2017 Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD Touring – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  An exciting new twist with the 2017 CR-V.  Five of them, in fact!~ Honda’s really got us spinning with the all-new CR-V. And while it already was one of the very best, they’ve done a lot of things – big and small – to make sure it keeps its leadership position.   Twist 1: It will turn heads: CR-V’s have always been modern, contemporary vehicles, but not Wowzers. Until now. First of all, the new CR-V looks noticeably bigger, and it is. Give partial credit to the smaller HR-V being offered so its big brother can stretch out. The …

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2016 INFINITI QX60 3.5 AWD – HD Road Test Review – By Tom Burkart

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  Is carlike handling and seating for seven too much to ask for in the luxury car market?  Mainstream brands seem to have this formula pretty well nailed with the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. But name a three-row, car-based crossover from a luxury brand that really delivers easy access, kid-friendly tech and a price less than $75k! Sure, there is the Mercedes-Benz GLS or the Audi Q7.  But both of those big, heavy trucks drive like forklifts around town and in carpool lanes.  Yes, you have the Lexus GX460 or Range Rover Sport to consider.  But those third rows …

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2017 Honda CIVIC Sport 6MT Hatchback – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Civic loyalists, your car is back! If you’ve wanted a performance Civic hatch, it’s been a long wait.  The last one was in 2003! In Si form, that Civic five-door was a neat little car.  We especially liked the rally-style shifter mounted high on the center console, the sport bucket seats, and the large (for Honda) 2.0-liter with i-VTEC. And while not a nose-bleed revver like the smaller Civics, it was still fun to drive hard. But that was 14 years ago! And while we’ve had plenty of enjoyable Civics to drive, they’ve only been offered in Coupe and Sedan …

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4.0s 2018 BMW M4 CARBON Leads 4 Series Refresh

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The 4 series will bring some updates to its style, tech and powertrains for the 2018 model year.  Some news out of the UK market this morning offers a first look at the refreshed M4, 430i and 440i Coupes, Gran Coupes and Convertibles. Detail tweaks to the lighting — adding a more boxed element to the LED DRLs, primarily — in what BMW calls its new Icon Adaptive LED lighting will now be available on the M4.  The M4 Carbon is a fresh option package that pulls some of its race-ready pieces from the $130k M4 GTS.   The new M4 Competition …

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2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class by BRABUS – First Look

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Well that didn’t take long!  Brabus has revealed their first steps at refining the W213 E-Class today, with upgrades to the aero, styling, power and sound.  Mostly plug-and-play modules for the ride height and the engine power mods — which is great for overseas clients to do themselves.  Also some design upgrades and added aggression via a new performance exhaust.   2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class by BRABUS Red-hot:  Exclusive BRABUS refinement for the new E-Class Mercedes-Benz continues the long success story of the E-Class with the W 213 model series, and BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 …

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2016 VW Golf R – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

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You read the headline correctly: This is a review of a 2016 VW Golf R — not a 2017. Why are we just now getting to review this model? Because when a car is this good, every media outlet wants to drive it. Luck of the draw meant we got this Lapiz Blue example of the 2016 Golf R late in the calendar year. That’s how it goes sometimes. The Golf R is now available as a 2017 model, with an MSRP starting a little bit north of $35K and topping out at $40,475. We hear you saying it: “Forty-large …

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2016 BMW Z4 M Sport sDrive35i – HD Walkaround, Obituary and Photo Gallery

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BMW Z3/Z4: 1993-2016. Soon gone, but never forgotten!   As the last few Z4s are sold to customers, we mark the end of the line for the plucky and stylish BMW Z roadster.  It ceased production in August. The BMW Z3/Z4 used to be a huge tentpole for the brand.  In the 1990s the Z3’s arrival in stores was the most hotly anticipated arrival in the marque’s history.   A big lead time between when the Goldeneye Bond film gave us the first look at the car helped build excitement.  The fact that it would be made stateside was also huge …

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2017 Chrysler Pacifica – HD Drive Review – VAN OF THE YEAR Award-Winner

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Forget what you know about minivans. Forget being sure that the Odyssey or Sienna were top of their class for quality, luxury and comfort. They are not. Both Odyssey and Sienna are firmly outclassed by the new Chrysler Pacifica. To an extent that is shocking! This fact is clear in the first block of a Pacifica test drive: the van drives like a luxury car, is quieter than some luxury cars, and has tech to shade any other family machine on the market. We have 50 photos, an HD drive review and section headings of Exterior, Interior, performance and Pricing …

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How to Use Powder Coating When Restoring Your Car

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Protecting and preserving your car’s chassis and small parts is crucial to any good restoration. Paint has been the long-time favorite when it comes to protectants. It gives your undercarriage a uniform color pallet, defends against the elements and most importantly keeps damaging rust from setting in. Automotive paint isn’t the only option for the job. There are other choices. Spray paint is the most cost-effective alternative, but it sacrifices some of the protective qualities of paint and can look cheap. Plating metal parts in chrome, cadmium and other shiny metals can protect them, and the end results look good, …

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2017 Nissan Vmotion 2.0 Shows Razor-Sharp New Design Direction

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Vmotion 2.0 is Nissan’s big concept reveal at Detroit this year, and it is pretty mouth-watering! This is wholly a design and automated-driving prototype — one that does not directly preview any particular production model.  More than that: it actually previews all of them.  The Altima is next up for a big refresh from Nissan, and it is likely to wear much of this chic new style when it materializes as a 2019 model. Will it also integrate the ‘Nissan Intelligent Mobility’ tech that is at the core of this vehicle?  Namely, the ProPILOT auto-driving functions? Yes, yes it will. …

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471HP, ~3.8s 2018 Lexus LC500 Pricing and Options Announced

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The stunning new LC500 has a pricetag and options list!! The car is making its first appearances at Lexus corporate offices this week ahead of its showroom arrival around April or May of 2017 as a 2018 model. Two variants: the Lc500 making 471 ponies and the LC500h making 354HP for its full hybrid drivetrain are priced from $93k and $97k, respectively. A handful of very desirable options are not to be forgotten when pricing out this hot supercoupe: the Touring pack at four grand and the Sport packages at a few grand more. The Sport pack includes a limited-slip differential …

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Honda Unveils 2018 Odyssey Minivan [Live Images]

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Honda has formally taken the wraps off of the 2018 Honda Odyssey at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in a bold effort to not only steal sales from the recently unveiled and highly popular Chrysler Pacifica minivan, but also allow it to stand out against the Nissan Quest and the Toyota Sienna.       The exterior styling of the 2018 Odyssey is a tasteful evolution of the traits that made the previous generation Odyssey a hit with buyers. The bland front fascia that defined the old model has been pitched, and the 2018 version puts a renewed …

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2017 Audi Q8 Concept – Near-Production SUV Limo Shows Face in Detroit

