Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Illinois town builds own track for consumer test drives]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/illinois-town-builds-own-track-for-consumer-test-drives/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/illinois-town-builds-own-track-for-consumer-test-drives/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/illinois-town-builds-own-track-for-consumer-test-drives/#commentsFiled under: ,

Indiana Test Track from above

If you're shopping for a vehicle near Naperville, Illinois, you may have a chance to put your possible purchases through the gauntlet on at a new facility. The town has joined forces with local dealers to create a driving course that would reduce the number of test drives on public streets and give buyers a better sense of the type of vehicle they were purchasing before they signed on the dotted line. The course features a variety of pavement types, a small parking area and even a sprinkler system to allow for foul-weather evaluations.

While the entire facility is housed in an area roughly the size of a mall parking lot, Cars.com reports that the course gives buyers a safe way to more or less fully evaluate a vehicle. Given that most dealers simply offer up pre-planned routes that give only the faintest impression of what a vehicle will be like to live with, we wish more dealers and buyers had access to similar test track. Head over to Cars.com to check it out in greater detail.

Illinois town builds own track for consumer test drives originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingcar dealercar shoppingdealerdealersillinoisnapervillenaperville illinoistest drivetest drivingMon, 29 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20029442/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/29/illinois-town-builds-own-track-for-consumer-test-drives/20029442/article-detail.xml 20029442 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/indiana-test-track-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/indiana-test-track-630.jpg <![CDATA[Ford turns a real-world Focus test drive into a game]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/ford-turns-a-real-world-focus-test-drive-into-a-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/ford-turns-a-real-world-focus-test-drive-into-a-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/ford-turns-a-real-world-focus-test-drive-into-a-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ford focus test drive game

Ford is offering car shoppers the opportunity to participate in a rather unique take on the test drive experience. Instead of simply handing over the keys and taking a lap around the block, Ford equipped a group of Focus test cars with telemetry equipment, commandeered a parking lot and set up an obstacle course. The data of the test run was fed through a recording device, and a real-life video game was born.

Players score points based on the way they navigate the course, and their time is taken into consideration. It sounds fun, but it's also allowing people to get up close and personal with the handling ability of the 2012 Ford Focus.

After watching the video shown after the jump, we can only say that we're rather interested in competing. We love driving, we enjoy video games and we're a competitive bunch here at the Autoblog.com HQ. If this event makes it out our way, just know we're gunning for the top spot.

Continue reading Ford turns a real-world Focus test drive into a game

Ford turns a real-world Focus test drive into a game originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>focusfocus driving gamefordford focusford focus test drivetest drivetest drive gamevideoFri, 05 Aug 2011 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20010762/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/05/ford-turns-a-real-world-focus-test-drive-into-a-game/20010762/article-detail.xml 20010762 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/focus-game_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/focus-game.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Test Drive Unlimited welcomes virtual characters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/23/video-test-drive-unlimited-welcomes-virtual-characters/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/23/video-test-drive-unlimited-welcomes-virtual-characters/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/23/video-test-drive-unlimited-welcomes-virtual-characters/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Test Drive Unlimited 2
Test Drive Unlimited 2 features character customization - Click above to watch video after the jump

Can you think of something missing from the current crop of automotive video games? If you said cosmetic surgery then you must work for Atari. The upcoming Test Drive Unlimited 2 is going to let you customize more than you car. Your on-screen avatar can appear exactly how you want it to thanks to numerous facial and clothing options. Click past the jump to see what we're talking about.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Test Drive Unlimited welcomes virtual characters

Video: Test Drive Unlimited welcomes virtual characters originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricustomizationtest drivetest drive unlimitedtest drive unlimited 2videovideo gamesSun, 23 Jan 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19807117/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/23/video-test-drive-unlimited-welcomes-virtual-characters/19807117/article-detail.xml 19807117 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/test-drive-2-unlimited_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/test-drive-2-unlimited.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi to offer remote-control test drives of real Outlander Sport over the Internet [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/mitsubishi-to-offer-remote-control-test-drives-of-real-outlander/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/mitsubishi-to-offer-remote-control-test-drives-of-real-outlander/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/mitsubishi-to-offer-remote-control-test-drives-of-real-outlander/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander R/C
Look Ma, no driver! - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Mitsubishi wants people to take notice of its 2011 Outlander Sport. There will be traditional print and television ad campaigns, but the automaker is also exploring new ways of reaching new car buyers. Through its creative agency 180 LA, Mitsubishi plans to put a bunch of car shoppers behind the wheel of the new crossover. Not literally, but virtually.

