Automobiles

Price: $35,995 ($43,160 as tested)

Engine: 5.7-liter V8 HEMI

Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic

Power: 360 hp & 390 lb-ft torque

The “R/T” badge is meant to tell others that the car it is attached to means serious business. However, I seem to find the R/T badge on many cars nowadays, with most of them undeserving of it. The cars that deserve it, in my honest opinion, are the Charger, Challenger, and surprisingly, the Durango.

When the 2013 Dodge Durango R/T pulled into our lot, I was surprised at the styling it featured. While the base Durango is still good looking, the R/T version is a stunner. Around the entire SUV, you will notice the absence of chrome, which the base model is covered with. Instead of the shiny accent, you get more of the car’s finish, and some darker accents. This is most notable on the grille. Also, the headlights see a darker approach with a smokier looking style. The interior also does a great job of keeping with the sportier styling of the exterior. The “R/T” logo is stitch into the black leather seats, which are accented by red stitching.

What makes this car an R/T is not the stitching or styling. Instead, it is the 5.7-liter V8 HEMI that lies beneath the hood of this marvelous SUV. Producing 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, it is easy to say that this Dodge Durango R/T deserves its badge. And if the power doesn’t convince you or onlookers, the sound surely will. To make sure you know you purchased an R/T, this SUV is fitted with an exhaust system that releases a powerful and throaty exhaust note.

The base price on the Durango R/T is a reasonable $35,995 but ours was priced at $43,160 due to options that include: trailer towing capabilities, adaptive speed control, blind spot and cross path detection, forward collision warning, leather interior, premium Nappa leather, navigation and media package, and second-row fold/tumble captain chairs. Another option that is available is AWD – ours was fitted with RWD.

Needless to say, the 2013 Dodge Durango R/T is a mean looking SUV with power that does the R/T badge justice. Keep in mind that this is still a Durango, so it still offers an incredibly roomy interior that is perfect for a family.

Source: Autofluence.com

Price: $75,645 ($79,485 as tested)

Engine: Supercharged 5.0-liter V8

Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic

Power: 510 hp

In the world of luxury SUVs, there is one brand that is always at the top: Land Rover. To stay on top, Land Rover must create some of the world’s finest examples, and their latest Range Rover Sport Supercharged is one of the finest SUV’s we have been in.

The exterior of the 2013 Range Rover Sport Supercharged will be familiar to most, as it features the iconic styling seen in previous models, with slight touch-ups. If you have been a fan of the boxier styling, stick with the 2013, as the 2014 model is going to have more of a Evoque-ess style.

Inside this new SUV, you will be greeted with Land Rover’s finest interior. In the example car that we were given, the interior was given an ebony & ivory scheme. The leather wrapped seats offered bountiful amounts of comfort for long drives. A gorgeous LED gauge cluster greets you as you enter the driver’s seat. While I see LED clusters here and there, I am always delighted when I see how well put together the Range Rover’s is. The leg room and head room for both front and back seats seems to be plenty for all of the passengers we piled in. In the 2014 model, you will be seeing an extra row of seats in the rear, which I’m sure we will be testing out in the near future.

When mentioning the car’s name, you can’t pass up the word “Supercharged”. At the heart of this SUV is a 5.0-liter V8 that provides a generous amount of power. To be exact, it provides 510 hp and can reach 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, a feat worth mentioning. Unfortunately, for all of this power you only get a combined mpg of 14, but what do you expect out of an SUV of this magnitude? All of this power can be put to use in many different scenarios. In fact, Land Rover has equipped the Range Rover Sport with the Terrain Response System. This system will allow you choose from 6 different modes, including: dynamic, general, snow, mud, sand and rock crawl. Now, will most people be performing rock crawls in their Range Rover? Probably not, but those who plan on it will be delighted by this feature.

