Welcoem to posts!!
in the future - u will be able to do some more stuff here,,,!! like pat catgirl- i mean um yeah... for now u can only see others's posts :c
Wagons, endangered species.
Station wagons are a dying breed as buyers gravitate toward the higher-maintenance costs, elevated seating positions, and alleged versatility of SUVs. Yet, thereâs one brand that still believes in long-roof cars, and surprise, surpriseâitâs Volvo.
The V60 Polestar Engineered, which Iâm driving this week, is an interesting vehicle, to say the least. It features Volvoâs plug-in hybrid T8 drivetrain, delivering an impressive 455 hp and a 0-to-60 time of about 4.1 seconds! Plus, as a PHEV, it offers around 41 miles of pure electric rangeâperfect for what most people need daily.
But for us enthusiasts, what really matters are good driving dynamics, and the V60 Polestar delivers. Since this is a Polestar Engineered model, it comes equipped with manually adjustable Ăhlins dampers, a front strut brace, stiffer springs, and 6-piston front Brembo brakes. These upgrades make it significantly more engaging to drive compared to the regular V60. While it may not be the most thrilling performance car, take it on a curvy backroad, and youâll end your drive with a smile.
More to come!
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Wrapping up my week with the Mazda CX-50!
The CX-50, doesnât have the easiest job on earth, as it competes with segment leaders such as the RAV4 or the CR-V, but it smokes both, Toyota and Honda, in one category- styling.
I mean they killed it with the design and itâs one of the most interesting SUVs in the segment, especially when we compare it to the NPC-like rivals.
What I appreciate the most about this car is how easy to live with it is. The dashboard is built around the driver, in a sense that itâs super logical and easy to use. You get physical controls for things that you use pretty often, and the cabin is spacious, and practical.
The CX-50, being a Mazda, has to be (at least somewhat) engaging to drive. And it is. All the inputs, including steering are satisfying, and while you can feel the torsion beam in the back doing its best, the body control is very good, and for what it is, I like how the CX-50 handles.
From a regular, everyday driving perspective, the car performs its duties very well. The ride quality is good and surprisingly quiet, even on the all-terrain tires. The 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder is very lively, providing tons of torque and makes a great combo with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Overall, the CX-50 kind of gives you that entry-level premium car feel, but itâs, but itâs still shy of that full-blown luxury experience. More to come!
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Audi Q8. Electrified. âĄď¸
For the past few days Iâve been driving Audiâs flagship electric SUV, the Q8 e-tron. Thatâs right, the e-tron became a part of the Q8 lineup. Besides that, it received updated exterior design, bigger battery (114 kWh), and redesigned the suspension for better comfort and improved driving dynamics.
In the U.S. we only get one powertrain option, which features 2 electric motors (one on each axle), giving you total of 355 hp (402 hp in boost mode). Range? Up to 285 miles. Charging time? 10%-80% in ~31 minutes using DC fast charging.
As a luxury product the Q8 e-tron is amazing - itâs super comfortable, quiet, and refined, and its cabin is screams premium with its high quality materials. The only area that requires improvement is energy management - more on that in my review!
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Yes, midsize sedans still exist.
The Camry is (kind of) all-new for 2025. We got some obvious styling changes, and while the ninth generation still sits on Toyotaâs GA-K platform, the new model received redesigned dampers and revised suspension tuning for better comfort. The engineers also put effort into reducing NVH and improving driving dynamics.
Forget about V6s, as the new gen is only available as a hybrid, featuring a 2.5L 4-cylinder. The FWD variant has 225 horsepower, and the AWD one makes 232 horses. Typically for Toyotaâs hybrids, the power is transferred via an e-CVT. Pricing starts at around 28 grand, and tops at around 45k for a fully loaded model.
More to come!
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Not too long ago I spent a week with the FL5 Type R, and just like the FK8, it enchanted me with its fantastic engine, manual transmission, great suspension tuning, and practicality.
Now, while the Honda has all the core things that I want in a car, some features (that are not necessary, but are nice to have) are missing. And thatâs where the Acura Integra Type S comes into play.
The Integra is more comfort-oriented with extra sound deadening materials and comes with more tech features: parking sensors, head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
In terms of mechanical differences, the list isnât super long âwe get a softer suspension setup, modified exhaust, and a 5 horsepower bump (320 hp total). The torque remained the same at 310 lb-ft and the 6-speed manual transmission with a mechanical LSD also remains unchanged.
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Starting my week with the Lexus LC 500!
Youâve probably heard every car reviewer going nuts about the LC 500, and⌠they are all right. There is something magical about this thing and it puts a huge smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel.
There are many reasons, but I think everyone agrees that the main culprit here is the naturally aspirated 5-liter V8. Itâs not even about the power (471 horses) or how linearly it gets delivered. Itâs the surreal engine sounds and the exhaust note. No video will do the justice, you HAVE TO experience it in real life, so if you have a chance to go to the Lexus dealer and just ask if you can hear that V8, do it - you wonât regret it.
Now, 471 hp isnât a breathtaking number in this day and age, but you have to keep in mind that the LC is not a super high-performance coupe. Itâs a luxurious GT and when it comes to that, it excels in that role. I mean, it looks like something worth million dollars, has an amazing cabin with great attention to detail, and driving it is a pure pleasure, truly making you feel that youâre in something special.
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This week Iâm in the Dodge Hornet R/T - an American SUV made in⌠Italy.
Yup, the Hornet is built at Alfa Romeoâs factory, together with its cousin Tonale. Itâs probably the least âAmericanâ vehicle Dodge has released in a hot minute, and also happens to be the worst selling vehicle in AmericaâŚ
Despite 288 hp and the Track Pack (adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, Michelin Pilot Sports), the Hornet isnât crazy fun. I mean it drives okay for what it is, with decent body control, pretty communicative steering, and well calibrated brake by wire, but itâs nowhere near a performance-oriented SUV.
As a daily though, it gets the job done. You can do up to 32 miles in pure electric mode, the transition between power source is unnoticeable, and the enegine is shockingly refined considering itâs displacement (1.3L). I canât complain about the ride quality either - itâs compliant with the suspension soaking up all road imperfections very well and there isnât a lot of road and wind noise coming inside.
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Baby GTR?
For the past couple of days, Iâve been driving the new Nissan Z NISMO!
My first impressions are very positive. The fact that the new Z is built on a platform that dates to early 2000âs and that isnât necessarily a bad thing! All the inputs are great and you have that feel of being connected to a car missing in many modern sports cars.
The twin-turbo V6 delivers the power in an incredibly super smooth manner, and there is virtually no turbo lag. It received a 20 hp bump and 34 lb-ft of torque increase, meaning itâs now pushing 420 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. I hope you like automatic transmissions, because unlike the predecessor (which was available with a 6-speed gearbox), the new NISMO comes only with a 9-speed automatic. The good news is that the transmissions is very responsive, changing gears very quickly and never auto up shifting in manual mode.
Now, what is so special about the NISMO? Well, from the design standpoint, it has new front and rear facias, which not only look better, but also improve airflow to the engine, generate more downforce, and eliminate lift. The suspension tuning is more track focused with stiffer spring rates and larger, retuned dampers. We also get RAYS rims wrapped in high performance Dunlop GT600 tires, larger brakes with semi-track pads, and Recaro bucket seats.
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Woke up to 50k subscribers⌠thank you all for your support! More exciting cars to come this Fall!
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Car reviews and test drives from a perspective of a guy who spent some time in Europe. You'll find new vehicle reviews, as well as POV test drives during the day and night on my channel.