2016 Nissan Maxima makes a cameo appearance in a Super Bowl commercial. Nissan went for a heart-felt story of a dad racing car driver missing family moments. The commercial shows a GT-R racing car as well as a new Nissan LMP1 endurance race car.
However, which car does the dad use to pick up his son when he is all grown up? It is the next generation 2016 Nissan Maxima sedan. Nissan currently dubs the Maxima as the “Four Door Sports Car”. This is the first time that we see what the next Maxima looks like.
In fact, this is the new Maxima Platinum model.
The styling has more fluid lines and the c-pillar reminiscent of the 2015 Nissan Murano. The overall shape and most details are nearly identical to the Sports Sedan Concept shown last year. However, the roof on the production Maxima appears a little taller and the lights design of the concept did not transfer directly.
Watch the full “With Dad” commercial here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd1qCi5nSKw
Also watch this insider TFLcar video about the Nissan Sports Sedan concept.
Perennial German automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz have both leaked ads slated to air during this afternoon’s Super Bowl XLIX. Auto commercials unveiled during the big game typically come from less-established marques, such as Kia and Hyundai, and usually stress their respective vehicles’ value with respect to the German titans.
The Germans have turned the tables this time, boldly introducing their latest and greatest while undeniably taking shots at the competition. BMW will air a clever ad featuring Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel, showing first their amazement at the concept of “internet” on the Today Show in 1994 before fast-forwarding to the the hosts driving in the brand-new BMW i3. Just as in 1994, the pair begs, “Allison, can you explain what i3 is?” while grappling with the i3’s drivetrain setup. BMW implies an ambitious comparison here–that the introduction of the i3 will have the same ripple effects as the first introduction of the “world-wide-web.” That certainly sets the stakes high for the i3’s success while simultaneously showcasing the company’s incredible trust and confidence in the revolutionary EV.
Mercedes-Benz AMG took a similar route for their commercial promoting the all-new AMG GT. The camera zooms in to a child’s automotive fantasies during a dream and shows the ever-popular Porsche 911 tearing up a circuit. From the rear, a yellow-orange AMG GT zooms up to the 911 and eventually overtakes it–the child responds by waking from the dream. The ad ends with the statement, “The car you dreamed of as a child has just been overtaken,” leaving absolutely no doubt about Mercedes-Benz’s aims for the AMG GT. Just like with BMW’s i3 ad, the commercial heightens the world’s expectations for Mercedes’ newest performance machine in an extremely bold fashion.
It’s refreshing to see some of the classic German car rivalries making their way into the mass media once again, and the ambition of these ads is a nice reminder that the “innovate or die” principle spares no manufacturer. Where BMW and Mercedes-Benz seem to be able to rest on their laurels and reputation, these ads suggest otherwise, speaking to the companies’ progressive outlook. Now let’s hope the cars can live up to the hype.
Please enjoy this TFLcar.com video review of the 2015 BMW i8.
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.
You heard all about the sublime green 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat that went head-on into a tree just a few miles from the dealership, where it was purchased. The incident occurred in the evening of December 19, 2014 just north of Denver, Colorado. TFLcar brought you the accident scene images and details of the police report. Thankfully, nobody was hurt.
Now, we get more information about this crazy powerful muscle car. It was considered totaled and it’s going to an IAAI insurance auction. The seller is listed as USAA Group.
The vehicle took a heavy front-end impact, but the Hellcat is listed in “vehicle starts” condition. So there is hope in saving the 707 horsepower 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8. It appears that the radiator and the cooling system are badly damaged, so we hope the engine is not started too often.
The hood is the only damaged body-panel. Also, both driver and front passenger front airbags deployed. However, the rest of the body, interior, wheels, and other components appear in very good shape. If this car is not repairable, then the engine and most other components can be reused. If you look closely at the front fenders, then you will notice that and Hellcat “head” badges are missing. The “SRT” badge on the trunk spoiler is still there.
The 64 miles on the odometer remind of just how new this Hellcat was.
Check the auction details, but the bidding has not yet been opened and the date has not yet been set.
Check out this fun TFLcar comparison between the 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat and Charger Hellcat.
2014 was not a good year for Ferrari F1. The team did not get a single win and came in fourth in team standings, behind the dominant Mercedes, Red Bull Racing-Renault, and Williams-Mercedes. Rules and regulations changed significantly in 2014 and required smaller turbocharged V-6 engines and a more powerful electric assist. 2015 brings a few tweaks to those regulations.
