cadillac sixteen

Concept Flashback – 2003 Cadillac Sixteen Hoped to Join $100k+ Limo Segment

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The Cadillac Sixteen created a huge, huge stir around the world after its reveal in early 2003. This was shortly after the Rolls-Royce Phantom had been reborn in its ultra-long and cab-backward style, and the world was even more gaga for the Sixteen. Cadillac trotted the car around the world at least thrice to attend every major auto show you could ever name. Fashion and lifestyle agazines wrote about it. Famous photographers snapped it in famous places. All this love came out of left field, to be honest. No one in the $100,000-plus luxury car market of 2003 would ever, …

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Concept Flashback – 2002 Cadillac Cien XV12 – Halo Hypercar Back in Product Plans?

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Cadillac in 2002 was just, just starting to reclaim its place in the luxury car ranks. Long blighted by horribly-engineered boats that failed every objective and subjective comparison with any true luxury brand, Cadillac was finally committing to rear-drive and actual merits as a corporate philoshophy. The new Art & Science tagline for the brand’s style — coined by Leo Burnett Chicago — needed an exemplar. People were thrilled by the Catera-replacing CTS but the brand needed a real shove upmarket. And fast. Enter stage left: the 2002 Cadillac Ciel concept running a mid-engine XV12 Northstar of 7.5-liters. It was …

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2015 Silverado HD CNG 6.0L Bi-Fuel V8 is a Natty G Revolution!

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This energy revolution will not be televised. It will rarely draw stares or have other drivers following you to ask questions. The 2500HD CNG is all-new from Chevrolet this year and marks the beginning of a potentially game-changing new trend in heavy-duty pickup truck efficiency. As nice as a diesel engine’s extra 25-percent fuel efficiency is, what about a powertrain package that doubles overall range and can be flipped between gasoline and compressed natural gas at the touch of a button? If there are no CNG filler stations on your route, simply run the truck on gasoline and enjoy is …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1973 Ducati 750 SS Imola Desmo Recreation

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We just keep falling in love with the RM Auctions Arizona catalog!  This 1973 Ducati 750SS Imola is a recreation of a famous racing bike — but can be ridden on the roads safety and legally. The full aerodynamic nose and windshield shroud is an amazing functional and design statement that instantly sets this bike apart from even the latest Ducati Monsters of 2014. This 750SS celebrates the 200 Miglia Imola victory by Ducati – as shown in these official photos. 1973 Ducati 750 SS Imola Desmo Recreation RM Auctions Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 1973 Ducati 750 SS …

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Concept to Reality – 2013 Pininfarina Sergio vs 2015 Ferrari Sergio

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FOREWORD: We wrote this whole article below before realizing that the new, six-copy Ferrari Sergio is altered significantly verse the 2013 concept. Therefore, check the next article shortly for the full 70-photo extravaganza of the Pininfarina Sergio. The production car is, regretfully, extremely lame. It carries almost all the worst parts of the Sergio concept, and none of the best. At least the headlamps are not the nasty reflector-beams from the concept. But the entire exposed cockpit is gone, the windshield is directly from the 458 and the overall grey plastic still dominates in a fug nasty way. We call …

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2015 Ferrari Sergio by Pininfarina is BS: Bait/Switch Barchetta Speedster

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FOREWORD: We wrote this whole article below before realizing that the new, six-copy Ferrari Sergio is altered significantly verse the 2013 concept. Therefore, check the next article shortly for the full 70-photo extravaganza of the Pininfarina Sergio. The production car is, regretfully, extremely lame. It carries almost all the worst parts of the Sergio concept, and none of the best. At least the headlamps are not the nasty reflector-beams from the concept. But the entire exposed cockpit is gone, the windshield is directly from the 458 and the overall grey plastic still dominates in a fug nasty way. We call …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible

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So easy to forget how quickly the Mustang evolved between 1965 and 1972. The style of this 1969 is cool but a bit polarizing in some places – where it tends to look less pure than the 1965-1966 cars but less well-resolved than the wider and lower 1970 and onward. Even so, this car is a clear trendsetter and there are awesome details like the milled dual-chamber center exhaust element, or the NACA ducts in the hood, to delight the eye. The one catch with this particular car is the transmission: it is an automatic. 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1955 Porsche 356 OUTLAW Pre-A Emory Special Coupe

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The Porsche Outlaws from SoCal’s Emory family/Valley Customs are well-known in the coolest vintage 356 circles. We spotted a matte black example in Amelia Island and fell hard. The Outlaw Porsches are similar to Singer 911’s — rest0-modded originals that become something altogether more special, unique and fun to drive and own. This Pre-A 356 Coupe is even more enhanced — with a serious racing upgrade for the chassis, engine, exteroir design and cabin. It is truly easy on the eyes and a joy to drive. We envy its future owner! 1955 Porsche 356 OUTLAW   RM Auctions Arizona 15 …

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Animated Evolution of the Chevrolet Suburban from 1915 to 2015

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  One thing has been pretty constant throughout the last 100 years: Chevrolet. The icon of Chevrolet for most people is the truck line. Imagine a world where Chevy could only keep making one car. That is it. Which model would you pick to evolve through year 2100? Many people would choose the Suburban. The “Chevrolet One Ton Commercial Truck” can do it all. As an all-new model arriving to Chevy dealers just before the Super Bowl 2014,all signs show this upscale workhorse will be a huge hit with shoppers. Who does not have an awesome Chevy Suburban memory? Growing …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350

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RM Auctions is looking at a really stellar group of cars for the Arizona auctions in mid-January. It is a funky mix of exotics and Americana that will surely draw a wide swath of car collectors — all salivating at the prospect of driving one of these beauties home. Surprise for your author? Strongly preferring the 1970 Mustang Boss 302 Trans Am racecar to the production 1966 Shelby GT350 and (upcoming article) 1959 GT500 Convertible. The 1966 is still the true icon in the trio mentioned above, but seems a bit hokey these days. Actual performance by modern standards, for …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Kar Kraft Trans Am

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In more than a few ways, the new Mustang invokes the styling of the 1970 Boss 302 more than it does even the 1965 GT350 or the 1969 GT500. The over-wide stance and race-ready upgrades of this Kar Kraft Trans Am racer are just the right icing on the cake. Expect big loot for this School-Bus Yellow Boss 302 at RM Auctions in Arizona this January 15th. Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Kar Kraft Trans Am  

