NEW CARS

Audi E-Tron Sportback Debuts Smoother Shape, Novel Headlight Technology

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When the Audi E-Tron first made its debut, the traditional SUV shape as well as its utility focused ergonomics helped make the EV a hit with consumers. However, we were always curious about what would happen if Audi designers were allowed to let loose on the E-Tron, and it appears Audi reps shared our view, and have followed through with the official unveiling of the all new Audi E-Tron Sportback. The styling of the Audi E-Tron Sportback is handsome, but to many observers it might not be readily recognizable as an all electric vehicle. Just like its more conventional looking …

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2019 Honda Civic 1.5T 2dr Touring – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Love at first sight. Okay, not at first sight. The Honda Civic coupe has been around for a while now, but there’s something special about our tester that keeps us coming back for more. And we have an idea why. It starts with choosing the right Civic We have tested a wide range of Civics, and being enthusiasts, we’ve gravitated to the hi-po models like the Civic Type R, the Civic Si and the grins-for-the-buck Civic Sport.  The first thing we noticed, they’re all 4-doors. And in the case of the Type R (or CTR for those in the know) …

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Auto Industry Insider: Should You Ceramic Coat Your Car?

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Ceramic coating is a form of paintwork protection that is increasingly being used in the automotive industry. More and more drivers, whether casual consumers or professional drivers, are deciding to coat their vehicles in ceramic material for a better aesthetic finish and improved longevity of their car’s bodywork. This article will explain what ceramic coating is, the key benefits for its use, and how it is applied to vehicles. The Benefits of Ceramic Coating If you’ve never heard of ceramic coating before, it’s understandable that you may be a bit lost as to what it is and how it’s used …

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WIld McLaren Elva Is A $1.69 Million Dollar Guilty Pleasure, Has No Roof Or Windows

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McLaren‘s Ultimate Series typically focuses on a distinct theme, with each model being a wild interpretation of earth shattering performance and spine tingling styling. While the Senna showcased the futuristic extremes that McLaren stylists were willing to go to please their customers, this time, McLaren chose to take its inspiration from the past, with the unveiling of the all new Elva roadster. The Elva nameplate itself is a thoughtful nod to the original McLaren -Elva M1A of the 1960’s which proved to be a worthy contender in many European track races. Like the car that it’s based on, the revived …

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2019 Mazda3 Hatchback – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the all-new Mazda 3 sedan, and with its premium feel and refined road manners, called it the best Euro sedan for the money right now. Not bad for a Japanese brand, eh? Well, Mazda seems to always serve up a hatchback on the 3 as well, to give those who want more practicality with a larger cargo bay, but the vehicles are usually pretty similar. (If you wanted a high-performance Mazda 3, the MazdaSpeed 3’s were built on the hatchback, but they haven’t done that in a while.) So, we were excited to test the all-new Mazda …

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2019 BMW X4 M40i Review and Drive Video – A Love-Bug Passion Play

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There are some cars you just click with right away as a reviewer, and the rest of the week with that ride just makes you love it more and more. I sometimes refer to these as “first-block” cars.  Vehicles that enchant you moments after putting them in Drive and rolling away for the very first time.  These are machines that sell themselves better than any salesperson ever could.  For me, the X4 M40i is one of those cars and is actually one of my top-three SUV drives of 2019.  (Behind Levante Trofeo and X7 M50i). X4 is an amazing machine …

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2020 Hyundai Sonata Starts At $24,330, Avalible With Whole Suite Of Upgrades

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The 2020 Sonata is hot off the heels of its official debut, but while many aspects of the car have been revealed, the lone item that has eluded detection is just how much the Sonata will go for when it begins making its way to dealerships. Hyundai has formally revealed this information today, and those looking for maximum amounts of value, content, and style will be pleased with what they find when they have a chance to formally slip behind the wheel.   The base SE model for example starts at $24,330, and is designed to take the fight to …

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Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Alfa Romeo Ends 4C Production, Part Of Broader Reshuffling Initiative

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The Alfa Romeo 4C wowed us several years ago with its bold Italian charms and a driving character that made us eager to come back for more. But those two traits (as well as a whole heaping helping of spunk) were not enough to help the 4C avoid the axe, with Alfa Romeo revealing that it has killed the 4C for 2020 thus ending the 4C’s brief but exciting time in the marketplace.   In some ways, the 4C was already living on borrowed time, with the coupe version being discontinued in the U.S. back in 2018. The droptop Spider …

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2019 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid Review by Ben Lewis

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Subaru loves to go their own way. That’s one of the things we love about them. We recently tested the WRX – a powerful sports sedan with rally-car DNA. The new Forester, a crossover with that same feel of something a little different from the mainstream. Need a 3-row SUV? You can get the Ascent, and enjoy that Subaru goodness in a larger package. It takes real engineering talent to stay true to your school (cue Beach Boys), and still meet, compete, and beat other vehicles in your segment. So, now we have the all-new Crosstrek Hybrid – the company’s …

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Road Test Followup – 2019 Lexus GS350 – By Carl Malek

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When we last checked in on the Lexus GS350, we remarked that it was a luxury sedan that certainly had its own unique take on luxury, but was rapidly being left behind by rivals like the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Lexus has so far not confirmed if the GS is indeed living on for a new generation as the brand focuses on rapidly securing its hand in the rapidly exploding SUV and CUV segments. But like a grizzled veteran the GS (along with the equally long in the tooth RC coupe) continue to soldier on for …

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2019 VW Tiguan SEL Premium 4Motion Review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the massive 2019 Toyota Sequoia, and we felt that it had earned the motto (ok, we read it on a popcorn box) Big is More. In its class the jumbo Toy makes the most of its size. But it’s not the only class where size matters. Take for example the 2019 VW Tiguan. The previous gen was one of our favorite small SUV’s – it felt like you were getting some GTI DNA mixed in with crossover practicality. When time came around for VW to update the Tig, it decided to aim directly for the U.S. market. …

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Bollinger Motors Announces Pricing, Performance Details For B1 SUV And B2 Pickup

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When Bollinger Motors recently introduced the production version of the B1 SUV and the all new B2 pickup, we were left with new questions especially in regards to final range and pricing figures for the duo. The Ferndale, Michigan based company has ended the mystery, and has unveiled new details about the long term plans for the B1 and B2. For starters, we finally know how much the B1 and B2 will cost to own, with the company revealing that both models will start at $125,000. This eye popping figure is far off the under $100,000 estimate the company initially …

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2019 Nissan Maxima SR – Road Test Review + Drive Video

