Short Throw Shifter: Bye Bye Bugatti

That's right, Bugatti, this Porsche is pulling away. It has 10 fewer cylinders, 100 more horsepower, twice the looks, and a fraction of the required maintainence costs of the Italian hypercar. The famous Porsche tuner 9ff has taken a 911 and used the stock engine to create a 4.0 liter 6 cylinder monster that produces 1120 horsepower. All those ponies can take this GT9-R to a near warp top speed of 257 mph, and it's on track to take the world production car speed record.

It's already reached a speed of 254 on a test run, putting it 1 mph faster than the Bugatti, and just about 1 mph shy of the speed record set by the SSC Ultimate Aero. God speed, 9ff....God speed.

Thanks for reading.
-Biggs

Joyride: Maserati Cambio Corsa

Call me spoiled, but the Maserati I rode in today was hardly a joyride. The ride was rough and loud (although that might have been caused by the decaying rubber being used as tires), and the acceleration was less than stellar. The interior was already falling apart, and the buttons for windows and locks were peeling away. You think that being a high end sports car, the Maserati would hold together a little better than that. It also has an F1 transmission, which is essentially an automatic with paddle-shifters that doesn't "crawl" when you let your foot off the brake. There is no shifter, which is strange, and a "park" option is mysteriously missing.

The guy who owned it traded it in for a BMW 335i Coupe, which is now to be his daily driver. That's reasonable, especially since he also owns two Ferraris and a Porsche 911 Turbo. But the sad thing is that he paid $104,000 for this Maserati back in 2004, only to trade it in for a measely $20,000. Shocking? I wasn't really surprised, to be honest. I think Maseratis are an overpriced hunk o' junk, which is proven by their horrible resale value. In comparison, a Toyota Supra Turbo (10 years older, I might add) will trade in for around the same price.

Sounds like Maserati needs to join the ranks of carmakers that have gone the way of the buffalo. I'm sure that Saturn and DaLorean are feeling pretty lonely right about now.

Thanks for reading.
-Biggs

Short Throw Shifter: What is Sport? (part 2)

So last time I compared the Toyota Corolla S against the Honda Civic Si. If you've read the post, you now know which one deserves the title of "Sport."

Now, aside from size and fuel economy, the next two cars don't have much in common. One is German, the other Japanese. One handles like a go-cart, the other, more like a mini van.

Enter the Mini Cooper S and the Toyota Yaris S...

First, the Mini Cooper S adds a turbocharger to it's already spunky base model, turning the little sled into a rocket ship for 2+2. Mini also adds a hood scoop to the hood, larger wheels, a sport tuned suspension, and a little red "S." You might not notice a huge difference on the outside, but drive the two, and you'll know.

The Toyota Yaris S, on the otherhand, has the same power output as the base model. The only additions come in the form of a different color scheme for the tach and speedometer, a different cloth pattern for the seats, and some outside body pieces. Oh yeah, and it also has a little red "S."

I imagine you have already figured out which car handles like a go-cart and which one flops like a dead fish. Again, Toyota, you fail to impress with your "S." What does that "S" mean, anyway? Slow? Standard? Sub-par? Take a hint from Mini, drop in a Toyota Racing Development supercharger (unless they only make stickers now), and then we'll talk.
Thanks for reading.
-Biggs

Kickin' Tires: All New Porsche Boxter Spyder

All new to the Porsche lineup is the 2010 Porsche Boxter Spyder. Compared to the Boxter S, the new Spyder gains 10 horsepower (up to 320 now) and sheds 176 pounds of extra weight.

Porsche went to great lengths to get this Boxter back into shape, removing the radio, air conditioning, and even the inside door pulls. The result? The trimmest and quickest Boxter yet.

With a price of $62,000 plus, they don't come cheap, but if you're looking to do some carving on those mountain roads, there aren't many better choices out there. If this thing drives anything like a Cayman S (and if I had $62,000 to spare), I'd be first in line for this guy, and I don't usually like Boxters.

