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    2020 Honda Super Cub C125 Rekindles Honda's Origins

    Its engine is almost nothing, a single cylinder that’s air cooled, fuel injected, and displaces only 125 cubic centimeters. That’s less than eight cubic inches. If it makes 10 horsepower, it would be overachieving. But it doesn’t have that much motorcycle to push around since, as Honda says, the 2020 Super Cub C125 weighs only 240 pounds. This is the first production vehicle I’ve evaluated for C/D that weighs less than I do.
    Since the original Cub went on sale in 1958, Honda has built more than 110 million of them. It is by far the best-selling self-propelled vehicle of all time. In the United States, it’s been sold as a harmless thing to play with through the summer. It’s the Honda upon which you meet the nicest people. It’s happy and fun, designed to be operated by someone wearing tight white jeans, boat shoes, and a blond ponytail. But in Asia and other parts of the world, it’s a truck, an F-150 for squeaking through crowded streets delivering food orders or lugging goods from farm to market.

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    Jessica Lynn WalkerCar and Driver

    Honda’s Super Cub and Monkey Bikes Are Coming Back

    Honda Produces 100 Millionth Super Cub!

    Even more than the Civic, Accord, or a HHT25SLTAT lawn trimmer, it’s the Cub that established Honda around the world. Over the past 63 model years, Honda has built Cubs with engines ranging from a nominal 50 cc to this relatively beastly 125. The four-stroke, single-overhead-cam, two-valve engine itself is shared with other small Honda motorcycles, including the super-adorable 2021 Monkey and the goofball Grom. Besides its classic step-through design, the big advantage the Super Cub has over its siblings is its 17-inch alloy wheels and relatively long 48.9-inch wheelbase, which make it more stable and comfortable, and make it more of an actual motorcycle and not a moped.
    While it looks like the Cubs of old, Honda pulled the original from the United States in 1974. This is an all-new machine that Honda introduced to the American market in 2019. Assembled in Thailand, every plastic body panel, every engine casting, and every other component is beautifully finished and impeccably built.

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    Jessica Lynn WalkerCar and Driver

    Modern touches include a proximity key so that the Super Cub can be started simply by turning on the ignition and touching the switch on the right side of the handlebar to engage the electric starter. The front disc brake is equipped with anti-lock control, but the rear drum is on its own. All of the lighting systems are LEDs, and they work exceedingly well. The instrumentation consists of a speedometer, some warning lights, and a small digital display that doubles as a clock. There’s only a single seat on the Super Cub and no place to store anything. Well, there is a small compartment on the side that’s just big enough to fit the owner’s manual. A chrome rack that bolts to the front of the leg shield is a $73 accessory.
    Throwing on a borrowed Arai Classic-V helmet that neatly matched the seat top, I looked like a background extra from Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs. But there’s something emboldening about a helmet no matter how funny you look. I felt a sense of safety as I got onto a motorcycle for the first time in about 20 years.

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    Jessica Lynn WalkerCar and Driver

    The Super Cub is amazingly easy to ride. The four-speed sequential transmission operates with a lever at the rider’s left foot. Neutral is at the bottom, and the rider toes up for first and keeps going up until it runs out of gears. If your toe is hypersensitive, the shifter can also be operated with your heel on the opposite end of the lever. A centrifugal clutch and spring-loaded clutch plate handle engaging drive, so the rider can concentrate on keeping a death grip on the left side of the handlebar. The right side is capped with a conventional twist throttle and a lever to operate the front brake. The rear brake is operated by a foot pedal on the right.
    Comfortably upright, the riding position compromised the aerodynamics of my torso. Rolling into the throttle, the Super Cub pulls away with no drama. Of course, with a bit less than 10 horsepower available acceleration is hardly intimidating. First gear runs out pretty quickly, but second is good for up to about 30 mph. Third will take the bike all the way up to its terminal velocity of about 60 mph—assuming the rider bends forward to cheat the wind. Fourth is best used as a cruising gear on flat roads or downhill.

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    Jessica Lynn WalkerCar and Driver

    During my time with the Super Cub, I rode it for 230 miles and put 1.4 gallons of fuel into its 1.0-gallon tank. Including the gallon of gas that was in it when the bike was delivered, that works out to 96 mpg. The total fuel bill came to $7.40, which is kind of awesome.
    That in mind, one frustrating element of the Super Cub is filling that tank. The filler lives under the hinged seat and is accessed by pressing a single release button. That’s no problem. But there’s a support rod that runs across the tank just below the filler, and that makes it impossible to insert the fuel nozzle all the way in. That may not be much of a problem in other parts of the country, but in California where vapor recovery systems are mandatory, it makes for an awkward amount of finagling to pull the rubber vapor hose up enough to allow fuel to flow freely. But since the tank is small, it doesn’t take long to fill it.

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    Jessica Lynn WalkerCar and Driver

    This is a stable, easygoing motorcycle for puttering around a town like my Santa Barbara home. Its feathery weight means it’s easy to pull up onto its center stand for parking. Nearly everyone you meet wants to talk about it, and even at full speed it never feels ragged or strained. It corners securely, allows greater lean angles than I have the courage to exploit, and rides comfortably over road irregularities. As my re-entry point to motorcycling, it’s about perfect. And at $3839 the 2020 model is priced at about a tenth that of the average new car. The 2021 models are already arriving and will cost $100 more.
    Motorcycle riders make for better car drivers. You can’t afford to be distracted on a motorcycle—no Bluetooth chatter full of podcasts and pundits (unless you wire your helmet), no eating an Egg McMuffin, no daydreaming. On a motorcycle, a keen situational awareness of everything around you emerges almost naturally, and there are so many inattentive drivers out there that stark terror is only one idiot pulling out of a Starbucks driveway. The intense concentration necessary, even on a bike as benign as the Super Cub, will follow you when you get back behind the wheel of a car.
    As for meeting friendly people on this Honda? Well, I can be kind of surly.
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    2022 Audi A3 Sedan Prepares for Battle in the U.S.

    Audi’s boss in the 1980s, Ferdinand Piëch, realigned the company to compete with Mercedes-Benz and BMW, setting in motion a close competition between the German marques. If one of the brands enters a segment, the others follow shortly. If one updates a vehicle, so do the others. The latest in this anything-you-can-do-I-can-do-better strategy is the redesigned Audi A3, which follows the introduction of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA and the new BMW 2-series Gran Coupe.

    2020 Audi A3 Is an Early Look at What’s to Come

    2022 Audi A3 Sedan Is Aggressively Contemporary

    We recently spent a day behind the wheel of the A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI (that’s the hatchback version), but now our attention turns to the A3 sedan, the body style that will be coming to the U.S. next year as a 2022 model. While American A3s will have a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that makes about 200 horsepower, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a 48-volt hybrid system, the A3 sedan we drove came equipped with a 148-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-banger. It might not offer the same acceleration as the one we’ll get, but the 1.5-liter gives a clear indication of what the A3 sedan will feel like going down the road.

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    Audi

    At first glance, the new A3 Sedan comes across as an evolution of its predecessor. There are sharp creases, slight fender flares, and it looks more aggressive than before, yet the overall proportions remain very much the same. The bubble roof is a typical Audi element ever since Peter Schreyer introduced it on the A1X concept in 1991, and the horizontal taillights provide another connection to the previous A3 sedan.
    The interior is boldly futuristic, with a digital instrument panel that is available in two sizes, as well as a standard central touchscreen. The cockpit is full of creases and hard edges; the materials are soft and attractive. The central infotainment screen is similar to that on Audi’s top-level cars, but it provides feedback in sound rather than the vibrations of other Audis. An informative and well-designed head-up display is optional.

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    Audi

    The A3’s telematics systems and levels of electronic assistance are impressive. Audi’s navigation system is easy to operate and delivers precise commands. We are especially impressed by the optional matrix LED headlights and how they lay an crisp carpet of light ahead of the car.
    We found the A3 Sedan to be as well-suited to long trips as the Sportback version that we recently drove. Like the hatchback, the sedan has a comfortable seating position and relatively spacious rear seats. The four-door has a sizeable and easily accessible trunk with a low liftover height, and the rear seats can be laid flat to expand the usefulness of the cargo space.
    In Europe, the 148-hp 1.5-liter is the second smallest engine. There is a super-efficient 109-hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder positioned below. Fitted with a 48-volt hybrid system, this A3 offered a genuine “hybrid” driving experience: When you take your foot off the gas, the car will coast, the engine shuts off before the car actually comes to a halt, and restarting is a quick and vibration-free affair.

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    Audi

    What this engine offers in efficiency and silky-smooth delivery, it loses in acceleration. We won’t complain about a claimed zero-to-62-mph time of 8.4 seconds, but the small four-banger never feels particularly eager to explore its limits. Reaching the claimed top speed of 144 mph will require many miles of autobahn. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, which will be shared with the U.S.-bound 2.0-liter, changes gears quickly and unobtrusively. When Audi launches the 40 TFSI model in the U.S., it will be offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. We did wish for a firmer suspension on the car we drove, but it remains to be seen how the U.S. model will be tuned.
    With two AMG-fettled versions of both the CLA and A-class, as well as an M235i Gran Coupe, there will inevitably be new S3 and RS3 performance versions of the A3. While those hotter models haven’t been shown yet, we did learn that the S3 will have more than 300 horsepower and that the RS3 will likely make more than 400. Even at the economical end of the luxury segment, the competition among the German brands remains heated.

