Automotive

2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali Review

2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali Review
If you need a full-size SUV, built on a truck chassis, ready to tow a trailer, and haul large amounts of cargo with nine-passengers, there aren’t many choices. The GMC Yukon XL will fill your order and can even take the abuse of rough, unpaved roads on a regular basis, something car-based crossovers won’t handle. Add the Denali trim and you’ve got a rugged SUV with the style and trimmings of a luxury vehicle.
This weekend, we drove the top-of-the-line, 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4WD.
What’s New For 2018
The Yukon Denali, the top GMC trim, adopts a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission. There’s also a new Denali Ultimate Package with 22-inch wheels, a sunroof, and a large helping of safety tech add-ons.
Features & Options
The 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4WD ($71,865) comes loaded with features including tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and 60/40-split folding second- and third-row seats. Also included is a 110-volt power outlet, an eight-inch touchscreen interface, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and OnStar communications (with a 4G LTE connection and Wi-Fi hotspot). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compliments a nine-speaker Bose audio system, which includes a CD player, satellite and HD radio, and a USB input.
Other features include foglights, side steps, roof rails, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, and a trailer hitch receiver with a wiring harness. GM’s Teen Driver monitoring system, which limits certain vehicle settings for young drivers, also comes standard.
The top-of-the-line Denali trim adds 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, adaptive suspension dampers, a trailer brake controller, a heads-up instrument display, active noise cancellation, second-row bucket seats, navigation, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
The new-for-2018 Denali Ultimate package ($8,030) adds 22-inch wheels, a sunroof, power side steps, adaptive cruise control, a rear seat entertainment system with DVD player, an extended satellite radio and traffic information subscription, and enhanced security features. The Ultimate package also adds forward collision alert with automatic low-speed emergency braking, a vibrating safety-alert driver’s seat, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning and intervention systems.
Total MSRP on this Denali tester including destination: $80,190.

Interior Highlights
The GMC Yukon XL is just that: it’s super-sized for extra cargo and passenger-carrying abilities. Yukon XL is 20.5 inches longer than the normal Yukon, on a wheelbase that’s 14 inches longer. Yukon XL offers a lot more third-row legroom, making the XL ideal for hauling large numbers of passengers. Stepping inside, the Denali proves handsome and luxurious, reminiscent of a high-end luxury vehicle.
The Yukon XL is absolutely cavernous inside were six-footers will feel comfortable for long trips. An eight-inch touchscreen sits high above logically-laid-out controls that are easy and quick to use. The front seats are especially comfortable with plenty of adjustments and power-adjust pedals to help find the perfect position for any size driver. The second row captain’s chairs are just as comfy, giving passengers extra elbow room. The XL provides ample stretch-out space for taller passengers and even the third row can handle adults without an issue.
With the third row deployed, it offers up a generous 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold down the second and third rows, and you’ve got a whopping 121 cubic feet of maximum cargo space at your disposal. Loading cargo can be a bit of a chore, however, because of the relatively high rear tailgate floor.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Yukon Denali gets GMC’s 6.2-liter EcoTech3 V8 engine, sending 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque to the wheels via a new 10-speed automatic. Our Yukon XL came with 4WD, a locking rear differential, two-speed transfer case, rear load leveling, and was equipped to tow 7,500 lbs.
The EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 14/21 city/highway and 16 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
When we pushed the gas pedal to the floor, the big 6.2-liter came alive quickly and delivered a remarkably eye-opening response. Of course, the price is a big drop in fuel mileage, but the demographic that will buy the Yukon XL aren’t all that concerned with the price of gas. Although the V8 can run on half its cylinders during light-load usage to help reduce fuel consumption.
The ride is comfortable in spite of the bigger wheels and thanks in part to the Denali’s Magnetic Ride Control. The SUV smoothed out the bumps on the dirt roads with ruts. We experienced a spring snow storm in Denver and the 4WD system allowed us to cut through the ice and snow. Denali comes with a 2WD mode, 4-wheel automatic, 4-High, and 4-Low for unpaved roads and trails.
The cabin is quiet even when we stood on the gas. The new 10-speed automatic was smooth and we never felt it hunting for the right gear, even at altitude going up the steep I-70 incline heading out of town. The GMC Yukon Denali can haul a boat-load of people without an issue and the only problem we had was slower traffic getting in our way. The big vehicle gives the driver a feeling of power and authority on the road.
If you are doing high-traffic city driving, the Yukon XL is a challenge trying to navigate tight parking lots and narrow streets. It requires a rubber neck and paying attention to how you park. Denali does come with an array of parking sensors, rearview camera, and a vibrating safety-alert driver’s seat, which we thought was a bit over the top.
Conclusion
The GMC Yukon XL Denali offers a rugged SUV with the style and trimmings of a luxury vehicle. It will handle all your people and cargo-hauling needs with room to spare. The Denali is luxury grade. Add in the 4×4 capability and you’ve got a big family hauler that will go anywhere you point it.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali Gallery

