First Drive (EVER!!): Porsche 911

I've waited years for this moment to come. For as long as I can remember, the iconic and unforgettable Porsche 911. The specimen is the regular 3.6L 320 horsepower coupe with a 6-speed manual transmission. Although nearly 10 years old, the black beauty with orange leather was nearly flawless.

I sat low in the body-hugging sport seats, much lower than I had anticipated. With the ignition being on the left side of the steering wheel, I incorrectly turned the key to the left. Nothing happened. Akwardly, I pulled it back to the right, and vrrm came the thrum of the 3.6L. The exhaust gurgled pleasantly.

The clutch was a little more firm than I had imagined it would be, but the gears were not clunky or stiff. Everything came together nicely and fit perfectly into place. Pulling out of the parking lot, I gave the car half throttle. With the moon roof open, tones of pure exhaust ecstasy met my ears. It was hard not to smile.

The 911 felt extremely planted to the ground on each turn. It didn't creak or squirm or shake at all! Just smooth, buttoned-down cornering. Finally I reached the freeway and rode the gears all the way to redline. The tires chirped going into second and third, despite most of the weight being in the rear end and torque not surpassing 275 lb/ft.

No one really noticed me as I merged into traffic and cruised, smiling, for miles. A black Porsche that's nearly 10 years old doesn't really turn heads. And that was fine with me. I didn't have much seat time in the car of my dreams, but every second surpassed my every expectation. I have no doubt that Porsche has the best recipe for a sports car.




Thanks for reading.-Biggs

Kickin' Tires: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

A what? Is that a sushi roll, or some type of traditional Japanese dress?

After a brief online search, it appears that Kizashi has no meaning. Anyway, let's move on to what the Kizashi really is.

This is the car that will save Suzuki in America. Suzuki elsewhere (like Japan) is a highly profitable company with an array of small cars and other eccentric modes of transportation. Worldwide they are known for their motorcycles. In America? Most folks will have no idea they even sell cars in the US. However, take the badges off of this new Kizashi in, say Georgia, and it's likely you'll get an "Infiniti" or "Lexus" response. With that alone you'd think Suzuki had nailed it. But not quite.

The Kizashi is a great car. It doesn't have a V6 option, and the optional CVT automatic transmission is sluggish. The top of the line 185 horsepower 2.4L isn't necessarily quick or extremely fuel efficient either. Still, this Camry-sized contender is one of my favorite cars on our car lot right now. The interior is excellent with the optional leather seats and Rockford Fosgate sound system. The keyless ignition, being the gimmick it is, creates the illusion that this really might be a luxury car. Plus, it's one of the few cars in its class that offers an all wheel drive powertrain, making it perfect for snow-combating northerners.

There's no doubt that Suzuki came a long way creating this car. It's beautiful to look at. The wheels, the flared arches, and even the tail lights are pleasantly shaped and perfectly proportioned. So why isn't the Kizashi taking off like a rocket? It's affordably priced, and well-equipped, and gorgeous. The 7 year 100,000 mile warranty isn't bad, either. In a word, it's Suzuki's fault; not the Kizashi's. I have seen little to no advertising of the Kizashi anywhere. The name might not be a great choice, either. Even "Suzuki Kamikazi" might have sounded better. Petty things aside, I think the Kizashi has what Suzuki needs to make their US market successful, in the same way that silver bullets are exactly what a vampire hunter needs. Unfortunately, that vampire hunter left his gun at home.
Thanks for reading.-Biggs

Test Drive: 2011 Mustang GT 5.0

Well, it's been nearly a year since my last post. I would apologize, but my audience has always been non-existent. So that's that.

The other day I swung by a Ford dealer on my way home from work to cash in on a free gift card incentive they had going. It was late, and the lot was dead. A couple of salesmen lurked outside in the shadows, and one approached me as I neared the entrance. I told him why I was there, and he graciously retrieved my free gift card. Through our simple conversation, I realized the kid was new, and a little quirky. I decided to try my luck and asked to drive a 5.0 Mustang with the six speed manual tranny. He was bored, and not yet corrupted to salesman status, and seemed excited by my request.


We found the car at the end of the lot, the last of the manual herd. My sales guy stalled the car half a dozen times before I forced him into the passenger seat. The car was comfortable, and the interior lighting was cool and techy, like visit inside TRON's grid. The clutch was light and soft, but a good amount of gas was needed to prod the 412 horses forward.

I took it nice and easy through the loop at first, enjoying the slight gurgle coming from the twin tail pipes. With giddy anticipation, I then gave the car about half throttle through first and second. A playful trot. The Mustang urged me to let it loose, to open the gates and let it gallop out to the open pasture. I gleefully obliged.

From a standstill, and with a perfect launch, the 'Stang gets up to 60 miles per hour in about 4.5 seconds. By comparison, a Corvette does about the same time, and costs $48,950 base compared to the $29,645 for the Mustang GT, yet the Corvette has always been known as the "best bang for the buck." A reputation that I doubt the Vette will continue to uphold.

I can't describe the awesomeness of the Mustang's acceleration. It's a feeling that must be experienced, and cannot possibly be told. To drive such an iconic American muscle car is an absolute thrill, and something that should be on every American's bucket list.

Thanks for reading.-Biggs