Ford has heavily invested into turbocharging with the EcoBoost line of engines. TFLcar has run into several Ford and Lincoln vehicles testing at high altitude. We caught a glimpse of the engine bays and saw three intake runners. Could it be that Ford is testing the 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine in the Fusion and the MKZ?
Ford is already selling the 1.0L powered Fusion (or Mondeo) sedan in Europe. The Mondeo 1.0L EcoBoost is rated at 125 PS. Ford has shown that small displacement and turbocharging can bring a good level of performance. Can this tiny engine be enough for power demands on the North American market? It could be if Ford can further decrease the weight of their midsize sedans. And we know that Ford is working on advanced materials as it displayed with the Lightweight Concept last year.
Check out this TFLcar 0-60 mph performance test of the 1.5L EcoBoost powered Ford Fusion.
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
The first question comes from an attendee at graduate school who wants a ride (from Hyundai or Mercedes-Benz) that will give him a social bump.
Q: I’m a 33 year old bachelor who’s lost 60 pounds, about to attend graduate school to get a master degree in teaching music, and also a church musician organist. Though I’m older and my jobs seems to be a little on the traditional side, I want a car that going to be sophisticated, fun, stylish, while also boosting my social status coming from a 2004 Toyota Camry. It also has to look good going to the beach in the summer and to church in all year around without being to intimidating. The two cars that I like the most and are within my budget are the 2015 Hyundai Genesis (3.8 liter, RWD,Ultimate package, Paplano Red or BLack) and 2015 Mercedez Benz C Class ( 300 or 400 Fully Loaded). Though these automobiles are different in class, they have a great sound system, sporty looking and give a Masculine but Beautiful look- if you know what I mean. Which would you choose and why. Considering I’m not a performance driver but want something sporty, What differences in the ride quality, fuel economy, sound system that you find better?
Lastly, I like to hear great vocals in my music with detail, which do you think is better for that purpose. .
A: First of all, congratulations on the positive changes in your life! I admire anyone who is willing to go back to school and be their own advocate in making their life a better one. Well done.
As for your comparison between the 2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8-liter “Ultimate Package” and the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C Class 300/400; wow, that’s a tough one. I mean, the Mercedes-Benz is the real pick for anyone who is trying to display culture, sophistication and breeding without having to marry royalty. In all seriousness, the Mercedes-Benz is the best of what people see from the outside.
…however…
The Hyundai Genesis 3.8-liter is a real joy to drive. It is, for lack of a better comparison, the closest thing you’ll come to driving a Mercedes-Benz without the price pinch, AND you get a ton of gadgets for the money! The Hyundai Genesis is a great machine and (I think) it looks great.
Perhaps people will see you in the Hyundai and say, “Now THAT’S a guy who is smart about money.”
In my opinion, the Mercedes-Benz C Class 300 is fairly economical and it has better highway ride characteristics than the Hyundai Genesis. It’s roomier and will (most likely) have a better resale value too. The Hyundai Genesis feels much bigger and is a tad mushy when pushed.
I can’t give you an honest opinion about which stereo is better. The best thing you can do is test drive one and bring it to the other dealership. Compare the stereos side-by-side. In some cases, you can pre-arrange this by talking to the dealership(s) in advance.
In the end, I always suggest one thing: choose the car that makes you happiest.
Hope that helps!
N
This question comes from a fan from India who noticed we have a presence in India and China.
Q: Greetings Nathan and TFLcar!
I have noticed that you have quite a few episodes filmed in China and I have even seen a video from India, which is where I am from. I am so happy that you come out to Asia. Is this something you will be doing more often? Will we see you trying to drive a TATA Nano? I think that would be so very funny.
You and Roman give me a real sense of what its like to live with western cars. I wish you could take your easy to relate opinions and test some cars in India! That would be something.
Best wishes to you and Roman!
R.J.T
A: Thanks for that great email! Yes, we have some friends in China which prompts us to return often. China has some of the largest automobile shows, a massive car-thirsty consumer base and lots of interesting brands that western eyes never see. It’s a great place to see changes in the industry. China is exciting to see, every time.
India is something special. The automobile industry is so different than what we have in the west. Fascinating stuff!
Roman went recently and was surprised at the combination of cultures, technologies and car markets. Some of the cars (and traffic) Roman saw blew his mind.
We hope to return to India one day and do some serious tests.
Thank you again for such a great email!
N
—
This email comes from someone who is curious about our backgrounds and whether or not I consider myself to be a cowboy!