GMC Yukon XL Denali Official Site.
Photos: GMC.

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Want Your Next Lexus To Start? Lick The Steering Wheel. No. Seriously.

Want Your Next Lexus To Start? Lick The Steering Wheel. No. Seriously. Auto shows can be crazy places with half-thought out ideas all over the place. Gyroscope-stabilized briefcase warmers for the back seat. Cop cars with integrated doughnut dispensers. Turbine-powered iPad docks. Lots of nutty stuff that will (thankfully) never see the light of day. Sadly, Lexus and their new partner, genetic screening company 23andMe have teamed up for “Genetic Select” and it looks like they’re “serious.”
Lexus made the announcement in conjunction with the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
“Finding the perfect vehicle that meets your every need was once only a fantasy, but now it’s becoming reality,” crows Lexus inaccurately. Finding my perfect vehicle is easy guys. Finding the money for it, that’s the hard part. Genetic Select is the “Ultimate Answer to Vehicle Customization” and a revolutionary new car buying experience.
It also pegs the goofy meter.
Perfect Fit
Available on April 1st at Lexus dealerships, Genetic Select’s patented “DNA sequencing model-to-model technology” will pair drivers to a Lexus vehicle that’s tailored to their every characteristic. Lexus says with 23andMe’s understanding of genetic variants, Genetic Select will enable them to deliver the perfect color, trim, horsepower allotment, seating configuration, and radio presets, with 99.99967 percent accuracy.
“It will be impossible to tell where the driver ends and where the car begins,” reads a statement in the press release.
This is all based on the driver’s DNA, so if the customer does not have a genetic variant for bald spots, the car will come equipped with a sun roof. Those genetically prone to more freckles will receive custom window tinting.
In conjunction with 23andMe, Lexus will offer a unique vehicle customization program – one that considers the buyer’s genetics and configures the car accordingly. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Spit, Sign & Drive
Your Genetic Select appointment takes about 10 minutes and is sort of like the movie Gattaca. Lexus’ service staff will collect a saliva sample as quickly and painlessly as possible, then send it to 23andMe for full sequence testing. 48 hours later, the perfect vehicle will arrive at the customer’s doorstep, badda-boom badda-bing! You won’t even need a key to operate it – the revolutionary new saliva-powered start system operates via a DNA ignition sensor on the steering wheel. Just lick and drive!
Customers can make their appointments at their local Lexus dealership starting April 1st. The video below explains more.
That date again is April 1st!
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Photos, Video & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Memory Lane: “Stinks Like Cheese In Here” & Other Stories As A Private Chauffeur

Memory Lane: “Stinks Like Cheese In Here” & Other Stories As A Private Chauffeur
Allow me to carry your suitcase, sir!
I’m getting hot under the collar. I have to pick up the Director of the Department of Agriculture from a neighboring state. He was in town for a conference and I have to rush him to the airport. He’s already 20 minutes late and he might miss his commercial flight. If a government plane was waiting for him, it would be a different story.
But this is not my lucky day.
“The Boys”
In my haste to get him to the airport, I take a sharp turn off the hotel driveway. I find myself at the stop light in the oncoming lane of the six-lane boulevard. That’s why I’m a bit uneasy. The light is red and the director is looking at me wondering what the hell I’m doing. He looks at his two aides sitting in the back of the Chevrolet Caprice. They remain mute.
He can no longer keep his tongue. “Well, wait till I tell the boys back home.” I keep looking ahead pretending that I know what I’m doing as a chauffeur to high-ranking politicians. The “boys” he is talking about are the police officers who usually drive him around when he is home. But whenever he visits our neck of the woods, I drive him.
On top of that, I have to turn left.
Calm & Collected
I don’t say a word and keep looking straight ahead. Somehow, I’m relaxed and know that everything is going to be alright now that I have my passengers in my care. There is a car facing us across the intersection and the driver is also wondering what I’m doing in his lane. The Caprice may be helping. It could be perceived as an unmarked cruiser. For all he knows, the occupants could be undercover officers wearing suits.
The light turns green and I floor it. As if it were my right of way, I make my turn and end up in the proper lane. The director is shaking his head, smiling. I get him to the airport just in time and he makes his flight.
I’ve had countless adventures like this: taking one minister and my boss to a reunion, then waiting for them as they had to go to another meeting. Again, they were running late. Most of the driving was taking place on the highway but unfortunately, it was bumper to bumper. So, I simply drove the car on the shoulder for just about the entire trip. A few people got upset, honking their horns as we zipped by, but I saved a lot of time. My passengers never said anything.

