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The 22 Best Grand Touring Cars

GT cars combine comfort, style, and performance to create a swift, opulent driving experience.

Grand tourers aim to provide the best of what the car world has to offer—the greatest luxury, the highest performance, and the most beautiful styling. Here are some of the greatest GT cars out there.

Ferrari 456

Chevrolet Corvette

On the surface, you might not think the Corvette would make for a good GT car. It has just two seats, and sports-car focus. But really, thanks to comfortable magnetic ride suspension, a massive trunk, and torquey V-8, it's great on long trips. This one's up for bidding on eBay.

The M6 is basically a two-door version of the wonderful M5, meaning it gets the same powerful engine and fantastic driving dynamics. The last-gen model shown here even has a V-10 engine. Here's one with a rare manual transmission you can own now.

Bentley Continental GT

The Continental GT is all-new for 2019, with a restyled body and a 626-horsepower W-12 engine, or a 550-hp V-8. It looks great, and drives as well as you'd expect. This used example is barely broken-in, and you can own it today.

Ford Mustang GT

The Mustang has come a long way from its crude muscle car beginnings. It's a truly fun car to drive in all environments, whether it be the track, the drag strip, or the street. And because it has four seats, you don't have to compromise much. Here's a brand-new one you can own right now.

Ferrari 812 Superfast

Ferrari's front-engined V-12 family of cars is a lineage of fantastic daily-drivable machines, all with massive power and the great sounds you expect from something with a Ferrari badge. The 812 Superfast is the latest from Maranello. This one's painted in a lovely shade of black, and you can own it.

The McLaren GT is named appropriately, as it's one of the most comfort-minded cars to come out of Woking. There's ample luggage space, a more compliant suspension, and a new infotainment system to make sure occupants are as satisfied as possible. Here's one with just 44 miles on the clock for sale now.

Ferrari GTC4Lusso

The GTC4Lusso is currently Ferrari's most practical car, with all-wheel drive and four usable seats. It also has enough luggage space for long journeys thanks to that sweet shooting brake design. This one's painted in a lovely shade of white, and you can own it.

The XJS can be found for relatively low prices on the used market thanks to their reputation for unreliability. But if you're willing to put up with that, you'll get a wonderful V-12-powered GT experience. Here's one up for bidding on eBay now.

Aston Martin Vanquish

Aston's first Vanquish remains one of the prettiest cars the company has ever put out, complimented by that wonderful V-12 soundtrack. And if you're not a fan of the automatic transmission, you can send it back to the UK to have the factory put a manual transmission in. This one's for sale on eBay right now for just $70,000.

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

If you'd rather have something a bit more modern from Aston Martin, consider the DBS Superleggera. It's the most capable front-engine production car on offer from the brand right now, with 715 horsepower from a twin-turbo V-12 under the hood. This one only has 1500 miles on the odometer, and it's for sale.

Rolls-Royce Wraith

While the Wraith is undoubtedly more full-on luxury machine than performance-oriented grand-tourer, it still deserves a spot on this list. It's the sportiest car in Rolls-Royce's lineup, packing a twin-turbo V-12 making an impressive 624 horsepower. Here's one painted in purple for sale now.

The RS 7 isn't exactly a two-door coupe, but its grand touring intentions are just as pure as any other car on this list. It provides massive power paired with loads of tech and comfort features, plus an all-wheel drive system than can get you through pretty much anything. And it looks cool as hell.

Porsche 928

The 928 was originally meant to replace the 911, coming as a strong departure from Porsche's original formula. The 928 used a front-mounted, water-cooled V-8 sending power to a rear transaxle. Thankfully, the 911 persevered , but we love the 928's decidedly 1980s style. This early manual-equipped model is in great condition, and it can be yours.

Porsche 911

Of course, the 911 has always been a great all-rounder worthy of being on this list. It's comfortable enough to drive everyday, supremely luxurious, and plenty capable around your favorite back road. Here's a used 2020 model up for grabs on eBay now.

Maserati GranTurismo

The GranTurismo has been around for more than a decade, nearly unchanged from when it first hit showrooms in 2007. With a Ferrari-designed V-8 and stellar looks, it remains one of the most stylish new cars you can own. Over 10 years later, it's still being built, and the refreshed models look great . If you're willing to brave the maintenance costs, older models can now be had for under $30,000 .

Jaguar E-Type

You can't mention Grand Touring cars without bringing up the Jaguar E-Type. It's become an icon in the classic car world, sought after by collectors for its fantastic design and wonderful driving elements. You can own this British racing green Series I model today.

Mercedes-Benz SL

For decades, the Mercedes SL has occupied a corner in the company's lineup as a two-seater GT perfect for long drives and top-down fun. Nowadays, cars like the S-Class convertible and AMG GT convertible offer similar top-down joy, but we still love the SL. This AMG SL63 has just 8100 miles on the clock, and it can be yours.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

If you need a bit more space in your Mercedes-badged GT car, the bigger S-Class is a perfect SL alternative. Available in coupe or convertible form, it's perfectly suited to cruise without a fuss for hours in endless comfort. This S63 model is for sale right now online.

Lexus LC500

Though the LC500 uses Lexus's 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8, it's designed to be an all-around daily driver with a goal of comfort and satisfaction behind the wheel. The result is one of Lexus's best cars ever. Here's a beautiful blue model you can own now.

Brian Silvestro is Hearst Autos' former lead deputy editor for rankings content. He spent over seven years as a staff writer for Road & Track Magazine where he contributed car reviews, industry interviews, and more. He has a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.

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The New Jetour T2 Makes A Big Impression In The UAE

Equip your fleet with the versatility of jetour suvs: how jetour suvs make for an excellent choice, the all-new 2023 jetour dashing is making its debut in uae.

WELCOME TO JETOUR UAE

The Elite Cars is the exclusive official dealer of the Jetour brand in the UAE.

Jetour’s level of standard and excellence is mirrored by The Elite Cars’ leading reputation for trustworthiness, reliability, first-class service, and class leading products. Experience affordable luxury like never before.

About Jetour

Jetour is part of a globalized automobile group based in China with over 20 years of formidable experience in automotive engineering. The association boasts an array of self-owned and joint-venture brands with its independent subsidiaries focusing on particular brands of vehicle segments in the market, such as JETOUR and Karry. The group made their mark in the business in terms of evolving the technological aspect of their marques.

Jetour is the latest product of their two-decade commitment to build a brand that will stand out in the automotive industry with the intention to diversify its business to become a world-class brand, focusing on creating the best Chinese SUV models.

It is a notable brand whose name is derived from the words ‘’Jet” + “Tour” which means convenient + travel, translated in the Mandarin language. JETOUR reflects the group’s vision to manufacture the best SUV models that provide convenient journey to the passengers. Specifically designed to be stylish, unique, intelligent, spacious, and multi-functional, it is now ready to be seen and driven. JETOUR is created for those who desire modern technology, comfort, adventure, and affordable luxury.

JETOUR is committed to creating the best Chinese luxury SUVs.

About The Elite Cars

The Elite Cars proudly specializes in every segment of the Automotive market – encompassing showrooms, spare parts, and service centres.

With headquarters located in Dubai, UAE, our businesses are strategically located across the region.

Our mission is to be the leading brand across the UAE’s automotive market while continuously expanding our reach globally.

The remarkable quality of our products, world-class customer support, competitive market prices and excellent car customization services, are the key factors that set us apart from the competition, allowing us to offer unmatched services to our valued customers.

Over the years, we have built a reputation and have established strong partnerships with various manufacturers, global automotive experts and international brands.

Best Road Trip Cars in 2023

Get ready to hit the road for vacations and holidays in a car that's fuel efficient, reliable and comfortable. We found the best road trip cars for any adventure.

Kia Motors America |

Looking for Adventure? Head Out on the Highway!

People have a lot of pent-up travel lust after years of pandemic restrictions and uncertainty. Air travel in particular has seen a huge rise this summer, with the busiest day in the industry's history occurring in June. Rather than fight those busy flights, hit the road in a new vehicle that can fit all your luggage and maybe even help you keep your cool.

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No single car is the perfect road trip vehicle for everyone, but great road trip cars have some features in common. We looked for vehicles that have good gas mileage for fewer stops at gas stations, enough USB ports to keep everyone's devices charged up and comfortable seats in all rows. Driver assistance features are important too, as they can help reduce fatigue during long days on the road.

When new information becomes available, we update our reviews, so the information in these slides might not match the reviews exactly.

Let's take a look at the best road trip cars so we can – finally – get out of town.

Hyundai Motor America |

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

$31,350 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is among the best in its class. Its long list of features was refreshed for the new model year, and it was a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money and Best Hybrid SUV for Families awards. The regular hybrid is the best for road tripping, with up to 38 mpg on the highway. The available plug-in hybrid shines brightest when you can take full advantage of its 33 miles of electric-only power around town.

Inside, there's tons of room for adults in both rows of seating and a huge cargo area. An 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay , wireless Android Auto , four USB ports and wireless device charging come standard.

More on the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

• See 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid »
• Read the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Full Review  »
• See Hybrid SUV Rankings  »

Volkswagen of America, Inc. |

2023 Volkswagen Atlas

$34,460 | usn overall score: 8.0/10.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has enough room to bring along everybody and all their gear. It's available with two or three rows of seating, and even the optional third row has enough room for shorter adults or squirmy kids. It has more cargo space behind the third row than most in its class. A 6.5-inch touch screen and smartphone compatibility come standard.

Despite being a 3-row SUV, the Atlas is easy to maneuver, even when you leave the highway for city streets. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured if you plan to bring a small camper or want to tow some toys for your vacation.

More on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

• See 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas »
• Read the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Full Review  »
• See Midsize SUV Rankings  »

Ford Motor Company |

2023 Lincoln Navigator

$77,635 | usn overall score: 8.8/10.

Wherever your road trip takes you, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator will make sure you arrive in comfort and style. It's one of the best luxury large SUVs, with a well-built and high-quality interior. Standard features include a 13.2-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and five USB ports.

Every seat in all three rows is comfortable, and the available L model adds extra space to an already roomy cargo area. And though it is large, the Navigator turns in decent fuel economy estimates for its class, with up to 23 mpg on the highway. Standard safety features like lane-keep assist can help reduce driver fatigue too.

More on the 2023 Lincoln Navigator

• See 2023 Lincoln Navigator Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Lincoln Navigator »
• Read the 2023 Lincoln Navigator Full Review  »
• See Luxury Large SUV Rankings  »

General Motors |

2023 Chevrolet Suburban

$57,200 | overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is the classic family road trip SUV. It's huge, with more cargo space than almost any SUV out there. It can be configured to seat up to nine people (though it's a tight fit). With seven or eight seats, even the third row provides enough legroom for adults. The interior is sturdy enough for epic journeys, and it comes with an 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and six USB ports.

Depending on how you configure it, the Suburban can tow up to 8,300 pounds, enough for the average camper. It also comes with driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking.

More on the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban

• See 2023 Chevrolet Suburban Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban »
• Read the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban Full Review  »
• See Large SUV Rankings  »

2023 Genesis G90

$88,400 | usn overall score: 9.3/10.

The 2023 Genesis G90 was completely redesigned this year, and it added an optional mild-hybrid powertrain that improves acceleration when passing on the highway. The available air suspension makes long drives a dream, and the long list of standard safety features-including adaptive cruise control-eases the tedium of driving.

