LEDs Topic Hub

HD Road Test Review – 2016 Hyundai GENESIS Ultimate V6 RWD

Our love affair with the “impossibly good” Hyundai Genesis just got stronger for 2016! Testing out a rear-drive version of the 2016 V6 is a nice counter-point to the V6 AWD we fell so hard for a few months ago as a 2015 model. The 2016 Genesis has a few very notable updates to the V6 model lineup: standard HID headlights and available LED foglamps for the V6 — lamps that were previously a V8 exclusive. And even better, the Genesis now runs its gorgeous — and standard — LED headlamp accents as the main DRLs for normal driving. This …

Feb 01, 2016 Read more

Road Test Review – 2016 Buick REGAL GS

We want to love the Regal GS. Its looks are crisply European, as is its dashing corner grip and unflappable high-speed poise. But remember the old Pirelli slogan “Power is nothing without Control” ? Well, the Regal GS inspires a flip in that phrase: Control is nothing without powerrrrr. Since writing up our first test impressions of the 2015 Regal GS with “Deeply Disappointing” in the headline, we have had more than ample chances to change our tune. An invite to a Buick Regal GS track day appeared out of thin air, and then a fresh 2016 model for …

Jan 24, 2016 Read more

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

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

Jan 19, 2016 Read more

2017 Hyundai ELANTRA Sedan Debuts Impressive Redesign, Giant Cabin and Fresh Tech

The new Elantra is pretty impressive! Competing for LA attention with the new Civic twins from Honda, the Cruze/Volt twins from Chevy and many others… the Elantra had its work cut out for it from day one. Luckily, the new model holds its own versus those rivals. A seriously generous helping of premium style, roominess and tech makes the Elantra quite a contender. The 2017 model is about an inch longer and wider, with a much sleeker aero rating — down to just 0.27 cD in the wind tunnel. This is achieved via a new full-frame grille, underbody aero shrouds, …

Nov 21, 2015 Read more

2017 KIA Sportage SX Turbo Debut – Quad LEDs + Euro Handling Focus

The new Sportage is here in USA form, which we pleased to say looks exactly like the min-Cayenne of the Euro GT-Line rangetopper. The poshest trim for the USA is the SX Turbo AWD, as shown here. 2017 KIA Sportage SX Turbo PREVIOUS KIA’s push to excel globally is ramping up nicely. Frankfurt, California and Korea-based teams are now aligned to make the most of each area’s strengths. Korea as the lead manufacturing hub/supplier base, Cali as a tech and design center of excellence, and the European R&D division taking a much bigger role in vehicle development. It is a …

Nov 18, 2015 Read more

2016 Lexus GS350 Facelift Brings GSF and RC-Inspired Nose +4WS and Active Intake

The revised Lexus 2016 GS350 is offically sexy in this ultra white paintwork and fresh detailing all around. Regardless, we love the results of new-shape LED headlights, LED arrowhead DRLs flush-mounted within the painted bumper, and all-new lower bumper and grille look. This is the GS350 RWD, but an AWD model continues with a $2k bump in price from the $49k base for the GS lineup. We also expect a revised F Sport trim style for both the GS350 and the GS450h for 2016, as well as for the GS200t discussed below. The fresh GS450h was recently seen at the …

Nov 01, 2015 Read more

2016 BRABUS 850 4×4 Coupe is GLE63 Pumped Up to 850HP

Holy shiz! Look at this machine. Somehow, the full customization upgrade from BRABUS rocket sedans is even more intense on the SUVs. The new GLE63 Coupe is a perfect starting point. A launchpad, if you will. And stand back when this sucker blasts off! 3.8-seconds to 62-mph is the new pace, nearly a half-second quicker than the stock truck and its ~573HP. Not just induction or electronics tweaks here. Nor just fortified engine internals. Nope, this 850 “6.0” has that name for a reason: the whole displacement of the motor is upped from 5.5-liters to 6.0L. This is a perfect …

Sep 15, 2015 Read more

2015 BRABUS Mercedes-AMG GT-S – Stage One Mods Revealed in 38 Photos

Here is one we have been eagerly anticipating! A Brabus tune for the new AMG GT-S seems like the best of all worlds, right? This latest Frankfurt concept is mostly a stage one upgrade. Meaning, much more hardcore engine, body and exclusive upgrades are still in the works. Even so, the ECU module adds 88-horsepower, carbon aero detailing and 21-inch forged alloys. Watch this space for the next level of Brabus power trips in the near future! 2015 BRABUS Mercedes-AMG GT-S World premiere at the IAA 2015 BRABUS refines the Mercedes-AMG GT S 441 kW / 600 HP, …

