MotorTrend Channel is the premier destination for automotive enthusiasts, offering comprehensive research and the latest news in the world of vehicles. This distributor caters to true gearheads with a deep passion for all things automotive.
From in-depth reviews and comparisons of cutting-edge electric vehicles to explorations of the future of driving and mobility, MotorTrend Channel provides expert insights and analysis. It's the go-to source for staying informed about the evolving automotive landscape.
From in-depth reviews and comparisons of cutting-edge electric vehicles to explorations of the future of driving and mobility, MotorTrend Channel provides expert insights and analysis. It's the go-to source for staying informed about the evolving automotive landscape.
Picking the 2014 Best Driver's Car!
Motor Trend's 2014 Best Driver's Car competition showcased a diverse range of high-performance vehicles, ultimately crowning the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 as the winner. The Z28 impressed with its raw, analog driving experience, exceptional grip from its large tires, and the glorious sound of its 7-li...
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The Mad Scientist Episode 5 Featuring Jonathan Ward The InEVitable
This episode of 'The InEVitable' features an insightful discussion with Jonathan Ward, founder of Icon, a company renowned for its high-end ... morerestomod vehicles, particularly Land Cruisers. The conversation delves into the controversial practice of electrifying classic internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Ward expresses a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the appeal of EV technology while voicing concerns about the rapid obsolescence of cutting-edge tech, potentially rendering his meticulously crafted vehicles disposable. He highlights the significant engineering challenges in achieving OEM-level refinement, safety, and performance in EV conversions, contrasting this with the perceived 'smoke and mirrors' approach of some manufacturers offering incomplete crate motor solutions. Ward reveals Icon's strategic move towards electrifying their production models, emphasizing a commitment to modular design and long-term brand equity, even as the industry rapidly evolves. The discussion also touches upon the future of vehicle ownership and the potential for EVs to become disposable due to technological advancements. less
Convert Episode | Episode 4 - Featuring Spike Feresten | The InEVitable
In this episode of 'The InEVitable', host Ed Loh sits down with writer and comedian Spike Feresten to discuss his surprising conversion to e... morelectric vehicles, specifically his purchase of a Tesla Model Y for his wife. Feresten, a renowned Porsche collector, initially harbored skepticism towards EVs but found himself won over by the Tesla's user experience, simplicity, and the convenience of home charging. He highlights the seamless purchasing and service experience, contrasting it sharply with traditional dealerships. While acknowledging the continued appeal of internal combustion engines, Feresten posits that EVs, particularly those with intuitive software and integrated ecosystems like Tesla's, represent the future. He also touches upon the evolving landscape of car collecting and the growing interest in EVs as potential collector items. The conversation also delves into the broader automotive industry's shift towards electrification and the diminishing role of traditional car enthusiasts in shaping mass-market adoption. less
Car Enthusiast Episode | Episode 3 - Featuring James Marsden | The InEVitable
This episode of 'The InEVitable' podcast features actor James Marsden discussing the evolving landscape of automotive enthusiasm in an elect... morerified future. The conversation delves into whether EVs can possess the same 'sex appeal' as traditional internal combustion engine supercars, with the hosts and Marsden exploring design, technology, and the subjective nature of automotive beauty. Marsden, a self-proclaimed car guy with a history of owning and appreciating performance vehicles, expresses a preference for analog driving experiences and tactile feedback, drawing parallels to the resurgence of mechanical watches over quartz. While acknowledging the advancements and necessity of EVs, he voices concerns about losing the 'soul' of driving. The discussion touches upon the potential for future radical designs once autonomous driving becomes mainstream and the ongoing debate between pure performance and driver engagement, with Marsden ultimately favoring cars that offer a more connected and visceral driving experience. less
The Car Community Episode 2 Featuring Sung Kang The InEVitable
This episode of 'The InEVitable' podcast features actor Sung Kang, known for his role as Han in the Fast & Furious franchise, discussing... more the evolving landscape of car culture in the age of EVs and autonomous driving. The conversation highlights the initial skepticism and resistance from traditional enthusiasts towards electric vehicles, contrasting it with the emerging excitement around new EV designs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Kang shares his personal journey into acting and his unexpected connection to the car world through his role in 'Tokyo Drift,' emphasizing how the character of Han became a cultural touchstone. The discussion also touches upon the future of vehicle modification and tuning in an electric era, with examples like the electric crate motors from GM and Ford, and the electrification of classic cars. While acknowledging the challenges, the episode concludes with an optimistic outlook on the integration of EVs into car communities and popular culture, suggesting that passion for cars will persist regardless of powertrain. less
