Forgive me while I catch my breath. I just spent a week driving, and drooling over, the new Lexus halo car, the LC 500. If looks could kill, we’d all be dead.
Lexus has created the most striking looking car of the decade, and not surprisingly, it’s a treat to drive. Folks call such handsome hot rods with a tiny back seat grand tourers. They’re not officially sports cars with two seats due to that fake seat in back. No one with legs will fit comfortably. Continue reading 2018 Lexus LC 500→
I’m used to getting questions about the test cars I drive, but few get as many comments as the Genesis G80 3.3T Sport I just drove.
Dressed in Caspian black, a deeply layered sparkling metallic black, the G80 oozes luxury and authority on the road. Old and young folks alike asked what it was, guessing everything from a new unmarked police car to a Bentley. What it is, is fantastic, and Bentley-like, but without the horrible price tag.
If you’re not a car geek you may be unfamiliar with Genesis, as were several of the questioners. It’s Hyundai’s new luxury brand. Think Toyota’s Lexus or Honda’s Acura.
Like those makes, it has invaded the luxury sedan market with a generously equipped model at a price that seriously undercuts the existing luxury brands. Its looks are a mix of BMW and Audi, and the badge on its nose and tail resembles the spread wings of a Bentley. Hyundai did its homework!
Hmmm, this sure looks like a Bentley logo to me!
I consider this the best looking luxury sedan today, with the exception of Audi’s sleek A7 fastback.
A little more history. For 2018 the G80 line adds a Sport model with a new engine, a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 that cranks an amazing 365 horsepower with a torque rating of 376 lb.-ft. Some offer more, some less, but even weighing in at a solid 4,519 lbs., this new G80 will move. Continue reading Genesis G80 RWD 3.3T Sport→
Supercharged Rover strong on power, luxury, off-road ability
Dating myself here, but imagine a Crocodile Dundee type character intoning, Luxury Ute? Now this is a Luxury Ute as he points to a large, muscular Range Rover SC.
Fording a stream is all in a day’s work for a Range Rover.
The Aussie accent may seem appropriate too as Land Rover, the firm that makes Range Rovers, was for years a part of the British Empire. Now, it and Jaguar are part of Tata Motors, a large Indian manufacturing concern. India too was part of Mother England’s empire, but that’s just coincidence we suspect, when it comes to Tata’s interest in Rover. Still, Range Rovers continue to be built in England.
Rover offers several models, but the Range Rover SC equipped with a monster 5.0-liter supercharged V8 is top dog. The supercharged motor creates a Corvette-like 510 horsepower, but this off-road capable truck starts at a highly immodest $99,100 with an $895 delivery charge. That’s $100 grand in my book.
I know, I know, you’re wondering what could be worth that sort of money when perfectly good off-roading luxury utes like Jeep’s Grand Cherokee, and others, can be had for half that.
Well, a lot comes down to how you want to be perceived as you trundle into the country club parking lot or the yacht club, yet the Rover does offer a lot. However, I can tell you how you’ll be greeted at gas stations, with open arms and welcoming smiles. You’ll be leaving a rather large deposit any time you fill up. Continue reading 2014 Land Rover Range Rover 5.0 V8 SC→
Savage On Wheels 