The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 is a sleek and sexy two-door coupe that’s easy on the eyes and a blast to drive.
But just how fast is it from 0-60 MPH? Nathan and I decided to find out and in the process, we review the car. Let’s start with some basic facts first.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 Coupe is powered by a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 241 HP and 272 lb-ft of torque. In the case of our AWD test Merc, all of that power goes through a 7-Speed automatic transmission that spins all four wheels.
The base price of the car is $44,650 but our as-tested coupe is $57,975. That’s because our test car came equipped with an almost $5,000 premium package, which includes lots of expensive tech such as blind spot assist and even an electronic trunk closer. The car also has the 321 sport package that gives you some of the AMG bits like the flat-bottom steering wheel. Nathan and I were both scratching our heads trying to think of a more expensive car with less horsepower.
But in the end that didn’t matter very much as the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 blasted to 60 MPH at a mile above sea level with ease.
How fast you ask?
Just watch the video below to find out. Also, keep in mind that we shot this video review live at IMI Motorsports Complex. This is TFL’s test track so the video quality starts out a bit shaky. I think you’ll enjoy the review as Nathan forces me to climb into the back seat to test out the car’s rear leg room.
The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD lives in the same family as the beefy Challenger R/T, 392, Hellcat and – coming soon, the Dodge Challenger Demon. While its siblings are as subtle as a jackhammer in a dentist office, the 2017 Dodge Challenger, with its 305 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm, 3.6-liter V6 that makes 268 lb-ft of torque is the sensible brother that has no muscle car DNA – other than its looks.
Simply put – the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD is a comfortable Grand Touring car with all-wheel drive. It’s NO muscle car. For many, that’s okay. The AWD system is quite clever and works seamlessly with the eight-speed automatic transmission. Punch it, encounter loose surfaces, go nuts with the performance modes and the AWD system kicks in. When not in use, the AWD system completely disconnects from the front wheels allowing for more efficient driving with less drag.
Unlike the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD has no option for a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, manual transmission option or a convertible top option. It does have the only back seat of the three cars that has provisions for three passengers and it’s trunk is simply massive by comparison at 16.2 cubic feet. It also drives the most comfortably on highway stretches and it’s the easiest to live with daily.
I’m not suggesting that the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD will replace your lust for a real muscle car, it won’t. I will say that, for those of you who want an enjoyable ride in any weather that looks badass – you could do a lot worse.
The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD starts at $33,590 and our tester was $39,965 and they are available in dealerships now.
The Ford Motor Company’s Performance Division introduced the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang last year with a lot of chutzpah and the capability of backing it up on the track. Ford launched the first pony car in the form of the Mustang just over 50 years ago, and has moved progressively from Pony to Muscle car. For the 2017 model year, the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang returns to the performance arena with some enhancements – nothing major mind you, but the inventory of both standard and optional features and equipment has grown.
Last year’s optional Track Package has moved to the standard side of the equation, while adding an aluminum tower-to-tower structural brace, an integrated decklid spoiler, engine oil and transmission coolers, along with Ford’s MagneRide adjustable magnetic suspension system. The majority of these features come as standard fare on the track oriented GT350R, but happened to jack up the price on last year’s GT350 by more than $6,000.
Power will still come from a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-8 that cranks out 526 horses at 7,500 rpm, while also delivering 429 pound-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm to the rear wheels with a limited slip differential via a TREMEC 3160 six-speed manual gearbox, meaning that are no mechanical changes for 2017. The longitudinally mounted front engine with its flat-plane crankshaft design is void of supercharging or turbocharging.
In terms of technological content, the new GT350 ups the ante with two new optionally available packages: an Electronics Package that adds Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, voice activated navigation as well as a nine-speaker audio system. The Convenience Package includes those features, while also replacing the old standard manually-adjustable Recaro sport seats with power-adjustable leather seats.
Some new colors have been added to the color palette for 2017: Ruby Red Metallic, Lightning Blue, and Grabber Blue are new, with last year’s Deep Impact Blue and Competition Orange eliminated. Starting price for the 2016 GT350 was $48,695., including Destination. The 2017 model GT350s are scheduled to go sale in June. These new offerings answer the call for what customers have requested, providing the most track-capable, race-ready Mustang built to date.
