Jeep Brings 3-Row Wrangler To Sema

 

Jeep has created a 3-row Wrangler SUV for the SEMA car show, and it is called the "Overlook concept". Although this is very likely just a styling exercise, many are still speculating that Jeep will, in fact, reveal a production version in the coming years. Whether or not this happens in the future doesn't change the fact that this concept is a very, very cool idea. It's 1 ft longer than the standard Wrangler, with the roof 5 inches higher. It also features upgraded shocks and more expensive leather upholstery. What Jeep is doing here with the Overlook is very similar to what Land Rover did with the Defender, starting with a 2 door, 2 row SUV, and then adding a larger version aferwards. The overlook is based on the 4-door Wrangler Sahara, and uses a custom bronze paint  that is contrasted by the blacked-out tires and hubcaps. All in all, it is a pretty cool move by Jeep, even if it never happens, which is even more likely with the new addition of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs. Stay tuned to MTT for more news on Jeep, as well as all the big news in the car world. 

Breaking: Mike Flewitt Resigns From CEO Role At McLaren, Brand Left Scrambling For Successor

 

   In a surprise move, Mike Flewitt has stepped down from the CEO role at McLaren. What makes this especially surprising is the huge amount of success the brand has enjoyed under Flewitt's leadership: After joining in 2012, he has been behind some truly legendary supercars, names like the P1, Senna, 720S, and Speedtail. The brand is now transitioning into the EV and hybrid realm, with the Artura the latest car to use electricity. Prior to his McLaren stint, Flewitt worked in executive positions at Ford, TWR, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce. When asked about his exit from the sports car firm, he said "I feel incredibly proud to have led McLaren automotive through most of it's first, highly successful decade, and am privileged to have played a part in the incredible McLaren story. This young company's success is a testament to the many passionate and talented people I have had the pleasure of working with, and I look forward to seeing that success continue. As expected, McLaren are now under a considerable degree of pressure to find a successor for Flewitt. Whether that replacement will come from inside the brand or not remains in question, but they will undoubtedly have massive shoes to fill. Mike Flewitt, in less than a decade, transformed McLaren from an unknown automaker that produced dozens of cars to arguably the best sports car brand in the world, and their cars consistently outperform the giants that are Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini. The time Flewitt spent at McLaren was hugely effective, and a heck of a lot of progress was made. 

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 First Look: Change Isn't Always A Bad Thing

 

It's here, folks. The Corvette Z06 has finally been revealed, and let's be honest: It is looking like one of the best 'Vettes of all time. The minor tweaks from the base C8 add up, and we are left with an unbelievably attractive car. It is easily one of the most exciting cars of recent time, with it's 5.5 Liter V8 engine, a machine sure to delight everyone from Chevy die-hards to just casual enthusiasts. It pumps out 670 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, both very impressive numbers. Production starts in summer of 2022, and will challenge the likes of the Jaguar F-Type, Lotus Emira, Ferrari Portofino, and Acura NSX in the entry-level supercar market. Except one fact: The C8, and the C8 Z06 are priced at a fraction of the costs of similar cars, with the former starting at $59K, and the latter estimated to cost $80K. The new mid-engined layout of the Corvette really works to it's advantage, as it is much quicker (0-60 in only 2.5 s for the Z06) and much more responsive on the track, as it's symmetry helps it handle better than the previous gen of the Corvette, the C7. 

  Also, by ditching he supercharger, the Z06 pays homage to the legendary C1 Corvette, and it is also a really good idea, mechanically wise. The new engine revs to an outrageous 7000 rpm, and is sure to please the purists with it's beautiful engine sound, which sounds, to be honest, like a Ferrari 458, which is the highest compliment. As a matter of fact, the two share engine configurations, which might have something to to with it. The approach that Chevrolet is taking here with the Z06 is a good one, as they seem to have a perfect ratio of retro glory and today's tech. The sports car world is not ready for this one, that I can say. 

Greatest Single Generation Improvements: Part 2, Toyota Rav-4

 Welcome to the series where we shout out brands that have realized their problems, and attended to them, and subsequently improved one of their cars significantly. Last time, I looked at the Nissan Rogue, an anonymous, uninteresting crossover that morphed into a fantastic vehicle with spirit, style, and practicality. This week, we are switching over to yet another Japanese crossover, the Toyota Rav-4.

Previous Gen:

Until recently, Toyota was in a tough spot with the car community. They felt, quite rightly, that the company was ignoring the enthusiasts, and just building "point A-B" vehicles that were in no way interesting to drive. The previous generation of the Rav-4 is a great example of this. It is poorly designed, from the aesthetic standpoint to the engineering aspect. It was extremely forgettable, and was not a vehicle you would want to be in for long periods of time. It was, to be frank, awful.

