Lincoln Continental

These days, Lincoln isn’t much more than a collection of rebadged Fords, but the Continental concept shows a way back to its past status as a real luxury carmaker.

Unveiled at the 2015 New York Auto Show, the Continental is a flagship sedan that would help restore Lincoln’s reputation if built. If you ever forget it’s a Lincoln, just look at the headlights and grille, which feature tiny repetitions of the brand’s logo.

On the inside, the Continental is just as luxurious as its classic predecessors. Standout features include 30-way adjustable seats, and a fully-reclining rear passenger seat that seems aimed at the Chinese market, where many buyers prefer to be driven rather than drive.

In a nod to efficiency, the Continental is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. It’s part of Ford’s ubiquitous EcoBoost family.

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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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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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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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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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Land Rover Discovery Sport 2015

Previewed at the New York Auto Show last April as the Discovery Vision Concept, the production version of the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport has been revealed in conjunction with a literally out-of-this-world promotion that involves the company's global partner, Virgin Galactic. While lacking several of the show car's more avant-garde touches, the newest Land Rover boasts visual cues and technology that will be found in future models across the range. The Discovery supplants the current LR2 -- which ceases production at the end of the 2015 model year and features 5+2 seating, a first for the compact premium SUV segment. 

Designed for tomorrow 

Expanding on styling themes found on the Vision Concept, the new Discovery Sport adds distinctive flourishes of its own to create a bold presence complemented by a host of wind-cheating/noise-abating aero bits. A laid-back acoustic windshield, wraparound lighting units - including optional Xenon headlamps and LED running lamps - along with a two-bar mesh grille, new blade-like front fender vents, flared wheel arches and a rakish C-pillar treatment help create a tailored but tough look. 

The core structure of the new Discovery Sport consists of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel complemented by weight-saving aluminum alloy in various body panels and suspension elements. The combination yields excellent platform rigidity and passenger protection while improving dynamic balance and lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. Built on a 107.9-inch wheelbase that splits the LR2/LR4 models, the front chassis design of this new Land Rover SUV shares much with the popular Evoque but its rear underpinnings are an all-new multilink setup that improves interior packaging as well as enhances ride and handling. 

Inside, the new Discovery Sport melds existing Land Rover design elements with unique accents. All versions feature a bevy of power assists, dual-zone climate control, multi-function steering wheel, navigation system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and premium audio systems as well as leather upholstery that ranges from seating-only surfaces on the base SE to a full Windsor hide treatment on the range-topping Discovery Sport HSE Luxury. The Discovery Sport's elevated 60/40 split-folding second row bench has 6.3-inches of fore/aft travel, a feature which makes the optional third-row split-folding bench seat a far more viable perch whenever it is called into what LR describes as "occasional use." 

Leveraging the Land Rover pedigree

The new Discovery Sport shares the Evoque's powertrain, matching a 240-horse/2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a ZF close-ratio 9-speed automatic transmission. Operated by a central rotary controller supplemented by steering-wheel-mounted shifter paddles, the transmission features adaptive logic and fully integrates with the Haldex intelligent full-time all-wheel drive and Land Rover's multi-mode Terrain Response system. To further optimize the Discovery Sport's go-anywhere capabilities, its full complement of conventional stability/traction technology is bolstered by features like Hill Descent Control, Roll Stability Control, Trailer Stability Assist and Engine Drag Torque Control as well as a new available Autonomous Emergency Braking option that can help prevent or mitigate collisions.

Available in SE, HSE and HSE Luxury trims, pricing for the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport will start at $40,920. It will offer plenty of personalization potential starting with the descriptively named Black Pack trim package that adds noir accents set off with 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels. Other key factory options include a contrast roof panel finished in Santorini Black, full glass panoramic roof, custom luggage, tubular stainless-steel side step and front/rear undershields while dealers will offer items like quick-release headrest-mounted iPad holders and a leather-covered cooler/warmer box for the center stow bin.