Sep 11, 2015 Read more

2017 KIA Sportage First Look: GT Line Quad LEDs + Euro Handling Focus

KIA’s push to excel globally is ramping up nicely. Frankfurt, California and Korea-based teams are now aligned to make the most of each area’s strengths. Korea as the lead manufacturing hub/supplier base, Cali as a tech and design center of excellence, and the European R&D division taking a much bigger role in vehicle development. It is a smart foundation for KIA’s move to become Hyundai’s sportier cousin. As it stands, the Kia range is broad but lacks a cohesive, defining nature. The firm has their eyes on BMW. If they can engineer cars to be sold world-wide in one chassis …

Aug 27, 2015 Read more

HD Road Test Review – 2015 Nissan JUKE Nismo RS Manual

Imagine a core group of Nissan GT-R engineers, drivers and designers set loose on the Nissan Juke NISMO. Task? Take the quickest and most performance-focused crossover, and make it truly track-tight in every way. That is how the Juke Nismo RS came into this world — with astounding results. The speed, style and drive experience of the Nismo RS is absolutely incredible versus its $28k competitors — and even versus pricier cars like the AMG GLA45, WRX or Mustang EcoBoost. The Juke Nismo RS is incredibly focused from first sitting in its racing Recaro hard-back bucket seats. A pair of …

Aug 23, 2015 Read more

2016 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Refreshed With New LEDs, Fascias and Adjustable Drive Modes

Mercedes-Benz revealed the fresh A-Class this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed — showing off the new AMG A45 among its brothers like the new G500 4×4-squared and the AMG GT-S. This refresh for the A-Class updates the nose and tail designs with fresh fascias and LEDs. It is particularly convincing from the back — where even the entry-level A180 and A250 have a much sleeker appearance. The look blends the best of hot-hatch proportions with the fast and low-roof wagon style we always love. A big mechanical change for the nw A-Class are adaptive and adjustable dampers, controlled …

Jun 29, 2015 Read more

2016 Jaguar XJ Updated With New LEDs, Cabin Infotainment, R-Sport and Black Packs

The 2016 Jaguar XJ update is official! Full LED headlamps with a new ‘double J-blade’ of LED DRLs are the most striking change outside for the trad trim levels, but a host of new style enhancements now give the mean and badass look of the XJR to its smaller-engined brothers. These tweaks come from a new-f0r-2016 R-Sport package and a similarly fresh Black Package. We only have a glimpse of the XJ Autobiography and XJR as of now, but the tweaks and the special aesthetic upgrades are helpful in keeping the big cat on pace with the S-Class and A8, …

Jun 16, 2015 Read more

LEDetails – 2015 Lexus NX300h – Up Close with the Triple-Beam LED Lights

Met up with another sexy black Lexus NX recently, and spent some time starting deep into its LED eyeballs! Just kidding. Nothing weird here. The Lexus style has just taken a huge leap with these ultra-cool triple LED headlamp style. It is stunning on the roads as an option on the new RC and NX, as well as the upcoming RX replacement. Here is a very close look at the lights in real life. The interplay between the actual light output and my Nikon’s sensors is fairly interesting. The Nikon goes dark when the Lexus lights are shining right into …

Apr 27, 2015 Read more

2015 Peugeot GT Line Is Glossy Black/White Style Upgrade for 7 Models

Big Peugeot day today =] An all-new style and desirability push for the brand is now coming to fruition with better designs outside and in. To drive the point home, a new GT Line offers damn sexy and very on-trend trim choices for almost a dozen Peugeot models. The GT Line is a top-flight equipment and design upgrade and can be specced with a variety of engine and transmission choices for the RCZ, 208, 308 and the new 508 models. Consisting of glacier white exterior paints with gloss-black detailing, the GT Line really looks fantastic. Dark wheels and dark headlight …

