Lotus Has Added Lightness with the Exige Sport 350

Lotus Exige Sport 350. All images courtesy of Lotus.

Anyone who knows Lotus is aware that the British Automaker doesn't make its cars fast by dropping a huge V-8 engine under the hood. Instead, the philosophy Lotus has prescribed to is adding lightness to a car to increase speed, not just pouring more horsepower and torque at the situation. The latest example of this idea in action is the new Lotus Exige Sport 350.

6 Ways You Are Prematurely Killing Your Car without Realizing

2013 Dodge Journey. Image courtesy of Dodge.

For most people, a car is their second biggest investment. It is a reliable form of transportation that takes them anywhere they want. And yet, many treat their car as any other regular appliance. Sure, the elements can be tough on your car, but your bad habits might be making things worse than bad weather.

How Popular Will Autonomous Motorcycles Be?

Image courtesy of Harley Davidson

Most people likely aren't aware that Google and a handful of others are testing out using autonomous drive technology for motorcycles. While that might sound crazy, it would mean a whole host of innovations that bring up some exciting possibilities, as well as some drawbacks.

It's Back to the Future Day!

Few movies have affected popular culture and generated so much interest in what would otherwise have been an obscure vehicle quite like the Back to the Future trilogy. A lot of people are celebrating the movie today, from a town in California holding a festival to Toyota releasing some special videos based on the movie.

What a Mysterious Car Fire Reveals About Electric Vehicle Technology

Tesla Model S. Photo courtesy of Tesla Motors.

Just over the weekend, a car at a Ken Garff dealership in Orem, Utah mysterious caught fire. It was given a little mention on the news here, with people wondering if someone was trying to vandalize vehicles on the lot. According to the news, the local police don't think it was a case of arson, and that's where the whole issue gets interesting.

Acura Releases Amazing Safety-Centric Commercial

Image courtesy of Acura.

I'll be honest, even as a "car guy" I find most car commercials to be... well, boring. How many times do I have to see a vehicle power around the turns on a sweeping California coastal highway? Why do I care what a luxury SUV looks like powering down a somehow-empty Manhattan street? When will I ever be using a pickup truck to round up wild horses in the Texas desert?

Then I saw the latest commercial from Acura, and it really got to me.

Check Out the New BMW M2!

2016 BMW M2. Photos courtesy of BMW.

Lately a lot of people have been down on BMW, from weird designs to bloated and heavy cars and even the deletion of manual transmissions from certain models. Quite a few accusations have been flying around that The Ultimate Driving Machine is becoming a misnomer.

Why Honda Has Lost My Business

2012 Honda Odyssey. Image courtesy of Honda.

My first car was a Honda, way back when I was in high school and a new driver. It wasn't a glamorous thing, but despite having been totaled twice and being three different colors, it ran like a champion. Sure, the dash lights no longer came on, I had to insert the turn signal stalk into the steering column just so for the signals to even work and it shook like a leaf when going over 50 mph. Despite all those problems, the car was actually fairly fun to drive and never left me stranded.

London-Sydney Marathon Porsche 911 S

All photos courtesy of  Porsche.

Back in 1968 Porsche did something really gutsy. These days, we all know that the company can go a little nuts with its vehicles, especially when it comes to motorsports, making them undeniably awesome. But back in the day Porsche was small and its crazy side wasn't well-known. Then the London-Sydney Marathon rally was held.

The 2012 Volkswagen GTI

2012 VW GTI. Photo courtesy of Volkswagen.

The 2012 Volkswagen GTI is the German automaker’s hot hatchback vehicle, providing aggressive looks and sound along with performance thrills. Based on the Golf platform, the GTI comes with large 18-inch alloy wheels and either two or four doors. The car provides a smooth and quiet ride, with road noise levels matching those found in some luxury vehicles. Volkswagen provides a fun car that is still practical to drive on a daily basis, commuting in comfort down both highways and city streets.

