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)
2021 Audi RS6 Avant Review: Checks All the Boxes
Sedans are cool, but wagons are always more interesting. If for no other reason than their relative rarity to their sedan counterpart. Audi’s latest hopped-up wagon is no exception. The Audi RS6 is a supremely capable sedan, but it comes alive in its Avant form as one of the coolest wagons you can buy today. Powered by a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8, this ultra-stylish wagon sends 591 hp to its all-wheel-drive system. Managing the power in between the engine and the all-wheel-drive system is an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain can rocket this wagon to 60 mph in only 3.1-seconds, which should be good enough to quickly get the kids from soccer practice. On this episode of Quick Spin, Natalie Neff and Patrick Carone both share their experiences with this special Audi. Neff walks you around the RS6 Avant and highlights some of the major features of this cool wagon. Later, Neff takes you along for a ride while she reviews the RS6 Avant. In between those recordings, Neff shares her experience with Carone and host Wesley Wren. Wrapping the show, the group breaks down what makes the Audi RS6 Avant special.
2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Review: The Hot Hatch Replacement
It seems like this crossover trend is far from over, and Mazda is looking to capitalize. The Mazda CX-30 splits the difference between the tiny Mazda CX-3 and the larger CX-5, which makes it about the same size as Mazda’s beloved Mazda 3. With declining small car sales, and surging demand for compact crossovers, the 2021 CX-30 seems expertly placed to grab the consumer that is looking at a hatchback but also wants that higher seating position. For 2021 Mazda adds its 250 hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged I4 into the mix. With a declining presence of hatchbacks in the US, this could be the formula for companies that want to still grab the hot hatchback buyer … without the hatch. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wesley Wren takes the reins of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 with the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. Wren walks you around the car showing off its features and highlights before taking you along on a real-time drive review. Between those segments, Wren talks with Jake Lingeman about the CX-30 and expands on the segments. Wrapping the show, Lingeman and Wren breakdown the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine’s importance in the CX-30.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Charges Forward
The Ford Mustang Mach-E made waves when it was teased at the Detroit auto show. Those waves only grew as it finally saw daylight with its official debut. This all-electric crossover spins off Ford’s beloved Mustang nameplate and pushes the brand into a new direction. Powered by either a single or a pair of electric motors, it puts a respective 290 hp or 346 hp to the pavement in Premium trim. Entry-level Select trim cars only manage to throw 266 ponies to the road. The Mustang Mach-E also highlights Ford’s latest in infotainment, the Sync 4 system. With a massive screen, a potent all-electric powertrain, and interesting styling, will people fall in love with the electric Mustang? On this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone takes you along while reviewing the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-e. He highlights the features of the car, explains the Ford Pass app, and takes you along for a drive review. Between Carone’s segments, he talks with host Wesley Wren about his experiences with the car and elaborates on the recordings. The pair also dive into the hot-button issue about this EV’s name and talk about what makes the Mach-E special.
The Porsche Taycan RWD Cuts Cost, Adds Fun
In the growing battery-electric sports car world, it was only a matter of time for Porsche to jump into the game with its Taycan. Porsche launched the Taycan with its base all-wheel-drive model and a pair of Turbo-badged performance models. Well, Porsche is adding a new entry point into the Taycan portfolio that ditches all-wheel drive and drops the price. This rear-drive Taycan does drop the power, as you’d expect with a reduction in motors, and only throws 320 hp to the wheels with the standard battery. However, the dip in performance is offset by shedding 210 pounds over the standard all-wheel-drive Taycan with the elimination of all of the front powertrain. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek’s Mark Vaughn puts the latest Porsche Taycan through its paces and brings you along for the ride. Vaughn hops behind the wheel and reviews the rear-wheel-drive Taycan around the California canyons. Vaughn also personally walks you around the Taycan and sheds insight into Porsche’s EV. Between those segments, Vaughn elaborates on his pre-recorded comments with host Wesley Wren and sheds insight into where the Taycan sits in the market.
