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 Jaguar F-Type R AWD Convertible Review: A Winter Wonder
The Jaguar F-Type Convertible made initially launched all the way back in 2013. Since then, Jag rolled out various versions of this two-seater, namely the potent R and SVR models. Jaguar also gave the sporty F-Type a mid-cycle update in 2020. While Jaguar’s F-Type used to have a variety of available engines, the only option under the hood for Jag’s sports car is now a 5.0-liter V8. Jaguar’s entry point for its F-Type sports a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that makes 444 hp. The top-range F-Type R features the same 5.0-liter V8 but is cranked up to 575 hp. Managing that power is an eight-speed automatic that feeds either the rear wheels or an all-wheel-drive system. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wesley Wren hops behind the wheel of a 2021 Jaguar F-Type R AWD to see how it handles winter. Wren walks you around the Jaguar F-Type R and highlights some of its more interesting features. Wren also takes the snow-tire-equipped Jaguar out for a spin and brings you along. Adding more context to the Jaguar F-Type, Wren talks with Mark Vaughn about this two-seat Jag. The two talk about their experiences with sports cars in the winter, the history of Jaguar’s sports cars and the importance of having the right tire. Closing this show, the pair talk about what makes this Jaguar F-Type R AWD special.
2022 Audi A3 Review: All Grown Up
Like the rest of the automotive landscape, Volkswagen is doubling down on crossovers and leaving small cars, at least in the United States, on the chopping block. Volkswagen cut the beloved Golf and the Passat from its US portfolio but continues to offer the Audi sibling: the A3. In fact, the Audi A3 sees a new, albeit updated, platform for 2022. The Audi A3 kicked off Audi’s legacy compact for the 1996 model year and offered fans of small Volkswagens a more luxurious option. While the 2022 model dwarfs its predecessor, the latest A3 sticks with that essential formula. Powering this ’22 Audi A3 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 that makes 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. That power travels through a seven-speed DCT to either the front wheels or all-four wheels if you opt for the all-wheel-drive system. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wesley Wren puts the latest A3 through its paces. Wren walks you around the outside of the 2022 Audi A3 and highlights its styling and features, and also guides you on a tour of the new A3 interior. Wren also takes you along for a drive review and talks about the A3’s dynamics and driving features. Adding to these segments, Mark Vaughn joins Wren to discuss the compact luxury car world and the new A3. Closing the show, the two talk about what makes the 2022 Audi A3 special.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander: Out of This World
The Mitsubishi Outlander filled the void left by the popular and capable Montero Sport and helped usher in a more comfortable crossover world for Mitsubishi loyalists. The Outlander made its North American presence known in 2003 with the first generation. Now on its fourth generation, the Outlander has grown and pushes the new Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi roster of cars in the right direction. Sharing a platform with Nissan’s Rogue, the latest Outlander still seats seven and uses style and features to help differentiate it from its platform-mate. The styling is bold and polarizing but should make Mitsu fans happy that the company is trying out interesting designs. Responsible for turning the wheels is a 2.5-liter Nissan-designed I4 that sends 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque through a continuously variable transmission to the front wheels or to an all-wheel-drive system. On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren and west coast editor Mark Vaughn both spent time behind the wheel of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. Wren takes you on a guided tour of the Outlander’s interior and exterior before taking you along for a live drive review. Adding to these segments, Wren and Vaughn talk about Mitsubishi, share their experiences with their respective Outlanders and discuss the Outlander’s features. Closing the show, the two talk about what makes the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander special.
