2019 LEXUS RC 350 F SPORT QUICK TAKES

The idea of “sharper and more graceful” defines the LC flagship, so Lexus engineers have applied the same concept to the new RC. This included enhancing the car’s aerodynamics and fine-tuning the suspension system and powertrain. Armed with a more stable ride quality and sharper handling characteristics, the new RC is more athletic and responsive than ever.
Enhanced aerodynamics — such as a new fin shape on the side window mold and a duct on the rear bumper that improves air flow, result in improved stability. New available 19-in. wheels and tires with increased grip deliver excellent steering response. Stiffer suspension bushings have been incorporated along with new shock absorbers which provide significant damping force from low suspension stroke speeds. Thanks to a significant amount of real-world testing that allowed constant
fine-tuning by the chassis engineers, the new RC delivers an extremely supple ride quality and razor-sharp handling characteristics.
Lexus RC 300 rear-wheel drive is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This smooth operator produces 241 horsepower with 258 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 1,650-4,400 rpm. It’s paired with an eight-speed sport direct-shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters and consumes fuel at a rate of 21 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined manufacturer estimated fuel economy.

The RC 300 all-wheel drive has a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It produces 260 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. torque at 2,000-4,800 rpm, and is teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The RC 350 gets a 311-horsepower version of the V6. With rear-wheel drive, it gets the eight-speed Sports Direct Shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters; with all-wheel drive, it’s a six-speed automatic.

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2020 NISSAN 370z 50th ANNIVERSARY

As it has for the past 50 years, the 2020 370Z is built on the foundation of sporty style and exciting performance. The sixth-generation 370Z features a balanced FM (Front Midship) platform, advanced 332-horsepower 3.7-liter VQ37VHR DOHC V6 engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) and choice of 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match® or a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control.
In addition to the new 50th Anniversary Edition package, the 2020 370Z Coupe is available in three trim levels – 370Z (manual and automatic transmissions), 370Z Sport (manual, plus automatic on 50th Anniversary only) and 370Z Sport Touring (automatic transmission only). Also available is the 2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO with 18 additional horsepower, NISMO-tuned suspension, unique exterior panel treatments, 19-inch NISMO super-lightweight forged aluminum wheels by RAYS and more.
Unique two-tone with graphics exterior treatment represents a tribute to famed Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) Datsun 240Z racers.

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KIA SOUL 2020 QUICK TAKES

All-new and funkier than ever, the 2020 Soul is a completely new yet familiar version of Kia’s beloved and award-winning urban runabout. Taking everything that helped popularize the quirky, unconventionally styled subcompact, Kia Motors poured more of its soul into nearly every inch of the vehicle, resulting in a third-generation that continues to transcend unmatched style, peppy performance, thrilling technology, and urban practicality.
Proving the point that “there is a Soul for everyone,” the normally aspirated and optionally turbocharged Soul is available in five trim levels – LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, and EX – plus the all-new Soul EV. 
While the Soul stays true to its design heritage with its boxy silhouette and confident stance, its newly sculpted lines, cutting-edge details, and technical lighting elements present the most futuristic, youthful and innovative Soul yet.

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2019 HONDA PASSPORT QUICK TAKES

The all-new 2019 Honda Passport is designed for adventure-seekers who want the superior off-road capability of Honda’s available i-VTM4™ torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, the power and towing capability of its 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V6, and the more personal and rugged character of a five-passenger SUV. Within the Honda SUV lineup, in size and price, it slots between the refined and compact-size CR-V and the larger, three-row family-focused Pilot.

The 2019 Passport is based on Honda’s reinforced unibody midsize light-truck platform, featuring a fully-boxed floor structure, the latest generation of Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure along with a sophisticated fully independent suspension offering exceptional on- and off-road driving performance.

Passport’s rugged yet modern exterior styling comprises standard 20-inch wheels, aggressive black grille, and increased ride height with more athletic proportion and stance compared to the three-row Pilot. Inside, Passport offers best-in-class passenger space and total interior volume and features a large “basement” cargo area ideal for storing dirty gear or keeping valuables out of sight.

Powering the new Passport is a 3.5-liter SOHC direct-injected V6 engine with i-VTEC® valvetrain connected exclusively to a second-generation 9-speed automatic transmission. Opt for all-wheel drive and Passport gains Honda’s torque-vectoring Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4™) all-wheel drive system with Intelligent Traction Management – with Snow, Mud and Sand modes — allowing the driver to optimize Passport’s tractive and dynamic performance based on terrain and weather conditions. With 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, Passport offers top-class standard horsepower, brisk acceleration and up-to 5,000-pound towing capacity.

With Passport, drivers also benefit from the latest technology, including standard Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. Additionally, all Passports come with a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera system, while EX-L, Touring and Elite models come with Honda’s blind spot information system. Additional premium technologies available on Passport include in-vehicle Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, an 8-inch Display Audio system, wireless phone charging and more.

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2019 HONDA CIVIC SI QUICK TAKES

Available in 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan body styles, the 2019 Civic Si benefits from a number of other changes to its interior. In addition to the updated Display Audio system, Civic Si receives larger cupholders, more intuitive steering wheel controls, an improved electronic parking brake switch, and physical buttons for fan speed. Additionally, Platinum White Pearl is added to Civic Si’s exterior color palette, while Si Coupe gets a new Tonic Yellow Pearl. While the summer tire package is no longer available as a factory trim, it remains available as a dealer-installed option.

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