The Performance Episode Featuring Reggie Watts The InEVitable
This episode of The InEVitable delves into the future of mobility, highlighting the recent MotorTrend Car and Truck of the Year awards, both of which ... morewere EVs (Lucid Air and Rivian R1T). Hosts Ed Loh and Jonny Lieberman discuss the accelerating interest and adoption of electric vehicles, driven by falling battery costs and increasing profitability for manufacturers. Comedian and musician Reggie Watts joins as a guest, sharing his perspective as a car enthusiast who owns both a Porsche Taycan Turbo S and a 911 C4S. Watts contrasts the driving experience of the Taycan with his previous Tesla, praising Porsche's focus on driving dynamics and road feel over outright range or advanced driver-assistance systems. He notes the Taycan's impressive performance and design, despite its shorter range compared to some competitors like the Lucid Air. The discussion also touches on the broader automotive landscape, including the appeal of traditional gasoline-powered enthusiast cars and the evolving consumer mindset towards EVs. less
Lucid Air Reveal
MotorTrend's reveal of the Lucid Air showcases a luxury electric sedan with ambitious goals, emphasizing unparalleled range, efficiency, and spac... moreiousness derived from its compact, in-house developed powertrain. The vehicle boasts a striking, minimalist design, a luxurious and adaptable interior, and a sophisticated user interface. Key highlights include a 517-mile EPA estimated range, achieved through industry-leading efficiency (over 4 miles per kWh), a massive frunk, and a unique dual-zone interior concept. The Dream Edition, priced at $169,000, offers over 1000 horsepower and sub-2.5-second 0-60 times. Lucid's commitment to vertical integration, from battery and motor technology to its manufacturing process and retail experience, is a central theme. The company aims to leverage its technological advancements for broader adoption of EVs, positioning the Air as a significant step forward in luxury electric mobility. less
5 Alive! All-New G30 BMW 5 Series Revealed
This live reveal event showcases the seventh-generation BMW 5 Series (G30), with a particular focus on three key models: the 540i, the 530e plug-in hy... morebrid, and the M550i xDrive. The presenters highlight significant updates including larger active grille shutters, standard LED headlights, and a lighter chassis due to increased use of aluminum. New engine options offer improved horsepower and efficiency. The interior boasts a driver-centric cockpit with the new iDrive 6.0 system, featuring gesture control, advanced driver-assistance systems like active cruise control with stop-and-go and lane-keeping assist, and a larger head-up display. The 530e offers an estimated 15 miles of pure electric range and impressive MPGe, while the M550i stands out as the fastest 5 Series ever produced, achieving 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Remote parking and enhanced surround-view cameras accessible via the BMW Connected app are also noted as key innovations. The event confirms the availability of diesel models and provides on-sale dates for February and April, with pricing for the 530i remaining similar to the outgoing model. less
Apple Car: What Does It Mean for Tesla and the Future of Mobility? - Wide Open Throttle Ep. 94
This episode of Wide Open Throttle delves into a speculative concept of the Apple Car, exploring its potential design, functionality, and impact on th... moree automotive industry. The discussion highlights Apple's signature minimalist aesthetic and focus on user experience, envisioning a vehicle that seamlessly integrates with the user's digital life. Experts debated the car's design, with some praising its functional simplicity and others questioning its aesthetic appeal for the average consumer. Key considerations included the potential for a fully autonomous or shared-use interior, advanced augmented reality features projected onto the windshield, and the integration of AI like Siri as a central companion. While the concept emphasizes experience over raw driving dynamics, the presence of Apple executives with automotive passion suggests a potential for performance-oriented variants. The episode concludes by acknowledging the project's complexity and the possibility of partnerships or even outright manufacturing, drawing parallels to Apple's past product development strategies and the recent excitement surrounding the Tesla Model 3. less
Full Kia Press Conference Featuring All New Niro Reveal - 2016 Chicago Auto Show
Kia unveiled the all-new Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, positioning it as a no-compromise option for consumers seeking sty... morele, practicality, and efficiency. The Niro is engineered from the ground up as a dedicated hybrid, featuring a unique design penned by Kia's US studio, balancing utility with athletic proportions and aerodynamic enhancements. Key highlights include a spacious cargo area thanks to efficient battery packaging, a tech-laden interior with UVO 3.0 services, and advanced driver assistance systems. Under the hood, it boasts an all-new hybrid-exclusive 1.6L engine paired with a 43 horsepower motor and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Kia's innovative Predictive Energy Control system, utilizing navigation data, aims to optimize energy flow and improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%. The Niro targets class-leading fuel economy of up to 50 MPG in the small SUV segment and is engineered for a sporty, engaging driving experience, a departure from typical CVT hybrids. Safety is also a priority, with targets for top safety ratings and available autonomous emergency braking. less
Picking the 2014 Best Driver's Car!
