Car Test Ride

2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Expert Review - MSN Autos

2009-08-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a Road & Track first review of the 2010 Shelby GT500... Past variants of the GT500 have always fallen a bit short for me... On paper the numbers seem fantastic, but once the test results were in, the GT500 always seem to fall short for what you'd expect from a car with 500hp... Hopefully Ford will truly deliver with the 2010 model....

2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Expert Review - MSN Autos

Toyota Recalls 100,000 vehicles!

2009-08-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

Wow folks.. so sorry I haven't written anything in so long!! But I promise to get back in the swing... Let's start off with yet another major recall for Toyota. Another sign of declining Toyota quality control... sad but true!

000 vehicles- Market Dispatches - MSN Money

2009 Hurst Challenger

2009-03-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

Another great video from Jay Leno's Garage! Seems the vortec supercharger added the punch missing from the already slick Challenger.

Luxury Loses Its Luster - MSN Autos

2009-01-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

Hard economic times are even falling on one of the auto world's most solid car makers. As tough as I've been on BMW over the past year or so, I must say the updated Bangle designs are really growing on me! The 2010 Z4 is absolutely stunning! Let's hope they can still sell a few......

Luxury Loses Its Luster - MSN Autos

iPhone Road shot "Nissan GT-R"

2008-11-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted, and my apologies to all my readers! Sometimes life has you pulled in so many different directions, the little things you enjoy most (like writing useless crap about cars) gets put on the side burner.

Despite my absence from blogging over the past few months, I have been vigilant in continuing to keep a pulse on the shaky Auto industry. More importantly, I've continued to keep an eye out for cool cars I spot while out and about.

After so much praise, confusion, speculation, and argument, I finally got the chance to see the Japanese Uber coupe Nissan GTR on the road. The car has a very demanding presence that I never quite realized from all the pictures and videos I've seen. It just so happened one pulled up next to me while out on a Friday night and I was quite surprised how flamboyant the car is on the road. Glancing around at other drivers stopped around us, I quickly realized how many jaws were dropped seeing this beast in person. Everyone from the hat off centered pimply faced teenager in the riced out Honda civic, to the Baby Boomer in the Town and Country... This car demands attention! To my surprise, the GT-R isn't very loud at idle (notice I had to drop the window to get a listen to that exhaust note...)

New Poll! "How will the current economy & gas prices effect your next car purchase?"

2008-09-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well.. here is the question that is probably on every car buffs mind. With the economy in shambles, and gas prices on the rise, how will these factors effect your next New/Used car purchase? We want your vote!

iPhone Road Shots Audi R8:

2008-09-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

Well this has to be my favorite iPhone road shot so far! Some great shots of the beautiful Audi R8. The R8 has got a bit of a love or hate reputation as far as styling goes... but, as with most cars Audi builds, the R8 has a very purpose built design and in my opinion one of the best looking exotics out there.

Combined with a silky smooth bullet proof V8 and one of the few Supercars you can drive everyday, someone finally has given a hard push to the Porsche 911 pedestal, and I think there are a few in Stuttgart feeling a bit shaky sitting up that high for so many years!

iPhone Road Shots: Maserati Quattroporte

2008-08-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

Bellezza!!!.. Like a fine crafted designer pair Italian shoes this girl is... This car just screams and flairs it's hands all around even when it's sitting still (no pun intended.. well maybe)! Ya, ok... it's not perfect... many complain about it's goofy floppy gearbox... and it being underpowered compared to it's German Uber Saloon rivals. But, who cares how fast your going? Really... it's like having an extreme makeover.. when you look this good, you want to get where your going as slowly as possible so everyone takes notice!

The Mercedes 126... another owners love for one of the greatest cars ever made

2008-08-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

Well, as my readers probably know by this point, I am a huge fan of the Mercedes-Benz 126 chassis cars. They are one of the finest crafted automobiles ever made in my opinion. And if you don't believe me, just ask someone who owns one! Here is an email and picture I received from one of my readers who loves their 126 Benz. Thanks to Stevan for sharing his thoughts and a picture of his beautiful 1990 300SE!

I have a 1990 300se in excellent condition! This is all due to my car being a solid, well built machine that does not require more than replacing general parts. I could say that my 1990 MBZ still has 90% of it's original parts! (excluding the "usual things" for every car). Otherwise my 300se has been a "thoroughbred" in which it had become pampered. Good things are meant to keep! After 18 years & 189.000 miles, this car will NOT be replaced anytime soon! After all this time, mechanics and car dealers are still drawn to it with wonder.