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2014 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf Unveiled in Dubai with DB10-Influencing Nose

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Updated 12.5.14 Well, big day for Aston Martin! The new DB10 was front and center for the SPECTRE cast announcements, with director Sam Mendez pulling back the silk cloth on Aston’s future sportscar. Not a moment too soon!? Aston has been endlessly jabbed for their reheated styles in the last few years. But what we all may have forgotten is that we *love* that current style. But time moves onward and so does Aston. The new DB10 makes much more sense in the context of the limited-release Lagonda by Q Branch for 2014. This car is absolutely intense from many …

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2016 Aston Martin DB10 for 007 in SPECTRE + 10 Street Cars Available

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Bond is back in a new film, Spectre, in November of 2015 about a year from now. To equip the world’s favorite tinker-tailor/soldier-spy, Aston and EON productions just revealed the very tasty new DB10. The name is confusing for a few reasons, and we only have a single official photo of the car so far. But here is the skinny: Based on the V12 Vantage chassis, perhaps running new turbo AMG engines underneith. Wider and lower grille opening may indicate intercooler breathing room, plus a taller hood for packaging reasons? Unknown as of now. The car will be sold to …

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2014 Caterham Seven in the USA! Turn-Key, Street-Legal 280s Available Now From $50k

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The dream track car is now alive and roaring around the USA, thanks to Superformance! More than two dozen Caterham Sevens have been sold so far by the Superformance and Hillbank Motorsports distribution network, and more are arriving fresh every week. We explain all the trim levels and specifications below — but here is the shortcut: The engine installation and selection is just a quick option box to tick. The car arrives to you ready to register for plates, and ready to race on the weekends! So hang those elbows out, floor the throttle and get shopping! The Caterham 280 …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1989 Lamborghini LM002 – The Off-Road Countach Is USA Street Legal

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A bit less of a legend than the 037 Lancia? Perhaps. But almost as appealing. After 25 years to appreciate the LM002’s overt masculinity, dreamer-spec engine and mechanicals, and before-its-time superlux offroader credentials — the LM002 looks like a new shape of timeless classic supercar to us. The biggest news about this Lambo Rambo besides its very fresh paint and excellent interior condition? It is finally old enough to be driven legally in the United States! It might even be time for John Rambo Jr. to hit the big screen, with this his on-screen battle truck….   1989 Lamborghini LM002 …

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RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1982 Lancia 037 Stradale Directly Influenced F40, 959 and GT-R

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The Lancia 037 is a legend to the core. The rally version and its AWD traction were a benchmark for Audi, Ferrari and Porsche when those firms were designing cars as legendary as the Sport Quattro, F40 and 959. No small praise! The “zero-three-seven” innovated up and down its chassis – with the tech specs below reading like a hypercar must-have list for the 1990s, far after this car was retired from sale for road use. Gas shocks, supercharged four-cylinder engine, ZF box slung out behind the mid-mounted powerplant, dry-sump-lubrication, kevlar-reinforced fiberglass panels, dual fuel tanks, magnesium and titanium components, …

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

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

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2015 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG World Championship Editions for Lewis and Nico’s F1 Coup

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A coup on the tracks of F1 this season! Nothing short of remarkable — Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg duelling it out for the podium in every race while Ferrari, McLaren and even Red Bull suck fumes mid-pack. Is it their driver genius? Yes…. But it is also the new aeroacoustic wind tunnel at Sindelfingen. We predicted this with the launch of this amazing facility last fall. Where is our SL63?! =]  http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/04/07/wind-tunnels-part-1-mercedes-benz-opens-aeroacoustics-test-center/ 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG World Championship Edition     Mercedes-Benz “World Championship 2014 Collector’s Edition” – Unique: SL 63 AMG dedicated to Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg …

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Concept Flashback – 2011 Chevrolet Miray Roadster Was Chevy Europe Halo Sportster

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Chevy Europe! Eeek. Remember that adventure? The ManU jerseys are definitely bow-tie-blazing this year, thanks to a huge a executive media marketing decision that costs General Motors more than half a billion dollars. During that rush of launching Chevrolet as a global brand — including Europe — the Opel Germany teams were suddenly tasked with a variety of extremely mundane projects. One extra sexy spinoff project slipped through the net for Frankfurt 2011, however. It was called Miray and is a breathtaking roadster vision. Designed in the same zeitgeist as the BMW i8 Roadster and Porsche 918 Spyder, the Miray …

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

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

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Road Test Review – 2014 Toyota Sienna SE Is The Ultimate High-Speed Q-Ship

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When you think of minivans, the sportiest one available might seem like a dumb question. I mean, what is the point of having huge power on demand when you are likely to have a car full of kids? After a week rocking the 2014 Sienna SE to Ponte Vedra, Florida and back for the Camry rollout, we became seriously attached to the Sienna’s easy highway manners and friendly city maneuverability. Without a variety of kids and 1000-pounds of toys in the eight-passenger Sienna SE, we can tell you that this is the sportiest van of them all. Standard format of …

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

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

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Concept Flashback – 2001 Toyota FXS Roadster Was Riviera-Style EV Supercar

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The Toyota FXS concept from 2001 was one of the first full vehicle ideas from the Nice, France-based Toyota ED2 studio. Short for Toyota European Design and Development, ED2 has since delivered a variety of cool and not-so-cool production cars — including the latest Yaris and the unloved Lexus SC430 of the mid-2000s. This concept is important because it showed an innovative hybrid powertrain with an ultra-smooth underbody and sleekness in all its exterior shapes. A steep drop-nose style established thed FXS as a super sports car, as does the chopped windshield and cab-backward propotion. The rear taillamp in a …

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TechArt Porsche 911 Targa4 Upgrades Revealed In Retina-Busting Yellow!

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  What better way to beat the winter blues than a stunning TechArt Targa4?! TechArt Porsche 911 Targa4   Leonberg, December 2014 – Closed roof – open driving pleasure. TECHART Automobildesign sharpens the character of the seventh Porsche 911 Targa 4 generation. Using the right mixture of restraint and emphasis the TECHART Aerodynamic Kit transfers the sportive TECHART design language to the unmistakable lines of the four-wheel drive sports car. TECHART Formula IV light-alloy wheels in 21-inch communicate aesthetic innovative capacity all around. Interior refinement specialists of the TECHART in-house saddlery use precise handiwork to translate the exterior design elements …

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mso x-1

Concept Flashback – 2012 McLaren X-1 Introduced MSO Skills To World … In Hideous Fashion?