The automaker is rolling out its Mitsubishi Live Drive campaign that puts drivers behind the wheel of an actual Outlander Sport. They won't be sitting in the vehicle but instead they'll be in front of a computer. The CUV will be controlled remotely via users on the Internet. While we don't want to be anywhere near the car when this is happening, it's certainly a novel re-imagining of the test drive concept.

The Mitsubishi Live Drive event kicks off November 1, 2010 and runs through November 10. If you're interested in testing out your computer driving skills, you can sign up starting October 15 at OutlanderSport.com. In the meantime, you can catch a sneak peak at what's in store by viewing the video and official press release after the jump. Thanks to everyone for the tips!


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport


Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Sources: Mitsubishi, AdWeek, YouTube]

Continue reading Mitsubishi to offer remote-control test drives of real Outlander Sport over the Internet [w/video]

Mitsubishi to offer remote-control test drives of real Outlander Sport over the Internet [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>180 LA180 LA agency2011 mitsubishi outlander sportlive drivemarketing stuntmitsumitsubishimitsubishi live drivemitsubishi outlander sportOutlander Sportrcremote controltest drivevirtual realityvirtual test driveFri, 08 Oct 2010 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19666875/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/08/mitsubishi-to-offer-remote-control-test-drives-of-real-outlander/19666875/article-detail.xml 19666875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/outlander-sport-self-drive_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/outlander-sport-self-drive.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T brings turbo power to Main Street America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/12/first-drive-2011-hyundai-sonata-2-0t-brings-turbo-to-main-stree/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/12/first-drive-2011-hyundai-sonata-2-0t-brings-turbo-to-main-stree/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/12/first-drive-2011-hyundai-sonata-2-0t-brings-turbo-to-main-stree/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've watched with a sense of awe as Hyundai has gone from a discount also-ran brand into a genuine industry powerhouse in startlingly short order. But we've also long suspected that its vehicles have gained so much ground by being among the best values in their respective segments - not because they've necessarily been the best vehicles to drive. The addition of the Genesis Coupe may have served notice that Hyundai isn't content to just be the industry's value leader (see Battle of the Sixes), but the keystone draw of most of the brand's offerings has remained their affordability. Which is not to suggest this is a bad thing - Hyundai's steroidal growth speaks to the inherent soundness of its strategy. But as enthusiasts, we've been waiting for the company to not only out-value, but to categorically outsmart and outplay its rivals. With introduction of the 2011 Sonata, Hyundai appears to have done exactly that.

The Sonata has proven to be far more than just a styling stunt.
We admit that we weren't sure whether the Sonata's outré styling would play in that most milquetoast of markets: the family sedan segment. When the sheet was pulled on the 2011 model, it was as if Hyundai had strolled into a Sunday morning prayer breakfast with Kathy Griffin on its arm - we didn't know exactly what was going to come of it, but we knew it was going to be fun to watch. Thankfully, the Sonata has proven to be far more than just a styling stunt. Packing big space, a rock-solid chassis, accomplished handling and unmatched power and fuel economy from its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the Sonata has gained widespread acceptance and acclaim in a historically conservative slice of the market.

But while the normally aspirated sedan got our attention, the promised 2.0-liter turbocharged model had our enthusiast hearts bound up in anticipation. The specifications revealed at this spring's New York Auto Show were enough to have visions of a proper cut-rate sport sedan dancing in our heads: 274 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque plunked into a chassis that's among the very lightest in its class. So when Hyundai invited us to hop a plane to Seoul to sample their new force-fed family schlepper, we had our bag packed and were at the airport before you could say "pass the Kimchi."


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T brings turbo power to Main Street America

First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T brings turbo power to Main Street America originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0T2011 Sonata2011Sonatadirect-injectionfamily sedanfamily sedansFamilySedanFamilySedansfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveGDIhyundaihyundai sonatahyundai turboHyundaiSonataHyundaiTurboroad testRoadTestSonatasonata 2.0tsonata reviewsonata road testsonata turbosonata turbo first drivesonata turbo reviewsonata turbo road testSonata2.0tSonataReviewSonataRoadTestSonataTurboSonataTurboFirstDriveSonataTurboReviewSonataTurboRoadTesttest driveTestDriveYFYF sonataYfSonataMon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19549767/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/12/first-drive-2011-hyundai-sonata-2-0t-brings-turbo-to-main-stree/19549767/article-detail.xml 19549767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/sonatakorea0801opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/sonatakorea0801opt.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera stupefies our senses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/2010-lamborghini-gallardo-lp-570-4-superleggera-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/2010-lamborghini-gallardo-lp-570-4-superleggera-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/2010-lamborghini-gallardo-lp-570-4-superleggera-first-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera - Click above for high-res image gallery

The explosive burble from the V10's exhaust coming off the back straight seems powerful enough to vaporize insects in mid-air. The Howitzer-like concussions shock through the firewall and slam into our spines an instant before the combustive dissonance has time to reverberate off the outside wall and into our eardrums. The menacing acoustics force the other cars on the circuit to back off, while trackside spectators crane their necks to look up and cheer as the Lamborghini rockets by.