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  Finally!  Some fresh design from Audi! After the deeply dull A4/A5 and Q5/Q7 refreshes lately, Audi is showing some design elan with their new Q8 concept.  This four-seat plugin hybrid limo promises supreme comfort for four.  A platform share with the Q7 moves the back seat rearward and focused on backseat comfort for just the second row.  No third row, then. A stonking 516 pound-feet of torque ensure a rapid getaway for the lucky four-some.  And a silent one too!  The machine promises 37-miles of pure EV driving range. What this limo indicates is that Audi’s model expansion has …

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2018 Lexus LS500 Debuts All-New Flagship with 4.5s Turbo 10-Speed and Standard LWB

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The new Lexus LS just debuted in Detroit with some shocking advancements in style, luxury and performance. First things first: the powertrain of the creamy cruiser is now a 3.5-liter twin-turb oV6 making 415 horsepower.  Through the standard 10-speed automatic, the new LS promises a brisk flash t o60-mph in just 4.5-seconds. The machine is longer than before: its 123-inch wheelbase is up 1.3-inches versus even the LWB LS460L/LS600hL from the existing generation.  A lower rear roofline but much more enveloping rear seating keeps legroom limo-huge. The design itself is also a big leap into the future.  With a nose …

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2018 KIA Stinger GT – 365HP Turbo Fastback Bows in Detroit

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All turbo engines, all designed and honed in Germany, and on its way from KIA!? Get used to a very upgraded Kia in the coming years as it makes a name for itself rivaling BMW.  And Audi, and Alfa-Romeo.  And Mercedes-AMG?! At least, that is the goal. A rear-drive stance and four-door-coupe looks are standard on the new Stinger, even if it is actually front-drive with AWD available. The cabin is very Benz-like in look and feel, while the exterior blends much of the hyper-rounded but aggressive detailing of the new Alfa Guilia Quadifolio. The width of the machine and …

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2017 BMW M4 Competition Pack Convertible – First Drive Photos/Video

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Inviting some hate with this string of VERY hot and desirable cars! While rocking the absolutely astounding 2017 Q60S Red Sport 400 from Infiniti as my test car, I found myself behind the wheel of a car costing $18k more.  And wearing bright Alpine White over gloss black of the BMW M4 Competition Package. Added bonus?  This is the folding hardtop! Such a joyful drive.  With the top down, you can really immerse yourself in the popping and snarking quad pipes of the race exhaust.  The spider-spoke alloys off the M4 GTS looks impossibly large in the M4’s flared, flexing …

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2018 Genesis G80 Sport Shows Gorgeous New Style, V6TT Upgrade

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There might not be any bigger Genesis fans than the good folks here at Car-Revs-Daily.com.  Just check out the love-fest of reviews at this link if you are skeptical! But what have we wished for?  More grip and sportier style.  And of course, a 20-percent bump on horsepower is always invited! The G80 Sport addresses all these wishes and more.  Under the sexy new hood, the new 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 puts out a stout 365HP and oodles of low-end torque.  Rear or AWD are set to be offered on the G80 Sport when it arrives midyear as a 2018 model in …

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2017 KIA SOUL! Turbo DCT – HD Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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The Kia Soul has been one of the most successful small ‘utes in history.  Those engaging Hamster commercials did a great job of renting some space in our minds. When the Soul was redesigned, we saw the hamsters hit the gym, slim down, and start dressing like Daniel Craig in the Bond films. But what happens when the carmaker introduces the turbo, double-clutch 2017 Kia Soul! (pronounced “exclamation”)? Hamsters on steroids! And we have to give Kia credit for putting the loveable Soul on the juice, because they could probably sell every one they make already. It’s a great little …

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CES 2017 – Top 10 Big Reveals + Showfloor Gallery

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Many semi-cool reveals at CES this year.  And thankfully, they are not all wearing the same shade of Apple-knockoff white plastic for bodywork! Oh wait, all the cars are the same silver this year?  Delightful. This biggest headlines were undoubtedly for the Faraday Future FF91, a Tesla Model X rival that actually seems super smart and innovative.  If not exactly sexy, the design is certainly unique and practical.  This FF91 flagship is production-bound with a direct-to-consumer sales model that also takes great inspiration from Tesla. The Toyota Concept I is silly fun, while the Chrysler Portal is slightly more serious.  The …

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2017 BMW i Inside Future Sculpture Previews HoloActive Gesture Controls

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Has BMW i just gone off the deep end entirely?  The iPerformance range in the 3 series (330e) and X5 40e is smooth and creamy — literally — on the road.  Yet the plugin hybrid electrics do drive like normal, high-speed BMWs. But my word.  Getting past the clutter of the “BMW i” language and descriptors, not to mention their designs and prices, mean these new innovations are definitely still in their infancy. Case in point? The below press release, which is virtually unintelligible.  It is so up its own a** that you have a hard time knowing the CARS …

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2018 VW Atlas R-Line First Look – Arrives May 2017 to USA Showrooms!

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No big power bump on the Atlas yet, but this R-Line upgrade is the sportiest we’ve seen yet! Available as a style and grip tweak to the 235HP turbo four or 276-pony V6, the R-Line adds unique 20-inch alloys and a very chic new appearance front and rear.  Baby steps! The Atlas itself is en route to production and a showroom arrival by around April of 2017 in the USA.  Yes! It is true.  The truck is on the way! In fact, based on these pics… we’d say it is already in pre-production as we speak!  It cannot come soon …

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2017 RAM Rebel BLACK PACK Revealed Ahead of Detroit Show

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The NAIAS is shaping up to be a whopper — with dozens upon dozens of new machines set to make their first appearances later this week. How to earn some press with all that clutter?  Go for an earoly release! That is RAM’s idea for their latest special edition: the Rebel Black Pack. Hard not to love a black pack, and the Ram Rebel is a terrific starting point. Check out the details and first photos below.   2017 RAM REBEL BLACK NEW RAM 1500 REBEL “BLACK” SHOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME AT 2017 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Ram …

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2.5s, 830HP 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabrio By Wimmer RST

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How do you go from about 550 horsepower to well past 800?  Carefully! Wimmer RennSportTechnik has spent months developing their latest engine magic for the latest 911 Turbo S.  A wholesale revamp of the engine electronics, breathing and even mechanicals was required to have such Bugatti-like boost flowing through the H6TT motor. The results are quite shocking: the sprint pace is shockingly rapid.  Even more than the factory car, which is no slouch.  The overall vMax is stunning too: this machine can do a confirmed 226-mph!   2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabrio By Wimmer RST ONE OF A KIND …

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2017 BMW M2 Convertible!?! Dahler GmbH Makes Dream Real

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  In the BMW order books, the M2 is always described as the “M2 Coupe.”  This is a strong indication that a cabrio may be in route.  Otherwise, why specify? Dahler Teknik of Deutschland has beaten BMW to the punch with the first-ever M2 Convertible. How did they achieve this?  By upgrading the bodywork and mechanicals of an M235i (now M240i) or chopping the top off an existing, and genuine, M2 Coupe? We do not know the exact answer to this. But what a specimen to behold regardless. If BMW wasn’t sure about the potential for an M2 Convertible… this …