The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban

2012 Chevrolet Suburban. Images courtesy of Chevrolet. 

The 2012 Chevy Suburban offers a cavernous interior that can seat up to nine people, if outfitted with the optional bench seat in the front row. All three rows of seating come with plenty of shoulder, hip and legroom that can accommodate even tall adults. LTZ models come with bucket seats for the first two rows, meaning the Suburban can only seat seven occupants. The rear cargo area is humongous with 137 total cubic feet that can hold even larger pieces of furniture, outclassing other full-size SUVs.

The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe

2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. Images courtesy of Chevrolet.

The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe is a traditional full-size SUV, complete with a box-frame construction like Chevy’s Silverado pickup truck. Because of its design, the Tahoe is just as comfortable ambling down freeways or city streets as it is trudging through muddy or snow off-road trails. Occupants enjoy a taller ride-height than in crossover vehicles or minivans. Still, the Tahoe offers a very smooth ride and plenty of comforts that will make occupants forget they are riding in a truck.

Toyota Hinting That the C-HR Will See Production

Toyota C-HR Concept. Photos courtesy of Toyota.

Toyota lately has been getting pretty bold with its designs, which are gravitating more and more toward what one would expect only from concept vehicles. Nissan's been doing something similar, but for the most part automakers have been avoiding this kind of a strategy, choosing instead to play follow the leader.

Volkswagen Is Working On a New Image

2016 Volkswagen e-Golf. Images courtesy of VW.

Volkswagen's public image is a bloodied, disgusting mess as it should be. After all, it's not everyday that an automaker has systematically gamed governments around the globe, putting everyone's health at risk in the process. It will be living the whole Dieselgate scandal down for years to come, which is exactly why VW needs to work extra hard on creating a new image.

Jaguar Land Rover Working On Several Electric Vehicles

Photos courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover

While everyone's raving about the new Tesla Model X, few people took note of another important announcement in the quest to electrify SUVs: Jaguar Land Rover is working on several concept models that could one day lead to an electric off-road machine.

Chevrolet's New Commercial Highlights What's Wrong With Modern Connectivity

Chevrolet just launched a new commercial called Woodchipper. While the automaker is using it to highlight a great feature that comes in its vehicles, it's also inadvertently showing off what's wrong with modern connectivity.

Mini Has Truly Lost Its Way

2015 Mini Cooper S. Photo courtesy of BMW.

Mini has completely lost its way. You can blame it on BMW management, stupidity, greed, groupthink or whatever else, but the fact of the matter is that the brand has forgotten what made it great. It's not the first time an automaker has done this (cough, cough, Honda) and it's not something Mini can't correct, it's just that I don't see anything changing in the near future. In fact, things seem to be getting worse.

Volvo Starts Construction on First Factory in the USA

Image courtesy of Volvo.

I won't lie, I like Volvo. I've owned a few Volvos in my time and have seriously considered buying more in the near future. The company places a big emphasis on safety, and having been in two wrecks in Volvos, I can personally attest to how good the Swedes are at delivering on that. There are other things that I loved about my Volvos, but that's another post for another time. Today, I'm writing about a big event for the company: its first factory in the United States.

Ten Alternative Fuels for Vehicles

2016 Nissan Leaf charging port. Photo courtesy of Nissan. 

A growing number of drivers don’t like how dependent modern society is on gasoline. The fact is that gasoline use comes with many drawbacks. The prices can be volatile, meaning another gas crises could pop up at just about any time. Gasoline also produces quite a bit of air pollution when it's burned, which in turn triggers a number of other problems that affect everyone. There is also the issue that oil is often obtained from areas of the world where there is much political and social strife, which is why some people want to utilize energy sources that are closer to home.

What Not to do After a Car Accident

Photo courtesy of Volvo

Fortunately for most drivers, car accidents are an occasional thing. Most people don't want to think about getting into an accident because they can be scary, but by not thinking about such a situation they put themselves at risk. You need to know what to avoid doing immediately after an accident on the road, because what you do in the moments after your car is wrecked can follow you for some time afterward. The following items are all things people commonly do, even though some are dangerous or even illegal.

