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Its official; Tesla HQ to move to Texas, Musk confirms. Find out why

Its official; Tesla HQ to move to Texas, Musk confirms. Find out why

The Billionaire CEO made this symbolic announcement at the Annual Shareholders Meeting

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has revealed that the company’s headquarters will be relocated from California to Texas at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders event. The famed EV automaker was previously based in Palo Alto, in Silicon Valley. However, last year, Musk vowed to relocate the company’s headquarters to Texas in response to the closing of its primary facility in Fremont outside, San Francisco. He was dissatisfied with the factory’s temporary closure owing to Covid restrictions.

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Driving the 2020 Toyota Supra On the Track and the Street

Driving the 2020 Toyota Supra On the Track and the Street

Toyota’s performance halo gets flogged, then coddled

There’s no shortage of hype and controversy when it comes to the 2020 Toyota Supra. The return of this iconic nameplate has divided enthusiasts and sparked a firestorm of opinions, with some heralding its return, and others deriding its Bavarian influences. But putting all that aside, the most important question remains unanswered - what’s it like to drive? To answer that, Toyota flew me out to Virginia, where I was given the opportunity to see what the A90 Supra can do on the track, and how it handles the street. This is what happened.

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2020 Toyota Supra - Driven

2020 Toyota Supra - Driven

The legend returns for round five

Toyota introduced the Supra nameplate back in the late ‘70s with the A40 Celica Supra. The second-gen A60 arrived in 1981, followed by the third-gen A70 in 1986, and the fourth-gen A80 in 1993. Unfortunately, following dwindling sales numbers and stricter emissions laws, the U.S.-spec A80 got the axe in 1998. Now, more than two decades later, this import performance icon is back for an all-new fifth generation. Unsurprisingly, the Supra has been subjected to nearly endless scrutiny from both the motoring press and the enthusiast public, but first-hand experience has been sorely lacking. Until now, that is. Toyota flew me out to Virginia to drive the 2020 Supra both on a racetrack and on the street, and I found out exactly what it brings to the table.

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This Is Why You Should Stop Calling the 2020 Toyota Supra a “Rebadged BMW”

This Is Why You Should Stop Calling the 2020 Toyota Supra a “Rebadged BMW”

Toyota’s influence can be found from the ground up

Like death and taxes, Internet comments asserting that the 2020 Toyota Supra isn’t a “real” Toyota seem inevitable. On the surface, the accusation seems justified. After all, the Supra and 2019 BMW Z4 share the same platform, engine, and transmission. Hell, even the switchgear is similar. So where exactly does the BMW end and the Toyota begin?

Well, according to Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada, Toyota’s influence can be found from the ground up. I recently got a chance to climb behind the wheel of the 2020 Toyota Supra during a ride-and-drive event in Virginia, and Tada-san was in attendance to help answer our questions, providing clarification on the nature of Toyota’s partnership with BMW during the A90 Supra’s development.

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The 2020 Toyota Supra Has a Hatchback Trunk With An Open Pass-Through to the Front

The 2020 Toyota Supra Has a Hatchback Trunk With An Open Pass-Through to the Front

Checking out what the new Supra offers in terms of practicality

The 2020 Toyota Supra was designed with one very clear goal in mind - fun behind the wheel. However, given the Supra is still a road car that folks will likely drive on the street with, you know, stuff in it, it’s worth checking out what it offers in terms of practicality. Luckily, the Supra does indeed come with a hatchback cargo area that can fit stuff inside it.

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2020 Toyota Supra Interior First Impressions

2020 Toyota Supra Interior First Impressions

A sports car cocoon made for speed

After years of waiting, endless teasers, and more than a few false flags, the fifth-generation A90 Supra is finally here. Carrying the torch as Toyota’s modernized performance icon and halo vehicle, the 2020 Supra has plenty to live up to. And while most of you are chomping at the bit to learn what it’s like to drive, you’ll have to wait until the embargo lifts on Sunday for my full driven review. Until then, I want to relay everything I can about this machine, including my first impression of the interior.

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The 2020 Toyota Supra's Styling Is Growing On Me

The 2020 Toyota Supra’s Styling Is Growing On Me

After spending several hours with it, I’m finding it more and more attractive

When Toyota released the new fifth-generationA90 Supra at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, I wasn’t terribly impressed by its styling, saying that it looked like a “dumbed-down, bastardized version” of the FT-1 concept upon which it was based. And I still think that’s true - the FT-1 is an amazing piece of design, and the production A90 Supra can’t live up to the standard it sets. However, after spending some one-on-one time with the A90 in Virginia (courtesy of Toyota), I’m starting to come around.

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The 2020 Toyota Supra Is Surprisingly Small In Person

The 2020 Toyota Supra Is Surprisingly Small In Person

Toyota’s halo sports car gets it done without supersizing

I just got back from Middleburg, Virginia, where Toyota provided me with a 2020 Supra to flog around a racetrack. You’ll have to come back Sunday for my full in-depth driving impressions and review, but until then, there’s still a few things to say about the brand’s latest performance machine. For starters, the new Supra is surprisingly small in person.