Better Late Than Never
The life of a chauffeur ain’t always easy, especially when you are fighting the clock and your passengers have no clue on how long it takes to go from point A to point B in a large, congested city. Other times, they tell you at the last minute they are arriving. I got a phone call once from the aide of another director. “The director will be arriving in a government plane at the downtown airport in about 10 minutes.”
Would it kill you to give me better advanced warning? I can probably make it to the airport in 10 minutes since the office is downtown. Unfortunately, the downtown airport is on an island and I have to take a short ferry trip to get there.
I run to the car, and coming out of the parkade, I take a turn where I should not be taking a turn. Of course, there is a cop, on a bicycle no less, and he catches up to me. I give him my government ID card and driver’s license and explain why I took the illegal turn. I’m verbally hurrying him to let me go along otherwise I’ll be late. He doesn’t like my tone of voice, but allows me to proceed without a ticket.
Government Planes
I make it to the ferry ramp. The ferry is on the other side. Figures. I wait, not so patiently. It’s a five-minute crossing of a canal. It takes longer to load and unload the cars but I finally make it.
The aide had the timing wrong, and I arrive next to the tarmac as the plane is on final approach. It’s an F-27 Fairchild-Hiller and the pilot will need the entire runway to land. If he misses, the plane is in the water. Those guys are good and he brings the aircraft around to where I’m parked. The director disembarks and he and his entourage pile up in my car. The plane will wait for them. It’s only a day trip. I don’t think there is a pilot’s lounge at the tiny island airport.
A couple of years later, I picked up another director of agriculture; a different one. Politics is a tough business and people come and go. He was accompanied by his wife and triplets. I drove them to their hotel so they could check in. I waited, as I had to drive the minister to another hotel for a meeting. After I dropped him off, I returned to his hotel to pick up his wife and children. I was instructed to give them a tour of the city.

Excuse The Cheese Please
The director’s visit coincided with a huge agricultural fair taking place in town, and his department had a kiosk showcasing cheeses from various regions of his state. The fair was closing for the day and I had to pack up all the cheese and bring it back to the office. There wasn’t a fridge at the fair, but we had one at my place of work. I loaded up about 200 lbs. of cheese in the trunk. It took a while. As I was about to go unload it, I realized I needed to take the director to a banquet.
He made his way back to the hotel because I was busy giving a tour to his family. I open the door and he gets in the car. He’s all decked out in a tuxedo. I can see in the rearview mirror that he is looking around, sniffing. “It stinks of cheese in here.” He blurts out.
“Well, sir” I explain to him . . . “I didn’t have time to unload it.” I tell him the story but he was worried, I guess, that he would smell of cheese when he got out of the car. He wasn’t happy.
Fido’s Bite
Another time, I had to drive the Consul of Peru. For some reason, Peru had a consulate in our city. He wanted to go to a branch of the American Kennel Club to have his purebred dogs registered with the AKC. “Are your dogs nice?” I surprised myself asking the consul.
“No. They are not nice. They stay inside my compound and if someone manages to climb the eight-foot wall to invade my property, the dogs will shred them to pieces. There’s a lot of crime in Lima.”
“Oh, Okay,” I thought.
His request to have his dogs registered was denied.

