2017 BMW 5 Series Touring Unveiled

BMW just revealed the 2017 5 Series Touring model, giving the recently debuted seventh-gen mid-size 5 Series line an extra dose of usability and practicality. The new model gets the same styling outside as the updated 5 Series sedan, plus new interior technology, the latest driver’s assists and safety features, and enhanced infotainment.

Four engine options are on the table at launch, all of which are turbocharged. On the gasoline front, there’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 252 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and posting a 0-to-62 mph time of 6.5 seconds. There’s also a 3.0-liter six-cylinder and eight-speed auto combo, plus AWD, which lays down 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque for a 0-to-62 mph time of 5.1 seconds.

It you prefer oil burners, you can get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel with 190 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which mates to a six-speed manual transmission as standard (the eight-speed is optional), and gives a 0-to-62 mph time of 8 seconds. Finally, there’s a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel with 265 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque, offered with either RWD or AWD, plus an eight-speed automatic. All that twist yields a 0-to-62 mph time of around 5.6 seconds with AWD grip added.

BMW says it’ll add further engine and drivetrain options, including both RWD and AWD models, throughout the year.

Additional aluminum was used to reduce overall weight, including in the side members and the tailgate, cutting up to 100 kg (220 pounds) compared to the outgoing model. The suspension incorporates a rear air ride system as standard, while Dynamic Damper Control, an Adaptive Drive system, Integral Active Steering, and M Sport suspension are all optional.

Outside, you’ll find active grille shutters in the nose, plus standard LED headlights.

In the cabin is a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a color heads-up display, gesture control, voice control, and wireless phone charging. The seats also get eight massage programs, while the rear cargo space is up to 570 – 1,700 liters (20 – 60 cubic feet). Safety features include steering assist, lane keep assist, lane change assist, cross traffic warning, and wrong-way warning.

Look for the new 5 Series Touring in the metal at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show this coming March. Sales will commence in June. No word on whether or not BMW is planning on bringing this thing stateside, but odds are against it. And that’s a shame, because the U.S. could absolutely use more wagon hotness, don’tcha think?

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Hyundai Sonata

The current-gen Sonata hit the market in 2015 with Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, which resulted in a more conservative look to help generate interest in Hyundai’s home market, South Korea. The new generation featured a large amount of DNA from the HCD-14 concept but also got some cues from the Hyundai Genesis. Whether or not the new design was successful in South Korea remains to be seen, as figures aren’t readily available, but here in the U.S. and over in Canada, sales actually dropped in 2015 compared to 2014. Currently three years into its life cycle, Hyundai is planning a mid-cycle facelift for its resident mid-size that should bring some slight tweaking to the grille, exterior lamps, and fascias, while the interior should get some fresh materials and, at the very least, an upgrade to the infotainment system as well. I wouldn’t expect any changes under the hood as a result of this update, but that’s not why you’re interested in the Sonata anyway, so no big deal there.

We’re getting our first early look at the updated Sonata, which was caught playing in the snow and well covered with camo and padding to help conceal the changes that lie underneath. That means we don’t have a whole lot to go by, but there are a few things that we can make out on this tester. And, it’s set to make its official debut later on in 2017, so let’s hurry up and talk more about it before Hyundai beats us to the punch and spills the beans.

Expect a debut during the latter half of 2017.

Continue reading to learn more about the facelift Hyundai Sonata.

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Audi SQ5

Unveiled for the 2017 model year, the second-generation Audi Q5 received the performance treatment at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. Highlighted by an "S" badge and a more aggressive exterior design, the SQ5 also benefits from all the updates that came with the new-generation crossover, including a revamped interior with new technology.

Audi entered the SUV market in 2005 with the Q7, and three years later it launched the Q5. The crossover was developed to tackle the successful BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK (renamed the GLC). It took Audi another four years to introduce the 2014 Audi SQ5 and bring it to the U.S. with a supercharged V-6 engine.

The new-generation model aims to be sportier and more luxurious than its predecessor and its new features, as well as brand-new, turbocharged engine recommend it as a proper competitor for its BMW- and Mercedes-badged rivals. How does it compare to Germany’s finest crossovers? Find out in the comprehensive review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Audi SQ5.

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Nissan Rogue Hybrid

Nissan first started production of the Rogue in 2007, officially dropping cover at the Detroit Auto Show. Since then, the model has enjoyed several updates, including a new generation that was unveiled in 2013 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Throughout its lifespan, the Rogue has always been equipped with a four-cylinder gasoline engine for motivation. But these are greener times than what we saw in 2007, and as such, Nissan just released the face-lifted Rogue with the option for a hybrid powerplant. In addition to fewer stops at the pump, the new Rogue Hybrid also promises “virtually no compromise” when it comes to the compact SUV’s performance, interior space, and cargo room, as compared to the standard Rogue.