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2017 Faraday Future FF91 – Updated with Live Photos/Video

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The saga of Faraday Future has been a roller coaster ride ever since the company was first formed especially with the recent defections of several top Faraday executives. However, the company chose to put these rumors to the wayside with the unveiling of the FF91 EV. The FF91 is a key offering for the mysterious upstart company, and on paper at least, the crossover-esque vehicle is a potent beast. The car will come equipped with a 200 kW fast charging capacity, which works in tandem with the 130 kWh battery pack to deliver a 378 mile driving range with the …

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How to Fix Rust Spots on Your Car – By Scott Huntington

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Finding a rust spot on your car might feel like the worst thing in the universe, but it isn’t the end of the world. In many parts of the country, especially colder climates where the roads are salted to protect against ice and snow, rust is simply a part of life no matter how well you take care of your car. Thankfully, rust spots or holes are easy to repair with a few tools you might already own, some components from your local auto parts store and a little bit of elbow grease. Figure out What You’re Dealing With The …

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2017 Ford ESCAPE Titanium FWD – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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A third of the auto industry’s sales last year were SUV’s. That means that about 5 million of them were sold here.  At Ford, their leading SUV model is the Escape. Over 300,000 units were sold last year alone, making the Escape the number 2 selling Ford model, behind only the Ford F-150 pickup truck.  The Escape debuted way back in the year 2000, and they have sold more than 2.4 million of them.  After spending a week with the 2017 Escape, it’s not hard to understand why. For 2017, the Escape gets a mid-cycle refresh, bringing some significant changes to the …

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2016 Fiat 500L Trekking – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Are you taking things too seriously? Been following politics? Fighting holiday crowds? Dreading a New Year’s resolution? We have a cure for you. The Fiat 500L. While it is a real SUV, capable of meeting your daily needs, there’s just enough slightly wacky, off-the-beaten-path, Euro-quirkiness to help take you out of the doldrums and put a smile on your face. It started out with the cute as a bug’s ear 500. Enthusiasts rejoiced when the brand added the Mighty Mouse 500 Abarth. And we have many frugal friends enjoying the super-green 500e electric vehicle (especially at the $99/month lease!). For those …

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Four Things to Consider When Choosing a Lift Kit for a Truck

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A lifted truck never fails to get a second glance from other drivers on the highway. Many car drivers look at a driver of a lifted truck and envy them their view of the road. Lifted trucks are both sturdy and powerful as well as a heck of a lot of fun to drive! If you’re thinking about getting a lift for your truck, there are some things to think about before making the plunge. Checkout five things to consider when selecting a lift kit that will transform your truck into an awesome driving machine. The Type of Truck You …

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Saying Goodbye To An Institution: The Walter P. Chrysler Museum – By Carl Malek

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Saying goodbye can be a hard thing to do sometimes, from saying goodbye to a treasured toy, to even a loved one, the act can be tough for all parties involved. This was the case with us and the Walter P. Chrysler Museum. Nestled in the grounds of the Chrysler Tech Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan, this small museum boasted a big car collection, and it did an excellent job showcasing Chrysler’s storied history. Built in October 1999 during the turbulent Daimler-Chrysler era, the museum housed many historic vehicles from Chrysler’s past, and also highlighted vehicles from AMC, Hudson, Nash, …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Volvo V60 Cross Country Platinum – By Carl Malek

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In an age where SUVs and CUVs have virtually pushed the formal car based station wagon to the brink of extinction, the entries in this once thriving segment have largely been relegated to select brands that still offer them to customers looking for that hidden gem for their driveway. Volvo is one of these brands, and has offered customers Cross Country versions of some of its models since 1997 when the original V70 XC thundered its way onto dealer lots. The V60 Cross Country is the latest recipient of Volvo’s proven formula of taking a car or station wagon, and …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Kia Soul + – By Carl Malek

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When Kia first unleashed the Soul back in 2008, the funky CUV was a bold gamble for the Korean car giant. Boasting boxy styling, youthful vigor, and an ad campaign featuring cute hamsters, the Soul proved to be a hit with CUV buyers, and prompted the company to release numerous variants including the recently launched Soul Turbo model. But has its mid-cycle update helped the Soul stay relevant among millennials? or has it lost a few steps against a new wave of CUV entries that are all vying for their piece of the greater CUV sales pie.     The exterior …

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2017 Ferrari J50 is Japan-Only Special – Launch Party in 25 Photos

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  Thought the F60 America was Fezza’s only nod to its global regions?  Think again! This new J50 celebrates the marque’s 50th year in the Japanese market.  Based on the 488 GTC, the J50 has unique design touches throughout and a very fresh nose design in particular.  Horizontally-aligned headlights are a big departure from the vertically-oriented lamps Ferrari has employed for its model range in recent years. One thing is sure with these ultra-exclusive specials: resale and collectible cache second to none. Of course, those dreaming of a J50 outside of Japan should note that even an export will still …

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First Drive Photos – 2017 BMW X4 M40i – Widescreen Gallery

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The briefest of brief spins in the sexy 2017 BMW X4 M40i! How does this all-new turbo six feel versus the previous X4 xDrive35i M Sport? Far more focused, to be honest.  The new motor series is not just up 20HP/30-pound-feet of torque.  It also gains a biting new exhaust bark in all forms.  That back-bellow and M-style popping on the overrun is cranked to the max in the X4 M40i.  And we adore it. The exterior is also quite sexy with its dark-tinted badges, chrome-free appearance and overall sinister-ness. The grey mirror caps and blocky alloys reinforce this impression …

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2016 Volkswagen TIGUAN R-Line 4Motion – Road Test Review – By Tom Burkart       

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Our reviews here on Car-Revs-Daily.com generally try to be upbeat and playfully informative.  With insightful observations galore and a few critiques along the way. It is usually because the cars manufacturers send our way are all fairly loveable, newsworthy and generally pretty fresh on the market.  We put ourselves in the position of the buyers in that market segment for a week.  A week of driving later.. we’re usually gushing with some form of praise. This Tiguan review will have many of those characteristics, but with a darker edge. The 2016 Tiguan is woefully outclassed by nearly any compact crossover …

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2017 Genesis G80 5.0 Ultimate – HD Road Test Review – By Tom Burkart

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The Genesis launch is in full swing for 2017! No more Hyundai badges to be found anywhere on the two-model range.  Flying wings for the nose and tail are a huge relief for customers who disliked the previous dissonance of two ‘brand’ emblems on the same car. The G80 and its EQUUS-replacing G90 are both lightly refreshed beyond the badge upgrades, however. We were blessed to spend a week in the top G80: the 5.0-liter V8 Ultimate.  This rear-drive sports sedan delivers some SERIOUS heat to chase its 550i and E550 rivals. How do 420 ponies and sub-5-second sprints sound …

