Audi is all over the news right now because they have been extremely active in producing new models and technologies. While much of this is all new stuff not seen before, Audi seems to have not lost touch with the models that make up their backbone. The A6 is has been revamped for 2012 and may be the best A6 yet. Continue reading Test Driven: 2012 Audi A6 3.0T (10/10)
Test Driven: Acura TSX Wagon
Acura seems to have a very different approach to the luxury car market than its Japanese luxury car kin, and it’s paid dividends for them over the years. While Lexus and Infiniti chase the big boys in Germany, Acura goes after the lower priced market and does a good job of offering a slick alternative to the norm. The TSX, while in every other part of the world a Honda Accord, is Acura’s entry-level model, but this is no bad thing. Since I wanted to try the wagon out for the sake of a family member who may need one in the near future, I got a set of keys and took a black TSX Tech Sport Wagon for a drive. Continue reading Test Driven: Acura TSX Wagon
Toyota FT-86/Scion FR-S, details are out, so what needs to happen?
So, after an excruciatingly long wait, the details of Toyota’s new entry level sports car have emerged. After looking them over for myself, I am pleased to report that everything seems to be exactly what I had hoped it would be. The car has some serious potential to be quite a good driving experience with a curb weight around 2700lbs, manual transmission options, a limited slip differential, and a high output, naturally aspirated 2.0L boxer engine producing 200hp (do the math, that is 100hp/L). The FT-86/FR-S is showing much promise, and hopefully this means Toyota is finally going to start making viable cars again, but there are still some things this car must do before progress will truly be evident. Continue reading Toyota FT-86/Scion FR-S, details are out, so what needs to happen?
Spotted! Apocalypse Lincoln Limo, Carmel, CA
While in Carmel during Concours Weekend, pretty much anything in the world of cars is fair game. Ferrari F430s become commonplace, Bentley Continental GTs clog all the roads, and a Honda Civic becomes a rare sight. But, of course, there’s always something so unique and off-the-wall that no one expects to see it. In this case, someone took a humble stretched Lincoln Town Car and turned it into something straight out of Jurassic Park, complete with a roof rack, forest camo paint, and a bull bar with fog lights. A raised ride height and off-road tires complete the look on what is, in my personal opinion, the ultimate way to ride through the Apocalypse.
Spotted by: Nick and Al
Happy Halloween!!!
While shooting this old car commercial, the cameras caught a ghost lurking in the frame. See if you can spot it, it’s pretty creepy (you will need to look pretty close, but there’s no mistaking it when you see it). Enjoy and have a happy Halloween.
-MoM
Why I love the Cadillac Ciel
Back in August, Nick and I were at the Pebble Beach Concours, as most of you know. The day we arrived, we got hosed by Air Traffic Control, and missed the debut of the Cadillac Ciel concept car. When we both saw it in the flesh the next morning, I was smitten. While GM is calling it a strict concept, I think that it really does represent a lot about the future of the Cadillac brand in two or three different realms. Continue reading Why I love the Cadillac Ciel
Twin Turbo 458 Italia vs Lambo Aventador
Underground Racing’s twin turbo Ferrari Italia up against a stock Lamborghini Aventador. This is a good showing of the difference between wheel horsepower (whp) and brake horsepower (bhp). The Italia is making 700whp, whereas the Aventador’s V12 puts out 700hp before the power makes it’s way through the drivetrain. The difference is pretty evident during the highway pulls they do. You gotta love a company like UR, who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty with the most expensive cars out there. Enjoy!
-Nick
Test Driven: Maybach 57S, Al’s Take
Mercedes may be the last word in the common man’s luxury car, but the Maybach is the last word in understated luxury and elegance. This summer, at the Pebble Beach Golf Links during Concours Weekend, Nick and I had the opportunity to drive quite a few cars, and the Maybach 57S was one of them. Continue reading Test Driven: Maybach 57S, Al’s Take
Buick: Diesel is a Must.
I was watching an Edmunds video on Youtube where they tested the new Buick Verano, a Chevy Cruze in makeup and a cocktail dress. Overall they liked how smoothly it rode and all of the effort Buick had put into making the car as quite and serene as possible in the cabin. All of this seemed great until they voiced their complaints about GM’s engine choice for the car, the shouty and strained Ecotec Inline 4. Evidently it will ruin your relaxation anytime you decide to accelerate with a loud, unrefined groan. It is sad that with most Buicks there seems to be one large flaw somewhere in the design of each of their cars, but I believe there is an easy solution for many of their problems. Continue reading Buick: Diesel is a Must.
Obscure Auto: Jaguar XJ220
Jaguar is a brand long known for sporty, luxurious British automobiles, but their attempt two decades ago to bring out a fully-fledged supercar did not quite pan out as expected. For the reason, the XJ220 is notable in its development and how it changed when the finished product hit the market. It’s still one of the prettiest cars of the early 1990s, and carries with it a particularly intriguing automotive story. Continue reading Obscure Auto: Jaguar XJ220
Spotted! Ferrari 599 GTO, Dover, NJ
Last winter, I was driving home from a haircut, and decided to take a path through Dover for a slice of pizza. I passed a local body shop and saw a red shape with the prancing horse in the corner of my eye–forcing me to then turn around and pull into the shop. I examined it, and it turned out to be this 599 GTO just sitting in the shop. This was the very first GTO I’d ever seen, which still makes it very special to me.
Spotted by: Al
1950 Abarth 205 at the Scarsdale Concours
This past Sunday, Nick and I attended the Scarsdale Concours, just a stone’s throw away from New York City. Started in 2003 by a pair of high-school students, this show has grown to a respectable size. This year, the Best of Show winner was this drop-dead gorgeous 1950 Abarth 205 berlinetta, one of only three ever built. This particular one was the last one produced, and the only one with a two-tone paint scheme. It was shown at the Turin Motor show as well, in this color scheme. Hit the jump for more pictures. This car, thanks to its absolute rarity, classy lines, and race car breeding, definitely deserved its award, and we hope to see it at other Concours in the future. Continue reading 1950 Abarth 205 at the Scarsdale Concours
Mind Over Motor 