NEW TRUCKS

2017 Infiniti QX70 Limited – Live from New York

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NY SOV? Share of Voice was the original acronym above. But NY State of Mind seems like a better headline for the new QX70 Limited’s moody, modern aesthetic. The Infiniti QX70 Limited is fresh for 2017 with a slew of design and luxury modifications to the original super-SUV shape. Rear-drive or AWD and running a V6 exclusively these days, the new QX70 Limited debuts the fresh grille that will adorn all QX70’s from mid-summertime… and more. A new lower fascia in contrast bright pewter is eye-catching, as are the new LED DRLs taking the spot of the round foglamps on …

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2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Leads Updated Range (+50 Images)

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Very cool to see Acura’s well-liked SH-AWD Hybrid tech join the firm’s best-seller: the MDX! Since its debut on the RLX and now the NSX, the Sport Hybrid has been the saving grace for at least one of those cars.  We’ve yet to sample it but the sheer pace alone is impressive: it drops the RLX’s sprint times almost two seconds.  The tech is tuned more for comfort and efficiency in the MDX Sport Hybrid, adding seven MPG at all times and 35-horsepower too. Will it work the same magic on the MDX? Acura certainly hopes so! The less we …

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2016 Lincoln NAVIGATOR Concept (+Video and Live Photos)

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  First look this morning at a *stunning* vision for the future Lincoln Navigator. Innovative and super-posh throughout, as you would expect, but also extremely elegant outside and in.  The most striking element at first sight is the clean and all-new styling for the nose, tail, glasshouse and panel surfaces.  Most elements of the truck-based model are banished in favor of a million-mile first class airline experience.  This extends to the giant showcar gullwing doors, of course, but also to the lower panels and the design in total.  As though a Range Rover and Bentayga met in a bar and …

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Hawkeye Drives - 2016 Acura MDX Review 1

Hawkeye Drives – 2016 Acura MDX Review

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Hawkeye Drives – 2016 Acura MDX Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman The 2016 Acura MDX is a luxury crossover with seating options for up to seven people, and can be had in front wheel drive, or all-wheel-drive, like the test car. The MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that puts out a hefty 290 horsepower, and 267 ft. lb. of torque.  Power gets to the pavement via a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.  That 9-speed is designed to increase gas mileage, which comes in at 19 City and 26 highway (which includes the engine start/stop features).  Our real …

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NY Debuts – 2017 GMC Terrain NIGHTFALL Edition

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Black Pack is not really a popular term in the auto world.  But how many other ways are there to say it!?   Midnight, Black Badge, Black Out… not really ideal either Nightfall is the latest descriptor to be applied to this hot and very-stylish look — and comes to the GMC Terrain for 2017.  Just the SLT and SLE-2 models in the mid-range will feature this optional upgrade, which comes in four colors with a dechromed, dark charcoal grille, dark trim details and black-accented alloys.  It does wonders for the style of the giant-inside crossover! Just one image of …

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New York SoM! 2017 Infiniti QX70 Limited Special Pips Big Debuts with Early Reveal

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NY SOV? Share of Voice was the original acronym above. But NY State of Mind seems like a better headline for the new QX70 Limited’s moody, modern aesthetic. The Infiniti QX70 Limited is fresh for 2017 with a slew of design and luxury modifications to the original super-SUV shape. Rear-drive or AWD and running a V6 exclusively these days, the new QX70 Limited debuts the fresh grille that will adorn all QX70’s from mid-summertime… and more. A new lower fascia in contrast bright pewter is eye-catching, as are the new LED DRLs taking the spot of the round foglamps on …

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2017 Maserati Levante - Dynamic Photos 8

430HP, 5.0s 2017 Maserati LEVANTE S – Full Specs, Pricing + 60 Photos Inside & Out

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Update1: Pricing for the Levante is reported to be from $72k, and up to an $83k base for the Levante S.   A full and immersive look at the upcoming Maserati Levante tonight — and things are looking quite hot and slinky! The look, for one thing, is damn hot from dead ahead.  And those slimline headlights are far more unique and striking than the current Ghibli of QP.  Or even the GranTurismo, really. They preview a meaner next-gen look for the whole line. Up front, this is defined by the carved-out inner intake and grille in vertical form just …

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First Drive Review – 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC

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By Anthony Fongaro The quintessential hatchback-on-stilts. As luxury automakers continue to make their vehicles bigger and bigger, smaller and cheaper models are created to fill the gap. Case-in-point: the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC. Not only is it the smallest crossover in Mercedes-Benz’s lineup but it’s one of the least expensive. But there’s an immediate problem: it’s basically a tall hatchback. It’s weird to have a vehicle that looks like a hatchback but higher up. That, however; may not be a bad thing. The usability of a hatchback but with AWD and being higher up could prove to be great come …

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2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 17

2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43

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The new GLC43 AMG just made its online debut ahead of the big reveal in NYC next week.  And it looks just about perfect! Low roof, long hood, air springs, and 367HP V6TT through a nine-speed auto?! Mighty enticing indeed! The car is set for a US arrival as soon as June of 2016 as a 2017 model-year. 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC: First mid-size SUV from Affalterbach Affalterbach Affalterbach. The mid-size SUV model series gains a particularly dynamic addition in the form of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC.The 270 kW (367 hp) 3.0-litre V6 …

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2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER 7

2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER Preview – Revised Styling, New V6 and 8-Speed Automatic

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Toyota just pulled the wraps of its revised 2017 Highlander ahead of its public debut in New York. The updates are fairly extensive for such a new truck, starting from the streamlined exterior with new lights, grille and tail for the new model year.  Under the skin, the base Highlanders stick to their trusty 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic. But the sporty new SE trimline, all four varieties of Hybrid and most others get big improvements in the drivetrain.  The 3.5-liter V6 is said to be all-new, but we do not have power or efficiency figures yet.  They are …

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2016 Ford EDGE AWD Titanium 7

Hawkeye Drives! 2016 Ford EDGE Titanium AWD Review

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By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman The Edge was dropped off at my house just after a little snowstorm, which made for some unflattering photos because of the street salt residue all over it, but I was fortunate to be able to test the all wheel drive vehicle in the slippery stuff. The first thing I noticed was that the brakes were very touchy and grabby right from the top of the pedal travel.  In fact it caused the ABS to kick in when on my driveway merely rolling it back to park, and when inching forward to leave the driveway.  Naturally, …

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2016 TechArt Magnum SPORT 1

TechArt Magnum SPORT for Porsche Cayenne is New Carbon Flagship

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Great showing at Geneva for TechArt! They have a wild Cayenne for every level of madness…. right up to the new exposed-carbon Magnum Sport. But below the Magnums are many flavors of hot exhaust, rims, bodykit elements and more — all chosen and sold individually to the Cayenne lover in your life.     2016 TechArt Magnum SPORT Leonberg, March 9th, 2016   For over a decade, four TECHART Magnum Generations are synonymous with unsurpassed Premium Refinement based on the Porsche Cayenne models. Renowned for their unmistakable design, breathtaking performance and superior quality.   From March 3rd – 13th, the …

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TECHART Magnum for Porsche Cayenne 10