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How Lehman, Obama and Tesla Changed the Car Business – By J.R. Anderson

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    Early in the recession, after President Obama bailed out the auto industry, I noticed the largest shift we have ever seen in the auto industry. The majority of vehicles produced before 2010 featured cheap plastic interiors, faux wood grain, uninspired designs, and confusing electronic equipment systems. In those days, most vehicles had terrible handling and very little effort to better fuel economy. In fact, for a while I questioned whether manufacturers and dealers were in cahoots to make vehicles that would ensure customers return for repairs. Then, a few things happened simultaneously. 2008 we experienced the worst recession …

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Want to Get Serious About Working on Cars? Start Using Compressed Air

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We’ve all got a toolbox in our garage or car that’s likely stuffed to the brim with every hand tool imaginable. For the most part, those tools are what we need to get our repair jobs done. But if you really want to get serious about working on your cars, the best thing you can do is upgrade your tools and start using compressed air. So what equipment should you look for to start your new tool collection? Step 1: Pick the Right Compressor The first step toward using compressed air tools in your home garage is picking out the …

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2017 Subaru WRX Limited Sport Lineartronic – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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WRX= love. But CVT= hate. Can they get along? For Subie’s sake!? Few cars are as enamored by enthusiasts as the WRX. While the rest of the world had enjoyed Subaru’s extreme rally car for the street, it wasn’t until 2002 that we got one here. It was worth the wait. While it had a cult following for the in-the-know, the majority of the population had no idea. We have happy memories of terrorizing a Porsche 911 with a silver, bug-eyed 2002 test sedan. It was so unassuming, yet with its turbo-four cylinder and all-wheel-drive, immensely capable and fast. What’s …

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2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Unless you are a newborn baby, (and someone is reading this to you) or you’ve been living in a cave for the last 25 years, you are familiar with Toyota’s Camry. For decades, it has either been the best-selling mid-size family sedan in the US, or one of the top three. It used to compete with only a handful of competitors, but in today’s world, every manufacturer has an excellent mid-size family sedan. And yet, the trusty Camry still soldiers on, and always lands at the top of the sales charts.  And helping those sales figures is the Hybrid version …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco – By Carl Malek

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With the recent resurgence that Hyundai has undergone the past few years, its truly remarkable just how much progress the brand has made over the last 10 to 15 years. Once known for making cars that excelled at being cheap reliable transportation (and not much else,) the current lineup has evolved to offer customers a premium driving experience, while still being a great value for many budgets. This was apparent in the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited Turbo we recently tested, but how has this sweeping change affected the more mainstream oriented Hyundai Elantra? and can it repeat the same levels …

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2017 Nissan Armada Platinum – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

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The big news with the second-generation Nissan Armada is this: We finally got a Nissan Patrol in America! Perhaps bigger news still is that the 2017 Nissan Armada, Nissan’s largest SUV, doesn’t drive nearly so large as it is. Nissan does the SUV — bigly Riding on a 121.1-inch wheelbase, the 6,000-lb. Armada measures 208.9 inches from bumper-to-bumper and straddles a piece of ground 79.9 inches wide. It stands 75.8 inches tall. It’s a large beast — not quite as large as the also new-for-2017 Nissan Titan, but close. Maneuvering in tight quarters may require your full, undivided attention. Thankfully, …

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Elegance Rebooted – 2017 Aston Martin DB11 First Look – By Carl Malek

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When Aston Martin first unveiled the 2017 DB11 coupe, it represented a monumental shift for the British supercar maker. Aston Martin has always been known for its unique heritage, but lacked a versatile stable of fresh product to truly standout against supercar benchmarks like Lamborgini and Ferrari. The 2017 DB11 looks to change all that thanks to its revamped styling, performance and technology. This special car heralds a promising future for the brand, but will all of its new tricks help it cement a spot in the hearts and wallets of Aston loyalists? Or does it miss the mark?     …

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2017 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T SEL Premium – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

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  In Europe, they make fun of the Volkswagen Passat Americans drive. Their suspension and materials are superior, they argue. OK, fine. Relish that superiority, Europe. That doesn’t change the fact the ‘Merican Passat remains one of the best all-around midsize family sedans in ‘Merica. Family values I spent a week with a 2017 VW Passat and pretty much fell in love with its practicality and handsome good looks — but mostly its practicality. Some people have criticized this generation of the Passat for being too understated. It takes on Volkswagen’s corporate low-and-wide styling, so the grille and headlights aren’t …

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2016 Ford EDGE Titanium – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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  The wife and I picked up our friends to go out to dinner in the Ford Edge. They weren’t in the car more than 60 seconds before they both said (almost in unison) “Wow, there’s a lot of room back here.”  A few minutes later, “these seat warmers are really nice.”  I then suggested they recline the seatbacks a little bit, and they were delighted with that feature, too. Ten minutes later, I heard, “Boy, this car rides really smoothly, even better than our Lexus RX. What is it?” They were surprised to learn that it was a Ford.  …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE – By Carl Malek

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It wasn’t too long ago that the subcompact car segment was once relegated to bench warmer status in the lineups of many automakers. Due to the strong sales of SUVS as well as a relatively small pool of customers to take advantage of, many automakers did not put that much effort into them, and it showed in many ways (anyone remember the Chevrolet Aveo?….No?) Don’t worry your not alone. However, when gas prices spiked several years ago, the renewed demand forced automakers to invest in these pint sized offerings, and it helped transform the segment into a viable and competitive …

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2017 BMW M6 GTLM – 19th BMW Art Car by John Baldessari Will Race DAYTONA

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The BMW Art cars are best as real-world racers. Taking corners in a future legend has appeal today just like it did when the first BMW Art Car emerged from the Paris office around 1973. This latest racing artwork, the 19th in the series? A 2017 M6 GTLM, naturally. The biggest, baddest BMW racecar ever made.  A vehicle so shouty on throttle that the artist put the letters F A S T right along both flanks. 2017 BMW M6 GTLM – 19th BMW Art Car by John Baldessari World premiere of BMW Art Car by John Baldessari at Art Basel …

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2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  Is the Mazda CX-9 a Miata for 7? It’s an interesting thing. Used to be, you had needs, you bought a vehicle that fit those needs. Things changed when SUV’s got popular. Suddenly, if you needed a minivan, but didn’t want to be seen in a minivan, you could get something cooler. No more settling. Well, that opened the floodgates. Pickup truck that’s decked out like a luxury sedan? You can get them with more cow on the inside than you can tow on the outside. EV’s that will stomp all over supercars? Here’s your Tesla. Convertible Crossovers? How …

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2.9s, 646HP 2017 Novitec MCL57 McLaren 570S

