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 Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2017

Reviewed: 2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Do the words "Four Cylinder Mustang" make you cringe? To some members of Generation Y, it seemed like sacrilege to build a Pony Car with half a V8, but Ford has made great achievements in four cylinder power. We spent a week with a new six-speed manual Mustang with the EcoBoost engine and it was nice to see American innovation is alive in Detroit. Three decades ago, Ford built a limited number of SVO edition Mustangs powered by a turbocharged 2.3 liter four cylinder. It was faster than the 5.0 liter GT, so the V8 department had it killed in 1986. It made for a nice prequel as the 2.3 liter is back again, now with more BOOST! We're well acquainted with late model Mustangs thanks to Mr. Roush. Like Mr. Ford, he knows the power of advertising and allows us to keep a new Stage III in our showroom. Ed and I took turns between the Roush and the EcoBoost whilst keeping opinions to ourselves. For full disclosure, his daily driver is a pristine SN-95 with intake and exhaust.Without seeing the window sticker we agreed it was a fun experience listening to the fake engine noise generated by the radio. Ford spent countless hours creating the active noise cancellation software that emits a fake engine soundtrack through the speakers. Once you discover the microphone on the headliner, the passenger can have fun by holding an earbud over the device. We both agreed that the interior was well appointed with Recaro seating and the premium SYNC infotainment system. On paper, it is 150 lbs lighter than a similarly equipped GT, but the relaxed sway bars and springs made it feel less composed on the street.Driving a manual transmission turbocharged car has a unique set of rules to keep the engine in its power band. Automatics have the luxury of brake-boosting to launch with boost, but its tricky with 3 pedals. Gear shifts can also be tricky as a drop in engine speed can cause the wastegate to hang open. Try as we might, Ford actually programmed the turbo to shut down and ignition timing pulled during each shift. So throw your knowledge about speed shifting out the window. With each shift, the EcoBoost falls flat on its face until 3,000 rpm. At first I thought the parking brake was set, so I pulled over to rethink the situation. Realizing that boost only occurs in a limited window, I used fancy footwork to keep it between 3,000 and 4,500 rpm. As you approach 5 grand the party is over because the turbo is too small for such engine speeds. The vague clutch and notchy shifter are disappointing. If Roush can use Hurst shifters and a properly weighted clutch, why can't Ford? 2017 Ford MustangThe only reason this car exists is fuel mileage. It is rated at 30 mpg on the highway in 6th gear. But since it has a 3.31 differential, anything past 4th gear will leave you struggling for power. A fully equipped EcoBoost is also more expensive than a bare bones GT, which we also found confusing. Sure the EcoBoost is a worthy successor to the SVO, but I don't want to work this hard for a 14 second quarter-mile. A 3.73 differential along with a more reasonable price would make it a viable option, but until then the V6 or GT are our choices for daily driven Supercars.

By Andrew Nabors – January 31, 2017

2017 Fiat 124 Spyder Review

Badge engineering is the process of selling two version of the same car under different brand names. Fiat-Chrysler was in need of a sporty roadster, but developing one from scratch would require a ton of cash to enter a very competitive niche market. CEO Sergio Marchionne wanted to compete on the world stage with a hot two-seater, so if you can't beat em, join em. The Fiat 124 Spider is built on the same Hiroshima assembly line as the Mazda Miata. They share the same platform underneath and many interior components are identical. But Fiat supplies a 1.4 liter turbocharged four cylinder from Italy to offer 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.Sports Cars For SaleA week of cruising was not unlike eating Japanese at the Bellagio. The best components from opposite sides of the planet combine to make for a fun experience. On any given weekend, more Miatas are raced than any other roadster. So we expected flat cornering and razor sharp steering. Italians would rather enjoy the drive than carving the perfect cornering line, so many parameters were softened for the 124 Spider. If you don't like using wide open throttle, Fiat is not the car for you. To evoke the most fun from the 124, standing on the skinny pedal is required in many circumstances. Going topless is the easiest in the industry, and it can be done with one hand while driving.The soft swaybars and 7" wide wheels offer just enough body roll to simulate a drift, but the six-speed automatic always seems to put an end to the party. Late model automatic transmissions require a decent amount of power to operate, and the 124 Spider doesn't have much to play with. The comfort factor makes up for anemic acceleration, plus the aftermarket already has power enhancing parts available. We are inundated by useless options, so we thank Fiat for making a true driver's car. No power seats, no fragrance injection system. You have cruise control and floor mats. At a base price of $27,495 you will have a 36 mpg roadster that brings back the fun in driving. It is not a complex machine, but it is backed by two of the world's most successful automakers, and that is why you should consider it. Stay with us for more news & reviews.

