2014 Ram 2500 Power Wagon Review

    Pickup trucks used to be a simple, body-on-frame vehicle that could haul a lot of stuff and even a trailer behind, but weren't very comfortable, powerful, or very advanced at all. But if you look at trucks like the Ram 2500 Power Wagon, you will realize how far they've come from being a simple farmer's tool to a highly advanced vehicle, with new interior amenities usually only found on high-end cars. The 2500 Power Wagon has the trademark HEMI 6.4 liter V8 that produces here a substantial 410 hp and 429 pound-feet of torque. This model comes standard with all-wheel drive, so you won't have any trouble if you need to take an off-road shortcut. 0-60 isn't really relevant, but it does happen in around 7.5 seconds, which isn't great compared to the SRT10 model from a couple of years ago. I guess that's not really fair, considering the fact that that car had a Viper engine, so you can't really compare it to any other pickup. The interior on Rams has hugely improved, with many new features, such as a Jaguar/Land Rover style shift knob, a 5.0-in. touch-screen infotainment system, and some new color choices inside, which all look really good in my opinion. 

Click here to go to the Ram site

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Review

    When the seventh-generation Corvette was released in early 2014, it was a pretty big deal, considering that every other Car & Driver magazine cover for about a year had a Corvette on the cover and in the first month of sales, Chevy sold over 2200 units, which is quite impressive. I know that there's a stereotype about having a Corvette being a mid-life-crisis car, but it's actually a scientific fact. Studies show that in 2012, 46% of Corvette buyers were 55 or older, which is quite ironic. I honestly couldn't care less about the sales figures or the Corvette itself, but there is a new "Z06" model, and it has 650 hp. That's more than a Dodge Viper, which has an 8.4 liter V10 (the largest production engine available). I am so glad that they've ditched the old 7.0 liter V8 in the previous Z06 (but they've put in the new Camaro Z/28). But the new Z06 "only" has a supercharged 6.2 liter V8 that rockets this classic American sports icon to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds. Not a whole lot faster than the previous model, but still beats the BMW M6. The interior is what Chevy calls "drive-focused," which doesn't really mean anything, but is a nice interior nonetheless. 

Here's the link to the Chevrolet site:
http://www.chevrolet.com/corvette-z06-supercar.html

2015 Porsche Cayman GTS Review

    I know some people like the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class or the BMW Z4 a lot because they're relatively cheap and are lots of fun. The Porsche Cayman is not cheaper, but is way more fun. The newest model, the GTS, is quite a performer, with a 340-hp tune from the same engine in the 911 Carrera, which is a little crazy to put in a Cayman. I think it would be a ton of fun to have a 600+ hp Cayman, but that would probably be too fast and they would put an unfair limit on the speedometer, which would ruin the point of 600 hp. But the GTS is still plenty fast, with a 0-60 time of 4.0-4.3 seconds, which is definitely fast enough. The top speed is limited to 177, which is only a little faster than a M-B ML63 AMG, which is twice the size and has a 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8. The interior is comfortable enough, but isn't so comfortable that you'd be distracted form the driving, just like in a Bentley. I actually really like the Cayman GTS, and would definitely rater have one over a 911 Carrera, which is $10K more. 

Here's the link to the Porsche site:
http://www.porsche.com/usa/models/cayman/cayman-gts/

2014 Knight XV Review

    Most of you are probably familiar with the Hummer H1, H2, and H3 and think of it as a very big car. But compared to the Knight XV, it is an ant. The XV is 1.5 feet taller than the H2, so now you would think: is it as big as a Marauder? The answer is this: a most definite YES. This car is massive. It is the civilian version of the Ghurka military vehicle, which looks almost identical, but you'll know it's an XV by the big grille and exterior side badging. The XV has one purpose, and does it well: protect the owner well and surround them in an explosion-free opulent interior. The XV has B7 level armoring, so you won't need to worry about potential threats. And you'll be preoccupied by the many interior goodies, such as the electrostatic tinted windows, a choice of Xbox or PS3 system, retractable flat-screen TV, decanter bar, and the somewhat ridiculous cigar humidor. I don't see the point of buying this car over an Audi A8L W12 Security or a Maybach Guard, but for some people want something more of a statement (in this case, a statement the size of Florida). There are two engine choices: a GM-sourced 6.0 liter V8 that produces 325 hp and 400 lb-feet of torque, or a Cummins 6.7 liter diesel that produces 300 hp and 660 pound-feet of torque. 

