Automobile News & Reviews
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Heritage Edition First Test: MT Tested, Enthusiast Approved
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is a hellacious beast, a flat-plane-cranked track and backroad warrior that certainly ranks among the best-driving factory cars ever conceived. Yet despite the GT350s fearsome abilities, its also a shockingly capable daily driver thanks to a well-sorted ride, familiar interior ergonomics, and a feel thats visceral and fun even around town. Unfortunately, Ford is discontinuing the GT350 and its harder-core GT350R sibling after this model year, so the Heritage Edition tested here serves as something... [read more]
The John Collins Roadster
Yesterday's feature got me digging into my archives specifically, the pre-A directory. While doing so, I ran across a true gem that I had forgotten about. John... continue reading
The Urus Graphite Capsule Was Designed To Embody Every Alluring Quality
Sporting a powerful look and a dynamic stance, the Urus Graphite Capsule presents seasoned Lamborghini drivers with extended list of possibilities, alongside inimitable character and style. Showcasing an array of exclusive mechanical and aesthetic configurations, which combine sophisticated satin-effect matte colours with contrasting bright-painted details, this super SUV intends to represent the unique qualities of every alluring personality. The Urus Graphite Capsule Was Designed To Embody Every Alluring Quality As part of Lamborghinis only SUV line, the Urus Graphite Capsule... [read more]
2021 Acura TLX 2.0T Track Test: Its Not a Numbers Car
Appreciate the 2021 Acura TLX for its many strengths, but don't dwell too much on the numbers. Because after spending some time with Acuras sporty-looking new premium sedan , we see its value, even if not much of it shows up on the track. The TLX makes a good first impressionits priced closer to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but its wheelbase and length put it much closer to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. That makes... [read more]
You Never Know What You Might Find Inside Of An Engine
2015 Ecoboost Ford Turbocharger Failure. 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan Belt Falls Off. Automotive Parts Updates. 1994 F350 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel Fuel In Engine Oil. Rebuilding Engines. Catch Cans. Michael Simpson Wins A Hoodie! 2001 F150 5.4 Spark Plugs Blowing Out. 2003 Ford F150 5.4 No Start after Battery Change Tips. 2006 Dodge Charger. Clunk When Turning. 2008 Dodge Ram 6.7 Diesel. No Start After Driving. 1994 Ford F150 Throttle Increases on its own. 2005 Honda Accord Blower Failure. Press "Play... [read more]
2021 Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback Pricing, Launch Editions Revealed
A few months ago, we got a look at the 2021 Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback refreshand quite a successful one at that. The more aggressive new design, with a flatter Singleframe grille and some throwback Audi Quattro styling call-outs, speaks more to the cars performance potential than before. And now we have pricing for U.S. models, and details on two special launch editions. As expected, the regular Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback are a bit more expensivejust under $1,000... [read more]
2021 Infiniti Q50 Gains Sensory Trim, Sensible Standard Safety Equipment
The Infiniti Q50 is neither new nor our favorite compact luxury sedan. It offers plenty of interior space and offers a powerful Red Sport model , but some of our gripes included the fact that it doesn't handle as well as some of its rivals and lacked safety tech. For 2021, the Q50 continues to exist, and Infiniti is at least remedying the four-door's safety feature shortcomings by adding a suit of new driver aids as standard equipment across the... [read more]
2021 Lexus UX250h Has Never Looked Better With Black Line Special Edition
The Lexus UX isnt the most athletic-looking small crossover, unless you load it up with modifications like our friends at Super Street did. If you want a sportier-looking version straight from the factory, though, take a peek at the new 2021 Lexus UX250h Black Line Special Edition. Black accents give a fresh look to the headlamps, grille surround, side mirrors, and roof rails. To top it off, the special UX gets 18-inch black wheels. Three paint jobs are available: Eminent... [read more]
Wacky 2001 Mercedes-Benz F 400 Carving Had a Weird Handling Secret
The DaimlerChrysler conglomeration spawned all sorts of weird science experiments, and whatever you think of them, many were at least memorable. Remember the Dodge Tomahawk V-10 motorcycle concept? That was arguably one of the most iconic concept vehicles of the early 2000s, and it took bedroom walls by storm in poster form. Or how about the Chrysler Crossfire , an eccentric mashup of Mercedes-Benz SLK and quasi-retro cues (and a lot of hood strakes)? That one was less of a... [read more]
2021 BMW X2 Edition M Mesh Looks Like a Running Shoe
If the BMW X2 doesnt pop enough in any of its available bold colors (such as Galvanic Gold or Sunset Orange), then consider the new 2021 BMW X2 Edition M Mesh. Itll offer a whole bunch of unique and sporty exterior and interior upgrades and accents for a reasonable upcharge. But theres one important caveat: The bold orange decals you see prominently featured in the photos above wont be coming to the United States. Whether thats a plus or a... [read more]
Incoming Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Will Feature a Nifty Race-Inspired Detail
Cadillac is introducing a more powerful version of the CT5-V soon. It's called the CT5-V Blackwing and it's a proper successor to the mighty CTS-V. Most details are still under wraps, but Cadillac is slowly teasing some of the car's features. We've seen the sedan's performance steering wheel back in August and, come September, we're looking at its unique carbon-fiber seats with bookmatched design.