The Ferrari team appears more confident with the 2015 SF15-T racing car design. They are attacking aerodynamic downforce and powertrain areas to create what they say is “a more competitive car.”
There is also a new driver. Fernando Alonso departs Ferrari to join the McLaren-Honda team, while four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel steps in. Kimi Raikkonen remains on the team. Can Kimi and Sebastian put Ferrari on podiums and take a few wins this year? Statisticians at the Scuderia predict two wins for Ferrari in 2015. Of course, the drivers refrain from any predictions, especially since they have not yet driven the new car.
The 2015 car is, however, easier on the eyes than last year’s model. There is a saying that a car with good aerodynamics looks good. Lets hope this is true and that Ferrari can fight for the win.
Here is the 2015 Ferrari F1 SF15-T car.
And here is what racers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen have to say about the upcoming season.
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.
Why is there no Mustang EcoBoost Rocky Mountain review?
Tired of my Mommy car!
You’re obviously biased towards Jeep?
Cheap as Chips Chrysler 200!
2015 Ford Mustang GT
The first question comes from a viewer who noticed we have yet to test the Ford Mustang with the EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine in the Rockies.
Q: Ever since TFL reviewed the Mustang EcoBoost 4 at the launch, I’ve seen nothing from you guys. I have waited for a review in the Rockies. As you guys always say, you’re doing your testing at high altitude which is tough on cars. I’m curious how the Mustang EcoBoost would handle it.
When do you think you’ll be testing the Ford Mustang EcoBoost in Colorado?
W.W.
A: We’re wondering that same thing. I’m hopeful that we’ll have a Ford Mustang EcoBoost in the test fleet by spring or summer. Right now, with snow and ice on the ground, it would be difficult to test. In a few months, when the roads surrounding Denver and Boulder are (fairly) clear, we may have a test car.
That’s the hope.
You can bet that we’ll keep begging/pestering Ford to get one.
Thanks for the email!
N
This next one comes from a reader/viewer who is sick of her “mommy” car.
Q: Hi TFL!
I love watching your show and I just recently began reading your (TFLcar.com) website. I wonder if you can suggest a good car for me? I have a 2005 KIA Sedona and it’s been a reliable, perfectly acceptable family hauler. It’s boring and it gets bad gas mileage too.
I am a single mother of three and my two oldest, twins, are now driving on their own. I have a t’ween to haul around and that’s it. My friends have pointed out that I can have a little bit of fun with my next car. And, I owe it to myself to have fun too!
I want something new, fun and cheap that gets good mileage. I’m pre approved for $25,000, but I would like to spend less. It needs to be fun!
One final request, is Roman available? Just curious! XD
Thank you so much!
K.K.D Las Vegas, NV
A: Great question!
Roman’s status? He’s EXTREMELY taken.
Here are some cars that, with a few options, are still under your $25,000 mark.
Scion tC: One of our favorites. It’s a lot of car for the money and it’s a blast to drive too. The utility is impressive for a coupe and it has Toyota reliability built right in.
Hyundai Veloster: This is a funky, unique car that has a sizeable trunk and a tiny right-side passenger door. We hear good things about the turbo version, but we have yet to test one. Plus, the turbo will push the price too much for your budget.
Honda Fit: Great little car with a ton of utility. It’s not that fast, but it is a fun little, economic ride that gives you ridiculous utility.
Fiat 500 Turbo: If you configure it the right way, you can make this baby rocket crazy fun. Fiat has lots of deals on their 500s and you can get lots of accessories too. It has a tight back seat, but it is a hatchback and there is a bit of utility. Stick with the turbo and you’ll enjoy it even more.
Volkswagen Beetle: The newest Volkswagen Beetle is s solid, fun ride with good utility. It’s bigger than the MINI and 500 with a more comfortable rear seat. You can easily feature this vehicle way above your budget if you’re not careful.
MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door: If you are VERY careful and stick with a few, cheaper packages and options, you can get the base MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door that’s within your budget. It is the best driver’s car in the bunch, but it’s also one of the most expensive and, for some, the “go-kart” driving position is difficult to live with.
There are a few others in this category, but these are the ones we’ve had recent experience with. Please test drive the vehicles (with a friend) more than once.
Best of luck!
N
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This viewer is displeased with our Jeep Renegade mashup. Apparently, we are biased.