Thanks Stevan! that pretty much sums it up!

SCC Ultimate Aero

2008-07-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Another great video from Jay Leno's Garage. The SCC Ultimate Aero is an ambitious project with the now claim of the fastest production car (over the Bugatti Veyron). So many upstart super car companies come and go leaving us one or two models in very limited numbers that are mostly parts bin Frankensteins. For some reason the nose of the Ultimate Aero reminds me of the McLaren F1 with awkward headlights. As far as design goes it's not exactly a Pinnanfarina masterpiece, but it does have all the components of a hyper car. I think SCC has built an amazing car, I just don't think it has the refinement and sophistication to attract the rest of the world.

Chrysler plans to stop leasing cars - Autos- msnbc.com

2008-07-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

Wow! This is a huge blow for struggling auto maker Chrysler! Without offering enticing lease offers like most other makers, I really can't see how Chrysler expects to remain any sort of competition in the U.S. auto market.

Chrysler plans to stop leasing cars - Autos- msnbc.com

Dodge Challenger SRT8 Performance overview

2008-07-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a little more in depth video with some more info on the new Dodge Challenger SRT8... I like this car more every time I see it!

The Timeless Design of the Porsche 911

2008-07-10T21:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been so slow to write any new posts lately.. I promised a good friend that I would put something up about his two beautiful Porsche 911's (ahem that he just happen to sell both) It's amazing to me how Porsche hasn't really changed it's basic concept for the 911 since it's birth. They just seem to take the somewhat flawed rear engine design of the 911, and continue to perfect it. Year, after year, after year.

Featured are a 1981 SC Coupe and a 1980 SC. Being that these cars are getting close to 30 years old.. the design remains timeless, and one of the most recognizable body styles of any car in history.. These two are really great examples of the breed. Granted I'd prefer them to have a turbo attached to the flat 6 at the rear, but hey, beggars can't be choosers right?

I think it's best to let him give the details of these fabulous machines posted below....

The 1981 is a coupe in the somewhat rare rosewood metallic. Records on this car go all the way back to 1981 when the first owner watched part of the build in Stuttgart and have the original window sticker as well as the salesman's card who sold it to him! It's amazing to see all that stuff. Tan interior with new updated a.c. just last year, new master cylinder, maintenance upgrades were performed. Mileage is 126,800 and is the year Porsche upgraded the engine to the 3.2 litre. Its crazy fast and rides the rails. The 1980 is another super Carrera with a 3 litre. Just updated the compressor to the 113 A york system and new master as well as new tires. In addition, I had the fan motor repaired. Had this silver beauty at 103 mph on Blood mountain taking a near hairpin turn! The 911 heritage is deep and pure with power and handling.

2008 Dodge Challanger SRT8

2008-06-16T19:59:00.001-07:00

Here's another great movie from Jay Leno's garage! When I first saw the auto magazine reviews on the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, I couldn't help thinking that Dodge may have let this retro-modern masterpiece hit the market at the wrong time. With gas prices so ridicules, people are more inclined to swap out their gas guzzler SUV's for hybrids rather than V8 American Muscle.

So who is going to want a V8 Hemi muscle car in the current state of fuel efficiency awareness? ...Well.... I do! I think this car is beautiful! This car makes you want to take that night job just to pay your gas bill, if only for that 10 minute drive from your day job to the night shift. Look at the rear end of this car... It's one of the sexiest backsides I've seen since... well I'll let you fill in the blank on that one..

It doesn't appear perfect, there are signs of Dodge cheapness in the interior.. and as Jay says, the car really needs a manual gearbox... but all said and done.. I take my hat off to Dodge for having the guts to give us a tried and true American made muscle car regardless of the current economic state... (hmm.. does anyone else feel deja vu from the early 1970's shift in the Automobile market?)

Who makes the highest-quality cars? - MSN Money

2008-06-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

Good article from MSN ... Porsche comes in at #1... Funny to see the long time reliability Kings Toyota and Honda down on the list a bit.. and Mercedes-Benz finally creeping back up with their quality control....about time don't you think?

Who makes the highest-quality cars? - MSN Money

First Look: 2009 Audi Q5 - MSN Autos

2008-05-31T14:10:00.000-07:00

Bellow is a link to a first look from MSN Autos of the 2009 Audi Q5. It was only a matter of time before Audi was to follow most Auto makers with the mid sized cross over SUV, and it looks like Audi is aiming right for the BMW X3 buyer. The Q5 actually looks more proportioned than it's larger brother Q7. Depending on pricing, Audi may really hit the mark with this SUV... The worlds best fit and finish, potent V6, Legendary Quattro... I can't think of any reason why I would choose an X3 over the Q5...

