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Winter in the Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The rear-drive performance sedan isn't a favorite mode of transportation with most cold-blooded Canadians travelling in the winter. Often considered 'slippery', 'scary' or 'unstable', many shoppers dealing with snowy roads avoid rear-drive cars in favor of front or all-wheel-driven models.
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2012 BMW 528i xDrive Review
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A new 4-cylinder engine has booted BMW's naturally aspirated straight-six from the powertrain roster -- and it's caused a bit of an uproar in the community.
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2012 Fiat 500 Lounge Review
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Like most Nonnas, mine is Italian. And when the Fiat 500 started making me proud of my Italian side with its stylishness and fun-to-drive attitude, I gave her a call and asked her what Italians would call the little Italian car, in Italy.
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Fiat's MultiAir replaces intake camshaft
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Fiat's 1.4L family of engines utilizes "MultiAir" technology. Dave Schmidt is chief engineer for Chrysler's North American 1.4L engine program, and here's how he described MultiAir to this writer, and now to you...
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Abarth: A History of Making Small Go Fast
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Serious tuning companies tend to specialize on one brand, because engineering performance systems is not cheap. Consider Alpina with BMW, BRABUS with Mercedes-Benz, Mugen with Honda, and RUF with Porsche, to name a few.
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2012 Fiat 500 Abarth First Impressions
Thursday, March 08, 2012
North America has certainly embraced the newborn Fiat 500. But Fiat aficionados and track-loving people of all stripes have been impatiently waiting for the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth, the member of the 500 pack that stays up too late smoking cigarettes, always argues in a loud voice, and likes nothing better than kicking butt on a race track.
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2012 Fiat 500 Lounge Review
Sunday, February 26, 2012
A lot has been said about Fiat's return to the US and Canadian markets, and they probably couldn't have chosen a better model to start with. Oh, not because they'll be selling tons of copies of its 500 subcompact -- that market segment has yet to catch fire -- but because it stands out and makes a statement.
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When baby makes three Part I
Monday, February 27, 2012
I recall vividly sitting in my doctor's office after a tense moment spent trying to locate the heartbeat of my seven-month-old belly bump. Breathing a sigh of relief when she found it, I said, "When do you stop worrying about them? When they're in college?"
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2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec Review
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Despite punishing fuel prices, large performance sedans remain highly popular in the premium segment. The 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec represents all that's desirable in that market, and it does so with more horsepower and less capital outlay than most.
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2012 BMW 528i xDrive Review
Friday, February 03, 2012
New 4-cylinder powered 5-Series is the best-rounded of the popular midsize BMW's line. The $56,900 528i xDrive should be at the very top of your luxury car shopping list.
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2012 Infiniti QX56 Review
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Feeling good is never overrated. Safe, warm, cozy, relaxed -- we are hard-wired to seek out those things that make up our version of Heaven. Comfort always finds its way onto lists of criteria when people shop for new cars. Be it in the first or fifth position, no one weeds through cars looking for the one that will break their back, blow out their eardrums or want them to amputate a leg. That is, unless they're in the market for a race car. Good for you if you are!
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Car and trucks expected to pass in 2012-2013
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
We love to speculate as much as the next guy sitting in some fancy office on Wall Street. The big difference is that we tend to have a better idea of what we are doing, plus our guesses won't have you living in the street or working at McDonald's to make ends meet during your retirement.
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2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec Review
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
So much has been said and written on Hyundai, that I wasn't sure what I was going to bring forth the next time I was going to be called upon to scribble a few words on the Korean giant. Then, earlier in 2011, they announced the coming of a more powerful V8 that was to sit below the bonnet of the new top-of-the-line Genesis R-Spec.
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World premiere of the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 in Tokyo
Monday, November 14, 2011
Many automakers intend to use the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show in December to display their latest green products. For one, BMW will host the world premiere of their ActiveHybrid 5 sedan as a production model.
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Fiat 500 Abarth: Lean, mean, L.A.-stormin' machine
Monday, October 31, 2011
Fiat is taking advantage of the Los Angeles Auto Show (November 16-17, 2011) to lift the veil on the 500 Abarth, an athletic variant of Chrysler Group's popular subcompact car.