Unveiled recently at the Miami International Auto Show, the new Rogue looks poised to topple the Altima mid-size sedan in terms of average sales across Nissan’s model lineup. With momentum like that, it makes sense to offer an eco-friendly alternative to broaden the crossover’s appeal. After all, Toyota is already doing it with the RAV4. Of course, Toyota is no stranger to hybrid technology (it gave the world the Prius, for goodness sake), but neither is Nissan at this point. Paired with crossover sales that continue to show strength year after year, the Rogue Hybrid should have what it takes to perform. Right?

Updated 01/31/2017: We’ve added up-to-date pricing information, as well as more info on competing models.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid.

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McLaren Teams Up with BMW to Develop Next-Generation Drivetrains

British sports car manufacturer McLaren has announced a new strategic partnership to design and develop technology for its next generation of powertrains. The new project, which is part of the company’s "Track22" business plan, includes six different partners, including the BMW Group.

Details are scant as of this writing, but McLaren’s brief statement on the matter talks about "new combustion technology that will deliver a higher output per capacity than currently possible." The British brand also aims to further reduce CO2 emissions, while simultaneously increasing engine output.

Supported and partly-funded by the British Government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), the collaboration also includes Ricardo, McLaren’s existing engine manufacturing partner. Grainger and Worrall will join in to deliver complex, lightweight casting technology, while Lentus Composite will contribute knowledge in specialist composite structure. Finally, the University of Bath will bring its advanced research and development capabilities in internal combustion engine systems efficiency.

"This is an exciting project that plays to the strengths of all partners. McLaren Automotive has an exceptional reputation for building the world’s finest engines, as showcased by our M838T and its previous category wins in the International Engine of the Year awards. We will continue to independently design and build our own engines, and the benefits of this project will help us accelerate the development of our next generation of powertrain," said Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive.

The result of this collaboration will most likely motivate all future McLarens, including the successor to the P1 supercar and the next-generation Super Series.

Continue reading for the full story.

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2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona - Race Report

This year’s Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona was akin to a waterslide which picked up speed in the last couple of hours, with the big splash being in the very last minutes that decided the twice-around-the-clock race in three of the four classes. While at times lackluster due to the extended periods of rain that put proceedings under lengthy safety car periods, the longest race in IMSA’s Weathertech Sportscar Championship did not fail to deliver at the end in both excitement, drama, and controversy.

Daytona is where we’ve seen many formulas stage their debut. It was where the then-new 3.0-liter open-top prototypes kicked off, as well as the World Sportscar prototypes that replaced the GTPs in 1994. Then, in 2003, the Daytona Prototypes also had their first start at the 24-hour-long race. We were all looking back at the positive debuts and the not so positive ones trying to figure out how 2017’s edition will look. But, if anything, it was very hard to read into these 12 new prototypes. Seven of them were US-bound DPis while five were FIA/ACO-spec LMP2s and, after the December Test and the Roar, it was hard to pick a clear favorite. Certainly, the Cadillacs would be a feature but returning Swiss squad Rebellion Racing were also serious bidders for Victory Lane.

The GT classes were no pool of certainty either, new machinery also featuring in both GT-LM and GT-D. Porsche came with their first ever (or first since 1998, if you wish) mid-engined 911 while, further down, it was Lexus and Acura that debuted new cars. Mercedes-Benz was also on its IMSA debut, facing its first ever 24-hour race at Daytona. Perhaps the only certainty was that the Prototype Challenge was going to start in its last season of IMSA competition and a diminished grid of just five ORECA FLM-09s proved it.

Last but not least, weather was potentially preparing to throw a curve ball to add to the race’s equation in the form of rain between Saturday and Sunday. So, how was it all going to play out? We’d all find out in the course of 24 long hours.

Continue reading for the full story.

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Volvo S90 Inscription – Driven

Volvo has been around for 90 years and made some pretty impressive vehicles. I’d dare to say the S90 Inscription has eclipsed them all. Let me back up. Volvo’s new quest for dominance in the luxury segment has yielded two very impressive results – the second-generation XC90 SUV that debuted for the 2015 model year and the new-for-2017 S90 sedan. They both share a number on components, from the T5 and T6 four-cylinder engines to the chassis architecture. Best of all, they both share a similar design style that exudes a sense of reserved affluence.

I recently spent a week with the 2017 Volvo S90 fitted with the range-topping Inscription package and several high-end options. Though the S90 carries a base price in the mid $40,000 range, my tester felt like it cost double that, though somehow it didn’t. A rich interior is key in this positive deception, with padded leather, open pour wood accents, and aluminum trim pieces covering every inch of touchable space inside the cabin. What little plastic remains is high-quality and coated in a piano black finish.

