Quick Spin
Autoweek
Last episode 10 months agoYou love cars. We do, too. Tune into Quick Spin, the short-form podcast that takes you into the car with Autoweek editors as they deliver honest reviews of the best rides in the world from the inside out.
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Episodes (284)
2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Review: Reviving a Legend
The Jeep Wagoneer lived a long and storied life under the banner of multiple owners. Kicking off in 1962 and ending production in 1991, it’s easy to see how Jeep’s long-running nameplate has become a force in the collector car market and a loved piece of automotive history. Well, after nearly 30 years, Jeep has revived the Wagoneer and its more luxurious counterpart the Grand Wagoneer. While the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer is well appointed and features a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 under its hood, the Grand Wagoneer leans into excess with an army of screens, leather and a 6.4-liter V8 in place of the smaller V8. On this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone climbs behind the wheel of the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and puts it through its paces. Carone takes you along while he drives the new Grand Wagoneer on the pavement, and on a stint off-road. Carone also is given a tour of the 2022 Grand Wagoneer by Jeep’s head of exterior design for the Wagoneer Taylor Langhals. Carone also captures his initial experience of the new Jeep. Expanding on these segments, Carone talks with host Wesley Wren about the Grand Wagoneer, its place in the world and his experiences with the new SUV. Closing the show, the pair discuss what makes the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer special.
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Review: More Than Enough
The Mercedes-AMG Lineup might best be known for its high-horsepower, snarling V8-powered 63 line of high-performance variants. Though, there’s more to the AMG portfolio than just the V8 machines. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 might not have the same road presence as its more powerful 63 variants, but offers more than enough oomph to have some fun behind the wheel of a crossover. With a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 making 385 hp, the GLC 43 is more than powerful enough to remind you why you sprung for the AMG badge. The GLC 43 also sports a revised suspension over the standard ‘Benz-badged GLC. Mated to the 3.0-liter V6 is a nine-speed automatic transmission that transfers power to all four wheels. On this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone hops behind the wheel of this 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 to put it through its paces. Carone takes you on a guided tour of the GLC 43 and shows off its features before taking you along for a live drive review. Adding to those segments, Carone expands on his thoughts with host Wesley Wren. The pair talk about where the GLC 43 sits in the Mercedes lineup, and discuss if springing for the extra power is worth it over the standard GLC 300. Closing the show, the pair talk about what makes this GLC 43 special.
2021 Ducati Monster Review: Nothing to Fear
Ducati might be best known for its ultra-high performance street bikes or its racing pedigree, but Ducati has ventured down different avenues to expand its fan base. The Ducati Monster follows the trend of naked street bikes and lets you see more of the motorcycle’s inner structure and mechanical action. Powering this Ducati is a 937-cc Testastretta L-Twin that makes 111 hp at 9,250 rpm. That might not seem like a ton of power in the superbike world, but it is more than enough power to get you up to speed shockingly quick. Adding to that, this lighter-weight Ducati Monster tips the scales at a mere 414 pounds. On this episode of Quick Spin, Mark Vaughn hops on the Ducati Monster and takes you along for the ride. Mark narrates his live drive review while he puts this Ducati through its paces. Mark also walks you around the new Ducati to show off and explain some of this bike’s more interesting features. Between those segments, Vaughn talks with host Wesley Wren to expand on his thoughts. Closing the show, the pair talk about what makes this Ducati special.
2022 Nissan Pathfinder: Back on Track
The Nissan Pathfinder has been around a long time. First making its way to public roads in 1985. While the public has flocked to softer, road-friendly crossovers, automakers have transformed their once world-climbing sport utility vehicles into large, lifted hatchbacks. Well, the pendulum of opinion might be swinging the other way as people are branching out of their communities and hitting rougher terrain to camp or adventure. Hoping to capitalize on these adventure-bound enthusiasts and the folks that need more space for their family, the folks at Nissan made the new Pathfinder capable of, well, doing both. With a 3.5-liter V6 under the hood, which feeds a new nine-speed automatic transmission, this 284 hp crossover isn’t the most powerful vehicle on the market, but it does handle all of the needs of prospective crossover buyers. This pathfinder is, in effect, the most versatile to date. On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren spends time with the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder and puts it through its paces on and off road. Wren hops behind the wheel of this Nissan and takes you along for a live drive review to show off its features. Wren also walks you around the new Nissan to show off how it feels, and highlight some of the useful things you might need if you are ever inside this Pathfinder. Expanding on those segments, Wren talks with Autoweek’s Mark Vaughn to expand on those thoughts and share their collective Pathfinder experiences. Closing the show, the pair break down the essence of this new Pathfinder.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Review: The Ultimate Minivan?