Here's the link to the Conquest Vehicles site:
http://www.conquestvehicles.com/vehicle-specifications.html

2012 Maybach 62S Review

    Almost anyone who knows anything about cars will know that you're successful if you pull up to the curb in a Maybach. The reason for this is that all of the Maybach cars are extremely expensive. The range-topping model, the Guard (an armored version of the 62 sedan), is over $1 million! How can anyone afford that? I guess not that many people, because Mercedes-Benz discontinued the Maybach sub-brand a year ago. It's a shame, because they made some incredible cars, including the 57, the 62, the Zeppelin version of both of those, and the Laundaulet. The Zeppelin is more of a collector's car, and it was kind of a homage to the old Maybach Zeppelins of the 20's, 30's, and 40's (the cars, not the Maybach airship engines). When Maybach gave the 57 and 62 a facelift two years ago, they updated the engines as well. The engine in the 57S and 62 S is a 6.0 liter, twin-turbo V12 that produces 620 hp. 
    My favorite part of all of the Maybach models is all of the little gadgets and toys inside, and you'd find a new feature inside every time you go inside the car. For example, when you buy the car, you might not have realize that your 62 came with a electronically controlled sunroof that can be turned opaque with the touch of a button, or the Motorola mobile phone hidden in the dashboard. But there are so many of these little things that I can't even count them all. Some more include a Maybach-brand pen in the glove box, a decently sized champagne fridge in the backseat, the special flute cup-holders that clamp the glass down, or the fully reclining seats that are also heated, ventilated, and massage your back. I just wish Mercedes' wasn't so stupid to think that the S-Class could possibly do a sufficient job replacing the Maybach as their super-luxury limousine.  

Here's the link to the Maybach site: (it's only a letter)
http://maybach.com/

2014 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport Pur Blanc Review

    As you'd expect from the owner of a Mansory Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe and a Mansory/Renntech Mercedes-McLaren SLR, the owner of all of these insane supercars also has a Bugatti Veyron, which has basically become the standard ultra-rich person show-stopper. But this millionaire has no ordinary Veyron. They own the Veyron Super Sport Pur Blanc, which is a one-off edition specifically made for this person. It has 1,200 hp, which puts the standard Veyron's 1,001 hp to shame (not that that's small, but you get the idea). That immense amount of power comes from the stock Veyron's 8.0 liter, quad-turbocharged, W16 engine. 0-60 is estimated to take about 2.2 seconds, which could be wildly off track, but is my best guess. The interior follows the exterior's white and black color scheme, with some "Pur Blanc" embroidered headrests. I am actually not a huge fan of the Bugatti Veyron, but this edition, as well as the many other special editions of this car, are beginning to change my mind. 

Here's the link to the Bugatti site:
http://www.bugatti.com/en/home.html

Top speed: 267.8   Luggage: included   Treadplates: obnoxious (but who cares when you're that rich)

What's the Best Car Manufacturer?

    One of the most common questions in the car world is what car company is the best. I think the best way of measuring this is by seeing which company has made the greatest number of good cars. My personal favorite is Rolls-Royce, which is responsible for the Phantom V, the Silver Cloud, the Corniche, the Phantom (Coupe, Drophead Coupe, and EWB), the Ghost (SWB and EWB), and the Wraith. But there are many other great companies, such as Lamborghini, Bentley, Aston-Martin, Ferrari, and even mainstream companies like Ford or Mazda. Personally, I think this completely depends on opinion and taste in cars. For example, if you like fast, sporty cars, you might like Ferrari or Aston-Martin, but if you're like me and like big luxury cars, you might prefer Rolls-Royce or Maybach. Please leave a comment on what your favorite car company is and why, and whichever brand is most common will get one of its cars reviewed. 

