Saturday, April 19, 2014

2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT Hatchback - Little Notes

2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT Hatchback


2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT Hatchback

Base Price: $16,380
As-Tested Price: $20,405
Drivetrain: 1.4-liter turbocharged I4; FWD, six-speed manual
Output: 138 hp @ 4,900 rpm, 148 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
Curb Weight: 2,712 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 29/40/33 mpg
AW Observed Fuel Economy: 33.4 mpg
Options: 16-inch black painted aluminum wheels ($995); exterior black flash package including mirror caps, grille surround and spoiler ($710); Ecotec turbo 1.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine ($700); advanced safety package including forward collision alert and land departure warning ($395); Chevrolet MyLink ($200)

2014 Chevrolet Sonic RS sedan drive review

2014 Chevy Sonic RS sedan


Base Price: $20,530

Drivetrain: 1.4-liter, 138-hp, 148 lb-ft, turbocharged DOHC I4, FWD, six-speed manual

Fuel Economy (EPA city/highway/combined): 27/34/30

Curb Weight: 2,847 lb

Options: Advance safety package including forward collision alert, lane departure warning ($395)

Friday, April 18, 2014

2016 Audi A3 TDI Hatchback Joins Lineup

2016 Audi A3 TDI Hatchback


The 2015 Audi A3 lineup gained one new member at the 2014 New York auto show -- a diesel hatchback. Although Audi had planned to only sell the upcoming e-tron plug-in hybrid A3 as a Sportback model in the States, and to only sell the TDI diesel as a sedan, enthusiasts and prospective buyers convinced Audi to sell the diesel as a hatch, too.

2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4 - Little Review



2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4: Around The Block

2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4


Base Price: $104,300
Price As Tested: $119,150
Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6
Power: 404 hp
Torque: 406 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drive: 4-wheel
Cargo Capacity: 18.7 cubic feet
Fuel Economy: 15/24 mpg (city/highway)

5 tech secrets of the 2016 Mazda Miata chassis

The tech secrets of the 2016 Miata chassis


The tech secrets of the 2016 Miata chassis 

The tweaks that will make the roadster even better. 

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage ES - Review Little Notes

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage ES

Mitsubishi keeps it real simple with the Mirage

Base Price: $15,990
As-Tested Price: $16,890
Drivetrain: 1.2-liter I3; FWD, continuously variable transmission
Output: 74 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 74 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 2,051 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 37/44/40 mpg
AW Observed Fuel Economy: 35.7 mpg

Thursday, April 17, 2014

2015 Honda Fit ~ Small Review

2015 Honda Fit ~ Small Review



Versatility is the 2015 Honda Fit’s strong suit, and it always has been. You’d think someone else would’ve caught on by now.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Ford to Build Limited Edition Mustang to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

2015 Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Edition

The prized ponies will be released next year to celebrate 50 years of the iconic muscle car and will be outfitted with chrome highlights around the windows, tail lights and grille, and a faux gas cap badge in the back

 

For Sale : David Beckham's Used BMW 6 SERIES 645Ci on Auto Trader

David Beckham posh BMW


 David Beckham is selling his BMW on Auto Trader. You'll probably never be able to look like him or hang out with him so hopefully driving like him is a consolation prize.

Scottsdale luxury car dealership raided by IRS



Federal agents with the Internal Revenue Service raided a luxury car dealership in Scottsdale on Wednesday, according to an agency spokesman.

VW Phaeton returning to America as early as 2018

2018 2019 VW Phaeton announcement at New York auto show

Fans of German over-engineering, rejoice!

Though the Volkswagen Phaeton -- the brand's range-topping, understated luxury sedan -- disappeared from the United States market in 2006, never actually died. The tech-laden luxobarge is still offered overseas , and it has seen a number of revisions and updates since it was last offered here.

