Chevy’s small cars have never really done much to impress. The one in most recent memory, the Aveo, was especially dismal. But GM is out to impress and ask for a second chance with a new subcompact that debuted in 2011. In much of the rest of the world, it’s still marketed as an Aveo, but Chevy must have wanted more of a fresh start with U.S. buyers, so here it is now called the Sonic, and for 2013 customers get the … [Read more...]
Cadillac XTS Platinum AWD – Driving Report
The new Cadillac XTS represents an interesting move for the storied carmaker. While in other areas they are showing off their performance-oriented side, with the XTS they've put in a 3.6 Liter normally aspirated V-6 and either front or all-wheel-drive. The only really sporty things about the 2013 Cadillac XTS are a technologically advanced suspension setup and fact that Brembo made the front brakes. What the XTS is … [Read more...]
Chevrolet Equinox LTZ – Driving Report
This is not a vehicle for the sports car buyer, obviously. The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LTZ might, however, be a solid extra car for the sports car owner or those needing for utility in their driveway. Like practically all of the crossover SUVs, the Equinox is good at several things and a solid choice for buyers looking for versatility in their driveway. The Equinox is one of the more popular small crossovers, and … [Read more...]
Cadillac ATS 2.0 Turbo – Driving Report
The last few years have seen Cadillac rebranding itself in a big way. Their newer cars have been presented as nifty blends of luxury, premium image, and some sportiness. They have gradually gotten more sophisticated as well, with additional interesting engine options as well as chassis tweaked and improved through punishment at places like the Nurburgring. Therefore, if you haven't been paying attention, this year's … [Read more...]
Carroll’s Last Stand – Shelby GT500 Driving Report
Report and photos (unless noted) by Jamie Doyle Horsepower is something the vast majority of enthusiasts spend a lot of time thinking about. If possible we want a large dose of it, and are always craving more. We read about it, analyze it, brag about it, even lose sleep over it. But when does a lot of power become too much power? Is too much power even possible? One car that perhaps comes closer to pushing that … [Read more...]
Dodge Challenger SRT8 – Driving Report
Report by Rick Carey, Auction Editor As good a car as you could ask for. The specifics: 392 cubic inch 470hp @ 6,000 rpm, 470 lb-ft torque @ 4,200 rpm hemispherical head V-8, 5-speed paddle shift, auto-stick automatic transmission, 3.06:1 limited slip (Dodge used to call it Sure-Grip) rear axle, 20 inch 244, 255/45 ‘3-season’ Goodyear tires, power steering, power Brembo disc brakes, two-mode adaptive … [Read more...]
Pur Sang Type 35B – Driving Report
Report by Rick Carey, Auction Editor Think about a really good, solid, exterior door latch and lock, the precise snick as levers, springs and bolts slide into place. That’s the Pur Sang Type 35, an assemblage of meticulously cast, precisely machined, artfully formed and carefully fitted parts that communicate exactly what they’re doing, exactly what they’re experiencing, back into the driver’s hands, eyes, … [Read more...]
Small But Wicked – Fiat 500 Abarth Driving Report
Report and photos by Jamie Doyle Confession. I like light cars. My Lotus Elan S3 Coupe weighs roughly 1,500 pounds and, to be honest, I wouldn't mind if it were lighter. I even get bent out of shape when I see new 'sports cars' tipping the scales at 4,000 pounds. Yet, what I've come to realize is that I don't care so much about the actual weight of the car, I only care that the car feels light and that I feel … [Read more...]
Pur Sang 8C 2300 Monza – Driving Report
Report and photos by Rick Carey, Auction Editor Ever dreamed of driving an Alfa 8C? Watching black and white videos of Monza, the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio, Monaco and the old Nürburgring and imagining what it was like for Borzacchini, Ferrari, Campari and the Figlio del Diavolo, the Devil’s Brother, Tazio Nuvolari behind the steering wheels of these narrow, lightweight and ferociously powerful cars in … [Read more...]
New Car Test Day at Laguna Seca – Martin Swig on Motoring
By Martin Swig Each Spring, the auto journalists in Northern California gather at Mazda’s Laguna Seca Raceway to evaluate an array of new cars on the racetrack and on nearby roads. While the quality differences in new cars have narrowed, there’s still plenty to experience in terms of car characteristics. Most cars meet their manufacturer’s objectives, but those might not be yours. And often, your preconception … [Read more...]
Mille Miglia Winning Alfa Romeo 2900A – Car Profile
1936 Alfa Romeo 2900A – Supreme Road Racer Story by Ed McDonough Views differ as to the meaning of the phrase...’the good old days’. In this story, it means when you could buy a new car from your local dealer and later discover it had won the Mille Miglia! In April 1936 there were three works Alfa Romeos entered in the Mille Miglia. The three team cars were very basic with functional spider bodywork and … [Read more...]