This is a great example of what Italian cars are all about. They have a sort of fizz that captures your enthusiasm, making you adore not only their good points but their flaws as well.
-Nick
All posts by ndubs77
Spotted! A few single shots from Woodward Ave
Just a few night pics from after the Woodward Dream Cruise this summer.
Continue reading Spotted! A few single shots from Woodward Ave
Angelina’s 2012: Le Fiat Cinquecento
Italian car shows are always full of interesting things. Often the first things to come to mind are exotics like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Maseratis, which were all well accounted for at this year’s event. However, if you go to a lot of car events like I do, then your typical Ferrari 430s and Lambo Gallardos get a bit mundane after a while. Luckily things at this year’s Angelina’s Italian Car Show in Staten Island, NY got spiced up with the arrival of an eclectic bunch of Fiat Ciquecentos. Each one was unique with its own appeal, from the modified Abarth model to the yellow standard 500. I cannot emphasize enough how these cars stole the show from the Ferraris when they arrived. There is just so much personality in each one that they are irresistible, even when compared to cars that cost as much as a house. Regardless of whether you share my enthusiasm for these classic Fiats or not, one thing is certain; the Italians sure know how to make some appealing cars. Enjoy.
Test Driven: 1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6….Slammed (9.5/10)
The Stance Movement has become quite a big thing in recent years. For those unfamiliar with the trend it is sort of like a neo-lowrider thing. People have been taking cars of all sorts and dropping them down as low as they can go, all in the name of “Stance”. Nowhere is this fad bigger than in the Volkswagen crowd, as can be seen at a host of water themed events that take place all over the country. My friend Justin spent months scouring the forums to find a slammed VW of his own, and he finally found the clean ’98 GTI you see here. He was nice enough to let me take it out recently so I could see what a slammed car is all about from the driver seat. What followed was a very interesting experience. Continue reading Test Driven: 1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6….Slammed (9.5/10)
Spotted! Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Munich, Germany
I found this beautiful V12 Vantage was parked in front of a fancy hotel in Munich during my visit this summer. I have only seen a few of these, and I think this is the only one I’ve seen on the street. It is always a good thing when a company puts its biggest engine into its smallest car.
Continue reading Spotted! Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Munich, Germany
Car and Driver: Koenigsegg Agera R
C&D goes to Sweden to test the daddy of all Koenigseggs, and see how it goes both on a tight road course and on an open runway.
-Nick
Motor Trend: Tesla Model S
Tesla’s Model S gets tested properly… as a car. They ask the question of, “Is it fun?”, and they compare it to the Mercedes E63 as a rival. Oh, and before you scoff at the 416hp figure, just know that the motors are hooked up directly to the wheels so there is no drivetrain loss. This means this car is comparable to petrol cars in the 500hp range. Have an open mind, this may be the future.
-Nick
2012 Scarsdale Concours d’ Elegance
We were in attendance for this year’s Concours d’ Elegance in Scarsdale, NY. This show is one of my favorites because the venue and time of year are just perfect for this sort of event. The Fall air is a bit crisp, the trees are turning all sorts of beautiful colors, the town is quite nice, and the cars are incredible. This is an overview gallery of the event, and certain cars will get their own features later on. Enjoy.
Drive takes us up close with the Mclaren Spider
Drive/Jalopnik’s Mike Spinelli takes us up close with the new Mclaren MP4-12C Spider in Spain. Lots to learn here about this fascinating car and company.
-Nick
Chris Harris tests the BMW M135i against the Audi RS3
Chris Harris once again getting paid to do something fun for Drive that most of us would all happily do for free (not to undermine him in any way). Enjoy.
-Nick
When a supercar goes rallying: Porsche 959
In the 1980s Porsche decided to take the most advanced supercar they had ever made and go rallying with it. While original designs were for Group B, the car never actually partook. The 959 did win the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1986 though, coming in with a 1-2 victory. There were a few 959s at the Porsche Museum, in Stuttgart, the day I was there, including one of these rally monsters. Check out the comparison between the road car and the rally car, and just imagine seeing a monster-truck 959 barreling up behind you on a dirt road….. you’d move.
Spotted! Porsche GT2 RS, Stuttgart, Germany
Spotted this GT2 RS near the Porsche factory in Stuttgart. I saw a few of these during my recent trip to Germany, but this was the only one I managed to get on film. The king of 911s is obviously quite badass, and it was awesome to see this 620hp monster in person. Continue reading Spotted! Porsche GT2 RS, Stuttgart, Germany
Mind Over Motor 