First Look: 2009 Audi Q5 - MSN Autos

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

2008-05-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

As a follow up to my last post... Check out a pic of the amazing Mercedes-Benz SLR in it's new Roadster configuration. Love that color too! Usually only see the SLR in Silver & Black..

The Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR

2008-05-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

Despite some controversy when first introduced, there is no denying the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is an amazing piece of engineering. This car seemed so over the top when I first saw it, but the more I learned about how much of the flash and flair was actually function built, this car started to make sense. It's yet another example of Mercedes-Benz flexing their engineering muscle.

Below is a fantastic clip from Jay Leno's Garage on his SLR. Thanks for sharing the video's Jay! I'm going to try and feature Jay's new video each week... enjoy!

Road Test: 2009 Nissan GT-R - MSN Autos

2008-05-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Link to a road test review on the amazing new Nissan GT-R from MSN Autos!

Road Test: 2009 Nissan GT-R - MSN Autos

The still amazing Jaguar XJ220

2008-04-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

Coming out of the ever excessive 1980's, the Car industry was in a strange state of transition in the early 1990's. Japan had come to the states with cars that were giving the Corvette quite a run for it's money. The Germans were tooling up for a horsepower race unseen since the Muscle Car era that is still being slugged out to this day. As for the British, Jaguars line up of cars was at a low point after troubled reliability throughout the 80's. Jaguar really needed something to shake up the car industry, something to return to it's glory of the 1960's. In 1989 Jaguar officially announced the concept of the XJ220 would actually go on sale. When shown to the world at the British Motor show, the XJ220 was like nothing the world had ever seen (and had plenty of Italian car makers shaking in their hand stitched leather shoes).

Although the concept XJ220 was slated to have a V12, emissions had prompted Jaguar to equip the production version with a 3.5 Liter twin-turbo V6. Despite not having a legendary Jaguar V12, the XJ220 produced a monster 550hp!! Combined with it's light weight, the XJ220 was uber fast! (Don't believe me? Check out the Top Gear drag race between a XJ220 and a Pagani Zonda!).

Ultimately the XJ220 never sat well with Jaguar purist. Despite it's massive performance, the lack of a tried and true V12 discouraged many potential buyers. It's short production run only lasted 2 years with very limited numbers produced. The XJ220 has now proven to bring huge money at auction, and despite the controversy at the time, I think the XJ220 will go down as one of the best cars Jaguar ever built!

(Once again, thanks Bryan for the great pics!!!!!!)

iPhone Road Shots: Audi S5

2008-04-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

Since it's release, I have only seen one of the illustrious Audi S5's on the road. A friend just happen to snap this pic on his iPhone of the new S5 up close and in person. This car really looks more subtle in pictures than on the road. It has a very aggressive stance while in motion, and personally I think it is understandably beautiful! (And check out that rare color! I think it's a dark metallic aqua green of sorts...)

2009 Nissan GT-R

2008-03-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

For years Nissan has been holding back it's flagship, techno masterpiece Skyline from the U.S. market. Little was known in the states about the Skyline series Nissan until the hugely popular video game "Grand Turismo" took off like a Zero in the late 1990's. Instantly the Nissan Skyline became the must have car for the playstation generation.

For years many in the U.S. begged and pleaded with Nissan to release it's previous generation Skyline (R34) in the U.S. market. Top exec's and Nissan still couldn't believe the U.S. market was ready for a 70K plus econo box with more digital gizmo's than a Las Vegas tech convention. Another problem that Nissan engineers realized was it was just to costly to reconfigure the car for left hand drive.

Finally after all these years, your dreams of a $70K+ Nissan have arrived!! And the beast from the east has affectionately been named the Nissan GT-R!! At first glance this car plays proportion tricks with the eyes. Body lines seems to abruptly start and stop at random. There are very few design hints from it's older Skyline GT-R R34 cousin. But, if you look really hard, it still looks like a Skyline. At first the design wasn't my favorite. Over time though, from when I first saw the concept drawings for this car, it really has grown on me.

The interior keeps with Skyline tradition with no over the top luxury items. Basically it's a sea of plastic, nobs and digital read outs telling you everything from oil pressure and G's pulled, to your most recent high score. Power is delivered from a rear mounted (remember the Porsche 928?) dual clutch (Audi DSG anyone?) 6 speed flappy paddle gearbox. Mated with a ultra high tech All-wheel drive system, the new Nissan GT-R is living up to it's techno showcase badge so far.

