SUVs Topic Hub

Road Test Review – 2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road – By Carl Malek

Remember the movie Jurassic Park? This classic Steven Spielberg film highlighted what would happen if dinosaurs once again roamed the earth. While these creatures are thankfully extinct, in the automotive world, there are still a handful of relics that serve as a glimpse into an era of automobiles that is slowly being replaced by crossover vehicles and a newfound zeal for green motoring. The venerable Toyota 4Runner is one of these holdouts, and has persisted thanks to its impressive degrees of capability and size. But is there still a place for the 4Runner in an ever changing marketplace? Or has the …

Oct 20, 2017 Read more

Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS – Galpin F-150 in Gulf Racing Livery Is Best of Group

Some really cool custom Edges and Explorers join the F-150 wolfpack from Ford for SEMA 2015. Initial favorite is off-roader Explorer or the Galpin Auto Sports F-150. Wearing a widebody and custom PPG paints in Gulf Racing colors… the truck is just a few logos and Raptor badges from being the ultimate in HOT new metal headed out to Vegas. No word on if the custom trucks will include a Pepto and Z-pack for your well-being after a few days in Vegas… =] Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS Edge Two Popular Ford SUVs Storm SEMA with Wild Versions for …

Nov 16, 2015 Read more

Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS Preview – Baja F-150 in Gulf Racing Colors Leads Pack

Some really cool custom Edges and Explorers join the F-150 wolfpack from Ford for SEMA 2015. Initial favorite is off-roader Explorer or the Galpin Auto Sports F-150. Wearing a widebody and custom PPG paints in Gulf Racing colors… the truck is just a few logos and Raptor badges from being the ultimate in HOT new metal headed out to Vegas. No word on if the custom trucks will include a Pepto and Z-pack for your well-being after a few days in Vegas… =] Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS Preview Edge Two Popular Ford SUVs Storm SEMA with Wild Versions …

Nov 01, 2015 Read more

Bentley INSPIRATOR App Is World-First Intelligent Configurator with Facial-Recog Emotion Mapper

Most automotive preview or promo Apps are pretty lousy. They show a posh experience, videos and photos in a nice branded environment, but generally offer little new info you cannot find on the web. Additionally, they are all just a giant funnel to point you toward your local dealership, or to the OEM’s main website for complex configurations/specs/etc. The new Bentley INSPIRATOR iOS app just launched today with a vastly different approach: a scientific exploration of your moods, preferences and tastes — that requires few of the “next” clicks of a typical configurator. We were heavily skeptical that the app …

Oct 21, 2015 Read more

2016 Chevrolet EQUINOX – First Look at New LEDs, Nose and Interior in 50 Photos

First in-person look at the refreshed 2016 Chevy Equinox — which is an even-more-impressive execution of a large SUV with the pricing of a compact crossover. The 2016 model starts from just $23k in its front-drive 2.4-liter form, where it comes in with an impressive 32-mpg. The uplevel 3.6-liter V6 engine is the real sprint champ, however, with just a 6.7-second official time. Other impressive elements of the Equinox? Inside, the tech and build quality take a huge leap upward. The loaded LTZ model shown here features the new Saddle brown leather for its seats as well as dash wraps. …

Oct 20, 2015 Read more

2017 Bentley BENTAYGA Colors and Options Configurator + Sexy Black Brightware Specification

The Bentayga just launched last night, so its full configurator going live at the same time is a big deal! All is there… minus one detail at the end: the price. Even so, among the hundreds of custom options lie some very tempting choices to really make it roar in your style. We’ve spent wayyy too long in there today so will pop out and show you a smattering of the fabulousness via 50 or so color samples, a wheels guide/visualizer, and even a look at the accessories and options. But first: a nugget of smile-inducing info about the Bentayga? …

Sep 09, 2015 Read more

4.0s, 187MPH 2017 Bentley BENTAYGA Is Official! Full Launch Details, Video and Tech Specs

Welcome to the most luxurious SUV ever made. The new Bentley BENTAYGA has been many years in the making, but the results look worth every minute of effort. This Q7 and Cayenne-derived vehicle will join the Lamborghini LM002 from the 1980s in the hall of fame books. Why? 12 giant cylinders in front. Stonking power, balanced foot-down handling and cloud-like air suspension all join forces to make the BENTAYGA a fascinating look into the future of super-trucks. The huge engine and worlds-fastest top speed for an SUV will help set the Bentaya apart from its siblings, and also the most …

