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The new SKYACTIV engine transforms the Mazda MX-5
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The Setup One of the great things about Mazda is that it’s willing to put proper winter tires on the cars in its press fleet. This sounds simple, yet not every automaker goes this route. Given December in Michigan is as likely to see 50 degrees or five inches of snow, Mazda is doing a good…
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2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Phoning It In On A Flip Phone
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While I didn’t attend the launch of the 2019 Chevy Silverado, several people I know did. One of the items that they all relayed from Chevy’s message was “This is the most important vehicle we’ve ever built.” So it was with this context that I evaluated the vehicle. Up for review was the 2019 Silverado…
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Old school, still cool? The 2019 GMC Yukon
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While most of the automotive industry’s shift into crossovers and sport utility vehicles have gone with a car-based unibody, General Motors is getting it done with an old-school, full-frame, truck-based chassis on the Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and the Cadillac Escalade. Having sampled the Escalade in long wheelbase form several months ago, I was interested…
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Passport To Moab: First Drive 2019 Honda Passport
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I love the Mountain West portion of the United States. It is hardcoded into my brain from a trip I took with my father and stepmother in the summer before I turned seven. We did Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, and Pikes Peak over a two week period. While sunshine, warm weather,…
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The 2020 Ford Explorer debuts in Detroit
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The 2019 North American International Auto Show unofficially kicked off with a pre-show debut. Say hello to the 2020 Ford Explorer, which was revealed at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit. Now in it’s sixth generation and nearly thirty years of production deep, the Explorer returns to a rear-drive platform. Two engine choices are on deck.…
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2018 HCOTY Nominee: Matt Farah’s Safari 911
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Matt Farah had a revelation after driving Leh Keen’s original Porsche 911 Safari build in the woods of North Carolina. In it he found a vehicle that was fun to drive. It had style. And if it could handle Carolina fire roads, it would handle Southern California’s bad roads with zero issues. Matt often said that…
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2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk: Because We Can!
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I’m on the wrong side of history. Or at least the way history is trending. Vehicles are getting larger and larger. Look at 2019 where it’s estimated that 70% of new vehicle sales outside of trucks will be SUVs and CUVs. Me? As I get older I like smaller and lighter vehicles. As I write this…
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Quick Spin: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
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Did you know that there are currently nineteen different plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on sale in the U.S. right now? Me neither. In fact, if you asked me to name more than five I couldn’t. The Volt, Prius Prime, Pacifica, Hyundai Ioniq and the subject for this Quick Spin, the Mitsubishi Outlander.
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Part 2: ARX At Circuit Of The Americas With Subaru
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In part one of the story about the trip to COTA for the ARX season finale with Subaru, I focused on the series and the preverbal “10,000-foot view”. In part two we will dive in and have a closer look at the team and the cars. First though, two fun facts. Number one: Lance Smith, who…
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This is American Rallycross [Part 1]
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The inaugural American Rallycross (ARX) series swung into Austin for its season finale. It was at the Circuit of the Americas where the stage was set for roaring, sliding, soaring action. Rallycross, in its various forms, has been an intriguing series for a while now. Having grown up in the glory years of Group B, I’ve…
