If being visionary means having the power to peer into and understand the future, how do we define the ability to create the future? Is that not much rarer? Doesn’t it demand a boldness that verges on being preposterous, a willfulness that balks at the conventions that block so many others? Can it take the form of … an unpainted pickup truck?

What about an electric, 800-horsepower tri-motor four-wheeled Frigidaire that completes the quarter-mile in 11 seconds flat and can outrun a go-kart… on a go-kart track?

We just spent two days at Sonoma Raceway filming, drag racing, and whacking the Tesla Cybertruck with sledgehammers in vain attempts to dent its “HFS” exoskeleton. (It was a riot.) HFS, by the way, is short for Tesla’s immature-but-accurate name for the in-house alloy developed for the Cybertruck: Hard F*cking Steel. That it seems a fitting but clunky moniker for an aspiring adult actor is pretty in line with Musk’s brand of humor. But we digress.

This truck doesn’t need crude jokes to get noticed. Even at California’s Sonoma Raceway, a place regularly populated with high-end racing cars (more than a few scenes had to be reshot thanks to the sporadic background yawps of a hotlapping Fly Yellow GT3 Ferrari) the Tesla slab was a gravity well of attention. Every single soul who caught a glimpse wanted another. And they all had something to say: “What in the Cyberf*** am I looking at?“ “That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!” “That’s hideous. May I please test if it’s bulletproof?”

Hagerty video host Jason Cammisa summed it up best: “[The Cybertruck] is going to become a polarizing status symbol parked in the driveway of every Lamborghini owner as their ‘suburban assault’ daily driver, but very much like a Lamborghini, there’s real genuine substance baked in … And the sad part is, you’ve already made up your mind about the Cybertruck based on the way it looks. So did I, so did everyone else. But that’s not fair to this thing.”

He’s right. Beneath the controversially curveless skin lies the truly interesting bits. For starters, the Cybertruck features a “steer-by-wire” system wherein there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. Instead, a group of sensors interpret it all for the driver, changing the steering ratio depending on the environment. This technology isn’t new, but Tesla’s use of it here feels dramatic, and there’s no physical failsafe as there was in the decade-old Infiniti Q50. While hauling down the highway at 80 mph, the ratio is high; while navigating a tight parking garage causes the ratio to drop so you’re not rotating the wheel around like you’re driving a dump truck. In other words, the Cybertruck’s four-wheel steering system is bolstered by a variable steering ratio for greater adaptability. That’s not just a party trick, like the Tesla whoopie cushion gag that makes a fart noise when you sit down, that’s a very practical piece of tech. The Cybertruck uses proprietary batteries that are both more efficient for vehicular power and manufacturing. The batteries feed a 48-volt electric architecture.

And that bodywork that we had so much fun slamming with our sledgehammers? It’s not just a fun way to show off your Mars-mobile to your idiot friends—it translates into a structure that’s so tough that Tesla doesn’t need to put crash bars in the doors. If you want to see what that looks like in a crash test, pay special attention to that part of our Cybertruck film, which goes into much more technical detail on the aforementioned gizmos.

Time will reveal whether the Cybertruck heralds our driving future, or if it merely becomes one of many alternate realities that atrophied in ours. What’s certain, though, is that it’s unlike any other new vehicle. And even the people firmly opposed to its existence must admit that this truck is fascinating. In a time when we’re seeing a massive paradigm shift in the way we think about personal transportation, yet only see a handful of cars and trucks that seem to be doing more than trend-chasing, we say “the more the merrier.”

Backing up a provocative design like the Cybertruck with genuine innovation is how seemingly farcical visions become visionary realities, and this thing falls squarely (or is it rectangularly?) in the latter category.

The post Exclusive 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Full Review & Drag Race w R1T & Hummer — Jason Cammisa on the ICONS appeared first on Hagerty Media.

