Test Drive: 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT

A World-Class Sedan With a Tech-Laden, Executive-Grade Interior

Vehicle Tested:	2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package, HPT (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
Pros:	Refined and powerful V6, manual transmission works well and adds quickness, impressive handling, superb front seats, roomy backseat, strong brakes.
Cons:	Controversial styling, numb steering, marginal ride quality.

The 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD with the Technology Package and the new six-speed manual transmission brings some familiar adages to mind. "Don't judge a book by its cover." "Beauty is more than skin deep." You get the idea. From behind the wheel, this TL is a revelation, a world-class performance sedan that Acura somehow derived from the plebeian Honda Accord. It also boasts plenty of technology and room for four full-size adults. But the question is: Will those heartwarming adages still be convincing when $44,000 of your hard-earned money is on the line?
We'll hold open the possibility, because we've certainly met people who like the way the TL looks. Some find the pointy grille refreshingly different; others favor the unusual metallic V-shaped insert below the trunk. If you're a fan of the styling, the TL SH-AWD 6MT definitely belongs at the top of your shopping list. After all, its performance is competitive with that of the BMW 535i xDrive, which runs $10,000-$15,000 more when comparably equipped. And the TL SH-AWD is bigger and more comfortable than the marginally better-performing but pricier Audi S4.

First Impressions: 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe

Pros:

• Radio controls integrated into steering wheel (and integrated very well!)
• Bluetooth® phone controls
• iPod support
• XM® Satellite Radio
• Lots of storage compartments
• Elegant trim touches
• Good mileage for gas SUV at 22 mpg

Cons:

• Dated styling
• Uninspired driving
• Acceptable freeway on-ramp power

First Impressions
Over the last decade, Hyundai has made huge strides in improving their reputation for safety and quality. In 2006, they passed Toyota in the JD Powers and Associates quality ranking – a major change for a brand that had once been the poster child for low quality. Note that this was way before Toyota started recalling everything – they used to be the standard for quality! With the better reputation, long warranties and their low prices, Hyundai has grown sales in North America from about 250,000 cars in 2000 to 435,000 in 2009, grabbing share from their established rivals. The biggest part of that success has been the Santa Fe, a crossover SUV that has become commonplace here in import-friendly California. The gist of all of this background is that I was interested to check out the most popular SUV that the up-and-coming Hyundai has to offer.

Gymkhana Grid Competition, 2011 Ford Fiesta Review

Driving Sports TV Episode #26: – Ken Block is well-known for his Gymkhana videos where he took his Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car and effectively went all out, drifting, power sliding and doing all sorts of crazy things in specially designed locations. Now, Block wants to turn Gymkhana into an actual motorsport, and has announced the Gymkhana Grid and the Ken Block Invitational competitions. Plus, Ryan flies to San Francisco to test the all-new Ford Fiesta on an autocross course.



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First Impressions: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

Things That Make You Smile:

• Sling-shot performance and slot-car handling without the go-kart suspension
• Beautifully balanced proportions and elegant design silhouette
• Retractable hardtop insulates you from the elements and road noise better than a ragtop
• Intelligent dual-clutch automatic is fast and silky smooth
• The new interior is more visually pleasing, and includes a slew of comfort and usability improvements

Things That Turn Your Smile Up-side Down:

• Melbourne Red paint job attracts more attention than Boss Hogg and Sheriff Rosco spotting the General Lee
• I know it’s a roadster, but where do I put my golf clubs?

Bada bing, bada boom! Last year we drove the 2010 Z4 sDrive35i powered by BMW’s silky-smooth turbocharged, inline-6 engine and a double-clutch transmission that can change gears faster than Quick-Draw McGraw on speed. Performance was impressive, handling was sharp as a razor, and driving dynamics were more engaging than Betty Davis’ eyes. This year BMW has added a new range-topping Z4, one with a massaged engine that produces 335 hp and a load of M Sport touches. Not that the Z4 needed any more power, but we were surprised the company didn’t call it a Z4 M.
The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is wants to play with the big boys and take its place next to the Audi TT-RS, Mercedes-Benz SLK and Porsche Boxster S/Cayman S. BMW has given the 3.0L engine better intake breathing and higher boost pressure for a new output of 335 hp at 5900 rpm and 332 lb-ft from 1500 rpm, with overboost providing quick bursts of 369 lb-ft. A specifically tuned exhaust system provides a deep rumble with a focus on the low-frequency sound range.


The sDrive35is is available only with BMW’s seven-speed double-clutch transmission. The same Getrag-engineered unit offered as optional equipment for the M3. Here, it features a dual-mass flywheel to handle the increased power. It is spectacularly good, providing rapid and seamless shifts that fully justify BMW’s decision not to offer the Z4 sDrive35is with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox as on the Z4 sDrive30i and Z4 sDrive35i. The programming is also unique to the model. Gear changes can be effected either via the console selector or wheel-mounted paddles. Launch control is part of the package, as well.
Launching the Z4 from a standing start, redline approaches faster than you can hiccup and the dual-clutch transmission snaps through gears 1, 2, and 3 before you can exhale. Officially the Z4 sDrive35is will reach 0-60 mph from a standstill in 4.7 seconds, some 0.5 second faster than Porsche claims for the Boxster S. We did detect a tiny bit of turbo-lag response, but the real beauty of this engine is its willingness to go faster, no matter what the revs or the gear, all the way to its electronically limited 155 mph.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS2 Review – Silver Bumblebee to the Rescue!

Pros
• In-your-face styling
• Plenty of power to burn rubber
• Uncontrollable urge to drive recklessly
Cons
• Very poor visibility
• Jared-from-Subway weight problem
• Less-than-impressive MPG
Introduction
I’ve been pretty stressed out lately, been very busy at work, just moved into a new house and my wife and I are expecting our first baby. Yeah, a little stressed out. So when my editor called to tell me that a 2010 Camaro SS2 was on its way, I was ecstatic! Just as Bumblebee in Transformers coming to Earth to save Sam Witwicky from the Decepticons, this silver ice metallic Chevrolet Camaro SS2 arrived to rescue me from the tense situation in my life. And just like Bumblebee and Sam, I formed an immediate bond with the SS2, with its 6.2 L V8 with SFI pumping out 426 HP paired with a 6-speed manual, capable of hitting 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds. I loved the twin black striping down the middle of this silver tester, making it a Raiders themed kick-ass Camaro.

Driving Impressions
The SS2 had plenty of power, there was no doubt about it. What was surprising, however, was how conservative first gear was. It did not leap from a stop like the Challenger SRT8 that I drove a couple of months ago. But once I shifted into second and kept the right foot down, the Camaro took off and leaves everyone else in the dust. Third, fourth, came naturally and I was flying dangerously fast on the local expressway. Highway acceleration was good but you definitely feel the weight of this car. The Camaro SS2 weighs in at almost 3,900 pounds, a little less than the Challenger SRT8 but is still a lot of steel on wheels. The ride is tight, resulting in some pretty great cornering around my office building complex. The big 4-wheel disc Brembo brakes do a great job of stopping this beast. The V8 on the Camaro SS2 does not resonate with the bass that was so soothing on the Challenger SRT8.