2014 Audi S7 Review

    When it comes to my favorite cars, I can be very picky about what's good enough and what's not. Even though I don't like Audis that much, for some reason I really like the S7. I find its lines much better than the Porsche Panamera, which is it's corporate cousin. The S7 is infinitely better looking than the Panamera. The Panamera looks good in it's decked-out "Turbo S" trim with black rims and yellow brake calipers, but it isn't very pretty. The S7 is very pretty, and not just on the outside. It has the same 420-hp twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8 that you'll find in the A8, the S6, and the "V8" Bentley models, such as the Flying spur V8 and the Continental GT V8 S (in those cars, the engine makes 500 hp, but is still the same V8). 0-60 is claimed to take around 4.1 seconds, which is strange compared to the S6, which does it in 3.8. The interior is pretty nice, with diamond-quilted leather (like you'd find in a Bentley), Audi's mediocre MMI navigation system, and many little buttons to move the seats and do things with them. 

Here's the link to the Audi site:
http://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-s7

2005 Mercedes-Benz Bionic Review

    Every once in a while, Mercedes creates some wacky concept car that is either super-efficient, a 20-foot long limousine, or a crazy hypercar. In this case, it is the less exciting one of the three, but the exterior will definitely stand out in traffic. It was styled after the yellow boxfish, and honestly, it looks like a Pontiac Aztec from the rear, but even so, it really does look like a boxfish. The idea of the styling came from the aerodynamic design of the boxfish, so this car could be as efficient as possible. They have somehow managed to make it have 80% lower nitrogen oxide emissions using Selective Catalytic Reduction technology. It does get 70 mpg, so it would be an ideal alternative to a Ford Transit Connect, even if this car isn't nearly as practical or even normal. Mercedes-Benz never revealed a price for the Bionic, probably thinking that they would never sell any anyway. 

Here's the link to the Wikipedia page for more information:
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_Bionic

2010 Holland & Holland Overfinch Land Rover Range Rover

    When Overfinch and Holland & Holland created this car 4 years ago, it was the most luxurious off-road car in the world. Not much has changed since then, considering that there is still not car that can scramble rocks while serving its passengers with Pol Roger champagne. Not only that, but after the off-road excursion you can go hunting with the hand-crafted Holland & Holland rifles, and safely stow them in the trunk afterward. The interior receives major changes, with the most noticeable addition being the walnut and private-jet leather rear console, which houses things like Holland & Holland-brand tumblers and champagne flutes, as well as a refrigerator big enough to house tow full-size champagne bottles. If you ever run our of the many other drinks in the trunk compartment, such as Ivan the Terrible vodka or Balvenie whisky, Overfinch will restock your cabinet for the first year of ownership. Just like in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, this car has a special split-view navigation screen, so the front passenger can watch a DVD while the driver can use the navigation.

Here's the link to the Overfinch site:
http://www.overfinch.com/

Trunk complete w/ drinks cabinet, gun storage, hunting accessories, tumblers and flutes

2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR Review

    You might think the only fast little car VW makes is the Golf GTI, which is totally not true. The Beetle GSR isn't as popular or well-known, but is still pretty fast for a car of this size. I like them equally as much, but the GTI has way more heritage and is a little bit more efficient, where as the GSR is louder and less practical. The figures are impressive, with 210 hp, a 6.3-second 0-60 time, and a $29,995 base price (I guess this isn't a positive point, but is about as expensive as a Subaru WRX). If you're wondering what GSR stands for, it's an abbreviation of Gelb Schwarzer Renner, which translated into English means "Yellow Black Racer." I think the idea of an abbreviated foreign term is more interesting than the every-other-sports-car "GT" badging. I think this car is a perfect example of what's so great about Volkswagen, ranging from the nicely designed interior to the great dynamics. But the classic VW problem remains: it isn't reliable at all. But the saddest part of all is that production of the 2014 GSR is limited to 3500 units, so it won't become the new practical hot hatchback.

Here's the link to the VW site:
http://www.vw.com/

Love the yellow accenting on the seats and steering wheel

2014 Mercedes-Benz ML550 Review

    If you live in a neighborhood like Greenwich or Beverly Hills, you're probably used to cars like the BMW X5, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. Personally, I like the R-R Sport the best, but I also like the ML quite a lot. The "550" version doesn't actually have a 5.5 liter engine or 550 hp, so the name actually has nothing to do with the specific output of the car. It's just the name Mercedes-Benz gives to it's non-AMG cars with a 4.6 liter twin-turbo V8, such as the S550 or the E550. In the ML, it is rated at 402 hp and 443 pound-feet of torque. 0-60 isn't really relevant to this type of car, but is still pretty good for its size. 4.8 isn't what I'd call sloppy, and is up to par with the R-R Sport Supercharged. The interior is a great place to spend time, with nice touches such as the amazingly soft Designo leather (believe me, it's incredible), the massive panoramic roof (which makes the interior seem huge), and the excellent COMAND nav system. I think the best part of this car is how Mercedes-Benz has made it seem like you're in an $80,000 CLS-Class (which isn't a bad thing to be) when you're really in a $60,000 ML-Class.

