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Motrolix

Happy Thanksgiving, From Motrolix

Another Thanksgiving is upon us. Many of us will take the time to reflect on what we are thankful for. Us here at Motrolix are doing the same, and we’ve decided to share with you. Cars, that is. Any enthusiast can tell you it is one hell of a time to be a car guy or gal.

Below we present to you the staff’s picks as to what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sam McEachern, Volkswagen Golf Mk7:

We’re not the only ones who are thankful for Volkswagen’s seventh-generation Golf this year. Motor Trend justly handed its coveted Car of the Year award to VW for their MK7 Golf, and it’s hard to argue with a multifaceted pick like that. If you like performance, may we suggest the absolutely sublime Golf GTI or 300 horsepower Golf R? Are you a bit of a tree hugger? How about the TDI or eGolf? Don’t forget the forthcoming king of practicality, either, the MK7-based Sportwagen.

The fact is, you could wipe nearly every passenger car off the planet and replace it with some variation of Golf and satisfy nearly everyone’s needs. So before you sink your teeth into some turkey this Thanksgiving, take a moment to appreciate the Golf for something more than the car your best friend’s mom drives.

Manoli Katakis, Ford Mustang Shelby GT350:

Ford was not afraid to be different here. They could have just thrown a supercharger on a V8 a la previous-generation Shelby GT500 or current Challenger Hellcat and called it a day. Instead, they engineered a new engine — a naturally aspirated V8 engine — in a world full of low-end boost twin turbo V6 engines. One could say it’s an American E92 M3, which had more personality than what BMW is crapping out these days. With a flat-plane crankshaft and a redline of 8,200 RPM, this car is going to be a screamer. I like screamers.

Diego Rosenburg, Dodge Charger Hellcat:

I’m thankful for the Dodge Charger Hellcat. Sure, I’d rather own a Challenger (or a host of other cars), and the Charger is getting somewhat long in the tooth. But it was only 5 years ago that bellyachers who were complaining about the death of the automobile during the global economic downturn can now experience a relatively affordable sedan that goes 0-60 in under 4 seconds – makes the Lamborghini Countach look like Grandma’s Valiant.

Sean Szymkowski, Ford Focus ST:

Finally, an American pocket-rocket the homeland can truly be proud of. Sure, the Focus ST has some shortcomings (don’t fear the torque steer), but for once we have something to go toe-to-toe with Sam’s aforementioned Volskwagen Golf GTI. The car handles superbly, and 19-pounds of boost from the factory? I’ll go up for seconds on that. I’m thankful someone saw the market for the Focus ST, and I’m confident Ford won’t stand idly by as refreshed competition is introduced. Bring on the RS!

Aaron Brzozowski, Tesla Model S:

This year, I have to give thanks to the excellent pièce de résistance that is the Tesla Model S. Twenty years ago, the idea that some Silicon Valley poseur could enter a territory long-dominated in this country by three megalithic corporations and set the automotive ball rolling in an entirely new direction would have been unthinkable. Yet here we are, and Tesla has succeeded in laying the foundation for feasible, cross-country electric transit, not to mention infiltrating previously petrol-only garages around America and elsewhere.

If Tesla Motors were to evaporate in a puff of smoke tomorrow, it would of course be a great tragedy. But still the future of the electric car would continue to wage a strong effort, thanks in no small part to the technologies and supercharging network that Elon Musk and his devotees have succeeded in sowing.

Tim Esterdahl, Ford F-150:

While the new F-150’s haven’t hit the dealer lots yet I am very thankful Ford has built them. Why? They have pushed the boundaries of full-size trucks and that will make everyone’s truck better. The many innovations, in the truck, besides the aluminum can quickly be adopted in ALL other trucks. For example, the push button start/stop, the panoramic moon roof and 360-degree camera are all items that would benefit all other trucks. It’s exciting to see truck makers start to think differently about their products and really go for providing everyday conveniences and smart upgrades.

Sean is a staff writer for GM Authority and Motrolix. When's he's not busy taking in local automotive culture, he's probably detailing his car.

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