Hyundai Santa Cruz

A Hyundai pickup truck doesn’t sound very appealing right off the bat, but the Santa Cruz is a surprisingly cool concept.

The Santa Cruz isn’t a traditional pickup, but rather a cross between a pickup and a car. Hyundai sought to create the best of both worlds by offering truck-like utility and styling, with car-like comfort and fuel economy.

Unveiled at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, the Santa Cruz features a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 190 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system.

The Santa Cruz hasn’t been confirmed for production yet, but if it ever gets built, it will further blur the line between cars and trucks.

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2016 Acura NSX unveiled in Detroit

One of the biggest debuts at the 2015 North American International Auto Show is the arrival of the 2016 Acura NSX. After trotting out a few different versions of the prototype at various shows over the last couple of years, the production version of the NSX has finally been made public. It'll fly under Acura's flag here in the U.S. but Honda will market the NSX under its badge around the world

Our commitment was to create an all-new NSX that is true to the heritage of NSX-a supercar that delivers a new driving experience, one where every part of the vehicle is respectful of the smartest part of the car, the driver," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president and general manager of the Acura division. "The soul of a car is the emotional connection it makes with the driver. With the NSX, that connection will be intense and immediate

Hybrid power

Following in the footsteps of other recently introduced supercars like the Porsche 918, McLaren P1, and Ferrari LaFerrari, the 2016 Acura NSX will rely on a hybrid powertrain. An all-new twin-turbo mid-mounted V6 engine and three electric motors (one in back and two more up front), will power the latest NSX. Acura withheld output numbers and overall engine size but we expect to learn all of that soon. A twin-clutch 9-speed transmission will handle gear changes and Acura's SH-AWD system will assist the NSX when taking corners or braking at speed. Acura has already said that the 2016 NSX's acceleration is on par with the Ferrari 458, which draws power from a 4.5-liter V8 and is good for 562 horsepower, while returning fuel economy numbers similar to that of a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. NSX enthusiasts will remember that the previous generation matched the Ferrari 348 in power and with today's announcement it appears that the NSX has a new rival in the 458

Acura didn't disclose a price for the 2016 NSX but we're expecting it to be in the neighborhood of $150,000. That would put it on par with the Audi R8 and is a bargain when you consider that the Ferrari 458 costs almost three times as much. Honda's Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio has been tapped to produce the new NSX but production will be limited to ensure a high demand

Expect to see the 2016 Acura NSX on the road later this year. Pricing should also be released by then and, needless to say, we're anxious to get behind the wheel of it, so stay tuned

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Honda Civic

This concept-car preview of the 10th-generation Civic was a surprise hit at the 2015 New York Auto Show. It represents Honda’s intent to imbue its bread-and-butter compact with a little more style and excitement.

The concept showcases a new design language that marks the first substantial styling change for the Civic since 2006. With a low stance, wraparound taillights, and plenty of aggressive scoops and spoilers, it checks all of the sport-compact style boxes.

That sporty styling is totally appropriate, because a version of the high-performance Civic Type R is finally slated to come to the U.S.

A production model based on this concept will debut later this year. Some styling details may change, although that crazy green paint is expected to remain as a production color option.

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Smart Fortwo 2016

 Completely redesigned, the all-new Smart Fortwo and Forfour were unveiled today in European trim. The new Smarts will go on sale in several markets this fall following their public debut at the Paris Auto Show. While Smart has confirmed we'll see at least the new Fortwo here in the fall of 2015, it has yet to determine the fate of a 4-passenger 4-door Forfour for the U.S. While maintaining the same relative exterior dimensions, the second-generation makeover endows this iconic microcar with "more of just about everything - more space, more color, more equipment -- and even more fun in the city," Smart ceo Annette Winkler said at the Berlin debut.

Developed with technical partner Renault, the new Smart set shares a good deal of the platform and powertrain engineering with the new Renault Twingo. Visually, the remake maintains the car's current size and rear-engine/rear-drive configuration, but the styling has a decidedly more substantial and upscale appearance thanks to its more pronounced nose, bolder grille and LED-infused taillamps. The Smart's signature tridion safety cell that surrounds the passenger compartment also underwent further development to improve its formidable crash protection -- which were once again validated in testing against Mercedes-Benz C-Class and S-Class models. The new Smart also adds a Crosswind Assist feature to enhance stability. 

Better ride promised

All-new underpinnings that match MacPherson struts up front with a DeDion rear axle promise to greatly improve ride comfort for the new Smart while maintaining crisp responsiveness. Enthusiasts can take things on step further with a Sport package that brings stiffer springs and shocks plus a lower ride height. What hasn't changed is the Smart's ability to easily maneuver through the tightest confines. Despite modestly wider track and width dimensions, it still boasts the tightest turning circle spec of any competitive vehicle.

