For 2019, Chevrolet has made two very significant changes in its lineup. The first is the complete redesign of the popular Silverado pickup truck. Only the 1500 version has been released so far, with 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty versions to come later. The new Silverado is 450 pounds lighter than the old one while offering greater torsional rigidity, which should help significantly with handling. Another change is the addition of the five-passenger Blazer midsize SUV to the lineup, which focuses more on style and driving dynamics compared to the five-passenger compact Equinox and seven-passenger Traverse, which the Blazer slots between. Read on to see what Chevrolet has done with each new model…
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Future Clunkers: The New and Redesigned Hyundai Models
To keep the sales volume chugging, the 2019 model year has seen Hyundai introduce a completely redesigned Santa Fe and Veloster hatchback as well as a completely new alternative-energy vehicle in the form of the NEXO crossover. The new Santa Fe seeks to keep Hyundai SUV sales going with a new offering of new-tech features such as a head-up display and compatibility with Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Car Services, while with the Veloster, Hyundai has focused on upping the performance ante and driving dynamics, adding a new high-performance N model which was developed on the Nurburgring. Meanwhile, the upcoming NEXO is the world’s first dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV and showcases the best of the company’s alternative-energy vehicle research. Read on to see what Hyundai has done with each new model…
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Future Clunkers: The New and Redesigned BMW Models
The 2019 model year has seen BMW introduce a redesigned 3-Series, Z4, and X5 as well as an all-new X7 full-size SUV in order to retain the sales it has grabbed in the premium end of the market during the last five years. To keep the revenue momentum going, BMW has enlarged the 3-Series and given it some novel features, the Z4 roadster (co-developed with Toyota) is once again a soft-top to give it characteristics of an Ultimate Driving Machine, the X5 is now available with an Off-Road Package to go more places, and the new X7 aims to take sales away from full-size luxury SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Cadillac Escalade. Read on to see what BMW has changed with each new model…
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Contrary to popular opinion, it's not a Grande Punto.
Press Release Rewind: The 2007 FIAT Bravo
Today, thanks to an old press release from Autoblog, you are going to learn about a little FIAT from the late 2000s that you will promptly forget about after reading this article. (And that’s assuming you click the “Read More” link after this paragraph.) It is not a car that will be remembered by most people in the world. Those of you who play Gran Turismo or Forza will probably think from the above photo that it’s a standard Grande Punto. It is not. It is actually a larger car called the Bravo, meant to replace the Stilo. The Bravo was meant to compete with the VW Golf and Ford Focus while the Grande Punto was an alternative to the Polo and Fiesta. Despite it being a good-looking, fun-to-drive, and fuel-efficient Italian hatchback, much better than what Americans could get at the time, it never came to the United States. That was probably a good thing.
Read MoreQuick Take: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
On the onset, I should let you, the reader, know that my review of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrofoglio will in no way, shape, or form influence whether or not you will consider it as your next new car. This is because the people who buy the $70,000+ Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrofoglio will fall into one of these three categories...
Read MoreTest Drive: 2012 Mazda MX-5
Even at 77,000 miles, this 2012 Mazda MX-5 Sport feels solid, and its 2.0L 4 cylinder pushes it firmly up to speed through hilly Berkeley gradients. And while the 2012 MX-5’s were featured with an optional retractable hardtop, this example has the simple, honest to goodness, “clamp-off-then-slide-right-back” soft-top which retracts beautifully. A glance around the car shows a generally dent and ding-free body, a lightly worn interior with fully functional instruments and switchgear, and a soft top with some expected scars and blemishes.
All in all, I enjoyed my time with this MX-5 and definitely recommend it. With summer upon us, the MX-5 is a perfect ride for a top-down adventure down the PCH!
It might have a small fuel tank...
Future Clunkertest: Audi S3 makes you wax poetic, fly past traffic
Post written by Bilal Qureshi.
I’m conflicted.
I’m conflicted because I’ve driven a car which definitely has a spot within my all-time favorites.
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My Mini-Analysis of the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction
It’s been two weeks since the Bonhams Quail Lodge auction, which I previewed in a previous post, in which I deftly managed to avoid any sudden outbursts about how expensive classic cars are becoming. After attending the auction (and ending up with a Leno sighting), I came away with more than a few thoughts regarding the sale. So I’ve written a round-up where I chose some cars sold at the auction and conducted some analysis on their sales.
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Photo credit Bonhams.
The Bonhams 2014 Quail Lodge Auction Is Going To Be Interesting
Most of the time, I don’t devote as much writing to classic car auctions, because it usually results in lamentation about how I should’ve picked up that Porsche 911 2.7 RS or Ferrari 250 Lusso for just $100,000 a few years ago. This year, however, Bonhams has managed to pique my interest with a Ferrari 250 GTO to be publicly auctioned off with no reserve, which doesn’t happen often at all. I also happen to be attending it because of that reason, hence the reason for this Clunkerture piece.
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1957 Maserati A6G 2000 Gran Sport. Don't you dare confuse it with an Audi A6.
Here's What Going to the Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance Is Like
Whenever the words “Concours d’Elegance” spring to mind, most people think of that one event in Monterey at that golf course where Tiger Woods manages to hit at least one ball into the ocean whenever he plays there. It’s a place where automakers debut their high-end production cars and where you can get up close and personal with cars worth tens of millions of dollars. Attendees will tell you about the insane traffic, how they had to park five miles away, and how they paid $275 for the privilege.
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