Close Calls & Juicy Gossip
I never experienced close calls, accident-wise, except one time when I was making a turn. One of those crazy bike couriers came from nowhere and slid on the wet pavement in front of the car. I stopped in time and didn’t hit him. My boss was sitting in the car with two high-ranking politicians.
You hear juicy tidbits as a chauffeur, but it’s not that glamorous of a job, unless you work for a wealthy patron who pays you handsomely. I learned the main preoccupation of politicians is to stay in power. I’ve driven all sorts of people; from CEOs to famous artists, and a lot of elected officials and their subordinates. The defensive driving course I had previously taken served me to no end, and still does to this day.
Being a chauffeur was fun, since I enjoy driving, and I got to know the city by heart.
Michael Bellamy is the author of our Memory Lane series, a collection of work that examines the unique relationships we have with automobiles. Bellamy has held a number of interesting jobs over the years, including a helicopter pilot and chauffeur to high-ranking politicians. He enjoys driving his 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC and 2003 Dodge Dakota.

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Mercedes-AMG GT Concept: The Performance Sedan Of The Future

Mercedes-AMG GT Concept: The Performance Sedan Of The Future

Mercedes-Benz is, at their heart, a big sedan company. Sure, they might build devastatingly quick race cars now and then. They might build beautiful Gullwings every quarter century or so, but at their heart, big, fast sedans is what Mercedes-Benz does.
Witness the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept.
What Ferrari is to road going sports cars, Mercedes-Benz is to big performance sedans: The Benchmark. With the new Mercedes-AMG GT Concept the Stuttgart company just rolled out at Geneva, they hope to redefine what that benchmark is.
Proper Introductions
What the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept does is successfully blend a bunch of odd, disparate elements. The Mercedes-AMG GT Concept wants to be all things to all people. It has the practicality of a four-door sedan, yet the styling of a coupe – working the now fashionable idea of a four-coupe to great effect – it has bags of power as only an engine-obsessed company like Mercedes-Benz can have, yet it gets great gas mileage and pollutes very little since it’s a hybrid; it is most definitely not a sports car, yet it cops design elements from its corporate sibling the AMG GT sports car.
Usually, this does not work. It does not work at all, and usually fails spectacularly. Look at the Pontiac Aztek. That tried to be all things to all people too, and besides ending up a radiating failure, its only real notoriety is that it was the car Walter White drove in Breaking Bad.
The Mercedes-AMG GT Concept works.
Quote Worthy
“With the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept, we are giving a preview of our third completely independently developed sports car and are extending the attractive AMG GT family to include a four-door variant,” said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “With our AMG GT Concept, that means a combination of an ultra-modern V8 gasoline engine and a high-performance electric motor, both intelligently networked with an extremely powerful yet lightweight battery concept.”
Moers also underscored the performance aspects.
“This hybrid powertrain offers an impressive electric range and the opportunity to generate a system output of up to 805 horsepower in its last level of development, and covers the sprint from 0-60 mph in less than three seconds – which corresponds to the performance of a super sports car,” he said.
Okay, let’s break down what Herr Moers just said.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Perception Versus Reality
Look, we could delve deeply into the styling of the car, but ultimately all that is subjective. I can trust anyone with eyes out there to form an opinion on the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept’s looks, and I would wager that most people would find them pleasing. What is not subjective is the drivetrain.
As Herr Moers pointed out, this monster reels out 805 horsepower, which is comparable with the upcoming Ferrari Superfast. Let that sink in for a bit.
Yes, of course this thing is going to weigh more, so it’s going to need a lot of power to hit performance benchmarks like 0 to 60 in less than 3 seconds. But still, that’s a lot of go.
The performance-based hybrid system starts off with a handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine, mated to an additional, powerful electric motor. Obviously the electric motor is critical to getting this thing to scoot to 60 mph in less than three seconds. The power generated from both sources gets routed to the Bahn via a fully variable AMG performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. Not only is this a benefit in cruddy weather, it also helps with the prodigious power output in general. Furthermore, with torque vectoring, each wheel can receive torque individually, resulting in a perceptible increase in performance.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.
Track Inspired Performance & Efficiency
There are three operating modes for the AMG GT Concept. It can drive on the electrical system alone, just the combustion engine, or with an optimal combination of both as a hybrid. So, you could drive it as just an EV, sort of like a big Tesla, in a way. You could go with just the turbo V8, in full-on old school mode. Or you could be the clever ape and use both and get all the performance and efficiency you can handle.
The operating strategy of the AMG GT Concept is derived from the hybrid powerpack of the Mercedes Petronas AMG Formula 1 race car that has been kicking butt and taking names for the past three seasons. Three? Four? I can’t remember, and frankly, it’s been going on for far too long.
The AMG GT Concept hybrid system was developed in cooperation with engineers at Mercedes-AMG HPP High Performance Production GmbH. Just like in the Formula 1 car, the AMG GT Concept’s battery is charged while the vehicle is driven so you have maximum electrical power available at all times.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Future Tastes
“The AMG GT Concept gives a sneak preview of the exterior design coming to the series production model,” according to a Mercedes-Benz press release.
That means they are going to build this thing, but like all show cars, what ends up in the dealership won’t be exactly what you see here. All show cars have a certain amount of gee-wiz stuff on them – gyroscopic self-leveling ashtrays and such. That’s the sort of stuff that doesn’t make it to production.
What will make it, however, will be the general look of the AMG GT Concept and its innovative, powerful hybrid drive system. No word on when it will arrive or what the price will be, but the AMG GT Concept sure seems close to production. It’s also not too wild of a guess to say this thing will cost many, many dollars. In the meantime, the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept is on display at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Mercedes-AMG GT Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

