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Latest by Peter Braun

VW Car-Net Passat dash macro

Volkswagen RNS review

Volkswagen doesn't seem to care that much about infotainment, and it shows. The company’s infotainment system is slow, difficult to use, and doesn't look very good. In fact, its best quality is that it allows parents to spy on their children.
2015 Acura RDX first drive front angle 2

Joyride: 2015 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX has a lot of good features: a silky smooth, efficient powertrain, a well-built interior, and - not least - a quiet and comfortable ride. Despite this, the RDX remains a somewhat flavorless vehicle when compared to the competition.
Road Rave 110614

Think outside the battery: Weird, clever, crazy tech driving green cars further

When we think about automotive efficiency we tend to think of electric cars and hybrids, but there is a whole world of crazy and cool ideas beyond that.
tom magliozzi car talk dies age 77

Click and Clack no more: Tom Magliozzi of NPR’s ‘Car Talk’ dies at age 77

Tom Magliozzi the long time co-host of Car Talk has died Monday of complications related to Alzheimer's. He was 77 at the time of his death.
Volvo XC90

Why touch screens are killing the center console command wheel

Last week Audi announced that it would be switching to touchscreens in favor of its command wheels, and as we explore that just might be a bad decision.
Ford Police Interceptor 2

In order to keep police safe, Ford develops a ‘black box’ for cop cars

Ford has developed a new technology that will police the police by allowing police departments to track just how their officers are driving in real time.
2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat

First drive: 2015 Dodge SRT Charger Hellcat

Dodge has done something remarkable with the 2015 Charger and built something for everyone, whether it’s a stylish and speedy family hauler to a Porsche punching V8 sports sedan. No matter which variant buyers choose of the Charger, none will disappoint. So, the only question is “how much to spend?’’
2015 Audi A3 TDI

First drive: 2015 Audi A3 TDI

The Audi A3 TDI may be rated at just 43 highway mpg, but it is capable of much, much more. That is, if the driver is willing to suffer. This practical, comfortable sedan can manage 63 mpg for over 800 miles, in the hands of a skilled and committed driver.
Mitsubishi Mirage front angle

Joyride: 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage ES

Is there any reason anyone should buy the most basic car in America? As it turns out, no there is not. The Mitsubishi Mirage is not cheap enough to make up for the fact that nicer, better-looking, more comfortable, and far safer cars are available for similar money.
2015 Kia K900 front angle

2015 Kia K900 review

What to make of a $66,000 Kia? Thanks to the badge, the all-new Kia K900 may or may not be a success. Any lack of success, however, won’t be due to any major shortcomings. The K900 manages to be a tremendously luxurious ride and – surprisingly, for a $66,000 car – a serious value.
first drive 2015 volvo v60 s60 polestar side angle 3

On track or highway, Volvo’s V60 Polestar is as unrelenting as it is unassuming

With its new performance partner, Polestar, Volvo is trying to take on the Germans. If the 350-horsepower, 155-mph V60 Polestar is any example of what they are capable of, Volvo and Polestar might just be able to do it - and with a wagon to boot.
2015 Acura TLX left angle v2

2015 Acura TLX V6 SH-AWD review

The all-new Acura TLX may not be as exciting or adrenaline pumping as a BMW, but it is very good at what people actually use their cars for: commuting. Thanks to silky smooth power, upscale interior, and grownup styling, the TLX can compete with all comers.
whats name cadillac adopts new naming scheme grille

What’s in a name, anyway? Cadillac forsakes its identity, adopts new naming scheme

Johand de Nysschen's sweeping changes to the Cadillac brand aren't done yet. The company's new chief is introducing an all new naming scheme.
Lamborghini Asterion

Hybrid hypercars are here … but not to stay

The stunning new Lamborghini Asterion is the latest in the trend of hybrid hypercars.
Chevy Colorado front angle

First drive: Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon

For the last five years, mid-size truck buyers haven’t had much to choose from. However, that is about to change. GM’s new midsize trucks, the Chevy Colorado and the GMC Canyon, aren’t just going to rejuvenate the segment; they may just revolutionize it.
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Hyundai Blue Link review

After this year's update, Hyundai's Blue Link infotainment system is an above average – if frustrating – entry into infotainment market. The system combines positives like an excellent graphics and features with a difficult user interface.
2015 Hyundai Genesis front left angle

2015 Hyundai Genesis review

The Hyundai Genesis may not be able to compete with Germans as a sports sedan. As a luxury car, however, it’s a strong contender. Even better, the big Korean sedan can be had for just $39,000, which is less than a base BMW 5 Series.
Volvo XC90 R-Design 3

