Automobile News & Reviews
Plymouth Parking
My brother is coming to town this weekend and I cant wait. To prepare, I spent yesterday morning running errands. One of those errands brought me to San... continue reading
Acuras RLX Is Dead Here, But JDM Honda Version Gets Advanced Autonomous Tech
Were inching closer to a reality where cars can take more control over the sometimes mundane, sometimes dangerous task of ferrying humans around. No, were not as close as some manufacturers would have you believe to full self-driving, but the first company to receive official recognition of Level 3 driver-assistance capabilities (in this case from the Japanese government) now has a vehicle on sale: the Honda Legend Hybrid EX Honda Sensing Elite, a sedan formerly sold abroad as the Acura... [read more]
We Imagine the Space Force-Inspired Ram 1500 Built to Serve Edition
Ram recently announced the release of the latestand, apparently, lastvariant of i ts full-size 1500 pickups Built to Serve special edition trim. Each Ram 1500 Built to Serve honors a branch of the United States military: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force , and Coast Guard. Notably missing from this list, however, is the recently formed Space Force. How, then, can this fifth iteration of the Ram 1500 Built to Serve be the end of the line for this... [read more]
Heres Your First Look At Aston Martins 2021 F1 Car As Compared To the Valkyrie
More than 60 years have passed since Aston Martin raced in Formual 1 so the news that the carmaker is making a comback in the Big Circus can be counted as a major reason to celebrate. The new F1 car is called AMR21, which is obviously an immense step forward from the 1960 DBR5 named after David Brown but closely related to the Valkyrie.
This Is What Happens When You Buy a Super Cheap Mini Cooper
As car enthusiasts, we are sometimes suckers for a good deal. Luckily, in most cases, common sense prevails, especially when a deal looks too good to be true. That said, sometimes, common sense does not prevail and what initially seemed like a great purchase ends up being an endless money pit. Hoovie's Garage is one of those YouTube channels where you, sometimes, see stuff like that. And although most of the cars redeem themselves this one in particular might prove... [read more]
General Motors Files a Patent for a Floor-Mounted Foot Massager?
In-car seat massaging systems have become a common feature in mainstream cars like the Buick Envision , Ford F-150 , and Ford Explorer . But now General Motors is taking things to the next level by filing a patent for a foot massager. The patent filing submitted to the United Patent and Trademark Office (and spotted by The Drive )describes a foot massaging system embedded in the floorboard. Titled Vehicle Foot Massage System in A Vehicle Floor, this built-in massage... [read more]
Volkswagen ID.6 What We Know So Far
The new Volkswagen ID.6, the latest model slated to join the likes of ID.3 and ID.4, will be underpinned by the same MEB platform and should touch base in 2021. Essentially a big brother to the aforementioned models, the ID.6 is based on the seven-seater ID Roomzz concept. Heres what we know so far about the family-friendly, all-electric SUV from VW.
2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer First to Get Amazon Fire TV for Auto
We've already seen the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer in concept form , and while we don't expect the real deal to deviate too much from the preview, we are prepared to see the production full-size SUV in the metal when it debuts next week. (We'll also see thenon-Grand Wagoneer.)But before we get to see the Wagoneer's final form, Jeep has announced some of the new in-vehicle tech we can expect to see in the anticipated three-row hauler. --> The Wagoneer... [read more]
Maserati GranTurismo
Recently Maserati has brought back some life to their model lineup. The Ghibli is going hybrid, the two-seat sports coupe Alfieri is said to be arriving soon, and the MC20 Maseratis first supercar in almost 20 years is already a fact. But theres more. A test mule has been spotted out testing. Although its disguised as an Alfa Romeo Giulia, the proportions are way off. There are also enough hints that theres a new Maserati hiding under. This means only... [read more]
2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo First Look: Shockingly Practical EV Wagon
Despite the new Taycan Cross Turismo's extra ride height, tough body cladding, mud guards, and generally off-road-ready looks, this isn't some Dakar-ready Porsche EV . As cool as that would be, Porsche insists that the 2022 Taycan Cross Turismo is merely a more well-rounded version of the slinky Taycan sedan. The electric wagon also is better suitedeven if only on paper, or in appearancefor those who live in temperamental climates or fancy themselves adventurous types. After all, the normal Taycan... [read more]
Best GPS For Car 2021
Dedicated GPS systems are still very much alive and kicking. Yes, the infotainment systems in modern cars do come with navigation, quite often as standard. You can also use your smartphones navigation app if you so choose. Regardless, many of the vehicles still in use dont have any connectivity or infotainment systems for that matter and a dedicated GPS system can still offer a trick or two more than what your car or phone has. With this in mind, here... [read more]
These Renderings Make the BMW M3 Touring Look Pretty Appealing
It was not that long ago when a brief press blurb from BMW announced the arrival of the BMW M3 Touring. With the said blurb came a darkened picture of the wagon M3s derriere, which didnt exactly say much related to what the more practical M3 would look like. Thankfully, the internet is oozing with skilled pixel manipulators eager to fill in the gap left by the automaker.