Technology also abounds in this machine. An impressive infotainment system and digital gauge cluster further perpetuate the feeling of luxury and its merger with technology. The T6 powertrain is a marvel of modern internal-combustion engine design. And of course, a slew of active and passive safety systems continue proving Volvo remains a leader in vehicle safety.

So what’s it like to live with the S90? Keep reading for the full details.

Continue reading for the full driven review.

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Kia Stinger GT Plus

Kia surprised a lot of people when it debuted its new Stinger GT thanks to the performance and luxury DNA that Kia developed for its first big step into such a popular segment. Set to compete against models like the Audi A5 Sportback, Mercedes C-Class, BMW 3 Series GT, and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, Kia’s new halo car has a lot to live up to. But, Kia isn’t done writing the Stingers story just yet as Product Market Boss, Spencer Cho, has said that the Stinger will become electrified in the future. Meanwhile, a high-performance version could be on the table as well, thanks to the Stinger’s excessively strong chassis. With that concept in mind, we tapped into our resident artist to put together a rendering of what a high-performance Stinger just might look like.

As a high-performance model, Kia will build on the car’s current profile by adding more aggressive features on the outside, to go with a few minor updates inside, and a significant power bump under the hood. It’s pretty likely that it will eventually happen, but what we don’t know is what Kia will do to increase the performance of the Stinger. Will its future hybrid plans play a role in the performance model or will it be all computer remapping and hardware upgrades? Well, we have a few theories, so let’s talk a little more about the rendering and the possibilities in my speculative review below.

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Eagle Spyder GT

Back in March of 2015, we ran a quick little article on “The Most Beautiful Cars Ever Built” wherein each TopSpeed staff writer was asked to submit their personal pick for the honorary title. Mine was the Eagle E-Type Speedster, because as I said in the piece, “every angle is heavenly. The body panels transcend time. On looks alone, the Brits have done it right here.” I still think that’s true, but now, Eagle is at it once again with this angelic creation – the Eagle Spyder GT. First announced at the London Classic Car Show in 2016, the Spyder GT is a lot like the rest of Eagle Special Edition lineup. It’s essentially a highly customized Jaguar E-Type, melding old school prestige with modern hand-built excellence. It’s lightweight, comfortable, packed with modern suspension, topped with a foldable fabric roof, and quick off the line thanks to a straight-six engine with over 300 horsepower. It’s also endlessly gorgeous to look at.

You could call it a “restomod,” but I think that’s a bit like calling Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” a picture. This thing is a masterpiece, a rolling piece of artwork in every sense, and absolutely worthy of your lust and respect.

In case you were unaware, Eagle is a custom auto builder based out of the U.K. with more than three decades of experience creating bespoke E-Types. Out of that history, four Special Edition models have emerged, including the original Eagle E-Type, the Eagle Speedster, the Eagle Low Drag GT, and now this; the Eagle Spyder GT.

Each of the Eagle Special Edition models is destined for extremely low production numbers, and the new Spyder GT is no different. Given the level of customization Eagle can perform, customers have a huge range of options to choose from when it comes to suiting this thing to personal taste.

Ready to learn more? Let’s go.

Continue reading to learn more about the Eagle Spyder GT.

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Will There be a Wait List for the Kia Stinger?

When Kia came to the U.S. market, it became known as a producer of affordable but reliable cars that were fairly comfortable and looked decent. But, none of the models were really anything to write home about, and certainly couldn’t be compared with models like the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, or anything else outside of the affordable segment. When the 2014 Detroit Auto Show kicked off, Kia Debuted the GT4 Stinger along with a promise to bring such a model into production and, three years later, Kia kept its promise and debuted the Kia Stinger at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. Offered in the U.S. with a 255-horsepower four-banger or a 365-horsepower, twin-turbo, V-6, along with a very comfortable and upscale interior and a sexy exterior shell, the Stinger was a show stopper for the Korean brand as it steps into the luxury performance market. But, now that the world knows about the Stinger, it has raised a pretty interesting question: Will there be a wait list for the Stinger when the books officially open?

There’s really no way of telling quite yet, but outside of small shortages for models like the Kia Sportage, it’s hard to recall of any significant waiting period for any Kia model in the past. But, the new Stinger is a completely different breed of car that comes to offer a significantly cheaper alternative to more expensive luxury and performance models. Should Kia actually lock in even a small portion of those that are really interested in the car, it could find itself unable to keep up with demand. It comes down to a couple of factors that include when production officially starts, when the order books officially open, and that initial demand.

As of the time of this writing, neither its release date or pricing point has been officially announced, but a price tag in the range of $35,000 to $40,000 is expected while the order books should open sometime in the fall or early winter of 2017. That expected price point puts the Stinger at roughly $4,000 cheaper that the entry-level C300 from Mercedes, $6,000 cheaper than the entry-level 4 Series Gran Coupe, and a staggering $9,000 cheaper that the entry-level BMW 3 Series GT. With comparable comfort, luxury, and technology, it should be a no-brainer for those who aren’t overly loyal to the Stinger’s German competitors – as long as their willing to give the brand’s first performance luxury vehicle a chance, that is.

