2014 Audi R8

 2014 Audi R8

 2014 Audi R8

 2014 Audi R8

 2014 Audi R8

2014 is the new S Tronic 7-speed dual clutch transmission. We've always loved the R8's manual transmission, with its delightfully mechanical feel and satisfying metal gated shifter, but the R-tronic automated manual transmission always put us off. Its slow shifts and jerky engagement seemed out of step with the otherwise stellar R8. In bold contrast the 2014 model's new S Tronic dual-clutch automatic performs staggeringly quick yet smooth gear changes while simultaneously improving both acceleration and fuel economy. It works fine in automatic mode, reacts quickly in manual mode (though an audible beep of denial would be nice for premature downshift requests), and in all regards feels better suited to the spirit of Audi's supercar. Like episodes of Sesame Street, we absolutely prefer R8's brought to you by the letter S.

During our two-day jaunt from Misano, past Venice, up through the Austrian Alps, eventually arriving in Munich, Germany, we were reminded of what makes the R8 so special. That is, its adaptability. Yes, it has the power, handling and swagger that supercar buyers demand, but it is also so dang livable. Long days in the saddle didn't wear us out. My frequently achy lower back felt fine for the duration of our trip. The coupe's cabin was quiet enough for easy conversation with my co-driver. Conversation was much more strained with the top down in the R8 Spyder, due completely to the triumphant roar of our car's V10 engine and the high-velocity wind blast. A worthwhile trade off if you ask me. In fact, I'm fairly certain that the two hours or so I spent chasing another journalist at, let's say, "motivated" speeds into the mountains of Northern Italy were the most fun I've had in the past year. The speed. The sound. The supreme feeling of connectedness between driver, vehicle and environment as I closely trailed an identical red V10-powered R8 Spyder across bridges and through echoing tunnels. For those two hours I couldn't imagine being happier and I couldn't imagine a better tool for the job. 

Back to reality, the 2014 Audi R8 is a lot like the current R8 but better. Definitely better. Sometimes you need a revolution. But other times evolution is more appropriate. Revised styling, a new dual-clutch transmission and the addition of a range-topping V10 Plus model help the 2014 Audi R8 remain one of the most desirable aspirational cars in existence. Pricing hasn't yet been released but we're expecting numbers from the low to mid $100,000 range, depending on model. If you have that kind of money to drop on a car, the 2014 R8 is a good way to spend it. And if you don't have that kind of money, remember: people need something to strive for. And for this 34-year-old donkey of a journalist, the 2014 Audi R8 is as enticing a carrot as ever.

2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE

2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE

2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE

2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE

2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE

2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE

2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE

The fifth-generation Camaro SS isn't supposed to act like the 1LE. It's supposed to plow into corners when pressed hard. Its helm should feel as artificial as AstroTurf. It's supposed to pivot, accelerate, and grip like the 4000-pound car it is. Not anymore. Those gripes have been largely addressed by diligent GM engineers keen on honing their ponycar into a Ford Mustang Boss 302-killer.

Exterior treatments include a ZL1-inspired (a lot of the 1LE package takes from the ZL1 parts/idea bin) and downforce-inducing front splitter and rear trunk spoiler, wrapped matte black hood and radio antenna, and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels covered in gummy 285/35R-20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 rubber. The 426-horse, 6.2-liter V-8 is left alone, but it does get a glorious two-stage exhaust system lifted from its 'roid ragin' 580-horse brother. Forget WOT blasts (though they are AH-MAY-ZING) -- startups are the bee's knees, and will likely set off some car alarms. Inside, you'll find a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in a suede-like material and an easy to navigate MyLink media system with a touch screen.

The Camaro still feels like a behemoth—that problem is deeply rooted in its squinty greenhouse and a curb weight we estimate at 3900 pounds—but the newfound eagerness scrubs away its greatest dynamic flaw. The electronic power-steering system (standard on all SS models and shared with the ZL1) is a fine representative of the breed, with a progressive weighting and natural feel. The 1LE doesn’t represent as comprehensive a revision as does its direct competitor, the Boss 302, but neither is it quite as expensive.

For 2013, both the SS and 1LE equipped with manual transmissions offer a dual-mode exhaust system like that on the ZL1, where baffles open under increased load. The car we drove had it, and we wouldn’t recommend any Camaro owner try to live without it. For such a dramatically shaped vehicle, the SS sounds kind of wimpy. This exhaust gives the car more of the tympanic-membrane-shredding roar that makes the Corvette such an aural treat.

The 1LE’s sub-$40,000 starting point represents a premium of about 10 percent over the SS’s base sticker.

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider

MP4-12C coupe started deliveries roughly 16 months ago, there are now 1,500-plus more great supercars traveling the roads of our planet. There have been potholes, particularly the hotly awaited initial UK comparison tests in 2011 that (frankly) both we and McLaren felt the MP4-12C would ace versus the Ferrari 458 Italia & Co.

MP4-12C Spider is essentially identical to its coupe sibling, meaning it’s also made good use out of the advanced carbon fiber monocoque, tipping the scales at just 165 lbs. Despite the added weight of the electronic systems required to open and close the hardtop, the Spider has only gained 40kg/88 lbs over the coupe, meaning no modifications to the monocoque were needed.

The new MP4-12C Spider is offered with the same engine as the updated version of the MP4-12C Coupe: a 616 HP 3.8-liter V8 twin turbo engine combined with a 7 Speed SSG dual-clutch transmission. The Spider version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and will hit a top speed of 204 mph (3 mph less than the coupe).

Some internal post-launch confabs regarding whether or not to alter slightly the MP4-12C recipe to bring it to that 458-like eleven on a scale of ten, McLaren upgraded the supercar's engine management to bring horsepower from 592 to today's 616 at 7,500 revs, while leaving torque at 443 pound-feet between 3,000 and 7,000 rpm. Acceleration runs to 60 mph with the optional Corsa tires and carbon ceramic brakes will surely hit 2.9 seconds in the proper hands. Top speed rests at 204 miles per the hour... a performance figure we have yet to test.

The new MP4-12C Spyder will be available for sale in 22 countries worldwide. On the British market, it is priced at £195,500, about $300K at the current exchange rates. On the US market, it will be priced at $268,250, which is about $37,250 more than its coupe sibling priced at $231,000

2014 Chevrolet Silverado

2014 Chevrolet Silverado

2014 Chevrolet Silverado

2014 Chevrolet Silverado

2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickup trucks, the most important models introduced since the company was bailed out by the federal government four years ago.

Last redesigned in 2007, the near-twin Silverado and Sierra make up the company’s best-selling vehicle line and one of its most profitable. GM is believed to make about $10,000 on each one sold

Meanwhile, the aerodynamics of the pickups have been improved with a more swept back windshield, a hood with twin “power domes” that direct air over the windshield wipers, triple-sealed doors set into the body, integrated rooftop and tailgate spoilers and shields and deflectors to smooth the airflow under the vehicle and around the rear tires for better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise.

Three new engines will be offered in the trucks, a 4.3-liter V6, 5.3-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 that is similar to the one that will be used in the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Specifications on the powerplants have not been revealed, but all of them feature direct injection, variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation technology that allows them to operate on just four-cylinders under light loads to save fuel.
An upright dashboard with big knobs, buttons and rocker switches close that can be operated with work gloves on are key elements of the design. Heated cloth seats will be available for the first time, and the upholstery is said to be more durable and stain resistant than before. Chevrolet's MyLink and GMC's Intellilink infotainment systems, which can connect to up to 10 wireless devices via Bluetooth, will be on the options list, and GM says the compartment built into the center console is large enough to accommodate a laptop computer and hanging file folders.