Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Describing Every Porsche With ONLY ONE SENTENCE!

 911:

Even in base form, the 911 is one of the purest cars out there, and will deliver everything and anything you would want in a sports car, and more.

911 TURBO:

Not casting aside the everyday comfortability of the standard 911, the Turbo variant is an incredibly engaging car with ludicrous speed and acceleration.

911 GT2RS:

On the track, where it belongs, the GT2RS gives the driver the dictionary definition of controlled chaos, setting a virtually unreachable benchmark for modern six-figure supercars.

911 gT3:

Like all Porsches, the GT3 excels in outright speed, acceleration, handling around a track, comfortability, luxury, and ultimately, beauty.

911 SPYDER:

The 911 Spyder is possibly the most desirable of the vast and diverse 911 lineup, as it pairs all the positives of the "normal' 911 with a terrific open-air convertible experience that simply can't be beat.

PANAMERA:

The Panamera is a thoroughly impressive 4-door sports car, exemplifying the vast range of vehicles Porsche can "Pull off". 

PANAMERA TURBO:

Although it is not the 911 4-door Porsche markets it as, the Panamera is delightful regardless, with bonkers speed, (689 hp, 185 mph top speed, 3.5 sec 0-60) and sumptuous luxury, and unmatchable style inside and out.

TAYCAN:

Porsches (late) entrance to the electric car phenomenon is largely a success, bar grossly sub-average mpc (miles per charge).

TAYCAN TURBO 4S:

The Turbo 4S shares the standard models incompetent battery range, but it (almost) makes up for it with performance that is simply unheard of from an electric car and an exceptional driving experience that is synonymous with modern Porsches.

MACAN:

The Macan is Porches best selling product, and for good reason: the Macan drives like a sports car without sacrificing the practicality of an SUV, something that many brands (I'm looking at you, BMW) aren't able to do.

MACAN TURBO:

Though it has considerably worse cargo space and fuel efficiency than the Macan, the Turbo variant is easily one of the best driving SUVs of history, and has insane numbers to back it up (4.3 sec 0-60 mph).

CAYENNE:

While not as sporty as the Macan, Porsche's second SUV succeeds in a different regard: luxury, and lots of it.

CAYENNE COUPE:

Porsche had a winning formula with the Cayenne, and (rightly) decided to put even more power into a already rapid SUV, resulting in arguably the best SUV "coupe" in the world.

718 BOXSTER:

Biologically the little brother to the 911 Spyder, the Boxster is a convincing sporty little convertible that packs considerable power, but concentrates on a low-key driving experience similar to that of a Audi R8 or Lotus Evora GT.

718 CAYMAN:

The Cayman is a sublime ratio of quick, focused handling to a relaxed, comfortable ride, an absolute winning formula, as the 718 earned a 10/10 rating from Car&Driver.

718 CAYMAN GT4:

I cannot describe in one sentence how ridiculously great the GT4 is, so here is an article on it: Tested: 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (caranddriver.com)

918 SPYDER:

The 918 Spyder is a downright beast on the track, as its performance records have yet to be broken (In 2013, the 918 set record in 0-60 mph, Nurburgring lap times, and LL lap times, all of which remain untouched).



Monday, March 29, 2021

2020 Year In Review (Albeit A Little Late)

 It's over. What was easily one of the roughest years in recent memory is in the rear-view mirror, and though 2021 is also off to a miserable start, the car industry is one of the few that keeps on rolling. (Pun intended) Arguably one of the best years in terms of the number of truly awesome cars that have been released, there is no shortage of things to talk about when discussing 2020 as it relates to cars. 


WHAT WAS MY FAVORITE CAR RELEASE OF 2020?

When Ford announced that they were reviving the long-dead Bronco, there was really no doubt about how good it would be. Sure enough, the Bronco is a heck of an off-roader, while sporting an absolutely incredible design that evokes the classic model's vibe, while simultaneously looking to the future. At long last, the legendary Jeep Wrangler has some very worthy competition. It should be fun to watch the two duke it out. 



WHAT ABOUT MY LEAST FAVORITE RELEASE?

I'm just going to be honest with you: I hate the way modern BMW cars look. Some cars pull off the aggressive vibe (McLaren P1, Corvette ZR1), but the BMW M4 just doesn't do it for me. Looking past its grotesque design doesn't reveal anything notably better either. It is with regret that I must predict that BMW is on the way down, and is wasting no time.





WHAT WAS THE BEST SPORTS CAR OF 2020?