Current Gen:

Like most of the vehicles that will be featured on this series, the Rav-4 made so much progress over a single refresh that it is really hard to believe that it was, in fact, one generation. The exterior design is probably one of the biggest improvements, as it has gone from disjointed and ungainly to sharp and artistic. The engine has also jumped up several notches, as the 203 hp Inline-4 is thoroughly impressive. Handling is also very good, and the tech is world-class. Kudos to Toyota for figuring it out. The new Rav-4, particularly the hybrid variant, is an excellent crossover.

Greatest Single-Generation Improvements: Part 1, Nissan Rogue

 Previous Gen: Nissan Rogue

The 2nd generation Nissan Rogue was a bland crossover. Inside and out, it's incompetence was evident, and it was not able to compete with the segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. It only had 170 hp, and had a very underwhelming transmission. All things considered, it was not the car that you would want in your garage. 

Current Gen: Nissan Rogue

Um, what happened here? The outrageous improvement over a single generation cycle for the Rogue is simply unbelievable. Firstly, the exterior design has gone from drab and anonymous to lively and interesting, while the interior design has also rocketed up a notch or 6. The engine and transmission have both improved drastically, completing a thorough transformation that is sure to leave SUV buyers with one more vehicle to consider. It's good news for all car enthusiasts that Nissan has got it's act together, and the Rogue is a great way to make that statement.

Genesis GV70 Review: Putting BMW on Notice

 

 Maybe you've noticed a pattern over the last couple of years: the Hyundai/Kia/Genesis partnership has been absolutely on point. Sometimes, it almost seems that they can do no wrong. First came the outstanding Kia Telluride, an 8-seater some even consider to be the best SUV of the 21st century.  Then, the Kia Stinger and Hyundai Veloster came out. They were elite sports cars, but you would've never known by looking at their price tag. Then came the Genesis G90, a sedan that, out of nowhere, became arguably the best car in its class, while winning Motor Trend's prestigious Car Of The Year award in 2019. Other notable overachievers include the Kia Soul, Kia K5, Kia Carnival, Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Palisade, and Genesis G80 and G70. I think it is fair to say, given all their recent successes, that the Hyundai/Kia/Genesis trio should be taken seriously, for the first time in a while. 

The G70 is no exception to Hyundai's winning streak, and it is a serious threat to the throne currently occupied by the likes of the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, and Porsche Cayenne. Not unlike 99% of Hyundai products, the GV70 offers comparable power, luxury, and features to its rivals, but it significantly undercuts them in price. Starting at just $41K, the GV70 is a obvious bargain when you weigh in all the factors. First off, it looks pretty good, wouldn't you say? The trademark "split headlights" look great on a mid-size crossover, and the overall look is far more interesting than it's German competitors. However, the beauty is not skin-deep, as the cabin is immensely luxurious, with one of the best infotainment screens in the segment. The seats also impress, offering high levels of comfort. 

Now we come to the last, and for some, most important aspect of the new Genesis GV70: the driving experience. Boasting 375 horsepower and 391 lb/ft. of torque, the GV70 is easily one of the most enjoyable mid-size crossovers you can buy in the segment. It shares the chassis with the G70 sport sedan, and is all the better for it. It has plenty of power, and is perfectly tuned. Like G70, the SUV is nothing short of excellent, and is poised to make a splash in one of the most lucrative spaces in the market. 

Top 3 Luxe SUVs For 2021

 These days, people buy SUVs in droves, and although some might anticipate that the fall of coupes and sedans is due to crossovers/SUVs, there are still a heck of a lot of really awesome SUVs out there. Without further ado, let's get into it.

Land Rover Discovery Sport:

       Land Rovers are impossible to hate. They are outrageously stylish, impressively luxurious, and their quality is evident throughout. The Discovery Sport is far from the only phenomenal Rover, as the Defender, Range Rover, and RR Sport are also really great crossovers. Although the 3rd row is on the small side of things, the Disco is a decently packaged SUV. As all Rovers should be, the Disco is a world-class off-roader. The polished interior is also another high point in the Discovery Sport's portfolio, as is it's Inline-4.

Mercedes-AMG GLC-43

Say what you want, Mercedes-Benz has been consistently making stellar crossovers for decades. We've all heard of the G-Wagen, while names like the GLE and GLA are less known. Each SUV in their lineup is a exquisitely designed machine, with a beautiful appearance on both the inside and out. The GLC is likely the epitome of the German brand's SUVs, as it's 385 horsepower and Turbo V8 are both extremely impressive in the segment. Starts at $84K.

Aston Martin DBX

To make a long story short, the Aston Martin DBX is every bit as good as it needed to be, and some. Motor Trend.com, reviewing the DBX, said is was so ridiculously good, it might even be "The best Aston Martin ever". They also praised how much it drove like a sports car, saying the engineers at Aston worked a "Leather-lined miracle". Car&Driver.com also had high praise, saying it was most impressed by 3 aspects of the DBX: "Beautiful Aston Martin design, driving experience is both serene and exciting, can tow and go off-road". I personally think, if I could only own one vehicle for the next 10 or so years of my life, it would be the DBX. It is simply the most complete vehicle money can buy. What other 4-wheeled creature can go ludicrously fast, offer unrivaled luxury, seat 5, provide 23 cubic feet of trunk space, all while being the most gorgeous car in a gazillion-mile radius? You could say the Porsche Panamera, Audi RSQ8, Mercedes E63 Estate, or the Jaguar F-Pace can claim the throne to most complete vehicle on the road, but none of them  would have half as strong an a argument than the DBX. Aston Martin pulled off something big here, so let's give credit where credit is due. 