The 2013 SRT Viper: The Snake Strikes Back

2013 SRT Viper - images courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Chrysler took a short hiatus from producing its wonderfully potent Viper sports car, but for the 2013 model year the company brough the Viper back, causing a big wave in the industry. The car was housed under the SRT brand, which caused quite a bit of confusion since the earlier Vipers were Dodges. The changes didn’t stop there, with the Viper being completely redesigned for a more modern high-performance driving experience both on the road and on the track, while thankfully still retaining some of the raw and unbridled aspects of the car.

What to Look for in a Green Car

Lexus CT200h. Photo courtesy of Lexus.

Many car shoppers are looking for a greener car than the one they currently drive. For some it's about feeling like they are making a difference when it comes to the environment, while for others the desire for a green car is about saving money on fuel and other costs related to car ownership. Some car shoppers are concerned about dependence on foreign oil and its socio-political ramifications. There is also the benefit of various government purchasing incentives for certain types of vehicles that draw in buyers. Whatever your personal reason for purchasing a green vehicle, there are certain things you need to look for when evaluating your options.

Horsepower Versus Torque: What’s the Difference?

Jaguar F-Type R Coupe. Image courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover.

Unless you are a big car enthusiast or an engineer, you likely have no idea what the difference is between a vehicle’s horsepower and torque ratings. Sure, you see them listed all the time with a car’s specifications, and you know bigger numbers are better, but just what is the difference between the two ratings?

Did Volkswagen Make Fools of Us All?

2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI. Image courtesy of Volkswagen.

Just the other day, I posted on here a list of reasons to buy a diesel-powered car. Most people in the United States think of trucks when you talk about diesel, but I've repeatedly written about the many advantages of diesel cars, plus recommended them to friends and associates. Now, with the shocking new allegations against Volkswagen, I can't help but feel that the company made fools out of a lot of us.

Charging a Motorcycle Battery

Photo courtesy of BMW

When you leave a motorcycle sitting long enough without turning on the engine, the battery will lose its charge, just like in a car. If you don't want to deal with a dead battery and you aren't riding your motorcycle regularly, like when winter hits, you can still keep it ready to go at a moment's notice by charging the battery periodically.

Why You Should Buy a Diesel Car

2015 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel. Image courtesy of GM.

Diesel cars have gained a bad rap in the United States. When most Americans hear the term “diesel powered” they think of large trucks, machinery or heavy duty pickup trucks with plumes of smoke billowing out of their exhaust pipes. They also automatically assume diesels are slow and hard to find fuel for. Recent trends predict a sudden resurgence of diesel-powered passenger vehicles in the US. In fact, you can easily find a fair amount of pre-owned cars that are diesels.

The 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser

2013 Toyota Land Cruiser. Images courtesy of Toyota.

Shopping for used cars can be a frustrating process, which is why I'm beginning to offer some information on different models. If you're in the market for an incredibly capable and luxurious SUV, you can't really go wrong with the Toyota Land Cruiser (assuming it fits into your budget).

How to Make Your Car Last

Image courtesy of General Motors

Cars cost quite a lot of money, not only to buy but also to maintain. By maintaining your car properly, whether you do it through your car dealership, a private shop or at your home, you will save money by avoiding at least some major problems as well as extending the overall life of your car. By enjoying more years without car payments or large mechanical problems, you can stretch your money further. Of course there are some specific ways to accomplish this goal, so read on to find out what they are.

Mercedes As Art

Mercedes-Benz F015 concept. All photos courtesy of Daimler.

Mercedes teamed up with artist Sarah Illenberger to create some one-of-a-kind art. When I first heard about this, I thought it would be another art car project, which I see all the time, and are usually pretty mundane. Instead I was blow away, because the results are something you have to see to believe.

Driving Safely in Fog

2015 Mercedes G-Class. Image courtesy of Daimler.

One of the most dangerous conditions to drive in is fog. Most people don't think about the risks until they are in the middle of a foggy area, and then they panic and do things that actually put them even more at risk. Having your visibility while driving reduced by a considerable amount is certainly concerning, but if you keep your head about you and follow these tips, you should come out of the situation without any problems.