Sep 08, 2015 Read more

2016 Toyota FORTUNER Global SUV Previews US-Market 2018 Lexus GX460 Replacement

Here is an interesting global reveal that is being de-emphasized by Toyota USA and Toyota’s EU divisions. This makes sense when you think of where the new Fortuner SUV will be sold: in Southeast Asia, Australia and Middle Eastern markets. The Fortuner occupies a curious place in the Toyota global range: bigger than the 4Runner but also based on a ladder pickup frame. It is smaller than the big Land Cruiser and Sequoia, but will supplement the Land Cruiser Prado versus replace it. That Prado is the closest relative to the US-market Lexus GX460. So what is this truck? …

Aug 07, 2015 Read more

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Revealed – Six Engines + New Style and Tech To Replace ML-Class SUV

Meet the next Mercedes ML-Class SUV — which is packing an all-new style up front, a six-pack of new engines and vastly improved technology in the cabin. The most striking change might be the badge itself, however. Called the GLE-Class, this change reflects the new naming strategy across the board for Merc SUVs. GLA, GLK, GLE, GLE Coupe and GLS at the top of the range. The hardy G-Class SUV sticks to its single-letter nomenclature, but its AMG models are now ‘Mercedes-AMG G63’ versus the ‘G63 AMG.’ The nose is a fantastic upgrade to the fairly tired style of …

Mar 26, 2015 Read more

2016 Hyundai Tucson Impresses in 25 New Geneva Pics + Advanced 48-Volt PHEV

Updated 3.6.15 With 24 New Photos The new Hyundai Tucson looks really, really cool in Geneva! Can you believe this compact SUV will compete with the Nissan Juke and Fiat 500X? It just seems so much larger and more substantial. In fact, it is actually quite wide for this new generation, but still has the compact length needed to make it easy to park and drive in cities around the world. We are also impressed to see a 48-volt hybrid version on the stand. This four-fold leap in transmittable power is a big architecture change in the car world, and …

Mar 05, 2015 Read more

2016 Hyundai Tucson Breaks Cover Ahead of Geneva Show Packing New DCT

Warning: this is not a concept. This fresh and big-SUV design is in fact the real Euro-spec Hyundai Tucson! This seriously stylish upgrade of the compact Tucson crossover also includes new engines and a brand-new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission on some trim levels. You can really see the Hyundai first-mover advantage coming into play: as this Hyundai crossover looks far more grown-up than the new Chevy Trax or Honda HR-V, but is likely to be priced at similar sub-$20,000 base prices when it arrives stateside this Fall. 2016 Hyundai Tucson The all-new Tucson All-New Tucson represents significant step forward …

Feb 17, 2015 Read more

Road Test Review – 2015 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4WD

2015 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4WD Review INTRO The funny thing about most crossovers and SUVs these days is that comfort is generally a very relative term. Sure, you might have every bell and whistle imaginable in the new Escalade, and searing performance in the new BMW X5 M. And while those crossovers might be extreme examples, others in the price bracket also qualify. Vehicles like the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango, for example, are prime competition for the massive, three-row Nissan Pathfinder. What is one thing that none of the above machines can actually deliver in a luxurious way? Road …

Feb 16, 2015 Read more

2015 Mitsubishi GC-PHEV – 40 Photos and 4 Reasons This Concept Previews USA-Bound 2017 Montero Full-Size SUV

Okay, okay. We can certainly echo your initial thoughts on this design. First reaction at this desk was a blasphemous exclamation. “Sweet Jesus.” Second reaction after thinking we might see a production-spec Montero reborn. But ended up with this? “Holy Mary, mother of God…. what is this evil monstrosity?” But step back a minute. Appreciate its creamy and sily surfaces atop this unapologetically blocky shape. Functional, futuristic, and certainly eye-catching. The nose and tail are absolutely ghastly, but then, the 2016 Outlander shows how cool and chic production-spec nose like could look. With some tweaks, the overall scale of …

Feb 13, 2015 Read more

2016 Chevrolet Equinox Facelift Revealed in Chicago

The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox just had its best-ever sales month in January 2015, which is proof that the large and affordable crossover is still a hit with shoppers. For 2016, the Equinox features an all-new nose and tail look, along with a classier glasshouse shape and upgraded interior. Chevrolet Equinox – 2016 Fresh Face: Chevrolet Introduces Restyled 2016 Equinox Premium cues, new safety features enhance Chevy’s record-selling compact SUV CHICAGO – Chevrolet today introduced the 2016 Equinox – a contemporized version of the popular compact SUV. Updates include new styling with premium accents, new wheel designs and new available safety features, …

Feb 12, 2015 Read more

3.8s 2015 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Is Quickest SUV EVER!