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2006-2010 Mazda5 Pre-Owned
Saturday, October 22, 2011
The Mazda5 really put the word 'mini' back into the word minivan. A compact six-seater with sliding doors, the 5 launched in its first generation for the 2006 model year, and has now been replaced by a new model that will compete with the Kia Rondo, the upcoming Chevrolet Orlando and other loosely-categorized 'crossover' models in its segment.
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2012 Fiat 500 Lounge Review
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The word Fiat evokes images of sun-drenched cobblestone courtyards, Mediterranean air and the pungent smell of espresso. Produced between 1957 and 1975 as an economical post-war city car, the iconic Fiat 500, or Cinquecento as it's known in its native Italy, is still a common sight on roadways all over Europe.
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Chelsea Proving Grounds, a Chrysler smorgasbord
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
I'm living la dolce vita behind the wheel of a cheery little red Fiat 500. The road winds through mixed forest, and I've got one eye peeled for wayward turkeys and deer. Once I've completed the route, I plan on exchanging the wee Fiat for a Charger SRT, menacing in black with understated Mopar decals.
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2012 Mazda5 GS Review
Monday, June 27, 2011
Mazda is one of those car companies who seem to do no wrong. From the Miata to the brand-new Mazda2, there's very little to complain about in the Mazda lineup. After all, the Mazda3 was among one of the best-selling cars in all of Canada in 2009-that's quite a title to hold. Even the flashy RX-8, which has its flaws, sees more love than hate.
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Then next Ferrari 599 to be based on the FF
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Only fools never change their mind, as the saying goes, and Porsche has abided by that saying, deciding against the facelift planned for the 599 in 2012. The Italian automaker has been inspired by the incredible success of the new FF to completely redesign the 599 for the end of 2012.
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2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo xDrive Review (video)
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
The changing demands of today's new car shoppers are resulting in more and more genre-busting models like the BMW 535i Gran Turismo. One of the Bavarian brand's latest model lines, this cruiser lives in the same ballpark as machines like the Toyota Venza and Honda Accord Crosstour as a mishmash of car, crossover and wagon.
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Fiat 500 to go topless at NY Auto Show
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Dave Thomas at Cars.com's Kicking Tires has learned that the U.S. version of the Fiat 500 Cabrio will make its debut at the 2011 New York Auto Show (April 22-May 1). It will go on sale shortly after, in time for drop-top season.
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2011 BMW 550i xDrive Gran Turismo Review
Friday, March 11, 2011
I'm guessing a few years ago, someone at BMW headquarters had a vision or a dream that foretold the complete demise of the station wagon and of the blinding hate for SUVs. This person (who had probably seen a Mercedes R-Class in a parking lot or used to work at Honda and got fired for designing the Crosstour) imagined a time and place where a vehicle with limited versatility, little appeal aesthetically and emotionally would become a highly sought-after commodity. This person may have been right; however, this is not the time nor is it the place.
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Geneva 2011: Zagato Concept emphasizes Fiat 500 styling
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Everybody knows that unorthodox styling and high fuel efficiency are Fiat's top selling arguments for the tiny 500. At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Italian automaker presented a coupe variant by famous coachbuilder and domestic partner Zagato.
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XENATEC Coupe to make first appearance in Geneva
Friday, February 25, 2011
XENATEC announced the world premiere of its Maybach-based coupe which will make a first public appearance next week in a specially constructed pavilion in the gardens of "La Réserve" Hotel, on the banks of Lake Geneva, at the same time than the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, arguably the biggest stage in the automotive world.
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3D Photo gallery of the 2011 BMW 550i xDrive
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Check out our 3D picture gallery of BMW's redesigned 5 Series sedan. Pay close attention to the interior shots of the dashboard and seating, where the effect really pays off.
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2011 BMW 550i xDrive Review
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
In our line of work, it's obviously a lot easier to find shortcomings in a $20,000 car than in an $80,000 car. That high price might seem expensive for a transportation device (and it is), but once you spend some time with it, you realize that it's almost worth that sum.
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2011 BMW 550i Gran Turismo xDrive Review
Thursday, March 03, 2011
The latest iteration within the SUV/crossover segment is the 'Sport Activity Vehicle', or SAC for short. BMW has genetically modified its much lauded and loved 5-Series sedan to create their interpretation of a SAC: the Gran Turismo--or GT for short.