Must-Hear Monster! 700HP TECHART Magnum in 35 New Photos, Engine MP3s

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In the TechArt world, Magnum is shorthand for every Cayenne upgrade in the catalog!  The team has been finalizing their style,. performance and tech upgrades for this third-generation Cayenne MAGNUM over the last few months — and the results are pretty intense! The exterior upgrades fit all 2015-current Cayenne models, while the optional suspension and exhaust mods also enhance everything from the Cayenne S Diesel to the full-fat Turbo. An extra 120 horsepower come from all-new turbochargers, engine breathing and cooling on the Turbo — with 640HP available at all times, and the massive 700HP coming on steam with the …

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7 New JEEP Concepts Hiding Among Easter Jeep Safari Madhouse! +30 Live Photos

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There is alot of love and alot of great tradition on display for this year’s seven-pack of all-new concept vehicles for the MOAB Safari. One in bright green will be churning up much of the excitement… and that is the Trailcat! An ultra-intense race truck aimed at the glacier-climbers of Iceland… this off-roader really does pack the engine of the Hellcat.  707-horsepower through a stickshift will make quite the entrance wherever it goes! In terms of production feasibility… this dusty desert party of Jeeps also has some clear winners beyong the Trailcat.  The Crew CHief 715 is the clearest production …

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2015 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 4WD White Diamond Tricoat 73

Do I NEED An SUV In The Midwest? Introducing Anthony Fongaro

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  By Anthony Fongaro They’re everywhere. You can’t go more than two feet in suburbia without bumping into one. They’re hard to ignore and more popular than a boy band in the 90s. Yes, we are talking about SUVs/crossovers. High driving position and four-wheel-drive is appealing but brings us to a question that literally no one has ever asked me: “Do I need an SUV in the Midwest”? While it’s nice to have a SUV, thinking that it’s a necessity to own an SUV just because white powder falls from the sky under certain conditions is ridiculous. Yes, driving in …

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2017 Abarth 124 Spider 10s

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

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

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2016 Abarth 124 Rally Prototype 5

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

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

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2017 Audi SQ7 TDI 38

2017 Audi SQ7 TDI – Triple-Turbo Diesel V8 is Ultimate Tax on Society

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  Could there be a worse time for the SQ7 TDI to make its world debut? Ultra-high-performance.  Diesel.  SUV. These top models like the previous V10 turbodiesel appeal to a tiny slice of the population, mostly in crowded European city centers, who are incentivized by the tax programs of their countries to choose a high-powered diesel over a similar gasoline model. The differences in tax, insurance and running costs for any diesel — no matter how hot — are dramatically lower than a similar Cayenne Turbo of GLE63 AMG.  Ballpark?  About a third cheaper for the diesel models like this 90k …

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2017 Audi Q2 – Slides Below Q3 with All-New Design Language, Cheaper Price

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Audi only secured the naming rights to the Q2 and Q4 trademarks in the last few weeks — coming right down to the wire before the car’s global debut in Geneva this week. Alfa Romeo had resisted giving their Q2 and Q4 drivetrain descriptors up until recently, and Audi likely paid big loot for the privilege. So just imagine — this car went through the entire VW/Audi development cycle without a confirmed name! And it does show, a bit, in that the Q2 makes little visual sense in the Audi lineup.  Its design is far more modern than the new …

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Hawkeye Drives - 2016 Dodge Journey Review 14

Hawkeye Drives – 2016 Dodge Journey Crossroad Plus AWD Review

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The Dodge Journey is mostly unchanged from the previous year’s model. In fact, it’s little changed since its introduction back in 2009. There was a refresh in 2011, but that was mostly cosmetic. Beneath the skin, it shows its age a bit as the other competitors in its class, like the Nissan Rogue, Honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4, or the Kia Sorento, have out classed it over the years. The Journey just isn’t as sophisticated as the others, and feels a bit dated. That’s not to say that the Journey doesn’t have some positive attributes. Unlike the Honda, Toyota, and …

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Geneva Auto Show 2016 - Mega Gallery 317

Geneva 2016 – Showfloor Mega Gallery – Part One

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Highlights in the gigantic, 250-photo gallery below?  Definitely the W Motors Lykan Hypersport!  Painted to match the Furious 7 hero and attending Geneva for the first time. Others definitely include the Opel GT Concept, VW T-Cross Breeze, Arash AF10 (perhaps), Honda Civic hatchback concept, 2017 VW Up!, SEAT Alteca, Peugeot Traveller and many more! The new Smart Fortwo cabrio is looking sharp in bright baby blue, as are the new C-Class twins in C400 and C43 Cabriolet. Geneva 2016 – Showfloor Mega Gallery – Part One

Geneva Debuts – 2016 Subaru XV Concept – Less Hideous, More Production-Ready

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Subaru has been bringing shockingly ugly concept cars to Europe for the big auto shows as long as anyone can remember. We’re equally unimpressed by this concept’s detailing, style and design decisions. As we were with the Viziv before.  Less repugnant… is still repugnant though. The difference is, this new XV Concept model is actually very, very close to production form.  Strip away the fug-nasty orange trims, fake honeycomb LEDs and the pricey paintwork, and we could be looking at the next-gen XV Crosstrek.  Of course, we will also see door handles and a frumpier roofline. The best angle is from the back, …

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Geneva Debuts – 2016 Volvo XC90 EXCELLENCE – Quad-Throne PHEV Limo for Davos Crowd

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  Not just Rangies… but S-Classes and Audi A8’s too! The superlux livery market just found a new favorite: the XC90 T8 Excellence. Plugin-hybrid to ease your (guilty) conscience?  Check. SUV-easy entry and exit, plus jumbo cargo bay?  Check. Individual, 787-first-class seats in back with a full-length console and nap-ready headrests? Check. 4×4 grip for ski holidays or slushy commutes home?  Check. Subtle to the point of almost disappearing behind the bright window-edges and deep-tinted glass all around?  Check. The new XC90 Excellence certainly looks great on paper as the next favorite limousine for the Davos crowd. The Excellence order …

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2016 Chevrolet Silverado eAssist – 500-Unit Hybrid V8 Cali Special

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Here is a very smart addition to the world of trucks: a state-of-the-art mild hybrid.  The latest li-ion system from GM promises a 15-percent bump in fuel efficiency for just $500 more than the standard 5.3-liter V8. The system is built into the new eight-speed automatic transmission to add electric drive for 13HP and 44-pound-feet of torque.  Along with an eager stop-start, cylinder-deaction and re-generative braking…. the Silverado 1500 eAssist seems like the way forward in a fuel-savvy world. The system is just set to be offered on the 5.3-liter V8 and not the base V6, and for 2016 will …

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Best of Geneva – 2016 BMW X6 FALCON by AC Schnitzer

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  ACS has gone to town on their new X6 Falcon flagship! The engine kit is available for both the 35i and 50i models, bumping horsepower a cool 75 for the top-flight 650HP output of the showcar. It is the tasteful and hi-viz exterior makeover that really catches the eye, though.  Quite an X6 Evo…. and definitely with more visual intrigue than the X6M.     2016 BMW X6 FALCON by AC Schnitzer Powerful, fast and impressive The X6 FALCON by AC Schnitzer  It flexes its wings, applies the gas and shoots towards its prey like a torpedo. The latest exceptional …

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GeigerCars.de 2016 Ford Mustang SHELBY GT350 – Nurburgring-Ready, and Now Adjacent!