Apr 16, 2015 Read more

Update1 – 2016 GMC Terrain and Terrain Denali Refreshed With LEDs

A midsize crossover so bland that we regularly forget it exists? Oh, that would be GMC’s second-best-seller: the Terrain. Paired with the Chevrolet Equinox, the new Terrain and Terrain Denali are right on the pulse of many buyers size, price and style needs even six years since their launch in 2009. The Terrain and Equinox have actually increased their sales performance fairly dramatically in recent years, which may explain why they are so updated so slightly for 2016. A new look for the nose comes from a fresh lower fascia design, revised grille detailing and a new hood shape …

Mar 31, 2015 Read more

Porsche E-Mobility Push Feeling Odd, Despite New Cayenne S E-Hybrid At Amelia Island

Porsche is diving head-first into the vat of battery acid these days – with the Panamera S E-Hybrid refreshed with quad-LEDs in the headlamp ring and the new Cayenne S E-Hybrid sharing the square-LED quad DRL setup of the top-line Cayenne Turbo and Cayenne Turbo S. Proudly on display alongside the 918 Spyder and a few Porsche PHEV plug-in stations on the lawns of Amelia Island Concours, the E-Mobility Porsches are promising and smoother, quieter and more serene than anything else to wear the Porsche crest. This is largely thanks to softer suspension tuning in standard drive modes, alongside a …

Mar 19, 2015 Read more

Amelia Island – 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder – Roof Off, LEDs On!

Still captivating and quite special: the Porsche 918 Spyder. Roof off, lights on. Enjoy. The most interesting part of the shoot was seeing the low-beam LEDs of the 918. They are just an explosion of light from within the rather-larger quad-LED elements. It is balanced and menacing and best-in-class for hypercar light signatures. 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

Mar 15, 2015 Read more

2015 Nissan SWAY Concept Shows Future Golf and Focus-Fighter

This new Nissan SWAY Concept is a really stylish and handsome design study. From the nose and tail, it is low and wide and seriously cool-looking. The contrasting copper accents are a nice detail in the lower bumpers and sills, while also forming a nice floating roof. This copper section becomes a horseshoe around the clear glass roofline in a very premium and advanced way. In profile, the Sway falls a bit from its cool perch. Clearly a front-drive hatchback with an oddly short but tall hood, the Sway hopes to hide these humdrum details with hugely flowing surfaces. The …

Mar 03, 2015 Read more

Houston Auto Show – 2015 BMW X6 xDrive50i – LEDetails Front and Rear in 50 New Photos

The first-gen BMW X6 seemed like a huge joke, if we’re honest. All the impracticality of a tiny rear seat, plus barely half the total luggage volume of the X5. But the new X6 really does make a convincing style argument for itself versus the very-practical new X5 shape. The X6 also wears the new wide-spaced LED headlamp signature only visible on the X5M. The base X5’s have an indicator in the corner of the lamps, and tighter and smaller angel eyes inside. The M Sport model shown here does a very impressive M truck impression, despite being just the …

Jan 27, 2015 Read more

Houston Auto Show – 2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition in 20 New Photos + Pricing From $35k

Updated 1.23.15 With Pricing and 20 New Photos The Sierra Elevation Edition is one cool black 1500 on the Houston Auto Show floor! Just as we snapped these 35 new photos, GMC revealed the pricing of this new factory custom– with an enticing $34,865 base for the rear-drive V6. It is great to see the double-decker LED lights as standard on the Sierra Elevation, despite them not being lit in these photos. 2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition Pricing: 4.3L 2WD: $34,865 4.3L 4WD: $38,795 5.3L 2WD: $35,960 5.3L 4WD: $39,890 2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition PREVIOUS …

Jan 23, 2015 Read more

2014 SEAT Leon Cupra Now Offered in Very Cool ST Wagon

Updated 1.10.2015 The sexy Leon ST wagon is now available in the Cupra trim! This cool dynamic and style upgrade includes the availability of the postent Cupra 280 pack and its huge-boost turbo gasoline engine. Six styling packs are also available on the Leon Cupras — with the Dynamic Grey shown in the press shots an ST Cupra exclusive that is not offered on Leon ST’s with lesser engines. We also anticipate the Sub8 performance packs to be offered on the ST wagon – these trims commemorate that the Leon Cupra is the quickest front-drive car of all time around …

