Hot Hatches: ’10 Speed3 vs. GTI vs. C30


We love a good fast hatchback. These little cars set out to be all things to all people, with speed and genuine usable space. The VW GTI started the trend in the seventies, and nearly every brand has tried one since. For years Europe has loved them, and finally the U.S. market is starting to get some great options.

So, Paul and Todd gathered up three very different approaches to this all-in-one idea and went in search of a showdown. But they found out that while they may seem the same at first, these cars are very different and the guys couldn’t disagree more.

Here’s the full 2010 comparison of the MazdaSpeed 3, the VW GTI, and the Volvo C30.

And be sure to watch it full screen!

2010 Hot Hatchback Comparison – Everyday Driver from Everyday Driver on Vimeo.

Courtesy of our content partner – Everyday Driver

August 23, 2010 | Paul and Todd | Tags: , , | 1 Comment »

Run to the Sun 2010


Where was I the last couple of days? I was at the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s (NWAPA) “Run to the Sun.” This annual driving event brings a number of new cars and NWAPA members together for a multi-day driving extravaganza.

The field featured a variety of cars from various segments from entry level to ultra luxury. The list looked like this:

- 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD Tech
- 2010 Cadillac CTS-V
- 2010 Chevrolet Corvette GS Convertible
- 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T
- 2010 Viper SRT10 Coupe
- 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium
- 2011 Honda CR-Z EX w/Navigation
- 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS
- 2011 Infiniti M37X AWD
- 2010 Jaguar XFR
- 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible
- 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX
- 2010 Lexus IS350 Convertible (w/F-Sport parts)


- 2010 Lotus Evora
- 2010 Mazdaspeed3
- 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet
- 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG
- 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart
- Mitsubishi iMiEV
- 2010 Nissan Z Roadster
- 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
- Suzuki Kizashi Turbo Concept
- 2011 Volvo C70 T5 Convertible
- 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition

Over the course of three days, I got to drive each one of these cars on some great roads in northwestern Washington. There were a number of remarkable cars. Here are just a couple that really stood out:

Favorite Overall Car: 2011 Ford Mustang GT
Why: I’m a long-time Mustang fan, and the ’11 GT is the total package. They’ve brought the 5.0 back with dual overhead cams, a 7,000 RPM readline, and lots of thrust (412 hp, 390 ft/lbs. of torque). But, it’s more than that. The outstanding combination of comfort, handling, obtainable price, and sound make this such a complete, well-executed package. This American icon continues to be iconic.

Biggest Surprise: Cadillac CTS-V
Why: The CTS-V is a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8-powered luxury sport sedan. I knew it’d be fast, and figured it’d be a “nice” car. However, I didn’t expect it to be as fast or as nice as it was. It goes like hell, sounds like heaven, and has a cool interior (the speedometer and tachometer leave red trails as they rev up—really neat). Here again, the combination of suspension tuning, interior quality, outstanding exhaust note, and overall badassness really impressed me. It’s great to see American cars that are truly impressive!

Favorite Small Car: Honda CR-Z
Why: Hey, this is Subcompact Culture, right? Of the smaller vehicles at the event (not including the excellent Lotus Evora), the Honda CR-Z was a standout, and not just because it’s brand-spakin’ new. The combination of size, shape, and driving dynamics confirmed that the CR-Z is a fun, frugal, and reasonably priced car. The interior is appealing, the exterior looks better in person, and if driven like a hybrid in Eco mode, you will get better-than-EPA-rated fuel economy.

Most Amazing: Mercedes AMG SLS; Viper SRT10 (tie)
Why: Equally amazing cars for way different reasons. It’s a tale of the scalpel versus the sledgehammer. The AMG SLS is extremely fast, yet is easy to pilot, Its gorgeous, inviting and comfortable interior features gullwinged gateways. All superheros should be gifted an SLS AMG.

The Viper is punishingly fast and is more than two handfuls to control. Viper allows you to sit inside it and then makes you hold on for dear life under full throttle. The automotive equivalent of trying to ride a bull. Make that a rabid bull possessed by the devil—but in a totally good way.

