By Kevin Bowe

Pros

• Quickness
• Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC)
• Nice components (Recaro seats, Rockford-Fosgate stereo, BBS wheels, Brembo brakes)

Cons

• Rear wing creates blind spots making it hard to look out for cops
• Cheap looking plastic gauges
• Poor MPG

With November 4th behind us, it is clear that our great country isn’t happy with the road we’ve taken and decided to vote for a “change.” It’s far too early to know if this new road will take us to the promised destination, or whether back around over the same potholes we have already encountered. People voiced their concerns and the message is clear that traditional ways/beliefs aren’t good enough, and no longer shall people be limited to our traditional car enthusiasts’ backgrounds, whether be Ford, Chevy, or new rivals like Subaru and Mitsubishi. I too have decided to drive across the aisle and embrace my fellow Evo Americans to become one driver, one nation, without car manufacturer discrimination.

Decision 2008: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Yes I Can!!

Candidate – Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Mitsubishi Motors is introducing the 2008 Lancer Evolution, the newest and most sophisticated version of the legendary high-performance model series that began 16 years ago. While remaining true to the core values that have made the Lancer Evolution synonymous with thrilling performance, the tenth-generation model offers all-around capability and user technology that distinguish the world’s best performance models.

The latest generation, Lancer Evolution X, showcases new performance and handling technology, including an all-new aluminum block 291-bhp 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system. S-AWC offers an extraordinary level of control at each wheel, performing well beyond the capabilities of other all-wheel drive systems.

Two Lancer Evolution models are offered in the U.S. market for 2008: the GSR with a new 5-speed manual transmission and the Lancer Evolution MR with a new 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST), a new-generation automated manual transmission. The MR model is also equipped exclusively with Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs, two-piece brake rotors for better heat dissipation, BBS forged-alloy wheels, HID headlamps and additional interior features.

Build

Rice rockets are usually easily spotted, but if it weren’t for the Evo’s huge rear spoiler, it might catch some people sleeping at the light for any un-informed drag racers. The Evo’s new attitude is recognized beginning with its five brilliant color names. The one I drove was the Phantom Black Pearl, which is pretty clever, but also accurate. Being a registered Subaru WRX driver, I have always thought Subaru was on the right path when it came to the looks department, but the 2008 Evolution can definitely count on my swing vote in 2008. The Evo’s overall appearance has been toned down from previous models, but still provides very aggressive lines that are truly unique in what we see on the road. A shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the basic new-generation Lancer design. Building on those themes, the 2008 Lancer Evolution looks the part of the street-wise sports machine with its unique front end, aggressively sloping hood with integral air scoop and engine heat outlets, and boxed fenders. My favorite feature is the gill-like strips surrounding the dual exhaust; it reminds me of the Enzo and other high-end super cars. Of course, we can’t forget the 18 inch BBS wheels, sporting Brembo brakes on its platform, which are always caucus favorites!

Interior Appointments

As you know, some candidates will say pretty much anything to get elected, so that’s why I’m more interested what they truly believe than whatever jargon they spew for everyone to see and hear. At first glance, the Evo seems to be put together very well from the plush, suede-feeling Recaro seats for both driver and passenger, to the 650-Watt, nine speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system that features a touch screen console, 30GB HDD Navigation w/ Music Server, and large subwoofer in the trunk. So, if people don’t see you flying down the road, they will definitely hear you!

When you get in, it feels more like a jet cockpit then a car, all the controls you need for take-off are right on the steering wheel within reach of your fingertips, such as stereo, phone, and paddle shifters. What else do you really need?!

With all that said, there were a few traits that I didn’t expect to find in a car that otherwise seemed to spare no expense at the comfort and styling of the interior. I was really surprised at how the door panels and instrument gauges were so plastic looking and feeling. And anyone who thinks suede-like material ever goes well with plastic is really out of touch. Admittedly the Recaro seats are a little hard to get out of, but, then again, why would you ever want to get out of the driver seat?

Every time I tried to change the temperature or air flow, I thought I was going to accidentally break it off, something you should not have to worry about when you’re in mid-flight. Overall, even with those negatives, not to mention the abundant number of cup holders (my count was four), the interior is simple and very comfortable. I still feel they should’ve added a place to hold the vomit bags. Oh well.