By Edward Jones – December 21, 2016

2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE Td6

Exterior:If you've ever liked the look of a Range Rover, then the new 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE Td6 is right up your alley. Its Xenon automatic headlights with LED lights start in the front, which are separated by a thin grille. In the rear are bright twin tailpipes that give a "sporty" look to match the model name. Honestly, if you've seen a Range Rover before, you've seen this one. Is that bad? Not at all, considering this SUV looks fantastic.Interior:Inside, the cabin retains the luxuries and comfort you'd expect in any Range Rover. The leather seats, fine-wood trim and spacious layout will provide drivers with a delightful drive. What's more, this cabin is insanely quiet. From the engine, the only thing you'll hear is the slight tick of the diesel engine thanks to the firewall. As far as road noise goes, you'll hear next to nothing. And that's great, considering how great the Meridian audio system is.Power:This Range Rover's 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine is quite potent. This engine has 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque on tap. Route this power through the 8-speed automatic transmission, and it will run 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Sure, the Td6 isn't as fast as the supercharged V8 engine, but it's fuel economy rating is where it shines: 22 mpg (city), 29 mph (highway) and 25 mpg (combined).Drive:Like I mentioned earlier, the Range Rover Sport HSE Td6's drive is as quiet as a whisper from the inside. When it comes to the actual drive and handling of the SUV, it acts as you'd expect. Because of its turbodiesel setup, it has enough torque, but it lacks on the top-end. But, if you find the sweet spot, you'll have plenty of power through gear changes.Overall:To put it plainly, this SUV is a great option for those looking to drive a Land Rover, but don't want to be at the gas station too often. It has the luxury and style you'd want from a Range Rover, but without a high fuel economy rating. Sure, it's not going to be exciting as the SVR, but its MSRP of $67,650 is much more desirable.

By Edward Jones – December 20, 2016

2016 VW Jetta 1.4T SE Review

Exterior:When a Volkswagen pulls up, it's instantly recognizable. This statement fits the 2016 Jetta .4T SE perfectly, as its features the body-shape and design you've known VW for. While it may not be the sexiest looking car on the market, it's a no-frills sedan that's competent in more ways than one. Our test car was fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights with daytime running lights and Silk Blue Metallic Exterior paint.Interior:Remember that talk about no-frills, well the interior continues this idea. But, again, that's not a bad thing. You won't find all of the bells and whistles, and luxury found in a Mercedes, but you will find a spacious interior that will give its passengers one heck of a comfortable ride. Both the front and rear seats had enough leg room for my tallest coworkers, which doesn't happen often.What's more, when getting inside a VW, like the Jetta, it feels almost like you're in your home-- it's a weird feeling. Something about their cabins instill a sense of peace within me.Power:Because this car is equipped with a 1.4-liter TSI DOHC turbocharged four-cylinder engine, don't expect to be thrown into the back of your seats. But, then again, this is what you should expect from the Jetta. This engine provides 150 hp, a small amount, but the fuel economy of 28/39 makes up for the lack of power.Drive:The comfortable drive the Jetta provides is a culmination of a comfortable interior, capable engine and small stature. It's pleasant through-and-through, no matter if you're on a road trip or heading to the grocery store.Overall:Looking for a well-priced sedan (MSRP $20,095)? This is a great fit. VW has proven once again that they excel when it comes to making cars for the average consumer.

By Andrew Nabors – December 16, 2016

2017 Mercedes-AMG SLC43 Roadster Review

1996 was a time of great changes in the motoring world. GM produced their last full size sedans, and Mercedes introduced the SLK. Yes, the small roadster gave us twenty years of top-down excitement but for 2017 is has been replaced by the SLC. Aside from the abbreviation of Utah's only metropolis, the new SLC incorporates many features of the larger models into a nimble and sporty experience.As a spiritual successor to the SLK 230 Kompressor, the new SLC43 packs a 3.0-liter V6 with twin turbochargers. Horsepower is rated at 362 with torque at 384 lb-ft. Not too long ago, building a short wheelbase two-seat roadster with almost 400 hp would seem unthinkable because the car would be uncontrollable.The AMG handling package is optional, although it contains features that should be standard equipment. For $2,000 on top of the $60,300 base price, you will have a limited slip differential, red calipers and the flat bottom steering wheel.Thanks to incredible engine and stability systems, the SLC is a wise choice for safety. Active head restraints and the latest in curtain airbags offer more than any other compact two-seater. If the climate doesn’t allow for top-down motoring, Magic Sky Control is a $2,500 option borrowed from big brother SL. This electro-chromatic glass in the hard top isn’t exactly magic, nor does it control the sky but it sounds better than dimmable roof panel. Appealing to creatures of the night, the AMG night package is a $925 group of gloss black spoilers front and rear, with black chrome exhaust. It also adds canards onto the front apron for a racy look.We spent a week of daily driving the SLC43 and it doesn't disappoint. Our only gripe is the AMG name being used on V6 cars. Yes, it is a quick car, but $75,375 is a heavy window sticker for 362 horsepower. Curb weight is listed at 3,351 lbs, which is decent considering the amenities like the folding hard top and Harmon/Kardon audio. Mercedes knows their target audience is willing to pay a little more for the quality, and that is what the SLC delivers.All Mercedes-AMG SLC43 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 12, 2016

