Auto Shows Car reviews

Whenever a carmaker takes out the good stuff out of its know-how box and spreads its on a new car, well, that’s when you know you’re in for a treat. That’s exactly what Toyota did with the GR Yaris, its second global GR-badged car after the Supra GR and at the same time a homologation model that will sometime in the future spawn a fully-blown rally racer.

The Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR is a futuristic concept car that explores new design options and technologies, as well as the "vision of designers, engineers, and trend researches for mobility in the distant future." The AVTR name stands for Advanced Vehicle Transformation, but it also represents the company’s collaboration with the team that produced Avatar, a science fiction film directed and produced by James Cameron and released in 2009. While previous Vision concepts from Mercedes-Benz were also futuristic, they still featured technologies and styling cues linked to production cars, while some of the design actually made it on vehicles you can buy in dealerships. The Vision AVTR is an entirely different story as its features and technologies won’t be transferred to production cars in the near future.

Back in March 2019, Henrik Fisker, the CEO of Fisker Inc., announced that the company is planning to build an affordable electric four-wheel-drive SUV with a range of 300 miles. But no one really took him seriously given his propensity to overcommit and under-deliver.

Make no mistake; Fisker has produced some of the most beautiful-looking vehicles to date, but the company never really hit it off. This time, however, Fisker has lived up to its word and revealed its first electric SUV at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show. Called the Fisker Ocean, the SUV looks to be a wholesome package and has enough to take on some of the fiercest competitors in the market. But will the Ocean see the light of the day?

Just as we were prepared to suck it up and live with the painfully small amount of vehicles presented at CES 2020, Sony, known mostly for its electronics and PlayStation gaming consoles, drops the bomb by unveiling an all-electric car prototype.

No, it’s not a Porsche although it looks a lot like one, don’t you think? This contraption here is called Vision-S and with it, Sony wants to brag about its ability to keep up with the latest mobility trends that will ultimately turn our cars into downright entertainment spaces, especially once Level 5 autonomy begins to shift from exception to norm. Here’s what you need to know about the Sony Vision-S.

Originally unveiled in 2011 as a concept car, the SSC Tuatara has finally evolved into a production car. It was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2018, and it promises to be faster and more powerful than its predecessor, the Ultimate Aero.

Established in 1999, SSC North America, formerly known as Shelby SuperCars Inc., took the supercar market by surprise when it established a new world speed record for production cars with the Ultimate Aero in 2007. Driven to a top speed of 256.18 mph, the Aero surpassed the Bugatti Veyron’s 253.7-mph benchmark. The French firm regained its record three years later with Super Sport, which hit a certified top speed of 267.81 mph.

Eight years have passed since then, and the speed record is now being held by the Koenigsegg Agera RS at 277.9 mph, but SSC promises to move the benchmark into 300-mph territory with the Tuatara. Let’s find out more about that in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the SSC Tuatara.

The Koenigsegg Jesko is the company’s latest supercar, third megacar, and spiritual successor to the iconic Agera. Unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Jesko boasts a power-to-weight ratio greater than 1:1, which means its engine generates more horsepower than the car’s total curb weight in kilograms. Koenigsegg offered similar versions of the One:1 and Agera, but the Jesko takes things one step further with an impressive downforce rating of 2,205 pounds.

Named after Jesko von Koenigsegg, the father of company founder and CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg, the Jesko marks the debut of the firm’s latest carbon-fiber chassis and nine-speed multi-clutch transmission. It’s also supposed to hit at least 300 mph according to Koenigsegg, so it could improve the Agera RS’ 277-mph world record really soon. Let’s find out more about that in the review below.

The 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo is an entry-level supercar that the Maranello-based company launched in 2019. The F8 Tributo replaced the 488 GTB, introduced in 2015, but it’s essentially a mid-cycle upgrade and not a brand-new car. The supercar replaces the 488 GTB in the same way that the 812 Superfast and GTC4Lusso replaced the F12berlinetta and FF, respectively, with the facelift accompanied by a nameplate change.

The upgrade is rather significant as far as design goes. Not only sporting new features front and rear, but the F8 Tributo also boasts more aggressive aerodynamics, which are based on the track-ready 488 Pista. The F8 also shares underpinnings with the Pista and generates the same 710 horsepower. The F8 Tributo arrives just in time for the facelifted Lamborghini Huracan Evo and the relatively new McLaren 720S. Let’s find out how they compare.