Just as much a show-stopper as the Ford Bronco, the new and completely revised Corvette nails it in every way possible, resulting in it winning Motor Trend's biggest award, the annual Car Of The Year. They also picked it as the 2020 Best Driver's Car, highlighting the 'Vette's well roundedness as a sports car, and also just a car. The most impressive thing, however, is that The Chevy can compete with Ferraris, but cost only a fraction as much. ($59K for Corvette, $262 for Ferrari 488). 

Saturday, March 27, 2021

3 Cars That Blend Weird And Cool

                                                                  McLaren Elva:

        

                                            Tesla Cybertruck:


                                   Lamborghini Terzo Millenio


Friday, March 26, 2021

Since When Did Kias Become So Stylish?

 Today's Kia lineup is filled with terrific cars. Long gone are the days when Kia had a bad image for it's sloppy, unreliable products, as their new vehicles are nothing short of astonishing. The turning point was probably the new-for-2019 Kia Telluride. Cheaper than a Honda Pilot, while boasting a better drive, better exterior and interior design, better fuel economy, better packaging, etc.. , Motor Trend gave the Telluride the 2020 SUV Of The Year, while Car&Driver named it a 10Best two years in a row. Soon thereafter, the aging Soul compact SUV received a full refresh. Needless to say, the Soul went from barely relevant to world-class. The Stinger, Kia's sports car, also is a terrific car that costs thousands less than competitors, yet somehow managing to be much better. I won't bother you by going through the whole lineup, so if you're interested, check this out: MoreThanTransport: Describing Every Kia With Only ONE SENTENCE!

Take a look at the gallery I've assembled for you below. I promise, I'm not just photoshopping a Kia badge onto a Bentley or Alfa-Romeo!




Coolest Cars YOU Can Afford

                                                             KIA K5 / $23k

 

                                         CHEVROLET CAMARO / $25K


                             HONDA CIVIC / $19K


                              MAZDA MIATA / $26K


                                                  DODGE CHARGER / $29K


                           FIAT 124 SPYDER / $25K


                          FORD MUSTANG / $27K


                         HYUNDAI VELOSTER N / $29K

 

                              FORD BRONCO: $29K


                           TESLA MODEL 3 / $37K



Note: Prices given are the base prices.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

These 5 Cars Drift Like Crazy, At Sane Prices

                                                     DODGE CHALLENGER: $31k

 

                                        BMW M2: $62k


                            CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY: $59k


                                          FORD MUSTANG: $27k


                                     CHEVROLET CAMARO: $25k


Tuesday, March 23, 2021

First Look: Jeep Wrangler Magneto EV

 



    In an unexpected move, Jeep have released a Wrangler concept that teases a fully-electric rock-crawler in the near future. Sporting the Magneto name, the 2-door Wrangler we have here shows more than a hint of blue highlights, which typically means that the vehicle has some amount of electric power. Not much else is known of the Magneto, but I can see it sitting alongside the Hybrid Wrangler in a year or two.

Monday, March 22, 2021

What I Think Of The New VW Golf R:

 

The Volkswagen Golf has long been one of the most impressive cars on the market. With a understated style, quality materials in the places most automakers skimp on, an entertaining ride, and a knockout engine are only a few of the reasons why the Golf is a favorite among many. The 2022 VW shouldn't change too much of that, instead zeroing-in on the tiny areas that need work. The phenomenal engine and powertrain remain relatively untouched, with a Inline-4 engine pumping out an outstanding 288 hp. The one big change the Volkswagen hatch is making is turning to a all-wheel drive system to keep the Golf R competitive with the legend-in-the-making that is the Honda Civic Type-R. Another terrific thing to happen to the Golf R is possibly the most exciting: it drifts! At $39K, the upcoming Golf is shaping up to be everything it is supposed to be, a (relatively) affordable way to have fun while still having a immensely practical vehicle. 


Sunday, March 21, 2021

Tesla Model 2 First Look: A Sub-$25K Electric Hatchback?

 



It probably isn't news to you that Tesla makes some of the most desirable cars on the globe. The Model S, Model 3, and especially the Roadster have all been heralded as the most attractive cars money can buy. The Model 2, in development stage currently, is by far the most beautiful hatchback in the world, with the Mazda 3 a distant second. The designers of the Model 2 have subtly inserted some cues from the Roadster and Model 3, while still having it's own identity. Though not much is yet known of the Upcoming Model 2, it is safe to say it will become a hit, maybe even cracking into the top 10 selling cars in America, far surpassing the sales of any Tesla that went before it.

