An Interview with McDripp
Thought I'd share this fun interview with with world famous pin striper Fineline McDripp, drawn and written by Carl Kohler for the March 1957 issue of Car Craft.... continue reading
Forget The Drama - SSC Should Just Run the Tuatara Speed Record Again
By info@topspeed.com (Ciprian Florea)
SSC made headlines earlier this month when it announced that it had set a new world record for production cars with the Tuatara. The American company revealed that its latest supercar hit an average top speed of 316 mph during a two-way run on a closed road in Nevada, taking the official record from Koenigsegg and also breaking the unofficial record of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, the first production car to surpass the 300-mph mark. But famed YouTubers... [read more]
George Woodman Reimagines The Yamaha XSR 700, in Project Hommage
Biarritz, France, in an amazing atelier, is where youll find George Woodman creating customizations as unique works of art. With a flair for transforming both old and beloved classics into something of the future, George celebrates the achievements of his first custom, The Smoking Black Fish on a 1929 FN which has since earned its residency at the famous Haas Museum in Dallas. George Woodman Reimagines The Yamaha XSR 700, in Project Hommage Inspired by success and an old race... [read more]
Jaguar E-Pace
By info@topspeed.com (Sidd Dhimaan)
Jaguar and Land Rover have been quite active in recent months with the 2021 model year updates. We saw the F-Pace, Velar, and the XF Sportbrake among other products being updated in recent months. This time, its time for the E-Pace to be updated. Although it comes with similar updates like its other family members, which include new mild- and plug-in hybrid options and tweaked interior and exterior, the E-Pace comes with another big change a new architecture. Will this... [read more]
How Is a NASCAR Race Car Built? Behind the Scenes at Richard Childress Racing
We visit Richard Childress Racing for a behind-the-scenes NASCAR shop tour to see how the team puts together a Cup or Xfinity car from chassis to race-ready! Were not going to lie, working here has its perks, and one of them is getting to tour really cool places. To gear up for the new MotorTrend docuseries, NASCAR 2020: Under Pressure , MotorTrend Group was invited to check out Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and see how the racing team goes from... [read more]
Why Aren't Automotive Headlights Better Than They Are
By Nordstroms Automotive inc.
1991 Crown Vic has driveability problems. Charging Batteries in the house. Battery Drains. Poor Automotive Headlights. Aftermarket Headlights. 2013 Honda Civic S.i. has Clutch Problems. Shannon wants to sell Under The Hood show Speedos. A frontline worker wins the Goodyear Brake Package with pads rotors calipers and installation! High Octane e85. 6 volt tractor wants a 12 volt system. Chris is sad about leaving the Classic Car Club. Press "Play" below to listen to this episode
In Memory of Fat Jack Robinson
The Hot Rod Builder Who Helped Revive Fat-Fender Hot Rods We've been talking a lot about fat-fender hot rods lately. This movement owes much of its popularity to builder Jack Robinson. We were very saddened to learn of his passing on October 20. Fat Jack, as everybody called him, was a lifelong hot rodder. He has said that he got his first car, a fat-fendered Ford sedan, when he was 9 years old. That car was followed four years later... [read more]
Porsches Latest Advertising Gimmick for the Taycan is the Definition of Hypocrisy
By info@topspeed.com (Ciprian Florea)
Porsche is revving up to introduce the Taycan, its first all-electric vehicle, and its latest ad for the four-door includes some amazing footage of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure and building in the world. But is this a smart way to showcase an all-electric, green car? Considering that Burj Khalifa was built in Dubai, a place where most wealth comes mainly from oil?
Cool Car For Sale: LS3-Powered 1970 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
By info@topspeed.com (Sidd Dhimaan)
The Chevrolet K5 Blazer was introduced in 1969 as a full-size SUV. The K5 was originally a short wheelbase truck, and the Blazer was based on it to take on the Ford Bronco and the Jeep CJ Series, in extension. The K5 Blazer was on the market for over 25 years before it was replaced by the Chevy Tahoe in 1995. But, the SUV still looks as timeless and handsome as it did back then. Recently, a first-gen 1970 K5... [read more]
The Unloved Nifty Fifty
So February, 1961 issue of Rod Custom Magazine It's only a two page spread and though they sent Ralph Poole out to photograph the car, the editors... continue reading
Acura MDX Prototype - The Future of Acura Has Arrived
By info@topspeed.com (Ciprian Florea)
The seven-year-old, third-generation Acura MDX is going out of production in 2020. The Japanese firm is making way for a new-generation model that will debut in 2021 for the 2022 model year. Before we can see the real thing, Acura gives us a preview with the MDX Prototype, essentially a production-ready concept. The prototype SUV showcases a wider, sportier exterior, a more modern interior with better tech, and a new platform with a double-wishbone front suspension.