Watch: Widebody Lucid Air Tri-Motor Lays Down Blistering Laguna Seca Lap Time
Its all over, I said to myself. I was in the passenger seat of Lucid Air car number 17. Why 17? Because its the last two digits of the cars VIN. It's an early enough build the steering wheel is from a Cadillac CTS because Lucid hadnt started making steering wheels when car 17s chassis was built. John Culliton, the senior mechanical engineer of chassis and vehicle dynamics who was giving me some hot laps around Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca... [read more]
2020 Ford Transit 250 AWD Driven: The Van That Spawns a Hundred Chores
When word went up on the company blower that we were getting a 2020 Ford Transit 250 , freshly updated with a new engine, transmission, and all-wheel drive, I thought to myself, Hey, thatd be handy. I had a staycation coming up with plans to help my wifes maiden aunt move in with my sister-in-law. There was an antique curio cabinet with my wifes name on it, and we were going to pick it up in our pickup, but the... [read more]
This Tesla Cybertruck Is Really A Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
The Tesla Cybertruck created quite a stir when it was unveiled back in 2019. That's mostly because it boasts an unusual design with extremely sharp lines, but it's also because Tesla promises performance and towing specs that will put the Cybertruck well above the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and the Ram 1500. Naturally, electric vehicle and truck enthusiasts have lined up up to buy one, but the wait is going to be very long since the Cybertruck isn't scheduled to... [read more]
Ford Announces The Power Output Figures For Every Engine Option On The 2021 F-150
When Ford introduced the fourteenth-gen F-150, not a lot was known about the engine range. The automaker announced the engines that will be part of the lineup, but the power outputs werent revealed. Now, however, the details about the 2021 F-150s power figures are officially out, along with the towing and payload capacities. While most of the mills dont see a drastic increase, the hybrid looks to be worth the hype. The mill makes 570 pound-feet of torque, the most... [read more]
The Herman Rost Roadster
I feel like more issues of the October, 1958 issue of Rods Illustrated were printed than any other in the 1950's simply because this cover follows me everywhere.... continue reading
From the Archives: Detroit Mid-Engine Sports Cars Are Coming
Back in our December 1969 issue, we ran a story highlighting Ford and Chevrolets skunk works effort to develop new mid-engine supercars. With both automakers now finally offering mid-engine sports cars to the public, the Ford GT and the 2020 MotorTrend Car of The Year-winning 2020 Chevrolet Corvette , we thought itd be fun to dive back into this old magazine story. Detroits in the grip of mid-engine mania. Again, theres said to be a mid-engine Corvette in the works... [read more]
This Chevy Silverado Limo Seems Too Good To Be True
Im quite sure that the majority of the people find pickup trucks to be rather spacious and few will complain about them being congested or stuffed or anything like that. But, this particular truck owner wanted something larger than life and the end result seems too good to be true. The point in case here is a Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Dually that has been turned into a seven-door limo that can perhaps accommodate all of Colorado! The truck features a... [read more]
2021 Toyota Corolla XSE Apex First Test: Not the Sport Sedan We Were Hoping For
Although it cant keep pace with the best compact sedans , the new Toyota Corolla is a big improvement over its predecessor. Along with stronger handling, it benefits from a more potent engine option and a streamlined interior. The Corolla Hybrid we recently tested is a true standout delivering stellar fuel economy. Now, here to shake things up again is the 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex Edition, promising an affordable sport sedan experience. But, does it deliver? Well, not quite in... [read more]
This is What Its Like to Drive the McLaren 765LT on the Track!
McLaren is the kind of automaker that builds all of its vehicles with track driving in mind. Whether it's the entry-level 540C or the wild Senna, they can be unleashed on the track like a full-fledged race car. But McLaren also makes a handful of sports cars that are aimed at the track more than they are road cars. The 765LT is one of them. A long-tail version of the 720S, the 765LT was designed with numerous track-focused upgrades in... [read more]
Can You Guess What Cars Inspired the Beijing Radiance?
