There’s no strict set of regulations that separate a supercar from the average high-performance model, but like any work of art, you know it when you see it. If we were to lay down some basic guidelines, we would say that a modern supercar needs to be able to offer a top speed of over […]
Author: Matt Dodge
Between spending Father's Day at the local race track and watching NASCAR in his grandparent's living room, Matt Dodge has long been fascinated with all things automotive. Matt has worked at a variety of business magazines, daily newspapers, and trade publications while making time for some unique side hustles, including stints as a tour guide and pedicab operator. Quirky tales from automotive history and helpful how-to guides are some of Matt's favorite topics, though his own D.I.Y. efforts have largely been limited to keeping his 1999 GMC Savana from imploding and removing the backseat of his Honda Accord to make more room for surfboards.
The Ford Escape Is Packing a Sporty Secret
In today’s car market, $32,000 doesn’t amount to much. That sort of cash would cover the closing costs, repairs, and moving fees for a new house, a minor heart surgery, or the Princess Diana-themed “Crowning a Lady” package at The Drake luxury hotel in Chicago, but it’s a pretty modest budget when you’re shopping for […]
Slower Pace, Better Race? How Some Recent Changes Could Upend the Motorsport World
We tend to think of professional sports as the ultimate example of “survival of the fittest,” where winners and losers are determined solely by their performance on the playing field, but that’s not really the case. Most major sports tend to have some sort of built-in rules designed to promote parity. In the U.S., this […]
Ford Bronco Stroppes, Drops Wildtrak, and Rolls On With New Off-Road Trim
Limited edition vehicles give automakers the perfect excuse to honor a legendary model, celebrate an anniversary, or recognize an important historical figure. The last approach is particularly popular with companies naming their cars after former racing champs (McLaren Senna, GMA T.50s Niki Lauda), a pioneering patriarch (Ferrari Enzo), family members (Lotus Elise, Ferrari Dino), and, […]
The 2024 Charger Daytona: A History Lesson That Embraces the Future
The muscle car segment enters a new era with the debut of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona. While muscle cars have long served as a platform for V8 evangelism, the Daytona represents the dawn of an all-new, all-electric age in the historically gas-powered segment. With the ability to produce up to 670 hp and 627 […]
Tracking 30 Years of Off-Road Innovation In the Honda Passport
They say everything that’s old is new again, and as we kick off 2025, that certainly seems hard to deny. From prequels and reboots to retro fashion and more, today’s pop culture is firmly infused with a sense of nostalgia. Whether it comes down to a matter of familiarity and comfort or an effort to […]
The Good, the Rad, and the Muddy: GMC Off-Road Power Rankings
Off-road trims have become an increasingly popular way for automakers to spice up an existing SUV or pickup, but few brands can match the sheer scope of the GMC lineup. This comes as little surprise when you consider GMC’s unique approach to the market, with the automaker eschewing the typical sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks in […]
Unpacking a Prelude of Things to Come With Honda’s Newest Hybrid
The last time the Prelude was available at your local Honda dealer the iPod had just come into existence and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” was dominating the box office and the first mass market hybrid had just hit the U.S. market. A lot can change in 20-plus years: the iPod is now a […]
Find Off-Road Success With These Simple Tips
Off-roading gives drivers the opportunity to test their vehicle’s limits while exploring exciting new environments, but it’s not without its risks. From boulders and mud pits to logs, steep inclines, and other obstacles, off-roading is a far cry from your average Sunday drive. While most rides go off without a hitch, accidents do happen. That […]
Spanish Startup Targets the EV Off-Road Moto Market With Stark Varg
The rise of electric vehicles has given some ambitious startups the opportunity to break into an industry historically dominated by a few established brands. This has led to plenty of innovation, with these fledgling companies injecting some fresh new ideas into a traditionally risk-averse market. Take Stark Future, for example. Just five years ago, few […]
Three Enthusiasts Crossovers That Meld Sports Car Fun With SUV Practicality
SUVs have sure come a long way from the boxy, utilitarian models that once dominated the market. Looking for an opulent ride that can go toe-to-toe with any luxury vehicle on the market? There’s an SUV for that. The same goes for off-road ability, towing prowess, and, of course, performance. If you’re a driver who […]
Corvette vs Porsche 718: Two Mid-Engine Icons Go Head-to-Head
The Corvette has been an American automotive icon since it first hit the market in 1953. This sports car’s performance and styling have won it a loyal following, with over 250 grassroots owners clubs across the country. While the Corvette Stingray can rival almost any other model in terms of raw power, this Chevy speedster […]
Explore New Ground With a Used Explorer Timberline
Over the last 30 years, SUVs have steadily supplanted traditional sedans as the market’s go-to choice. The rise of crossover models has only accelerated the trend, but even as drivers continue to embrace the SUV, they’ve begun to lose sight of what made the segment so special in the first place. Today’s crossovers might excel […]
Is This 2026 Honda SUV Your Passport to Off-Road Adventure?
Debuting for the 2026 model year, the new, fourth-generation Passport seems to have all the makings of a true off-road contender. Honda has outfitted the midsize SUV with all the gear you’ll need to explore the road less traveled, including an upgraded suspension and all-wheel drive system, a powerful new version of the existing V6 […]
Five Features That Make the Silverado EV a High-Voltage Experience
Chevy didn’t rush into the fledgling electric vehicle (EV) pickup segment but rather bided its time and let some of its closest competitors take the lead. This might sound like an overly cautious approach and was probably hard for longtime Silverado fans who were waiting to experience the new all-electric version of the popular pickup, […]
Three Used Toyotas That’ll Still Get Your Blood Pumping
Toyota produces some of the most reliable vehicles on the road today, but reliability isn’t the be-all, end-all for many drivers. While some see driving as nothing more than a way to get from Point A to Point B, there’s nothing wrong with trying to get a few kicks in your morning commute or weekend […]
Is KTM Taking a Pit Stop or Its Final Lap?
A distinctive color can be a key part of a brand’s marketing strategy, and it’s no different when it comes to the auto industry. Ferrari Red might be the most notable example, but for fans of European motorcycles, there’s no substitute for KTM Orange. The Austrian motorcycle brand has become a powerhouse in the market, […]
The CarLifeNation Guide to Importing an Economical Kei Car
While Japan’s kei cars have been imported to the US since the late 1940s, they’re enjoying a bit of a resurgence thanks to countless social media posts and YouTube videos. A bonafide viral sensation, kei cars are tiny cars, trucks, and vans that almost resemble playthings next to larger vehicles dominating American roadways. Defined by […]
VW Revives Scout Motors as New Off-Road EV Brand
The EV segment has proved to be a fertile hunting ground for ambitious startups and established brands looking to expand their market share. Volkswagen certainly hasn’t been a slouch when it comes to EVs, rolling out new electrified models like the ID.7 sedan, ID.4 SUV, and reviving the beloved VW Bus as the all-electric ID. […]
How a Silverado Took Gold in the Best In The Desert Racing Series
Given the Chevy Silverado 1500’s reputation as one of the most rugged, hard-working trucks on the market, it’s little surprise to learn that the full-size pickup is no stranger to the world of motorsports. From the banked corners of a NASCAR speedway to the sun-baked hardpan of the Nevada desert, the Silverado 1500 knows a […]