Luxury and Exotic Car Reviews

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Dylan Orluck – April 17, 2018

2018 Ford Mustang GT Review

The all-new 2018 Mustang GT has the looks, sound, and performance to help attract nearly anyone's attention. While building the new and improved Mustang, Ford made subtle changes throughout the car in all areas including the most obvious, the front fascia. The updated headlights give the front-end an entirely new look, while still maintaining that Mustang vibe. As you begin to walk around the Kona Blue Metallic car, you start to notice that the same shape has been used and the rear end nearly looks identical to the untrained eye.Pop the hood, and you’ll notice the same engine that can be found in the last few models but has been “re-tuned” with more horsepower and torque. The five liter V8 puts out 460 horsepower and 420lb-ft of torque. When paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, you are able to put down all that power while still maintaining decent gas mileage. The new Mustang gets up to 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.Saleen S302 Mustang Races a Fighter Jet 2018 Ford Mustang (Kona Blue with Performance Pack)The interior has a similar feel but features a few noticeable differences. The example we test drove happened to be a Premium, so the interior had a few updates. The seats were very nicely trimmed in leather to match the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The steering wheel tilted and adjusted to my liking, and the infotainment system was very intuitive.Overall I am a fan of the updates that Ford went with on the 2018 Mustang GT, it has everything you need and more unless you need a ton of room in the back seat. 2018 Ford Mustang Interior

By Dylan Orluck – April 15, 2018

2018 GMC Terrain Denali Review

If you’re looking for the space of an SUV but do not need the third-row seating, the all-new 2018 GMC Terrain Denali offers you more room with a small car feel. The example we had the opportunity of driving had a Red Quartz Tintcoat paint job with Jet Black interior. The 19” wheels give it a sporty look and it is impossible to miss the LED Signature head and tail lamps. With roof rack rails and a hands-free liftgate, the Terrain is ready for any adventure. 2018 GMC Terrain DenaliAs you take your first step into the vehicle you may notice that something is missing. The usual shifter cannot be found to place the car into gear. You have the option to select a gear using four buttons underneath the radio and climate control features. To the right of those buttons is the “L” button that gives you the ability to shift through the gears up or down, but seems to be a little out of the way if you needed it. Other than that the interior is nice and comfortable and the infotainment system is easy to use. Throughout the car you will also find heated and cooled seats, lane departure, and if you are feeling really adventurous, off-road mode. 2018 All-New GMC Terrain Denali InteriorThe new Terrain Denali comes with all-wheel drive and is powered by a 2.0L DOHC 4 cylinder turbocharged motor that gets 21mpg in the city and 26mpg on the highway. Overall, this 2018 GMC is a great all around vehicle that can handle a family road trip, a trip to the grocery store and even an off-road adventure. 2018 GMC Terrain Denali Trunk

By Andrew Nabors – February 19, 2018

Reviewed: 2018 Mercedes Benz E400 Cabriolet

Some days at work are better than others, and we're sure you can empathize. Last week when we noticed a new E-Class at our front door it made Monday much more enjoyable. As one of Mercedes-Benz most popular models, the E Class lineup ranges from coupe to sedan, with rear and AWD. Engine choices range from an economical four-cylinder up to the wild E63 AMG.We spent two weeks with a 2018 E400 Cabriolet, and it left each of us with smiles. The E Class was all-new for 2017. Now riding on the W213 chassis, the manufacturer says it was their most advanced new car to-date. Development took over 4 years, with 1,200 prototypes tested to destruction. Probably known as operation brake dance, engineers conducted over 10,000 autonomous brake tests and 5,000 automated lane changes.That last sentence alludes to an updated version of Drive Pilot, the same semi-autonomous system introduced in the S Class. Self-piloting cars are beginning to be a thing because the Cadillac CT6 we had a week before was bestowed with GM's Supercruise. I had an errand to run up to Ferman BMW, so I figured it would be funny to arrive in an E-Class. Traveling at an undisclosed rate of speed on US 19, the E 400 proved to have the same abilities as the S-Class, which are just shy of Cadillac's ability to sense changing traffic.Check Out These Great Deals On The SL65 AMGPutting the hammer down on the highway is much more rewarding than stop & go traffic. Even in Sport + mode, the computer seems to unlock boost at a gradual rate. But once you are going with traffic, it accelerates well for a lower-level engine option. The top is well insulated and showed no signs of buffeting. Hitting a reflector does induce a smidge of cowl shake, but this car is not set up for a road course. It had a sticker price of $87,215 after $12,000 of optional content. Not a bad price to pay for a German Cabriolet with decent power. If you are interested, click the link below to find our dealer nearest you. Stay with us for more great reviews.New E-Class For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 26, 2018