We're at California Speedway attending the "The Ultimate Lamborghini Experience." This annual event allows owners to play with their exotics in a controlled environment free of driving citations and other pesky... um, slow cars. Since we don't own an Italian exotic, we have to thank Lamborghini of Beverly Hills for graciously bringing along the automaker's latest and greatest. In this case, it's the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera stupefies our senses

First Drive: 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera stupefies our senses originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Lamborghini2010 Lamborghini Gallardo2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera2010Lamborghini2010LamborghiniGallardo570-4 Superleggera570-4SuperleggeraCalifornia SpeedwayCaliforniaSpeedwayDavey JonesDaveyJonesfeaturedFirst DriveFirstDriveGallardogallardo+lp570-4+superleggera+pricegallardolp570-4superleggerapriceLamborghinilamborghini gallardolamborghini+gallardo+lp570-4+superleggera+pricelamborghini+lp570-4+superleggeralamborghini+lp570-4+superleggera+priceLamborghiniGallardolamborghinigallardolp570-4superleggerapricelamborghinilp570-4superleggeralamborghinilp570-4superleggerapriceLP 570LP 570-4Lp570Lp570-4superleggeraTest driveTestDriveValentinovalentino balboniValentinoBalboniThu, 17 Jun 2010 11:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19519482/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/17/2010-lamborghini-gallardo-lp-570-4-superleggera-first-drive/19519482/article-detail.xml 19519482 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1lp5704slfd2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1lp5704slfd2011.jpg <![CDATA[Report: GM launching pair of low-pressure 'test' dealerships that offer competitor car drives]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/report-gm-launching-pair-of-low-pressure-test-dealerships-tha/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/report-gm-launching-pair-of-low-pressure-test-dealerships-tha/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/report-gm-launching-pair-of-low-pressure-test-dealerships-tha/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A[nother] different kind of car company. A[nother] different kind of car. Apparently, as it once did with its Saturn division, General Motors is again fiddling with the tried-and-true dealership sales model by creating two separate new test programs that would potentially offer a low-pressure car buying environment.

One of them, a so-called Test Drive Studio, would be a "permanent or semi-permanent, minimally branded, brick-and-mortar" facility that would first appear in Chevrolet-centric areas such as Miami, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Included amongst the newfangled features would be test drives in the Chevy Malibu, Traverse and Equinox, followed by their main competition. "May the Best Car Win," indeed.

According to Steve Tihanyi, general director for marketing services, alliances and branded entertainment, "It's a non-threatening environment. It's not pressure-filled; you can drive all the right competitive products against the [vehicles]. If you take Malibu as an example, we will also have vehicles like Camry, Accord, Ford Fusion, or Taurus, so you get a really good cluster of vehicles to experience at your own pace."

Also new will be a competitive test-drive program that will run concurrently with auto shows in 30 markets all around the United States. "One thing we know about auto shows is a lot of people who come will be in market in zero to 12 months," says Tihanyi.

To go along with the new dealership test model, GM will start a digital marketing campaign in each of the four aforementioned test markets, targeting buyers currently shopping for vehicles in GM's competitive markets. Says Tihanyi, "So, hypothetically, if you are on Edmunds.com and shopping a Camry, we are going to offer up an opportunity to come to the Test Drive Studio in that market to compare everything you have in your shopping set right now. Our feeling is you may have not had the Malibu in your consideration set, but if you try it, you will."