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Have you ever seen a sexier facelift?  This term for a vehicle’s mid-cycle refresh is usually a bit of a put-down but in Maxima’s case it takes a sexy silhouette and gives it the nose and tail the design always deserved. It is enough to make folks do a double take on the road and that is quite surprising for such a popular mainstream model. Maxima’s 2019 upgrade and also 2020 tweaks to the range update the machine very nicely — and not a moment too soon in the face of impressive new competition from the Kia Stinger, the ever-popular …

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2019 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport Review by Ben Lewis

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We used to go to a movie theater that had catchy phrases on the popcorn containers. On the largest size was the especially memorable: BIG IS MORE. Well, there’s no arguing that in popcorn. Or full-size SUV’s. Which brings us to the 2019 Toyota Sequoia. If an SUV ever deserved that motto on the side, this would be it. But there’s plenty to talk about outside of the big and tall dimensions. Big is Beautiful The 2019 Sequoia is a good-looking beast. Unlike the new RAV4 (that we loved) that’s dressed up to look rugged, the big Toy bowls you …

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Finding Its Inner Potential, 2020 Shelby Mustang GT350R Brings New Moves To Its Track Slaying Mission

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When we last met the Shelby GT350 Mustang, it was in its base form, and while the GT350 certainly proved to be a very track ready offering, the feeling that it had more lurking underneath its imposing bodywork was hard to ignore. The intoxicating snarl of its 5.2 liter 526 horsepower V8 certainly does its best to distract you from thinking such things, but despite its attempts at luring you into its charms, the feeling of more still permeates the overall driving experience. Ford engineers have felt the same way too, and have unleashed a new iteration of the Shelby …

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2019 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 60th Anniversary – Review by Ben Lewis

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When we talk about performance cars, the benchmark is still 0-60. Which may be outdated, but it’s easy to get your head around and compare cars of the past with cars of today. (Spoiler Alert – cars of today are much faster today.) That said, we are talking 0-60 mph. But with the 2019, we are talking something completely different. 0 – 60 Years Yep, years. Hard to believe that the original Mini first bowed in 1959. Especially since a super-small, efficient and fun vehicle seems so now. 1959 was an interesting year – The first Barbie Doll was introduced, …

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2021 Toyota Mirai Brings New Styling And Platform To Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ranks

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When the Toyota Mirai first appeared on the scene several years ago, it was not exactly a very stylish offering. Built as part of the Japanese auto giant’s first serious foray into hydrogen fuel cell cars, the front wheel Mirai was a functional offering that certainly got the job done. But in the process it also sacrificed a lot of the elegant exterior styling elements that many customers often take for granted. However, Toyota has taken the wraps off the second generation Mirai, and it is a big improvement in  virtually every category. Toyota chose to originally unveil the car …

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2020 Hyundai Palisade – Road Test Review + POV Video in All Seats

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Our first outing the the Palisade was up at the beautiful Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC and the surrounding mountains.  As you can read and watch, we hauled our butts up a mountain then did some off-roading in a mad caravan of Palisades.  We looked like a villain’s entourage with so many black luxury SUVs in convoy form! This follow-up was much more down to earth.  When the villains go home for the weekend, perhaps, and take on normal parenting and lifestyle duties. This involved a boring commute in traffic, jaunts around town running errands and lots of everyday life …

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2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition – Review By Matt Barnes

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Nissan gave us the opportunity to drive the 2019 Pathfinder SL 4wd Rock Creek Edition. The Pathfinder name has been used by Nissan for almost 60 years, and this newest iteration delivers. The Rock Creek Edition adds a ton of the most commonly popular features at a discounted price and makes for a beautiful color scheme. Outside There’s something about the color scheme and Midnight Pine Metallic paint that says “take me on an adventure”, but Nissan doesn’t add any additional off-road capability with the Rock Creek Edition. What it adds is a plethora of dark and rugged themed features, …

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Cadillac CT4 And CT4-V Pricing Unveiled, Starts Under $34,000

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Cadillac has been on a recent product blitz as of late. While GM’s pinnacle luxury brand is currently refocusing on beefing up its once sparse utility vehicle lineup, it has not forgotten about its traditional car lineup. The Cadillac CT4-V as well as its more conventional CT4 counterpart have already made their respective debuts, but the brand has finally released the official pricing ladder for every flavor of CT4. Based on what we see here, it’s very clear that Cadillac aims to draw in younger buyers with its newest four door offering. The fun starts off with the entry level …

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Ford Mustang R-Spec Brings 700 Horsepower To Australia, Teases U.S. Customers In The Process

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With all the attention that the 2020 Shelby GT500 Mustang is getting, it can be easy to forget that sometimes the international market can sometimes produce an equally compelling piece of candy that is just out of reach of U.S. customers. In this instance, Ford’s Australia division has just unveiled an all new Mustang variant that is sure to draw heads, and comes with enough horsepower to lay down some rubber on Australian backroads. Dubbed the R-Spec, the idea of a Mustang being on the same performance spectrum as the GT500 may make alarm bells ring at first. But once …

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2019 VW Arteon SEL 4Motion – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the all new Nissan Altima, and came away impressed and hopeful for the fate of the 4-door sedan. Yes, the Crossover/SUV is the new King, but there still seems to be plenty of room in the royal family for a sedan. And for a lot of manufacturers – especially luxury brands – there still needs to be a halo sedan. Enter the VW Arteon. Replacing the VW CC, which was a stylish version of the Passat Sedan, the Arteon, is bigger, more stylish and more expensive. So our question – Is VW’s new flagship a dreamboat, or …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Honda Civic Touring – By Carl Malek

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Honda has a lot riding on the shoulders of the 2020 Civic sedan and hatchback. While the Civic still commands a sizable chunk of sales in the compact car market, it’s no secret that the nameplate has felt the pressure in recent years from a resurgence in CUV and SUV demand in the U.S. While the Civic Si and the range topping Type R have helped the Civic bolster its impressive performance credentials, the mainstream Civic has had to use a completely different set of skills to help it maintain its lofty position in Honda’s broader sales pie. The 10th …

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2020 Nissan Altima SR AWD Review by Ben Lewis

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Sometimes, we wonder if family sedans sit around and reminisce about the good old days. Yeah, remember when the big box office was 4-doors? Camry and Accord, we ruled. The best-selling cars, the bring-home-the-bacon for most automakers. At least until…ugh…. SUV’s. Well, lately, it seems like auto manufacturers aren’t taking things sitting down. The all-new Camry and Accord are dynamite cars, with loads of style and performance and value. And now we have an all-new Altima – the sedan that’s always been a little different from the rest of the pack – but always a delight in its own right. …