    Specifications

    Specifications
    2022 Audi A3 35 TFSI MHEV S Tronic
    VEHICLE TYPE front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
    BASE PRICE $31,000
    ENGINE TYPE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injectionDisplacement 91 in3, 1498 cm3Power 148 hp @ 6000 rpmTorque 184 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
    TRANSMISSION 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
    DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 103.8 inLength: 177.0 inWidth: 71.5 inHeight: 56.1 inCurb weight (C/D est): 3000 lb
    PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 7.7 sec1/4 mile: 16.1 secTop speed: 144 mph
    EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST) Combined/city/highway: 32/29/37 mpg

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    2021 Toyota Venza Amounts to a Fancy RAV4 Hybrid

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    Michael SimariCar and Driver

    The hybrid-only 2021 Venza is one of the best-looking new Toyotas in recent memory—or at least one of the least fussy in its design. But its good looks are one of its few strengths. Although Toyota pitches the Venza as a mid-size two-row SUV in the vein of the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, and Honda Passport, this new crossover struggles to stand apart from the company’s own compact RAV4 hybrid. Within the greater Toyota lineup, it’s easier to think of the Venza as a high-end trim level of the RAV4, rather than a separate model designed to compete with larger rivals.

    HIGHS: Attractive design, solid highway fuel economy, cool panoramic roof on Limited models.

    Unlike the previous Venza, which was a Camry-based crossover created for the United States market, this new model is plucked from Toyota’s Japanese lineup, where it’s called the Harrier. A glance at the Venza’s spec sheet reveals a number of similarities with the RAV4, as the two crossovers share a platform and most of their powertrain and dimensions. The Venza is a few inches longer, owing to its different body, but its wheelbase and width are the same as the RAV4’s.

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    Michael SimariCar and Driver

    Toyota Venza Returns for 2021 as Hybrid-Only SUV

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    2021 Toyota Venza Costs More Than the RAV4 Hybrid

    The supposedly bigger Venza is actually less spacious inside, and its inferior packaging makes it less practical for hauling cargo. We fit just seven carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats of the Venza—three fewer than in the RAV4 and less than half of what you can stow in a Honda Passport. Lifting things into the Venza requires a bit of extra effort as well, as its cargo floor is significantly higher off the ground than the RAV4’s, at 32.3 inches versus 27.5. The Venza’s rear-seat dimensions are nearly identical to the RAV4’s, yet sitting back there feels more confining because of the Venza’s slightly smaller windows and higher beltline.

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    Michael SimariCar and Driver

    The Venza features the same all-wheel-drive hybrid drivetrain as the RAV4 hybrid, including a 2.5-liter inline-four and two motor-generators, plus a third electric motor on the rear axle. Combined output is the same 219 horsepower. The only significant difference is that the Venza gets a lithium-ion battery pack versus the RAV4’s nickel-metal-hydride unit. However, the Venza’s more modern battery holds far less energy, 0.9 kWh versus the RAV4’s 1.6. Perhaps that’s why the Venza Limited we tested, at 7.6 seconds to 60 mph, is 0.3-second slower than the RAV4 hybrid despite weighing only 58 pounds more. Either way, a Passport is a significant 1.5 seconds quicker. In our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the Venza’s 36 mpg trailed the RAV4 hybrid’s result by 1 mpg, although both numbers are admittedly impressive for any SUV. Still, Toyota’s smooth 3.5-liter V-6 would have helped to differentiate Venza, as would the new RAV4 Prime’s impressive plug-in-hybrid powertrain with 302 horsepower. But Toyota says it has no plans to offer other Venza variants in the U.S.

    LOWS: Slower and less practical than a RAV4 hybrid but more expensive.

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    Michael SimariCar and Driver

    While the Venza may look a bit classier than the RAV4, it offers similar levels of comfort and refinement. Its four-cylinder can sound buzzy and sends more vibrations through the steering wheel and pedals than we’d like. Wind noise is noticeable on the highway, even though the Venza’s sound measurement at a 70-mph cruise is one decibel lower than the RAV4 hybrid’s. The Venza is reasonably balanced around corners, but its comparatively slower steering and softer suspension versus the RAV4 make it feel larger and a bit lazier on the road, as well as less composed over rough pavement. Our test car’s Bridgestone Ecopia all-season tires were quick to relinquish their modest grip, with adhesion around the skidpad amounting to 0.79 g and stops from 70 mph requiring an unimpressive 179 feet.

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    Michael SimariCar and Driver

    Unfortunately, the Venza lags behind the RAV4 in additional comparisons: The Venza isn’t rated for towing, yet the RAV4 hybrid can tug up to 1750 pounds; the RAV4’s physical buttons and knobs on its center stack are easier to use than the Venza’s touch-capacitive buttons; and the Venza has fewer and smaller storage cubbies for stashing small items. Perhaps most frustrating is that Toyota charges between $3000 and $6000 more for the Venza than for equivalent RAV4 hybrid models.
    On a technical level, the Venza’s primary advantage is its panoramic electrochromic sunroof, a $1400 option exclusive to the Limited trim that can change from transparent to translucent at the touch of a button. But at our test car’s $43,045 price point, the new Venza struggles to distinguish itself both from Toyota’s own compact SUV and its numerous mid-size crossover competitors. Unless you’re smitten with the Venza’s design, the RAV4 hybrid is the more compelling buy.

    Specifications

    Specifications
    2021 Toyota Venza
    VEHICLE TYPE front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
    PRICE AS TESTED $43,045 (base price: $33,590)
    POWERTRAIN DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter inline-4, 176 hp, 163 lb-ft + 3 permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors, front: 118 hp, 149 lb-ft; rear: 54 hp, 89 lb-ft (combined output, 219 hp); 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
    TRANSMISSION continuously variable automatic
    CHASSIS Suspension (F/R): struts/multilinkBrakes (F/R): 12.0-in vented disc/11.1-in discTires: Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus, 225/55R-19 99V M+S
    DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 105.9 inLength: 186.6 inWidth: 73.0 inHeight: 65.9 inPassenger volume: 95 ft3Cargo volume: 29 ft3Curb weight: 3879 lb
    C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 7.6 sec100 mph: 20.9 secRolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.9 secTop gear, 30–50 mph: 3.8 secTop gear, 50–70 mph: 5.2 sec1/4 mile: 15.8 sec @ 89 mphTop speed (governor limited): 118 mphBraking, 70–0 mph: 179 ftRoadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.79 gStanding-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
    C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 36 mpgHighway range: 520 miles
    EPA FUEL ECONOMY (MFR EST) Combined/city/highway: 39/40/37 mpg

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    2020 Alpina B3 Is a Faster and Better-Tuned M340i

    We’ll apologize up front for this being another of our occasional takes on a compelling car that the vagaries of the international auto industry deny us. That’s because although Alpina does exist in the United States—selling its B7 version of the BMW 7-series and set to launch its new XB7 SUV here soon—there are unfortunately no plans to bring any of the BMW tuner’s smaller and more affordable models to the States, such as this impressive 3-series-based B3.
    The new B3 isn’t meant to be a rival to the forthcoming M3. Alpina’s close relationship with BMW is based on the clear understanding that the company’s variants are built around a different mission from those that wear M badges. Alpinas are softer and more comfort orientated, designed more for effortless high-speed blasts on Germany’s autobahn than for shaving seconds from lap times. That focus makes for seriously multitalented vehicles, which the new Alpina B3 demonstrates wonderfully.

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    Alpina

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    Alpina’s status as BMW’s officially sanctioned tuner means it basically gets to play Lego with the manufacturer’s componentry. The B3 uses the all-wheel-drive system, mechanical limited-slip rear differential, and eight-speed automatic transmission from the M340i xDrive model but adds a beefier torque converter to better cope with the output of the S58 twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six that the B3 shares with the X3 M and X4 M SUVs. For Alpina duty, the six gains smaller, low-inertia turbocharger compressors, redesigned intake and exhaust systems, and a retuned computer. Its 456 horsepower slots it slightly below the 473 or 503 horses of the M models, but the B3 produces a stout 516 pound-feet of torque versus the M tune’s 442 pound-feet. The B3 should be able to clear 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds, and top speed is an unrestricted 186 mph for the wagon and 188 mph for the sedan.

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    Alpina

    The B3’s engine pulls without lag—or indeed much in the way of apparent effort—generating significant speed with the accelerator pedal only halfway through its long travel. Pushed harder, the g forces increase and the sounds it makes get angrier, but the engine’s linearity and broad midrange muscle is in marked contrast to the top-end fireworks of most M cars. The last-generation B3 was less powerful yet struggled for grip in its standard rear-drive form, but the new car just sticks, even when accelerating hard from a stop. While understeer can be found in tighter bends, the front end’s push is minimal and is usually successfully countered by the all-wheel-drive system.
    Even more impressive is the B3’s chassis. It employs new Eibach springs but keeps the adaptive dampers from the M340i, which have been reprogrammed to give a broader spread between Comfort and Sport modes. Even with the dampers in their firmest setting, there was no harshness to the car’s ride over the (admittedly few) rough patches we could find on our test route through the German countryside. There was also no sense of float or excessive body roll in Comfort mode. That includes during hard acceleration, which, despite the softer springs, seemed to produce less squat than is typical in punchy BMWs. The steering feels better weighted as well, with a more natural loading of cornering forces than in the M340i.

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    Alpina

    We drove both sedan and Touring wagon versions of the B3 on the road and can say there’s minimal dynamic difference between them. The wagon’s open cargo area allows slightly more noise inside, although its cabin is still impressively quiet at cruising speeds. Its responses to control inputs aren’t quite as keen as the sedan’s—Alpina says it weighs 176 pounds more—but with no Touring version planned for the new M3, the long-roof B3 will be the quickest factory-approved version of the current 3-series wagon.
    Beyond some discreet Alpina branding, including the company’s badge on the steering wheel in place of the BMW roundel, the B3’s interior is predictably similar to that of a well-specified 3-series. The standard steering wheel features Alpina’s traditional small buttons on the back of the spokes for manual gear selection, but you can opt for more functional machined aluminum paddles instead. Externally, the B3 is similarly understated, especially for buyers who resist Alpina’s optional pinstriping. Beyond the Alpina-branded front splitter—which harks back to when the company competed in the European Touring Car Championship—the B3 shouts remarkably little for being as quick as it is.