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One of Europe’s biggest US supercar sources just landed a quartet of title fighters — some of the best American iron ever put on four wheels. By handling the shipping and acting as a retailer, Geiger offers a no-fuss way to rock a non-imported machine down the autobahn. That is… if you can resist asking them to customize and mod it for you right off the bat! Which would you pick?  The air-freight containers include this Mustang GT350, a new 2016 Viper ACR, blue-streak Z06 and a monster RAM Rebel…. vote below to see live results of this fourgy of horsepower! …

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2016 RAM REBEL by GeigerCars

2016 RAM REBEL by GeigerCars.de

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  Which would you pick?  The air-freight containers include this Mustang GT350, a new 2016 Viper ACR, blue-streak Z06 and a monster RAM Rebel…. One of Europe’s biggest US supercar sources just landed a quartet of title fighters — some of the best American iron ever put on four wheels. By handling the shipping and acting as a retailer, Geiger offers a no-fuss way to rock a non-imported machine down the autobahn. That is… if you can resist asking them to customize and mod it for you right off the bat! Vote below to see live results of this fourgy of …

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GeigerCars

GeigerCars.de 2016 Chevrolet CORVETTE Z06

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One of Europe’s biggest US supercar sources just landed a quartet of title fighters — some of the best American iron ever put on four wheels. By handling the shipping and acting as a retailer, Geiger offers a no-fuss way to rock a non-imported machine down the autobahn. That is… if you can resist asking them to customize and mod it for you right off the bat! Which would you pick?  The air-freight containers include this Mustang GT350, a new 2016 Viper ACR, blue-streak Z06 and a monster RAM Rebel…. vote below to see live results of this fourgy of horsepower! …

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2017 Volvo V40 and V40 Cross Country Facelift Revealed

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

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Concept Debrief – 2007 Land Rover LRX

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THe LRX today is kindof a non-event to view — simply because we are all so familiar with the production Range Rover EVOQUE’s design.  They are dead ringers for one another. But in 2007 when this stunning design vision rolled onstage, it was unlike any green oval truck ever before. Simply magnificent in its chunky, low and sporty proportions…. the LRX also evolved the tech-intense appeal of the LR and RR brands.  Monoblock surfacing all looks milled from solid billet steel — broken up only for ultra-slim and advanced LEDs and a blacked-out, low-roof glasshouse. The production Evoque would appear …

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Classic Icons Gallery – 1971 RANGE ROVER and 1970 RR Prototype – On Safari in Morocco

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While shamelessly photoshopping the life out of (and in to) numerous vehicles… it is good to get a sense of our roots. Range Rover SuperSport   Classic Icons Gallery – 1971 RANGE ROVER and 1970 RR Prototype – On Safari in Morocco

2016 Citroen C4 CACTUS Rip Curl Edition – Dark Detailing, GripControl + Glass Roof for Surfer Special

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Here is a pretty cool special-edition that Citroen is bringing to Geneva 2016: the C4 Cactus Rip Curl Edition. This light cosmetic makeover darkens the looks of this funky lifestyle-mobile, adds some funky graphics to the bodysides, and includes the best standard-equipment like a panoramic glass roof and other goodies. But how, one might ask, will a front-drive crossover be the right vehicle for a surf trip? Well, even without AWD or 4×4, the C4 Cactus Rip Curl hopes to park comfortably right on the beach.  Standard mud/snow tires join forces with a new GripControl ESP system that enables more slip …

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Range Rover Autobiography Helps Christen VIRGIN GALACTIC SS2 Unity

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The revised SpaceShipTwo from Virgin Galactic made its debut this week — towed into the glamorous launch ceremony by none other than the best 4×4-by-far! The Range Rover Autobiography is a dashingly tiny vehicle versus this rocket-powered space plane.  Towing in such a gigantic aircraft is a great showcase of the Rangie’s 7700-pound max tow rating. Speeds were considerably lower here than normal highway towing…. but there is no better-looking trailer… in the universe!   Range Rover Autobiography – Virgin Galactic SS2 Unity RANGE ROVER HELPS UNVEIL NEW VIRGIN GALACTIC SPACESHIPTWO AT GLOBAL REVEAL AND NAMING CEREMONY 19/02/16   – Land …

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2016 Hyundai Tucson Review 1

Hawkeye Drives – 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited 1.6T Review

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2016 Hyundai Tucson Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman Two years ago, I needed to replace the wife’s aging Hyundai Santa Fe.  Since the new Santa Fe models had grown considerably in size, and she still wanted a small SUV, I went to the dealer to buy the Tucson.  We were a Hyundai family, as both daughters and a son-in-law owned Hyundai various models, and everyone was happy with their vehicles.  But I found the generation II Tucson was the first Hyundai I had ever been disappointed in.  So disappointed, we wound up with a Nissan Rogue, which we’ve been happy …

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2017 Maserati Levante 1

2017 Maserati LEVANTE Is Official!

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We’re curious about the name.  Is it said “lay-von-tay” or “lah-vant”  ?   And is it affiliated with the region in the Middle East? First look tonight at the Maserati savior: the Levante SUV. This long-confirmed model is already rolling off the assembly line in Italy ahead of its public debut at Geneva in a few weeks. These four images offer our first official bite of the new Italian Cayenne-fighter’s looks. This model is absolutely critical to Maserati’s survival.  The GP and Ghibli are bombing hard in the US market, and the GC needs an update asap. That’s their whole …

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2016 Infiniti QX50 Review 34

Road Test Review – 2016 Infiniti QX50

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The QX50 is a crossover that every single carmaker in the world would love to have in their lineup. Just think about its core package: a standard 3.7-liter V6 making 325HP, to the back wheels, through a 7-speed automatic. A balanced chassis, and roaring Z-car-like performance from a base price of just under $35k!  Sign me up. Is the QX50’s rare offering the one you want leading your fleet, though?  Let’s find out… The QX50 is the kind of anti-minivan, performance SUV that typically carries pricing in the 50s as a BMW X4, Mercedes GLC or perhaps Dodge Durango R/T.  What else can be purely rear-drive and …

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2016 Nissan FRONTIER Pro-4X V6 AWD 72

HD Road Test Review + Videos – 2016 Nissan FRONTIER Pro-4X V6 4×4 Automatic

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Is newer better? That is the fundamental question many car shoppers ask themselves, and roundly find that Yes is the answer. But for truck owners, newer is far less likely to be automatically better. For the 2016 Nissan Frontier, the proven mechanicals, extra-tough frame and V6 4×4 setup is as trusty as your best friend. And luckily, it is almost as fun! We threw the Frontier into a few wild off-road donuts just minutes after its arrival… and came out that cloud of dust and dirt with rekindled love for the Nissan mid-size truck in 2016. Yes, even more than …

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BMW X4 M40i

355HP, 4.7s 2016 BMW X4 M40i in 78 New Photos from Monterey Press Drive

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This might be one M car you have to drive and hear to appreciate. The looks aren’t really doing it for me at the moment…. Power takes a big leap up to 355-ponies and 343 pound-feet of torque. Through the standard eight-speed auto and new M-calibrated xDrive, the X4 M40i shoots to 60-mph in just 4.7-seconds. That is about a half-second quicker than the existing range-topper, the X4 xDrive35i M Sport with its $50k base price. We expect the M40i X4 to come in around $55k with its light tweaks to the style outside, grey detailing all around, and custom …