Now comes the real business of this car. Gone is the longtime inline 6 cylinder turbo from the previous R34 Skyline. Instead Nissan has elected to go with a twin-turbo, twin intake, 3.8 liter V6 pumping out an understated 480HP & 430 ft. lbs of torque. I emphasize understated because this car weighs in at over 3900 lbs! According to Car and Driver, the Nissan GT-R ran a 0-60 time in an eye popping 3.3 seconds!!!! finishing off the quarter mile in a mere 11.5 seconds at 124 mph. This is Enzo territory folks.

Nissan may have changed everything with the 2009 GT-R. If 70K can now buy you that kind of performance, it will have every fiery Italian car designer scratching their head. If your only concern is pure performance, and badge appeal with matching hand sewn luggage is not on your list of top priorities, I can't see why anyone would elect for anything other than this playstation racer dream come true!

(Thanks to Bryan for the great image from the Philly auto show!)

A great 5th Gear test video of the Nissan GT-R!

2004 Mystichrome Mustang Cobra dyno video

2008-03-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

I know it's been long enough.. so finally here is some good ole American muscle! This happens to be my cousins amazing Mystichrome Cobra! As you will see by the dyno results this car is a screamer!!! Wowsers what an animal! And the best part is.. This car is currently being tuned and will be pumping out more than double those specs very shortly!!! More to follow on this bad boy stang...

Mystichrome Dyno Thrash

1991 Mercedes-Benz 300SE

2008-03-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

From previous post I've done, most of you may know how big a fan I am of the Mercedes-Benz 126 chassis cars. It was a time when Mercedes build quality was the finest in the world. Here is a challenge to my readers, take notice next time your on your daily commute. See how many 126 Mercedes you see on average over the week. I can guarantee there are more of them on the road than any other car from that era!

Towards the end of the long run of the 126 Chassis, Mercedes brought to the U.S. some non V8 powered 126 cars. From 1989-1991 Mercedes offered the 300SE & 300SEL for sale in the U.S. With a bullet proof, 3.0 Liter strait 6 engine, the 300 series cars offered all the prestige and quality of it's top of the line 500 series brothers, without the high gas bills. The 3.0 wasn't a slouch on power either, pumping out around 180hp and 190lbs ft. torque. Good by even modern standards.

These are just fantastic cars, and you really don't see a lot of the 300 series around due to their short production run for the U.S. A very special thanks to Chelsea for sharing her beautiful 1991 300SE featured in the pics below! This car is her baby, and has seen much TLC over the years. A labor of love and that is what these cars are all about!!! (oh ya, and check out those Euro lights!!)

As always, if anyone has a car they'd like to share.. drop me an email at cartestride@yahoo.com

Then & Now: 2008 BMW 650I

2008-02-24T20:34:00.000-08:00

As an awaited follow up to my article "Wall Poster Classics 1985 BMW 635csi" I wanted to take a current look at the second generation BMW 6 series.

The BMW 6 series was a focal point in the Chris Bangle driven redesign of the BMW fleet. Currently available in a coupe & convertible configuration, the 2008 BMW 650I see's little changes since the second generation introduction in 2003. Powered by a silky smooth 4.8 liter V8, the 360HP 650I rockets to easy mid 5 second 0-60 times. Options include the legendary BMW 6 speed manual transmission, or one can opt for BMW's all new Sport Automatic Transmission. According to BMW this is a step forward from the clunky and laggish steptronic transmission from previous years (no pun intended).

Of course the 2008 BMW 650I has the "Hate it!" or "Really hate it!" idrive system. BMW says the idrive has been updated to make it easier to navigate the system. So in other words you'll have 3 pages of options to go through to change the radio station instead of 7.

I hate to sound so negative about the second generation 6 series. Really, I should love everything about this car. Big, German, fast, coupe, V8, all great things. Like any BMW the 6 series is solid, and handles like no other car on the road. The styling has still not sold me, and I think it has lost some of the head turning ability that the first generation cars had. Personally I think the coupes look far better than the convertibles. I do not like BMW's new interior styling. Contemporary is one thing, but come on... Even the 300 at Thermopylae would find this interior bland.

So is the second generation BMW 6 series still "The ultimate driving machine?" Well, probably. It just seems some of the passion the first car had has been lost over the years. I know several people who have a second generation 6 and they love them. I really want to love this car, seriously I do. But, every time I see one I always find myself thinking "I'd just save myself $65,000 and buy a classic one."