The Nappa leather interior wraps the road tripper in luxury, and both rows of seating are comfortable for adults. The trunk is large enough for several suitcases, and it opens automatically as you approach. The G90 also has one of the longest warranties in the business.

More on the 2023 Genesis G90

• See 2023 Genesis G90 Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Genesis G90 »
• Read the 2023 Genesis G90 Full Review  »
• See Luxury Large Car Rankings  »

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. |

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

$30,725 | usn overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid takes everything that has made this compact SUV popular over the years, like a comfortable ride and plenty of standard high-tech features, and added a fuel-efficient and quick-accelerating hybrid powertrain. It can get up to 41 mpg on the highway, which helps cut road trip costs. It was also a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money award.

The interior is solidly built, and both rows of seating are comfy. There's also great visibility for everyone, so games of "I Spy" may get competitive. An 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone compatibility and a Wi-Fi hotspot come standard. Adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition (both standard) help you when driving in unfamiliar locations.

More on the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

• See 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid »
• Read the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Full Review  »

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. |

2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

$32,950 | usn overall score: 8.3/10.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is a more fuel-efficient version of the popular compact SUV, with up to 43 mpg on the highway. It's been completely redesigned this year, with more standard tech features and an improved infotainment system. A 7-inch touch screen, smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and four USB ports come standard.

The seats are comfy in both rows, with room for adults to stretch out even on road trips. The rear seats recline, so whoever is off driving duty can take a nap. Standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist help reduce the fatigue that can come with hours of driving.

More on the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

• See 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid »
• Read the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Full Review  »

2024 Kia Carnival

$33,200 | overall score: 8.5/10.

The 2024 Kia Carnival basically begs you to get the show on the road, and it comes standard with several advanced safety features, including driver-attention monitoring.

The interior is upholstered with easy-to-clean materials, and all three rows have enough room for adults, though the third row is short on headroom. It also has lots of cargo space, even with all three rows in use. An 8-inch touch screen, smartphone compatibility and seven USB ports come standard.

More on the 2024 Kia Carnival

• See 2024 Kia Carnival Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2024 Kia Carnival »
• Read the 2024 Kia Carnival Full Review  »
• See Minivan Rankings  »

Stellantis |

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

$50,795 | usn overall score: 8.6/10.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacific Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid, so when you reach your destination and charge up, you can drive about 32 miles on electric power alone. Under electric power, this Chrysler gets 82 MPG-equivalent, and gasoline-only driving returns up to 30 mpg on the highway. These are great numbers for a minivan.

There's also a ton of tech included, like a 10.1-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and Amazon Alexa compatibility. All three rows of seating have lots of head- and legroom, and there's plenty of storage space. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking camera system.

More on the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

• See 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid »
• Read the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Full Review  »

2023 Ram 1500

$31,270 | usn overall score: 9.0/10.

If your road trip plan involves a camper or boat, you'll want to look into the 2023 Ram 1500 . When properly equipped, it can tow up to 12,750 pounds. As with most pickups, you can configure the 1500 in whatever way works for you.

There are a lot of options and body styles to choose from too, but they all have a spacious, high-quality interior. The availability of safety features and infotainment tech depends on the trim you choose and the options you select, so you can custom-build the road-tripping pickup of your dreams – or the one that fits your budget.

More on the 2023 Ram 1500

• See 2023 Ram 1500 Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Ram 1500 »
• Read the 2023 Ram 1500 Full Review  »
• See Full Size Pickup Truck Rankings  »

2023 Honda Civic

$23,750 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

Your road-trip car is probably also your go-to-work-every-day car. The 2023 Honda Civic ably handles both roles. It's one of the best compact cars in its class, and we named it the Best Compact Car for the Money as well as one of the Best Cars for Teens . All of its scores are high, especially when it comes to safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it the Top Safety Pick+ designation.

It's not just safe, it's also thrifty, with up to 42 mpg on the highway. A 7-inch touch screen and smartphone connectivity come standard. It also comes with adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition, which make driving in unfamiliar areas a bit easier.

More on the 2023 Honda Civic

• See 2023 Honda Civic Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Honda Civic »
• Read the 2023 Honda Civic Full Review  »
• See Compact Car Rankings  »

2023 Ford Mustang

$27,770 | usn overall score: 9.2/10.

Sometimes you want to live the American road trip dream in an impractical sports car. But guess what – the 2023 Ford Mustang is a rather practical sports car with one of the highest overall U.S. News scores. There are several available engines, but sticking with the base turbo-four means an estimated 32 mpg on the highway.

Living the American muscle car fantasy on the open road is best for two people, since the Mustang's rear seats are pretty small. Its standard infotainment system has a 4.2-inch display – not a touch screen – and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. But maybe most importantly, for purposes of the dream, the Mustang is available as a convertible.

More on the 2023 Ford Mustang

• See 2023 Ford Mustang Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Ford Mustang »
• Read the 2023 Ford Mustang Full Review  »
• See Sports Car Rankings  »

Road Trip Car Characteristics

Passenger space : People turn cranky when they aren't comfortable after hours on the road. There needs to be space for everyone to stretch out.

Cargo space : At the very minimum, you'll be bringing luggage along and maybe also camping gear or tubes for floating the river. Make sure there's space for your gear.

Fuel economy : Stopping for gas on a road trip can get expensive. Fuel efficiency, particularly from hybrid powertrains, can ease the pain of stopping at the pump.

Infotainment : An AM/FM radio is no longer sufficient for most people. An infotainment system that's easy to use while driving and can connect to smartphones is key.

Safety tech : Driving long distances causes fatigue, and fatigue causes accidents. Modern driver-assistance features can help you stay alert and in your lane.

Reliability : No one wants to be the car in the breakdown lane while on their road trip. A good predicted reliability score shows that a particular model has on average been a solid performer over time.

John M. Vincent | U.S. News & World Report

Road Trip Car FAQs

What is the best car for road trips.

The best car for road trips is the one that fits your budget and your needs, so there's no one vehicle that will work for everybody. That said, the 2023 Honda Civic is a strong pick. It provides comfort, features, safety and reliability, and all for one of the lowest price tags on this list.

What is the best SUV for road trips?

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid combines a long list of standard features with great fuel economy, and it has one of the most spacious interiors in its class.

What is the best luxury car for road trips?

The redesigned 2023 Genesis G90 will take you anywhere in comfort and style. Most of its best features are standard, including leather upholstery.

What is the most comfortable car for long trips?

On a list of very comfortable vehicles, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is probably the most comfortable, especially for back-seat passengers who can take advantage of those reclining seats. If comfort is your priority, take a look at our list of most comfortable cars for more options.

U.S. News and World Report |

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Plenty of families take road trips, so you might want to check out the winners of our 2023 Best Cars for Families awards too. Maybe you've been left stranded on an unfamiliar road by your former car and are looking for the most reliable cars available. If you know you need to bring along a lot of gear, see our roundup of compact SUVs with the most cargo space .

When you're ready to buy a new car, use our Best Price Program to pre-negotiate a great price with a local dealership. You can arrange for online buying and even vehicle delivery through the program.

U.S. News & World Report |

Best Cars for Road Trips

• 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid - $31,350 | Overall Score: 8.7/10
• 2023 Volkswagen Atlas - $34,460 | Overall Score: 8.0/10
• 2023 Lincoln Navigator - $77,635| Overall Score: 8.8/10
• 2023 Chevrolet Suburban - $57,200 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
• 2023 Genesis G90 - $88,400 | Overall Score: 9.3/10
• 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - $31,225 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
• 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid - $32,950 | Overall Score: 8.3/10
• 2024 Kia Carnival - $33,200 | Overall Score: 8.5/10
• 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid - $50,795 | Overall Score: 8.6/10
• 2023 Ram 1500 - $31,270 | Overall Score: 9.0/10
• 2023 Honda Civic - $23,750 | Overall Score: 8.7/10
• 2023 Ford Mustang - $27,770 | Overall Score: 9.2/10

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12 Must-Visit Automotive Factory Tours in the United States

Keep the following in mind before you schedule:

• Most don’t allow cameras or recording devices on the tours
• Minimum ages of visitors around typically between 8 and 12 years old
• Nearly all of these visits require reservations in advance
• Adhere to the dress code guidelines, including closed-toed shoes
• Some tours involve extensive walking, so call ahead if you need special accommodation

Furry Friends: How to safely travel with pets

12. Nissan North America – Smyrna, Tennessee

Limited tours of this vehicle assembly plant near Nashville are offered–only Tuesdays and Thursdays–but a motorized, narrated ride through the assembly of these renowned Nissan vehicles is worth the waiting list. You’ll get to see everything from the Pathfinder to the Altima and the Leaf rolling off the production line. More information.

11. BMW U.S. Factory – Spartanburg, South Carolina

Those interested in getting an inside perspective on the “Ultimate Driving Machine” will love touring the only American BMW factory, which is near Charlotte, NC. For a $10 fee, visitors will get to see the modern engineering marvels of the German brand at work within the production plant. Afterward, swing by the Zentrum museum to see the history of BMW at your own pace. More information .

10. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama – Montgomery, Alabama

If you want to watch the construction of a car you probably own, check out this factory within the historic Montgomery city limits. After watching a prep video and donning your headsets, you’ll be taken on a guided tram tour of the assembly of the Hyundai Sonata and Elantra . The experience is free and occasional evening tour times are offered too. Check out the gift shop after your tour for some Hyundai swag! More information .

9. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky – Georgetown, Kentucky

Welcome to Toyota’s assembly plant in Georgetown, Kentucky!

In the heart of the bluegrass region, not far from Lexington, is a massive Toyota manufacturing plant that has given tours to hundreds of thousands of people since 1990. Visitors can take a free guided tram tour through the inside of the facility while listening to friendly guides over headphones explain the work being done. An 11,500-square-foot Visitor Center includes displays and a Toyota gift shop. More information .

8. Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) – Lafayette, Indiana

If you’re headed to Chicago sometime, swing by the home of North American Subaru production that’s southeast of the Windy City. A free, mile-long walk on an elevated catwalk through the facility offers a unique perspective on production operations, but skirts are highly discouraged for that reason! You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable Subaru tour director on your walk. More information .

7. Ford Rouge Factory – Dearborn, Michigan

The assembly area is only one portion of this thorough five-part, self-guided tour. Apart from seeing the new aluminum F-150 produced in the assembly floor, learn more about the plant’s innovations at the Legacy Theater, Manufacturing Innovation Theater, and Legacy Gallery. Tickets are a bit pricey but it’s one of the few facilities open for weekend tours. More information .

6. Mercedes-Benz US International – Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Get a close-up look at the most luxurious auto brand around by seeing the Visitor Center Museum and taking a guided tour along the assembly floor, which produces such greats as the M-Class . Despite the tour costing a small fee, the experience is highly memorable–and the two mile walk will give you a workout too! More information .

5. Bowling Green Corvette Plant – Bowling Green, Kentucky

Welcome to the home of the Chevy Corvette!

This place halfway between Louisville and Nashville received a lot of attention after a sinkhole appeared in its adjacent National Corvette Museum. Now that it’s being repaired, visitors are flocking to see the Chevy building and tour the assembly plant. For a small fee, you can take an hour-long guided walking tour of the Corvette sports car’s actual construction, from the initial steel structure to the final drive off the line. More information .

