pack Topic Hub

2018 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 6MT Performance Pack – Road Test Review w/ Video

The new Mustang GT had a high bar to live up to when it spent a week here. Why? We fell absolutely head over heels for the Shelby GT350 last year. The GT350 felt like the 911 GT3 of muscle-cars — totally alive in your hands and violently fast at all times. The GT350 felt like a huge leap into the future of sports-cars. Luckily, when Ford was doing the revamp of the regular Mustang for 2018, their benchmark was none other than our GT350. The changes are visual of course but are much more technical and engineering-driven under the …

Nov 18, 2018 Read more

2018 Lexus LC500 Performance Pack – First Photos

We’ve seen it static. We’ve seen it dynamic. And we’ve heard it from 200-yards away beside the racetrack. The momentum is building. Crescendo soon! Visually, the LC500 actually becomes even more beautiful in motion. Its delicate proportions and lithe elegance are LF-A reborn. Build yours in this Nightfall Mica over here. 2018 Lexus LC500 – Performance Pack Nightfall Mica

Jun 04, 2017 Read more

2018 Nissan GT-R Track Edition Adds Nismo Grip, Widebody Fenders and Racier Cabin

What is the most unforgettable supercar you’ve ever driven, Tom? Certainly the Nissan GT-R. Every Altima review we write has a glimmer of GT-R excitement behind it. Maybe if I am just clever enough with words or camera… one will come my way for a week!? It has not happened yet. Our only experience with the GT-R was the previous-gen Track pack back in 2013. We spent 30 boneriffic minutes behind the wheel and will never forget it. So much power, so much sheer violence in its delivery! The only car you can four-wheel drift around a simple turn! So …

Mar 30, 2017 Read more

HD Road Test Review – 2016 Dodge CHALLENGER R/T Scat Pack

What is the best part of driving a near-500-horsepower car every day? Is it the thunderclap of this 6.4-liter V8 on startup that makes you feel as powerful as Thor? Or might it be the savage ingear power on the highway? Or is it the sheer bloodlust feeling of all that HEMI power beneath you? Knowing that a floored throttle — or anywhere close — will create a riotous crackle of engine, exhaust and squeeling tires is quite intoxicating. For us mere mortals, driving a car with such godlike power and pricing of about $40k is the absolute dream come …

Feb 07, 2017 Read more

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

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

Jan 07, 2017 Read more

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

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

Oct 24, 2016 Read more

GTI for an Eye! 2016 Volkswagen GTI Avenges MkV GTI Sins

GTI Battle: 2008 VW GTI DSG vs. 2016 VW GTI Autobahn with Performance Package & DSG Just how much of a difference can two generations make? I love hot hatchbacks. Being able to have a practical performance-oriented vehicle is immensely appealing. For nine years, I drove a Mk5 2008 Volkswagen GTI whose sole option was the DSG automated-manual gearbox (Yes, it wasn’t a manual and no I don’t care). It was a fantastic car, but the time finally came when I wanted to upgrade. What to get? Something sporty like a Nissan 370Z? Some American muscle in the form of a Ford Mustang …

Apr 06, 2016 Read more

MEGA Gallery – 2016 JAGUAR F-Type R AWD Coupe – 300 Photos + 4 HD Videos

It’s happening again! The moment I get my paws on a seriously stellar machine, I spend the week moving from photo location to photo location. Running psuedo-errands like I just got my license. And a shooting rush of serotonin at every M16-rifle blast of exhaust noise and 1.5-G of pressure to my internal accelerometer. Fighting a smile is impossible. Muffling a laugh is always a challenge too, for this, my favorite machine of all time. BEST. CAR. EVER. Already in quotes saying the F-Type R AWD Coupe is “the fastest, most beautiful vehicle I’ve ever driven…” And that feeling …

Apr 03, 2016 Read more

2016 Cadillac ATS and CTS Score Much-Needed BLACK PACKS!

So, so thrilled to see this easy and effective design change for the Cadillac CTS and ATS. We have griped tirelessly about their tacky chrome, ugly wheels and “boring, old-man style.” And it looks like Cadillac was listening! (See CT6 Black Pack and ATS Coupe Black Pack renders…) The new Black Chrome Packages for the ATS and CTS are fairly comprehensive, too. Wheels, trims, grille finishes, window surrounds…. all take a bath in this stylish new dark pewter finish. The third reason we love the Black Pack announcement? ACTUAL PHOTOS! Shock! Cadillac has succumbed to major GM think in …

Mar 15, 2016 Read more

~3.8s 2017 BMW M3/M4 Competition Pack – Gloss Black Trims, +20HP and Standard Sport Exhaust