Volvo’s all new XC90 gets a sporty R-Design upgrade

Volvo wasn't satisfied with just introducing the all new XC90, they want to build one for everyone. Hence the all new sporty R-Design edition.
Formula E 2

Formula E’s all-electric racecars are shaping the future of tomorrow’s EVs

Formula E electric racing made its debut in China this weekend, so we decided to take a deeper look and see what it is and why it it matters.
toyota entune review fuel

Toyota Entune review

Toyota's Entune infotainment system doesn't set its sights too high but, because of that, it also doesn't crash and burn. Instead, Entune offers a competent and easy to use, if unimaginative, interface and a wide array of features.
national parks are turning into the truman show with gps tracking of visiting humans 2014 dodge dart full 1500x1000

FCA Uconnect review

Chrysler has defined the industry standard for inexpensive infotainment with its excellent Uconnect system. Uconnect combines ease of use and fun features in a way that no other system has managed. Better yet, buyers don't have to break the bank to get it in their cars.
2015 Mazda Mazda 6 front angle

Joyride: 2014 Mazda Mazda6 Grand Touring

The Mazda6 stands out from family sedans in much the same way a supermodel would at a CPA convention. Even better, the Mazda's qualities aren't skin deep. With numerous features and an upscale feel, the Mazda6 also represents tremendous value. If only its powertrain weren't anorexic.
2015 Dodge Viper SRT

Bargain-basement supercar: Dodge drops Viper price tag $15k and rolls out new GT model

In the wake of the Corvette Z06 Dodge is serious about shifting some Vipers. To that end it has dropped the entire Viper range a stunning $15,000 for 2015.
invasion budget korean automaker ssangyong may enter us market actyon sports

An invasion on a budget: Korean automaker Ssangyong may enter U.S. market

Korean automaker Ssangyong has confirmed its plans to try and enter the U.S. market. If all goes well it could be selling cars in America by 2017.
Volvo HMI 1

Volvo and Ericsson partner to radically reshape the ‘Connected Car’

Volvo is refreshing its entire line-up and its approach to technology. To do this it is partnering with another Swedish company tech giant Ericsson.
2015 Mazda MX 5 side angle

Joyride: 2015 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring

For 25 years, the formula has been simple, lightweight, front engine, rear-drive and a universe of headroom. The recipe is good but the Mazda MX-5 has always been more than the sum of its parts. Now in its penultimate edition, it is the best it has ever been.
nissan juke nismo rs perfect car unhinged driver front three quarter

Meet Godzilla’s little brother: The 800-horsepower Nissan Juke

A Russian tuning company has done the impossible, or at least the inadvisable, packed 800 horsepower into a Nissan Juke, a car the size of a shoe.
Aston Martin Lagonda

Aston Martin officially unveils the Mid-East-only Lagonda super sedan

The latest in bespoke motoring is here: the Aston Martin Lagonda. The limited edition sedan has been officially unveiled in Oman as it undergoes testing.
2015 Volvo XC90

Volvo’s XC90 isn’t just a new SUV, it’s the new face of Volvos to come

Volvo has literally pulled the covers off its all new, 2015 XC90 model.
2014 Toyota Rav4 Limted side angle

First drive: 2014 Toyota Rav4 Limited review

The RAV4 represents the best and the worst of Toyota, it is still a tremendously practical vehicle with tons of interior room and cargo space, but unlike the V6-powered RAV4's of old the current generation offers a completely joyless driving experience.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat 2

Why Dodge’s Hellcats should make the Germans very, very nervous

Not only is the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat the fastest most powerful four door sedan in the world, it also restores some of Detroit's lost glory.
bryan cranston aaron paul julia louis dreyfus audi commercial

Even Audi’s laser headlights can’t outshine the starpower in its latest commercial

Car commercials are getting weird. Audi is promoting the Emmys with a comedy sketch featuring Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
2015-Acura-TLX-screens

Sorry automakers, 2 screens are definitely not better than 1

When it comes to cars more is better, but that isn't the case with infotainment as the frustrating new trend of two screen infotainment systems shows.
2014 Ford Fiesta SE front left angle

Joy ride: 2014 Ford Fiesta SE

The Ford Fiesta might be cheap, with minimal features and some marginal trim. But beneath this economy-minded surface is the heart of an enthusiast. With nimble suspension and excellent steering, the Fiesta offers a great compromise between utility and fun.