The minivan might not be selling sales charts on fire, but it’s still a place where some automakers are investing effort and resources. Even though it might be a shrinking slice of the sales-figure pie, the folks at Chrysler dumped all of their nearly 40-years of minivan experience into the sixth-generation people mover. Now dubbed Pacifica, itself a repurposed Chrysler badge, Chrysler’s minivan sees a new lease on life and could be the best minivan ever. Chrysler’s Pacifica uses a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 for power and sends a reasonable 287 hp through a nine-speed automatic transmission. From there, the power travels to the front wheels or all four wheels with the new all-wheel-drive option. There’s also a hybrid version, to help optimize your monthly fuel budget. On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren climbs behind the wheel of Chrysler’s latest and greatest to put it through its paces. Wren walks you around the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica and shows off its details, its interior features and guides you around the vehicle. Wren also takes you along for a drive review where he explains how the car feels and tries to give context to the car. Between those segments, Wren talks with Wes Raynal and expands on his thoughts. The pair talk about the minivan space and try to make sense of why people don’t like minivans. Closing the show, the pair break down what makes this Pacifica special.
2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 Review: Crown Jewel Crossover
When it comes to automotive opulence, a few choice names come to mind. Fortunately for those that like high riding SUVs, just about every luxury maker is churning out these luxurious ‘utes as quickly as they can make them. The folks at Mercedes-Maybach are not ones to leave their customers wanting and are happy to take the already well-appointed GLS-Class from Mercedes-Benz and make it a rolling living room. Even though you probably won’t hear it, powering this Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is the fantastic 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 that feeds 550 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque to the all-wheel-drive system by way of a nine-speed automatic transmission. Your personal driver will use that power to haul you, and a guest, in your reclining rear seats. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek’s Wes Raynal puts the latest Maybach SUV through its paces. Raynal walks you around this 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS and shows off its features, looks at the build quality and talks about the styling. Raynal also takes you along for a drive review of this luxury ‘ute. Between those segments, Raynal expands on his thoughts with host Wesley Wren. The pair talk about how this Maybach drives, what feels like to experience and what kind of attention it gets from the public. Closing the show, the two breakdown what makes this Maybach special.
2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 Review: Cross Country Comfort
The lavish world of luxury vehicles is getting more tech-dense than ever before. To that end, the folks at Mercedes-Benz have pulled out all of the stops when it comes to the latest generation of its S-Class sedan. In S580 trim, the new S-Class moves by way of a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, mated to a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This not only adds some extra oomph, but also helps smooth out the S580s automatic start/stop system. As you’d expect from the best Mercedes has to offer, the new S-Class is loaded with high-tech accouterments and comfortable, high-end materials throughout the cabin. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek’s Mark Vaughn puts the latest Mercedes-Benz luxe-mobile through its paces. He walks you around the new S580 and points out the design’s highlights and the car’s features before taking you along on a real-time road test. These segments fall in between a conversation with host Wesley Wren where Vaughn expands on his thoughts. The pair discuss the new car’s features, price, and future. Before closing the show, the pair break down what makes the latest addition to the S-Class family special.