So, with such a low price point in comparison to its competition, the Stinger could see a lot of initial interest that could lead to a sizable waiting list. As such, it’s quite possible that dealers will find themselves in a predicament they aren’t used to: dealing with customers that want to take delivery today but simply can’t. We all saw how that went for Ford with the Focus RS, so hopefully Kia has a plan in place, just in case.

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10 Quick & Healthy Snacks that are 28 Day Reset Approved!

 

Thanks to LÄRABAR for partnering with me on this post!

Hey guys!

So I’ve been reading your comments and messages regarding the 28 Day Reset Challenge and I am BLOWN AWAY by your results so far…and we’re not even done yet! I could not be happier!! You are beginning to understand how to be in full control of your health!

Last year around this time is when I first released PIIT28 1.0 and The 28 Day Reset. I finally was able to create a program that truly worked for me – an exercise routine that didn’t ask me to be in the gym for hours at a time and a way of eating that didn’t make me feel like I was in a food jail.

It’s really amazing to find balance – especially with food because I feel sooooo at peace and in control! The 28 Day Reset asks you to free yourself from dairy, gluten, alcohol, processed foods, and added sugar for 28 days to pinpoint your food intolerances. At first it was hard, but after I was done, I wanted to go truly stick to my new eating habits. I didn’t even crave YOLO meals. Right now, I feel so clean, so energetic, my skin is better, and I don’t get bloated. AND, I don’t feel deprived, ever.

To help you understand…I want to make the distinction between deprived with a lean body and nourished with a strong body:

 

I’ve gained some healthy weight since my bikini comp in 2012, but more importantly, I’ve gained back my life. I don’t count calories and I’m not stuck in the gym all day! I’m happy. I’m balanced. I can honestly say that I really love the way I look now because it matches with the way I feel! This is a big deal for me. It took me years, but I now truly understand that being thin does not equal happiness. Having strength, being in balance, and feeling at peace is true happiness.

For those of you going through the Reset right now, I’m super proud of you! Keep going!! And for those of you who were on the fence about trying it, commit yourself to it. The Reset is only 28 days and it will seriously change your life!

Today I am going to share with you 10 of my favorite 28 Day Reset approved snack ideas:

#1. LÄRABAR Bars

For those of you who are super busy and want to just pick up and snack and go, this is it. LÄRABAR bars are 28 Day Reset approved. They are made from a few whole and simple ingredients. Just fruits, nuts, and spices.

They’re gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and made from REAL FOOD. They don’t taste fake or chemical. They are real. Stick to the ones without chocolate chips though.

My fave is Peanut Butter Cookie. It’s made from dates, peanuts, and sea salt. That is literally it!

And right now LÄRABAR bars are 25% off on Amazon through February 14 – so I suggest you go get yourself some right now. The Amazon store has so many yummy varieties to choose from! Click here to see em all!

The discount applies to the lowest priced item so grab a caddy!

#2. FREEZE DRIED FRUIT

I looooove eating astronaut strawberries when I feel like I need a good crunch. They are literally dehydrated strawberries, so it’s only 1 ingredient, and they taste like tangy chips! A whole bag is under 140 calories! Just make sure you have water around because they are really dry and will make your teeth kind of red! If you don’t like strawberries try astronaut bananas or astronaut apples!

#3. APPLES & PEANUT BUTTER

This one is classic. You can have 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter with your apple. You could also try almond, cashew, peanut or sunflower butter if you’re feeling like you want to try something new! You can pre-portion your nut butter for the whole week into mini plastic condiment cups, slice up your apples and slip them into Ziplock baggies. Make sure to squeeze lemon on your apples to keep them from browning. It’ll take you less than five minutes to make this snack for the whole week! Another bonus is that raw fruit take a long time to eat, so by the time you’re finished, your body will signal it’s satisfied.

#4. BABY CARROTS & HUMMUS

Another classic. But choose your hummus wisely. Make sure you don’t have any weird ingredients in there. Again, everything must be whole. This Eggplant Hummus I found at the grocery store was so flavorful and totally Reset approved! You get your fiber, carbs, protein and fat all in one snack. You can also pre-portion this one just like you did for the apples and PB for quick grab and go snack.

#5. EDAMAME

Edamame is a ready-to-go snack. It’s a complete protein, and also contains some healthy fat and carbs. I don’t recommend lots of soy, but a little organic edamame from time to time can really make your life easier! Sprinkle a little salt on top and it’s perfect!