Overall, I love every second I get with a Ranger Rover, and the 2013 Range Rover Sport Supercharged is no exception. It offers the classic luxury inside & out, and provides power that is unmatched in most SUVs on the market today.

Source: Autofluence.com

Price: $35,345 ($40,335 as tested)

Engine: 3.6-liter V6

Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic

Power: 300hp and 260 lb-ft of Torque

In the United States, we have a wide range of climates from the frigid northeast, to the dry heat of the southwest. This country’s climate is incredibly diverse, making it hard for some automakers to produce sells in certain regions. This is why Chrysler created the 2013 300S Glacier Edition, an AWD version of the ever-popular 4-door sedan.

The Glacier Edition is offered in three colors: Billet Silver, Bright White, and Glacier Blue Pearl. However, the inside is only available in one color: black. This two-tone theme continues through the car, with its bright exterior being highlighted by darker accents, such as the 19-inch wheels with a dark finish.

Inside the 300S Glacier Edition is an incredibly roomy interior. Leg room up front and in the back is plenty, and there’s enough headroom for your freakishly tall friends. One of my favorite touches on the inside is the blue light accents that are placed throughout. While it may not sound like a lot, the luminescence of the blue light goes great with the black interior.

What makes the Glacier Edition special is the previously mentioned AWD system. This system provides much better handling when travelling on icy roads. The 300hp that is being sent to all four of the wheels is thanks to the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine (the Hemi V-8 is an option).  Mated to this V-6 is an eight-speed automatic transmission that does wonders for this peppy little engine. One other mechanical upgrade that the 300S Glacier Edition does see is the inclusion of a cold-air intake.

If you happen to live in a northern state where ice roads are troublesome, the 2013 Chrysler 300S Glacier Edition may just be what you are looking for. The classy styling and incredible handling make for a great driving experience, inside and out.

Price: $37,795 ($47,480 as tested)

Engine: 5.7-liter V8

Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic

Power: 360hp and 390 lb-ft of Torque

If there was one company that I would say has dominated the SUV market for as long as I could remember, it would have to be Jeep. Since its humble beginnings, Jeep has always created capable SUVs that always deliver on and off the road.

Jeep’s latest and greatest is the 2014 Grand Cherokee. It takes everything that you know and love about Jeep and add some extra luxurious features. This year’s models can is also offered in many variants. The different models include the Laredo, Laredo E, Limited, Overland, and Summit. Engine options include the 3.6-liter V6, 5.7-liter V8, and 3.0-liter V6 Turbo Diesel, with our testing model being fitted with the V8.

On the outside, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited looks more elegant and sleek. It looks as though Jeep took some pointer from Range Rover when creating it, slimming the headlights and grille. It is almost confusing as to why they changed their iconic griller, however. Instead of the bold statement given by the earlier models’ grilles, you get an almost forgettable grille that acts as a just a divider between the shiny new headlights. Besides this one tiny misstep, Jeep did an incredible job designing the exterior of the new Grand Cherokee.

If I go back a few years, I can recall my family’s 1997 Jeep Cherokee. It was an incredibly reliable car, but its interior was so incredible sub-par, it hurt. Everything from the dashboard to the seating seemed as though it was taken from an 80’s model. It was basic, but functional nonetheless. Now, coming back to 2014 Grand Cherokee, Jeep has outdone themselves. The interior in this new SUV is not only functional, but also surprisingly luxurious. A stitched leather dash steals the show and real wood trim spruces up the doors, dash and steering wheel. No pun intended. I’d say I felt like I was in a Mercedes or BMW rather than a Jeep. Chrysler has clearly stepped up their game when it comes to decorating the inside of Jeeps.

But, what is a Jeep if it can’t perform on and off the road? Well, I would say that it wouldn’t be considered a true Jeep then. Luckily, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 is acts exactly as you would expect on and off the road. On the road you get a smooth ride with heaps of power. That big ol’ V8 under the hood provides 360hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, and a towing capacity of up to 7,400 lbs. Jeep has also mated an eight-speed automatic transmission to the engine, along with a new Eco Mode. With these two additions, the Grand Cherokee 4x4 can get up to 22mpg on the highway.