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Novitec does McLarens!? Yessirs.  In addition to RR and the Italian exotics, Novitec is bringing their tuning madness to the McLaren 570S.  Ostensibly the tamest car out of Woking so far, these mods prove there is a fierce force with this baby Macca. MCL57 is pretty catchy as a name, too.  MCL by Novitec sounds nice too.   Here are 37 mouthwatering photos.  Each one better than the next.   2017 Novitec MCL57 McLaren 570S NOVITEC now also refines the sports cars from McLaren   Start with the McLaren 570S: engine tuning to up to 475 kW / 646 hp, …

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10 Great Holiday Gifts for Car Guys

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With the holidays here again, it’s time to face the challenge of what to get for the gearhead in your life. Whether you’re well-versed in what to get the guy who has everything, or haven’t a clue where to begin, you can’t go wrong gifting one of our 10 selections for car guy gifts. This list includes items for all price points that work in the car or in garages and man-caves. Here are our picks: 1. The Car Garbage Can – Makes keeping your prized ride’s interior looking brand new a little bit easier. 2. Travel Coffee Mug – …

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2017 Subaru Legacy 2.5i SPORT – HD Road Test Review

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The trusty midsize sedan segment of the car business has found itself in an unusual spot these days. SUVs and low gas prices mean the old days where Camrys and Accords sold by the dozen are long gone.  They are now fighting to be a purchase not of necessity, but one of desire. Subaru has stepped up with a serious rival in this high-stakes game.  A car that is still easy to buy and own, but with added pizzazz to make it pop versus the onslaught of new, high-riding competition. Subie’s answer? The new-for-2017 Subaru Legacy SPORT trimline.  The car is …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Toyota 4Runner Trail Premium – By Carl Malek

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In an era where CUVs and even full size SUVs are embracing car based platforms as their underlying DNA, the 2016 Toyota 4Runner is a compelling glimpse into an era when pickup based SUVs ruled the roads both on and off the beaten path. With its sole rival the Nissan Xterra being discontinued last year, the 4Runner is one of the few remaining stalwarts in a shrinking market segment. But does its blend of capability, size, and utility still allow it to stand out against rivals? or has the passage of time finally caught up to Toyota’s off road bruiser? …

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2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring – Marketplace Comparison – By Carl Malek

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When we last met the Mazda CX-3, we praised its ability to bring Mazda style fun and flair to a segment that is steadily getting more and more crowded with entries from various automakers. With the segment also booming in sales and overall demand, choosing the right CUV for your driveway can be the most important decision many growing families face. With that said, does the Mazda CX-3 still have what it takes to win a spot in your driveway? To find out we went behind the wheel of a second CX-3, and crunched the numbers to see how it …

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3.5s, 178MPH 2017 Lotus EXIGE SPORT 380 is Fastest Flyweight Yet

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Standard carbon aero and a boost up to 375HP are enough to make this latest Lotus special into quite the slayer.  Its on-paper figures are outstanding and up there with a very rarified competitive set. The difference?  This Exige Sport 380 is also pretty light on the wallet!  It is priced at just 90k Euros and is aimed at the UK, German and Japanese markets. No official word on its US potential… but all this kit is certainly available for US Exige clients!  Just not bundled together right out of the factory. But hey, longing for Lotuses that are not …

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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SPORT 2.0T AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Is this sexy new Sante Fe SPORT ready to play in the big leagues? Both Hyundai and Kia have been huge success stories lately, but we still get comments from buyers that hadn’t considered “one of those brands.” Which is sort of understandable, if you only buy a new vehicle every 8-10 years, you might have missed out on the great turnaround of the Korean automaker. And you might be surprised how many crossovers and SUV’s are out there vying for your dollar – even if you’re the cheapskate that only parts with the greenbacks every decade or so. So let us …

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2017 Mazda RT24-P Revealed Ahead of Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona

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I love endurance prototype racecars. They take truly concept-level ingenuity in aero and grip to the streets. Well, to the road courses and banked ovals of the racing circuits!  This new RT24-P from Mazda is a pretty magnificent specimen for blending on-brand design cues with the mandates of any race class. The RT24-P is designed to dominate the top class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship — a new class called DPi, for Daytona Prototype International. Certainly not quick or catchy names in this new series.  But hey, it is an endurance challenge! The RT24-P name itself means the “Road …

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Industry Insider: Why The International Automotive After Market Is Gaining In Popularity

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When you consider just who are the biggest auto manufacturers in the world, you rarely stop to think about makers of after market parts. Yet this particular segment of the industry is quickly gaining in both popularity and profitability. Manufacturers of after market parts are posting record profits at a time when custom vehicles are becoming more in demand. This is true not only in North America and Europe, but in Asia and other parts of the world where such a rapid rise in popularity would hardly be suspected. This is one phenomenon that has managed to take nearly the …

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2017 Chevrolet CAMARO 50th Anniversary Special By Geigercars.de

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The new Camaro done up right by the German Geiger Cars!  A supercharged engine and eight-speed automatic mean 4-second sprints to 60mph.  A nice match for the full exterior upgrade.   Here are 47 photos and a link!   2017 Geigercars.de Chevrolet CAMARO 50th Anniversary Special

2017 Volvo XC90 – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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  It has been a very long time since I’ve reviewed a Volvo. So I was anxious to get my hands on the 2017 XC90 T6 Inscription with AWD.  As I did a quick walk around of the vehicle, the styling showed a fairly generic shape, especially when viewed from the side.  It doesn’t have a long front overhand, nor a steeply raked windshield.  The front end shows the traditional Volvo grill, which in my youth looked outdated, as it was mostly seen on boxy shaped boring sedans. But on the XC90 it looks more stately, sitting between the headlights …

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2016 Lexus NX200t F SPORT AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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If the NX200t did one of those TV Ancestry tests, what would show up? Platform sharing today makes it difficult to figure out what is a real brand anymore. You’ve got rebadged Mercedes posing as Infiniti’s. Jeeps driving around on Fiat underpinnings. Fiats driving around on Mazda bits. Subaru’s, Scions. And more.  Oh my. Then we have intermingling within the automakers as well, and they can be very well disguised. Case in point, Lexus and Toyota. There’s a lot of sharing going on. In all honesty, though, it always felt like the downscale Toyota models were getting Lexus goodness, rather …

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505HP, 3.9s 2018 Alfa Romeo STELVIO – High-Performance SUV Wows LA, World

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Very big day today out in elle-lay! The new Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the latest big debut for the left coast — and it is a doosey! Meet the new 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: the range-topping, 505-horsepower SUV that delivers some seriously stonking numbers right out of the gate.  It is named after the knotted Stelvio Pass mountain road made so famous from Top Gear.  And that means Alfa are more than confident about how well this machine can corner! The Stelvio will rival the Maserati Levante, Jaguar F-Pace, BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe up and down the range.  Starting at the …

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Rear-Drive Ragtop! 2017 Lamborghini Huracan LP580 SPYDER

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The Huracan Spyder is so beautiful in person… you might just wet yourself in giddy excitement as the V10 wakes your inner eardrums from their slumber. The latest variant promises to be one of the best of the best, then.  And one of the cheapest!  What is this messiah on four wheels?! The rear-drive LP580 model is now available as a soft-top. One-paper power outputs are down slightly versus the standard AWD Huracan, but this will not immaterial in the real world. What you get in exchange for rear-drive? A MUCH lighter nose for more incisive turn-in, a more alive wheel …

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Gangster Glam! 2017 Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet

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How to describe the overall mood of this machine? A smiling villain?  With a cackle of a laugh as he switches his rifle to full automatic — and wails on his enemies? Or perhaps old money royals seeking the ultimate in rolling cash. And certainly a handful of loaded Chinese individuals.  Maybe even a William Morris or CAA agent on the top of his or her game, too. Just 300 units of the S650 will be made, and they sticker at a whopping $300k.  Nice round numbers to go with this artful balloon of a machine?  It is only in …

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2018 Audi A5 and S5 Sportback – 4-Door Coupes Coming to USA!

