Drew Dowdell

The common thought today is that the sedan market in the U.S. is dying. If that's the case, the 2020 Toyota Corolla hasn't given any reasons that it should stick around. While styling could be considered bolder over the prior model, it is still bland in person. Front and rear facias nearly mirror each other in a Studebaker-like "is it coming or going?" way. The styling of the interior hasn't changed in any significant way though the materials are somewhat improved. Mediocre engine choices, unlike the 2020 Kia Soul, leave little to be excited over. The addition of a hybrid option is interesting, but only for people who think the Prius is too fugly to drive, otherwise, they would just buy the real thing. The Corolla is the best selling car nameplate in history, but this latest version leaves little reason for that record to continue. In a tough small sedan market, it is going to take more than just more of the same to move the needle. Dull, conventional, boring..... that's my opinion of the 2020 Corolla View full article

It takes years to build an icon. Think of the Volkswagen Beetle or the Ford Mustang; both icons in their own right, but both with decades of history behind them. Kia seems to understand this formula with the Kia Soul. The 2020 Kia Soul keeps all of the original recipe of being a quirky looking, convenient vehicle and updates the look to a more modern image. Kia has done a good job here of not messing with success. The new front fascia, different on each major trim level, has a more aggressive but still friendly look. The rear tail lights wrap over the roof and back around giving the appearance of a rear hoop (Hampster wheel maybe?) On most trims, the car has a lower stance and wider look. Overall a pleasing shape that will appeal to current Soul buyers and new ones alike. Inside, the interior is downright conventional. This is the convenient part of the Soul's soul. It can look quirky on the outside, but it is all grocery getter on the inside... no funky interior styling, no dash carpet like on the Nissan Cube. This conventionality is the secret to the success of the Kia Soul. One especially nice thing about the Soul is the choice of powertrains, something not always available to buyers in the small crossover segment. Those who want more power can select a 1.6T with 201 HP and a 7-speed DCT. Now, if only they would offer all-wheel drive. It's still going to take a few more decades for Kia to catch up to the icon status of the VW Beetle, but this is as good a second generation of Soul as can be offered. Quirky, competent, convenient and eventually an automotive icon..... that's my opinion of the 2020 Kia Soul Related: 2020 Kia Soul Keeps the Funk View full article

Lush is usually used to describe luxury products like bath towels or face cream, and not typically used for vehicles. However, lush is exactly the word I would use I would use to describe the new 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Instead of trying to be an all-out sports crossover like most of the European competition, Lincoln keeps true to its Quiet Luxury promise with a coddling and yes lush interior. While there are hints of the lushness of Lincoln interiors in the Continental, Lincoln really dialed up the luxury lushness for the Navigator and repeated that act on the Aviator. The seats are supple and highly adjustable. The controls look classy, modern, and retro all at the same time. The grille of the Black Label editions has extra depth and a new signature blue lighting surrounding the now proud Lincoln emblem. An air ride system called Air Glide promises to smooth out bumps before the vehicle even hits them. Lush is another way to describe what the powertrains must feel like. The standard 3.0-liter twin-turbo feels deep and effortless in Lincoln's Continental, but in the Aviator now backed by a 10-speed automatic, it will feel even more effortless. The plug-in hybrid variant with its 600 lb-ft of torque, most of which will be available at a very low RPM, will be even more so. It wasn't so long ago that people were expecting an obituary for Lincoln while Genesis was the newest up-and-coming brand in the luxury segment. With this new Aviator, I think Lincoln has raised the bar on the entire segment and now not only Genesis, but Cadillac, BMW, and even Mercedes Benz should sit up and take notice. Effortless, Quiet, Comforting, Luxurious.... Lush. That's my opinion of the new 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Related: 2020 Lincoln Aviator Returns After A 13-Year Absence View full article

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After just 4 years, Mercedes-Benz has refreshed the AMG GT for the 2020 model year. A new programmable coil over setup allows for more agile handling depending on track conditions. As in professional motorsport, the driver is not only able to set the spring preload length mechanically, but can now also adjust the compression and rebound of the dampers. Both axels get adjustable torsion bars with carbon fiber up front and hollow-tube steel in back. The engines options are: Model Year 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Mercedes-AMG GTC Mercedes-AMG GTR/ Mercedes-AMG GTRPRO Displacement 3982 cc 3982 cc 3982 cc Output 469 hp at 6000 rpm 550 hp at 5,750- 6,750 rpm 577 hp at 6,250 rpm Peak torque 465 lb-ft @ 1,700 – 5,000 rpm 502 lb-ft @ 1,900 – 5,750 rpm 516 lb-ft at 1,900 - 5,500 rpm Acceleration 3.9 s 3.6 s 3.5 s Top speed 189 mph 196 mph 198 mph Says Mercedes-Benz of the GT Pro, We can't wait to try one. View full article