[Source: Marketing Daily | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

Report: GM launching pair of low-pressure 'test' dealerships that offer competitor car drives originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet dealershipChevroletDealershipchevychevy dealershipChevyDealershipgeneral motorsgeneral motors dealersGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsDealersgmGM dealergm dealersgm dealershipgm dealershipsGmDealerGmDealersGmDealershipGmDealershipstest drivetest drive studioTestDriveTestDriveStudioFri, 12 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19396687/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/12/report-gm-launching-pair-of-low-pressure-test-dealerships-tha/19396687/article-detail.xml 19396687 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/87189985_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/87189985_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Cornell's SAE Baja buggy helps us get even with would-be alma mater]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/cornells-sae-baja-buggy-helps-us-get-even-with-would-be-alma-mater/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/cornells-sae-baja-buggy-helps-us-get-even-with-would-be-alma-mater/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/cornells-sae-baja-buggy-helps-us-get-even-with-would-be-alma-mater/#commentsFiled under: ,

Cornell's SAE Baja Buggy - Click above for high-res image gallery

How much horsepower do you need to have fun in a car? More is usually better, but sometimes less is okay too. Sometimes even none is enough - if you have gravity on your side. When you're running off-road through mud, rocks, up hills, crashing off of whoops and flying over jumps, you certainly can't rely on the attraction of physical bodies to get you around the course. You need power. Cornell's Baja SAE buggy admittedly doesn't have much, driven by a lowly 10-hp Briggs & Stratton that wouldn't look out of place on a lawnmower. This most certainly is not a lawnmower.

Cornell's team of students past and present have built an impressive chariot to cradle that engine and a driver. CAD modeled, CNC hewn and carbon fiber-skinned, nearly everything on the kart is a one-off created by the sort of technology that drives Formula One. When an offer came in to come drive the thing, we jumped right in - right in to a mudbath as it turned out. Won't you join us?


Gallery: Cornell's SAE Baja buggy tour and test drive

Continue reading Cornell's SAE Baja buggy helps us get even with would-be alma mater

Cornell's SAE Baja buggy helps us get even with would-be alma mater originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buggycartcornellcornell baja saecornell sae bajaCornellBajaSaeCornellSaeBajafeaturedkartkartingsaesae bajaSaeBajatest driveFri, 04 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264846/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/cornells-sae-baja-buggy-helps-us-get-even-with-would-be-alma-mater/19264846/article-detail.xml 19264846 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/cornell-sae-baja-20091204-800-00100-1259926003_opta_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/cornell-sae-baja-20091204-800-00100-1259926003_opta.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Lexus IS F pursues perfection, might need more personality]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/review-2009-lexus-is-f-pursues-perfection-might-need-more-personality/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/review-2009-lexus-is-f-pursues-perfection-might-need-more-personality/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/review-2009-lexus-is-f-pursues-perfection-might-need-more-personality/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Lexus IS F - Click above for high-res gallery

The Lexus IS F is the sole Japanese contender in a crowd of compact high-performance sport sedans. Boasting a full complement of performance upgrades, including a 5.0-liter V8 mated to a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, the 416-horsepower sedan blasts to 60 mph in well under five seconds. But the stats only tell part of the tale. Do the sum of the IS F's parts make it a contender against the best from Germany and America? Let's find out.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Lexus IS F


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Lexus IS F pursues perfection, might need more personality

Review: 2009 Lexus IS F pursues perfection, might need more personality originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Lexus IS F2009LexusIsFfeaturedIn the Autoblog GarageInTheAutoblogGarageIS FIS-FIsFLexusLexus ISLexus IS FLexus IS-FLexusIsLexusIs-fLexusIsFReviewreviewsTestTest DriveTestDriveFri, 05 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19058377/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/05/review-2009-lexus-is-f-pursues-perfection-might-need-more-personality/19058377/article-detail.xml 19058377 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/lexus_isf_1280_07_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/lexus_isf_1280_07_opt.jpg <![CDATA[North Carolina's Supercar Sensation gets you behind the wheel without breaking the bank]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/17/north-carolinas-supercar-sensation-gets-you-behind-the-wheel-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/17/north-carolinas-supercar-sensation-gets-you-behind-the-wheel-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/17/north-carolinas-supercar-sensation-gets-you-behind-the-wheel-on/#commentsFiled under:



You've seen this concept before: Most folks can neither afford to buy exotic supercars, nor do they yearn for the headaches of ownership. But hey, it sure would be nice to get behind the wheel once in a while. That's where Supercar Sensation comes in.

They own the cars, they organize the drives; you just show up, cash in hand and they'll handle the rest. Most importantly, unlike the supercar clubs that have been folding left and right, there's no five-figure membership fee. Supercar Sensation's garage includes a Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Porsche 911 Turbo, Nissan GT-R, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG available to drive in autocross-style track sessions and open-road drive packages starting at $199. Piquing your interest? Follow the link to the company's website for more information.