Thanks for reading.
-Biggs

Kickin' Tires: Identity Exposed FT-86

Turns out that the new FT-86 vehicle from Toyota is the reintroduction of the famed 1984 AE86 Corolla. The AE86 was one of the leading pioneer in the drifting segment and provided Toyota with a sporty, rear wheel drive hatchback.

Toyota claims that the new FT-86 will be the segment leader in performance and price, reigniting, as it were, the drifter scene. It is a joint project between Toyota and Subaru, and both automakers will have their version of the car.

This picture from a Japanese magazine shows the old AE86 next to a newer two door, resembling the FT-86, or what it might have been. The new guy clearly pays homage to the AE86 which rocked the 1980's. Get ready for more information in the next year.
Thanks for reading.
-Biggs

Kickin' Tires: Evolution MR

The new Evolution MR adds a little more refinement to the Evolution line. Adding leather, a moon roof (simple, yes, but a first for the Evo), and a few other techy goodies. Weight is up about 30 lbs, but Mitsubishi claims it rocket to 60 in under 5 seconds, which is faster than the current 5.2 second mark. It comes with a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, which could upset some enthusiasts. However, with a little more luxury than previous Evolutions, Mitsu is beginning to compete with BMW 3-Series and the Infiniti G-37, at least in terms of performance.

Thanks for reading.
-Biggs

Short Throw Shifter: What is Sport? (part 1)

Toyota, a brand renowned for it's ability to make fuel efficient cars boring, is taking bold steps into the "Sport" market by placing a red adhesive "S" on the back of their Corollas. But what does that "S" really mean? Many think it means "Sport." I mean, yeah, it's red, and the "S" is curvy and stands out against the paint and black front grill. However, it turns out that the "S" means something more like "Simple" or "Standard" than "Sport."

Take Honda's Civic "Si" for example. It literally means "Sport Injected," and they mean it. They don't use the same gutless 4 cylinder found in the other Civics, unlike Toyota's Corolla S. It actually has a sport-tuned suspension, a 6-speed manual tranny, and a definite stand-out look when compared to the base Civics. Of course, I'm not even talking about it's 197 horsepower engine, it's 8000 rpm redline, or it's limited slip differential. Toyota's Corolla S looks a little more sporty than the base Corollas, per se, but they forgot to "inject" the sport into the car.

I must say, I'm a little biased, since I own a Civic Si. Every time I see a Corolla S, I want to roll down my window and ask, "What does that 'S' stand for?"

So, it looks like Toyota now offers a slightly larger engine in the XRS model (must stand for Extra Standard or Simple). It has a slight increase in power, and includes (extra fees applicable) an "X" and an "R" in front of that lonely "S."

Way to go Toyota, you've almost got the "Sport" figured out. In the meantime, I'll continue to laugh at these pitiful attempts of creating an economical car that's actually a blast to drive. I prefer cars injected with something resembling better performance or handling. "Sport" goes beyond a little red "S" on the bumper.
Thanks for reading.
-Biggs

Burnin' Rubber: Rocket Ship for Four

That's right folks, now you can drive a "sedan" and still have an awesome experience. The 2010 Porsche Panamera is going where Porsche, or anyone else for that matter, has gone before.

It's a V8 with 650 horsepower under the hood. Essentially a longer 911 with four doors and a front mounted engine, the Panamera retains the popular and epic styling of Porsche. With all that power, the Porsche Panamera is capable of launching you and three friends to 60 mph in less than 3.4 seconds. That's faster than a Corvette ZR1, sexier, and has a similar pricetag.

Rock on Panamera.

Thanks for reading.
-Biggs

Test Drive: Porsche Cayman S

I was fortunate enough to drive a Porsche Cayman S that was traded in last week. A local company had installed an aftermarket exhaust, intake, carbon fiber spoiler, and lowering springs. It looked amazing, and as soon as they drove off in their new car, I giddily hopped in the drivers seat and turned the key.

This is the first Porsche I've ever driven, or even caught a lift in. I've never turned the key on one, and it was a little strange, but exciting, having the key on the left side of the wheel.

