Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #151: With Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver

Dan Roth — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, SEMA Show, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, BMW, Dodge, Ford, Lincoln, Subaru, Earnings/Financials, UAW/Unions, Celebrities

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Abuelsamid, Lieberman, Roth and Shunk. Sounds like a law firm, but it's this week's podcast crew. Car and Driver editor-in-chief Eddie Alterman bravely wades into the pool and joins us for Episode #151 of the Autoblog Podcast, as well.

We spend a goodly amount of time going over what's in all five garages this week, before picking up actual topics. Once into news, we move through the Honda Accord Crosstour's pricing and impending launch, Ford's profitable quarter and union dealings, Edmunds' dust-up with the White House, and wrap with what might be cool at the crazy automotive cavalcade that is SEMA. It's an hour and twenty minutes of rollicking good times, so let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #151: With Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver

Autoblog Podcast #151: With Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #148 with Jon Linkov from Consumer Reports

Dan Roth — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Tokyo Motor Show, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

For Episode #148 of the Autoblog Podcast, Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports managing editor for autos, fills Sam's chair and mulls some timely topics with Chris and Dan. First up is the wheels coming off Penske's deal to take on the Saturn brand. Honda's CRZ concept, holding great promise in its CRX-like bodywork, comes under scrutiny next, before talk turns to the Chevrolet Caprice police vehicle. There's a tire discussion in there somewhere that takes the 'cast on a tangent, and the Audi E-Tron surfaces briefly before we touch on some Buff Book tricks: The Motor Trend and Automobile effort 6 vs. 8, and Car & Driver's fun with Photoshop. As always, we wrap with some questions as we ride off into the sunset. Thanks for listening, drop us more fodder at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, and let us know how we're doing by adding a review at the iTunes page and filling out our survey. As always, when you get lonely for Weblogs, Inc, check out what the guys at Engadget and Joystiq are doing on their shows, and we'll see you back here next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #148 with Jon Linkov from Consumer Reports

Autoblog Podcast #148 with Jon Linkov from Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car and Driver drawing flak over Photoshopped BMW X6 M drag racing pic?

Chris Shunk — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet

Hardcore drag racers take their expensive hobby very seriously. Some drag owners cut into their 401k just to knock a couple tenths off of their quarter mile times, while others spend every possible spare moment of their lives holed up in a garage, perfecting their hot rod for just a few chances to take that magical run down the track. Keep that in mind, if you will, as we explain to you why the owner of an altered wheelbase 1963 Chevy II is angry over an apparently Photoshopped photo of its run against Car and Driver magazine's BMW X6 M.

Car and Driver took the 550 hp X6 M to Milan Dragway in Milan, MI as part of an article which featured the beastly Bimmer on the track, off-road, and at the dragway. One of the runs the X6 M took was against said Chevy, which reportedly runs the quarter mile in the high 9's, reaching a scorching 135 mph in the process. The X6 M is no pushover either, as it can hit a sports car like 12.8 seconds at 110 mph. At no time did C/D claim that they bested the heavily modded Chevy (nor did they mention the hot rod at all), but what they did do was publish a photo of the Bimmer and the Bow Tie'd bandit battling nose to nose down the dragway. Actually, judging purely by the C/D photo, it appears that the X6 M may even have a bit of an edge in the high horsepower battle.

After seeing the photo, the owner of the Chevy II is apparently hopping mad. "Rotten Johnny" on the H.A.M.B forums claims to be the owner of the dragster in question, and he was less than thrilled with what he called a Photoshopped pic that deceives the public.

"Alls I can say is the mag,editors and writers are LAIRS,CHEATERS and WANNA BE SCAMMERS. Bring that ol BMW out, title fer title and write an article bout that.I'll be driven around in a little red suv. No wonder the only time i see that mag is in the doctors office, makes me sick."

We can definitely see where Rotten Johnny would be upset over the photo (he says he was actually doing a burnout in the altered pic), but we can also see where it was necessary to bust out Photoshop to get both vehicles into a tight frame. After all, who wants to read a feature of the X6 M with a lead photo of a 1963 Chevy II with a spec of a BMW SUV off in the distance? Then again, was the image really necessary to support the story to begin with?