[Source: Supercar Sensation via Motor Authority]

North Carolina's Supercar Sensation gets you behind the wheel without breaking the bank originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 May 2009 12:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carolinanorth carolinaNorthCarolinasupercar clubsupercar sensationSupercarClubSupercarSensationtest driveTestDrivetrack sessionTrackSessionSun, 17 May 2009 12:18:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1545740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/17/north-carolinas-supercar-sensation-gets-you-behind-the-wheel-on/1545740/article-detail.xml 1545740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/sensation-lot_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/sensation-lot.jpg <![CDATA[Ford adds charity benefit by giving $20 to cancer foundation for each customer test drive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/ford-adds-charity-benefit-to-test-drive-by-giving-20-to-cancer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/ford-adds-charity-benefit-to-test-drive-by-giving-20-to-cancer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/ford-adds-charity-benefit-to-test-drive-by-giving-20-to-cancer/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford is making the most of having a little bit of extra fat during these lean times by sharing its fortune with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. If you test drive a Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury before June 1, Ford will give $20 to the foundation, up to $1,000,000. Dealers can match the contributions up to $1,000 per store, and you can choose which local Komen affiliate you would like to receive your donation.

There are two ways to take advantage of the charity offer: before you go for your test drive, log on to www.fordcares.com and print out the registration form. After your test drive, the dealer will give you a code to enter on the Ford Cares site, and that will activate the donation. Or, if you're in a Komen Foundation Race for the Cure, your race packet will have a registration form you can take to the dealer before your test drive. You can read the full press release after the jump, and now you have a great alibi reason to test drive that Shelby GT500...

Continue reading Ford adds charity benefit by giving $20 to cancer foundation for each customer test drive

Ford adds charity benefit by giving $20 to cancer foundation for each customer test drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breast cancerBreastCancercharityetcfordford advantageFordAdvantagelifestylesusan g komenSusanGKomentest driveTestDriveThu, 30 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1530450/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/30/ford-adds-charity-benefit-to-test-drive-by-giving-20-to-cancer/1530450/article-detail.xml 1530450 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/ford_komen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/ford_komen.jpg <![CDATA[Early Chevy Volt mule drives reveal surprisingly good stuff in Cruze bodies [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/early-chevy-volt-mule-drives-reveal-surprisingly-good-stuff-in-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/early-chevy-volt-mule-drives-reveal-surprisingly-good-stuff-in-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/early-chevy-volt-mule-drives-reveal-surprisingly-good-stuff-in-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above to watch videos test drives of Chevrolet's Volt prototype

General Motors has begun doling out test drives of its Chevrolet Volt prototypes to the salivating media. AutoblogGreen is scheduled for some time behind the wheel in short order, but some bigger names have already written up their first impressions of the car. CNN's short version: Promising, but not perfect.

Unlike the Mali-Volts of the recent past, CNN was able to test out the Volt technology as it fits inside the bodywork of a Chevy Cruze. The vehicle looks nearly identical to the Cruze that will go on sale in the U.S. soon, but the powertrain is reportedly 80 percent Voltec. Reporters haven't yet gotten the true Volt driving experience, though, since, as CNN's Peter Valdes-Dapena reports, the Cruze vehicles operate in EV-only mode because "GM engineers are still tweaking the car's performance under gasoline power." Considering that EV-only mode is how most Volt drivers will experience the car most days, this is a fair initial test, with Valdes-Dapena calling the acceleration "particularly muscular." One big question that needs to be answered is how GM will deal with the weight of the Voltec system. Valdes-Dapena writes:
The first time I drove the front wheel drive test vehicle into a turn, the weight came as a surprise. It felt almost like the small Cruze had turned into something more like a Cadillac the moment I turned the steering wheel.
That's going to take some getting used to, or perhaps some additional tuning.

Valdes-Dapena wasn't the only reporter to test out the Cruze Volt mule. Detroit radio staple Jeff Gilbert was there for WWJ and he put up a video on Facebook. GM made their own video of the media drives, and you can see that and the CNN show after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: CNN, WWJ, General Motors]

Continue reading Early Chevy Volt mule drives reveal surprisingly good stuff in Cruze bodies [w/VIDEO]

Early Chevy Volt mule drives reveal surprisingly good stuff in Cruze bodies [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Autobloggreenchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevy voltChevyVoltelectric carElectricCarplug-inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridtest driveTestDrivevoltTue, 14 Apr 2009 13:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1516746/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/14/early-chevy-volt-mule-drives-reveal-surprisingly-good-stuff-in-c/1516746/article-detail.xml 1516746 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/wagonervoltdc1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/wagonervoltdc1.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible, MI6's sultry secretary has a new ride]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/first-drive-2009-infiniti-g37-convertible-mi6-s-sultry-secreta/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/first-drive-2009-infiniti-g37-convertible-mi6-s-sultry-secreta/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/first-drive-2009-infiniti-g37-convertible-mi6-s-sultry-secreta/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible - Click above for a high-res image gallery