Essentially, this latest iteration Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang is a force to be reckoned with in the current performance car wars, considering its performance capability. The Electronic Power Assist Steering eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump; and combined with the latest six-speed transmissions, the rear axle ratios offer the ideal blend of mellow cruising rpm or flat-out, tire-smoking acceleration.
In design and styling terms, the 2017 Shelby Mustang GT 350 is not dramatically changed from 2016. Appearance modifications that were implemented last year included: new fender badges and side trim join a new engine cover, and the speedometer display went up to 160 mph, while the tachometer redline increased from 6, 500 to 7,000 rpm.
My 2017 Shelby GT350 Mustang featured a Ruby Red metallic exterior with White rallye stripes, while the interior was done in Ebony cloth with suede seating surfaces. The base sticker read $54,295, while the addition of options and the Destination and Delivery charge elevated the final total up to $60,365 before tax and license fees.
SUMMARY: The 2017 Shelby Mustang GT350 four-passenger sports car is ideal for drivers with the need for speed. It rolls on Michelin Pilot Sport staggered rubber, wrapping around 19-inch 10-spoke black painted alloy wheels – 10.5 inches wide up front and 11 inches in the rear. The 5.2-liter V8 emits an incredibly sweet rumble from its exhaust in any gear, across the entire broad torque range. Acceleration comes swiftly and pleasingly. The manual gearbox delivers short throws smoothly and precisely, with a little attention needed for sixth gear due to the spring loading.
Slide into the supportive heavily bolstered Recaro driver’s seat and push the red start /stop button on the console and relish the cold start exhaust bark. For even more audible enjoyment, flip the exhaust switch to Sport, which opens up the exhaust for an even healthier V8 rumble.
The ride quality is firm and stable, yet complaint and comfortable, with handing characteristics totally civilized, even when pushed to the edge. Interior ergonomics optimally place switchgear and controls for ease of use and functionality. There’s a power outlet positioned high on the dash between the air vents that is ideal for plugging in a radar detector, while another resides in the center console for other accessories such as phone, iPod or MP3 player – all of which may all be SYNCed through Ford’s latest SYNC3 connectivity system.
The return of the 5.2-liter V8, powering the 2017 Mustang GT from Ford continues as a most welcome addition. It delivers not only admirable power and performance levels, but also great driving FUN while enjoying a heightened level of efficiency. It’s a wild horse that’s indeed tamable. The GT350R is a cut above the base GT350 for real speed junkies.
Adding to the Shelby GT350’s appeal is 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty along with a 5-year/60,000mile roadside assist program.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Sport Coupe
Base Price: $54,295.
Price as Tested: $60,365.
Engine Type and Size: 5.2-liter, DOHC, 32-valve, naturally aspirated Ti-VCT V8 with electronic sequential multiport fuel injection with a flat plane crank.
The 2017 Mazda CX-5 does not directly compete with the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Lexus NX or the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
However, according to Mazda these cars demonstrate some of the best driving characteristics that the new 2017 Mazda CX-5 has in spades.
Recently I had the chance to drive and review the 2017 Mazda CX-5 and I walked away impressed by just how much Mazda has moved the car upmarket.
Mazda wants to showcase the car’s newfound refinement. To prove that the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is moving up to the premium small compact crossover segment. That’s why in San Diego Mazda recently gathered the best German and Japanese cars that compete in the premium compact crossover segment for us to compare to the new 2017 Mazda CX-5.
Keep in mind that these premium compact crossovers cost between $10,000 and $15,000 dollars more than the Mazda. They also all come with turbocharged engines that produce more power and torque than the Mazda. So while theses cars may compete in terms of size, they do not compete in terms of power, prestige or price.
How does the 2017 Mazda CX-5 compare to the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Lexus NX and the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Andre and I drove all five of these cars back to back. We also spoke with a Mazda engineer who told us his take the driving dynamics of the gathered crossovers. Right about now you might be wondering what’s the point of this compact crossover mashup. That what we were thinking until we got behind the wheel of all five cars. We found that all this mashing up of different cars makes for an interesting dynamic comparison that highlights the strengths and weaknesses each car.
Check out the video below. Please let up know what you think in the comments section.
You probably already know that the 2017 Honda Clarity runs on Hydrogen and emits only water out of the tailpipe. That’s because it is an electric car that is powered by a Hydrogen fuel cell.
