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2016 Ford Focus ST Kona Blue ST1 Flyaround in 120 Pics + HD Video

Really had a ball flogging the Focus ST on track the other week. GoPro video came back as a photo-set by accident, so left with *just* these gorgeous 120 photos of the new slugger. Kona Blue is the color, with minimal options and an as-tested price very close to the $25k base. Versus the $36k of the RS, the ST really earned its keep out there in the twisties. Strong brakes, awesome front diff grip that felt totally understeer-proof, plus a snorty throttle intake and shouty new exhaust. The stick is as feelsome and snicky as ever — …

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Oct 22, 2015 Read more

2016 Honda Pilot Elite AWD – Photo Flyaround Shows Classy LEDs, All-New Look

Updated 10.18.15 with 37 New Photos The 2016 Pilot is nearly unrecognizable. It is completely new from all sides, with the next-gen Honda face and LEDs brightly glowing front and rear. While the silhouette of the new Pilot’s nose, windshield and glasshouse is extremely rakish now, the dimensions also appear to have grown quite a bit. The second row and rear overhang are particularly jumbo in this new design from the exterior. Inside, of course, you get the benefits of that large and in-charge profile. The new 2016 Honda Pilot is here! With a striking new design that …

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Oct 18, 2015 Read more

First Look: 2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Debuts New Performance Design and Fresh Cabin Tech

The Jetta GLI is new for 2016, with a design that actually looks (kinda) new! Hooray! The current Jetta is a bit of a joke in the car-enthusiast community. On sale since the beginning of time immortal, the vehicle is stale and dorky and nerdy. Not even a default “hot chick” car at this point. It is more like a jumbo Corolla — but with atrocious mechanical and electronic gremlins present from day one. It is heavily, heavily decontented to achieve a base price point of around $20,000, and this overall de-cool-ification unfortunately drowns out the fresh 1.8-liter turbo …

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Jun 10, 2015 Read more

First Drive Review – 2015 Ford Focus ST in HD Video + 150 Photos!

Loved meeting the 2015 Focus ST in the flesh recently for a fast blast around Texas Motor Speedway. Not high in the banked oval, unfortunately. Just a bit of on-camera hooning in the roads nearby. The town name of “No Limits” seemed applicable to flying past dozens of vacant track parking lots. The changes for the 252-horsepower 2015 model are perfect updates. A new nose with a low and mean style, standard LED headlight accent blades, HID headlights for the ST2 and ST3 trim packs, and standard Rado Grey wheels. The tail is also revised with a new rear window …

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Apr 27, 2015 Read more

2015 Mercedes-Benz MARCO POLO Glampers Primed For Lux Travel Adventures

Mercedes-Benz globally has three core businesses: trucks/buses, vans and cars. The US market has been almost exclusively focused on just one of these divisions, with the launch of the M-B Sprinter lineup 12 years ago one of the first times Americans have seen the three-pointed star on a truck of any kind. Everywhere else in the world, Mercedes logos bigger than your head are everywhere in cities, construction sites, farm tracts and anywhere in between. Part of the Mercedes-Benz USA focus on cars is now eroding — to the great benefit of shoppers able to buy some of the best …

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Apr 17, 2015 Read more

Update2 – 2016 Honda Pilot Is All-New With 9-Speed Automatic, New AWD and Vastly Superior Cabin

The new 2016 Honda Pilot is here! With a striking new design that moves away from the blocky look of the current model, this eight-seater promises improvements in almost every single way. The biggest news for drivers is an all-new nine-speed automatic transmission for top trims, plus a redesigned AWD system that can move more torque to either axle than before. Inside, a total redesign makes things far smoother, quiter and safer than before. Upgraded entertainment and touch-screen nav and climate controls are welcome, as are the advanced safety systems to be offered on the 2016. In this family-dominated segment, …

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Feb 12, 2015 Read more

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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Jun 18, 2014 Read more

Comparo/Long-Term Test – Porsche Design Computermaus vs HP Elite

Mid-term Update: Stopped using Porsche mouse. Middle button too cumbersome, no side scroll, shoddy laser on wood desk. Also too small for my paw — makes me feel like a giant (because it is far too small of a mouse…) [Orig Published on: Dec 26, 2013 @ 22:16] This Porsche Design Computermaus rounded out a very lovely Christmas with the family this year. In white, this wireless silhouette is a personal favorite already. This piece is part of the Porsche Design – Driver’s Selection. But how does it feel? And how does it perform over the long haul? My current …

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Feb 13, 2014 Read more

2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i and 3.6R Sedans — Much Quieter — Far More Tech Inside — Finally Some Exterior Style — Even 36MPG Highway!

The all-new 2015 Legacy launched today in Chicago, with great news all around for Subaru fans. And even enough unique features to entice those curious about the cult-like following of these AWD cars. Subaru’s are fantastic and very rewarding to drive — with handling balance and sure-footed-ness no Camry can ever match. 2015 Legacy Summary points: — This is the Legacy Sedan only, in 2.5i and 3.6R flavors (equipment lists detailed below). — A future Outback is a sure thing, but is not part of today’s big Legacy launch. — A future Legacy GT may join the fun eventually, but …

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Feb 06, 2014 Read more

2014 4Runner Offers Third Row + Very Cool SR5 and Limited Styles

The 2014 4Runner is all-new from Toyota, bringing a comprehensive restyle outside and a tech overhaul inside. The best parts of the 4Runner package remain: hardy suspension and locking diff options, off-road prowess that goes beyond electronic settings, and of course that roll-down back glass. In place of the old tailgate bench is a new slide-out parcel floor that can hold serious weight. Most critically: a third row of seating is a $1,400 option – and money well spent. It folds out of the way when not needed, but will come in handy eventually. The crimson Trail Premium 4Runner’s photos …

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Dec 22, 2013 Read more

2014 4Runner Offers Third Row + Very Cool SR5 and Limited Styles

The 2014 4Runner is all-new from Toyota, bringing a comprehensive restyle outside and a tech overhaul inside. The best parts of the 4Runner package remain: hardy suspension and locking diff options, off-road prowess that goes beyond electronic settings, and of course that roll-down back glass. In place of the old tailgate bench is a new slide-out parcel floor that can hold serious weight. Most critically: a third row of seating is a $1,400 option – and money well spent. It folds out of the way when not needed, but will come in handy eventually. The crimson Trail Premium 4Runner’s photos …

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Dec 22, 2013 Read more