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Latest by Peter Braun

Volvo Sensus Connect

Why does in-car tech lag behind phone tech? It’s trickier than you think

With the arrival of Apple CarPlay, it is more tempting than ever to compare infotainment to smartphones, but should we? No, and we want to explain why not.
Tesla Model X

From slippery shapes to grille shutters, aerodynamic tech is reshaping cars

Cars keep getting bigger and heavier, but they also have to get more efficient. One of the main technologies allowing that to happen is aerodynamics.
Audi R8 e_tron front left

Iron Man’s Audi R8 e-tron gets less fictional, to be offered on customer request – UPDATE

Audi has been teasing the world with its electric R8, the e-tron, but now its happening for real. This EV supercar is going into production later this year.
Mitsubishi-Concept_GC_PHEV_12

Plan your assault on the neighborhood with the Mitsubishi GC-PHEV’s ‘Tactical Table’

The Mitsibuishi GC-PHEV concept, just unveiled in Chicago shows the high tech, and green, future of Mitsubishi.
2015 Mazda CX 9 front angle

Joyride: 2015 Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 is like an aging athlete; it is still capable but also starting to fall behind his younger rivals. The big Mazda can still drive like a champ, but it lacks the technology and refinement of newer, cheaper crossovers.
chinese connection volvo s60 inscription first built car sold us s60l cu

UPDATED: Volvo S60 Inscription is the first Chinese made car to be sold in the US

Volvo's new car unveiled in Detroit is a long wheelbase version of its S60 sedan. More interestingly it could be the first Chinese built car sold in the US.
2016 Toyota Tacoma

Tacoma vs. Colorado: Toyota fires back at GM with 2016 Toyota Tacoma

The 2016 Tacoma is here, and it is looking to strike back at any and all who have the temerity to challenge its place as the king of midsize trucks.
Chevy Colorado front angle

First drive: Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon

For the last five years, mid-size truck buyers haven’t had much to choose from. However, that is about to change. GM’s new midsize trucks, the Chevy Colorado and the GMC Canyon, aren’t just going to rejuvenate the segment; they may just revolutionize it.
Cadillac CTS V

Joyride: 2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

In a few months, an all-new Cadillac CTS-V will be along. However, before that happens, we wanted to say goodbye to the old car the only way we know how: driving it on Circuit of the Americas and then across five states and 2,500 miles.
why 2015 is the year of turbocharger car trends

Hello, MPG! 5 automakers that plan to make 2015 the year of the turbocharger

There is plenty of talk about electric cars, hybrids, and even hydrogen power, but in 2015 the innovation that will be driving cars is turbochargers. Accordingly, we decided to take a look at what carmakers are giving themselves over to the delights of the turbine in the new year.
Ford F-150

Three New Year’s resolutions we’d love to see automakers keep in 2015

We think automakers should follow suit and make a few resolutions of their own.
by 2018 volvos oldest vehicle could be the all new xc90 2015 volvo

Volvo starts over from scratch, will replace entire line by 2018

Volvo has made the news a lot in the last year, thanks to the introduction of new engines and the debut of the stunning new XC90. But the Swedish automaker is just getting started; Volvo is planning on releasing as many as seven new cars in the next three years.
Audi S4 Cruise

Tech startup Cruise offers autonomous driving package for $10,000

Start up company Cruise is offering a system that retrofits Audis into autonomous cars for just $10,000. It sounds great, but there is more to it than that.
Best sedans

Joyride: 2015 Honda Accord Sport

An excellent suspension, peppy four-cylinder, and a slick-shifting six-speed manual help the Accord stand out in the midsize sedan market.
XR_PHEV_Photography_6

Mitsubishi unveils its future in LA: the XR-PHEV plug-in hybrid

Mitsubishi unveiled the details behind the XR-PHEV plug-in hybrid concept at the LA Auto Show, which the company hopes will define its future.
2016 Acura ILX

For 2016, the Acura ILX gets a sassy makeover with a new engine and ‘Jewel Eye’ headlights

With a new engine and acres of new tech the 2016 update unveiled at the LA Autoshow may finally turn the Acura ILX into the car it always deserved to be.
2015_nissan_juke

Custom colors and a new engine make the Nissan Juke even wackier than before

For 2015 the Nissan Juke gets a characteristic make over. Customers not only get more tech they can choose from 12 custom color accessories.
2015 Acura RDX first drive front angle 2

Joyride: 2015 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX has a lot of good features: a silky smooth, efficient powertrain, a well-built interior, and - not least - a quiet and comfortable ride. Despite this, the RDX remains a somewhat flavorless vehicle when compared to the competition.
tom magliozzi car talk dies age 77