2021 Ford Bronco Sport Bucks Expectations
The Ford Bronco might be the most exciting new SUV to enter the off-roading fray. With Ford immediately spinning the revived Bronco name off onto a smaller crossover dubbed the Ford Bronco Sport, it might be easy to assume that it’s just a rehashed compact crossover without any chops. Fortunately, that isn’t the case. The Ford Bronco Sport features a drive select system similar to the Bronco dubbed G.O.A.T mode. These seven modes affect how the car responds to your input to better control adverse terrain. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek’s Joe Brown hops behind the wheel of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport to put it through its paces. Brown brings you along while he reviews the Bronco Sport. Brown also guides you through the Bronco Sport’s features during a pre-recorded vehicle walk around. Before diving into the essence of the Bronco Sport, Brown elaborates on his thoughts with host Wesley Wren.
The Gunther Werks Remastered Porsche 911 Is Your Fantasy Realized
The 993-generation Porsche 911 was effectively the end of the road for Porsche’s beloved air-cooled boxer engine, which has turned it into an icon of modern Porsche cars. With a limelight already on a popular Porsche, it only makes sense for custom builders to jump onto the 993 911 with both feet. Enter, the Gunther Werks worked over Porsche. Built to your wants and needs, Gunther Werks will make your Porsche 911 into basically whatever you want, be that a luxe-track machine or a cars and coffee stunner. With lots of carbon fiber and other high end components, Gunther Werks takes the Porsche to a high level. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek’s Mark Vaughn who gives you a quick explainer of what goes into these Gunther Werks remastered cars during a walk around of the car. This particular Gunther Werks remastered Porsche leans more towards to track-focused variety. The 400+ hp naturally-aspirated flat-six feeds power to a Getrag G50 transaxle. Power, of course, travels exclusively to the rear wheels. Vaughn also takes you along for a ride while he actively reviews the car. Between those segments, Vaughn talks about this 911 with host Wesley Wren.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550 Makes Your Statement
The latest generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class ditches some beloved off-road clout with the removal of its solid front axle. However, the more road-friendly independent front suspension makes the G-Wagen friendlier on highways and city streets. This 2020 G550 sports a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 power making 416 hp, which is more than enough to get you down Rodeo Drive. Managing that power is a nine-speed automatic transmission that then feeds the power to the all-wheel-drive system before hitting the pavement. Of course, as you’d expect with a G-Class, the 2020 G550’s specs are overshadowed by the opulent interior and host of high-tech features. On this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone puts the new G-Class to the test on a road trip to Upstate New York. Carone takes you along on the journey with some recorded segments that bring you along in the car during his test. He also walks you around the car and highlights some features that make the G-Wagen interesting. Between those segments, Carone elaborates on those segments with host Wesley Wren. The two also work to get to what makes the G-Class stand out in a sea of other special cars.
The 2021 Genesis GV80 Brings Big Luxury and Big Value
The luxury off-shoot from Hyundai started out with a fleet of well-appointed and well-priced sedans that helped establish its name. Though with SUV and crossover sales only on the incline, it was only a matter of time before Genesis would launch a lifted, luxury family hauler. The GV80 is just that and fills the empty spot in the Genesis lineup with distinctive styling and an opulent interior. Though, what’s it like to live with? Well, Patrick Carone spent time with the latest from Genesis and put it through its paces: bringing you along for the ride. Carone shows you some interesting features of the GV80 and talks about the overall quality of the car. Carone also records a quick drive review of the GV80. Between those segments, Carone elaborates on his thoughts with host Wesley Wren.
2021 Lexus IS350 F-Sport Review: Something For Everyone
For 2021, Lexus tacks the F-Sport badge onto all of the IS350 sedans and gives prospective buyers plenty of options to deck out their new sedan. The Lexus IS sedan is available with three different engine options, and two-drive systems, there’s plenty of combinations to choose from. In rear-drive trim, the IS350 gets an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, all-wheel-drive models receive only six-speed transmissions. Add to those choices, there are also plenty of options to push your Lexus in any direction you want to go. In this episode of Quick Spin, Robin Warner puts the 2021 Lexus IS350 F-Sport rear-wheel drive through its paces, and brings you along for the ride. Warner gives you a real-time walk around of this Lexus to highlight its styling and features and then throws you in the car with him while he records a drive review. In between those segments, Warner gives more context about this Lexus with host Wesley Wren.