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2016 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 8

Part Two: The TRUCKS – 2016 Chicago Auto Show – MEGA GALLERY

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Revised Ram Powerwagon, the new Explorer XLT Sport Pack, Ridgeline and Silverados make up the big action in Chicago for trucks.  We have a new RAV4 SE to show, plus soon-renamed Scion C-HR concept and the new Tacoma TRD Pro. The Kia Telluride concept, revised Hyundai Sante Fe and Sante Fe Sport, fresh 2017 Chevrolet Trax….  Don’t forget the new Kia Niro mini-ute, and more, too!   Part Two: The TRUCKS – 2016 Chicago Auto Show – MEGA GALLERY

2017 SEAT Alteca SUV 16

2017 SEAT Alteca – Sharp Spanish Marque’s First SUV is a No-Brainer

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  Despite the name: this is no Aztek!~ More and more lately, SUV reveals make you think only one thing:  what took so long? It started most recently with the Bentley Bentayga, but the theme runs frothy through even the most unlikely brands.  Jag F-Type?  Will be a HUGE seller?  Again.  One thinks: what took so long! Of course, $1-a-gallon gasoline certainly helps spike the SUV mood worldwide.  But this new ALTECA is prepped for a variety of futures.  Big engines, small engines, mini diesels, hybrids… all package-protected and ready to roll out in the coming years. This ALTCA crossover …

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2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro 12 copy

2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro – Kevlar-Reinforced Tires, Rigid Industries LEDs and Black-Dipped Styling Details

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Here is a seriously cool new Tacoma from Toyota: the 2017 TRD Pro! The wildest new Tacoma includes a variety of very cool mods to the factory machine — all aimed at making the unstoppable Tacoma even more rugged. Fox shocks and a 1-inch ride height lift are key to the extra off-road ability of the truck– as are the new skidplates underneith and 16-inch black TRD Pro alloys that resist snow and mudpack much better than normal alloy wheels.  Goodyear Wrangler tires with kevlar-reinforcement are fantastic innovations for a production truck, as are the Rigid Industries foglams that are …

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2016 Toyota RAV4 SE Launches Silver-Accented Style, New RALLY RACECAR!

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Famed race driver Ryan Millen has adopted a hell of a challenge for 2016!  Race to win in a front-wheel-drive RAV4 SE using a bone-stock 2.5-liter four-cylinder making just 176 horsepower. Millen and his co-pilot (fiancé Christine!) seem like the perfect ambassadors for a Rav4 racing adventure.  He will man the controls as she co-drives with extremely detailed trail notes all along the way.  Such limited power and traction in the 2WD-Open Class take much of the mechanical innovations out of the normal WRC race calculus.  The races then become much more about driver skill, unbreakable reliability and extreme co-driver directions. …

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2017 Nissan ARMADA Swaps From Truck Basis To Bomb-Proof Global PATROL Models

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  This 2017 Nissan Armada is a go!  You’re forgiven for recognizing this exact vehicle as the international Patrol model, or the US Infiniti QX80.  That makes sense — they are all on the same next-gen platform that is stiffer, more refined and just as gigantic as the current truck-based Armada. The new Armada majors on active safety along with its extreme, go-anywhere capability.  The drivetrain of the new Armada loses only 10 horsepower versus its very-potent QX80 sibling: 390HP. All through a seven-speed automatic with available 4WD.     2017 Nissan ARMADA ALL-NEW 2017 NISSAN ARMADA DESIGNED FOR FULL-SIZE …

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2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package

2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Pack Is High-Impact Styling Upgrade with Blacked-Out Trims, New LED Fogs!

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  Everyone wants their new Explorer to look cool and mean, like some kind of crosso between a Raptor and a Range Rover Sport. But not everyone is willing to pay for the Explorer Sport and its V6TT engine. Solution? XLT Sport Appearance Package! Despite the awful name, the results of this very-sexy upgrade to 20-inch dark grey wheels, dark grey or black trims all around, and semi-suede sport seats are clear to see.  Still stuck with this ghastly halogen foglights, but that is a quick DIY bulb swap to LEDs if you want. I stand corrected — the XLT …

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2016 Nissan WINTER WARRIORS! Murano, Pathfinder and Rogue Get DOMINATOR Tracks

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Nissan just revealed three deeply cool concepts for the Chicago Auto Show! These three comfy family crossovers might be slightly unlikely candidates for tank tracks, and that is what makes them so cool. The Winter Warriors are crossovers upgraded with black wraps, Nissan accessories and Dominator brand truck tracks.  Sleek red foil wraps look shimmery over dechromed V-motion grilles.  On a white backdrop with dark tints all around makes these quite captivating to see.   Our favorite part of the new look — besides the tracks! — might be the extended V shape in black up the hoods of the machines.  It is …

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Porsche MACAN PD600M Widebody by Prior Design – Chopster Looks, Easy Pricing

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  Prior Design is a favorite for the gorgeous enhancements they provide to a huge range of exotic cars.  The Macan is a fave too!  Any SUV that can do an accidental four-wheel-drift when making a U-turn is a hero car for us!!   And you are forgiven for thinking these customs are $100k or more atop whatever the base price of the car is — a la Brabus or Mansory, among others.  Those firms are known for one-off and bespoke carbon-fiber creations, full fender swaps and general re-engineering on a very dramatic scale. Prior Design is more of a …

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2016 OPEL Mokka X Previews Upcoming Buick Encore Refresh

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  Fantastic updates for the Opel Mokka X are set for a Geneva debut next month, and they bode extremely well for its American twin, the Buick Encore! We really like the Encore. It’s punchy turbo engine delivers admirable thrust for the segment, while its very good Quiet-Tuned refinement is a huge step up from the Chevy Trax or Jeep Renegade. This refresh brings an all-new nose, LEDs front and rear, and a total redesign of the cabin tech. The center stack — long the Encore’s sore point — is fresh with a giant new touchscreen and streamlined climate/audio controls. …

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2017 FORD F-150 RAPTOR – 2016 Event Schedule + 33 New Race-Spec GIFs!

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Check out the 10-speed turbonator in ‘factory stock’ race spec! You can here, and see it do its debut jumps at the below race dates.  Check out the latest 60 pics of the production 2017 Raptor in the lower gallery too. First deliveries?  By December first is the rumor…. =] Dates and locations to catch F-150 Raptor racing events this year are as follows: Parker 425, Parker, Arizona, Feb. 4-7           Mint 400, Las Vegas, March 10-14 Laughlin Desert Classic, Laughlin, Nevada, May 5 Vegas to Reno, Nevada, Aug. 17-20 Bluewater Challenge, Parker, Arizona, Sept. 10-Oct. 6 Pahrump Nugget 250, Pahrump, …

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2017 Audi RS Q3 Performance 15

~4.3s, 367HP 2017 Audi RS Q3 Performance – Latest RS-UV Delivers Stonking Power, Style Upgrades

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Audi’s RS Q3 is now even hotter than ever!  This Euro-only model is now up to 367-horsepower via its turbo five-cylinder engine — and sprint pace to 62-mph is down to an official 4.4-seconds. Both of these are big improvements over the RS Q3 in its previous 310 and 340-pony varieties. Officially, the RS Q3 shot to 62-mph in 5.2-seconds when launched, down to 4.8s for the 340HP 2016 model.  The 4.4-second blast is extremely promising — and might correspond to the shorter 60-mph run as quick as 4.0-seconds dead. This new RS Q3 ‘Performance’ model looks extremely cool on the way to …

