First Impressions
As soon as the test cars arrive, we can't wait to get behind the wheel and give viewers a first impression of the latest vehicles to hit the MotorWeek lot.
Most Recent First Impressions
2012 Fisker Karma
Testing an all-new car is always exciting, but when it’s a brand’s first new car, it’s thrilling. And, when it happens to be an extended range electric car, like this Fisker Karma, it’s a truly momentous occasion. Like the front drive Chevrolet Volt, the Karma uses series-hybrid technology. But, in…
2012 McLaren MP4-12C
Aanother set of car keys that doesn’t come along every day -returning to the road-car ranks is McLaren Automotive, and their 2012 MP4-12C is a worthy successor to the record-setting F1 supercar! With turns behind the wheel on both street and track, our first drive revealed a car with absolutely no…
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG
If automotive excess is your thing, have we got a ride for you, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. We’re not sure anyone really needs a 518-horsepower SUV, but that didn’t keep us from enjoying one at the press launch in Santa Barbara, California. In typical AMG fashion, just about every aspect of the…
2012 Bentley Continental GT V8
Bentley is one brand that knows a thing or two about automotive excess and excellence, but the 2012 Bentley Continental GT V8 looks to be more responsible than previous efforts, thanks to a new twin-turbo V8 based on the potent engine from the Audi S8. At 4 liters, it manages 40% better fuel economy…
2012 Toyota Prius c
The growth of the Toyota Prius family from its quirky, original sedan roots, to the current hatchback, and even spreading its technology into the Lexus brand, has been interesting to watch. But it’s about to get a whole lot more so. Soon to go on sale, is the 2012 Toyota Prius C. This subcompact…
2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe
If hair-raising performance roadsters are not quite your bag, then take heart, because Mercedes-Benz has released the larger C63 AMG Coupe for 2012. The C63’S serious V8 punch comes from the familiar 6.2-liter V8, hammering out 451 horsepower. The optional Development Package pumps that even higher to…
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG
In case you Mercedes-Benz fans were feeling a little jealous of the new BMW 3-Series Sedan, the arrival of the 2012 SLK55 AMG should cure your purple rage. The baby Benz gets a serious makeover in AMG trim, with more in-your-face styling, a tighter chassis and suspension, and, of course, a lot more…
BMW 3-Series Sedan
Bigger may sometimes be better, but rarely is larger also leaner. That, however, is the reality for BMW’s new 3-Series sport sedan. The all-new 6th-generation 3-Series is clearly larger, gaining both length and width, as well as a longer wheelbase beneath its more aggressive big car bodywork. But as…
2013 Mazda CX-5
Over at Mazda, it’s all about cementing their own identity in the booming compact crossover market, with a clean sheet effort, the 2013 CX-5 crossover utility vehicle. All-new from the ground up, the five passenger CX-5 also includes the first ground up application of Mazda’s SKYACTIV philosophy which…
2012 Buick Verano
With machines like Regal, Lacrosse, and Enclave in its inventory, Buick is fast leaving its “old man” car brand image in the dust. And with the introduction of the 2012 Verano sedan, Buick continues to move towards a younger demographic. Aimed squarely at luxury-sport four-door imports like the base…