The 2021 Kia Telluride Review: The Perfect Family Hauler
For some reason, people don’t think minivans are cool. That means people are flocking to three-row SUVs to handle their family needs, and automakers are happy to build them en masse. Not to miss out on an opportunity to make its customers happy, the folks at Kia rolled out the stylish Telluride concept to the crowd at the Detroit auto show in 2016. The folks at Kia then turned it into a production version for 2020. This 2021 model sports the only available engine: a 3.8-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engine that makes 291 hp. That engine feeds an eight-speed automatic transmission that powers the front or all four wheels depending on the model. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wesley Wren puts the 2021 Kia Telluride through its paces. Wren walks you around the Telluride and talks about its features, its styling and its details. Wren also brings you along while he does a real-time review of this Kia’s driving performance. Between those segments, Wren talks with Autoweek’s Wes Raynal and expands on his thoughts. The pair discuss the Kia Telluride, where it sits in the market, its price and how it feels. They even solve the age-old question of the Kia Telluride’s ability to haul a couch. Closing the show, the pair breakdown what makes this Kia special.
2022 Maserati MC20 Review: Can This Supercar Save Maserati?
Let’s face it, Maserati has been in the doldrums for a while. Fortunately for the luxury brand, it has an ace in its sleeve: the MC20. This supercar is looking to put Maserati back on the map, and it seems like it’s going to succeed. With a turbocharged V6 mounted rear midship that sends 621 hp to the rear wheels, this Maserati supercar has the specs to live up to its supercar looks. Controlling that 3.0-liter V6 is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the Maserati has plenty of supercar chops, it also doesn’t skimp on the luxe appointments such as a Sonus Faber stereo and posh materials. That means you won’t have any problems taking this Maserati out to the track in the morning, then taking it out to dinner at night. In this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone puts this new Maserati through its paces. Carone walks you around the Maserati MC20 and shows off its styling, features, and details. He also shines a light on the MC20’s interesting V6 engine. Carone then takes you and the the MC20 on a quick trip around a race track. Between those segments, he chats with host Wesley Wren about the MC20 and expands on his thoughts from the pre-recorded segments. The pair talk about Maserati’s new car, its position in the marketplace, what it’s like to drive and more. Closing the show, the pair break down what makes this new Maserati special.
2022 Honda Civic Sedan Review: The Civic, Evolved
The Honda Civic’s 11th generation is finally here, and it’s territory that the Civic hasn’t seen since the SUV craze of the 1990s. Honda’s latest Civic is fighting shrinking attention for compact sedans, and growing trends towards electrification. Fighting those factors, Honda has taken what worked for the exceptional tenth-generation Civic and cranked up the dials. Powering the Civic sedan is the same 1.5-liter turbocharged I4 or a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the previous generation. The CVT is also carried over, at least on paper. Wrapping it all is a more mature Honda Civic design with a longer nose, lower beltline and swoopy silhouette. On this episode of Quick Spin, Host Wesley Wren and Mark Vaughn both put the new Civic to the test and share their thoughts about the new car. Wren takes you along for the first drive of the Civic on rural Michigan roads and walks your around the car to share its features and details. Between segments, the pair discuss the new car, the history of the Civic and talk about how the new car stacks up against its predecessor. Closing the show, the pair talk about what makes the new Civic special.
2021 Ferrari SF90 Review: Perfectly Honoring Ferrari's History
As you’d imagine, Ferrari just keeps making its cars better. Ferrari’s latest supercar, the SF90 Stradale, honors 90 years of Ferrari’s racing works: Scuderia Ferrari. In case you’re still not up to speed, the name is exactly that, the SF90 is literally a celebration of 90 years of Scuderia Ferrari. Ferrari could have just slapped some extra badging on the F8 Tributo and called it a day, but the team responsible for Ferrari’s road cars decided to celebrate the company’s racing pedigree with one of its best road cars to date. Responsible for moving the SF90 is a hybrid drivetrain featuring two motors at the front axle, an electric motor between the engine and transmission and a turbocharged V8 mounted behind the passenger compartment. The combined output? Well, in Italy: 1,000 CV. That number is slightly less impressive when you convert it to SAE horsepower, roughly 986 hp. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek’s West Coast Editor Mark Vaughn spends an afternoon flogging the 2022 Ferrari SF90 through the hills of Malibu, the location of some of California’s best canyon roads. Before letting you tag along while he reviews the latest Ferrari, he walks you around the car and highlights its styling and its features, then fires up the hybrid powertrain to show you the different sounds that happen during start up. Between these segments, Vaughn expands on his thoughts with host Wesley Wren. The pair discuss what this Ferrari is like to drive, how much it costs (hint: a lot) and whether Ferrari will limit its production like the company’s LaFerrari. Closing the show, the Vaughn explains what makes this Ferrari special.