They’re both stupendously powerful, perversely extreme in many aspects, and get more stares than Megan Fox at a nude corndog eating contest. And I’ve said too much.

Expect to see some more driving reports about these vehicles soon!

Source – Subcompact Culture

July 23, 2010 | Andy Lilienthal | Tags: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

All-New 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Revealed

Ok, let’s cut to the chase… When did Volkswagen hire Toyota designers?

The 4th generation (MK4) Jetta (1999-2004) was a smashing success that redefined the Volkswagen brand worldwide. However, the succeeding iterations of the model are becoming rather bland. The MK4 Jetta was such a huge hit because the car looked trendy and so much more ‘premium’ than its competitors of the time.

The 5th generation (MK5) Jetta still looks somewhat more upscale when you put it up against the Corolla, Civic, Sentra, and Focus. The same cannot be said about this all-new 2011 model, its styling is very reserved – much like the new Kia Forte sedan with a hint of Corolla.

Either the Japanese and Koreans have caught up the European design prowess, or the stylists at VW have fallen flat on their face.

Let’s just hope that the excellent interior material quality and superb fit-and-finish, the hallmark of VW, continues in this Jetta.

And, of course, we will let you know how it drives once it is available to us.

In the meanwhile, below is the video Volkswagen released to the media folks, enjoy!

-KF

Source – Volkswagen

June 20, 2010 | Taeyang Yoon | Tags: | No Comments »

Rank: Top 10 Tuner Cars Under $2,500

Here are the parameters – under $2,500, under 25 years old, and tuner friendly. These cars can be picked up easily, and provide the owner with a unique and fun driving experience. If you are looking for a cheap way to get into racing, a mountain rat, or a commuter, any of these will put a smile on your face.

Here are our top cars, listed in alphabetical order:

The yuppie mobile lives.1985-1992 BMW 325i (E30)
The yuppy mobile from the 1980′s has become quite a favorite beater. With powerful inline 6 cylinder engines, smooth shifting manual transmissions, and just the right amount of built in oversteer, the E30 is one part daily driver one part canyon carver. Maybe that’s why it was so popular in the 1980′s. Check for head gasket leaks, worn suspension bushings, and electrical gremlins.
-Torquey and wonderful sounding engines
-Balanced chassis with crisp turn in
-Engine bay can swallow any engine BMW has made
-Robust drivetrains will survive an atomic blast

Big V8 power on the cheap

1993-1999 Pontiac Trans Am/Chevy Camaro Z28 (F-Body)
The car that typifies American muscle. LT1/LS1 engines are near bullet-proof and are insane torque monsters. The torque makes it more fun to drive than the Mustang, but it is generally not as reliable as the Mustang.
-Durable, abuse proof drivetrains
-Tall 6th gear means no highway fuel mileage penalty
-Lots of mechanical grip, and can be driven very hard in the right hands
-High RPM launch will produce more smoke than a volcano
-Once something fails, parts are easy to find

Cheap, RWD, and a covertible to boot.

1992-1998 Mazda Miata (NA)
This is the sports car that the British companies have been trying to make for years. A spiritual successor to the MGs, but patterned after the Lotus Elan. Be sure to get the 1.8 liter engine, as the 1.6 liter is too weak for the U.S. roads. The cloth tops can be high maintenance.
-Modern Japanese interpretation of the famed Lotus Elan
-Immense aftermarket support
-Nimble, durable RWD car is perfect for track days or autocrosses
-Numerous engine swaps, with a chassis to match the power

The sweet whine of a rotary.

1986-1992 Mazda RX-7 Turbo II (FC3S)
The poorman’s Porsche 928, it was probably the last vehicle that Mazda designed without Ford’s intervention. Lightweight chassis with a strong rotary engine. A very capable handler, the RX-7 makes a living in the mountain roads, and is a very underrated car. Only downers are the finicky engine, as it  tends to burn oil, and the apex seal can be a wallet opener.
-Lightweight
-Smooth and strong transmission
-Powerful turbocharged rotary engine
-Good aftermarket support
-Very nimble and tossable

Weld the diff, and drift into the sunset.