This is the definitive review of the Toyota GR Corolla, for the first time tested against the GR Yaris, the FL5 11th-generation Honda Civic Type R, and Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R — all with manual transmissions.

As always, award-winning automotive journalist Jason Cammisa brings perspective and insight into this review, starting with Volkswagen inventing the hot-hatch segment with the original Mk1 GTI, Lancia inventing the super-hatch segment with the homologation-special Delta Integrale.

SCCA Hall of Fame race-car driver co-stars in this full-length review, setting a new record lap time at the Streets of Willow racetrack in Southern California, even though he’s still coughing after a battle with COVID-19.

In fact, it’s the Coronavirus that sets the stage here — the global pandemic was a reminder that life is too short to take anything seriously, including drifts, sliding, understeer, and Toyota’s GR-4 All-Wheel Drive system.

In the process, Jason falls through a bush, a Lancia Delta blows flames out of its exhaust, we drag race a GR Corolla Morizo versus a GR Yaris, we race them around a track, listen to Typhoid Randy coughing, Randy sets new FWD and hot-hatch lap records, the Corolla calls 9-1-1 on us 9 times, we learn who Mr. Morizo is, and Jason realizes, thanks to Adam Sandler, that he’s actually a nobody.

The post GR Corolla vs GR Yaris w/ Civic Type R, Golf R, Lancia Delta Integrale — Jason Cammisa on the ICONS appeared first on Hagerty Media.

Jason Cammisa’s award-winning, best car review on the Internet tackles the brand-new 2023 Genesis G90 and takes a big-picture look at Genesis’ bright future. Starring the original Lexus LS400, the current Lexus LS500h, the all-electric Genesis G60 SUV, and the first Hyundai sold in America — the Hyundai Excel.

Throughout history, the biggest differentiator between the best cars and forgettable cars has been their engine. As an automaker, Genesis has reached unexpected heights, but it’s held back by the workaday engines from its Hyundai parent. Once its products go electric, that differentiator is going away, potentially catapulting Genesis to the top of the luxury car heap where desirability reigns supreme.

Come along on this enlightening — and hilarious — journey that includes 4 different car reviews, 2 drag races, and a 1994 Hyundai that disintegrates in front of our eyes. All with a bonus BTS outtake featuring the hilarious Randy Pobst.

The post Full Review: Genesis G90, a sign of amazing things to come — Jason Cammisa ICONS appeared first on Hagerty Media.

What car screams all American authenticity, raw off-road power, and represents a full circle piece of automotive history? We give you, the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor.

In this episode of ICONS, Jason Cammisa reviews the Ford Bronco Raptor, alongside the Jeep Wrangler 392, the Mercedes G63 Wagon, and the Land Rover Defender 90 V8. Jason puts the BRaptor to the test, to see if it can compare to these three legendary off-road vehicle brands.

We’ll take you Overlanding (well sort of,) into the off-road mecca of the Bronco, as well as into the more ‘realistic’ suburban Starbucks-laden lands, to put the Raptor to the ultimate test. Does the Bronco namesake, reanimated from its 1970’s grave, stack up against these three well-established automotive Icons? Is this new Raptor revival a practical vehicle for the modern driver? And what differentiates the Bronco Raptor from the baseline Bronco, Bronco Heritage, or Bronco Sport?

Join automotive journalist Jason Cammisa on his journey, as he discusses if the new Bronco Raptor is truly ‘Built Wild,’ or should be exiled…

The post Ford Bronco Raptor Meets Jeep Wrangler 392, Mercedes G63, Defender 90 V8 — Jason Cammisa ICONS appeared first on Hagerty Media.

The ultimate review of the 2023 Nissan Z, including a track battle with the Toyota GR Supra and SCCA Hall-of-Fame race car driver Randy Pobst!

In this episode of ICONS, Webby award-winning journalist Jason Cammisa shines perspective on the New Z, comparing it to the original Datsun 240Z, and then taking us on a journey from the traditional sports-car to today’s car of choice: the SUV.