In any case, C/D has issued a reply that includes a heaping helping of the sort of snark made famous by the mysterious "Ed." in the magazine's monthly reader mail section. To wit:

"John Phillips became so attached to the BMW X6M that it - appropriately enough - triggered many irrational responses. One of these was his insistence that we photoshop the BMW beating the clearly superior Chevy Nova. Any attempt to dissuade him - by telling him, for instance, that only an idiot would believe a BMW SUV could beat a purpose-built drag car - just resulted in heated calls to the suicide hotline and even more foaming at the mouth than usual."

Let us know what your thoughts on the matter are in 'Comments.' Hat tip to Justin E!

[Sources: Jalopy Journal; Car and Driver]

Car and Driver drawing flak over Photoshopped BMW X6 M drag racing pic? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept snagged at Munich photo shoot

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:37:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, BMW

Excited by BMW's new Vision EfficientDynamics concept car? So are we. But while the rest of us have to wait another couple of weeks to see the future-think show car at the Bavarian automaker's show stand in Frankfurt, one lucky enthusiast got an early glimpse while visiting the company's flagship BMW Welt in Munich.

Looks like he got quite an eyeful too, as Car and Driver has a comprehensive gallery of the car shot from every angle while BMW was apparently doing some photography and video work itself. Follow the link to check it out.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Spy Shots: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept snagged at Munich photo shoot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Car and Driver creates the mother (in law) of all driving schools

Dan Roth — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:53:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Humor

We could've sworn we heard this idea from Lieberman first. No matter, Car & Driver saw the potential hilarity in the concept of teaching grandmothers the finer points of late-braking and lateral g-forces, too. Mothers-in-law of the buff book's writing squad were recruited for some lapping in MINI Clubmans, and hopefully the amateur pilots walked away with a deeper understanding of just what it is their sons-in-law do. CD associate editor Tony Quiroga supplies the voiceover, and the video is probably not the most exciting thing you'll watch today, but you can see for yourself how the events unfolded after the jump.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Continue reading VIDEO: Car and Driver creates the mother (in law) of all driving schools

VIDEO: Car and Driver creates the mother (in law) of all driving schools originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: C/D channels inner redneck with International LoneStar Harley-Davidson

Chris Shunk — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Work, Humor

Car and Driver takes on the LoneStar Harley Davidson edition - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

Over the decades, we've read Car and Driver reviews of just about every high performance vehicle on the planet. While we'd hardly say that we're bored of 200 mph supercars and 3.2 second 0-60 times, it's nice to see C/'D mix it up now and again as well.

In predictable fashion, C/D once again tested a really expensive vehicle with 550 horsepower. But this big rig also hauls loads with 1,850 lb-ft of torque, or enough twist to drop Dorothy's house on some east-side gang banger. The International LoneStar Harley Davidson special-edition is most definitely not typical buff mag cover girl, yet the un-trailered rig managed a 0-60mph time of 20.4 seconds. That's almost fast enough to time with a sundial, but we suppose it's not terrible for a vehicle with an 18-speed manual that weighs 22,100 pounds.

Statistics have little to do with this video, though, and we're pretty sure C/D rolled film just so they could have fun with a life-size Tonka Truck. Hit the jump to view C/D take on the mighty LoneStar. While the 3:22 isn't quite as funny as we were hoping, we still got a decent laugh out of the trip out of the video's happy ending.

[Source: Car and Driver via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: C/D channels inner redneck with International LoneStar Harley-Davidson

VIDEO: C/D channels inner redneck with International LoneStar Harley-Davidson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After 41 years, Patrick Bedard motors away from Car and Driver

Dan Roth — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

In the latest issue of Car and Driver, editor-at-large and former professional racer Patrick Bedard has penned his swan song, announcing his departure from the print magazine that he has called home for the last four decades. Without indicating what his next move will be - either retirement or moving to some other outlet, perhaps, Bedard looks both back and ahead at the industry and his involvement.

Bedard's departure may come as a bit of a shock to the system of longtime C&D readers, many of whom appreciated Bedard's singular ability to boil down complex issues and cut through the spin. Perhaps he's taken time off to write a book or relax, as no slings and arrows have been thrown that we're aware of. For now, we'll just assume that Pat's going to kick back and take more spins in that classic Mopar he's got. After all, Arizona is a retirement spot.