2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Review: First Class at Ground Level
For 2021, Rolls-Royce looked at the future for its Ghost model and stuffed it with plenty of high-tech wizardry. Rolling on a new platform, the Ghost rides on a sophisticated suspension that uses cameras to help predict road conditions and make adjustments to keep folks in the cabin from feeling any bumps in their travels. A 6.75-liter V12 powers the Ghost, which only further establishes its overt opulence. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek’s Mark Vaughn puts the latest Ghost through its paces and brings you along for the ride. Vaughn walks you around the new Rolls, giving insight into its features and then brings you into the car with him while he does a drive review. In between those recordings, Vaughn talks about his thoughts with host Wesley Wren.
2020 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS Review: Pure Driving Pleasure
Porsche’s Boxster is one of the most fun cars you can drive, regardless of how much you can spend. The mid-engine, open-air Porsche offers confident handling, reasonable power and solid curb appeal across the board with its latest generation 718 Boxster. However, adding some extra oomph and performance chops with the 718 Boxster GTS makes for an even more engaging experience. This 718 Boxster GTS is powered by a 4.0-liter flat-six engine that feeds 394 hp through a six-speed manual transmission. On this episode of Quick Spin, Robin Warner takes you along for a ride in the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS. Warner walks you around this Porsche and highlights its features. Following that, Warner takes you along for a live drive review. Peppered between these segments, Warner elaborates on his experiences with host Wesley Wren. Closing the show, the two get to what makes this Porsche special.
2020 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Review: Best Ever?
The Chevrolet Corvette has improved with every generational change, but by shifting to a mid-engine sports car for its eighth iteration, it made it's biggest leap yet! The new Corvette feels revolutionary compared to the outgoing C7. And the 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 making 495 hp ain't bad either! Though we do miss the option of a manual transmission. On this episode of Quick Spin, flipping the script like the new Corvette, host Wesley Wren is tasked with reviewing the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. Wren guides you through the new Corvette’s features before bringing you along for a live drive review. Wren joins Robin Warner in the studio to elaborate on the recordings and get to the essence of the new ‘Vette.
2021 Genesis G80 Review: Doubling Down on Details
For 2021, Genesis moves its mid-size G80 onto a new platform and significantly changes the styling. The new G80 sports a series of structural improvements to make it stiffer than the outgoing model, but also pushes a bolder design to make it look even more upmarket than the previous generation. Powered by a 2.5-liter I4 making 300 hp or a 3.5-liter V6 making 375 hp, the latest generation G80 is also potent enough to enjoy the drive. On this episode of Quick Spin, Road & Track’s Mack Hogan puts the 2.5-liter Genesis G80 through its paces and takes you along for a ride. Hogan walks you around the Genesis G80 and shines a light on its features before bringing you along for a spin in its surprisingly isolated cabin. Hogan elaborates on these segments with host Wesley Wren in the studio.
2020 Acura NSX Review: Your Silent Supercar
The Acura NSX flipped the sports-car script when it rolled into the limelight in 1990. After being the default everyday supercar for 15 years, Honda discontinued the NSX. This second-generation model followed after an 11-year hiatus and totally changed what it means to be an NSX. Powered by a V6, like the first-generation models, only it’s grown the 3.5-liters of displacement and is force-fed air by a pair of turbochargers. Acura also equipped the NSX with a hybrid drivetrain to help give you even more versatility. On this episode of Quick Spin, Robin Warner takes the 2020 Acura NSX and puts it through its paces. Warner gives you an in-depth walk-around of the NSX that describes its features and details before taking you along with a live drive review. Warner also elaborates on those experiences with Host Wesley Wren.