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2012 Fiat 500 First Impressions
Monday, January 31, 2011
After a 27 year absence, Fiat is back! The iconic Cinquecento has been reborn and will be on sale here in Canada sometime in late February 2011.
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Need some help with parking?
Friday, January 28, 2011
If you drive a car, odds are you've come across a driver trying vainly to fit into a parking spot and blocking your way. Each time, you think that driver could use a helping hand.
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Nissan to sell rebadged Mazda5 in Japan
Friday, January 28, 2011
Mazda and Nissan announced that they are expanding their original equipment manufacturing (OEM) projects. Starting this May, the former will share some of its ''Zoom-Zoom'' with Nissan as the latter will sell a rebadged Mazda5 in Japan.
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Modest ambitions for the Fiat 500 in North America
Thursday, January 27, 2011
It's no secret that the Fiat 500 will soon be part of the Canadian automotive landscape. But although the cute little Italian number has generated quite a bit of consumer interest, Sergio Marchionne seems to have greater ambition for Alfa Romeo, which should be making its North American comeback after a 17-year absence.
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2011 Infiniti M56x AWD Review
Friday, February 04, 2011
By the end of 2010, Nissan had sold around 500 M sedans. This new Infiniti is only responsible for 0.03% of all car and light truck sales in the country. You can't get more exclusive than that!
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2011 Infiniti QX56 Review
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
It's big, brash and powerful. It's also tremendously refined and uncommonly indulgent, and regrettably, merciless at the pumps.
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Detroit 2011: Mopar to reveal 2012 Fiat 500 and Chrysler 200 Super S
Friday, January 07, 2011
Fans of customized machines will get their fill at the North American International Auto show in Detroit this year, as Mopar has just announced the unveiling of a 2012 Fiat 500 and Chrysler 200 Super S featuring accessories from the high-performance division of the American automaker.
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2012 Mazda5 GT Review
Friday, January 07, 2011
We've all heard this one before. When a product is a commercial success, you shouldn't mess with it. Some things can go on forever without change, but some others must look and feel new without straying away from the original concept.
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Auto123.com's 2010 Year in Review - Change is in the air!
Friday, December 31, 2010
As we turn the page on 2010, it's time to review the most talked-about headlines and events from the automotive world over the past twelve months. Without a doubt, the theme of the year was ''change.'' We witnessed the transformation of what we've all been used to in recent years and decades as automakers and the industry as a whole announced and carried out significant changes to their products, processes and philosophies.
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2011 BMW 535i Review
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
BMW recently issued the sixth-generation of its esteemed 5-Series sedan. This rendition of the mid-size German is slightly larger than its predecessor and possibly more stylish too.
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2012 Mazda5 Preview
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
When the Mazda5 first appeared in 2006, it was the sole inhabitant of its category, since it really didn't have any direct competitors. Although vehicles of its type were popular in Asia, the Mazda5 was the first to introduce a compact, 3-row, fuel-efficient vehicle in North America. Since then, it's been joined by the Kia Rondo, with others like Ford Grand C-Max and the Chevrolet Orlando on the way.
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First 500 Special Edition Fiat 500s Sell Out in 12 Hours!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Chrysler Canada announced today that the 500 models of the Fiat 500 Prima Edizione were completely sold out in 12 hours. The cars became available to the public Wednesday at one minute after midnight and generated a lot of enthusiasm from the buyers wanting to acquire a unique model in counterpart of a $500 deposit.
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Mazda Canada Announces 2012 Mazda5 to Start at $21,795
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Mazda Canada today announced that the 2012 Mazda5 compact multi-activity vehicle will have a starting manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $21,795. The 2012 Mazda5 will go on sale in Canada early in January 2011.
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Chrysler Canada Announces Sale of Special Edition Fiat 500
Friday, November 19, 2010
Chrysler Canada is pleased to invite Canadian consumers to place a reservation for a limited edition version of the iconic Fiat 500. At 12:01 a.m. on November 23, Chrysler Canada will open up an online program for Canadians to reserve a Fiat 500 Prima Edizione model. A special production run of 500 vehicles will be offered to Canadians at www.fiatcanada.com for a $500 deposit.
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2010 LA Auto Show: 2012 Fiat 500
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Fiat is back in North America. Following a strategic alliance with Chrysler, the Italian automaker just presented the North-American version of the 500 at the 2010 Los Angeles car show.