Either way, the pages of C&D will never be the same, and those who have become accustomed to the idea that there will always be a Bedard piece in Car and Driver are going to feel a gaping hole in the book. Let us know what you're up to, Pat.

[Source: Car and Driver]

After 41 years, Patrick Bedard motors away from Car and Driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car and Driver makes its own Mazdaspeed5

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 02 May 2009 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Minivan/Van, Crossover, Mazda

The Washtenaw Community College Vehicle Performance class that helped build Boss Wagon VI

Although the story's a bit old, Car and Driver just released the tale of their sixth Boss Wagon project online. Just like their past attempts at turning a sow's ear into a silk purse, this one starts with a casual comment that snowballs out of control. After several rethinks, copious man-hours and a lot of scratched heads, a new Boss Wagon has been birthed. This time the project takes the form of a Mazdaspeed5. Yep, Mazda's funky microvan with an extra dash of speed.

Although there are plenty of examples of the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6 on the road, Mazda never made a factory Mazdaspeed5. Some people think that's unacceptable, a few AB staffers included. The Mazda5 is an almost perfect family hauler, but one complaint from drivers has often been that it lacks some zoom-zoom in the engine bay. The simple fix? Because the 5 shares its underpinnings with the Mazda3, stuff in a Mazdaspeed3 turbo mill and pick up an extra 110 hp instantaneously.

Sounds simple enough, but as you'll learn by reading the article, things are never as simple as they might seem. Some eight months, 21 days, and two hours later, the only items they hadn't removed from the 5 were the sliders and liftgate, and they still aren't finished with the fine-tuning. Well, did all that work pay off? Did they turn the grocery getter into a weekend warrior? Follow the source link and find out for yourselves.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Car and Driver makes its own Mazdaspeed5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 May 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASCAR ponders life without support of Detroit automakers [w/poll!]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Car and Driver's April Fools' Day joke about President Obama ordering the Detroit 3 automakers out of stock car racing has apparently got NASCAR officials pondering the ramifications of such a mass exodus. Suffice it to say, they are not laughing. Jeff Burton, driver of a Chevrolet-badged racecar for Richard Childress Racing, said, "I think the climate that we're in today, it would be poor business to not look at the worst-case scenarios." Of course, he's right.

So, what would happen if one or more of the American automakers were to pull their official support from NASCAR? According to NASCAR itself, "the results would be far from debilitating." While none of the teams or tracks want to see funding from General Motors or Chrysler go away, it's not the only source of income to be tapped. Plus, Ford and Toyota are in no immediate danger of going belly up, and they haven't given any indications that they are planning to withdraw from NASCAR. Of course, if GM and/or Chrysler's revenue stream for the series dries up, we could see the remaining parties balking at sponsorship costs...

Be sure to cast your vote on whether you expect to see one or more automakers exit NASCAR this season in the poll below.

View Poll

[Source: NASCAR.COM | Photo: Wayne Whaley]

NASCAR ponders life without support of Detroit automakers [w/poll!] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Without its editor-in-chief, Motive closes up shop

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Following in the wake of Eddie Alterman's ascendancy into the Editor-In-Chief position at Car and Driver, the online auto outlet known as Motive is indefinitely "on ice." In a release (after the jump) published on the website's "About" page, its staff explained the situation and vowed to keep its forum properties (VWVortex, Fourtitude, Swedespeed, MWerks, etc.) humming along with new content inspired by the Motive model.

Motive set a new tone in the online automotive mediascape with stunning photography, stirring prose and a keen eye on design that split the difference nicely between blogs and buff-books. We're sad to see them go and wish the best to the remaining crew we've come to know over the last few years. Thankfully, Motive's content will continue to be available, so you can still access some of their features, including the Turbo Toyboxes, Great Drives and Drivers Ed series, along with a couple of our favorite pieces: Phantom Planet and Urban Golf Cart. Best of luck guys. We know we'll see you soon.