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    Alpina

    On the demanding Bilster Berg racetrack, an exclusive members’ club built on the site of a former British army munitions depot, the B3 felt impressively quick for a luxury performance car. Its suspension retains tight control of the car’s body motions and reveals a playful side that comes in part from the all-wheel-drive system’s rearward torque bias. Chuck it through a tight corner, and the combination of the more aggressive Sport Plus drive mode and the stability control’s Sport setting allows a liberal amount of slip from the back end. The next M3 will undoubtedly be even quicker and more extreme on the track, but the softer-edged B3 is no slouch.
    In terms of global reach, Alpina remains a boutique shop. With production limited to about 2000 cars a year in total, CEO Andreas Bovensiepen admits it’s not possible to financially justify the considerable costs of certifying its less-expensive models for sale in the U.S. Less expensive in this case means a starting price the equivalent of $91,000. Still, it’s a shame. What the new B3 gives up in outright performance it more than makes up for in refinement and exclusivity. Sadly, we’ll have to continue to appreciate it from afar.

    Specifications

    Specifications
    2020 Alpina B3
    VEHICLE TYPE front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan or wagon
    BASE PRICE (GERMANY) $91,000
    ENGINE TYPE twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injectionDisplacement 183 in3, 2993 cm3Power 456 hp @ 7000 rpmTorque 516 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
    TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic
    DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 112.2 inLength: 185.8 inWidth: 71.9 inHeight: 56.6–56.7 inPassenger volume: 95 ft3Trunk volume: 17–18 ft3Curb weight (C/D est): 4150–4300 lb
    PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 3.4–3.5 sec100 mph: 9.0–9.1 sec1/4 mile: 11.9–12.0 secTop speed (mfr’s claim): 186–188 mph
    EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST) Combined/city/highway: 18/15/23 mpg

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    Tested: 1977 Ferrari 308 GTB Bucks Tradition In the Best Ways

    From the March 1977 issue of Car and Driver.
    Here is a car that’s going to make the purists grind their teeth. The thing says Ferrari all over it, prancing horses everywhere you look. You can see six of those noble little Ferrari trademarks right from the driver’s seat and that is without even craning your neck. Walk around the outside, and you’ll see more—front, back and both sides—proclaiming for all the world that this is the latest message to the faithful from El Commendatore.

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    But the purists, bless their over-informed hearts, know perfectly well that this little thigh-high sweetie officially called Ferrari 308 GTB is nothing but a social-climbing Dino. Look underneath if you don’t believe it. The engine is the same all-aluminum, sidewinder V-8 bolted to the same five-speed manual transmission that you’ll find in the Dino 308 GT4. The suspension pieces are identical too. And so are the wheels. What’s old Enzo trying to pull here anyway, sticking his rampant horses to a bogus Ferrari?

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    Don HunterCar and Driver

    It must be hell being a purist—fogs the mind and blocks the vision. You can’t see the truth for the facts. Now, to be completely correct, this new Ferrari shares virtually all of its major mechanicals with the Dino 308 GT 4. And it has a V-8, not one of the glorious V-12s, with belts instead of chains driving the four camshafts. So there is none of the old clatter, nothing to cock an ear to two blocks away. As a final indictment, the body is made of—can it really be true?—fiberglass. Like a Corvette. Or a boat. If you’re the sort who weighs the merits of an automobile by the specifications printed on the back of brochures, you’re going to conclude that the EPA and the DOT and the old rocking chair have taken a firm grip of Mr. Ferrari, and he is easing himself into retirement on the strength of past accomplishments.

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    Don HunterCar and Driver

    And that, in one short paragraph, is why it is so dangerous to judge a car by the ancestry of its parts. Because this latest Ferrari is a remarkable machine, a truly happy collection of ideas and components that really work well together. Visually, it’s a first-round knockout, just the right blend of old Pininfarina Curvaceous and Modern Wedge. The fenders swoop with undisguised joy while the nose droops in the best aerodynamic tradition. And there are enough slots, scoops, and vents to satisfy those who want the Functional Look. In red, the effect is stunning. Ferrari’s red seems to get more intense each year: The test car made fire trucks look pale. It also made fire trucks with all of their chrome fitments look frivolous. The Ferrari is trimmed entirely in black-bumpers, taillight surrounds, door handles, everything. Which makes the red even redder.
    If you are going to spend big money for a car, $28,780 in this case, it’s just assumed that the car will have visual flare in proportion to its price. But with rare exceptions—the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso and the GTO 64, to name two, and these are more than 10 years old—Ferraris generally have had frumpy styling. So even at first glance, this new GTB is a radical departure from the norm. But then this car goes against the Ferrari tradition in a number of ways. It would appear that its designers approached the problem of a mid-engine GT coupe with an open mind. And as a result, the GTB is one of the most logical, comfortable and easy-to-drive mid­engine cars ever built.

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    Don HunterCar and Driver

    If you think back a bit, you will observe that although mid-engine cars have been the dominant theme in racing for about 15 years, the concept has not fared well on the road. Usually, designers got the proportions wrong. DeTomaso’s efforts, the Mangusta and the Pantera, are prime examples. He tried to have a V-8 engine between the wheels and at the same time maintain a wheel­base typical of front-engine cars (both the Pantera and the Corvette measured 98 inches). The result was a short cockpit with little legroom and vertical seats positioned very close to the floor. Calling this a torture chamber would be a rather severe description, but you get the idea. Another source of discomfort was the combined effect of the steeply raked windshield and the short roof. The top of the glass was right over your forehead, and all of the sun’s energy beamed right in full force on your lap. It was like sitting in a Radarange.

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    Don HunterCar and Driver

    With the GTB, Ferrari has handled all of these dimensions very nicely. The wheelbase is even shorter than that of the Pantera—only 92 inches—but the transverse engine mounted just forward of the rear wheels is a very compact arrangement, and it does not intrude on cockpit space. So the GTB’s interior dimensions are much more generous than a Pantera’s. Your legs must angle slightly toward the center of the car to clear the arches for the front wheel, but this is less bothersome than in, say, a Porsche 911. And although the windshield angles back severely, it starts from a cowl that is well forward and finishes accordingly, leaving plenty of roof for shade. Overall, the GTB is a very compact car. It’s just over a foot shorter than a Corvette and strictly a two-seater. Baggage space provides about the same volume as in a Corvette, but the shapes of the compartments in the two cars are different enough to make you use different bags. All of the Ferrari’s luggage space is rear­ward of the engine, and it runs the full width of the car. You get to it by lifting the engine lid and then unzipping a vinyl tonneau cover. The space is modest, but at least one golf bag should fit, for those of you who accept or reject cars on that basis. But regardless of what you like to carry along on your travels, if it won’t fit in this trunk, chances are it won’t go anywhere. The front compartment is entirely filled with the spare tire and brake cylinders, and there is barely enough room behind the seats for this magazine. All that’s left is a pocket in each door and a locking compartment between the seats.
    But if the GTB is obviously not a pack horse, it still has practical aspects that may have escaped your first notice. The fiberglass body should be easier to repair after a crunch than limited-production steel body panels. Chances are that some enterprising shop will make a mold from which replacement body sections could be lifted for the cost of dune-buggy bodies. Considering the brand name we’re dealing with here, the markup might be a bit higher, but the net should still be less than factory-fresh equivalents from across the sea. Fiberglass is really quite a logical body material for this sort of machine. Manufacturing costs for a short run of cars should be less than with steel, and the finished product won’t rust. It’s also fairly dent resistant as well. A light hit on fiberglass may scratch the paint, but the body is resilient enough to resume its former shape with no permanent damage.

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    Don HunterCar and Driver

    To be sure, fiberglass brings its own problems. You don’t have to ride one block in the GTB to know its body materiaI. There is a sort of dull clunking sound, a sensation you feel as much as hear, whenever you hit bumps. This Ferrari, all Corvettes, and some Lotuses have it. There is nothing annoying about it. It’s just there. And in our minds, a fair trade for the rust resistance.
    When you mention fiberglass, people usually conjure up visions of fenders rippling like mill ponds. This isn’t the case with the GTB. We inspected the body surfaces quite carefully and found them to be generally within the range of what you’d expect of steel cars. Interestingly, the Ferrari’s front deck lid is made of aluminum, and the surface finish of it is no smoother and no rougher than the glass nosepiece surrounding it.
    Although the GTB’s entire body, with the exception of the front lid, is made of fiberglass, the construction of the car itself is not much different than metal-­bodied Ferraris. All of them use a frame welded from simple brackets and steel tubing that’s usually rectangular. The tubes are always sprayed black, and you can always see rust around the welds, even on new cars. This is typical of all the Italian exotic cars, and if the sight of rust blemishing your handwrought frame makes you nervous, it might be best if you didn’t look so close.