That in itself is pretty cool. But how much does it cost to fill up a Clarity at your local gas station? Currently there are only 21 fuel station in California that also have pump hydrogen, but that number is rapidly increasing.
I recently found out that it is not cheap to fill up with hydrogen when I test drove the new 2017 Honda Clarity in Santa Barbara, California. It cost about $90 to fill up the 2017 Honda Clarity’s twin hydrogen tanks. Honda says the car will go 366 miles when fully fueled up.
If this seems expensive, please keep in mind that Honda will also give you a $15,000 debit card when you lease the Fuel Cell Clarity for $369 per month to pay for the hydrogen you’ll need to drive run the car.
But just how easy is it to fuel up?
In the TFL tech demo video below you can watch the process. Honda says it takes from 3-5 minutes to fill up the 2017 Honda Clarity. That’s a lot quicker than charging up an electric car like a Tesla. Even at a supercharging station the Tesla Model S for example takes about 30 minutes to charge up to 80 percent of the car’s battery.
If you are like me, and you are fascinated by the newest generation of fuel cell cars, please stay tuned for a complete first drive video review of the new 2017 Honda Clarity. That video is coming up later this week as soon as we can edit the video. But for now please let us know what you think of the newest and most technically sophisticated Honda in the comments below.
The $25,165 2017 Toyota Prius Eco member of the Prius family handily illustrates Toyota’s long experience with gas/electric cars.
In fact, this fourth generation Prius enters its second year and celebrates the 20th anniversary of the car’s debut in Japan in 1997.
List prices of the 2017 Toyota Prius go from $24,685 to $30,015. The most expensive ones just have more equipment. They look sleek and are 2.4 inches longer, nearly an inch wider and almost an inch lower than the previous generation Prius.
The gas engine, electric motor and seating positions of the new-generation Prius were lowered to increase front/rear head room while also achieving a low, aerodynamic stance. Still, the beltline (where the windows meet the body sides) is low, so occupants don’t feel “buried” beneath the window line.
The new design gives a clearer view of the rear, but there are still blind spots back there. Thankfully, the outside rearview mirrors are nicely sized.
All Prius models are roomy front-drive four-door hatchbacks with a gas/electric powertrain setup that delivers 121 hybrid system net horsepower. I found that’s enough for quick 65-75 m.p.h. passing and also enough to make my 3,010-pound test car a comfortable highway/freeway cruiser.
In fact, I sometimes found speed “creeping up” on me on freeways. I occasionally found it going 15 or so m.p.h. faster than I thought.
The Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive combines the output of a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine that uses regular-grade gasoline and two motor/generators. It has a responsive electronically controlled planetary-type continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Shift-by-wire technology uses electric signals to transmit shift operations.
Under certain circumstances, the 2017 Toyota Prius can operate in battery mode alone up to about 25 m.p.h.
My test car’s only annoyances worth mentioning were some tire noise and an awkward (although space-saving) tiny gear selection lever near the steering wheel for the efficient CVT transmission. It can be a hassle to operate that lever, especially when in a hurry.
Some expensive conventional luxury cars also have a similar type of shifter, which I wish they all tossed.
Once underway, one can almost forget he or she is behind the wheel of a hybrid because it drives so flawlessly–just like a well-designed “regular” car.
After about a week of driving the Prius during an even mix city/suburban driving, I found gas stations to be almost an afterthought because the car came close to delivering its EPA-estimated 58 miles per gallon in the city and 53 on freeways.
Handling was agile, thanks partly to stability and traction controls. The ride was firm, but supple enough not to cause complaints from occupants.
The 2017 Toyota Prius has the current-generation model’s first double wishbone independent independent rear suspension, also found on top sports sedans; it helps handling and ride quality. As a bonus, it allows more luggage space because it replaces the torsion beam type suspension used on the previous Prius generation.
The electric power steering was on the heavy side, but accurate.
Step on the brake pedal and instead of a cable, your foot pressure signals the electronically controlled brake system to apply appropriate braking force through the active hydraulic brake booster.
The system coordinates control between the hybrid system’s regenerative braking and the hydraulic brake force to provide optimal performance and feel. A regenerative brake system switches the motor into a generator to recover the wheels’ kinetic energy as electrical power, storing it in the hybrid battery.
The front seats provided good lateral support in curves. My test car had a convenient push-button start, large digital speedometer and other brightly lit gauges that could be quickly read.
