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New Trucks

2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison Duramax Diesel Review

The ZR2 Bison is unstoppable!! Never thought I’d find a factory off-road pickup that can hang with the Raptor, but the Colorado’s slimmer width is a big plus on narrow trails. The diesel engine is packing a wallop at 365 pound-feet of torque and so you can tow an extra 700 pounds (up to 7700). However, the 0-60-mph time drops 3 seconds from 6.5 to 9.5. It feels pretty glacial on the road until you adjust to its power delivery style. But then you start to love how it just surges forward without a gear change, or pops off the …

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2016 Honda HR-V Looks Damn Good in 88 New Photos

  Updated 5.26.15 With 88 New Photos We struggled for a minute on this headline — but there is no mistaking the meaning: the 2016 HR-V’s design looks sublime in this new photo set. Even in its dark Steel Grey, the swoopy lines and stance of the HR-V are clear winners. We see LED lighting out back, but none up front. Even so, the nose of the HR-V is one of its coolest angles. The deep grille with its dark crossbar up top is very convincing. A sport grille is available, as are some cool multi-spoke alloys – as shown …

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Fantasy ChopTop Renders – 2015 Cadillac Escalade Feeling Lowww!

Big drama in development work on the site today. The only respite for this author – to stay busy and resist panicking as all images went down? Making more custom images, oddly enough. A chop-top conversion is one of the hardest to handle with OEM quality. A widebody is almost exclusively an exterior upgrade, but a chopped roofline requires some serious changes. Roll cages, electronics, cabin trims, doors, doorframes and glass all need to be redone. Not exactly something you can eyeball along the way, or carbon-fiber your way out of CAD-CAM studies in advance. But for visual impact, a …

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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 …

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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 …

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

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

 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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Update1 – 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 First Drive + Colors Guide

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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Best Base SUV Trim? 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo from $29,000

We all know the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best truck ever to don the seven-slat grille. Watching the SRT GC’s launch control starts are intoxicating, and the latest LED style of a pinched horseshoe in the headlight graphic is very appealing. The top-spec Summit trim even brings some heavenly new open-pore woods and fine leathers to the cabin – but at a price. The top Grand Cherokee’s become quite expensive in the higher trim levels – even kissing $50,000 for the diesel engine in some trims. What about a GC for the rest of us? The 2014 Laredo …

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Update1 – 2015 GLA45 AMG Bases At $49,000 in USA + Giant Spoiler Available!

Updated 11.8.14 There are a few varieties of really cool styling upgrades for the new GLA45 AMG — from the Midnight pack with dark sills and a dark lower splitter in front, to the Carbon sports package or the stand-alone rear spoiler from $850. All pair well with the $850 dark wheel styles! Check out our builder options below, and cruise over to the configurator to explore your ideal setup. The new GLA45 stickers from $48,300 in the USA before delivery charges, and is available now.       2015 GLA45 Build Summary MSRP $48,300*   Exterior color: South Seas …

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2016 Honda HR-V Is Official! Will Debut in LA Next Month With On-Sale Dates In Early 2015

Believe it or not, this below Honda Vezel article is the most popular piece on Car-Revs-Daily.com over the past 12 months. By a huge margin. People are excited about this vehicle. It is great to see the predictions come true in a USA model of this cool and stylish small crossover – even if the name and the headlights are toned down versus some of the European and Concept models a bit. We also lose a bit of body-color trim on the outside in favor of grey plastic, but such is life. The USA-spec HR-V still looks fresh and really …

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2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Quick Drive Shows Lively and Very Handsome Mid-Size Truck

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 each – so base models will not …

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Updated With Real-Life Photos! 140MPH+ 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV With Optional 4×4 and Track-Ready Suspension

UPDATED 10.3.14 Got to meet the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV this week – and its presence is undeniable! In fact, when this thing pulled up behind a few cars in the parking lot – we were sure that the real PoPo was investigating something. Only after seeing Chevy PR guys hop out did we realize that this is the demo model. Changes versus the current civilian Tahoe versus the LEO models are pretty significant. For spotters, the front bumper with its taller profile and tow hooks is a give-away, with less aero cladding down below so that the Tahoe can …

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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 …

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2015 TRD Pro Series TOYOTA TUNDRA Priced from $41k with Black Pack, +2″ Lift and Dual Exhaust for 5.7L V8

Pricing is out for the 2015 TRD Pro Series Tundra — and it is awesome from the word Go! $41,280 is the base for the Double Cab, with the Crew Max coming in just below $44,000. While official performance from the 381-horsepower, 401-pound-feet-packing V8 is unchanged, the new dual pipes out back are sure to liberate lots of deep rumble and a few extra midrange ponies. Updated 7.30.14 with 40 Photos and Official Pricing for the bad-ass TRD Pro Tacoma and 4Runner     Including the TRD Pro Tundra in here because it looks fantastic. Pricing for the biggest TRD …

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2015 INFINITI QX80 Pebble Beach Photos + Specs, Options, Pricing, Colors

UPDATED 9.1.14 with 2015 QX80 Photos from Pebble Beach   When planning this article, I cannot help but think of the QX80 is a ‘reliable Range Rover,’ a smoother and better-handling Land Cruiser, or an Escalade with actual class. But throwing sand never wins any points in life. So let’s stick to the high road with this newly-renamed QX56 model for 2014. A few extra packages enter the fray for 2014, including a huge number of laser/radar and sonar-based active safety elements as standard — and even more with the optional Tech Package. 400-horsepower through a seven-speed automatic continues with …

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USA Debut in 80 New Photos – 2014 Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupé SUV

Updated 8.31.14 The Concept COupe SUV earned a huge share of foot traffic at the Mercedes-Benz Pebble Beach house. One of perhaps twenty vehicles on display, this concept is clearly going to be a huge sales hit. Despite being an advanced vision and not a production model whatsoever, almost everyone who approached the truck wanted to get inside. Many tries at those flush door-handles, to no avail. These awesome nose and tail designs are reafy for primetime! The next-gen ML-Class is rumored to be name-changed to GLE-Class, This name change would bring along a new-segment GLC-Class in a racy, X6-form, …

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Updated With Pricing and Colors – 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Brings Cool Style + Big Power

Updated With Pricing and Colors 8.7.14     The 2015 Colorado looks amazing! These all-new midsize Chevrolet trucks stand tall with their big Silverado brothers. Z71 off-road packages raised the ride height, while the extra-short overhangs will surely be an asset off-road. Capabilities will vary across the Colorado line, with engines topping out with a five-cylinder…. Just kidding!  The top engine is the excellent 3.6-liter V-6 best known from the Cadillac portfolio, but this time delivering great torque and even 302 horsepower through a standard six-speed automatic. Even the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder has ‘bulked up’ – producing 193 horsepower and …

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2015 Audi Q3 Is Arriving Now From $33k-$42k Packing Standard 200HP Turbo for U.S.