2021 Lexus LC500 Convertible: Your Personal Concept Car
The Lexus LF-LC Concept was one of the most interesting concepts to roll out of the Lexus design studio. Many doubted its continuation into a production variant, at least one not watered down until it was hardly recognizable. But give Lexus credit: Its designers turned the LF-LC into the LC500 with only minor aesthetic changes. This Lexus grand tourer is not the most powerful machine with the 5.0-liter V8 under its long hood sends 471 hp through a 10-speed automatic transmission and to the rear wheels. But the car offers more than its numbers suggest and gives you a visceral experience. On this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone puts the LC500 Convertible through its paces. Carone walks you around this beauty and highlights its facts and features before taking you along for a live drive review. Expanding on his thoughts, Carone chats with host Wesley Wren about this stylish Lexus. Wrapping the show, the pair highlight what makes this Lexus LC500 special.
2022 Volkswagen Taos Review: VW's New Chapter
The world of compact cars and hatchbacks is, ironically, shrinking. The once robust segment is seeing storied nameplates fall to the wayside every new year. Volkswagen added some fuel to that fire with its latest-generation Golf model’s departure from the US Market. When you look at the declining demand for compact cars and hatchbacks in the U.S., it makes sense. Filling the Golf’s void, VW looked saw a perfect place to meet customer demands: small crossovers. The Volkswagen Taos is both a literal and spiritual successor to the Golf’s place in the United States. While literal might be a stretch because of its high-riding seating, the Taos is replacing the Golf’s place in Volkswagen’s Puebla, Mexico factory. Spiritually? It’s following the changing tides of consumer trends. Powering the VW Taos is a 1.5-liter turbocharged I4 making 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wesley Wren hops behind the wheel of the latest Volkswagen product and puts it through its paces. Wren takes you through the features of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos while he walks you around the new machine. He also takes you along for the drive review. Between those segments, Wren talks with Patrick Carone and expands on his thoughts. Closing the show, the pair talk about what makes the Taos special.
2021 Bentley Flying Spur Review: Subtle Opulence
The 2022 Bentley Flying Spur sits atop Bentley’s hierarchy of grand cruisers, meaning it is as posh as it is powerful. Sharing a platform with its two-door Continental GT stablemate, this stretched Bentley has enough space to be hauled around like a luxuriating executive but is fun enough to drive to take the wheel yourself when the time comes. With either a W12 or a V8 under the Flying Spur’s hood, it’s no slouch by any means. Top rung W12 models send 626 hp through the eight-speed transmission and to all four wheels. The V8 makes less power, expectedly, and only sends 542 hp through the same eight-speed transmission. While power is important, it’s not everything about the Flying Spur. Competing with the likes of Maybach and Rolls-Royce, the Bentley Flying Spur’s cabin is nicer than most homes, and is stuffed with leather and other high-end materials. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek’s Wes Raynal puts Bentley’s Flying Spur through its paces. Raynal walks you around this V8-powered Bentley Flying Spur and shows off its features and details. Raynal also takes you out while he tests the Flying Spur, which gives you a look into a real-time drive review. Expanding on his thoughts, Raynal talks with host Wesley Wren in the studio. The pair discuss this Bentley’s place in the world before breaking it down to the essentials and talking about what makes it special.