Reiewed: 2017 Infiniti QX50

Crossovers are easy to sell on a world stage. Families seem to want to travel suburbia in FWD comfort, driving scaled up versions of sedans. Nissan and Infiniti have perfected the formula, offering the QX30, 50, and 80. We've had ample seat time on the smallest and largest in their lineup, so now its time to peruse the features of the QX50.Reviewed: 2017 Infiniti QX30Before they renamed their lineup, the QX50 began life as the EX, a taller version of the G35 sedan. Sharing the same FM chassis as the 370Z and the GT-R. Primarily offered as RWD, AWD is optional, which separates the QX from its competitors.Reviewed: 2018 Infiniti Q50We had a week to spend with a new model, and everyone had valid points to make. It doesn't ride as high as other crossovers, so body roll feels more like a sporty sedan. Your only transmission choice is a 7-speed automatic, and for some reason, it offers rev-matched shifts in manual mode. Seats are wide and comfortable, but cargo room isn't comparable to others in this class.Power- we like power. All luxury brands seem to think a V6 customer will be happy with a turbocharged four, but we can't justify it. That's why the 325 horsepower 3.7 liter V6 puts the QX50 ahead of many. You have 267 lb-ft of torque which will have you at 60 mph a little over 6 seconds. The differential is geared for highway cruising, in order to max out at 24 mpg. City mileage is less impressive at 17 mpg.Browse Infiniti QX50 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 25, 2018

Reviewed: 2018 Cadillac CT6

Last year Cadillac sent us a new version of their CT6 flagship sedan.Their first full-size car since the 1996 Roadmaster, it is worthy to be called "The Standard Of The World". It is longer and wider than the CTS, with comfortable seating and impressive insulation from the outside world. The 2017 model was a far cry from Cadillacs of recent years, so we had no idea they had an ace up their sleeve.Last week we were surprised to see a 2018 CT6 and wondered what made it different. An infrared sensor on the steering column was the first hint, but more on that later. The wheels were a new design, and the surround view cameras now have high-pressure washer nozzles to prevent the dreaded Cadillac Cataract.... It's nice to see around you when parking a Nimitz-class carrier.Cadillac Reveals CT6 Plug-In HybridUnder the hood is the same twin-turbo 3.0 liter V6. It is nice to drive a luxury car that doesn't insert fake engine noise into the audio system because this car has no less than 34 speakers. The Bose Panaray was developed specifically for the CT6. It is the best factory audio we've ever experienced. The other main feature that was not offered in 2017 was Supercruise. A post shared by Andrew Nabors (@naborsandrew) on Dec 21, 2017 at 10:53am PST GM's first production autonomous driving system, it was capable of navigating 10 miles of this nation's most dangerous interstate. Instead of bouncing between the limits of each lane, the CT6 was as sharp as a knife. It makes sure you are looking ahead thanks to the IR camera mentioned above. It is even capable of cruising at triple-digit speeds...not that we would ever attempt such tomfoolery.Sports Cars For SaleCompared to a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550, Supercruise is much more lenient on the driver. It is very relaxing after a long day when you realize the front seats have automated ventilation. The car senses your body temp and actively varies the fan speed to keep you comfy. Another great upgrade is version 2.6 of the CUE system. It has haptic feedback for most functions along with the ability to change the apps displayed on the home screen.The unibody is mostly aluminum with high strength steel for the safety cage. It rides on magnetic suspension and augmented by rear wheel steering. It doesn't feel as big as it is when the turbos spool up, reaching 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. When you consider the starting price of $54,500, the CT6 is a bargain. Aside from the 404 horsepower twin-turbo V6, Cadillac also offers a 2.0L turbo hybrid. It has a 110v plug with built-in charger and it offers 31 miles of electric range. For great offers on leftover 2017 models, click the link below and stay with us for all your Cadillac news. Browse Cadillac CT6 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 14, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 Dodge Durango GT