2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Giving Fans Hope
Mitsubishi has no shortage of legendary performance cars, and engines, in its history books. The ten generations of Lancer Evolutions, the 3000 GT VR4 and the Starion are just a few names in Mitsu’s history books that show that the company once had a presence in the sports car world. Unfortunately, those days are behind us and Mitsubishi seems to have been struggling in the U.S. market. Well, the team at Mitsubishi decided to revive its popular Eclipse name to help spark some excitement around the brand. Unfortunately, the Eclipse didn’t come back as a fun sports car -- it’s crossover. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross isn’t the sports car salve fans of the brand wanted, but it does help bring the brand back into the new-car discussion. This Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross packs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine under its hood that sends 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque through a continuously variable transmission. On this episode of Quick Spin, Mark Vaughn hops behind the wheel of the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Vaughn takes you along for an in-car drive review and walks you around this Mitsu to highlight its features. Vaughn expands on his thoughts with host Wesley Wren. The pair talk about Mitsubishi’s history, its troubled recent history and the crossover craze in North America. Closing the show, they discuss what makes this Mitsubishi special.
2021 Audi Q5 Sportback Review: Competent Fun
The Audi Q5 joined Audi’s lineup right before the start of the last decade. Kicking off in 2009, Audi’s midsize crossover launched to the front of its pack in terms of sales and rode the crossover craze into success. Now mid-way through its second generation, the Audi Q5 sticks to the basic crossover formula of sitting high, seating plenty and carrying even more. Though, Audi also jumped on the trend of trading some of the cargo space for some extra style. This Audi Q5 Sportback does exactly that. This crossover coupe, as some call it, adds more style to the Q5’s bones and gives crossover buyers more options. Under the hood of this Audi is the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that sends its 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque through a seven-speed automatic transmission into the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wesley Wren hops behind the wheel of this 2021 Audi Q5 and puts it through its paces. Wren walks you around this crossover coupe and highlights some of his favorite features. Wren then takes you along on a live drive review and tells you about the Q5’s driving dynamics. Adding to this, Wren talks with Mark Vaughn about Audi, the Q5 and the world of crossovers. Closing the show, the pair discuss what makes the 2021 Q5 Sportback special.
2022 Suzuki Hayabusa Review: A Modern Classic Continues
Increasing emissions scrutiny can put an end to internal combustion fun, but that doesn’t seem to be the case for Suzuki’s game-changing GSX1300R. Better known as the Hayabusa, Suzuki’s wildly powerful motorcycle enters its third generation with the 2022 model year and keeps power-hungry enthusiasts champing at the bit. While this motorcycle’s engine is known to power cars and other motorcycles, in its factory form it makes 188 hp at an ear-splitting 9,700 rpm. That might be down compared to its previous year, but only by a few ponies. The ‘Busa also sees some upgrades to its chassis and its rider tech. Even with the changes, the Hyabusa looks to stick with its drag-race-ready mentality and should make riders happy. On this episode of Quick Spin, Mark Vaughn hops on the saddle of the 2022 Suzuki GSX1300R. Vaughn walks you around the latest Suzuki Hayabusa and shows off its new features for 2022. After the walkaround, Vaughn takes you along for a quick ride of Suzuki’s third-gen ‘Busa. Between these segments, Vaughn talks with host Wesley Wren about his experience with this Suzuki, the Hayabusa’s history and this bike’s spot in the motorcycle world. Closing the show, the pair discuss what makes the Suzuki Hayabusa special.
2022 Mazda MX-30 Ev Review: Charging Into the Future
Electric vehicles aren’t coming: they’re here. Mazda’s first dip into the EV pool is, as you’d expect, a compact crossover. While this might not be as interesting as an all-electric Mazda MX-5 Miata, the MX-30 packs a ton of interesting features and an electric powertrain. Eventually, the Mazda MX-30 will be joined by a gasoline-burning, rotary-range-extender equipped variant, but the currently available MX-30 moves exclusively by way of a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that feeds the electric motor that powers the front wheels. Mazda says this combination is good for 143 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. The Mazda MX-30 also features reverse-opening rear doors, leatherette coverings on the seat and minimalist styling that’s similar to the rest of the Mazda lineup. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wesley Wren hops behind the wheel of the Mazda MX-30 and puts it through its paces. Wren walks you around the Mazda MX-30 and shows off its interesting features before taking you along for a live drive review that highlights the vehicle’s dynamics. Expanding on these thoughts, Wren chats with Mark Vaughn. The pair talk about this Mazda’s range, its features and its position in the market. Closing the show, the two discuss what makes the Mazda MX-30 special.