Q: Hello Roman and Nathan,
I noticed in your car and truck YouTube channels that you have a different way of reviewing vehicles. It took me a while to get used to it. Unlike most reviewers, you mix technical details subtly into your dialogue. It’s sort of the opposite of what most reviewers do. I like it now. But things are a little odd when I try to identify with either of you.
Roman is European right? I can’t detect an accent, but he has an unusual way of talking, like he’s thinking about what he’s about to say before he says it.
You see to be more organic about what you’re saying. It’s like yor’e talking to someone next to you. You kind have a cowboy, good old American boy thing going on. But, aren’t you from Los Ageles? No cowboys or rednecks come from L.A. do they? I like your foot-down driving style because you never pretend to be a racer but you’re always exciting.
Roman is, obviously, a better track driver. He’s better in fancy cars than trucks. Even though I prefer Roman, I think the two of you are completely unique to each other and compliment each other nicely. I guess I just want to know where you’re both originally from and wanted to say that your channels truly grew on me.
Good job
R.R. Vancouver B.C.
A: Thanks for the email. I know Roman will dig it!
Here’s all of our backgrounds:
Roman was born in the Czech Republic and (somewhat) raised in Chicago. He’s very European in some regards, but he’s lived in the wilds of Colorado (Boulder) for decades. In many ways, Roman represents what an immigrant can make of him/herself in the United States. His upbringing, education and career come from the notion that hard work and dedication can get you far in this country.
As for me? Yep, I grew up in L.A.; however, some of my family has been in the United States since the early 1800s. I even have family history dating back to the 1880s in Colorado. Still, I’m no cowboy, but I do like a cold brew, Credence Clearwater Revival, firepower, cigars explosions and pickup trucks – so I’m acceptable in those circles.
All joking aside, all of us at team TFL represent our country in different ways. Each one of us loves being here and we are proud to represent.
p.s. Yes, there are (a few) cowboys and Rednecks that come from Los Angeles.
Thanks for the email!
N
—
This last question comes from a fan who wants to know about what we think Toyota makes that’s truly fun to drive.
Q: I was wondering if you thing ANY Toyotas are fun or exciting to drive? Not trucks, I know you all like Tacomas, so do I. What about cars? I can’t think of anything remotely exciting f0r 2015!
What do you think?
A.S. Delaware
A: Interesting question. Roman and I were just talking about Toyota and its various “fun” cars and I came to this conclusion: Toyota/Lexus/Scion combined have five cars that are truly fun to drive.
Scion FR-S – Yes, it’s based on a lot of Subaru tech, but the FR-S is a hoot to drive hard. It is one of the most forgiving and fun cars to drive on a track – period.
Scion tC – I still maintain that this is one of the best all-around packages out there. It has a great 180hp engine, lots of space, hatchback utility and excellent performance. It is one of the best sub-25K cars Toyota sells in the United States.
Toyota Camry XSC – Before you yell at your monitor, hear me out. The 3.5-Liter V6 DOHC 24-Valve Dual VVT-i; which makes 268 hp @ 6200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm is terrific. Hooked up to a snappy six-speed automatic with paddle-shifters, this Camry is faster than you might think. It’s a hell of a lot more fun to drive than a majority of the competition, and it’s still a user-friendly Camry.
Lexus IS – All Lexus IS are pretty fun, get the one with the big six-cylinder and you’ll have a hard time keeping the smile off your face.
Lexus RC and RC-F – I know that some reviewers have dismissed the RC for being too heavy and not being as fast as the equivalent BMW. Still, as a proper GT car, it’s hard to dislike the snarling V8 in the RC-F or the excellent driving characteristics of the V6 RC. They are both a lot of fun to drive and feel very substantial.
They look good too.
Cheers,
N
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com
And for more fun, check out the Hyundai Sonata Turbo’s 0 to 60 run!
Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
In a world where BMW M has become synonymous with 4000 lb.-plus curb weights, twin-turbocharging, and artificial exhaust notes, it’s important to take a moment to remember and admire the M division’s purist roots. The original M cars, such as the E30 M3 and E28 M5, received praise for their peppy, high-revving characters, sublime manual gearboxes, and tossable, telepathic handling. As opposed to modern Ms that are forced to prioritize power and luxury over dynamics, the M division of the past forged its own path, providing the driver with a heavy dose of fun-loving character without completely compromising practicality. However, all is not lost with the M division of the 21st century–the E46 M3 is a flash from the past of BMW M, a rare combination of all of the finest elements of M cars in a modern, beautiful package. Here’s why.
