Tag Archives: Motor Trend

Automobiles

<i>Consumer Reports</i> buys Tesla Model S. Yes, we're jealous

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By Danny King

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Lucky them. That’s our opinion of Consumer Reports, which really took one for the team by taking delivery of its Tesla Model S last week. The organization is noted for purchasing most of the vehicles it tests rather than reviewing ones loaned to them by manufacturers.

The institute groused about waiting for more than two years after paying its $5,000 deposit to receive the goods. While the car’s base price is $57,400, Consumer Reports managed to jack that up to an $89,650 tab by opting for the largest 85-kwh battery pack (good for a 265-mile single-charge range) as well as leather interior, air suspension and other goodies. The publication also complimented Tesla for making the purchase possible without a dealer visit – the car, which won 2012 Car of the Year golden calipers from Motor Trend, was ultimately delivered on a flatbed.

Of course, it remains to be seen how Consumer Reports rates the Model S. CR is a tough judge, and the publication notably bought a Fisker Karma extended-range plug-in hybrid last year, only to have it die with less than 200 miles on it. Naturally, that led to a rather harsh assessment of the $107,000 model. We’re hoping – and predicting – the Tesla will fare a lot better.

Continue reading Consumer Reports buys Tesla Model S. Yes, we’re jealous

Consumer Reports buys Tesla Model S. Yes, we’re jealous originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Automobiles

Video: <i>Motor Trend</i> pits SRT Viper against Chevy Corvette ZR1

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By Jeffrey N. Ross

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Last month, Motor Trend took over Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to perform one of the first head-to-head comparisons between the current Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and its newly redesigned nemesis, the SRT Viper. We’ve already gone over the article and amazing photographs of this epic all-American battle, and now, MT has provided a video of the deed in its latest “Head 2 Head” installment.

As we’ve already reported, not only did the ‘Vette come out victorious when it came to lapping Laguna Seca, but it also set a new track record for a production car with a time of 1:33.70 beating the previous time by 0.2 seconds and beating the Viper by more than two seconds. In straight-line performance, both cars ran an identical 11.4 seconds in a quarter mile sprint. In the video, MT‘s drivers point out that the ZR1 has better braking and cornering on the track while the Viper’s raw power and rough ride were mentioned on multiple occasions. One of the interesting notes is that the video points out the “deafening” cabin noise and “rock-hard” seats in the Viper, but SRT responded by saying both issues will be fixed by the time the car goes on sale.

Scroll down to watch the whole video showing both the Viper and the ‘Vette tackle one of the toughest tracks in the country.

Continue reading Motor Trend pits SRT Viper against Chevy Corvette ZR1

Motor Trend pits SRT Viper against Chevy Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Automobiles

Video: Lucra LC470 is the wildest car you've never heard of

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By Seyth Miersma

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It may very well be that you’ve never heard of boutique carmaker Lucra, nor its rather incredible LC470 roadster, but after watching this recent Motor Trend video detailing the car, you’ll probably want to learn more.

Green Goblin styling to the side for a moment, a curb weight of less than 2,000 pounds and output of more than 600 horsepower are both impressive stats. Perhaps more impressive is the sound that the blistering car makes when driven in anger.

Click below, watch, drool and enjoy. We’ll be busy on our end, too, trying to get the Lucra folks on the phone about a test drive, and inquiring about the still-more-bonkers car they’re apparently planning for release this summer.

Continue reading Lucra LC470 is the wildest car you’ve never heard of

Lucra LC470 is the wildest car you’ve never heard of originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Automobiles

2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Uncovered Before Detroit Debut

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By Darryl

It is rather inevitable that we get to catch a glimpse at many vehicles before their official debut at an upcoming auto show, especially in knowing the nature of the internet. With that said, the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG gets a reveal on one of Benz’ global press sites before the Detroit Auto Show debut. The photo also includes the full line of E-Class vehicles for the 2014 model year, including the new E-Class Sedan, Coupe, Convertible and Wagon.

Thanks to Motor Trend, we already know what to expect under the hood of the menacing E63 AMG, a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 with around 570 to 575 horsepower. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a 7-speed wet clutch automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system featuring a 33/67 front-rear power split. Working together, the AMG drivetrain should push the E63 AMG to 60 mph in about 3.4 seconds.

More details will unfold next week as the official debut of the new Mercedes-Benz E Class and E63 AMG takes place.

Source: Daimler

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts