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2021 Hennessey VelociRaptor Ford Bronco: $225,000 but V-8, Amirite

We expect Ford will introduce a Bronco Raptor at some point. But it probably won’t match the output of the new 2021 Hennessey VelociRaptor Bronco, which enters production next year. Hennessey dropped in a 5.0-liter Ford V-8 delivering 750 hp, allowing the SUV to reach 60 mph in a claimed 4.5 seconds. Power is routed through Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. New fuel injectors, air-to-water intercooler, and performance intake and exhaust systems make up some of the key upgrades. The improvements continue with an upgraded off-road suspension and beefy off-road tires. A hood scoop, along with the custom livery and unique front grille, provide extra flavor. Hennessey didn’t forget about the interior, where you’ll find special touches including embroidered hea...

1981-1988 Chevy Monte Carlo: 60% of the Time, Driving One Worked Every Time

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is like your dad. Chances are you think of it in its later years—uncool, unremarkable, and incapable of getting a second look from the hottie that your mom once was. No question, the 1995-2007 front-drive Monte Carlos were about as uptight as a car could possibly be. But the earlier Montes—1970-1988, and particularly the 1980s cars—now those were hot stuff for young Cassanovas like your dad. Birth of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo The Monte Carlo first appeared for the 1970 model year as a follow-on to Pontiac’s first “personal luxury” car, the Grand Prix. The Grand Prix was the brainchild of John Z. DeLorean, who by this time was running Chevrolet, though he wasn’t involved in the Monte’s development. The latter was a response to new tren...

Watch Out Hummer EV, Ram’s Working on an Electric Pickup

We confess we like listening to earnings calls because there are always product tidbits sprinkled among the numbers. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ third-quarter earnings call did not disappoint, and chief executive officer Mike Manley confirmed an electric Ram pickup is in the works. “There will be a Ram electric pickup in the marketplace, and I would just ask you to stay tuned for a little while, and I will tell you exactly when that will be,” he said. There is some urgency given the importance of the Ram brand to the automaker and the onslaught of electric trucks on the way in the next two years. General Motors has the 2022 GMC Hummer EV electric pickup coming next year, Ford plans to bring an electric F-150 to market by mid-2022, and Rivian hopes to have salable...

2021 Audi A6 Gets More Standard Power and a Sportier Look

Audi isn’t waiting for a new model year to give A6 customers more horsepower. Having undergone a mid-model year refresh, the 2021 Audi A6 features a more powerful four-cylinder engine as standard equipment. The base model’s 2.0-liter mill pumps out 13 extra ponies for a total of 261 hp. Torque remains constant at 273 lb-ft. Fittingly, the model adopts the Sport 45 moniker. Once again, the A6 features a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that routes power to all four wheels. See all 17 photos A bolder appearance matches the extra power. The Black Optic package is now standard equipment on the entry-level A6. This appearance package brings along a black grille, black air intakes, black mirror housings, and black window trim. The Sport package can now be had for less coin, addin...

The Wolf of G Street: 1991 Mercedes G-Wagen Cabrio Restomod Is Stunning

The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen only recently saw a meaningful evolution. For decades, its roots as a military vehicle were barely disguised, but in America, we only saw a small sliver of the G-Wagen’s potential. Abroad, do-work short-wheelbase models roamed the European countryside, much as contractor-grade pickups do here. And yes, there were even convertible versions, which offered the charming possible combination of austere interior fittings, open-air motoring, and a clattery diesel—and uncompromised off-road prowess, of course. Enter Expedition Motor Company, which sources G-Wagens such as the one above, and subjects these Benzes to the sort of intense restoration and modification regimen we’ve seen Land Rovers and Land Cruisers put through. This particular G-Wagen, a...

This Rolls-Royce Wraith Has a Mural On Its Hood, Because Why Not?

Rolls-Royce is no stranger to celestial design themes. Its starlight headliner gives passengers a view of the night sky without ever having to open the windows. This time around, the automaker is taking things a step further with a bespoke Wraith that features a special headliner depicting the entire solar system from inside the cabin. Commissioned through Rolls-Royce Abu Dhabi, this Wraith’s exterior features a satellite view of the Arabian Peninsula from space. The intricate artwork on the hood took more than 100 to complete by hand, according to Rolls. On the side of the vehicle near the door handles, there are icons representing the eight planets of the Solar System: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Sorry again, Pluto. Along with the solar s...