4. Honda Heritage – Marysville, Ohio

The Honda Heritage Center in Marysville, Ohio

Although you can’t actually tour the factory here near Columbus which has been producing vehicles for over 50 years, the facility recently opened up a stellar museum on its grounds . You’ll learn about the role the factory has played in the history of the Honda, as well as see fascinating models on display. The best part of the experience is the hands-on activities!  More information .

3. General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant – Kansas City, Kansas

This GM assembly and stamping facility in the heart of barbecue city offers free walking tours on certain days. If you follow the strict set of safety guidelines, you’ll get to see the process of metal being molded into body panels and attached to vehicles like the Buick LaCrosse and the Chevrolet Malibu . More information .

2. Shelby American Inc – Las Vegas, Nevada

The legacy of Carroll Shelby lives on! This facility has been modifying and selling Ford vehicles for 50 years. If you still have time after seeing the numerous cars on display on the showroom floor, you can get a free tour of the garage (donations accepted). More information .

1. Harley Davidson – Multiple Locations

Harley Davidson powertrain assembly in Kansas City

Multiple Harley Davidson plants offer tours in the US. A free, hour-long walking tour of the manufacturing plant in York, PA is offered, but most visitors prefer the Steel Toe Tour which–for a decent price–gets you entrance to special areas, a commemorative pin, a group photo, a safety vest, and $5 toward the gift shop. A Kids Corner makes this facility suitable for your whole family.

In the heart of Harley history, Menomonee Falls, WI has the northwest plant. You’ll love the interactive museum in downtown Milwaukee and the grand tour of the production facility. Staying overnight? Consider the unique Iron Horse Hotel.

Finally, observe the powertrain operations in Kansas City, MO with a free factory tour of some of the brand’s most beloved models. More information on all three tours .

Safety Tips: Reduce distracted driving and save lives

Aaron is unashamed to be a native Clevelander and the proud driver of a Hyundai Veloster Turbo (which recently replaced his 1995 Saturn SC-2). He gleefully utilizes his background in theater, literature, and communication to dramatically recite his own articles to nearby youth. Mr. Widmar happily resides in Dayton, Ohio with his magnificent wife, Vicki, but is often on the road with her exploring new destinations. Aaron has high aspirations for his writing career but often gets distracted pondering the profound nature of the human condition and forgets what he was writing… See more articles by Aaron.

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The 15 Most Popular Luxury Car Brands Online

Spectacular speed, sophisticated style.

by Michael Bradley Published on April 23, 2024

At Luxe Digital, we independently research, review, and recommend products we love and that we think you will love, too. Learn more about how we curate the best products for you .

​​The online popularity of the best luxury car brands in the world is a reliable predictor of future sales and the trends that are shaping the global automobile industry. Navigating the luxe lanes of the digital highway, 2024 brings a subtle shuffle in the most popular luxury car brands online. Holding the pack-leading position, BMW jump-starts interest with the sparkling debut of the electrified i5.

Not to be outdone, Mercedes-Benz shifts gears, accelerating past Audi with an electric roar from the forthcoming G-Wagon EQG and the blistering C63 S E Performance. Making the biggest move on the list, Tesla jolts seven spots up, spurred by the Cybertruck’s charged entrance. Porsche moves up a spot without many changes, while Volvo , Ferrari , and Land Rover drop slightly despite showcasing enticing new electric cars.

$665B size of the global luxury cars market by 2027.

The global luxury car industry is much more dynamic than luxury fashion, watches, and jewelry , and changes since last year are extreme. Each brand’s journey this year marks a distinct path of innovation and sustainability. The evolving legacies join electrified ambitions, crafting a saga to redefine luxury automotive excellence.

This is the third year that we have applied our rigorous online popularity ranking to the car market. The methodology has indeed proven its usefulness with our list of the best luxury brands online.

Questions? See our methodology , definitions , and frequently asked questions at the end of this article.

With a spark of electric allure and cutting-edge innovation, BMW holds the top spot as the most popular luxury brand online with a commanding 24% of search interest. It drives boldly into the limelight featuring an exhilarating mix of tradition and transformation.

The usual BMW sporty spirit joins eco-friendly prowess with a new generation of the BMW 5 Series, including the introduction of the electrified i5. The BMW 4 Series also ushers in major changes featuring sharper exterior designs and big performance upgrades.

Excitement continues around the corner through a bold concept car and a new era of BMW model generation, named the Neue Klasse. Amidst the glowing competition in the EV market, BMW keeps its cool with serious sustainable strides and a timeless appeal other luxury brands envy.

Learn more about BMW .

Online interest for BMW over time

2. Mercedes-Benz

Leaping over Audi into the number two spot, Mercedes-Benz dazzles the automotive stage with an emphasis on luxurious advancements and modern renovations.

Between teasing the upcoming all-electric G-Wagon EQG and creating the quickest C Class ever, the C63 S E Performance, this luxury brand shifts from revs to volts with ferocious acceleration. 

Mercedes also continues pleasing the people with multiple spots on the best luxury SUVs and formidable Brabus creations. It even hits a high note for combustion-engine enthusiasts with the new Mercedes-AMG GT, harnessing a 4.0L twin-turbo V-8 under the hood.

The future of Mercedes-Benz looks electrifyingly promising as a leader in luxury automotive design and technology.

Learn more about Mercedes Benz .

Online interest for Mercedes-Benz over time

Maintaining nearly 15% of search interest yet falling one spot from last year, Audi sits at number three on the list of the most popular luxury brands online.

This prominent German car brand stays in the fast lane of innovation with the exciting debut of the Audi Q6 e-tron electric SUV and teasing the upcoming A6 e-tron. It stole headlines around the world by using an electric-drive RS Q e-tron to win the brutal Dakar Rally. And the A3 continues to hit big numbers as one of the best-selling cars of 2024.

At the same time, Audi says goodbye to the cherished and sporty Audi R8 and TT models. This luxury brand hasn’t overlooked its commitment to electrification and steers straight into an enticing future.

Learn more about Audi.

Online interest for Audi over time

Fueled by a dynamic blend of Cybertruck’s high-voltage introduction and a refreshed lineup of established models, Tesla’s online popularity surged up seven spots from last year. This luxury car brand maintains its stance at the forefront of the EV revolution.

As deliveries of the Tesla Cybertruck ramp up, the futuristic design and robust performance are there to exceed expectations. The continued buzz is not without the ongoing criticism, which doesn’t phase the enthusiastic fans loving the new electric truck , complete with up to 834 horsepower and 470 miles (756 km) on a single charge. Model 3 now brings a sleeker design and improved amenities.

The growing anticipation for the second-generation Tesla Roadster and consistent groundbreaking tech ensure Tesla’s continued success.

Learn more about Tesla .

Online interest for Tesla over time

Making it clear that staying at the top doesn’t require significant shakeups, Porsche stands tall against the luxury brand behemoths with only minor enhancements across the board.

The redesigned Panamera is this Volkswagen Group brand’s most exhilarating update. Yet it sticks to small styling changes, an updated V-6 powertrain, and other understated modifications. The 911’s 60th birthday deserves some praise, celebrated with an exclusive 911 S/T variant boasting performance beyond that of the GT3.

The Taycan’s range gets a bump up while the Cayenne S leaves the V-6 behind for a twin-turbo V-8, a change opposite the industry trend. Drivers craving speed and luxury can remain confident in the Porsche logo’s ability to deliver.

Learn more about Porsche .

Online interest for Porsche over time

The relentless pursuit of safety and sustainability shines bright in Volvo’s 21st-century growth. Although it drops two spots on the list of the most popular luxury brands, there’s no doubting its prominence in the growing EV market.

The Swedish car brand’s 2024 updates include the release of two new fully-electric models. The Volvo EX90 is poised to take the throne as the brand’s flagship SUV, with nearly 500 horsepower and ~300 miles (480k km) on a single charge. The new EX30 hits the other end of the spectrum, providing chic styling and zippy electric acceleration on a smaller Volvo SUV platform.

Volvo’s strategy to blend luxurious touches with environmental responsibility ensures a smooth ride into the future of automotive design.

Learn more about Volvo .

Online interest for Volvo over time

Swimming against the current, Lexus rides into 2024 with just one fully electric option and most changes hitting its larger SUVs. Yet this Japanese car brand gathers almost 5% of search interest to maintain a spot within the top ten luxury carmakers.

The 2024 TX is the new family-friendly SUV with multiple drivetrains including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The GX mid-size SUV received a rugged overhaul with a boxy shape and terrain-focused improvements. And the Lexus RX continues to spark interest as one of the best electric cars .

Many other Lexus cars are more enticing than ever by moving optional upgrades to the standard trim levels. Larger wheel sizes, improved infotainment screens, and abundant new paint options fill out the list of new 2024 Lexus offerings.

Learn more about Lexus .

Online interest for Lexus over time

Unwavering elegance and heart-pounding performance is a special combination that many strive for but few achieve. Ferrari has what it takes and gleefully continues forward, seamlessly shifting through the curves of Monaco and beyond. 

With record-breaking sales and demand far exceeding supply, there’s no questioning this Italian car brand’s popularity. Although it fell one position on this list of the most popular luxury car brands online, big changes in 2024 are coming through the intake.

Lewis Hamilton shook the motorsports world by announcing his departure from Mercedes-Benz to the Ferrari Formula 1 team. And three new prancing horse models are expected in 2024, including a hypercar LaFerrari successor, a potential 812 Superfast replacement, and an unknown model.

Learn more about Ferrari .

Online interest for Ferrari over time

9. Lamborghini

Although it’s down one spot from last year on this list, Lamborghini hits 2024 with a roar that’s turning heads and sending pulses racing.

Meet the Lamborghini Revuelto, the latest hypercar to join the raging bull’s stable. It marks a bold step into the hybrid era while holding tradition close to heart, embracing the electric performance as the naturally aspirated V-12 continues to sing. 

Looking ahead, Lamborghini unveiled plans to make a groundbreaking leap into the electric vehicle market in 2028 with the Lanzador. The brand’s iconic design ethos meets cutting-edge EV technology, carrying the Lamborghini legacy forward into the next-generation technology. Will it leave more of the rarest cars in the world in its wake before the big transformation?

Learn more about Lamborghini .

Online interest for Lamborghini over time

10. Land Rover

Sliding down one spot on this list of luxury car brands, Land Rover continues to let the good times roll. Coming a long way from the original 1948 Land Rover, one of the best classic cars , 2024 changes include a tweak to Range Rover’s hybrid powertrain and a new iteration of the Range Rover Sport EV, now reaching over 600 horsepower.

The upcoming Defender Octa pushes the British car brand’s pioneering spirit forward, harnessing a twin-turbo mild-hybrid V-8 to create the most powerful Defender ever. 

As Land Rover’s evolution continues, it blends storied heritage with forward-thinking technology through two upcoming EV models, a Range Rover RV in 2025 and a Defender Sport EV in 2027.

Learn more about Land Rover .

Online interest for Land Rover over time

11. Cadillac

This American car brand is firing on all cylinders and battery cells, allowing it to climb up one spot in the list of the most popular luxury car brands online.

The spotlight shines brightest on its revolutionary ultra-luxurious Cadaillas Celestiq, an electric vehicle with a bespoke production model and a starting price near $340,000. As the new 2024 introduction, it signifies an upmarket shift for the long-standing brand. The always-popular Cadillac Escalade will be following the electric ride with an IQ electric variant in 2025.

Yet Cadillac also remains committed to its stylish CT4 and CT5 models, with the high-performance V and Blackwing speed demons still drawing big crowds.