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The MSO X-1 customer car from 2012 was a grand intro to MSO at Pebble Beach in 2012 — and boy was it a shocking coming out party. Many were rightly flabbergasted by its design – as though George Jetson had won the powerball. But while the X-1 will certainly not go down in history as one of the most beautiful cars, it did its job of showcasing MSO’s talents very well indeed. Not a panel from the MPF-12C remained on the X-1 — which also has totally unique proportions and a heavy-handed style all its own. The nose is …

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McLaren Special Operations Branches into Five MSO Specialties

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  Supercar news blast today! In addition to a first look at the Ferrari FXX K, McLaren is adding to the drama with its latest MSO announcement. This is largely a tech nical and organizational change – broadening the reach and brand of MSO to better match McLaren client needs. MSO will become: — MSO Defined (general upgrades catalog) — MSO Bespoke (you dream it, they make it real) — MSO Limited (MSO releases like the MSO 650S shown below) — MSO Heritage (classics, custom restorations and maintenance)   — MSO Programmes (racing, events, P1 GTR track days, etc)   …

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2016 LaFerrari FXX K Revealed Ahead of Abu Dhabi Ferrari World Debut

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Thrilling news from Ferrari this morning! The new FXX K prototype has broken cover ahead of a public debut at Ferrari World next weekend in Abu Dhabi. Upgraded for hardcore track racing that may include the GT class of the Le Mans WEC championship, the FXX ditches all nods to road legality and comfort in its chase of pure speed. The overhaul is similar in theme to the McLaren P1 GTR but the FXX K is arguably even more extreme, more futuristic and perhaps more intoxicatingly changed versus the standard LaFerrari. This brings a totally new front end with extra …

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juke color studio

2015 Nissan JUKE Color Studio Offers 4000+ Unique Trims Via 12 Customizable Areas

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  The new 2015 Nissan Juke Color Studio is a fantastic step forward for Nissan – with MINI-besting combinations of trims that total at least 4000 unique variations. How? Over the eight base Juke coolors for 2015, shoppers can custom-color 12 sections of the body in unique accent shades. Everything from matte black wheels to carbon-fiber-effect wraps creates a mind-boggling level of one-of-a-kind Jukes. Once a shopper has picked their ideal Juke Color Studio combination, the results can be sent right to the local Nissan dealer to be fitted to a new Juke on arrival. The styling of the new …

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

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

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2015 Nissan JUKE Secures High-Style LEDs All Around in Design Refresh + Official USA Pricing

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  Updated 12.1.14 The 2015 Juke in the USA now brings the latest styling enhancements seen first in Geneva on the Euro-market Juke. Included below are 2015 USA Juke prices. Watch this space for a follow-up article on the 2015 Juke’s new Color Studio accessories.   NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan announced U.S. pricing for the new 2015 Nissan JUKE sport cross, which features a revised exterior and enhanced standard equipment – plus a new JUKE “Color Studio” personalization program. The 2015 JUKE goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide, following its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto …

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2015 Kia Sedona SXL Snapped in 65 Real-Life Photos

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Updated 12.1.14 with 65 Real-Life photos in SXL range-topping trim. We are really impressed by the complete transformation of the Sedona SXL for 2015. The new van wears a unique and fresh style that shares many design themes with the also-fresh 2016 Sorento. The result is not quite a full crossover conversion for the Sedona, but certainly moving toward the freshest style in the minivan segment. The coolest part of the new design for these eyes is the nose. The hood is slightly taller and the grille far more upright than most minivans, with the resulting style quite evident from …

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Update1 – 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Z71 6.6L DuraMax Diesel

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Updated 12.1.14 With 35 Real-Life Photos Nothing too revolutionary here – the new 2015 Silverado HD has been on the roads since mid-summer. But even so, took the chance to snap this flagship of sorts in Florida. A flagship truck? Yes, when it is the top Z71 LTZ 4WD with the stump-pulling DuraMaz diesel option! This truck might not be as flashy as the lighter-weight 1500 models, but is a major force of nature on any work site. The sticker price proves how far trucks have come in the ranges of General Motors: this $71,000 Silverado HD is one of …

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2015 Chevrolet Trax Arriving in January With Base Price of $21,000

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Updated 12.1.14 The Chevy Trax is arriving to Chevy dealers very, very soon! As these latest photos and top 20 features below show, Chevy is eager to make Trax in the compact crossover market sales charts! We were pretty far below the Trax’s actual prices in our ballpark below of $19k to $25k — the Trax will actually start from $21,000 as a front-drive and $22,500 with AWD. Simple trim levels at least mean the LTZ AWD will not be much of a jump up the price ladder – with our new estimate being $27,000 with every available option. Fuel …

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Sneak Peak! 2016 GLE550 Coupe and C400 Coupe in Mercedes-Benz Detroit Teasers

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Updated 11.27.14 Mercedes-AMG has revealed a teaser for the Detroit auto show in January: some sweet new AMG Sport and AMG Performance trims for the C-Class Coupe and GLE Coupe. The AMG Sport is a returning trim level for the C-Class, while AMG Performance is a new feature that has C63-style lower detailing that is dark-colored and very convincing. The new GLE will wear a full revised from bumper design — but this sneak peak indicates a full redesign may be a year or more into the future. Actually, after taking a look at the roofline of this preview more …

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

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

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AC Schnitzer Reveals 510HP 2015 BMW M4 F82 At Essen Motor Show

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  Great to see a power upgrade reflash for the BMW M4 from AC Schnitzer – with a jump up to 510-horsepower feeling like it was aching to break free from the factory M4 from day one. The second excellent upgrade from AC Schnitzer to the powertrain? A variety of sport exhausts to make the M4’s turbocharged six really howl at the moon like a 24-hour Nurburgring racecar. The rear wing is a love-or-hate type of thing, but closely matches the production 2016 M4 GTS aero kit BMW is likely to apply to the rumored track version of this hot …

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Best of 2014 Awards – Toyota FT-1 Concept Is Stunning Design Triumph