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    Don HunterCar and Driver

    Certainly the GTB offers other visual attractions. The interior is done up in the Michelin Man style now coming into vogue with the Italian coachbuilders. Most surfaces in the cockpit are covered with huge pillowy rolls of vinyl. Pininfarina gave the padded-cell look to the Lancia Beta Scorpion first, and now it has done a variation on the theme for Ferrari. The effect is altogether different than what the world has come to expect of cars, particularly sports cars. There is no wood, no engine-turned aluminum, no black crackle to act as background for dozens of gauges, levers, and knobs. Instead, the dash, doors, roof and seats all seem to run together in a padded cocoon of vinyl. There is but one interruption. Directly before the driver, right where he would hope it would be, is the instrument cluster. All the dials are round. The tachometer shows a 7700-rpm redline. The speedometer reads to 180 mph. The stylists have fancied up the markings a bit more than they should have for maximum legibility, but the message is by no means lost. Curiously, the cluster ended up too small for all the dials, so two—the clock and the oil temperature—are tucked away below the dash on the left, half buried by the voluptuous padding.
    The controls you must reach for either sprout from the steering column or are located on the console. In Italian cars, reaching for the steering wheel tends to be an Olympic-level task. At first glance, the GTB looks as difficult as they come. The wheel angles forward at the top in that awkward way. But then when you slip into the seat, you find the steering is more manageable than you anticipated. The reach is reasonable, and the low steering effort, one of the delightful aspects of a mid-engine car, makes minimal demands. Parking requires some exertion, but you’ll never be discouraged from any maneuver on the road.

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    Don HunterCar and Driver

    In fact, there is very little about the GTB that is discouraging. Sports cars and GT cars traditionally have been specialized machines, and frequently you were asked to make major sacrifices in comfort or convenience just to have the look of speed and, if you were lucky, the performance to match. But the GTB is wonderfully accommodating. It has plenty of room inside for two adults. Your head won’t rub the molded, one-piece headliner, and you won’t have to tuck your elbows in your belt loops. The seats are exceptionally good. They are finished in leather, very firm and deeply contoured. They give you the feeling that you’ll be well taken care of, come what may, even if that means 500 miles in one afternoon. And the combination lap-and-­shoulder belts fit comfortably, something that couldn’t be said of their equivalent in the Dino 308 GT 4.
    Oh, the Advantage of Owning a Ferrari Dealership
    You might think that the Ferrari dealers of this nation would be stumbling over themselves to lend this magazine a test car. They are not. The only one to step up to its solemn duty was International Motorcars Corporation, which also happens to be the newest Ferrari dealership in the country. But don’t think that International Motorcars came through because it was too green to know any better. Instead, the reason had to do with geography-because the newest Ferrari store just happens to be located smack in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi, and business is done differently in that part of the country.
    As you would expect, there is not a surfeit of Ferraris in Mississippi. Until just recently, the exact count was seven. And four of these were owned by two men from Jackson: Charlie Kemp, better known for his exploits in road racing, and Sam Scott, a lawyer of no modest skill. Together they started International Motorcars, not to populate the state with more Ferraris but as a way to get dealer tags for their own cars. In Mississippi, the license plates for a Ferrari run about $300 per car per year, but as a dealership, they can get all they want for the lump sum of $160. Scott drew up the papers, and they were in business.
    The idea of actually becoming a Ferrari store came later. “To be honest, we just thought it would be a neat thing to do,” Scott says. “But we didn’t know if we could qualify. When we called the importer, they had heard of Kemp through racing and said they would consider us.”

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    Don HunterCar and Driver

    After a few months of negotiations, the deal went through. International Motorcars bought $2000 worth of genuine Ferrari parts and a pair of new cars and hung its sign out in front of a remodeled Chrysler-Plymouth dealership in downtown Jackson, a location that is within an exhaust-shriek of the state capitol.
    Having a Ferrari store and actually selling Ferraris are two different matters. Kemp and Scott had no way to know if they could move cars. But they soon discovered that the Ferrari business, although it may move in strange ways, definitely moves. Scott remembers the first car they sold. “A kid arrived out front in a taxi with an airplane ticket in his hand. He was wearing a T-shirt and jeans with holes in the knees. Turned out he was from New Orleans and had seen our ad in the Times-Picayune. We had a used 275 GTS on the floor. He walked around the car twice—didn’t even sit in it—and said he’d take it. The price was $14,500, and he gave us a check for $8000 to hold it.”
    That was last July. Since then business has been well above expectations. They’ve sold 11 cars, six of them new ones. And poised on the showroom floor right now is one brilliant-red Ferrari 308 GTB certain to become a much sought after collector’s item. It is the Car and Driver test car. If you tell Charlie Kemp that you are a regular reader, he might even make you a deal. —Patrick Bedard

    Specifications

    SPECIFICATIONS
    1977 Ferrari 308GTB
    VEHICLE TYPEmid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe 
    PRICE AS TESTED (1977)$28,780 (base price: $28,780)
    ENGINE TYPE DOHC 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, 4×2-bbl Weber 40DCNF carburetorDisplacement 179 in3, 2927 cm3Power 240 hp @ 6600 rpmTorque 195 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
    TRANSMISSION 5-speed manual
    CHASSIS Suspension (F/R): control arms/control armsBrakes (F/R): 10.6-in vented disc/10.9-in vented discTires: Michelin XWX, 205/70VR-14
    DIMENSIONSWheelbase: 92.1 inLength: 172.4 inWidth: 67.7 in Height: 44.1 inCurb weight: 3110 lb
    C/D TEST RESULTS60 mph: 7.9 sec100 mph: 21.1 sec1/4 mile: 16.0 sec @ 89 mphTop speed (C/D est): 140 mphBraking, 70–0 mph: 220 ft

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    2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA45 Is Wild

    AMG wasted no time getting its hands on Mercedes’s smallest crossover, the new GLA. Compared to the 221-hp GLA250, the AMG GLA45 seems to be cut from entirely different cloth. There is an intermediate AMG GLA35 with at 302 horsepower, but the range-topping GLA45, with its 382-hp M139 engine, is the focus of this review.
    This same engine can be found in the GLA’s platform-mate, the CLA45. AMG extracts the 382 horsepower from a mere 2.0 liters of displacement. Force-fed by a single twin-scroll turbocharger, peak power comes at 6500 rpm, while maximum torque—354 pound-feet—is on tap from 4750 to 5000 rpm. Compared to the 302-hp GLA35, the 45’s cylinder head is completely different; its intake and exhaust ports are opposite to that of the GLA35. The turbo now occupies the real estate near the firewall, and the intake plenum sits out front. This setup optimizes airflow to feed this engine’s voracious appetite for oxygen and to better serve the powertrain’s cooling requirements.

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    Mercedes-AMG

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    If you think that a single large turbo is a recipe for turbo lag, the GLA45 may dissuade you of that notion. Mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, the engine is so responsive that it largely resembles a naturally aspirated unit, except there’s great power at low rpm. Ripping through the gears, the GLA45 will charge to 60 mph in a conservative claim of 4.3 seconds—a 2018 GLA45 did the deed in 3.9—and the rush continues up to its terminal velocity, a claimed 155 mph. Even in quieter settings, the engine remains somewhat raspy and aggressive.
    Our GLA45 came with the AMG Dynamic Plus package that offers six driving modes that adapt the suspension, throttle-pedal feedback, sound, shift strategy, front-to-rear torque distribution, steering assist, and the permissiveness of the stability control. Switch to the Master setting, and the GLA45 will allow you to coax the crossover into an easily controllable drift. The Dynamic Plus package also includes adaptive dampers and larger front brake rotors clamped by six-piston calibers instead of four-pot binders.

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    Mercedes-AMG

    The Dynamic Plus package highlights and helps optimize the GLA45’s chassis hardware. Stiffened and fitted with body reinforcements, the AMG version has a tauter suspension with struts up front and multilink in the rear. The steering is ultra sharp and direct while the body control is firm and tight. It feels at the ready, attentively waiting for any driver input to translate into rapid moves. The variable torque split between the front and rear axles is controlled by an electronically controlled clutch pack, and a torque-vectoring rear differential distributes power between the rear wheels.
    The same interior that looks so clean and simple in the GLA250 is transformed by AMG with a somewhat-sportier steering wheel, firm and supportive performance seats, grippy microfiber elements, standard red stitching, and red seatbelts. The 10.3-inch instrument cluster features an AMG-specific Supersport gauge cluster that looks great, although it is not more informative than the regular gauges, which can still be selected.

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    Mercedes-AMG

    AMG seems to think that owners might take their GLA45 to a track. For those select few, there’s a Track Pace program that serves as a personal instructor, allowing the driver to record their favorite racetracks. Take it on the track, and the system feeds data into the instrument cluster or the head-up display to help improve lap times.
    What we don’t like about the GLA45 is common to all GLAs. We’re still fighting with the imprecise touchpad that operates the infotainment system, and even the GLA45 has a decidedly un-sporty column-mounted shifter. There’s also the matter of the GLA45 S, which isn’t available in the United States. At 415 horsepower, 369 pound-feet, and capable of 168 mph, it ladles out the power even more generously. But even without the S treatment, we can’t think of another crossover this size that’s more fun.

    Specifications

    Specifications
    2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA45
    VEHICLE TYPE front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
    BASE PRICE (C/D EST) $55,000
    ENGINE TYPE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injectionDisplacement 122 in3, 1991 cm3Power 382 hp @ 6500 rpmTorque 354 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
    TRANSMISSION 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
    DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.4 inLength: 174.6 inWidth: 72.8 inHeight: 62.5 inCurb weight (C/D est): 3600 lb
    PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 3.9 sec100 mph: 9.7 sec1/4 mile: 12.4 secTop speed: 155 mph
    EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST) Combined/city/highway: 25/23/29 mpg

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    1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen Sparked a Revolution

    From the December 1986 issue of Car and Driver.
    One century and a few zillion miles by automobile later, the thrill of self-propulsion hasn’t diminished an iota. We know this is an absolute fact now that we’ve had the rare pleasure of driving a replica of the original automobile, described by Carl Benz in his 1886 patent.