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Terrific news from Audi!  The list of cars not offered in the USA is now slimmer than ever from Audi.  The coveted A5/S5 Sportbacks are the latest pair to join the American sales lists. These two are billed as 2018 models and are set for their first USA arrivals around May of 2017.  They will go head to head with the BMW 430i/440i Gran Coupes and the yet-to-be-revealed Mercedes-Benz CLC four-door-coupes. They both promise pretty outstanding performance.  The A5 with a turbo four scoots to 60-mph in just 5.7-seconds, while the S5 with its supercharged six drops that down to …

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601HP, 3.6s 2017 BMW M760i USA Price and Arrival Revealed + 40 New ALPINA B7 Pics!

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Updated 11.16.16 The badass twin flagships from BMW just stormed the LA auto show: M760 versus Alpina B7! Both score 0-60-mph times of just 3.6-seconds, but go about it with different engines (V12TT in M760 plays race-ready V8TT in B7) and vastly different suspension tunes.  Both are fully air-sprung but the B7 has an extra Sport Plus setting to drop the ride height down to the ground.  The standard xDrive AWD in both cars also receives some big tweaks to differentiate their drive manners.  Safe to expect the Alpina to be far more eager to hang the tail out! Both …

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2016 Toyota Yaris LE – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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With the recent influx of economy minded products from both rivals as well as the dearly departed Scion brand, it is easy to assume at first glance that the humble Toyota Yaris gets lost in the shuffle. But does this tiny hatchback still have what it takes to stand out in this crowded segment? Or does it come up just a bit short?     The exterior styling of our 2016 Barcelona Red LE grade test car (2017 models have minimal changes) certainly made our car stand out in a crowd, and also helped it have a sporty flair. This …

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Volkswagen Unveils Updated 2018 Golf Lineup

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Volkswagen has pulled the veil off of the updated 2018 Golf model lineup which represents the first major suite of updates for the current generation Golf as it seeks to stay relevant against rivals such as the Ford Focus as well as the recently unveiled Chevrolet Cruze hatchback.   The exterior styling of the 2018 model carries over from the current Golf, and as a result observers will be hard pressed to spot the various updates at first glance. However, a closer look reveals lightly tweaked front and rear bumpers, as well as full LED taillights that steal a page out …

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2017 VW Beetle DUNE Cabriolet – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Is the Beetle Dune ragtop just what the doctor ordered? Back in September, we tested a VW Beetle Dune, and decided it could be the answer to VW’s Diesel-inspired tummy troubles. While the folks at VW may (still) be reaching for a Super Gulp-size Pepto, we found a much better choice for quick relief. The 2017 VW Beetle DUNE Cabrio. The recipe for the convertible is pretty similar to the Dune hardtop. Based as an homage to the Baja Bugs of yore, all Dune models get a notable bump in the macho department, with a slightly taller ride height (half …

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Cars of Our Lives – Levante S, M235i Cabrio, 550i Shadowline, 740i, X1, 320i and 440 Gran Coupe

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  A bevy of fine-driving BMWs to share in this first-ever installment of a ‘daily gallery’ feature post.  We share MANY more photos on social media than often end up in articles here on the web.  The problem with that is the quality of the pics is greatly decreased.  An image that might be 5MB on phone is about 80kb on facebook.com/carrevsdaily or instagram/car_revs_daily On with the show!  100 or so pics from the last two weeks on my iPhone.  Cars we drove only every-so-briefly…. or not at all in some cases!  The Maserati Levante and upgraded Chevy SS have …

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2016 Nissan NV200 Cargo SV – Road Test Review

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The compact cargo van market is becoming a big deal for carmakers and small-biz owners alike. Sales growth in the segment is near the top of the charts. Why? Many reasons.  And yes, it helps that compact cargo vans did not exist until the last few years.  Nissan arguably kicked off the trend that now includes the Ford Transit Connect Cargo, RAM ProMaster City and even the Chevy City Express … ( itself an NV200 clone) Why are these vans so hot right now?   And how does the revised-in-2015 NV200 rank versus the best out there? Let’s find out… HD …

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What You Need to Know About Performance Tires

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The aftermarket community is full of flashy upgrades for your favorite daily driver, but sometimes it’s the simplest things that deliver the best results. Next time your car needs a tune-up, consider going back to the basics and picking up a set of performance tires. Here are a few things you should know before you do. Performance Tires Can Make All the Difference For lots of drivers, buying new tires is something that’s only ever done out of necessity. But for the rest of us — those select few for whom perfect handling, even on ordinary roads, is a point …

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Audi Debuts 2017 R8 V10 Plus Exclusive Edition

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A new revolution in headlight technology is coming, and at long last is finally making its way to the U.S. market. Audi has teased the idea of offering laser based headlights on its models, but nothing significant appeared until a few years ago. The R8 supercar was the first to offer a glimpse of this future back in 2014 with the limited production LMX edition. The LMX utilized the technology in its high beam lamps but never made the trek to U.S. shores due to our country’s stricter safety regulations.     Audi is out to change that with the introduction …

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2016 VW Golf TSI SE – HD Road Test Review + Video

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Where does the Golf fit in VW’s great comeback? The Golf has long been the most intellectual, well-travelled and worldly compact hatch.  Despite pricing from the low 20s, the Golf is clearly a classy machine.  A car for those who recoil at the idea of driving just another Corolla or Focus. VW as a ‘cognoscenti special’ in the Golf was badly bruised by the dieselgate scandal.  That much is clear. But there is no TDI badge on the back of this car.  The TSI emblem in back confirms this is a high-tech gasoline turbo engine. Revisions for 2016 now bring …

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2017 TECHART GTstreet R is 580HP Lambo-Hunter