Mazda unveils Miata special edition

Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary group Photo by: Mazda

Mazda unveiled the chassis that will underpin the next Miata, known as the ND Miata (the current model being the NC). At a glance with the current chassis, not much has changed on the surface. The Power Plant Frame -- that trellis bridging the transmission tunnel and the rear -- looks to be taller and straighter, with larger cutouts. The rear subframe looks more compact, nestling underneath the PPF. The rear strut assembly has been simplified and runs a more aggressive angle. The engine looks like it's in the same front-midship place -- this is good. Mazda claims the center of gravity is the lowest of any Miata yet. The current model is heavily based on an RX-8 chassis; much of it might remain up front, but overall the next chassis appears less complicated.

2015 Ford Mustang convertible appears on the Empire State Building

 2015 Ford Mustang Empire State Building reveal Photo by: Ford

2015 Ford Mustang convertible appears on the Empire State Building observation deck: Video shows how Ford accomplished the feat -- again

The 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang is upon us, and the Blue Oval is celebrating in style not too far from the floor of the New York auto show -- though about 1,000 feet higher up in the air.

Toyota to launch hydrogen-powered car

Toyota to launch hydrogen-powered car
The 2015 launch culminates a 20-year zig-zag quest during which Toyota first struggled to get the technology to work and then strained to lower manufacturing costs enough to permit realistic pricing. Photo: Bloomberg

The firm will launch the hydrogen-powered car in the United States, Japan and Europe in 2015

Toyota City (Japan): In 1997, Toyota caught its competitors by surprise with the revolutionary Prius, the first commercially successful gasoline-electric hybrid car. Now, the Japanese firm is trying to do the same with a technology that seems straight out of science fiction.

Video of ‘Ghost Car’ spooks the world ~ Is it a ghost or not?



THERE are some things that you just have to see to believe. 

 
Take ghosts for example. If you don’t believe in ghosts, you will after you see a video of what many are calling the “ghost car”.

South Dakota girls missing since 1971 killed in car crash

South Dakota girls missing since 1971 killed in car crash


ELK POINT, S.D. – Two South Dakota girls on their way to an end-of-school-year party at a gravel pit in May 1971 drove off a country road and into a creek where their remains lay hidden until last fall when a drought brought their car into view, authorities said Tuesday.

Monday, April 14, 2014

2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible review notes: Supercharged Chevy Camaro goodness



2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Photo by: Chevrolet
The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 starts out at $63,750, our Autoweek tester topped out at $66,630. Photo by Chevrolet.

 Supercharged Chevy Camaro goodness

Base Price: $63,750
As-Tested Price: $66,630
Drivetrain: 6.2-liter supercharged V8; RWD, six-speed automatic
Output: 580 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 556 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,374 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 12/18/14 mpg
AW Observed Fuel Economy: 12.8 mpg
Options: Six-speed automatic transmission ($1,185); 20-inch aluminum wheels ($900); navigation system ($795)

2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe drive review: The F is for fantastic

The F is for fantastic


Jaguar F-Type Coupe
The sportiest mass-produced road-going Jaguar ever.

On Sale: May 1
Base Price: $65,925
Drivetrain: 340-hp, 332-lb-ft, 3.0-liter supercharged V6; eight-speed automatic
0-60: 5.1 seconds (mfg)
Curb Weight: 3,477 pounds (mfg)
EPA Fuel Economy: 20 city/28 hwy/23 combined

Birth of an Icon: How Icon CEO Jonathan Ward builds Broncos, Land Cruisers, FJs and Derelicts

How Icon CEO Jonathan Ward builds Broncos, Land Cruisers, FJs and Derelicts


Icon Derelicts Photo by: Blake Z. Rong
The Derelicts await their maniacal upgrades. Photo by Blake Z. Rong.

Set sail in the Fiat 1100 Boat Car by Carrozzeria Coriasco : Why commute when you can cruise?

Why commute when you can cruise?