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Update 3 11.27.14 Has there been another concept with the impact of the FT-1? We cannot think of another vehicle this year that has created more buzz. Of course, the FT-1 is just the leading edge of what many hope will become a showroom supercar in the next few years under the vaulted Supra badge. Toyota’s collaboration with BMW on a future sports-car appears to indicate the eventual Supra will be based of a version of the BMW Z4’s chassis, albeit highly modified for a possible production debut of a hybrid-R electric boost setup. Primary power is expected to come …

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2015 Subaru Outback COLORS Guide – All 9 Shades From Every Angle

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The new Legacy and Outback are vastly improved over their predecessors in every important way: exterior style is cooler, interiors are more luxurious and refined, and the cabin safety and infotainment take a huge flying leap into the future. To help you pick which Outback color suits your tastes, we’ve prepared a full animated colors guide to all nine options. Many of these colors are premium and new for this year – with the new Crystal White Pearl looking especially nice. The 2015 Outback is priced from $25,000. http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/outback/index.html 2015 Subaru Outback COLORS 2015 Subaru Outback Crystal Black Silica 2015 …

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Design Evolution Series – 2003 INFINITI Triant Concept – Explored Crossover Coupe Design Themes

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Part Two in a Series. In 2003, the excitement about Infiniti’s new G35 sedan was palpable. Thousands were pre-ordering the vehicle on the strength of the initial drive reviews alone. A combination of 350Z sportscar platform kudos and the latest style were all confirmed as excellent on the roads. The G35 sedan would go on to be the most-successful vehicle ever to wear the Infiniti logo. It would become a two-door coupe, be stretched for the M35 and M45, and even grew into the stunning FX35 and FX45. During this design evolution, the Triant concept was a fresh look at …

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Design Evolution Series – 2001 INFINITI FX45 Concept Expored Idea of Supercar Crossover

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Part One in a Series. The first of five or six articles here walking through Infiniti’s first steps designing and visualizing what the brand’s values would be in acrossover form. The QX4 (Q by 4) Pathfinder overhaul arriving in the late 1990s was a decent first effort, with some stylish cues to its wheels, lighting and overall aesthetic. But some time at the wheel made clear how luxury-focused the QX4 was. It was not an eager canyon-carver, and its 3.3-liter V6 was given extra-short gearing to the four-speed automatic to make the QX4 feel a bit less sluggish than it …

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Refreshed 2015 Toyota Prius V Pricing, Release Date and Upgrades Detailed

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Are we noticing a theme in 2015 updates? This is the year of revised infotainment, enhanced ride comfort/quietness, and new LED lighting everywhere you look. All the cool cars are getting these tweaks to their existing packages, and the 2015 Prius V 5 trim goes one further with LED low and high-beams along with a dapper LED DRL line across the top of the new lamp design. It is fresh and clean, with tweaks in the grille designs and bumpers rounding out the changes to the style outside. Pricing is very similar to the 2014, with base price of about …

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2016 Kia Sorento SXL Adds Quad-LED Fogs for LA Debut

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Updated 11.25.14   The updated Sorento is likely to arrive in the US market some time in the spring of calendar 2015 as a 2016 model. The 2015 Sorento is already available at dealers, which is why we speculate about the 2016 model year. Kia calls this the third-gen Sorento, as Europe is less concerned with model years than we are in the USA. Overall, the styling update is a big success. It is paired with a new refinement on the road, an all-new cabin, and a much larger third row of seats than before. The design upgrade really helps …

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2016 Toyota Mirai FCV Priced From $58,000 in Cali From October 2015 + 56 New Photos!

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  Updated 11.25.14 Toyota just announced that the Mirai will indeed be on sale in the US in Fall 2015 — but only in California initially. Pricing in the US of $58,000 closely matches the Japanese-spec model, which is rumored to already be on the way to their domestic showrooms. Further markets will be added when there is hydrogen recharging infrastructure in place. The other major update is the first look at the interior of the Mirai – as shown below. This brings a fairly revolutionary dash and infotech design interface. Where the Mirai varies from the fourth-gen 2017 Prius …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2015 BMW X6 M Sport vs xLine in 350 New Photos

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Okay, we admit defeat! Usually, the main gripe when new cars launch is that there are far too few photos of the vehicle. Or they are not photos at all: but digital renderings that often do not show the car in real-world detail. But with the latest BMW X6 photo batch, we raise the white flag. 350 photos is too many for any editor to process. But in the name of completeness, we have faithfully included them all here. The car looks most amazing in M Sport trims versus the xLine, which has a somewhat busier lower nose, more chrome …

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Vorsteiner M4 and M3 GTS Upgrades Wheels, Exhaust + Carbon-Fiber Aero

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The GTRS4 below is a fantastic showcase for Vorsteiner’s carbon-fiber skills. But most owners will prefer something much more subtle — and perhaps the flexibility to fit the M3 as well as the M4 coupe. Vorsteiner’s GTS has a few upgrades in the catalog so far: wheels, exhaust finishers, and fantastic front and rear CF aero additions. Check out the photos below in white to see the Vorsteiner GTS! Vorsteiner M4 and M3 GTS A SEMA show car for the road? And one that any M4 owner can add to his or her prized supercoupe? Enter, the Vorsteiner M4 GTRS4 …

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Vorsteiner M4 GTRS4 is Outrageous New Carbon-Fiber Widebody Kit for BMW F82

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A SEMA show car for the road? And one that any M4 owner can add to his or her prized supercoupe? Enter, the Vorsteiner M4 GTRS4 Widebody — a carbon-fiber kit so outrageous and sexy, the rear wheels look like steamrollers. Fenders so huge that this looks more like an M4 dually? Hell yes! Overall, the GTRS4 is 3.5-inches wider on both sides in back, and 2-inches wider per side in front. Overall, the performance enhancement offered by the GTRS4 is a huge upgrade in the grip available. Most rubber widths are constrained by the overall size and clearance of …

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2015 Unimog U218 and U423 Upfit Showcase: 4 Seasons Hero in 30+ Configurations!