1) Naturally-Aspirated Character
What is more BMW than a naturally-aspirated straight-six? The E46 M3’s S54 3.2-liter I-6 is the quintessential expression of BMW’s performance focus. Emitting a beautiful, throaty wail through its quad-exhaust all the way to its nearly 8000 RPM redline, the S54 simply begs to be wound out, engaging the driver in ways that few modern engines can. Sure, the F80 M3’s S55 twin-turbo straight-six eclipses the S54’s 333 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, but the twin-turbo engine simply can’t captivate the driver like the S54 can. The S55 may reign supreme on paper, but for the intangibles, the E46 M3’s engine can’t be beat.
2) Dimensions
Though seemingly irrelevant, the size of BMW M cars has grown from Miata-like to truly limousine-esque during the past decade, and the E46 M3 is a friendly reminder that short-wheelbase, narrow-track models provide for the ultimate in driver connection. With a 107.5-inch wheelbase and a track of just 70.1 inches, the E46 M3 is dwarfed by the F80 M3’s 110.7-inch wheelbase and 73.9-inch track. Like the early E30 M3 and even the E39 M5, the E46 M3 simply has less volume to transport, making for tight, responsive, and well-executed dynamics on the street and on the track. The E46 M3 hugs and envelops its driver, allowing for a level of driver awareness that is so characteristic of the M division.
3) Competition Package
Though BMW has issued special-edition variants of nearly every variant of their M cars, the E46 M3’s Competition Package is perfection–as opposed to taking the AMG approach and cramming more power under the hood, the M division prioritized dynamics with the Competition Package. Buyers who checked off the option were treated not only to special 19-inch rims and an Alcantara-lined interior, but also to specially-tuned spring rates and a DSC system, steering rack, and cross-drilled rotors from the M3 CSL, a high-performance variant of the M3 only available in the European market. BMW didn’t simply throw on a turbo or crank up the boost for the Competition Package; they took the subtle, more difficult approach, keeping in mind the emphasis on dynamics that’s associated with some of history’s best M cars.
It’s disappointing to see the pass of normal aspiration and compact dimensions within the M lineup, but given increased global concern with environmental responsibility, the shift is simply a product of the times. Nonetheless, if you want a taste of the sublime M perfection that captivated so many gear heads worldwide, snap up an E46 M3. You won’t be disappointed.
Please enjoy this TFLcar.com video review of the 2015 BMW M3 and M4.
Frank caught automotive fever early in life. Hailing from a long line of car fanatics, he was able to recite the year and model of every car that passed him by age five. His passion and love for the automobile have only grown since then. When not thinking about cars, he is reading, writing, learning, or dreaming about them. His area of expertise is in the realm of German and Italian cars, of which Porsche is a favorite. Frank currently resides in the heart of NASCAR country in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his family. He enjoys driving exotic cars in the beautiful Carolina weather.
The 25th all female Rallye Aicha des Gazelles will take place March 20-April 4 and America will be sending 10 teams. European competitors will start with technical verifications March 20 in Paris, with American teams joining them in Rabat, Morocco on March 24. From there teams will travel over the Atlas Mountains to Erfoud to start the 9-day competition.
Participants in the Gazelle Rally are not allowed chase crews, cell phones, or GPS. Points are awarded for shortest distance between checkpoints, not fastest time. Teams can choose their route with the help of an old map, a plotter, and a compass. There is no roadbook. Teams are given map coordinates and must plot them on their maps, find their heading, then drive in as straight a line as possible. If a team comes upon an obstacle, be it a wash or a mountain, they must navigate around it and then return to their original heading.
With the exception of the marathon legs, teams return each night to a mobile bivouac, where they eat, sleep, gas up, and receive mechanical assistance.
Amy Lerner and Sabrina Howells are both Gazelle Rally veterans, but 2015 marks the first year they have been a team.
Lerner and Howells during a training exercise. The women had to rent a Jeep as Lerner’s AEV Jeep was already on its way to Morocco.
Lerner is a mother of two from New Jersey. Before the Gazelle Rally she didn’t have any off road experience at all, but wanted to push herself past her comfort zone. She has participated in the rally three times, with 2015 being her fourth campaign, the only American to do so. She was on the first American Team to crack the top ten (out of 150 teams). She also won the Logica ECO Driving Challenge at the 2012 Rallye.
