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First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, First Drive

A Hotter GTI Is Hatched

2012 Volkswagen Golf R

2012 Volkswagen Golf R – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’re slumming through traffic in downtown Geneva, Switzerland, making our way towards the French border where we’re about to spend a few hours flogging the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R along the twisty, narrow roads of the Alps. Right now, we’re focused on the Golf’s comfortable, well-appointed interior, and how its good visibility and relatively small stature make it a pleasant drive through heavy city traffic. It’s just like every other GTI – or Golf, for that matter – in this regard. But as soon as we approach the entrance to highway A40, we find out exactly what that R badge is for.

We speed towards the sharp, right-hand on-ramp with a furious growl coming from the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, and as we throw the wheel to the right, the Golf R hunkers down, digs its claws into the pavement, clips the apex of the ramp and sends us blasting onto the A40 with tremendous force.

“A GTI would have fallen all over itself right there,” our co-driver states, matter-of-factly. He’s right, too. Even with Volkswagen’s nifty new XDS active differential, the GTI is prone to understeer when coming into a turn at high speed, and there’s a decent amount of torque steer that makes the exit a bit more skittish than you’d prefer. But in the Golf R, with its fourth-generation 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and more powerful engine, every step of the high-speed cornering dance is executed perfectly.

You can imagine, then, that the rest of our drive through the French Alps was nothing short of bliss. The Golf R is Volkswagen’s new poster child for hot hatchery, and if you’ve ever fallen in love with a GTI, be prepared to be absolutely smitten with this little number.

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Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R: First Drive

2012 Volkswagen Golf R

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First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart ForTwo Electric Drive to go on sale in early 2012

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Hatchback, Smart, Electric

Smart Fortwo Electric Drive

Smart ED – Click above for high-res image gallery

The second-generation Smart Fortwo Electric Drive (ED) is a limited (250 units available in the U.S.) test program model that Daimler will use to gauge consumer interest in battery-powered vehicles. Leasing the electrified Fortwo is costly, with payments ringing in at $599 a month for 48 months, plus $2,500 due at signing. Technically, the 2011 Smart ED is offered under the lease-only plan detailed above, but the automaker has listed its MSRP at $44,387.

Truth be told, we’re not shocked by the Smart ED’s lofty sticker price, nor are we put off by its astronomical lease rate. You see, this Fortwo ED is a limited run model and not a production electric vehicle.

But come January of 2012, the third-generation Fortwo electric, a production model, should hit the streets. By then, we’d hope that the automaker adjusts its pricing structure and offers the pint-sized electric at a more reasonable rate and, according to a report on Kicking Tires, a price drop seems to be part of Smart’s plans.

Lessees of the second-gen Fortwo ED will be eligible to upgrade to Smart’s electrified third-gen Fortwo when it hits the market and, unlike the automaker’s current battery-powered hatch, the upcoming model will be offered for both lease and purchase.

Gallery: Smart ED

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Smart ForTwo Electric Drive to go on sale in early 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How soon is it safe to drive after a stroke?

Filed under: Etc., Safety

Elderly Driver

According to Consumer Reports, researchers have discovered that three simple tests at the doctor’s office can accurately determine whether a stroke victim is fit to begin driving again. These tests take under 15 minutes and can effectively classify 80 to 85 percent of drivers who would have failed an on-road evaluation.

The first test assesses traffic knowledge and visual comprehension via road-sign recognition, while the second measures visual-perceptual and mental speed in a compass test. Finally, a trail-marking test is used to indicate visual-motor tracking and visual scanning abilities. If the individual being evaluated scores below 8.5/12 points on the first evaluation, 25/32 points on the second or takes more than 90 seconds on the trail-marking examination, chances are he or she would fail a road test.

The study was published in the journal of the American Academy of Neurology and included information from 30 previous trials. A total of 1,728 stroke victims with an average age of 61 were involved in the research.