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When investing in a hard-core heavy truck like the new Unimog U218 and U423, you might have one or two general usage scenarios in mind. But once you realize how unstoppable and customizable the Unimog platform is, what was once a snow-plow or fire rescue truck is suddenly an all-purpose hero. Pull a freight train?  Check. Agriculture tractor-replacement? Dumptruck? Extreme landscaper? Check, check, check. Here is the incredible Unimog in 150 photos showing some of its most popular upfitted uses. A handful of the photos are the previous-gen trucks  – which can be told apart based on the grille. The …

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2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Wins Its Baja 1000 Full Stock Class + SEMA Pro Truck Showcase

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The lightly race-prepped TRD Pro Tundra is back from Baja — with a win! The TRD Pro Tundra jumped and roared its giant V8 the 1200 miles to the finish line in first place, then cruised home the 1000 miles back to the start line for good measure. Was it showroom-fresh upon arrival back to Toyota headquarters in Torrance? Not exactly!  A huge gash in the sheetmetal and rear fender shows the fury of racing. But the fact that the TRD Pro Tundra continued on its mission is impressive. A solid achievement and vote of confidence in the new TRD …

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Site Updates: New Navigation Functionality – Left-Side Article Outlines + Lower Center Scroll-To-Top

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Site Updates: New Navigation Functionality [Beta] Hey guys, As you undoubtedly know, we run a cutting-edge type of operation here. That means there are various flashy gizmos on the back-end of this website to allow it to load every page and any image, any time. But along with all these photos in every article comes the challenge of navigating easily around the site and down the page itself. As we balance site load speed with ease of use, there are good changes and bad ones. We hope these two new navigation helpers will be in the “good” features bucket. They …

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BRABUS Mercedes-Benz SL550 R231 – With and Without AMG Sport Styling

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The latest Mercedes SL is, shall we say, more difficult to love at first sight than previous all-star iterations of the machine. There is just something wonky about the nose from some angles. Despite being a technical tour de force as always, the base SL550 is the most-plain of the bunch that also includes the SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG in the US market. BRABUS makes a wicked 800 V12 Roadster for that is the most hardcore SL in recent memory — but is it too much for some shoppers?   What the SL550 needs is a bit of extra …

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Concept Debrief – 2010 Citroen SURVOLT – Design Analysis in 110 Electrifying Photos

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What makes the 2010 Citroen Survolt such an achievement in sports-car design? Consider that its proportions almost perfectly mirror those of the Lotus Exige — but the curb appeal of the vehicle tells the brain to expect pricing in the $200,000 ballpark versus the Lotus at $75,000. In terms of the Survolt’s mission as a concept car, we can think of the car in the same league as the Ranult DeZir. Part tech showcase and EV R&D tool, part brand roadmap and design superstar. The Survolt found a joyous receptionin 2010 – and four years have done nothing to dull …

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

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

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2015 Nissan Murano Pricing + COLORS and 60 New Photos

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  Nissan just announced the pricing for the 2015 Murano, plus released a nice batch of photos in the car’s signature Pacific Sunset color. We have not see the wheels or detailing of anything but the top-flight $41k Murano Platinum, but are pleased to see the base pricing slide in below $30,000 overall. The new Murano is on sale from December 5th. Deep below are all the Murano colors, the 60 new orange photos from Nissan, and finally: 100-plus real-life photos of the stylish new Murano in Magnetic Black from an Atlanta preview the other week.     2015 Murano …

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2014 Scion iM Concept Heading for US Showrooms in 2015 to Battle GTI and Focus ST

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Scion is looking to expand its model range in calendar 2015 with two new models: one based on the Mazda2 sedan, and the other being this remarkably cool 5-door hatch shown in LA as the iM concept. You might be asking yourself if the production iM, set to be revealed in NY in April 2015, overlaps with the xB and xD. We certainly were. But we believe the answer is that the iM production car will be more advanced in the chassis department and more powerful than Scion’s box-car twins. This means a more-modern automatic transmission than the four-speeds in …

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HD First Drive Review – 2015 Ford Transit PowerStroke Diesel

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  In the broad and deep Ford Transit line for 2015, there are more than 50 variations in cab setup, overall length, wheelbase, roof height, engine and rear axle setup. The dually rear-end in LWB, high-roof cargo configuration is surely one of the hardest-working in the bunch. This extends to its payload and tow ratings as well as its overall cost-of-ownership. For cargo and passenger Transits that will cover huge miles with a full pack of cargo in back or on tow, the PowerStroke diesel is a welcome option to consider. This cutting-edge 3.2-liter inline-5 diesel is one of the …

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2015 Ford Transit Upfits Bring 30+ Factory-Adjacent Suppliers For Streamlined Procurement

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One of the most impactful changes in the 2015 Transit vs Econoline is that a huge variety of custom cargo upfits can now be ordered right at a local Ford dealer or through any fleet manager. This means the trucks arrive ready-to-work with exactly the right set of interior cargo solutions, exterior racks or even full chassis conversions. We saw a great selection of the Transit Upfits available on Ford’s recent roadshow — and were very, very impressed. Ford’s suppliers all now have factories within 20-miles or so of the giant Transit hub in Kansas City. This means the trucks …

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HD Road Test Review – 2015 Cadillac Escalade Luxury AWD – Long Live The King

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INTRO   The 2015 Cadillac Escalade is the ultimate in look-good, feel-good luxury SUVs. After a week driving the Escalade around Georgia and the Carolinas, we really came to love the big truck and never ceased to be amazing by its performance and tech achievements in this fourth-generation model. For many years of the first three generations of Escalade, SUV buyers seemed to bow down to the king Caddy for its prestige appeal — with the actual changes and upgrades from the Denali seeming less-than-complete. The risk of paying the Cadillac premium is that car-guys might see through the blingy …

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2015 Cadillac ATS-V.R Is FIA GT3 Racecar Writ Large – In Cursive!

