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 – June 03, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 High Country 4WD

If you thought bragging rights were only for supercars, you must have missed the last three decades of truck commercials. The pickup truck market is a numbers game along with brand loyalty. You've probably driven past the mega-dealers with acres of white commercial trucks, and sadly they will become beasts of burden and parted out. But the other end of the lot is filled with luxury-laden plush trucks. If you want all the fancy options, you will need to pay more than before, but you can't argue with the performance. New for 2017, Chevrolet and GMC have released a 6.6 liter Duramax diesel with incredible numbers. So impressed of their latest bruiser, Chevy sent us a 2017 Silverado 2500 High Country with 4WD. 2017 Duramax 6.6L V-8 Turbo Diesel by David KimbleAt first, you will not believe its an oil burner. The engine is all new, sharing only the same 6.6-liter displacement. You won't hear it coming thanks to an insulated oil pan that looks to be made of wrought iron. Everything inside is forged in order to handle 29 psi of boost and 29,000 psi of fuel pressure. What you have at your command is 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. That is over 9 times the torque of a Fiat 500, and it arrives at 1,550 rpm. The blue oval fans may claim more torque from their power choke, but this new V8 is a smooth operator. Gas powered trucks get a 4.10 ratio differential but 3.73s are the only option for the D-max. Between the engine and the axles is the venerable Allison 6 speed automatic. The ratios are perfectly suited to hard work, and it adapts quickly to changing demands.Driving a 3/4 ton truck can be imposing to the uninitiated, but this Silverado shares many of the luxuries found in the GMC Denali and the Cadillac Escalade. The cabin is as quiet as a library until you want to have fun. Now that the engine computer has full control of the turbo, building boost for launch is easy. Standing on the brake pedal with a dash of accelerator is equivalent to having an ACME rocket bolted to the gooseneck. The High Country package includes all the bling, like the Silverado, was once an option package on the C/K series.Going to the bank or fast food drive through, people look at you like a boss. For a construction worker, you don't want to see the High Country rolling up at the site. Every option is included, from wireless phone charging to chrome recovery hooks. It all adds up to $70,875 but our dealers have nice incentives for the summer. Of course, the Duramax is available without all the bling, so tell us if you prefer power or pleasantries. If your truck wears a bowtie, stay with us for all your news & reviews.

By Andrew Nabors – May 16, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona

Being a Native Floridian, I am proud to see a modern sedan named after a familiar city. The 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona is a reference to Dodge's dominance at the historic track. The original Daytona was built to win the aero wars that were taking place at NASCAR's fastest tracks. The transformation involved adding a 23" tall rear spoiler and aerodynamic nose to the 440ci powered Charger R/T. The incredible advantage allowed it to be the first car to break the 200 mph barrier. NASCAR responded by banning the low production supercars and their Ford rivals.Since the Charger returned as a sedan in 2006, we have enjoyed the power and value of the HEMI V8. But with Hellcat and Demon getting all the press, we honestly forgot about the venerable 5.7-liter. The bigger V8s get all the notoriety because of the higher output, but with exponentially less fuel mileage. We were glad to see our weekly test car arrived with the smallest V8 in the lineup. Because advances in the big brothers inevitably trickle down to lesser models. That is the case here, as the latest 5.7 has active cam timing and four-cylinder mode.The Daytona package is aimed at value. It combines a host of popular interior and exterior upgrades under one line item. This keeps the dealer from gouging you on them individually. Black wheels and vinyl accents have proved to be very successful for the SRT models, but you will pay a premium for the 392 or Hellcat. Driving the Charger is just as rewarding as it always has. Visibility is great, and the ride is very comfortable. Building a strong chassis for the SRT cars, Dodge has relaxed the spring rates and sway bars on the regular production models. Try as we might, it took on ever pothole and speed bump with the grace and agility of a Mercedes. That's because the Charger rides on an evolution of the previous E-Class suspension, back from the Daimler-Chrysler days.The black 20" wheels are beautiful, but it would be nice to have SRT Brakes behind the spokes. Another gripe is rear wheel drive. The police edition Chargers also have the 5.7-liter, but All Wheel Drive is standard. If it is rated for Law Enforcement abuse, why is it not available to the public? The Chevy caprice doesn't even have a civilian model, I guess we don't deserve it. The reason it needs all wheel drive can be demonstrated by your right foot. Going wide open from even a decent roll will have the skinny 245 rear tires screaming. Even with all the customizable suspension settings, cars of this weight and power are ridiculous on skinny tires.The control interface is great. A sport screen allows the driver to customize the steering, suspension, and stability settings, which is something we wish every car had. The audio is from Beats, and the sound is clean. But the bass is more than the door panels can take, so they rattle at any decent volume. In all honesty, this could have been done by hooligans that had the car before us, and it's something a dealer could easily fix. The funky shifter looked straight out of an arcade. We know it has no physical link to the automatic transmission so it would be nice to use that space more effectively. Safety includes the latest in lane keeping, cross traffic, and forward collision warning. Things you might not expect are an adaptive cruise, LED fogs, rain sensing wipers and very comfortable lumbar seats. Rated at 25 mpg, the window sticker of $46,315 is a bargain for what you get. Dealer incentives along with a plentiful aftermarket will allow for years of fun without breaking the bank. See you in Daytona!