[Source: Consumer Reports | Image: Skip Nall/Getty]

How soon is it safe to drive after a stroke? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Test Drive Unlimited 2 offering free downloadable content to make up for buggy launch

Filed under: Toys/Games

test drive unlimited 2

Test Drive Unlimited 2 – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you jumped right into the Test Drive Unlimited 2 world, you may have been disappointed to find a slew of bugs and server issues. Atari and Eden Games have been working hard to rectify that situation. A new update has been made available and it includes a variety of fixes, as well as a thank-you bonus item. The first batch of downloadable content for TDU2 thrown in the mix for free.

Called the Exploration DLC Pack, the downloadable add-on features new wrecks to find. The two new wrecks, once found, will put a rally-version Lancia Stratos and 1969 Dodge Charger in your garage (or garages, if you are progressing through game more quickly).

In addition to the extra vehicles, this update addresses the following issues:

Casino performance has been improved
Log-in time has been improved
Game is more stable across the board
Saved games are no longer corrupted
Friend lists are now populated
Invites work correctly
Clubs are now online

It’s clear that Eden Games and Atari have been listening to the masses, and are working hard to provide an enjoyable gaming experience. The update is being provided to PC users first, then it will filter over for console gamers.

Gallery: Test Drive Unlimited 2

[Source: Joystiq, Test Drive Unlimited 2 Forums]

Test Drive Unlimited 2 offering free downloadable content to make up for buggy launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, First Drive

America’s Answer To The BMW M3

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Trans-Am series of the late 1960s and early 1970s could be considered the golden era of American motorsports. Not only did it showcase the most desirable American cars of the time, but it featured some of the world’s greatest racing drivers engaging in this country’s own brand of fender-banging racing.

It’s why Ford is so proud of the Boss 302, winner of the 1970 Trans-Am season with legendary driver Parnelli Jones behind the wheel, and why the street car has become a legend. But ask Jim Farley, Ford’s head honcho of marketing, about the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, and he’ll tell you that it’s not just about building a remake of the original. “This is not a nostalgia project,” he told us. “This is not in any way trying to bring back the Boss. This project is so much more than that. If we wanted to do that we could take a 5.0-liter, put some stripes and spoilers and other upgrades on it and that would be it. It was not a means to an end. The Boss 302 was originally a means to an end. It was a production car to go racing. This is a completely different project. We were not going to do this project unless we could beat an M3 at this track.” This track being the famed Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

With Bavaria’s best sportscar in it sights, did Ford achieve its goal of building a modern day legend, or is the 2012 Boss 302 simply another one of the infinite variations of the Ford Mustang? Ford invited us out to Monterey for a full day with the car, including some track time at Laguna Seca, and we have the answer.

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Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302: First Drive

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca: First Drive

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

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First Drive: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Kickboxer Concept is all-wheel-drive diesel insanity on two wheels

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Subaru, Motorcycle

Kickboxer Diesel all-wheel drive concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s been a while since we heard anything from Ian McElroy. As you may recall, he’s the twisted mind who came up with the notion of lodging a Subaru boxer four-cylinder between the rails of a motorcycle frame. Well, it appears that he’s been a busy bee since showing off his first take on the Kickboxer Concept. McElroy has set about reimagining his creation with a diesel boxer lump at the heart of the action. The engine is still sourced from Fuji Heavy Industries, though it’s both smaller and more efficient than the old gasoline lump.

The newest addition to the Kickboxer family boasts new body work and a different swing arm design along with a new turbo configuration. Not quite mad enough for you? How about sticking an all-wheel drive version of the oil-burning moto in your pipe? McElroy worked up a twin-chain design that works with some help from a jack shaft, idler sprocket and a drive axle.

These aren’t just some random renderings, though. McElroy says that he has all of the CAD files he needs to have the bikes machined and built. All he needs is the coin to do so. Shall we start passing the hat?

Gallery: Kickboxer diesel all-wheel drive concept

[Source: The Kneeslider]

New Kickboxer Concept is all-wheel-drive diesel insanity on two wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Tanner Foust and Justin Bell set Focus Global Test Drive benchmark time… sort of.

