Car Reviews: 2015

Thursday, 31 December 2015

Top 10 Most Anticipated Cars for 2016

Top 10 Most Anticipated Cars for 2016
AutoGuide.com’s Most Popular Videos of 2015
Top 10 AutoGuide Photos of 2015
2017 Honda Civic Si Rumored to Have 220-230 HP
Mazda MX-5, CX-3 and Mazda6 Gets Racy for Tokyo Auto Salon

Top 10 Most Anticipated Cars for 2016

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The New Year is here, which means we're going to get to enjoy a wide selection of new vehicles.

From sports cars to sedans to uber-luxury SUVs, there's a lot to look forward to in 2016. AutoGuide.com has chosen its Top 10 most anticipated cars for 2016. We can't wait to get behind the wheel of these cars to deliver our impressions to you.

SEE ALSO: New Cars

Acura NSX

It almost seems like the new Acura NSX has been one of the most anticipated cars for several years straight. But alas, the Japanese automaker doesn't expect anymore delays this time around and it will finally arrive dealerships next year. This past year, Acura has been testing the NSX all around the U.S. with 573 horsepower and stunning good looks.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

It made its official debut at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show and there's a lot to love about the Alfa Romeo Giulia, especially the Quadrifoglio model. Packing 505 hp and the claim of being the world's fastest production sedan around the Nurburgring, the Italian automaker's sedan will definitely be hunting some BMW M4s when it arrives late next year. Under the hood is a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 sourced from Ferrari and it will go zero to 60 in just 3.8 seconds.

Aston Martin DB11

It hasn't officially bowed yet, but the Aston Martin DB11 will make its debut next year as a replacement for the DB9. As the first major product for the company's Second Century Plan, we expect the British automaker to come out swinging. Rumor has it that Aston Martin is looking at a turbocharged engine from AMG, although many believe the company will stick to a 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine.

Bentley Bentayga

How can you not be excited to see the world's most powerful, most expensive and most ridiculous SUV to start roaming your local streets? The Bentley Bentayga is a sign of things to come from luxury automakers, especially with the Lamborghini Urus also on the horizon. Sporting a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine with 600 hp, this opulent beast will go zero to 60 in four seconds flat.

BMW M2

When the BMW M2 was unveiled earlier this year, it showed that the German automaker means business for 2016. With 370 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque from a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, the M2 will go from zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds and weighs 3,295 pounds. Best of all, it has a manual transmission, proving BMW hasn't gone soft on us just yet.

Fiat 124 Spider

The Mazda Miata's Italian cousin bowed at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show sporting a turbocharged motor with 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Sure, the styling is a bit divisive, but you'll be able to judge for yourself when it arrives dealerships next summer. Both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be available and it will be interesting to see how Fiat decides to price its version of the Miata roadster.

Ford Focus RS

There's a hot hatch coming with 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque and it's a Ford. The Focus RS is powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and is packed bumper to bumper with performance-minded goods including all-wheel drive and Brembo brakes. Pricing is rumored to start around $35,730 while buyers can choose to add a sunroof, navigation, 19-inch wheels and sticky Michelin tires.

Ford GT

When the Ford GT made its debut at the beginning of this year, jaws dropped at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Making a real statement with its return to the supercar segment, the new Ford GT is expected to have more than 600 hp while weighing a scant 2,890 lbs. With a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 powering the Ford GT, expect to see it at motorsports events worldwide next year and hopefully we'll have the privilege of putting it to the test.

Jaguar F-Pace

Everyone loves crossovers right now, so it only makes sense that luxury automakers join the party. The Jaguar F-Pace will be available starting next year with a price tag of $43,385 and there's a lot to love about the British automaker's first crossover. At its initial launch, the entry-level model will feature a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine with 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, although a four-cylinder diesel will join the lineup later on to lower the entry price to $41,995. Those that want even more power can opt for the same V6 but with 380 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.