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Acura RDX A-Spec Review: Looks Faster Than It Is

 


   Acura is no stranger to making awesome sports cars. The original Integra and NSX remain, to this day, two of the best ever. The highly impressive Civic Type-R, although technically a Honda, was built largely by Acura engineers. So when Acura decided to add a sportier RDX variant to the lineup, few had any doubts that the new product would be satisfactory. Though the A-Spec is largely satisfactory, the gorgeous, fast-looking design and spicy red bucket seats simply writes checks the average at best engine (272 hp, 6.2 sec 0-60) can't cash. If you are able to put aside the RDX A-Spec's disappointing performance, you will find a comfortable SUV with thoughtful amenities and an overall superb vehicle at a reasonable price ($39K). 

The Acura RDX A-Spec, like most Honda products, is a terrific value. To illustrate this, we'll compare the price of the Acura to its main competitors. 

ACURA RDX A-SPEC: $39k

BMW X3: $44k

PORSCHE MACAN: $54k

MERCEDES-BENZ GLC: $63k

MASERATI LEVANTE: $73k

To be fair, the Acura is worse than all but one or two of the above SUVs, but if it costs substantially less, it can justify a lower quality product. What I'm trying to get at is the RDX is a solid SUV, but it doesn't really make a strong case for itself. It doesn't conjure the same passion as the Porsche Macan, the same tech found in an Audi Q5, or even the same level of luxury you would see in a Mercedes GLC or Maserati Levante. I would not recommend the RDX, nor would I rule it out. Good news though, as Acura are updating the RDX for 2022. Stay tuned for that one.



Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Describing Every Honda With Only ONE SENTENCE!

 HONDA CIVIC:

The Honda Civic, even in base form, will leave you impressed by it's phenomenal driving behavior and apparent quality wherever you look.

HONDA CIVIC SI:

The Civic Si delivers on its mission to make the "normal" Civic even more fun to drive, while still remaining a comfortable car to live with.

HONDA CIVIC TYPE-R

The Type-R is nothing short of legendary, making a compelling case that RWD cars can still be truly great.

HONDA ACCORD:

Boasting incredible fuel economy, handsome looks, high-quality materials, a great ride, and incredible packaging, the terrific Accord should be parked in just about every driveway in America, if you ask me.

HONDA ACCORD HYBRID:

Same deal as the regular Accord, except it has an even smoother ride and even better environmental friendliness. 

HONDA INSIGHT:

Similar to the Civic in many ways, the Insight is easily the #1 or #2 hybrid in the world, depending on if you prefer it to the Accord Hybrid.

HONDA RIDGELINE:

The Ridgeline has long been competent, but a refresh for 2021 has given Honda's mid-size truck the tools it needs to truly give its competitors (Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger) a run for their money.

HONDA HR-V:

Probably one of the least impressive members of the Honda lineup, the HR-V has great packaging and fuel economy, but is undone by a severely underpowered engine.

HONDA PASSPORT:

The Passport is a compelling option for those who wish to have a off-road capable SUV that doesn't compromise the everyday functionality of, say, a CR-V.

HONDA PILOT:

After Kia started selling their phenomenal Telluride 3-row SUV in 2018, Honda Pilot sales sunk, and for good reason, as the Pilot is not half as good as the Kia.

HONDA CR-V:

The CR-V is without a question the best in its class, as shown by its 2 Motor Trend SUV Of The Year awards in only 4 years, which, by the way, has never been done before.

HONDA CR-V HYBRID:

Like the standard CR-V, the hybrid variant offers best-in-class functionality, packaging, fuel economy, driving experience, impressive V-6, and all-round refinement, all at a bargain price of $25K.

HONDA CLARITY:

Shockingly unimpressive, the plug-in Hybrid Clarity is one of only a few Hondas I would not recommend.

HONDA FIT:

Quirky, fun, value-packed, reliable, and not not to be sold in the U.S.A (unfortunately) from now on.

HONDA ODYSSEY:

The impressive Odyssey has long been a family favorite, but it faces tough competition from arguably superior minivans such as the Kia Carnival and Chrysler Pacifica, but nonetheless, the Honda is still very good.




Describing Every Kia With Only ONE SENTENCE!

 KIA SOUL:

At only $17K, the Kia Soul is a knockout of a compact SUV, and offers a premium experience in every aspect.

KIA TELLURIDE:

On their first try, Kia engineered a  pretty much perfect SUV, with the Telluride similar to a Range Rover's excellence and refinement in every way, while costing half as much.

