Category Archives: Automotive Reviews

Automotive Reviews

2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition Review: Off-Road Ready, If You Are

That infotainment is served up on a large 13.4-inch touchscreen, with wi-fi Apple AutomobilePlay and Android Auto assist, plus a wi-fi telephone charging pad within the heart console. There’s native Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Play retailer entry and a split-screen UI that may deal with smartphone projection and native apps exhibiting concurrently. GMC’s in-vehicle trailering app additionally comes preloaded.

Driver displayChris Davies/SlashGear

A 12.3-inch digital driver’s cluster is customary too, together with a 15-inch head-up show and rear digital camera mirror. Sadly, when you do get adaptive cruise management, GM’s glorious Super Cruise system is not out there on the AT4X trim. No, the hands-free freeway driver assistant would not be a lot use to you out on the paths, nevertheless it certain would make attending to stated trails much less of a headache. It appears a disgrace that, regardless of the same value tags, GMC makes you select between probably the most luxurious driving options or probably the most off-road prepared.

As my colleague Michael Teo Van Runkle already found, the AT4X and AEV trimmings make the Sierra plenty capable out in the mud and sand. Happily, they do not solely destroy consolation if you’re on the asphalt. Though we’re not speaking Denali-level cosseting, the Multimatic dampers assist maintain issues from getting too bouncy.

Sierra rearChris Davies/SlashGear

There’s noticeable street noise at larger speeds, nevertheless, and the reality of the matter is that grip is prioritized for off-roading functions, not sportier on-road driving. This is not a pickup you will need to throw into the corners. With a 19 mpg metropolis, 20 mpg freeway, and 19 mpg mixed EPA gas economic system score, in the meantime, the diesel is not fairly as environment friendly as it’s in different Sierra varieties. That stated, an honest measurement gas tank means loads of vary between stops.

Automotive Reviews, Cars

2024 Acura TLX Type S Review: Speed Isn’t The Selling Point

The latest-generation TLX was already a good-looking automotive, with arguably among the best implementations of Acura’s household fascia within the present lineup. Wide, low, and glossy, it is a sports activities sedan aesthetic of the old-school — in right now’s age of outlandish grilles, for-the-sake-of-it bodywork slashes, and haphazard proportions, that counts as excessive reward. Falling into an unplanned convoy behind an A-Spec model, it was clear that Acura’s design language holds up properly.

The Type S solely builds on that sturdy begin. Fettled for the 2024 mannequin 12 months since we first drove the automotive in 2021, it positive factors diamond pentagon grill mesh, a brand new entrance splitter, new rear diffuser and decklid spoiler, and outsized quad exhausts. 20-inch split-spoke wheels with a black end are normal, too, and look simply grand in opposition to this Urban Gray Pearl paintwork (unique to the TLX A-Spec and Type S trims). 

If you feel a bit extra showy, Acura gives blue and “Tiger Eye” orange colours, in addition to gold-painted wheels, however a metallic pink on the paint record would not go amiss.

2024 Acura TLX Type S front grilleChris Davies/SlashGear

The result’s purposeful however not polarizing, and I believe the TLX Type S will age extra gracefully than, say, a few of its opponents from BMW.

Automotive Reviews

2024 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Review: More Than Speed Makes It Special

The CT4 is a good-looking sedan, and in Blackwing-blessed type, the modifications have been comparatively even-handed. Cadillac retains its immediately recognizable vertical stacked lights entrance and rear and throws on a customized mesh grille, new decrease fascia, customized badging, and a rear spoiler. A quad-tipped exhaust system pokes out by way of a redesigned rear diffuser.

The 18-inch wheels come commonplace and are the most important (and solely) measurement Cadillac affords. The wheel wells might take bigger, however at the price of clearance throughout extra aggressive turns, and sidewall compliance general. It’s all a part of that complete “usable performance” focus, with the welcome side-effect that changing the 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber ought to be a bit of cheaper than 19-inch variations.

CT4-V BlackwingChris Davies/SlashGear

Cadillac additionally will get kudos for providing greater than the same old array of exterior colours. If you are unimpressed by black, white, silver, or darkish blue, maybe the Radiant Red Tint ($1,225) of this assessment automotive will enchantment, or the even-more-eye-searing Electric Blue or Blaze Orange Metallic (every $625). Not to everyone’s tastes, actually, however a welcome departure from many rivals’ commonplace coloration palettes.

Automotive Reviews

Maserati MC20 Review: The Supercar Best May Be Yet To Come

“Pretty” is maybe not the appropriate time period for the MC20. It does, actually, what most of us require from our supercars: flip heads, steal consideration, and customarily slice by extra mundane site visitors like a shark amid minnows. With its vast, low maw and the fixed sparkle of gravel towards the carbon fiber tub, there is a sense of one thing predatory prowling deep waters.

MC20Chris Davies/SlashGear

As predators go, thoughts, it is a poorly camouflaged one. Everything in regards to the MC20’s proportions screams look-at-me and the brilliant crimson Rosso Vincente paintwork right here does nothing to dial that again. Add within the butterfly doorways, and that is the epitome of a quick automotive on the highway that makes you gradual once you park: merely everybody has a query, a remark, or the urgent want for a selfie.

