Eric Brandt Journalist Profile

Articles

5 Thoughts About the Can-Am Spyder RT

Jul 19, 2024 | autotrader.com | Eric Brandt

The original Can-Am Spyder first came out in 2007 — the year I got my driver’s license. I’ve been curious since I started noticing these unorthodox machines on the streets. The fact that it’s neither a car nor a motorcycle made it inherently interesting to me. The styling is odd (it got a glow-up in 2020, but it’s still funny-looking), its proportions are unusual, and overall, it looks just plain weird. So, I was grateful that Can-Am allowed me to test out a Spyder RT Sea-To-Sky for a few weeks.
5 Thoughts About the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R

Jun 24, 2024 | autotrader.com | Eric Brandt

America’s favorite car, the Ford F-150, gets a midcycle refresh for the 2024 model year. In addition to an aesthetic update, it drops the old naturally aspirated V6 engine, adds a Pro Access Tailgate that makes the bed more accessible when a trailer is hooked up, and picks up various tech upgrades to keep it fresh. I got to drive a couple of examples of the refreshed Ford F-150. I spent a lot of time with the apex predator in the lineup: the Raptor R.
6 Thoughts About the 2025 Genesis GV80

May 23, 2024 | autotrader.com | Eric Brandt

Although Genesis is still a relative rookie in the competitive world of luxury cars, we’ve been consistently impressed by its growing stable of sedans and SUVs, up to and including the Genesis GV80. With unmistakable styling, posh, high-tech interiors, and even some daring paint and wheel options, Genesis delivers what we want in luxury vehicles plus a little extra. The 2025 Genesis GV80 gets a midcycle refresh, making a good midsize luxury SUV even better.
5 Thoughts About the 2024 Lucid Air Sapphire

Apr 22, 2024 | autotrader.com | Eric Brandt

1,234 horsepower0-60 mph in 1.89 secondsStarts at $250,500 (including destination charge)In the rogues’ gallery of electric vehicle (EV) startups attempting to duplicate Tesla’s success, Lucid is the only one that has beaten the flagship Model S at its own game. The Lucid Air Sapphire is even more powerful and has an even quicker 0-60 mph time than the once untouchable Tesla Model S Plaid.
6 Thoughts About the 2024 Subaru WRX

Mar 25, 2024 | autotrader.com | Eric Brandt

Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and manual transmissionThe TR model is the enthusiast’s choiceThe turbo-four produces 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torqueOverview1. Perhaps Too Nice? 2. The TR Is the One to Get3. #SavetheManuals4. The Spoiler Is Too Small5. Hot but Not a Hatch6. Not a Bad Family CarThe WrapGalleryThe sport compact is a dying breed. Sadly, there are few options today for a genuine enthusiast car that’s practical and affordable.
6 Cool Things I Saw at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show

Feb 14, 2024 | autotrader.com | Eric Brandt

I got to spend some time at this year’s Chicago Auto Show and saw some pretty interesting stuff. It was a quiet year for new unveilings at this year’s Chicago show, but there were still plenty of amusing experiences and unexpected surprises. Here are six cool things I saw at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show. Honda MotocompactoTesla CybertruckThe First Jeep WranglerWhen you think of an aftermarket upfit for a GMC truck, your mind might go to a cube truck, an ambulance, or an airport shuttle bus.
Here's What I Hope to See in the Dodge Durango Last Call Editions

Jan 24, 2024 | autotrader.com | Eric Brandt

The V8-powered Dodge Durango is exiting the stage in the same way as the Charger and Challenger before it. As rumors swirl about a new midsize SUV called the Dodge Stealth, probably based on the WL platform that underpins the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge is bidding farewell to the Durango in its current form with special Last Call editions. The only one that’s been unveiled so far is the AlcHEMI edition, which is essentially an appearance package for the Durango SRT 392.
What Not to Leave in Your Garage During Extreme Weather

Jan 17, 2024 | realtytimes.com | Eric Brandt

Any kind of extreme weather could bring potential damage to your garage. Fortunately, a lot of the risks they present are preventable — although a recent Esurance survey found that only 25 percent of homeowners proactively prepare for damaging weather events. Don’t get caught unprepared. Whether it’s triple-digit heat, below freezing cold, hurricane seasons or drought-induced wildfires, it’s best to prep your garage ahead of time to minimize your safety risks.
2024 Jaguar I-Pace: Choosing the Right Trim

Jan 10, 2024 | autotrader.com | Eric Brandt

The Jaguar I-Pace was ahead of the curve when it arrived for 2019. The field of electric luxury SUVs has been growing since then, but this Jaguar still stands out as a unique offering in a burgeoning segment. Its standard dual-motor electric powertrain provides the performance you want in a Jaguar and the range you need in an EV. It also has a generous list of standard luxury and tech features befitting a modern premium vehicle in this price range.
2024 Jaguar XF: Choosing the Right Trim

Jan 9, 2024 | autotrader.com | Eric Brandt

The Jaguar XF doesn’t have the fame or the sales numbers of its German rivals, but it’s a compelling choice in midsize luxury sedans. It has the inimitable styling that Jaguar is famous for, plus a luxurious, high-tech interior and an engaging driving experience. There’s not much variety in its model range, but most drivers will find its powertrain offerings satisfactory, and the list of standard features is generous by anyone’s standards.