Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![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<![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<![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<![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<![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.

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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.

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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<![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.

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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.

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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<![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.

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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<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-routan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-routan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-routan/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Volkswagen Routan - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen Routan's "German Engineering" ad campaign has provided plenty of irony-laced comedic fodder for the Autoblog water-cooler, and VW's own press release doesn't help, heralding the Routan as "a stylish alternative to the minivan." An alternative to what?

In a perfect world, VW would have revolutionized the moribund minivan segment with a production version of the 2001 Microbus concept, thereby capitalizing on V-Dub's cheeky heritage in the same way the new Beetle did in the late '90s, and perpetuated by other vehicles like the MINI Cooper and Fiat 500 today.

Thankfully, all is not lost. According to VW's Product Planning Manager, Bret Scott, "We would never say 'no' to the possibility of a Microbus revival." But in the meantime, we have to make due with this: the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, a reworked Chrysler Town & Country that VW execs call (with a straight face) "The Beetle of minivans."


Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan


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

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan

First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 volkswagen routan2009 volkswagen routan first drive2009 volkswagen routan test2009 volkswagen routan test drive2009VolkswagenRoutan2009VolkswagenRoutanFirstDrive2009VolkswagenRoutanTest2009VolkswagenRoutanTestDrivefeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveroutansseseltest driveTestDrivevolkswagenvolkswagen routanVolkswagenRoutanTue, 14 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST (Euro-spec)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/first-drive-2008-ford-focus-st-euro-spec/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/first-drive-2008-ford-focus-st-euro-spec/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/first-drive-2008-ford-focus-st-euro-spec/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Ford Focus ST

Save the hot hatch for last. That's what we kept telling ourselves as we wandered the Belgian countryside looking for Ford's Lommel Proving Ground. As it turns out, the facility, located next to an air force base - restricted airspace, you know - is so secret, our hosts at Ford could hardly find it. So we had a little extra time to repeat the mantra: save the hot hatch for last.

On our way to Italy to drive the new Fiesta, we took a detour to Lommel to sample some of Ford's European C-segment offerings. A variety of vehicles, including one with the new dual-clutch gearbox, a Kuga crossover and the fire-breathing Focus ST, would be on hand for us to drive around the track. But we knew that if we gave into temptation and drove the ST first, the rest would seem sluggish by comparison, even though the vehicles aren't comparable. So did we resist the urge, or give into the little demon that's always whispering in our ears to go faster? Follow the jump and we just might tell you.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST (Euro-spec)

First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST (Euro-spec) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's a revelation: being stuck in traffic sucks. And it's even more infuriating behind the wheel of an Evo.

Despite what some scribes might lead you to believe, the Evos of yore (VIII and IX) weren't deplorable daily drivers. Granted, Mitsu's engineers erred on the stiff side with the Evo's ride, and it didn't help that the tiller provided more feedback than a Metallica sound check. But the real reason jaded journos harped on the old Evo's workaday unfriendliness was because nothing is more frustrating than piloting concentrated adrenaline in a sea of buzzkill.

With the 2008 Evolution X, Mitsubishi attempted to rectify some of the Evo's (perceived) shortcomings by equipping the range-topping MR with more amenities, more sound-deadening material, a more compliant ride and a new twin-clutch transmission to balance back-road thrills with daily livability.

But all those extras have caused the Evo's curb weight to skyrocket, and its price tag has followed suit. For $42,000 - the sticker on our MR tester - you can get your hands on the new yardstick for high-end, entry-level performance: the BMW 335i. While that kind of wallet shock could ostracize the Evo's core demographic, Mitsubishi is quick to point out that the new MR is for the discerning enthusiast: a more sensible, mature owner. But does mature mean infirmed? Read on to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Brad Wood / Weblogs, Inc.

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Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Nissan Murano - Click above for high-res image gallery

It just so happens that the all-new 2009 Nissan Murano is one of those nondescript mid-size crossover utility vehicles that may blend into the crowd. Its styling is certainly modern, if not overly exciting. The cabin is accommodating, if not excessively spacious. The handling is inspiring, if not unduly sporty. The engine is strong, and even reasonably efficient. How would this perfectly acceptable, yet hardly over-achieving CUV handle five passengers and full luggage on a 1,000-plus mile road trip across the Southwestern desert? Read on to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan Murano


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

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Review: 2009 Nissan Murano originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Range Rover Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Driving a Range Rover Sport is like wearing an Izod circa 1980-anything: everybody immediately knows what you're about. And that's not a bad thing. We never wore Izods, but we'd drive this thing all day long -- and in fact, we did. The sport is supposedly the Range Rover for people who just want to go from work to the golf course to the watering hole, and don't need to traverse the Andes do it. Turns out, though, that it's suitably equipped for both. Follow the jump for the rest of the Rover story, and check out the gallery of hi-res shots below.


Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Range Rover Sport


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: 2008 Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Porsche Boxster RS 60

Our colleague Chris Tutor recently took the Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder for a few quick turns around Barber Motorsports. A tad more powerful than the Boxster S, and filled with red leather, he discovered it was plenty of car on the closed circuit. We recently had a chance to get the special edition RS 60 off the track and onto the back roads of Rhode Island and Connecticut, and got to see what the car could do on twisting country lanes - and unexpectedly, in the rain. The likewise unexpected result: damn near perfection. Follow the jump to find out how,and check out the gallery of hi-res and sometimes very damp images below.

Gallery: Second Drive: Porsche Boxster RS 60


All Second Drive gallery photos Copyright (C)2008 Sergio Jurado / Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: First Drive: Porsche Boxster RS 60

Continue reading Second Drive: Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder

Second Drive: Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

2003 BMW M5.
2005 Lotus Elise.
2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

What do these three vehicles have in common? They all occupy a space in my dream garage. Sure, I could've added a few more fantasy slots for a Ferrari 250 GTO, a Land Rover 90 and everything in between, but the Bimmer, the Lotus and the Aston exemplify all I've ever wanted on four wheels: a powerful sedan, a competent track tool, and an elegant coupe. No matter the occasion, I'm covered.

But there's a problem. While I've spent a fair amount of time in and around the Elise and M5, I've never had the opportunity to drive the Vantage. The Aston holds a spot on my lottery list on looks alone, so I arrived in San Francisco with a fair amount of trepidation. Will the V8 Vantage be everything I've dreamt about or will it be the automotive equivalent of meeting my hero?

It's finally time to find out.


Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

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First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan recently granted Autoblog four fleeting days with a red 2009 Nissan GT-R. While it seems every major automotive outlet has tested "Godzilla" on the track (including our First Drive), we chose instead to keep it on the streets to see if one of the world's most powerful and fastest accelerating cars could be domesticated by stop-and-go traffic, family errands, and carpool duty. Of course, we only stuck to that routine for a day or two... the rest of the time was spent on the famed canyon roads of Southern California. Follow the jump to read about our 100-hour experience in the Nissan GT-R and don't miss what very well may be the most beautiful gallery of high-res images we've ever published courtesy of our own Drew Phillips and all ready to become your next desktop wallpaper.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R

Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 nissan gt-r2009NissanGt-rfeaturedG-TRGodzillagt-rgt-r v-specGt-rV-specGTRin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGarageNissanNissan GT-RNissanGt-rr35r35 gt-rr35gt-rr35testdrivereviewSkylineTest DriveTestDriveWed, 23 Jul 2008 19:58:00 EST