The car was probably putting out around 320 horsepower to the rear wheels, and acceleration was as quick as you'd expect. I jostled the wheel at speed a little to feel out the stiff suspension, and it felt as tight as a drum and poised like a tiger. I had dreamed for years about driving a Porsche, and this was everything I had hoped to expect.

The exhaust note was nice, but being aftermarket it's impossible for me to say what the stock one sounds like. The interior is quiet, even when the pedal is floored, with the exception of a faint but welcome whine from the engine. I found the tranny to be silky smooth, though I'd prefer to have Reverse on the right side, near 5 and 6, rather than next to 1 and 2.
Having driven American, Asian, and European sports cars, there is little doubt in my mind as to which reigns supreme. It's just as you'd expect it to be. Americans prefer big-bore muscle, the Asians like their tuned out drifters, but the Europeans, especially the Germans, prefer refinement and prowess to braun and plastic. The Cayman S has earned a piece of my heart forever, and I can't wait to drive (and own) it's bigger brother, the 911.
-Biggs
(check out this link for actual pictures of this Cayman S)

A Day of Mourning....

A relatively well-off Texan gentleman apparently wrecked his $1.7 Million Bugatti Veyron yesterday, claiming that a low-flying pelican frightened him, causing him to veer into a ditch and into a shallow lake.

Now is the time for one of the common folk to purchase a slightly used Veyron, possibly with a salvaged title. It's the only way we could possibly dream to afford one.

Turns out the 34 year old millionaire was texting while driving. There's a lesson for ya.

Thanks for reading.
-Biggs

Test Drive: 2010 Genesis Coupe 3.8

I swung by the Hyundai dealer yesterday to take a drive in the new Genesis Coupe. I was originally looking for the 2.0T model, but apparently those are not very abundant in Arizona. Instead I fount five 3.8L V6 models, and I hopped in the only one with a 6-speed manual tranny.

To be honest, I wasn't terribly excited during my test drive. However, that may have been due in part to the sluggish chap next to me. Anyway, it was a nice solid feeling car, especially with the rear-wheel drive. First gear felt a little slow, and the car could do well with a little louder exhaust note.

Interior materials were nice, although the plastic door panels didn't mesh well with the leather seats. Some models were without a sunroof, and the V6 Premium I drove didn't even come with a full power driver seat.

Overall the experience was a pleasant one, though I would have liked a little more time on the drive. I'm not sure if it's really the sports car Hyundai has made it out to be. Drive one, and you can be the judge.
Thanks for reading.
-Biggs

Kickin' Tires: Zoom-Zoom!

The Mazdaspeed3 is an attractive looking hatchback that offers performance on a budget. Forget the Scion tC; spend the extra couple of grand and go big.

My day off is tomorrow, and I thinking I'm gonna stop by a Mazda dealer and take one for a spin. I've driven the older model, but I'm really diggin' the look of the new generation. Stay tuned and I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks for reading.
-Biggs

Bears and Donkeys: Fiat Kills Chrysler

I may have overexaggerated a wee bit. Chrysler isn't dead, per se, but the popular brand names like the PT Cruiser and Sebring are gone for good, and it's about time. To be cruelly honest, Chrysler has produced some of the ugliest and poorly built cars I've ever laid eyes on. I apologize to all of you PT Cruiser owners.

In addition, Dodge and Jeep are losing some of their cars in the Fiat takeover of Chrysler. Namely the Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Grand Caravan, and Nitro; and the Jeep Patriot, Commander, and that dinky Compass-thingy. As sad as this might be for some of you, I couldn't be happier. Every time I see a PT Cruiser or a Sebring on the road I throw up a little in my mouth, and that darn Dodge Caliber reminds me of my childhood when I built castles out of LEGOs.

Competition drives the car market forward, bringing new and innovative technology, better design, and efficient reliability. If you can't compete, you might want to train harder, or just find something else that you're good at. Chrysler might want to take a stab at making kitchen appliances, who knows?
Thanks for reading.
-Biggs