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... [read more]
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. Theres a will-they-wont-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 Chryslers mid-00s pivot, fell flat... [read more]
Video: Supercar Blondie Reviews The Koenigsegg Gemera
By info@topspeed.com (Kirby Garlitos)
At just 26 years old, Koenigsegg is a neophyte in the supercar market. It doesnt have the history of Bugatti or the prestige of Ferrari. It doesnt even carry the same household name recall as Lamborghini. But what it does have is an aggressive and pioneering owner who isnt afraid to take bold risks in the name of innovation. Christian von Koenigsegg is a bold of an owner as they come, and its because of intrepid spirit and unwavering resolve... [read more]
The Bugatti Bolide is a Lightweight, Ludicrous, 1,800+ Horsepower Track Weapon
By info@topspeed.com (Ciprian Florea)
We've been hearing all sorts of rumors about Bugatti recently, including that it's working on a new supercar and that it could be sold to Rimac. News about the new hypercar was also unclear. Some claimed it will be all-electric, while others forwarded the idea that it will be just another Chiron-based thing. Well, the new supercar is here, and it's neither of them. It's called Bolide, and it's actually a brand-new idea. It's a track-only vehicle with a new... [read more]
Bentley Could Soon Sell, Essentially, Rebodied Audis and Porsches
By info@topspeed.com (Ciprian Florea)
The Volkswagen Group is currently busy deciding what to do with some of its brands. Bugatti is rumored to be sold off to Rimac, while the fate of Now, it seems that the Bentley brand will also be repositioned within the group. Currently placed directly under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, Bentley is rumored to be taken over by Audi, which also oversees the Lamborghini, Ducati, and Italdesign Giugiaro brands.
Hollywoods Hottest Precision Driver Has a Love Affair With Porsche
By info@topspeed.com (Michael Fira)
Years ago, Lara's days were busy as she was doing all the high-paced driving for top-rank female Hollywood movie stars such as Julia Roberts, Mary Louise Parker, and Jennifer Connelly. They all looked tough on the big screen, but she was toughing it out for real, during takes. Now, Lara's still as busy as ever, although now she's gained a different kind of notoriety, as a female Porsche lover in a world where most people who buy Porsches and adore... [read more]
Get Inside the Koenigsegg CCR - The Car That Humbled the Legendary McLaren F1
By info@topspeed.com (Kirby Garlitos)
When talking about the greatest supercars of the last 30 years, most people identify models like the McLaren F1, Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, and Ferrari Enzo. These exotics deserve their roses, for sure, one supercar, in particular, that doesnt get the love it deserves is the Koenigsegg CCR. Its easy to see why. The CCR was in production for all of two years 2004 to 2006 and the Swedish automaker only made 14 units of the model. There arent a... [read more]
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, 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 has been massaged with a unique body kit from Overfinch. The... [read more]
2021 Jaguar E-Pace First Look: The New Entry Level Jag
Like its bigger sibling, the F-Pace , the Jaguar E-Pace is getting a major update for the 2021 model year . Not only that, but the E-Pace crossover now serves as the entry point to the Jaguar lineup. The slow selling four-door XE has been pulled from the U.S. market , and while we're sad to see the excellent sports sedan die, we hope the improvements to the small E-Pace make it a worthy contender in its segment. Fresh-Faced Feline... [read more]
2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrids Get Tweaked, Are Even Juicier
Theres a lot to like about the plug-in hybrid version of the Porsche Cayenne . In past reviews, weve praised its refined chassis, robust acceleration, and the powertrains smooth transition between gas and electric power. These qualities helped advance the SUV to the finalist list for last years MotorTrend SUV of the Year competition. Now, Porsche is making a few more tweaks in hopes of delivering even better performance. All changes apply to both SUV and coupe body styles. First... [read more]
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class First Drive Review: A Sci-Fi Vision of Luxury
Even though almost 30 different models comprise todays Mercedes-Benz portfolio in the U.S., the launch of an all-new S-Class is still a defining moment for Germanys most successful premium automaker. Mercedes SUVs, particularly the GLE and GLC families, might today be the brands 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... [read more]
Mercedes-Benz Deal Directs High-Tech Powertrains to Aston Martins Vehicles