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    The startup ritual is a trip in itself. White gas and water are added to the appropriate brass reservoirs behind the seat. The engine oilers are topped off with 30-weight. The carburetor is adjusted with a knurled knob located just under the seat. The ignition is switched on, and the trembler coil sounds for all the world like a modern-day key buzzer. Exposed crankshaft journals are lubricated with a squirt or two of oil, and the cylinder is primed with a fuel-air mix by giving the massive horizontal flywheel a few swings back and forth. Finally, the big wheel is spun rapidly, until the Benz engine fumph-fumph-sneeze-fumphs to life.

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    George LeppCar and Driver

    The commotion that follows is vintage hurdy-gurdy: ringing gears, occasional small-caliber pops, frantic shaking, and the steady throb of primeval power. A mist of oil spray and partly burned fuel forms over the machinery, and the 0.88-hp three­-wheeler is ready to ride.
    The climb aboard is awkward but not as big a chore as mounting a horse. The small leather bench is reasonably comfortable, and the weight of a human on top of it damps some of the wild vibration. Managing the controls is child’s play. There is no throttle to worry about, because the engine runs virtually flat out all the time. Where you expect to find a steering wheel, there is a delicate tiller with a pointer attached to it: aim the pointer left and you go left, right and you turn right. Benz was clearly onto something here. A hand lever to the left of the seat takes care of everything else: you pull it back to apply power to the rear wheels, push it forward for neutral, and shove it farther forward to brake.

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    George LeppCar and Driver

    The fumph-fumphs are fewer and further between as the engine shoulders the load. Gradually it settles into a strained but steady cadence; with each piston stroke, you feel as if a soft battering ram were thumping your solar plexus. When your hair wafts up and off your forehead in the breeze, you know you’re flat out.
    The term “acceleration” doesn’t quite fit a Benz in the act of forward motion. It gathers speed like a fog bank cresting a hill. Any kid on foot could beat it in a race.
    The Benz’s chassis dynamics are identical to those you’d experience while riding a kitchen stool propped on top of a wheel­chair. From your precarious perch, the wide eyes of the assembled masses blur by at knee level. Your eyes show no terror, though, because the inner ear acts as a gyrostabilizer, quickly settling your qualms and automatically applying the requisite body English while slowing or turning. Hard braking, full-power cornering, and breathless blasts of oil-spitting speed soon become comfortable maneuvers.

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    George LeppCar and Driver

    It isn’t long before the hardworking Benz needs a break. As the engine boils off its supply of cooling water and the friction drive begins to warm and stretch the leather transmission belt, there is noticeably less power to play with. On our gradually sloping test strip, the three-wheeler demonstrates a distinct preference for the down direction. With the grade in our favor, we can easily exceed 10 mph (clocked by the photo car’s speedometer), but outside assistance is necessary on the uphill leg. Two tireless Mercedes-Benz technicians, Ernst Thiel and Hermann Stehling, supply people power from behind and keep a close watch over the machinery.
    Apprentices at the Mercedes-Benz factory constructed this replica of the original Benz Patentwagen and 32 other historic recreations for this year’s anniversary-of­-the-automobile celebration. Eleven duplicates each of Gottlieb Daimler’s 1885 motor bicycle, his 1886 four-wheel motor carriage, and Benz’s three-wheeler were crafted in loving detail to give visitors to museums and expositions around the globe an opportunity to study these forebear of the modem automobile.

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    George LeppCar and Driver

    Interestingly enough, the three-wheel replicas deviate significantly from the patent drawings registered by Carl Benz on January 29, 1886. The notable discrepancies are in the layout of the frame, the steering linkage, the seat design, the fuel ­tank location, and the type of radiator. There is no evidence of brakes in the original patent drawings, either, though they were mentioned in Benz’s written disclosure. What the replicas do mimic is the oldest Benz trike still in existence, an artifact owned by the Deutsches Museum in Munich. Some historians mark it as the one true original, but the number of discrepancies between it and Benz’s drawings support the theory that it’s a slightly later development of his Patentwagen. Given the disagreement on how to spell Benz’s first name (both “Carl” and “Karl” are widely used), it’s easy to see how the historical record can lapse now and then.
    No archivists were on hand to document the birth of the automobile, because no one—not even the inventors—had an inkling of its ramifications. Carl Benz was an engine developer and dreamer who enjoyed little commercial success either before or for quite some time after receiving his patent. The epic document was modestly titled Vehicle with Gas-driven Engine. His specific patent claims were only two: a driver-adjustable fuel-air mixing device and the use of a shift lever both to move a drive belt and to actuate brakes.
    Griffith Borgeson, a former C/D contributor and current European editor of Automobile Quarterly (AQ), brings the details of the patent to light in a recent AQ commemorative to Mercedes-Benz. He goes on to list a significant number of inventions that were ready and waiting on the shelf when Benz built the Patentwagen. Rubber tires, wire wheels, ball bearings, roller chain, rack-and-pinion steering, differential drive gearing, lightweight steel frames—and even fully engineered and commercially available two-seat velocipedes—all were in existence in the early 1880s, according to Borgeson’s research.

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    George LeppCar and Driver

    It’s clear that Benz didn’t create the first automobile lock, stock, and cylinder barrel from scratch. What he did do was combine three crucial elements—an engine with adequate power, a lightweight chassis, and petroleum-based fuel—in such a way that a patent could be issued and systematic development carried out.

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    George LeppCar and Driver

    Several years of tinkering with two-­stroke engines lay behind Benz’s invention. Convinced that automobility would be possible if a reasonable power-to-­weight ratio could be achieved, he dreamed of building a vehicle that “runs under its own power like a locomotive, but not on tracks, but like a wagon simply on any street.” Four-stroke engines patented by Nikolaus Otto in 1877 led the way. They achieved a phenomenal 100 horsepower (for stationary use) by 1880, and tens of thousands of the engines themselves and licenses to build them were sold around the world. Other manufacturers, envious of Otto’s technology, waged a legal battle to break his hold on it; meanwhile, Carl Benz spent his time experimenting in secret. In the fall of 1884 he began work on a four-stroke, benzine-burning engine. It was running well enough by the following year to propel a three-wheeler around his courtyard. Confident that he had something to boast about and that Otto’s claim to the four-stroke engine would soon be broken, Benz filed for a patent. Ironically, it was issued only one day before the German supreme court ruled against Otto.
    The Benz three-wheeler is a fascinating mix of short-lived features and ideas that have stood the test of time. It rides on only three wheels because Benz hadn’t yet devised a way to steer a four-wheeler. (He found one in 1893.) The flywheel is positioned horizontally because Benz believed that the inertia of a heavy mass spinning vertically would make steering difficult. Benz’s engine wasn’t as powerful or as fast-running as others of the time, but it incorporated several prophetic details: positive intake- and exhaust-valve actuation, a float-controlled and exhaust-heated carburetor, and an ignition system comprising a spark plug, a battery, a coil, and breaker points.

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    George LeppCar and Driver

    One of the weakest aspects of the three­-wheeler was its cooling system. A water jacket around the cylinder barrel was fed by a gallon reservoir located above. Circulation was supposed to take place by the thermosiphon method (steam rising to the reservoir and recondensing), but the system was practically a total-loss design and had to be replenished every mile or so.
    Bertha Benz gave Carl two sons, three daughters, and a road test. In 1888, tired of her husband’s incessant tinkering and lack of commercial success, she decided that a convincing demonstration might help get the automobile business rolling. Without Carl’s knowledge, Bertha took her sons and a developmental three­-wheeler on the first-ever cross-country automobile trip, to her mother’s home some 60 miles away. There were problems en route—climbing hills—but the trip was completed by nightfall.

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    George LeppCar and Driver

    What followed this first recorded unauthorized use of an automobile was the first user-inspired improvement of an automobile. Upon returning home, Benz’s sons, Eugen and Richard, complained loudly about all of the uphill pushing they had had to do on their journey. Carl responded by adding a lower gear to his design.
    Carl Benz’s family was there when he needed them, but it’s easy to understand why so many others found his three-­wheeler a poor substitute for the horse. It was, after all, slower, less aesthetically pleasing, and a good deal less reliable. In the intervening century, however, horses have gotten no faster. Their pollution problem is yet to be solved. They have utterly resisted development.
    Cars, on the other hand, started getting better when Bertha decided to teach Carl Benz a lesson in marketing. And they have never stopped.

    Specifications

    SPECIFICATIONS
    1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen
    VEHICLE TYPEmid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger progenitor
    ENGINE TYPEsingle-cylinder, iron block and head, 1×1-bbl carburetor Displacement58 in3, 954 cm3Power0.88 hp @ 400 rpmTRANSMISSION1-speed direct drive
    DIMENSIONSWheelbase: 57.1 inLength: 99.5 inWidth: 57.0 in Height: 57.1 inCurb weight: 600 lb
    PERFORMANCETop speed: 10 mph

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    The 10 Best Car Vinyl Wraps to Buy 2020

    Are you bored with the color of your car? Do you want to repaint it in an absurdly bold color? Do you want to give it a paint job that will turn every head? Well, times have changed, and painting a car is a thing of the past. Nowadays, most car enthusiasts and auto shops recommend vinyl wrapping it. It’s easier, simpler, and comes with many extra benefits.
    Many people see vinyl wrapping one’s car to be superior over repainting it, as the vinyl wrap can be removed without damaging the paint underneath. In fact, the film will protect the paint, so that the underlying paint will look like new when the vinyl is removed years after. This can add to the resale value of the car. Vinyl wrapping your car will also give you more options to get crazier finishes, like a chrome finish, and is easier, quicker, and cheaper to maintain and install.
    Best of all, you don’t need a professional to vinyl wrap your car. You can easily purchase car vinyl wraps online and do it yourself at home with some simple equipment, like a knife, a scraper and a hairdryer or a heat gun. If you want some ideas about how to go about vinyl wrapping your car, check out our handy guide below.