Maserati Levante Trofeo: Living Up to the Name
Like nearly every other mass-market automaker on the planet, Maserati had to make a crossover to capitalize on the continuing demand for high-riding machines. In regular Maserati fashion, a boring box with wheels wasn’t going to cut it. So, in 2017, the world met Maserati’s Levante: a stylish crossover that helped scratch the itch for SUV-hungry shoppers. As you’d expect with time, the Levante would see performance variants, eventually ending at the Trofeo, which is Italian for trophy. It also means that the Maserati Levante gets some serious upgrades under the hood. Powering the Levante Trofeo is a 3.8-liter Ferrari-based V8 making 580 horsepower. Wrangling that power is an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. That all adds to this Maserati crossover sprinting to 60 mph from a dead stop in only 3.8-seconds, which is as quick as a Ferrari F40. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wes Raynal puts this Maserati Levante Trofeo through its paces and sees if it lives up to its name. Raynal guides you around this Maserati and highlights some of its most interesting features and gives insight into the crossover’s details. Raynal also brings you along on a live drive review where he asses this Maserati’s performance in real-time. Expanding on those segments, Raynal talks with host Wesley Wren about the Levante, about its position in the market and about what it represents. Closing the show the pair break down the Maserati and talk about what makes it special.
2021 McLaren 620R Review: Road-Going Race Car
The McLaren 620R is, for all intents and purposes, a race car. Base on the McLaren 570S GT4 machine, the McLaren 620R takes the bones of a race car without any of the competition regulations. While there are the somewhat particular road-car regulations that McLaren had to deal with on the 620R, there is no balance of performance hindering your performance. Essentially the same bones as the McLaren 570S, it shouldn’t be a surprise that this uses the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 for power. However, in 620R from this V8 makes 612 horsepower. That power travels to the rear wheels by way of a seven-speed DCT. This combination is good enough to hustle this 3,203-pound supercar to 60 mph from a standing start in 2.8 seconds. Adding to the performance is an aero package that not only looks cool but will actually help you shaving time off your laps by generating real downforce. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek’s west coast editor Mark Vaughn puts the McLaren 620R through its paces. Vaughn walks you around this road-going McLaren and highlights its interesting interior and exterior features. Vaughn also takes you along for a drive review. Between those segments, Vaughn elaborates on his thoughts when he talks with host Wesley Wren. The pair dive into the McLaren 620R and talk about where it sits in the world of supercars. Closing the show, the pair discuss what makes this McLaren 620R so special.
2021 Cadillac Escalade Review: Raising the Bar
When you think of luxury SUVs, the first that comes to mind is highly likely to be Cadillac’s Escalade, even if cross-town rival Lincoln stepped up its game with the latest Navigator. In response, Cadillac launched its next-generation Escalade with some serious upgrades. The 2021 Escalade puts a stronger focus on fit, finish, and high-quality materials, enough to put it back to the top of the luxe SUV list. The new Escalade also sports some significant shakeups with its powertrain and suspension. New for ’21, the Escalade is available with the 3.0-liter Duramax straight-six diesel under its hood. You can still get the 6.2-liter gas-burning V8, and both are mated to 10-speed automatics. At the rear, the new Escalade is now riding on an independent suspension. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wes Raynal puts the latest Escalade to the test. He walks you around the new Escalade and assesses its interior’s build quality. He also takes it out on a drive and brings you along for the ride. Between those segments, Raynal talks with host Wesley Wren about the Escalade and elaborates on his thoughts. The pair talk about the Escalade’s improvements and the luxury SUV marketplace. Closing the show, the pair break down what makes the new Escalade special.
2021 Aston Martin DBX Review: Crossing Over
With sedans and coupes becoming less popular on dealer lots, it’s only a matter of time before every mainstream automaker branches into the new frontier of crossovers. As demand is only rising for high-horsepower, performance-oriented crossovers, it makes sense to see companies like Lamborghini and Porsche throwing their hats in the ring and giving the fans what they want. Well, Aston Martin decided it needed a slice of that pie, too, and launched the aptly named Aston Martin DBX. This 4.0-liter powered Aston Martin might not be as radical as its Vantage stablemate, but it still keeps the beloved Aston Martin aesthetic intact despite its crossover shape. The interior, too, is as luxurious as you’d expect from the folks at Aston. On this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone puts this Aston Martin family hauler to the test. Carone brings you along while he tests this 542 hp crossover and sees if it lives up to the Aston Martin expectations. Carone gives you his first impressions of climbing into the DBX and then gives you a guided tour of this Aston’s features. He also takes you out for a drive review in the new Aston Martin. Between these segments, Carone talks with host Wesley Wren and elaborates on his thoughts on the DBX. Closing the show, the pair talk about what makes this Aston crossover special.
