Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro – Driven

The 2015 – 2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is Toyota’s most rugged and capable SUV. Thanks to some clever engineering in the Toyota Racing Development labs, the 4Runner enjoys a truly hard-core off-road version that usurps even the venerable Trail Edition 4Runner. Heavy duty Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs, thick coil springs with a 1.0-inch suspension lift, upgraded wheels and tires, and a tank-like front skid plate makes the TRD Pro a natural in the dirt. All the same off-road tech on the 4Runner Trail Edition carries over to the TRD Pro, too. This includes the electronic locking rear differential, manual transfer case, and Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system.

A unique front grille with the blocky T-O-Y-O-T-A lettering sets the TRD Pro apart, along with TRD Pro badging on the C-pillars and bespoke TRD Pro wheels and all-terrain tires. Things inside aren’t much different than other 4Runners, beside a TRD gear shifter and some like-branded floor mats. So how does the TRD Pro handle everyday life and the sandy trails of Central Florida? Keep reading to find out.

Continue reading for the full review.

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Do You Own An Aston Martin? If So, Then you Need These Shoes to go With It

Over the years, luxury brands have evolved from all-go car brands to full-fledged lifestyle brands. This includes everything from Ferrari-branded watches to Bentley-branded fitted luggage. And let’s not forget about the various shoe offerings over the years. Now, Aston Martin is jumping on the shoe bandwagon again. It was back in 2010 that Aston Martin teamed up with Nike to produce 500 pairs of the Kobe Bryant-Aston Martin Hyperdunks, and 2012 when it paid up with John Jobb to make a line of special-edition shoes. But this time around, Aston Martin has teamed up with Hogan to produce the Aston Martin x Hogan limited-edition luxury sneakers.

The new shoes are based on Hogan’s “Olympia” design and are a mix of nylon mesh and fine leather, something that should make these things an absolute dream to wear. They will be available in four different color combinations, all of which are geared toward autumn and fall. What really sets these shoes apart, however, is the tongue, which is fashioned from Aston Martin’s classic Kestrel Tan leather and has pinched seam detailing. And of course, they feature AM’s classic wing logo, just to let the world know that you’re rocking something other than a typical pair of Hogans on your feet. These limited-edition kicks will go on sale at the end of June 2017. If you want a pair, you better get in line – only 3,000 pairs will be produced.

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Porsche 911 GT2 RS

The Porsche 911 has stood as the ultimate sports car for more than 50 years, but the latest 991 body style is proof that Porsche still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve. With the refreshed 991.2 having already debuted in late 2015, the automotive world is finally witnessing the return of the extreme 911 the GT2 RS. As is usually the case with any factory-built, race-ready [ports car, the previous Porsche 911 GT2 RS made strong impressions when it was introduced in 2011, and as we’ve seen from the current 991 lineup, this is definitely the best 911 ever built. What this means for the upcoming GT2 RS has yet to be seen, but the supercar has already made its debut at the 2017 Xbox E3.

Specifications aren’t yet available as of this writing, but the example displayed at E3 and in-game footage confirms that the GT2 RS is a beefed-up 911 with extreme aero elements. It also benefits from the updates introduced with the 991.2 facelift, as well as some styling cues seen on the naturally aspirated GT3 RS. There’s no info as to when specs will become available, but we’ll be back with updates as soon as we have them. This GT2 RS will go on sale for the 2018 model year.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

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BMW Could Electrify Its M-Car Lineup in the Near Future

BMW’s i division may have brought us the electric BMW i3 and the Plug-in BMW i8, but it also brought fear that BMW would merge the the i and M divisions, potentially taking away from the “Ultimate Driving Machine” image associated with the brand’s M-car lineup. Even still, BMW remained adamant that the two divisions would remain separate for the foreseeable future. Well, until now, that is, as BMW’s Head of Product Management – Alexander Kotouc – has hinted that the two brands could eventually merge: “If we built something like a high-performance car or a supersports electric car, why shouldn’t it be something like an iM car?”

That’s the word that comes from Car Advice, who was on the scene in Australia when the BMW 530e iPerformance made its local debut. Kotouc claims that the reasoning behind this possibility in the future stems from the fact that people are willing to step into a car that is “part-electric,” but they still want all of that M goodness we’ve all grown to love. It’s the main reason why the brand’s plug-in models with the M Sport package sell so well. According to Kotouc, the brand’s cars will always retain that “ultimate driving machine” heritage, regardless of drivetrain, so there are at least some reassurances on the table. But, what does that really mean for future i and M models? Keep reading to find out.