The story of Aston Martin lately has been inexorably linked to Mercedes-Benznamely, the latters engines going into the former's sports cars. Its a technical partnership thats been going on for years, culminating earlier this year with an even more intimate tie-up: Mercedes-AMGs CEO, Tobias Moers , jumping ship and heading to Aston, replacing Andy Palmer, after a massively successful run at Daimlers performance vehicle wing. Now, another deal and even closer ties between the British grand touring legend and the... [read more]
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 Wraiths exterior features a satellite view of the Arabian Peninsula from space. The intricate artwork on the hood... [read more]
The Best Entry-Level Luxury Cars
By info@topspeed.com (Dim Angelov)
Luxury cars give us more comfort, more technology, and better craftsmanship than normal run of the mill transportation. However, because it costs more to make even an entry-level luxury car, the price tag is often higher than that of a normal car. That said, the main reason we dont see cheap luxury cars is the added value of the badge. More specifically, the associations of quality and prestige that come with it. Still, there is a chance for you to... [read more]
Were the New Fiat Tipo Cross a Dodge, It Could Aim for the Subaru Crosstreks Jugular
With the demise of the Grand Caravan minivan and Journey crossover, Dodge s 2021 model line is down to only three vehicles: the Charger sedan , Challenger coupe, and Durango SUV . Yet, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles could easily fluff up the threadbare Dodge lineup with a Dodge-badged Fiat Tipo . We're not proposing just any Tipo, either, but the new Tipo Cross, the orange pseudo-SUV pictured here. Think of the Tipo Cross being to the regular Tipo as the Subaru... [read more]
Brabus Rocket 900 "One of Ten"
By info@topspeed.com (Sidd Dhimaan)
Like ABT is to Audi, Brabus is to Mercedes. These are the tuners that come to mind when you talk about the respective brands. Brabus is here with another creation called the Rocket 900 One of Ten thats based on the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S. The Brabus model comes with changes inside and out, but the biggest changes have happened under the hood. The car didnt just receive some extra horses and torque; Brabus also increased the displacement of the V-8... [read more]
Nearly Brand-New R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R Asks Almost $500,000
Nissan's Skyline GT-R models are Japanese performance icons, and among those, the R32- and R34-generation examples from the 90s and early 2000s are perhaps the most sought after. These beasts came with all-wheel drive, twin turbochargers, and can be juiced by the aftermarket well beyond their modest (likely underrated) 280 factory horsepower. Heck, these are the Skyline GT-Rs that netted the model its Godzilla nickname that carries through to today's Nissan GT-R . Want one? Get ready to put in... [read more]
40+ Photos at the RCR NASCAR Museum! Saving Racing History One Car at a Time
MotorTrend Group visits Richard Childress Racings massive NASCAR museum to check out some cool history and some cooler cars! While we were at Richard Childress Racing (RCR) waiting to shoot a story in connection with MotorTrends new docuseries, NASCAR 2020: Under Pressure, we decided to check out the Richard Childress Racing Museum and, man, were glad we did since its overflowing with vintage race cars and NASCAR history, especially if youre a Dale Earnhardt fan. So come along as we... [read more]
Cool Car For Sale: 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta
By info@topspeed.com (Sidd Dhimaan)
Although commonly known as the Daytona, this two-seater GT from Ferrari is known as the 365 GTB/4 officially. It came as a successor to the 275 GTB/4 and was introduced at the Paris Auto Show in 1968. The Daytona moniker, interestingly, was given by the media to commemorate the Prancing Horses top-three finish in February 1967. Anyway, a Daytona example from the early 70s is listed on Bring-a-Trailers website, and it is drawing a lot of attention. This model is... [read more]
Bad-Ass Alert! Rare Photos of Drivers from the Past
With every passing year, the machines that power NASCAR drivers to victory have slowly parted ways from their real counterparts. Cars that even a blind person could identify by the shape of a fender or the angle of the tumblehome are now amorphous, homogenous shapes that bear little resemblance to their street-going counterparts. Notwithstanding, NASCAR, its sponsors, and fans have evolved over the years to embrace the cult of the driver rather than the cars themselves. Related: Get an inside... [read more]
You Have To See These Photos of the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
By info@topspeed.com (Ciprian Florea)
Back in August, our paparazzi sent us shots of the upcoming Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Based on the latest-generation, 992-spec 911, the new GT3 RS looks hotter than ever, sporting styling and aero features seen on the race-spec RSR model. Come October 2020, and we received the second batch of photos. The 911 GT3 RS is still covered in black camo, but intense testing suggests that the production model is just around the corner.