Learn more about Cadillac .

Online interest for Cadillac over time

2024 marks a historic year for Jaguar and its 75 years of sports car production. To celebrate, it released a limited-edition F-Type 75 with a smorgasbord of upgrades. But the significance of this year goes far beyond the passage of time.

Jaguar has announced a major shakeup, ending production on its entire current lineup later this year and coming back to the market with the 2025 Jaguar GT, an all-electric performance car set to be the most powerful Jaguar ever made. Perhaps it will make another showing as a James Bond car . 

Although Jaguar dropped two spots this year, it’s putting it all on the table for a future payoff.

Learn more about Jaguar .

Online interest for Jaguar over time

13. Chrysler

Despite a dwindling lineup, Chrysler holds the number 13 spot on the list of popular car brands.

The brand has had a severely limited selection for some years, with only minivan options and one sedan heading off the Chrysler showroom floors. And in 2024, the sole sedan, the Chrysler 300, was discontinued.

How does it still keep search interest? A refreshed electric portfolio coming in 2025. The Chrysler Airflow concept seems to be a fairly standard crossover EV, but the Chrysler Halcyon concept is a sci-fi-inspired odyssey into the unknown, with a lounge-like cabin and a unique exterior shape straight from your imagination.

Learn more about Chrysler .

Online interest for Chrysler over time

14. Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo enters 2024 with exciting updates to its core models and the long-awaited release of the Tonale hybrid SUV. It climbs up one spot on this list and keeps the world’s attention through a trickle of new offerings.

First debuted in 2019, the 2024 Tonale finally marks Alfa Romeo’s earnest push towards electrification with its plug-in hybrid powertrain. The rumor-filled release of the next B-SUV platform, now called Brennero, seems to continue the hybrid trend.

Another big boost for this year’s interest in Alfa Romeo is the 33 Stradale, a limited-edition supercar set to begin deliveries at the end of 2024, perhaps giving the fastest cars in the world something to compete with.

Learn more about Alpha Romeo .

Online interest for Alfa Romeo over time

15. Rolls-Royce

Sliding into the final spot on the list is the pinnacle of opulence and serene driving, Rolls Royce. The ultra-luxury brand hurdles over Bugatti , its enduring rival that champions unparalleled speed and engineering prowess.

The $30 million Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail steers into a new level of automotive pricing, topping the list of the most expensive cars . Yet the true draw of the year has eyes turned toward the Spectre, the first all-electric Rolls-Royce starting the wave toward 100% EV drivetrains expected by 2030.

The emphasis on bespoke luxury and timeless style allows Rolls-Royce to maintain its iconic status, while the shift to new technology generates additional industry excitement.

Learn more about Rolls-Royce.

Online interest for Rolls-Royce over time

Methodology and sources: How we rank the best luxury car brands of the year

Luxe Digital’s luxury car brands ranking aims to provide a real-time and insightful analysis of the most popular luxury automobile brands online. Our ranking clearly shows how each brand performs online and can help predict future growth.

To create this ranking, we start our analysis by using Google Trends to compare online search interest for all the luxury car brands in the world. This year, BMW dominates the share of search, so we use the brand as the standard against which we measure all the other brands to have a single comparison point.

After observing a significant concentration of the share of search interest among the top 15 luxury car brands on our list, we summed up their individual score to get a baseline of the total search interest across all brands combined. We then calculated a ratio for each brand against that total to get their share of the total search interest.

Definitions

Our summary table at the top of this article refers to the following terms:

• Share of search interest is calculated based on worldwide Google Trends data. We measure the absolute search interest for each of the top luxury car brands during the period, then calculate how much attention they receive compared to the other brands in our ranking as a percentage of the total search interest for luxury brands.
• Social media audience is calculated based on Rival IQ reports for each brand as of July 2022. It represents the sum of Facebook Fans, Instagram Followers, Twitter Followers, and YouTube Subscribers.
• Social media engagement rate is calculated based on Rival IQ reports for each brand as of July 2022. It represents the total number of engagement actions across all tracked social channels, combining comments, likes and shares, and divided by the total audience.

Best luxury car brands: Frequently asked questions

BMW is the world’s number one luxury car brand by popularity in 2024. Mercedes-Benz , however, is the most valuable luxury car brand and number one in terms of vehicles sold.

The top 10 luxury car brands are BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Porsche, Volvo, Lexus, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Land Rover. See our full ranking of the best luxury car brands in the world to see what makes them so popular online.

Mercedes-Benz , BMW , Lexus , and Volvo are the most reliable luxury car brands. Reliability ratings vary by model and engine, but these automotive brands consistently rank at the top of the charts in terms of reliability.

The best luxury car for the money is the BMW X3. The BMW X3 sDrive30i starts at $43,000, and it’s outfitted with a 248-horsepower engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s considered to be one of the best value for the money luxury cars, from the brand that tops our ranking. The X3 is also a versatile and reliable car.

About the author

Michael Bradley

Motoring editor.

You could say that Michael lives two lives. On one hand, you’ll find him dressed to the nines and taking the city by storm, showing his love for men’s fashion . On the other hand, he lives an adventurous outdoor lifestyle and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Somewhere in the middle is his undying love for all things automotive . Whether it’s checking out the latest and greatest models or turning a wrench on his classic cars, there’s always a bit of oil flowing through his brain.

Learn more about Michael Bradley

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Best GT cars 2024 - our favourite grand tourers

Whether it’s a cross-continent drive or attacking a mountain pass when you get there, a great gt car remains impossible to beat for such a task.

Few modern cars have quite so much appeal as the traditional grand tourer. They might seem old fashioned in our current ecosystem of EVs , SUVs , and do (almost) everything supercars but with the GT’s heritage comes a regality that few other car types inherit. 

Essentially, the GT has a simple mantra: to transport its occupants in supreme comfort, speed and style, while remaining capable when the roads get interesting. Simple though it might seem, this is a hard balance to reach, and while many might skew in one direction or another, all must be able to achieve both of these key roles. 

They bring up grand notions of racing down to the south of France in time for a late sitting at your favourite ocean-side restaurant, but in reality a GT’s true capability can be just as much enjoyed on the M25 as the Autoroute du Soleil. 

The two-door coupe form which once defined the GT is no longer a prerequisite, so too the need to be powered by a twelve cylinder engine or drive to be purely to the rear wheels. So in our 2024 list, our favourite GTs come in all sorts of different forms, each with their own distinct personality, yet the same fundamental ability of transporting people at great speed and comfort. 

These are our favourite modern-age GTs, whether they be a traditional coupe, sleek saloon, EV or even an SUV. 

Best GT cars of 2024

Click the links below to read our full review on each or our favourite GTs.

Ferrari Roma

Bentley continental gt, lexus lc500.

• Aston Martin DB1 2

Mercedes-AMG GT

• Porsche Panamera GTS

Porsche Taycan

• Audi e-tron GT

Maserati GranTurismo

• Ferrari Roma  review

Ferrari has long been a key manufacturer of the traditional grand tourer, so it’s no surprise to discover few modern GTs hit quite the same notes as the Roma. This V8-powered two-plus-two coupe comes with elegant restrained styling and a dynamic repertoire that makes it as brilliant to drive on a challenging road as it is munching through hundreds of motorway miles. 

First launched in 2020, the Roma was a brand new addition to the Ferrari range, combining the hardware and aluminium-intensive chassis derived from the Portofino with a sleek coupe body. Ferrari also used the Roma to introduce its next generation interior design and digital interfaces, dominated by a highly-configurable curved screen ahead of the driver paired to a new portrait-aspect screen in the centre of the dash.

The Roma’s powered by Ferrari’s twin-turbocharged 90-degree 3.9-litre V8, here producing 560lb ft of torque between 3000 and 5750, with a peak of 611bhp taking over from 5750 to the 7500rpm redline. This, combined with Ferrari’s clever e-differential and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission mounted on the rear axle gives the Roma an impressive 3.4sec 0-62mph time, also breaking the ten second barrier to 124mph at 9.3sec.  

With a Spider  version recently added to the Roma family and Ferrari's replacement for the GT4C Lusso now the V12-engined (not an) SUV Purosangue , the Roma is Ferrari's most traditional GT car. One of the best, too.

• Bentley Continental GT review

If you’re after a GT car with a greater emphasis on luxury, few can rival Bentley and its beguiling Continental GT. Available in coupe and convertible body styles, and with V8 and for the time being with W12 powertrains, the Continental GT took a major leap forward in its current generation, introducing a new platform co-developed by Porsche that has enhanced both its driving dynamics and refinement. 

Dynamically, the 542bhp V8 model is the sweeter to drive with less weight over the nose and a baritone rumble from under the vast bonnet, but for the full experience the 626bhp W12-powered Speed is hard to ignore and one to saviour while you still can.

Emphasising its place at the top of the range, the Speed features an electronically-controlled locking rear differential that, alongside an active anti-roll system and monster carbon ceramic brakes, makes it amazingly capable over challenging roads. Although it lacks the V8's agility and enthusiasm.

Yet the Continental GT isn’t really about on-the-limit handling, rather its ability to embrace the driver at any speed. Its superb refinement, exceptional ride quality, total insulation from the outside and beautifully finished interior make it one of motoring’s great experiences to effortlessly thunder across vast distances

• Lexus LC500 Coupe review

The Lexus LC does luxury Japanese style, which means despite having a significant downstep in power and performance compared to its European rivals, its naturally-aspirated V8 engine focuses on charisma and precision. It responds instantly to every squeeze of the accelerator and makes an intoxicating induction howl as you rev it – one painstakingly honed by Toyota’s long-standing partnership with Yamaha.

This distinctive dynamic character is then reflected in the way the LC500 looks and feels from within the cabin. Even five years after its launch, the LC looks like nothing else on the road, with a combination of concept car-like detailing and stunning proportions. It’s also built to an incredibly high standard, with a tangible precision in its build that permeates the whole car.

It’s not as fast as most rivals, doesn’t have cutting edge technology, nor is quite as ultimately variable in its character but the LC500 feels like a mechanical watch in a world of smartwatches – a unique entity and one we dearly hope doesn’t go away any time soon. We suspect that it will stick around for a while, considering that Lexus has continued to fine hone and tweak the LC500 throughout its life – culminating in the flagship Ultimate Edition this year

Aston Martin DB12

• Aston Martin DB1 2 review

To mark the dawn of its Lawrence Stroll-led era, Aston Martin has carved a new, stronger identity with a GT car that blends elegance with serious bite and poise. The DB12 may look similar to the DB11 that came before it, but Aston Martin has reworked it to the core to provide a fundamentally different driving experience; and it's one we like a lot at evo . 

Aston's twin-turbo V12 has been ousted due to emissions regulations, but the uprated AMG V8 in the nose of the DB12 fulfils its role beautifully. Delivering a rich exhaust note and 671bhp to the rear wheels, it's refined and flexible but deceptively potent when you open it up. There's serious performance on offer here, and the DB12 feels more exciting than even the sharpened DB11 AMR. 

With extra bracing in its chassis and a far more reactive chassis setup, the DB12 feels tauter and more controlled, too. There's an alertness, an agility to the new car that the DB11 – for all its suppleness and refinement – simply can't match, and it moves the Aston right into battle with the likes of the Ferrari Roma. 

A heavily revamped interior rounds off the series of enhancements. Gone is the fiddly HMI system borrowed from old Mercedes models, and in comes a far more intuitive and feature rich touchscreen nestled within a redesigned dashboard. All of the touchpoints now have a crisp, quality feel that's befitting of a £185,000 Aston Martin, which certainly wasn't the case before.