1989-1993 Nissan 240SX (S13)
Since the rise in popularity of drifting, the S13 and S14 240SX/Silvia/200SX models have been the king of drifting circuits. The car provides the driver with ultra-reliability, near-perfect balance, forgiving handling, and lightweight chassis. The timing chain guides are the weak point in these cars.
-Huge tuning community
-Easy engine swap candidate i.e. RB, SR, KA-T
-Reliable
-Easy to tune out the inherent understeer
-Prime drift vehicle

Exciting, nimble and reliable FWD fun.

1991-1994 Nissan Sentra SE-R (B13)
Heralded as the new BMW 2002, it made numerous publications’ ‘best of’ awards. Now a cult-classic, if you can find one in a good condition, it is simply a blast to drive. The SE-R is prone to rust and 5th gear grind problems.
-Indestructible SR20 motor
-Revs nicely to its high redline
-Independent rear suspension
-Lightweight
-Nimble and responsive steering
-Mods aplenty

Try hard, and you'll spin all four tires off a stoplight.

1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX/Eagle Talon TSi/Plymouth Laser Turbo AWD (1G)
The first affordable supercar. It handles great, looks good, and can be very fast. This is the predecessor to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Be wary of the horrible blindspot in the C-pillar, and modded/high mileage engines that can blow up (dreaded and debated crankwalk).
-All-wheel drive fun
-Easy to tune for high HP numbers
-AWD models make for brutal launches
-Can easily convert the non-AWD models to AWD via GSX parts

Best way to enjoy mid engine fun without buying a Lotus

1985-1994 Toyota MR2 (MkI & MkII)
In the early 80′s, Lotus contracted Toyota to develop a high performance engine for a lightweight mid-engined vehicle (does that sound familiar? – Lotus Elise). Lotus and Toyota soon broke off the contract and Toyota was stuck with the project. Hence, the MR2 was born – the father of Lotus Elise. First generation has leaky t-top seals, and second generation cars can have unpredictable handling.
-Cheap, fun way to get a mid-engined car
-Easy and plentiful Toyota motor swaps
-Insane lateral grip
-Aftermarket air intake snorkels that can catch dinner

Clean lines, great power.

1986.5-1992 Toyota Supra Turbo (JZA70)
It was once touted as Japan’s Corvette fighter, but it’s actually a rival to the Nissan 300ZX. The Supra sports clean lines, a great presence on the road, smooth powerful turbocharged inline-6 engine. However, it is a heavy car, and t-top seals can leak.
-Excellent engine
-Nice interior
-Very high HP capability
-Great high speed stability
-Smooth shifting transmission
-Phenomenal cruising car

Favorite for cheap tuning, and autocross finesse.

1986-1992 Volkswagen GTI (A2)
The original hot-hatch, the car that started the genre. After this car, came a explosion of affordable hatchbacks with high performance capabilities, especially in Europe. Based on the Golf platform, parts are easy to obtain, and the GTI is very tossable for a front-wheel drive vehicle. Some electronic gremlins might come into play.
-Lightweight, very nimble
-Autocross monster with basic mods
-Brisk acceleration with a 2.0L 16V
-Popular chassis means major mods have a proven path

Honorable Mentions:

1985-1987 Toyota Corolla (AE86)
Would have been in the top 10, but it is too old and the average one is well above our price cap thanks to Takumi and his tofu delivering fans.
-Short wheelbase, RWD fun
-Legendary handling
-4A-GE can be swapped easily for a more potent unit
-Ability to drift while delivering tofu
-Can flip for a profit if you find someone selling one who doesn’t understand the drifting craze

1987-1993 Ford Mustang (Fox Body)
5.0! Need we say more?
-Dirt cheap
-Reliable, and resistant to abuse
-Super cheap to make it fast

1988-1991 Honda CRX Si (ED9)
Economical, quick, fun, and reliable.
-Design ancestor to both Honda Insight and Toyota Prius
-Very reliable
-Auto-Cross worthy, fun front-wheel drive chassis

-KF

May 28, 2009 | Staff | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

VW Shows Some Love for the Diesel Community

Clean Diesel TDI Touareg 2

Clean Diesel TDI Touareg 2

Volkswagen has a long standing tradition of standing behind their diesel (TDI) products. Whether it is racing a TDI Touareg up Pikes Peak, or promoting the use of Biodiesel, VW has quite a loyalty to their TDI drivers. They recently just launched a factory blog to help promote the benefits of clean diesel, and to debunk myths about clean diesels.