Even though this SUV may look fancy, don’t expect it to back down off of the road. It can tackle steep grades, climb over difficult obstacles, and power through the thickest mud puddles. It will be hard to own one of these and not have it caked in mud from off-roading. This year’s Grand Cherokee still features the Quadra-Lift air suspension, and offers the Selec-Terrain management system, allowing you to select the right suspension or drivetrain setup depending on the driving condition. I will say, the air suspension was a bit noisy at times.

If you were expecting the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 to be a letdown, I’m sorry to inform you that it is still as tough and rugged as ever. Even though it may look gorgeous, it will still handle whatever terrain you can dish out at it and at a base price of $37,795, it’s a steal.

Price: $37,645 ($39,415 as tested)

Engine: 2.5-liter DOHC Intercooled Turbo Flat Four

Transmission: Six-Speed Manual

Power: 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque

The 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX STi is where the practicality of a daily driver meets with the power and handling of a track car. It comfortably fits four adults and has ample trunk space for picking up groceries, but the turbo, six-speed transmission, and all-wheel drive system allow the driver to have a little fun when running to the local market and back.

Styling:

The main theme in the styling of the 2013 WRX STi is simplicity.

The exterior and interior of the car has a very simple design, which we enjoyed. The hood scoop, 18-inch BBS Alloy wheels, and rear wing give the STi a sporty look without being too flashy. Something that we found very subtle, yet brilliant, was the finish of the car. Our test car was finished in "satin white pearl", which gave the car a unique and sophisticated look.

Inside the car, drivers will find an attractive set of gauges with a center-mounted tachometer for easy reading of the RPMs. The rest of the interior is very functional, again with simplicity a main theme of the design. Racing-style bucket seats, trimmed with Alcantara, keep the driver and passenger firmly in their place, but the fixed headrests that project forward are a little uncomfortable. Even though the STi may look small from the outside, there is plenty of legroom and headroom in the back seats for those extra passengers. A downside to the interior, though, is that the rear seats do not fold completely flat.

 [quote align="left" color="#000000"]The timeless design, inside and out, is simple and functional.[/quote]

Performance:

As soon as we pulled out of the office parking lot we noticed how easy shifting from gear to gear was thanks to the smooth clutch. While we obeyed all posted speed restrictions and traffic laws on the public roads, it was another story when we arrived at our closed course. Upon stepping on the throttle, all of the power was immediately sent to all four-wheels, which gave us a great start off the line. The handling was top notch, providing tight and smooth cornering thanks to the STi’s high performance sport-tuned suspension. Even with the stiffer sport suspension, the ride quality on the street is still great.

The flat-four engine and turbocharger allow the driver to make power without reaching very high RPMs, which is good when driving on the street. With that being said, the fuel economy is not the greatest for a 2.5-liter engine with four cylinders. It gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg, an unlikely spec for a turbocharged four-cylinder.

Wrap-Up:

Overall, the 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX STi is a good car that accomplishes exactly what it claims. It will perform well on the track during the weekend and will provide you with a fun and comfortable ride to wherever you are headed throughout the week. The timeless design, inside and out, is simple and functional.

The Scion FR-S is an automotive tribute to enthusiasts everywhere. While it may not be the fastest sports car out there, it most certainly is one of the most enjoyable cars to drive. When this car was created, they didn’t worry about the raw power that the engine produced, instead, they were more focused on putting a grin on the drivers face. While the manual version of this car is widely publicized as the best driver’s car to be produced lately, the automatic version is left alone in the dark. So, does the automatic Scion FR-S have the ability to stand toe-to-toe with its manual counterpart?