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Grab some paper towels.  Because you are about to fall in love.  GT Street R is the name and its new from TECHART. Imagine seeing and hearing this stonker pull up!  Then imagine being the one driving…. mmm….   2017 TECHART GTstreet R Leonberg, November 3rd, 2016   Design: distinctive. Performance: overwhelming. Appearance: unforgettable. The new TECHART GTstreet R.   The new TECHART GTstreet R will thrill you. Every second. On the racetracks of the world, or in the streets of metropolitan hotspots – the GTstreet R occupies center stage. Like its legendary predecessors, the new GTstreet R is representing …

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2017 Fiat 124 SPIDER – Road Test Review + HD Drive Video

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It is 124 Spider week here on CRD! Carl Malek got the joy of hooning the Abarth 124 around Monticello, New York while we were flinging the 124 Lusso around Charleston, SC. Both cars are absolute heroes.  Is any 124 Spider one of those rare cars that you’d love to drive 1000 miles at the drop of a hat? Yes, yes it is. His Abarth slid in with pricing in the mid-30s, while our midspec model with automatic transmission kissed 32k out the door with a few options. For these prices, there is nothing else on the road that will bring …

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2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Nissan and the Pathfinder are working hard to give you the SUV you really want. Which is really pretty admirable. Along with Toyota’s 4Runner, the Pathfinder is one of the most storied names in SUV-dom. But unlike the Toy, which has soldiered on being rugged and truckish – with pros and cons attached – in 2013, Nissan took the Pathfinder into the meat of the SUV marketplace with a unibody, 3-row family vehicle. OK, this was tough for some to swallow; the rugged little Nissan that drove all the way to the Amazon (memorialized in a series of commercials in …

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2016 Volkswagen Tiguan 4Motion – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

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The Volkswagen Tiguan was early to the party of compact crossovers, debuting in 2006 during a period of high gas prices. One would think it was great timing to introduce a small SUV to consumers concerned with conserving fuel. But in fact, by the time it got here in 2009, the gasser Tiguan was rated at 19 MPG city, 26 MPG highway by EPA. That didn’t get MPG-conscious consumers beating down the doors of their nearest VW dealer, and falling gas prices did little to boost Tiguan sales. Fact is, the VW Tiguan has stayed right there at an EPA …

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SHOCK RESULTS! Spray Nine Heavy Duty Cleaner VS. Yucky Brown Tires

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  In our previous ‘intro to Spray Nine’ post, we explored a few light duties this cleaner can handle around the house.  Dasani flavorizer staining my countertops?  Wiped off instantly with Spray Nine.  Bug splatter and as a pre-soak/spot treatment right before you head into a spray carwash? Check. Spray Nine Heavy Duty Cleaner breezed through those easy tasks with flying colors. Now, a far more challenging ‘ask’ of Spray Nine! What is it? Muddy tires.  Not just muddy – but with literally years and thousands of miles of deep, deep red clay, dirt and brake-dust gunk lining the giant …

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2017 Fiat Abarth 124 Spider – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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Its no secret that we are big fans of the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider and its compelling blend of retro Italian charm and its Mazda based underpinnings. Fiat has big ambitions for this model, and hopes that it can help reverse its fortunes here in the U.S. However we never had the chance to sample its spicier sibling, the 2017 Fiat Abarth 124 Spider which supposedly brings more performance and aggression to the 124’s elegant lines. But has Abarth’s interpretation of performance created a potent roadster offering that adds depth to the 124 lineup? To find out we spent sometime with …

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2017 Honda Ridgeline RTL–E – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Is the Honda Ridgeline too good for most truck buyers? I mean after all, when the first Ridgeline appeared in 2005, it was revolutionary. Where trucks had trundled on for decades on separate chassis and bodies, the Honda re-envisioned the pickup with a unibody design. Much in the way the SUV’s and crossovers were dramatically improved with car-like comfort and manners, the Ridgeline should have been the standard bearer for pickups. Instead, after making a small splash, the majority of truck buyers went back to the harsh riding, less fuel efficient, but perceived tougher and more durable traditional trucks. They …

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Review: Spray Nine Heavy Duty Cleaner

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What is the thing you want most in a heavy duty cleaner? Powwweeerrrrrrrr! So even though this is a car blog, we’re excited to share a first-hand review of this rockin, pump-action spray. Spray Nine Heavy Duty Cleaner is the name, and it is designed for the toughest grease and grime. …Baked on grease… caked-on grease…! For automotive applications, it works wonders on brake dust, wheel mud and bug splatter.  We used it first-hand as a pre-treatment before a carwash and LOVED the results.  Spray Nine seems to just work. The large spray bottle loads up a surface with a few …

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2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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When one hears the name Grand Sport and Corvette used together, you know that something special is in store for those that are lucky enough to experience it. This was true of the first Grand Sport which arrived on the scene as a ferocious racing machine back in 1963 and fulfilled Zora Duntov’s vision of creating a race car thanks to its lightweight dimensions as well as its 377 cubic inch aluminium V8. The vaunted nameplate would make its return in 1996 when it ushered in the debut of the new at the time LT4 small block V8 before returning …

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Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concepts Preview 2017 Production Pickups!

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An ultra-strong ladder frame, big straight-six engines and Mercedes drive manners? Mercedes today previews its future ‘crossover’ and first-ever pickup with the Concept X-Class.  This will be less of a crossover but a smart combination of MB’s truck and car resources.  Those Unimog genes and grip… now in a $70k luxury size! Two models are shown: a posh AMG-style look in shimmery white.  Low suspension and performance stance are hot.  The nose is actually pretty sexy, but has nothing on its gorgeous LED tail.  A swirlly ribbon of red LED is the brake light in back. THe other truck is …

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2017 Cadillac XT5 Platinum – Road Test Review – By Tim Esterdahl

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Is the XT5 ready for the runway, or still a work in progress?  The mid-size luxury SUV segment has exploded in recent years and the rush to bring new products to market has forced many companies to expedite development plans. Unfortunately, this means some products are released before they really deliver the wow factor consumers are looking for. Such is the case with the 2017 Cadillac XT5. It fails to stand out in a crowded market and feels like a work in progress. Before we get too far along, it is worth noting there is nothing wrong with the 2017 Cadillac …

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2016 VW Golf GTI Autobahn Performance Pack – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  It’s easy to love sports cars. They’re usually a ball to drive, fun to look at, and exist solely to make you happy. Who wouldn’t like that? Well, except that a sports car is a selfish thing. They usually seat only two. Or the rear seats are torture devices. They can ride harsh. They can be loud. Trunk space? Ha! As an only car, a sports car is best for the young and unencumbered. Otherwise you’ll need a second car. On roads clogged full of Sports Cars, Sedans, SUVs, CUVs and Trucks… …is a GTI the only vehicle you’ll ever need?The …

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2016 Ford Focus RS – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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When Ford first unleashed the Focus RS back in 2002, it was a very tempting piece of forbidden fruit that was exclusive to European roads. 212 horsepower out of a highly-modified turbo Cosworth four ensured a firecracker of a car. The strong demand for this variant prompted Ford to launch a sequel in 2009 that made use of a Volvo designed 2.5 liter turbocharged five cylinder engine to produce just over 300 horsepower in a wrapper that was bolder and more aggressive looking than ever before. Unfortunately it remained out of reach for U.S. buyers who had to make do …