The Audi Q3 looks so much better in the flesh than it did in Audi’s teaser sketches from last month – what a relief! While the car does show a bit less aggression in its proportions versus the long-hood Q7, there is enough family similarity for the Q3 to rub shoulders with BMW and Mercedes-Benz SUVs costing much, much more. The Q3 is part of a broad new 2015 Audi A3 family of models coming to the U.S. in the next six to eight months: — A3 four-door sedan — S3 four-door sedan — A3 Cabriolet — 2015 A3 e-tron …

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Updated with Pricing + Equipment Specs – 2015 Toyota TRD PRO Tundra and TRD PRO Tacoma

Updated 7.30.14 with 40 Photos and Official Pricing for the bad-ass TRD Pro Tacoma and 4Runner Including the TRD Pro Tundra in here because it looks fantastic. Pricing for the biggest TRD Pro truck is not yet available, however. Coolest part of the Tacoma TRD Pro is the price from $36,000 with a six-speed manual. The auto and both cab lengths are offered with the very cool TRD Pro pack. Original article: Chicago is feeling some big Toyota love with the all-new TRD Pro Series, a special option pack for 4×4 Tacomas, Tundras and 4Runners that will be available to …

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Update2 Debut Photos – 2015 BMW X4 Arriving Now to USA BMW Dealers – Pricing From $46,000

Updated 7.28.14 with 74 real-life dynamic photos of the 2015 BMW X4 M Sport.     The production BMW X4 was a nice surprise when touring the BMW Spartanburg factory in late March. The car is very attractive in real life – especially in this M Sport trim level!           Much better than expected and a solid proposition for all AWD performance sedan shoppers. More thorough articles coming soon, plus all the full details from BMW below. The New BMW X4 Sports Activity Coupe A new dimension for the mid-sized premium Sports Activity Vehicle Woodcliff Lake, …

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2015 BMW X3 xLine vs M Sport, Pricing + Specs with 100 New Real-Life Photos

Updated 7.28.14 with Pricing, Specs and 100 New Photos Hooray! The 2015 BMW X3 debuted last night in a sneak peak at the Chicago auto show – and all seems well for this glamorous new five-seat crossover. Why the elation? I hated was not a fan of the previous X3. Sometimes my own critiques are so scathing that the words echo and reverberate in my head after I type and publish them. What do I mean? Well, I called the previous X3’s LED and nose look a “zombie-like stare.” Accurate? Maybe, maybe not. Memorable? Perhaps too much so. The X3 …

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2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo is Track Star With A Trailer Tow Bar!

SuperTruck? Muscle Truck? SuperSUV? What is the best descriptor for ultra-high-performance crossovers? Still being determined, it seems. But when you see this Cayenne Turbo parked outside the Atlanta Motorsports Park private garages, next to a GT-R and while the guys inside work on their Radical SR3 SL and a few formula racers… you get it. Best of the best only. Porsche GT3 office chairs….!? Yes.   The Cayenne Turbo is unlike 99-percent of other SUVs. It will keep up with a GT-R on the track, and make the driver of a base Carrera 911 very nervous about his times. It …

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2015 Range Rover Evoque Gains 9-Speed Auto, Refreshed Info Tech and Boosted Engine HP

The 2015 Range Rover Evoque’s updates are a bit deeper than first reported at Geneva with the loaded Autobiography trim level. It now appears that the full US range of Evoques will benefit from an exterior refresh as well as a tech suite update inside. The exterior changes are extremely subtle, and include new Range Rover Sport-style wheels and grille detailing. The Autobiography model shown here will offer gloss black for all these brightwork accents (orange car) or the normal satin silver shown on the grey model. The other changes include a new accent element for the foglamp surround up …

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Update1 – Land Rover Discovery Concept Previews 2016 LR4 Discovery and 2015 LR2 Disco Sport

Update1 – Land Rover Discovery Concept Previews 2016 LR4 Discovery and 2015 LR2 Disco Sport The sternness of the original article here (below) seems like overkill in the face of perhaps the best-ever set of new Range Rovers from JLR in the past year. The firm is moving quickly and has eager buyers lining up for every new model it releases. This strategy is set to continue for at least the next three years, during which time we will see the replacement for the LR2 Freelander first. Renamed the Discovery Sport, the LR2 badge will go away and it will …

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New-for-2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S – Tops 8-Strong Cayenne Lineup in U.S. – Pricing and Style Comparisons by Trim

The current Cayenne series has been on U.S. streets since 2011, but it sure does not feel like it. These trucks all still really deliver a massive visual punch versus standard cars or SUVs. A second magic thing for the Cayenne gen2? There really is not a bad-looking one in the bunch. Some may recall the first cars looking amazing in full Turbo kit, and slowly becoming less and less macho with every tiny new engine introduced. That is really no longer the case. The below cars are the Turbo, the GTS and the Cayenne S in descending order. All …

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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 …

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Road Test Review – 2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited 2WD Is Low and Sexy

A two-wheel-drive 4Runner? Why? I might have asked myself the same thing if it weren’t 95-degrees of scorching sun in South Carolina today. In places like this, the usefulness of four-wheel-drive is extremely limited. 2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited 2WD … Is Sexy?   Yes, it is. Especially in this white with dark windows – the new 4Runner Limited is quite a looker. The benefits of rear-drive for the 4Runner make it a real stand-out in the seven-seat segment — the vast majority of other crossovers are front-drive machines that can be AWD when equipped. Standard rear-drive is a blessing for …

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2014 Jeep Wrangler Visual Buyers Guide to Trims, Tops, Colors and Options