2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Review: Does It All
Something that might have started as a joke in a Dodge meeting has transformed into one of the most interesting series of cars to ever come from the brand. With nothing off the table for potential 6.2-liter supercharged V8 Hellcat treatment, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat was only a matter of time. This ridiculously fun crossover joined the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk in the greater Chrysler-Jeep family of Hellcat-powered SUVs. With the power of a Dodge Challenger Hellcat, three-rows of seating and an all-wheel-drive system that helps turn that noise into motion, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat might be one of the most ridiculous and fun products to ever leave a Dodge factory. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wes Raynal hops behind the wheel of this 710 hp all-wheel-drive Dodge crossover and brings you along for the ride. He walks you around the Durango Hellcat and shares its main features, inside and out. Raynal also reviews the performance of this high-horsepower crossover. Between those segments, Raynal expands on his thoughts while talking with host Wesley Wren. The pair discuss the dynamics of this Dodge at length. Then they close the show with a quick discussion about what makes this Dodge Durango Hellcat special.
2021 BMW M3 Review: Best Ever?
The BMW M3 sits among the pantheon of high-performance enthusiast cars, and while that reputation is well earned, it does come with a hefty expectations whenever a new model rolls along. Thankfully, we can confirm this latest BMW M3 lives up to its nameplate’s promise. This F80-generation M3 uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder for power and makes 473 hp in base trim. That number rises to 503 hp with the optional competition package. BMW mates that mill to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The only major drawback for this generation’s M3 is the unique styling of the car’s front. On this episode of Quick Spin, a person that has wheeled every generation of BMW’s M3 puts the latest example to the test. Mark Vaughn climbs behind the wheel of the F80 M3 and pits it against California’s canyon roads while bringing you along for the ride. He also walks you around the car to highlight its facts and features, before addressing the polarizing styling on the 2021 BMW M3. Between these segments, Vaughn talks with host Wesley Wren and expands on his thoughts. The pair discuss the car’s styling, performance, and legacy. Closing the show, the pair explain what makes this latest generation of M3 special.
2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Review: The Bring a Trailer Special
The trend towards electrification has not stopped at cars and crossovers. Pickups have become the latest hybridization targets, with manufacturers like Ram, Ford, and General Motors all playing with the idea of electrifying their handy haulers. Ford’s entry takes the hyper-popular F-150 with the 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 and tacks on a hugely useful hybrid system. While this hybrid system is a big benefit to shortening your fuel stops, it’s even more useful as a generator and battery pack for use on the job site. This hybrid also has serious power, with 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque coming from the V6 and hybrid system. That impressive torque figure should help you pull a trailer with ease, at least up until the max rating of 12,700 pounds. On this episode of Quick Spin, Randy Nonnenberg of Bring a Trailer does exactly that. He puts the hybrid Ford F-150 to the test by pulling some vintage iron. He then walks you around the Ford F-150 PowerBoost and explains the features of this new pickup and talks about his experience towing a Lotus Cortina project. Between the segments, Nonnenberg elaborates on his experience with the pickup with host Wesley Wren. The two talk about Nonnenberg’s experience with the truck, his podcast and Bring a Trailer before closing the show with getting to the core of the Ford F-150 PowerBoost.