The Logica Eco Challenge asks Gazelle drivers to monitor their driving habits. Each night of the 8 day rally, officials gathered information from a special monitor attached to the on board diagnostics. The box measures real time carbon dioxide emissions via engine idling, hard braking and acceleration, as well as high speed.
In 2013, Lerner tackled her newest driving challenge in the Outback of Western Australia, competing in the 2013 Australasian Safari Rally. She was the first woman to ever win a Dakar Challenge in the Auto Class and had an overall production class win, a Class A1.2 win. She was the fastest woman to drive the Safari that year.
Navigator Sabrina Howells is a two time Gazelle Rally participant. Last year she navigated her team to the top place among all North American teams. Another woman who enjoys adventure and pushing her boundaries, Howells had never off-roaded before she climbed in the truck in 2013.
“I am drawn to adventures,” says Howells. “I’m drawn to anything off the beaten path because I want to always test myself and prove that I can succeed.”
Howells is an actress and singer/songwriter living in Los Angeles. She sings and plays guitar with her band, Henry Henrietta and has numerous national commercials to her credit. When not performing, Howells enjoys travel, languages, and reaching for out of the ordinary experiences.
The two women will be competing in Lerner’s 2012 Jeep Wranger Rubicon, modified by American Expedition Vehicles. The 350 package packs a punch of changes including:
AEV Heat Reduction Hood
AEV Premium Front Bumper
AEV Winch Mount
WARN winch
IPF 901 Off Road Lights
AEV Front Skid Plate
AEV Rear Bumper
AEB Tire Carrier
AEV Water Pump Kit
5” Dual Sport RS Suspension
AEV ProCal
AEV Jack Base
AEV 17” Beadlock Wheels
FIA Spec Safety Cage
5-point Safety Harnesses
Dynatrac ProRock 44 Front Axle
RCV Axel Shafts
Hydraulic Bump Stops
Limiter Straps
33″ Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires
Dual TerraTrip Rally Computers
PCI Race Radios Intercom System
The team will also carry Maxtrax recovery boards, a Hi-Lift jack, and a Pull Pal winch anchor.
The engine, however, is the stock 3.6 Pentastar V6 so Lerner can still run other rallies in stock production class.
With 5 years of Gazelle experience between the two of them, expect Lerner/Howells to do quite well. They are the only US team to register for the new Expert Class. The navigation will be more challenging, including extra checkpoints, longer headings, more difficult terrain, and more time spent in the dunes.
Both ladies are gunning for a top ten finish, but we wouldn’t be surprised if they won the whole thing.
We’ll be posting daily updates on TFL Car, but you can follow all the American teams and even send them messages of encouragement at www.gazellerally.com.
Check out footage from past Gazelle rallies.
And here’s a review of a stock 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with the same Pentastar V6.
Lerner and Howells during a training exercise. The women had to rent a Jeep as Lerner’s AEV Jeep was already on its way to Morocco.
The 2015 Chevrolet SS is available with a no-cost six-speed manual
The manual transmission may be in its golden years, but there are still options for those who revel in rowing their own gears. Everything from low-buck economy cars, to midsize sedans, to high-end sports cars can be had with a stick shift. However, not all trim levels of all models are available.
Of all the styles of cars available, the all-wheel-drive SUV is the hardest to find with a manual transmission. Only Jeep’s Patriot, Compass, Wrangler and Nissan’s XTerra can be ordered with a stick (EDIT: Subaru’s Forester SUV can also be had with AWD and a manual). Jeep’s new Renegade will have a few models as well, but they weren’t available for sale at the time of writing.
Porsche’s 911 and Chevrolet’s Corvette are the only cars on the list with seven forward gears.
Below is a list of all cars available in the United States with a manual transmission in 2015. This list only covers cars, SUVs and crossovers; for pickups, visit TFLtruck. So for those looking for a car with a manual transmission, here is where you start.