• Mercedes-AMG GT review

The latest Mercedes-AMG SL didn't exactly fill us with hope as a precursor to the new, closely related AMG GT. The SL has been repositioned as a more practical, four-seat roadster that also happens to be a sports car, but the result is a confused, misaligned package that we haven't quite gelled with; so much so that it came last at evo  Car of the Year in 2022. 

But the AMG GT is different. Despite riding on the same platform and using the same fundamental powertrain, it feels more focused and tightly defined as a usable everyday sports car, one that – from our first drive abroad at least – will give the Porsche 911 Turbo a serious headache. 

With a 577bhp 4-litre twin-turbo V8 and four-wheel drive, the range-topping GT 63 hits very hard indeed; 62mph comes up in just 3.2sec, and the top speed isn't far shy of 200mph. But the AMG GT has always been quick, and it's the extra sharpness and composure of the new model that really moves the game on – despite it being more usable than ever. 

Select Comfort mode and the new GT presents you with a fluid, compliant character that's more mellow than before, and ratcheting up to Sport+ brings extra snap to the engine response and tightens up the damping, although not to the extent that the GT feels overly stiff or uncouth. We wish the V8 was a little more vocal and present inside the cabin, but the AMG GT is now more flexible and technically impressive than ever.

While Porsche doesn’t strictly offer a traditional two-door grand tourer in its range (the last being the 928), the Panamera has been doing an excellent job of filling that role with its two extra doors over two generations now. The current model – due for a heavy update in 2024 – is a supreme example of Porsche's engineering prowess.

The second Panamera was developed on a platform that’s shared by the Continental GT and Flying Spur, capable of packaging some serious chassis hardware into its considerable footprint. Yet despite sharing many parts under the skin, the Porsche takes a more variable approach to its variants, with both hatchback and Sport Turismo models paired to a range of V6 and V8 powertrains with or without plug-in hybrid modules. 

Our favourite is the GTS, a mid-range V8-powered model without any electrification elements and the most dynamic focus. It might not have the numbers of a Turbo or Turbo S – it makes do with a relatively conservative 473bhp – but the GTS makes use of every one of them, and does so with an attitude and feedback missing in more elaborately specified siblings. 

Without the added weight of a plug-in module and a more natural, nuanced balance, the GTS has all the appeal of a genuine sports saloon, one that makes a fine grand tourer.

• Porsche Taycan review

If a four-door Porsche being on this list of best GTs felt like a controversial addition, here’s another: the all-electric Taycan. To say we’ve been critical of EVs might be a reasonable statement, but none have changed our perception of them quite as resolutely as the Taycan. 

Since its initial debut in 2019, the Taycan has diversified to nearly as many variants as a 911, with three body styles – a Sport Turismo estate and high-riding Cross Turismo have joined the existing saloon – joined by more recent updates to the Taycan 4 and 4S. The range has also been joined by the GTS that once again has proved to be the most deft balance between raising its capability without needing to rely on feel-sapping chassis augmentation tech. 

The most remarkable thing about the Taycan is that beyond just being fast and capable, it also drives with the same finesse and attention to detail that defines all Porsches. This is felt through the steering, chassis balance and impressive damping, helping disguise its 2295kg mass like few rivals. 

Of course as a GT, the Taycan is compromised by its relatively limited range, which compared to larger rivals can only muster a range of 315 miles in its most efficient form in a best case scenario. Still, despite the romance of a GT being based around long-distance cruising across national borders, the reality is that most daily driving is much shorter, making the Taycan an ideal daily driver for those who want to adopt EV technology without giving up a Porsche-like driving experience.

Next up on our list is another EV, one that’s closely related to the Porsche Taycan above only with even more of a grand touring nature. It says so in the name, but it’s worth remembering that the Audi e-tron GT lives up to it with a superb combination of excellent comfort, refinement and the ability to drive almost as well as the more dynamically-focused Porsche Taycan.

The Audi’s range is more restrained, with only two powertrain options in a single body style. This is made up of the base e-tron GT that comes with 523bhp, and the top-spec RS e-tron GT, that has up to 636bhp. Both have the same larger 93.4kWh battery pack as higher-specification Taycans with up to 305 miles of range. 

To drive, the Audi takes a more languid approach to its dynamics, highlighted by softer springs (air or coil) and dampers, much lighter steering and more relaxed rates for its anti-roll bars (again, adaptive or static). 

Over long distances, the Audi generally impresses, and while it lacks the ultimate dynamic sparkle of the Taycan is in most cases the more relaxing to drive long distances. With a pre-organised route with a consistent set of high-speed charging points along the way, the e-tron GT makes for a brilliant grand tourer.

• Maserati GranTurismo review

The clue's in the name. The Maserati GranTurismo taps into the firm's legacy as a maker of achingly gorgeous, fast, sumptuous and engaging GT cars, picking up where the MC20 left off as one of the finest models of its type. 

In its final years, the last-gen GranTurismo  withered against more advanced and more capable rivals from Aston Martin and Bentley , but from a purely visual standpoint, it remained hard to beat. Thankfully, the new GranTurismo carries forward much of its design DNA, but the beneath the skin is a car transformed. 

The top-spec Trofeo version generates 542bhp from its MC20-derived twin-turbo V6, hurling from 0-62mph in 3.5sec and on to a 199mph top speed. But even when you aren't exercising the engine to test those claims, the GranTurismo feels beautifully engineered and indulgent – particularly now that the cabin feels truly special with exceptional fit and finish. 

Switch to Corsa mode and in a blink, the character changes dramatically. The V6 takes on a harder, sharper character and the GranTurismo flows with wonderful precision. The four-wheel drive system is beautifully judged to provide security without strangling adjustability, and it feels a match for the latest and greatest GTs out there. Maserati is well and truly back on form.

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Top Luxury Car Brands of 2023

Our guide to which brands are the most posh and coveted.

Do you want to know what the top luxury car brands are for 2023? Well, the line between a luxury car and a mainstream car is blurrier today than ever. And whether you're shopping for a more comfortable, relaxing car with a heightened sense of luxury, or just a more mainstream car with a nicer interior and ride quality, choices abound. Let's take a look at what's available.

As mainstream brands like Ford, Mazda and Volkswagen load their lineups with features and upgraded materials, luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Lexus increasingly distill their traditional quality and aesthetics into smaller, more affordable packages.

As mainstream and luxury brands start to overlap, the price gap also narrows. Edmunds data found that the disparity between average mainstream and luxury vehicle prices shrank about 10% between the mid-2000s and mid-2010s. And while the current average transaction prices between luxury and non-luxury brands remain distant — $78K for the former, $43K for the latter — automakers in both categories are clearly looking for new buyers. So with regular brands pushing up and traditional luxury brands pushing down, what distinguishes the two?

What the top luxury car brands offer

When most people think of luxury cars, they probably think of fine leather seats, soft, pillowy rides, and ample room to stretch out. But these qualities are increasingly available in cars ranging from Honda Accords to Ford F-150 pickups. Today's top luxury cars stand out by taking things to another level. Full-grain and embossed leathers, specialty wood and metal trims, and panels — dash, doors, headliner — wrapped in suede-like or microfiber materials typically remain the reserve of luxury brands.

You'll often find more tech, such as video-enhanced navigation, and advanced safety and driver assist features, including hands-free driving systems. Luxury cars tend to favor cushy rides, with upgraded tires and suspensions. Additional layers of sound insulation make cabins quieter, and conversations easier. Premium audio systems, often with 15 or more speakers, are another common luxury indulgence.

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Luxury cars are also typically built as stand-alone models that don't share any major hardware with a less expensive car from a mainstream brand. But there are exceptions. Ford, Toyota and Volkswagen are popular automakers that base their high-end luxury brand products on common platforms. The Lincoln Navigator SUV, for example, is related to the Ford Expedition. Though some auto purists insist true luxury cars should have unique foundations, these brands have found other ways to make their high-end cars stand out.

Another aspect associated with many luxury brands is a heightened level of dealer service, which can include courtesy loaner cars, waiting areas that resemble high-end hotel lobbies, and concierge-type services that handle the details of service appointments and repairs.

Finally, the most intangible trait of a luxury car is cachet. Features, trim and technology alone don't transform a car into a luxury product. Many luxury carmakers have a long history — racing and motorsports mastery is a common thread — and a hard-won reputation for consistent excellence. With these principles in mind, these are our Best Luxury Car Brands for 2023.

Best Luxury Car Brands for 2023

Aston martin, mercedes-benz.

Audi's full-spectrum lineup of cars and SUVs ranges from the compact A4 sedan and Q3 SUV to the Lamborghini-based R8 sports car. All share Audi's sporty handling, sleek interior design and top-grade materials. The automaker's 100-year history and motorsports success lend the four rings on its front grille an enviable cachet.

James Bond driving a Mini just wouldn't be the same, would it? While Aston certainly owes some of its cultural relevance to 007, the brand's long history and elegant designs — among the most lust-worthy outside of Italy — are the larger share of its success. Big, powerful engines and cabins built for long-distance comfort cement Aston's place as a top luxury brand. The DBX is the brand's first SUV.

One of the most storied luxury brands, Bentley traces its roots back more than 100 years, from open-top racers to opulent, expensive luxury cruisers like the Mulsanne. Today the brand's slimmed-down portfolio includes the sporty Continental, stately Flying Spur and Bentayga SUV . Though its vehicles are typically slightly less expensive than those from rival Rolls-Royce, Bentley offers nearly unparalleled luxury appointments and customization potential.

BMW, like its Audi and Mercedes rivals, has a long legacy that includes a laudable motorsports pedigree. Today its expansive portfolio includes compact sprinters like the 2 Series and large luxury shuttles like the 7 Series sedan and X7 SUV. Its ability to combine luxury interiors, athletic handling and the latest in technology features makes it a benchmark for other automakers.

With long, sleek coupes and jet age-inspired designs, Cadillac was once the luxury gold standard in American cars, even slightly more coveted than its Lincoln rival. Cadillac lost its swagger near the end of the century but regained it with the launch of the Escalade SUV in 1999, later adding performance sedans and coupes to its lineup. Today, the Escalade remains a rolling luxury cocoon, with handsome, striking design and sophisticated tech.

Newbie Genesis has quickly established itself as a legitimate luxury alternative to rivals like Cadillac, Lexus and BMW. Genesis spun off from Hyundai in 2020, and while easy to dismiss as dressed-up Hyundais, Genesis models like the G80 share nothing with Hyundai models and offer loads of luxury features, lush interiors, ample power and classy, Bentley-esque styling.

Another classic English brand, Jaguar, like Aston, excels at graceful, curvy sheetmetal with plenty of power underneath and plenty of decadence inside. The F-Type sports car and F-Pace SUV are some of today's most stylish models and are available with a sonorous V8 engine that almost negates the need for a stereo system. Now owned by Tata, an Indian conglomerate, Jaguar nonetheless retains its British charm, which is infused into its two SUVs and I-Pace EV.

One of the original and most iconic SUVs, the Land Rover Range Rover embodies old-school English luxury adventure. The original models were pretty utilitarian, but today's Range Rover and assorted other Rover models — Defender, Evoque, Discovery — are seen more often in valet lines than forest roads. But a certain subset of owners still prize Rovers for their advanced four-wheel-drive systems, luxury-trimmed interiors and stylish design.