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Richard Hammond Recovering From Surgery After Surviving Fiery Crash

Richard Hammond is lucky to be alive after losing control and rolling a Rimac Concept One while filming the second season of The Grand Tour on Sunday in Switzerland. He was able to escape the exotic car, despite it landing on its roof, just before the rare electric supercar burst into flames. His left knee wasn’t so fortunate, however, with it sustaining serious bone fractures. Hammond was airlifted by Swiss emergency services to a nearby hospital where doctors are preparing for surgery. Hammond seems in good spirits in a short video update shot for Drive Tribe, Hammond, Clarkson, and May’s website. “Yes, it’s true,” Hammond says in the video. “I’ve binned it. Again.” Holding his X-ray, he says doctors are preparing to turn his knee into a “Swiss Army Knee.”

This isn’t the first time The Hamster has “binned” a vehicle while filming. In 2006 while shooting for Top Gear, Hammond suffered a brain injury when he lost control of a rocket-powered dragster. A speedy recovery allowed him to return to filming a few months later alongside Clarkson and James May. Thankfully, Hammond’s knee injury is far less life-threatening, and will hopefully require even less time to recover. We’ll bring you more news as it develops.

Continue reading for Clarkson and May’s accounts of the crash.

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Honda Clarity

Honda introduced the Clarity nameplate back in 2008 with the FCX Clarity, a mid-size, five-passenger, four-door sedan equipped with a hydrogen-powered electric motor. Based on the FCX Concept vehicle from 2006, the original Clarity was the first hydrogen fuel cell passenger car ever offered for general public consumption. Production of the original Clarity ended in 2014 with just a handful of units sold, but now it’s back, with Honda reintroducing the nameplate in December of 2016. The basics are the same, including the four-door sedan body style bristling with nerdy cuts and details, while under the hood you’ll find a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. Joining the H2-powered model now is two other powertrains, including an all-electric and plug-in hybrid variant, both of which were unveiled earlier this year at the New York International Auto Show.

With three options on the table, Honda hopes to bump up U.S. sales to 75,000 units over the course of the next four years, representing a five-fold increase in electric vehicle sales overall. This also coincides with goals of making two out of every three vehicles sold an electrified green alternative by the year 2030. “The Honda Clarity is aimed at accelerating the deployment of advanced electrified powertrain technology and bringing electrified vehicles further into the mainstream,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The Clarity series also heralds the advancement of our Honda Electrification Initiative, representing our investment in the full spectrum of electric-vehicle technologies.” Can the Clarity deliver?

Update: 06/12/2017: Honda has just announced a new leasing program for the Honda Clarity Electric. Check out the “Prices” section below to learn all about it.

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Porsche 911 GT2 RS Debuts At XBox E3

Discontinued back in 2012, the 911 GT2 RS is arguably the most anticipated Porsche for the 2018 model year and there’s been a lot of talk about which major auto show will host its global debut. But the ultimate Porsche 911 took us by surprise, as the German automaker decided to unveil the supercar at the 2017 Xbox E3. Yes, the 911 GT2 RS just made its first public appearance at an event about games and tech. It’s not the first time Porsche did something similar – the Cayman GT4 was unveiled in Real Racing 3 – but this time around we’re talking about the actual car, which rolled onto the stage.

I know the video is quite long, so just go to the 46-minute mark to see the introduction and the car.

As of this writing, Porsche has yet to release a statement, so the specs of the new 911 GT2 RS ar still a mystery, but the photos confirm that the new coupe was developed around the same recipe as the previous model. We can see loads of aerodynamic features, a massive rear wing, and turbo vents in the rear fenders. Word has it motivation will come from a redesigned twin-turbo, 3.6-liter flat-six with output close to 700 horsepower. Make sure you follow our review for updates.

Continue reading for the full story.

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Watch this Mean Shelby Cobra 427 Flex its Muscles and Burn Rubber

There’s nothing like a Shelby Cobra 427 revving its big V-8 engine - it’s even better when it happens at the race track. And, this footage recorded by YouTube user "bbrandle2" at the 2017 Goodguys Pleasanton Autocross is proof that the original Shelby Cobra is a crowd pleaser. And loud. And downright awesome!