Cars available in the United States with a manual transmission
Make/Model
Gears
Trims (available on all except where noted)
Aston Martin
Vantage
6
V8, V8 S, GT
Audi
A4
6
S4
6
A5 coupe
6
S5 coupe
6
R8
6
R8 Spyder
6
BMW
2-series
6
No-cost option on non-xDrive coupes, M235i convertible
3-series
6
No-cost option on sedans, xDrive 335i sedan
4-series
6
All coupes except 435i xDrive
Z4
6
Only available on xDrive 28i
M-series
6
Standard on M3 and M4; no-cost option on M5 and M6; unavailable on X5 and X6
Buick
Verano
6
Optional on Premium with turbo engine
Regal
6
Optional on GS FWD
Cadillac
ATS
6
Sedan and coupe RWD 2.0 Turbo
ATS-V
6
CTS-V
6
Chevrolet
Spark
5
Sonic
6
Cruze
6
L, LS, LT and ECO
SS
6
Camaro
6
Corvette
7
Dodge
Challenger
6
R/T and SRT
Dart
6
All except Limited
Viper
6
Fiat
500
5
500L
6
All trims except Lounge
Ford
Fiesta
5/6
Six-speed on ST; five-speed on everything else
Focus
5/6
Six-speed on ST, EcoBoost; five-speed on everything else
Mustang
6
Honda
Accord
6
LX, Sport and EX
Accord Coupe
6
LX-S and EX
Civic
6
Si only
Civic Coupe
6
LX, EX and Si
CR-Z
6
Fit
6
LX and EX
HR-V
6
Front-drive only
Hyundai
Accent
6
LX and EX
Elantra
6
SE and Sport
Elantra GT
6
Genesis Coupe
6
Veloster
6
All except RE:FLEX
Infiniti
Q60
6
S coupe RWD only; S convertible
Jaguar
F-Type
6
F-TYPE 340 hp supercharged V6 and F-TYPE S 380 supercharged V6
Jeep
Compass
5
AWD and FWD S only
Patriot
5
AWD and FWD S; Latitude FWD only
Wrangler
6
Wrangler Unlimited
6
Kia
Rio
6
Sedan and 5-door LX only
Forte
6
LX only
Forte Koup
6
Soul
6
Base only
Mazda
Mazda2
5
Mazda3
6
Mazda6
6
Sport and Touring
CX-5
6
Sport FWD only
MX-5 Miata
5/6
Five-speed on Sport
Mercedes-Benz
SLK
6
SLK250 only
Mini
Cooper
6
All; includes two-door, four-door, convertible, coupe and roadster
Countryman
6
Paceman
6
Mitsubishi
Lancer
5
ES and GT
Lancer Evolution
5
GSR only
Mirage
5
Outlander Sport
5
ES 2.0 only
Nissan
Versa
5
S only
Versa Note
5
S only
Sentra
6
S only
Cube
6
S only
370Z
6
All except roadster
Juke
6
NISMO and NISMO RS
XTerra
6
S AWD only; PRO-4X
Porsche
Boxster
6
Cayman
6
911
7
All except Turbo and GT-3
Scion
FR-S
6
tC
6
xB
5
Subaru
BR-Z
6
Impreza
6
2.0i, 2.0i Sport Premium
WRX
6
Forester
6
2.5i, 2.5i Premium
XV Crosstrek
6
2.0i, 2.0i Premium
Toyota
Yaris
5
Three-door L, five-door SE
Corolla
6
L, S Plus
Volkswagen
Jetta
5/6
Six-speed on TDI, GLI
Passat
5/6
Six-speed on TDI
CC
6
Sport and R Line
Beetle
5/6
Six-speed on R Line, TDI; unavailable on Premium, Classic
Golf
5/6
Five-speed on two-door, S with sunroof; six-speed on TDI, GTI
Jeep released this teaser image of the Jeep Chief Concept that it plans to unveil at the 2015 Easter Jeep Safari. The event takes place March 28th through Apr 5th, 2015 in and around Moab, Utah.
Jeep did not release any specifications or additional information on the Chief Concept, but the teaser image shows part of the tail light, fenders, side profile, and the exterior mirror. The shape of the rear panel and the tail light harkens back to Jeep Cherokee Chief (SJ) of the late 1970s and early 1980s. That vehicle was produced under the AMC Jeep nameplate. Take a look at this 1977 AMC Jeep Cherokee Chief (image from bringatrailer.com).
1977 AMC Jeep Cherokee Chief
The side mirror and wheel wells in the teaser image remind of the current Jeep Wrangler (JK). There appears to the no side glass past the door, and the top consists of at least two large panoramic roof sections.
The Jeep Chief Concept could very well be a combination of the Wrangler and classic Cherokee Chief styling. However, much is simply speculation at this point. Jeep says this is just one of the seven Jeeps concepts that will debut at the Easter Jeep Safari.
Expect to see more images and details revealed next week.