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I Took A Ride In The Papadakis Racing Toyota Corolla Hatch Drift Car And It Melted My Brain

I Took A Ride In The Papadakis Racing Toyota Corolla Hatch Drift Car And It Melted My Brain

Sideways and smoky in Georgia

Sometimes, this job comes with some pretty cool perks. Last week, during my visit to Savannah, Georgia, where I drove the 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan, Toyota had a little surprise waiting for me - a ride-along with Ryan Tuerck in the mind-altering Papadakis Racing Corolla Hatch drift car. Suffice to say, the experience made quite the impression on me.

Updated 03/19/2019: When this article was originally written, the author assumed Ryan Tuerck would drive the featured Corolla race car in the 2019 Formula Drift season. This is incorrect. Papadakis Racing built the featured Corolla race car for Toyota for demonstration purposes, and Ryan Tuerck is not a regular driver for the Papadakis Racing team. The author apologizes for the error.

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The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan Is The Smartest Pick In The Lineup

The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan Is The Smartest Pick In The Lineup

The Corolla is now more fun to drive, but extra efficiency makes more sense

Toyota just introduced the twelfth-generation Corolla Sedan for the 2020 model year, and while the latest generational changeover brings a long list of updates, one of the biggest is the addition of a hybrid powertrain option. But why would the hybrid be our pick when there’s a new, more powerful 2.0-liter offered as well? Read on to find out.

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Papadakis Racing's 1,000-Horsepower Toyota Corolla Hatch Is a Reminder That Drifting Is Completely Amazing

Papadakis Racing’s 1,000-Horsepower Toyota Corolla Hatch Is a Reminder That Drifting Is Completely Amazing

There’s no denying it - drifting is still one of the best motorsports in the world

Last week, I was in Savannah, Georgia, driving the new 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan and while I was there, Toyota had a surprise waiting for me - a ride along with Ryan Tuerck in the 1,000-horsepower Papadakis Racing Toyota Corolla Hatchback drift machine! It was an incredible experience, and it served as a stark reminder of just how amazing drifting really is.

Updated 03/19/2019: When this article was originally written, the author assumed Ryan Tuerck would drive the featured Corolla race car in the 2019 Formula Drift season. This is incorrect. Papadakis Racing built the featured Corolla race car for Toyota for demonstration purposes, and Ryan Tuerck is not a regular driver for the Papadakis Racing team. The author apologizes for the error.

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2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan - Driven

2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan - Driven

Forget the commuter penalty box - this sedan is packed with goodies

First rolling off the production line in 1966, the Toyota Corolla has been around for over five decades. In 2013, Toyota celebrated an astonishing 40 million units sold for the nameplate, which makes it the most popular car in history. Now there’s a new twelfth generation for the 2020 model year, and it offers refreshed styling, a new interior stuffed with a wide variety of technology and features, a new architecture, and a new Hybrid trim level, all at a reasonable price point. However, with SUVs and crossovers dominating the sales charts, does the 2020 Toyota Corolla have what it takes to carry the torch for the sedan segment? To find out, I flew out to Savannah, Georgia, to experience it first hand, all courtesy of Toyota.

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2019 Toyota RAV4 - Driven

2019 Toyota RAV4 - Driven

The segment leader is looking better than ever!

Not only is the Toyota RAV4 a critical model in Toyota’s lineup, but it’s also the benchmark for the compact crossover segment as a whole. First introduced in 1994, the RAV4 now enters its fifth generation and twenty-second year of production for the 2019 model year. Highlights for this latest update include a fresh look, a revamped interior, the latest tech goodies, a new platform under the skin, and the new off-road-ready Adventure grade. The hybrid powertrain returns as well. Overall, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 looks to keep its spot at the top of the crossover heap - but does it? To find out, Toyota flew me out to Carmel, California to give it a drive.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Toyota RAV4.

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Test Drive - An Honest Take on the 2019 Audi RS3 Sportback

Test Drive - An Honest Take on the 2019 Audi RS3 Sportback

This Is Like Chili in Continental #BlackChili Driving Experience

An Audi RS3 Sportback test drive is like the holy grail for hot hatchback lovers. I visited that holy grail of mine, and boy was I overwhelmed by the experience.

As you probably figured out if you read about my time at the Continental #blackchili Driving Experience, I had a unique chance to drive a number of cool cars at an exclusive vlogger/blogger/influencer event organized by Continental AG in Nice. It was called the #blackchili Driving Experience, and I had a chance to drive the Audi RS3 Sportback there on a fantastic route that spanned for 40 or 50 miles. No, that is not enough for a proper test drive, nor was the time spent with the Audi RS3 Sportback enough for a proper assessment of its abilities or its virtues. But it was enough for one thing - to teach me that this hot-hatch is a freaking monster, an animal only a few could tame, and the biggest sleeper I have ever driven.

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Test Drive - An Honest Take on the 2019 BMW M240i xDrive Convertible

Test Drive - An Honest Take on the 2019 BMW M240i xDrive Convertible

Instant Love

I test drove the BMW M240i xDrive Convertible. The small BMW convertible showed me why I liked BMWs so much, it sparked the fire in my heart for BMWs once again, and I am not going back, ever. I love BMW, and now, finally, I definitely know why. It is for me. I am sure, if you had to chance to drive the M240i through a few bends on the mountain roads of the Gorges du Verdon canyon in France, the M240i would grow in your heart as well.