The Jeep Wrangler lineup is larger and more inviting than ever for 2014. 2014 Jeep Wrangler Standard V6 power and a new six-speed manual start things off in the two-door trucks from about $23,000 — which is an excellent driver’s package versus previous entry-level Wranglers. The Wrangler with the four-cylinder and automatic in the 1990s (of my high school days) was a very fun truck to ride around town in. Truly one for those who want to see and be seen doing the coolest things with the coolest people.   But at anything over 50mph, the soft-top Wranglers of the …

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Update1 – KAMAZ 4911 Dominates 2014 DAKAR Rally For 12th Truck Class Win

Update 1 June 17, 2014 Okay, so this race was in January 2014. Which makes this is bit of a late update… So you like the Ford Raptor and that feeling of being unstoppable on any terrain? Try the Kamaz-4911 on for size: – 17.2-liter, mid-mounted TD V8 engine – 730 horsepower @ 2500 rpm – 1991 pound-feet of torque @ 1300 rpm – Maximum Speed – 102.5 MPH Trust me, I had to check those numbers thrice myself. A 17-liter V8 is cool, but only the start of the fun for this multi-purpose truck platform. Initially designed with six …

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2014 Dodge Durango Has Coolest SUV Stance, LED Lights and Even A 7-Seat Interior

The new Durango is a completely different machine from the first two generations of large SUVs from Dodge. Where those rigs really drove like trucks, with graunchy diffs and a stiff ride, the new Durango feels just as butch – but now far more nimble and polite in town. There is no harshness whatsoever from the RWD or optional AWD setups, and this is still one of the only rear-drive-based, seven seat crossovers on the market. Yes, there is the Tahoe, but that really moves the trucks up a size (and garage) class too far, for some. Tow ratings and …

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Track Test Review Video – 2013 BMW X1 sDrive28i M Sport + 77 Action Photos

While I am on the naughty list in general – I cannot help but share this amazing video. Previously unpublished due to stern language – read too late – on the press car loan. As many readers will know, the videos of me so far are only “okay.”  They desperately need editing and better production values — but I am only one man. My best video so far was from the 2013 BMW X1 sDrive28i M Sport loaner from July 2013. I was in such a panic after spending perhaps 100 hours editing this video. Videos are hard to shoot, …

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Update1 Debut Event – 2015 BMW X4 is Here and Stunning! Pricing from $46,000 — SPRING 2014 Arrival Confirmed

The production BMW X4 was a nice surprise when touring the BMW Spartanburg factory in late March. The car is very attractive in real life – especially in this M Sport trim level!   Please forgive the lack of analysis, we are swamped at the moment! Short assessment: Outstanding. Much better than expected and a solid proposition for all AWD performance sedan shoppers. More thorough articles coming soon, plus all the full details from BMW below. The New BMW X4 Sports Activity Coupe A new dimension for the mid-sized premium Sports Activity Vehicle Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 5, 2014 …

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Road Test Review – 2014 Ford Escape SE 1.6 EcoBoost – Scores a C+ Overall – Slow, Pricey and Uncomfortable

The Ford Escape is still an excellent crossover and a solid choice for a huge group of buyers – from the base $23,000 Escape S to the loaded Titanium AWD 2.0-liter EcoBoost, there is really something for everyone. But has time been kind to the Escape — in a segment filled with new entries like the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue? Let’s dive in with a structure of Exterior, Interior, Powertrain and Summary. EXTERIOR The style of the Escape still looks great even three years since the car’s first appearance on the market. It is a …

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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 …

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Bowler Defender 90 Packs Challenge Rally Kit and Extra Power into Streetable Trucks Too!

How hardcore is Bowler Motorsport? The firm is just entering the booming off-road parts and accessories business after more than two decades of a laser focus on endurance rally racing across the globe. The upgrades to the Bowler Defender Challenge entries are also offered in a road truck version that is complete and ready-to-roll based on a new Defender 90. There are a handful of individual parts available as well — with more coming soon. This is handy to for guys who already have a Defender and are looking for a little customization and Bowler rally magic… Pricing for the …

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Defender Challenge Racing Series by Bowler Motorsport Makes YOU the Off-Road Rally Hero

Enticing, is it not? The idea of living the racing driver dream is quite vivid for many of us, but the options to do so bring huge costs of their own. For 2014, Bowler Motorsport is bringing its legendary Dakar rally know-how home to some of the UK’s most entertaining off-road regions – where professionals and beginners alike can feel the muddy rush of speed that can only originate in a professional rally car. Uprated Land Rover Defender 90’s are specially prepared by Bowler Motorsport for the series, with all the support that a professional team would bring as well. …

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MEGA Road Test Review – 2014 Lexus GX460 Driven Back-to-Back with 2015 Tahoe LTZ

INTRO For road testers as well as shoppers, there is a huge benefit in driving two considered vehicles back-to-back, with insights and detail differences coming to the surface that might not have been noticeable before. The closer the competition in terms of quality and specifications — the more critical it is to get a sense of each machine from the driver’s seat. Probably common sense, but a good reminder to myself nonetheless on my favorite aspect of any car magazine. So what did I notice coming right from the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe into the Lexus GX460? Find out in the …

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2014 Nissan JUKE is Still Best New Car from $20k

Nissan JUKE is Cool New Car from $20k As a car writer, one of the most popular questions I get asked is: what car should I buy? I have a few default answers based on the price range and buyer needs discussed with that person, but is there one fall-back for people who might want an SUV, AWD, and a great value-for-money? Yes, yes there is. The Nissan Juke. From about $20,000 even for the front-drive models with a CVT, up to a max of about $28,000 as the Juke NISMO RS — the Juke really does have something for …

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MINI Paceman Adventure Concept Leverages DAKAR Winning Streak – Previews Next MINI Paceman Cabrio?

