Cars

Tesla is known for breaking from tradition, and that includes the way in which it updates its various model lines. Rather than creating an entirely new “generation” every five years like the rest of the industry, the California-based brand prefers a steady stream of incremental updates to keep things fresh. However, that could change with the forthcoming Model S and Model X, as rumor has it Tesla has a substantial powertrain update in the works, with tech bits pulled from the Model 3 compact sedan.

The 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette is almost here! After more than five decades of teasers and concepts, the Bow Tie is finally offering its iconic American sports car with a mid-engine layout, so it’s understandable that the hype train is now running at full steam. Chevy recently dropped a gallon of high-test into the mix by announcing the C8 would make its big debut on July 18th, and diehard fans are piecing together every scrap of info out there to figure out what’s in store. Plenty of folks also wanna know what the final production C8 will look like, so we’ve gathered up a few of our favorite renderings right here for your approval, all courtesy of MidEngineCorvetteForum.com.

Teased in one way or another for the last two years, the Porsche 911 Speedster finally showcased its gorgeous body at the 2019 New York Auto Show. Revealed in red, the glorious 911 celebrates the 70th anniversary of the production of rear-engine sports cars, and it is the most extreme representation of philosophy once started with the fantastic 356. With such an important job to do and an incredible heritage to justify, the new Porsche 911 Speedster - the ninth Speedster overall - is the best the 991.2 generation can possibly offer.

For that matter, Porsche garnished it with the latest technology and epic throwback easter eggs that elevate the 911 Speedster unique qualities. This is the list of the most unusual Porsche 911 Speedster’s quirks and features.

Few automakers have experienced such sustained and exponential growth (especially in terms of image and how it is perceived) over the last decade as Hyundai has. The Korean manufacturer has managed to bring about this shift through its own hard work and dedication but also by hiring bright engineering minds with experience working for rival automakers. Now it’s done it again as it has co-opted Tyrone Johnson, the chief engineer that oversaw the Ford Focus RS project and spent 33 years at the Blue Oval.

Volkswagen just showed off the SUV Coupe Concept at the 2019 Shanghai auto show, a coupe-like version of the China-only Tayron SUV. The automaker calls it a concept, but we already know it will go into production by the end of the year, so it’s more of a pre-production prototype, really.

Yet another Gladiator-based concept to mark its presence at the 2019 Easter Jeep Safari, the Jeep JT Scrambler concept is quite similar to the J6 - a throwback to the Jeep’s history. But this time, it’s not just about the colors, but also the graphics. The graphics and color combination strongly resonates with the CJ8 Scrambler from the ’80s. Just like all the other concepts present at this year’s Easter Jeep Safari, this one too is a showpiece to exhibit the Mopar performance parts. Actually, not just the performance parts, but also the bright, orange stickers around the body which are the highlight of this truck.

Mazda has created one of the most beautiful shapes in the compact hatchback segment, its new Mazda3 hatch, a shape that lifts it above any competitor in terms of design. It has a pretty face, nice sides, and a unique rear end that lends it a lot of personality, but at the same time, it also needs to do all the boring, practical stuff well in order to be a serious class contender.

Its interior feels upmarket, and the driving experience is precise and relaxed, especially if the power plant under the hood is Mazda’s latest diesel engine, still available in the 3 and other models the Japanese manufacturer sells in Europe. This latest model doesn’t feel as sharp as its predecessor nor is it the best in class, but it’s far more relaxed and refined than the car it replaces, and it exudes an overall desirable and premium feeling.

The car it replaces was a great all-rounder, although it suffered from excessive tire roar inside at speed (and generally not the best soundproofing), plus its interior didn’t feel as nice as some rivals’, and it also lagged behind in terms of tech. Mazda has addressed all these concerns and more with its new 3, and the result is a much better all-rounder with an even prettier face than before, plus that rear end that will sure to draw a lot of gazes.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the third-generation GLS at the 2019 New York Auto Show, and the company is already talking about future products based on the full-size SUV. The German company confirmed at least two new variations but dismissed an electric model, so we hope you weren’t expecting one.

The midsize Hyundai Sonata has been around since 1985, and the latest eighth generation is definitely the most exciting of the bunch. However, it looks like Hyundai will add even more heat to the four-door with a new N Line edition next year, as revealed during the 2020 Sonata’s debut at the New York Auto Show.