Check out this TFLcar first drive of the Jeep Nukiser pickup truck at the 2014 Safari event.
The 25th all female Rallye Aicha des Gazelles will take place March 20-April 4 and America will be sending 10 teams. European competitors will start with technical verifications March 20 in Paris, with American teams joining them in Rabat, Morocco on March 24. From there teams will travel over the Atlas Mountains to Erfoud to start the 9-day competition.
Participants in the Gazelle Rally are not allowed chase crews, cell phones, or GPS. Points are awarded for shortest distance between checkpoints, not fastest time. Teams can choose their route with the help of an old map, a plotter, and a compass. There is no roadbook. Teams are given map coordinates and must plot them on their maps, find their heading, then drive in as straight a line as possible. If a team comes upon an obstacle, be it a wash or a mountain, they must navigate around it and then return to their original heading.
With the exception of the marathon legs, teams return each night to a mobile bivouac, where they eat, sleep, gas up, and receive mechanical assistance.
At the 2015 Gazelle Rally the US will have their first ever side x side team in the Teryx Girls. Sara Price and Erika Sacks will be taking their IMG Motorsports prepped 2015 Kawasaki Teryx UTV to Morocco to test their skills in the barren Moroccan desert.
Sara Price made history in 2010 as the first ever female factory Kawasaki supported racer in motocross. She also achieved over 16 Amateur Championships on a Kawasaki during her amateur racing career as well as medaling in X-Games. Sara crossed over into side x side racing in 2012, racing many different disciplines in a UTV and quickly became a force to be reckoned with.
Erica Sacks has over 15 years of off-road racing experience. She has been all over the Baja Peninsula and has raced the longest race in the US, giving her the knowledge necessary to compete in this long race. She has raced in a variety of off-road cars from Trophy Karts to Class 1 cars, and has the experience of racing in the most prestigious off-road races held in world. She recently finished second place in UTV at the 2014 Lake Elsinore Grand Prix.
“We’re feeling very confident going into the rally, with the combination of our training with the USA Gazelles and the capabilities of our Kawasaki Teryx. In our training we pushed our Teryx to its boundaries and it came out ready to keep going,” says Sara Price, pilot for Team Kawasaki IMG Motorsports.
The Teryx Girls have already overcome one hurdle: the dock worker’s strike at the Los Angeles port. A labor dispute threatened the timely shipment of their side x side to Africa. The ladies, along with fellow competitors the Hoehn sisters, got their vehicles out of the port and on to a trailer. Then they drove like hell 1500 miles to Texas to make a ship leaving from Houston.
Their side x side has a 783cc engine with a continuously variable belt drive transmission. The UTV has selectable 4WD with a locking front differential and piggyback reservoir coilover Fox shocks all the way around. IMG built the ladies a custom cage, seats, and racing harnesses. They will also be equipped with all the spare parts they could need, from spare axles, suspension parts, and steering components.
We’ll be posting daily updates on TFL Car, but you can follow all the American teams and even send them messages of encouragement at www.gazellerally.com.
You can check out the build video from IMG Motorsports here.
And while we haven’t had the chance to get our mitts on a side x side here at TFL Car, we have tested a motorcycle or two.
The 2015 VW Golf Sportwagen is a very rare car in the United States. Not only is it a small wagon, but it can also be purchased with a 150 HP diesel engine. It is so rare and unusual that no other car in this same small car segment comes is both a wagon and turbo-diesel configuration.
The 2015 VW Golf Sportwagen replaces the Jetta wagon as Volkswagen’s small people hauler. Unlike the highly popular crossovers like the Jeep Cherokee that compete with the 2015 VW Golf Sportwagen, this Golf wagon does not currently offer an all-wheel-drive option in the United States, however what it lacks in AWD it makes up for in MPG. The EPA rates the 2015 VW Golf Sportwagen TDI at an astonishing 45 MPG on the highway.
This is one rare wagon that sips fuel and still has room for 5 adults and much of their stuff.
The 2015 VW Golf Sportwagen can also be purchase with a much more traditional gasoline TSI engine but VW says that 80 percent of their customers will opt for the torque, and MPG’s of the TDI diesel.
Recently Roman Mica had the chance to drive and review the new 2015 VW Golf Sportwagen TDI in Austin, Texas. After spending a morning behind the wheel of this new VW Roman filed this video First Drive Review.
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid hatchback stakes a claim as one of the most efficient and practical cars for the money — but just how good is it on a 1,200-mile road trip?