2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Review: Crosses Over Anything
While unibody crossovers are taking over the auto industry, the body-on-frame SUV of yore is getting harder to find. That said, Toyota’s 4Runner has been since the 1980s and has stuck to its objective of being a capable off-roader. This fifth-generation 4Runner is on the older side of new vehicles, with it hitting the street in 2010. Even though that means the 4Runner’s replacement is probably coming sooner than later, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro gives you all the capabilities of a body-on-frame SUV without some of the drawbacks. Unlike the more open-air-friendly Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, the 4Runner is strictly an enclosed machine, and the TRD Pro variant gives it some serious off-road chops. Powering this 4Runner is a 4.0-liter V6 that makes 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. On this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone hops behind the wheel of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro and puts it through its paces. Carone gives you a guided walk-around of this 4Runner that highlights its design and features. Following that Carone takes you on a live drive review where he takes the 4Runner off-road. Expanding on his thoughts, Carone chats with host Wesley Wren. Carone and Wren talk about the 4Runner’s capabilities, position in the market and performance. Closing the show, the two talk about what makes the 2021 Toyota 4Runner special.
2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR: Pure V8 Joy
The Jaguar F-Pace is Jaguar-Land Rover’s answer to the ever-increasing demand for crossovers. While the British car company is best known for its sports cars and luxury sedans, crossovers are now the lay of the land. Taking its sporting past, and the company’s current sporting offerings, Jaguar stuffed its high-performance, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 under the hood of its F-Pace crossover. Dubbed the Jaguar F-Pace SVR, this high-performance crossover takes the commuter F-Pace and turns it into a 550 hp, snarling machine. The Jaguar F-Pace SVR also sees revised bodywork to make it more visually aggressive and an updated brake system to help keep you in control. On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren hops behind the wheel of the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR to put it through its paces. Wren takes you around the F-Pace SVR and gives you a guided tour of its features. Wren also takes you along on a live drive review that captures real-time reactions to the F-Pace’s performance. Patrick Carone joins Wren and the two elaborate on those segments. The pair also discuss the car’s price, features and competitive set. Closing the show the two talk about what makes this Jaguar special.
2021 Mazda CX-5 Review: The Enthusiast's Crossover
The Mazda MX-5 Miata has brought smiles to faces for 30 years. Unfortunately, over the same 30 years, sports cars and sedans have seen less interest from average buyers, and crossovers have taken the limelight. The folks at Mazda haven’t ignored the crossover trend but did approach it with the same attention to detail and dynamic focus seen on the Miata. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 sports a 2.5-liter engine under the hood that’s available either naturally aspirated or with a turbocharger. This turbocharged model sends 250 hp through a six-speed automatic transmission. While it’s getting near the end of its lifecycle, Mazda’s current CX-5 still sports fresh styling and a well-designed interior. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wesley Wren hops behind the wheel of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature Edition and puts it through its pace. Wren guides you around this CX-5 in a recorded walk around before taking you along for a real-time drive review. Expanding on those segments, Wren chats with Patrick Carone. The two talk about the Mazda CX-5’s driving dynamics, Wren’s experience with the car and CX-5’s features. Closing the show, the pair discuss what makes the 2021 Mazda CX-5 special.