Ernie and the Dwarf Cars revisited
You just might remember my post about Ernie Adams 5/6 scale custom cars from a few a few years ago? He's the crazy-but-talented builder of Maricopa, Arizona that... continue reading
The Ram 2500 Laramie 44 Cummins Is King of the Road Trip
Guffmans been stretching his legs as staffers reluctant to fly take to the highways. Chicagoan Greg Fink made a run to visit his family in Florida, and I made a brother-in-law run to Greenville, South Carolina. Its fun to watch the predicted range soar early in a road trip that follows several weeks of around-town driving. On that Greenville jaunt, an initial prediction of 425 miles grew to 437 over the first 60 miles before finally beginning to count down... [read more]
Cadillac Will Make More Blackwing Models, But SUVs Are Off The Table
Cadillac is riding on the success of its Blackwing nameplate with plans to introduce more Blackwing models in the future. The CT4-V and the CT5-V are the only two Caddy models that come with a Blackwing variant. The rest of Cadillacs lineup consists of SUVs the XT4, XT5, XT6, and Escalade and the automaker has already said that an Escalade Blackwing is out of the question. So if there are going to be more Blackwing Caddys its likely that those... [read more]
The 2022 Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo Doubles Down on Practicality
Those looking for more practicality from their Taycan can now buy the Taycan Cross Turismo. In what was supposed to be a debut at the Geneva Motor Show (thanks, covid-19!), Porsche has released all we need to know about the wagon-ized version of the Taycan EV.
Will the Nissan 400Z Be Worth the Price?
The next Z-car from Nissan is one of the most talked-about cars at the moment. It promises a visceral driving experience, great chassis, and retro-futuristic styling. Im sure many of you are familiar with the letter Z and the cars that feature it. This is the latest one. Referred to as the 400Z, the Japanese sports car looks back to its predecessors and takes some of the best features from each of them. So far it all looks good. But... [read more]
2021 Aston Martin DBX First Test: Its Great. Period.
One of the biggest laughs in automotive-themed time travel would be to set the dial to the mid-1990sthe beginning of Aston Martins Ford eraand roll up to Astons old Bloxham factory in a contemporary Explorer SUV. Posing as a FoMoCo executive in an ill-fitting suit, youd round up a cluster of Astons finest engineers. I want you to make that, you smile, pointing at the Explorer, handle, ride, look, and sound like that , swinging your finger over to a... [read more]
This Is Probably Everything You Need to Know About the Interior of the Mercedes EQS
In trying to hype up the arrival of the EQS, Mercedes-Benz took to YouTube where it started a short series of videos called Unexpected Beauty. The second clip in the series focuses on the human-centric cabin of the EQS as it also puts the people who developed it into the limelight.
Ferrari Just Joined The Ranks of Fiat, Citroen, Vauxhall, and Mitsubishi In A Bad Way
Ferrari has found itself in surprising company with the likes of Fiat, Citroen, Vauxhall, and Mitsubishi. According to Google Trends data presented by U.K.-based price comparison website Compare the Market, the Italian supercar marque is one of five car brands that have plunged dramatically in popularity from 2010. Ferrari didnt come out with the worst result that distinction goes to Fiat with a 52.2 percent drop in search popularity but with a 35.3-percent drop, Ferrari ranked 27th out of 30... [read more]
BMW M3 and M4 by Manhart
The new BMW M3 and M4 have just started arriving at the dealerships, but Manhart Performance is already developing its own versions of these beauties. The M3 and the M4 are under scrutiny for their kidney grilles, but theres no denying that they're an improvement in every aspect otherwise.