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Chevrolet Drops The Top On 2020 Chevrolet Corvette

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When we last saw the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette in July, it shocked the world by finally bringing the mid-engine format to a production Chevrolet Corvette after a 50 year wait. But amid all the pomp and circumstance, the absence of the equally long awaited convertible was noticed by many attendees. While there wasn’t as much flash and pomp this time around, the unique magic that the 2020 Corvette convertible brings to the table cannot be ignored. The exterior styling at its basic core elements remains mostly unchanged from the coupe that preceded it, but the droptop variant does bring some …

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2019 Nissan Armada – On and Off-Road Review – By Matt Barnes

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For 2019, the Armada only gets additional standard features that were options last year. Things like rear door alert, intelligent cruise control, automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning are now standard across the Armada lineup. Outside Being the largest SUV in Nissan’s lineup, the Armada has presence. It is slightly larger than a Tahoe but smaller than an Expedition, putting it right in the middle of its class. While some other vehicles are starting to look the same as everything else in their class, the Armada has standout looks. Recently, Nissan has done an excellent job in creating beautiful …

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2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited – Review By Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid, and came away hugely impressed. It’s a total rethink of the RAV4, and it’s bigger, better, more handsome. A winner. But in an interesting twist, Toyota made the Hybrid the performance model, with 219 horsepower, and in our XSE tester a performance tuned suspension. We’re wondering if we had been sucked in by the top of the line hybrid power version. So now, we’re back testing a well-equipped but non-hybrid model – the kind most people will end up buying to see if the standard model is as good. Looks Good Since we …

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Bollinger Motors Unveils B1 & B2 Prototypes, Finalizes Production For Both [Video]

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When we last heard from Bollinger Motors, it was back in 2017 when they unveiled an early stage prototype of the B1 SUV. Back then, the company was based in New York, and the crude prototype served as a glimpse into the rugged EV that CEO Robert Bollinger and his fledgling company wanted to unleash to the masses. Several years of work later, the company has moved to a bigger building in Ferndale, Michigan and has unveiled the next step of its march to production, with the unveiling of the production spec B1 SUV and the all new B2 EV …

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2020 Buick Enclave ST – Road Test Review + Drive Video

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The new-for-2020 Enclave ST looks amazing!  It is shocking how much the body-color grille edge and new gloss-black inner mesh changes the look of this jumbo crossover. Nowhere near as shocking as the resounding praise you’re about the read, though!  Believe me, this car will make anyone who drives or rides inside into a Buick fan. This coming from the kid who truly believed the 1990s Skylark was the most hideous vehicle ever made, and had disgusted reactions to every element of LeSabre and Century. This is a new era though, and this Buick is the best ever. ST stands …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Mazda3 Hatchback AWD – By Carl Malek

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In the world of hatchbacks, few have had the underdog effect that the venerable Mazda3 has had during its long run in production. While the Volkswagen Golf has reigned supreme over the segment, the Mazda3 has been a persistent underdog, a potent disruptor that always aimed to try and snatch the top spot from the talented German. While the Golf always managed to ward off these challenges thanks to its superior, interior craftsmanship, and more polished engines, the 3 bided its time, and gradually improved some of its flaws. But with the departure of the recently axed Ford Focus from …

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2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited AWD – First Drive Review Video + Mega Gallery

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Lots of Palisade love this summer! You can really tell how seriously Hyundai is taking this full-size SUV launch by the media events scheduled on its behalf. Instead of one major media drive with an ultra exclusive invite list, Hyundai did a Palisade road show and had at least five of them across the country.  Presentations from the product teams and great roads to try out this three-row biggie’s capabilities. The one we attended was in Asheville North Carolina, a short jump inland from CRD HQ in Charleston, SC.  But years in the ‘lowcountry’ made me forget all about hills …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 First Edition – By Carl Malek

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When Jaguar first announced that it was formally entering the EV vehicle market, we we’re admittedly a bit skeptical at first. The thought of a company with a history of electrical problems building a pure EV? Blasphemy, some might say when first presented with the thought. But after years of development, the Jaguar I-Pace has finally begun trickling its way into dealerships, and it is out to change perceptions, while also establishing Jaguar as a mainstream contender to the Tesla Model X. But can the I-Pace rise above the others to deliver a distinctly unique driving experience? We had a …

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2019 Hyundai Veloster N – Road Test Review + Performance Drive Video

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What’s the purpose of owning a car besides just transportation? Sure, you need to be able to scoot around town, commute and take the occasional road trip. But beyond that, the real joy of car ownership is the entertainment value. Having a car you love to drive, and one that makes you smile every time you tap the start button, is one of the true joys in this life for some of us. Over the course of 2019 there is no car that has elicited more howling laughter in my hands than this Veloster N. Here we have Hyundai’s first …

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2019 Lexus UX 250h Luxury – Review by Ben Lewis

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There is an age-old conundrum in vehicles. At a certain price, should you buy the top of the line of a mainstream manufacturer, or go into the entry-level of a premium brand? And here is a perfect example – the Lexus UX 250h.  You’ll pay a premium in price over, say a RAV4 hybrid, but is it worth it? We think so. Why? It Looks Like a Lexus This is a second time we’ve tested the UX. We previously had the UX 200, and we really liked the lines of the vehicle. While it is the baby in the family, …

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2019 Subaru WRX Series.Gray – Review by Ben Lewis

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Funny how things change. Today, if a friend tells you they’ve bought a Subaru, it’s probably a Forester, or an Outback, maybe an Ascent. And they’re all lovely vehicles. But back in 2002, when you bought a Subie, it was probably a WRX. And it was revelation – a rally proven, high-performance legend that the brand finally decided to bring over here. And it radically changed what people thought about Subaru. And it was the beginning of a long relationship between the cute little sedan or hatch and those who love to drive. Well, now we have the 2019 WRX …

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First Drive Review – 2019 Rolls Royce Dawn Black Badge – By Carl Malek

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When we last met Rolls Royce’s Black Badge lineup, it was at the 2018 MAMA Spring Rally where we had the chance to go for a brief spin in the Wraith Black Badge. The Wraith’s rendition was supposed to appeal to a younger audience, and give the ultra bespoke coupe a small but welcome pinch of performance engineering to go with its world class levels of luxury and opulence. With the Dawn convertible proving to be an equally popular choice for the small sector of Rolls Royce’s customer base that want to add droptop cruising to the list of things …