It is sublime!

I can’t even imagine what kind of a beast the M2 is. I haven’t driven it yet, but I am eagerly waiting to do so.

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I Drove 1,780 Horsepower Worth Of Cars In France On Possibly The Best Tires On Earth

I Drove 1,780 Horsepower Worth Of Cars In France On Possibly The Best Tires On Earth

I Am Amazed By The New Black Chili Filled Continentals

Continental AG invited me to spend three days in Nice, France, drive really nice cars, experience its #blackchili driving experience and gorge on vine and fish of all kinds prepared by some of the best chefs around.

I said yes.

This is what I saw, drove and experienced there.

1,780 horsepower worth of cars were parked down the alley of a hotel with a golf course. All of them were white, all of them had OEM Continental tires on them. UUHP tires, mind you. That is short for Ultra Ultra High Performance and all of them had striking, yet subtle Continental decals. Right from the get-go, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a classic journalist driving event. It was more of a celebration and a party. I liked it.

The weather was at nice 78 degrees Fahrenheit, without a single cloud on the perfectly blue sky over the Cote d’Azur. Down at that parking - 10 cars - two Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabrios, two BMW M240i xDrive Convertibles, two Porsche 718 Boxsters, two Tesla Model Ss, and two Audi RS3 Sportbacks.

FYI, the Porsche was the least powerful one there. And when the Porsche is the least powerful at a car event, things are off to a good start.

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2019 Lexus ES - Driven

2019 Lexus ES - Driven

A welcome break from the European status quo

The Lexus ES enters its seventh generation this year, offering a new design, fresh underpinnings, an updated engine lineup (including a hybrid), the latest infotainment goodies, and for the first time, a more engaging F Sport model variant. Framed as Lexus’ entry-level midsize luxury sedan, the ES is the most popular four-door in the brand’s stable, selling in 90 countries across the globe. However, does it have what it takes to compete with rivals from Europe? To find out, Lexus flew me out to Nashville, Tennessee, to give it a drive.

Continue reading to learn more about 2019 Lexus ES.

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2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback - Driven

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback - Driven

Adding some extra spice to the recipe

Toyota first introduced the Corolla nameplate way back in 1966, and since then, an incredible 11 generations have come and gone. The latest twelfth-generation broke cover in March of 2018 at the Geneva Motor Show, and with it, Toyota unveiled a fresh hot hatchback iteration that promises more fun thanks to sporty suspension tuning, a rev-happy 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an available six-speed manual transmission, and snappy good looks.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.

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The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Tickles Our Hot Hatch Fancy

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Tickles Our Hot Hatch Fancy

Ticking all the right boxes

While there are more than a few high-end hot hatchbacks out there these days (Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R, and Volkswagen Golf R, to name a few) not all enthusiasts can justify the 40-grand entry fee. Luckily, the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback provides loads of thrills for roughly half the cost.

Continue reading for the full story.

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The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback's Manual Gearbox Is Extremely Newbie Friendly

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback’s Manual Gearbox Is Extremely Newbie Friendly

Passing the torch to a new generation

Three-pedal transmission options are few and far between these days, but luckily, Toyota is keeping the hope alive with its new 2019 Corolla Hatchback. Not only does this five-door bring the sporting hotness thanks to its sharp styling and nippy handling, but its six-speed gearbox is extremely forgiving to those new to ways of the stick shift.

Continue reading for the full story.

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The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Actually Looks Great With A Huge Grille

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Actually Looks Great With A Huge Grille

“Under Priority” seems to work well… on the right machine, that is

Earlier this year at the 2018 Geneva International Auto Show, Toyota unveiled the new Corolla hatchback, bringing glad tidings of sport compact driving fun and three-pedal engagement the world over. To sweeten the deal, the new hatch even looks pretty snazzy, using the Japanese brand’s latest design language to give it a little extra curb appeal.

Continue reading for the full story.

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Driving the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL

Driving the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL

From road to rocks, we sample the newest Wrangler

Much hoopla has been made over the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL. Enthusiasts around the world and the massive aftermarket scene have been hanging on every word written about the first new Wrangler in a decade – and for good reason. The JL represents the first reworking of the Wrangler since it exploded in popularity thanks to the addition of four doors with the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited JK. Everybody from the hard-core rock crawler to the average soccer mom wants to know how this new Wrangler drives.

Thankfully, the wait is over.

Jeep flew us out to Tucson, Arizona in early December for the Wrangler JL’s first U.S.-based media event. The southwestern territory offers an interesting mix of smooth, flat roads through valleys and bumpy, twisty roads through the rock-strewn hills north of town. And of course, off the pavement lies nothing but inhospitable terrain filled with cactuses, scorpions, venomous snakes, and rocks after rocks with more rocks piled on top. It was the perfect place to test the new Wrangler’s mettle.

Continue reading for our driving impressions.

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