Sure, modern Mustangs and Camaros are cool too, and a Dodge Viper lapping the Laguna Seca is something I could watch for hours, but nothing compared to the magnificent Cobra 427 that Shelby Carroll himself designed in the mid-1960s. It has the looks, the power (425 horsepower of it!), the exhaust note, and all the fame a muscle car can get. Seeing one in action is a real treat too, since the 427 was produced in less than 350 units, including S/C and Competition roadsters.

Continue reading for the video.

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Kia Stonic

Korean automaker Kia has expanded its lineup at an amazing rate in recent years, tackling numerous segments that it has ignored in the past. It also launched increasingly better vehicles in the last decade, to the extent that it can now give more established brands a run for their money in Europe and the United States. But Kia isn’t stopping here and now wants to enter the mini-SUV market. It will do so in late 2017 with the Stonic, a small crossover that will share underpinnings with a similar vehicle from sister company Hyundai. The Stonic will tackle the likes of the Nissan Juke and Mazda CX-3, joining the Sportage and Sorento in the lineup.

Not much is known about the Stonic right now, but Kia has already released a couple of design sketches along with a brief press release. In addition, the crossover was spotted on public roads and we have quite a few spy shots to look at. Not surprisingly, the production model isn’t as aggressive as the rendering, but it seems to have all the attributes required by the mini SUV market and then some. Until Kia launches more official data, you can find out everything we know about the Stonic in the speculative review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Kia Stonic.

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Full Powertrain Spec Sheet For Challenger SRT Demon Revealed, We Compare It To The Hellcat

When Dodge pulled the sheets on the utterly insane Challenger SRT Demon back in April at the 2017 New York International Auto Show, months of speculation finally collided with reality, and the result was one of the most badass factory drag racers ever unleashed. The headline specs on the Demon beg belief, with nearly 850 horsepower and 770 pound-feet of torque sent to the rear axle thanks to a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. Stuffing the engine is a 2.7-liter supercharger producing 14.5 psi of boost, which prompts at 2.3-second sprint in the 60-mph benchmark. Keep your foot down, and you’ll see the quarter mile blitzed in 9.65 seconds at 140 mph. Insanity. Now, Dodge has a full rundown on hard numbers to document that craziness with the release of the Demon’s powertrain spec sheet.

You can check out the attached press release for all the nitty gritty details, but in the meantime, here are a few highlights. For starters, Dodge says the V-8 engine manages to swallow as much as 173 cubic feet of air during a full-throttle quarter-mile run, which is roughly the same volume as the lung capacity of 816 humans. During a hard launch, the Nitto cheater slicks produce upwards of 1.8 g’s of forward acceleration, enough to lift the nose of the car off the ground for a fronts-up wheelie off the line. There’s plenty of other details as well, so read on if you wanna get nerdy with it as we compare it the “standard” Hellcat.

Continue reading for the full press release.

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The Hoonigan Crew And Bisimoto Prove The Fix For Uncool Is More Horsepower: Video

Not too long ago, minivan ownership was akin to admitting defeat, a white flag waved in the interest of replacing fun with practicality. Luckily, that’s not always the case any more. Just ask Bisi Ezerioha, founder of Bisimoto Engineering, who built the above-featured 1,000-horse Honda Odyssey. “I started a young family, and I love cars, I love speed,” Bisi says.” So, I’m a guy who loves speed, loves to go fast, build crazy horsepower, but I have a family now, so what do I do? Build a minivan.” Makes sense to us.

Bisi cut his teeth in the world of speed by setting numerous records in FWD Honda drag racers. These days, he’s running one of the most badass tuner shops in the country – Bisimoto Engineering, based out of Ontario, California. You may have heard the name before. Bisimoto Engineering is responsible for some of the most exciting builds to hit the scene in recent memory, including a slew of jaw-dropping Porsches (here’s one example, a Steve McQueen tribute). Or there’s this 1,000-horsepower Hyundai Santa Fe that graced SEMA last year. With a resume like that, a four-figure Odyssey looks like business as usual. At about just under 20 minutes, the video is kinda long, but worth it to see this slammed people mover killing tires at Hoonigan HQ.

Continue reading for the full story.

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Here's the Only New-Generation Holden Commodore that Still Has a V-8!