Here's the link to the M-B site:
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/model/class-M/model-ML550\

Comparison: 2014 Audi S8 vs. 2014 Jaguar XJR

    Remember a little while ago when I compared the Maserati Quattroporte to the Jaguar XJR? I said the Quattroporte was better. You might disagree with me, but believe me, I still think the XJR is quite an exceptional car. But even after comparing it to the Q-P, I think it's only fair to give it a second chance. This time, the competitor will be a little less classic-Italian sports car and more no-nonsense German engineering. 

2. Audi S8

    When I saw a brand-new 2015 A8 in town the other day, I thought to myself: "wait, the haven't really changed it at all." I went home and looked up the new A8, and I found myself looking at a 2014 A8 with some new headlights and some new options. It's the same thing with the new S8: they haven't really done anything to it. Sure, it does 0-60 in 3.8 seconds and has 520 hp, but they haven't actually done anything that matters. They could have tuned the total output to 600 hp and lower the 0-60 time, but instead, they've just changed some minor bits and pieces. It's still really fast and luxurious, it just isn't any better than before. 

1. Jaguar XJR

    There's one big thing that I find really helpful with the XJR: it is available in long-wheelbase form, so if you want to drive it really fast one day and be driven around the next, you can, thanks to its extra legroom and executive rear seating package. This is something the S8 does not share with the XJR. And even if a shorter wheelbase helps performance, Jaguar doesn't need to worry, thanks to the massive 550 hp coming out of it's animal-like 5.0 liter V8. 0-60 is claimed at 4.4 seconds, which doesn't seem that fast, but when you compare it to the XKR, it seems about accurate. But the main reason the XJR won is because it has character. The XJR is full of rage and power, but the S8 is kind of plain. It doesn't share the same sense of excitement with the XJR, so it loses this comparison. 

Here's the link to both the Jaguar and Audi sites:
http://www.jaguarusa.com/index.html
http://www.audiusa.com/

2014 Lexus IS F Review

    When I first heard about the Lexus IS F, I thought it had some sort of V6 like most small sports sedans, like the Audi S4 or the BMW M3. But I eventually learned that it has a 5.0 liter V8 that produces a whopping 416 hp and 371 pound-feet of torque. It doesn't sound like much compared to the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG's 507 hp, but when you consider the size of the car and the size of the engine being put in the car, you realize that that's a ton of power to put in such a small car. The interior doesn't really do anything for me. When I see it, I think of some sort of nice family SUV, which is essentially what Lexus is known for. I like it, and it seems nice, it just isn't that exciting. But the performance definitely is. 0-60 takes 4.6 seconds, which is plenty fast, and the top speed is claimed at 170 mph. What I don't get is why you would buy this over an M3 or an S4. It just isn't nearly as rewarding to drive or even to just look at. 

Here's the link to the Lexus site:
http://www.lexus.com/models/ISF/specifications

2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid Review

    When MotorTrend released their short film "The Deal", I had no idea why they would choose that car for the video. But since then I've realized that the Q50 is actually a really interesting car. It has some considerably powerful engine choices, with the most powerful option a hybrid. It is half-V6 and half 50-kWh electric motor. The electric motor adds 67 hp and 199 pound-feet of torque, so the total output of the hybrid is about 354 hp and a sports-car worthy 454 lb-feet. 0-60 takes 4.9 seconds, which is almost as fast as a supercharged Range Rover, which has 156 more horsepower. The interior is pretty much the exact same thing as the outgoing G35/G37 sedan, except nicer and more comfortable, with more features. For me the best part of the car is the styling inside and out, which looks great, considering this car competes with cars like the Audi A4, which doesn't look nearly as good. 