Sometimes reverse psychology is the best way to read quotes written by hardcore commincations professionals – folks like PR teams and diplomats, for example. So when MINI says… “The MINI Paceman Adventure is a true one-off and there are no plans for series production.” The jaded auto journo like me reads this as true, with a big “But…” While the off-road kit outfitted to this Paceman Adventure is surely a fantasy-level that is best fit for a concept, the basic drop-top premise seems much more plausible. This cabrio soft-roader is totally do-able once the concept embellishments like the steel pickup …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 4WD – 150 Photos and Four 1080P GoPro Videos

“…Come Mister Tallyman, TALLY ME BANANA… Daylight come and me wanna Tahoe…” INTRO: Is this bizarro-world where all is backwards? The 2015 Tahoe is vastly improved over the outgoing trucks in every single meaningful way. These four videos shot near Lake Lanier, Georgia last week are a testament to how smitten I was with the new Tahoe’s handling, chassis rigidity and quietness, interior overhaul and even the exterior style upgrade. But as we will outline below, there is some curious switching in the big SUV game. The Chevy’s interior is vastly superior to the Lexus GX460, but the Lexus costs …

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2015 INFINITI QX60 Buyers Guide – Pricing, Specs and Features – AWD Hybrid Highly Recommended

There was a time when the Hybrid models in many car ranges were much more of a style and eco-conscience type of choice. The biggest example of this paradox of the Hybrid actually being a far worse machine, but much more successful with consumers, is the Lexus RX350 versus the RX450h. The RX Hybrid is so ubiquitous that it is easy to forget the standard model still exists! But is it a better car? That is very open to debate – as the Lexus system of AWD with electric power to the back axle is less-than-helpful in many slick road …

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5.2s to 60mph, 148MPG Plug-in Hybrid AWD! Audi TT Offroad Concept – A Sure Thing As Future Q2 (or Q4?)

The big three German luxury brands are infamous in charting each-others new models rigorously. When the Mercedes-Benz R-Class emerged to shocked faces across the globe, BMW was not far behind with the 5 series GT in a slight tweak on the theme. Once one of the big players has established a market, it is widely seen as almost a sure-fire new segment that all must either join or be left out of completely. The rationale is often more than a little flawed – as the R-Class seven-seater and five-seater minivan/wagon trend failed to spark much interest. But one clear segment …

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Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV – Beijing 2014 – Sets New Design Direction for ~2016 MLC550

The MLC is a truck that would greatly assist Mercedes-Benz in fending off the latest Range Rover Sport, as well as even sleeker machines like the Infiniti QX70 and BMW X6. Its formula is pretty standard for the brand: avant-garde future style that previews both this expected MLC production model’s silhouette, as well as the nose and tail graphic of the next ML-Class and perhaps even the next GL-Class. While the current ML and GL are still relatively fresh, they are highly likely to adopt this next-gen style when up for revision in calendar 2016 as 2017 models. Overall style …

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To Denali or not to Denali? 2014 GMC Sierra Style and Equipment Comparison

  Q:)    Why go for the top-of-the-line Sierra Denali ? A:)    Allows optional 6.2-liter engine, style and cabin materials. The Denali is the only Sierra 1500 that is offered with the 6.2-liter V8 versus the top 5.3-liter engine in the standard trims. It is also equipped with perhaps 50 pieces of desirable equipment, including mechanical pieces like the external diff and transmission coolers, tougher undertrays, and a huge overhaul inside to bring this truck near-Escalade refinement levels. The road noise reduction and standard equipment inclusion is likely to biggest reason to go Denali over the $2,000-less SLE trim at the …

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Land Rover LR4 Discovery Concept Inks Deal as Ground-Based Virgin Galactic Shuttle Service

Foolish follies with the Discovery Vision Concept? Never! This truck appears to be the real deal, arriving first as the Discovery Sport with a presumed five seats and off-road ability akin to the legendary Defender. It will then arrive as the presumed seven-seat LR4. The first of this new-gen model set (or trio!) is promised to be on sale some time in 2015. Virgin Galactic is certainly going places. Far away places! The Discovery marks the announcement of more glad-handed sponsorships — as the ground-based shuttle service of Virgin Galactic’s interstellar flights… some time in the future. But once at …

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Volkswagen Debuts Striking Jetta CC Concept in Beijing – Dubbed New Midsize Coupe + Golf 400R and New Touareg

Signs of life from Volkswagen? Glad to see someone in the Wolfsburg Emergency Room is yelling “Clear!” before brandishing the defibrillator paddles. Just in time too: Volkswagen of America’s sales hit a brick wall last summer and have been in double-digit free-fall ever since. The range is a mess of unwanted and ancient models. Great stuff from Volkswagen in Beijing today – including a Golf 400R and the latest Touareg refresh. But the really striking news? A Jetta-sized CC model that is a low-roof four-door sedan they are calling the New Midsize Coupe. But we will likely pronounce it “2016 …

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2015 Expedition COLORS and Animated Turntables

2015 Expedition COLORS and Animated Turntables Updated with real-life photography as well as the latest colorizer and a few animated spinners of Green Gem and Ruby Red via Ford.com’s visualizer tool. In truth, the latest Expedition fails to excite me very much. But the upgraded cabin and suspension tech are very welcome for this big truck, especially when paired with the latest EcoBoost V6 — which will be a welcome addition versus the old 4.6 and 5.4-liter V8s that were previously still the Expedition’s only offering. Overall, however, it is brand loyalty that will sway most shoppers toward the Expedition …

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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 …

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2015 Ford F-150 Platinum Is Disruptively Attractive in Real Life at Mustang 50th Event

The 2015 F-150 looks as incredibly new, high-tech and desirable in the flesh as it did on the auto show stands! It is set up to be a major sales disruption in a market segment it already owns with a 2:1 sales advantage over any other brand. The new F-150 is not a sure thing, but it appears to have it all via such a perfect storm of new equipment, new efficiency, new comfort and new style. Why upset a market that already earns, we reported in January, a cool $14-billion in revenue every single year based on slice/dicing of …

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Update1 Meet the Nissan Frontier Baja 1000 Upgrade from Fiberwerx – Best $1400 Nose and Fender Mods Ever?

