An Automotive Engineer's Point of View – News and Reviews
This was so close to being a home run for Kia. The redesigned Sorento offers powertrain diversity that reaches both ends of the performance spectrum, an exterior that is bold without being offensive, an interior that is appreciatively practical, and it carries an undeniable sense of value. So what is it that keeps both of these models from being winning standouts?
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When car companies switch their car names to some alphanumeric description, there is normally a bit of hesitation towards the new model – as if it might be trying a little too hard to say, “I’m new”. Such is the case with the new Kia K5 mid-size sedan which effectively fills the shoes of the departed Optima. So is it really worth getting to know this new model? In short, absolutely.
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The AMG E53 Coupe presents big coupe looks with subtle hints at the significant performance enhancements that lie underneath. It’s got power, grace, and a heavy dose of premium technology all wrapped in a package that is undeniably Mercedes-Benz.
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The all-new 4-Series coupe is decidedly sporty by way of its spec sheet but it misses out on delivering the advertised ultimate driving experience and instead delivers an impressively luxurious ride and a controversial design.
Continue reading “2021 BMW 430i xDrive”Explaining the concept of the Mustang Mach-E to a Mustang enthusiast usually evolves into a Q & A session. Yes, the V8 soundtrack, the sports-car low seating position, and the sleek coupe looks have all been reimagined for this new member of the Mustang brand. Delivering a whoosh, an open family-friendly interior, and a higher-riding body style, the Mach-E is like no other Mustang before it, and for the brand, there’s no turning back.
The fact that this Mustang bears the shape of a crossover is simply a reflection of the current and the foreseeable consumer shift towards the more practical raised-roof design while demand for two-door coupes continues to weaken. For a company that specializes in mass-production, being able to adapt is crucial for the Mustang brand.
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After the first generation missed the mark on customer preference, this all-new 2021 model confidently lands in an emerging space that prioritizes styling and design over space – and sometimes practicality. Being a Toyota, the Venza pushes the brand into new territory on several fronts.
Continue reading “2021 Toyota Venza”What a fitting name. The RAV4 Prime, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, isn’t just the best within the RAV4 lineup, it’s one of the most practical and efficient vehicles available.
The headlining advantage point for the Prime has over nearly every other vehicle available is its ability to be driven as an EV without a worry of range anxiety. It sounds cliche to use the term but if you’re looking to drive up to the mountains for a camping weekend or want to go skiing on a cold winter day, there will likely be some consideration for how long the trip will be and if there will be available charging. The Prime turns those concerns into simply curiosities.
The Prime is fitted with a larger battery pack that provides about 40 miles of electric driving – enough for most commutes – until the gasoline engine fires up to provide another 560 miles of range.
Simply walking up to the monster truck-like RAM 1500 causes goosebumps with anticipation. Its massive proportions, its 700+ horsepower engine, and its Baja-ready suspension shut out any notion of a sensible Sunday drive. It’s rowdy but professional, extreme but livable. Simply put, it’s the supercar of off-road trucks.
Minivans exhibit some of the best examples of practical engineering. Their space-efficient exterior proportions aren’t the most athletic or adventurous looking but they seem to conjure the creative spirit that leads to better solutions for everyday problems as opposed to simply new ideas. And with this model’s $51,000 price tag, there are plenty of examples of ingenuity but what better way to find out than a road trip through the southern Rocky Mountains.
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The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is an instant classic. It’s a single-year production run of an everyday three-row crossover that’s been stuffed with one of the rowdiest and most powerful combustion engines ever produced. And as the world pushes for EV’s and manufacturers shy away from engines with monstrous fuel appetites, there’s an undeniable realization that this is not just a special vehicle, it’s also the last of its kind.
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