Test Driven: 1991 Mazda RX-7 FC Convertible (8.5/10)

A Wankel, or rotary, engine is a bit of an automotive conundrum these days. It is a technology with some very distinctive pros and cons, making it very controversial amongst car people. In fact, Mazda is the only company that has dabbled with it in modern production cars, and the RX8 just recently went out of production. The rotary is the trademark feature of their RX line of sports cars, in the same way that a rear engine design is the hallmark of the Porsche 911. I got my first taste of a rotary when I reviewed the RX8, and I thought it was quite fun. So when my friend Shane told me I could borrow his ’91 RX7 convertible for the afternoon, while he was at work, I jumped at the opportunity. Sunny day, convertible sports car, rev happy Wankel motor, it sounded like a great time to me.

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Jay Leno’s twin turbo 1924 Bentley, if you are a gearhead you will love this

This is nothing short of an epic car, and Jay is more than happy to show us every detail. Enjoy.

-Nick

Lime Rock Historic Festival: Sir Stirling Moss’ Maserati 250F

This is from the glory days of Maserati, back before they had fallen victim to corporate structuring. They now exist in the shadow of Ferrari, but back then Maserati was a real contender. In 1956, Sir Stirling Moss drove this very car to victory at both the Italian Gran Prix and the Monaco Gran Prix. It was a real treat to see this car in person, both up close and racing on the track at Lime Rock Park. Enjoy.

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Woodward Dream Cruise: Mercury Custom Street Rod

It takes a special sort of car to pull off the color purple, and this does it as well as any of them. This beautiful Mercury custom was sitting at the Burger King on Woodward Ave during the Dream Cruise this summer. I am a huge fan of this type of car, so I am happy to add this to the features we have done on Sh’Boom and others. I wasn’t able to talk to the owner of this car so I really don’t know anything about it. I sure enjoyed seeing it though. Enjoy.

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Motor Trend: Maserati Granturismo Sport

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

Spotted! A few single shots from Woodward Ave

Lincoln Continental

Just a few night pics from after the Woodward Dream Cruise this summer.

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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.

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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.

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This episode of Drive, Chris Harris…

…gets his hands on a McLaren 12C Spyder.  Chaos, tire-destroying awesome ensues all over the Ascari test track.  As an engineer, I happen to be completely bowled over (in a good way) about the work that went into this design–it’s a masterpiece of automotive design and engineering.  Watch the video to see more.

-Albert S. Davis

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