Paul Borden

Ford raises performance level of F-150 Raptor for 2018

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Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 5, 2018) Zero-to-60 mph times are not usually something to be concerned about when dealing with pickup trucks. Towing and hauling capacity, endurance, technology, maybe fuel mileage and/or range mostly come ahead of getting from one spot to another as quickly as possible. But then the 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor is not your usual pickup truck.

Mini Cooper Countryman gets plug-in power as hybrid model for 2018

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Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 25, 2018) The Mini Cooper is not yet at the stage where it needs to be upgraded to the “MAXI” Cooper, but it seems to be moving in that direction. Launched in 1959 as a trend-setting, two-door sub-compact that was 120.25 inches long — not much more than the wheelbase for many large vehicles — and weighed in at just over 1,300 pounds, the Mini now is available as a four-door wagon that is four feet longer and weighs in at twice the original hardtop’s heft.

GMC takes Terrain into second generation with new engine choices

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Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 19, 2018) Introduced for 2009 as a companion for its bigger brother Acadia crossover, GMC’s Terrain moves into its second generation for 2018 with three new turbo-charged engines, two different 9-speed transmissions, and many design features that take this compact crossover to a new level for sophistication and performance.

Denali trim takes 2018 GMC Canyon to a higher level

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By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 15, 2018) When I was growing up, pickup trucks were pretty much utilitarian vehicles good for hauling construction supplies and for farm chores, two-passenger conveyances that could squeeze in a third person if they were good friends or the extra person was on the small side. Like a child.

Fiat adds performance model to 500C portfolio with Abarth Cabrio

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By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 8, 2018) — Fiat returned to the U.S. market with lots of fanfare and a clever advertising campaign about six years ago after an absence of nearly three decades, but I have to wonder just how far entertaining commercials and cutting prices will carry the Italian automaker this go-around.

BMW gives 'M' treatment to vaunted 5-Series with M550i xDrive

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Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 28, 2017) BMW — which is much easier to remember than“Bayerische Motoren Werke” AG, or in English, “Bavarian Motor Works” — has championed the slogan “The Ultimate Driving Machine” since the 1970s, and it doesn’t take a long time behind the wheel of just about any of its models to see that that is no idle boast. Though I haven’t had the opportunity to drive every one of its offerings, I have never been disappointed by the performance of any of those I have.

Black Label package ups the luxury level of Lincoln MKZ

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By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 26, 2017) After going through a mid-cycle refreshing this year, the Lincoln MKZ will remain basically unchanged for the 2018 model year. which means that unless you are fanatical about having the “latest, newest” of everything, you could get into the entry-level luxury market at some savings by going with the 2017 MKZ.

Jaguar introduces limited production Jaguar F-Type 400 Sport

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By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 12, 2017) A recent study out of a university in the Netherlands proclaims that there is no such thing as love at first sight. What people often call love at first sight really is just a strong physical attraction, more like lust at first sight.

Lincoln brings back Continental, and it's not what you may be expecting

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By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 2, 2017) Twice since introducing it as a luxury convertible in 1939, Ford has suspended production of the Lincoln Continental for extended periods of its own volition. We’re not counting the hiatus in production from 1942-45 brought on by the U.S. entry into World War II, though the first gap in production came shortly after that.

2017 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T R-Line — A winner in a shrinking segment

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By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(November 13, 2017) One can never be sure — there are always grammar nazis around ready to jump on you for the slightest misuse of a term — but I think I have this right. One of the ironies in the automotive world today is that the better manufacturers are making sedans, the fewer the public seems to be interested in buying.