Volvo S90

Volvo finished off the year in style, introducing the new S90 sedan packed to the brim with style and tech. Powerplants include the Swedish automaker's T8 and T6 engines, although specific power output for the sedan haven't been announced. In the case of the T6, the supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder engine should provide around 316 hp while the T8 hybrid powertrain delivers 400 hp and and 472 lb-ft of torque in the XC90. Expect more details to come on the luxury sedan when it makes its official public debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show.

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AutoGuide.com’s Most Popular Videos of 2015

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This year, AutoGuide.com produced more 200 videos!

Attending auto shows worldwide and getting our grubby little hands on every exciting car to review, our team of editors and video producers love getting in front of the camera so our readers can get all the info they need about today's newest rides. As we look back on 2015, there were plenty of debuts that got us excited, but the most popular with our viewers was the 2016 Honda Civic, with our first look video getting more than 700,000 views despite being only two months old!

SEE ALSO: AutoGuide.com's YouTube Channel

Reflecting today's market, our videos on crossovers were also quite popular, with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson review being the third most-watched video of the year. Sports car enthusiasts couldn't wait to check out our review of the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata while luxury shoppers got a closer look at the 2016 Jaguar XF, 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport and 2016 Cadillac CTS-V. Truck buyers weren't left out in the cold either, with our 2015 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 2015 Toyota Tacoma comparison also making the top 10.

Check out AutoGuide.com's most watched videos from 2015 below.

2016 Honda Civic First Look

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2016 Nissan Maxima Review – First Drive

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2016 Hyundai Tucson Review

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2016 Mazda CX-3 Review – First Drive

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2016 Mazda MX-5 Review

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2016 Jaguar XF First Look – 2015 New York Auto Show

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2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport Review – First Drive

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2015 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2015 Toyota Tacoma

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2015 Ford Edge Review – First Drive

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2016 Cadillac CTS-V Review – First Drive

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Top 10 AutoGuide Photos of 2015

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For the team at AutoGuide.com, 2015 was another memorable year.

From Arizona to California, Paris to Frankfurt, we've been around the world to cover the latest that the automotive industry has to offer, and we've taken some great photos in the process.

So scroll down to check out some of our favorite shots from 2015.

Photo by: Chris Blanchette, featured in: 2016 Jaguar XF S Review

The deserts of Arizona offering breathtaking scenery and the new curves of the Jaguar XF S fit right in.

Photo by: Chris Smart, featured in: Pebble Beach Supercar Gallery

Seeing a car like a Ferrari LaFerrari is rare occurrence, but seeing it next to a lineup of Lamborghinis is a truly unique experience. Welcome to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where the world's upper crust gather once a year to show off their automotive masterpieces.

Photo by: Chris Smart, featured in: Pebble Beach Classics Gallery

The world's most expensive classic cars are also on display each year at Pebble Beach along with patrons' interesting headwear choices.

Photo by: Adam Wood, featured in: 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum Review

The U.S. has some truly spectacular scenery to offer, as we discovered on our drive through Yellowstone National Park with the Ford Explorer Platinum.

Photo by: Chris Blanchette, featured in: 2015 Lamborghini Huracan Review

It's hard to ignore this bright orange beauty.

Photo By: Nick Busato, featured in: 2016 Nissan Titan XD Review

Once again, the deserts of Arizona provided a great backdrop, this time for a brand new pickup truck.

Photo by: Adam Wood , featured in: 2015 Mazda MX-5 Review

The MX-5 is all about driving pleasure and it looks like it's ready for some fun on this summer day in the hills of California.

Photo by: Adam Wood, featured in: 2015 Chevy Corvette Z06 Review

The Corvette Z06 looks truly striking under the Nevada sun.

Photo by: Chris Blanchette, featured in: 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S Review

The Mercedes AMG GT S is a gorgeous car with a sinister face, especially from this low angle.

Photo by: Stephen Elmer, featured in: 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel Review

The Ram Rebel is a V8-powered truck with some decent off-road credentials. We took a day to crash through the bush and the Rebel delivered the goods.