#6. CREAMY GREEN SHAKE

Shakes are the best post-workout snack because the nutrients get into your system quickly, helping with muscle repair. You can add protein powder or not, it’s really up to you. Just make sure it’s NON DAIRY. So now whey, no casein. If you’ve worked out, you really do need to get in some protein and carbs within the magic window (within about 30-45 minutes of your workout). Try 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 TBS of nut butter, 1 bananas, a handful of spinach and 1 tbsp chia seeds. Blend it up with ice and you’ve got a portable, drinkable meal that’s balanced and filled with antioxidants.

#7. FRUIT SALAD

Fruit is LIFE! You can easily make a fruit salad that’ll last all week. Throw in your fave berries, grapes, kiwis, mangoes – literally any fresh fruit you like and pack it in some Tupperware. Fruit will help with your sweet cravings.

#8. OATMEAL

Super filling and delish. Try 1/3 cup plain oatmeal, 1 tsp chia seeds, 2 TBS chopped walnuts, and 2-3 chopped dates. Top with cinnamon and this is literally perfection.

#9. HOMEMADE TRAIL MIX

This is an excellent combo. Almonds, cashews, freeze dried strawberries and coconut chips (no added sugar). Don’t buy the trail mix at the store because they can be filled with sugar and weird preservatives that you don’t even know about. Dried cranberries may seem compliant but many are filled with added sugar! A serving is about a generously small handful!

#10. POWER POPCORN

Power popcorn is my fave. All you have to do is pop some unbuttered popcorn, spray with coconut oil, mix in a blend of stevia and cinnamon so that the popcorn gets coated, and then throw in some astronaut bananas for fun! SO GOOD, filling, and light!

As you can see, the options for eating 28 Day Reset are ENDLESS! Plus they get you to start thinking and eating really creatively! You will not go hungry and you will not feel deprived if you’re fueling yourself with health fats, carbs, and protein. You really don’t even need to be counting calories because you won’t be filling yourself up with empty calories. Everything you’re eating will be nutritiously dense so you’ll get full and you’ll stay full.

I want to give a very special shoutout to LÄRABAR for making Reset approved bars! That is something I definitely cannot say about most bars on the market.

So thank you LÄRABAR for supporting the 28 Day Reset and for partnering with me to help our POPsters stay healthy and on track!

Comment below and let me know how you’re doing on the Reset! Don’t forget to post your before and after pic and use the hashtag #28dayreset! I want to see your progress! I’m so proud of you guys!!!

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February 2017 Workout Calendar

Hey guys!

AHHHH! How is Jan basically over? I don’t know. I really don’t.

But I am TRULY so proud of everyone who experienced and CONQUERED the #28DayReset Challenge! Be sure to share your before and afters – whether it’s a face skin transformation or a full body shot transformation…I want to hear your story! I will be collecting inspirational stories and posting them on the blog later this week!

Oh and I am doing a 2nd round of the Reset for myself in Feb beginning Feb 1, so if you wanna join, please do! I’ll be posting some Reset recipes on the blog from time time but if you want the entire cookbook with over 150 recipes and a meal plan, then head over to 28dayreset.com. There’s an omnivore version and a vegan version!

And now…for your February Blogilates Workout Calendar! All linked up and ready to go!

Download Linkable PDF | Download hi-res JPEG

Have fun and GO HARD! As usual though, right?!

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The Wellcome Book Prize Longlist 2017

The Wellcome Book Prize is awarded to a fiction or non-fiction book about health or medicine. Since its launch in 2009, there has been a shortlist of six books but this year, there is a longlist of twelve books for … Continue reading →

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Taking On Ze Germans… In A Camry?!

You know, you can buy a lot of car for not a whole lotta money these days. For example, if it’s straight-line muscle you’re looking for, the Dodge Charger Hellcat and Dodge Challenger Hellcat will put over 700 horsepower at your disposal for a mere $65,000. That’s pretty insane if you ask us, but what about something on the either side of the spectrum, where comfort and style rule supreme? Well, around these parts, you could opt for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the German’s mid-size luxury four-door that comes jam-packed with high-tech goodies, top-shelf opulence, and upper-crust flair. Or, as an alternative, consider the new eighth-generation Toyota Camry. No, seriously.

Suffice to say, we’re big fans of the new Camry. So much so, we feel comfortable comparing it to one of Merc’s best luxury barges. The updated Toyota just dropped cover at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, and we’re convinced it’s got the goods to punch way above its weight.

But maybe we’re overstepping things a bit. Maybe we’re completely off in the deep end. Maybe. It’s certainly a possibility. But after the response we got when we compared the Camry and the BMW 5 Series, we shrugged our shoulders and went for it anyway.

Continue reading for the full comparison.

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Genesis Rolled Out The Goods For The MVPs Of The Pro Bowl

The countdown to Super Bowl LI is filled to the brim with events spread throughout what is now referred to as “Super Bowl Week.” One of the highlight events of this week is the Pro Bowl, which the AFC just won over the NFC, 20 to 17. Two players in particular, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce and the Buffalo Bills’ Lorenzo Alexander, stood out from their peers, earning themselves the offensive and defensive MVP awards, respectively. But Kelce and Alexander didn’t just win trophies for their efforts; they’re also each taking home a Genesis G80 sedan.

