedes compact range, after the GLA-Class, A-Class, CLA-Class and B-Class, the new Shooting Brake promises a huge leap in rear-seat headroom, plus all the versatility of a wagon’s fold-down seats. There is no doubting how amazing the car looks – with the surfboard scallop shape in the door panels mirrored very nicely by the low and arcing roofline. It is …

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Audi Shits Bed in LA? Second Take on 2014 Audi Prologue Concept + 50 New Photos

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Updated 11.23.14     Audi Shits The Bed. ? What kind of headline is that? Despite being so brash — it seems a bit nicer than the original, which was: Audi Prologue is Worst LA Debut. We have to be honest, the latest press photos of the Prologue look better than the car does in real-life photos — which is rare. Usually any ultra-lux concept will look far more interesting in the real world. The Audi Prologue is a nightmare scenario for Audi’s supposed design resurgence for more than a few reasons. The lack of real-life impact is just the …

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Top 10 Midsize Sedans – 2016 Mazda6 Is Best, Subaru Legacy Second

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The Mazda6 is the best-looking, best-handling and most refined mid-size sedan available even before these updates. But two areas kept the car from being a world-beater: the cabin design and a slightly unexciting exterior in the lower and cheaper trim levels. Yes, the Grand Touring had big wheels and LED accents, making the most of the absolutely gorgeous core design. The Mazda6 in every trim now looks like it should costs $50,000, versus only the GT giving that impression before. Both issues are resolved for 2015 with a sweeping enhancement to the design and content of a long-time favorite family …

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2016 Acura ILX Adds Power, Excellent 8-Speed Twin-Clutch Automatic and Classy LED Headlamps

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   After a quick spin in the new TLX 2.4-liter with Acura’s outstanding new eight-speed twin-clutch automatic, we fell hard and fast for the often-chastised Honda luxury brand. The TLX is a revolution in funtionality, style and performance dynamics — and hopes to shine some of its new skills on the ILX sedan forming the entry to the Acura range. For 2016, we have a finessed ILX lineup that no longer includes a hybrid but does bring a standard jump of 50 horsepower and 40 pound-feet of torqye versus the previous cars. The 201-horsepower total might not win many headlines …

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2015 Chrysler 300C and 300S Bring Stylish and Functional Improvements (120 Photos!)

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  How to refine an icon? Porsche has struggled with this for more than 50 years of 911’s at this point – and Chrysler is learning the fine art with its bold and butch 300 sedan. As a real touchstone vehicle for Chrysler since its reveal in 2005, the rear-drive, 120-inch-wheelbase of the Chrysler 300 has languished a bit in recent years while the auto world has rapidly progressed around it. This changes for 2015 – with updates to the cabin and powertrain that bring the 300C and 300S bang up-to-date with the latest from Cadillac in the CTS, Hyundai …

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Update1 – 2014 Lexus LFC2 Concept Cabrio Is Truly Miraculous – A Design So Beautiful It Makes Audi Weep

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 A design to make Audi weep? Yes indeed. The Lexus LFC2 made a huge splash today in LA as a highly stylized and clever look at a future RC convertible. But while the main proportions and packaging say RC very clearly, the detailing is divine and clever and fresh from all sides. Let’s break out nsome favorite elements, starting at the nose. Here, we have a very cool and chic interpretation of the RC’s singleframe grille — but this time with elegant waterfall elements flowing cleanly into the F Sport style of zig-zag lines in the lower portion. It is …

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3.9s, 455HP 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and Sedan Are Twin-Turbo, eLSD RocketShips!

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Whenever a fresh pair of high-performance cars’ tech specs can elicit a “holy shit!” from your scribe — sitting solo in the office — you know something amazing is coming. The ATS-V Coupe and Sedan photo and specs caused numerous swear words in excitement, raised eyebrows at the amazing ducktail rear spoiler, smiles about the cool blacked-out grille treatment shown on the ATS-V Coupe, and impressed with the meaty rubber shown on the back wheels of the ATS-V Sedan. The final bit of major icing on the cake for these new executive supercars?  455-horsepower to really put the smack onto …

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Update1 – 2014 Audi Prologue Concept – World Debut and Design Analysis

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  There has been much speculation about what Audi was teasing for LA – and the wait is now over. The concept is called the Prologue and is a giant A9-sized two-door coupe. This much we knew – but few expected the car to be an actual two door, but rather a four-door coupe as is in vogue. Overall, however, when asked about what the Prologue previews — Audi is keen to say “Everything.” Even the name points to the pre-read status of this car for all future Audi designs – from the 2016 A8 to the 2016 A4, all …

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4.8s, 155MPH 2016 Volkswagen Golf R Sportwagen LA Debut – Huge Tease or USA Fast-Wagon Heaven?