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2019 BMW X2 M35i – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Every time there’s a new small BMW, we hear the talk about the “Spiritual Successor to the BMW 2002.” This was BMW’s small 2-door that around 1970 took the quite pleasant 1600 2-door and stuffed a larger 2.0-liter 4-cylinder motor in it – classic hot-rodding, actually – and basically turned the automotive world on its ear. With the 2002, you had a totally practical, roomy and innocuous little sedan that outperformed the traditional sports cars of the day, and when the later fuel-injected 2002tii appeared, it was hunting down bigger game – including expensive European cars and powerful domestics, too. …

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2015 Ford Fiesta ST 32

Auto Insider: 7 Maintenance Checks You Can Do While Cleaning Your Car

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These seven quick and easy maintenance checks can be carried out while you’re giving your car or truck a regular clean. Also included are some bonus cleaning tips for good measure. Windshield The windshield is one of the more important components on your car, so you should check it regularly for chips, cracks and other signs of damage. If you do notice any damage you should determine how severe it is and, in some cases, repair the windshield yourself using a resin repair kit. If it’s a full crack you will need to get a professional to replace it for …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport M/T – By Carl Malek

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The battle in the compact sport sedan segment is still heating up despite the rapid ascent of compact crossovers, and the slow introduction of their equally spicy performance variants. While the Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GLI, and the Subaru WRX have become the established players when it comes to delivering bargain focused performance to selective enthusiasts. An alternative choice that has always been considered the outsider looking in is the venerable Elantra Sport. Hyundai has recently been kickstarting its attempts at being a relevant player in this shrinking but still viable segment. This is thanks mainly to the Veloster and …

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2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – Road Test Review + Performance Drive Video

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Eclipse Cross is such a class-leading vehicle that it instantly moves Mitsubishi to the A-list of car brands.  It is that well-equipped, feels like it has stellar build quality, and just leapfrogs most of its rivals on drive manners. Mitsubishi gone from worst to first!!? Perhaps we should take a step back and explain what makes the new Eclipse Cross so great. Yes, let’s take a more mature approach to detailing how Eclipse Cross’s build quality, tech and drive manners make it one of the most sophisticated supermini SUVs available.  Kick things off by watching the performance drive review video …

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2019 Nissan LEAF PLUS Review by Ben Lewis

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Ok, first things first. We promise not to make any “Turning over a new LEAF” jokes. Which isn’t to say that’s not what the new LEAF Plus is, because the Plus trim gives the LEAF the full EV credentials it needs to compete in today’s marketplace. Which is important, because since its introduction in 2010, it has been the best-selling electric vehicle in the world. And Nissan would like to keep it that way. An all-new LEAF was introduced for the 2018 model year, and when we tested it, we came away impressed – loads of tech, fun to drive, …

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First Drive Review – 2017 Ford GT – By Carl Malek

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When Ford first revealed the 2017 Ford GT at the North American International Auto Show, it was arguably one of the best kept secrets at the show that year. It was also the best kept secret at Ford, with only a scant few knowing of its meager origins until the very end of its development cycle. Since then, the GT has been a very potent marketing tool for the company, and it has proven to be a very compelling piece of eye candy for millions of enthusiasts around the world. We first had our taste of GT infused bliss when …

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McLaren Teases Upcoming Speedster, Will Debut At Monterey Car Week

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For awhile, rumors swirled that McLaren was working on something distinctly special, a speedster that would reignite the fires of desire in the hearts of McLaren enthusiasts. We are pleased to report that the rumors are indeed true, and the British supercar maker has formally released the first teaser image of this roofless wonder ahead of its debut at Monterey Car Week.   The lone teaser image is as you would expect, darkened to hide crucial details of its design, but despite McLaren’s best efforts, some elements do make themselves apparent. For instance, the speedster features a very striking design …

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Mclaren GT By MSO Turns Up The Opulence For McLaren Buyers

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McLaren made waves recently when it unveiled the 2020 McLaren GT, which aimed to breathe new focus and direction into McLaren’s ambitions of being a proper GT car. However, while the GT is a very compelling offering in its own right, it’s also an open canvas that is welcome to new ideas and custom interpretations. McLaren’s in house tuning firm MSO has taken a crack at the GT, and has formally revealed its version of the two door grand tourer ahead of its formal debut at Monterey Car Week on August 28th. Known as the McLaren GT by MSO, the …

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Rolls Royce Celebrates End Of Ghost Production With Limited Edition “Zenith Collection”

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In the world of Rolls Royce, it’s not too often that collectors and esteemed Rolls Royce loyalists have the chance to obtain a rare item that is at the apex of its potential. In this instance, that opportunity only occurs once every ten years, and with the current generation Ghost four door sedan ending its production run soon, Rolls is celebrating the event by unleashing a special run of “Zenith Collection” Ghost models that are sure to reignite the passion and elegant desire that has allowed Ghost to be a key cog in the company’s efforts to branch out to …

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Acura Previews TLX Type S With Monterey-Bound “Type S” Concept

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Acura is looking for a true must-buy hit for its customers. While the MDX and RDX crossovers are doing their part to help support the brand as a whole, the Japanese luxury car maker aims to regain some of the enthusiast credibility that it once had with models such as the Integra Type R, TSX, and even the Acura TL. One step in this grand plan is reviving the Type S badge, with the “Type S” concept providing a compelling glimpse into what the return of this storied badge can bring to customers. The exterior styling of the Type S …

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2020 Shelby GT350R Debuts, Borrows Tricks From Big Brother GT500

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When we last met the 2019 Shelby GT350, It was at Michigan’s M1 Concourse Speedway in Pontiac, Michigan where we had the chance to experience some of the track focused charms that this delectable serpent brings to the lucky buyers that can add one to their garage. However, a notable absence was its upgraded sibling the GT350R. Ford has rectified that wrong, and has formally unveiled the 2020 Shelby GT350R which not only benefits from Ford’s track experience, but also pulls a few plays out of the GT500 playbook. Buyers looking for a radical styling evolution will not find it …

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2019 VW Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary Edition DSG Review by Ben Lewis

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We’ve been talking about great European sedans lately. In fact, we came away saying the new Mazda 3 sedan might be your best entry level Euro choice – yes, it technically isn’t European, but it sure drives that way! Well VW must have heard us, because they’ve now introduced an all new Jetta GLI, (we recently drove the regular Jetta) and it’s not only a great European sedan, it’s what the GLI should always have been – a true 4-door version of the beloved GTI hatch. Big is More We used to see that motto on popcorn at the movie …

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Insider: Tips for Saving Money on Car Maintenance