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Cadillac Unveils New User Experience Technology

Cadillac Unveils New User Experience Technology

This is a strange thing to try and comprehend, but I bet you’ll end up seeing more and more of it as our dashboards and our smartphones overlap in some great Venn diagram of user interfaces. Cadillac has just updated what it calls the “user experience” in its CTS sedan.
As it turns out, this generic term of “user experience” is something I have quite a bit of experience with. I work with a lot with game companies, training outfits, and people who do museum designs and stuff like that.
“User experience” is a catch all phrase that all boils down to this: “How does the person using “this” [and “this” can be anything from a kiosk in a museum to a training film] come out at the end of the encounter?”
Museums To Motor Cars
Ideally, you want your audience, say a bunch of grade school kids at a natural history museum, to know more about dinosaurs at the end of the day. Cadillac is applying this basic idea so as to better integrate people, both passengers and drivers, into its cars. You could sort of see it coming, if you’ve been paying attention.
First off, everyone seems to have a smartphone or a tablet or both. That ubiquity is very attractive to almost anyone who makes or sells things. Beyond giving you a place to attach your smartphone to your dash, it quickly grew to integrating smartphone systems with automotive ones. Getting songs to the speakers of your car from your iPod quickly grew to factory integration of things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. So how long before it grows to be more than that?
If Cadillac has anything to say about it, how long is now.
Photo: Cadillac.
Personalized Preferences
This next-generation user experience system debuts in the new Cadillac CTS, and will be arriving at U.S. dealerships soon. Cadillac plans to include the system in the XTS and ATS sedans in 2018 with other product lines to follow. The aim is for the system to offer a more personalized, intuitive interface with the upgrade.
Cadillac wants a dynamic environment that can be fine-tuned over time to meet a customer’s evolving connectivity needs. They also want to leverage cloud computing to further personalize vehicles, be it for better navigation, or updating and installing different applications via the Collection app store.
Caddy is aiming to apply the functionality of apps and smartphone practices into the vehicle. Which is a clever way to approach this. They aim to provide customers easier access to common features via a Summary View where key applications like climate, audio, phone, and navigation are displayed on one screen. My Driver Preferences is what Cadillac calls it, and yes, that sounds like a third rate appropriation of something Apple would have done in 1988, but give them a chance, they’re still learning.
My Driver Preferences are individualized, cloud-based profiles that allow you to jigger the infotainment system to match personal preferences, and take that with you to any new Cadillac user experience equipped vehicle. You know power seats with memory functions? Think of it like that on steroids. You hop into your rental Cadillac, log in, and how you and the car talk to one another is just like your personal car back home.
Photo: Cadillac.