Motor Trend's 2014 Best Driver's Car competition showcased a diverse range of high-performance vehicles, ultimately crowning the Chevrolet C... moreamaro Z28 as the winner. The Z28 impressed with its raw, analog driving experience, exceptional grip from its large tires, and the glorious sound of its 7-liter V8 engine. While it is a large and heavy car, its linear responses and predictable handling, especially on the track, set it apart. The Alfa Romeo 4C secured a commendable second place, praised for its lightweight, mid-engine design, manual steering, and pure driving enjoyment, embodying the spirit of a classic sports car. The Porsche 911 Turbo S, a previous champion, took third, lauded for its immense power, all-wheel-drive traction, and surprising comfort, though its GT orientation was noted. Other contenders like the BMW i8 and Jaguar F-Type R received praise for innovation and character, respectively, but fell short in overall driver engagement or track capability compared to the top three. less
Randy Pobst Visits Volvo & Polestar in Sweden - The Downshift Ep. 75
Randy Pobst's visit to Volvo and Polestar in Sweden offers an in-depth look at the manufacturing process and performance capabilities of these Sw... moreedish automotive brands. Pobst was particularly impressed by the efficiency of Volvo's single assembly line capable of producing multiple models, the quiet and safe working environment of the factory, and the advanced technology in the new engine plant, especially the innovative connecting rod manufacturing technique. The highlight for Pobst was experiencing the Polestar S60 and V60 prototype, praising their immense torque, responsive handling, powerful braking, and sophisticated suspension systems. He also noted the unique challenge and advantage of driving on a new, unproven track surface, where the all-wheel-drive system proved beneficial. The visit concluded with a glimpse into Volvo's secret proving grounds and a demonstration of autonomous parking, leaving Pobst with a reinforced sense of pride in the Volvo family. less
First Drive: 2015 Nismo GT-R! Plus Tokyo Motor Show & Mitsubishi Concepts - Wide Open Throttle Ep 91
This episode of Wide Open Throttle delves into the Tokyo Motor Show and features a first drive of the 2015 Nissan Nismo GT-R. The reviewer highlights ... morethe GT-R Nismo's significant performance upgrades, including 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque, stiffer brakes, and revised power steering. While acknowledging the base GT-R can be noisy for long trips, the Nismo version is described as a more refined, albeit extreme, performance machine, making it easier to string together fast laps with wonderful steering feel and linear brakes. The reviewer strongly recommends the Nismo GT-R, praising its holistic approach to performance and appearance. The episode also touches upon the potential of the Nissan IDX as a competitor to the BRZ/FRS and the ongoing discussions about the future of Mitsubishi in the US market, particularly their strategy of rebadging Renault-Nissan vehicles. less
New or Used for $25k? Plus Entry-Lux Squeeze & the Electric Showdown - Wide Open Throttle Episode 62
This episode of Wide Open Throttle tackles several key automotive topics. The discussion begins with a comparison of the Scion FR-S, Volkswagen GTI, a... morend BMW E30 M3, exploring the question of whether to buy new or used for around $25,000. While the E30 M3 is lauded for its handling and enthusiast appeal, the GTI is presented as a more practical and quicker choice for less experienced drivers, especially in adverse conditions. The panel then delves into the increasingly crowded "entry-luxury" segment, questioning Scion's strategy to move upmarket while brands like Mercedes-Benz and Audi are moving down. The conversation highlights the difficulty for brands like Acura and Infiniti to justify premium pricing without established luxury heritage. Finally, the episode contrasts the success of Tesla in the electric vehicle market with Fisker's struggles, attributing Tesla's advantage to superior engineering, design, and a more robust business strategy, while noting the immense challenges for new EV startups like Detroit Electric to gain traction against established players and Tesla's established presence. less
2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year Reveal
Motor Trend has awarded the Chevrolet Volt the 2011 Car of the Year, recognizing it as a groundbreaking, high-tech vehicle and a potential game-change... morer for the automotive industry. The award highlights the Volt's innovative powertrain, aerodynamic design, and impressive driving dynamics. The announcement, made at the GM technical center, celebrated the extensive hard work and dedication of the thousands of individuals involved in bringing the Volt to market. While the specific testing methodology is detailed, the core message is the Volt's significance as a forward-looking automobile that is available today. The event underscores the prestige of the Motor Trend award and the pride of the Chevrolet and General Motors teams in achieving this recognition. less