With a Supra vs Z lap battle — complete with Streets of Willow lap times set by Randy Pobst — an impromptu drift-off, this is everything you need to know about the new Z.

Including why the original Z was such a big deal — changing what the term “sports car” meant when it replaced the typically British two-seat roadster.

Bob Ross blames wage stagnation for sports cars becoming bigger, heavier, and more practical. As we move through the decades, the hottest cars then went to Hot Hatches and then Hot Sedans before now landing on fast SUVs.

The Mazda Miata is the only “British roadster” left. And it’s brilliant.
The Hyundai Veloster N is the best hot-hatch money can buy.
The Subaru WRX is the hot sedan for every man with a baby.
The Jaguar F-Pace SVR is The Fun One — an SUV that does what SUVs should never do. Including sound like a NASCAR.

And the Z and Supra? They have just enough practicality to be usable daily drivers but remind us that looking good is never going out of style.

The post 2023 Nissan Z vs Supra feat Elantra N, Miata, WRX, F-Pace SVR — Jason Cammisa on the ICONS appeared first on Hagerty Media.

The ultimate luxury, you ask? It’s a time machine — the ability to go back and do it all over again, knowing everything you know now.

The Lucid Air Dream Edition P isn’t Tesla Model S 2.0, the company itself is Tesla v2.0 since many of the engineers and executives at the company benefited from the experience gained in setting up Tesla as a company. And so the Air is a marvel of efficiency in packaging, powertrain, and aero. But its handling target was the E39-chassis BMW M5. And that’s a high bar. With 1111 hp from two tiny motors, our test results showed the Air Dream Edition P could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 9.9 sec @ 143.5 mph: meaning it’s quicker than every Bugatti Veyron made, even the 1200-hp Vitesse and Super Sports.

Does that make it a new benchmark of luxury? Or did Rivian do the right thing with the R1T, giving you the luxury of carting around more things and going more places?

The post The Lucid Air is a time machine — Full Review and Track Test — Jason Cammisa on the ICONS appeared first on Hagerty Media.

Jason Cammisa On The Icons – Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Main Video

Bonus Footage: complete in-car POV of Randy Pobst in 3 record-breaking sedans at Willow Springs International Raceway (Big Willow):

Willow Springs Lap Times:
2021 Tesla Model S Plaid —1:27.78
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing (6MT) — 1:28.07
2022 BMW M5 CS — 1:28.76

All three cars broke the previous sedan lap record at Big Willow, a 2019 Jaguar XE SV Project 8, at 1:29.59.

The post 3 lap records in 1 day — Tesla Plaid, Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, BMW M5 CS with Randy Pobst — ICONS+ appeared first on Hagerty Media.

Full review, track battle, and drag race of the Blackwing versus Plaid versus BMW M5 CS — what better way to find out why the top dog Cadillac is an icon?

In this episode, Jason reviews the CT5-V Blackwing along with the CT4-V Blackwing and the BMW M5 CS, and brings along a TMS Plaid to show why future Blackwings will be electric.

SCCA Hall of Fame race car driver, Randy Pobst, breaks the sedan lap record at Willow Springs (Big Willow) three times in one episode: which of these 3 super-sedans is quickest around a track?

The episode starts out with a drag race to see which one is quickest in a straight line — and the results might surprise you.

This is the definitive review of the CT5-V and the most sideways review of the BMW M5 and its incredible AWD system.

The post CT5-V Blackwing vs Tesla Model S Plaid vs M5 CS Review and Drag Race — Jason Cammisa on the Icons — Ep. 05 appeared first on Hagerty Media.

The second-generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR 86 are here, and we’ve driven the Toyota together with the 2022 Volkswagen GTI Mk8, a drag race against the venerable Mazda MX-5 Miata, and a surprise visit by a Porsche 944 Turbo.