Predictive Preferences
So you can tweak things like vehicle and display settings, contact favorites, navigation route preferences, and recent destinations. A particular driver creates an individual account for their preferences across all Cadillacs and then can manage them either in the vehicle or via myCadillac Owner Center on the Cadillac website.
Of course this all integrates with your smartphone (Cadillac might be a lot of things, but they ain’t stupid).
The new system features an available, all-new navigation app with what Caddy calls “an intuitive interface” that gives a driver access to destination information via available cloud-based services. This includes updated points of interest, live traffic information, fuel prices, and parking information.
And yes, all that sounds good, but what Cadillac will need to sell is using their system over Google Maps or the like. The Cadillac system does have enhanced voice recognition and improved onscreen search functions, so you can access more relevant search results. This is a subscription-based system that can learn your preferred routes and destinations, even going as far as offering predictive suggestions based upon traffic and frequent destinations.
Why is it that these sorts of things in cars want to try and second guess what you need or want, and then feed you recommendations? Besides being rather cloying and most likely a pain in the rear, the answer is obvious: Money.
Photo: Cadillac.
Mindful Usage
Not only will a car company (General Motors via Cadillac, in this case) get a lot of demographic data to sift through, they can sell that to potential business partners. Like selling how many Cadillac owners searched for and actually went to a Chili’s while on the road to Brinker International. It’s sort of like Big Brother, only instead of dragging you to Room 101, they manipulate you into spending money at a chain restaurant in a strip mall.
All of this feel-good and semi-useful totalitarianism comes standard on new Cadillacs equipped with the user experience system as an available, opt-in 12-month connected navigation trial. So in a way, it’s sort of like OnStar, only more so. If you want to geek out on this, it functions via the built-in OnStar 4G LTE platform, which with customer consent, allows Cadillac to remotely update various features.
“With customer consent” is an important term to keep in mind for . . . well, most likely the rest of our lives now.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Cadillac

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review test blaju

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Report: Could a new Toyota MR2 be on the horizon?

Report: Could a new Toyota MR2 be on the horizon? Following the media frenzy of the 2017 Geneva Auto Show, rumors suggests some new Toyota sports cars are on the way.
What’s going on?
A new report from EVO suggests Toyota could be furthering the process of reuniting with its past of making affordable sports cars. Toyota delivered pretty well to the enthusiasts with the 86 sports coupe–those complaining about lack of power notwithstanding.
But now, the new report says Toyota’s planning two additional sports models, one of which might signal the return of the MR2. Yup, you read that correctly.

Please, say it is so…
I wish I could, but there’s no genuine and real confirmation from Toyota quite yet. But EVO did manage to speak with CEO Tetsuya Tada, who hinted at the prospect. He first recognized the 86 and the obvious collaboration with BMW, summoning the return of the Supra. Then, Tada ambiguously admitted that a third model will join the lineup, resulting in a total of three sports cars. By the time the lineup is fulfilled, a new generation 86 will have arrived.
To many, the hints Tada shared suggests a new MR2 is on the way considering Toyota’s past lineup of sports cars that led itself to recognition by enthusiasts.
Originally, Toyota’s sports car lineup consisted of the flagship Supra. Then, you had the mid-engined MR2. And at the entry-level, you had the lovely Celica.
We already know a Supra is on the way. So gap filled. The current and next-gen 86 serves the purpose of the Celica. Gap number two, filled. What does that leave? The MR2.
It’s not all just the talk of the town…
For those of you already skeptical and thinking: this is Toyota folks, there’s no way the maker of the Camry and the Corolla will do this when people don’t care about cars yada yada yada yada yada….
But you see, this is false. Subcompact sports cars with low horsepower, but excellent chassis and handling dynamics are becoming increasingly popular. Or, at least demand is strong enough for Honda to make an all-new one–the S660.
The MR2 would technically be a step above the S660. But Honda is already rumored to be working on reviving the S2000. So the Japanese affordable sports car wars are back.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: EVO
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Letter From The UK: Two British Legends & The Pleasure Of Your Company