Jan 10, 2015 Read more

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

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 …

Dec 02, 2014 Read more

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

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 …

Dec 01, 2014 Read more

Updated 2016 Audi A7 and S7 Will Debut in LA + New Black Optics Package

The Audi A7 and S7 are clear winners – they are so attractive and so fast that they make a strong case for themselves versus everything from the BMW 5 and 6 series all the way to the S-Class and even the Audi A8. The biggest competition for the glamorous Audi A7, S7 and RS7 really comes from the Porsche Panamera, in my opinion. So the keep the trendiest and most fashionable clients in the business happy, the A7 and S7 gain new LED lighting solutions front and rear for 2015. These images show the UK spec cars, with no …

Nov 11, 2014 Read more

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

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

Nov 11, 2014 Read more

2013 Kia Niro Concept Packs Gullwing Doors, Brushed-Alloy Finishes and Quad-Beam LEDs

The Kia Niro concept from 2013 uses almost every youthful design trick in the book — but falls flat to these eyes. Dark wheels, blushed-alloy surfaces, a coupe bodystyle, and quad-beam LEDs all say ‘hip’ and ‘sexy’ sub-Sportage crossover. But what is going on with the blob-like nose, obese hood bulges and minivan windshield angle? Ick! 2013 Kia Niro

Sep 22, 2014 Read more

2015 GMC Sierra ELEVATION and CARBON Editions Bring Top-Flight LEDs and Stylish Black Wheels

Two great options announced today from GMC for those without the $40,000-plus for the Denali: the 2015 Elevation Edition and 2015 Carbon 20 and Carbon 22 Editions. Available on the entry-level engine or the 5.3-liter V8, the Elevation Edition offers GMC Sierra shoppers much of the clean and contemporary style of the F-150 Lariat Sport. This means a largely chrome-free exterior, with body-color grilles, bumpers, mirrors, door handles and other detailing. Pricing for the Carbon 20 Edition starts from $34,000, while the Carbon 22 Edition starts closer to $40,000. Pricing for the Elevation Edition is not yet available, but is …

Sep 19, 2014 Read more

Update1 – 2015 FORD F-150 Style Guide to Trims and Option Packages

A huge volume of new photos and the trim specifics for the new F-150! In a brilliant move, the various trim levels are available in three finishes: standard, Sport and Chrome. This brings a huge level of variety in the lineup — beyond the dozens of engine and cab configurations. The new King Ranch is also looking mighty sexy, but the Lariat Sport would be out choice for the coolest trim style (below the Platinum, that is….) 2015 FORD F-150 Trims 2015 FORD F-150 King Ranch 2015 FORD F-150 XL 2015 FORD F-150 XLT …

Sep 16, 2014 Read more

2015 Lexus RC-F Ultra Sexy in Red – Flawless Animations + 122 Photos

Updated 8.17.14 with 122 Pebble Beach photos. Lexus is the official vehicle of the Pebble Beach golf courses and the Lodge hotel – so a few delicious RC Coupes were on hand this week for the big concours. The RC-F is absolutely unreal in person. It looks like it wants to rip down from its shown stand and do a huge smokey burn-out. This is a supercoupe that out-muscles supercars. Previous: The hottest Lexus since the LFA has just landed in America: the RC F coupe takes all the race-ready V8 power and rear-drive performance from the previous IS F, …

Aug 17, 2014 Read more

DIY Car Mods – Rigid Industries Dually LED High-Beams Are The Best

A quick plug for Rigid Industries LED lighting products. They are outstanding! There is a premium price, but you will realize why the moment they arrive. These things feel like you could drop them off a building and they would still light up. And that is helpful — because LEDs that are cheap often take just as long to mount and fit and wire and test— then the cheap things fail 4 weeks later. What a waste of time and money! I have these LED Dually lights as my Subaru Legacy GT’s high-beams and they are so bright it really …

Jul 13, 2014 Read more

2014 Kia Optima Hybrid Updated With New Grille, LEDs Front and Rear – Specs, Features and Pricing

The Kia Optima is a run-away success for the brand: since its latest design debuted, sales of the model are nearly double what the nameplate has ever achieved before. To keep this momentum and address buyer priorities, the Hybrid model has rounded out the base and turbo engine options. For the current model-year, the Hybrid brings a few updates both outside and in. The LED accents in the nose are a Hybrid exclusive, as are the lower double fog-lamp elements. These are not nearly as cool as the quad-LED setup in the SX-L trim, but are still pretty nice elements …

Jul 11, 2014 Read more

Off-Road Test Review – 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk On Some Tough and Rocky Trails!

