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
2010 Porsche Panamera Episode 2845
Details are now roaring in on the 2010 Porsche Panamera in advance of its US debut this October. As Porsche’s first four-door Gran Turismo, and first all new front engine Porsche car since the 928, the Panamera’s tail-heavy stance does take some getting use to. But, you’ll quickly get past that with…
2010 Ford Taurus Episode 2845
For a more conventional four-door, we welcome back the Ford Taurus. With a dynamic new design and upscale personality, it should put the formal car’s rental image to rest once and for all. Styling of the 2010 Taurus is much more aggressive than the Taurus 500 form it replaces. Underneath its…
2010 Chevrolet Equinox Episode 2845
Next, the first new product we’ve tested from the “new” GM, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. This second gen two-row compact crossover is slightly shorter, has a much more comfortable and flexible interior, and the big story, is 33% more fuel efficiency than last year. With the standard 182-horsepower,…
2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid Episode 2842
For the more lavish set, Mercedes-Benz introduces its first-ever hybrid car, the 2010 S400 BlueHybrid. This poshly green S-Class flagship unites a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 with a 20-horsepower electric motor and mild hybrid system for a total output of 295 horsepower. And it is the world’s…
2010 Kia Forte Episode 2842
Prefer to downsize to save gas? Well, why not this-all new compact, the 2010 Kia Forte. Replacing the aging Spectra, the Forte will be available as both a Sedan, and as a Koup, spelled with a “K.” Out first, the Forte Sedan shows a more upscale styling direction for Kia cars. Surrounding its four…
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Episode 2842
Our first set of carkeys is actually our second turn with the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. This time we got to live with it for two weeks. This mid-size full-hybrid sedan is powered by an updated version of the Ford Escape Hybrid’s gas-electric powertrain. It combines a 155-horsepower 2.5-liter Atkinson…
2010 Lexus IS 350C Episode 2839
Whenever keys get tossed to us in Southern California, we always hope they fit a convertible. So, with much delight we hit the start button in this new for 2010 Lexus IS 350C and headed for the beach. Despite its looks, the hood is the only sheet metal that the IS convertible shares with the sedan. …
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Episode 2838
Next up, Mercedes-Benz replaces its CLK-Class Coupe with the slightly larger 2010 E-Class Coupe - the E350 and the E550. The move is more than just a clean-up of nomenclature. Benz is making room at the lower-end of its line for the eventual arrival of a C-Class Coupe. With the chassis hardware…
2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Episode 2838
The Ford Shelby GT500 made its debut in 1967 with a ferocious double-dose of power and style. In 2007, Carroll Shelby was called upon to work his magic on an all-new 21st Century Mustang. The result? The GT500 was reborn with a supercharged 500-horsepower V8. Now, for 2010, the Ford Shelby GT500…
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Episode 2834
While not labeled as a direct competitor to the Camaro and other Detroit power coupes, it's impossible not to think the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe could be considered as such. This encore to the award winning sedan, shares the same rear-wheel drive architecture, but goes its own way with a truly…