Initially, motivation for the new Smarts comes from a choice of two 3-cylinder gasoline engines: an 898cc triple that make 70 naturally aspirated horsepower and a 999cc turbocharged alternative that cranks out 90 ponies. Each can be paired with a 5-speed manual or optional Twinamic 6-speed dual-clutch automatic - an all-new design that promises to be better than the transmission in the current car. Shortly after launch, a 60-horse base engine also will join the lineup followed by a new Electric Drive model. 

Available in Passion, Prime and Proxy trim grades on the Continent, the cabin of the new Smart displays a similar step up in character. Prominently sculpted dash and door panels are complemented by improved fit/finish, richer-looking fabrics, expanded color choices and enhanced accent elements that further add to the ambiance. Upscale options include real-time navigation, a premium JBL audio system and heated seats. Too soon to know exactly how much of this will be part of the U.S. mix, but it definitively sounds promising.

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FISKER KARMA

FISKER KARMA

As a 5,300-pound, full-size, four-door sedan, Fisker Karma is an unusual supercar: it is fuel efficient and “the first true electric luxury vehicle with extended range” capable of 112 miles per gallon of gas. Karma made its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. Fisker uses cheap, lightweight sheet molding compound body panels to decrease weight and increase fuel efficiency.

Karma is a hybrid powered by a four-cylinder, 2,000-cc, 260-horsepower turbocharged engine and by two 120-kilowatt electric motors charged by lithium ion batteries. The front-mounted four-cylinder gas engine generates electricity for the drive motors and the batteries. The electric motors are the sole forces directly driving the wheels. Karma has the top speed of 125-mph and reaches 60 mph in 6.3 seconds – those are ambitious claims for a car weighing more than two and a half tons.

The cars are manufactured in Finland. The first deliveries occurred in the USA in July 2011, and about 1,800 units went to North America and Europe by December 2012. Production suspended in November 2012 with about 2,450 Karmas built. Fisker Automotive filed for bankruptcy in November 2013. Successor owners say they plan to resume Karma production by the end of 2014 or early 2015.

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Range Rover 2016

Debuting at the Geneva Auto Show, the 2016 Range Rover Evoque rolls onto the scene with a number of upgrades aimed at further bolstering its appeal to luxury compact crossover buyers. The revamp is accompanied by a realignment of its trim designations -- SE, HSE, HSE Dynamic and Autobiography -- to parallel the Range Rover Sport

The key exterior changes to the 2016 Evoque are found up front. An edgier fascia with larger air intakes and wider tow-eye covers imparts a more aggressive character set off by new slim-line LED fog lamps and DRL's. These frame a redrawn grille that offers new bright and black insert elements, the latter confined to Evoque Dynamic models. The 2016 Evoque also introduces JLR's first application of full LED headlamps with corner-following adaptive capability, an optional upgrade that uses less energy while providing superior visibility

New hands-free tailgate

The hood on the 5-door Evoque HSE Dynamic and Autobiography now has the same functional vents previously found only on the Evoque 3-door coupe models. Modifications to the tail are more subtle, and consist of a new spoiler with wider high-mount stop light sitting atop the Evoque's new hands-free Gesture Tailgate and an optional roof fin that houses an integrated cell phone antenna. Rounding out remix are three new alloy wheel designs and an expanded color palette

Inside, the Evoque's leather-lined cabin is recast with new trims and enhanced materials along with redesigned 8-way power front seats. In Autobiography models, the seats feature 14-way adjustment along with an optional massage feature.  All 2016 Evoque models boast a new Land Rover InControl Touch infotainment setup with an 8.0-inch swipe-style center screen and InControl Apps. Optional on the SE but standard on all other models is InControl Touch Plus that adds HDD-based premium navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 8.0-inch screens and an 11-speaker or 17-speaker Meridian audio system

Expanded selection of driver assists

While the European-spec 2016 Evoque will offer JLR's new 2.0-liter/148-horsepower Igenium 4-cylinder turbodiesel as an option, the U.S. lineup will continue with the existing 2.4-liter/240-horse turbocharged gasoline-fired four mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Evoque's already outstanding off-road capability gets a further enhancement thanks to a new All-Terrain Progress Control that can automatically maintain a preset speed in forward or reverse gears between 1.1 and 19 mph. Other on-road driver assist upgrades for 2016 include Lane-Keeping Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking that helps to avoid impacts at speeds below 32 mph and mitigate crashes below 50 mph as well as a Driver Drowsy Monitor that tracks steering inputs and provides warnings if it senses the driver may be nodding off