By Andrew Nabors – May 02, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 Lincoln MKZ

Name changes are a necessity in the modern automotive industry. The Lincoln Zephyr was launched in late 2005, but it was given a facelift along with a new name "MKZ" in 2007. It shares the same platform as the Ford Fusion and the ill-fated Mercury Milan, as a midsize luxury sedan. Every example has been produced in Mexico at the Hermosillo assembly plant, which was a point of debate in the presidential election. A refresh for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ involved classy styling from the new Continental along with noteworthy interior pleasantries. It is almost enough to call it a new model, so they decided to send one our way for a proper review.The biggest news is probably Lincoln's first dedicated engine in years. A 3.0-liter version of Ford's EcoBoost V6 was built for Lincoln only, rated at 400 horsepower. But our test model arrived with the classic 2.0 liter EcoBoost four cylinder. It sends 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque to all wheels, which results in a city rating of 20 mpg with 28 on the highway. On the outside, a crease just below the beltline makes for slab-sided doors. The rocker panels rise upwards and the C-pillar forms a triangle, using black trim to give a resemblance of a quarter window. It is a sleek design, but it could use a two-tone motif to make it appear smaller.Inside the electronics and most trim panels are all new. Automotive connectivity is changing at a fast pace, and so are vehicle controls. The transmission shifter is gone, replaced by a vertical touchpad to the left of the screen. Transmissions have been computer controlled for years so this might seem long overdue. The center console has a pass through near the pedal box which makes a great home for keys and phones. The panoramic roof is a giant sliding glass that moves rearward on rails adjacent to the rear window.Driving the MKZ is quiet thanks to active noise cancellation, but unfortunately, it can not be disabled. No matter how precise the fake sound is, it adds to interior noise which plays to the subconscious. Yes, it is AWD, but only in low traction situations. Being a mostly FWD car powered by a four-cylinder, acceleration is nothing to write home about. As far as safety and convenience, it has a traction control system to keep the wheels from spinning, but no form of stability control, lane departure, or adaptive cruise are offered on the MKZ Reserve edition. The MSRP tops out at $53,180, which is steep for a car that is strained to reach highway speeds before the end of the on-ramp. If you need a compact luxury cruiser, check out your Lincoln dealers for more information.

By Edward Jones – April 20, 2017

2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe Review

The term "sports car" is thrown around all the time, but there are really a few true sports cars left in the world. But, what really is a sports car? That's a hard one to define, but Merriam-Webster defines them as "a low, small car that seats two people and that is made for fast driving." The 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe fits that description perfectly.Coming in at a length of 157-inches and a height of 47-inches, the 4C Coupe is most definitely small. This was made abundantly clear when entering and exiting the car, which is a bit rough if you're at least my height (5'11"). Once inside, there was enough space for me to feel comfortable, but not enough to lounge around in. Again, this is a sports car, not a car meant for lounging, so I can't knock off points for that. Related - 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio ReviewAlong with its stature, the car breathes "sporty" through its appearance. On the outside is a car that I had many say "looks like a supercar." Italian style is found all over the car, giving it the sleekest look possible, while the mid-engine setup reminds us of more hardcore supercars. That being said, this car still looks pretty much unlike anything else on the road.

By Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 Smart ForTwo Coupe

In certain countries, vehicle taxes are based on engine size or other physical measurements. This is why tiny cars exist. Back when oil prices skyrocketed, Daimler saw the perfect time to reintroduce the Americans to micro cars. We have ample experience in two seaters, but our inventory consists of Corvettes and Vipers that aren't exactly small. Our usual reviews are based on power, handling, and comfort, so we had to rethink the process when The latest Smart Car arrived.We asked for the biggest engine available, so it had a turbocharged three-cylinder with 898cc of displacement. Making 90 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque, it is capable of 32 mpg city and 39 mpg highway as long as you leave the A/C off. Engines this small have an uphill fight to spin an A/C compressor on hot days, which will limit your ability to accelerate. Because the ForTwo is rear engined and rear wheel drive, the front tires are just for steering. So after the first few feet, you realize how maneuverable and fun it can be. The Passion model has stylish 15" wheels with low profile tires. They offer very low unsprung weight, and since they are bolted to the incredibly strong Tridion safety cell it makes the car handle like a go-kart. The five-speed manual shifter is cable operated, so it needs long throws and slack in each movement.An automatic in something this size would eat too much power and the five speed is just plain fun. Your right foot will need to remain buried to merge at any decent speed, so get ready for power shifting. Visibility is the best we have ever experienced because the windows are only inches from your eyes. The engine, transmission and cooling system are all mounted very low, which adds to the fun factor when cornering. The other brilliant cornering feature is that the seats are located very near the Z axis. By placing the passengers near this axis, it mitigates most of the G-forces while cornering.A curb weight of 2,000 lbs is more than you would imagine, and the Smart has a crash safety that is among the best in its class. At $17,240 it makes a statement of economy and style along with German reliability. A four-year warranty covers any potential problem, and even if the engine was to fail it can be replaced in your driveway. A thriving aftermarket exists if you need more acceleration, but its is fun even in stock form. If you are tired of seeing gas guzzling behemoths everywhere you look, the Smart ForTwo is ForYou!.

By Andrew Nabors – April 15, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 Ford Explorer

Any SUV that stars in a Hollywood blockbuster like "Jurassic Park" is destined to sell, which is why Ford placed the original Explorer on the big screen. The year 1993 seems like yesterday because the Explorer still evokes fond memories for fans of the blue oval. It launched in 1991 as an SUV version of the Ranger, with 4WD and a capable unibody chassis. The current model is the 5th generation which has been in production since 2011. The skilled workers at the Chicago Assembly Plant sent us a 2017 Platinum Edition with 4WD for a week of exploring, and it was enlightening to see how far is has come.If it looks like a Land Rover at a distance, that's because Ford hired one of their chief stylists to create the sleek exterior. Ford owned Land Rover for a few decades, so the similarities are not by coincidence. In an attempt to appeal to a more conservative market, the V8 has been discontinued in favor of the EcoBoost V6. The 3.5-liter twin turbo is found in the Ford GT, Raptor, and the Taurus SHO, so you can't deny its abilities. The turbos offer great response off the line, but they seem to run out of steam before redline. We have nothing against small turbos because they help to achieve better mileage.If your intentions are on exploring the wilderness, we have a few points of concern. The current generation does not have any truck heritage. It is a taller example of the Flex crossover. If you were looking for a solid axle and a frame you will be mistaken. The Explorer has moved upmarket thanks to a supple ride and plush amenities. Illuminated sill plates and a heated steering wheel are unexpected luxuries, and a new Terrain Management system uses a rotary dial lifted straight from Range Rover. It controls an electronic center differential that can send 100% of power front or rear. Without a low range, the Explorer is technically AWD not 4WD, but Ford chose not to upset their fanbase.Ford Mustang GT350R For Sale At full boost, it cranks out 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Those are nothing to scoff at, but they are only available in a narrow powerband once the boost arrives. The problem is that all of the added luxuries like heated/cooled seats contribute to a curb weight of almost 3 tons. Six cylinders are hard pressed to move six thousand pounds, which is why the Explorer sounds stressed when provoked. Fuel mileage is rated at 22 mpg on the highway and 16 in the city, but our results were somewhat underwhelming. Our fully loaded example had more safety and more entertainment options than most luxury crossovers, and for that, it commands a price of $55,420. We never thought a Ford Explorer would be $1,025 cheaper than a Corvette, but they aren't exactly competitors. The Ford Explorer is as close to an American Range Rover as you will find, so contact our dealers to see if it is right for you.

