The problem with the R8 V10 is that Audi took a Gallardo, stripped it of all happiness and excitement, then replaced with German competence and predictability.

Jason, I feel like this is your "spirit car"

That motor.

Miniscule turbocharged engines in heavy cars. EPA figures are high, but they will never hit them in reality. Reliability is finished as the motor is under boost almost always.

But will it baby?

Big engine, heavy car.

Everyone assumes the SRT LX cars can't handle...they absolutely can. These aren't 60s/70s Mopars.

Civic Si.

In what world is this "gorgeous"?

Fiesta ST has a twist beam rear axle. But yes I completely agree that rear suspension design has an incredible effect on chassis dynamics—non-independent rear suspension will oversteer more on lift-throttle, but is simply not as stable at higher speeds or over bumpy roads.

The trend of stupidly large badges needs to end

You're a fucking god.

The V6 will be more reliable

Shots fired.

You're right. I'm betting it's actually distortion like you would see when rectilinear correction is added to wide angle lenses.

The elongated butt looks awkward here...

I get that diesels make more torque than almost anything else, but they're also quite slow relative to similar petrol engines. And gearing can make up for torque deficits in petrol cars just like gearing makes up for the narrow power band of diesel motors (1500-4000 rpm).

It's not. The Accord Plug in is equivalent to the Passat TDI SEL features wise. After the federal tax credit, they are within a few thousand of each other.