Update from Josh Campbell, owner of this beast! Shipping and painting were both about $500 each, and the install was done by him in about one day. This requires some heavy/huge wrenches, as well as knowledge about bodywork repair — but can theoretically be done on a DIY basis for most guys. He said the most time was spent fabricating mounts for the new Titan headlamps as well as the hood mounting pins. Great results overall! A new high in lifted trucks? A new low in my automotive writing career? We saw this amazing Nissan Frontier on the way home …

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Land Rover Discovery Concept – Design is Boldy Futuristic – But 5 Years Late and Still 2 Years Away

The Discovery LR4 replacement is five years late, and still (at least) two years from even hitting the US market as a likely 2016 model. It is hard to be bullish on such a foolish folly.   Jaguar Land Rover gets so excited about every new design… that it becomes hard to keep a lid on all the news. It boiled over on this Discovery Concept in a similar way as the Jaguar CX-17 (SUV) from Frankfurt, but this time: at least Land Rover followed up with a full release. The trouble-some scenario for the Jaguar leak actually being credible …

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Rendered Speculation — 2015 INFINITI Q70L Coming to New York Show with Revised Q70 and QX80

Update: My own errors never cease to amaze me. The Q70 Sedan will debut tomorrow with a Q70L version. Big news this week from Infiniti, which will debut revised versions of the QX70 Q70 and QX80 SUVs, formerly known as the FX M and QX. The look is highly likely to reflect the latest QX60 and Q50 styles — but there is a nugget of interesting info here as well. The new QX70 Q70 will debut a LWB version promising five extra inches of legroom in back!  This will make it very commodious versus the pinched-glass version today. So, in …

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2015 Nissan Murano Brings a Hypercar-inspired Restyle! Flowing Surfaces Accented With Macho Wheel Flares and Low Roof

The new 2015 Murano is here and looking very stylish! It wears a very similar style to that previewed by the Detroit 2014 Sport Sedan Concept — but where the car-like forms of the Maxima are soft, the Murano’s are much crisper and more masculine. Another distinction? This is the real deal. Not a concept. The Murano will make its public debut on Wednesday in New York before hitting showrooms in November of 2014. Favorite angles abound on this five-seat crossover — from the “outta my way” nose aggressiveness, to the blacked-out pillar treatment for the floating roof, to my …

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Jeep Wrangler MOAB Concepts Are All Do-Able Via Latest MOPAR Upgrades + Cool Option Animations

Part two of the Jeep Moab 2014 Concept series! These trucks can all be built with the help of MOPAR Jeep Performance Parts — via my heavy-handed hyperlinking far below… If you are shopping for a new Wrangler, definitely worth checking out the Car-Revs-Daily.com animated buyers guide and full article as well. http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/02/22/buyers-guide-2014-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-trims-tops-options-colors-visualized/ Jeep Wrangler Level Red is a nod to the most challenging off-road trails Jeep Wrangler MOJO gets Wrangler Level Red off-road gear, with 37-inch tires, shortened bumpers, winch and higher-clearance fenders Jeep Wrangler Maximum Performance created for hard-core enthusiasts who seek the ultimate in power and capability …

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Presto, Here-We-Go! Animated Evolution of GMC from 1902 Rapid Truck to 2015 Sierra Denali HD + Brand Origin Explained

GMC really has some deep truck roots! Even while Chevrolet hoovers up most of the sales volume these days — and has for many years — the GMC legacy actually predates Chevrolet. Something that has never changed in the 102 years of this evolution span is the need by Americans for heavy-lifting trucks. The GMC line added two-ton weights, panel cabs and chassis cabs in 1915, and has never looked back. But what did GMC really “stand” for when added to the General Motors portfolio as GMTC, selling Rapid and Reliance trucks from around 1909? Two clues are right there …

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Update1 – 2015 Lexus NX300h and NX200t F Sport Revealed! Expected Fall Arrival To US From $29,900

 The eagerly-awaited Lexus NX compact crossover is here! With the NX300h and a brand-new turbo option called the NX200t F Sport, the NX is shaping up to be a fine addition to the Lexus global model line. Its compact five-seater dimensions will also make room above it for the RX to grow in size, perhaps even adding a third row of seating in some form of a length stretch — a la the BMW X7. Yes, Lexus currently has a broad SUV and crossover lineup with the GX460 and LX470 models at the very top of the ladder. These cars …

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MOPAR Adding Huge JEEP Upgrade Options — Cherokee Adventurer, Cherokee Dakar and Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Trail Warrior

Jeep just debuted a six-pack of new concepts for next week’s Moab off-road rally — which annually gathers thousands of Jeeps and Jeepers together for adventures out on the rocky desert trails. And more than a little fun back at base camp, too! This annual event is a huge part of Jeep culture — and is surely one of the biggest off-road extravaganza’s anywhere in the world. The new Cherokee adds Adventurer and Dakar spec levels via the MOPAR upgrades, while the Grand Cherokee is now upfit as a Trail Warrior in EcoDiesel spec. A diesel is perfect for off-roading …

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2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD Arriving Now To Dealers Nationwide — High Country Edition Tops The Range in Style

The first Silverado HD trucks are rolling into dealers nationwide this month — with the High Country topping things nicely via a monochrome exterior and a Denali-level cabin overhaul. The 2015 Sierra HD will offer a Denali pack — which, if we’re not mistaken, is a new flagship equipment level for GM’s 2500HD and 3500HD rigs.   The Silverado HD’s updates are actually much deeper than a facelift, with the largest changes coming from the way the truck body is mounted to the chassis. Chevrolet is using a new type of welding process that is claimed to bring large increases …

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DRIVEN REVIEW: 2014 Kia Sorento SX-L Feels Lux Inside, But Steering Is Very Unusual

Orig Published on: Dec 4, 2013 @ 10:18 My Snow White Kia Sorento SX-L loaner from the other week has been very perplexing. On the one hand, I was downright smitten with the interior quality and materials. As my first press loan from Kia, I started the week very eager to impress the company’s California-based team as well as the executive bosses at HQ in Korea.   But my time with the Sorento was not a love-fest. With recent driving impressions of the very impressive Ford Explorer Sport and Nissan Pathfinder 4×4 Platinum, the Sorento had competition in the seven-seat …

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Build Your Own 500HP Chevy Truck with Valvoline! 5 Body Styles, 5 Engines, 10 Colors, Wheels, Graphics!