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Cars make for a convenient way to get where you want to go without waiting on a bus, rideshare car or train or worrying about the risk of being hit while riding on an electric scooter. That said, cars can become a bit of an inconvenience when it comes to the money involved with taking proper care of them. To give your wallet a bit of relief without sacrificing on the quality of parts and fluids you put into your car, here are some ways to save on the overall cost of car maintenance. Become Friends With Your Mechanic Once …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE 6-Speed Manual – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to the venerable Toyota Corolla, the iconic compact sedan has developed a very loyal following during its several decade production run, and it has managed to even block the challenge to its sales supremacy that has been cast into stone by a growing field of CUV competitors. But while the Corolla has managed to check all the other boxes that car buyers think in their minds when they purchase one, the lone item that has been missing in recent years is excitement. So when Toyota revealed that it planned to release a five-door version of its econobox, …

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2019 Kia K900 Luxury – Review by Ben Lewis

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If you’re shopping for a super luxury sedan, you’re probably thinking about Mercedes, BMW and most certainly, Lexus. But don’t forget about Kia. No, we haven’t overdosed on the goodness of the new 2020 Kia Soul that we enjoyed so much. There’s a Kia sedan – all-new – that takes on the likes of the Lexus LS, and does it a fraction of the cost, too. Enter the 2019 Kia K900. The what? The K900. Let’s take a step back. Remember the wonderful Genesis G90 sedan we tested a little while ago? Well peek underneath the Kia’s sheet metal and …

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Tracking the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

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Automotive executives and brand managers are always keenly aware of slicing the product offering in a variety of ways the results of which can not only be confusing but lead to actual sales losses amongst the offerings. One only has to look at the current numerous and future-slightly-LESS-numerous cars from the likes of BMW and Mercedes. Business school might call this classic cannibalization. But this week I experienced a new use of the term, maybe call it predatory cannibalization. Nothing faulty with the positioning of cars by planners at all. No, this new type of cannibalization is surely more along …

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2017 Lexus GS350 RWD Luxury 17

Buying Or Leasing A Car; Which Is Right For You?

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So, it’s time for your next car, but you’re not sure whether to buy or lease it. There are pros and cons to both, so the choice really is down to what will benefit you most. Some people always lease and wouldn’t do it any other way, whereas other people would never dream of leasing and always buy their own cars. So what are the pros and cons to both, what are the implications of both and which one is best for you? Here are a few things you might want to consider: The Cost Leasing will probably mean that …

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2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody

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Dodge Charger Product Manager, Ashton Munoz, details the upcoming 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody to the media on July 31, 2019: I want to quickly talk about the overall Charger first, before we start getting into the Widebody, we’ve seen some great success with this car in the past few years. The past five years in retail, we’ve sold more chargers than any other standard full size car. In the past seven years, we’ve sold about 80,000 chargers per year. There’s a lot of chargers on the road. There’s a few things that we think that make this car pretty …

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2019 Mazda3 AWD Sedan Review by Ben Lewis

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A lot of people love European vehicles. The quality, the ride, the design, the feeling that you’re in something special – it’s all good, and it’s all there. So, we often get asked, “what’s a good entry-level European sedan?” Well, the best Euro sedan for the money right now is… the 2019 Mazda 3. Yes, the Mazda 3. We’ve just spent a week in the all-new Mazda 3 sedan (a hatchback is available, too), and it is impressive. Now we’ve always liked the 3 – a lot of enthusiasts we know who’d like a BMW or an Audi end up …

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2019 Ford Mustang GT BULLITT – Road Test Review + Drive Video

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These days you know you’re about to drive an awesome car when it has Ford Performance sill plates and a Ford Performance window sticker. These are not regular Fords, people!  From Raptor to Focus RS and Shelby GT350 — these are some of the best-developed speed specials on the road. Regular cars.  Made a million times better for enthusiasts. It is extra gratifying to know that the Bullitt Mustang is not just a badge and stickers job.  Gratifying to think about and especially behind the wheel.  We’re talking just 20 extra ponies but a very different rev character for the …

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2019 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid – Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

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Toyota made many changes to the Rav4 for 2019, including a new chassis, new bold look, and more space. How will Toyota’s top seller in the United States fare with these new changes? Coming in at $37,699, is this loaded crossover worth the coin? Overview The Rav4 has long been a big seller for Toyota. It was an early, if not the first, car-based SUV, now called crossovers. For 2019, the Rav4 is more aggressive with a higher stance and a half inch higher ground clearance. This bodes well for the Rav4 Adventure whose focus is on outdoorsy people who …

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2020 Toyota Corolla SE 6-Speed Manual Sedan – Review by Ben Lewis

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If I tell you there’s a 4-door compact sedan that’s got hot styling, some real attitude, and is lots of fun to drive thanks to a 6-speed manual transmission, what would you say? Civic? Mazda 3, Elantra? How about a Toyota Corolla? Yes, the Corolla. Okay, we can’t blame you if it didn’t pop in your mind. Although there have been the occasional performance versions including the hot-hatch 1988 Corolla FX16, and the 2005 Corolla XRS sedan (8,000 rpm redline!), most of the model’s reputation has been built on solid, sensible and reliable transportation over flash. And it’s been a …

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2019 Jaguar i-Pace EV400 – First Drive Review – By Becky Antioco

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The Jaguar I-Pace is everything you’d expect from a luxury car, and more than you would from an electric vehicle (EV). The case for EVs, in general, is complex, with considerations like environmental impact, practicality, range anxiety, and issues of substance and style coming into play. I’d argue that the I-Pace has the last two, in spades. I-Pace’s accolades are many: World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, and World Green Car for 2019, European Car of the Year, and one of AutoTrader’s Best New Cars for 2019, to name a few. Yet, judging by sales …

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Zora’s Dream Fulfilled, Chevrolet Unveils 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray, Mid-Engine Power And Technology Revamp Iconic Nameplate For New Generation Of Sports Car Buyers [ Videos]

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When Zora Duntov first thought of the idea for a radical mid-engine Corvette on 1959, the car purely existed in concept form (CERV 1,) with the idea being way ahead of what the 1950s could offer in terms of technology. Despite this, the core conscience of this idea never went away, with the 1960s 70, 80s and  even the 1990s all featuring a mid-engine equipped Vette concept in some shape or form (including CERV II and CERV III) But like before, the idea was too revolutionary for its time, and as the 1990’s came and went, economic feasibility became more …

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2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature (Turbo) – Road Test Review with Performance Drive Video