Performance/Handling

Unlike this past election, which seemed to go on forever, this race was over as soon as I hit the gas! With a 2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 291 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, this car goes from looking pretty to pretty fast in no time. Mitsubishi claims the Evo does zero to 60 mph in four point six seconds. Now, I didn’t have a stopwatch with me, but from my experience, that sounds just about right. With quick smooth shifts, the Evo was almost too much power for me to handle. Good thing those big Brembo brakes can easily rein in the Evo X. Surprisingly, I found the Evo easy to handle while cornering. I loved how quickly the Evo responded to my demands and really gave me the impression that it was here for my enjoyment, of course I took full advantage of that!

(Continued on page 2)

By Kevin Bowe

Pros:

• Stylish good looks
• Hybrid technology
• Being less dependant on greedy oil companies
• Touch screen console
• Bluetooth® option

Cons:

• A little pricey ($30k as tested, $25k base)
• Sloppy handling through the corners
• Small trunk
• Noticeable transitions from electric to gas motor

Intro
What is the first thing a person does when getting a hybrid? Grow out their hair? Stop taking showers? Become a liberal? I didn’t feel like doing anything of that magnitude, but I did want to stop constantly filling up on expensive gas, okay, and the chance to surprise some blind people! I accepted my new mission with great excitement: the all-new 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid. And it didn’t let me down… until I had to give it back!

Driving Impressions
What can one expect when getting behind the wheel of a car that averages around 30 miles per gallon, both city & highway, with only 158 horsepower? My expectations were pretty low, but that was before the Altima Hybrid! With long angled lines from front to back, the Altima is a “looker” and I was the guy assigned to see if it was a “driver” as well. Once I got in I was overwhelmed with all the functions which I could control from the steering wheel and thought it was too overdone, but soon I began to master these buttons and they actually made the drive more enjoyable. All I had to do was press the start button and I was off on my hybrid mission that would eventually change my impression I previously had of these new trendy vehicles and possibly even their drivers. Some stand out features were the touch screen console that controlled the sick 6-speaker Bose system, Bluetooth® accessibility, and back up camera. All of which soon became second nature to me in their use. Everything about the car was perfect, with the exception of the constant good vs. evil battle between the electric and gas motor during initial acceleration.

Build
Usually, less expensive cars have typically flimsy, cheap construction in order to lower the price of the vehicle to make them more accessible to a large demographic, but it seems like that is not the case with the Altima. As you enter the vehicle and close the door, the strong sturdy sound makes you feel protected. With a NHTSA 5 star front & side impact crash safety rating its no longer a feeling, its a fact! Along with the safety of the Altima, it also comes with a standard warranty of 36,000 miles or 36 months for basic and battery coverage. The Altima seems like a good safe car that will protect you where ever you go!

Interior
Do I talk about the high quality comfortable leather seating, the great center console design and usability, or the huge back seat capable of seating three large adults? Since I’m a gentleman and never kiss and tell, okay, that’s a lie, they’re all awesome! I believe that hybrid truly means change and that’s exactly what it provided, enabling the driver to change anything and everything from the touch of a button. Don’t like the height or distance from the steering wheel? Change it. If nothing good is on the radio, change to the XM® Satellite Radio or make a phone call with ease using the hands-free Bluetooth® option. I believe that this attention to comfort is the key to a great car and to a pleasant trip, no matter the mileage. From providing adjustable lower lumbar support to heated seats, all great features that I would never have thought would be an option on an Altima, let alone a hybrid! Everyone who rode in this car absolutely loved the quality and comfort. Okay, now I think I said too much!

Performance
Performance in a hybrid? Isn’t that looking for adventure while never leaving the couch? To be honest, I wasn’t expecting anything from the Altima in its performance and especially since it only has 158 hp, but I was pleasantly surprised. Even though it probably won’t get you 0 – 60 mph in fewer than 8 or possibly 9, it’s no slouch. By the time I knew it, I was going eighty-five on the freeway. The car handled great in normal driving conditions and also provided to be exceptionally smooth on the freeway, which gives you the feeling as if the car was driving itself. Unfortunately, it was only a feeling. The Altima can do many great things, but driving itself isn’t one of them. Please don’t attempt! Even though performance is nothing to write home about, in today’s world, the Altima’s excellent fuel economy is something you would want to share with everyone! Our observed gas mileage, during the one week test period, was 32 mpg overall.