New-generation Holden Commodore with a V-8? It may sound like a joke given that the new, Opel Insignia-based Commodore uses a V-6, but it’s not. There’s at least one that still uses a V-8 powerplant. Unfortunately, it’s just a concept for now, and the final result will be a race car and not a road-legal production model. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m talking about Holden’s new race car for the Australia Supercars Championship.

Redesigned for the 2018 season for obvious reasons, the new Commodore Supercar borrows styling cues from the latest-generation street Commodore, which is a slightly revised version of the European-made Opel Insignia as far as design goes. But while the road car ditched the GM-sourced V-8 in favor of a new turbocharged V-6, the race car will continue to use last year’s V-8 engine. But, even though Holden successfully homologated the old V-8 for 2018, the naturally aspirated mill will be phased out starting 2019, when it will be replaced with a race-spec version of the Commodore’s V-6.

Continue reading for the full story.

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USAF Taps Into Elon Musk's SpaceX to Launch the X-37B into Space

Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, has accomplished a lot in its short time of existence. Most recently, SpaceX proved to the world that rockets could be reused when it launched the SES-10 communications satellite into orbit a few months ago with a used Falcon 9 rocket, which it also landed at the end of the mission. SpaceX has obviously been generating a lot of hype with the push to make space travel more plausible and affordable, and its next major mission comes this August when it is set to launch the USAF’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) into space. Confirmation of this mission came straight from AF Secretary, Heather Wilson, during a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee meeting.

This is the fifth time an X-37B has been launched into space, with the first four launches being handled by United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rockets. Over the last seven years, the X-37B has seen a total of 2,085 days in orbit, with its very first flight taking place back in April of 2010. But, that’s where the secrecy comes in as there’s no word as to what these unmanned orbiters have been doing in low-earth orbit. In the most recent landing back in May of 2017, the Air Force released a statement that claims the X-37B program “performs risk reduction, experimentation, and concept-of-operations development for reusable space-vehicle technologies.” Keep reading to learn a little more about the X-37B and its upcoming mission.

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Just In Case A Built-In Aquarium Qualifies As One Of Your Supercar Needs

Resorting to gimmicks is an age-old practice in the auto industry. That’s especially true for start-up companies who want to make a name for themselves in the business. Using that justification, it’s easy to forgive Italian start-up Frangivento for not only dipping into this well, but for actually building one inside its new supercar offering, the Asfane Charlotte Roadster.

Okay, so it’s not really a well. It’s an aquarium, which sounds no less ridiculous. But still, an aquarium inside the car? Perhaps the company needed to get as much attention as it could. After all, there’s only a finite number of premium materials in the world, so when that option dries up, might as well dive into the deep waters, right? The good news is that the aquarium isn’t the only notable feature of the Charlotte Roadster. It’s got a supremely aggressive design that fits into the mold of how an exotic should look like. Most importantly, it has a 70 kilowatt-hour battery pack that’s reportedly good for 885 horsepower. According to Frangivento, those figures allow the supercar to post a 0-to-60-mph time of just 2.6 seconds before peaking at a top speed of 189 mph. As ridiculous as the aquarium is, it’s good to know the Charlotte Roadster also has the performance capabilities to back up its audacious look and quirky features.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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IWC Schaffhausen Pays Tribute To AMG's 50th Anniversary The Only Way It Knows How

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating AMG’s 50th anniversary in style, and now that Swiss watchmaker IWC is involved, that statement can be taken quite literally. The Swiss-based premium timepiece company has served as the official timekeeper for Mercedes-AMG since 2004. IWC is marking the celebration with a special edition version of its Ingenieur watch.

The watch is low-key compared to what we’ve become used to when automakers collaborate with watchmakers. Often times, these collaborations result in outlandish-looking watches that are either decked in fancy trim, have elaborate straps, or are just look plain bonkers. But IWC opted for a subtle approach with its AMG anniversary watch, resisting the urge to be flamboyant and instead opt for class and sophistication. The result is a watch that showcases the style, grace, and all-around performance that AMG has been known to provide for the last five decades. Only 250 examples of the IWC Ingenieur Chronograph will be made. And while there’s still no price on these limited edition watches, we do know five of them came with the special edition AMG GT3 race cars Mercedes-AMG unveiled at the Nürburgring in May.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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