What image pops in your mind when you hear "Caravan"? Dodge needed a new family hauler in 1997, so the Durango arrived with Hemi power and room for an active lifestyle. It was a product of the combined Daimler-Chrysler, and influences of both can still be felt today.The 3rd generation Durango has been around since 2011, so we decided to see how it copes with fall in Florida. We chose a mid-level Durango GT, which is the trim level that replaced Limited in the lineup. The creative department knows their target audience well, so our example had the optional Brass Monkey package. It is a monochrome exterior with matte black trim and snazzy "Brass Monkey" wheels in 20"x8".Viper-Powered 1968 Dodge Charger RTR on Jay Leno’s GarageAt first glance, you might think the Durango is another FWD crossover, but the truth is satisfying. The Durango is actually a badge-engineered sibling of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. They share a strong steel unibody that is based on the Mercedes GL & M Classes. Coil suspension at all corners and RWD are the recipe for a proper SUV, ours was only lacking one detail: Power.Last year the old "Pentastar" V6 was upgraded with higher compression along with an EGR cooler. Now that it has 11.3 compression, running on regular gas will make it unbearably slow. Cooling the EGR flow works well on paper, but any leak in the system will result in catastrophic failure. With 93 octane and your foot on the floor, you have 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Durango has a dry weight approaching 5,000 lbs so you will have time to file your taxes as you merge onto the highway. Get the Hemi, you won't regret it.Interior fit & finish is much better than you would expect. Fiat-Chrysler has set out to improve the quality of materials. This starts with more leather and less plastic. Even the dash is hand-wrapped with double contrast stitching. Nappa leather and seating for 7 seems like an automotive oxymoron. Even the 3rd row is plush, and it would be a perfect sleeper for a road trip. Controls and media interfaces are easy and accessible, but the rotary shifter is just hokey. It is located behind the SD card and USB slots, waiting for a drip of condensation or cola from the adjacent cupholder. Heated 2nd-row seats are brilliant.Sharing so much of its DNA with the Grand Cherokee, you can bet the suspension, climate control, and audio are all top-notch. With all seats folded, you will have plenty of room for cargo along with a reliable (yet uninspiring) powertrain. You will have 26 mpg on the highway and minimal maintenance costs for under $38,000. Tell your significant other that FWD is dead, and Durango is your best bet for fun, comfort, and reliability. Stay with us for more reviews here on Autofluence.Browse Dodge For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 08, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 Lincoln Continental

