YEAR / MAKE / MODEL: 2013 Infiniti FX37

POWERTRAIN: 3.2L V6 with 325hp / 267 lb-ft of torque : 7-speed Automatic Transmission w/ Rev Matching

FUEL ECONOMY: 17 city / 24 hwy / 19 combined

There’s a pretty good argument out there that a well-designed crossover could in fact be the perfect vehicle. Gone are the rough and tumble truck characteristics from the SUVs of old, and in their place are wonderful cross-stitched interiors, supple rides and engines so smooth you hardly even know they’re running. The new 2013 Infiniti FX37 is one such vehicle, and while it’s good in most respects there are some areas in which it could use some improvement.

Under the hood lies Infiniti’s 3.7L V6. It pumps out 325hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, that’s a 22 hp and 5 lb-ft of torque increase over the 2012 FX35 we tested last year. Now you can opt for the 390hp 5.0L V8 if you want to be fancy, but trust me when I say this V6 motivates the FX37 along just fine. Our tester was rear wheel drive only and tipped the scales at 4,209 lbs, so understand that it’s no lightweight. Regardless though, the V6 has more than enough grunt to spin up the back wheels, which was something that I’ve never actually done in a crossover before this thing showed up.

We were also equipped with the optional “Touring Package” a $3,300.00 option. That meant the big 20-inch wheels you see here, quilted leather interior (a really nice touch), and ventilated seats for when you want to cool off that tuckus of yours.

Now, the downsides to those 20-inch rims are the Bridgestone Dueler HP 265/50/20 series tires that surround them. Not only did they generate a lot of road noise, but they also accentuated an already stiff suspension.

Handling on the FX37 was very good. So good in fact that I actually took a trip into the canyons just so I could play around with this thing. You may not believe it, but a big, rear-wheel drive crossover is actually a hoot to drive at the limit. Responsive steering and ample power help make this happen, however as mentioned, unless your flogging this thing, I think the suspension may be a bit too stiff for most.

The interior is one area where the FX37 really shines. Beautiful cross-stitched and nicely bolstered seats provide all day comfort, while a well laid out center stack provides easy access to all your techo-niceties. Options like navigation, audio and vehicle settings (all part of the Premium Package: $4,300.00) can also all be controlled through voice prompts and can be activated via the steering wheel mounted controls.

Front seat room is aplenty, however rear legroom is a bit on the compromised side. Another thing of note is that the rear boot storage is actually limited with only 24.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded up. Fold the rear seats down however and space opens up to 62 cubic feet.

As equipped, our tester came in at $55,800. A big number for a V6 powered crossover that’s not equipped with AWD. By comparison, the 2012 FX35 Limited with all-wheel-drive that we previously tested came in at just under $53K. Hmm… interesting.

There’s no question that the 2013 Infiniti FX37 would make a great vehicle for small families or individuals that are looking for a sporty and great looking crossover. However due to its limited cargo space and lack of a 3rd-row seat, I fear that it may be a bit small for larger families.

*The FX37 comes equipped with a full-surround camera system, something that may sound frivolous, until that is, you use it! Great idea!

Each case though is obviously different, so with that I would simply say, go down to your dealership and check it out. Its build quality is superb, it’s fun to drive and after my week with it I can safely say that the 2014 Infiniti FX37 would be a complete pleasure to live with as a daily driver.

Alex Chacon is the owner of a Kawasaki KLR 650, a motorcycle that is one of the best dual-sports in existence. It’s not overly fast, nor is it packed full of technology. Instead this is a machine that is simple to work on and as about as bulletproof as Ford Knox. That may explain why Alex decided to choose it as his stallion of choice when he embarked on an adventure that took him 503 days, through 22 countries and covering more than 82,450 miles (not a misprint). The Modern Motorcycle Diaries is almost guaranteed to be the best thing you watch today, so set aside 10-minutes somewhere, grab an icy beverage and click play.

Source: Youtube.com

Sometimes with cars and motorcycles getting back to basics is the best thing you can do. Take Triumphs new Scrambler 900 for example. A no frills motorcycle that gives the rider everything they need, and nothing they don’t. With 58 hp and 50 lb-ft of torque, the 900 has plenty of power to get you up and rolling, while at the same time, providing one with a bike that’s one of the nicest nostalgia rides we’ve come across in quite some time. Host Jamie Robinson gives us a little insight into just what makes this new Scrambler so special.

Source: MotoGeo

If you run your car on the race track then you know first hand how punishing it can be on not only the mechanics of the vehicle, but on the paint as well. Rocks and debris can chip and damage your cars finish, as can spilled fluids. Have no fear though because master detailer and car care expert Larry Kosilla of DRIVE CLEAN is here to let you in on a few little tips that will not only extend the life of your cars paint, but protect it during everyday driving as well.