Were Willing To Bet Theres a Secret or Two That You Dont Know About The Ford GT Heritage Edition
The Ford GT is one of the most interesting supercars in the market, and its not just because of all the things we already know about it. The GT is also loaded with plenty of easter eggs that can only be discovered once an owner takes delivery of the car. Supercar collector Manny Khoshbin recently received his GT Heritage Edition, and the first thing he did with it was create a walkaround video with a Ford delivery specialist to learn... [read more]
Jeep SUVs May Drop Cherokee Name, Says Parent Company Stellantis
Jeep has used the Cherokee name on its SUVs for decades, right up to today, where the moniker is found on the compact Cherokee crossover and the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L midsizers . Throughout that time, the Cherokee Nation has occasionally voiced its opposition to Jeep's use of the tribal name to sell vehicles, only to see nothing change. Most recently, as Jeep prepares to launch the first-ever three-row Grand Cherokee L and reveal the equally new two-row... [read more]
Ford to Mustang Mach-E Buyers: Sorry About Delays, Here's $1,000
UPDATE 3/4/2021: The statement Ford initially provided to MotorTrend has been revised: Quality is a top priority. For Mustang Mach-E customers who have experienced delays receiving their vehicles, we are providing an additional 250 kilowatt-hours of complimentary charging on the FordPass Charging Network. This applies to approximately 4,500 customers, including about 1,500 of whom have already received their Mach-E. In addition, Ford will provide $1,000 toward the purchase of a Mustang Mach-E for approximately 150 customers who have experienced more... [read more]
If a Regular Aston Martin DB4 Isn't Special Enough, Buy This One
The highest echelons of car collecting remain a very silly place to poke around. Take this outrageously beautiful 1958 Aston Martin DB4 thats currently available through RM Sothebys Private Sales division . Ninety-nine percent of us are sold on the very idea of owning an Aston Martin any Aston Martin would be fine.The next step above us moneyless proles ask, Yeah, but what kind of Aston? The one percent go a bit deeper with an, A DB4? And? followed closely... [read more]
Check Out All The Carbon Fiber On This McLaren 720S by SWAE
SWAE is a new name in the market, but the company is trying to create some noise by targeting one of the most popular sports cars, the McLaren 720S. SWAE has equipped it with a carbon fiber widebody kit, new wheels, and also a performance tune-up that makes around 900 horses. It makes the stock 720S quite plain-Jane, doesnt it? There are not a lot of details available at this point, but this build by the Montana-based tuner is expected... [read more]
BMW 4 Series by AC Schnitzer
AC Schnitzer has released its new tuning program for the G22-generation of the BMW 4 Series Coupe. A slew of aerodynamic panels is part of the new tuning package. When installed, they make the 4 Series look sportier and more aggressive-looking than it already is. Engine upgrade programs are also available for the 420i, 430i, and M440i xDrive variants of the 4 Series. No word yet on pricing, but the cost will depend on the kind of upgrades that you... [read more]
2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport HPD First Test: Truckier By a Nose
Can someone move the Pilot? someone would call over the radio. Thats the Ridgeline, would come the eye-rolling response. Dont get us wrong, we like the Honda Ridgeline here at MotorTrend , but that exact conversation mustve played out 50 times during our 2017 Truck of the Year competition . Everyone mistook the Ridgeline for our long-term Honda Pilot. If it had been the 2021 Honda Ridgeline , that never wouldve happened. Lets just get it out of the way... [read more]
Heres Your First Real Look At the Lamborghini Huracan STO
The Lamborghini Huracan is the Gallardos successor and has been on the market for some time now. Despite being a couple of years old now, the model is still going strong. Not only that but weve gotten some pretty epic versions, the latest one being the Huracan STO. We already know this is the most radical, most track-focused, and possibly the most engaging version of the Huracan, ever made.