Fiat 1100 Boat Car by Carrozzeria Coriasco Juri�n Minke/Wikimedia Commons

The 1953 Fiat 1100 Boat Car combines lots of nautical flair with a total lack of actual nautical capability.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

2014 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Sedan / Hatchback

2014 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Sedan


Building on an excellent foundation with slightly less excellent technology.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback
BASE PRICE: sedan, $14,795; hatchback, $15,395
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 97 cu in, 1596 cc
Power: 120 hp @ 6350 rpm
Torque: 112 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed manual, 6-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode

2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo S UK Review

2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo S
The Turbo S is the range-topping Panamera variant in the UK


Better at crushing your windpipe than appealing to your heart, but this Turbo S is nonetheless impressive

Price £131,152;
0-62mph 3.8sec;
Top speed 192mph;
Economy 27.7mpg (combined);
CO2 239g/km;
Kerbweight 1995kg;
Engine V8, 4806cc, turbo, petrol;
Power 562bhp at 6000rpm;
Torque 553lb ft at 2250-5000rpm;
Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic


Sam Posey on what made Senna so fast

Sam Posey


He was the greatest. Here's why.

Ayrton Senna will, for so many, be remembered as the greatest driver to ever live. He certainly was the most talented of his era. But what is it that gave him his otherworldly greatness?

Friday, April 11, 2014

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel : Around The Block

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel

Price as tested: $57,190 (including destination)
Engine: 3.0L turbodiesel V-6
Power: 240 hp
Torque: 420 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drive: Four-wheel
Cargo Volume: 68.3 cubic feet
Fuel Economy :21/28 mpg (city/highway)

2014 Honda Civic EX-L Navi Coupe - Little Review

2014 Honda Civic EX-L Navi Coupe

Base Price: $24,830
As-Tested Price: $24,830
Drivetrain: 1.8-liter I4; FWD, continuously variable transmission
Output: 143 hp @ 6,500 rpm, 129 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm
Curb Weight: 2,916 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 29/38/33 mpg
AW Observed Fuel Economy: 27.2 mpg
Options: None

Ford Skyliner Concept debuts ahead of New York auto show

Ford Skyliner Concept


Mega-high-roof limo has all the comforts of your stately pleasure dome… to go!

To call attention to its coming 2015 Transit full-size van, which arrives in midsummer, Ford commissioned a concept version of the big people mover. And when you say “Ford,” “concept” and “it better be done right,” there's only one place you trust to do it: Galpin Auto Sport, or GAS.

Toyota and GM recall nearly 1.3 million vehicles over air bag issues




Corolla, Highlander, Yaris, Tacoma, RAV4 and Pontiac Vibe among the cars affected

Toyota is recalling certain RAV4, Yaris, Highlander, Tacoma, Corolla, and Matrix models in the U.S. market, part of a larger global recall campaign, for an issue that that could the airbag to not deploy in the event of an accident. General Motors is recalling Pontiac Vibe vehicles for the same problem, since the Vibe is mechanically similar to the Matrix, as the two shared a platform and were built at the same plant.

Watch the Koenigsegg active aero in action




The new, top mounted, active rear-wing of the Koenigsegg One:1. Inside Koenigsegg 2, hosted by Christian von Koenigsegg. Shot on location in Angelhom Sweden.

2014 Audi A4 2.0T - Little Notes

2014 Audi A4 2.0T


The Audi A4 is as tech-savvy and trim--and, in S4 form, sporty--as ever, back for the 2014 model year with minor updates to a proven car. Continually refining and improving its vehicles is an Audi trait, and the A4 family continues to stand out from the American and German crowd with its own unique sense of style and sophistication.

Somebody Did THIS to a Mercedes-Benz SL500

Mercedes-Benz SL500


Check out the ass on this freak.

If you have never heard of the Filandi Ever S, that’s because this is a one-of-a-kind rendition of a classic Mercedes-Benz SL R129. What used to be the definition of sleek, understated elegance has been morphed into this horrid beast by an Italian man named Moreno Filandi. And while it looks like the lovechild of Frankenstein and alien zombie monsters, it retains all of the Benz’s mechanical underpinnings, meaning its 5.5-liter V8 is still good for 306 horsepower. Unfortunately, all that power won’t help anybody behind the wheel escape from the car itself.

Aston Martin DB9 Goes Black Carbon in Geneva

Aston Martin DB9 Black Carbon

Special edition carbon-clad beauty is turning heads at the Swiss show.

