Category: sporty cars

  • 2019 Mazda3 Hatchback – First Drive

    For 2019 the Mazda3 is an all-new design and offered in 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback body styles. Sedan prices start at $21,000 and is offered in base, Select, Preferred and Premium trims. The hatchback starts at $23,600 and comes in base, Preferred and Premium trims. New for the Mazda3 is the availability of all-wheel…

  • 2019 Hyundai Veloster N – on the track and on the road

    Hyundai has upped its game with the new Veloster N that’s only available with a six-speed manual transmission. The base model N has 250-HP and is priced at $26,900. With the optional Performance Package the power is boosted to  275-HP for $29,000. Plus there’s a host of more performance enhancements with this package. The N…

  • 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line turbo – Drive Report

    Kia has revamped the Soul for 2020 and now there’s a GT-Line with a 1.6 Turbo engine. The 1.6 Turbo puts out 201-HP and is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. A sport-tuned suspension, larger disc brakes, 18-inch wheels with P235/45 R18 tires round out the GT-line’s driving dynamics. Shift paddles and a sport…

  • 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF – Drive Report

    More power to the people. For 2019 the MX-5 Miata gets 26 more ponies bumping the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-L engine up to 181-HP. Seventeen percent more horsepower is a big move in any engine. Engine torque is up a bit too along with higher engine revs. Whether you  choose the folding hardtop RF or the soft…

  • 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt – Drive Review

    Channel your inner Steve McQueen and check out the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt with its 480-HP 5.0-L V8, 6-speed manual transmission, Brembo brakes, available MagneRide Damping System and a digital customizable dash. It’ll hit 163 mph and go from a stop to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Get your adrenaline flowing right here. @1ChicagoCarGuy

  • Fiat 124 Spider Abarth – Tracked

    A one-day Fiat Track Experience at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois under the tutelage of the pros at Skip Barber Racing School gave me plenty of seat time in the 2019 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth.  Driving the 124 Spider Abarth as well as the 2-door 500 Abarth on the track road course, in an autocross…

  • 2019 Hyundai Veloster R-Spec – First Drive

    For 2019 the Veloster has a new exterior and interior design, powertrain enhancements, and an array of new and improved infotainment and connectivity features. The 201-HP Veloster R-Spec with its turbo engine and six-speed manual is a blast to drive. And, there’s seats for four and a decent amount of trunk space. The R-Spec is…

  • 2018 Dodge Challenger GT – Drive Review

    The Dodge Challenger GT is the first and only two-door American muscle car with all-wheel drive. Dodge designed the AWD to transition between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with no driver intervention. The Challenger GT can provide confident year round personal transportation in nearly every driving condition. The Challenger GT has Dodge’s 305-HP, 3.6-L V6…

  • 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI – Drive Review

    The original hot-hatch pocket rocket GTI has grown up over the years. Now for 2018 it has gained 10 additional horsepower, now at 220-HP, and matured to a family-like 4-door only. S, SE and Autobahn trims are offered with starting prices ranging from $26,415 to $36,170. The GTI also offers a full array of driver-assistance safety features…

  • 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT – Drive Review

    Hyundai has entered the hot hatch marketplace with its 2018 Elantra GT. With choice of a 162-HP GT or a 201-HP GT Sport, both with either a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission, this roomy Euro-design 5-door is a worthy entry. Priced from $19,350 and with the underpinnings to deliver a high fun-factor the Elantra…