Model Tested: 2018 Infiniti QX80 4WD Engine: 5.6-liter V8 • Horsepower: 400 • Torque: 413 pound-feet Transmission: 7-speed automatic with adaptive shift control and manual mode EPA Ratings: 13/city, 19/highway, 15/combined Base Price: $67,850 As Tested: $84,660 Overview: The Infiniti QX80 is the real deal — a luxurious, full-size, rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame SUV with available all-wheel […]
Lary Coppola, (in memoriam)
Having been a gearhead since he was a pre-teen, Lary's been a hot rodder, drag racer, customizer, restorer, and mechanic — as well as a nationally published automotive writer for over 25 years. In addition to appearing here, his automotive reviews are accessible at WestSound Magazine Magazine and appear in 14 city/lifestyle magazines around the country, and are accessible through the Auto Reviewers Facebook page. He is a member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association and served two terms as its President and two as its Treasurer. He is also a member of the Motor Press Guild. Follow him on Twitter at @LaryCoppola. #Larythecarguy
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2018 Kia Soul — Turbo-Powering The Soul!
Model Tested: Kia Soul! Engine: 1.6-liter turbo gas direct injection 4-cylinder Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission EPA Ratings: Unrated at time of testing Base Price: $22,650 As Tested: $23,620 Overview: The Kia Soul! (“Exclaim”) is a purely fun compact hatchback. Last redesigned for 2014, it offers good handling and an efficient cabin. The Soul also […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2018 Toyota Tundra — Legendary Reliability the Key
Model Tested: Toyota Tundra Limited CrewMax 4×4 Engine: 5.7-liter, DOHC 32-valve iForce V-8 Transmission: 6-speed sequential-shift automatic EPA Ratings: 13/city, 17/highway, 15/combined Base Price: $44,195 As Tested: $51,516 Overview: The main change in the 2018 Toyota Tundra from last year’s model is its new grille and headlamps. It also comes standard with more safety features […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2018 Subaru BRZ — An Outlier for Sports Car Lovers
Model Tested: Subaru BRZ Limited HZE Engine: 2-liter, horizontally opposed DOHC 4-cylinder; 205 horsepower; 156 pound-feet of torque Transmission: 6-speed manual EPA Ratings: 21/city, 29/highway, 24/combined Base Price: $27,645 As Tested: $28,465 Overview: The Subaru BRZ is a no-frills sports car delivering a high-revving powerplant, nimble handling and almost-perfect balance with minimal compromises for comfort. […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2018 Infiniti Q60 — Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Model Tested: 2018 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 AWD Engine: 3-liter, twin turbo V-6; 400-horsepower; 350 lb·ft of torque Transmission: 7-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 19/city, 26/highway, 21/combined Base Price: $54,000 As Tested: $65,795 Overview: Infiniti’s flagship two-door coupe, the Q60, received a comprehensive redesign for 2017 that not only encompassed styling but mechanical upgrades as […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Alfa Romeo Stelvio — Putting the “Sport” in SUV
Model Tested: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Engine: 2.0-Liter I-4 Direct Injection Turbo: Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic EPA Ratings: 22/City 28/Highway 24/Combined Base Price: $43,995 As Tested: $53,640 Overview: Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) has reintroduced the storied Alfa Romeo to America — to rave reviews. We’ve driven this vehicle twice, and enjoyed it both times — once at the […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2018 Genesis G80 — Quiet, Affordable Luxury
Model Tested: 2018 Genesis G80, AWD 3.3T Sport Engine: 3.3-liter V6 twin turbo; 365 horsepower; 376 pound-feet of torque Transmission: 8-speed Shiftronic automatic EPA Ratings: 17/city, 24/highway, 20/combined Base Price: $57,750 As Tested: $58,725 Overview: Genesis is to Hyundai what Lexus is to Toyota, Acura to Honda and Infiniti to Nissan — its signature luxury […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2018 Toyota Corolla — Nearly Half a Century of Legendary Reliability
Model Tested: Toyota Corolla XSE Engine: 1.8-liter, DOHC 4-cylinder; 140 horsepower; 126 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Continuously variable automatic EPA Ratings: 28/city, 35/highway, 31/combined Base Price: $22,680 As Tested: $23,545 Overview: Everyone knows when it comes to reliability, Toyotas are bulletproof. While the 11th generation Corolla — launched as a 2014 model — has evolved, […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan — All-New Crossover Raises the Bar
Model Tested: 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T with 4Motion (AWD) Engine: 2-liter TSI, DOHC turbo, direct injection 4-cylinder Transmission: 8-speed automatic with Tiptronic EPA Ratings: 21/city, 27/highway, 23/combined Base Price: $30,230 As Tested: $31,130 Overview: Redesigned for 2018, the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is larger than the previous model. Well-equipped for its price, this tall, compact crossover […]