It's hard to overstate how Lexus reinvented automotive luxury with the debut of its LS 400 sedan in 1989. Seemingly overnight, many Cadillac, Lincoln, BMW and Mercedes owners became Lexus owners thanks to the new car's smooth ride, rich interior and attractive price. Unparalleled dealer service, especially in the face of some early miscues, also helped Lexus establish a foothold. With long-term reliability baked in from parent company Toyota, Lexus remains a benchmark of comfort, refinement and painstaking detail, as seen in today's LS sedan .

Along with Cadillac, Lincoln was the premier midcentury American luxury brand. Its long, stylish Continental, with rearward-opening doors, remains an iconic design. Like Cadillac, Lincoln suffered dark spells near the end of the century, but it regained its mojo with the Navigator, launched just before the Escalade. Today's Navigator is one of the best luxury SUVs around, and it's complemented by the smaller Nautilus, Aviator and Corsair, all with lush interiors, advanced infotainment, and loads of turbocharged power and towing capacity.

When many car buyers think of luxury, it's likely that Mercedes-Benz immediately springs to mind. Mercedes luxury comes in all shapes and sizes, from sedans to SUVs and specialty editions, all well-known for meticulous engineering, timeless elegance and consistent refinement. Benz has also been a quiet leader in advanced driver assist systems, often debuting technology on top models like the S-Class sedan before filtering it down to its more affordable offerings. Mercedes is also expanding its lineup of EVs more than most other luxury automakers.

Best known as a performance brand, Porsche nonetheless infuses its cars with supple, high-quality leather, shapely seats, and surprisingly smooth ride quality given its taut and responsive suspensions. The SUV lineup, led by the Cayenne , combines a fair amount of practicality along with high-performance driving. Porsche is also getting into EVs, starting with its Taycan sedan. Any Porsche can be customized to a high degree with special trims, colors, wheels and technology features.

Honorable mentions

The following brands also make fine vehicles, but we think they don't quite always have the same impact or luxury focus as the brands above.

Acura is Honda's luxury division and shares platforms with most of Honda's cornerstone models. Getting a lot of features for your money is a big part of the brand's appeal, as seen in its TLX sedan.

Alfa Romeo is an Italian brand with plenty of history but only recently relaunched in the U.S. Style and sportiness are highlights for its vehicles, such as the Giulia sedan.

Bugatti is a storied and exotic brand, but with a $2 million entry point, it's unobtanium for most buyers.

Ferrari's cars certainly don't lack sumptuous interiors, especially in tan leather, but the brand is foremost about performance. Founder Enzo Ferrari would likely scoff at the notion of his cars as luxury offerings.

GMC trucks and SUVs have upscale interiors and plenty of capability. But the reality is that there's not much differentiation between a GMC Sierra and a Chevrolet Silverado.

Infiniti models generally offer sharp style and value, as put forth by the QX60 . But their interiors and technology aren't significant upgrades over what you get in mainstream cars.

Lamborghini : See Ferrari.

Maserati has an enduring if spotty history. Its designs are classically Italian — see the Ghibli sedan — but some of the technology features are a bit behind the times.

McLaren makes some of the most thoroughbred performance cars. Its newest 750S is among the world's best. But driver and passenger comfort isn't a foremost McLaren concern.

Rolls-Royce may be the ultimate luxury car brand, synonymous with posh elegance and maximum cachet. What else can match a Phantom ? The brand isn't as pricey as Bugatti but it's farther out of reach than Bentley — Rolls is reserved for a fortunate few.

Volvo makes a case as a luxury brand, with slick, distinct designs and plush interiors. Many also offer plug-in hybrid powertrains, such as the XC60 SUV . But the brand's cars as a whole lack the polish and cachet of its German rivals.

What about EVs?

While many electric vehicles are priced like luxury cars, few act like it. Sit and ride in most EVs and you quickly realize that the lofty prices go back into recouping battery and development costs, and not toward refinement. Lucid is a legitimate contender to Tesla's dominance, and its Air sedan delivers stupefying acceleration. But dull cabin design and materials and average ride quality prove this brand still has work ahead. Polestar , a Volvo spinoff, has a promising future, blending the best of Volvo design with EV performance. Rivian boasts impressive performance and even towing capability, but comfort isn't a top priority. Tesla rightly deserves credit for excellent charging infrastructure and raising EVs to a level of mass acceptance, but it remains dogged by fit, finish and assembly issues that most other automakers figured out long ago.

Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

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10 Most Expensive Car Brands to Maintain According to Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports' 2023 Annual Auto Surveys revealed that the cost of maintaining a car varies significantly among different brands, especially as vehicles age. Notably, Tesla was identified as the least expensive brand to maintain, while German luxury automakers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche topped the list as the most expensive. The surveys highlight the impact of maintenance and repair expenses over time, which can substantially increase after the warranty and free maintenance periods expire, particularly after the first three years.

The analysis underscored the financial advantage of choosing brands with lower maintenance costs or preparing financially for the higher costs associated with luxury vehicles. Steven Elek from Consumer Reports noted that maintenance costs between brands could differ by thousands of dollars over a decade. For those considering luxury cars, American brands like Lincoln might offer more affordable maintenance and repair options compared to their German counterparts. This data could significantly influence consumer decisions on purchasing and budgeting for cars, aiming to mitigate unforeseen ownership costs.

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This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

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1 to 5 Year Cost: $4,250

6 to 10 Year Cost: $15,000

Total 10 Year Cost: $19,250

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Total 10 Year Cost: $9,285

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6 to 10 Year Cost: $6,350

Total 10 Year Cost: $8,500

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6 to 10 Year Cost: $6,000

Total 10 Year Cost : $7,800

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1 to 5 Year Cost: $1,525

6 to 10 Year Cost: $6,100

Total 10 Year Cost: $7,625

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6 to 10 Year Cost: $5,500

Total 10 Year Cost: $7,200

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A Fast Tour of Japan's Car Culture

We leave it up to the chef on a tour of car culture in Japan, and we're not disappointed.

From the May/June issue of Car and Driver.

Of all the things I expected to learn in Japan, the size of the spiders wasn't on the list. "Really big," warned photographer Mike Shaffer, an American expat living in Tokyo, as we boarded a train headed for Fuji Speedway. "I'm afraid of spiders," he added. Three train rides and one bus trip later, I regret to inform arachnophobes that Shaffer's assessment is true. On the walk to the speedway entrance, we saw some creatures bigger than a Honda N-Box. The walk of horror was worth it, though, because once we got to the paddock, we were rewarded with hundreds of Nissan GT-Rs, Japan's most coveted car.

We were there for R's Meeting, an annual gathering of the Nissan muscle cars. There were Skylines visible to the skyline, including long-forbidden '90s models, unavailable to U.S. collectors until recently due to import laws. At home, it's rare to see a mid-'90s fourth-generation Skyline GT-R R33 or a turn-of-the-century fifth-gen R34. At R's Meeting, that's just the overflow parking lot. Inside were even rarer cars: GT-Rs turned to artworks, with anime wraps, candy paint jobs over etched metal, and bare carbon fiber, or thrumming with track focus, like NISMO models with full race tunes and intricate aftermarket bodywork. An R34 in a color-changing hue shifted from pomegranate to gloaming blue as we walked by. Owners personalize their cars—we saw rhinestone badges, louvered hoods, and even a glued-on plastic surfer on a carbon-fiber wheel spat—and let the mods speak for them. Nobody was hanging around their vehicle. Instead, they were strolling the midway, admiring the extreme customizations from well-known tuners or stocking up on beer and fried snacks like takoyaki and gyoza on their way to the grandstands to watch racing with the dramatic backdrop of snowcapped Mount Fuji.

R's Meeting is not an official Nissan event, but there was plenty of factory presence. Nissan's senior vice president of global design, Alfonso Albaisa, attended with his family but took time to talk about how much he enjoys seeing the way fans have tweaked and tuned the GT-R over its 55-year life span (longer if you start from the Prince Skyline of the 1950s). For a designer, "the freeing thing about the GT-R is that it doesn't have to be beautiful," he said, pointing out the car's chunky angles and seemingly unrelated influences. "The side view is Japan; the roof is London; the rear, California. Normally, a designer would say that's confusing, but we're not chasing beauty. We're chasing presence. Each GT-R is different. It has to have a little of the brick-shaped sedan that led Porsche in the 1964 Japanese Grand Prix, but otherwise, there's nothing saying, 'This is what a GT-R is.'"

For Hiroshi Tamura, who is considered the father of the modern GT-R for his work on the R34 and the 370Z (he's known by the honorific Tamurasan even in English-speaking circles) and now serves as a brand ambassador for Nissan, the GT-R is an escape from the dull parts of daily life. "For fundamental transport, get a kei car," he said. "Nothing wrong with a kei car. Get a minivan. It's okay to be efficient. But life is not only an efficiency story. We need emotion." Tamura doesn't just speak; he acts out the story as he tells it. He hunches over, curling his arms around an imaginary steering wheel when he describes the GT-R as a mechanical suit that allows the driver to be a commander, at one with the machine, yet requires so much concentration that there's no room for the boring thoughts of everyday life. "You know the difference between humans and animals?" he asked. "Animals can't drive. To drive makes us human."

If R's Meeting represents some of the best of Japan's automaking history, then late-night scenes in Tokyo showcase the diversity of its contemporary car culture. A visit to Japan for a car enthusiast is like a trip to the Galápagos for a birder. You will see things you never knew existed, tripling your life-list entries in a single day.

Or maybe you'll encounter something familiar in an unfamiliar place, like an American muscle car lit by the orange glow of Tokyo Tower. It arrived first as a low thump, then bubbled up into the choppy burps of a pushrod V-8. The empty parking lot lit up as a '70 Plymouth 'Cuda, as tangerine as the tower above, pulled in and came to a squeaky, wet-braked halt. "Hi," said the driver, Ishii "Mitsu" Mitsubishi, as he leaned over to unlock the passenger's door. We'd never met, but a friend of a friend of a friend had connected us after I said I wanted to explore the Tokyo car community. When Mitsu mentioned classic cars, I pictured a Nissan Fairlady Z or an early-'70s Toyota Celica. I was not imagining an American muscle machine with a 440-cubic-inch V-8 and a six-pack. "I went to school in the States, so I bought an American car," Mitsu told me as Shaffer and I squeezed into the Plymouth. "That was in the '90s. I'm 56 now," he added. "Buy an American car. It keeps you younger." Then we were on the road, roaring through tunnels, flashing past the glassy buildings alongside the overpasses, living out the Tokyo Expressway Music Rally from the Gran Turismo 7 video game—which I swore I wouldn't reference in this story, but how could I not when it was exactly like that?

Since long before this visit, I've admired Japanese art, the way the classical painters captured movement and texture with watered brush-strokes and the evolution of that stop-motion action in modern manga and anime. Then I got to Japan, and the landscape really does roll away in washes of blue and lavender. Persimmons pop like little flames against ink-black branches. The light in the city streaks and freezes like a panel out of the automotive-themed manga Shakotan Boogie . I'd thought Japanese artists were impressionists, but they're photorealists.