Q: I just watched your Jeep Renegade mashup, you said it’s a step above the others but you forgot to mention the problems jeep is having with the 9 speed transmission, why? You may have noticed that it never goes into 9th gear! Are you actually reviewing cars unbiasedly for just promoting American cars?
jb1
A: I didn’t “forget” to mention anything. We do not base our reviews on long term quality perceptions from any other publication, program, periodical or group. Did you expect me to say, “Oh, by the way… so-and-so says it doesn’t shift into ninth-gear – so don’t buy it?” Sorry, that’s not what we do.
TFL is all about the driving experience. We do not rate vehicles based on other reviews, rumors, innuendo or biased opinions – like yours.
The Jeep Renegade I tested worked flawlessly and it DID shift into ninth-gear, just like the Jeep Cherokees I’ve tested.
With that being said, I fully admit that I am biased towards many Jeep products. Why? Not because they are “American” – they are not. It’s not because they pay me off in cash, cigars and beer – they don’t. It’s because I can take them off road – period. I like driving off road and I freely admit that I like vehicles that can truly go off road.
I like Isuzu, Suzuki and Daihatsu too. I guess that makes me biased towards Japanese vehicles that are no longer sold in the United States.
N
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2015 Chrysler 200 C
This last question comes from a viewer who found a great deal on the Chrysler 200.
Q: Greetings!
Best online video car reviews! You folks have consistency and good production values. Great music production.
I see myself as a legit buyer of a new car this year. I will admit to having my head turned by new Chrysler and Dodge products. But two trips to different dealers in 2 states have dissuaded me from dealing with those people under any circumstances.
Reviewers compare cars at their list price. Chryslers and Dodges do not sell at anywhere near their list price.
I am not going to deal with local dealers under any circumstances. I will select based on the most whored out lowball online price; fly and buy. I cant get a test drive out of the local idiots. The dealers won’t give anything like reasonable service or help with a fact based selection process.
I have started to check out the huge range of competition to the Chrysler 200. I was looking at Auto Trader Honda Accords and was rather shocked to find that there is not one dealer who advertises an Accord manual coupe at anything less than retail!
The rankings and reviews quickly fall apart. There are the prices that the Toyotas and Hondas sell at. The next tier down is the Subaru Mazda class where some discounts are a bit easier to find. Then there is all the other manufactures, generally trying to move product by discounting the price.
When a 2015 Chrysler 200s can be had for $10,000 dollars off list most days of the week, there is no apples to apples way of comparing it. I can get that magnitude of discount on a car which is optioned exactly how I want it, in the correct color. Everything else starts to look seriously expensive. Dodge Darts can be more expensive new than the much more compelling Chrysler.
When the typical review mentions that there are slight differences in feel, weight, sophistication, refinement that are obvious when comparing the cars side by side, they are distinctions I will never be able to make. An Accord really does nothing for me. A manual coupe would be amusing, but it is not like owning a real sports car. The 2015 WRX is a no brainer, and I see myself in that car in a year or two.
What I need need now is a work car. Comfortable long haul company car that gets better than 25 mpg. It would be nice if 500+ mile days are not punishing. I have plenty of 25 mpg cars now. I have no need for back seats. The endless worry over which car has the worst back seats is lost on me.
The bottom line is that a Honda, Toyota level of quality, or a Mazda level of zoom zoom great feeling rack will cost major money in comparison. I already own a Honda Odyssey. I have a Subaru Outback. At some point cars with that kind of quality get old, boring and stop delivering on a certain level of entertainment and sophistication that a much newer car brings.
So there is the field report which begs the question. When a $30,000 200s can be had for $19,000, what else should one consider, at a similar street price. Is a Mazda 6 worth 20 to 25% more? What can a Fusion really bring to the party? $7500 worth of “road feel”?
Best Wishes,
R. P.
A: That’s a tough one. You’re right about many dealerships. Rarely are there any that you can rely on. Most are out to sell a car, not win a (return) consumer.
It all boils down to your personal preference as a driver. I mean, the choices out there mean more than a 20% premium to some drivers. For example: the Mazda6 is one of our favorite cars, but it can be too expensive for some when loaded. In your case, it seems that it’s a question of, how much better is a car, like the Mazda6, over the Chrysler 200.
Dynamically, the Mazda6 is the “driver’s car.” It’s a tad noisy inside and it has a sporty ride. It’s a great machine, but paying a 20% premium seems steep to me. As good as it is, you’ll never see one anywhere near the price you mentioned for the Chrysler 200.