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2010 LA Auto Show: The 2012 Mazda5
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The 2012 Mazda5 made its North American debut in Los Angeles, showing mostly esthetic and utility improvements to attract the model's target customers: families.
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2011 Audi R8 Spyder First Impressions
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
The Audi R8 may have gone topless, but it proves just as exotic while delivering the same exhilarating performance. Still, as far as first impressions go, I have to admit that the ''Wow'' factor isn't quite as strong now. And I'm not just talking from an innocent bystander point of view; at the AJAC's TestFest, taking the R8 Spyder for a spin felt a lot less compelling for many journalists on hand.
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2011 Infiniti M56x AWD Review
Monday, May 23, 2011
As a flagship, the Infiniti M56x has a very serious job. Much like the signature dish at a famous restaurant, a flagship car's purpose is to blend everything its creators know about their craft into a single dish. As such, the M56x is concocted to offer up a top-notch blend of ingredients which include performance, luxury and technology.
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2011 Fiat 500 Preview
Monday, November 08, 2010
No other car has been talked about as much in Europe during the past three years. The 500 has won multiple awards and recognitions across the pond, including the European Car of the Year title in 2008 and the 2009 World Car Design of the Year. It also has been offered in various different special editions, such as the Barbie version, the Abarth Esseesse, the Ferrari Version as well as the 500 Pink.
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Mazda to unveil all-new Mazda5 and Mazda Shinari Concept at 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Mazda North American Operations will debut the all-new North American version of the popular Mazda5 multi-activity vehicle at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Since its launch in 2005, Mazda5 has redefined the compact van by offering seating for six (US version) in three easily configurable rows, as well as styling and dynamics simply not found in any other vehicle in this segment. Furthermore, the original Mazda5 was the first compact van with two sliding rear doors. This type of insight and fun to drive engineering is found in all Mazdas, and is defined by the term "Zoom-Zoom."
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2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo Review
Monday, November 08, 2010
BMW seems to be on a quest to create new vehicle categories. The mean monster X6 is a sport-utility vehicle for us, but not for its creator, which calls it a Sports Activity Coupe. With the arrival of the 5-Series Gran Turismo, BMW is taking another shot at producing a unique type of vehicle.
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2010 Supercar comparative test (video)
Monday, November 22, 2010
It's not often, at least here in the cold desolate North, that we get to see a grouping of cars such as those found in this evaluation. In fact, so rare and expensive are some of these cars that this was the first time that I had actually gotten the opportunity to sit in one, let alone drive it.
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2011 Infiniti QX56 to Deliver 'Inspired Performance' at 2010 TIFF
Thursday, September 09, 2010
MISSISSAUGA, ON - Today, Infiniti Canada announced an agreement that will provide CTV's etalk with additional fleet support for its extensive coverage of the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), running September 9-20, 2010. In total, five all-new 2011 QX56s will be used to carry etalk staff and equipment throughout the city as they bring daily coverage of the famous festival to Canadian viewers.
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2011 Infiniti QX56 Review
Friday, September 03, 2010
I normally don't like huge vehicles like this QX56. They are challenging to park, costly to fuel up and when you're behind the wheel of one, people make you feel like you're a shameless polluter. But when it's time to go road tripping with the kids during vacation time, a big SUV like this Infiniti makes life a lot easier.
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2011 BMW 550i Review
Friday, November 12, 2010
Except for the controversial, eyelash-batting looks of the last-generation model, the 5-Series is a car that BMW seems to nail iteration after iteration.
This machine has long been held in high esteem by enthusiasts for its driving dynamics, looks and luxury, and it's one of Germany's staple automotive exports. Like it or not, the 5-Series is also a car that sets a standard by which numerous others are measured.
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Mazda releases a 4WD Mazda5 in Japan
Friday, August 06, 2010
HIROSHIMA, Japan--Mazda Motor Corporation has released a four-wheel-drive (4WD) version of the all-new Mazda Premacy (known overseas as the all-new Mazda5), a stylish, versatile and uniquely functional seven-seat minivan.
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30th anniversary of the Renault 5 Turbo
Friday, July 16, 2010
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the creation of the stunning Renault 5 Turbo, a R5 on steroids that captured several overall wins in the World Rally Championship.
