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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
For decades, manual transmissions in American vehicles have been an endangered species. According to Motor1, less than 2% of cars sold stateside in 2023 were equipped with manual transmissions. Yet despite the proliferation of automatic transmissions, stick shifting has carved a niche with automakers like Honda still offering it in certain vehicles. Honda even trumpets […]
These days, high-performance cars are increasingly turning to electrification to give drivers a rush unlike anything else while meeting ever-stricter emissions requirements. BMW and Dodge, two nameplates synonymous with motorsports and other thrill-seeking automotive exploits, have thrown their hats into the ring as they battle to field the ultimate modern street-friendly and eco-friendly performance car. […]
When the Ford Bronco reappeared on showroom floors in 2021, it was more than the return of a famous off-road vehicle after a quarter-century hiatus. It also marked a new era for one of the most famous racing automobiles. The Bronco has long been a trusted steed in off-road racing circles, and with new Broncos […]
You’ll find a wide variety of options when it comes to vehicle tires. Different compounds, treads, construction methods, and sizes all change how your car drives. If you’re looking to get a little more pep from your ride on the road or track, performance tires may be one of the upgrades you’re considering. You wouldn’t […]
The return of the Jeep Wagoneer in 2021 was greeted fondly by many Jeep and SUV enthusiasts. The original Wagoneer, manufactured from 1962 to 1993, is considered the original “luxury SUV” with a combination of practical functionality and comfort. Now the fourth-generation Wagoneer and its upscale counterpart the Grand Wagoneer carry on the name, even […]
Since Chevy announced the impending return of the Corvette ZR1, fans have barely been able to contain their excitement. The C8 Corvette Stingray and performance variants such as the Z06 are already continuing the vehicle’s fine tradition, with the Corvette Z06 winning the 2023 MotorTrend Performance Car of the Year Award. If you didn’t think […]
Some riders aren’t content to be limited to either pavement or dirt. That’s where the adventure bike comes in. Also known as a dual-sport motorcycle or ADV, these bikes are 100% street legal but also have many design features for off-road use, letting riders spend as much time off the roads as they do on […]
As a huge fan of the Mustang’s entire glorious history, from the original 1964-½ fastback to the seventh-gen Dark Horse, I’ve been eagerly following along with the Mustang Mach-E’s ongoing development. I must say, when Ford announced the EV in 2019, my curiosity was piqued by the decision to attach the Mustang name to a […]
Although it’s widely considered the most popular form of motorsports in the world, Formula 1 frequently finds itself mired in controversy. From spying allegations between McLaren and Ferrari in 2007 to accusations of drivers deliberately crashing their competition to win the championship (perhaps most notably when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill collided in the 1994 […]
Since it burst on the scene in 2010, the F-150 Raptor has turned heads with its brash performance and devil-may-care attitude. In their original review, MotorTrend described it as what happens when hot rodders decide to go off-road racing. For my money, it’s the vehicle that truly spawned the “mainstream super-truck” category of souped-up trucks […]