Letter From The UK: Two British Legends & The Pleasure Of Your Company

Fish. Some folk like to eat fish and some don’t. Those that do are often enthusiastic about their preference and in the UK, fish eaters mostly love the humble and inoffensive cod. Mild of flavor and flaky of texture, this once abundant fish has been a staple meal-to-go for the truly hungry Brit.
The British like it deep-fried in batter and served with sliced fried potatoes called chips. Additionally, the we might like some “mushy peas” (don’t ask) all liberally sprinkled with salt and brown vinegar. It all stems from being a sea-faring island nation, I guess.
Cod stocks are running low and once, some years ago, we even went to “war” with those slippery Icelanders up in the Arctic Circle who tried to hold back the basis of our national dish. We sent a gunboat. I’m pretty sure they got the message. Right about now I’ll bet you’re thinking, “say Geoff; this is all very well and interesting and stuff but what has it to do with cars exactly?”
Well, I’m getting to it now . . .
Arguably the finest vehicle in the world is the Range Rover. As good on the blacktop as it is brilliant on the rough stuff. Now, the Range Rover has been tried and tested for years so there is no point in flogging away at a detailed review here. Everyone already knows how brilliant and capable this legendary car is in its various iterations, so instead, we’ll go on a trip to the glorious English county of Devonshire, home of traditional afternoon teas with scones, jam, and thick dairy cream, to visit Babbacombe.
Cruising For Fish & Chips
My wife and I like to travel the land in search of the finest fish and chips. The coastal town Whitby for example, in the county of Yorkshire, has two fine establishments and is also the port where Dracula first landed in Victorian England. The dark ruins of Whitby Abbey still stand sentinel over the town.
On this occasion though, we loaded up a shiny Range Rover Vogue SE on loan to us from the company. With all the extras fitted, the car costs the thick end of £100k but, in use, it feels more like a million dollars. Comfortable, roomy, and safe at any speed.
Powering up the V6 3.0-liter diesel, we traveled to the once quaint coastal village of Babbacombe to sample the delights of that other British legend: fish & chips with the optional mushy peas, served to perfection at Hanbury’s, the famous and award-winning take-out and restaurant.
Despite one annoying traffic tailback and some biblical British rain, our drive was relatively trouble free. We were able to watch the countryside change as we headed into the stormy distance, and to the beautiful, rain-washed West Country.
Hanbury’s is known for their famous fish and chips. The restaurant is located near Babbacombe Downs. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
The Method
For a car the size of Penn Station, the Range Rover really handles well, dispatching major routes with disdain and tackling narrow country lanes with more agility than you might expect. On the go, the Range Rover feels precise, inspiring driver confidence and allowing accurate placing on the road. There are many candidates for the role of Off-Road King but, like an aging lion protecting his pride, the Range Rover continues to fight off all-comers.
It really is that good.
You can get it with a V8 and in the USA I would, but here on the crowded, broken roads of the UK, I’d say the good old V6 diesel is all that’s needed. Put the foot down and let the eight-speed auto do its work as the legal limit comes at you swiftly and quietly, like an automotive ninja. A V8 will do it faster but will obviously use more precious fuel.
The Range Rover is a very quiet and refined car. It’s particularly impressive cruising at high speeds. It really does an excellent job of isolating you from the elements, thanks in part to an acoustically laminated windscreen that’s standard on all versions.
Inside it is the epitome of comfort. Certainly some things are starting to look a bit dated but it is still a pleasure to drive. The lofty driving position commands the road. As good as it ever was, 2017 is seeing new additions to the range of Rovers available. SVR or Velar anyone?
Our Range Rover took the heavy rain and long journey in stride. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.

The Reason
Babbacombe, with its twin beaches, used to be a lovely little stand-alone coastal village on the South Devon. Now it is more like a suburb of nearby Torquay, a bigger, brasher town.
It is sadly true to say the British seaside resorts, once packed with happy holiday makers, are now but a shadow of their former glories, thanks to global travel.
Resorts like Babbacombe still retain a gentile air though, and this small seaside village continues to boast a theater, and a famous funicular railway to manage the steep climb up from the beaches. We stayed at the Downs Hotel on Babbacombe Downs run by friendly and obliging owners. And very good it is too. We had a balcony from which we could overlook the great sweep of the bay and the open sea beyond.
Our ultimate mission was to sample the fare at the aforementioned Hanbury’s, the award-winning fish and chips emporium. My goodness it was good. I am drooling like Homer Simpson at the memory.
When it comes to this Great British delicacy, I am not easily pleased, seeing myself as something of a connoisseur. Feeling peckish, I ordered the Hanbury Jumbo Cod. Ever wondered what happened when they freed Willy? I think I’ve eaten him. With shame I admit the meal beat me. Our server removed the giant platter doing her best not to sneer at my pathetic appetite.
Babbacombe Downs in the early morning. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
Why Take A Trip To The UK?
Despite the fact that all other Europeans now hate us and we are about to go it alone, the UK still has a huge amount to offer visitors from the USA. All you need is a rental car and, to make it official, a reason for coming. Traditional British fish and chips from carefully selected establishments is reason enough. We have beaches, woodlands, stately homes, castles, lakes, culture, and lashings of ginger beer.
We’d love to have your company. Also, if the truth be told, we could really use a bunch of your American dollars. Do come.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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Lurento: A Luxury Car Rental Marketplace Focused On Service