Avoiding Car Fires

Experiencing a car far is something nobody wants to go through. Your vehicle at any given time carries a tank of several gallons of highly combustible fuel, plus other fluids and materials that can be consumed by a fire rather quickly. Getting out of a car that has caught fire without receiving any bodily harm is harder than it might sound, so the best thing to do is take steps to avoid the possibility that your car will catch fire in the first place.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger

Dodge has been heating up the pony car market with its high-performance Challenger coupe. For 2012 the Dodge Challenger features the kind of performance and comfort car buyers have grown to expect from the vehicle. Incorporating even more modern technology, Dodge now offers models with automatic transmissions with steering wheel mounted shift paddles similar to what’s used in many race cars.

The 2012 Nissan GT-R

There’s a reason why the 2012 GT-R is known internally at Nissan as “Godzilla” – it is a monstrous performer both on the road and track. The car offers an aggressive and unique styling that is reminiscent of the old Nissan Skyline models and that will surely make a statement wherever it goes. The best part of the Nissan GT-R is that it offers mind-blowing performance that rivals cars costing two or three times as much.

The 2012 Ford Escape

The 2012 Ford Escape represents the American automaker’s compact crossover, providing a small and maneuverable vehicle that also packs the utility of much larger SUVs. With the proper equipment, the Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The Escape comes with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive to handle inclement weather or curvy roads.

Preventing Road Rage

For years road rage has been highlighted in the media. When tempers have flared on the road, property has been damaged and people have been seriously injured or even killed. Thanks to an increasing number of individuals carrying phones that can record video, now more than ever we can see the dramatic effects of drivers losing their cool.

Mazda Reclaims the Miata Heritage

Mazda first rocked the world 26 years ago when it introduced the Miata MX-5. The car promised all the fun of a small roadster, without the headaches of the old classics from other manufacturers. Since then, the Miata has become a favorite of many enthusiasts, accumulating a dedicated base of fans. With the 2016 model a new generation of the vehicle launches, and this time around the car gets back to the basics that first made it great.

Going on a Road Trip? Take These Essential Items

Road trips are an economical way to travel long distances. Airfares continue to climb and security measures continue to limit what you can take on a airplane. Road tripping also allows you to see more of the country and maybe even have an unplanned adventure or two along the way.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler

2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Photos courtesy of Jeep.

Most people know the Jeep Wrangler is one of the toughest and most capable off-road vehicles in the world. What many people don’t realize is that the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is not only capable of traversing tough trails, but it is also a comfortable cruiser both in the city and on the highway. Despite the Wrangler’s good road manners, it still hasn’t lost its tough edge as a no-nonsense truck.

The 2013 Scion FR-S

2013 Scion FR-S. Photos courtesy of Scion.

Japanese automaker Toyota has jumped back into the business of making fun cars with the Scion FR-S. The car is a small, lightweight and features rear-wheel-drive. Making it even more of a joy to drive, the car’s weight is fairly evenly distributed and handling is tight with the car overall providing a fun driving experience.

Ways Car Owners Waste Money

Owning a car is not only liberating but it can also be a source of extra expenses. While there are some costs associated with owning a car that you cannot avoid, such as registration fees or insurance premiums, there are other expenses you can minimize. Knowing the common ways car owners waste their money helps lower the cost of owning and driving your own car, increasing the amount of money you have in your savings or to pay other expenses.

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat

German automaker Volkswagen has completely redesigned the Passat midsize sedan. The car was designed in Germany, but it is manufactured in Chattanooga, Tennessee and has been designed to suit American needs and wants. The result is a compelling sedan for both families and those who want a car with more room and higher-end features.

The 2013 Ford Fusion

Ford has completed redesigned the popular Fusion for the 2013 model year. The most striking change to anyone is the car’s appearance. The 2013 Fusion’s body features sweeping lines from front to rear bumper, as well as a prominent and aggressive-looking grill. The car is slightly longer and wider than the 2012 model, providing more interior space and greater stability on the road.