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2017 Honda Civic Si Rumored to Have 220-230 HP

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The 2017 Honda Civic Si is rumored to arrive late next year or early spring 2017.

The news comes from HondaPro Jason via the CivicX forum, who claims the new 21017 Honda Civic Si will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The powerplant is believed to be a detuned version of the Type R engine with around 220 to 230 horsepower and will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The model will likely share many of its parts with the new Civic Type R that is scheduled to be released in spring or summer 2017.

We already know that the Honda Civic coupe will arrive dealerships as a 2016 model year but the hatchback will join it soon after. According to the rumors, all markets will be receiving the coupe, hatchback and sedan models, with the Type R available in most, but not all markets.

Although the information comes unconfirmed, it does make sense. The new Civic Type R will have at least 300 hp and giving the Si a detuned version of the powerplant saves on R&D costs for the Japanese automaker. It also ensures that the 2017 Honda Civic Si stays affordable and leaves the Type R room to breathe as the range-topping model.

[Source: CivicX]

Discuss this story on our 10th Generation Honda Civic Forum

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Mazda MX-5, CX-3 and Mazda6 Gets Racy for Tokyo Auto Salon

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Mazda is bringing plenty of goodies to the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Although the Japanese automaker isn't showcasing any official Mazdaspeed vehicles at this year's show in Japan, it will bring three Racing concepts based on the existing MX-5 Miata, CX-3 and Mazda6 models. The MX-5 and CX-3 are finished in a jet black exterior paint with red accents and sportier wheels, an aero kit and Alcantara interior. The Mazda6 sedan is more conservative, shunning the red accents for a more all-black theme.

To contrast the black Mazda MX-5, the company will also showcase a spec racing model in white livery complete with roll cage and tow hooks. There will also be a rally-prepped Mazda2 that has had its interior stripped out and replaced with bucket seats, racing harnesses and a roll cage.

Rounding out Mazda's display at the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon will be a few familiar faces including the Global Cup roadster, RX-Vision concept and LM55 Vision Gran Turismo. Hopefully it's a preview of things to come from the Zoom-Zoom brand, which is slowly falling behind its Japanese counterparts without a performance-minded sub-brand.

Discuss this story on our Mazda Forum

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Wednesday, 30 December 2015

Get a Free Ford GT Snap Kit by Visiting the Detroit Auto Show

Get a Free Ford GT Snap Kit by Visiting the Detroit Auto Show
AutoGuide.com’s Most Viral Stories of 2015
AutoGuide.com’s Most Popular Car Reviews of 2015
Tesla is Going on a Hiring Spree
Volkswagen Releases Short Teaser for Upcoming Concept Debut
Infiniti Q30 Now Renamed to QX30 for North American Market

Get a Free Ford GT Snap Kit by Visiting the Detroit Auto Show

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You might not be able to afford a Ford GT, but you can get a free snap kit just by heading to the 2016 Detroit Auto Show.

The American automaker is giving "kids" a free, limited-edition, build-it-yourself Ford GT snap kit at its booth, but we're going to guess that if you beg hard enough, they'll give them to adults as well. Developed by Revell as an "af-Ford-able" GT, the snap kits will also go on sale online and at select retailers starting in April if you aren't able to make your way to Detroit early next month.

The limited-edition snap kit offered at Detroit will include 14 pieces for easy assembly in just a few minutes and features a unique auto show stamp on the bottom to signify the special edition.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

The retail model will be a bit different, priced at $14.99 and will be more detailed with 28 pieces, taking 10 to 15 minutes to build. Ford has collaborated with Revell to build snap kits for auto shows and retail sale since 2013 and this will be the third product following the Mustang and Raptor.

"Our annual Revell Make 'n Take model kit program has become a fun-filled auto show tradition," said Mark Bentley, Ford Licensing manager. "Letting kids build their own Ford GT is a great way to introduce them to the Ford brand and create new enthusiasts."

Discuss this story on our Ford Forum

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AutoGuide.com’s Most Viral Stories of 2015

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Thanks to social media, some of AutoGuide.com's stories this year spread all over the Internet.

Whether it's recall notices, new car announcements or spy photos, we do our best to stay on top of automotive news so our readers stay up to date. But some stories have a way of touching a certain nerve with our readers and their popularity spirals. Here are our most viral stories from 2015.

SEE ALSO: AutoGuide.com Auto News

The introduction of the 2016 Honda Civic proved to be popular on social media and for good reason. It may seem like forever since Honda has introduced a Civic worth getting excited about, but the 2016 model is just that. Since the sedan's unveiling, Honda has also debuted the coupe variant at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show.

One of the most highly anticipated cars in a while, Acura toured the 2016 NSX around the nation earlier this year. When photos of the red hybrid supercar showed up after it was spotted on public roads for the first time, they quickly got shared on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

News that the 2015 Ford Shelby GT350R is as fast as a Porsche 911 GT3 got American muscle enthusiasts excited. The Shelby GT350 went on to win our Reader's Choice Car of the Year award, proving that Ford has a winner with the 5.2-liter flat-plane V8 packing 526 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque.

Hyundai had a huge surprise at this year's Monterey Car Week, introducing the Vision G Coupe Concept at a show normally reserved for ultra-luxury vehicles. We had a chance to sit down with Hyundai's designers to find out just how the Vision G Coupe Concept came to be.

Porsche wants to deliver a Tesla Model S competitor and previewed its idea with the Mission E Concept at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Boasting an electric powertrain with more than 600 hp and 300 miles of range, the company recently confirmed that it will head to production.

One of the most exciting rumors this year was that Honda is working on a baby NSX sports car. Along with releasing renders of what that model could possibly look like, rumors spread that the baby NSX would be introduced as early as the 2015 L.A. Auto Show. Unfortunately, that didn't come to fruition, but we're still hoping it bows sometime next year.

Holy… can you believe one couple in Texas owns nearly 80 Dodge Viper sports cars? In fact, they probably do by now since they took delivery of numbers 78 and 79 in July. The story about their collection got shared on Facebook over 20,000 times.

Now that the Acura NSX has been unveiled, all eyes are on Toyota to see what it will do with the successor to the Supra. The FT-1 Concept is absolutely stunning and reports earlier this year said that the model will use an aluminum spaceframe chassis with a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic body. Toyota is planning to use a 3.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and we can't wait to see it finally get introduced in production form.

Honda proved quite popular on social media this year and with the Civic Type R claiming a 7:50 lap time on the Nurburgring, we compiled a list of 10 cars the Civic Type R is faster than on the world-famous track. Some of the notables on the list include the Porsche Panamera Turbo, Ferrari F430 and even the original Nissan GT-R.

But our most viral story got shared more than 44,000 times on Facebook and involved a new bill that would fine drivers up to $5,000 for rolling coal. For those that haven't a clue what rolling coal is, just look at the above image and it will probably make sense. Essentially, it's the act of modifying a diesel vehicle to spew black smoke and soot. Yes, people are paying money to pay more money to pollute more. It's a surprise the Volkswagen diesel scandal is a scandal at all!

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AutoGuide.com’s Most Popular Car Reviews of 2015

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Each year, automakers treat the world to plenty of all-new models and 2015 was no exception.

AutoGuide.com got behind the wheel of hundreds of new cars this past year, giving car shoppers the opportunity to get an up close and personal look before scheduling a test drive. As the year came to a close, we also had the chance to check out some exciting rides heading into 2016 model year including the all-new Honda Civic, Chevrolet Camaro and Toyota Prius.

SEE ALSO: AutoGuide.com New Car Reviews

Let's take a look back at 2015 and see what were the most popular reviews you clicked and commented on on AutoGuide.com.