    How to Choose the Best Car Vinyl Wraps
    Finding the best car vinyl wraps is a tad tricky. There are just so many different types of products out there. We’ve considered various aspects of each product and weeded through the majority of them in order to figure out what the best ones available now are. Before giving you a list of our recommendations, here’s how we’ve broken down our analysis of each product.
    Size and Thickness
    Most car vinyl wraps come in various thicknesses and sizes to accommodate various needs. It’s important to take a look at your car and determine the size of the largest piece of vinyl you’ll need. It’s much easier to wrap each component using one single piece of vinyl instead of several pieces, as you won’t have to worry about seamlessly transitioning the edges together. Here’s another tip: it’s also always better to have a little extra on hand just in case.
    The thickness of the car vinyl wrap should also be taken into account. If the film is too thin, it may not offer any protection to the outer surface of the vehicle. It may also not do a good job in giving you that solid finish that you’re looking for.
    Adhesive and Ease of Installation
    It does take some time to get used to the vinyl wrapping process. With that said, some car vinyl wraps are easier to install than others. They may have unique patented technologies or built-in air channels that make them less prone to bubbling or more flexible than other brands. The ease of installation will also depend on the type of adhesive that is used. In general, car vinyl wraps with pressure-activated adhesives are favored because they are easier to slide around and reposition during the installation process.
    Overall Finish and Quality
    Last but not least, it’s important to consider the overall finish and quality. This includes whether the product stretches well to prevent unsightly marks or whether the product has a protective coating overtop that will protect it from scratches. We’ll also take a look at the expected lifespan of each product.
    We’ll go into more detail about every aspect of vinyl wrapping your car in our complete guide, but with these basics in mind, let’s review the best ones on the market today.

    Top 10 Best Car Vinyl Wraps 2020

    1. Best Overall Car Vinyl Wrap: VViViD XPO Black Carbon Fiber

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    Why we like it: This vinyl car wrap can stretch up to 200%, conform to the tightest curves and lasts for up to 7 years. It also looks like real carbon fiber and can offer a beautiful paint-like finish. It’s easy to install and it’s the perfect wrap for rookies!
    Editor’s Rating:

    Overview
    VViViD makes a lot of wonderful car vinyl wraps that are affordable, easy to install and high-quality, but this black carbon fiber is by far our favorite. On top of being one of the best budget options out there, the black carbon design is easy to maintain and has an authentic texture and feel. If you’d like to enhance the durability of this product, the manufacturer recommends using both a 3M 94 Primer and a 3M edge sealer to protect the vinyl. This product relies on a dry application and the solvent-based adhesive at the back allows you to easily reposition it.
    Size and Thickness
    Each sheet is about 3.9mm thick, so it’s strong and durable. The sheet doesn’t break easily and will stretch and conform to the car’s curves. The thickness ensures that a solid color is maintained throughout regardless of how you work with the product. It is also not susceptible to stretch marks or discoloration.
    This product comes in various sizes, so it’s perfect for working on small sections and parts as well as large ones. The largest roll is 100 feet by 5 feet and will easily wrap around just about any vehicle structure.
    Adhesive and Ease of Installation
    One of the main reasons why this is one of our favorite car vinyl wraps is because it is super easy to install. All you need is a hairdryer or a heat gun and a squeegee. The vinyl will stretch up to 200% to conform to the tightest curves without crinkling and can be applied to both the interior and exterior of the car. The product has a dry, solvent-based adhesive at the back that is repositionable, and the acrylic glue formula not only has a strong hold, but will also not damage the surface or any coatings. This low-tack formula also allows you to reposition and move the vinyl into just the right place with ease.
    Best of all, this product has built-in VViViD Air Release, VViViD Resist, and VViViD Heat Fuse technologies that make the installation process as simple and easy as possible for beginners and DIYers. The technology expels air to give you that perfect, paint-like finish.
    Overall Finish and Quality
    The quality of this product is quite superb. It can easily last anywhere from 5 to 7 years outdoors, and has a dry carbon texture, finish and feel that looks real. One thing to note is the strong vinyl smell when you open it up, which can be overbearing at first.

    Pros

    Lightweight, economical alternative to repainting your car
    Lasts for up to 7 years when installed properly
    Has built-in VViViD Air Release, VViViD Resist and VViViD Heat Fuse technologies for an easy installation
    Thick and stretchy to prevent discoloration and stretch marks
    Easily repositionable

    Cons

    Has a strong vinyl smell at first

    2. Best Budget Car Vinyl Wrap: LZLRUN 3D Carbon Fiber Vinyl Wrap

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    Why we like it: It’s easy to use, affordable and comes with both the knife and hand tool needed for installation. The product also has built-in air channels for a bubble-free installation!
    Editor’s Rating:

    Overview
    You don’t need to spend a fortune to wrap your car and this product is evidence of that. You don’t need to go out to look for any equipment, as this product comes with a knife and the hand tool that you’ll need for installation.
    Size and Thickness
    This product is relatively thick and will give you the uniform look that you’re looking for. The thickness is easy to work with and comparable to some of the more expensive brands. The only issue is that this product only comes a few sizes, the largest being 2 feet by 5 feet. If you’re looking to wrap a whole section of a large vehicle, you may need to use several different rolls to get the job done.
    Adhesive and Ease of Installation
    The adhesive on the back is high quality and will not harm painted surfaces nor leave behind any type of residue. It has a strong self-adhesive backing that is easy to remove without leaving behind any residues or scratches. The material is easy to stretch with heat to conform to the shape of your car. This product also has built-in air channels that will help prevent air bubbles from building up during the installation. It also has a grid pattern on the back of the film that allows for more precise measuring and cutting.
    Overall Finish and Quality
    The life of this product is comparable to many other brands. You can get about 10 years of use with interior applications and 5 years of use with exterior applications. The 3D carbon fiber pattern also looks real. This product is also water-resistant and is easy to clean.

    Pros

    Incredibly affordable
    Conforms well to the contours and edges of the car
    Has built-in air channels for a bubble-free installation
    Comes with a free knife and scraper

    Cons

    Available in only a few different sizes

    3. Best Premium Car Vinyl Wrap: 3M 1080 Black Carbon Fiber Vinyl Flex Wrap

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    Why we like it: The quality of 3M car vinyl wraps is amazing. These wraps will last for years, and this wrap not only provides stability, but also much-needed durability. This car vinyl wrap relies on pressure-activated adhesives that will allow you to reposition the film until you get it on just the right spot!
    Editor’s Rating:

    Overview
    3M has long been regarded as an industry leader for car vinyl wraps. They produce high-quality products that last and are easy to work with, and this product is no different! The 3M 1080 Black Carbon Fiber Vinyl Flex Wrap is easy to install and will give you a finished product that looks superior to just about any other product on the market. This product can tolerate temperatures ranging from -60°C to +107°C.
    Size and Thickness
    This product comes in various sizes, and the 60 inch wide rolls will cover entire sections of most cars. The product has a nice thickness to it that makes it easy to work with.
    Adhesive and Ease of Installation
    The thing that makes this product stand out is that it uses a special patented adhesive layer called Comply™. This adhesive layer has multiple non-visible air release channels that form a waffle structure to prevent air bubbles from getting trapped between the film and the surface of the car. To get the air bubbles out, all you have to do is apply a little bit of pressure on it. This technology makes this product easy to install.
    The adhesive also allows for a dry install, so you can position and reposition the vinyl until you’re happy with its position. The product offers extreme conformability for even the most curved surfaces.
    Overall Finish and Quality
    The finished product looks great. It’ll offer a similar appearance from daytime to nighttime, and since it is manufactured with two-color layers, it offers additional dimensional stability and durability. This product will usually last for about 5 years if installed on the exterior of a vehicle. Note, however, all the great aspects of this product come at a cost, with this wrap working out to be more expensive than other brands.

    Pros

    Thick and high-quality for years of protection
    Easy to reposition the film thanks to pressure-activated adhesive
    Comes in various sizes for an easy installation
    Has non-visible air release channels for a bubble-free installation
    Easily conforms to curved surfaces

    Cons

    Tad pricier than other brands

    4. Best High Gloss Car Vinyl Wrap: VViViD Black High Gloss Microfinish

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    Why we like it: This vinyl car wrap will give you that realistic paint-like finish and high gloss shine you’re looking for. It’s super easy to install and can last for years!
    Editor’s Rating:

    Overview
    If you’re looking for that extra glossy look that will make your car look nice and clean all the time, this is the product that you need! It’s one of the best high gloss car vinyl wraps on the market right now. Keep in mind that high gloss wraps do reflect scratches more easily, which is why you’ll want to take that extra step and coat it with a sealer or a primer.
    Size and Thickness
    VViViD products are some of the best on the market because of their quality. They’re relatively thick and stretchable, and this product is no different. The VViViD Black High Gloss Microfinish Vinyl Wrap Roll is 4.3 mm thick, which is thick enough to prevent any type of discoloration, stretch marks or defects when wrapping your vehicle. It comes in many different sizes, ranging from 1 feet by 5 feet rolls to 9 feet by 5 feet rolls.
    Adhesive and Ease of Installation
    The dry adhesive used in this product is the same as in all other VViViD products. You will also get the same built-in VViViD Air Release, VViViD Resist, and VViViD Heat Fuse technologies with this product. These technologies help DIYers get that professional look and quality that they’re going for. The low-tack adhesive also makes it easy to position and reposition the vinyl wrap. As high gloss vinyl wraps don’t have any patterns on them, like with carbon fiber vinyl car wraps, this product is considerably easier to install.
    Overall Finish and Quality
    It’s hard to find a good high gloss car vinyl wrap that lives up to its name, but this product does. This product reflects light really well to give you that new car shine. It’s durable and can easily last anywhere from 5 to 7 years outdoors, although the manufacturer does recommend using a 3M 94 Primer and 3M edge sealer to promote adhesion and add life to the wrap.