In an era where most automakers have discontinued their famous models, the Lincoln Motor Company has resurrected the Continental. The top-brass at Ford have invested millions of dollars in the revitalization of their famous luxury brand. Cadillac has made big waves in recent years, mostly because GM injected them with cash to revitalize engineering and design.It's only natural that Lincoln be given the same opportunities because they were both founded by the same person. Henry Leland and his son started Cadillac because they were engineers who combined precise manufacturing with the art of coachbuilding. After selling to GM, they started Lincoln, and Henry Ford bought them as a way to compete with Cadillac.Check Out These Ferrari 458s For SaleNowadays, it takes star power, like that of Matthew McConaughey, to change our notions about a brand. The Navigator has returned as the full-size SUV, albeit without a V8 option. In fact, Lincoln has pinned their hope upon the EcoBoost series of V6 and four-cylinder engines. Realizing the potential of the 3.5 liters from the Raptor and the Ford GT, engineers chose to shorten the stroke in order to achieve an even 3 liters.A new Continental is rated at 400 horsepower and torque, and it arrives standard with torque-vectoring AWD. We had a week to spend with a new example, and it's clear to see where the money was spent. First off, the styling is unlike anything else on the road. The brightwork is not an imitation. Stainless and billet aluminum serve to set it apart from the crowd. The graceful door handles incorporate touchpads for the locks, and they are incorporated into the beltline.Inside you are treated to an interior that will blow your mind. Leather and Alcantara are sculpted into comfy seating for 5 adults. If it looks real, that's because the wood and polished metal are not imitations. The only point of disagreement amongst us was the gear selector, which consists of a vertical touchpad incorporated with the infotainment screen. Speaking of shifting, if you aren't on level ground, shifting from park is accompanied by a disconcerting "clunk" that sounds like slack in the driveline.The six-speed autobox performs without complaint, but it is at a loss when compared to more gears offered by the competition. Other interior pleasantries are powered window shades, reclining rear seats, and all the modern safety gear.Driving the Continental, you can easily imagine their target audience. The cabin is well insulated, and the suspension is continuously tuning out the road below. No silly fake engine noise, which has become a Ford trademark these days. Power and torque are available at an instant, so the V8 argument should be forgotten. For $75,770 you will have a true, modern American luxury sedan.

By Andrew Nabors – December 06, 2017

Reviewed: 2018 Land Rover Discovery HSE

A good name is more desirable than great riches. That is the logic behind Land Rover's choice to name their new SUV the Discovery. This year marks the introduction of the 5th generation Disco. We've known it as the LR2 and LR3 in the US, and it has been ingrained in our popular culture as a rugged machine.They are beginning to trickle across the pond, so we were elated to find a new one waiting at our front door. We spent a week with a new HSE Luxury TD6, and it didn't disappoint. Starting with a solid foundation, it is the first unibody Discovery, sharing the same aluminum construction methods with the Range Rovers. Not only is it stronger, engineers were able to shed 1,058 lbs along the way.Holding up the body are coil springs, leaving air suspension as an option. Another rugged feature is a low-range transfer case. It allows the locking differential to crawl over tough obstacles. It makes them look easy with 443 lb-ft of torque available. The 3.0 liter V6 makes 254 horsepower thanks to oil power. Diesel is back, and cleaner than ever. In the collection downstairs is a 1985 Defender 130 with a TD5 diesel, and it is fun to have that level of power available. We can't compliment the engine enough because you will forget you are driving a diesel. The 20" wheels are decent, but something more aggressive would be nice.As part of the HSE & Luxury packages, the interior is spared no expense. Windsor leather covers the 16-way adjustable seats, as you serenaded by the 825-watt Meridian audio system. If you aren't familiar with their abilities, they have developed and patented several reference-level systems for theater audio and video. Found in only the highest level Jaguar and Land Rover models, the audio quality is unmatched.2018 Land Rover Discovery Drives Over World’s Largest Lego StructureEven with speakers hidden behind every surface, the Discovery is still able to ford water to a depth of 33.5". A trademark of the Land Rover brand, Discovery has no fear of leaving the pavement and getting muddy. Loaded with coworkers, the acceleration seems identical to a solitary driver. Brake-boosting allows for a furious launch, as the terrain-response system deals with the immense torque. You will have great visibility thanks to large windows and a traditional tailgate. If you have a few toys, the Disco can tow. It is rated to pull 7,716 lbs, handy when your friend's dump truck breaks down.Also along for the ride are all the latest safety gadgets. Lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitors, and driver condition system will make sure you and your surroundings stay safe. All this can be yours for $87,110. The price isn't too steep considering the amenities, but it would be nice to have more horsepower for highway passing. The brakes are another area for improvement, as the pedal takes some time to learn. If you feel up to a new Discovery, click below to find our nearest dealer and stay with us for all your Land Rover updates. Browse Land Rover Discovery For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 10, 2017