Update1 – Off-roading the Trailhawk! The Jeep Cherokee’s styling hit me like a kick from a horse when first glimpsed earlier this year. I took to Twitter to say some less-than-encouraging things about its new appearance. Luckily, using Twitter is like throwing effort into a well – hopefully no one noticed… I’m actually very relieved to report four things about the 2014 Cherokee: – Optional 271-horsepower V6 engine with nine-speed auto and available 4WD promises a fun and powerful truck – Nose looks good on highways and in real life, LEDs visually widen car. The red trailhawk tow hooks …

Jun 29, 2014 Read more

Update1 New Photos – 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Facelift Brings New Grille, Bumpers and LED Headlights

Official: New generation CLS with the future’s high-resolution precision LED technology: Leading the way with better light Stuttgart Jun 16, 2014 Stuttgart – In the new generation of the CLS-Class, Mercedes-Benz is using the new technology of MULTIBEAM LED headlamps for the first time. High-resolution precision LED modules, each with 24 individually controlled high-performance LEDs, automatically illuminate the road with a hitherto unsurpassed, precision-controlled distribution of exceptionally bright light – without dazzling other road users. A camera positioned behind the windscreen delivers the information with which four control units the ideal light pattern 100 times per second. The anticipatory …

Jun 16, 2014 Read more

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Revamped with Cool LED Running Lights, Extra MPGs and Quieter Cabin

Quick! Name a mini crossover that is fun, cheap, sporty and reliable!? Did you get any? My immediate answer to those criteria would be the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. This chuck-able little crossover is just about the coolest way to enter the stylish AWD SUV segment on a compact-car budget. The tradeoffs are less than ever this year for the 2015 model, which adds miles-per-gallon stats to its roster via a new automatic transmission. The exterior is now offered in this shiny metallic blue paint, which goes well with the SE model’s new LED daytime running lights in the lower corners. …

Jun 11, 2014 Read more

2014 Hyundai Veloster REFLEX Brings Exclusive White Finish, Turbo LEDs and DCT Auto for $22k

The special Veloster Hyundai debuted in Chicago has now arrived in dealers nationwide! The Veloster RE:FLEX is a shortcut way to get the hottest-spec and best-equipped Veloster model available — with standard automatic transmission and all the Turbo’s LED style for only $21,650 before delivery charges of about $800. The interior is offered in red or black leather, along with the latest mobile device connectivity and even the giant glass moonroof as standard. The white and chrome finishes are a nice touch to the Veloster RE:FLEX — and are a sure way to have an exclusive and premium-feeling sports …

Jun 02, 2014 Read more

2015 Audi A7 and S7 Refresh Brings New LEDs, Detail Tweaks and New Wheels

The Audi A7 and S7 are clear winners – they are so attractive and so fast that they make a strong case for themselves versus everything from the BMW 5 and 6 series all the way to the S-Class and even the Audi A8. The biggest competition for the glamourous Audi A7, S7 and RS7 really comes from the Porsche Panamera, in my opinion. So the keep the trendiest and most fashionable clients in the business happy, the A7 and S7 gain new LED lighting solutions front and rear for 2015. These images show the UK spec cars, with no …

May 27, 2014 Read more

High-Fashion JEEP Upgrades – KAHN Design Shows Sexy New Wrangler Grilles, LEDs, Wheels and Leathers

Looks like it is off-road day here at Car-Revs-Daily.com! No gathering of the coolest off-roader upfitting companies could ever be complete without KAHN Design – a UK shop best known for their lavish makeovers of new Range Rovers and Land Rovers. Whether you have the cash for a full KAHN-upgraded Range Rover is not important – anyone can see that KAHN’s overhauls are pretty impressive and comprehensive. They take the stock platforms to new highs via fashionable and very, very appealing mods outside and in. Indeed, Land Rover and Range Rover parts are KAHN’s biggest sellers here in the US …

May 07, 2014 Read more

2015 Ford Mustang Snapped In the Flesh! Turn-Table from 50th Anniversary

Even the best-laid plains can, and often do, fail. Disappointed to find just this solitary 2015 Mustang at the 50th Anniversary celebration, I decided to photograph it from every angle I could secure amid the huge throng of the crowd. 150 photos and a week later, I am home slapping my forehead at the shoddiness of these results. These are not good photos, guys, and I really apologize. Learned a few things: – Messing with DSLR Nikon settings is done at your own risk – Lighting is everything – Reviewing photos in detail is needed while still able to reshoot …

