An Automotive Engineer's Point of View – News and Reviews
The 2-Series and the 1-Series before it offered a gateway into BMW’s world of premium performance with a powerful engine and high-quality materials. The all-new 2022 M240i xDrive stays true to that formula but this time it comes with a few surprises and a heavy dose of controversy.
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The Mercedes-Benz GLB serves up an impressive level of luxury and practicality that will have you convinced that it’s much more expensive than it actually is.
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The mightiest of Mini’s – the updated 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works is a constant reminder of its racetrack roots.
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Convertibles can be difficult to rationalize. Their open-air freedom usually comes at the expense of some other desirable trait, such as comfort or handling due to the complexities of removing the roof. BMW’s path to building a better convertible meant adopting a folding hardtop – which it did for the past two generations of the 4-Series, however, that system’s complexity, weight, and, worst of all, awkward looks, have spurred BMW to give the soft-top another chance with this new 2021 generation. Has the science of the fabric roof improved so that it meets the expectations that come with being a luxury car? BMW thinks so, and this 430i Convertible is out to prove it.
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Back in the early 2000s, Infiniti set the stage for crossovers that prioritized style over practicality. Today there are plenty of examples, now known as crossover coupes, from BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Land Rover, and even Porsche – not bad company. While the flame went out on the FX several years ago, Infiniti has rejoined the fray with the QX55 but has it done enough to stand out from the crowd as its spiritual forebearer did?
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What a leap forward – the all-new Nissan Pathfinder goes from sleepy and mundane to adventurous and lively. Gone are the ponderous shape, inset wheels, and syrupy CVT that sucked the emotion out of the strong engine. The Pathfinder turns to its rugged roots for inspiration without neglecting the reality of a modern crossover’s routine.
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With the introduction of fully-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, traditional hybrids don’t capture the limelight like they used to. But it would be a mistake to ignore this one. Even though it lacks an EV Mode button, the Tucson Hybrid provides meaningful acceleration without requiring support from the turbocharged gasoline engine. But when called upon, the two power sources combine to deliver a robust thrust off the line while the standard all-wheel-drive system helps maintain traction and the six-speed transmission eliminates the high-revving drama of a CVT. The interior is delightfully modern in design yet there are plenty of hard controls for an affirmative engagement. With a spacious interior and a long list of features, the Tucson Hybrid offers a unique combination of power, efficiency, and value.
Looks can be deceiving – especially in the case of the Lexus IS 350 AWD. Its current silhouette has a close resemblance to its 2014 debut model year, but this year it gains numerous updates that go beyond the typical nip and tuck. But all this while the IS has been honing its existing designs, the competition has been making significant leaps in technology and design that has the IS feeling like it’s holding onto the past just a little too tightly.
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Acura’s mid-size sedans have regularly found themselves without a direct competitor as their larger size, lower MSRP, and missing tier-one status makes credible comparisons with the BMW’s, Mercedes’, and Audi’s a bit of a challenge. But this all-new generation seeks to force its way into that conversation by riding on Acura’s current wave of successful designs and engineering achievements and, with an all-new chassis, more power, cutting-edge safety technology, a studio-grade sound system, and a premium and edgy design, the TLX is the most convincing competitor yet.
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This is the real deal – a true sports car. This fifth-generation Supra has an obvious engineering connection with BMW yet a design freedom that’s uniquely Toyota and the result is something to behold whether it’s blasting down canyon roads or standing still.
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