2021 Ferrari 812 GTS Review: The Ultimate Open-Air Ride
The Ferrari 812 GTS takes the grand touring bones of the 812 Superfast and opens the cabin to the elements. This retractable hardtop convertible can morph from a closed-up coupe to an open-air cruiser in a matter of seconds with the push of a button. Powering this Ferrari is a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 feeding 789 hp and 530 lb-ft of torque to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. From there, the power travels to the rear wheels, rocketing the car to 62 mph in under three seconds from a standing start—and 124 mph in 8.4 seconds, if the road allows. Not bad for a comfortable grand tourer. On this episode of Quick Spin, Mark Vaughn slides behind the wheel of the 2021 Ferrari 812 GTS and puts the prancing horse through its paces. He gives you a guided tour of this high-end sports machine and highlights its elaborate styling and features. Vaughn also takes you along while he reviews this Ferrari on the California canyon roads. Between those segments, Vaughn elaborates on his thoughts with host Wesley Wren. Vaughn also talks about the history of front-engine Ferraris and where this 812 GTS fits in the current lineup. Vaughn also compares this grand tourer to the other ultra-luxury GTs you can find today. Closing the show, Vaughn and Wren discuss what makes this Ferrari special.
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Review: Splitting the Difference
The Cadillac CT5-V might have disappointed some when it made its debut two years ago. With the V-badge and without a supercharged V8, fans might have thought that wasn’t going to replace the over-the-top CTS-V in their driveway. Well, with the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing finally available, the standard CT5-V starts to shine as a V-Sport replacement. The CT5-V might not have a V8, but it does use a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 for power that makes 360 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. That V6 is mated to a ten-speed automatic which feeds either the rear wheels or an all-wheel-drive system. An electronic limited-slip diff at the rear helps manage traction, and the magnetic ride control works to keep the tires on the pavement. On this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone puts the latest CT5-V through its paces after walking you around the car. Carone lets you ride shotgun while he reviews the car and shares his thoughts and experiences. Between the live review and the walkaround, Carone expands on his thoughts on the CT5-V with host Wesley Wren. The pair also discuss where this CT5-V sits in the market. Closing the show, the pair break down what makes the 2021 CT5-V special.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Review: The Normcore EV
As electric vehicles become more common, it only follows that automakers would start making them look like normal traditional cars. Volkswagen does exactly that with the ID.4. With traditional crossover styling inside and out, the ID.4 joins a growing group of electric vehicles that don’t broadcast their electric powertrains but simply goes about its business. The VW ID.4 offers drivers 250 miles of range from its 82 kWh battery and 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque from its rear-mounted motor. The rear motor, for those wondering, powers the rear wheels. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wes Raynal climbs behind the wheel of the Volkswagen ID.4 and puts it through its paces. He dives into the Volkswagen’s features while giving you a walk around of the ID.4 before taking you along while he reviews the electric crossover in real-time. He also talks with host Wesley Wren about the new VW and elaborates on his experience. The two discuss the growing footprint of EVs in the US and about the normalization of electric vehicles. Closing the show, the pair discuss what makes the ID.4 special.
2021 Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Review: Worth Every Penny
The Bugatti Veyron, and its predecessor the EB110, made waves in the car world. Not only was Bugatti back in business, but it was building cars that captured the spirit of the marque: luxurious and brutally fast cars. While the EB110 started Bugatti’s return, the Veyron deserves much of the credit for reinserting the marque into our collective automotive consciousness. After rolling out of Bugatti’s factory for a decade, the Veyron was replaced in 2016 with the Chiron, another wildly powerful luxe coupe that raised the bar yet again. Powered by a 16-cylinder engine equipped with four turbochargers, the Bugatti Chiron makes 1,500 hp. That’s a 300 hp bump over the monster Veyron. Joining the incredible power is a high-tech suspension and a heap of luxury appointments. And while the standard Chiron might be nice enough for your average billionaire, for those looking for something extra, meet the Pur Sport. The Chiron Pur Sport turns a standard Chiron into a more track-friendly machine, with revised gearing, suspension, and styling. On this episode of Quick Spin, tag along with Mark Vaughn as he puts this $4 million machine through its paces. Vaughn walks you around the Chiron Pur Sport to explain its styling and features, and also takes you along for the ride while he does a live drive review. Between the drive review and the walk around, he talks extensively about the Bugatti with host Wesley Wren. Closing the show, the pair explain what makes the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport special.