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  “…. If your hood scoop is deeper than the nearest well……. you might be a Cadillac racecar.”   “…If your rear wing is wider than your mattress…. you might be a Cadillac racing prototype.”   “…And if your headlamps are mostly stickers — you are definitely in the cutting-edge of FIA GT3 racecar technology…”   Rejected joke… “…If you can’t read ‘good’ but can write the Cadillac script logo in your sleep — you might be dreaming of the ATS-V.R! “   =] Cadillac itself describes the ATS-V.R as a rolling, screaming and screeching testament to the ATS Coupe’s …

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Porsche GTS Crew Lands Lufthansa Red-Eye To LA – Cayenne, Cayman, Boxster and 911 GTS LA Photos

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Frankfurt to Los Angeles — direct — is a long, long flight. 11-hours and 10-minutes, to be precise. The list price for a human is $4,000 on Lufthansa, and 10X that for a vehicle. Equipment? 777ER. Or more likely, the trusty 747-400. The trip feels especially lengthy when you are in the chilly cargo bay of a jumbo jet — which often has precious cargo in its below bay. Lufthansa is one of the only world airlines that flies cargo and humans on the same flights, at the same time. But the humans are kept warmer. At 35,000 feet over …

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2015 Nissan Murano COLORS Guide With Animated Spinners and Tallpaper Collages

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      Let’s say you are curiously smitten with the 2015 Murano – arriving in Nissan dealers in December with an all-new style, extremely luxurious cabin and all the latest safety and infotainment tech. You will be thrilled with the Murano’s eye-catching LED lighting, flowing and expressive sheetmetal, and the 20-inch machined-surfaced alloy rims on the Platinum trim level. With such a stylish mission statement for all Murano’s, the exterior color is going to be a serious choice. The magnetic black of the mega photo gallery below shows a lovely rich and deep ebony that makes the artful chrome …

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2015 Ford Mustang SEMA Showcars – Roundup of All Ten Official Wild Ponycar Customs

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Ford really dominated SEMA this year with about 10 custom F-150’s and Mustangs – not to mention a wicked pack of Transits, Fiestas and Expeditions. The downside of these customs being based on all-new, not-yet-available cars? Many appear not to have been ready until hitting the show glitz. So here is a recap of all the official Ford Mustang customs from SEMA 2014.   2015 Ford Mustang SEMA Showcars Roundup 2015 Ford Mustang by Forgiato   2015 Ford Mustang by Mountune 2015 Ford Mustang by Galpin Auto Sports     2015 Ford Mustang by DSO Eyewear / MAD Design 2015 …

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2015 Ford F-150 Show Trucks – Roundup of All Nine Pimped Pickups for SEMA and LA

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Ford really dominated SEMA this year with about 10 custom F-150’s and Mustangs – not to mention a wicked pack of Transits, Fiestas and Expeditions. The downside of these customs being based on all-new, not-yet-available cars? Many appear not to have been ready until hitting the show glitz. So here is a recap of all the official Ford F-150 customs from SEMA and LA 2014.       2015 Ford F-150 by TS Design   2015 Ford F-150 by Fabtech   2015 Ford F-150 by ADD Pearl   2015 Ford F-150 by The Custom Shop   2015 Ford F-150 by …

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

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

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Best of Awards – 2016 Mazda CX-5 Goes From Good To Great

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The Mazda CX-5 just went from one of the best crossovers available to perhaps the single best under $30,000. The changes for 2016 include a freshened exterior via a more premium dark-grey grille in a smaller shape, dark-accented wheels and more body-colored accents. Stylish new LED lighting in a cool and expressive design are standard front and rear, plus LED main beam headlamps for the first time. These Adaptive LED Headlights are part of a suite of new safety tech for the CX-5 and a redesigned cabin infotainment setup. Mazda MZD, this new tech package has a larger screen and …

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2016 Honda HR-V LA Debut With 50 New US-Spec Photos Inside and Out

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 Updated 11.21.14   As cool as the new Honda HR-V looks outside, a bit of really surprising news lives in the cabin of this Civic-based crossover. It is simply far more premium, stylish and modern than anything currently in the Honda stable. The floating console and fabric or leather-wrapped dash elements create a real sense of maturity lacking in the current Civic. The touchscreen tech solutions for HondaLink also appear to be very mature in the 2016 HR-V — meaning they are fast-reacting, easy to learn, and easy to use in day-to-day driving. The new HR-V is arriving into a …

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2016 Kia Sorento X-Men Custom For Wolverine at Australian Open!

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Kia’s new X-car Sorento for the X-men will bring out the inner comic book nerd in all of us. Set to attend the Australian Open in Jabuary, the Sorento X-Men model ties in with the blu-ray release of the latest film in Australia. The 2016 Sorento just made its US debut in LA – stay tuned for details in a different article. Pretty cool – but not sure if it would pass pedestrian safety regulatory approval with those adamantium blades on each side of the nose… =] 2016 Kia Sorento X-Men ‘X-Men’ inspired Kia Sorento to debut at the Australian …

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2016 Mazda2 Sedan Revealed in Thailand + Gorgeous White MX-5

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Mazda is killing it lately — in a good way! It is hard not to feel a bit of pride in their achievements, even as an outsider. The brand is a loveable underdog. The new CX-3 is amazing, while the exceptionally-competent Mazda6 and CX-5 are also updated for 2016 with cooler LED style details, tech updates and on-trend dark wheels. Just when you thought Thanksgiving could not possibly have any more to offer from Mazda, here comes the dapper new Mazda2 in four-door sedan form. This car was revealed in Thailand where it will be sold from early 2015 onward. …

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2016 JAGUAR F-Type AWD and Manual-Transmission Choices + R Cabriolet

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  The Jaguar F-Type is becoming a legendary machine for the black cat brand! The 2016 range will extend to 14 models, not including the just-launched F-Type R Cabrio! This is big news, and largely comes from two new powertrain options: AWD and stick-shifts. Until now, all F-Types have been auto-shifted via the exceptional eight-speed ZF box with paddle controls. This will stay the transmission of choice for the AWD models, which include the S Coupe and Cabrio with the 380-horsepower V6 engine, along with a new AWD option for the top R trims. At the other side of the …

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

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

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2015 Toyota Prius C Is Fresh With New Cabin Tech + Revised Nose/Tail LED Lighting

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 Officially one of the most LED-intensive compact vehicles on the market for 2015, the new Prius C is becoming quite a looker in its own light. The big news is all about the bright new design themes in front and inside with a huge new Entune touchpanel inside. Wild colors are part of the section for 2015 for this ultra-economical Prius hatchback. But the biggest news perhaps? The C in Prius C now officially stands for City versus Compact. 2015 Toyota Prius C 2015 Toyota Prius c: Light, Tight, Bright and the Highest City Fuel Economy of Any Vehicle Without …

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2015 Fisker Rocket Is Shockingly Sexy Mustang via Galpin Auto Sports