Competition Pack from BMW M certainly implies track battles and knife-edged races against the stopwatch. Every advantage that can be fed down from the top 500HP M4 GTS will be precious seconds closer to the top of any laptime board. But Competition Pack has a second meaning to us: the M3 and M4 are feeling major heat from all sides, in a segment they once owned wholeheartedly. The Lexus RC, C63 and even Cadillac ATS-V are all very valid, and oftentimes preferred, rivals to the BMW twins. Therefore, the Competition Pack helps address some of the odd standard M3/M4 style …

Feb 29, 2016 Read more

HD Pre-Review! 550HP, 3.5s 2016 JAGUAR F-Type R AWD – First 120 Photos + 3 HD Drive Videos

It’s happening again! The moment I get my paws on a seriously stellar machine, I spend the week moving from photo location to photo location. Running psuedo-errands like I just got my license. And a shooting rush of serotonin at every M16-rifle blast of exhaust noise and 1.5-G of pressure to my internal accelerometer. Fighting a smile is impossible. Muffling a laugh is always a challenge too, for this, my favorite machine of all time. BEST. CAR. EVER. Already in quotes saying the F-Type R AWD Coupe is “the fastest, most beautiful vehicle I’ve ever driven…” And that feeling …

Feb 13, 2016 Read more

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

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

Feb 10, 2016 Read more

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

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

Jan 28, 2016 Read more

~3.4s, 196MPH 2016 Ferrari CALI Turbo – New Handling Speciale Pack Sharpens Pace, Looks

Ferrari just unveiled one of its Geneva show debuts: the new Handling Speciale pack on the California Turbo. This promises quicker responses and more intense track settings. This is the first honing of the Cali since its refresh and new engine for 2015. Upgrades are said to be pretty noticeable on the road — with the transmission and throttle maps now better matched for the V8TT’s power delivery. A shoutier quartet of pipes out back help too. Outside, the HS pack brings a few new elements in a matching matte finish. Grille bars, exhausts, diffuser and ventwork is all darkened. …

Jan 26, 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

RM Arizona 2016 – 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Pack in P.Exclusive Frozen White

Uh oh. Pretty unusual to see such a new hypercar going across the auction block. Picking a more desirable spec would be hard, though. A painted-to-sample white metallic, the 2015 918 Spyder wears the hot and functional Weissach Pack over dark grey RS Spyder alloys. Will it top its price when new, 1500-miles ago? We’ll see in Scottsdale at the end of January 2016! 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Pack

Dec 28, 2015 Read more

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

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

Dec 27, 2015 Read more

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

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

Dec 21, 2015 Read more

Road Test Review – 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

2015 Dodge Challenger RT Scat Pack Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman The Dodge Challenger RT Scat Pack is an outstanding car. It competes with the Mustang and Camaro in the marketplace, but in my mind, it stands apart on a few points. They’re all retro sport cars, but while the Mustang and Camaro are much porkier than their 60’s and 70’s versions, the Challenger seems to be a much more svelte looking and feeling car. Both the Ford and Chevy cars can be equipped with powerful engines, but the Challenger is a bit more boisterous and raucous. The driver gets …

Dec 06, 2015 Read more

2017 Lincoln MKZ – 400HP V6TT, New TVD AWD + Drivers Pack

Check out the new Lincoln MKZ! This extensive facelift and refresh is one of the most extensive in recent memory, especially versus the exceptionally light touches on the 2016 Focus or Explorer and 2017 Escape. The entire nose of the MKZ is all-new and all-different. Its controversial dual waterfall grille design and pointy face is swapped for a posh, flowing and organic new flow. A large oval grille lives in the center of the nose, wearing a fresh interlocking mesh look. All-new headlights are absolutely mesmerizing! Love them. Single beams line up horizontally for the low and high-beams, while LED …

Nov 22, 2015 Read more

2016 Land Rover LR4 Discovery Scores New Graphite and Landmark Editions

The Land Rover LR4 might look older than Madonna’s b00bs, but actually drives really nicely. Worth recalling is the air suspension and overall shared platform with the Range Rover Sport’s first-generation truck. The legacy looks do the LR4 Disco no favors moving into 2016, so these two new special editions for the UK are a great stopgap before the next-gen model arrives for the ~2018 modelyear. The Graphite package seems like the sexier, meaner look thanks to its evolved Black Pack detailing, special wheels, and unique trims all around. Landmark is also classy and fresh from the nose thanks to …

Nov 11, 2015 Read more

HD Track Drive Review – 2016 Cadillac CTS-V is BOSS – PDR + Exhaust Note Videos

Speechless. Muttering “ermahgerd” over and over as the 2016 CTS-V whipped into the pits of Autobahn Country Club following a five-pack of fast lead-follow laps. Smile plastered on, hands tingling and throttle foot twitching involuntary for more. This is a super-sedan of the absolute first order. M5, E63 and CTS-V are now as closely matched as any three assassins in history. 640HP from the CTS-V comes on strong, of course, but it is how clean and balanced the Cadillac is on power that really sticks with you. The CTS-V’s massive engine upgrade to a supercharged V8 has done nothing to …