Surfing through www.tditruthanddare.com, the aim of the site is really clear. Not only is VW opening up an unedited blog for consumers to give hard facts about their cars, but also run the non oil burners through some basic education. With fairly cheap gas, diesel drivers have been slowly whittled down to a niche market, and there is a lot of misinformation about the cars.

First complaint most non diesel drivers launch into is “well, I wouldn’t even know to where to gas up,” followed by a “well, it’s also more expensive than gas.” Hearsay and misinformation run rampant around diesels, so a simple fact check that there are 60,000 gas stations that sell diesel starts to chip the bias away. The Diesel Finder service on the site helps the owners find the stations, recommends the ones with the cheapest prices, and also can generate the most fuel efficient route to get there.

Retorting to the myth that diesel is more expensive, and costs more to operate, the site has a fuel savings calculator that can do side by side comparisons against other cars. Education is key, are for many drivers, they’ll chose a non diesel option based on a friends advice. Seeing the hard facts that a TDI powered car’s mileage, annual fuel cost, and the availability of the diesel is a great first step in promoting the technology.

One part of diesel technology that hasn’t been well discussed is the difference between newer “clean” diesels and older ones. Since the popularity and availability of diesel engines has been low in the last decade, most people remember not so fondly the apathetic accelerating, soot shooting, rattle rides of the 1980′s and before. Learning that today’s clean diesels accelerate in a manner close to their gan engined counterparts, with more usable around town power, without sending a cloud of soot out the back might be enough to sway some choices.

Once the driver has become a card carrying member of the diesel community, they can compete for the best fuel mileage with the Tank Wars feature. KarFarm is very fond of friendly competition, whether  a video game race, or hypermiling for the best economy. Right now the bar is set at a total tank average of 58mpg, but with more people joining, we’ll see how high it can go.

Educating the driving community is an important factor in sales, and it’s pleasing to see VW make the full fledged effort.

-KF

May 6, 2009 | Brendan Dolan | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

Watch Out Toyota And GM, Volkswagen Is Coming.

The US-bound Mark VI Golf GTI. Photo courtesy of VWVortex.com.

The US-bound Mark VI Golf GTI. Photo courtesy of VWVortex.com.

In the middle of GM’s meltdown, government bailouts, mergers and sales, there is a real battle for market share brewing. While GM slowly slid down the slope in global sales, Toyota took over the throne. Positioned right behind Toyota, Volkswagen is charging up with their fangs out. While everyone is taking a blow from the economy, Volkswagen is ready to pounce.

The car market might be stuck in the doldrums, but it’s all about market share. VW has had an 11.4% reduction in global sales, but that percentage is a lot less than many of the other cars they compete against. Even though sales are down, the wind isn’t out of their sails like it is for Toyota. The Japanese giant has taken a huge blow recently, with first quarter sales estimated down by 47%. Suddendly, playing catch up isn’t too tough for our friends from Germany.

With credit sources as dry as the Sahara, Toyota has been hit hard in their biggest markets. Volkswagen on the other hand, has seen strong growth in a key markets. Germany has been handing out $2,500 Euro vouchers to anyone who gets rid of a nine year old car for a new one, and many other European countries are offering similar programs. This really has given VW the homefield advantage. Sales in Brazil (which has a VW production plant), and the booming car market in China has only added to their strength.

It’s been quite a juggling act, with huge automakers rising and falling. VW has hopes to beat Toyota at world domination by 2018. We’ll see if they get juggled to the top or get dropped in their quest for success.

-KF

April 26, 2009 | Brendan Dolan | Tags: , | No Comments »