Right before Christmas the Holley guys always send us photos of parts, hot out of the oven and ready to install with a cold glass of milk. This time it's the new blacked-out Hi-Ram 351W intake manifold. Its for Windsor guys who want EFI and need a 95-105mm throttle body and gigantisaur injectors orjust want to use the carbureted Hi-Ram base with a pair of 4150 Holley carbs. Either one is going to look good under the tree. Just blame... [read more]
In 2002s dark cult classic One Hour Photo , Robin Williams plays a creepy loser who drives a Toyota Echo. His stalking target: Connie Nielsens rich, smart , and desirable suburban mom, who rocks a Mercedes-Benz ML 320. It was a perfect bit of automotive symbolism. A few years prior, Daimler had invented the midsize luxury SUV segment with that very vehicle and tapped into an undiscovered automotive zeitgeist while doing so. Luxury brands are now almost completely dependent on... [read more]
The Los Angeles auto show is already shaping up to be an exciting show, but now we have one more car to look forward to. Earlier today, Mercedes announced plans to reveal a new version of the AMG GT called the GT R Pro. The line, Closer to motor racing than ever before, suggests we're looking at a more track-focused version of the GT R.And while the front of the car is all that's visible, the adjustable splitter seems to... [read more]
Ram is introducing a special edition truck aimed at cold climate dwellers. The 2019 Ram 1500 North Edition bundles together equipment that makes it easier to drive in the snow and will keep customers warm for the rest of the winter. First off, the truck receives a 1-inch factory lift, engine block heater, and a 44 transfer case. Crucially, the truck also comes with three-peak mountain snowflake on/off-road Falken LT tires rated for severe snow service. The trucks electronic locking... [read more]
Thanksgiving is the only time of the year when one intentionally wants to buy a turkey, but when it comes to building Chevy LS horsepower buying a turkey is not such a good idea. And that is why STREET RODDER is sharing the good news our friends at K1 Technologies are having a Black Friday Weekend Sale! Now is your chance to save hundreds on a forged LS stroker crankshaft from K1 Technologies. Tis the season for friends, family, good... [read more]
Last year, Mini showed off the John Cooper Works GP concept , a track-focused version of its Hardtop model that came with a wild aero kit, a stripped-out interior, and an integrated roll cage. Now, Mini's confirmed that the JCW GP is headed for production and should land on dealer lots in 2020. We don't have any more information on suspension changes or engine upgrades, but based on what Mini did with the 2006 Mini Cooper S Works GP and... [read more]
With the rising prices of early 70s hot rods, the GM G-body remains the popular budget-friendly platform. Its a car were familiar with here at Car Craft, having built multiple G-bodies over the years, just never a wagonuntil now. When were done, this 1980 Malibu Classic Wagon will be driven daily, produce 600 hp, and feature suspension capable of tackling any road course, all with room for a baby seat. Once completed, your author will be the coolest dad in... [read more]
Just when we were getting used to the idea of a $200,000 SUV , Lamborghini has thrown us another curveball. Its preparing a racing version of the Urus that will hit the track in 2020. For now, the Lamborghini Urus ST-X concept gives us a taste of the upcoming track variant. This model debuted at the 2018 Lamborghini World finals, featuring a bold rear wing and side-exit exhausts in a hexagonal design, as well as 21-inchcenter-locking aluminum alloy wheels with... [read more]
I love Mexican people and I love Mexico. In fact, at one point in my life I was strongly considering the move down south. Once immersed, there's just... continue reading
Another year, another Toyota versus Honda faceoff. Last year, Hondas redesigned Accord midsized sedan took on the sportiest Camry ever and won . In fact, it wasnt much of a contest. The Toyota was much improved over its predecessor, but the Honda was clearly the superior car. A year later, Toyota is back with a new contender in a different category. Evolving consumer tastes mean compact crossovers are now more important than family sedans. In 2017, the Camrys 15-year reign... [read more]
Toyota introduced us to the 2019 RAV4 way back in March , but said full details would be revealed at a later date. That date is today, and Toyota has opened the floodgates on RAV4 infoincluding pricing. The automakers next-gen compact crossover will start at $26,545, including $1,045 destination, for a front-wheel-drive LE trim. Meanwhile, the RAV4 Hybrid (or HV) will start at $28,745. Going with the base LE trim gets you standard LED headlights, roof rails, privacy glass, a... [read more]