Overfinch Shows Off Ultra-Luxe Sandringham Edition Range Rover LWB

We know the current Range Rover is on its way out, but if you can’t be bothered to wait for the new one and want an SUV that’s handsome, luxurious, and exclusive, then Overfinch has you covered. The Range Rover Sandringham Edition, as they’re calling it, is a Range Rover Autobiography LWB with an extra heaping of interior opulence and exterior style. The outside of the Sandringham Edition Range Rover is massaged with a unique body kit from Overfinch. The front bumper, grille, and front fenders are redone in carbon fiber—you can even see the weave in the air intakes. At the back, there is a new carbon fiber diffuser with a pair of integrated exhaust outlets and a new carbon fiber spoiler that sits atop the tailgate. The whole thing is set off by a set of custom 22-inch whe...

Mercedes-Benz Deal Directs High-Tech Powertrains to Aston Martin’s Vehicles

The story of Aston Martin lately has been inexorably linked to Mercedes-Benz—namely, the latter’s engines going into the former’s sports cars. It’s a technical partnership that’s been going on for years, culminating earlier this year with an even more intimate tie-up: Mercedes-AMG’s CEO, Tobias Moers, jumping ship and heading to Aston, replacing Andy Palmer, after a massively successful run at Daimler’s performance vehicle wing. Now, another deal and even closer ties between the British grand touring legend and the famed German brand. The basic thrust is this: Mercedes-Benz will increase its stake in Aston Martin to an as-of-yet undetermined percentage, but no more than 20 percent. In exchange, Mercedes will break off some of its most advanced powertrain...

2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium AWD Arrival: One Year With Mazda’s Newest SUV

Like the relationship of Jim and Pam on The Office, an automaker evolving from a mainstream to a luxury brand is compelling to watch. There’s a will-they-won’t-they tension as the product and marketing teams fight customer perception as they attempt to get from A to B. Some brands have been successful. Hyundai, which went from selling Excels to Equuses (eventually spinning that off as the Genesis luxury brand)—springs to mind. Others, such as Chrysler’s mid-’00s pivot, fell flat. The latest automaker to attempt the transition is Mazda, and we’ll be spending the next 12 months with the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium AWD to see how this brand in transition is faring. Why the CX-30 instead of something like a Mazda 6 or CX-5 Signature, you ask? Simple: ItR...

2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrids Get Tweaked, Are Even Juicier

There’s a lot to like about the plug-in hybrid version of the Porsche Cayenne. In past reviews, we’ve praised its refined chassis, robust acceleration, and the powertrain’s smooth transition between gas and electric power. These qualities helped advance the SUV to the finalist list for last year’s MotorTrend SUV of the Year competition. Now, Porsche is making a few more tweaks in hopes of delivering even better performance. See all 41 photos All changes apply to both SUV and coupe body styles. First, the 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid gets a bigger battery, with capacity increasing considerably from 14.1 to 17.9 kWh. Powertrains haven’t changed, however, which means the standard model still combines a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 and electric motor for 455 horsep...

2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e First Test: Worth Every Penny?

Usually when you face a choice between a conventional gas or plug-in hybrid SUV or car, the PHEV struggles to save enough fuel to offset the cost of the battery, motor, and all that extra copper. For some drivers, the BMW X3 xDrive30e might just pencil out. But will it kill your soul while doing so? How the BMW X3 xDrive30e Plug-In Hybrid SUV Can Pay For Itself Changing the “i” at the end of that model designation to an “e” costs $4,600. For that, you get a 107-hp/77-lb-ft electric motor sandwiched between your engine and transmission, which boosts the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine’s output to 288 hp and 310 lb-ft. (In the xDrive30i it makes 248 hp and 258 lb-ft.) You also get a hefty 12-kWh battery pack capable of propelling the X3 on battery power alone ...

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class First Drive Review: A Sci-Fi Vision of Luxury

Even though almost 30 different models comprise today’s Mercedes-Benz portfolio in the U.S., the launch of an all-new S-Class is still a defining moment for Germany’s most successful premium automaker. Mercedes SUVs, particularly the GLE and GLC families, might today be the brand’s volume sellers, but an S-Class is still intended to be nothing less than a statement of engineering excellence and technical expertise that underpins the very credibility of the three-pointed star. The mission statement for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is thus crystal clear. The 2021 S-Class, codenamed W223, is built on a new platform known internally as MRA2. Effectively an evolution of the current car’s underpinnings, MRA2 has been reworked to package a new rear-steer axle and a large...