Oct 29, 2015 Read more

2015 Subaru Impreza 5-Door Concept, WRX S207 NBR Challenge Join Packed Tokyo Showstand

Subaru is really growing in leaps and bounds! No better evidence than a frankly packed Tokyo stand from the once-humble maker of AWD mountain cars. Joining the all-new VIZIV Future Concept on the stands is the also-new Impreza 5-Door Concept. While the new WRX still feels very fresh, it is always good to take a sneak peek at the next-gen design vision for the product. Since the WRX and Impreza lineups were formally divorced in this generation in the US, the XV Crosstrek has taken on a bit of an entry-level role in the Subaru range. But this is traditionally …

Oct 29, 2015 Read more

2015 Mercedes-AMG GT S – Colors, Wheels and Options Visualizer

Considering how obsessed we are with the new AMG GT, it is somewhat surprising not to have explored the configurator yet. First observations: they are all gorgeous! Barely a bad style combo to be found — and some excellent ones hiding in the styling pack options. Semi surprising is that the AMG GT-S is the base model. No regular GT is available stateside, just the top power model. Base pricing is from $129,000 — which feels like exceptional value for such a super-wide and ultra-low machine. Whatever combo you pick among the six wheels, eleven colors and numerous options… you …

Aug 30, 2015 Read more

Road Test Review – 2015 Dodge Charger R/T 392 Scat Pack with Ken Glassman

2015 Dodge Charger R/T 392 Scat Pack By Ken Glassman As soon as the bright blue Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack was delivered to my driveway, my heart began to race. Paperwork was quickly signed, and returning phone calls went to the bottom of my “to-do” list. I immediately jumped in the super-sport sedan, and gazed out onto that long hood with its mean looking dual air scoops. Usually, I’ll spend 20 minutes acclimating myself to the switches, seats, mirrors, and setting preferences, and radio stations – but not this time. When you’ve got 485 Scat Pack horsepower from the …

Jul 16, 2015 Read more

2016 Cadillac CT6 Black Pack Renderings + Animated COLORS Visualizer

Updated 6.30.15 With Color Visualizer and Rendered Black Pack Cadillac is keeping the CT6 momentum building ahead of the car’s arrival near the end of 2015 as a 2016 model-year. The brand just revealed the color choices buyers will have outside, and the two inside. These interior renders are preliminary, with additional woods and leathers likely to complement the tan and black shown so far. The nine colors are all Hamptons-ready classic shades — with a subdued and wealthy palette right out of the Brooks Brothers swatch book. Our favorite by far? The new green! Dubbed Dark Emerald Metallic, this …

Jun 30, 2015 Read more

2016 Koenigsegg REGERA – 175 New Images + Every Angle in Animated Flyaround

REGERA 3D Model – Animated Flyaround The Koenigsegg Regera was one of the most buzzworthy Geneva 2015 launches. The global debut earned reams of headlines around the world — with collective amazement at the new design and ultra-potent new e-boost powertrain. Definitely worth revisiting the car for a closer look ahead of its expected first deliveries in early 2016. But first: some great news on how to actually get your hands on one! New USA Showroom Koenigsegg just signed its second US dealership agreement with Lake Forest Motorcars in the glitziest Chicago suburb. Think Westchester County, but on a gorgeous …

May 15, 2015 Read more

2016 Ford Mustang GT Launching Black Pack, New Cali Special and GT Performance Pack

If the current 2015 Mustang GT has not hooked you yet with its sublime redesign, the 2016 is likely to close the deal. The most striking exterior change are the new hood vents in the GT. These are contrast-black on the California Special, shown here as a white convertible. They are body-colored on the new Mustang GT Black Pack, which wears gloss-black alloys, badging and other trim elements. A new hood vent design pulls more hot air from under the hood and also houses LED amber blinkers. These serve as side marker repeaters and are highly visible on the …

May 13, 2015 Read more

2016 Cadillac ELR Much Quicker and $10k Cheaper! 2014 Models Like a $50k BMW i8 at i3 Prices?

Putting together these turntables just now offered a chance to see the ELR in 360-degrees across its four colors. Mid-way through the black ELR, we have a revelation: this car is gorgeous! Even the 2014 model of the spinners is quite a dashing and sexy shape from all sides, with a mid-engine exotic feel to the profile especially. The 2016 ELR takes this design to the next level: a new Performance Pack brings bigger five-spoke alloys and trim tweaks to go along with its new Caddy crest badges front and rear. The 2016 refresh has some other delights in store, …

Apr 15, 2015 Read more

Best of Awards – 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack in B5 Blue Is Goliath Giant-Killer