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Henrik Fisker’s design talent has never been in question. To see his ideas for a hot Mustang meet reality via Galpin Auto Sports is very gratifying — because the result is gorgeous! Most special elements outside the stunning widebody front and rear fenders? The new nose is a very appealing take on the 2015 Mustang’s design, and the rear end with giant Rocket badging is nothing short of breathtaking. 2015 Fisker Rocket Mustang The 2015 Ford Mustang ‘Rocket’ is Here! “When Henrik Fisker showed me his ideas, I got chills – it’s literally the most beautiful Mustang I have ever …

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2015 Koenigsegg Agera One:1 Back in USA Via Manhattan Motorcars

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Great to see the Koenigsegg crew expanding the reach of their incredible hypercar brand – both with the new One:1 and the latest distribution deal with Manhattan Motorcars. The biggest updates to the One:1 are a huge leap in power — up to more than 1350 pound-feet of torque from the twin-turbo, 5.0-liter V8 at 6000 rpm — and the incredible new downforce package. This comes from a race-ready splitter and active aero front and rear. The new rear wing is one of the most beautiful on any car of all time – with two gorgeous flying buttresses straking back …

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Fifth Gear’s Tiff Needell Presents – Volvo FH Truck vs Koenigsegg One 1

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The tame racing driver — who not only drives, but talks us through it!? Tiff Needell of Fifth Gear is a legend in the world of automotive-review television programs. We are smiling watching him race Volvo Trucks new FH versus the Koenigsegg One:1 around a racetrack at full speed. The purpose of the video? To show Volvo’s new i-Shift dual-clutch automatic transmission. This is a revolution in the world of heavy trucks, which are almost all still manual-shifted these days. 18 gears, each with a low and high range means a huge amount of clutching and shifting has always been …

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2029 Infiniti SYNAPTIQ Is Spinal Tap – Flying Racecar is F1-Fast + Off-Road-Ready

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The Infiniti entry into the annual LA Design challenge is pretty outstanding – blending future-tech with fantasy to answer to question posed by the contest for this year: how will we interact with cars in 2029? Infiniti’s answer? A spinal lock communications system to allow thought-controlled driving and tech functions. A ‘Spinal Tap‘ if you will — and this one is just as pretend in many ways than the joke band of the same name. However, Synaptiq does offer a highly stylized version of future F1 types of cars in its circuit race setting. The flying and off-road sections of …

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Update1 – 2015 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept Runs 2.8L DuraMax Diesel

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  The new Chevrolet Colorado mid-size trucks seem just about pitch-perfect for many reluctant truck buyers. People who want to park easily both in the city and in their garages adore the Colorado’s right-sized approach and also love its Z71 off-road trim levels for added butchness and off-road-ability. The 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine has been confirmed by GMC and Chevrolet as coming to the Canyon and Colorado in a few months — so this ZR2 concept is a blend of real and fantasy. The ZR2 concept truck brings a cool and futuristic front end, revised styling all around the lower sills …

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Update1 – 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 First Drive + Colors Guide

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Updated 11.19.14 With 12 New Photos   Enjoyed a chance to meet the 2015 Colorado Z71 this week, and it is really handsome and macho in real life. Initially, the GMC Canyon seemed like the better-looking of the two, but side by side, the Chevy was my clear preference. A lack of LED lighting in the nose of the Colorado is the only demerit that comes to mind. Otherwise, the wide style and fender flares are rough and ready to get muddy. To be fair, the Colorado Z71 and Canyon All Terrain we compared are the most loaded versions of …

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

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

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Update2 – Best of Awards – Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo

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  We did not know what to think of the first teaser images of the Chevy Chaparral Gran Turismo prototype. Sure, the idea of leveraging Chaparral’s Chevy engines connection was fascinating, but would the vision of GM Design really capture the innovative spirit of these amazing namesakes? After the official reveal in LA last night – we can only say Yes. In many ways, the Chevrolet Chaparral Vision Gran Turismo is the best-yet of the 20-strong fleet of racing prototypes developed for the legendary GT6 racing game. It is one of the only to actually throw out all conventional limitations …

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

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

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2016 Ford Explorer Revealed With New Engines, Fresh Styling and Platinum Range-Topper

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  Ford’s rapid product rollout this winter continues today with the reveal of the 2016 Explorer in Los Angeles. Packing freshness outside, inside and under the hood — the Explorer is even sporting a new badge for 2016. Improvements center of style with LED lighting front and rear, a new grille design and completely fresh bumpers and fascias, along with standard LED low-beams for the first time. LED accent lighting and LED foglamps are also in the mix up front, where the Explorer is now much crisper and more modern via a chiseled and sharp lighting design. In profile, the …

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

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

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Update1 – 2015 Mercedes-Maybach S600 Brings Royal Upgrades to New Super-LWB S-Class

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 Updated 11.21.14 The “Mystery of the C-pillar” has now been solved! When the long-rumored Mercedes-Benz S-Class ‘Pullman’ was running around this year, it wore only the slightest camouflage disguise, and on one of the places you would least expect it: behind the rear doorframe. What could be so special in that region as to require a disguise, yet let the rest of the car run camo-free? We now know that it is a subtle change in the arc of the S-Class roofline that marks out the new Mercedes-Maybach S500 and S600 limousines. This brings a much softer and curved chrome …

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2016 Mazda CX-3 – Gorgeous World Debut in 90 Photos + Specs and USA Arrival Details

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The all-new Mazda CX-3 is easily one of the best-looking small crossovers on the planet. And it is not a concept. This is the real-deal CX-3 coming to take on the Honda HR-V, Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade. Where the CX-3 is unique versus the three min-trucks above? It is one that men and women alike would love to own for its sporty style, amazingly wide and low stance, and cutting-edge LED lighting. The above vehicles are fairly emasculating and hard to imagine loving as a testosterone-making gentleman. What the CX-3 represents is another amazing vehicle from Mazda — after …

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

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

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Iconic Classics - 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Earned $3

Iconic Classics – 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Earned $3.7M At RM Monterey 2012

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Aston Martin classic buyers come in similar taste preference buckets as new Aston buyers: either conservative Silver and Green rule the mind, or wild shades and racing liveries. This fire orange example of a pristine DB3S falls into the latter camp very spectacularly. Emblematic of Aston’s resurgent post-war mission to take on the world’s best in racing, the DB3S is best known today as one of the most beautiful racing roadsters of all time. 1955 Aston Martin DB3S RM Auctions Monterey 17 – 18 August 2012   Lot 214 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Sports Racing Car To be auctioned on …

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Toyota Rally Racing Hall of Fame – 101 AMAZING and RARE Photos!