Excellent 50s era Hot Rod Footage in Color!
Some more fun amateur 8mm hot rods filmed at an oval dirt track, three-wide drag races, indoor car shows, etc. From my best guess, it all looks to... continue reading
Chrysler Pacifica - Driven
By info@topspeed.com (Philippe Daix)
When Chrysler introduced the Pacifica Hybrid, it rattled to ever-shrinking minivan segment to its core. Not necessarily because it offered some new, ground-breaking technology but because its quite literally the only hybrid minivan on the market at least until the Toyota Sienna lineup goes hybrid for the 2021 model year. Until then, however, the Pacifica gets to wear the crown. We drove the Pacifica just a year ago and we had somewhat mixed opinions about it has anything changed this... [read more]
Does a Porsche 911 Turbo S Stand a Chance Against a 1000-Horsepower BMW M5?
By info@topspeed.com (Ciprian Florea)
When it comes to performance cars, horsepower and torque are usually the only figures we take into account when comparing them. That's a logical thing to do, but sometimes these numbers can be deceiving. This new video from CarWow brings together a BMW M5 tuned to an insane 1,000 horsepower and a stock Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. Can the Porsche keep up with the beefed-up sedan? Is horsepower the decisive factor here? Let's find out.
Tesla Cars Might Be Getting Cheaper, But Supercharging Is Getting More Expensive
By info@topspeed.com (Kirby Garlitos)
Teslas pricing for its models is going down, but the automaker is making up from those prospective losses by raising the prices for using its Supercharger network. That appears to be the case after a report from the Aussie website CarExpert indicated that charging at any of Teslas 35 Supercharger stations in the Land Down Under will now cost AUD0.52 (USD0.37) per kilowatt-hour. Thats an increase from the AUD0.42/kWh (USD0.30) that Tesla was charging as recently as September. Since 2017... [read more]
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio - Driven
By info@topspeed.com (Philippe Daix)
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has been on the market just four short years, and the more aggressive Stelvio Quadrifoglio has a year less under its belt. Weve already learned that the Stelvio can hold its own against everyday luxury SUVs, but halfway through its lifecycle can it still deliver the performance and comfort expected from something that carries an Alfa Romeo badge? Is the Quadrifoglio still worth the $80,500 entry level price in a luxury crossover market that grows, quite... [read more]
Someone Is Cramming An LMP1 V-10 Into a 2020 Toyota Supra A90
By info@topspeed.com (Michael Fira)
Formula D ace Ryan Tuerck is one of those people with a vision that seem to have erased the word impossible from their dictionaries. His main drift car is a 1,000 horsepower Toyota Corolla Hatch that's been carrying him to constant top-10 finishes in Formula D competition, but Tuerck's first big shocker was another car, the Ferrari-engined Toyota GT86 he unveiled at SEMA four years ago. This latest project that involves an A90 Toyota Supra and a Le Mans V-10... [read more]
The All-New SSC Tuatara Gives Bugatti A Run For Its Money
The unbeatable has finally met its match. Long gone is the sensational record-breaking run that exceeded the magical threshold of 300 miles (482,80 km) per hour, the esteemed Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ has officially been dethroned by an unlikely adversary. The All-New SSC Tuatara Gives Bugatti A Run For Its Money Crowned the all-new fastest automobile on the planet with a barely-believable two-way average speed of 316 mph, the SSC Tuatara marks over a decades worth of research and... [read more]
A Slammed, Turboed, 1964 Cadillac Limo, a Trailer, and a Burnout - Nothing Goes According to Plan
By info@topspeed.com (Michael Fira)
The Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 comes from a time when Caddy was still the epitome of luxury in the automotive world, At over $80,000 in today's money, it was the car of choice for the upper 1% but, nowadays, you can find one for cheap which is why Brian from Turnin Rust wants to turn one of these sedated mile-chuggers into an LS-swapped, turbo monstrosity that is able to tow a camper while doing burnouts. If that sounds quite random... [read more]
Immerse Yourself In the Amazing Soundtrack That Is a 1JZ V-12
By info@topspeed.com (Michael Fira)
It's been over nine years since Don Groff began the unlikely task of building from scratch an open-wheel car that would be powered by a mid-mounted, 12-cylinder version of the famous Toyota 1JZ engine. Now, finally, the project is approaching the final stretch, and Groff has managed to dyno his baby with impressive results that put his single-seater in the vicinity of actual F1 cars in terms of torque and power output.