As enthusiasts, many of us are quick to dismiss convertibles as the preferred conveyance for hapless poseurs (BMW M3 cabrio) or fake-bake hairdressers (Toyota Solara). And with good reason. When you lop the top off a coupe, the result is often a floppy, overweight chassis that provides all the dynamic delights of a rubber nine-iron and a granite golf ball. Such executions fail to please on almost every level, and that's before you start dealing with complex roof mechanisms, awkwardly styled rumps and abysmal trunk space.

As a whole, convertibles aren't for everyone, but they do fill a need and a niche. And they sell. Almost half of all two-door BMW 3 series models are purchased with a retractable roof, and it's a segment that Infiniti hasn't played in for years (anyone remember the M30 convertible?). As Nissan's luxury arm continues to push into the European market, it's back in the game with the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible. But who is it for? Someone who's simultaneously sultry yet demure; assertive yet relaxed; commanding yet delicate. Someone compelling. Someone like Moneypenny.


Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible, MI6's sultry secretary has a new ride

First Drive: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible, MI6's sultry secretary has a new ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>00720092009 infiniti g37 c2009 infiniti g37 convertible2009 infiniti g37 convertible drive2009 infiniti g37 convertible review2009 infiniti g37 convertible test drive2009InfinitiG37C2009InfinitiG37Convertible2009InfinitiG37ConvertibleDrive2009InfinitiG37ConvertibleReview2009InfinitiG37ConvertibleTestDriveconvertiblefeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveg37infinitiinfiniti g37infiniti g37 convertibleInfinitiG37InfinitiG37Convertiblejames bondJamesBondmoneypennyroad testRoadTesttest driveTestDriveFri, 10 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1513510/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/10/first-drive-2009-infiniti-g37-convertible-mi6-s-sultry-secreta/1513510/article-detail.xml 1513510 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/01-infiniti-g37-convertible-fd-580op2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/01-infiniti-g37-convertible-fd-580op2.jpg <![CDATA[Driven: Ronn Motor Company Scorpion, the world's first 'green' supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/driven-ronn-motor-company-scorpion-the-worlds-first-green-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/driven-ronn-motor-company-scorpion-the-worlds-first-green-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/driven-ronn-motor-company-scorpion-the-worlds-first-green-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Ronn Motor Company Scorpion - Click above for a high-res gallery

Driving prototypes is practically useless. It's next to impossible to get a feel for what the production version is capable of, and you rarely get a chance to explore the limits. Our time with the Ronn Motor Company Scorpion didn't change that sentiment, but it did give us a glimpse into the upstart's future and how its program is progressing since the concept's introduction at last year's SEMA show. Tooling around Sacramento in the V6-powered, hydrogen-injected roadster, the unmuffled exhaust made us almost as uncomfortable as the lack of seatbelts. But to the company's credit, the Scorpion is a rarity in the show-car world - a concept that actually drives. So when the call came from Texas to get some wheel-time in the Scorpion, we jumped at the chance. Hell, Arnold Schwarzenegger personally invited the Ronn Motors crew to the Capitol to get a closer look... who are we to deny the chance to hold court with the Governator?


Gallery: Driven: Ronn Motors Scorpion


Photos copyright (C)2009 Brad Wood / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Driven: Ronn Motor Company Scorpion, the world's first 'green' supercar

Driven: Ronn Motor Company Scorpion, the world's first 'green' supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraautobloggreendrivenfeaturedGreenH2GOhydrogenreviewreviewedronn motor companyronn motor company scorpionronn motorsRonnMotorCompanyRonnMotorCompanyScorpionRonnMotorsscorpiontest driveTestDriveMon, 16 Mar 2009 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1488343/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/03/16/driven-ronn-motor-company-scorpion-the-worlds-first-green-s/1488343/article-detail.xml 1488343 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/01-driven-ronn-scorpion_580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/01-driven-ronn-scorpion_580op.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/first-drive-2009-porsche-boxster-s-with-pdk/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/first-drive-2009-porsche-boxster-s-with-pdk/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/first-drive-2009-porsche-boxster-s-with-pdk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Italian countryside passes by in a blur. At an indicated 265 km/h (164 mph), we have hit the invisible wall. The accelerator pedal has been jammed into the carpet for the last ten seconds, yet the sleek Porsche cannot push the molecules of air away any faster. Thanks to a stiff headwind, simple aerodynamic drag has overcome the 310 horsepower engine and arrested our acceleration a bit shy of Porsche's quoted maximum speed. Regardless of the blustery gusts, the direct-injected flat-six buried in the middle of the chassis continues to wail as it sustains the fight. An approaching curve on the horizon convinces us to reluctantly lift off the gas.