The automatic and manual versions of the Scion FR-S are visually identical. The exterior is sleek and incredibly sporty. If you are familiar with the Toyota Gt-86 or the Subaru BRZ, you will notice minor differences in the front end of the FR-S when compared between each other. Inside the FR-S is an incredibly sporty interior; it’s simple, functional and sporty. Even though plastic is used liberally throughout the interior, a pet peeve of mine, I didn’t waste any time on it, because I knew the treat was soon to come in the drive.

Once you sit down in the FR-S, seats with incredibly large bolsters greet your body. While these bolsters are a necessity if you plan on doing some serious driving, they may be a bit much for those who are of a larger size. In front the driver is a simple gauge cluster, so the driver can focus on the road and not a flashy cluster. In our FR-S, the stock Pioneer radio was included, which was also incredibly simple.

Instead of a shifter, the automatic version is equipped with a gear selector that does its best manual shifter impression. While you can select gears from the shifter, the fun comes from the paddle shifters that are mounted to the steering wheel.

So how do the automatic transmission and paddle shifters compare to the manual transmission? Unsurprisingly, the automatic FR-S is incredibly fun to drive, even if the gears are selected via paddle shifters. While the automatic transmission may not be as quick as the manual transmission, it still allows the driver to have a blast behind the wheel. The gear changes are quick and smooth, and the computer perfectly hits the throttle when downshifting to make sure you are constantly in the powerband.

As far as handling goes, no matter what transmission you get, you still get an incredibly tight and exciting driving experience. The automatic FR-S we tested hugged every corner and was incredibly sticky. One test-driver told us he felt like he was driving a go-kart after he had his turn. When accelerating out of turns, it was if the car was begging to get sideways.

Both transmissions get the same 16-valve boxer engine, so they each get an efficient engine that is placed for perfect weight distribution. Combined with the automatic transmission, this engine will get you an incredibly impressive 28 mpg, something that is definitely worth mentioning.

At the end of the day, we had an absolute blast with the Scion FR-S, even if it was an automatic. Nothing will change the fact that they have created one of the best driver’s cars ever. Purists will certainly opt for the manual transmission, but those who want a driver’s car without the third pedal, you cannot go wrong with the Scion FR-S. 

Price: $26,500

Engine: 2.0-liter Twin-Scroll Turbocharged 16-valve I-4

Transmission: 6-speed close ratio manual

Power: 274 hp / 275 lb-ft of torque

Rear-wheel drive cars are what really get my blood flowing. With power at the rear, going sideways always feels like an easy and controllable feat. For this very reason, Korean automaker Hyundai found it necessary to create a sporty and fun to drive rear wheel drive car: the Hyundai Genesis. When it was released in 2010, it was met with praise, but it seemed as though the car was lacking in the power department. Thankfully, Hyundai took notice and has implemented many improvements in the 2013 Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec.

On the outside, the new Genesis Coupe looks aggressive and sporty, as it should. A sharp front end features a hood complete with air vents, and a front fascia worth noting. In the rear is an expected appearance with modern-looking tail lights and a dual exhaust system. Attaching the Coupe to the ground are 19-inch alloy wheels, which compliment the exterior styling.

When I was taking mental notes while walking around the Genesis Coupe, I was only hoping that the interior was just as sporty. Unfortunately, the interior is a bit of a letdown. While it is attractive when looking in from the outside, once inside the car, you start to notice a couple flaws. The most noticeable downside to this car’s interior was the amount of plastic that was used. It seems as though Hyundai skimped a bit when it came to the materials that were to be used throughout the interior, but the does not mean it is an entirely flawed cabin. Even though the materials may be unwanted in some areas, it is still fantastic looking. The bolstered seats are covered in a sort of mesh fabric that was interesting and appealing to say the least.  The gauge cluster is simple, with both the speedometer and tachometer being illuminated by an eye-catching blue light.