Beijing, touted as a new brand under the BAIC umbrella, has unveiled the Radiance at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show, which kicked off on September 26. Instantly, the back of our minds flashed back to 2019, when Infiniti revealed the Qs Inspiration prototype, meant to preview a sporty electric sedan aimed at the Chinese market.
BMW Chops Off the 4 Series Roof and Makes It the 2021 4 Series Convertible
Whatever trace of summer we have left is beginning to fade away but BMW cant be bothered. Munich has just introduced the second-generation 4 Series Convertible and before you start looking for an answer to the question why now?, know that it will only go on sale in March 2021, just in time for a new sunny season. The U.S. gets four variants at launch: 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i, and M440i xDrive. Scroll down for a better look at the... [read more]
2022 Honda Civic: Everything We Know
One of our favorite compact cars is due for a complete redesign soon. The 2022 Honda Civic will almost certainly continue to be the spacious, fun-to-drive, and practical small car we know and love, with a few improvements to keep it fresh. Heres what we can expect to see on the 11th-generation Civic . 2022 Honda Civic: Evolutionary Style The new design will be more evolutionary than revolutionary, based on what weve seen in patent photos posted to Civic11Forum... [read more]
Have an HD Pickup? Wanna Camp In It? Try the EarthCruiser Terranova Camper
Watch out Toyota, because it turns out its not enough to cruise the land. Nope. Todays adventurers want to cruise the earth , and they may need something beyond the mighty Land Cruiser SUV . EarthCruiser offers the camper kit to help those planet-roamers, including the upcoming Terranova. Due to arrive early 2021, the new Terranova is one of the ultimate ways to explore this planet from behind the wheel of your 2020-or-newer Chevrolet Silverado 3500 , Ford F-350... [read more]
2021 BMW 4 Series Convertible First Look: The Cloth Top Cometh
Convertibles are almost never the purists choice. Theyre heavier, less rigid, and less dynamic than their coupe counterparts. However, they are often the better looking two-door option . Sadly, this isn't exactly the case for the 2021 BMW 4 Series . Were sorry BMW, but the 4's big grille also doesnt work on the convertible. Luckily, there are some notable changes over this cars predecessor that might make it more appealingprovided you can get past its mug. For 2021, the... [read more]
2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Long-Term Test Verdict: Not the Year We Expected
The departure of our long-term 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon just a few weeks ago was bittersweet. A lot has changed in my lifeall of our lives, reallysince the firetruck-red, black-topped four-door Wrangler long-termer showed up at MotorTrend s offices in July of 2019. Like the long-term Ram Power Wagon before it , I had big plans for our Wrangler; aside from driving and living with it everyday, I was going to take our Wrangler on epic, Jeep-appropriate overland expeditions... [read more]
AWD, FWD, or RWDWhich Wheel Drive Is Best?
Forgive us for engaging in maieutics right off the batdoing as Greek philosopher Socrates did by answering a question with further questionsbut thats how these things go. There is no single answer for everyone. Wisdom cannot be taught, only learned. So, if your pressing question has to do with vehicle drivelines and whether all-wheel drive (AWD) , front-wheel drive (FWD) , or rear-wheel drive (RWD) is best, we suggest you first look deep within and ask yourself a few more... [read more]
2022 Genesis GV70 Looks Promising in New Teaser Photos
Genesis really needs a second SUV to compete in todays crossover-obsessed world. Fortunately, that SUV appears to be right around the corner. Today, Genesis revealed the GV70 in camouflaged form. The SUV is expected to arrive here in the U.S. for the 2022 model year. Peering beneath the camo, we can tell the Genesis GV70 takes inspiration from the larger GV80 s headlights and taillights. While the shape of the grille is familiar, the mug features a unique black mesh... [read more]
The Track-Only Porsche Cayman GT4 Proves That Metal and Plastic Can Be Replaced With Natural Fibers
The 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR is a race-spec version of the road-going Cayman GT4. It is essentially identical to the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport race that Porsche introduced in early 2019, but it features a body kit made from natural-fiber composite materials. Porsche first introduced natural-fiber composite materials on the Cayman GT4 Clubsport, which features doors and the rear wing made from this mix, but the MR version comes with an entire body crafted from fibers sourced... [read more]
Genesis CEO Implies a New-Gen G80 Sport Could Happen
The strange year that is 2020 is not deterring the Genesis luxury brand from launching two key vehicles: the next-generation 2021 Genesis G80 sedan and the compatriot 2021 Genesis GV80 midsize SUV. Both hit dealerships in the United States in late October. The two new vehicles have a healthy reservation bank waiting to be filled, Mark Del Rosso, president and CEO of Genesis Motor North America said. The 2021 Genesis GV80 has about 18,000 reservations and the number keeps growing... [read more]
The BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC Coupe Just Got Some New Competition
Audi is giving the Q5 the Sportback treatment but we wont see it on the streets earlier than mid-2021. The Q5 Sportback carries on the SUV coupe theme weve seen from so many carmakers, so heres all you need to know about it.