Reviewed: 2018 Infiniti Q50

If you are in the market for a luxury sedan, Infiniti has something worthy to consider. For the 2018 model year, the Q50 Red Sport 400 was treated to a few upgrades. We spent a week with the 2017 model back in March, so this will mostly cover the differences between them. After a week with the new car, we realize there is more than one way to build the perfect sedan.Nissan has always seemed to achieve greatness by choosing a new way to solve old problems. This is why their luxury brand has had great success with the G35 coupe and sedan. Always taking advantage of the latest advances, we were amazed at the ride quality. A revised digital suspension is constantly adjusting for changing conditions, and the steering had a unique feel. Direct Adaptive Steering is literally steering by-wire. Your hands control a wheel, which is merely an input for the computer. Without a physical connection to the tie-rods, the Q50 is much like an arcade game.Reviewed: 2017 Infiniti Q50 Our test model was the "Red Sport 400". It uses a twin-turbo V6 making 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It has active cam timing on intake an exhaust, and it's a silent runner. The 7-speed automatic is adequate, but nothing remarkable. Punch it into a corner and it will kick down a few gears. You will smile until you remember the open differential. Infiniti does not offer a locking rear differential. This one part holds the entire back from its competitors. Without sending power to each wheel equally, the Q50 will erupt in a one-tire fire when pushed. If you think about going hammer-down on a curving onramp, the inboard tire will spin and until the computer shuts down the party.Thankfully Infiniti also builds this car in AWD, so that would be our choice if you enjoy driving. Around town, the Q50 Red Sport 400 makes all the right noises and offers 26 mpg. It has every possible tech feature including active lane control, as long as you opt for the Sensory and Proactive Packages. The former adds Bose Audio, memory seats and climate control, while the 2nd has smart cruise, active lane control, and pre-crash seatbelts. Each package has essentials that dealers will never go without, so it helps to bump the sticker price to $60,720. That is a significant investment for any car with an open differential, so give the AWD model a spin and tell us how it holds up. Stay with us for more reviews here on Autofluence.

By Andrew Nabors – November 07, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 BMW X4 M40i

Imagine an M3 with room for a family. Wouldn't it be nice to have a twin-turbo straight six with room for groceries? What if it was AWD and loaded with the latest in safety & convenience? The BMW X4 M40i offers 355 horsepower and the ability to reach 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds. As the latest creation of BMW USA, it is built in Spartanburg, South Carolina and sold around the world.We were curious as to its abilities, so the factory sent us a fully-loaded example for a week of thrills. At first glance it seems unassuming. It wears a style similiar to other X-series models, albeit with an aggressive wheel/tire & brake package. Our publisher had an X5M as a daily driver for 3 years, and its twin-turbo V8 was spectacular. The only issue with the X5 was weight. After a few minutes behind the wheel, it feels like the X4 is lighter than most luxury sedans.It rides on 20" wheels, with 245/40 tires up front and 275/40 on the rear. This allows the Sport Activity Vehicle to offer more grip than you will ever need. Try as we might, the xDrive system and Dynamic Stability Control work to keep the X4 glued down. In our lap of St. Petersburg, we found delight in brake-boosting the 3-liter six to engage launch control. Each turbo handles 3 cylinders, making the exhaust sound quite unique. At full boost, it sends 343 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. Paddle-shifting the 8-speed auto is fun on twisty roads, and the big brakes have fade control to keep you from smoking the pads.Nothing for sale in the US compares to the abilities and quality of the X4. It can be had with a turbo-four, but the M40i is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. With the Technology Package and LED lighting, the MSRP is $67,495. That's a bargain price for wood & aluminum trim, Harmon Kardon audio and Oyster Nevada leather. Check out the listings below for the BMW that's right for you, and stay with us for more insightful reviews.View BMW X4 For Sale

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