Miles Branman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles discovered a passion for cars from an early age thanks to a friend whose father collected rare and exotic vehicles. His enthusiasm was stoked during his time at Boston University, when he started writing for Fast Lane Daily. After a short career in marketing for Northeast tech startups, Miles returned to California, and his primary passion: automotive. He has built and raced a Spec Miata (because racecar), loves compact hatchbacks and supercars equally, and can recognize a vehicle from 1,000 feet away by its taillights.
2019 BMW M2 Competition review
Though built for considerably less consumption than any of BMW's X-badged crossovers, the littlest M-tuned model is arguably the brand’s best. Compact, rear-wheel drive, straight-six-powered, and available with a six-speed manual transmission, the M2 Competition is physical evidence of Bavarian grit.
2019 Porsche Cayenne review
Porsche’s unenviable position is this: it must sufficiently advance the Cayenne’s luxury and technology features to stave off refreshed competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE while retaining the brilliant driving essence that built its brand. A week in the 2019 Cayenne ($66,750) tells all.
2019 Ferrari Portofino Review
Succeeding the polarizing California T, the 2019 Ferrari Portofino is the Italian automaker’s entry-level model, and its only convertible grand tourer. To compete against the Aston Martin DB11 Volante and the Bentley Continental GT Convertible, the Portofino must excel as both a driver’s car and cruiser.
2019 McLaren 720S and 600LT Spider first drive
When developing convertible models, McLaren targets the same performance, design, and functionality benchmarks of its coupes. To see how disruptive McLaren drop-tops have become, we ventured to Phoenix, AZ, where the new 600LT Spider ($256,500) and 720S Spider ($315,000) awaited a test on road and track.
2019 BMW i8 Roadster review
Though lacking the power of its similarly priced rivals, the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster relies on its outlandish bodywork and unparalleled efficiency. An updated battery promises more all-electric range and a small bump in output. Our review will help you decide if BMW's unusual hybrid sports coupe is for you.
2019 Mazda MX-5 RF review
Mazda has always ignored complaints, but for the 2019 model year, a concession has been made. A bump in output enhances the MX-5 Miata’s already entertaining character while maintaining its accessibility. Our test of the MX-5 RF gauges the sports car’s convenience, style, and handling against fierce competitors.
2019 Ram 1500 Review
The 2019 Ram 1500 continues its campaign for comfort with improved ride quality, better interior materials, and class-exclusive technologies. With the availability of a mild hybrid system for both V6 and V8 powertrains and cylinder deactivation, the truck also makes a critical efficiency play.
2019 Genesis G70 review
The 2019 Genesis G70 is Korea’s first attempt to take on the vaunted German trio of BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Competition doesn’t come much tougher than that, but Genesis came prepared with an upscale interior, well-tuned chassis, and available manual transmission.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Review
At a time when all-wheel drive, lower displacement, mid-engine layouts, and dual-clutch automatic transmissions are the norm of the supercar world, the 2019 Corvette ZR1’s front-mounted V8, manual gearbox, and rear drive platform stands in opposition. Is this the very best of a dying breed, or a lingering odor of antiquated technology?
2020 BMW 3 Series first drive review
43 years ago, BMW created the sport sedan segment and still owes the biggest chunk of its annual sales to the 3 Series, but judging by the current version, priorities appear to have changed. Before we declare BMW disloyal to its roots, however, we have a date with the 2019 330i and M340i xDrive in southern Portugal.
Aston Martin’s 1,000-hp Valkyrie will boast the Mona Lisa of the engine world
Aston Martin has released new details about the exterior, interior, and aerodynamics of its upcoming Valkyrie hypercar. It will be powered by a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain built around a new 6.5-liter, naturally-aspirated V12 engine tuned to generate 1,000 horsepower at a screaming 11,400 rpm.
Porsche turns the 700-hp 911 GT2 RS into the track car it deserves to be
Porsche revealed the 2018 911 GT2 RS, which boasts a 700-horsepower version of its 3.8-liter, flat-six engine. The most powerful production 911 is here, and it's as quick as it sounds. Porsche turned the dial up a notch at the Los Angeles Auto show with a Clubsport version developed exclusively with racing in mind.