Pete Brocks 46 Ford
One of the early Trend Books (121? Maybe?) features a '46 Ford built by Olive Hill Garage in the early-1950's. I've always been taken by the car simply... continue reading
Is This Impressive Rendering A Look Into The Future of Mercedes?
If the car industry has learned us anything so far its that carmakers like to play with concept vehicles but theyre also part work. More often than not, a concept car has led a car brands direction and approach for the years to come and were not only talking about design cues and whatnot, but also that brands vision of mobility. In that context, we cant ignore two of Mercedes-Benzs most stunning concepts, the 2015 F 015 prototype and the... [read more]
This 2018 Ford GT 67 Heritage Edition Could Change Hands for Millions
One of the rarest versions of the Ford GT supercar is headed for the auction block, and it could fetch up to seven figures if everything goes as anticipated. A 2018 Ford GT Heritage Edition can be all yours provided you have the pockets to afford it. One of these special edition models is headed to a Mecum Auctions event that will run from November 12 to November 14 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Its expected to fetch a kings ransom... [read more]
2021 Ford F-150 Power, Towing, and Payload Capabilities Detailed
Ford has finally dropped a truckload of detailed information about its new-for-2021 F-150 pickup . How much does the 2021 Ford F-150 tow? How much can it haul? How powerful are its engines? We now have the maximum payload and towing capacities for each of the F-150's six available powertrains, along with how much power each one makes. Let's go through the lot, step by step: 2021 Ford F-150: Engine Outputs The 2021 F-150 offers six powertrains: A 3.3-liter V-6... [read more]
$42,000 Could Get You A VERY UNIQUE 1986 BMW E30 3 Series
Although the new BMW design philosophy has garnered heavily polarized opinions from the enthusiasts all around the globe, the yesteryear Bimmers were generally liked by all. Not only were they beautiful in terms of aesthetics, but they also checked the box when it came to features and creature comforts, and of course, the performance. However, that doesnt mean the models were not customized and modified by the owners. Heres one such example a 1986 E30 325Es that has received cosmetic... [read more]
You Should Probably Quit Driving Your 2020 Chevy C8 Corvette
Its 2020 and vehicle safety is more important than ever. You would think that as advanced as we are as a civilization, wed be able to nail something as simple in a generalized way as vehicle safety. Unfortunately, thats not the case, and thats why GM has placed a recall and stop-sale on the 2020 Chevy C8 Corvette, 2021 Cadillac CT4, CT5, XT4, the 2021 Buick Encore GX, and the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer. So whats the deal? Well, if you... [read more]
This Toyota Supra Mule Could Be Spitting the Tune of The BMW M3s S58 Inline-Six
Toyota revived the Supra in 2019 after a 17-year hiatus and opted to use two BMW-sourced engines. The Supra is available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with up to 255 horsepower and a 3.0-liter inline-six rated at up to 382 horsepower, both shared with a big variety of BMW models, including the 3 and 4 Series, the X5, and the Z4. The top 382-horsepower engine, shared with M-badged Bimmers, was recently added for the 2021 model year, but word has it... [read more]
The Ferrari Omologata Coupe Will Never Be Replicated or Mass Produced
Unveiling its latest one-off commission, Italian luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari transforms its esteemed 812 Superfast GT into an Omologata coupe. In the works for a period of two years, the Omologata marks Ferraris 10th special V12 front-engined customer order, drawing inspiration from the marque's long GT racing history. The Ferrari Omologata Coupe Will Never Be Replicated or Mass Produced Following a lineage of notable customer specials including the Ayra, the F12 TRS, the SP275 RW, the 458 MM, the... [read more]
The 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock Is Rarer Than a Demon
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is still dead, but the new-for-2020 Challenger SRT Super Stock fills a similar role in the lineup. Officially, the 807-hp Super Stock is not a replacement for the Demon. With one less pony in its stable, a widebody kit, and standard items such as a front and rear passenger seats, the Super Stock is no carbon copy of the 808-hp Demon. That said, both the Challenger SRT Demon and Super Stock were designed to dominate... [read more]
2021 McLaren 765LT First Drive: Quicker, Lighter, Sharper
