2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R

Following countless reports on the Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series and Club Sport models, a test car was spotted wearing a much more aggressive aero kit during some high-speed testing on the Nurburgring. The German carmaker has confirmed both the GT R Black Series and the GT R Club Sport during the last few months, although the latter could use a different suffix, once it arrives in the market. AMG鈥檚 boss Tobias Moers confirmed earlier in the year that they work on a more track-focused GT R model to bridge the gap between the normal GT R and the 2020 Black Series. The more track-focused version of the GT R will be subjected to a light diet, trimming some of the 1,655 kg of the current flagship AMG GT. That will include a stripped interior and more carbon fiber in the right places. The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 will most likely gain a few horses as well; the standard AMG GT R makes 577hp, so expect around 600 hp for the 鈥楥lub Sport鈥?

The soundtrack permeates the cabin as a deep and gentle purr from the trunk - the noise is genuine (from tuned mufflers) and very tastefully executed. Under full throttle it is more forceful, with a mechanical accompaniment from under the hood joining in. Jaguar quotes a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds, which is the slowest in the model range, but the sedan never feels lethargic. Allowing the operator to configure the vehicle to its mission, Jaguar offers Normal, Dynamic and Winter driving modes. Switching between the three alters transmission shift points, engine response, Adaptive Dynamics active suspension and stability control intervention. Normal mode is good under nearly all driving conditions, with Dynamic only needed when the driver wants to aggressively tackle some big sweepers. The XJL is a very long sedan with an impressive wheelbase. While this translates to a comfortable ride, its dynamic characteristics never cease to remind the driver of each and every one of its 206.8 inches of length.

Outward visibility is challenging, especially to the rear, and the turning radius is a large 41.7 feet (that equates to a three-point turn in many cases). Yet pilot it down the highway and it glides effortlessly, seemingly forever. Jaguar fits the XJL with a sizeable 21.7-gallon fuel tank, and that translates to a sphincter-squeezing range of about 500 miles based on the EPA-calculated highway economy of 24 miles per gallon. The Brit's build quality is impressive, and the supercharged V6 is the perfect mate to both its transmission and the lightweight chassis. If asked to choose the Jaguar's worst attributes, the climate control system would be at the top of my list. Southern California was experiencing a heatwave during my test, and the vehicle couldn't muster a properly frigid blow on its Auto setting (I had to manually bump up the fan speed constantly). The Jaguar does not best its competitors in any single category, but I am still a big fan - the XJL AWD model with its supercharged V6 completely won me over. The others in this high-end segment appeal to customers with innovation, technology or value, while the Jaguar relies on its styling and alluring British character to seal the deal. The driver is offered competent and capable driving dynamics, while passengers are captivated and charmed with the familiar trappings of traditional luxury. The XJ is for those who understand and embrace its time-honored elegance. As I told many family and friends during my week with the big Brit, this is not a vehicle for everyone - it is transportation for nobility.

Although Bollinger will have to clear many hurdles before it can bring this all-electric SUV to market, it鈥檚 refreshingly different from the luxurious Tesla Model X crossover or even the Workhorse W-15, an all-electric pickup that鈥檚 also in the works. Put on your camo pants, head off into the woods, and forget about the price of oil, and you just might find the spirit of the Bollinger B1. 鈥淭his is the culmination of what has been a 40-year-long boyhood dream of mine,鈥?founder and CEO Robert Bollinger confirmed in a press release. That dream consists of a very rugged, off-roadable, back-to-basics sport-utility truck with an all-electric powertrain. It鈥檚 compact and quite short鈥攁ttributes that aid maneuverability and add off-road ability鈥攚ith an approach angle of 56 degrees, a departure angle of 53 degrees, and a break-over angle of 33 degrees. The four-passenger interior is refreshingly simple and retro styled. It was designed with the rugged outdoors adventurer in mind, according to the company, carrying through some of the look of the brash Gunhouse Grey color scheme.