By Edward Jones – April 10, 2017

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Review

There are few cars that I've driven that were more enjoyable than the new 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. That's a fact. I seriously adored just about every facet of this car, including its looks, handling, power, sound, comfort and so much more. The week I spent with the Giulia Quadrifoglio was a treat itself, and if I could drop the money to buy one and have more weeks with it, I would.First off, the power that this car packs is serious; underneath the hood is a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 that has more kick than you'd expect from a six-cylinder. Rated at 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, the power is bountiful. When compared to the Mercedes-AMG C63 S (503 hp), AMG C63 (469 hp) and BMW M3 (425 hp), it sits at the top of the power ratings. According to Alfa Romeo, this power is enough to propel the car from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. While I didn't have any timing gear equipped to the car, I can tell you that during my time testing, the Giulia Quadrifoglio is lightning quick off of the line. Our example was sending power to the rear wheels via an 8-speed transmission, which is the only transmission available in the United States.I could fawn over this car for hours, which I did to anyone that asked about it. If you're looking for a sports car that's both stylish and powerful, there's no need to look further because this is it right here. If you're interested in picking one up for yourself, be sure to check our listings by clicking the button below.Giulia Quadrifoglios For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 05, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 VW Beetle Convertible

Insects can be a menace unless the are equipped with a turbocharger. The latest model of the "People's Car" arrived at our headquarters finished in Bottle Green with a Beige Leatherette Interior. We were hoping for a manual, but the six-speed automatic proved to be a worthy contender. If you are looking for an economical convertible your choices are limited, so allow us to distill a week of commuting in the latest from Volkswagen.The Beetle has had a long and prosperous history in Mexico, and our test model was built south of the border. Our current administration might resent Mexican imports, but there is something to be said of less regulation. If you value a long-lasting paint job, Mexican built cars are still sprayed with traditional clear coat instead of the water based swill forced upon our domestic cars. Since the factory in Puebla has been building them before your parents were born, they know how to build a quality car. Convertibles must face a litany of crash and rollover tests which vary around the world. To build a car for the world market, the Beetle's strength is evident after the first few moments.As with any convertible we test, the first evaluation was trying to invoke cowl shake. This dreaded phenomenon occurs in cheapo drop-tops that prefer to shake the cockpit over small bumps. Try as we might, the Beetle responded with poise and confidence which made us wonder how far we could push it. I won't elaborate on when or where we lost traction, just know that it understeers enough to warn you before you reach the limit. The latest evolution of the venerable 1.8-liter turbo, it uses direct injection and premium fuel to deliver 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Cars that have more torque than horsepower are always fun. The chunky nature of the little four-cylinder in the lightweight chassis makes for a fun experience.The gear ratios are tight to keep the turbo happy, and the transmission performs as one would expect. One annoying aspect is the idle speed. Release the brake pedal and you have two seconds of stillness that is interrupted by a launch. In an effort to achieve maximum fuel mileage, the computer engages first gear in an abrupt manner. Crawling in traffic it becomes a rather annoying dance of brake and accelerator, so we found it easier to use the handbrake. As with most convertibles, visibility is limited when the top is up, so you will need to adjust to mirror and windows for maneuvering. The top is powered and easy to operate, with no funky latches to worry about. It is also well insulated for a car under $30,000.Entertainment is provided by an 8-speaker audio system, but our car did not have the optional Fender speakers. The base model system had all the right inputs, but base model audio in a convertible is a bad idea. Manual climate control was another throwback to a bygone era, along with the term "Leatherette". For 2017 the Beetle convertible turbo carries a price of $27,570. Sure it's quirky, but that is the nature of this car.You will be hard pressed to find another turbocharged convertible rated at 33 mpg. Factor in the German build quality and Beetle is the only answer. Stay with us for more VW news & reviews.