Once the key is turned, that’s when the true test starts. Powering the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec is a 2.0-liter twin scroll turbocharged engine, good for 274 hp and 274 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the engine is a 6-speed close ratio manual transmission, a must for a sporty vehicle like this. Shifting is a bit difficult at times, and it must be done with patience and precision. Also, if you plan on doing a bit of drifting in the car, make sure to turn off the traction and stability control, because when it’s on, it works overtime to not let you slide.

Hyundai has definitely created a fun car with the Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec. It has plenty of power going to the wheels, and has an aggressive appearance to match. While it may have some downfalls here and there, they are not enough to keep me from saying I had a blast in this car.

When was the last time you were driving down the road and said to yourself, “That is a gorgeous Volvo!” Honestly, I think I might have said that once. Volvo has set out to change that with new and refreshed models, including the 2014 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD, the poster child for a modern Volvo.

At first glance, you may be surprised that the Volvo badge adorns the grille. The XC60 features lines and styling that Volvo has not been known for. Gone are the days of sharp edges and boxy lights. Now, Volvo has rounded out those edges to create an exterior that would fit in with an Audi Q5 or BMW X3. In the front is a rather large grille that is simple, yet it stands out. Running along the side of the crossover is a smooth line that flows directly into the signature Volvo rear lights, giving it a very sporty style. But does the XC60 live up to its sporty styling?

To answer that question bluntly: Yes. Powering the XC60 T6 AWD is a turbocharged in-line 6 that delivers an impressive 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. All of this power is rushed to the 4-wheels thanks to a 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. I was delightfully surprised when the power I demanded was given to me without hesitation. This crossover is quick and incredibly responsive, thanks to independent suspension in the front and in the rear. The 2013 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD not only looks sporty, but it acts it too.

While being sporty is cool and everything, it wouldn't be a Volvo if it wasn't stylish and functional. On the inside is one of the more aesthetically pleasing interiors I’ve seen in a bit. The gauge cluster and center console are both simple and elegant, allowing you to truly understand what you have control of when you are in the driver’s seat without the frustration. Leather seats and wooden trim pieces beautify the interior. The seats are also incredibly comfortable and offer big bolsters for when you test the cornering in this sporty crossover. Even though I say the XC60 is a midsize crossover, don’t be fooled into thinking it offers less than adequate space. In the rear is an incredibly spacious back seat as well as plentiful trunk space. If you fold down those back seats, your trunk space increases immensely.

Leave it to the Swedes to combine luxury, sportiness, and functionality into one vehicle. If you are looking for a crossover that will hold your groceries and kids with space to spare, check out this car. Want a sporty crossover? The XC60 T6. Need a functional and stylish midsize crossover? You guessed it, the 2013 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD. Also, with a base price of $40,450, it’s not terrible on your wallet compared to its competitors.

Price: $35,525 (Base: $25,765)

Engine: 3.6-liter V6

Transmission: 5-speed Automatic

Power: 305 hp & 268 lb-ft of torque

Say what you will about the onslaught of revamped classics, but I think that some automotive manufacturers deserve some props. One brand that has done their classics right is Dodge. From the Charger to the Challenger, I think these are excellent cars and that is why I was excited when the 2013 Dodge Challenger RallyE Redline pulled up for me to review.

On the outside, the Challenger stays true to its original design. From the front to the back, it screams "muscle," just like its daddy. The RallyE Redline version features a big ol' red stripe going down the center of the car, two hood scoops, and dual exhaust with some rather large tips. The one feature that really caught my eye was the 20-inch aluminum wheels that were just about covered in red accents. If a random person saw this car in a parking lot, most would think it just came from a custom shop.

The classic styling continues on the interior of the car, offering a basic, yet functional design. There are no bells-and-whistles, no alcantara trim, its very simple and that isn't a bad thing. Instead of adding sleek lines to the dashboard and random useless buttons, Dodge decided to make it very "to the point," only adding some vents, the minimalistic center console, gauge cluster, and light switches.  The seats were comfortable and hugged the driver and passenger quite well, like most muscle cars.  For the audiophiles, our RallyE Redline came with the Harman Kardon option which gave us 18 speakers, including subwoofers and a Harman Kardon Logic7 GreenEdge amplifier.