2021 Ford Mustang High Performance Review: Boosted Fun
The current generation of Ford’s Mustang is arguably the best to ever roll out of a Ford factory. With a Mustang GT that makes 460 hp and a Mustang Shelby GT 500 that makes 760 hp, this pony has no shortage of power. That said, in base trim, Ford’s storied coupe is now powered exclusively by a turbocharged 2.3-liter I4. This turbocharged four makes 310 horsepower at its worst, but that number rises to 330 hp when you check the box for the performance package. The performance package also includes suspension and style upgrades that turn this Mustang into a track-rat special. This Mustang is available with a ten-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wesley Wren hops behind the wheel of the 2021 Ford Mustang Performance Pack 2.3-liter to put it to the test. Wren walks you around the car and shows off its upgrades and the features exclusive to this odd pony. Wren also takes you along for a live-recorded drive review and relays his experiences. Adding to the conversation, Wren talks with Patrick Carone. The two expand on these recorded segments, compare this high-performance four-cylinder Mustang to its more powerful GT counterpart and discuss the competitive set. Closing the show, the pair talk about what makes this Mustang special.
2021 Hyundai Palisade Review: Playing to Strengths
The Hyundai Palisade shares a platform with the fantastic Kia Telluride and changes just enough to personalize the experience. While we’ve already discussed Kia’s Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade takes most of the great features from the shared platform and stuffs them in a restyled shell. The exterior and interior styling gives customers options depending on what they prefer, but the bones of each crossover remain the same: solid. Hyundai’s twist on this three-row crossover is an aggressively styled interior and exterior, which falls in line with the rest of its line. The exterior features a massive grill will narrow headlamps. The interior sports a push-button gear selector and more tactile buttons than a space shuttle mission control. Powering this Palisade is a 3.8-liter direct-injected V6 that makes 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque that feeds an eight-speed automatic transmission. On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren puts the Hyundai Palisade through its paces. Wren walks you in and around the Palisade giving you a guided tour of the SUV’s styling and features before hopping behind the wheel to give you a live drive review. Expanding on his thoughts, Wren chats with Patrick Carone. The two expand on Wren’s segments and talk about the Palisade’s context in the greater landscape. They also compare it to the Kia Telluride. Closing the show, the pair explain what makes this car special.
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe Review: Style and Substance
One of the most controversial styling trends centers around one of the most popular trends of our time: the crossover coupe. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S takes the crossover coupe style and blends it with the outlandish Mercedes 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 to make one of the more interesting combinations of performance, utility and style on the road. Based on the standard GLE-class Mercedes-Benz, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S is a 603 hp people mover with all of the attitude you’d expect from an AMG. Of course, this top-flight crossover isn’t a bare-bones performance machine and is also well-appointed with leather and soft-touch materials throughout the interior and lots of high-tech consumer features. On this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone hops behind the wheel of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and puts it through its paces. Carone guides you around this GLE 63 S in a recorded walk around and takes you along for a real-time drive review. Adding to those segments, Carone expands on his thoughts with host Wesley Wren. The pair talk about the GLE 63 S’s features, its price and the experience of driving this Mercedes-AMG. Closing the show, the pair talk about what makes the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S special.
2021 Hyundai Veloster N Review: Torque-Steer Hilarity
Even though crossovers are constantly demanding more and more effort and attention from automakers, the devout enthusiast segment of hot hatchbacks is still sticking around. While the segment might be smaller than it was in its heyday, the hot hatch world is enticing enough to draw in Hyundai and its Veloster N. Like other hot hatchbacks, the Veloster N takes the bones of Hyundai’s economy car and turns it into a performance-oriented machine. Powering this Veloster N is a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 that makes 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Veloster N is now available with either an eight-speed DCT automatic transmission or the standard six-speed manual transmission. On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren hops behind the wheel of Hyundai’s hot hatch and puts it through the paces. Wren walks you around the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N and highlights its special features, styling and quality. After walking you through the car, Wren takes you along for a drive review. Along with these segments, Wren chats with Patrick Carone and further elaborates on these points. The pair talk about the Veloster N’s competition, its price and its performance. Closing the show, the pair explain what makes this Veloster N special.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Review: Comfortable Cruiser
The Hyundai Santa Fe has made leaps and bounds in the past 20 years. Slotted between Hyundai’s compact Tucson and larger Palisade, the Santa Fe might fall out of sight for some shoppers in the fiercely competitive crossover. Curbing that, Hyundai stuffed the Santa Fe with features other automakers have started removing like physical buttons and doubled down on making it a competitive crossover. Powering the Santa Fe is a turbocharged 2.5-liter I4 making 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, which travels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai also stuffed its top Calligraphy trim with soft leather and tech creature comforts. On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren and Patrick Carone both spent time behind the wheel of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy. Wren takes you along a walkaround of the vehicle to highlight its interior and exterior features. Afterward, he puts you in the passenger seat while reviewing the car in real-time. Between segments, the pair talk about their time with the car and elaborate on their thoughts. Closing the show, they discuss what makes the 2021 Santa Fe special.