Although the number of trim levels has actually been reduced from the previous generation, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is still available in nine trimsand there's significantly more differentiation between them this time around. With five gas-only models and four hybrid trims to choose from, the new RAV4 can be configured in a number of ways. Take a look at the gallery below to get an idea of the 2019 Toyota RAV4's available colors, wheels, and exterior treatments. 2019 Toyota RAV4XLE... [read more]
Somehow the aging and objectively forgettable Toyota RAV4 overtook the pretty-new and so-good-it-won-SUVOTY Honda CR-V in the sales race. This may just be due to Were-dealin-yer-stealin model-clearance incentives, Toyota s formidable marketing and sales operation, or fleet sales. But can Toyota keep up the momentum when the fifth-generation RAV4 reaches showroom floors soon? We just spent a bunch of time in the almost-ready 2019 RAV4 redesign. And we feeldespite the fact that the new model is enormously improved over its... [read more]
Even when youre prepared, things can go wrong off-road. A lot of times, its your fault, not the rigs. It doesnt know whats coming. When things do go wrong, theres no choice but to find a solution, even if youre making it up as you go along. In showbiz, they call that doing it live. The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is all about finding little ways to make it easier to do it live. It starts with Fox Live Valve... [read more]
Not only is the Toyota RAV4 a critical model in Toyotas lineup, but its also the benchmark for the compact crossover segment as a whole. First introduced in 1994, the RAV4 now enters its fifth generation and twenty-second year of production for the 2019 model year. Highlights for this latest update include a fresh look, a revamped interior, the latest tech goodies, a new platform under the skin, and the new off-road-ready Adventure grade. The hybrid powertrain returns as well... [read more]
36th Annual Shades The Shades of the Past Car Club is well known for their annual Hot Rod Roundup the weekend after Labor Day. This group of Tennessee hot rodders has for the past 36 years directed this event into becoming one of the premier rodding get-togethers in the country, and most assuredly one of the topflight events in the south, only surpassed by the Nats in Louisville. Held in Pigeon Forge, home base for the past few years, is... [read more]
The electric two-wheeler industry is suddenly on the rise with a lot of automakers partaking and investing in it; some by manufacturing, some by investing in various mobility services. Recently we heard Musk subtly indicating that Tesla may soon get into electric cycles . General Motors has similar plans as well. The latest addition to this list is the Blue Oval, which announced its arrival in style purchasing Spin - an electric scooter rental firm.
Earlier this year, Mercedes introduced the completely redesigned 2019 G-Wagen . Amongother changes, it got a new chassis, dropped the live front axle in favor of an independent front suspension, and added a much more luxurious interior. But asgreat a luxury off-roader as the new G-Wagen proved to be , we still didn't know how much it would costuntil now. Today, Mercedes announced that the G 63 will start at $148,495 including destination. That's $4,700 more than the G-Wagen it... [read more]
Discontinued in 2002, the Honda Passport is about to make a comeback. A new version of the midsize crossover will break cover at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show and will slot between the CR-V and the Pilot. Honda is still keeping details in the vault, but we do have two teaser photos and a video to look at. A rather short-lived nameplate, the Passport made its debut back in 1993 as a badge-engineered version of the Isuzu Rodeo. Two... [read more]
Love your new Jeep Wrangler ? We went to the Toledo Assembly Complex to see how Fiat Chrysler is pumping out as many of these off-road babies as humanly and robotically possible. It takes about 24 hours from start to finish and there are two 10-hour shifts, six days a week. The Toledo complex is huge3.9 million square feet and employing 5,600and has a rich history. It dates back to 1904 when it was a bicycle factory before it made... [read more]
Written by independent automotive journalist Tom Jensen This stunning 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Custom Coupe is headed for the 2019 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. When it comes to iconic 20th-century American automotive designs, one of the most significant models that comes to mind is the revolutionary 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, a car that more than half a century after its introduction remains a legend. At the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 12-20 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, youll find a... [read more]
Waymo is on the verge of becoming the worlds first commercial self-driving taxi service. According to Bloomberg , Googles autonomous driving division Waymo will launch the worlds first autonomous taxi service early this December. Waymo will launch this service under a new brand name that is yet to be disclosed.