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Is there anything that a huge lump of horsepower cannot solve?!   The 2019 Mazda CX-5 went from a top-5 crossover in our books to the best of the best.  All thanks to a generous dollop of turbo horsepower – and especially torque! Mazda’s goal for 2019 is to keep the CX-5 sales party going at full steam. They are achieving this via not one but two new engine options in addition to the base 2.5-liter with 187 horsepower. There is a 2.2-liter turbodiesel offered in the USA for the first time and then this all-new turbo gas powerplant we so …

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2020 Kia Soul X-Line – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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First, a moment of silence. Today we mourn The Hamster. Well, not a real Hamster, but the special-FX rodents that came to be identified with the Kia Soul, thanks to their great commercials. For the all-new 2020 Soul, it looks like the furry funmakers have been tossed in the proverbial dustbin. (At least they could have been buried in the backyard, no?) Shed no tears, though, because this is an all-new Kia Soul, and while it keeps the, errr…Soul of the previous model, it sports a lot of great improvements that keep it one of the most enjoyable and endearing …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to reliving your youth, there are very few vehicles that are able to do it so well like the Dodge Challenger. While it’s underpinnings are based on a Mercedes platform that was first given to Dodge during the shotgun marriage that was known as the Daimler-Chrysler era, that particular factoid has not stopped the burly two door from being an ongoing success for the brand. This is partially due to the sheer flexibility that exists in the LY platform itself, with Dodge engineers being able to seamlessly create numerous iterations of the Challenger over the years (including …

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Ford Unveils Next Chapter Of GT Performance With Track Only 2020 GT MK II [Videos]

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When we last checked in on Ford’s upcoming variant of its GT supercar, it was via a shadowy teaser image that gave few answers, and left us asking a lot of questions on what exactly Ford was up to? Fast forward to today’s unveiling at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and the blue oval has unveiled the next evolution of GT performance which it calls “the ultimate GT” offering. Dubbed the GT Mk II, it embraces this fresh start in earnest by throwing out any intent of being a road legal offering (though we suspect that won’t stop some of …

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2019 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Review by Ben Lewis

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The CX-5 crossover is a big deal to Mazda – it’s the best-selling vehicle they have in the U.S., and having sold over 2 million units worldwide it’s a bona fide success. It’s a well-loved product, too. Having been here since 2012, it got a nice refresh when we tested the 2017 CX-5, and we felt that it was still our favorite small crossover – it’s a great drive. But time moves on, some big hitters have come our way, including the all-new 2019 RAV4, which we loved for its looks, performance, and hybrid efficiency, all in one package. Mazda …

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A Broke Dude’s Guide to Saving Money for a Car (And Buying One)

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Your current car decided to call it quits – not fun! Or it’s time for your first car – congrats! Either way, you are trying to figure out what car to buy and how much it’s going to cost you. Saving money for a car is one of the best ways to buy your car to have the ability to make a cash offer or to have a larger down payment. Keep reading to learn how to save for a car no matter your finances and tips on saving on your purchase. Guide to Saving Money for a Car Buying a …

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Insider: 3 Different Car-Buying Situations – And How to Master Them All

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Buying a car is always going to be a big purchase- even if it’s not a new or particularly fancy model. Aside from our homes, our cars tend to be some of our most expensive possessions, and so when it comes to purchasing we all want to know that we’re getting it right. There are lots of different things to consider before going on a test drive then signing your name on the dotted line. Here are some of the different car buying situations you can find yourself in, and how to deal with them. New vs Used Most people …

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2019 Toyota Camry XSE V6 – Drive Review with Performance Video

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What a difference a year can make! For the shockingly designed Camry that was so polarizing in 2018, 2019 has mellowed the reaction to its looks and let us really focus on what a terrific upgrade it is. Both versus previous-gen Camrys and its most of its mid-size rivals, for that matter. For your scribe, a year of driving his personal ‘beach car’ (CX-9) during in a press-car drought meant that getting in Camry V6 is nothing short of a revolution!  So fast! So quiet and such sophisticated electronics!  I had a thought the day before Toyota announced there will …

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Ford Announces 2020 Shelby GT500 Pricing, Will Start At $73,995

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The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 certainly has a diverse arsenal of sales weapons at its disposal. It has carefully sculpted exterior styling that makes the 2019 GT350 we reviewed look like a tame boy scout, a revamped interior that promises to seamlessly marry functionality and comfort, and the pony csr with attitude even comes to the muscle car wars with a 760 horsepower supercharged V8 that puts it in the same neighborhood as the Dodge SRT Hellcat Challenger Redeye and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Amid all the info we already know about this beast, pricing was one of the …

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Dodge Unveils Wild 2020 Charger Widebody Scat Pack and Hellcat Models [Video]

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The Dodge Charger is truly a jack of all trades. From being a competent family hauler, to a supercharged track slaying beast in Hellcat guise, the Charger offers something for everyone. But the lone piece that was missing from the puzzle was one that many enthusiasts wanted for a very long time, the Widebody treatment. Dodge is out to finally address this lone omission, and following the recent announcement of a concept, has unveiled the production 2020 Charger Widebody lineup. Like its two door platform mate the Dodge Challenger, the broader fenders add 3.5 inches of width to the car …

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2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SELS S-AWC – Review By Ben Lewis

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Quick!  What’s the world’s best-selling Plug-in Hybrid? If you’re like us, you probably said the Toyota Prius. I mean, they pretty much own all things hybrid, no? No. Surprise! It’s the Mitsubishi Outlander. Which was a surprise to us, too. Mitsubishi is one of the smaller players in the U.S. – until recently when Nissan bought a large share of it. (For those playing at home, Renault is a 43% owner of Nissan, while Nissan owns 34% of Mitsubishi). Those deeper pockets are sure to see investment in Mitsubishi, and a rosier future for the brand. We already felt the …

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Road Test Review – 2018 Audi Q5 2.0 quattro S tronic – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to being a true jack of all trades, the Audi Q5 certainly has a lot going for it. With its impressive amounts of luxury, poise, and quickness, the Q5 has always been a consistent presence in Audi’s utility lineup. While the Q8 is currently hogging the spotlight when it comes to showing off its slick infotainment technology and impressive engineering, the smaller Q5 has been quietly doing its job as Audi’s bread and butter offering, especially for buyers looking for something between the Q3 and the bigger Q7. But is the Q5 still an excellent volume player …

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2020 BMW 330i M Sport xDrive – First Drive Review Video & Photo Gallery

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A rainy morning in hilly northern Wisconsin was the perfect time and place to try out the new BMW 3 series with AWD.  This redesign was sure to be pretty excellent – focused on the interior roominess and luxury, and maintaining the excellent pace and agility that the sedan perfected generations ago. We flogged its turbo four to really feel the 5.3-second sprint to 60-mph and came out grinning.The xDrive AWD models have the same turbo four as the rear-drive models but this time tuned with about 80 extra pound-feet of torque. BMW has done this for years and it …