While this car looks like a muscle car, I can't necessarily say that it acts like one. The RallyE Redline edition packs a 3.6-liter V6 engine,  putting out 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque through a 5-speed automatic transmission. While this is a decent amount, you have to remember that this is a huge car, having a length of 16.5 ft and weighing in at around 5,000lbs. Acceleration is a tad sluggish and the overall feel of the engine is almost lackluster. From the outside, you would imagine this car only being fitted with a huge V8 that growls when started, but instead you get a mediocre V6 that won't even wake a cat when started. I know that there is the SRT8 392 version that is a true muscle car, but I just hate to see such a mean looking exterior go to waste. However, there is a bright side, because this car does get a decent 18/27 mpg. As far as handling goes, I will say that it is much better than the SXT, thanks to upgraded suspension, steering and braking systems.

Overall, while I was disappointed with the torque and sound of the engine, I did enjoy this car. It has a badass exterior, and a simple interior that didn't draw my eyes away from the road in front of me. Dodge has done a great job re-imagining this classic muscle car, and I expect to see it around for a few more years.

Price: $74,414 (as tested)

Engine: 3.5-literV-6 with Electric Drive Motor with Lexus Hybrid Drive

Transmission: Electronically Controlled Variable Transmission w/ Intelligence (ECTV-i)

Power: 338hp combined rating, 254 lb-ft of torque

The "h" stands for hybrid, by the way.

A little bit ago, I reviewed the Lexus IS F. It was fun, sporty and more or less what I expected from one of Lexus' performance models. When the 2013 Lexus GS450h pulled into the lot, I was ready to review a hybrid that was sure to give me great gas mileage, and outstandingly mediocre performance. But to my surprise, its actually the most powerful member of the GS lineup, which is a lineup that features the F Sport version of the GS350. But does that power add up in Lexus' new hybrid?

Even though it is the most powerful, it is still the slowest, probably due to its weight (4,147 lbs). However, I never expected this car to be quick, I expected it to give me a luxurious, smooth and comfortable ride. And it did all three of those things quite well.

Sit down and relax, because the GS450h has some of the most comfortable seating I have ever experienced. The 18-way adjustable seats greeted me like I was a king, and the odd adjustable butterfly headrests contoured to perfectly cushion my head. While I reviewed this car living in Florida, I am sure that the folks up north would appreciate the wooden heated steering wheel, which also added to the comfort effect. It was the little things that impressed me with this car, but most of it was featured in the Luxury Package, such as the sunshades, the aforementioned steering wheel and 18-way adjustable seats, three-zone automatic climate control, extendable lower cushions, side bolsters, and much more. With a $7,405 price tag, the Luxury Package almost seems like a must.

On the road the GS450h was flawless as a luxury sedan. It wasn't overly powerful, or under powered. Instead, it was incredible. It glided along the road like it was a hot knife through butter, and it offered one of the quietest rides I've had in a luxury sedan. Road noise was almost completely eliminated. If you feel like driving a bit more on the wild side, switch the car to sport mode, and a tachometer will pop up in the cluster, and you will be giving a little extra boost in the car's acceleration.  More importantly, this is a hybrid, and it does exactly what hybrids are supposed to do: have great gas mileage. With 29/34 mpg, our car barely used any gas during the week we had it and we drove the hell out of it.

With its classy interior, extraordinarily comfortable ride and stylish exterior, the 2013 Lexus GS450h is an excellent luxury hybrid. While you may be mislead by its power specifications on a sheet, those who are buying a car like this are not looking for a sports car. Instead they are looking for a luxury sedan that has great gas mileage, which defines this car perfectly.