Here's a link to the Infiniti site:
http://www.infinitiusa.com/?dcp=nml.mtl.hmp.infiniticom_defaultlink

2014 BMW Alpina B7 Review

   Even though the BMW 7-Series is one of my favorite cars of all time, it still has a few problems: it is arguably less nice than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or and Audi A8, it isn't as popular, and it isn't as sporty. Some trim levels are nicer and some are sportier, but in my opinion, the best 7-Series out there isn't actually a BMW. It's called the Alpina B7, and it's made by a German tuning firm (similar to Brabus or Carlsson) called Alpina. This car is still sold by BMW in their lineup, it just isn't theirs. All Alpina does to the car is upgrade  the 750i's twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8, so it makes a monstrous 540 hp and 538 lb-feet of torque. 0-60 takes from 3.8 to 4.4 seconds, but I'd put my money on the sub-4.0-second time. Top speed is limited to 194 mph, which is definitely up to par with cars like the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG and the Maserati Quattroporte GTS. The interior is typical 7-Series, with extremely comfortable seats and their wonderful iDrive navigation system. This nav system is better than Mercedes' COMAND and Audi's MMI. Alpina also adds a new "sporty" steering wheel, so they obviously haven't bothered with the interior. My only request is for Alpina to make the engine produce 600+ hp and make the interior even nicer. A 3.5 second 0-60 time would be nice too. 

Here's the links to BMW and Alpina's sites:
http://www.bmwusa.com/
http://www.alpina-automobiles.com/

2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Review

    Surprisingly, Ford actually has a great "high-performance" division, unlike Chevrolet's SS division, which puts a new engine in a vehicle and calls it a supercar. They have made many great products, possibly the best of which being the Focus RS, which is a rally-bred, 305-hp version of the regular Focus, and it is awesome. Sadly, they don't sell it anymore, but they still sell this: the F-150 SVT Raptor. Some people think it is the best off-roader on the planet, but personally, I think the Land Rover Range Rover or the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6X6 are far better. Don't get me wrong, I think the Raptor is good off-road, I just don't think it's "the best." Power comes from a 6.2 liter V8 that produces 411 hp and 434 pound-feet of torque. I like this engine because Ford hasn't gone overboard with the power and expected raw power to do all the work, which is completely wrong. A lot of the work is done by things locking differentials (of which the Raptor has 1), a 6,000-pound tow rating, and wheels that can be converted to a serious off-road "beadlock" design, which essentially help lower the tire pressure for rock crawling. The interior is simple and durable but still has things like an 8-in. navigation screen and a special "SVT" steering wheel. I saw one in town today, and it couldn't fit in a parking space. So might be a better car for weekends than for errands, unless you live in Montana. This car only has one major competitor: the Ram 2500 Power Wagon. (It's name isn't as good.)

Here's a link to the Ford site: http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/trim/raptor/

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Review

    One of the most common flaws in hybrids and electric cars today is that a lot of them aren't that exciting. Some still are, like the Ferrari LaFerrari, the Tesla Model S, and the Porsche 918. But most of them are pretty bland, such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight. These are still good cars, they're just not that exciting. But the all-new M-B B-Class Electric Drive is neither of these things. It isn't a high-performance sports car, but it isn't a practical city hatchback that is too proud of its 51/48 combined mpg. It does this by not being showy, yet not so overly modest that you can tell it thinks it's a brilliant car. Part of this genuine M-B ingenuity is the 28-kWh (this isn't a Tesla) electric motor that makes about 177 hp. Since this is an electric car, you would expect this car to be slow. And it isn't as slow as a Chevy Volt, but it's not a Tesla. 0-60 takes a claimed 7.9 seconds, which is on the slow side, but is okay. The interior is actually really cool, from its nightclub-esk mood lighting to its rear seat drinks trays (I thought you could only get those in the S-Class, but who am I to complain), which are very European. Same goes for the rest of the car: great economy, good design, but isn't good enough for the U.S. because it is too bland, just like most Euro-spec hatchbacks. 

You can find the M-B site here.
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/index

2014 Morgan Plus 8 Review

    Since the Plus 8 is a Morgan, you might expect this car to be old-fashioned and not very modern at all. But it's actually quite new, considering the engine is built by BMW and the new chassis. And that's the exact reason I love Morgan. They are always finding innovative ways of taking an old but interesting idea and making it better. One of the new parts of this car is the new BMW-sourced 4.8 liter V8, and when optioned with the sport exhaust system, it makes a full 390 hp and 370 pound-feet of torque. This is the same engine you'd find in their "50i" models, such as the 550i, and the 750i and 750Li. You're probably familiar with this engine, even if it is .4 liters bigger. 0-60 is claimed to take 4.9 seconds, which sounds fast, but not all that exciting. The interior reminds me of a nicer, more luxurious version of the first-generation Dodge Viper RT/10, which isn't bad, but isn't necessarily good either. The interior isn't bad, it just doesn't look classic British sports car, which can't be said about the 3-Wheeler. I really like the Plus 8, and the Morgan brand as a whole, I just wish they'd modernize their cars a little bit more. 