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Pure McLaren

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Track experiences for driver betterment In our daily lives, all of us relate to cars in some way. For most, they represent the most basic of needs in today’s busy life. Commuting to work, running errands, as well as journeys with family and friends. They are times overlooked in what we ask them to do for us. For most people, they can only get noticed when they break.  It’s that familiarity, though, that basic understanding of what a car is at its core that enables all of us drivers to build upon and break out of ignoring the common car. …

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Ford Teases Hardcore Version Of GT Ahead of Goodwood

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We like a good surprise here at the office, and after Ford finally revealed the official performance numbers for the 2020 GT500 Shelby Mustang (our jaws still have not left the ground.) The Blue Oval has revealed the ultimate party favor for those still wanting a bit more from Ford Performance, a compelling tease of an all new variant of its seductively potent GT supercar.   Exactly what it brings to the table is still a mystery, but it’s obvious that this is not just another limited edition model with a snazzy paint job. The shadowy teaser image Ford released …

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2019 Lexus LS500 F Sport – Review by Ben Lewis

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We’ve always been fans of the Lexus luxury flagship. And when it’s the sporty F SPORT model, even more so. We enjoyed the previous-gen 2017 Lexus 460 F SPORT, and were enamored with its powerful V8 engine. And then we were seduced by the new 2018 Lexus LS500, especially with the reclining rear seats with massage function – pure luxury limo. But even then, we knew the hot ticket would be the LS500 F SPORT. Losing the 460’s V8 would be tough, but gaining 30 hp and 67 lb-ft of twin-turbo V6 muscle seemed like a pretty good deal. Add …

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Insider: From One Generation of Drivers to the Next

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You remember your younger days, where you were just so excited to start driving. You’d be walking around, perhaps driving around with your parents, and calculating how many years and days you had left until it would finally be you behind the wheel. The idea of it just seemed to cool and appealing, and it definitely wasn’t all it lived up to be. When you think about driving, you think about road trips with friends, fast cars, smooth drives, and just an easy driving life. But the harsh reality of it is, you spend most of your time running to …

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Aston Martin Confirms Valhalla Moniker For AM-RB 003, Will Build Only 500 Examples

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With Aston Martin‘s recent obsession with Norse mythology, the British supercar maker has confirmed that its second all new offering will continue this trend and adopt a Norse inspired name. With the Valkyrie leading the way, it’s only fitting that the next model would be inspired by the ultimate destination for Norse warriors that were slain in combat, Valhalla.   It is certainly an improvement over its development name the AM-RB 003 which was a bit too wordy for our tastes, and it also serves as a figurative glimpse into the sheer levels of performance and driving pleasure that the …

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2020 Mustang Shelby GT500

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Performance Figures Revealed, More Power Than Corvette ZR1 and Ferrari

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It has been a five month long odyssey since the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 first made its debut at the 2019 North American Auto Show in January. During that tine, we learned the basic mission of this car, some of the engineering and aerodynamic brilliance that was baked into its flanks, and even saw the first production example sold at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. But amid all of this flurry of activity (even the debut of a seductively attractive green hue) Ford stubbornly held on to just how much power and torque the revamped …

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2019 Toyota Prius Limited – Review by Ben Lewis

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It’s tough being at the top. Take the Prius for example. I mean, it pretty much invented the hybrid category. And it bore the brunt of a lot criticism early on. But it emerged. Not only unscathed, but look at how many Hybrid models are for sale now. Toyota alone offers a Camry, Corolla, Avalon, RAV4, Highlander, Prius, Prius Prime and Prius C models. All Hybrids! That’s quite a lineup, and as the pater familias (father of the family) of this clan of efficiency, Toyota has to make sure that it stays relevant and attractive. So, for 2019, The Prius …

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Scalpel or Hammer?

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2019 Acura NSX vs 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye If you’re like me, you might be anticipating a major life phase change. And as a car person, likely the next thing on your mind will be how this might positively affect your future stable. My current phase is one of “peak college”, let’s call it. Come autumn, three of my offspring will be chasing higher education. The title of this post does not represent which of my kids are shooting to become a doctor and which are aiming for trade school. But, instead, which car might anyone in anticipating that …

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Resurgence of the American Car

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Manufacturers redouble efforts in face of SUV domination Will 2019 go down as the final hurrah, or when the tide turned for the American Car? A rising tide has lifted most all boats in the SUV/CUV ocean. The manufacturers enjoy the ease with which they can print money, for the most part. Traditional car companies, once dosed with a recipe rich in higher hip points, and one of the multitude of more than two wheel drive systems, see their bottom lines shored up. In the unsure future bets for some form of electrification of drivetrains, the next safest option is …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Buick Regal TourX Essence – By Carl Malek

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When Buick first unveiled the revamped Buick Regal a few years ago, the liftback’s lines reflected the current styling trends embraced by some of its European competitors, while also cementing its quest to bring the Regal even more upmarket. Imagine our surprise when Buick also revealed the all new TourX wagon after a several decade absence from the segment. The TourX is far different from the lumbering Caprice based Roadmaster Estate that defined Buick’s prior attempt at the station wagon, and the TourX aims to trade bulk and pillow-esque isolation for a more involved driving experience that still aims to …

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2019 Honda Civic Sport 2.0L 4-Door Manual – Review by Ben Lewis

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Ok, we’re going out on a ledge here. But we bet this Civic may become a collectible. Yes, we get that the Civic Type R (or CTR for those in the know) will be a legend. And the current Civic Si is continuing a long line of sweet-performing Si’s. But the Civic Sport seems to go even deeper than that. More to the core of what has always made a Honda a Honda – or a Civic a Civic – for that matter. There’s a simplicity here.  A purity of purpose that typifies the man and the brand. 20-30 years …

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Scale Models: The Unsung Hero of Car Design – A Student’s Perspective 

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To use a sports analogy, the physical property development of a project is like rounding third base and heading for home plate.  Except its not a regular season game and you didn’t just knock it out of the park. Far from it.  You’ve got the outfielder with an amazing arm launching the ball towards the catcher as you sprint with all you’ve got to slide into home. It’s stressful, but exhilarating. At the Art Center, there is tried and true methodology to getting the absolute best and most out of a transportation design student as we go from sketch to …

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Design Talent Showcase – 2025 McLaren Monaco – Front-Engine GT By Nathan Malinick