With no new models to show, the British carmaker is restricted to bringing special editions to the Swiss expo. Along with the Vantage N430, Aston Martin has arrived in Geneva with the DB9 Carbon Black edition. The limited edition model uses strong body colors to contrast the carbon-fiber detailing, and comes fitted with 20-inch ten-spoke alloys, a carbon-fiber splitter, mirror caps and rear diffuser, as well as windows with black surrounds.

2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta | Video Photos Gallery

2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta
The updated 2014 Giulietta features a new 2.0-litre diesel engine, improved trim and more equipment





ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA 2014 - TEST DRIVE

Thursday, April 10, 2014

2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD | Video Photos Gallery

2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD





2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Review and Road Test

2013 Acura RDX | Video Photos Gallery

2013 Acura RDX


Acura's compact upscale SUV is much more refined this time around. The potent V6 is also fuel-efficient. However, the Acura RDX's handling falls short compared to some more sporty rivals.


Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Optimus Prime invades...Louisville? - Mid-America Trucking Show

Optimus Prime invades...Louisville?


The annual Mid-America Trucking Show wraps up today, but if you happen to be in the vicinity of the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville before they shut the doors, you may want to pop in. The Western Star display has a special guest in the form of Optimus Prime.

Smart Car Tipping By Vandals - San Fransisco


As you may know, “cow-tipping” is mostly at the stuff of rural legend. As Modern Farmer explains, “Cow tipping, at least as popularly imagined, does not exist. Drunk young men do not, on any regular basis, sneak into cow pastures and put a hard shoulder into a cow taking a standing snooze, thus tipping the poor animal over.”

Mitsubishi to end Lancer Evolution production, another potential setback for U.S. dealers

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution


TOKYO -- Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will pull the plug on the Lancer Evolution, the brand’s all-wheel-drive performance sedan, at the end of the nameplate’s current generation.

The move, which eliminates the company’s last sporty offering in the United States, comes as Mitsubishi shifts its global lineup toward utility vehicles and electrified cars.

A spokeswoman would not say when Mitsubishi would stop building the Lancer-based car, but it won’t introduce a successor to the current generation, which is in its 10th iteration. The Evolution nameplate debuted in 1992; the latest version arrived in 2007.

David Brown Automotive unveils the Jaguar XKR-based Speedback

Jaguar XKR


Too retro by half.

The David Brown Automotive Speedback looks like exactly what it is—a Jaguar XKR with some grafted-on approximations of classic Aston Martin design cues. As the teaser images we shared last month hinted, it's an obvious homage to the DB5, but unfortunately, it's a little too obvious. Like so many other new cars trying to look old, the Speedback's retro details are much too at odds with its modern silhouette.

US Mazda6 recall caused by petrol-sniffing spiders

sniffing spiders


Spider infestation could cause fires in 42,000 US Mazda6 cars

Petrol-sniffing spiders have forced Mazda to recall around 42,000 of its 6 family car in the US market.

New Mercedes SL due in 2019 with revolutionary new platform

New Mercedes SL


The new Mercedes SL roadster will get an advanced new platform shared with the new SLK

The new Mercedes SL drop-top– due in 2019 - and revealed here in our exclusive images – will clean up its act considerably, and share more than ever before with its baby brother in the range, the SLK roadster.

Mercedes is on a mission to improve the efficiency of its new models, even sports cars, both in terms of the CO2 they emit and the speed at which they can be built.

Monday, April 7, 2014

2014 Caterham Seven 160

2014 Caterham Seven 160


Crawley, England - Caterham has built some pretty fast cars since 1973, when Colin Chapman sold it the rights to the seminal Lotus Seven design. The wildest of these must be Caterham’s latest, the 620R. With a 2.0-liter supercharged Ford Duratec four-cylinder huffing up 310 hp, this atomic roller skate reaches 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, Caterham says, and will likely spend much of its time deeply sideways. But we’re not here today to talk about the 620R.