2016 Fiat 500x Review

Demand for cute cars rises and falls with the price of gasoline. Fiat saw a niche that needed help in the US when a culture based on driving was hit with $110 barrels of oil. Known for building small cars with unmistakable Italian styling, Fiat-Chrysler dusted off a chassis developed with GM for small AWD crossovers and used it as the basis for the Jeep Renegade and 500x. Just as big crossovers have nearly killed the minivan, small ones are dooming the compact sedan to a life of airport rentals.So what does one do with a bright orange Fiat? Our test model was the mid-level "Lounge" package which includes leather-trimmed seats, 17x7" wheels, and a powered seat for the driver only. We decided to make for the beach to see how the snowbirds reacted to our "foreign car". State Road 686 has been under construction since the Reagan administration, with pavement made to resemble downtown Aleppo. Shifting lanes and tall manholes revealed the first quirk. The 500x does not have much suspension travel. Small cars don't have much room for tall wheel wells, and this evident also in the classic Fiat Jolly in our showroom. But this is a common issue in smaller crossovers and buyers seem to have accepted it.Power is from the Chrysler 2.4 liter MultiAirII inline four cylinder. At wide open it makes 180 hp and 175 lb ft of torque, which is acceptable in this class. If you are accustomed to four-cylinder engines, it should be considered. But at low speeds the drivetrain develops a few harmonics that resonate through the interior. The transmission shifts in a predictable manner, and it requires significant pedal movement to provoke a downshift. Steering is light and quick, and the 215/55/17 tires are just the right size for this power level. Understeer is built in to keep you well below your limits, so we wish it had an e-brake handle for parking lot antics.Visibility good up front, but the rising beltline and small rear glass take some getting used to. Gauges and entertainment are laid out in an elegant design, but the low-mounted climate controls will take your eyes off the road. Inside and out, styling and safety were given top priority. Your eyes will rarely fall upon an unpleasing contour. Blind spot, cross traffic and stability control are standard, along with seat-mounted and side curtain airbags. Crash ratings are among the best in this class, which is why it would make for a great first car. Beats audio and a 50,000 mile warranty round out the package, which comes in just under $30,000. Fiat builds a safe & fun car that makes sense as Japanese and Korean imports have moved up market. See you next year, Ciao!Fiat For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 10, 2016

2016 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Review

The C63 has been getting some impressive upgrades over the past two years. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, introduced Sept. 24, 2014, featured the same 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 found in the Mercedes-AMG GT, and was the first model designed from the ground up by AMG. The original C63 AMG was wildly popular, and in honor of the move from a naturally aspirated to a turbocharged engine, on July 15, 2015 they introduced the Legacy Edition, built for South Africa.The engine found in this four-door sports car is capable of 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. While driving, you can feel ever ounce of this power and hear it, tanks to the AMG Sport Exhaust System. I'm serious when I say the brutal sound of this car was enough for me to turn off the radio and listen to the delightful sounds of the V8 engine. What's great about this exhaust is that is subtle when the engine isn't under load, but when put to the test it comes alive and lets everybody know that an AMG is coming through.The standard C63 rockets from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, while the S shaves of one-tenth of a second for its 0-60 sprint. Testing this speed was delightful, to say the least.Top speeds for the standard and S trim are 155 mph and 180 mph, respectively.There are few cars that I don't want to give up when my week with them is up and this was most definitely one of them. Mercedes-AMG continues to create some of the most impressive sports cars out there and this is just one of the latest.All Mercedes-AMG C63 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 06, 2016