Continue reading Without its editor-in-chief, Motive closes up shop

Without its editor-in-chief, Motive closes up shop originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eddie Alterman named new Editor-in-Chief of Car and Driver

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Back in December when Car and Driver magazine first announced that long-time editor-in-chief Csaba Csere was stepping down, among the first names that popped up as a possible replacement was Eddie Alterman, editor-in-chief of Motivemag.com and former EiC of the late MPH magazine. At some point, the whole story seemed to fade into the background as parent company Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. named one of its staffers as interim editor. This morning, however, Hachette has sent out an announcement that Alterman is being hired as the Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based magazine.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about this appointment is the fact that for the last several years, Alterman has been operating largely in the digital space thanks to his work at Motive. Car and Driver and other print magazines have struggled in recent years with increasing costs and falling advertising revenue, and Eddie's background in the online world could help the storied magazine bridge the gap between its print publication and online presence. The offficial press release is posted after the jump.

[Source: Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.]

Continue reading Eddie Alterman named new Editor-in-Chief of Car and Driver

Eddie Alterman named new Editor-in-Chief of Car and Driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car and Driver tallies 10 most embarrassing auto award winners

Chris Shunk — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:59:00 EST

Each and every year, the major auto buff mags roll out their "best of" lists. Car of the Year, 10 Best, All-Stars - each publication has a different formula for picking the best of the best, and while we don't like every choice, most are spot-on. There are, however, times when we see a pick and wonder what the editors were drinking when they made their decision. Car and Driver, which has admittedly made its fair share of mistakes, has come up with a list of the 10 worst auto award winners of all time, and we thought it would be fun to share.

A quick look through C&D's bottom 10 shows some serious stinkers. The 1997 Chevy Malibu? The 1983 Renault Alliance? Ouch. How about the 1981 Chevy Citation? Hit the read link below to check out Car and Driver's bottom 10. While you're over there, check out the discrepancy between 10 Best winners and Motor Trend CotY winners. MT made the list six times, while C&D entered the hall of shame with three entries. Then again, C&D were the ones who made the list. Interestingly, they somehow also managed to ignore entries like the 1989 Dodge Colt, the 1994 Eagle Vision, and the 1987 Pontiac Bonneville, but they did ding the Merkur XR4Ti, a pretty entertaining (if odd and poor selling) driver's coupe. Hmmm...

[Source: Car and Driver]

Car and Driver tallies 10 most embarrassing auto award winners originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car and Driver announces 10 Best: No GT-R to be found!

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Spoiler alert: If you haven't picked up your print copy of Car and Driver yet, or if you haven't received their email announcement, or if you haven't checked out their website, they just announced their 10 Best for 2009. We wanted to share it with you because, well, the list is too shocking not to share. Unfathomably, the Nissan GT-R didn't win a spot! It didn't even make it into the top ten. After taking the brass ring from Automobile and Motor Trend, how could CD not pick it? We were just as shocked as you are undoubtedly. This would be like only the second loss evah for Godzilla, and the first was in a brief skirmish with Mothra about 40 years ago.

Okay, we're kidding. We saw this one coming a mile away. C and D always has a price cap on their nominees and this year that meant the Nissan officially missed inclusion by about seven grand. Now that you've adjusted, we can tell you that the full list can be found by clicking the source link below, but know that there are 8 foreign cars on the list and 2 domestics. Three Germans made the list, along with four Japanese models and a lone Brit. The list is actually a solid one from top to bottom. You'll probably have a hard time disagreeing with the choices, but might think your favorite is missing. Let us know what replacements you'd make.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Car and Driver announces 10 Best: No GT-R to be found! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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C&D performs first instrumented testing of Corvette ZR1

Michael Harley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above for our high-res ZR1 burnout gallery!

Car and Driver recently strapped its test gear to the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and, as expected, recorded some impressive numbers. All eyes have been on the supercar Vette as it enters the boxing ring to duke it out with the heavy-hitting Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, Nissan GT-R and Porsche GT2 (among others), and it looks like the latest Corvette will more than hold its own. According to C&D's trusty electronic gear, the supercharged 638-hp beast knocked off a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds as it continued towards a blistering 7.6 second 0-100 mph run. The quarter mile was cracked in 11.5 seconds @ 128 mph (Chevrolet claims 11.3 seconds, but the guys at C&D didn't believe in "...that sort of drivetrain abuse" to get lower numbers). The top speed also remains unverified as the team "ran out of room" before they could hit the claimed 205 mph. Under braking, the ZR1 set a new C&D record as it hauled itself down from 70 mph in just 142 feet. Of course, we must mention the obligatory claimed Nürburgring lap time of 7:26 (at the hands of Chevrolet). So you don't have to Google the competition's best-claimed Ring times yourself, here they are: Porsche GT2 - 7:32, Nissan GT-R - 7:29, and the Dodge Viper ACR - 7:22. Of course, we'd like to see all four on the track under identical conditions, and with some digital timing gear!