2022 Genesis G70 Review: The Stinger Gets All Dressed Up
The ever-expanding Genesis portfolio initially saw a rollout of luxury sedans. Following that was the current focus on its solid crossover lineup. Well, the recently refreshed Genesis G70 is proof that the folks at Genesis aren’t ignoring the shrinking sedan segment. Sharing a platform with the Kia Stinger, it might be harder to stomach the more expensive G70. Though, there are huge differences in styling and interior appointments. That said, they both share the turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 that makes 365 hp. This turbocharged V6 is an optional engine that replaces the standard-issue 2.0-liter turbocharged I4. Power travels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and into the Genesis G70’s all-wheel-drive system. On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren puts the Genesis G70 through its paces and takes you along for the ride. Wren walks you around the G70 and highlights its styling and interior features. Wren also describes what the interior feels like. Afterward, Wren takes you on a live drive review and talks about the G70’s dynamics and his experiences with the car. Peppered between those segments, Wren talks with Patrick Carone and expands on his thoughts about the car. Closing the show, the two talk about what makes the Genesis G70 so special.
2022 Volvo XC60 Review: Smoother Than Ever
The second generation of Volvo’s popular XC60 has been running for a while now, which means its mid-cycle update was only a matter of time. Well, it’s finally here and adds serious updates to the mid-sized Volvo crossover. Adding to the XC60's refinement, Volvo makes its 48-volt mild hybrid system available to certain models in the XC60 lineup. Volvo also ditches its traditional, belt-driven supercharger for an electrically powered unit, which should give Volvo’s tuners more control over how the blower is working and help reduce parasitic draw. Powering this XC60, in B6 trim, is a 2.0-liter I4 that’s turbocharged and equipped with the aforementioned electric supercharger. Helping the XC60 better sip fuel is also the 48-volt mild-hybrid system. On this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone hops behind the wheel of the Volvo XC60 and brings you along for the ride. Carone walks you around the refreshed XC60 with Volvo’s Gaurang Kalsaria. Kalsaria and Carone talk about the XC60s design and its position in the Volvo lineup. Afterward, Carone takes you along for a live test drive of the XC60. Between these segments, Carone talks with host Wesley Wren about the 2022 Volvo XC60. They discuss the XC60’s new features, styling and performance. Before closing the show, they also discuss the Volvo XC60s price and what makes it special.
2022 Ford Maverick Review: Sweating the Small Stuff
The Ford Maverick is finally here to give mini-truck fans the replacement for their aging 1997 Ford Ranger or Chevrolet S-10. Since the mass exodus of compact trucks in the US, this small-truck space has stayed quiet. Though, with the introduction of Ford’s Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz, this could start heating up. Ford’s Maverick pulls double duty for the company that abandoned small cars in its US lineup: it’s the most affordable truck you can buy and the most affordable hybrid. Ford’s entry-level XL-badged Maverick comes equipped with a 2.5-liter I4 engine that mates to a hybrid powertrain by way of Ford’s PowerSplit transmission. Ford packaged all of this with space for five and a 4.5-foot long bed. On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren hops behind the wheel of the Ford Maverick and puts it through its paces. Wren walks you around the new compact pickup from Ford and talks about some of its new features. Wren also takes you along for a live drive review to discuss the truck’s dynamics. Adding to those segments, Wren talks with Patrick Carone about Ford’s latest truck. The two discuss the importance of the truck, its size and its pricing. They also discuss more of the truck’s features. Closing the show, the pair break down why this truck is special.