The Lamborghini Huracan Evo Is Rockstar Ready
The Lamborghini Huracan Evo is no stranger to Quick Spin, with it already appearing in one of the first episodes of the show. This V10-powered Italian supercar makes 610 hp in rear-wheel-drive trim and 630 hp in its all-wheel-drive configuration, or enough power to safely make a trip to your local store. The updated Lamborghini also features some styling enhancements that add more visual impact to emphasize that this is the evolution model. More importantly, this Lamborghini is reviewed by Blondie guitarist and sports car enthusiast Tommy Kessler. Kessler takes you into this Lambo with a walk around and then brings you along with him while he takes it for a spin. Kessler then joins host Wesley Wren and Robin Warner in the studio to flesh out his feelings about the Italian machine.
Bonus: 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R Review
Ford’s Mustang Shelby GT350R goes back to its road-going-race-car roots. Like its base-model-variant the Shelby GT350, The GT350R is powered by the 526 hp, flat-plane-crank-equipped 5.2-liter V8. Backed exclusively by a six-speed manual transmission, the hardcore-focused pony car is a true enthusiast’s machine. Taking the GT350 further with the R-model, carbon fiber wheels, more aggressive aero and a missing rear seat, the Shelby GT350R is a toy pointed directly at your local track rat. And it’s right on target. On this special episode of Quick Spin, Robin Warner takes you along for the ride in a 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R Heritage Edition. Warner walks you around the GT350R to give you the details of this special Mustang before taking you along for a drive. In between, Warner talks with host Wesley Wren about the differences between the R-Model and the standard GT350 and elaborates on points made during the review.
The 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman T Is a Budget Brawler
The 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman T doesn’t have a naturally aspirated flat-six, and the engine isn’t at the rear, but it might be one of the best sports cars you can get for the money. This mid-engine, turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four-powered coupe makes hopping in a Porsche slightly more accessible than the pricier 911. This Cayman T model also sports some weight-saving measures like mechanically adjustable seats and fabric door pulls. On this episode of Quick Spin, editor Wes Raynal puts this Porsche through its paces and brings you along for the ride. Raynal evaluates how the car drives, how it feels and how it sits in the Porsche lineup. Raynal guides you through the car’s features in a brief walk around of the Cayman T before taking you along while he reviews the car. In between those pre-recorded sections, Raynal expands his thoughts in a discussion with host Wesley Wren.
The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Rides Off into the Sunset
The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is one of the coolest Mustangs to ever leave a Ford factory. Powered by a 5.2-liter, naturally-aspirated, flat-plane-crank V8, this Mustang changed the perception of Ford’s legend. This high-performance Mustang pushed the coupe further into the direction of a true-blue sports car. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission and revving to an ear-splitting 8,250 RPM, this Mustang is an enthusiast’s dream. In this episode of Quick Spin, managing editor Robin Warner takes you along for a ride in this Shelby Mustang while he evaluates it. Robin shows you how the car handles, how it sounds and relays how it feels while he puts it to the test. Mixed between those sections, he elaborates and adds context to the Mustang with host Wesley Wren.
The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is the 702-hp Fun Factory
It’s been a long time coming for a true competitor for Ford’s F-150 Raptor pickup, which has been largely unchallenged in the world of trophy truck inspired pickups. Well, Ram debuted a concept four years ago, which is finally ready for the public. Dubbed the Ram 1500 TRX, this Hellcat-powered pickup sends 702 hp through the eight-speed automatic and then to all four wheels. Add to that, that this truck is suspended by a serious set of shocks and springs and has a host of other desert-racing goodies: this might be the current king of showroom off-roaders. In this episode of Quick Spin Mark Vaughn takes the TRX’s reins during the truck’s launch event to give listeners some insights into the new truck. Vaughn captures the truck’s exhaust note from the outside of the rig while it’s at full song. Vaughn also captures the experience of launching the high-horsepower hauler with some off-road honing thrown in for good measure. In the studio, Vaughn talks with host Wesley Wren about the truck’s ability to jump and drive on roads.