In general, the Subaru Crosstrek is a great little hatch. Not only did we name it an SUV of the Year finalist for 2018 , we also liked it enough to add one to our long-term test fleet . Its biggest downside, though, it that it's pretty slow. So now that Subaru has officially revealed the Crosstrek Hybrid, we're happy to report that the more fuel-efficient Crosstrek is also quicker. Starting with a more efficient version of the regular Crosstrek's... [read more]
When we first got behind the wheel of the Nissan Kicks , we discovered a quickness and level of content we had not expected for its low price tag. Now, Nissan is changing the formula ever so slightly. Thesubcompact crossover returns for its sophomore year with a small increase in price and a little less power. The 2019 Nissan Kicks starts at $19,535 for the base S model. Thats up $200 from last year. Standard features include automatic emergency braking... [read more]
One of the most important things to pay attention to when you drive a semi truck is where you can and, more importantly, where you cannot fit your truck. This video shows a best-case scenario of what can happen when the driver is oblivious to all of that and splatters his load on the road. Picture yourself driving at night, during a rather sizeable storm, when the trucker ahead of you drives below an overpass that's clearly not tall enough... [read more]
In today's disposable society, it's rare to be able to celebrate anything that has any amount of longevity. So when So-Cal natives In-N-Out Burger Company recently teamed up with the equally-iconic Hot Rod magazine to celebrate both of their 70th anniversaries, it was a shindig that just couldn't be missed. Held as a one-day event at the famous Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in California (where the NHRA holds both its annual Winternationals competition as well as the NHRA Finals... [read more]
If cars were judged based on how cute their face is, then the 2018 Mazda2 (also known as the Mazda Demio in its native market, Japan and some other markets) would be among the best cars in the world. However, its obviously not just about looks, since cars nowadays, even small city cars, need to be fully featured, well-rounded vehicles that you can even drive on the highway without it feeling daunting. Thankfully, the pint-sized Mazda2 proved to be thoroughly... [read more]
Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn has been arrested over allegations of financial misconduct and is expected to be removed from his position shortly. Over the past several months, Nissan has been conducting an internal investigation on Ghosn andfellow board memberGreg Kelly. The investigation showed that over many years both Ghosn and Kelly have been reporting compensation amounts in the Tokyo Stock Exchange securities report that were less than the actual amount, in order to reduce the disclosed amount of Carlos Ghosn's... [read more]
Lamborghini, once a brand completely uninterested in motorsport, is preparing to build a racing version of its Urus Super SUV, dubbed the ST-X. It should lead to a single-make racing series that will feature Rallycross-style courses. The manufacturer from Sant'Agata Bolognese unveiled the Urus ST-X concept that is a very accurate preview of Lamborghini's first racing utility vehicle. It was presented to the press at the Vallelunga circuit, near Rome, where Lamborghini hosted its annual World Finals for the Super... [read more]
Everywhere you look these days automakers scramble to put together their own autonomous vehicle program and 'lead the change.' Just recently I was reporting on Uber's desire to begin testing their autonomous Volvos again - and that's not even a car company. Now, Daimler wants to introduce its own ride-hailing service, and it will use Mercedes-Benz S-Class models as its test beds. The two German giants plan to deploy the pilot program as early as the first half of next... [read more]
So the next couple of weeks are gonna be nuts here at The Jalopy Journal World HQ. I have a ton of new merch that I'm getting ready... continue reading
California is facing its deadliest wildfire in history, and so far, 42 people have lost their lives to "Camp Fire. The count would have been much higher if not for good Samaritans like Allyn Pierce. Pierce, a nurse by profession, drove his Toyota Tundra into the flames and evacuated patients from the intensive care unit that he manages. Although he came out unharmed, his Tundra bore the brunt, quite literally. When the Japanese automaker found out about this, it offered... [read more]
Quick question: Are you the fleet manager at your company? No? Then the Chevrolet Silverado 2.7T probably isnt for you. Wait! Keep reading, weekend warrior! You should take a look at it anyway. Why? Because the 2019 Silverado and its 2.7-liter turbo-four are built to work as hard as possible for as little money as possible. Now the standard engine on the LT and RST trims, the 2.7T effectively replaces the long-running 4.3-liter V-6, which is now only available on... [read more]
Nissan Chairman and Renault Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn has been arrested by prosecutors in Japan for "significant acts of misconduct." Nissan said Ghosn and another board member had been under investigation for months following a whistleblower report. As one of the auto industry's most important executives, Ghosn will be "promptly removed" from his positions, according to Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa.