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2017

Reviewed: 2016 Passat 1.8 Turbo

For those who prefer to fly under the radar, VW's latest Passat is a stealth fighter. With styling we have grown to love, our weekly test car arrived directly from the factory, which is not in Germany. The Passat is assembled at the world's only LEED-certified plant in Chattanooga.Tennesseans are known for music and bourbon, so how do they handle a midsize sedan to be sold around the world?You might recall the turbo Beetle convertible from a few weeks ago. It was powered by the same 1.8 liter TSI engine as the Passat. Making 184 lb-ft of torque and 170 horsepower at full boost, it is a nice alternative to a naturally aspirated V6. The Passat is built in six trim levels, with the top model offering 90 more horses from a 3.6 liter. But our car is decked out with a rating of 38 mpg (highway).Impressive mileage from a midsize luxury sedan is made possible by deep overdrives in 5th and 6th gear along with a 3.87 differential. This means that it runs through the gears quickly in order to reach 6th, and that's where it wants you to stay.We find no fault in this logic for running errands, but you shouldn't challenge anyone to a drag race. Passat is a joy to drive in a daily commute, as it offers great visibility along with a quiet cockpit. Safety is a major concern for VW, so the car is extremely solid. Despite a curb weight of only 3,200 lbs, it makes use of high strength steel to achieve a 5-star safety rating. Strength translates into a nimble chassis that stays composed over broken pavement. Our only disparaging remark must be the all-season tires. We run Summer tires year round in the Sunshine State, so it's fun to hear the screams of all season rubber when pressed to perform. If you intend on pushing your Passat outside of its comfort zone, invest in performance brake pads. The factory compound loses its composure after a few hot laps.In comparison its A4 sibling, the Passat is more relaxed in the corners. Loaded with Fender Audio and all the latest technology, the Passat SEL Premium has a price tag of $35,090. It does without flashy looks or thrilling acceleration to provide you a safe & solid (American built) sedan. Our dealers have great leases available, so stay with us for more VW reviews!.

By Andrew Nabors – March 05, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 Infiniti Q50

A few years back, Nissan decided to rename every model of their Infiniti luxury brand. The G37 sedan was their most popular model, so we didn't entirely understand the need for a change. Over the course of two years, every model transformed into a Q followed by a numeric series. The Q50 launched in 2013 as the successor to the top-level G37 and it gained a host of improvements.Initially, the powertrain remained unchanged, sharing the venerable 3.7 liter V6 with the Maxima and 370Z. The VQ series engines are among the most powerful and popular V6 engines in recent history, and their influence can be found in everything from the Skyline GT-R to a V8 in the Titan pickup truck. But for 2016 the overseers are following the disheartening trend of downsizing in the name of fuel economy. Many countries are invoking taxes based on engine size, so the revised Q50 has a 3.0 liter V6 with twin turbos. In top-level trim, it makes 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.The 3.0 liter was one of five new engines that were released in 2016. Other improvements released last year were a revised steering system and "Dynamic Digital Suspension" that reacts quickly to changing conditions. We have an opportunity to drive many vehicles with such claims, so we were glad to spend a week with the Q50 to see how it compares to the competition.If you think it's just a Maxima with nicer leather you should probably stop reading now. Infiniti might share a common architecture with its parent company, but that's where the similarities end. While Nissan focuses on performance at a competitive price, Infiniti's goal is to refine the art of driving and give you a needed respite after a long day.In the past, they used the best technologies available to disconnect the driver from the outside world, but now the Q50 has the ability to bring fun back into the equation. Choosing not to stray from their core customers, the suspension and steering systems are configurable with sport and touring modes. Available in rear-wheel drive of AWD configurations, it offers style and efficiency that are not usually found outside of Germany.On a lap of St. Petersburg we used our secret proving grounds in an attempt to force understeer. In the past, Japanese luxury brands have dialed in understeer at the limit to let the driver know such antics should be avoided. But with the new digital suspension, the Q50 realizes it has arrived to a party and it quickly rises to the occasion. That being said, it took real effort to push the Q50 to its limits, and its an achievement that won't happen on public roads.Outside the styling is what you would expect, with graceful curves and aggressive 19" wheels. The most polarizing feature is the forward slant of the C-pillar as it approaches the belt line. I think it is graceful and unique, but others saw it as pompous and precocious from such a conservative brand. Inside the materials are nice and the infotainment is easy to navigate. Leather, brushed metals and wood are laid out in a symmetrical fashion in order to please the eye. The touch screens are almost vertical which can be glare inducing, but steering wheel controls are intuitive to keep your hands on the road.The Q50 is the luxury sports sedan that makes for a great daily driver. Because they didn't attempt to reinvent the wheel, they pass the savings along to you. Purchasing is a great option because Ininiti is not hit by depreciation as much as other brands can be. Pricing for the Red Sport Edition in rear wheel drive starts at $48,700, which is a nice deal for a great car. Nissan is a cautious overseer, letting the other brands rush into new technologies. The new Q50 might seem late to the game in a few areas, but comfort lies in the fact that it will be a great car for years to come. Stay with us for more reviews here on Autofluence.

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