Gallery: Covette ZR1 burnouts

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

[Source: Car and Driver]

C&D performs first instrumented testing of Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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C&D lists Top 10 Most Decadent Options

John Neff — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

Click above for high-res gallery of Most Decadent Options

We always scoff at dealerships that charge $250 for floormats, but there are some truly expensive options out there that most of us would need a second mortgage (good luck getting that) to afford. Car and Driver has a new Top 10 List that details the most decadent options in the auto industry, and it's a pretty fun read. We knew of a few, like the Rolls-Royce Starlight Headliner that adds 1,600 tiny lights to the ceiling of your Phantom Coupe, but we didn't know it carries a $12,100 price tag. Then there's the Aston Martin Jaeger LeCoultre AMVOX2 DBS Transponder Watch that can unlock the doors of your DBS. Just $37,900! What a steal. One option we weren't aware of is the Granite Trim package that Maybach offers. A small base fee of about $60,600 will get you a gussied up S-Class with actual rock in the doors. Click here to read the rest of the Top 10 Most Decadent Options list and be thankful that you're not wealthy enough to make these tough choices when buying a car.

Gallery: Most Decadent Options

[Source: CARandDRIVER.com]

C&D lists Top 10 Most Decadent Options originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car & Driver runs this year's Lightning Lap at VIR

John Neff — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST

Click above to view high-res gallery of C&D's 2008 Lightning Lap

Every year Car & Driver does something we can only dream about doing: take the whole gamut of today's hottest cars and run them around the 4.2-mile track at Virginia International Speedway. It's called the Lightning Lap, and it's basic purpose is to discover which cars give you the most bang for your buck. The invite list reads like a who's who of sportscars, and this year ranges from the 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS to the 2008 Mosler MT900S. Twenty-two cars in all were tested, and other notable participants include the '09 Cadillac CTS-V, '09 Nissan GT-R, '08 Dodge Viper ACR and '08 Ferrari F430 Scuderia (sorry, apparently the Corvette ZR1 wasn't available, which would have made this the most epic event ever).

Think of the Lightning Lap as the biggest comparison test you've ever seen, and a great way to figure out how much performance you're getting for your dollar since the cars are judged strictly on lap times only. The cars are divided up into five classes according to price with vehicles like the Cobalt SS and Dodge Cailber SRT4 taking up residence way down in the LL1 class and the Ferrari and Mosler holding court in the most expensive LL5 class. This year there was no LL4 class, but LL3 contains the bulk of participants. We've got a gallery of shots from the event below provided courtesy of Car and Driver and a list of all the entrants after the jump, but you'll want to click through and read the whole thing for yourself. We're already angling with our friends over there to see if we can sit trackside and watch next year when the next Lightning Lap goes down.

Gallery: 2008 Lightning Lap - Car and Driver

[Source: Car and Driver, Photos by Rich Chenet]

Continue reading Car & Driver runs this year's Lightning Lap at VIR

Car & Driver runs this year's Lightning Lap at VIR originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What? Car & Driver says M3 better than GT-R and 911 Turbo

Dan Roth — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., BMW, Nissan, Porsche, Opinion/Editorial

Car & Driver is a common choice as bathroom reader around Autoblog HQ, though thumbing through the latest issue had us contemplating using the glossy pages for TP. C&D got its hands on Nissan's new GT-R and its development benchmark, the Porsche 911 Turbo. That's great so far, as everyone wants to know how the Nissan stacks up against its bogey. The trouble comes when a BMW M3 gets tossed into the mix. What? The M3 is a hell of a car and it clearly earns its perennial 10-Best status, but it's outgunned and mismatched in this company. Somehow it managed to win a three-way comparo with two supercars anyway.