We're in Sicily testing the new second-generation 2009 Porsche Boxster S. Significantly updated for the new model year, the drop-top coupe continues to impress us. How has Porsche improved its 12-year-old platform? Are the new powerplants significantly different from their predecessors? How does the Boxster compare to the Cayman? Follow the jump to find out and take a tour of Italy with the Porsche Boxster in our high-res gallery of images below.


Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK


All photos Copyright (C) 2009 Michael C. Harley, Weblogs, Inc./ Porsche Cars North America

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK

First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Porsche2009 Porsche Boxster2009Porsche2009PorscheBoxsterAutostradaBoxserBoxsterboxster sboxster s porsche design edition 2BoxsterSBoxsterSPorscheDesignEdition2dual-clutchfeaturedFirst DriveFirstDriveItalyPDKporscheporsche boxsterPorscheBoxsterSicilyTest DriveTestDriveTop SpeedTopSpeedFri, 30 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1444812/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/30/first-drive-2009-porsche-boxster-s-with-pdk/1444812/article-detail.xml 1444812 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/boxsters_1280_43_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/boxsters_1280_43_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-porsche-911-carrera-4s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-porsche-911-carrera-4s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-porsche-911-carrera-4s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

A 1980 Porsche 911 SC Targa was deposited in my driveway during the spring of 1999. A good friend left it in my care while a contractor remodeled his garage. I'd never driven a Porsche, let alone a 911, but I would tend his car for three full months. With a 3.0-liter flat-6 hung way out back, the 180-horsepower engine was noisy, its open chassis flexible, and the whole thing smelled like dirty motor oil. Regardless of its rudimentary technology and semi-backwards handling tendencies, it was an absolute challenging thrill to drive. One decade later, déjà vu, as a brand-new 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is sitting in the driveway. A direct descendant of the classic SC, it represents the pinnacle of Porsche engineering and the latest iteration of the rear-engine sports car. A week with the car reveals some surprises, exposes a few pitfalls, and confirms many theories. Read about all of them after the jump...

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage - 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S


All photos Copyright (C) 2009 Michael C. Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

Review: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 porsche 9112009 porsche 911 carrera2009Porsche9112009Porsche911Carrera911997AWD porscheAwdPorscheCarreraClassic PorscheClassicPorschedesertfeaturedflat-6MojavePASMPDKporscheporsche 911porsche 911 carrera 4sporsche 911 targaPorsche911Porsche911Carrera4sPorsche911Targarear-enginereviewreviewsTargaTest driveTestDriveWed, 21 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1435837/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/21/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-porsche-911-carrera-4s/1435837/article-detail.xml 1435837 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/c4s_1280__56_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/c4s_1280__56_opt.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/first-drive-2010-lexus-rx350-and-rx450h/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/first-drive-2010-lexus-rx350-and-rx450h/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/first-drive-2010-lexus-rx350-and-rx450h/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h - Click above for high-res image gallery

Few vehicles have done more to establish a genre and define a brand as much as the Lexus RX. Introduced over a decade ago to suburbanite real estate agents and their Napa-weekending friends, the original RX300 helped boost Lexus sales by 60% when it hit dealers in late 1998. Over the ensuing years, Lexus' posh people mover slowly evolved to include a hybrid drivetrain, a refreshed exterior and tasteful appointments that helped solidify its success. For 2010, the RX plays the same tune but adds a few more instruments, a new backbeat and reworked crescendo.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RS450h


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 lexus rs450h test drive2010 lexus rx3502010 lexus rx350 review2010 lexus rx350 test drive2010 lexus rx450h2010 lexus rx450h review2010LexusRs450hTestDrive2010LexusRx3502010LexusRx350Review2010LexusRx350TestDrive2010LexusRx450h2010LexusRx450hReviewfeaturedfeauredfirst driveFirstDrivelexuslexus rxlexus rx350LexusRxLexusRx350rx350rx450rx450htest driveTestDriveThu, 08 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1422672/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/08/first-drive-2010-lexus-rx350-and-rx450h/1422672/article-detail.xml 1422672 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/01_2010_lexus_rx_fd_580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/01_2010_lexus_rx_fd_580op.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Infiniti FX50 AWD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-infiniti-fx50-awd/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-infiniti-fx50-awd/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-infiniti-fx50-awd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Infiniti FX50 AWD