The 2015 Dodge Charger is a focused update and improvement — maintaining the giant cabin, huge power options and enhancing it up and down the nine-model range. The SRT Hellcat and its 707HP supercharged HEMI is hoovering up most of the headlines so far, buttwo questions before lusting after just the Hellcat: — Is that engine the biggest upgrade in creating such a comfortable and tech-savvy new full-size car? — And more importantly, is the Hellcat and its $64,000 base price, 204-mph Vmax and 3.7-second sprint to 60-mph the true sweet spot of the range? First, the biggest advantage of …

Mar 29, 2015 Read more

HD Road Test Review – 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost in Triple Yellow with Performance Pack

2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Review INTRO There are a few occupational hazards in writing car reviews. The most serious risk of all? Falling in love with a press loaner. You spend the first day shocked by your good fortune and impressive networking to have this sweet ride parked in your driveway. Just seeing the Mustang outside on its gorgeous black 19-inch wheels was a huge rush. Day two is about being smitten with surprise and delight features while driving. The Mustang rewards with an amazing driving position, fantastic rear-drive dynamics and Track mode. See the summary for the end-of-week thoughts. …

Mar 06, 2015 Read more

2016 Koenigsegg REGERA Is All-New With 700HP E-Boost Atop 1100HP V8TT

Welcome to the next generation of Koenigsegg hypercars! Arguably one of the most exciting reveals at Geneva today, the Regera is a very exciting next step for the Swedish lightning of hypercars. Starting with the design: the Regera is a fantastically modern and ultra-smooth expression of hypercar proportions. Looking every bit as new and dramatic as the Porsche 918, LaFerrari and McLaren P1 — the Regera is really the first major change in the Koenigsegg style since the CC8 launched in 2002. This brings an all-new nose with far more flowing shapes, a tighter and lower windshield that still allows …

Mar 03, 2015 Read more

Houston Auto Show Debuts – 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Black Pack

The new Camaro Z/28 is one of the most intense and accomplished musclecars of all time. On a three-lap track blast in October, we fell hard for its deep lungs and unstoppable grip. But this Houston Camaro is something else entirely — taking all the Z/28’s incredible aero tweaks and spoilers and dipping them all in a sexy black paintwork. The only pieces of this car that are not jet-black are the slight fender extension pieces and the carbon-fiber reverse scoops in the hood. Ducktail and front splitter?! Black as night. In 50 years time, this Camaro Z/28 will be …

Jan 26, 2015 Read more

2015 Subaru BRZ GT300 and WRX NBR Racers Pack Wild Aero Ugrades

2015 Subaru BRZ GT300 and WRX NBR When overall power is capped by a racing series of technical limits of the engine, you have a few other routes to more speed. These include a drop in weight and an increase in grip. But what can you do if max weight and tire setups are also regulated by racing rules? The last summit to climb is then aerodynamics and downforce. Subaru has embraced this fourth route to greatness in its two new racers: the BRZ GT300 and WRX STI NBR Challenge. The splitters up front add nearly a foot of extra …

Jan 10, 2015 Read more

RM Sam Pack Collection – Ford Thunderbirds – 12 Sale Results Ranked

Here is a look at the 14 Ford Thunderbirds sold by RM Auctions from the Sam Pack Collection — in descending order by price earned. Not included are any that did not meet reserve or were no-sales, and we believe there may be a duplicate 1956 or two in the list. But overall, it is a surprising barometer of desirability for the various years of Thunderbird Ford. The all-star was this bright black 1957 F-Code, which at $247,500 sold for more than triple what the next-priciest model brought home. Number two on the ranker is the baby blue 1957 E-Code …

Dec 30, 2014 Read more

Hypercar Halloween! 202MPH 2012 Lexus LFA Nurburgring Pack in 110 Scary-Sexy Wallpapers

Trick or treat! Criteria for being a Halloween Hypercar? Amazing performance, stunning design, delicious details and exclusivity for the ages. What meets these criteria in spades? The 2012 Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package — an orange stunner with V10 legs for miles and a bite to sate even the sweetest tooth. Enjoy these photos – we have never seen many of them published in their full glory, and they are worth considering in detail. Interspersed are the LFA’s official specs from Lexus.com. Overall, the Nurburgring pack brought a fixed rear wing, an extra 10-horsepower, firmer and remapped suspension and transmission, and …

Oct 30, 2014 Read more

RM Dallas Preview – 2002 Lincoln Continental Concept + 2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept

This is a rare pair of concepts — two of more than 75 very special cars that are up for auction November 14 and 15 in Dallas. Part of the Sam Pack collection, these two Lincolns are both very special parts of the Pack auction. Pack appears to have loved American cars best, and Ford and Lincolns best of all. These modern concept cars represent an option to own something that does not exist — true one-offs. But one is far more desirable than the other! Which one? We would say the Mark X concvertible is the more usable versus …

Oct 23, 2014 Read more