Here is the scenario: two amazing Porsches. Which to do first? Our first article definitely led with the new Targa GTS — until we looked at the spec sheets. The PDK Targa GTS sprints to 60-mph in a very-respectable 4.1-seconds with the PDK pack. But brace yourself for some real heat with the new Cayenne Turbo S. This $160,000 super-truck is now the quickest SUV of all time: 3.8-seconds to 60-mph. Apologies for the lack of formatting in the specs below. Screenshots of the full specs PDF included, however, as proof of this unbelievably quick new Cayenne Turbo S. …

Jan 14, 2015 Read more

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

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

Dec 01, 2014 Read more

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 …

Nov 08, 2014 Read more

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 …

Sep 01, 2014 Read more

2015 INFINITI QX80 Limited Is Red-Carpet Glamour with Genius IQ – 150 Photo Debut

Think the Escalade is the freshest and best super-luxury full-size SUV for 2015? Think again: the new QX80 Limited has a new VIP backstage pass. The QX80 Limited is a new flagship trim level that is a comprehensive style and substance upgrade for an already-extremely-tough truck — with all the dark trims, 22-inch wheels, latest LEDs and Autech cabin restyle adding serious desirability to this already-formidable package. Build with a frame + unibody and a 5.6-liter V8, the QX80’s strength and size has never been in question. What the truck was missing was some of the X factor of style …

Aug 21, 2014 Read more

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 …

Aug 04, 2014 Read more

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 …

Jul 28, 2014 Read more

Updated with 50 New Photos – 2015 Porsche Macan S and Macan Turbo

A few new pieces of information about the Macan S and Macan Turbo thanks to this latest photo set from Porsche: — The Macan S on its optional 21-inch 911 Turbo wheels looks as good as the Macan Turbo – with both wearing quad pipes in back. Round for S, squared for Turbo. — The Macan is so fast…. that the photographer could not keep up! Many of these photos are out-of-focus. Here are all the latest Macan photos, specs, pricing and details from Porsche — plus a few of the legendary 1978 911 SC Rallye just for fun. MACAN …

Jul 17, 2014 Read more

2015 Chevrolet Trax USA Arrival In September To Battle Juke, Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade Mini SUVs

Can you blame Chevrolet for bringing the Trax to the US market? Of course not! There is no bigger growth segment in the car market than the mini SUV. This one shares most of its platform and running gear with the Sonic and other little guys in the Chevy portfolio, but will command a $3,000 premium just for sitting a bit higher up and having some SUV body cladding. This model is required to slot in below the ever-larger and very dated Equinox and very-old-indeed Captiva Sport that is a fleet-only model. Chevrolet and GM have been rightly lambasted for …

Jul 11, 2014 Read more

PART TWO: 2016 Audi S Q3 Rendering – Future 4.9-second Sport Compact Crossover

2016 Audi S Q3 PART TWO… Mercedes-Benz seems relatively confident with the GLA45 AMG as the one engine upgrade to the GLA250 series, and the GLA45 AMG will make its way well past $55,000 with a few options packages. So what is the Audi of America counter-strategy? Not the full-blown RS Q3, but a car with nearly all the affordable performance and speed enhancements, but with the S Q3 label instead. This is a great alternative. Simply boosting the power levels of the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the top Q3 and adding standard quattro AWD will work wonders for the …

Jul 03, 2014 Read more

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 …

Jun 29, 2014 Read more

2015 SEAT Leon X-Perience Is Gravel-Ready 4×4 Estate Coming to European Dealers In November

If car company product planners got their way, there might be a new SUV or all-wheel-drive model arriving fresh every year right as the weather turns cold and snowy. The same folks would love a cabrio for the showrooms every June — but that is not really how the car business works. Or is it!? SEAT today revealed the production-specification Leon X-PERIENCE — which is an Outback-type of upgrade to the normal Leon Estate. As a huge fan of the Leon 5-door as well as the Estate — this new model makes perfect sense! We estimate the arrival in SEAT …