Click and Clack no more: Tom Magliozzi of NPR’s ‘Car Talk’ dies at age 77

Tom Magliozzi the long time co-host of Car Talk has died Monday of complications related to Alzheimer's. He was 77 at the time of his death.
Ford Police Interceptor 2

In order to keep police safe, Ford develops a ‘black box’ for cop cars

Ford has developed a new technology that will police the police by allowing police departments to track just how their officers are driving in real time.
2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat

First drive: 2015 Dodge SRT Charger Hellcat

Dodge has done something remarkable with the 2015 Charger and built something for everyone, whether it’s a stylish and speedy family hauler to a Porsche punching V8 sports sedan. No matter which variant buyers choose of the Charger, none will disappoint. So, the only question is “how much to spend?’’
2015 Audi A3 TDI

First drive: 2015 Audi A3 TDI

The Audi A3 TDI may be rated at just 43 highway mpg, but it is capable of much, much more. That is, if the driver is willing to suffer. This practical, comfortable sedan can manage 63 mpg for over 800 miles, in the hands of a skilled and committed driver.
Mitsubishi Mirage front angle

Joyride: 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage ES

Is there any reason anyone should buy the most basic car in America? As it turns out, no there is not. The Mitsubishi Mirage is not cheap enough to make up for the fact that nicer, better-looking, more comfortable, and far safer cars are available for similar money.
Acura_TLX_Prototype_01

Acura’s TLX Prototype combines sensible Japanese luxury with a compactier sport sedan

A prototype of the Acura Tl's replacement, the TLX just debuted at Detroit, and it is smaller, more focused and more aggressive than its predecessor.
first drive 2015 volvo v60 s60 polestar side angle 3

On track or highway, Volvo’s V60 Polestar is as unrelenting as it is unassuming

With its new performance partner, Polestar, Volvo is trying to take on the Germans. If the 350-horsepower, 155-mph V60 Polestar is any example of what they are capable of, Volvo and Polestar might just be able to do it - and with a wagon to boot.
BMW i Center charging stations

BMW throws a cord to i3 EV owners with cheaper fast chargers, year of free juice

BMW is committing to EVs and charging infrastructure in a big way. Today the Bavarian automotive giant announced a new comprehensive charging plan for i3 customers and a revolutionary new fast charger.
whats name cadillac adopts new naming scheme grille

What’s in a name, anyway? Cadillac forsakes its identity, adopts new naming scheme

Johand de Nysschen's sweeping changes to the Cadillac brand aren't done yet. The company's new chief is introducing an all new naming scheme.
Volvo XC90 R-Design 3

Volvo’s all new XC90 gets a sporty R-Design upgrade

Volvo wasn't satisfied with just introducing the all new XC90, they want to build one for everyone. Hence the all new sporty R-Design edition.
2015 Mazda Mazda 6 front angle

Joyride: 2014 Mazda Mazda6 Grand Touring

The Mazda6 stands out from family sedans in much the same way a supermodel would at a CPA convention. Even better, the Mazda's qualities aren't skin deep. With numerous features and an upscale feel, the Mazda6 also represents tremendous value. If only its powertrain weren't anorexic.
2015 Dodge Viper SRT

Bargain-basement supercar: Dodge drops Viper price tag $15k and rolls out new GT model

In the wake of the Corvette Z06 Dodge is serious about shifting some Vipers. To that end it has dropped the entire Viper range a stunning $15,000 for 2015.
Mustang GT350 Rendering

Watch out Challenger: Mustang GT350 special editions on their way

The 2015 Mustang isn't even out yet, but Ford is already working on special editions. Including a track taming monster dubbed the Mustang GT350.
invasion budget korean automaker ssangyong may enter us market actyon sports

An invasion on a budget: Korean automaker Ssangyong may enter U.S. market

Korean automaker Ssangyong has confirmed its plans to try and enter the U.S. market. If all goes well it could be selling cars in America by 2017.
2015 Mazda MX 5 side angle

Joyride: 2015 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring

For 25 years, the formula has been simple, lightweight, front engine, rear-drive and a universe of headroom. The recipe is good but the Mazda MX-5 has always been more than the sum of its parts. Now in its penultimate edition, it is the best it has ever been.
nissan juke nismo rs perfect car unhinged driver front three quarter

Meet Godzilla’s little brother: The 800-horsepower Nissan Juke

A Russian tuning company has done the impossible, or at least the inadvisable, packed 800 horsepower into a Nissan Juke, a car the size of a shoe.