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2016 KIA K900 V6 – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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My friends are used to seeing a lot of new cars in my driveway, from almost every manufacturer.  They were especially intrigued by the new Kia 900. They admired the understated exterior styling, and the absolutely beautifully appointed interior.  The next question was, “How Much?” “Just under $61,000”, I replied.  “Are you kidding???” came the response.  “A $61,000 Kia?”  “That’s just NUTS”. I had to remind them that it was only two decades or so ago that they said the same thing when Toyota, Nissan, and Honda each came out with very expensive luxury cars.  But today, nobody laughs at …

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2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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With the dust still settling on our review of the 2017 McLaren 570GT, it brings up a compelling question in our minds, is there such a thing as an “affordable” exotic car? The 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider aims to be one of these cars, while also serving as the face of Alfa Romeo’s anticipated and often times delayed resurrection in the U.S. market. The 4C certainly has the bold styling, and Italian inspired flair that one expects out of an Alfa Romeo badged offering, but can it really succeed as an affordable alternative to the pricier established exotic car …

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Hardtop Jannarelly JD1 Headlines Upcoming RISE: Race The Future Console Game

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  Our lovefest with the Jannarelly JD1 continues today with a look at the car as a hardtop racer versus a street-legal roadster.  Similar to how the car would be specced for an FIA GT3 or GT4 race class, this preview is of both the car and the game!  RISE: Race The Future is set for release in a few months. Now, the only question is… shall we call this the JD2?  Or JD1 Hardtop?  JD1 Daytona?!     2017 Jannarelly JD1 Hardtop   RISE: Race The Future is the upcoming video game from the studio VD-DEV renown for their …

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2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland 4×4 V6 – Road Test Review

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Welcome to the most luxurious Jeep Cherokee of all time. Dubbed the Overland as this new-for-2016 trim, the Cherokee now packs its feature lists to overflowing proportions. You name the luxury feature, and this truck has it. Along the way, the Cherokee Overland 4×4 V6 has almost grown out of its Ford Escape and Honda CR-V competitive set.  In power, safety and premium elements, this Cherokee Overland competes much more closely against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The problem with those much-tougher rivals is easy to imagine: they are great little trucks that handle well, have speedy turbo powertrains and …

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2017 McLaren 570GT- Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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VOLUME PLAY When McLaren first unleashed its “sports” series of automobiles several years ago, they not only represented the British supercar company’s push to add higher levels of drivability and “day to day usability” to its potent vehicle offerings, but also the firm’s desire to greatly increase its sales volume over the next few years. The 570S has certainly done a great job carving a niche for itself when compared to the pricier, and much-angrier 650S, thanks to its newfound levels of practicality as well as its lower pricing. However McLaren is always striving to constantly outdo itself, and has …

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1962 Ferrari 268 SP by Fantuzzi – RM Monterey 2016 Highlight

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One of the first-ever midengine Ferrari racers went across the block in Cali this August. Looks like it was a no-sale, curiously. A high bar was surely set: we’d estimating the reserve was around $25-million.  Perhaps 35. So it is still seeking a new home.  Home for its freaky beauty, snarky nose intakes and special-prototype LMP1 provenance. Sold or not, we’re elated to see this 1962 268SP in the sunlight in all its glory. RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2016 Lot 240 1962 Ferrari 268 SP by Fantuzzi Chassis no. 0798 Engine no. 0798 Gearbox no. 6 Estimate Available Upon Request Please note that Internet …

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2017 Jannarelly JD1 Arrives in USA! Rear-Engine and Road-Legal from $90k

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Very exciting news today! The shockingly beautiful mid-engine Jannarelly JD1 is now in low-volume production, and coming to not just USA tracks near you… but also the roads there and back! This marks a big difference between Radical, Ariel and a few other boutique supercars.  The US market is both a holy grail and a huge barrier-to-entry in the supercar business.  If your car can’t be sold in the US, you have to cut volume projections in half. Thrilling news then that Jannarelly has a new US distributor established in VanDouble.  This Bedford Hills, New York firm promises hands-on help …

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2017 Nissan ARMADA – Road Test Review

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When Nissan announced the details of the 2017 Armada, we were confused but optimistic.  Optimistic because this is indeed a huge upgrade versus the outgoing model, but confused because it appeared virtually identical to the Infiniti QX80. Nissan has sold their version of the QX80 globally for a few years now under the Patrol badge.  But it is only very-slightly cheaper than the QX80 proper in most markets.  That is how close these two platform-mates are.  The last QX80 we tested, mind you, cost close to $100k with its Limited package.  And it is still supremely competitive with the latest Navigator, …

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1961 Chaparral 1 Prototype – RM Sothebys Monterey 2016 Highlight

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Here is a car that might be one of the most important American racers of all time.  Not for its winning record or legendary value… but simply for its rarity and inspired engineering clarity. This was Chaparral’s answer to the Shelby Cobra, but faster and lighter and far more aerodynamic. Looks like the Chaparral Prototype 1 was a no-sale in Monterey/Pebble Beach auctions this year, for unknown reasons. Perhaps just too much of an insiders-only type of machine versus the sure-to-appreciate vehicles who are able to successfully command a million plus. Check out the official RM bio of the car …

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1994 Bugatti EB110 GT – RM Sothebys Duemila Ruote 2016

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Here is a very extensive collection of four and two-wheelers that will go on the block in Milan late November of 2016.  RM promises 750-plus lots with no reserve — so this is a prime chance to grab some rare collectibles at fairly decent rates. A first favorite?  Obviously this EB110 GT in signature French blue. Duemila Ruote 25-27 November 2016 1994 Bugatti EB110 GT

2017 Jaguar F-PACE – SUV of the Year Review + Video

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The Jaguar F-Pace absolutely rocks our world.  This SUV is a masterclass whose strength will power the brand’s rapid evolution.  New market segments and new sales records will keep coming rapidly with cars as strong as the F-Pace in the big cat range. How could Jag’s first-ever SUV out-do the premium entries from BMW, Mercedes and Lexus right out of the gate? It comes down to driver engagement, value and style.  We’ll continue to touch on these themes throughout this HD Review and its standard headings of Exterior, Interior, Performance and Price. Kicking things off is this very speedy HD video …

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Industry Insider: 4 Considerations When Buying UTV Parts

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There are many reasons you might be in the market for UTV parts, but unless you’re an experienced mechanic, you’re probably wondering where you should begin. How do you know you’re buying the right parts for the right prices? How can you be sure you’re investing in something that will last? Here are just a few things to consider as you shop for UTV parts. 1. Price First things first: How much can you afford to spend on your vehicle? Keep in mind that the listed price of the part isn’t always the final price that you’ll pay. You might …

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