3-2-1 Blastoff

To help launch the new Discovery Sport, Land Rover and Virgin Galactic have created the Galactic Discovery Competition. Aspiring astronauts from 29 countries are being invited to produce a photo or a 30-second video that best demonstrates their personal spirit of adventure. Top prize for the winner and three of his/her friends is a sub-orbital flight in Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo. For complete details, visit http://landrover.us/space.

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Bentley Mulsanne Speed 2015

Previewed before heading on to the Paris Auto Show, the new 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed adds to the car's luxury and performance

Understated elegance 

Subtle is the operative term for the Mulsanne Speed's exterior changes, which include a dark-tint finish on its stainless-steel radiator grille, lower bumper grilles and fender vents complemented by a similar treatment on the front and rear lighting elements. These are set off by dual rifled exhaust outlets and solid polished stainless steel Speed badges as well as 21-inch alloy wheels. These bespoke rims - Bentley's first ever featuring a unidirectional design - are individually machined from forged blanks and can be had painted, polished or dark-tinted

Inside, the Mulsanne Speed comes with the full Mulliner Driving Specification enhancements while offering new a new Technical Veneer option that brings Piano Black trim with carbon fiber accents. Options include everything from a 2,200-watt Naim for Bentley audio system in place of the standard 14-speaker unit to a power-activated rear tray tables and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment package

Overwhelming exuberance

Heart of the Mulsanne Speed is a revised version of the firm's well-proven 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8. A new head design the features revamped combustion chambers, intake ports, fuel injectors and spark plugs plus a higher compression ratio, which raises output from 505 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque in the standard Mulsanne to 530 horses and a record 811 lb-ft of peak twist - which is on hand from a mere 1,750 rpm

A full redesign of the engine management system serves up smoother transitions from V8 to V4 operation on both engine configurations while also improving fuel economy. Backed by a recalibrated ZF 8-speed Quickshift automatic transmission that features a new performance-focused "S" mode, the Mulsanne Speed can streak from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and hit a top end of 190 mph

To ensure that power can be put to best use, the chassis of the new Mulsanne Speed also gets unique tuning. While retaining the Bentley and Comfort modes, the air suspension adds a stiffer Sport setting that also tweaks the steering for better feel and accuracy. The system also allows the driver to individually adjust the chassis, steering and engine response using a Custom setting

Pricing for the 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed is expected to be announced at its global debut in Paris. The first Speed-spec Mulsannes are expected to arrive here sometime during the first quarter next year

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Chevrolet Colorado GearOn Special Edition lands in Chicago 2015

debut at the Chicago Auto Show. Available on extended or crew cab Colorado LT models with long or short beds and rear- or 4-wheel drive, this new member of the lineup will arrive in dealers this spring with a starting price of $32,125

As its name implies, this activity-oriented Colorado features Chevy's patented GearOn system first seen last summer on the Colorado Sport Concept. The GearOn kit includes an easily configurable selection of bed rails/bars, a cargo divider package and tie-down rings. It's all designed to allow Chevy's new mid-size pickup to carry everything from mountain bikes, kayaks, skis and paddle boards to a bed-mounted tent -- all but the latter positioned well above floor level to maximize the amount of usable cargo space. Other related items from the GearOn accessory catalog also can be purchased individually and their cost rolled into the monthly payment if ordered before the vehicle is delivered -- an option open to all Colorado buyers

The 2015 Colorado GearOn Special Edition also features cosmetic and functional upgrades including an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, off-road assist steps, fog lamps, a rear-window defogger, remote start and Gloss Black 18-inch aluminum wheels. Rounding out the mix is a body-color grille and black front/rear Chevy bowtie emblems

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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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New York International Auto Show: Sedans in the spotlight 2015

There's no question that the auto industry is mad for crossover SUVs as the compact-sized variety is one of the fastest growing segments currently. But that's not to say that the traditional 4-door sedan has been consigned to the ash pile of history. At least that's the conclusion to take away from the New York International Auto Show, which played host to a bevy of new 4-door models

The most anticipated new sedan at the show was the all-new Cadillac CT6, a full-size sedan offered in either rear- or all-wheel drive positioned to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. The CT6 not only ushers in new nomenclature for the car side of GM's luxury division, but also debuts a new lightweight architecture and a new family of twin-turbo V6 and V8 engines. It is a make or break product in Cadillac's bid for global parity among the top luxury cars. Cadillac's longtime rival Lincoln showed off an early look at its own new flagship sedan, the Continental Concept