Updated 03/08/2018: We update this review with a series of new images taken during the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

The previous third-generation Toyota Highlander debuted back in 2013, with a facelift performed in 2016 that added an eight-speed automatic transmission, an updated spec for the V-6 engine, and a few aesthetic upgrades as well. Since then, the Highlander has proven to be one of the brand’s most-popular nameplates, selling some 245,000 units in 2018. That means it’s time for Toyota to give the Highlander a full-fledged generation update for 2020. Making its big debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show, the latest fourth-generation Toyota Highlander brings new styling inside and out, a raft of fresh technology for infotainment and safety, and a number of powertrain updates as well. However, can it still stay at the top of the segment?

The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS is the range-topping version of the third-generation SUV, launched in 2019 for the 2020 model year. It’s the second Maybach SUV ever built after the 2018 G650 Landaulet, but the first one that’s not a limited-edition vehicle. Inspired by the Maybach S-Class,, the 2021 Maybach GLS is a fancied up GLS with extra luxury features, exclusive appointments, and a unique drivetrain. Performance-wise, it slots between the GLS 580 and the AMG GLS 63 S., And just like the rest of the lineup, its gasoline engine works in conjunction with a 48-volt EQ Boost system. Let’s find out more about this luxurious hauler in the review below.

Genesis has put the G90 luxury sedan through a rather extensive mid-cycle facelift that borders on the equivalence of what we’d expect from a new generation and has put facelifts from competitors like Infiniti, Audi, Lexus, and BMW to shame. Part of this mid-cycle update includes a complete exterior rework (save for the roof and doors) and a bunch of updated technology and materials that push the G90 even deeper into the luxury segment. There are no powertrain updates to report, but that’s okay, and you’ll see why in our full review below.

Freshly launched at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Lexus LC500 Convertible borrows every stunning feature from its Coupe brother and then adds some more appeal courtesy of a retractable textile roof.

The LC500 Convertible still packs the naturally-aspirated, 471-horsepower V-8, however, a hybrid version hasn’t been announced yet. Join us as we explore the new LC500 Convertible in-depth, to see what’s new for the sleek cabriolet.

The 2021 Cybertruck is the first pickup truck built by Tesla and is the oddest-looking pickup truck to ever hit the market. Unveiled at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2022 Cybertruck will go into production in 2021. As one of the first production electric trucks, the Cybertruck is also one of the most advanced utility vehicles ever built. Much like it did with the Model X and Model 3, Tesla didn’t unveil a lot of details during the launch event, so the 2021 Cybertruck still hides mysteries. But let’s have a closer look at what we already know about it in the review below.

Karma is entertaining us with quite the stand at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which is also home for the SC2 Concept. The Karma SC2 previews the startup’s future design direction - those are Karma’s words, by the way - which means we’re not necessarily going to see a road-going car inspired by the prototype. Instead, this is Karma showing us what its design and engineering departments are capable of churning out.

We’re sorry to trash your expectations this early, but there’s more to the SC2 Concept than the probability of it spawning a road-ready car. For example, Karma says that the all-electric powertrain is powerful enough to propel the rig from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 1.9 seconds. Is this a poke at the Tesla Roadster, which “coincidentally” (and theoretically) can dispatch the same interval in 1.9 seconds, too?

The Dodge Challenger is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and Dodge is rolling out a special treat for fans of the muscle car with the Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition. The special edition Challenger is not a traditional stand-alone SE model. Instead, it is a special edition trim package that will be available in seven different colors on four Challenger trim models: the GT RWD, R/T Shaker, R/T Scat Pack Shaker, and R/T Scat Pack Shaker Widebody. Only 70 units will be built in each color for each trim. That adds up to a total of 1,960 units. The cost of the 50th anniversary trim will vary depending on the Challenger trim. Prices range from $4,995 to $5,995.

The 2019 Hyundai Vision T Plug-In concept is an SUV concept that the Korean automaker introduced at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. A somewhat futuristic design with unique styling cues, the Vision T showcases a brand-new design language. It’s also described as global, so it could inspire a new lineup of SUVs. The crossover is slightly larger than the Hyundai Tucson and it’s a plug-in hybrid. Sadly, there’s no info about the drivetrain and no photos of the Vision T’s interior. But let’s find out what it could mean for the future of the Korean brand.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric crossover than Ford unveiled in November 2019. Described as a model that expands the Mustang lineup, the 2021 Mustang Mach-E doesn’t have much in common with the muscle car. Although some of its design features are loosely based on the Mustang, the 2021 Mustang Mach-E is a full-fledged crossover and, more importantly, it’s an all-electric model. The 2021 Mustang Mach-E revives the Mach badge after 15 years, but with a big change that reflects the electric drivetrain. The battery-powered SUV will hit dealerships in 2020 and will compete against the Tesla Model Y. and Jaguar I-Pace. Let’s find out if it’s good enough in the review below.