It’s a pretty sweet incentive when you a Genesis G80 is on the line. Kelce and Alexander did just that with the Chiefs tight end winning the offensive MVP award after racking up 36 yards and a touchdown to lead the AFC over Alexander and the NFC. For his part, the Bills linebacker made a good show for himself too, finishing the the game with eight tackles to notch the defensive MVP award.

For their efforts, Kelce and Alexander both get a luxury sedan that’s being touted as a legitimate competitor to the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6, two German stalwarts that have dominated the mid-size luxury sedan segment for years. The G80 is no slouch of a luxury sedan itself. It features a design that’s at home in this segment as any of its German rivals. It also has a well-appointed interior and just as important, it comes with Hyundai’s award-winning 5.0-liter "Tau" V-8 engine that’s good for 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque.

Best of all, the G80 comes with 107.7 cubic feet of passenger volume, more than what the 5 Series, Cadillac CTS, Lexus GS, Infiniti Q70, and Mercedes E-Class all have to offer. For two larger-than-life athletes who need all the in the interior space they can get, the G80 is a solid car to address those needs.

Give credit where it’s due. Both Kelce and Alexander balled at the Pro Bowl and for their efforts, they’ve been rewarded with a luxury sedan that’s fighting its own battles for supremacy.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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The Koenigsegg Regera Turns Dark In Raven Black

Let’s face it – the Koenigsegg Regera looks great in just about any color. Whether it’s dressed in purple or burgundy finishes like the two previous examples we’ve seen so far of this admittedly awesome exercise Koenigsegg’s doing, the Regera speaks for itself in more ways than one. That being said, take a good look at this beauty. This Regera rendering is the work of Koenigsegg’s art director, Lisa Johansson, and like somebody who leads some of the most creative minds within Koenigsegg, Johansson’s interpretation of the Regera is a work of understated style and class.

There is an obvious appeal to an all-black look for a car, especially when the car in question is a supercar. It creates a perfect contrast to the car’s incredible and attention-grabbing power and performance capabilities. You might even say that the black finish from nose to tail helps undersell the Regera’s hardcore abilities. Most of all, black is just sexy as heck no matter what era it’s from. It’s a timeless finish that fits in well with the enduring character of the 1,500-horsepower supercar.

Johansson’s all-black Koenigsegg Regera is without question a decidedly different approach from the Prince-inspired purple Regera we saw two weeks ago and the Bordeaux-finished version last week. These three different Regera renderings create three different aesthetic interpretations. It certainly goes without saying that whichever of the three you prefer, you’re not going to hear too many complaints from us.

They all look fantastic and Johansson’s all-black interpretation of the Regera puts some pressure on the next rendering to keep this design exercise’s momentum going. Like I said last week, keep it going, Koenigsegg!

Continue reading for the full story.

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Does Your Engine Need To Warm Up Before Driving? Get A Few Facts In This Video

It’s cold out right now. Up here in the mountains of Northern California, a recent rash of storms laid many feet of snow on the ground, and although it’s great if you’re into snowboarding, the frosty weather can be hard on a car. So the question is this – when you fire up your ride in the morning, should you let it idle and warm up before driving off? The Internet is full of opinions on the matter, but Engineering Explained took the time to make this three-minute video on the pros of not doing a warm-up period for fuel-injected engines.

When you first start your engine and the temperature is low, the air-fuel mix will go rich in order to provide enough combustible vapors to keep it running, as cold temperatures lead to poor fuel atomization. When this happens, the extra fuel will eat away at the oil on the pistons and cylinder walls, leading to more wear and tear on your engine.

Engineering Explained contends that the longer your engine is cold, the longer it goes without that protecting oil coating the cylinders. The fix is to simply drive your car, as it’ll more quickly put heat into it, and thus, reduce the damaging effects of the cold. Just wait around 30 seconds, then go, but drive it lightly, as it needs to reach optimal operating temperature before you can start hammering it.

Apparently, the “myth” of letting your car warm up on cold mornings stems from the days of carbureted engines, when the air-fuel ratio wasn’t automatically adjusted based on temperature.

It’s an interesting video, and definitely worth a watch if you live in colder climates. But we wanna know – do you let your car warm up before driving? Tell us in the comments.

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Worried About Self-Driving Cars Going Rogue? Looks Like Russia Has Had That Problem for Years

Naturally, the concept of fully autonomous has shed at least some light on the concern that cars could, in theory, go rogue and do things they aren’t intended to do. It doesn’t help that there have been many complaints of cars like the Tesla Model S, for example, choosing to accelerate on its own and smash into things. More recently, there was a Chevy Bolt owner that claimed his car magically turned on and smashed itself into a wall. Most of the reports of Tesla vehicles have been disproven and chalked off to owners trying to pass off blame for their own stupidity, but there is still a real fear there for some.