Instruments could be easily used, and a climate control system, tilt-telescopic wheel, 6-speaker sound system and a touch-screen display were were among comfort and convenience features.
The 2017 Toyota Prius connects with an owner’s devices and music through its Entune audio systems
The mildly upscale and sensibly designed cabin is quiet because it has lots of sound insulation, including a sound-insulating laminated windshield. It provides comfortable space for four adults and a child, and the trunk is decently sized.
Although mostly fun to drive, the Prius is primarily a family car, which means it must offer advanced safety features. Thus Toyota has made its Safety Sense P (TSS-P) driver assist technology standard on all Prius models.
Using millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera sensor to help detect pedestrians, vehicles and lane markers in the surrounding area, TSS-P is designed to identify obstacles and automatically apply braking if necessary to help avoid collisions.
Most Prius owners eventually will have to parallel park, and many aren’t familiar with good parallel parking. Toyota thus offers its optional Intelligent Parking Assist. The system is designed to use ultrasonic wave sensors to automatically steer the Prius into–or out of–parallel parking spaces–or reverse it into perpendicular space.
Toyota’s Intelligent Clearance Sonar provides visible and audible warnings if a driver gets too close to detected obstacles on the vehicle’s side, which is a handy tool for navigating tight parking garages.
The Prius looks so sleek it doesn’t visibly whisper “hybrid.” Nor, for the most part, does it drive like one.
Ford has unveiled the 2018 Ford Mustang GT but it is keeping the important details as a surprise. For instance, the Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V8 has been revised but just how much and how many horses will it produce and what’s the new engine’s fuel economy? All of these important questions remain unanswered.
What we do know is that the current car’s V6 will be discontinued making the V8 and the 4-cylinder Ecoboost the only choices.
Earlier this year at the Chicago Auto Show I spoke with the Mustang’s lead engineer. Chief engineer Carl Widmann says that the only carryover piece from the current 5.0-liter is the crankshaft. You can watch my 2018 Ford Mustang GT walk-around video below. However, Ford and Carl were not yet ready to show me what’s under the hood of the new 2018 Ford Mustang GT in Chicago. They are playing their cards close to the vest but thanks to TFL reader Tyler C we now know what the 2018 Ford Mustang GT’s engine looks like.
Tyler sent us this image and writes, “I plan on being one of the first in the KC area to own a 2018 mustang GT. I was at the Kansas City International Auto Show this weekend and snapped a picture under the hood.”
Thanks Tyler for the quick pic and getting the 2018 Ford Mustang GT’s powerplant uncovered and exposed.
Please stayed tuned to TFLcar for more details on the 2018 Ford Mustang GT. We’ll be sure to go to Colorado’s High Country soon and do a bit of Prototype Hunting to see if we can spy the 2018 Ford Mustang GT in the wild.
What’s more important in a drag race: is it horsepower or is it traction?
The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT has plenty of traction. It is the first muscle car in history to come from the factory with all-wheel-drive. Of course, some may argue that the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT is not a muscle car since you cannot buy it with the mighty HEMI V8 but only with the V6 Pentastar that produces 305 HP.
The Dodge Challenger Hellcat is the most powerful American car you can buy today. You probably know that the Dodge Challenger Hellcat pumps out a mighty 707 supercharged horsepower but there’s a problem. It is almost impossible to put all of those 707 ponies down to the ground since the Hellcat has tires that are not up to the job. They are too thin, too small, and on a cold winter’s day in Colorado, they have about as much traction as a hockey puck. In fact, if there ever was a car designed for burnouts….it is the Hellcat!
In this classic TFLcar mashup video review, Andre and Roman set out to find out which is more important in an all out drag race. Is it horsepower or is it traction? The boys get together at TFL’s test track to see which of these two Challengers are faster in a straight line and which is more important in a drag race. Is it horsepower or all-wheel drive?
BTW: Andre drove the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT in Maine in the snow early this year. You can watch that video HERE but check out the video below to see which of these two Challengers are faster head to head.
Do you have a guess? Let us know in the comments below before you watch the video results.
Here’s a hint. Roman only used 500 HP of the Hellcat’s 707 HP in this video to make it a bit fairer. He also launched the car without launch control while Andre used launch control to get the best start possible in the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT.
The Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak leans into the #vanlife movement with mods that jazz its all-wheel drive minivan up a bit over your stock family hauler.