Kia glided through the design process of its latest coupe SUV concept, the Futuron, drawing inspiration from outer space. With Level 4 autonomy, this SUV with a "360-degree core" represents a look at the future of Kia design with its novel approach to the tiger nose front grille and the eye-catching Star Cloud headlights and taillights. In fact, the concept features light sources all over the luscious bodywork that suggests this EV’s got some grunt. Expect to see at least some cues inside and out on future models of the Korean automaker.

South Korea has quickly risen, in the span of about two decades, from the doldrums of the auto industry to the very top and concepts such as Kia’s Futuron (in itself a pun on the words "future" and "on") signals to the world that Kia plans to stay at the top in the foreseeable future by incorporating the latest EV technology coupled with autonomous systems, all draped in a futuristic body with clean surfaces but also aggressive ridges and angles. We like it if it’s a sign that the two-door SUV is bound to make a comeback.

The 2020 Ford Mustang Jack Roush Edition is a high-performance version of the sixth-generation Mustang designed by Roush Performance. Unveiled at the 2019 SEMA Show, the Jack Roush Edition is more than just another beefed-up Mustang. This special-edition model celebrates the legacy of its founder, Jack Roush, who was recently inducted in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Although it’s not particularly more aggressive than other Roush-made Mustangs, the Jack Roush Edition is the most powerful vehicle created by the American firm. Rated at 775 horsepower, it packs more punch than iconic Mustang nameplates like the Shelby GT500 and the Shelby Super Snake. Let’s find out more about this powerful beast in the review below.

A year after unveiling a tricked-out TRD version of the Avalon, Toyota is back at it with an even more radical setup for its resident full-size four-door sedan. It’s called the Toyota Avalon TRD Pro Concept, and it’s loaded to the brim with track-spec modifications that enhance every detail of the sedan.

From aerodynamic modifications to powertrain enhancements, the Avalon TRD Pro Concept has them all. It’s a fitting homage to TRD’s 40th anniversary, though it would probably be even cooler if Toyota has plans to produce it in some capacity. For now, we can enjoy the Avalon TRD Pro Concept for what it is: a glimpse into what a full-blown, track-spec Toyota Avalon could look like if it was left in the hands of TRD. Maybe someday we can also find out what it feels like to drive.

One of the baddest and meanest trucks to have graced this year’s SEMA Show is this Ford F-250 Super Duty Baja Forged by LGE-CTS Motorsports, a California-based aftermarket company. There is nothing to not like about this truck. It looks vintage, it has the ‘Baja’ identity, and it has the old-school persona attached to it. The Baja Forged Super Duty is an all-in-one mobile command center, workshop, and campsite that will be utilized as a chase truck for the Baja Forged Ford Ranger that was launched by the company at last year’s SEMA Show. Such is the versatility of the truck that even Ford calls this the “Swiss army knife for the modern adventurer.” Need we say anything more about it?

Nissan unveiled a Time Attack-spec Nissan 370Z built by Z1 Motorsport in conjunction with Nissan Motorsport that is bound to take the world of time attack racing by storm. With 750 horsepower on tap thanks to a pair of Garrett turbochargers, this 370Z is one of the craziest you’ll ever see. The widebody is made entirely out of carbon fiber, the interior is bare, and, to shed even more weight, the body was acid-dipped. In other words, the guys at Nissan and Z1 Motorsport stopped at nothing in their mission to turn what many consider an outdated sports car into a record-breaking track beast.

The Nissan Frontier Desert Runner doesn’t have the racing pedigree of the Nissan Global Time Attack TT 370Z or the sheer tuning audacity of the Nissan Kicks Street Sport, but if you’re looking for a rugged version of Nissan’s long-standing pickup with some serious off-road chops, the Frontier Desert Runner should be right up your alley. Developed by the Nissan Motorsports team in collaboration with MA Motorsports, the Frontier Desert Runner is teeming with purpose-specific upgrades that help enhance the pickup’s already impressive form and functionality. Nissan has yet to give any indication of potential production plans for the tricked-out pickup, but that could come soon if there’s decent enough demand for it. For now, though, the Nissan Frontier Desert Runner takes center stage at the 2019 SEMA Auto Show.