2014 Honda Accord PHEV ~ Driven



There's something a little unsettling about driving the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid in all-electric mode. Press the push-button start, and the dash lights up and tells you the car is ready to go. But if you're waiting for the reassuring grumble of an engine turning over, you're going to be waiting a long time. This Accord is riding the wave of the future, and where it's going, you don't need (as many) gas pumps.

The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid hit dealer showrooms in January 2013. With an EPA rating of 115 mpg-e combined, it is one of the most efficient cars money can buy. The Accord PHEV owes that rating to its 6.7 kWh battery, which Honda says can give drivers up to 15 miles of all-electric range when fully charged.

2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan : First Drive

2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan


In the Beginning, Hyundai Created a Good Luxury Sedan, Now it is Better

Everyone grows up. Sometimes they mature, trading baby fat for wisdom, and they go on to live long, productive lives. Others take their worst traits and amplify them, and then spend the rest of their lives trolling the Internet, leaving mean, snarky comments they really think are important. They have not matured; they have simply gotten older.

Fortunately, the 2015 Hyundai Genesis premium sedan has taken the higher road in its second-generation. The exterior looks more refined, its handling has become a touch more sporty, and the interior more sophisticated. What this car may lack in sporty chops it more than makes up in high-tech features and a luxurious ride.

2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan | Video Photos Gallery

2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

Hyundai Created a Good Luxury Sedan, Now it is Better

Saturday, April 5, 2014

The Restoration Show Sale - Full Lot List - 12th April 2014 -Silverstone Auctions

http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/


The Restoration Show Sale takes place on Saturday 12th April 2014 at the NEC, Birmingham.
Viewing of the lots will be available on the morning of Saturday 12th April 2014

Silverstone Auctions specialises in the sale of the finest classic cars, modern supercars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles and automobilia. 

1939 LAGONDA V12 - ASTON MARTIN - heads to auction UK

1939 LAGONDA V12 - ASTON MARTIN

Lagonda is a British luxury car marque established in 1906, which has been owned by Aston Martin since 1947. 


This car will be offered by Silverstone Auctions at their April 12 sale at the NEC in Birmingham, England, alongside a couple other incredible time capsules, like the Aston Martin DBS twins.

2014 Nissan Versa Note SV ~ Small Review

2014 Nissan Versa Note SV ~ Small Review


Budget-conscious wheels for budget-minded parents

2014 Ford Focus SE Hatchback ~ Little Notes Review

2014 Ford Focus SE Hatchback ~ Little Notes Review


Strong and entertaining in base form

2014 Toyota Yaris L 3-Door Little Notes Review

2014 Toyota Yaris L 3-Door
The 2014 Toyota Yaris L 3-Door comes in at a base price of $15,980 with our tester topping off at $16,477.

Basic wheels with some ergonomic quirks

2015 Cadillac Escalade : First Drive

2015 Cadillac Escalade
The 2015 Cadillac Escalade gets a 6.2-liter V8 making 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.


Redesigned Cadillac luxury SUV gets more power, more economy...more everything

What is it?

Were you expecting Cadillac to tone down its next Escalade full-size SUV? Maybe the company would smooth out the styling, or throw a strong V6 in it, so as not to upset the unwashed masses OR the crunchy greenies? Not gonna happen. The 2015 Escalade, in dealerships later this month, gets a stout 6.2-liter V8 and more bling than a Jay Z concert with Lil Wayne opening.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

2015 Chrysler 200 C/S | Photos Gallery

2015 Chrysler 200 C
 2015 Chrysler 200 C

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

2014 Ford Focus Titanium : First Test

2014 Ford Focus Titanium

Based on our recent Ford Focus coverage, you'd think the 2.0-liter turbo ST was the only variant available. But there's also a base model with a non-turbo 2.0-liter engine. That model is largely responsible for pushing the compact's total sales to 234,570 cars in 2013. That's a lot of Foci, but only enough to land it in fifth place in the segment behind the Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla, and the top-selling Honda Civic. After spending time with a 2014 Ford Focus Titanium sedan, is its rank in the sales column justified? Let's see.