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2017 Audi Q7 Visualizer – Colors, Cabins, Pricing and Options Guide

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The new Q7 is already burning up the sales charts in the Audi USA lineup! Beset as the brand is with many woes at the moment, the SUV lineup is still a shining beacon of hope.   And cash. Lots of cash! The Q7 in its all-new 2017 generation appears completely immune to the dieselgate saga.  After all, the TDI variants were only ever a 9-percent slice of the model’s sales. The new Q7 really leapfrogs its Touareg and Cayenne cousins for this generation.  Where those two are the lightest of light facelifts for 2015’s refresh, the new Q7 is …

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2016 Mercedes-Benz ZETROS – Next-Gen Heavy Hauler Combines 6×6 Grip, 110-Ton Max GVWR

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We love the Special Trucks section of the Mercedes Commercial Vehicle website. Just the name is a bit exciting!  It speaks to their obscene engineering and armageddon-proof construction strength, as well as their purposes for buyers. Few two are exactly alike thanks to MB’s Custom Tailored Truck group — that is able to upfit the three truck bases into virtually anything. Luxury motorhome, fire-fighter, crane/loader, locomotive…. pick your purpose! Unimog, Zetros and Econic are the Special Trucks crew, and each is exceptionally special indeed. We all love the new Unimog — or any ‘mog, actually — with its sleek new …

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2016 GMC SIERRA All Terrain X – Black Ops Hero Doubles Down on LEDs +10HP Sport Exhaust

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Dreams really can come true! Especially if they are blacked-out GMC pickups! =] Just a few weeks after we dechromed a Sierra HD All Terrain in photoshop, along comes this stunning new 2016 Sierra ATX. GMC Yukon Denali – VIP Rendering GMC Sierra HD – Black pack Renderings     The newest Sierra 1500 club-member is is concept-cool take on the outdoorsman pickup theme. This time, the truck is seriously specced up for black ops.  New 18-inch wheels, mud rubber, custom side steps, bed box with LED-ready setup for off-road spotlights and LED main headlights. These are above and beyond …

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Exclusive! TopCar Teases New Mercedes-AMG GLE Inferno Coupe

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TopCar is taking its Porsche love to new heights in 2016: a major stand at the Geneva show set the brand on level footing with other supertuners like Brabus, KAHN Design and Novitec Group.   TopCar is focused on all Porsche models, clearly, but also now with great new upgrades for Range Rover, BMW and Mercedes SUVs. The latest creation?  An AMG GLE dubbed the INFERNO! Bold names are not something TopCar needs help with, clearly.  =] This new take on the GLE Coupe looks quite striking. Major changes in mood and style are visible from even 1000-paces thanks to contrast-carbon …

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1987 Toyota BJ-74 Land Cruiser RHD TURBO Automatic with White FRP TOP 15

1987 Toyota BJ-74 Land Cruiser RHD TURBO Automatic with White FRP TOP

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Not clear what kind of strange mood your snapper was in during the Mecum walkthrough.  Whatever it was, we came home with some curious finds! This certainly fits the bill! Freshly restored to as-new condition outside, the truck looks stellar with its white details over shiny blue-black metallic paint. The cabin is a delightful throwback — also looking absolutely crisp and clean.     1987 Toyota BJ-74 Land Cruiser RHD TURBO Automatic Mecum Auctions Lot S168.1 // Kissimmee 2016 // Jan 15-24 1987 Toyota BJ-74 Land Cruiser Trans Automatic HIGHLIGHTS – From the Unique Collectibles Collection – Turbo Diesel engine – …

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1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera 12

Mecum 2016 – 1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera Customs

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This amazing one-off Bronco has a special ops / Lambo Rambo vibe in all the best ways. That’s no accident: this beaut by Chimera Customs was made to taise money for the Armed Forces FOundation. ANd did it deliver! A cool half-mill bought this desert jackal in 2013. The 2016 estimate is a snip then, at just $125k. Mecum 2016 – 1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera Customs Lot T205// Kissimmee 2016 // Jan 15-24 1969 Ford Bronco Built by Chimera Customs   Engine 406 CI Trans 5-Speed Color Black Interior Black ESTIMATE: $100,000 – $125,000 Chimera Customs of North Palm …

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2016 Chevrolet SILVERADO Black Out Edition is $35k and Dripping Wet Gloss!

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First time catching the new 2016 Silverado Black Out Edition in the wild! The truck looks so amazing in the flesh.  Every last detail is gloss black — right down to the blackwall tires and black bow-tie badges front and rear.  The big impacts come via the dark grille, headlights and 20-inch five-spoke wheels. The finish?  Gloss black, of course! These photos are with all the lights/LEDs off.  That white glow of the LED DRL is just its white glow shell.  Needless to say: the impact of the sinister 2016 Chevy look is even more striking with them on. Why is that …

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1961 Dodge POWER WAGON WM300 Pickup 7

1961 Dodge POWER WAGON WM300 Pickup – An American Hero: As-New, In Box

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What makes this Power Wagon special?  Few in person will need concrete reasons to love it: the pre-war curves to the roof, fenders and hood all speak to the design charm of extreme utility. The truck is an icon worldwide as one of the US Army’s main troop transports and 3/4-ton haulers. Back at home, few Power Wagons stood the test of time after less than half returned from foreign theaters of WWII. Sold off as army/navy surplus and widely adopted for farm and mining use, the Power Wagon legacy literally went to dusty rust with the introduction of salted roads and …

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2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4MATIC

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 – Air-Sprung Crossover In US Dealers Now! $45k Pricing, RWD or 4Matic + 9-Sp Auto

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The new GLC just started arriving to Mercedes dealerships here in the USA — and seems like an outstanding all-new SUV for the brand.  The GLK and its boxy look is exiting the lineup of a half-dozen ‘Benz jeeps’ this year, making room for everything from the baby GLA to this GLC, up through the GLE and GLE Coupe and the top GLS for 2017. The GLC, as its name implies, is aligned in shape and tech with the C-Class. This brings a massive set of benefits for performance drivers — particularly in its standard rear-drive setup. Just one engine and …

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5.1s 2017 JAGUAR F-Pace SUV – USA Photos, Colors/Wheels Visualizer and Pricing – From $42k!