The Chrysler 200 is a great car and has impressed most of the staff at TFL. When I drive the Chrysler 200, I can tell they sweated the details. I’m not saying it’s a top contender with the likes of Fusion, Mazda6 and Camry, but it’s an excellent alternative. Personally, I like the fact that you can get a loaded V6 with all-wheel drive or a base-model with front-wheel drive each one going head-to-head with more expensive machines – for less. In your case, muchless.
$19,000 sounds like a damn good deal for a decent car.
Thanks for the question!
N
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com
Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock Edition takes a time-tested off-road vehicle and adds a few sprinkles of luxury and comfort. It’s still a short wheel-base Jeep, but you also get heated and leather trimmed seats and most convenience features you will find in many luxurious SUVs.
The Rubicon is still powered by a 3.6L Pentastar V6 and produces 285 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm. This one is equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. The engine, transmission, and 4.10 axle gears are matched very well for good on-road acceleration and cruising. Naturally, the low-range transfer case, disconnecting sway bar, and locking axles combine for stellar off-road capability. This is what the Wrangler and Jeep are known for.
The Hard Rock edition makes most of the optional equipment that you get on the Rubicon and makes it standard. It also adds features like the enhanced message center with tire-pressure monitoring display, power windows with one-touch down feature, and silver interior accents.
On the highway, this two-door Jeep can be a little bouncy, but it’s far improved other Jeeps of yore.
It’s EPA rated at 17 MPG city, 21 MPG highway, and 18 MPG combined. We saw 20.4 MPG with highway driving and 19.4 MPG in mixed driving. The Rubicon Hard Rock edition is $39,255 as tested.
Watch this fun TFLcar off-road review of the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock.
Roman chats with VW Product Planner Michael Klopotowski to find out everything you ever wanted to know about the 2015 VW Golf R.
The 2015 VW Golf R is a 292-HP, turbocharged, all-wheel-drive hot hatch capable of a 0-60 MPH run of under five seconds. Released initially with a six-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG), the new Golf R will eventually be available in the US with a true six-speed-manual transmission.
Watch Roman chat with VW Product Planner Michael Klopotowski to find out everything you ever wanted to know about the 2015 VW Golf R:
Though the 2015 VW Golf R’s TSI engine is familiar in its basic form, it actually produces 36 HP and 37 lb-ft of torque more than its predecessor. Despite the additional power and torque, the new R is more fuel-efficient than the 2013 model, with an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 30 mpg with the six-speed DSG transmission, up from 27 mpg for the previous, manual -transmission model. The DSG also offers a launch control feature, enabling the car to accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 MPH.
Pricing for the 2105 VW Golf R starts at $36,595.00, with a fully-loaded “launch edition” model coming in at $39,090.00. The latter includes premium features such as adaptive chassis control (DCC), navigation, Lapiz Blue Metallic paint, 19-inch “Cadiz” aluminum-alloy wheels and summer performance tires; 4Motion® all-wheel drive; Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights; Park Distance Control; and the Fender® Premium Audio System.
For more highlights, check out the full TFLcar review of the 2015 VW Golf R in dazzling TFL4K below:
The 2015 Jeep Renegade features a manual- or power-operated, two–piece “my sky” removable roof system.
The 2015 Jeep Renegade can be optioned with either a two-piece, manually-removable “My Sky” top configuration, or a power-sliding version of the same layout.
Watch Nathan work with Jeep’s Jim Morrison to describe, in depth, how the 2015 Jeep Renegade’s “My Sky” removable sunroof functions, and why it is a must-have option on Jeep’s newest mini-‘ute:
The panels remove the same way on Renegades equipped with both versions of My Sky. The difference is, the power option allows the front panel over the driver and front passenger to slide back with the push of a button, rather than simply being removed.
Rear passengers in both configurations have a manually removing roof.
To remove the My Sky roof panels, a special key (it looks like a star or hex head key) is needed to unlock the panels from the inside of the Jeep Renegade. Once unlocked, a large handle can be pulled down releasing the roof panel. One the panel is free, a large pizza-delivery-looking bag is available to hold the panels. Once both panels are placed in the bag, it can be stored securely under the rear cargo floor panel.
For more information on the 2015 Jeep Renegade, check out our muddy off-road review here:
Roman just bought one of the most hated modern Land Rovers to prove a point: Even this SUV doesn't suck! Or maybe it does...that's what we're going to find out in our latest project series.
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?