I could have happily watched the city blur through the windshield all night, but we had places to be. Our destination was the Daikoku Parking Area under the Shuto Expressway. Of all of Tokyo's automotive hubs, Daikoku is the most famous. Most evenings and weekend mornings, the lot fills with cars of every description. Exotics bedazzled with rhinestones, ground-scraping kaido racers with splitters like snowplow blades, classic Hondas, modded sport compacts—makes and models come together like wildlife around a watering hole. The challenge of attending Daikoku is that it borders a police station, so every night, the officers eventually lose patience with the crowds and send everyone home. This could happen hours into the meet or minutes, depending on the mood of the Man, so a Daikoku night is a fragile social proposition. It's fine if you drove in with your crew, because you all can just head to the next destination, but if you've somehow managed to convince a cabby to drop you off, you'll find it much harder to get one to pick you up. Daikoku's popularity might be its undoing, as stranded and ill-behaved tourists bring unwanted attention to the formerly under-the-radar meeting spot. Like influencers in a field of wildflowers, we must be respectful lest we crush what we love.

Because one never knows how long a Daikoku meet might last, the experienced gather ahead of time so they can cruise in together, park together, and get kicked out together. "Plus, you look cooler in a group," said Mitsu. We met his party at a truck stop bordering the expressway, where Kazuyoshi "Kazu" Yoshida in a 1970 Challenger and Toshiya "Toshi" Suzuki in a '71 'Cuda waited for us. A few minutes later, Ayaka Hidaka pulled up in a blacked-out '72 'Cuda; she told us it was her husband's car but looked every bit the badass behind the wheel. "Now we go to Daikoku," said Mitsu, waving his fish into a school and leading us back to the highway.

More tunnels, more lighting strobing over the long hoods and chrome trim. Our V-8 choir got a soprano addition as a Ferrari 458 blasted past. A group of little vans outlined in neon rolled by like a handful of tossed dice. The freeway split, and they headed to the right as we crossed a bridge that took us over Tokyo Bay and onto the Daikoku parking island.

There's this sound I associate with good car shows. It's not the boom and whistle of revved exhausts. It's a human sound, a belly-deep exhale encompassing admiration and respect. It means the same thing wherever you hear it: "Hot damn, look at that car!" As we rumbled into the parking lot, we heard it almost constantly. Even in Detroit, four perfect E-bodies would be a no-table lineup. In Tokyo, it was like entering a rodeo on a giraffe. Mitsu guessed there might be a hundred Challengers and Barracudas in Japan, and it felt like they were all on display that night. But ours weren't the only American cars there or the most unusual. There was a row of modern pony cars—all dropped so low you'd need a feeler gauge to measure their clearance. A red Lancia Delta Integrale sat next to a matte-blue R35 GT-R with a wing you could host a banquet on. Kazu pointed out a row of lowered Toyota s edans. "Very popular for drifting," he said. "Rear-wheel drive." The Ferrari from the tunnel drove by and threw us a rev of recognition. "The enemy," said Mitsu, without real heat.

Somehow, we managed to park all four Mopars and even find space to squeeze in a straggler, Aihara "Mori" Morihiro, in another 1970 'Cuda. Dapper in a pinstriped suit, he eyed a row of Porsche GT3s in the corner. "His day job," said Mitsu. "He sells Porsches." I never had a chance to find out how a Porsche salesman ended up in a Plymouth because the loudspeakers came on with the official police announcement: closing up, time to go. Engines fired up, scissor doors lowered, and air springs hissed as everyone politely, if not exactly hurriedly, prepared to leave. If the 'Cuda crew spun some tire on the exit, I blame the rain.

Since Daikoku often closes early, it's common practice to reconvene with your pals at a second location. For us, that was the hip neighborhood of Shibuya on the west side of Tokyo. There, we added another muscle car to our parade, this time a native: a 1971 Nissan Skyline GT-X belonging to Shinji, whose full name I never caught over the sound of muscle-car exhaust. (For the record, Shinji also owns a 'Cuda.) The Skyline fit in just fine with the school of Barracudas, balancing the latter's low boom with sassy down-shift exhaust pops.

Shibuya is all hills and narrow alleys, teenagers on scooters, and showoffs in supercars. It's a serious test of any classic car, and I was impressed that there were no issues with overheating, slipping clutches, or stumbling carbs as we sat in traffic. Car ownership of any kind is a big commitment in Japan. The expressways are all toll roads, the inspections are draconian, registration fees go up with engine displacement and a car's age, and an owner must prove they have space to park a new vehicle to register it. Add in twisty streets and busy intersections, and it's even more amazing that so many people take on the challenge of maneuvering their machines around town. The payoff is the neon wash of Yokohama in your rearview mirror as you leave Daikoku or the blur of underglow from your fellow racers as you turn the city to light trails with a push of the pedal.

Like a sleeper agent activated late in the game, Elana Scherr didn’t know her calling at a young age. Like many girls, she planned to be a vet-astronaut-artist, and came closest to that last one by attending UCLA art school. She painted images of cars, but did not own one. Elana reluctantly got a driver’s license at age 21 and discovered that she not only loved cars and wanted to drive them, but that other people loved cars and wanted to read about them, which meant somebody had to write about them. Since receiving activation codes, Elana has written for numerous car magazines and websites, covering classics, car culture, technology, motorsports, and new-car reviews. In 2020, she received a Best Feature award from the Motor Press Guild for the C/D story "A Drive through Classic Americana in a Polestar 2."  In 2023, her Car and Driver feature story "In Washington, D.C.'s Secret Carpool Cabal, It's a Daily Slug Fest" was awarded 1st place in the 16th Annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards by the Los Angeles Press Club.  

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Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic matched his Jordan Brand shoes with his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro.

• Author: Pat Benson

Michael Jordan's affinity for automobiles is well-documented. Whether it is supporting his NASCAR racing team or riding in his personal collection of iconic cars, Jordan only wants the best.

Vehicles even played a role in the design of some of Jordan's most iconic sneakers. That connection to cars has been passed down to Luka Doncic, who is taking on the mantle of Jordan Brand basketball.

Earlier this week, Doncic unveiled his third signature sneaker - the Jordan Luka 3 . The design for the unreleased hoop shoe draws inspiration from Doncic's love for cars - specifically, his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro.

On Friday night, Doncic arrived in style to Game 3 of the Western Conference Playoff series between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers. Doncic and Jordan Brand wrapped his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro in a theme inspired by the 'Midnight Racer' colorway of his shoe, which he wore on court later that evening.

Luka Doncic recreates Michael Jordan's iconic photo.

Jordan Brand

Even better, Doncic and his security team recreated the iconic photo of Jordan getting out of his car, flanked by security guards. Jordan Brand is synonymous with flight, but they stuck the landing with precision at American Airlines Center last night.

Doncic led the Mavericks to victory, tallying 22 points, ten rebounds, and nine assists. It was the perfect debut of the Jordan Luka 3 'Midnight Racer' colorway, which will be released to the public later this summer.

The 'Midnight Racer' colorway draws inspiration from Doncic's late-night drives home after a game. For Doncic, late-night drives are a sanctuary and a time for introspection. Emblematic of those late nights, this colorway features swirls of pink and purple, plus a pop of mint.

The series between Dallas and Los Angeles is far from over, but Doncic appears to be tapping into the GOAT mindset with his cars and sneakers. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's FanNation Kicks for all your sneaker news from around the NBA and the rest of the sports world.

Further Reading: Jordan Brand signature athlete Luka Doncic teams up with Gatorade.

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Your Car’s Resale Value: 15 Factors That Make a Big Difference

Posted: April 28, 2024 | Last updated: April 28, 2024

Selling your car, whether back to the dealership as a trade-in or to get some extra cash, has a lot of factors to consider. Knowing your car’s most accurate resale value is crucial in preventing yourself from getting lowballed or severely overestimating how much you can get for it.  

Before you begin your car-selling journey, you must understand the factors contributing to a car’s resale value. 

More popular or hard-to-find brands will have a larger resale value than a car brand anyone can get. If a brand is known for being reliable and popular, you’ll have an easier time selling it, even at a higher price point. Luxury brands will get you more money than an everyday, run-of-the-mill car or truck. 

Along with a reliable brand is a reliable model. If your car’s model has an excellent reputation for being relatively low maintenance or resilient in accidents, it’s much easier to sell a used car than others with low safety ratings or a reputation for being a dud. 

If you have an older vehicle but barely put any miles on it, it may be worth more than a car with closer to 100,000 miles. The more a buyer can get out of your vehicle, the more you can justifiably charge. Just don’t think it’ll add up anywhere close to what you originally paid for it even without excessive mileage. 

Is it a car you’ve only had for two years or a car hanging around in your garage for a decade? Remember that when a car drives off the lot, its resale value decreases. Only certain makes and models appreciate in value, and it’s not likely the car you picked out for practical purposes is the one (bummer). 

As it turns out, looks do matter. At least for used cars. If a used vehicle looks and functions the same as it did the day it drove off of the lot, then you could charge more for a used car. If it has scratches or dents on the exterior that haven’t been fixed, consider getting them fixed to get the most value. A new paint job can also improve a car’s overall appearance. You might end up keeping your vehicle if it looks good enough! 

Interior Condition

Yes, the inside is what counts. But if the inside is full of excessive wear and tear? Ick. Sure, some people don’t mind, but they’ll negotiate the price to reflect the interior condition. To make things easier for you, grab some floor mats and seat covers for any car you purchase, new or used. That way, it’s much easier to maintain its cleanliness and prevent more expensive damages. 

A Great Story

Emotional appeal can do more than you think it can regarding a car’s resale value. Don’t make up a story or heavily fictionalize the truth. Instead, talk about road trips, funny memories, or how much it meant to the previous owner if it was a car you inherited. Make a list and circle the ones

Regular Maintenance

Hopefully, you’ve taken your car for regular maintenance. If not, it’ll show. Never underestimate the power of an oil change or tire rotation. For any maintenance or services done, including recalls, keeping records of everything done to the vehicle is essential for the most transparent transaction. 

Market Conditions

Are there tons of used cars on the market? In a buyer’s market, you may have to settle for a lower resale value, especially if your car is a standard model. Brands and models in high demand that get snapped up quickly? Dealerships or independent buyers will be more willing to cough up the cash. 

Modifications

Some modifications or swaps can be beneficial for a car’s resale value. Others can make a car a little too customized, decreasing the value. If your modifications are ones in demand or largely sought out, it’s probably fine. Modifications like heavy window tints, crazy lights, or massive wheels could hurt your resale value more than boost it. 

What has the car been through? Has it been fished out of a ditch, or did it stay primarily on the road and in the garage with no accidents? Buyers appreciate it when you’re upfront about the vehicle’s history. Of course, they appreciate it more when the vehicle hasn’t been in deep trouble, but it’s better to be honest and have a clear vehicle history report than to try to hide it. 

Fuel Economy

If your car or truck gets excellent mileage, you’ll be able to sell it faster and for more cash. As society shifts from gas-based cars to hybrid and electric vehicles, people who cannot reasonably afford a hybrid or EV will opt for a better fuel-efficient vehicle. Trucks may differ if the work they can do is significant and valuable for a person’s day-to-day use. But no matter what, vehicles with the best fuel efficiency will be a big draw for bigger bucks. 

Transmission

Most people drive automatic transmissions. Fortunately or unfortunately for you, manual cars will have a limited demand compared to automatic vehicles. However, if your car is a classic or you appeal to manual transmission enthusiasts, you can get a bit more cash out of the deal. But it also helps if it’s a classic, coveted vehicle. 