KIA SORENTO:

Kia finally injects some relevance into an SUV that has been incompetent for years.

KIA K5:

One of a select group of sedans that can look the legendary Honda Accord in the eyes, quite the accomplishment.

KIA SELTOS:

The Seltos is a very impressive little SUV, with it's all-round quality increasingly rare at it's mere $20K asking price.

KIA STINGER:

You just gotta hand it to Kia: The Stinger looks and drives like a Maserati, while costing 1/3 as much.

KIA K900:

Not quite the 10/10 product like the Telluride, Soul, or Stinger, but still a solid alternative to a BMW 6-Series.

KIA SPORTAGE:

I do not necessarily recommend the Sportage, but it is decent nonetheless, with a strong engine its nearest competitor (Honda HR-V) cannot match.



Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Which 3 Cars Would You Own For The Rest Of Your Life?

I recently read John Philips column in my March issue of Car&Driver, and he brought up a highly intriguing prospect. He writes: "Imagine, for a moment, that you could own any three cars in the infinite cosmos of cars. But the vehicles you select must remain in your possession until you die. Between 6 feet above, and 6 under, you can't sell them, can't will them to heirs. Now what?" This question got proposed to many, and this is what they had to say:
----------------
Daniel Pund: Mercedes-Benz E63, Lancia Stratos, Dodge Coronet
Michael Jordan: Ferrari 430, Pontiac Firebird, Porsche 911 GT3
Keith Martin: Alfa Romeo Giula, GTV, Duetto
Eddy Alterman: Ferrari 250, Mercedes-Benz E63, Ford GT
----------------
Interesting choices, each one undoubtedly special for some reason, but I though I would give it a go. You know I really love cars, so I took this seriously, as you probably would expect. 3 hours later, theses are my picks:
---------------
MCLAREN 570: THE EXOTIC
What is it? It is McLaren's entry level supercar, essentially the innocent little brother compared to the more aggressive 720S, 765Lt, Senna, 600LT, etc.. While it cannot compete with its brothers on a track, you might even argue the 570 is the most enjoyable of them all. With its lightweight frame, it is a joy to toss around the back roads, especially with the roof down. While it only costs 175K, it looks like a million-dollar car, with its captivating design. Rated 10/10 by several sources, this is the exotic car I'd spring for.


ASTON-MARTIN DBX: THE EVERY-DAY DRIVER
As we both know, sometimes you just gotta' have something practical. After all, nothing beats an SUV's cargo capacity and roominess. However, if I had to own an SUV, I'd want some supercar DNA in it. Please welcome the Aston Martin DBX. Quick, exciting, sporty, and, ultimately, practical. It has a gorgeous design, in keeping with the traditional Aston Martin look. TG magazine praised the Aston for being "Interesting, fun, and actually practical". While the SUV offerings from Lamborghini and Maserati, to name a few, tend to be very obnoxious and pointlesss, the DBX is a clever package that I would take over any other SUV in the market.

MCLAREN 765LT: THE HYPERCAR
As you can probably tell, I have a thing for McLarens. Speed, style, terrific handling, Ferraris and Lamborghinis have nothing on modern McLarens. If you had guessed, back in 1994, that the legendary McLaren F1 was the start of a truly great brand, you'd be  absolutely right. The stunning 765LT is a prime example of McLaren's dominance. Top Gear didn't kid around when they said the 765LY was "Probably the single-most accomplished supercar we've ever driven", while handing it a highly impressive 9/10 rating, by a self-proclaimed 'stingy' editor, James May. It's a heck of a car, and it rounds out my top 3. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let me know which three cars you would pick in the comments!











Monday, March 15, 2021

Would-You-Rather Car Edition! (Pt. 3)

 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC OR PORSCHE MACAN?







LAMBO URUS OR BENTLEY BENTAYGA?







GAS BURNING OR ELECTRIC SPORTS CAR?






FORD BRONCO OR JEEP WRANGLER?









RANGE ROVER OR BMW X7?








LEXUS LC OR BMW M8?









DODGE CHARGER OR KIA STINGER?









NISSAN GT-R OR ACURA NSX?








HONDA ACCORD OR KIA K5?







TESLA MODEL X OR JAGUAR I-PACE?








MY PICKS:
PORSCHE, BENTLEY, Electric, FORD, RANGE ROVER, LEXUS, KIA, ACURA, KIA, JAGUAR

AI and Car Design - What Could Go Wrong?

T here's been a considerable amount of talk around some new Artificial Intelligence generators that can take two or more words and mash ...