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Audi V10 takes on Porsche flat-6 twin-turbo
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Here's another video to tantalize your eardrums. This time, we pit the Porsche to a 2010 Audi R8 5.2 to find out which engine melody gives us more chills. In this attack, the cars are evenly matched price, power and prestige-wise. In-house, we're torn between the V10 burble and the flat-6 warble. What do you guys like?
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Ferrari 599 GTO: new pictures released
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, it's the first new GTO from Ferrari in 26 years. Weighing in at about 1,750 kilograms, and powered by a 48-valve, 6.0-litre V12 that develops 661 horses and 457 pound-feet of torque, the 599 GTO should be the fastest street-legal Ferrari ever sold.
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2011 BMW 550i Sedan Review
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Auto journalists must remain as neutral as possible. People often say that we criticize certain models just for the sake of criticizing, but that is simply not the case. Our expertise allows us to shed light on a number of elements and potential problems that may or may not seem obvious to the average customer who goes for a 15-minute test drive. Our job is to help potential buyers make an educated choice.
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The Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione, limited edition model only for the U.S.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Fiat fans attending the annual convention of the Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited were given a special surprise when the head of Fiat North America arrived at their closing dinner and made them an exclusive offer. These long-time enthusiasts of the Fiat brand and vehicles, some for almost 27 years, were given the first opportunity to place reservations and select their vehicle build number for the unique Fiat Cinquecento 'Prima Edizione' (First Edition) model. A total of 500 of these collector-edition Fiat 500 models will be sold in the United States.
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2-cylinder Fiat 500: small car meets small engine
Friday, July 09, 2010
If you're a big block fan or believe that there is no replacement for displacement, stop reading now... The future of the automobile will not please you. I'm warning you, stop now...
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Luxury Sedan Feature
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
The luxury sedan niche is particularly diverse and offers a wide array of models - and prices! The very definition of this type of car varies from one consumer to the next. So much so that some buyers associate the Toyota Avalon with this category, with an asking price of a little over $40,000, while others think of nothing less than the sumptuous BMW 7 Series, whose price largely exceeds $100,000.
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Audi goes Gymkhana!
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Of late, the word gymkhana seems synonymously linked to Ken Block and his Subaru. In fact, gymkhana means literally means "car rodeo". In practical terms, it stands for a car event that has a start and finish line and features some form of obstacle somewhere in between.
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Crossover Special!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Crossovers are the modern evolution of traditional sport utility vehicles -- kind of new-millennium four-wheel Swiss knives! Over the past few years, this type of vehicle has gotten more and more diversified technically as well as aesthetically. In some cases, they even copy certain parts of passenger cars. No wonder consumers often get confused!
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2010 Infiniti FX50S Review
Monday, June 28, 2010
The radically-styled first-generation Infiniti FX took the industry, the media and consumers by surprise. A few years later, everyone wondered if the company would push the envelope even further for the encore. Well, I'm here to report that version 2.0 brings extreme styling to the table... and then some.
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Mega Gallery: BMW 5 Series Touring
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Here's the 5 Series we won't have here in North America, instead, we have the funny-looking 5 Series Gran Tursimo. Take a look at what we're missing.
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2011 Infiniti QX56 First Impressions
Friday, May 21, 2010
Louisville, Kentucky -- Kentucky is every horseman's paradise. Hundreds of owners and jockeys make the annual trip to Louisville's Churchill Downs to take part in the prestigious Kentucky Derby. During the event, the backyards of the legendary horse track become a luxury SUV heaven, with most vehicles pulling trailers and other equipment. You wouldn't believe the number of Escalades, Expeditions, Navigators, Q7s, Tahoes and Cayennes on site.
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A New Project To Celebrate The 500,000 Fiat 500 City Cars
Friday, April 30, 2010
Just 31 months since the launch of the popular supermini, the brand is celebrating reaching the half-million mark with a special showcar, called Fiat 500 Thousandth. The car will feature an unusual contribution from owners, as it will be entirely covered by 1500 photos displaying the faces of Fiat 500 customers, celebrities and fans.
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News & Events Multimedia
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Gone is the dash-mounted flower vase in the latest version of Volkswagen's Bug. Gone too is much of its cutesiness, replaced by a notable degree of sportiness intended to broaden the Beetle's target market by attracting male attention.
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Car Reviews
Consumer Car Ratings
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