2021 Honda Accord EX-L 1.5T First Test: Honda Knows Best
Returning to the trailhead exhausted and faint-brained after a 12-mile hike through the canyons and across the creeks surrounding Mount Baldy, there was no car Id rather be greeted by than the 2021 Honda Accord . Like an old friend, I knew the Japanese midsizer would welcome me without judgement for my foot stink or quivering quads, and that I wouldnt have to dedicate an ounce of my depleted energy reserves to frustrations like clunky CVT tuning or inconsistent steering... [read more]
State of The Union
So given the state of things around the world and our country, I thought I owed an update on the lack of crap leaving the The Jalopy Journal... continue reading
Toyota GR Supra: 15 Things to Dislike About the Sports Car
If you recall from the last update, Thomas Rosquin, manager of search and business intelligence for MotorTrend , drove our 2020 Toyota Supra on a 500-mile road trip. Upon return, he sent me a list of 10 things he loves and this list of 15 things he does not. Im inclined to agree. 15 Things We Don't Like About the Fifth-Generation A90 Supra: Not a 2021 . The 2021 Supra gets a bump in horsepower, and the rear end jitters... [read more]
This Split-Window Chevy C8 Corvette Rendering Proves Chevy Can Do Better
It was just a couple of weeks ago when Chip Foose took to YouTube in an attempt - successful, if you want our two cents - to restyle the new mid-engine Corvette in a way that pays tribute to its predecessor and now we see another pixel manipulator trying to improve the C8s design. And we really like what we're seeing.
2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited First Test: Reinventing Reputations
Historically, the Hyundai Elantra wasnt the most stylish or fun to drive offering in its segment. Need proof? Take a look at this story tracking the Elantras progress as we reviewed each subsequent generation . By the 2011 model year, its design and driving capabilities began to stand out. Now, weve gotten our hands on the seventh-generation 2021 Hyundai Elantra . We evaluated it on the street and on our test track to see if its capabilities measure up to... [read more]
0-60 MPH In 4 Seconds? Thats Seriously the 2021 Volkswagen Golf R
The Volkswagen Golf has been around for over four decades and is still one of the most popular hatches. It wouldnt be wrong to say that it has achieved legendary status. However, the company announced earlier this year that it retiring the car in the U.S. But, that doesnt mean we wont hear any more about it. In fact, we have some scoop right here. The 2021 Golf R came with a whole lot of performance enhancements included a 0-60... [read more]
Rolls-Royce Cullinan by Novitec
Novitec is back with a new tuning program, this time for Rolls-Royces monolithic SUV, the Cullinan. The tuning kit is a typical program for the German tuner. It comes with aerodynamic add-ons to go with a modified engine, a new exhaust, and a new set of wheels. The Cullinan looks more aggressive than before, but you have to wonder if "aggression" is part of what makes a Rolls-Royce. Pricing details were not revealed; the cost will depend on what upgrades... [read more]
Bugatti Divo Lady Bug
When youre the carmaker equivalent of Scrooge McDuck in terms of money, you can do just about anything; case in point being this gentleman who commissioned Bugatti to paint the Divo with ladybug-esque spots! It is way more complex than it sounds and the French automaker nearly backed out of the whole project. But, after a year and a half, they managed to successfully execute it and deliver the car to the customer.
Feast Your Eyes on the Glickenhaus 008 Dakar Buggy
They say there is no rest for the wicked. In this case, the wicked are represented by Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, who is always keeping us on our toes and who, in good spirit, just dropped a couple of renderings of a revised 008 Baja Dakar Buggy.