    Pros

    4.4mm thick film protects the surface of cars
    Can be applied to many surfaces
    Easily stretchable to conform to various shapes
    Offers an unbeatable a high gloss finish at an affordable price
    Has built-in VViViD Air Release, VViViD Resist, and VViViD Heat Fuse technologies for easy installation

    Cons

    Susceptible to scratches

    5. Best Matte Car Vinyl Wrap: VViViD Black Matte Car Wrap Vinyl

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    Why we like it: It’s easy to give your car that sleek, modern look with this product. It easily conforms to different structures and can last for several years!
    Editor’s Rating:

    Overview
    Matte car vinyl wraps are all the rage recently. They offer a Sci-Fi feel to them and they’re great at highlighting the curves and structure of a car. The matte look does require a significantly more amount of maintenance, as it cannot be sealed with wax or a ceramic coat. You’ll also need to be more careful when handling the product, as it is more prone to showing fingerprints. With that said, unlike other matte wraps, this product has a micro-finished surface that makes it much easier to clean, maintain and install.
    Size and Thickness
    VViViD Black Matte car wrap vinyl rolls come in 13 different sizes, from 0.5 feet by 5 feet rolls all the way up to 100 feet by 5 feet rolls. You can purchase various kits, like a hood or roof kit, a hood, roof or trunk kit and a full-car kit. This makes it easy to find just the right size, and you’ll never need to worry about having to use several rolls to cover one section of your car.
    This product is 3.9 mm thick, so it offers a good amount of protection to the surface of your car and will also be easy to work with. It can easily stretch and conform to any shape without getting discolored or having visible stretch marks.
    Adhesive and Ease of Installation
    Although matte car wraps need to be handled with more care, you don’t need to be a professional to install this wrap. Much like with all other VViViD products, this product has built-in VViViD Air Release, VViViD Resist, and VViViD Heat Fuse technologies that prevent air bubbles from forming between the vinyl and the surface of your car. The dry, solvent-based adhesive is just as easy to work with and can be easily repositioned.
    Overall Finish and Quality
    If you’re looking for a matte finish, you can’t go wrong with this product. It’s easy to work with and offers superior results. This wrap has a life of about 5 to 7 years with any exterior installation. To further protect the product, use a 3M 94 Primer and 3M Edge sealer.

    Pros

    Easy installation for beginner DIYers
    Lasts up to 7 years outdoors
    Highlights the curves of the car
    Easily repositionable for a more seamless installation
    3.9mm thick film protects the outer surface of car

    Cons

    Difficult to maintain in comparison to other finishes

    6. Best Chrome Car Vinyl Wrap: TECKWRAP Chrome Mirror Vinyl Wrap Film

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    Why we like it: You can get a nice chrome finish that looks like a professional paint job with this car vinyl wrap! It’s easy to install and has a strong adhesive that will last for years.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Overview
    That metallic finish that you can only get with chrome will really make your car stand out on the road. After all, you don’t see many vehicles with a chrome finish. It reflects light from the sun well and the color is very eye-catching. This product comes in 5 different colors: silver, gold, blue, red and rose gold.
    Size and Thickness
    This product is made from high polymeric calendered vinyl, which is a tad thicker than other vinyl wraps that are typically made with cast vinyl. This gives the roll that uniform look and feel throughout. You may need several rolls of this product depending on how you’re going to wrap your car, as the rolls only come in one size – 11.5 inches by 60 inches.
    Adhesive and Ease of Installation
    As long as it’s installed onto a clean and dry surface, you should find this wrap relatively easy to install. It is extremely malleable and flexible, so it can be easily installed on any curved surface. Like with most car vinyl wraps, this product has a pressure-activated adhesive that allows for easy repositioning. The only thing that you need to worry about is that you can’t stretch the product as much as you can other wraps, so be careful!
    Overall Finish and Quality
    The film has a layer of protective film overtop to lengthen its overall life. The colors are vibrant, and it’s definitely one of the better chrome vinyl wraps on the market right now.

    Pros

    Unique colors that make car stand out
    High flexibility for installation on various surfaces
    Usable on both interior and exterior of car surfaces
    Affordable

    Cons

    Requires more delicate handling during installation

    7. Best Multi-Colored Carbon Wrap: F&B Carbon Fiber Film

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    Why we like it: These sheets have a nice thickness to them for optimal durability. The carbon fiber film is also relatively easy to install.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Overview
    Most carbon fiber textured car vinyl wraps are black to mimic the appearance of carbon fiber; however, some car enthusiasts might find that color boring and may prefer the carbon fiber texture, look and feel, but a different color. F&B offers the carbon fiber look in 5 different colors: red, black, gold, white and silver.
    Size and Thickness
    These sheets are a bit thin at 0.38mm, so you need to be a bit careful when stretching it to ensure that there are no visible stretch marks. This car vinyl wrap comes in 11 different sizes, so you’ll easily find one that can completely wrap the section of the car that you’re working with.
    Adhesive and Ease of Installation
    When it comes to installation, it’s pretty easy. The self-adhesive is easy to apply, stretchable with heat and fairly easy to work with. The only thing of note is that you need to make sure that the weave is in the same direction if you’re installing the vinyl wrap on several parts, or if you decide to use more than one roll on one section. Each weave is about 0.20 inches, so if the patterns don’t match up, it’ll be fairly noticeable.
    Overall Finish and Quality
    Most people go with black carbon fiber because the color tends to be less likely to fade. This product is UV-resistant, so the colors will stay vibrant and bold throughout its life. You’ll also get that true 3D texture carbon fiber resemblance.

    Pros

    UV resistant vinyl
    True 3D texture resembles real carbon fiber
    Easily stretchable with heat

    Cons

    Difficult installation due to the direction of the pattern of the film

    8. DIYAH 3D Black Carbon Fiber Film

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    Why we like it: Much like other carbon fiber films, this product is also easy to install, as it is easily stretchable with heat.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Overview
    Another great carbon fiber film worth looking into is the DIYAH 3D Black Carbon Fiber Film. It’s easily one of the more affordable options out there and will offer you a similar quality finish as some of the other carbon fiber car vinyl wraps on this list.
    Size and Thickness
    In terms of thickness, this product is identical to the F&B Carbon Fiber Film, it’s 0.38mm thick, so you’ll need to be slightly careful when working with the product to prevent stretch marks. Despite being fairly thin, this product is easy to work with and stretches well. The smallest roll is 1 feet by 5 feet, which should be enough to wrap smaller sections; however, the largest roll is 5 feet by 10 feet, and that should be enough to wrap most sections.
    Adhesive and Ease of Installation
    The self-adhesive is easy to apply and stretchable with heat. It’s a bit trickier to install, and it requires some attention as the material is thinner than some other alternatives on the market.
    Overall Finish and Quality
    This product offers a genuine 3D carbon fiber finish, texture and feel. The product masks fingerprints and scratches well.

    Pros

    Easily adheres to all surfaces
    Has genuine carbon fiber look
    Forgivable to work with
    Water-resistant
    Masks fingerprints and scratches well

    Cons

    Difficult to install due to the direction of the pattern
    Thin and requires additional attention during installation

    9. 3M 2080 Gloss Black Vinyl Wrap

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    Why we like it: The quality is great, and each sheet is large enough to cover up most sections of any vehicle.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Overview
    3M products are excellent in quality, and if you’re looking for a simple gloss, you can’t go wrong with the 3M 2080 Gloss Black Vinyl Wrap. This is an upgrade from the 1080 line, and these films tend to have a longer life. The dual cast films are designed specifically for solid color vehicle detailing.
    Size and Thickness
    Once again, you can expect excellent quality when it comes to 3M products. They are a bit pricier than other alternatives. These vinyl films are at least 3.5mm thick, so they have a lot of room to stretch and are not likely to show any stretch marks.
    The film comes as a 5 feet by 1 feet roll, which is enough to wrap around many smaller sections. With that said, the gloss finish allows the edges of one piece to easily and seamlessly blend in with another, so it will be difficult to notice that more than one piece was used after the product has been installed.
    Adhesive and Ease of Installation
    3M products are relatively easy to install. They possess a special patented adhesive layer known as Comply™, which is basically a layer that consists of multiple non-visible air release channels shaped like a waffle. This adhesive layer will make the installation process a lot easier and simpler, as it easily removes air bubbles that are trapped between the surface of the car and the film. All you have to do is apply a little bit of pressure on the air bubbles.
    The low-tack, pressure-activated adhesive also makes it easy to slide and reposition the film until it’s in just the right place. It’s also easy to remove this product without leaving behind any residue. The adhesive will not affect the car paint in any type of way. This product easily conforms to curves and even sharp edges for an easy installation.
    Overall Finish and Quality
    There really is no comparison when it comes to 3M products. Their quality is superior and offers a beautiful finish that will last for years down the road, which makes it extremely worthwhile to install. Of course, you pay for that privilege.