This is a full track and road review of the new Toyota 86 and Mk8 GTI as you’ve come to expect from Jason Cammisa including loads of beautiful sideways slides, donuts, J-Turns, and — perhaps more importantly than anything else — perspective and insight.

Why is a rear-wheel drive sports car such a big deal? If the GTI is so good (and it is) why is the iconic sports car recipe always RWD? Is it just because of weight transfer and the traction circle?

Jason explores this and more — and comes to the conclusion that the Mk2 Toyota GR86 is the spiritual successor to the Porsche 944. You’ll have to watch to find out how and why.

The post 2022 Toyota GR 86 Full Review featuring Mk8 VW GTI and ND2 Miata — Jason Cammisa on the Icons — Ep. 04 appeared first on Hagerty Media.

The G80 M3 can’t live up to our expectations from the M3 badge when the G20 3-series it’s based on barely resembles a 3-series.

Or can it?

In this episode of ICONS, Jason explores where our expectations of the M3 badge come from — starting from the original M3, which was a response to the FIA homologations-special Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16.

Holding any M3 to the standard of the E30 M3 isn’t fair to BMW, because the E30 M3 was a sales failure.

The E46 M3 wasn’t. It combined the charms of a race car in a usable daily package with killer performance and a motorsports-inspired, 8000-rpm S54 straight-six. The E46 M3 was peak M3.

Which leaves us at the G80, which is now larger than Peak M5: the E39. M5s, historically, were do-everything-well executive saloons. That’s a great bunch of attributes, but it’s not what we expect when we see an M3 badge.

Then again, the G80 is the best M3 to ever drive around a race track. So maybe its name is irrelevant.

And once again, an enormous, heartfelt thank you to Tammi Hull and to Saint Bill, owner of Bill Arnold Independent BMW in San Rafael, CA.

The post The new BMW M3 will never live up to your expectations — Jason Cammisa on the Icons — Ep. 03 appeared first on Hagerty Media.

By putting the Mustang name and badge on it, Ford got us to care about the Mach-E — a midsize SUV similar in size to the Edge.

Should we? Jason spends time with a Mach-E, a very sideways 2020 Mustang GT PP2, and a Tesla Model Y Long Range to find out.

Cashing in the Mustang’s brand equity on an SUV might seem like a disingenuous PR stunt, but it’s not, and for several reasons. Primarily, the badge fed back into the Mach-E’s development, resulting in Mustang-like looks, Mustang-like steering, and Mustang-like handling. Or, put another way, Mustang-like appeal.

Secondly, the internal combustion engine is being outlawed. Ford has no choice but to pivot towards electric cars. A lesson taken from Silicon Valley is that to survive (whether by innovation or evolution) you have to be willing to sacrifice your current products or brands.

So, can the Mach-E keep up with a Mustang GT in a drag race? How about the Tesla Model Y? Which is the better SUV?

You’ll have to watch to find out.

The post The Ford Mach-E is not the Mustang we know and love — Jason Cammisa on the Icons — Ep. 02 appeared first on Hagerty Media.

What makes a Supra, a Supra? Our veteran automotive journalist Jason Cammisa asks that very question as he pits the updated Mk5 A90 Supra against its mechanical twin, the BMW Z4 M40i as well as the Mk5’s predecessor, the A80 Mk4 Supra Turbo.

Cammisa also heads to Toyota’s CALTY Design Research Center to visit the magnificent FT-1 concept car that gave life to the Supra — where he chats with Kevin Hunter, its designer, about the challenges in grafting the FT-1’s design language onto the Z4’s hard points.

The surprise star of the video is the 2021 BMW M2 CS. On paper, it would seem to have nothing to do with the Supra, but in fact, there’s an argument to be made that it’s an even better Supra than the Supra itself.

The post 2021 Toyota Supra meets the BMW M2 CS: the Mk4’s real successor — Jason Cammisa on the Icons — Ep. 01 appeared first on Hagerty Media.