Born and raised among the skyscrapers of New York City and now living in sprawling Los Angeles, Im used to city life. Im inured to creeping rush-hour traffic, to stepping over sidewalk trash, to the ever-present light pollution; theyre sacrifices we make to live in the places we love. But city life wears on you, a realization that can hit in an instant. A knowing glance or diverted gaze during a chance encounter with one of the millions of others... [read more]
Porsche has built its name in motorsports. The German brand won everything from the Dakar Rally to Le Mans. Chirs Harris, who needs no further introduction, got to drive Porsche's last Le Mans winner, the 919 Hybrid from last year, and it's tremendous to watch. We can't argue that Chirs Harris has been lucky enough to drive some of the world's most coveted automobiles over the years. But buckling up inside the tight confines of Porsche's 2017 Le Mans winner... [read more]
Hot Wheels rollicking, 15-stop, nationwide Legends Tour reached its climax at the 2018 SEMA Auto Show, where Luis Rodriguez and his 2JetZ open-wheel jet car took home top honors in the competition. As part of his prize, Rodriguez will get to see his creation immortalized in Zamac and turned into its very own 1:64 scale die-cast toy. The 2JetZ was chosen from more than 3,600 custom cars entered in the Legends Tour. It was selected, in part because of its... [read more]
Here's an Impreza that can complete a quarter-mile run in 7 seconds. It's not the first Impreza to break into the 7-second territory, but it's the first to do so with a 6-speed manual transmission. Now you'll understand why they call it the 'White Bullet.' Can you imagine shifting your way through a manual 6-speed transmission in order to complete a quarter-mile run in 7.96 seconds? It's hard, especially when you have to contain the might of a +1,000 horsepower... [read more]
Quite frankly, the new 2019 Mazda CX-5 with a turbocharged engine and Signature trim feels like a premium car. It packs the gear of the heavyweights in a body that entails sophistication. Add to this a powerful, sporty brand image that I find more alluring compared with its standard competition, and you have yourself a car so well formed one may consider it over an Audi or a Lexus. Up until the new model year, the Mazda CX-5 did lack... [read more]
Its almost Christmas time again, and finding the perfect gift for the wife, or kids can be a big hassle if a fellow doesnt know where to shop for the right car parts they will enjoy year round. Its Happy Holley Days again, so imagine being able to find every major brand all in one spot, and from today until December 31st 2018 at up to a whopping 20 percent off! In the words of our friends in Bowling Green... [read more]
The Tesla Model 3 keycard has had polarising opinions from the very beginning, but theres no denying that is a pain in the ass to use. In fact, even Musk was quoted saying, We really need to provide a normal key to the customers of the car. The answer to this a key fob -was leaked, thanks to an FCC application. The key fob is now available at Teslas website for $150, but dont rush over there just it... [read more]
Audi is gearing up for a raft of changes throughout its model range in 2019 that sees a number of cars get their facelifts done while adding some new models to the lineup like the e-Tron SUV. German automaker Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, is currently fighting an uphill battle against its core rivals in the executive and luxury segments. Audi's global sales figure barely went up by 0.6% last year and, while 2018 stats look better, Mercedes-Benz and... [read more]
Formula One has announced a new race for the 2020 F1 season that will be held, for the very first time, in Vietnam. The 3.5-mile long circuit will run partly on a race track and on the streets of the countrys capital city of Hanoi. The race will take place in April 2020, and its the first new race to be announced since American owners Liberty Media bought Formula in 2016.
The original Bullitt Mustang is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and, while that's going on, a brand-new sixth-generation Mustang with the Bullitt package headed for the emblematic Isle of Man to tackle the TT course. Yes, that idolized ribbon of road. Held annually in May or June for over a century, the Isle of Man TT races, where TT stands for Tourist Trophy, are arguably the most dangerous races you can attend. Year in and year out, riders dabble... [read more]
Volkswagens I.D. lineup of electric vehicles keeps growing. The German automaker has already greenlit production versions of the I.D., I.D. Buzz, I.D. Crozz, and I.D. Vizzion concepts. Now, a new report indicates that Volkswagen isnt done adding new models to the fold. A new subcompact crossover is under consideration for the all-electric I.D. range. The model is pegged as an entry-level vehicle that will cost a little over $21,000. If it gets approved, it could go on sale sometime after... [read more]
HRE Wheels presents the first-ever titanium 3D-printed rims. Named HRE3D+, the rims are the result of a joint project with GE AddWorks and were made to showcase the possibilities available when additive manufacturing is employed to create state-of-the-art car wheels. Gone are the days of alloy wheels. Even magnesium wheels seem antiquated now that HRE and GE have come forth with a prototype 3D-printed rim made out of titanium. The process of making these wheels is complicated, but the results... [read more]
A company best known for creating bicycles is dipping its toes in the electric car business with a new concept called the SIN. No, its not named after the immoral act; SIN is actually a hat tip to the contemporary urban sprawl of Singapore. On that note, the Biomega SIN is a simplified electric vehicle that takes a shape similar to a lot of mobility concepts weve seen in recent years. A production model is planned for the future, but... [read more]
At the time of this writing, the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show is happening in Las Vegas. This trade event has gone from the halls of Dodger Stadium in 1967 to a hella-huge convention that brings together aftermarket and original-equipment manufacturers, media, distributors, builders and installers, retailers, specialists, and more. If you dont have credentials to attend, you really cant imagine how boundless the SEMA Show really is. In some respects, the modern SEMA Show is where the present meets... [read more]
BMW is currently inviting automotive journos over to Portugal where it has organized a launch event for its all-new Z4 roadster and, if youre like us, youre edging in your seat to know what its like to drive. Those who took part in the launch venue got to drive the car both on Portugals famed Estoril track, as well as some of the countrys twisty mountain roads with extremely smooth tarmac.
Under beautiful sunny Southern California skies we recently had the opportunity to take a walk in the park. That is to say Woodley Park and to Mopar Fans that means a great car show and Mopar parts swap meet put on by Chrysler Performance West twice a year as the Fall Fling and the Spring Fling. And whether youre looking for that one last part to finish your project or a complete car project this is the place to be... [read more]