Handling
When I first got the keys, my editor told me to remember it’s a daily driver. Either he was wrong, or I’m just a way better driver! Regardless of the answer, all I do know is that I thoroughly enjoyed my joy ride! From the coast in Santa Cruz, to the hilly streets of San Francisco, the Altima handled it with great finesse. At times, the handling got sloppy, which was expected since it is a hybrid and not a thrill seeking sport car. Since this was the first time I have ever had driven a hybrid, I was curious to see how the transition from electric to motor would go down, since I’ve heard many cars have a noticeable jerkiness. I found that this transition wasn’t very smooth at all, but since it only occurred at very low speeds (below 25 mph), I got used to it and stopped paying attention to it. There is much more fun above 25 mph anyways!

Styling
This baby has all the right lines in all the right places! I was amazed at the beauty of the new generation Altima and I couldn’t believe it was also a hybrid! No more do you have to decide between a stylish ride or the practicality of getting great gas efficiency. From first glance, you notice the Altima Hybrid is not your typical cheese wedge hybrid; it actually has a personality which draws you in. You start to notice the small things that usually don’t come standard on hybrids – like 16-inch alloy wheels and dual exhaust! I know they are not there for performance, but they bring edginess to the Altima which is a good sign that car makers are listening to consumers. Having seen typical hybrids on the road for a few years now, it’s the Altima that is truly getting me excited to see what is coming out in the next generation of hybrid vehicles. The new generation of hybrid cars is functional, stylish, and eye-catching like they are meant to be. Hybrid technology is the future of automobiles and only fitting that with their existence and continued growth, there will actually be a green future for the generations to come. Props to Nissan for bringing it all together!

>> See all of the Nissan Altima Hybrid photos in our photo gallery

>> Do you have an opinion of the Nissan Altima Hybrid? Submit your review of a 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid at CarReview.com

>> Official website for Nissan cars, trucks, crossovers, suvs, and hybrids: Nissan USA

Pro’s

• Easy to drive
• Smooth V6 power
• Plenty of leg room in rear

Con’s

• Horrible visibility with the top up
  
• Interior not up to expectations of a $30k car
  
• Side to side vibrations while driving

Intro

It’s June and that means summer time BBQ’s, girls, and yum, convertibles!! I have always been a big fan of convertibles and believe my next car will most likely be one, so I jumped when the editor told me that I would be test driving one. The following was my experience after a road test with the 2007 Solara convertible.

Exterior

I thought JT (Justin Timberlake) brought sexy back, but why isn’t it reflected in the 2007 Camry Solara then? The Solara didn’t quite do it for me. It seemed as if Toyota was too busy designing all their new smallish cars that they decided to copy the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire’s design while just adding the options of ground effects and a nifty looking spoiler! Let’s just say I was very disappointed inToyota, especially when it comes to the design of the rear end. The tail of the car is where all points and lines are supposed to come together, completing the look and hopefully providing the right feelings in which they intended. Most cars would like to end on a high note, but not the Solara, ending in a downward slant, making me feel like an unhappy movie go-er, after watching an ending that didn’t quite work, leaving me thinking, “that was it?” SorryToyota, maybe sexy will be back for the 2008 models, hopefully!

Interior

I’m sorry to say I wasn’t the biggest fan on the interior either. On a $30,000 car (as tested), the interior was sub par compared to other car makers. The dash was simple with very few eye catching details. I liked the carbon weaved design on the doors, but it just didn’t seem to match the interior as a whole. Yeah, there was an MP3 port and nice leather wrapped steering wheel, but the interior lacked a uniformed, cohesive design. One other good attribute of the interior was the JBL Premium 6 disc 7-speaker 270 watt stereo system which isn’t a standard feature ($850 option).

Performance/Handling

As we know,Toyota wasn’t trying to make a convertible sports car; their main objective was to make a nice convertible touring car. Knowing this, the Solara’s performance matched my expectation for what this car needed – a smooth 210 HP V6 engine providing 220 ft-lbs of torque did just nicely. It was nice to know that in times of need, the car is capable of avoiding annoying bees or keeping cloudy skies in your rear view mirror.

Toyota wasn’t trying to push the boundaries in any aspects in the performance, just giving you what you need, making the car very easy and responsive to all types of drivers. This is the Solara’s strong point, enabling the driver to enjoy the surroundings a little bit more, making the trip almost as enjoyable as the destination.

Value

$30,000 for a new car, it seemed like Toyota could have done a little more with the styling and interior to make you feel like you got your money’s worth. Nothing screamed, “buy me!” during my time with the Solara and if I had to consider buying one, I would have a hard time spending more than $25,000 for this car. With soft top rivals such as Chrysler Sebring, Ford Mustang, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, and Pontiac G6, most under $30k, I would shop around a little more to determine if the Camry Solara convertible is the right choice.