Sixth gear, nudging 170 mph, and Stowe Corner, Silverstones deceptively fast right-hander, is closing fast. Stay off the brakes Stay off the brakes Now! The steering wheel squirms slightly and the McLaren 765LT s nose dips sharply as the four 15.4-inch carbon-ceramic rotors are clamped by Brembo calipers. Flick the left paddle. Fifth gear. Flick it again. Fourth gear. Ease the pressure on the brake pedal just a touch and turn in. Feel the weight transfer keep the front axle... [read more]
Hyundai Reveals 800-HP, Electric Mid-Motor RM20e Sports Car
It seems like yesterday when we drove the midship Veloster N RM19 prototype around the Nrburgring and closer to home at the California Proving Ground . Now, Hyundai has further refined its mid-engine sports car, with the latest iteration pumping out more than 800 horsepower from an electric powertrain. Once again based onand vaguely shaped likethe Veloster N hot hatchback , the Hyundai RM20e features an electric motor with 810 ponies, to be exact. This makes it significantly more potent... [read more]
2021 Ram 1500 TRX's Know Go App Teaches Owners With Augmented Reality
Not tech-savvy? Sorry, not an option in 2020. Trucks are more feature-packed and technologically advanced than ever before. To help educate owners and get them engaged with their vehicles, Ram Trucks has developed a new mobile app called Know & Go, which will debut with the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX and then roll out to other FCA vehicles. The TRX is Rams new off-road beast ( most comparable to the Ford Raptor ) highlighted by its supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8... [read more]
The Ford Mustangs V-8 Is Here to Stay - At Least For Now, Anyway
Yes, car manufacturers are switching to smaller engines aided by forced induction. Some are even electrifying their powertrains, mixing petrol units with e-motors, but that doesnt mean the V-8s days are numbered - yet. Take Ford, for example. According to a report by Ford Authority, the carmaker maintains a positive position as far as V-8s are concerned and has no intention of killing off this particular cylinder configuration in the foreseeable future.
Honda SUV e: Concept Previews Sleek Electric SUV Unlike Any Honda EV Before It
There are many electric SUVs rushing the market right now, with more coming later this year. So far on the electric vehicle front, we havent seen much from HondaSUV-shaped or otherwiseuntil now. The automaker is debuting a sleek electric SUV concept at the Beijing Motor Show, the SUV e: Concept, not long after having discontinued the only EV it sold in the U.S. , the Clarity. If it wasnt for the badge on the show vehicle's nose, wed have no... [read more]
Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule
Lamborghini is far from a subtle automaker. None of its models can fly under the radar, and even if you ask for a toned-down color, a Lamborghini will still stand out from the pack because, well, its a Lamborghini. Of course, thats not going to stop the Italian automaker from rolling out a new options package for the Urus thatll supposedly succeed in toning down the SUVs looks. The new options package is called Graphite Capsule, and it includes four... [read more]
Nefarious-Sounding Hyundai Elantra N Sedan Blats Into View
Hyundai has revealed an all-new Elantra N TCR race carand also previewed the Elantra N performance street car, to boot. The TCR (for Touring Car Racing) is the latest in a budding line of TCR customer race cars released by Hyundai, following the $155,000 Veloster N TCR and the Euro-market i30 TCR hatchbacks. (VW, Honda , and Mazda are among the automakers also offering TCR racers based on production cars.) You could spring for the winged, caged, and wild-lookin' Elantra... [read more]
2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 vs. 2020 Mini John Cooper Works GP: Supercars, Writ Small?
Maybe being stuck at home for the last five months has warped our sense of normalcy, but the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and 2020 Mini John Cooper Works GP strike me as two very odd cars. AMGs offering is a luxurious subcompact sedan with a slightly detuned version of the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever fitted to a production car . That by itself is one heck of a dichotomy, but its the AMG way. The Briton (but Bavarian by... [read more]
This Trivial Complaint About the Ford Bronco Confirms How Entitled People Are In 2020
Air conditioning is not a feature in cars anymore. Its available from the entry-level cars to the most expensive ones. The only thing that differs in cars across the range is the availability of rear A/C vents, automatic climate zone, multiple-zone control, etc. When Ford launched the Bronco, one such feature that didnt made the cut was the conventional rear A/C vents as seen in other cars. Although it didnt seem like a deal-breaker considering its niche, some people have... [read more]