Official: Tesla Headquarters Will Move To Texas From Silicon Valley

 

At Tesla's shareholder meeting, CEO Elon Musk broke the news that Tesla will, as soon as possible, move it's HQ to Texas, after many years in Silicon Valley, California. The leading electric car brand is only the latest company to move from Silicon Valley, after Oracle and Hewitt Packard did likewise. The reason for the move is the same reason millions of households have been making the journey: Cost of living, taxes, and government messing with businesses. The word is that the new HQ will be located near the Giga factory. Elon himself has already made the move to Texas earlier in the year. Reason? "It's tough for people to afford houses, and a lot of people have to come from far away"

Which Small Truck Is The Best? Maverick, Santa Cruz, Tacoma Ranked

 

 

For the better part of a century, Americans have been crazy about small trucks, with legends like the Ford Lightning and Chevrolet C-1500 coming to mind. However, besides the Toyota Tacoma, there really hasn't been a true mid-size street truck available. That changed several months ago, when Hyundai and Ford almost simultaneously revealed their Santa Cruz and Maverick trucks, respectively. These two arrivals have gotten plenty of attention, as their unibody design sets it apart from the vast majority of trucks, which use the BOF (Body-On-Frame) style. Without further ado, lets go through the 3 prominent trucks of 2021, starting with the Ford Maverick.

Ford Maverick - $21K

The Ford Maverick is definitely a great move from Ford, as it adds a less expensive truck to the fray, while it's hybrid option points the brand to the future. Long story short, the Mav is a great example that big things can come in small packages. While it's interior isn't as nice as the Hyundai, it is sufficient. The design, while uninteresting, is sure to be a selling point, considering how aggressive most trucks look nowadays. Just look at a Silverado, it will tell you all you need to know about modern auto design. In that light, the Maverick is a welcome arrival. Overall, I rate the Maverick an 8/10. It is a clear bargain, and is a great option for those who aren't necessarily "truck people" but could use a rear bed. To be honest, Ford have been making trucks for so long, they better be good. 

Toyota Tacoma - $25K

Unlike the other two trucks on this list, the Tacoma is not new, as it has been sold since 1995. It's a typical Toyota, in that it is very practical, efficient, and reliable, but not very exciting or interesting. While that might be harsh, it is the condition that Toyota products have fallen into for a while now. Not that the Tacoma isn't a good pickup truck, far from it. It does everything you could ask from it, besides the fact that it is underpowered. Also, it looks decently attractive compared to the Ford and Hyundai, which might be something of interest to people. Adding to that, it also has a GR variant, which offers more power, style, and off-road capability. Everything considered, the Tacoma is a very decent truck.  7/10

Hyundai Santa Cruz - $25K

Unlike the admittedly tired Toyota and Ford brands, the Hyundai franchise has been on fire recently. Following successes like the Kia Telluride,(Remember, Hyundai owns Kia) Kia Stinger, Sorento, Soul, Elantra, Sonata, etc..., the Korean firm has released the Santa Cruz, and it is a really impressive effort. It is thoroughly more complete and well designed truck than the alternatives. Although styling is subjective, the Santa Cruz looks way more interesting than Ford and Toyota, while the interior is also much better than it's competitors. Although the fuel economy isn't as good as the Maverick, it is still very good (27 mpg hwy). All in all, the Hyundai is very likely the truck to buy if you want a smaller truck that drives like a car, while featuring truck-like capabilities. 9.5/10

Watch: Tesla Model S CRUSHES Lamborghini Aventador In Drag Race

   In the ultimate turning of tables, the electric car, commonly thought of as slow and dull, has defeated the Lamborghini sports car, thought of as insanely quick and thrilling, in a drag race. I always like to show ^ this picture to people, and ask them which one they think is quicker. Surely, they think, the V12 Lamborghini must beat a family sedan, powered by a battery. Turns out, it isn't even close. The Aventador takes 2.9 seconds to surpass 60 mph, while the Tesla Model S Plaid takes only 1.98 seconds. It really surprises people, but it shows that electric cars, particularly Elon Musk's Tesla, have progressed extremely quickly. The Tesla, however, is not the only example of an EV humiliating a gas-churning supercar. Believe it or not, the 6 quickest cars in the world are all either a hybrid or a full electric car. Names like the Porsche 918, Rimac Nevera appear on that list, and it really illustrates that electric cars probably don't deserve the hate they often deserve. Don't get me wrong, a Ferrari V12 is a beautiful machine, and the redline of a Honda S200 is incredibly entertaining, but EVs have their advantages, and you would be wise to have an open mind regarding them.

note: video available on CarWow Youtube.