Jun 23, 2014 Read more

Cars & Coffee – 1949 Willys Overland Jeepster and 1994 YJ Wrangler Safari LWB 4-Door

Only 3,000 Jeepsters were built by Willys-Overland in 1949, with the car a lightly-equipped Phaeton four-seat cabrio with little power and even fewer features. Refinished and restored to better-than-new condition, we estimate this Jeepster to be one of only 400 surviving examples worldwide. In concours condition like this Jeepster? One of perhaps 50. The Jeepster’s biggest threat to achieving big sales was in fact the ubiquitity of the original WWII Jeeps, which were still around in huge numbers after both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of the war drew to a close by the 1950s. During wartime, Willys made 363,000 …

Jun 22, 2014 Read more

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 …

Jun 04, 2014 Read more

2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite – Road Test Review – Luxury King for Van Man Dads on Road Trips

The Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is quite a machine – it brings much of the smooth ride and cabin silence of a luxury car into the jumbo van segment, where it has led the sales charts for the last decade or more. Many think it is the Chrysler and Dodge vans that are the best-sellers, but that is only true when their total numbers are combined. Individual nameplate-wise, the Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna are neck-and-neck to lead the race, trading spots infrequently but keeping the Honda name as a leader in vans. This supremacy of the Odyssey is well-known …

May 12, 2014 Read more

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 …

May 06, 2014 Read more

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 …

Apr 14, 2014 Read more

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 …

Apr 08, 2014 Read more

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 …

Mar 26, 2014 Read more

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 …

Mar 14, 2014 Read more

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 …

Feb 22, 2014 Read more

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 …

Feb 20, 2014 Read more

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 …

Feb 18, 2014 Read more

2015 BMW 428i and 435i Gran Coupes Bring Wide, Low Style + xDrive, 4 Doors and Huge Trunks – Arriving Summer 2014 From $43,000

The BMW Gran Coupe and Gran Turismo strategy is finally starting to make sense. It really comes down to sporty proportions in the GC’s versus the taller and more limo-like roominess of the GT’s. There is still some inevitable overlap in the model lines – most notably with the 3GT versus this 4GC – but generally this idea lets all buyers have the best of all worlds. Wearing the aggressive, low and wide styling of the new 435i and 428i two-doors, the Gran Coupes offer a huge wheelbase stretch for limo-like rear legroom and that huge top-hinged tailgate. Overall, the …

Feb 04, 2014 Read more

X5 and X6 M Become Dreamy Racing SUVs with BMW M Performance Makeovers

How great do these M Performance cars look in Alpine white? The color contrast with dark carbon-fiber pieces is very intense and serious. But the best news of all? Any carbon-fiber exterior pieces will not need to be paint-matched on the car. This saves time and serious money for owners seeking M Performance style. The X5 M and X6 M are already very tough trucks, and fast enough to dust off most sports cars in stoplight drag-races. The snappy BMW automatic and turbo power feel unstoppable on full throttle. Like a runaway train coming down a mountain! But the X5 …

Jan 28, 2014 Read more

Audi Q3 Looking Classy + Packing Standard 200HP Turbo for U.S. Sales From August 2014

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 …

Jan 09, 2014 Read more

BMW 328d and 328i Wagons Back in U.S. for 2014 – Buyers Guide

Fast wagons are cooler than ever in 2014. Even a lowly Jetta Sportwagen on dark steel winter wheels can cause a double-take. They are rare, and achieve a low-roof profile that all the sportiest SUVs envy. Even better? Sweeping on-ramps and highway curves can be confidently driven fast, on throttle, with family and kids in the back. Try the same thing in many SUVs, and there will be much more body roll and potential life partner jabs to ribs. Slow down! But the low, low center of gravity is like a gift that keeps on giving with the …

Jan 08, 2014 Read more

Production-Spec 2015 GLA45 AMG Looking Gorgeous Without Concept Stickers

When it rains, it pours! And when it pours, rear-drive sports cars must crawl along the highway at anything above 70 or 80 mph. Sure, you can go fast in the rain in your high-power, rear-drive machine — but any wheel slip can become a serious problem. That is the key reason the new generations of AMG Mercedes-Benz models will be optimized for rear-drive hoon-ability, but standard 4Matic AWD for high-speed, all-weather confidence. The GLA45 is the perfect example of this new breed of sub-Macan-Turbo sporting models from BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. The X1 M Sport xDrive35i is about as …

Jan 07, 2014 Read more