Lurento: A Luxury Car Rental Marketplace Focused On Service When you place “Italian” in front on things, it usually adds an element of luxury, status, and class. An Italian wedding or Italian cuisine sound magnificent and delightful, while Italian design or Italian influence is regal and poised.
The same is true arguably for an Italian vacation. Sounds exciting right? Perhaps a trip to Rome to see the remnants of the gladiators at The Colosseum, or to Florence for Renaissance art; perhaps Venice with its majestic canals has always been your dream? And all of that sounds so much better when paired with an Italian car, like a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Lurento. All views and opinions expressed here are my own. Check out our advertising guidelines to see why we’d never steer you wrong.
Touch of Class
We took an instant liking to Lurento when we learned about them. They truly understand what it takes to compliment the perfect getaway with friends or an important business trip with your associates. Lurento is a luxury car rental marketplace. Their selection of luxury and sports cars are the best in the business, and are available in many European countries. Lurento offers high-end vehicles you won’t find anywhere else when it comes to planning your destination, be it for business or pleasure.
Lurento started in 2015 and their marketplace launched last November. Founder Mihailo Dhoric saw a need for more than just luxury cars, however. He wants customers to have a genuine connection and meaningful experience. This is something we appreciated a great deal after meeting Dhoric and learning about Lurento.
“The market is very specific with a lot of players, but customer-wise there is no good solution,” he said. “This is why we have full customer support and cars are delivered 24/7, wherever they want.”
Those traveling on tight schedules for business will definitely appreciate Lurento’s services.
“We’re flexible about late returns and we accommodate almost any request,” Dhoric said.
Lurento can make arrangements for long-term rentals, professional chauffeur services, and other special occasions. Photo: Lurento.
Customer Focused
Since renting an exotic or luxury car can take time, Lurento has simplified and streamlined the process accordingly. It’s shorter with direct customer support, and everything is transparent. For example, Lurento’s clients receive everything ahead of time, from original photos of the car to the rates. When it comes to renting an exotic, finding a reliable company, getting all the correct information, the lengthy booking process, and high prices with broker agencies can sour the experience. Lurento negotiates the rates and all fees (extra miles, additional drivers, security deposit etc.) so there are no surprises, and customers get the best price possible.
Lurento’s clientele includes every type of individual from leisure travelers and business executives, to athletes, celebrities, and other notable figures. Some customers simply want to sightsee throughout Europe at their own pace and enjoy the drive. Others are traveling on business and want an element of performance and luxury for their trip. This wide ranging yet unique customer base has given Lurento a specific advantage when it comes to providing top notch service.
“People expect a premium service when they pay for luxury cars,” Dhoric explained.
Those traveling with their spouses on romantic getaways and seniors enjoying their retirement also utilize Lurento.
“We never let anyone down,” Dhoric added.
Lurento offers some of the world’s finest automobiles like this Bentley Flying Spur. Photo: Lurento.
World-Class Cars
When it comes to selection, Lurento offers everything from luxury vans and convertibles, to sedans and sports cars. Their executive section features the BMW 7 Series, Bentley Flying Spur, and Maserati Quattroporte, among others. Lurento’s sports car section will really get your imagination running, especially if you love Ferraris. Cars like the 458 Italia, F12 Berlinetta, and LaFerrari are available, and some Ferrari models can even be rented if you are under 21.
Top speed, horsepower, and acceleration times are listed for each car Lurento offers. Clicking on the image brings up a page that shows additional performance information about that particular car. Lurento also has a large network of partners in Europe so even if the car you want is unavailable, you often can get the same model or a similar alternative.
The booking process is safe for both customers and suppliers, and is a vital part of Lurento’s mission. Each vehicle listed through Lurento has a supplier rating included, based solely on client reviews, so you know ahead of time what to expect.
“The booking process is fully secured for you, your event, or your group,” Dhoric said.
Whether it’s driving a Ferrari around the Italian countryside, blasting across the German Autobahn in an Audi R8, or rolling around London in a Rolls Royce, Lurento has you covered when you need a luxury rental car service in Europe.
“We have the best selection of vehicles and transparent pricing,” Dhoric said. “Instead of searching online and spending time emailing and calling, you have Lurento.”

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