Source: Youtube.com/DRIVE

Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy. Two Spocks of different eras brought together for a battle of speed and wits in Audi’s new commercial for the 420 horsepower S7 sedan . Quinto, our new Spock, returns for his second film in the upcoming “Star Trek: Into Darkness”, while Nimoy is a veteran of seven motion pictures and will forever be our #1 Spock. And while Quinto adds a wonderfully youthful flair to the character, let’s just say that there’s no replacement for tried and true experience.

Source: Youtube.com

I’ll be honest, one of the last places on this Earth that I’d want to go is the Arctic Circle. You see I hate the cold, like REALLY hate the cold. I know I’d be missing out on the picturesque beauty and tranquility, but at days end I’d find a way to deal with it. Murph (the guy in this video) is different. So different in fact that he went to the Arctic Circle on his trusty BMW R 1150 GS motorcycle. Even though he may (or may not) have a screw lose, I’ve got to give the guy credit, as this is one thing I’d never attempt.

Like I said, I hate the cold.

Source: MotorTrend.com

PRO’s: Outstanding performance, extreme all-weather versatility, spacious enough for a family of 5.

CON’s: Peculiar styling, high price tag.

FINAL THOUGHT: An amazing SUV/crossover that may well be one of the fastest and most versatile vehicles that BMW has ever produced.

If you’re not sure whether the 2013 BMW X6 M is a car, truck or crossover, don’t feel bad because you’re not alone. You see this things got an identity crises, a bad one, and because of that consumers have been perplex by the X6 since its debut in 2008. I just spent a week with BMW’s X6 M and I can tell you this, I still have no idea what the hell it is, but I fell in love with it, and hot damn if it isn’t a riot of a performance vehicle.

Right off the bat you’ll notice the X6 M is different. It looks like nothing else on the road, runs a massive wheel and tire combo (front 275/40/20 rear 315/35/20), has enough grunt to flat-out embarrass most performance cars and is equipped with huge 15.6-inch front brake rotors that would stop a 747 that’s coming in for a landing. It’s also got more technology than the space shuttle, does an equally good job of defying gravity, yet, is just as home at a track day as it is hauling groceries home from the market.

When I took possession of the X6 M the first thing I did was look at the monroney (window sticker). The price, as optioned, was a whopping $100,895.00. That’s a big number, but one that, after romping on this thing, is really not that crazy. Think about it like this.

Here’s a vehicle that packs a 4.4-liter Twin-Turbo V-8 under the hood that makes 550 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. It runs to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, is electronically limited to 155 mph and has a personality that’s part Vegas stripper and part housewife.

The Vegas stripper part will obviously excite and entertain you, while the housewife portion will let one lead a proper upstanding life. For instance, there’s comfortable seating for 5 adults (the front seats are OUTSTANDING), plenty of room for luggage, it’s all-weather capable thanks to BMW’s all-wheel drive system and with every safety feature known to man, is probably the best place to be if something were to go wrong. Now granted fuel economy sucks at 12 city/17 hwy, but thanks to a large 22.4 gallon fuel tank, you’re still able to run around 300 miles between fill-ups.

Here’s some additional food for thought. Last year I ran a BMW X5 M in the One Lap of America. A vehicle that from a mechanical standpoint, is essentially identical. The race itself is a 3500 mile run around the United States that includes running on 8 racetracks in 7 days. It’s without a doubt the most grueling rally style event held in the U.S., and if you and your car make it, then be proud, very proud.

I drove that thing as hard as I would any performance car, and not only did it do well, but it exceeded my wildest expectations. I ran 152 mph down the back straight at Road America, was lifting two wheels off the ground at Hallet Raceway and hauling luggage for four adults over the 400-600 mile transit legs. In short, I was astonished at how good it was.

That experience also helped me justify the $100k price tag, the same one that’s on this X6 M. And while the majority of owners will never partake in an event like One Lap with their X6 M, the fact you can in a vehicle like this is mind-boggling.

I still can’t help but wonder though – why did BMW produce this thing when they already had such a great SUV with the X5 M? It just doesn’t make much sense to me. However, they do say that variety is the spice of life, and if that’s truly the case than rest assured that this 2013 BMW X6 M is hot enough to satisfy every one of your automotive needs.

They’re a favorite amongst the California Cougar, amazing off-road and come with one helluva’ substantial price tag. Since 1970 Range Rovers have been giving the public a taste of their high-class ruggedness and have been doing so with a shape that has been recognizable for over 40-years. However now they’re bringing us the Evoque, a medium-sized SUV that’s been scaled back on performance, but thrust full-speed ahead on style. Hell, Victoria Beckham was a design consultant on the project. Matt Farah of The Smoking Tire recently got his hands on the Evoque to see if it was still worthy of the Range Rover name, or if it was simply all flash.

Source: TheSmokingTire.com