MC20 seatsChris Davies/SlashGear

Allow them to slide inside, although, and the MC20’s surprising practicality rears its head. The hinge of the doorways makes sliding into the bucket seats rather less awkward than you would possibly count on; the sills aren’t fairly as broad as you’d worry.

Automotive Reviews, Motorcycles

2023 Honda SCL500 Review: What Makes This Scrambler Bike Special

The Scrambler market is expanding, with Honda’s SCL500 (and CL500) and Triumph’s new Scrambler 400 X for 2024 both making waves. The Triumph, priced at $5,595, offers a slightly better look than the Honda, but its lower power might not be ideal for highway riding. On the other hand, Ducati’s 2024 Full Throttle variant, priced at $12,195, offers more features and power but comes with a higher price tag. Honda’s SCL500 strikes a balance between price, style, and performance, making it appealing for both new and experienced riders.

Automotive Reviews

The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Performance Edition: A Review on its Fast and Furious Look

The Chevrolet Tahoe comes with a larger-than-life presence, and to enhance its appearance, Chevrolet has added some sleek details. The black grille complements the LED headlamps and split-pin daytime running lights. For an additional $8,875, the RST Performance Edition package includes 20-inch high-gloss black wheels with 275/55R20SL blackwall Firestone Firehawk Pursuit all-season tires, which perfectly match the glossy exterior trim.

While the Tahoe features a power tailgate, it’s surprising that a 360-degree camera isn’t a standard feature across all trims of this SUV. This SUV comes with it, but other Tahoe trims do not. Similarly, Adaptive Cruise Control, which is a standard feature on a $24,100 Honda HR-V, is only included in the Chevy as part of the RST Performance Edition package. The outstanding hands-free Super Cruise system is not available at all.

Tahoe front 3/4sChris Davies/SlashGear

However, the Tahoe does offer blind spot warnings, lane change alerts, rear cross-traffic alerts, and enhanced automatic emergency braking in addition to standard front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a following distance indicator. When you accelerate, the indicator will flash rapidly as you approach the vehicle in front.

Automotive Reviews, Cars

2023 Dodge Challenger Swinger Review: Saying Farewell to a Classic Muscle Car

While the 2023 Dodge Challenger Swinger impresses with its nostalgic exterior styling and thrilling driving experience, its interior falls short. The design has remained virtually unchanged since its major refresh in 2014, resulting in an outdated look. The dashboard, originally intended for modern infotainment touchscreens, now awkwardly accommodates the 8.4-inch touchscreen of the Uconnect infotainment system, which offers a user-friendly interface and includes the SRT Performance Pages app. Despite these tech features, the interior lacks the same character and excitement as the exterior.

On the bright side, the Challenger surprises with its ample space for a two-door car, making it comfortable for taller drivers who often struggle with fitment in rival models like the Mustang and Camaro. Although shorter drivers may feel like they’re sitting on a booster seat due to the high driving position, the Nappa leather and Alcantara upholstery on the seats provide decent comfort.

Automotive Reviews

2023 BMW M3 Competition xDrive Review: A Powerful Performer

The BMW M3 Competition xDrive is a high-performance car that can rival even supercars in terms of speed and agility. Its Adaptive M Suspension, which comes standard, allows for a range of settings from soft to firm, making the driving experience customizable. However, even in its softest setting, the M3 is not as comfortable as a luxury sedan like the 7 Series. The narrow tires and the occasional roughness of the sports transmission at low speeds contribute to this.

But the M3 is not designed for slow driving. Just lightly pressing the accelerator will cause the car to surge forward with impressive speed. It’s quick and eager, but this can also lead to legal troubles if you’re not careful. The M3’s power is truly astonishing considering its price.

Front wheel
Chris Davies/SlashGear

One of the standout features of the M3 is its switchable 2WD/4WD system, which allows for a thrilling driving experience even on wet roads. The car feels incredibly responsive, with precise steering and excellent grip. The acceleration is exhilarating, and the braking is equally impressive.

Automotive Reviews, Motorcycles

2023 Ducati Streetfighter V2 Review: The Ultimate Commuter Bike?

With its powerful V-twin engine, the Ducati Streetfighter V2 has no trouble reaching top speeds on straight roads, regardless of the gear it’s in. To fully experience its acceleration, I found myself leaning forward onto the contoured gas tank and shifting my weight back onto the footpegs. On public roads, downshifting and engine braking were usually enough to slow down, allowing me to lean into turns and maintain control without excessive braking. It’s an upright naked bike with the soul of a sportbike, and it took a bit of courage to push its limits.

The Ducati Streetfighter V2 is a more affordable alternative to the Panigale, making it a popular choice for riders looking for a well-rounded bike that doesn’t break the bank. While it may not surpass the sales of the best-selling Multistrada, the Streetfighter V4 dominated the market in 2020 with 5,730 units sold. The V2, priced below the V4 models, still offers a range of electronic features found in the Panigale V2.

Equipped with ABS Cornering EVO, Traction Control EVO 2, Wheelie Control EVO, Quick Shift EVO 2, and Engine Brake Control EVO, the Ducati Streetfighter V2 offers a comprehensive suite of electronic aids. Furthermore, riders can choose from three ride modes—Sport, Road, and Wet—to customize the bike’s performance and the level of intervention from these features.