2019 Jaguar I-Pace review
Very soon, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW (again), and Porsche will offer EV models, but it’s Jaguar that leaps first. At $70,495 (including destination), and with 234 miles of range, the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace directly challenges Tesla’s Model X 75D SUV ($84,000) and disadvantages future rivals.
2019 Audi A8 first drive review
For the last three generations, Audi’s A8 has trailed its main rivals — BMW’s 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class — in sales and prestige. Styled for impact and engineered for exceptional ride and handling, the fourth-generation A8 may finally disrupt the full-size luxury car market.
2019 McLaren 600LT First Drive
Following the F1 GTR and 675LT coupe and convertible, the 600LT is McLaren’s fourth long tail model and current ruler of its Sport Series range. Like its LT kin, the 600LT is lighter, more aerodynamic, more powerful, more driver-focused, better suited to track duty, and production-limited.
2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe first drive review
No longer tasked with simply enhancing Mercedes-Benz models, Mercedes-AMG now builds production vehicles from the ground up with an emphasis on track-capable performance. The GT 4-Door Coupe is the third from-scratch model by AMG and it looks to be a proper sports car with luxurious details.
2019 Cadillac XT4 first drive review
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is the American luxury brand’s first small SUV. Aimed at younger buyers, the XT4 is intended to be a nurturing product — something to introduce new customers and lead to future Cadillac sales. As such, it’s priced at an attractive $35,790 (including destination) and is offered with cutting-edge tech.
How to test a car battery
A dead battery can really ruin your day but, thankfully, it's an avoidable problem. Periodically checking a battery's voltage is an important part of car maintenance. In this article, we cover the basic process of testing a car battery including the tools required and the breakdown of voltage readings.
2019 Honda Pilot first-drive review
The current generation Honda Pilot excels by all measures, but is hindered by a modest design. For 2019, Honda steps up the Pilot’s style game while adding features and functionality to conquer the midsize crossover segment. Our first drive review tests the updated three-row on and off-road.
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody review
With competitors closing in on the Hellcat’s power, Dodge fires back with the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody, a better handling version of its ferocious feline. Wider tires and a stiffer suspension help the Hellcat fight the Ford Mustang GT350 and Chevy Camaro ZL1 on their home turf: the racetrack.
2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera first drive review
Aston Martin’s new DBS Superleggera assumes the mantle of flagship model, succeeding the beloved Vanquish S and taking Ferrari’s 812 Superfast head-on. The rear-drive coupe boasts phenomenal power, sultry design, and long-haul comfort to shame today’s best luxury vehicles. Long live the Super GT.
The Cullinan is truly the Rolls-Royce of SUVs
At a private event in Los Angeles, CA, Rolls-Royce showed off its first SUV. Built for wealthy families or executives, the Cullinan is a groundbreaking model for one of the most esteemed brands on earth. The SUV’s all-wheel drive system, hatchback design, and touchscreens are other firsts for Rolls-Royce.
2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ first drive review
Nuttier than the Project One hypercar and GT R track monster, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic + Wagon is the fusion of practicality and brute force. Is a 603-hp station wagon a doomed concept or the most incredible family hauler ever conceived? We find out with some road and track testing in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
2018 BMW X3 M40i review
Some would argue that BMW is not the automaker it once was – that its hunt for luxury market share has clouded its original vision, to build the “ultimate driving machine.” To uncover the truth, we saddle up in BMW’s X3 M40i for a week of corner carving, cruising, and cargo hauling.
2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro review
Toyota’s range-topping Tacoma combines beefier hardware with smarter software for impressive off-road capability, but is it enough to keep up with Chevrolet’s Colorado ZR2 and Jeep’s new Wrangler Rubicon. In this 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Review, we put the hardcore taco to the test.
2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo review
The 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo is a vehicle of sheer excess – of sheet metal, horsepower, sophisticated technology, premium details, and characters in its name. Taking on the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon and Jaguar XF Sportbrake, Porsche’s wagon must prove its excess is worth its excessive price.