The 2016 Range Rover Evoque arrives in dealers here this fall. While pricing won't be announced until closer to the actual on-sale date, Land Rover indicates the bottom line numbers will be "comparable" with the existing 2015 Evoque models

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Porsche Cayman GT4 revealed 2016

Making its first public appearance at the Geneva Auto Show in March, the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 is the most intense version of the mid-engine two-seat coupe unleashed on the street. The first Cayman to carry a "GT" designation, the car was developed by Porsche's motorsport division to demonstrate its commitment to build "truly industry-leading two-door sports cars." With enhanced aerodynamics, suspension bits from the 911 GT3, a 385-horse version of the 911 GTS engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, it's clear they're serious about that making good on that claim

Visual cues distinguishing the exterior of the new Cayman GT4 include a bolder front fascia with a deeper splitter and larger air intakes, upgraded side air inlets and a prominent fixed rear wing. Inside, this high-velocity hauler matches a smaller-diameter multi-function sport steering wheel with deeply bolstered sport buckets covered in leather and Alcantara

Stunning on the street or circuit

While the 2016 Cayman GT4's 3.8-liter naturally aspirated flat-six does spot the 911 S engine 15 horsepower it boasts 45 more ponies than the 3.4-liter in the current Cayman GTS. Mated exclusively to a 6-speed manual gearbox, it has the power to send the new GT4 streaking from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 183 mph making it 0.1 tick quicker to 60 mph and 6 mph faster than a Cayman GTS. In addition to liberally borrowing upgraded chassis/brake components from the 911 GT3, the Cayman GT4 rides nearly 1.2 inches lower than a standard-spec car. Hard-core enthusiasts looking to bolster the GT4's capability will be able to add more edge with lightweight composite seats, a set of carbon-ceramic brakes and a bespoke version of the Sport Chrono Package that features a Track Precision app. As the ultimate proof of concept, Porsche recently lapped a Cayman GT4 on the North Loop of the fabled Nürburgring in 7-minutes and  40-seconds - exactly the same pace as a 2011 911 GT3

The 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 is set to arrive in the U.S. this July. With a starting price of $85,595, Porsche's latest legend-in-the-making is a modest $9,300 more than a 2015 Cayman GTS but nearly $46,000 less than today's 911 GT3

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Porsche Boxster 2016

Porsche has created the nth-degree Boxster, and introduced it at the New York Auto Show. The 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder is the Quickest (0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds), Fastest (top speed of 180 miles per hour), Lightest (2,899 pounds), Most Powerful (375 horsepower and about 310 lb-ft of torque), and Most Expensive (starting at $82,100 when it arrives stateside in October of 2015), Porsche Boxster ever.

Going to war, with light weight and heavy power

As much a love song to Porsche Spyder, Speedster and Club Sport models from the past, the new Boxster Spyder carries the same drivetrain as the new Cayman GT4 which means a 3.8-liter flat-6 working a 6-speed manual transmission working with a mechanically locking rear differential and Porsche Torque Vectoring to get power to the rear wheels and sweeten the handling dynamics.

The Boxster Spyder's suspension is locked down pretty tight and the Boxster ride height has been lowered by a little over three-quarters of an inch. Its coefficient of drag is 0.33, not record-setting by any means, but still respectable. But it's really the light weight of the Boxster Spyder that matters most.

It appears that everything was considered. The body consists of aluminum-steel construction, with the doors, trunklid and front "bonnet" lid done in aluminum. Then it gets hardcore: The Spyder's manual top is unlined and uninsulated. The door pulls are nylon straps. Air conditioning and audio systems are available only as options. On the upside, however, Porsche's automatic stop/start system has been left off of the Boxster Spyder as part of the weight-saving mission. If there are any fuel economy benefits to all this trimming, they have yet to be announced.

Winning the war, with style to burn

While the Boxster Spyder's interior, nose and tail owe everything to the Cayman GT4's styling, the 2-seater's midsection is its own thing, with the rear deck behind the headrests dominated by dual tapered bulges, a nod to the Porsche 718 W-RS Spyder from the early Sixties. Other Spyder touches include interior trim pieces that are a body-color match for the exterior color and the availability of lightweight, full-carbon-fiber seats with manual fore/aft and electric tilt (the whole seat assembly tilts -- not just the seatback).