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Of all the any forms of motor racing, rallying has been Toyota’s true center of excellence. This hall of fame showcase extends back to the 1957 Toyopet Crown in the Australian Rally – when is a deep set of roots. From there, the Celica, Supra and Celica GT-Four have all been world-beating rally cars in their decades. By the late 1990s, Toyota’s Corolla GT-4 rally machines were so dominant that they ran Mitsubishi and later even Subaru out of the World Rally Championship. Rallying in this sense has a broad definition, one that definitely includes the Paris-Dakar and dozens of …

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Best of SEMA 2014 – FORGIATO Wheels + Now Selling 3 Corvette C7 Widebody Demo Cars!

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Forgiato was a real stand-out at SEMA 2014 — and that is hard to do in an endless product and customization expo. Many of the coolest cars (and trucks) there were running Forgiato wheels – even far away from the actual booth of this custom wheel expert. After spending some time on Forgiato.com — we came away shocked and floored at how customized you can be with the wheel builder and the 1000-car visualizer. Very cool stuff for those seeking the absolute end-all in huge wheel style. Some of the wheels are so gigantic from Forgiato that they look best …

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2015 Toyota GT86 CS-R3 Rally Car in 1080P Video + 80 Photos

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   You have the hear this amazing works-prepped racer at full chat!  Click the above video to HD for maximum effect…. How ironic — or at least mildly amusing — that Toyota would take the GT86 rallying before Subaru and its BRZ. But then you realize: Subaru has their all-star WRX rally hero already in place. For Toyota, the GT86 and Scion FR-S program is not just an amazing rear-drive sportscar for a new generation of drivers. It is a platform for all aspects of fun and racing, including Rallye Deutschland. Prepared by TMG and available for sale to other …

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GLOHH Launches New Sleek LED Taillamp for Range Rover Sport

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Like it or not, the LED light signatures of a car can instantly date it a few years after its release. Just think of how familiar we all are with the glowing dots that lining global highways over the last decade. Range Rover and the first-gen Range Rover Sport are especially time-stamped by their clear-element lighting from the factory. Here is a great way to have OEM-plus quality in a set of replacement taillamps from GLOHH. The solid lines of LED light are a fresh and original — and far more current — rear aspect and light signature for the …

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golf r wagon

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

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

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Hero Racecars – 2001 Bentley Speed 8 LMP1 Winner Laid Bedrock for Modern Flying B

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  You have to hand it to the Volkswagen Group for their skillful rebirth of the Bentley brand in the early 2000s. Long mired in Rolls-Royce’s shadow with shakey engineering expertise and wobblier cars, Bentley sought greatness by going back to its roots in grand style. This meant competing in LeMans – where Bentley had dominated for a few years in the 1920s with its supercharged Speed 8 models — innovative technology that delivered crushing pace when the blowers were attached to such enormous engines. Specific output in this era was barely 10-percent of what it is today; with a …

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2015 Bentley Grand Convertible is New Ragtop Mulsanne Flagship

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Know the phrase Rags to riches? How about Riches to Ragtops!? Bentley is feeling huffy about Rolls-Royce hoovering up its resort clientele — and will respond to the Phantom Drophead Coupe and upcoming Wraith Cabriolet with a salvo of its own: the Mulsanne Grand Convertible. In the grand tradition of ultra-plush Monaco cruisers, the Mulsanne GC cuts a dapper and unique silhouette. A giant cabin is still on offer, with true space in the back seats. The contrast-finished brushed alloy of the hood and windshield surrond is a great accent to the Grand Convertible’s sun/fun lifestyle positioning. The launch venues …

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2016 Toyota Mirai FCV Gets Race-Prepped As Japanese Rally Championship PreRunner

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  The world’s first hydrogen racecar? Not exactly. But certainly one of the first hydrogen rally cars — that is a sure thing. As the course pre-runner for the Japanese Rally Championship in Shinsiro, this TMG-tuned Mirai is a fresh take on the Prius EV and hybrid theme. So, if the Mirai did not actually compete, what is the point? The point is that the Mirai is absolutely ready for primetime. It has been exhaustively crash-tested and this rough-course racing environment is a huge vote of confidence from Toyota in the Mirai FCV’s essential Toyota-ness: the core tenets of Quality, …

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2016 SHELBY GT350 Mustang Makes REAL-LIFE Debut! 180 New Images + 3 New Videos

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The good folks at Mustang6g.com attended a live GT350 reveal today and scored some amazing new photos of the hottest Mustang yet — plus three videos you have to see the believe! Or in the case of this first video — hear to believe. The flat-crank V8 engine sounds heavenly in this latest track driving video. A deep bellow becomes a staccato bark at high revs — promising huge aural drama along with that huge lump of horsepower. Other news? The Mustang GT350 will employ magneto-rheological suspension tech that crosstown supplier Delphi has until-recently withheld from GM competitors… As well …

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2016 Fiat 500X Lounge Is Right-Sized City Softroader with 4 Doors!

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Updated 11.17.14 The 500X Cross looks just about *perfect* to answer to wishes of all Fiat dealerships across the US — compact, city-friendly but now a four-door and arguably a bit more handsome than even the original 500. Included below is a mega photo pack of the 500X Cross — which is the off-road guise with chunkier bumpers and gravel-proof plastic sills. Also below are the wheels and trim personalization options, interior photos and UK pricing. No word yet on US pricing or arrival time-frames, but we’d predict around a June 2015 arrival to the US as a 2016 model. …

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2016 Fiat 500X Cross AWD Trim Looking Svelt and Handsome in 75 New Photos

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Updated 11.17.14 The 500X Cross looks just about *perfect* to answer to wishes of all Fiat dealerships across the US — compact, city-friendly but now a four-door and arguably a bit more handsome than even the original 500. Included below is a mega photo pack of the 500X Cross — which is the off-road guise with chunkier bumpers and gravel-proof plastic sills. Also below are the wheels and trim personalization options, interior photos and UK pricing. No word yet on US pricing or arrival time-frames, but we’d predict around a June 2015 arrival to the US as a 2016 model. …

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