We started off the year by taking the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 for a spin, and what a spin it was. Our Road Test Editor Mike Schlee summed it up best on the Corvette Z06 saying, "It's stupid fast and the capabilities of this machine are ridiculous." There were very few things we could find wrong about the iconic sports car, but we did love its power, brakes, grip and price. The Corvette Z06 is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine with 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque and starts from $79,990.

Honda did a lot of work this year and another model it introduced was the 2016 Honda Pilot, priced from $30,875. With a 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood providing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, we loved its much quieter cabin, new safety features, cabin and cargo room as well as being the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid model in its class. To improve on the popular Pilot, the Japanese automaker put it on a diet, shaving nearly 300 pounds off its curb weight. It also replaced the aged five-speed transmission with a six-speed unit, while high-spec models get a nine-speed automatic.

For the past few years, Kia has made significant strides in the marketplace and the Korean automaker continued with a strong 2015. The all-new 2016 Kia Optima is available with three different engines with pricing starting from $22,675. Shoppers can choose from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, a 1.6-liter turbo-four mill with 178 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. We praised the Optima's quiet interior, slick styling, smooth driving dynamics and technology-packed packages, while we preferred to have seen a more exciting interior and more power.

The Acura ILX has had a bumpy start ever since it was introduced, but the automaker has been quick to make changes. Intent on fixing some of the issues of the original ILX, Acura made numerous changes for the 2016 model year with revised front and rear styling, multi-LED headlights and a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The powerplant is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and pricing for the entry-level luxury sedan starts from $28,820. So what did we like about the updated Acura ILX? For starters, we enjoyed that the standard engine wasn't so underpowered anymore and came away impressed with the performance of the dual-clutch transmission. In addition, the 2016 Acura ILX gets improved fuel economy returning 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Still, the ILX doesn't feel particularly powerful and can be pricey once options are added on. We found that it also still needs more headroom to compete in the segment.

Sedans and sports cars weren't the only segments that saw noticeable new additions this year. The pickup market got plenty of new entries with our 2016 Toyota Tacoma review proving quite popular. Available with either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque or a 3.5-liter V6 with 278 hp and 256 lb-ft of torque, we came away impressed with the new Tacoma's improved fuel economy, overhauled interior and transmission performance. The Tacoma features a six-speed automatic or manual, while the four-cylinder-equipped models can be had with a five-speed manual. Pricing on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma starts from $24,200 and our biggest complaints were seating position and rear seat space.

One pickup that really impressed the crowd this year was the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Diesel, earning AutoGuide.com's Reader's Choice Truck of the Year award. Sporting a 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, the Colorado Diesel returns 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with two-wheel drive, while the four-wheel-drive model is good for 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Priced from $33,520, we were impressed with the Colorado Diesel's torque, NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) as well as its integrated trailer brake. We did notice a slight turbo lag in terms of performance and weren't too thrilled with its low ground clearance.

Not everyone is thrilled at the idea of a four-cylinder Ford Mustang, but the EcoBoost variant has proved to be a worthy addition to the sports car's lineup. Under the hood is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 310 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is respectable with 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, but arguably the most attractive aspect of the EcoBoost Mustang is its $26,125 price tag. Despite the fact that it's not a naturally aspirated V6 or V8 under the hood, we loved the Mustang's engine power, handling, looks and price, while we gave thumbs down to its fake engine sound and rear seat space.

Admittedly, the 2015 Jeep Renegade is an interesting addition to the brand's lineup, having built its reputation on off-road ruggedness. It's a baby Jeep model and shoppers likely had the same question we had when it was first introduced: can it really go off-road? Available with either a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 160 hp or a 2.4-liter with 180 hp, the Renegade is available from $18,990. After putting it through its paces, we came away finding the Renegade to be great on pavement and reasonably capable off-road, and it had plenty of interior space and a low starting price. We found the "My Sky" sunroof a tad silly and its driving position slightly awkward.