Apr 24, 2014 Read more

2015 FORD F-150 Trims, Colors and Tech Features – LED vs Halogen Headlights

LED TECH DETAILS The LED low and high-beam headlights of this Platinum model are quite refreshing, especially when parked next to the also-new 2015 Expedition and its projector beams. The latest lighting of the F-150 instantly makes everything else seem very outmoded — when when the lights are not switched on. When they are, forget-about-it… Competing for style or energy efficiency via halogen or even HID lamps will be impossible. The LED theme continues in the blinker setup as well, with that subtle outline illuminating for turn indicators. In an ultra-cool touch, the amber portion is only colored when the …

Apr 19, 2014 Read more

Latest GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali and 3500HD Bring Class-Exclusive LEDs and Very Premium Designs

The 2015 GMC Sierra HD is quite an appealing machine. Its chunky fender arches and butch panels are at once both very stylish as well as very functional. The LED addition in the headlamps of the Sierra HD are a treat, and a segment-exclusive item for the time being. They really help the Sierra line feel new and unique versus the latest Silverado line, which lack this element and can feel a bit stale visually by comparison. The Chevrolet HD trucks are more distinctive in being new versus the 1500, but all the Chevy trucks are less revamped than …

Apr 04, 2014 Read more

Okay Now! European JUKE Nismo RS Features Matching LEDs Above and Below The New Round HID Lamps

The recent European Nissan JUKE article spent a faintly absurd amount of words and on the color choice of the show car, as well as the LED lighting functionality of the JUKE Nismo. Hiding on my desktop is another Geneva debut I have yet to cover: The JUKE Nismo RS with the solution to both the LED and icky color problems! This photo of the JUKE Nismo RS for Europe confirms: all three lighting elements can now be used simultaneously. Perhaps a trivial distinction, but one that American JUKE Nismo owners will understand. The JUKE Nismo RS in …

Apr 01, 2014 Read more

European Nissan JUKE Previews Deeply Cool LED Designs Front and Rear — Securing High-Style Kudos After Dark

The updated Nissan JUKE debuted in Geneva this month, with only a light refresh visible outside. Until it gets dark, that is! The LED updates now place V-Motion swish marks in the top indicator lamps up front, bi-xenon LEDs for the main round beams below, and some refreshed lower trim styling that now includes painted areas inside the lower grille region. The main front blinkers are still in the top lamps on the hood — just as much smaller amber LED units, we expect. This remains unknown as of now. The overall appearance is greatly enhanced by these revisions, and …

Mar 29, 2014 Read more

2014 911 Targa4 and Carrera S Featuring PDLS LED System

After yesterday’s article on all my failed LED headlight attempted, my admiration for the Panamera Turbo and Cayenne Turbo’s quad-point LED setup is very clear. Sidebar: Posting so many of my hideous DIY failures is really mortifying. But at least a break from the 600-or-so Amelia Island photos I am still sitting on?! Here is a 360-degree spin from one of the beach-walk decks in front of the Ritz-Carlton. This is a point of view panarama — versus a subject-focused turntable like many of my fly-arounds that center on an automobile. It was grey, overcast and raining that day, which …

Mar 26, 2014 Read more

My #LED #FailWhales — 123 Photo Showcase of Later-Junked DIY Headlights — Quad Projectors, LED Blades, LED Eagle Eyes… and 10 Other Icky Iterations

Many of you may wonder about some of the eye-catching elements in my headlights over the years. The LED passion obsession started in 2009 for me, and took three years and six pairs of headlamps for me to realize: stop wasting time and money. But I was convinced! The tech to build DIY LED headlights was out there, I would say to myself over and over. For context, this was after I had already spent much time in 2007-2008 upgrading to HID low-beams and stripping the middle element of the headlights (the chrome shroud) out completely. But what style …

Mar 25, 2014 Read more

2015 Alfa-Romeo 4C Spider Debuts Welcome Style Enhancements via Classier Headlamps — US Arrival Pushed to 2015 At Earliest

