CADILLAC ESCALADE SUPER CRUISE

Super Cruise….the cutting edge hands-free driving tech. Now, you won’t hear Cadillac using the term “self-driving” – those are my words – but as long as you’re on one of the mapped limited access highways Cadillac has programmed into the system – over 200,000 miles of them – you’re mostly good. It’s super easy to use…if you can set cruise control on your car then you can do this. And when the steering wheel lights green you know you’re good to go and the hands can come off. This updated version also better mimics a more realistic driving styling and it’s near perfect in its execution. Look away for too long and there are all sorts of warnings to get you to refocus. The key for GM is to finally spread this feature throughout their entire portfolio of brands because it one thing to have it on a $100,000 Escalade but a complete game changer to offer it on a $30,000 Chevy. GM says they’ll have this option in 22 vehicles by 2023. The cost? $25 per month after the free trial expires.

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TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID PLATINUM AWD

TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID PLATINUM AWD QUICK TAKES. Toyota made “hybrid” synonymous with high fuel efficiency more than 20 years ago. Later, Toyota introduced the first hybrid SUV in its class, the 2006 Highlander. Leave it to Toyota to again raise the bar for hybrid SUV functionality by making the 2020 model the most fuel-efficient Highlander Hybrid ever. The bottom line is an eye opener for the efficiency-minded: 243 total system horsepower and up to a manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG. The latter is a 24-percent improvement over the previous-generation Highlander Hybrid’s 29 combined MPG. Yet, Highlander Hybrid still delivers the everyday acceleration, power and responsiveness that family buyers expect. In another Highlander first, the hybrid is now available in either 2WD or AWD, further expanding hybrid technology to a new group of buyers.

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2021 GENESIS G80 TEST DRIVE

Genesis is practically daring you to trade in your German badge. Formerly known as the Hyundai Genesis the 2017 G80 was one of 2 cars that launched the Genesis brand. And now 4 years later it’s been completely redesigned into a sexier sedan with new engine options and a thoroughly reworked interior. This one is the G80 2.5T RWD Advanced Package priced at $53,725. The full-sized G90 was thoroughly updated for 2020, the compact-sized G70 will be freshened this year, and then there’s this all-new G80; the car that started it all. This Tasman Blue example is the ultimate expression of the brand’s aptly named Athletic Elegance design philosophy because it exudes equal amounts of both traits. The Quad Lamps, the Crest Grille, the mesmerizing 19” alloys; this is one fine looking automobile. Like the entire Genesis lineup, it’s underpinned by a rear-wheel-drive architecture with optional all-wheel drive.

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TOYOTA TUNDRA TRD PRO 2020 QUICK TAKES

TOYOTA TUNDRA TRD PRO 2020 QUICK TAKES
Powered for 2020 exclusively by the 5.7L i-FORCE V8 engine that offers up to 10,200 pounds of towing capacity and a maximum payload of 1,730 pounds, Tundra is ready to tackle the jobsite, a weekend cruise to the lake, or a multi-state family road trip. Available in Double Cab and CrewMax four-door cab styles, Tundra is offered in a plethora of configurations to fit just about any need.
Two distinct TRD packages combine chassis upgrades with unique style. The TRD Sport package is designed for more engaging on-road performance. The TRD look comes from a body-color surround for the grille, color-keyed mirrors, bumpers and hood scoop, and the truck rides on 20-inch silver-painted aluminum alloy wheels. Upgraded LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED fog lights complete the exterior.
Underneath, the TRD Sport package ups its handling game with TRD anti-sway bars and sport-tuned TRD Bilstein shocks. A TRD shift knob and floormats finish the look inside, and a TRD bedside graphic makes sure no one misses this custom-looking truck. The TRD Sport is available in Super White, Magnetic Gray, Midnight Blue Metallic, Voodoo Blue and Barcelona Red Metallic.
The TRD Off-Road package adds upgrades focused on off-highway driving. Trail-tuned monotube Bilstein shock absorbers are employed to soak up bumps, and 18-inch split five-spoke alloy wheels wear P275/65R18 tires. LED headlights and LED fog lights are added, and 4×2 models are equipped with engine and fuel tank skid plates and tow hooks (already standard equipment on 4x4s). TRD Off-Road floor mats and a TRD Off-Road bedside decal complete the look.

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VOLKSWAGEN JETTA R-LINE 2020 QUICK TAKES

Volkswagen R is all about excitement and thrill.
The Jetta R-Line takes the model’s dramatic styling a step further, with sporty 17-inch wheels, a more aggressive rear bumper with stylized dual exhaust outlets, a gloss-black grille, black side mirror caps, and R-Line® badging.
R-Line models feature a 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display.
R-Line models receive a unique leather-wrapped, R-Line badged steering wheel.
The Jetta R-Line is equipped with 17-inch wheels paired with 205/55 R17 low-profile all-season tires and the XDS® Cross Differential System. The XDS system acts as an electronic substitute for a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, actively monitoring data from each wheel sensor. If the suspension becomes unloaded, the system automatically applies braking to the driven inside wheel as needed to help reduce understeer (the tendency for the front wheels to run wide). This not only helps the R-Line’s stability, but can also help improve handling and cornering performance.
Every Jetta model offers standard Driver Personalization with up to four driver settings. Dependent on trim, customizable features include: driver seat memory, drive mode selection, driver assistance system preferences, climate control, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit arrangement, ambient lighting color, radio presets, navigation view, and more.

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