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  VW USA really, really needs some cool halo models in the lineup. Endlessly bashed for not bringing over European-market cars, one can’t help but feel a bit bad for the VW of America team. They are full-time apologists who are not running the show whatsoever — and that is not an enviable position for anyone. So the announcement that the Golf R Variant will make its debut in LA is bittersweet. On the one hand, the Golf R is indeed coming to the USA. The Jetta Sportwagen is now the Golf Sportwagen — so a Golf R Sportwagen Variant …

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2015 Hyundai Genesis 5

Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 RWD

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2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 Review By Ken Glassman   If you got behind the wheel of the new Hyundai Genesis 5.0 and didn’t know who manufactured the car, you’d swear you were driving a German luxury car, like the E-class Mercedes, or 5-Series BMW, or Audi A6. Only after looking at the price tag would you know that it couldn’t be one of those European makes, because a similarly equipped German sedan would cost at least 6 to 10 grand more. The Genesis is both an outstanding car in its own right, and an outstanding value. V-8 engines are becoming …

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Track Car Showcase – E90 BMW RS-M3 by RS Racing Team

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Now here is a team after our own heart — photos in an Air Force and NASA museum!? Yessir.   BMW RS-M3 by RS Racing Team UNCOMPROMISING BMW RS-M3 from RS-RACINGTEAM The in-house sport model of the 3-series, named M3, offers BMW since 1986 now. Developed and also originally produced (E 30 and E36 M3) by BMW-subsidiary BMW M GmbH, the variants of the 3-series model leaves the assembly lines of the parent company again. Their proverbial power creates everywhere a furore. On the flags of RS-RACINGTEAM Company, based in Viernheim, in southern Hessen (near Mannheim) the conspicuous letters stand: …

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Updated With 70 New Photos – 2016 Audi A6 USA Debut in LA

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The Audi A6 and A7 are fresh this Spring with enhanced trims, newly-available engines and upgraded LED lighting all around. Here is a first-look at the USA trim levels, plus the previously-announced European models in a few extra images toward the bottom. The changes to the A7 are not too drastic outside of those sexy new headlamps — with more power for the supercharged V6 engine and a new turbo four-cylinder to lower the cost of entry. Despite the Avant and A6 Allroad shown below, those variants will not be coming stateside for 2016.   PREVIOUS The Audi A6 is …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Chrysler 200 Limited Is ThisClose To Being Great

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What keeps the Chrysler 200 Limited from really seeming like a good car – one to crack the top five of the best mid-size sedan ranks? When we picked up this rented 200 from Enterprise in Chicago last month, the initial impressions were very good indeed. There is almost nothing carry-over inside — which is a huge relief after years of every Chrysler product reminding this author of his family’s 1996 Town & Country. We know the 200 looks very good – but you just expect it to be the same heap of garbage on the road as every Chrysler …

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2015 Toyota Camry Colors and Trims – Visual Buyers Guide

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  For perhaps the first time ever, there is a huge amount of style variety in the best-selling Toyota Camry lineup. After writing up full XSE and XLE reviews, we realize that a trims and colors guide would be really helpful for many prospective owners. To achieve that, we spend a while on Toyota.com getting eerily familiar with the seven trim designs  — screen-shotting it all along the way! (There are nine price levels, but seven distinct flavors thanks to the V6 option for the XLE and XSE)   Below please find the visual trim comparison, XSE color guide and …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Toyota Camry LE and XLE V6 Bring Lexus-Infused Style and Comfort