Top down is the undeniable hero shot for the Boxster Spyder. Top up it's got that low-profile 911 Speedster vibe. Either way, though, it's kind of cool to see Porsche create something with more character than a simple GT4 version of the Boxster, and the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder certainly has our attention.

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BUGATTI VEYRON HYPERCAR “LA FINALE”

BUGATTI VEYRON HYPERCAR “LA FINALE”

Price: Estimated more than $2.6 million

The final Bugatti Veyron Hypercar was put on display at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show for the first time. Dubbed the “La Finale” due to it being the 450th and final Veyron to be produced, the auto was reported to have been sold to a Middle East Collector for a significant sum of money. Bugatti used the original Veyron to inspire the design of the final model to include a two-tone paint finish made of red exposed and conventional black carbon fiber. The auto includes a turbocharged, 8.0 liter W-16 engine and rates a ridiculous 1,183 horsepower along with 1,106 pound-feet of torque. La Finale can go from zero to 61 in 2.5 seconds and boasts the top speed for all open-top production cars in the world of 254 MPH.

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2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER TRD PRO REVIEW

Toyota's 4Runner TRD Pro is an unstoppable off-road limousine

Comfortable, cool, and effortlessly capable, Toyota’s 4Runner TRD Pro is one of very few SUVs you can drive off the lot and up a mountain the same afternoon

The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is a fresh-water fish within a salt-water sea of stilted crossovers. It was built for a specific purpose, and yet it looks so menacing and, bluntly, badass, that it is forced out of its element and onto suburban streets

Yes, the TRD Pro packaging is engineered to handle the roads less traveled, but buyers who scoff at lifted pickup trucks might find the angry-eyed glare and increased ride height of the 4Runner TRD Pro to be a perfect injection of “cool” for around-town errand-running

But that’s not the review you’re about to read. If you want to know how the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro handles grocery runs and soccer practice commutes, a simple Google search will fulfill your quest. No, I took the Pro to its natural habitat and let it show me why it belongs in the company of some of the most capable from-the-factory rigs you can buy

More than a lift kit

The 2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro packs an impressive list of upgrades for an SUV that is already hugely capable off-road. On board are 17-inch TRD alloy wheels coated in a black finish and wrapped in 31.5-inch Nitto Terra Grappler tires, red Eibach springs, TRD Bilstein shocks with a rear remote reservoir and an additional inch of suspension travel all around, and a TRD aluminum front skid plate. These features complement the 4Runner “Trail” grade’s locking rear differential, automatic traction control system with crawl-assist, multi-terrain selection controls, front and rear ventilated disc brakes, and front and rear stabilizer bars. As for the aesthetics, the 4Runner TRD Pro receives unique badging, black exterior accents, darkened LED taillights, a TRD shift knob and TRD Pro floor mats. For all the above, you’ll have to shell out $41,995, including destination, but as I would discover, the TRD Pro package delivers whatever you ask of it when the road gets rough

In summary, the 4Runner TRD Pro has the hardware to tackle most any terrain

Inside, you’re treated to SofTex heated leather-ish seats, a 6.1-inch (small these days) infotainment screen with Bluetooth calling and audio, two USB ports, an AUX inlet, navigation, a backup camera, and a suite of Toyota in-car apps. In terms of utility, the 4Runner has seating for five, fold-flat rear seats, and 89 cubic feet of available storage. That translates to plenty of room for four large gentlemen and a weekend’s worth of food and camping gear — I was happy to be the test subject for that experiment

Related: Toyota Land Cruiser gets more tech and an eight-speed auto for 2016

On the highway en route to Big Bear Mountain, the Toyota 4Runner TRD was wonderfully comfortable, with a touch of tire drift and hum as is common with oversized rubber. The brake pedal has a somewhat squishy feel, but foot-to-the-floor and the 4Runner TRD Pro comes promptly to a halt. The hydraulic power steering is quick (2.7 turns lock-to-lock) and accurate, with more than enough feedback for on and off-road purposes. No complaints about the seats either – they were supportive, cushioned for long or short hauls, and once the road became rough, they proved their quality

Styling is unquestionably polarizing. My “Super White” 4Runner TRD Pro sported the Storm Trooper look with a face that either haunts or excites. For my part, I felt cool just standing near the truck, and ten feet tall once nestled into the driver’s seat. After so much time spent in sedans, I forget how pleasant it is to look over other vehicles instead of through them, and off-road, you can spot tricky sections of terrain much earlier. Visibility is also excellent, both beyond and around the hood as you navigate rough roads, and over your shoulder as you change lanes on the highway

Has my “livability review” quota been fulfilled yet? Good. Now to the rough stuff

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