2021 Lexus LS 500 Review: A V6 Masterpiece
The Lexus LS 500 sits atop the Lexus sedan lineup with all of the luxurious appointments you’d expect from a full-size luxury sedan. While you might expect the Lexus LS 500 to carry the 5.0-liter V8 under its hood, as its name would suggest, the Lexus LS 500 bucks the alphanumeric naming convention in the spirit of fuel efficiency and silence. Instead of the snarling V8, this Lexus shuffles along the highway with a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6. Despite the powertrain differences, the rest of the Lexus LS 500 walks in step with the Lexus flagship coupe, the LC 500. The interior features are similar to both models, namely sharing styling, door handles and other accessories. Of course, rear-seat passengers in the LS 500 have plenty of comfortable space to sit back and relax during any trip. On this episode of Quick Spin , host Wesley Wren puts the 2021 Lexus LS 500 through its paces and brings you along for the ride. Wren walks you around the flagship Lexus and shows off its features before hopping behind the wheel and taking you along for a live drive review. Between those segments, Wren talks with Patrick Carone and elaborates on his thoughts on this Lexus sedan. The pair talk about the changing consumer trends around full-size sedans and the transition away from cars towards crossovers. They close the show by explaining why this Lexus LS 500 is special.
2021 Acura TLX Type S Review: Making a Statement
Acura showed off a bold sedan concept at Pebble Beach in 2019. Well, as time has shown, that wonderfully styled concept car became the top tier of Acura’s TLX lineup and carries the Acura TLX Type S nameplate. While most concept cars are severely watered down in the transition into a production machine, Acura’s Type S Concept translated well into its production form. Under the hood of this well-designed Acura sedan is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that makes 355 hp. Mated to that V6 is a push-button-controlled 10-speed automatic. On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren takes you along for a ride in this flagship Acura as he puts it through its paces. Wren also walks you around the 2021 Acura TLX Type S to show off its design and its features. Wren elaborates on his thoughts with Patrick Carone. Between the drive review and the walk-around, the pair discuss where the TLX Type S fits in the market, its price and its competition. Closing the show, the pair breakdown what makes the 2021 Acura TLX Type S special.
2021 Toyota Camry TRD: Making Normcore Extreme
The Toyota Camry is one of the most popular cars on the road, and for good reason: it works. The Camry has shuffled people back and forth from the office to their house for four decades. Though, unlike the beloved Corolla, the Camry’s roots don’t spread too far into the performance side of things. Fortunately, Toyota is pushing to make everything fun, and the company’s 301 hp Toyota Camry is part of that list. Dubbed the Camry TRD, this Camry sports the same 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 that makes 301 hp that fits under the hood of other Camry models. Though, this Camry is lower and features a more aggressive body kit. On this episode of Quick Spin, Wesley Wren puts this hopped-up Camry through its paces and takes you along for the ride. Wren guides you through the 2021 Toyota Camry during a recorded walk around, and also takes you along for a live drive review. Elaborating on his thoughts, Wren talks with Patrick Carone. These two talk about this Camry’s features, price and its place in the market. The pair also discuss what makes this Camry special.
