For more than 75 years, Lotus Group has been a paragon of the luxury sports car market. With a history including seven Formula One constructor’s championships and a cavalcade of famous vehicles like the Seven and Elan S2, this UK automaker built a legion of fans with its reputation for pristine aerodynamics and track-ready handling—and […]
Author: Michael Stridsberg
Michael is a professional writer with a lifelong passion for the automotive world. He spent six years as the media director for Thunder Road Speedbowl and currently serves as the track’s Victory Lane announcer and pit reporter. He is also interested in muscle cars and hopes to one day own a vintage Ford Mustang. Michael graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a performance and technical theater degree. When not writing or talking about cars, he enjoys playing guitar, working out, reading, and watching football.
How the Chevy Colorado’s Off-Road Tech Upgrades Your Adventures
In the modern age of off-roading, it’s about more than having the biggest engine, strongest transmission, and toughest axles. Just like automotive technology has upgraded the on-road experience, it can also enhance off-road excursions. The right technology can help you find your way on a trail, change the vehicle settings for more traction, improve your […]
Is the 2025 Maverick Lobo a Triumphant Return for Street Trucks?
The Ford Maverick has received a refresh—and a new alter ego to go with it. Scheduled to hit the roads in early 2025, the Maverick Lobo aims to revitalize the classic “street truck” for the modern enthusiast. This variation on the 2025 Ford Maverick promises high performance and urban style from the country’s most popular […]
Does Genesis Have What It Takes to Challenge Endurance Racing?
The news came quietly on September 12, 2024, with a simple two-paragraph statement: Genesis and Hyundai Motorsport would be joining LMDh, part of the premier endurance racing class that competes in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) SportsCar Championship and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) World Endurance Championship (WEC). Although they didn’t offer any […]
Explaining the 2025 Corvette Lineup
Few, if any, American vehicle nameplates are more legendary than the Corvette. Originally a solid-axle muscle car that debuted in 1953 to a mixed reception, it has become a genuine supercar synonymous with speed, competition, American innovation, and sheer power. The 2025 model year marks the 73rd anniversary of the Corvette, making it the longest-running […]
The Kawasaki Z900: A Naked Bike That’s Anything but Standard
When Kawasaki announced in 2016 that it was discontinuing the Z800, it didn’t make a lot of waves. Although the successor to the Z750 had received good reviews for its versatile performance and comfort, it was just four years old and already outshined by other mid-level bikes like the Triumph Street Triple R. As it […]
Five Exciting Used Chevy Models for Budget-Friendly Thrills
Over the century-plus history of the brand, Chevy has produced more than its fair share of exciting vehicles. Whether it’s eight generations of the famous Corvette, classic full-size cars like the Chevelle and Bel Air, or its fleet of trucks and SUVs, the Chevy name is synonymous with generating buzz among drivers and passengers every […]
What Is Snow Wheeling? A Guide to the Winter Off-Road Phenomenon
Do you think that winter’s arrival is the end of your off-roading adventures for several months? On the contrary, the fun has just begun. Snow wheeling has become a common way for 4×4 aficionados to test their limits, braving the cold weather and the large white blanket covering the trails. Think of it as snowmobiling […]
Is the Sequoia TRD Pro the Best Full-Size SUV for Off-Roading?
Serious off-roaders need more than a run-of-the-mill SUV or tricked-out crossover. They demand the best combination of power, suspension, body design, and tech to get them across rough terrain. This is especially true of rock crawlers, dune bashers, and competitive off-roaders who constantly face the worst Mother Nature and course designers can offer. To this […]
Previewing the 2024 Rainforest Challenge Grand Final
Hardcore off-roaders already have the dates from November 29th to December 9th circled on their calendars. That’s when the 27th annual Rainforest Challenge Grand Final will bring participants from around the globe together in Malaysia for an event that tests humans and machines in equal measure. Named one of the world’s toughest off-road events, it […]
Yamaha’s Fascinating, Little-Known History of Making Car Engines
When I say “Yamaha,” there are a few things you might think of. One may be the world’s largest musical instrument manufacturer, churning out everything from pianos and guitars to drumsticks. Another is the audio company that, among other things, developed the first successful digital synthesizer and the first CD recorder. If you’re reading CarLifeNation, […]
Freakishly Fun: The Oddest Motorcycle Engines Ever Made
In many respects, the evolution of motorcycle engines has been straightforward. Internal combustion piston engines established themselves as the predominant engine type by the early 1900s, and most designs—two-stroke, four-stroke, parallel-twin, V-twin, etc—have built on this. Along the way, horsepower and torque kept going up, just like with cars. But in the book of motorcycle […]
Mazda Spirit Racing: Renewing a Tradition of Going Fast
For decades, Mazda has been known for quick cars that inspire exhilaration for their drivers. Their motto is literally “Zoom-Zoom.” Mazda debuted two concept cars at the annual Tokyo Auto Salon show in January 2024 as part of a new sub-brand: Mazda Spirit Racing. Dubbed the Spirit Racing RS and the Spirit Racing 3, these […]
The Koenigsegg Jesko Swedish Hypercar Arrives in America
August 17 and 18, 2024, were big days for US hypercar fans. On the 17th, the Koenigsegg Jesko made its official American debut at The Quail Motorsports Gathering in Carmel, California. The following day, Koenigsegg presented the first Jesko to a US customer, with hypercar enthusiast F.J. Miller receiving the honors. Despite small tweaks to […]
The Off-Road Capabilities of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
In a world of crossovers, compact SUVs, and other vehicles tailored for light off-roading, sometimes you want a vehicle that returns to the roots of sport utility vehicles. The Toyota 4Runner was introduced in 1983 as just such a machine—one you can take on any terrain, from the Appalachian Mountains to the dunes of the […]
The RB17: A Look at Red Bull’s First Car Sold to the Public
Red Bull has said for decades that they can give you wings. Soon, 50 fortunate drivers will get to experience how a Red Bull-manufactured car does the same. On July 12, 2024, Red Bull unveiled the RB17 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England following years of development and testing. Designed by longtime Red […]
The Corolla FX16 Is Forgotten Legend
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the Toyota Corolla and its new GR (Gazoo Racing) variant, which turns the classic commuter car into a wild all-wheel drive rally car. However, veteran car enthusiasts know it’s not the first time Toyota has decided to throw caution to the wind with its venerable nameplate. Several special-edition […]
The Bugatti Tourbillon: Does This $4 Million Hybrid Shatter Performance Expectations?
For more than 115 years, the Bugatti name has been associated with vehicles that offer the highest performance and luxury. Bugatti was arguably the original supercar and hypercar manufacturer, and modern rides like the EB 110, Veyron, Chiron, and Bolide have carried on the tradition. Soon, another nameplate will be joining this illustrious list. On […]
Supercharge Your Suburban with Performance Parts and Accessories
As the longest-running automobile nameplate ever produced and one of the OG full-size SUVs, the Chevrolet Suburban—along with its cousins, the GMC Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade ESV—has powered generations of adventurers. Straight off the factory floor, this rugged yet comfortable vehicle is ready for just about anything, whether that’s a family road trip or […]
The Kawasaki Ninja 500: A High-Performance Sportbike You Can Afford
While every type of motorcycle offers good things, riders who want to get their adrenaline pumping on the main roads or track know there’s nothing quite like a sportbike. There’s no compromising for city cruising, highway touring, or off-roading, just pure power and agility that lets you go all out. If there was a Mount […]