2021 Toyota Venza First Test: Smooth Operation
The all-new 2021 Toyota Venza has a lot of balls to juggle. Its the first Toyota SUV to be powered exclusively by a hybrid system, its design has to push the brand in a new direction without being offensive, and its being billed as the most luxurious SUV in Toyotas lineup . So, how well is the Venza handling all of its newfound responsibilities? While its styling may not be for some, the new Venza isnt what youd call ugly... [read more]
Fords Power Stroke Concept Truck Is the Epitome of 90s Americana
Fords rounded 1995 Explorer was still nearly a year away from launch in 1994, but the Blue Ovals Power Stroke concept pickup gave clues to the companys styling directive for the cars, trucks, and SUVs it planned to sell to consumers throughout the latter half of the 1990s. Besides showcasing the brands forthcoming design language, the Power Stroke housed Fords upcoming turbo-diesel 7.3-liter V-8 engine, which would soon make its way to production bearing thewait for itPower Stroke moniker. Despite... [read more]
These Sexy Old Speedboats Pack Wicked Alfa Romeo Racing Engines
Alfa Romeo was a monster of post-war racing on land, winning a number of what wed now consider Formula 1 races with the Alfetta 158/159 powered by a very small-displacement, supercharged straight-eight engine. This car was monumentally successful at the hands of drivers like Juan Manual Fangio and Nino Farina. But, less well known to us car enthusiasts, this engine (and other motorsports engines from the company) also had very successful careers on the water. The Arno II, seen above... [read more]
Volvos Subscription Program Now Lets You Swap Cars Every Four Months
Some luxury automakers have started offering subscription services in very limited areas in recent years, but Volvos program stands out for being available in most states around the country. Now, the Care By Volvo program is getting an update so that customers can swap vehicles like they swap jackets. Now, Volvo will let you upgrade or return a subscription vehicle anytime after four months. The program is an alternative to a traditional lease, which locks you in for a longer... [read more]
A Beautiful Mistake: Lancia Should Have Built the 2003 Fulvia Concept
At the time of this writing, Lanciaone of the greatest automakers of all time, with a history of racing success and great drivers carscurrently produces just one vehicle. The Lancia Ypsilon is a homely little hatchback thats been on sale since 2011 and is powered by a range of eensy little engines, including a 0.9-liter inline-two. This situation comes after several years of parent company FCA foisting rebadged Chrysler products on Continental buyers, including the Lancia Thema (ne Chrysler 300... [read more]
Best OBD2 Scanner in 2020 - Reviewed
By info@topspeed.com (Dim Angelov)
I am sure you will agree, one of the most dreaded images, for a car owner, is when the check engine light comes on. When that happens, it could be anything from a faulty sensor, to something serious, which is why having a good scan tool may be critical, as it will help determine whether it is a cheap and simple fix or something that may cost thousands of dollars. And although an onboard diagnostics scanner will not fix everything... [read more]
The 1935 Voisin C25 Aerodyne Is The Coolest Car You Probably Didnt Know About
By info@topspeed.com (Ciprian Florea)
The automotive industry had many ups and downs since the automobile became popular in the 1900s. The first major downturn happened in the late 1920s when The Great Depression hit the world. In the United States, the economic depression put many luxury carmakers out of business. In Europe, however, some low-output companies survived, although they eventually went bankrupt after World War II. One such carmaker is Voisin, which was founded by aviation pioneer Gabriel Voisin. This French company produced only... [read more]