Latestand LastRam 1500 Built to Serve Edition Honors the Coast Guard
Ram has released the fifth and final iteration of its limited-run Built to Serve trucks , a series of special-edition 1500 pickups designed to honor those who serve in our military. The latest truck honors the Coast Guard and is available in either Spitfire (orange) paint or Bright White. (Apparently, Ram is not ready to recognize our sixth military branch, the newly-formed Space Force.) --> Like other Built to Serve Rams, the Coast Guard-inspired truck gets unique badging, blacked-out trim... [read more]
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Costs More Than Its Nissan Platform-Mate
We recently got our first look at the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander , and its a monumental leap forward in comparison to the vehicle it replaces. Not to diminish the new Outlander any, but the ancient and uncompetitive previous Outlander wasnt a segment standout anyway. The new one appears to be a real contender, with interesting styling and appropriate hardware to battle its compact SUV rivals. And now we know what sort of price tag the little SUV will wear when... [read more]
Novitec's Rolls-Royce Cullinan Is Ghoulishly OTT
We've covered Novitec before . It's best known for taking standard Ferraris and boosting these cars' engine outputs to ludicrous numbers, all the while adding a bit of style to the mix. Most of the company's designslike the F12 N-Largoare pretty over the top, and its take on the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is no different. --> First of all, it's worth mentioning that the Cullinan itself, while comfortable and easy to drive (for something with land yacht-like proportions), completely belies the... [read more]
Software Update Needed: 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric SUVs Await Bug Fix
No one said it would be easy. Volvo has committed to sell only electric vehicles by 2030 and today hosted a virtual unveiling of the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge , a coupe/SUV mashup that also becomes the second offering in the Recharge lineup of electric vehicles. But how is Volvo's first EV offering going? Circling back to the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge, Volvos first full EV , well, there is a snag. The electric SUV's launch isbeing marred by some... [read more]
2021 Ram 1500 TRX Reimagined as SRT-10Inspired Muscle Truck
The desert-buzzing, low-flying fun monsters known as the Ford F-150 Rapto r and Ram 1500 TRX have shown us just how fun trucks can be when they can go anywhere, do anything, and provide laughs and thrills in equal measure. But somewhere along the way, weve arguably forgotten about the original fast trucks that opened the door for these two: the muscle trucks. Low, swaggering, and street-only, the Chevrolet 454 SS, the Ford F-150 SVT Lightning ,Dodge Ram SRT-10, and... [read more]
Volkswagen Is Actually Considering an ID.3 Convertible
Volkswagen, the company that is selling an open-top crossover namely the T-Roc convertible is thinking about shaving the roof off the ID.3. How do we know? Well, the carmaker prepared a very short press release about it worded What if? and to add fuel to the rumor fire, chairman Herbert Diess took to Twitter asking for his followers opinion about a potential ID.3 cabriolet.
This Comedian Has More Than 80 Different Examples of the Volkswagen Bus
Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias is known far and wide as a great comedian, but hes also established himself as a connoisseur of all things related to Volkswagens iconic Bus. The 44-year-old comedian owns a collection of classic VW Bus models amounting to $3 million. He keeps them in his personal museum, which was designed to carry a passing resemblance to Volkswagens production facility in Wolfsburg, Germany.
New Facts About the Tesla Cybertruck Have Emerged
Some time ago, Tesla unveiled their boldly-styled Cybertruck. The futuristic-looking EV puck-up truck was and still is talked about a lot. We also know that it will be on sale sometime in late 2021. Despite its official introduction, however, the Cybertruck remained a work in progress and now, more details about it came out.
Work Hard, Playmobil Hard: Hop on the Plastic VW Bus Bandwagon
The days of clean first-generation (or T1) Volkswagen Buses trading hands for a couple of thousand dollars are long behind us. Sure, not every Bus commands the six-figure sum of an especially well-kept 21-window van , but even lowlier Buses of the era in halfway decent shape tend to sell for five figures. Whats the VW Bus fan with a crisp Grant in their pocket to do? Playmobil just might have the answer with its Volkswagen T1 Camping Bus... [read more]
The New Need for Speed Has Been Delayed At Least a Year Because Guns Are More Fun
The next Need for Speed game will not be released until the latter part of 2022 at the earliest. That douses any hopes that the game would still come out in its original 2021 schedule. But thats not happening anymore, and the reason is the new Battlefield video game. According to reports, Electronic Arts has directed Criterion Games to pause the development of the new Need for Speed game so that it could help fellow E.A. subsidiary DICE in finishing... [read more]
Lightnin Bugs TV Debut
It's easy to argue that Norm Grabowski's Kookie Kar is the most iconic T Bucket of all time. A large part of the car's notoriety was derived from... continue reading