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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Mercedes-Maybach S550 / S600 Price: $192,225









This sumptuous limo is not just a stretched S-class with a Maybach badge—it’s far more lavish than that. The S550's 449-hp 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8 and the S600's 523-hp, 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 provide effortless motivation while passengers enjoy hot-stone-style massaging leather recliners. With a tranquil cabin and a Burmester audio system, it’s a rolling concert hall, too. And forget that new-car smell: the air-filtration system infuses the cabin with the Maybach’s own signature fragrance.




Friday, March 24, 2017

Scion tC













Along with the rest of the Scion brand, the Scion tC model was discontinued in 2016. Under the hood, you’ll find a 179-hp 2.5-liter four; it powers the front wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Handling is confident and body motions are well controlled, but its rivals easily outperform it. However, the tC offers a roomy cabin, top-notch build quality, and a good reliability record.




Scion iA













Starting with the 2017 model, the iA lost the badge of the now-defunct Scion brand and became the Toyota Yaris iA. Basically a Mazda 2 underneath the sheetmetal, the iA’s 106-hp 1.5-liter four teams with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. A low-speed pre-collision safety system, Bluetooth connectivity, and 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment make the iA a well-equipped choice.




Scion FR-S













When the Scion brand ended, the FR-S became the Toyota 86. Regardless, the FR-S offers excellent driving dynamics. Only one engine was available: a 200-hp 2.0-liter flat-four. A six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic were the transmission choices. The manual shifts with a solid, no-nonsense feel, while the paddle-shift automatic is quick and responsive. The cabin is cramped and plasticky, but the FR-S is very agile, which endears it to enthusiasts.




Sunday, March 19, 2017

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Price: $298,350 - $331,825












For those who desire sybaritic luxury and a spirited driving experience in the same ultra-pricey motorcar, the Ghost Series II is your answer. Under the hood topped by the Spirit of Ecstasy is a twin-turbo 6.6-liter V-12 good for 563 hp paired to a satellite-aided gearbox, which uses GPS data to read the roadscape ahead of you, anticipate your driving needs, and shift the transmission accordingly. The interior boasts sumptuous leather seating and handsomely crafted wood veneers.