Continue reading What? Car & Driver says M3 better than GT-R and 911 Turbo

What? Car & Driver says M3 better than GT-R and 911 Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stock Nissan GT-R fares well in One Lap

Merritt Johnson — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Nissan

Photo by Mary Seelhorst

Slightly over shadowed by all the drama surrounding the Vanishing Point Dodge Challenger, Car and Driver competed in the 2008 One Lap of America event behind the wheel of a stock Nissan GT-R. Typically a magazine editor going for an extended joy ride in a pre-production sports car isn't expected to severely push the vehicle's limits, which is why Tony Swan cruised to a decent 11th place overall finish in the event. Not a bad placement, but also apparently not good enough for some, as interested internet anti-fanboys have taken the opportunity to criticize the car based on its performance in the vent. However, the negative commentators neglected to take into account the seriousness of the top vehicles and their veteran drivers.

After spending one-on-one quality time with the GT-R, Mr. Swan also sings a slightly different song than some. He agrees that it is blistering quick, but maybe not as easy to drive as some have lead you to believe. The wide open track at Road America let Nissan's lovechild stretch its legs, but scaling down the venue did not directly translate. The Bridgestone run flat tires and inherent low speed understeer were a handful in wet and tight corner conditions. Perhaps it might have behaved the same way at the autocross venue, but lack of cone dodging experience (or more likely the lack of cones to dodge) led to a DNF for the car in the parking lot event. The drag strip also unveiled the GT-R electrical system's lack of launch control intuitiveness, as quarter mile staging methods interfered with the system's engagement. Despite a few difficulties, in the end the car was praised for its comfort level and ample luggage capacity for the week long journey. Thanks for the tip, Rexhavoc!

[Source: Car and Driver]

Stock Nissan GT-R fares well in One Lap originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 May 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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April Foolery: Toyota resurrects Oldsmobile in its own image

John Neff — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:21:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toyota

We've been trying to keep a straight face today as we report all these April Fools jokes, but this one from Car and Driver is so ridiculous that we must forego all the winks and nods and state plainly that it is not real. C&D concocted an alternate universe in which General Motors forgot to renew its copyright on the Oldsmobile name, a gaff that Toyota exploits by purchasing the rights to the dead brand's storied name. The Japanese juggernaut plans to place Olds between Toyota and Lexus in much the same way it played the middle child between Chevy and Cadillac when it was under domestic control. Toyota also knows that there's no better way to build an Oldsmobile than to rebadge a cheaper vehicle and charge a higher price, but this time it will be a brand comprised entirely of SUVs sporting revered Oldsmobile nameplates from the '80s and '90s like Intrigue and Bravada. The flagship model of the new Olds will be the Super 88, a rebadged version of the Toyota Sequoia with the iForce V8 and 8-speed automatic transmission from the Lexus LS.

Sigh... Oldsmobile just can't get a break, even in the afterlife for automotive brands. Thanks for the tip, Brad!

[Source: Car and Driver]

April Foolery: Toyota resurrects Oldsmobile in its own image originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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C&D tests GT-R, runs 11.5-second quarter

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Nissan

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan GT-R.

Scorching fast. That's the word from Car & Driver on a Nissan GT-R they were allowed to instrument up and abuse for a few hours. 11.5 in the quarter mile and a 3.3 second run to 60 mph are incredible numbers from any car, but this one only costs $70,000. That price tag would be preposterous for a Sentra, but it's a bargain for the ability to annihilate virtually anything short of a Hayabusa. There's been some debate about the three little words "engineering test mule," but scuttlebutt has it that the only thing Nissan was testing on the car were tires and suspension calibrations. From the report, it sounds like they got the ride dialed in, too - in comfort mode, you can reportedly thwack across expansion joints without bouncing your coiffe off the headliner. The biggest complaints? Weight (though apparently the car doesn't feel as ponderous from behind the wheel), and the interior design. The materials are said to be good, but haphazard is the order of the day for the dash layout. Oh darn, it won't come with the gorgeous cabin of a Ferrari 599 -- we suppose they need something to feel superior about as they watch the chunky arse of the GT-R rocket toward the horizon. A $70,000 supercar? We'll take it.

[Source: nagtroc.org]

Gallery: Nissan GT-R

Gallery: 2008 Nissan GT-R in the wild

C&D tests GT-R, runs 11.5-second quarter originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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