by D.A.

Pros:

• Great driving feel
• Extremely fast, yet handles beautifully
• Unique, well-executed features like “Head-Up Display”

Cons:

• Cheap interior quality; low-grade plastic feel
• Poor layout and functionality for interior buttons (radio, AC, etc.)

Introduction

I must admit, I have never been a big fan of Corvettes. Yes, I know it’s supposed to be a great American supercar – all car magazines rave about it, admiring its powerful engine, great handling, and so on. But still. I always thought it never really stood a chance against British, German or Italian supercars. Plus, for some reason over the years the Corvette owner didn’t evoke a very positive image. Somehow that was the image of a guy like the ladies’ man character Larry in the old TV series “Three’s Company”. Shirt open halfway down, gold chain, big fluffy hair…
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By Twain Mein

What Happens in a Mustang…stays in a Mustang

This is Ford’s 40^th anniversary edition of the ’68 Mustang made famous in the Steve McQueen movie “Bullit”. I’ve been a Mustang fan since 1982 when Ford brought back horsepower and burnouts (at “just” 157 hp) and have loved the styling of the 64-70 models ever since I can remember. Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of driving the ’03 Cobra and ’06 Shelby GT-H. Needless to say, I was looking forward to the Bullitt!

And, wow, this did not disappoint. The Shelby has 325 hp while the Bullitt has “only” 315 (the ’03 Cobra has 390). Read the rest of this entry »

By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• 4.6 L V8 High-Performance Northstar
• Sweet, Hollywood overdub exhaust note
• Taught, yet not offensive ride quality

Dings:

• A-pillar limits visibility in corners
• Over-sensitive steering
• The old fogey Buick rep

Ruling: A satisfying mix of responsive handling and comfortable luxury cruising.
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Volvo has always been synonymous with car safety and they come out with some good advice for keeping the family outings a happy experience. Sometimes we can’t control the overly-energetic kids in the back, but we can take some action for keeping everyone safe before hitting the road. Let us know what steps you take to make your trip to the store or annual vacation spot a safe experience. (Editor)

Volvo Cars of North America offers eight tips for keeping summer road trip passengers and drivers safe

IRVINE, Calif.(May 28, 2008) ­­– ‘Tis the season for families to pack up their cars and hit the road on trips both short and long. Volvo Cars of North America, a leader in safety innovation, is offering parents tips to pass along to their most precious cargo: their kids. While often overlooked in the safe driving world, kids can present parents with dangerous distractions while driving. Simple, preventative measures can keep both young passengers and adult drivers out of harm’s way.

“A distracted driver is far more likely to end up in or cause an accident,” said Bruno DiGennaro, Volvo senior safety expert. “Oftentimes driver distractions come from young, backseat passengers. Talk with your kids about safe riding practices before hitting the roads this summer. You’ll help keep everyone on your road trip out of harm’s way.”

In addition to putting small children and infants in car seats properly, there are other things parents can do to keep children safe in the car. Volvo offers these tips for riding safely: Read the rest of this entry »

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

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by Twain Mein

Pros:

• Clever packaging
• The ultimate vehicle for families with young kids
• Lots of space
• Reasonable gas mileage; about 17.5 miles per gallon

Cons:

• Could use more power
• Could have 4wd
• Could be hybrid
• It’s a minivan…

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Advanced MR Offers More Technology than Traditional Entry-Level GSR Model

CYPRESS, CA, May 21, 2008 –

On the heels of the successful introduction of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR, Mitsubishi Motors announces the availability of the more technologically-advanced 2008 Lancer Evolution MR, the newest and most sophisticated version of the model series that began 16 years ago.

Shown coming off the production line in Japan, the Lancer Evolution MR arrives at showrooms in the U.S. in June and is available for a suggested retail price of $38,290. The MR features more user technology and a broader market appeal than the entry level GSR, including an advanced 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission. Read the rest of this entry »

PURCHASE VOLKSWAGEN’S ALL-NEW ROUTAN AND HELP FUND YOUR CHILD’S COLLEGE TUITION

Volkswagen partners with Upromise® to provide customers $1,500 when they buy or lease a Routan

Not a bad deal if you are considering a new minivan. You can get a new car, use it to haul the kids around town, apply some funds to their college education, and then use the Routan to move their stuff from home to their dorm room when they go to college. Functional, economical, and parentally-responsible. Did I miss anything? (Editor)

HERNDON, VA.—Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today a partnership with Upromise, the country’s largest private source of college funding contributions, to provide $1,500 to customers who purchase or lease a new 2009 Routan for their child’s future education savings. Read the rest of this entry »