2017 Jaguar F-Type R Review

All Jaguar models are born into the shadow of the legendary E-Type, but a true successor to that classic was not released until 2013. The F-Type rides on a shortened chassis from the XK, but with many improvements to stiffness and safety. Being proud of their latest Supercharged V8, they sent us a 2017 F-Type R for a week of review.At first glance, the resemblance to its predecessor is heartwarming. The unibody and chassis is mostly aluminum, and extensive insulation was built into the structure to provide a luxurious experience.Our first cool front of the year was reason to drop the top for a cruise to the beach. With the roof stowed, the rear offers a pleasing shape, with the quarter panels rising gently above the decklid. The belt line is lower than most sporty roadsters, which allows for great visibility so long is the top is down. From a side profile, an elegant crease emerges from the front fenders and up into the base of the doors. It makes the car look shorter than it is.For most of their history, Jaguar has emphasised style and luxury over power, but since Tata Motors combined the engineering of Jaguar and Land Rover, each brand has benefitted from unprecedented horsepower. I had driven a V6 F-Type last year at the Tampa Auto Show, and it was a comfortable cruiser. While the ride quality was above average, the V6 leaves something to be desired. That problem was solved in the "R" by the 5.0 liter V8 topped by a roots style supercharger. It offers 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque across the rev range. Behind this engine is the same ZF 8-speed automatic found in various other European cars, and it doesn't disappoint. But the issue is that engines of this power don't need eight gears. While the car is capable of multiple gear up and downshifts, enthusiasts might be dismayed at the constant shifting of the transmission. A six-speed manual would be perfect, but its only offered on V6 models.On the road, the F-Type R uses AWD for grip in any situation- you have never been in a Jag that launches like this. A speed of 60 mph arrives in 4.0 seconds on your way to 186 MPH. The ride is not as stiff as most cars of this caliber, and this modern convertible has no cowl shakes or rattles.As you might expect, the controls are in British locations, but you learn the layout in a few days. The transmission could shift a little firmer. The thirst is real, with city mileage rated at 15 mpg. If you drive like we do you might want to keep this one as a weekend only machine. The soundtrack is nothing but amazing. You will have no problems hearing the rumble over the 12 speaker audio, and it has been carefully engineered to excite. Seats are among the best in the industry, with two-tone double stitched leather and deep bolsters.If your loyalties lie to Queen and Country, you owe yourself to consider the F-Type as it embodies everything right about the British auto industry. For just under $110,000 you will have a sensuous two-seater that is guaranteed to make you smile. Stay with us for more reviews here on Autofluence.All Jaguar F-TYPE R For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 03, 2016

In the Driver's Seat: 2017 Jaguar F-Pace S Review

If you add two Americans to Fleetwood Mac, is it still an English band? Thinking on a global scale is putting the world first, without renouncing your citizenship. Jaguar has evolved from a small British coachbuilder into a powerful player in the world of luxury cars. Since everyone needs a crossover, the F-Pace is produced in limited quantities on a modified version of the XE and XF's platform.Proud of their latest achievement, we were given a 2017 F-Pace S for a week of review. Little did they know our European Vice President received her own F-Pace S a few weeks in advance, this review will be comprised of our American grievances and her long-term report (in a Manchester accent). Let's begin with the obvious: style. Because Jaguar has throttled back production to provoke demand, the F-Pace is striking. You won't see another one during your daily commute, so if you don't follow the crowd this SUV is for you. LE S Model ShownUnder the bonnet lies a familiar V6. The same supercharged 3.0 liter V6 is the same silent runner found across the lineup at Land Rover. A conservative bore & stroke along with moderate boost is how it achieves 23 mpg on the highway. Crossovers are not inherently aerodynamic, so kudos to the engineers for the efficiency. Inside, the 12" touch screen has an intuitive menu with crisp HD resolution. Meridian supplies an 825 watt surround sound, and tne InControl system has a built-in WiFi hot spot. All wheel drive is nice for northern latitudes, but we wished it could be disconnected for summer cruising.After a few days you really begin to see that no details have been overlooked. Puddle lamps built into the side mirrors project the corporate logo to illuminate your path. An option our car didn't have was the Union Jack center caps. Because Jaguar holds a Royal Warrant, the flag of the UK can be had on almost every surface.All Jaguar For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 02, 2016

2016 MINI Cooper Clubman Review

The MINI Cooper gets recognized everywhere it goes. Whether it's because of its iconic design or its appearance in "Italian Job" (2003), the MINI is a legend, and the 2017 MINI Cooper Clubman is no exception.Regarded as the "largest and most sophisticated MINI" ever built, the new Clubman looks small but packs a big punch. With four doors and the split rear doors, the Clubman has comfortable seating for five people. For the driver and front passenger, they will be able to use the 6.5-inch display, which controls the various features included with the car, like the radio, audio system and more. What I really liked about this media center was how it's laid out right in the middle of the center console, surrounded by a big 'ol circle. It actually looks quite neat. To add some sport into the cabin's appearance are the switches found below the media center, which almost reminds me of a Spyker's interior.On the outside, there's not a lot that can be said that hasn't been said before. The automaker has gone forward with the classic MINI styling with minor tweaks in curves and styling cues. While the lights and new air curtains are different, it style holds true to the MINI formula.Powering the Clubman is a potent 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine. While it's small, created 134 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, it's enough power to create an exciting go-kart-like drive. Like the Fiat Abarth, I couldn't help but smile when cornering in this car. The handling was superb, thanks to the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, Dynamic Stability Control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.Looking for little car that can carry your friends, while also allowing you to take corners like you're at a go kart track? The MINI Clubman may be perfect for you.

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