Infiniti's FX first arrived on the scene in 2003. At the time, it looked like something transported into the showroom directly from the auto show concept car turntable. While other manufacturers were delivering boxy SUVs, Infiniti presented the world a futuristic four-door crossover that was available in vibrant "Liquid Copper" paint. Even in bland white, the FX turned every head on the road - and rightfully so. Now in its second-generation, the all-new 2009 FX arrives with a more powerful 5.0-liter V8, a new 7-speed automatic and a mouthful of electronic driving aids that are sure to stump even the team at Engadget. Is the all-new FX a worthy replacement to its predecessor? Has it turned soft to please the luxury crowd? What's up with all of that gadgetry? Find out after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Infiniti FX50


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Michael C. Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Infiniti FX50 AWD

Review: 2009 Infiniti FX50 AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfxgaragein the autoblog garageinfinitiInfiniti crossoverInfiniti CUVInfiniti FXInfiniti FX35Infiniti FX35 AWDInfiniti FX45Infiniti FX50InfinitiCrossoverInfinitiCuvInfinitiFxInfinitiFx35InfinitiFx35AwdInfinitiFx45InfinitiFx50InTheAutoblogGaragereviewreviewstesttest driveTestDriveFri, 02 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1416152/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/02/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-infiniti-fx50-awd/1416152/article-detail.xml 1416152 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/fx_580_05_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/fx_580_05.jpg <![CDATA[Driven: 2009 Tesla Roadster v1.5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/driven-2009-tesla-roadster-v1-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/driven-2009-tesla-roadster-v1-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/driven-2009-tesla-roadster-v1-5/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Tesla Roadster v1.5

Last January we landed an exclusive first drive of the Tesla Roadster. We were impressed, but well aware that the particular two-gear model we drove that wet afternoon wasn't identical to the version set to land in customers' hands later in the year. Last week, we were invited back to briefly test drive a genuine production model with the latest transmission and software updates (aka "powertrain 1.5"). Check out our round-two impressions after the jump. (Ed. Note: Sorry for the lack of live images, but we literally had about half-hour to drive the car before it was whisked away.)

Gallery: 2009 Tesla Roadster v1.5


Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster


Continue reading Driven: 2009 Tesla Roadster v1.5

Driven: 2009 Tesla Roadster v1.5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carselectric-carelectriccarElectricCarsfeaturedFirst DriveFirstDriveReviewTeslatesla motorsTesla Roadstertesla-roadsterteslamotorsTeslaRoadsterTestTest DriveTestDriveTue, 21 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1345927/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/10/21/driven-2009-tesla-roadster-v1-5/1345927/article-detail.xml 1345927 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/tesla_side_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/tesla_side_450.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/first-drive-2009-porsche-911-carrera-s-with-pdk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/first-drive-2009-porsche-911-carrera-s-with-pdk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/first-drive-2009-porsche-911-carrera-s-with-pdk/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK - Click above for high-res image gallery

Introduced in 1963, the Porsche 911 is one of the most successful competition cars ever built. Despite its unconventional rear-engine platform, the 911 Carrera holds recorded wins in nearly every type of automotive competition. Continuously upgraded and refined, Porsche has introduced a mid-cycle refresh for the 2009 model year. While the cosmetic changes are immediately apparent, the most significant improvements - two new engines and a new double-clutch transmission - are hidden under its sleek skin. We spent a long day putting the 2009 911 Carrera through its paces on a race track near Salt Lake City framed by the spectacular snow-capped surrounding mountains of Utah. Read our impressions after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Carrera 911 PDK


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK

First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911CarreraDoppelkupplungsgetriebedouble-clutch transmissionDouble-clutchTransmissiondual clutchDualClutchfeaturedFirst DriveFirstDriveGT2GT3ImpressionsMiller Motorsports ParkMillerMotorsportsParkPDKPorscheSalt Lake CitySaltLakeCityTest DriveTestDrivetiptronic stiptronic-sTiptronicStwin clutchTwinClutchMon, 20 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1340683/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/10/20/first-drive-2009-porsche-911-carrera-s-with-pdk/1340683/article-detail.xml 1340683 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/2009_porsche_pdk_02_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/2009_porsche_pdk_02_opt.jpg -1 2