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Ford, Humor

justin bell and tanner foust

Justin Bell and Tanner Foust team up for a lap in a Focus – Click above to watch video after the jump

Martin and Lewis. Farley and Spade. Frost and Pegg. Bell and Foust? Are Justin Bell and Tanner Foust the next great comedy duo? No. However, the two can drive around a track very quickly. Though their styles may differ, they have teamed up to set a baseline run in a 2012 Focus for Ford’s Global Test Drive Event.

Bell is a GT2 Champion and veteran of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Tanner Foust is a champion drifter, X-Games gold medalist and overseas Rallycross rookie. The two can drive a car to say the least. Can they work together to put down a solid lap time with the 2012 Focus? Click past the jump to find out.

[Source: Ford via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Tanner Foust and Justin Bell set Focus Global Test Drive benchmark time… sort of.

Video: Tanner Foust and Justin Bell set Focus Global Test Drive benchmark time… sort of. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2012 Fisker Karma

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, First Drive, Electric, Luxury, MISC

Hollywood, Your Plug-In Hybrid Electric Has Arrived

2012 Fisker Karma

2012 Fisker Karma – Click above for high-res image gallery

Business partners Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler are visibly on edge. While they want to dedicate every ounce of their focus on this all-important launch of their first baby, the 2012 Fisker Karma, their attentions are being constantly pulled away from it by big conference calls regarding the money and logistics of launching the whole Fisker Automotive franchise. Are they really and truly answering a $95,900-$108,900 question with this bold effort that enough people are asking? It’s clear they just want us to fall in love with their lux’d up plug-in extended-range electric sedan.

We’ve been helicoptered into the infield handling circuit at California Speedway in Fontana to have a brisk go at one of Fisker Automotive’s first completed verification prototypes of the Karma, built by Valmet Automotive in Uusikaupunki, Finland. We are already assuming that the build quality and finish of all the pretty parts will be fine, as Valmet has learned a lot about these things while building cars for Porsche to strict Stuttgart standards. We also already know that the car is indeed pretty inside and out, albeit particular to some out there, seeing as Fisker has designed such lovely lady lumps as the Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage, not to mention the BMW Z8 roadster.

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Gallery: 2012 Fisker Karma: First Drive

2012 Fisker Karma

Photos courtesy Fisker Automotive

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First Drive: 2012 Fisker Karma originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Sam Hubinette learns how to drive sideways all over again

Filed under: Etc., Videos

sam hubinette on two wheels

Sam Hubinette learns to drive sideways all over again – Click above to watch video after the jump

Sam Hubinette is exceptionally good at getting a car sideways and keeping it there. Now, it seems that the drift king wants to learn a new skill, and he needs just two wheels to do it. No, Mr. Hubinette is not switching to motorcycles… he’s learning to drive a car on two wheels.

Someone with his level of car control should be able to pick this up relatively quickly. In fact, Sam Hubinette takes to two-wheeled action like he has been doing it his whole life, and it took preposterously few attempts for him to master the art. Hit the ramp and click past the jump to check out Hubinette learning a new skill.

Now, we’re thinking we need to try our hand at two-wheeled driving too… anybody got a car we can borrow?

[Source: YouTube via MotorWorldHype]

Continue reading Video: Sam Hubinette learns how to drive sideways all over again

Video: Sam Hubinette learns how to drive sideways all over again originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Let’s go for a drive in the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Lamborghini, Luxury

Lamborghini Aventador

Lamborghini Aventador in action – Click above to view the video after the jump

We’re less than two weeks away from the Lamborghini Aventador’s unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show, so that means there’s plenty of time for a few more “leaks” ahead of the big bull’s reveal.

This latest clip of the 700-horsepower V12 Lambo comes courtesy of Autogespot, which has received a remarkably well-produced, two-minute video of the Murciélago successor running through some snow-covered hills. The exterior camouflage is still intact, but we finally get our first glimpse of the interior, including the steering wheel and IP. Nothing revolutionary, but well worth checking out in the video after the jump.

Gallery: Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Spy Shots

[Source: Autogespot]

Continue reading Video: Let’s go for a drive in the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

Video: Let’s go for a drive in the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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