Supercar Mashup: 2014 SSC Tuatara, 2015 McLaren P1, 2014 Koenigsegg One:1(100th Post!)

        Since this is the 100th post I've done, I thought it'd be fun to do a three-way review of some of the craziest cars ever created: the SSC Tuatara, the McLaren P1, and the Koenigsegg One:1. All three of these cars are incredibly fast and are unfortunately, some of the most expensive cars on the market, with each costing at least $1 million, which is Sultan-of-Brunei expensive. This isn't a comparison, just a mashup of three amazing hypercars that are all worthy of being compared to the Bugatti Byron.

    Owned by its founder, Jerod Shelby (not to be confused with the late Caroll Shelby), SSC North America employs 16 employees in its 40,000 sq. ft. facility in Richland, WA. They have create many incredible performance cars in the past, such as the Ultimate Aero, which produced 1287-hp and was certified in 2007 to have achieved the fastest street-legal top speed, which was an amazing 256.15 mph, which is nothing small. But their new car, the Tuatara, produces 1350 hp and has a top speed of 276 mph, which bests the Hennessey Venom GT's 270 mph. The Tuatara has a twin-turbocharged 6.9 liter V8, which would easily explain the massive amount of power and speed this car has. And thanks to that power, this car does 0-60 in 2.3 seconds. All I have to say to that is WOW.

    About a week ago, I wrote about the McLaren 650S, a mid-engined supercar with 641 hp. It might seem crazy, but that car is actually a watered-down version of the P1 hypercar. The P1 has 903 hp, which is a little less than the SSC and the Koenigsegg, but is still enough to propel the car to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, which is very, VERY, fast. The P1 has more weight saving technology than the 650S, it has more power (obviously), and it looks a little more, well, just plain epic. This is probably one of the best looking cars McLaren has ever built, except for the F1 from the early 2000's, which was beautiful, but only in the nerdiest possible way. In a way, this car is very nerdy, with its many computers calculating things while you're driving on a track, and all of the other little thing that should take away from the driving experience. But somehow, they don't. The P1 is still an amazing driver's car. 

    I bet you can't guess where the One:1 gets its name from. The truth is that the power to weight ratio is one hp/kilogram, so you can guess this car is pretty fast. Thankfully it is, ranging from its Agera-borrowed 5.0 liter V8 that produces exactly one megawatt of power (1341 hp.) 0-60 is supposed to take 2.8 seconds, which is fast, but sounds modest. I imagine this will do closer to around 2.5 seconds, and apparently, this car will do 0-250 in 20 seconds, which is awing. I love the looks of the One:1, I think it is beautiful, and I hope more people will indulge that. And that's the problem with all of these sub-100 employee companies: they don't have enough publicity. 

 

2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Review

    As you might have guessed, the Jeep Wrangler has done amazingly well in the past 7 years, and has made itself an American icon. Dating back to the second World War, the Jeep name has earned a place as one of the most rugged off-road vehicles in the world (the Range Rover is practically a Rolls-Royce by now), thanks to solid reliability, good power, and go-anywhere capability. The top Wrangler model is the Unlimited Rubicon, which is the most extreme off-roader Jeep sells. It has Dana 44 front and rear axels and an approach angle of 44.3 degrees. The engine is a relatively powerful Chrysler-sourced 3.6 liter V6 that produces 285 hp and 260 lb-feet of torque. What I don't get is why SRT hasn't tried making a new Wrangler model with their 6.4 liter, 470-hp V8 and make even more off-road adjustments. Maybe they don't want to mess it up. I just don't understand how Jeep sells so many of them. When I'm walking around in downtown Bethesda I'll see at least five wranglers, and several of my neighbors have them. For example, they're not extremely spacious or luxurious, they're not exactly dirt-cheap, and don't get good fuel economy. So why are they so popular?