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In case you hadn’t heard: Jaguar is on a villainous quest for growth in the USA. From 2016, the lineup includes the all-new XE sedans, now-alloy XF and facelifted XJ.  F-Types hard or soft. And by summertime, the coup de grace. The F-PACE SUV! Looking as wild as a concept, as pricey and posh as a Cayenne Turbo, and with a cabin so delicious you will want to move in? Plus SERIOUS speed.  That ‘Pace, Grace and Space’ adage definitely applies to the aluminum feline crossover.  The slowest V6, for example, makes 340HP but shoots the F-Pace to 60-mph in an official …

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Part 2 – NAIAS 2016 Showfloor MEGA Gallery – 110 All-New Photos

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Some real hotties in here! The first pics of the all-new VFL Force 1 concept by Henrik Fisker are a highlight. As are the Nissan TITAN Warrior Concept and the Raptor Supercrew in frozen white. Also nice to see more angles of the Acura Precision Concept, a car whose design is really expressive and deep in real-life photos versus the initial renders.  The beak is still rough, but there is promise here. Part 2 – NAIAS 2016 Showfloor MEGA Gallery  

2017 GMC ACADIA Shows Radical Redesign: 700Lb Weight Loss, New All Terrain Spec

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My my, what have we here! A very sexy makeover for the well-liked GMC Acadia? This three-row crossover has been winning friends for years with its Yukon-like cabin room, but easier parking manners and comfier ride quality. The 2017 model builds on these strengths… but does it drop some capability along the way? Surely, something MUST have fallen by the wayside for the 2017 Acadia to be a massive 700 pounds lighter than the current model.  No swap to aluminum a la the Range Rover or new Q7.  High-strength steel can only do so much, right? It turns out what …

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NAIAS 2016 – Showfloor MEGA Gallery – Day One in 180 Photos

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Uh oh!  Detroit’s NAIAS is so intense for 2016, we are well past our peak of effective coverage.  What comes next?  Deep hand and forearm soreness from so much typing.  And… alas… into just outright bitchiness about some of the more questionable model reveals.  Cough… Acura, cough-cough… But we will power through!   Resist the snark! Part of that is sharing the latest showfloor photos… en masse. =] Here are 180 images from press preview day one at the Detroit North American International Auto Show.   NAIAS 2016 – Showfloor MEGA Gallery    

2017 Honda RIDGELINE – Challenges Mid-Size Roughriders with Smooth, Plush and Efficient Pickup Solution

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At first look, the new Honda Ridgeline seems like even more of an open-bed Pilot than ever before. And in many senses, that is exactly what it is. Then you zoom out a bit, and consider the growing mid-size pickup truck market. The new Colorado, Canyon, Tacoma and upcoming Frontier refresh will make a totally reinvented truck class. And within that group, the general theme is full-size ability — now in a fun travel size. For a large swath of buyers, the refinement and road manners of the Ridgeline make it a unique offering. With nearly all the towing and …

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2016 Kia TELLURIDE Concept – LWB SUV Brings 7-Seat Chalet Cachet

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The face of this all-new KIA Telluride concept hit me like a sucker punch in thumbnail form.  What is that, a Lada Bentley? But after a closer look, we have nothing but praise the this Telluride’s bluff yet rounded design themes. The core basics are all there: short front overhang, awesome long and level hood, plus a steep windshield rake like a future G-wagen. It all really works for the Telluride, especially in profile. Here the elegant, techy and innovative glasshouse wears a signature brightwork wrap-around.  In the tail, we have more clean lines and vertical forms. Yet all smooth …

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Best of NAIAS – 2016 Nissan TITAN Warrior Concept – Nightclub Cool + Baja-Tough Mods for Raptor-Killer

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Update: We’re slightly confused now about the Titan Warrior Concept.  All the below still applies… but the Warrior is so different from the production truck. Much more-so than the Raptor is than the standard F-150.  So perhaps the Warrior is more of a dream-truck than a realistic Raptor hunter/killer.  It is still cool as fahk regardless., though. =] The Ford F-150 Raptor is so hot that no other brand can resist trying to beat its baja chicness on showroom floors. A solid basis for a real Raptor-killer from Nissan?  The 2016 TITAN XD — a full-size pickup so strong that it makes …

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Audi A4 allroad quattro

2017 Audi A4 Allroad – $50k Ski Wagon Set for Fall 2016 USA Arrival – Blah Exterior, but Hoorah Interior

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  The A4 Allroad has carved a nice little niche for itself in the US market, where it replaced the standard A4 Avant among most shoppers seeking a low and sporty wagon.  The current Allroad will gain all the new tech and style of the A4 sedan, but wears a more butch stance all around.  A very macho nose redesign brings vertical grille slats, some rough-rough fender flares and even a brushed-alloy chin spoiler in the nose. We are trying to get on-board with this next-gen A4 appearance.  Really trying. And the Allroad has generally been a great showcase of …

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2016 Audi h-Tron Quattro Concept 27

2016 Audi h-Tron Quattro Concept – Hypercomplex Tech Showcase Headed for Sale as $100k Tesla Rival as 2018 Q6

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Audi’s big news for the Detroit show?  The new 2017 A4 and Q7 — which are set for arrivals to US showrooms in the next few months. Alongside those dull-looking production cars come massive cabin tech enhancements, efficiency boosts and all-new powertrains. A bit more exciting on the appearance front?  This new h-Tron Quattro Concept. Roughly previewing the size of an upcoming Q6 crossover, this latest prototype shows a production-intent hydrogen-electric SUV.  And boy is is complex: multiple tanks of hydrogen power advanced electrics for a range of nearly 400 miles, a 0-60-mph sprint under 7-seconds, and AWD grip just …

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2017 Chrysler PACIFICA 23

2017 Chrysler PACIFICA Is All-New Minivan – PHEV Hybrid, Luxury and Tech to Leapfrog Sienna/Odyssey

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Welcome to the next Town & Country: the all-new Pacifica! This name-swap is quite justified when you take a peek at the seriously all-new platform, drivetrain, interior and exterior of the next-gen Chrysler minivan. The impressive details abound from every seat: the seven-seater has a stunningly advanced offering for families from July of this year when the new vans hit showrooms. What is the big deal, beyond a very swish new exterior design? Where to begin!  The biggest news is the first-ever plug-in hybrid offering in the van segment. Dubbed simply the Pacifica Hybrid, the EV tech is quite sophisticated. Not …

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2016 Buick Envision Driving Front

2016 Buick ENVISION Is New 5-Seat Crossover – Standard Turbo to Rival Audi Q5 – Arrives in April

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The 2016 Buick Envision is a pretty huge part of an upcoming Buick product onslaught: the 2017 LaCrosse and Cascada cabrio are the other hotties new to the showroom floor. New to the brand ethos in general? A sexy expectation of future products like an AWD, V6TT variant on the Cadillac ATS Coupe/Chevy Camaro platform like the AVISTA concept. The dreamers among us noted right away: the AVISTA looks like an ideal basis for a next-gen GNX around 2019.  The Envision hopes to make its Chinese-import status an afterthought for US shoppers — through the sheer strength of its luxury …

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2016 Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept – 7-Seat Option + 20 EV Miles for 2017 USA Arrival

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We’ve been exceptionally hard on VW USA over the years, even before the ongoing trainwreck that is their emissions scandal. If there is one glaring hole in the lineup, it is the SUV range. Tiguan and Touareg have been eagerly anticipating a CrossBlue SUV to slide between them. With a Passat basis and seven seats, the CrossBlue (name TBD) is actually firmly on the way. Hiring and Chatanooga production-floor mods are readied for this summer, with production penciled in to start September 2016.  The showroom arrival, as we all know, cannot come soon enough. December of 2016 as a 2017 …

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

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

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Road Test Review – 2016 Lexus RX350 F Sport AWD