The 2015 Alfa-Romeo 4C Spyder’s headlamps finally look like an OEM effort, which is always a plus on any exotic sports car with pricing expected to be in the $65,000 range when it ever arrives stateside. We have no data to confirm this, but have a strong hunch that even those who have shelled out $600 for F-150 aftermarket headlight kits are not pleased with the tacky and police-attracting appearance. The 4C’s production lamps with odd LED dots in random places reminded one on-looker of a bad venereal disease. There is nothing less erotic than a bad venereal disease to …

Mar 17, 2014 Read more

2014 SEAT Leon Cupra 280 Sets New ‘Ring Record + Leon Sports Styling Pack Is Calling My Name

My long-distance love affair with the SEAT Leon continues to heat up! I love the standard LEDs of this Spanish GTI — and also love its overall design and performance. For the Geneva show, SEAT revealed its track-champ two-door Leon as well as this delicious Sports Styling Kit for the full range. The gloss black alloys and brilliant blue paint are simply astounding, and very appealing! Now, to shorter than Ocean between us… =]

Mar 13, 2014 Read more

Mazda HAZUMI! Next Mazda2 Going Upscale With Deep KODO Shield Grille, LEDs and SkyActiv Technology

The Hazumi! If there were ever a cuter name that really syncs with the ZoomZoom ethos: it must be this. The Hazumi is a lightly-veiled look at the next Mazda2, which appears to move upmarket with a wider platform and far more appealing aesthetics. Pricing for this city car and its production variants are not known, but a 2015 model year Mazda2 seems like a smart bet. Deep bow to headlineauto.co.uk for the real-life images of this concept today in Geneva. Thanks!

Mar 04, 2014 Read more

Update1 — Honda Civic Type R Concept is 5-Door, 280HP Turbo Track Monster with LEDs To Die For and Racing Rear Wing!

Sorry for the lack of text in this article before. I was actually locked out of my website until 6a, which led to posting the Civic Type R Concept on the http://www.facebook.com/carrevsdaily when the initial release hit my inbox at 3:58a. Regardless: a dozen or so extra images inlcuded now, plus the official details on the WTCC-inspired Civic concept. Official Details from Honda below. Racing Car for the Road – Civic Type R Concept Bold and Aggressive, Styled to Reflect Performance Honda’s appearance at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show will lead with the worldwide reveal of the Civic Type R …

Mar 04, 2014 Read more

2014 Jaguar F-type S Cabrio – LED Lighting Demo and 60 High-Res Photos

Initial thoughts from first in-person sighting of an F-type? It looks stellar. The lights look great. Crisp LEDs front and back. The lower indicators do not disable the DRLs in a switchback fashion, which is great news. Switchback LED lighting is not very appealing and can be visually jarring to other road users.

Feb 13, 2014 Read more

2015 Ford F-150 Almost Unbelieveably New – $14B Golden Goose Goes Hog Wild with LEDs and EcoBoost Tech

Supercars are awesome, but almost no other product (of any kind) can match the F-150’s sales volume and reliable revenue. By my rough, rough estimates, shown below based on Ford’s 2012 Annual Report — the F-150 nameplate alone is worth at least $14 billion in annual revenue. ! In terms of satisfied owners coming in for the new F-150 every few years: The Ford Truck line is certainly Dearborn’s golden goose. How Important Is the F-150? Units ESTIMATES Ford 2012 Approx Total Auto Revenue Dollars $ 120,567,000 Total Global 2012 Sales Units 5,668,000 Ford North Am Approx 2012 …

Feb 10, 2014 Read more

Audi Laserlight Tech – New Images of R18 LM and Sport Quattro from Audi Motorsport

LEDs are amazing. They are so astounding in ways that lightbulbs could never be. As a solid state, LEDs are as toss-able as a SuperBall versus a delicate 40W Soft White bulb. As incandescent bulbs no longer meet energy requirements for US manufacture from 2014, it is clear: Lighting is a huge, important place to earn energy savings. But it can also change your life! LED Light-up dog balls are my personal favorite. Without the searing, pure and consistent light of the internal LED: playing catch in the dark is tricky for even the smartest pups. http://store.flashflight.com/product_info.php?products_id=116 Back to Audi’s …

Jan 21, 2014 Read more

Boom! Lexus RC F Goes Supersonic in 41 Images – LEDs, Interior, Air Scoops, Active Aero…