Cadillac brought the thunder this year, with a new CTS-V packing a wicked 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine with 640 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the CTS-V returns 14 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, but we think fuel economy might be the last thing on your mind if you're eyeing the CTS-V. Priced from $92,580, the CTS-V isn't exactly affordable, but you get quite a lot for your money. We fell in love with the supercharger whine under the hood while the CTS-V's driving dynamics, premium interior and incredible power left us wanting more seat time. Minor complaints on the Cadillac CTS-V include its low-resolution backup camera, confusing CUE infotainment system and driving position.

And our most popular review of the year? Well, that honor goes to the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V. The American automaker made a lot of noise when the car first debuted and did the only thing it could when it came to letting us review it: put it on the track. The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V is the smallest and lightest V model ever, sporting a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 464 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual, while pricing starts from $61,460 for the sedan and $63,660 for the coupe. Yes, the ATS-V essentially targets the BMW M3 and M4 models in the marketplace, offering an engaging and responsive driving experience. We also loved its exhilarating exhaust note and outright performance while we yearned for a more desirable color palette. The rear seats are a tad cramped in the coupe and we just couldn't look past its outdated gauges.

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Tesla is Going on a Hiring Spree

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Tesla is on a hiring spree and plans to grow its current family of 14,000 employees.

According to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, the American electric automaker plans to hire 4,500 new employees in four years as it focuses on building a self-driving vehicle. Earlier this year, Tesla launched its Autopilot system with semi-autonomous features that allow its vehicles to drive on their own on the freeway.

Last month, the company's CEO Elon Musk went to Twitter to recruit "hardcore software engineers." He added in the same tweet that no prior experience with cars was required and that he would be interviewing people personally and that Autopilot reports directly to him, making the job a super high priority.

Tesla has grown more than 14 times since 2010 and currently has 1,600 open positions. The hiring spree means that the company will have nearly 20,000 employees by the end of the decade. With other companies working on self-driving cars such as Google and other automakers also investing into the technology, it's no surprise Tesla wants to be on the forefront considering how high-tech its vehicles already are.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Discuss this story on our Tesla Forum

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Volkswagen Releases Short Teaser for Upcoming Concept Debut

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Volkswagen has released a short teaser video for its upcoming concept that will debut at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show.

Rumored to be an all-electric Microbus, the upcoming concept will bow in Las Vegas, Nevada, early next year. Based on what the video reveals, it does appear to be a minivan-esque concept sporting LED headlights, fog lights and an illuminated grille, further hinting that it's an electric vehicle. Focusing on what is shown for the rear of the concept, there's a badge with the letter "e" in it and it does look like it will have a liftgate rather than a conventional trunk.

It has been speculated that the Microbus will be revived as an all-electric vehicle with a range between 250 to 310 miles.

The German automaker will host a keynote on the eve of the show's opening and has confirmed that the new concept "marks the beginning of a new era of affordable long-distance electromobility."

Discuss this story on our Volkswagen Forum

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Infiniti Q30 Now Renamed to QX30 for North American Market

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The Infiniti Q30 is undergoing a name change before it arrives dealerships in North America.

Having been introduced earlier this year at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show as the Infiniti Q30, the Japanese automaker has decided to rename the compact luxury model to QX30 and will market it as a premium crossover. But wait, isn't there also another QX30 that was shown off at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show? The thing is, both models are nearly identical with the QX30 sporting extra body cladding and a slightly higher ride height so it could be marketed as a crossover. So although the Q30 and QX30 will be sold as two distinct models elsewhere in the world, the North American market will only get the one QX30 in three different variants.

In the U.S., the 2017 Infiniti QX30 and QX30S models will be identical to the Q30 we have seen and will come only with front-wheel drive. Those wanting all-wheel drive will have to opt for the QX30 AWD that is basically the QX30 as we know it, with the higher ride height and off-road inspired front and rear valence panels.

All models will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 208 horsepower and mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. The QX30 will arrive Infiniti dealerships in North America starting mid-2016.

Discuss this story on our Infiniti QX30 Forum

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