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2016 Lexus RX 350AWD F Sport Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman   Sixteen years ago Lexus introduced us to the RX – a midsize luxury SUV that seated 5 people, had a very usable rear cargo area, and was based on a car chassis, so it drove more like a car than a truck.  It had a pleasant ovoid or jelly bean shape, and was reasonably priced.  It struck a chord with the buying public, and quickly became Lexus’ best-selling vehicle, and it has remains their top selling vehicle as it now launches the fourth generation for 2016.  The RX …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 GMC Terrain DENALI AWD V6 – Swanky Refresh for Right-Sized SUV

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GMC’s best-seller has been tearing up the sales rulebooks since its launch in 2009. We’ve admired its huge back seat and very affordable $24k base price from afar, but never from behind the wheel. The GMC Terrain welcomes a light refresh for 2016: new styling outside and new tech in the cabin helps the family favorite be even more competitive in the mid-size SUV class. And while the upgrades outside are fairly light for most trims, the new LED DRLs up front do wonders for the truck’s appeal on the road. The biggest news for the 2016 Terrain is the …

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Rally Dakar 2016 Peugeot DKR16 Red Bull 27

DAKAR 2016 – Prologue and First Stage Gallery – Red Bull PEUGEOT-TOTAL DKR16

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Dakar got off to a fairly rough start this year: a big crash canceled the timed events of the Trucks class, while a smaller incident saw the four-time defending champion MINI Countryman careen off the course and injure multiple spectators. Reuters and AP report a father and son were seriously hurt and are in serious condition. The MINI driver was the first female driver from China, and she also sustained injuries.  Initial reports are of a hard jump landing and subsequent loss of control of the vehicle. This was always a very, very dangerous race. And at least these traumatic events …

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1971 Ford Bronco Stroppe Baja Edition 4

1971 Ford Bronco Stroppe Baja Edition Is Retro Delight; Sharp Bumps And All!

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Although this Bronco Baja Edition by Stroppe looks amazing, the idea of actually taking it down through Baja California is … daunting. Sure, you might not get robbed right away.  And with retrofit A/C and a body-off restoration, the truck will definitely pull its own weight. But the bumps. Dear God, the bumps. You will need an ass cushion the size of Mama Cass to be comfy in this beast at speed over rough trails! We’d follow behind in an LX570, just to make sure you get there safe. =]     1971 Ford Bronco Stroppe Baja Edition MECUM 2016 Auctions …

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Mecum Kissimmee 2016 – 1972 Chevrolet CHEYENNE Super Pickup

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One of the incredible things about the 10-day auction extravaganza Mecum holds every year in Florida? Incredible bang for your buck. This Red Dawn revival of a Cheyenne pickup truck has a real charm in its authentic exterior, and flawlessly restored and upgraded cabin.  A super pickup indeed! Race you to Cheyenne Mountain NORAD command?  This beast is probably too low-tech to be killed by an EMP…. =] 1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne Super Pickup MECUM 2016 Auctions Kissimmee, January 15-24, 2016 F180_R354_1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne Super Pickup Photos by Patrick Ernzen, Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

2017 Lexus RX-L Renderings 2

Exclusive Animated Renderings – 2017 Lexus RX-L Is LWB 7-Seat Variant

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The new Lexus RX is already flying off showroom floors — with its devoted owner-base loving its all-new cabin inside, design outside and eight model variants.  With F Sports and Hybrids all available with or without AWD, the RX350 and RX450h are looking at a huge sales year in 2016. One thing Lexus mentioned at the launch of the new RX is that owners did not want the next-gen model to grow.  To that end, the new RX and its chopped roofline adds second row legroom over the 2015 models (plus powerfold and recline controls).  But the new RX is …

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

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

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Black Pack

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  Wheel time in the 2016 LR4 with its sexy new Black Package has turned my frown upside down.  We really thought the car was outflanked in 2016 by the exploding market for seven seat crossovers, let alone the new three-row varieties of Range Rover Sport and Discovery Sport also in the American lineup. The LR4’s familiar silhouette hides an all-new — and SUPERB — standard powertrain, all-new LEDs all around and even the dripping-wet hotness of dark 20s and a full blackout of every exterior detail.  All this is either new since 2015 or fresh for the new model …

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Concept Flashback – 1995 BMW Z18 is Fascinating Rally Roadster

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BMW Technik was really up to some clever stuff in the mid-1990s. This concept is chock full of interesting and production-bound ideas — even set far apart from the kooky nature of a rally roadster. A convertible crossover… as we might call it today. But still unlike anything this side of the Ariel Nomad in terms of purity of purpose. And the Z18 would actually be a pretty fun off-roader. Check out the nonexistent front bumper, fantastic ride height and river-ready wading depth. There is interesting ‘flame’ surfacing on the Z18, as a matter of fact, far before Bangle made …

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1999 RINSPEED X-Trem 1

Concept Debrief – 1999 RINSPEED X-Trem M.U.V.

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Flashbacks can be good…. and they can be bad. The one thing both have in common:  a livid, full-color reminder of something you otherwise never think about. Livid and vivid certainly describes the Rinspeed X-Trem MUV from 1999. The firm was embracing a bit of Americana in the late 90s, and this monstrosity was the ultimate expression of the bright, loud and obnoxious USA, at least as seen from new Geneva.  Less an expression of actual American wants/needs for trucks, and much more a reflection of SoCal life as seen on tv and movies.  The whole machine attempts to embrace …

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2016 Infiniti QX60

2016 INFINITI QX60 Shows Fresh Style, Retuned Chassis Updates

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Here’s a welcome update on one of the smoothest seven-seaters around: the 2016 QX60! With a new dark mesh grille, defined jawline and sleek new LEDs front and rear, the 2016 QX60 is almost a bit of a looker now!  The larger wheels with dark inner spokes set the tone for upgraded handling, and the new QX60 is said to deliver. A smoother ride but also much more body control around corners. As before, front or AWD is available for both the V6 engine and the Hybrid model. 2016 INFINITI QX60   Infiniti QX60 premium crossover offers enhanced design, dynamics, …

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1961 Chevrolet Corphibian 1

1961 Chevrolet Corphibian – One and Only Original GM Prototype Heading to Mecum Kissimmee 2016

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    “Rare” does not do this Corphibian justice. Never will anyone you encounter on water or land know what they are seeing, nor are they likely to see it again! The Corphibian was the single prototype comissioned by General Motors, based on the Corvair 95 Rampside Pickup truck production model. Along with the Corvair Greenbriar van, these two rounded out a now very expansive family of rear-engined, air-cooled models from GM. These were designed largely in response to the booming success of the very-cheap VW Beetle, introduced to the US officially in the mid 1950s but well-known in engineering …

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Concept Flashback - 2001 BMW X Coupe 4

Concept Flashback – 2001 BMW X Coupe

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A design so unfeasible, we all thought, that it didn’t matter how unviable. An SUV Coupe?  Ruthlessly absurd! How wrong we were!  Car enthusiasts obviously recognize this compact crossover shape from more than three dozen new or upcoming road cars. The chopped roof, the bluff face and 1-series-previewing headlamps?  Z4 Coupe backlight, with the high rump of the X6? It all came true! Like a wild wet dream for gravel drifters… the X Coupe came well ahead of its time in 2001. Concept Flashback – 2001 BMW X Coupe

Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus NX300h – Future-Proof Cruiser