2021 Land Rover Defender 90 Review: Two Door Cool
Two-door vehicles are rare these days, even for the tried-and-true world of short-wheelbase off-roaders. Larger vehicles are often easier to live with, and people tend to like to live with their cars and trucks. Well, fortunately for fans of function and fashion over comfort, two-door sports cars and two-door off-roaders still exist. Land Rover’s new Defender 90 faces stiff off-road competition from the likes of Jeep and Ford but offers a more upscale approach that Land Rover Defender fans will appreciate. Powering the new Defender 90 is either a 2.0-liter I4 a 3.0-liter straight 6 with a mild hybrid system or the recently announced 5.0-liter Jaguar V8. Sending power to all four wheels is an eight-speed transmission. On this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone hops behind the wheel of the 2021 Land Rover Defender to put it through its paces. Carone walks you around the vehicle to highlight its styling and features before taking you along for a drive review. Between those segments, Carone elaborates on his thoughts with host Wesley Wren. The pair discuss the world of two-door SUVs, the features of this new Defender and the reality of luxurious off-road machines. Closing the show, the pair discuss what makes this new Defender special.
2021 Volvo S90 T8 Review: Efficiently Luxurious
When it comes to luxury cars, the quiet attraction of electrification only makes sense. While companies are moving closer and closer to dominating the luxury sedan world with electric-only powertrains, plug-in hybrids are a reasonable half-step that gives owners some of the advantages of an electric vehicle without any of the range restrictions. Volvo’s S90 T8 e-AWD blends a twin-charged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. The gasoline-burning mill powers the front axle with the electric motor that takes care of the rear wheels. This powertrain translates to 400 combined horsepower, 472 lb-ft of torque and roughly 20 miles of EV-only range. On this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone puts Volvo’s luxury sedan through its paces and brings you along. Carone records his first impressions upon entering the Volvo S90 and then guides you around the vehicle’s styling and features. Carone also takes you along for a live drive review that shows off more of the S90’s features as well as highlights its driving dynamics in real-time. Expanding on his thoughts, Carone talks with host Wesley Wren between those pre-recorded segments. Closing the show, the pair break down what makes the Volvo S90 special.
Callaway Silverado SC602 Review: The Modern Muscle Truck
The pickup truck might not be your target performance vehicle, as you’re probably more accustomed to throwing bags of grass seed or sheets of plywood into the bed of your weekend workhorse and using it to help you finish jobs. Well, as tends to be the case: if there’s a vehicle, it can be faster. The world of muscle trucks isn’t exactly new and can be rooted in the same performance fervor as muscle machines of the 1970s. Though, more recently, the hopped pickups of the early 1990s reminded everyone that pickups can also be fun to drive. Fortunately, that idea stuck around and even pushed tuners like the folks at Callaway into the pickup world. This Callaway Silverado SC602 packs 602 hp under the hood from its supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The Callaway Silverado also sports a host of other visual and performance enhancements, but you’ll probably just focus on the supercharged mill. On this episode of Quick Spin, Mark Vaughn hops behind the wheel of this Callaway Silverado and puts it through its paces. Vaughn takes you along with him on a drive review and guides you around this rig to show off its features. Expanding on his thoughts, Vaughn chats with host Wesley Wren about the Callaway Silverado. The pair discuss the price, the experience and the history of Callaway. Closing the show, the two break down what makes this truck special.
2022 Toyota GR 86 Review: Stick-Shifted Salvation
The Toyota GR 86 has had many names over its first-generation but now will push forward under the Gazoo Racing banner to further cement Toyota’s interest in bringing its sporting spirit to the street. This new 86 is an evolution of the previous generation car and builds on what worked, and fixes what didn’t. The biggest complaint of the outgoing model: power. While this Toyota’s boxer mill still breaths without any external help, the folks at Toyota and Subaru decided to increase the 2.0-liter’s displacement to 2.4-liters. That gives this flat-four a new lease on life and, among other alterations, fixes the torque dip found on previous models. Now sending 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque through a standard six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren puts the GR 86 through its paces at Monticello Motor Club and the nearby rural streets. Wren walks you around the new Toyota GR 86 as well as takes you for a live drive review. Expanding on these recordings, Wren chats with Patrick Carone about the world where this car lives. The pair discuss the car’s features, as well as the current, shrinking sports car space. Closing the show, the pair talk about what makes this car special.