    Pros

    Has non-visible air channels for easy and fast installation
    High-quality material protects the outer surface of the vehicle
    Sold in large rolls for seamless installation
    Easily installable with pressure-activated adhesive backing
    Easy to maintain

    Cons

    Pricier than other similar products

    10. Avery Dennison Gloss Black Vinyl Car Wrap

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    Why we like it: This product boasts an outdoor performance of up to 12 years. The product is the same thickness as 3M vinyl wraps, so it’s rather durable.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Avery Dennison is another giant in the car vinyl wrap industry, and manufactures high-quality products. Their films have two layers to them – one layer for the color and one clear protective layer overtop to protect the color from degrading. You’ll get a nice gloss finish on this product that reflects well in the sunlight. However, it’s not true black, and it has brown undertones that are visible at times.
    Size and Thickness
    The thickness of these films is fairly decent, so you’re getting a fairly high-quality product that is not very susceptible to stretch marks or color deformation. The best part about this product is that it comes in 24 different sizes! You’ll easily find a size that will wrap around the entire section of any vehicle that you’re working on.
    Adhesive and Ease of Installation
    Avery Dennison car vinyl wrap films incorporate a special enhanced film technology that ensures excellent conformability on even some of the deeper recesses and irregular substrates. This makes these films easy to install with very little prep work. The films also have unique features and properties that prevent wrinkles and bubbles during application. The unique patented adhesive technology makes these films easy to reposition, and the glossy edges can seamlessly blend in with one another.
    Overall Finish and Quality
    Their films can last up to 12 years with any exterior installation, which is much longer than many other brands. The color and the shine won’t degrade, and will remain nice and shiny even years after the installation.

    Pros

    Lasts for up to 12 years
    Superior conformability to irregular shapes and edges
    Unique patented adhesive technology
    Clear protective layers on top protect colors underneath
    Comes in many different sizes

    Cons

    Not a true black color, as it has brown undertones that are especially visible under sunlight

    A Complete Guide to Car Vinyl Wraps

    Finding the right car vinyl wrap can be difficult. There are just so many choices out there! Knowing what you want is the first step in choosing the right wrap that will transform your vehicle from ordinary to extraordinary. There are many different factors to consider, like the type of finish that you desire, as well as the amount of effort that you’ll have to spend maintaining the car. Below, we’ll look at some of the different factors that may play a role in your decision.
    The Different Types of Car Vinyl Wrap Finishes
    One of the main factors to consider when choosing car vinyl wraps is the type of finish that you’d like. This all depends on how you’d like your car to look like at the end. The good news is that you can always remove the wrap and redo it if you don’t like how it looks. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular and common finishes on the market at the moment.
    Gloss Finish
    Many of the car vinyl wraps on our list are gloss wraps. These are some of the most popular finishes, as they offer a paint-like finish. The end product will look like you just got your car repainted by a professional at an auto shop. The only difference is that you’ll only have spent a fraction of the money, and you can do the job yourself at home without any professional help. Gloss wraps come in solid colors with no sparkles or flakes. This finish will give your car that beautiful shine that it deserves.
    In comparison to many of the other finishes, gloss vinyl wraps are relatively easy to maintain. With that said, some manufacturers are coming out with a “high-gloss” finish that gives your car that extra shine. Some of these high-gloss finishes can be easy to scratch. To protect these vinyl car wraps, you can wax or treat the vinyl wrap with a clear liquid nano-ceramic coating to enhance its shine and durability.
    Gloss Metallic Finish
    If you prefer the look of metallic paint, look for car vinyl wraps with a gloss metallic finish. These types of wraps are slightly different from gloss wraps. They have tiny little metallic flakes that were added into the finish during the manufacturing process. This gives your car that extra shine and depth.
    Matte Finish
    Matte finishes are all the rage recently. They’re considered the modern look. This type of finish does not absorb or reflect much light and gives your car a “flatter” look. This, however, will ultimately draw more attention to the curves of the car, which is why matte finishes are particularly popular with sports cars. Due to the finish on matte finishes, these wraps tend to be less vivid in color.
    When it comes to maintenance, matte wraps require a little more work. They cannot be waxed or sealed with a sealant or else they’ll lose their matte appearance. The matte finish is also more prone to showing fingerprints and scratches, as well as dirt and dust. Those who opt for this type of finish will need to clean their car more frequently. Water and snow, however, will not stick to matte finishes as easily.
    Matte Metallic Finish
    Matte metallic car vinyl wrap finishes are also quite unique. It’s basically a combination of a matte finish with some tiny metallic particles mixed in. This can be great for those who are looking to add more depth to the color of their car.
    Satin Finish
    Satin, another popular finish, is somewhere in the middle between gloss and matte finishes. It’s not as shiny as gloss wraps, but will be a bit more reflective than matte wraps. These types of vinyl car wraps can be sealed with wax or some type of ceramic solution. It’s a bit easier to maintain than matte wraps.
    Other Specialty Vinyl Car Wrap Finishes
    The finishes mentioned above are some of the most popular options out there. As the car vinyl wrap industry gains more attention and popularity, many manufacturers have since come out with other specialty vinyl car wrap finishes. These may be a bit difficult to find at times and include:
    Color Flip Finishes. These vinyl car wraps feature a combination of different colors. The color of the wrap will change depending on the angle that the car is being looked at. Wraps with these finishes need to be handled with extreme care, as they are directional. Depending on how the film is installed, the colors and hue will be different. It’s also important that all pieces are installed unidirectionally for a uniform look.
    Chrome Finishes. These are by far some of the most expensive car vinyl wraps on the market. These products are also rather difficult to install and can get scratched easily. Those who choose this type of finish will need to clean their car more frequently, as chrome finishes have a tendency to show fingerprints more easily. Many professionals recommend sealing the wrap with some type of protective film or sealant to preserve the mirror-like finish.
    Diamond finishes. These finishes have extra diamond dust in them, so they reflect a lot of light and will sparkle like crazy underneath the sun. They’re definitely a head-turner!
    Those who choose specialty vinyl car wrap finishes should prepare for their cars to become showstoppers. These finishes will make your car stand out on the road.
    The Different Types of Car Vinyl Wrap Textures
    Some vinyl car wraps have textured surfaces. The most common ones are brushed metal and carbon fiber. We’ll explore the unique properties of these textures below.
    Brushed Metal
    The brushed metal texture is not as popular or common. The texture basically resembles scraped metal, which is why it is often used for cool accent pieces.
    Carbon Fiber
    Carbon Fiber resembles the look of carbon fiber, so it’s definitely one of the most popular options among car enthusiasts that want their car to look like it came out of an auto magazine. This type of textured material needs to be handled with more care. You’ll need to make sure that you align the pattern of the carbon fiber so that it matches.
    Partial vs. Full Vinyl Wraps
    There are also two different types of wraps that you can do. The first is called a partial wrap, which is when only one portion of the vehicle is covered. Some people opt for this method if they are doing something as simple as adding a logo or company information to the side of their car. This is also a really great idea for those who are looking to add a cool effect to their car. Let your creativity roam free! When looking to do a partial wrap, you can get away with much smaller pieces of film, which will be more affordable.
    A full vinyl wrap is much more common, and is when one would cover their entire car from bumper to bumper. It can take some effort to install the wrap seamlessly for a natural-looking finish.
    Cast Vinyl vs. Calendered Vinyl
    Most people don’t realize this but car vinyl wraps come in two types: cast vinyl and calendered vinyl. For most people, it doesn’t really matter too much which type they choose, but it’s still good to understand the differences between the two.
    In general, cast vinyl is considered to be of better quality than calendered vinyl. This type of vinyl is made by pouring liquid solvent onto a casting sheet and passing it through a series of ovens to bake out the liquid. The liquid solvent contains a polymeric plasticizer that increases its overall durability and lifespan. The vinyl does not get stressed during the manufacturing process, so there’s very little shrinkage. As a result, these vinyl wraps possess excellent conforming properties.
    Calendered vinyl, on the other hand, is made using a paste that then gets flattened through a series of calendering rollers. This leads to a thicker type of vinyl that is more likely to shrink. Calendered vinyl is less conformable, but it’s also thicker, which means that it can offer more protection. This type of vinyl is not often used in car wrapping; however, it can be used to create vinyl decorations for vehicles.
    Tips and Tricks for Installing Car Vinyl Wraps
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    The process for wrapping your car is roughly the same regardless of the type of finish that you choose. Here are some tips and tricks to follow:
    Plan ahead! Always measure the amount of space that you’ll need to cover, so you know just how much vinyl wrap you’ll need to buy. Purchase a little bit extra to account for any mistakes that you might make along the way. It’s always better to wrap your whole car with one roll.
    Fill in scratches or chips. For a flawless installation, you’ll need to identify problem areas and fill in any scratches or chips that are present in the current layer of paint. These flaws will be magnified once the vinyl wrap has been applied.
    Clean your car. To get the vinyl to adhere easily to the surface of your car, you’ll need to clean it first to remove any dirt, dust or debris. It’s always a good idea to go over the surface of the car with 99% isopropyl alcohol, which is less likely to leave any type of residue behind. A smooth, clean surface will bond better with the adhesive on the wrap.
    Work out the bubbles. You’ll need a squeegee and some patience for this one. Vinyl wrapping is an art that can take some time to master. Go slow and maintain the same amount of heat throughout the application process to avoid getting any bubbles. Many vinyl wraps now have built-in air channels that help promote a bubble-free installation.
    Tuck in the edges. For a seamless look, tuck in the edges.
    It might take you some time to find a steady rhythm, but once you get the hang of it, this should be a fairly easy task. You’ll need to be patient though!
    Let Your Creativity Roam Free with Vinyl Car Wraps!
    Vinyl wrapping one’s car comes with so many benefits. It’s not only more financially affordable, but it also allows you to let your creativity free without damaging or affecting the exterior surface and paint of the car. Car vinyl wraps are easy to install and easy to remove. You can easily get different effects and make your car one of a kind and a representation of your style and personality. More