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By now you have definitely done a double-take on seeing the 2015 Lexus NX on the road. At first, another of the RX cavalry. Then new creases, new LED graphics and a sleek and low roofline make clear this is no RX. With the lean and chic nose look off the RC and IS, the NX is a deeply stylish crossover in all three of its trimlines: NS200t, NX F Sport and the NX300h tested here.  Both the base turbo four and this uplevel Hybrid model share their appearances, with only the F Sport getting the aggressive front chin spoiler, …

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Spec Renderings – 500HP 2018 Volvo XC80 Polestar

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It has been quite a while since a new Volvo stirred as much excitement as the 2016 XC90. The truck is absolutely miraculous, and an exciting new corporate re-alignment will see most of the XC90’s style and PHEV tech filter down throughout the range. The new S90 limo kicks things off, followed by (we predict) a lightly facelifted XC60 mid-size crossover. Beyond that, we have new S60/S70 models on the mid-term horizon — with the first Charleston, SC-built sedans set for a summer 2017 arrival as 2018 model-years. But if we were Volvo… what is the first possible thing to …

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

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

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2016 G-Class Adds New Colors, Black Packs and Designo Cabin + We Rename The Colors V Offensively

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After the G-Class Crazy Colors Edition, Mercedes is pulling back a bit and going more tasteful for its latest factory-customized SUV flagships. EVEN among this color-mad photochopper… the G63 Crazy Colors are OTT.  We would need much deeper tints for the windows to venture out in Raspberry Beret Purple or Psychotic Break Green. And it appears buyers are suddenly shy and demure too. Those deep-thinking G-Class fans apparently want to class it up a bit for 2016.  Suggested names for these new colors?  Casket bronze, Arabian Racing Pyrite, Rivercorpse Blue and Dirty Diaper Brown. Just snarking…  The new shades are …

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The Evolution of BMW xDrive – 325iX to 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e – PHEV M Sport from $70k

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THe BMW eDrive X5 is officially in the USA! This huge advance in AWD tech for BMW is being celebrating with a look back at the first 30 years of BMW four-paw models. We still remember the special body-color aero kit and special wheels from the US-market 325iX. Was just a tiny bit cooler than even the very-chic 325i sedan and coupe of the era. The honor that original look, we spec’ed out a 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e in M Sport guise.  The truck looks very, very nice on its available 20-inch alloys. Particularly so with the $1,100 adaptive LED …

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2016 Lexus RX – Reviews Roundup + 150 All-New RX350 F Sport Photos in Ultra White

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Yet more all-new and exclusive photos of the 2016 Lexus RX? Yes indeed!  This is the last batch: the RX350 F Sport. We have full reviews of the RX350 and RX450h over at the below links, plus drive videos of the F Sport versions of both engines. This F Sport RX350 is a nice sweet-spot in the RX range, priced between the $42k RX350 and $58k RX450h F Sport. The RX350 F Sport is also the one most enhanced by its F Sport-exclusive adaptive suspension and Sport Plus drive modes. We also really enjoyed the F Sport seats and shift …

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South African RED BULL Concept Truck is Defender 130 APC

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  Stealthy? Not to our eyes!  This futuristic armored personnel carrier is a really sleek bit of design, even if its radar signature is huge. The truck is a bit mysterious at the moment. It appeared online about a week ago in a few obscure spots, but has since been removed from at least one official Red Bull channel… RedBull.co.za in South Africa.  Nada from LR or RB press people about it, nor even a name beyond “Armored Event Vehicle.” The only thing we know is the chassis underneath: a Land Rover Defender 130 donated its LWB rails to this …

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2016 Lexus RX450h F Sport AWD 93

HD Road Test Review – 2016 Lexus RX450h F Sport AWD – A Plush Rush?!

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The new Lexus RX is one of the most eagerly-anticipated new SUVs for 2016.  This redesign proves the RX can be a style leader even while outselling entire luxury brands like Volvo and Jaguar in the USA. So far, the RX has been so ubiquitous on the roads that any sense of chic sexiness was seriously diluted.  The 2016 model wears all-new styles and new trimlines to bring variety to the efficiency, lux ride comfort and versatility its 2-million owners love so much. The upgrades for 2016 are extensive — with the entire cabin, exterior and some drivetrain parts refreshed …

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2017 ZAROOQ SandRacer – Pricing, Tech Specs and 50 Pics of New Emirati Off-Roader

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Zarooq just held its launch press conference! Very cool premier of an exceptionally promising rear-engine rally race truck — the SandRacer 300.   Teased since last summer, this new project is a partnership between global racing legends, skilled engineers and marketing savvy. All built and optimized for us in Zarooq’s back yard: the massive dunes of Arabia. The latest details make us even more excited about the project: rear-drive with a 3.5-liter V6 mounted in the mid-rear, the SandRacer is priced from about $100k at launch and will be road legal in the Middle East. The Zarooq’s otherworldly design outside …

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2016 Volvo XC90 T8 R-Design Flagships Arriving Now – 472 Torques, Priced from $69k

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The new Volvo XC90 is set to become the brand’s biggest-ever launch. Buried in preorders and scrambling to get the HOT new truck into buyer hands, Volvo started production of the new seven-seater with exclusively T6 engines and the luxury trimlines. These are fab, of course, but not technically the coolest or fastest new XC90. Nope, that honor definitely goes to the 400HP T8 R-Design!  Running a turbo PHEV drivetrain, the XC90 T8 will become the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV with seven seats. It will also be the quickest XC90 ever — V8 included. How?  This incredible twin-engine drivetrain …

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2015 Fiat Ducato 4×4 Expedition Concept Teases New ProMaster Drivetrain Option

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The new RAM ProMaster vans in the US are winning some very devoted fans with their ultra-low floors and nimbleness even in the tightest American cities. All this and more is owed to its sibling, the Fiat Ducato, across the pond. This lavish concept van was a double threat for its reveal in Dusseldorf in August:  showcasing some awesome glamping upgrades inside and out. Yet also revealing a promising new 4×4 powertrain choice.  While this particular vehicle is a passenger model fairly unlike the US panel-van ProMasters that take most of the sales, the two trucks are nearly identical under …

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Concept Flashback - 2005 Fiat OLTRE 3

Concept Flashback – 2005 Fiat OLTRE

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It is somewhat azmusing that the 2005 Oltre-Fiat concept truck’s name means “over” in a direct Italian to English translation. Of course, Oltre also means ‘above and beyond’ and ‘over’ and ‘onward.’  Many adventurous descriptions for a seven-ton monster of a military truck. “Over” of course now also applies to the Oltre-Fiat’s extremely gaudy, Hummer-esque lines.  An obvious attempt at glamorizing the blocky IVECO running gear down below, the entire upper bodywork is bright white. Yes, it is an eyesore and hideous by 2015 standards. But in 2005 at the Bologna auto show, the Oltre-Fiat proved that high-fashion military vehicles …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Range Rover Sport SVR – Porsche-Beating YESSS Machine?

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It is hard to drive any 550HP car and come away unimpressed.  We worried this Range Rover might be the first. Nope.  In fact, it is so awesome, we’d pick it over the Cayenne Turbo.  How?  Why? Read on: 100 new photos and two HD videos to get you onboard.   HD Drive Video – 2016 Range Rover Sport SVR The Range Rover Sport SVR is proudly the fastest, quickest and sportiest Landie ever to wear the green badge. And after the first few hard corners, you almost wonder what took them so long. The SVR is absolutely heaven to …

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