No less important to Jaguar/Land Rover Group is the remake of the mid-size Jaguar XF, which will share the aluminum-intensive approach introduced in the compact XE. In addition to hitting the show floor in New York, the car also bowed in London as part of a high wire act

In the mainstream market, the Nissan Maxima has also been redesigned and will again stress its performance-oriented suspension and drivetrain under the 4-door sports car positioning, Chevrolet's much needed remake of the Malibu midsize sedan showed off completely new skin and a package that promises more rear legroom, while Kia took the covers off the next installment of its popular Optima midsize family car. At a more entry-level price point, Scion gave us a two-fer: The iA is that division's first 4-door sedan, and it bowed alongside the all-new iM hatchback

Other non-SUV offerings include a new Chevrolet Spark hatchback, Smart hosted the American debut of its new Fortwo city car and McLaren flaunted the high-performance 570S Sport two-seater

And even though sedans dominated the New York Auto Show headlines, there were some significant SUV introductions, too. Making their world debuts were the Mercedes-Benz GLE — a replacement for the current ML — a redone Mitsubishi Outlander and perhaps most important of all, the all-new Lexus RX, a remake of the iconic crossover SUV that created the segment

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Subaru Outback gets a major makeover 2015

Ready to start a new chapter in its illustrious history, the fully redesigned 2015 Subaru Outback made its debut at the New York Auto Show boasting more of everything that matters. Still available in 2.5i/2.5i Premium/2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited variants, the fifth generation of Subie's versatile compact all-wheel-drive crossover SUV matches a bolder appearance with enhanced on/off-road capabilities, greater efficiency, new tech touches and a more refined overall character

Marginally longer, lower and wider than the vehicle it replaces, the 2015 Outback has a sleeker and more stylish profile abetted by a redrawn greenhouse that brings a more steeply raked windshield and back glass. The new front-end shares grille and lighting cues with the also new-for-2015 Legacy Sedan while upsized wheel/tire fitments impart an even greater sense of purpose. Ground clearance on the 2015 remains a generous 8.7 inches, but boonie bounders will be happy to hear the recasting process also increased both the approach and departure angles

Inside, the 2015 Outback takes a step up in look and feel thanks to additional soft-touch surfaces, new trim, better sound isolation and enhanced standard features highlighted by a new gauge cluster plus a selection of model-specific upgraded infotainment systems that have a 6.2-inch touchscreeen display and full smartphone/Bluetooth/iPod integration. Modest gains in hip and shoulder room enhance passenger comfort while  cargo space rises from 34.3 to 35.5 cu ft with the Outback's rear seatback up and 71.3 to 73.3 cubic feet with it folded. In addition to new easy-release/fold-flat backs, accessing the rear bay is now more convenient thanks to a lower liftover height and an optional power rear hatch

Motivation for the 2015 Outback comes from an enhanced and slightly more potent --- 175-hp vs 173-hp - version of the 2.5-liter flat-four and a carryover 256-horsepower/3.6-liter boxer-6 but both are now backed by a standard Lineartronic CVT that offers six virtual gears that can be selected using shift paddles on the steering wheel. That transmission change plus Active Grille Shutters on the 2.5 and new electric power-assist steering on both helps improve EPA numbers across the board, adding 2 mpg to the combined ratings. The 2015 Outback's mechanical remake bolsters the existing suite of vehicle dynamics systems with an extensively retuned suspension, upgraded brakes and enhanced Symmetrical AWD with Active Torque Split power vectoring for improved stability plus Subaru's driver-selectable X-Mode system that further optimizes engine and CVT mapping on all terrains

Safety also figures prominently into the 2015 Outback's recasting process, with all models getting new front seat-cushion airbags, rollover sensors and rearview cameras while Limited-spec vehicles add a Rear Vehicle Detection System (optional on the 2.5i Premium) that includes Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert

The 2015 Subaru Outback will arrive in dealers this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date

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