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On the eve of McLaren’s latest road car reveal at Villa d’Este tomorrow — here is a masters-thesis design project from a rising star of the car business. Its premise? A front-engine GT car from McLaren.  Named the Monaco, nearby where Macca will unveil their cushiest road car yet. But this concept is no strategic counterpoint. This design was finalized last year so it is just a delightful convergence of ideas in the motor universe.  From the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, to Woking, and back. “I finished this project before the release of the McLaren Speedtail last fall …

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Track Test Review – 2019 Acura NSX – By Carl Malek

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When the Acura NSX originally made its debut back in 2016, Acura was keen on reestablishing itself as a technological leader, while also breathing new life into arguably one of its most iconic nameplates. The reborn NSX proved to be a spirited offering, and smashed any doubts that were cast on it with its impressive performance numbers, smooth hybrid technology, and being a futuristic shot of adrenaline for buyers looking for something different from the usual Porsche and even Ferrari powered tonics that were out in the marketplace at the time. But like all good things, even the NSX can …

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2019 VW Beetle Convertible 2.0T Final Edition SEL – Review by Ben Lewis

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Sometimes when cars go away, we don’t mourn their passing. Usually, those cars are nothing special, having outlived their usefulness, or are being replaced with something much better. But the VW Beetle has always been more than that. So, we’re truly sad to see this cheerful little vehicle go away. Who doesn’t need to smile today? Auf Wiedersehen, Baby… The appropriately named Final Edition is sending the Beetle off in a fine way. VW has a habit of making cool last models, and this one is no exception. We were lucky enough to score the Convertible version – it just …

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Which Cars Have the Best Interiors?

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Commercials and magazines bestow a lot of attention on the outward appearance of new cars. After all, everyone wants to be seen in the hottest-looking set of wheels, right? However, you never actually get to see how your car looks when you’re driving it. Your vehicle’s interior is much more important than its exterior styling in the grand scheme of things. Consumers today demand a lot more than decent materials and easy-to-use tech. They want the latest infotainment features, artful design and considerate ergonomics. After all, dashboards have come a long way from their original style, which was an actual …

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2019 Lexus NX300 F Sport – Review By Ben Lewis

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If you have a younger sibling, you might remember this. One day, everything is fine – you’re the new baby, star of the show, everything is going well. And then boom! A new baby comes along, and the spotlight has shifted. Wuh happened? Well in the case of the Lexus NX, it was the birth of the all-new, cute and cuddly Lexus UX. Suddenly, the NX is another member of the growing Lexus SUV family. Of course, not being in the spotlight has some advantages. Where the NX used to need to be the price leader SUV of the line, …

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McLaren Unveils All New 2020 GT, Rewrites The Rules For Grand Touring Car Segment [Video]

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When we last met McLaren’s prior attempt at creating a proper GT car, it was in 2017 when we reviewed the 570GT. The 570GT had cushy carpet, supple leather seats, and a set of novel luggage for its trunk. But it was no secret that this particular model was still a track focused offering, and as a result, it flunked some basic GT car ettiquete to achieve that track oriented balance. McLaren was eager to right this wrong, and has unveiled its second attempt at the GT segment, the 2020 McLaren GT. McLaren claims that the GT (despite its rather …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo – By Carl Malek

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Kia has been on a roll as of late. Led by the Kia Stinger, the sleek four door sport sedan helped change peoples perception of the Korean car brand. Once known for making budget focused entries that eschewed style and performance for the sake of a low price tag, the Stinger showed the world that style, performance, and technology have become the new pillars for future Kia products going forward. The Stinger’s DNA has begun trickling down to other members of the Kia lineup including the 2019 Kia Forte, as well as the reworked 2019 Kia Optima. But can the …

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2019 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid – Review By Ben Lewis

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Toyota has found their mojo. The new Camry is awesome. The Hybrid version, is too. The Corolla Hatch? Desirable and fun. Even the Avalon is sexy now. Yes, the Avalon. But it’s the SUVs and Crossovers that are make or break for manufacturers. And since the RAV4 pretty much invented the small car-based SUV 22 years ago, it’s been a big hit. In fact, Toyota says the RAV4 is not only the best-selling vehicle in its class, it’s the best-selling non-pickup in the country. That would make a lot of manufacturers cautious, careful and conservative. Don’t rock that money boat! …

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Cadillac CT5 To Be Sedan Only Affair, No Coupes Or Wagon In The Works

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Even though the 2020 Cadillac CT5 is aimed at being a strong entry for buyers that typically shop in what the brand calls the “Lux 3” segment (we are still scratching our heads on that statement) which includes rivals such as the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class, the car’s dimensions also cause it to fall into the same size category as the larger BMW 5-Series and the Audi A6. This situation reminds us of the second generation CTS sedan, which originally straddled the line between these two sedan classes, but whereas that model had enough flexibility to spawn a …

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Aston Martin Vantage AMR Brings Manual Transmission, Lighter Weight To Buyers

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Aston Martin’s AMR sub-brand has produced an impressive list of hits during its relatively short time of being a production grade option for Aston Martin buyers. However, while the DB11 and the other big Astons have benefitted from this upgrade, the 2018 Vantage was forced to sit on the sidelines. That changes with the unveiling of the all new limited edition Vantage AMR.   A key rule that defined older Vantage ownership (and arguably the best way to fully enjoy the car) was to avoid the single clutch automated manual, and go for the more analog. but purist preferred manual …

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2019 Hyundai Kona Ultimate AWD – Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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FEATURES-FUN-PRACTICALITY AND VALUE The 2019 Hyundai Kona is one of the best subcompact crossovers that money can buy. That’s a bold statement, but the Kona can back it up. This 5-passenger SUV is available in five trim levels, the SE, SEL, Limited, and Ultimate, with starting front-wheel-drive models coasting $19,240, $21,050, $24,300, and $26,250 respectively. Add $1,400 for All-Wheel-Drive. The Iron Man trim, at $30,550, comes with a matte grey finish with red accents all around the vehicle,  red trim inside the cabin, and larger wheels. Not worth the money. The first 2 trim levels come with a 2.0 liter …

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2019 Nissan Kicks SR 2

Insider: Top Tips for Getting a Company Car

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Choosing the right car can be a tedious process, especially when you’re doing so for official purposes. There are thousands of vehicles out there, so you want to get one that fits within your budget and fits into your company image as well. For this reason, it’s crucial that you take your time to look around before committing to buy or lease a vehicle. Weigh out your options and know that you’re getting both the quality and value that you need. Here are top tips for getting the right company car for your business that could help guide you along …

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