But, it doesn’t necessarily take self-driving technology for cars to go rogue. In the video you’re about to watch, which is mostly video from Russian dash cams, proves exactly that. Of course, most of them are the result of the owner not setting the parking brake, but there are a few that are quite questionable and look like the cars actually had a mind of their own. And, there’s a really weird clip at 6:08 that involves some creepy girl, a car, and a poor parking lot attendant that probably needed a fresh pair of boxers. You can try to make sense of that one when you see it, though.

With that said, go ahead and click play to enjoy 10 minutes of cars moving on their own.

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What to do after the 28 Day Reset

Hey Guys!

For those of you who started the 28 Day Reset with me on Jan 2nd, CONGRATS! We made it! I know it wasn’t easy. There were days when we all had temptations…but then…we got over the hump and well, look at us now.

28 days without gluten, dairy, alcohol, processed food, and added sugar. To be honest, I feel so good I kinda don’t want it to end. (Don’t you secretly feel this way too?)

I have NO ACNE right now and I feel sooooo confident with my skin that I don’t wear any concealer or foundation most days! I feel so much leaner all around, especially in my belly area. PLUS I have tons of energy. I love this feeling!

But…what now?

Today I’m gonna talk about how to transition back into “life after Reset” and how not to lose all of the hard work you just did!

I believe it’s a balance between what you want most, and what you want right now. If you can learn the difference between those two, set some boundaries for yourself, and remember all you learned about food, omissions, bloat, energy, sleep and fat loss, you’ll be able to keep your eyes on the prize, and not the fries.

TIPS FOR LIFE…AFTER THE RESET!

TIP #1: Decide which foods, if any, you want to slowly incorporate back into your life.

If you’re dying without Greek yogurt, nothing says you can’t add it back in (provided you’re not affected by dairy), and still be eating clean. No, you won’t technically be on the Reset anymore, but you don’t have to comply 100% to remain a fat-burning machine!

Follow the reset guidelines to food re-entry. Start with one food item and chart how you feel after adding it back in for one meal, then two meals, then throughout a day. Take a few days to do this before adding in another food item. This helps you discover any sensitivities.

If you’re in the clear, but you still want to stay, “mostly Reset,” decide which food(s) you’ll allow back in so that you’re specific. If you say: Greek yogurt and string cheese are the two dairy items I’ll add back in, and Ezekiel bread is a gluten I’ll allow, and chocolate rice cakes are a food with some sugar I’ll add in, you can live day-to-day within your own set guidelines.

You can eventually add more to your list, and even add in a few “occasional” foods like dark chocolate. But if you aren’t specific, life will seem like a Willy Wonka-house just waiting to be eaten.

TIP #2: Decide which percentage of your day, or week, you want to keep Reset.

If you want to stay 90% on plan, you’ll have to figure out which food item you’ll add back in, and how often. If you want to be closer to 50% – decide what that looks like for you.

Many people find they are just fine without dairy, for example, but can’t live without a little pasta from time to time. If gluten isn’t an issue for you, you can still build in a healthy pasta dish once per week, especially if having that meal keeps you from devouring a loaf of bread every Friday night.

50% for others of you might mean a few smaller indulgences, like 1/2 an ounce of dark chocolate every night and a low-carb tortilla at lunch so that you can have wraps instead of salads. If the rest of your day is Reset-friendly, there’s nothing wrong with creating a percentage and sticking to that goal from here on out.

The good news is, if you find yourself gaining weight, or feeling a little bloated, you can update, or improve, that percentage to give you the sweet spot, which is: clean eating + a bit of indulgence = the life you want. Remember how great you looked and felt while on the Reset! Less bloating, feeling lighter, clearer skin, flatter tummy, no stomach distress….those results happened in just 28 days! So ask yourself, is it worth it to go back to how you were? Or can you find a happy medium?

TIP #3: Ponder the question: “what do I want most?” and act accordingly.

Occasionally, what we want now is a bucket of French fries. But the majority of the time, what we want most is a happy, healthy body.

We battle with, “what we want now,” because it conflicts with what we want most. Our choices don’t always honor what we supremely want. Allow yourself a few, “right now,” decisions if in that moment it’s worth it, and truly what you want; agree to let the other wants go. So, if you’re out to dinner and everyone is raving about the gelato, and you really want to take part, do it. But if you’re at home wondering if you should eat peanut butter out of the jar for dinner, or make scrambled eggs with spinach, choose the latter, because chances are, you’re just hungry. And if you can hold out for 5 minutes and get something in your stomach, the 400+ calories-worth of peanut butter won’t seem worth it.