Neutral colors like black, silver, or white are easier to sell than red, blue, yellow, or another colored car. A car with a custom paint job is even harder to sell…unless you happen to find an enthusiast buyer who loves your skull-themed orange muscle car . Hey, it could happen! But for the most part, neutral colors are easier to keep clean and are therefore easier to sell. 

Your heavy-duty truck may not sell as well in New York City where public transit is king and most fixed costs are already enormous. It doesn’t mean no one in an urban setting would buy your truck. It just means that in order to sell your vehicle at a higher price, you need to find the right audience to sell it to. The same can apply to any car or truck. Check what is in demand in your city and state. Is it worth it to you to sell the vehicle to someone outside of your location? That’s for you to decide. 

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These are the fastest-selling new cars of 2024

Toyota moved new inventory more than twice as fast as lincoln, says iseecars study.

Automakers finally appear to be back on their feet after a few years of severe instability, but that hasn’t helped all of them in the sales department. iSeeCars recently released its study on the fastest- and slowest-selling new vehicles and found that some companies are moving vehicles off dealers ’ lots at more than twice the pace of others.

Toyota was the fastest-selling new car brand between October 2023 and March 2024, moving vehicles in an average of 39.6 days. Surprisingly, Alfa Romeo came second, averaging 41.8 days on the market. Last year, we saw a list of the fastest-selling individual nameplates overall , as opposed to this study that's ranked by brand.

Fastest-selling new cars of 2024

• Toyota: 39.6 days on the market
• Alfa Romeo: 41.8
• Cadillac : 43.4
• Honda : 44.2
• Jaguar : 44.4
• Hyundai : 47.1
• Subaru : 49
• Mazda : 53.1

The brands moving inventory the fastest show a strong value and desirability for buyers. iSeeCars executive analyst Karl Brauer noted, “Fast-selling brands like Toyota and Honda represent mainstream consumers seeking maximum value for their new-car dollar. Conversely, high-ranking luxury, low-volume brands like Alfa Romeo, Cadillac, and Jaguar reflect both their limited supply as well as high demand from affluent buyers willing to snap these models up shortly after they arrive on dealer lots.”

Of course, there is no light without darkness, and on the other side of the list are a handful of brands struggling to move inventory. Lincoln was the slowest-selling new car company, with an average of 82.6 days to sell. Infiniti was close behind at 79.8 days, and Buick took an average of 79 days to move units.

iSeeCars noted that new EVs take much longer to sell than their hybrid counterparts, at an average of 70.6 days on the market in March 2024, compared to just 49.5 for hybrids. Some of the fast-selling new brands also made the used car list . Used Hondas sold the fastest, only sitting on dealers’ lots for an average of 26.1 days. Lexus ’ used cars sat for 26.3 days, and Toyota moved its used inventory in an average of 27.4 days.

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Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

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A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

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Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

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Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

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Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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All the proof Taylor Swift is making first major change to Eras Tour

Welcome to "The Tortured Poets Department" (Eras Tour Version).

It looks like Taylor Swift 's Eras Tour is getting a brand new era, straight from the Tortured Poets Department .

Since the announcement of her new 11th studio album ( which dropped April 19 ), fans have been anxiously waiting to see if her worldwide, career-spanning tour would get a shakeup to accommodate the new music. While Swift is remaining mum, and a rep for the singer didn't respond to an EW request for comment, a new YouTube Short posted to Swift's account seems to provide all the clarity Swifties needed that a change is imminent.

In the video, which is part of Swift's #ForAFortnightChallenge tied to the album's first single, "Fortnight," the 14-time Grammy winner can be seen rehearsing for tour with her backup dancers. While some shots are obviously from the Folklore , Lover , and other existing "eras" of the show, several blink-and-you'll-miss-it moments have never been seen before.

In one, Swift, clad in workout gear, appears to be wearing the same boots seen in her "Fortnight" video . She's holding on to a banister that looks like it has the Tortured Poets Department emblem on it — the "P" and the "D" can just be made out.

taylor swift/youtube

Although the video is in grayscale, and therefore exact colors are impossible to identify for sure, several shots feature what looks like a new white-ish mic, which has never been seen before. The new era's color, of course, is also an off-white hue.

Perhaps the most interesting moment of the new clip, though, is one that features what looks like new choreography and costumes. Swift's backup dancers can be seen in top hats and dancing with canes, while she sings in the front middle of the group — choreography and props which have so far not been featured in the concert.

This is all speculative until the tour resumes in Paris, France, on May 9, of course, but if Swift is adding a whole new era, it would mark the first major change to the setlist since Swift began performing it last March.

Throughout the tour, she's made little swaps here or there: She added performances with some of the artists who opened for her like HAIM or Phoebe Bridgers, and she added "Long Live" to the Speak Now section when that re-recorded album released during tour. She also swapped out "Invisible String" for the "The 1" in the Folklore section after news of her split with Joe Alwyn broke.

But, nothing has majorly been added or subtracted from the show, which is already a whopping three-and-a-half hours long. Now, if anyone could pull off adding more runtime to Eras, it's the "Mastermind" herself, but it's more likely that some songs will be getting cut to make room for new material. Fans have theorized that the tracks that didn't make it into the VOD rental of the Eras Tour concert film — "The Archer," "Wildest Dreams," "Cardigan," and "Long Live" — could be first on the chopping block, but we'll just have to wait and see what Ms. Swift has up her cryptic and Machiavellian sleeve.

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Related content:

• Ethan Hawke and Post Malone experiment on Taylor Swift's mind in surreal 'Fortnight' music video
• Emma Stone credited for contributing 'oddities' to new Taylor Swift song 'Florida!!!'
• All the famous people Taylor Swift name-drops in the song 'The Tortured Poets Department'

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Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks Partner To Purchase Southeast’s Premier Asphalt Late Model Series

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 9, 2023) – The Solid Rock Carriers CARS Tour will have new ownership when the green flag waves on its 2023 season this March. Today, NASCAR icons Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks announced their acquisition of the Southeast’s premier asphalt late model series.

“ This is a dream come true for me,” said Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer and current NBC Sports analyst. “I’m a huge fan of the CARS Tour and local short-track racing. The competition, the tracks, and the drivers are some of the best around. These regional series are vital to the quality of racing you see at the top level. Jack (McNelly, CARS Tour founder) has done a tremendous job establishing the CARS Tour as a preeminent series, and I’m thrilled to be part of its future.” 

Aside from the ownership transition from McNelly, the CARS Tour will remain unchanged. The 2023 schedule is set with 19 race weekends, and McNelly and his staff will continue to oversee operations and track events. The key addition will be the industry expertise brought by the current owners’ respective business units: DEJ Management, Jeff Burton Autosports, Inc., Kevin Harvick, Inc. and Trackhouse Racing. The contingent will collectively aim to bolster the health and longevity of the CARS Tour by providing proficiencies in brand management, business strategy and partnership acquisition and retention. 

“Owning and developing the CARS Tour has been an honor and one I’m immensely proud of,” said McNelly. “Fortunately, it’s in the best of hands with this new group. They have the passion and talent to take the Tour to the next level. I can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings for everyone involved.

“I give my heartfelt thanks to all that have contributed to the success of the series over the years. It has truly been a team effort. The CARS Tour staff, officials, competitors, sponsors and fans have made this series one of the best in the country.” 

Earnhardt Jr., Burton, Harvick and Marks are all former or current drivers themselves. Both Earnhardt Jr. and Burton grew up racing regionally in the Southeast while Marks was bitten by the short-track bug after competing in several high-profile late model races. Harvick cut his teeth in regional action on the West Coast.

“I grew up racing Late Model Stock Cars on the West Coast,” said Harvick, the 2014 Cup Series champion with 60 wins to his credit. “Late Model racing has always been a passion of mine and I want to ensure short-track asphalt racing and the CARS Tour continue to grow and succeed. I look forward to sharing the responsibility with this like-minded group of racers.” 

Founded in 2014 as a continuation of the former Pro Cup Series, the CARS Tour enters its ninth season in 2023. Uniquely, the CARS Tour features both Pro Late Models and Late Model Stock Cars competing at the same track on the same night, becoming the first series of its kind to host two premier divisions under its banner at the same event. 

“This is something I’m really excited about, not only for Trackhouse and the initiatives that we’re pursuing, but for short-track racing in general,” said Marks, who led Trackhouse Racing to a runner-up effort in the 2022 Cup Series championship. “Asphalt Late Model racing truly is the foundation of NASCAR and bringing a group like this together will serve the racer and fan. The CARS Tour is so important to the racing scene in the Southeast, and this group can bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to the series that will ensure authentic and valuable growth in the years to come.”

The CARS Tour has produced a number of notable drivers who have built successful careers on the national stage, including Josh Berry, Harrison Burton, William Byron, Ty Gibbs, Sam Mayer and Myatt Snider as well as current series stars like Carson Kvapil, Deac McCaskill, Bobby McCarty and Layne Riggs. 

“The opportunity to work with a group of partners that I have so much respect for in the sport that I love is amazing,” added Burton, a 2023 NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee and NASCAR analyst for NBC Sports. “Collectively, I believe we can contribute to grass-roots racing and the overall health of motorsports in the process. By building off the positive foundation Jack has built, I’m confident we can create a next-level experience for the competitors, partners and fans.”

The CARS Tour season kicks off at Southern National Motorsports Park (Kenly, N.C.) on Saturday, March 11, 2023.  

ABOUT SOLID ROCK CARRIERS CARS TOUR: Founded in the fall of 2014, the Solid Rock Carriers CARS Tour continues to be the Southeast’s premier asphalt Late Model series. Now under the ownership of motorsports icons Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks, the CARS Tour began as a quality pavement racing series based in the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic region that featured both Late Model Stock Cars and Pro Late Models. Both premier series race on the same night at the same track, and this unique arrangement makes the CARS Tour the first organization of its kind anywhere in the country. Many of today’s stock car superstars got their start in the CARS Tour and it is a primary breeding ground for the racing champions of tomorrow.

MEDIA INFORMATION: Keeley Dubensky CARS Tour Director of Operations 704.662.9212 [email protected]

Heath White JRM Public Relations 704.799.4825 [email protected]

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Kelly oubre jr. wrecks lamborghini in car crash hours after sixers' game 2 loss, kelly oubre jr. wrecks lambo in car crash ... hours after game 2 loss.

Kelly Oubre Jr. lost a playoff game Monday night and then he lost his beloved car ... TMZ Sports has learned he wrecked his Lamborghini in a crash just hours after the Sixers fell to the Knicks in Game 2 of their postseason series.

The Philadelphia Police Dept. tells us the wreck happened at around 1:45 AM on Tuesday ... shortly after Oubre and the 76ers dropped a heartbreaker at Madison Square Garden, 104-101.

Cops say Oubre's 2021 matte purple Lambo "disregarded a red traffic signal" ... and plowed into a 2023 Hyundai Elantra.

Thankfully, cops say no one reported any injuries ... however, they did say both vehicles needed to be towed from the scene after sustaining damage.

The Sixers tell TMZ Sports the organization was aware of the accident.

It's obviously a tough blow for Oubre ... as he's spoken glowingly about the Lambo in the past -- even posing for pictures with it during a shoot with Intersection Magazine .

To add insult to injury, he and his Sixers have to win four out of the next five games against New York in order to advance in the postseason.

Oubre, though, will have a chance to get back on the right foot later Thursday ... as Philadelphia is slated to take on NY in Game 3 at the Wells Fargo Center at 4:30 PM PT.

We're told Oubre is expected to be in the lineup.

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