The 2012 Nissan Leaf

2012 Nissan Leaf. Photos courtesy of Nissan

Nissan jumped into the electric car arena with the Leaf, the compact hatchback providing average people a way to skip gas pumps altogether. Unlike the hybrid cars on the market which use a combination of an electric motor and a gasoline engine, the 2012 Nissan Leaf has only one motor and runs solely on electric power. The car provides a driving experience that closely mirrors that of driving a gas-powered car, including a brisk acceleration ability that comes in handy when merging on the freeway, tight handling dynamics as well as a top speed of 90 mph.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500

2013 Ford Shelby GT500. Photos courtesy of Ford.

Carroll Shelby became an automotive legend by making cars that were lightweight and featured engines with mind-blowing output. It seems fitting that one of his last creations, the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, is making huge waves in the world of cars. Based on Ford’s Mustang, the GT500 amps up the performance aspects of the car, going well beyond a thunderous engine.

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner

When it comes to the 2012 4Runner, Toyota offers an SUV with serious off-road capabilities. The vehicle’s body-on-frame construction is something of a rarity in today’s world where more and more SUVs are becoming increasingly car-like. Toyota further bolsters the 4Runner’s ability to tackle heavy snow, mud and small bodies of water by outfitting it with a traction control system designed for off-road conditions, skid plates, a full-size spare tire, hill-descent and hill-hold assistance systems, off-road tires and locking differentials. Trail and Limited models come with a suspension system that can disconnect the front and rear stabilizer bars to handle especially tricky off-road conditions.

Car Automatic Braking Systems

An increasing number of vehicles on the market are coming equipped with automatic braking systems. Consumers might not understand what these systems do or how they function, leading to considerable confusion.

The 2012 Range Rover Evoque

2012 marks the first model year for Land Rover’s new Range Rover Evoque crossover SUV. Size-wise, the Evoque sits between the LR4 and the LR2. Even though the Evoque shares a chassis with the LR2, its longer body makes it a larger vehicle. The Evoque is designed to offer a friendlier city driving experience than provided by other Land Rovers—a brand that is known for its excellent off-road vehicles.

The 2012 Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S. Images courtesy of Tesla Motors.

The 2012 Tesla Model S is the electric luxury car that has proven many a critic wrong as it converts even more people into electric car believers. The Model S comes with stunning good looks both on the outside and in, along with the feel of an internal combustion car and the same modern conveniences.

The 2013 Dodge Dart

2013 marks the return of the Dodge Dart. After a long hiatus from the car market, times have changed and fortunately the Dart has changed with them. The car marks a new direction for Dodge. Gone are the cheap plastic interior components from the Neon and Caliber, as well as numb handling characteristics and questionable exterior build quality.

The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

Though Volkswagen is not a luxury brand, the 2012 Tiguan compact SUV offers an almost luxury vehicle experience without the large price tag. Like its Audi siblings, the Tiguan comes with high-end features such as optional LED daytime running lights, headlights that pivot up to 15 degrees to illuminate corners in the road, a panoramic sunroof that stretches over both rows of seating inside the vehicle and optional automatic wipers that sense the presence of moisture on the windshield and adjust their speed accordingly. An optional Dynaudio stereo system is also available, with a 300-watt receiver, eight speakers, and digital sound processing technology that helps drown out any road noise so the music sounds clear even when traveling down the freeway.

The 2013 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is a real American icon, and the 2013 model earns every bit of the Mustang’s reputation. In fact, the 2013 Ford Mustang is one of the best values for anyone who wants a thrilling ride they can also drive around town on a regular basis.

The 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo

Since it first debuted in the 1974 model year, the Turbo has been a popular version of the venerable Porsche 911 lineup. The 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo still provides the thrilling performance the world has come to expect from the model, thanks in part to its twin-turbos that work with 3.8 liter six cylinder Boxer engine for a peak output of 500 horsepower and 480 pound-foot of torque. Turbo S models receive additional tuning, resulting in 530 horsepower and 516 pound-foot of torque.

The 2012 Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA represents the pinnacle of Lexus engineering and performance. On the outside, the LFA is wrapped in a body that communicates the car’s aggressive and athletic nature. Since a very limited number of the car was made, anyone lucky enough to own one is part of a highly exclusive club many other car enthusiasts would kill to be a part of. 