The hottest Lexus since the LFA has just landed in America: the RC F coupe takes all the race-ready V8 power and rear-drive performance from the previous IS F, and absolutely cranks the knob off. We’re preparing an article on the Lexus RC F’s styling versus its two key rivals: the BMW M4 and Audi RS5. In doing so, we’ve gathered a number of additional screenshots from Lexus’s B-roll video in order to show the coolest unseen parts of the RC F: the sports coupe’s brand-new LED lighting, hood venting, and active rear spoiler! This car looks intense from almost …

Jan 10, 2014 Read more

Boom! Lexus RC F Goes Supersonic in 41 Images – LEDs, Interior, Air Scoops, Active Aero…

The hottest Lexus since the LFA has just landed in America: the RC F coupe takes all the race-ready V8 power and rear-drive performance from the previous IS F, and absolutely cranks the knob off. We’re preparing an article on the Lexus RC F’s styling versus its two key rivals: the BMW M4 and Audi RS5. In doing so, we’ve gathered a number of additional screenshots from Lexus’s B-roll video in order to show the coolest unseen parts of the RC F: the sports coupe’s brand-new LED lighting, hood venting, and active rear spoiler! This car looks intense from almost …

Jan 10, 2014 Read more

Mea Culpa: 2014 Jeep Cherokee Not "Fug Nasty" – Looks Great in Trailhawk Trim

The Jeep Cherokee’s styling hit me like a kick from a horse when first glimpsed earlier this year. I took to Twitter to say some less-than-encouraging things about its new appearance. Luckily, using Twitter is like throwing effort into a well – hopefully no one noticed… I’m actually very relieved to report four things about the 2014 Cherokee: – Optional 271-horsepower V6 engine with nine-speed auto and available 4WD promises a fun and powerful truck – Nose looks good on highways and in real life, LEDs visually widen car. The red trailhawk tow hooks are awesome. – The profile …

Jan 06, 2014 Read more

Audi LeMans R18: Laser Light = Smoke and Mirrors? 2014 e-tron quattro Actually Hiding Big Changes in Back

Guess who really likes winning Le Mans? Everyone! Every single person who has ever competed there cherishes a single win with the passion of an Oscar winner. But guess who has really, really developed a taste for winning Le Mans, after more than a decade as the front-runner? The serious gentlemen over at Audi Motorsport. Is this an odd introduction for an article about new laser lighting shown at CES this week? The new “laser” lighting joins a long list of other Audi names for its headlights, including Matrix and Swarm. AUTO LIGHTING TECH – 2014 and Beyond But why …

Jan 03, 2014 Read more

2014 Civic Si Coupe – First Night Sighting: Great-Looking LEDs

Spotted my first white 2014 Honda Civic Si Coupe on the road tonight near Chicago, and it looked really confident and sporty. While we sliced and diced in traffic, it was almost as if the Civic knew the horrible things I have written (and printed) about the Honda Civic … in the past. Ahh! While Honda and I do not always agree, we have a few important things in common. Honda also loves my fair Sweet Home Chicago, with the night-time visualizer on Honda.com showing the world-famous Wacker Drive on that rare, blissfully-traffic-free time of night. The 360-degree visualizer …

Dec 30, 2013 Read more

2014 Civic Si Coupe – First Night Sighting: Great-Looking LEDs

Spotted my first white 2014 Honda Civic Si Coupe on the road tonight near Chicago, and it looked really confident and sporty. While we sliced and diced in traffic, it was almost as if the Civic knew the horrible things I have written (and printed) about the Honda Civic … in the past. Ahh! While Honda and I do not always agree, we have a few important things in common. Honda also loves my fair Sweet Home Chicago, with the night-time visualizer on Honda.com showing the world-famous Wacker Drive on that rare, blissfully-traffic-free time of night. The 360-degree visualizer …

Dec 06, 2013 Read more

All-New 2014 MINI Hardtop Debuts LEDs Galore and Futuristic Cabin Tech

BMW’s MINI is absolutely a future textbook example of how to revive and relaunch a silent brand into a loud, crowded age. While the original 1960s Mini was much more of a phenom inside England, BMW’s ambitions have always been far more global. Spending ten years with the nightmare of Rover Cars Limited taught BMW many lessons in the 1990s about what *not* to do with a classic brand. Divesting Rover and Land Rover helped BMW pivot to a far more logical and promising ownership of Rolls-Royce, Mini, and a few other moribund sports car brands in the early 2000s. …

Nov 29, 2013 Read more