The Jeep Gladiator Gravity Concept is perhaps the smartest looking truck of the lot that was presented at the 2019 Easter Jeep Safari. We are not sure if it was the design team that worked on this concept or the marketing team, but knowing that Jeep uses this event to create, innovate, and display new Mopar products, we have to say that this truck will bring in maximum revenue for Jeep. The Gravity concept is basically a table, shaped like a truck, that showcases a plethora of Mopar performance products. This Jeep shows how you can elevate the abilities and capabilities of your Jeep by installing the products from Jeep’s performance brand. On the onset, the car looks absolutely fantastic in the orange shade while maintaining its rugged looks. Just like four other concept trucks, Jeep has based this one on the Gladiator, too. The automaker has made sure that the company’s new pickup truck receives maximum exposure from this event. But, we cannot fathom the fact that not a single concept is based on the Wrangler!

Lincoln’s switch from alphanumeric nameplates to actual names could bring back the iconic Zephyr name in a couple of years. The badge is rumored to return in 2021 and word has it we could see it on the next-generation MKZ.

The compact crossover segmentshows no signs of slowing down, and Mercedes is adding to the momentum with the promise of two new models, one of which is powered by gasoline, the other of which is all-electric. Dubbed the GLB and EQB respectively, the fresh nameplates are set to arrive very, very soon, as confirmed by Board of Management member Britta Seeger at the 2019 New York Auto Show.

Volkswagen brought the Tarok pickup truck concept to the 2019 New York Auto Show before its production debut in South America saying that it has no plans to sell it in the U.S. However, Volkswagen of America CEO Scott Keogh says that the Tarok would make sense in North America with "an extremely smart price point."

The AMG 45 series is an impressive lot, offering high-strung four-cylinder performance and oodles of Mercedes-branded gloss for just over $50,000. Now, word has it the next batch will come with even more heat under the hood.

Maserati didn’t have any new vehicles to showcase at the 2019 New York Auto Show, but it did display a Levante customized by its Centro Stile division through its new One of One program. This time around, the unique Levante was designed for Ray Allen, two-time NBA champion and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. This One of One model follows the Levante that Maserati built for Allegra Antinori, the vice president of famous Italian wine producer Marchezi Antinori.

The 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster is a really cool sports car that comes with a lot of extras over the regular 911, but you can customize it beyond that by ordering the Heritage Design Package. Crafted by Porsche Exclusive, the division responsible for bespoke features, it adds classic styling elements that link back to the roots of the German company.

If you want the ultimate front-engined Aston Martin experience and your bank accounts are adequately full, you have to go with the DBS Superleggera - the 715 horsepower monster that weighs under 4,000 pounds and can reach 211 mph. If you’re crazy about the brand’s history, then the DBS 59 is the car for you as it looks back at Aston’s first big splash in motorsport.

We’ve talked about the DBS Superleggera 59 before when Aston Martin first released a few pictures of the new limited-edition model commissioned by Aston Martin Cambridge for an occasion like no other in the brand’s history: the 60th anniversary of Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby’s sole overall win at Le Mans aboard the works-backed Aston Martin DBR1/300. We’re talking a lot here about a variety of manufacturers trying to find any sort of reason that could warrant the introduction of a special model, but this one right here is really special.

Why? Because it’s a way at looking back while keeping in mind that Aston Martin might mount an attack on Le Mans with its sights locked on the overall victory with a ’hypercar’ as per the new regulations that are set to be introduced in the World Endurance Championship in little over a year. These new rules, apparently, will allow Aston Martin Valkyrie-type cars to compete in what is currently the LMP1 category.

As one of the most essential Hyundai sedans, the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata debut marks a pivotal moment for the Hyundai brand. With a revolutionary and bold design, new technology on board, and all-new architecture under the metal, some would even say that the Sonata reaches for the premium segment. While completely redesigned, and now inspired by the gorgeous Le Fil Rouge concept, the Sonata features a few bold styling novelties we have never seen before. More importantly, Hyundai stretched its wheelbase and length a little bit, while lowering the car as a whole. This is the trick everyone takes into account when making a clean, planted car. As a final touch, Hyundai reworked the interior to offer significantly more upscale ambiance and equipment.

Just in time for Easter! Eggy car game challenges you to drive an innocent easter egg home without breaking it and while collecting rewards along the way. One cool bonus allows you to freeze the egg on the car, allowing you to accelerate without consequences. But watch out when the egg starts blinking, it will unfreeze soon and may crash and crack open unless you get your car back in check. Have fun driving the easter egg back to your family in one piece. This may be the most fun you will get during the holidays.