Valvoline and Hendrick Motorsports have nabbed two of the biggest names in US auto racing for the entertaining and fun ‘Reinvention Project.’ It pits Dale Jr. versus Jimmie Johnson in a battle of resto-modding wits — five vintage Chevy truck bodies to choose among, and engines up pushing nearly 600 horsepower! It is both an on-track grudge match with drag racing and burnout contests for the resulting real-life pickup trucks each racer designed himself — a riot of power and semi-politeness among the guys. Cruise over to Facebook.com/valvoline to give them a thumbs up, and vote on your favorite. The …

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Audi SUV and Crossover Showcase — 600-Photo Galleries of Q3, Q5 hybrid, SQ5, and Q7 TDI S-Line Plus

Between 1994 and 2004, Audi’s biggest barrier to more US sales was a pretty limited number of model choices. In 2014, that is definitely no longer an issue: Audi’s American model range is huge. Disregarding the many, many engines available in each model, as well as S and RS cars — Audi is now packing at least 30 body styles. Add five more with the A3 and Q3 family for 2015, and keep adding five extra mystery machines for at least the next four years. Overall, plenty to choose from — with pricing that starts at $30,000 for the crossovers …

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2015 Ford Transit Is Nearly Here! Summer 2014 Arrival — Work Van Revolution Via RWD Diesel and EcoBoost V6 Plus Decent Cabin

Cargo van, passenger van, cut-away or chassis cab: Three wheelbases. Three roof heights. Three engines: 2.5-liter turbodiesel, 3.7-liter V6, 3.5-liter EcoBoost. Rear drive. Six-speed automatic. The 2015 Ford Transit is nothing short of a revolution. This is perhaps my fifth time through the configurations and specs since the first teasers emerged about this time last year — and certainly my third or fourth total article on how important this new truck is. Building it in Kansas City is not small achievement for this once-European model, now honed and up-fit for American truck buyer needs. The second challenge? Ford has been …

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2015 Escalade ESV Standard, Premium and Luxury – Buyers Guide and Pricing from $72k

The 2015 Escalade is easily the hottest full-size truck of the year. Its arrival is still forthcoming, but the first Tahoe’s and Yukon’s are already starting to trickle onto dealer lots. Extra attention to the Escalade’s cabin and driving experience explain why the Cadillac is not shipping first. But better late and perfect than early and unfinished. For most buyers in the market for an Escalade-sized truck, there would be a few solid preference to keep in mind: — ESV length versus the shortie would be a no-brainer for me — the price increase is only $3,000 but the increased …

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Speculative Renderings – 2016 Cadillac Escalade V – How Does 650HP ZR1 Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 Sound?

Guess who does not like renderings one bit? Manufacturers….!  A great Escalade buyers guide article is in final draft form, and coming soon to actually drive sales versus just unique visitors to this news website. But as long as I’m burning bridges shore to shore… A Cadillac Escalade V-Series? The idea is a bit tough to fathom or accept at first, but is a firm fit with buyer wants in this segment. One look at the aftermarket or even the GL63 AMG shows that once cost is no object, buyers often simply want it all. Light off-road ability plus a …

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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 …

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Lexus NX to Debut in Beijing This Month — 2015 NX250? NX200 Turbo? Based on Fascinating LF-NX Turbo Concept

Lexus just revealed the production face of the Lexus NX crossover, which is widely expected as a 2015 model to slot under the RX in the brand’s lineup. The NX willl debut in Beijing on April 20th, with styling that is quite fresh and unique — if not as sharp-sided as the LF-NX Concept car. Either way, it is a very promising step into the future of Lexus design. Teaser of production car is just these top four images. Orig Published on: Dec 1, 2013 @ 10:53 The Lexus LF-NX Turbo is the second iteration of the concept shown in …

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Op-Ed — Is Motors Liquidation Corp (Old GM)’s Rotten Culture Actually Gone? Refusal To Provide Safe Loaner Cars Is Shameful

I hate politics. Rarely will you catch an article on here about NHTSA’s ridiculous, farcical witch-hunts around recalls. If you think this stuff is not political, think again. Do not get me started on the useless, fleabag vote-mongers in both houses of congress, from both sides of the aisle. Counterpoint: Or the NHTSA’s actual customer assistance in ensuring recall work is fulfilled by manufacturers? “Send them a letter” is not sufficient, @NHTSA — when you are steamrolling billions of company value from the books with these opportunistic investigations. A disgusting disgrace for the agency, and one that will not go …

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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 …

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2015 Cadillac Escalade Colors, Leathers and Specs Preview

2015 Cadillac Escalade Colors, Leathers and Specs Preview Introducing the 2015 Escalade. The 2015 Escalade is looking pretty desirable as the winds change and snow starts falling in Chicagoland. The full line of codename “K2XX” SUV’s are all vastly improved for 2015, with Tahoe’s starting in the high $30,000’s at the low end. At the high end is the latest Escalade, which repositions itself as the true flagship of Cadillac. And, perhaps, General Motors. Starting with prices about at the same level as previous models, the Escalade is scheduled for an early Spring 2014 roll-out to dealers nationwide.   Exterior …

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BMW X3 and X4 Spartanburg Factory Tour in 111 Photos!

BMW Spartanburg Factory Tour During this factory tour of the X3 and X4 assembly line, I could not help but to keep looking around for the rest of the facility. The loud parts., The hot parts. Places where workers are wearing the typical combo of HazMat + X-Ray lead vests for safety. But in fact, these areas were nowhere to be found. This is partly due to the extremely cutting-edge processes employed in Spartanburg, but also because some key components are handled off-site: including engines from Germany and stampings from Magna Steyr’s facility just down the road. This model factory’s …

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Update2 ~2015 BMW X7 Officially Joins X3, X4, X5 and X6 at Spartanburg

UPDATE2: 5.28.14 with Digital Rendering Spartanburg is a crowning achievement of the BMW Group today, 20 years since the first US-built BMW rolled from this once-small South Carolina factory in 1994. Today: the Ultimate Driving Machine is far more than a just a machine. BMW has become a sentient being, born and raised on trustworthy US soil.   BMW today is a compelling human endeavor as well as one whose faith in the United States makes it the ‘Ultimate Driving’ employer, taxpayer and corporate citizen. But to most SC residents? A global titan of a company we are giddy with …

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2015 INFINITI QX80 Eau Rouge – Digital Rendering – 700HP Turbo V8 To Stomp GL63 AMG?