Aftermarket Car ECU Tuning

A little over two decades ago ECUs or electronic control units were introduced to passenger vehicles. ECUs drastically changed how modern cars operate, making them more efficient in the production of power, pollution control and fuel consumption. A car’s ECU manages multiple aspects of the engine’s combustion process as well as several other functions. In fact the tasks a car’s ECU performs have steadily increased over time.

Inexpensive Ways to Make Your Car Greener

Most people want to go green, whether it's for an intrinsic value of helping the environment or a desire to save money, or maybe a mixture of the two. While there are plenty of ways to decrease your environmental impact at home, there are also ways to make your car greener. Despite what some think, you don't have to purchase an expensive hybrid model to make this a reality. In fact, there are some incredibly inexpensive ways to improve the efficiency of any vehicle, from an aging compact coupe all the way to a large diesel pickup truck.

The 2013 Subaru BRZ

2013 Subaru BRZ - Photos courtesy of Subaru

The 2013 Subaru BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive coupe that provides plenty of thrills for a budget price. Unlike other driver’s cars that have gained expensive luxury options that have also inflated their price tags, the BRZ provides an exhilarating driving experience for a much smaller monthly payment.

Summer Car Emergency Kits

2015 Porsche Boxster Spyder - image courtesy of Porsche

The Boy Scout motto to always be prepared is actually solid advice for everyday life. You never know when your plans can be dramatically changed by a series of unforeseen events. At the very least you might be inconvenienced, and at the worst you could lose your life. One area where you need to be especially prepared is when you take to the road during the summer months.

Tips for Purchasing a Salvage Vehicle

Purchasing a vehicle with a salvage title can be an excellent way to save money. While it's true that salvage vehicles can sell for thousands less than a comparable car with a clean title, you can also find yourself in a world of financial hurt if you don't know what you are doing. 

How You Waste Money on Your Car

For most people, their car is one of the biggest assets and liabilities they own. While some talk about a car as an investment, in reality they depreciate in value over time (with very few exceptions) and they constantly require care and maintenance. It's easy to become wrapped up in keeping your car in "perfect" condition, whether to maintain your image or to avoid maintenance problems further down the road. While some activities and items for your car are well worth the cost, there are others that are a complete waste. Read on so you can avoid throwing away money on your car.

Signs Your Transmission is Wearing Out

Every car uses a transmission to send the engine's power to the wheels. A transmission is a highly complex piece of machinery, which in turn means that purchasing a new one is typically pretty expensive. Transmissions do not normally wear out overnight, but instead fail over a long period of time. Knowing the warning signs that your transmission is ailing can help you possibly nurse it along a little more, or at the very least prepare you for the inevitable.

This Is Why School Buses Should Have Seatbelts

When I was a kid, I learned that buckling up saved lives. Before then, quite a few cars didn't even come with seatbelts, which today is pretty much unthinkable. I remember using lap belts, something I today know are actually pretty dangerous.

Watch This Before You Buy the Mazda5

2015 Mazda5, image courtesy of Mazda

People ask me for car shopping advice all the time. One of the biggest questions I get asked is what car a person should purchase. The longer I work in the industry, the more I understand that there are pluses and minuses to any vehicle choice, and they go beyond factors that most people think about upfront.

Enough With the Tesla Fanatics!

Photos courtesy of Tesla Motors

I like Tesla Motors, I really do. Every time I see a Model S on the roads around here (which lately seems to be just about every other day) I stop and stare longer than normal and point it out to my kids. What Elon Musk has accomplished the past several years has been amazing and is commendable on many levels. 

Still, I'm getting tire of all the Tesla fanatics. 

Is Ford the Copycat Automaker?

Back in its heyday, Ford was responsible for some rather iconic vehicle designs, such as the original Thunderbird and the Mustang. These days the Blue Oval's designs are more infamous than breathtaking, because a growing number of people are accusing the company of outright stealing designs from other automakers.