TIP #4: Learn how to order at restaurants.

Most places nowadays accommodate just about everything. If your firm desire is to eat out healthfully, then pick a place with a relatively clean menu, or with options!

You can always get a piece of protein grilled or sauteéd. Even fast-food restaurants offer grilled chicken salads or wraps. If you’re at a nice restaurant, ask for a grilled piece of fish or chicken with vegetables or a salad. Flavor things with mustard, salsa, hot sauce or vinegar. Pass on the bread and chips. They are empty calories.

Have tunnel vision for the healthy meal you wish to eat. Don’t cave in when you walk in and see nachos. Know that the healthy food you’re ordering will be special and different because you’re not cooking it for a change!

TIP #5: Decide if it’s a YOLO meal, and do it all the way without regret!

Sometimes, you’ll go to a restaurant or event where you just plain don’t want to eat clean, and that’s okay too! YOLO meals are part of life. They bring joy, celebration and experience to your life. But nothing sucks the joy out of a good YOLO meal like…regret.

One “bad” meal won’t make you fat, just like one healthy meal won’t make you skinny.

Life is about balance. If you’re doing better on most days than not, chances are, you’ll be just fine.  We only run into trouble when we bargain away our goals and turn one YOLO meal into 12, while allowing sneaky treats in throughout the day. Constantly check your percentage goals to keep you on track.

TIP #6: Log it!

If you need accountability, log your meals and all foods consumed into an app, or the Blogilates Meal Prep Planner. Just get it down where you can SEE it every day. Ink doesn’t lie, so if you need a “check yo-self before you wreck yo-self” moment, write down every bite you eat for one week and find where you need or want to fine-tune.

TIP #7: Stay away from the bad-stuff though, ok?

There are some foods that just aren’t good for you, and even though I believe in moderation, I think some foods are better off just left alone because they either set up a domino effect of poor choices, or, they really are just BAD.

Soda, in my opinion, is just straight up baaddd! Even diet soda guys – sorry! The chemicals and fake sugars they use serve no purpose, other than to make you crave more. I feel the same way about all sugary drinks, high-fructose corn syrup and GMO snack foods.

Do your best to draw the line somewhere. For you, it might mean all whole foods and everything organic. Others of you might allow in some non-organic produce but will say no to refined sugar. Some of you will struggle to give up your daily diet soda. But the key here is to find the line you will not cross, maybe take a few steps past it towards the cleaner side, and stick to it.

TIP #8: Know that food is life, but it doesn’t have to control your life!

Yes, we need it to survive. But we do not need to let it control every choice we make. If you’re constantly declining invitations to go out with friends based on food, you really need to ask yourself if it’s an issue keeping you from leading your best life, and if you’re unhappy as a result.

If you feel good about staying home Friday nights to cook healthy because you want to be up bright an early for your POP Pilates class, then stay home in your fuzzy slippers and OWN that decision. The trouble lies in how we feel about what we are doing.

If it feels good, and you’re making the choices you sincerely want to make. It’s very different than feeling trapped, scared, isolated or controlled.

If fear of making food choices, ordering, social engagements and eating in general, cause you to suffer emotionally, or physically, you may need to talk about your feelings with someone to ensure you have a healthy relationship with food. It’s very easy to allow guilt to creep in after triumphantly finishing a program such as the Reset. But we were not made to live in guilt, so identify your feelings and how they dictate your behavior, for better or for worse.

TIP #9: Eat before you go.

I know this sounds cliché, but sometimes you just have to go places with a satisfied tummy, especially if your friends pick a restaurant where everything is fried or covered in cheese. If you truly don’t want to eat what’s on the menu, eat before you go so that you don’t make a bad choice out of necessity.

Failing to plan is planning to fail. The kicker here is: don’t decline the invitation just because you don’t eat chicken wings. You can still go and have a great time! Maybe there’s a hummus appetizer you can try. Or maybe, you’ll just have fun with meaningful conversations. Regardless, don’t make the night about the food, make it about the company!

TIP #10: Stay active in the POPster community!

When you started the Reset, you joined one of the best communities on the planet. POPsters are here for the long haul! Continue trading your questions, best recipes, successes and failures with a group that lifts you up. Share your Reset-friendly finds with other POPsters, talk about your favorite lunches that fuel you until dinner, discuss meal prep and hold each other accountable. You have all the tools, PDFs, emails and grocery lists, so save them onto your computer, or print them out and put them in a folder to refer to any time you need a pick-me-up.

I am so proud of you all! I have no doubt you can, and will, continue on the Reset-friendly journey of your choosing if you believe it is possible!

Let me know how you guys did! Be sure to upload your before and after from the #28dayreset so I can see! Just tweet me or post on IG!

PS: Anyone who is reading this who hasn’t tried the 28 Day Reset Challenge – download my free PDF here.

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