Okay, this is admittedly very silly on many levels. But here you go! It started out as a Photoshop experiment to de-chrome the QX80, but then, it got really out of control. The roof chop is particularly delightful to these eyes, but not necessary for the below performance upgrades of a possible IPL or Eau Rouge edition. Next thing I knew, I was adding Q50 Eau Rouge details left and right!  Ahhh! But one thing is certain: the 5.6-liter V8 in the QX80 could, in theory, make 700 horsepower with some of the GT-R’s turbo technology. Heck, with a K&N …

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2014 INFINITI QX80 Review – Specs, Options, Pricing, Colors + 30 Real-Life Photos

When planning this article, I cannot help but think of the QX80 is a ‘reliable Range Rover,’ a smoother and better-handling Land Cruiser, or an Escalade with actual class. But throwing sand never wins any points in life. So let’s stick to the high road with this newly-renamed QX56 model for 2014. A few extra packages enter the fray for 2014, including a huge number of laser/radar and sonar-based active safety elements as standard — and even more with the optional Tech Package. 400-horsepower through a seven-speed automatic continues with this chain-driven marvel of a V8 — and the big …

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INTRADO Concept SUV — Hyundai Showing Interesting, Fresh and Tech-Infused Style in Geneva

      The Intrado is a welcome step from Hyundai, which seems to have lost almost all of its style and design momentum recently. The new Genesis is quite difficult to love (or even like, frankly), but this Intrado is the opposite. The carved lower panels are a particular favorite, as is the overall cleanliness of the surfacing. Hopefully it does not lose this crisp aesthetic on the way to production, or it might simply recall the blob-like Daewoo reincarnate that is the Kia K900.   Hyundai unveils new concept car – Intrado – at 2014 Geneva Motor Show …

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2015 GMC Yukon Denali COLORS – Every Shade in Animated Fly-Around Graphics

 2015 GMC Yukon Denali COLORS   This article will load slowly due to the sheer volume of artwork,  but included below are nine full spin-tables in all nine colors available. Each color spinner is labelled with the paint color as its file name. Enjoy! This one is Summit White, for example.   COLOR CHOICE ANIMATIONS   Animated History of the Chevrolet Suburban – right-click to download

Three-Part HD Road Test Review + 60 Photos — 2014 Chevrolet Captiva Sport LT — Euro-Capable, High-Speed EconoCross!

These videos are pretty good!  I have worked hard to ‘up my game’ in terms of video production quality. Is this just a fancy way of saying: numerous camera mounts and a fresh GoPro Hero3+. But also a renewed focus on delivering high-quality, often humorous, and insightful expert automotive road tests. The results are now imminently high-quality, meaning a shower and perhaps a shave are definitely mandatory items before going in front of the 1080P lens. But while I highly recommend the GoPro Hero3+, what do I think of the 2014 Captiva Sport LT, which brings new-for-2014 touchscreen MyLink controls …

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2015 Porsche Macan Turbo Is Fast, Athletic and Nimble in 50+ Real-Life Photos

  I’ve been a huge fan of the Macan since first seeing the finished show cars last Fall. With Macan S and Macan Turbo variants in the USA launch line-up — it seems like it is hard to go wrong with this latest — and sportiest-so-far — Porsche crossover. But how does its $49,900 base price feel in real life? Is that a bit steep considering the Cayenne also carries that same base price for 2014? The base pricing, as many Porsche owners know, is really just a starting point. Finding a car without a single option would be like …

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1932 Cadillac V-16 452B Madame X Imperial Sedan — Gooding & Co. Amelia Island 2014 — Sold for $264,000

One of four built. Madame X indicates the owner was so wealthy — and likely so famous / infamous — that even initials on the build sheet were stripped. The $264,000 earned by this stunning V16 limousine at Gooding’s Amelia Island 2014 event was very impressive, but certainly not in the Rolls-Royce price or prestige echelon just yet. Even so, the twin sets of suicide doors are lovely. The back seat is enormous and cushioned in crushed velvet. A repeated speedometer in back lets back-seat drivers really know their stuff. Green paint in this era was extremely rare and extremely …

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2014 Volkswagen T-ROC Concept – A Baja Coupe for Silver Lake Dunes!

2014 Volkswagen T-ROC Concept I like the T-ROC even more in the official images versus the sketches from last week’s preview article here. The T-ROC is still firmly a concept — but here is what we predict: this exact car, with streetable tires, coming soon to VW dealers nationwide. Based on the MQB architecture, the T-ROC will hopefully be more affordable than the Tiguan, but more feature-rich than the Taigun. The night-vision, terrain cameras and blackout functions of a military vehicle headlight are present on the T-ROC’s foglight (above). Examples of this tech shown here: Very cool. Keeping the two-door …

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2015 Renegade is Laughable, Euro-Trash Caricature of a “JEEP” — Arriving From Italy in Feb 2015 from About $16,500

The one thing thing American buyers have liked least about the Fiat 500? Its size. Buyers also dislike its performance and pricing that easily crests $22,000 — yet lacks comfort, economy, tech and usability features that are standard equipment on the $12,000 Nissan Versa Note SR. But surely — it will be far more competent than the 1998 Dodge-Neon-based Compass and Patriot? No? Larger? No. Cooler? Please? That is a biggg negatory, ghostrider. With products like this, one wonders the prescription glasses spec of the man in charge. Who would approve these monstrosities? So how to make the 500X into …

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2015 Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Adds New Trims and 40HP, But US Arrival Unknown

The Geneva press days are about to be in full swing, so please accept less-thorough articles while all this hot new metal breaks cover. The 2015 Evoque Autobiography Dynamic trim is a welcome addition to the remarkably-stale Evoque in U.S. showrooms. Is it just me? This car was endlessly lauded in the UK as the ‘second coming’ — but as a result the company did not manage to get it on American roads until nearly two years later. (By which time it had lost most of its impressive launch momentum, and only faced hard critiques here of its $50,000 pricing …

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2014 Toyota Tacoma in 44 High-Res Photos + Colors and Pricing

Exterior gallery Interior gallery Specs highlights Official details from Toyota below. 2014 Tacoma Pricing Model # Grade MSRP 2013 MSRP 2014 MSRP Chg ($) MSRP Chg (%) 7103 TACOMA REGULAR CAB 4X2 $17,625 $17,875 $250 1.4% 7104 TACOMA REGULAR CAB 4X2 $18,525 $18,775 $250 1.3% 7113 TACOMA 4X2 ACCESS CAB $20,415 $20,515 $100 0.5% 7114 TACOMA 4X2 ACCESS CAB $21,315 $21,415 $100 0.5% 7162 TACOMA PRERUNNER ACCESS CAB $22,075 $22,125 $50 0.2% 7164 TACOMA PRERUNNER ACCESS CAB V6 $23,510 $23,560 $50 0.2% 7182 TACOMA DOUBLE CAB 4X2 $22,525 $22,625 $100 0.4% 7186 TACOMA PRERUNNER DOUBLE CAB 4X2 $23,175 $23,225 $50 …

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Concept Estate Confirms It! Volvo’s New Design Lead Th. Ingenlath Should Be Sweden’s Man of the Year!