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INTRO “Is that a Lexus?” This question came from two families passing by the new Camry XLE as we snapped photos on a rare stormy afternoon in Florida the other week.  The next thing they both said? “A Camry? Really?” For 2015, the Camry XLE V6 is almost unrecognizably-stylish and premium. The XLE version here with its dark-grey horizontal bars grille is fresh and very distinct from the SE and XSE cars’ gloss-black nose treatment. So does it just look like a Lexus, or is it a fairly convincing upgrade to Lexus levels of comfort, quality and refinement on the road? …

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Iconic Classics – 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham 4-Door Coupe

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This four-door coupe is truly a style and design icon. The Brougham is one of Cadillac’s most-valuable cars of all time — and this one in the Cadillac pavilion of Pebble Beach 2014 was a lovely find. From most angles, the Eldorado Brougham is simply a stylish and sexy coupe with some of the largest tail-fins you have ever seen. But from the rear three-quarter angle, we see the stunning contrast-alloy roof and a hidden pair of rear doors — making this one of the first of the modern ‘4-door’ coupes.   1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham    

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World Debut: 203MPH PP-Performance M6 RS800 GranCoupe Is Fastest. BMW. Ever.

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Where are the really terrifying tuned BMW M cars? Special creations that will wipe the floor with anything factory-made — and are one-of-a-kind in their brutal appearance and overall power outputs? They are at PP-Performance. This new RS800 M6 GranCoupe is a GT-R killer, and one that is so loud and proud of its 800-horsepower that even 911 Turbo S drivers will clear the fastlane to let it flash past. 203-mph is a huge achievement over the factory M6’s drag-limited 186-mph (once the 155-mph limiter is disabled), and can really only be achieved with a combination of M-DCT’s broad gear …

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SEMA 2014 – 2015 Hyundai Sonata by BISIMOTO and Sonata JP Edition + TOCA Genesis

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These Sonatas are all pretty tasty – with a full track makeover from Bisimoto and a dark street-fashion widebody from John Pangilinan. They are both authentic in their missions and show the all-new 2015 Sonata Sport in its most extreme configurations! Included first are a few real-life snaps of the 2015 Genesis by Toca — which is a dark and menacing VIP mod for the hot-selling Genesis full-size luxury car. Are any of these as sweet as the AR550 Genesis? That is up to you… but the Ark Performance car is the clear favorite for thisguy. 2015 Genesis by Toca …

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Volvo V60 XC Coming to USA In February With AWD and T5 Turbo; Pricing From $38,000

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First details today on the newest Volvo – a US-bound V60 Cross Country! The new V60 XC is a tough and rugged version of the V60 sportwagen, and will ship to the US with standard AWD and the 250-horsepower T5 engine. Some have asked if the V60 Cross Country is necessary, considering the presence of the XC60 SUV in the lineup. There is certainly some overlap, but the V60 XC will appeal to a sportier customer and have pricing a few thousand less than the taller XC60 SUV. More models are a good thing for Volvo in the US – …

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EDITOR’S DREAM – Brabus 850 Is 2.9s 4Matic Estate in 75 High-Res Photos

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So, ever wondered what car the editors of this site would love to own? All of them! True story. Anything not disgustingly covered in dog fur like our 2005 Subaru Legacy GT wagon would be nice, but let’s dream big. With $250,000 to spend, we would walk right past the Huracan’s and McLarens and Bentley’s of the world. When seeking a new fantasy ride, Q-car appeal is paramount, along with killer pace on contract 24/7/365. We want Gallardo-crushing pace with one-handed effort. With room in back and a low hop-in height. Choice? Brabus 850.   Brabus 850    

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Novitec Tridente Maserati GHIBLI Launches With Gorgeous Performance and Style Upgrades

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  Maserati’s latest sedans suffer from what we call the “Cadillac Problem.” Good design, competitive performance, great equipment and true BMW-battling credentials in almost every way. But one huge deficit is present in the Cadillac and Maserati ranges: coolness. The factory cars wear nerdy wheels, nerdy colors and overall seem tailored to a geriatric customer base. Tan with small multi-spoke alloys? Almost all CTS sedans like this sit on the lot for months, and the same goes for the base Ghibli and Quattroporte. They are just old lady cars — and that is never something to aspire to own. They …

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