The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet Is ‘Pretty Much Perfect’
Porsche’s latest 911 generation has further evolved the beloved sports car. Powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged flat-six, this Porsche 911 might not breathe unassisted like some of the popular models that came before it, but the turbocharger does connect it with the most legendary of 911 variants. Even though the 911 has come a long way since its air-cooled days, the sporting spirit of this nameplate has stayed in place. In this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone takes a 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet out to the Berkshires. Carone tests out the road-trip worthy experience of the latest 911 and puts its creature comforts through the paces during the trip. Carone also is forced to test how this 911 Cabriolet can handle inclement weather when he drives through a storm. Carone also joins host Wesley Wren in the studio to expand on the car.
The 2021 Jaguar F-Type R is Everything Good with Cars
The Jaguar F-Type R might not have changed much in the years since it made its first appearance in 2013, but that lack of change is what makes this 2021 model so special. In its R-trim, this F-Type moves down the line by way of a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 making 575 hp and enough noise to let your neighbors know that you love cars. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wes Raynal hops behind the wheel of this two-seat Jaguar and puts it through its paces. Raynal guides you through this quick Jag during the walk-around portion and gives you details about the features of this F-Type. After that, Raynal takes you along for the ride while he reviews the car in real-time. Peppered in between is Raynal talking with host Wesley Wren to elaborate on what he said in those segments.
The 2020 Mazda Mazda6 Keeps the Midlife Crisis at Bay
Just because sedans are falling out of favor with some buyers, it doesn’t mean that sedans are going the way of the dodo. Not yet anyway, as long as Mazda has a say. Mazda’s mid-sized Mazda 6 takes the fun-to-drive Mazda mentality and shapes into a family-friendly sedan shape. Powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder mill making 250 hp in Signature trim, this Mazda makes more than enough power to get you up to highway speed. Join Autoweek’s Robin Warner as he guides you through the car before bringing you along as he evaluates the car. Warner also joins host Wesley Wren in the studio to expand on his thoughts and dive into the essence of the Mazda 6 and gives the car even more context in the greater car world.
2020 Mercedes AMG GT R Review: The Beast from Green Hell
The Mercedes-AMG GT is one of the most beautiful sports cars to ever roll out of a factory. Seemingly taking inspiration from the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300SL, the AMG GT has an almost timeless style that will surely age as well as the 300SL. Though, not to ride just on good looks, Mercedes has progressively cranked the AMG GT up notches and produced the AMG GT R. In this episode of Quick Spin, Robin Warner puts the 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged AMG GT R to the test. Warner tackles how it looks, how it performs and how it feels, all the while bringing you along with him. Warner also hops into the studio to talk about all things AMG GT R with host Wesley Wren, before grinding out the essence of the AMG GT R.
2020 Land Rover Defender: Mountain Climbing Drive Review
The Land Rover Defender is making its way back to the United States after 23 years, which means you now have a chance to eat a scone, sip some tea, and hit the trails in a British legend. The revived Defender competes with the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen for the title of most capable off-roader ripped straight from the showroom. With its off-road chops as one of its major selling points, what would be better than taking one of these off paved streets? In this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone does just that with a 2020 Land Rover Defender 110. He takes the new Defender through Land Rover's off-road course in Manchester, VT, to test its abilities before piloting it up the side of a mountain. Along the way, the vehicle encounters the kinds of real-world challenges off-road enthusiasts might face on any given weekend. Rounding out the discussion, Carone and host Wesley Wren try to get to the essence of the new Defender.
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 is a Seven-Seat Rocket Ship
Some vehicles are designed specifically to shuttle people to and fro in comfort and that is their lot in life. That’s fine, those vans, large sedans and large crossovers can do a great job at just being boring, unassuming shuttles. However, that doesn’t cut the mustard in Affalterbach, and the folks at AMG can’t leave anything alone (we’re looking at you R-Class). The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 is a prime example of excess being a good thing, especially in the automotive world. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wes Raynal puts the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 through its paces and comes away with a smile on his face. Raynal takes you along for a drive in the hulking Mercedes SUV and narrates his adventure. He also elaborates on these recordings with Wesley Wren in the studio. Most importantly, Raynal dives deep into the GLS 63 and finds why the thing exists in the first place.