Go Volvo Go! I love an underdog, and have thrown my continued support behind Volvo since the VCC debuted in Frankfurt in September. Sidebar: Did I love Volvo before? Yes, as a brand. But not the cars. Only one year ago — almost exactly — I wrote an op-ed for a defunct media outlet that debated Acura versus Volvo in the battle for the Worst Luxury Brand In America. Scathing barely does that one justice. Seeing the Concept Estate makes me glad that article is not still online, and that the original Word doc is long gone as well. Such …

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2014 Hyundai Sante Fe Sport vs LWB – Buyers Guide with Specs, Colors, and Pricing

Orig Published on: Dec 24, 2013 @ 11:24 The Hyundai Sante Fe recently made the top ten list of most-researched cars in 2013. This is great news for the re-designed AWD crossover – which is now looking seriously classy across all of its many trim levels. Lots of researching could be not-so-great news as well, by indicating buyers are confused by the new Sport and LWB sizes. Many trim levels? On a Hyundai? Not really – allow me to explain the key differences between the five-seat Sante Fe Sport (seen directly below) and the seven-seat Sante Fe LWB.   BUYER …

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New-for-2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S — Tops 8-Strong Cayenne Lineup in U.S. — Pricing and Style Comparisons by Trim

The current Cayenne series has been on U.S. streets since 2011, but it sure does not feel like it. These trucks all still really deliver a massive visual punch versus standard cars or SUVs. A second magic thing for the Cayenne gen2? There really is not a bad-looking one in the bunch. Some may recall the first cars looking amazing in full Turbo kit, and slowly becoming less and less macho with every tiny new engine introduced. That is really no longer the case. The below cars are the Turbo, the GTS and the Cayenne S in descending order. All …

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Buyers Guide — 2014 Jeep Wrangler — Doors, Trims, Tops and Options + All Colors Visualized

The Jeep Wrangler lineup is larger and more inviting than ever for 2014. Standard V6 power and a new six-speed manual start things off in the two-door trucks from about $23,000 — which is an excellent driver’s package versus previous entry-level Wranglers. The Wrangler with the four-cylinder and automatic in the 1990s (of my high school days) was a very fun truck to ride around town in. Truly one for those who want to see and be seen doing the coolest things with the coolest people.   But at anything over 50mph, the soft-top Wranglers of the 1990s lost me …

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2015 Ford Expedition — New for Dallas Auto Show! 3.5L EcoBoost and Active Suspensions Promise Improvements Across-the-Board

This one slipped by me yesterday! Ford has revealed the 2015 Expedition ahead of its public debut soon at the Dallas-Fort Worth Auto Show. Why Texas? This is a huge market for the largest automobiles on Earth, and a significant earner for Ford Trucks. Dallas and Houston are the first and second top-selling DMA’s for the Expedition since 2011. In addition, the smaller show should ensure a bit more attention on the Expedition versus competing for flashbulbs in LA, Detroit or Chicago. The new Expedition wears a new front end with optional LED lighting down below — but like the …

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PICKUP TRUCK SURVEY: What Are 350 Lb-Ft and 30+ MPG Worth? Nissan Seeks Input on Future Diesel Frontier

Survey Link: www.tinyurl.com/nissanfrontiersurvey The Nissan Frontier Diesel was an exciting surprise for a smash-hit Chicago auto show this year. This is an exciting discovery from the photos below: The Boost Gauge Goes Up To 35 PSI! That is a lot of boost. My Subaru Legacy GT’s OEM turbo maxed out at 12.2 PSI. Okay, but what about the WRX STI? Only 15 PSI. Second exciting photo realization? If a Diesel Frontier is in the pipeline with this Xterra roof rack, could the diesel also fit in Nissan’s next-gen SUVs? Third one? New rear long-tail spoiler tells me this truck has …

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Hottest LA Debuts: Ford Edge Concept Is A Thinly-Disguised Production Model

[Orig Published on: Nov 26, 2013 @ 10:47] Ford cares about your feelings. I recall reading a report a few years ago about Ford’s styling team using a new concept car strategy. The goal of this strategy is to avoid disappointments in the transition from dreamy show car to boring real cars. Limiting this unpleasant feeling is important for car brands, especially if a concept is very well-received. Car mags love to describe in all the gritty details how much the show cars have been watered down in order to make production. It turns out, avoiding this disappointment is really …

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2015 Lincoln MKC ‘Spinning Around’ with Kylie in Nine Sexy Colors

How about this for all-new, extremely fresh car news? The new Lincoln MKC promises huge growth for Lincoln by appealing to far more fashion customers than ever before. ‘Fashion’ is a bit of a code word for TheLaydaies!!! And pretty girls love to spin around to a great Kylie Minogue dance track. So leave this video playing while watching the MKC dance in seven colors. (The base images are huge, multi-angle photo collages available on Lincoln.com as the right-click view background image) Next challenge for me? Somehow syncing the beat of music to the animations. Cue to Tom Burkart scratching …

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2015 Lincoln MKC Crossover – A Cool Mix of Infiniti and Audi from $34,000

[Orig Published Nov 28, 2013 @ 14:37] A big piece of news from Lincoln Motor Company this week. The production-specification MKC crossover debuted with pricing from $34,000, with an arrival in late Spring 2014 to Lincoln showrooms looking just like this.   Included in this article are 138 photos of the 2015 MKC. Those details are interesting, but not quite as much as the advanced styling concepts and a choice of two sizes of EcoBoost engine. The excellent 2.0-liter brings 240-horsepower in the lowest priced models, while the bigger option offers a meaty 270 horsepower. This is the new up-level …

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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 …

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