Tesla Loses in Utah

Tesla Model S - photo courtesy of Tesla Motors

Just a quick update: you still can't buy a Tesla car here in Utah. I've lived in Utah for well over a decade and used to be under the impression that people here were all about free markets. That perception has changed in recent years as I've realized that such talk isn't as prevalent as I had previously thought.

Tesla Model S P85D Versus Ferrari F12

By now everyone's see the video of the Tesla Model S P85D spanking a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat on a dragstrip. While the win was a result of the Dodge driver's goof, it was still historic since it set a new quarter mile world record for an electric car. The Tesla's back at it again on the same dragstrip, this time against a Ferrari F12

28 Reasons the 2015 Camaro Z/28 is a Road Racing Monster

2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 - photos courtesy of Chevrolet

The 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 has generated considerable buzz in the automotive world as it promises to be the most potent pony car General Motors has ever produced. While the model is impressive to drive on the road, in the end it was designed to be first and foremost a track machine. GM engineers concentrated on a number of features and innovations that make the car an incredible contender on just about any course. Following are 28 reasons why the new Camaro Z/28 is more of a track monster than the average person likely realizes.

BMW Gets Back Into the Game

With the Super Bowl approaching everyone is of course getting all excited about the most important part of the game: the commercials. I"m not just saying that because my team isn't in the showdown, but because there are many individuals who don't even like football yet they watch just for the ads. 

Ram Trucks Knows Its Market

I've gotta hand it to Ram Trucks. It has an incredibly savvy marketing mix that hones in on is target demographic like a Patriot Missile. If only the Chrysler brand had such direction.

Tesla Model S P85D Acceleration

Photo courtesy of Tesla Motors

Raphael Colantonio, a proud new owner of the Tesla Model S P85D, decided to show off his car to some friends. He also chose to have them video tape their experience as he accelerated quickly from a standstill. As you can see below, this man is a genius.

Tesla Versus Dodge Drag Race: My View

A video is spreading around the Internet like wildfire right now. It features a Tesla Model S P85D drag racing a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. The big deal is that the Tesla, which is an electric car, absolutely destroys the Challenger. Quite a few people without any real knowledge of both cars are throwing around ignorant, poorly-formed opinions about the race. Considering that and my expertise as an automotive writer, I cannot help but jump in and give my two cents, so here we go.

Brace Yourself: Toyota Has Found That Teenagers Drive Like Crap When Their Parents do the Same Thing!

You might want to pay attention while driving this! Photo credit Toyota.

Brace yourself, because I'm about to break some shocking news: Toyota through its Collaborative Safety Research Center, has concluded that there is a correlative relationship between bad teen drivers and their parents driving like crap as well.

Apparently Daimler Does Have a Sense of Humor

Being an automotive writer has its perks, but reading boring press releases isn't one of them. There are some shining stars out there, automakers who have writers that know how to make their press releases entertaining and still informative (they're all British, for the most part).

Tips for Driving Defensively

Always be aware of cyclists and pedestrians. Photo courtesy of Volvo.

Every day there are car accidents, with far too many ending in a serious injury or fatality. While nobody really wants to be in a wreck, the way you drive most definitely affects the chances that you will crash your car sometime in the future. Of course, there is no way to completely avoid getting into an accident since you cannot control how other drivers behave on the road. If more people would behave defensively on the road, there would be fewer dangerous situations and fewer wrecks.  Here are some tips on how you can start driving defensively.

Habits That Will Help Reduce Your Car Insurance Rates

Photo courtesy of Volvo

Drivers everywhere are trying to find every reasonable way to decrease their insurance rates. Each day ads run on television, radio, billboards, newspapers, and just about everywhere else, encouraging people to switch insurance providers and save money. Besides switching services, everyone knows that not receiving traffic citations or getting into accidents for long periods of time will help lower insurance costs. For that reason alone drivers should adopt some safety-minded habits to use every time they get behind the wheel. Incorporate these practices into your driving routine and you should enjoy savings on your insurance policy over the long run.

How to Not Load a Trailer

This is how you don't load a truck onto a trailer. If you plan on driving any vehicle up some ramps and onto a trailer, there are a few considerations you must take into account. These people forgot a key critical point.