A very stunning car, indeed. Bravo! But maybe they should've kept this in their pockets as a TT-RS; it certainly looks like it's all business, so would be nice if it performs that way too. I bet it would look great in carbon fiber race trim too (hint, hint there VW A.G.)

1st Gear: Well, I guess we're gonna find out which side is getting better returns on their lobbyists, aren't we?

You are a much more forgiving soul than I. I will never forgive them for turning the Pathfinder into a Saab.

Agreed. I used to be a big Nissan fan, but they really seem to be dropping the ball on new models (and particularly trucks). It's almost like they stopped trying. On the bright side, if you own an '04 Titan, no one can tell that it's really 10 years old this year.

Parker, this is an excellent piece. I think you've accurately captured the cold reality of professional motorsport. If you want to be successful, you have to have the complete package. I know a few very skilled drivers that never got their shot, and now make a living working for a driver who has. With that said,…

I totally agree with you. We, the general buying public, tend to get the best stuff when pissing matches occur. I sincerely hope that TRD will make a solid effort, because it will force Ford/Roush to up their game. (Much the same way as the Japanese full-size truck entries have forced the Big 3 to make good trucks…

Correct. This was part of a "study" that Ford did on bed-shake. The goal of devising the test was to prove how superior their outboard-mounted shocks worked in such situations. My theory on why the Tundra was the worst of all the trucks is because it uses a fully boxed frame up to the back of cab, then goes to…

Ha ha! The Porsche engineers in Stuttgart are a different kind of people. They are detail-oriented and relentless in their passion to be the best. I swear they are all on a work release program from the German insane asylum, because I can't believe they have the capability to integrate with normal society. I just…

Ha ha! Yep. The other day a co-worker has a C&D issue on his desk with a comparo between the new Vette and the 911 turbo. I knew right away the Vette won, so I opened it up to confirm: it did! The scores were neck-and-neck until price, which pushed the Vette to the win. Now, as a serious driver, I can tell you the…

I can certainly understand your frustration, but keep in mind that the TownCar was actively produced until not that long ago. The MKZ and MKS are quantum leaps ahead in technology by comparison: it's kinda like Zimbabwe starting a space program tomorrow and having man on the moon by July 4th. But I agree, Ford needs…

Well, I'm sure GM will make it Car and Driver's wet-dream perfect battle. It will post better numbers than the M3/M4, be a lot cheaper (and thus win the comparison), but then the staff will drive home in their personal M4s. It's always the same rhetoric.

Well said. Lincoln needs more time. The Ford brand is really getting some nice cars - I hope it will percolate up to Lincoln soon.

To put this in perspective, I did a rough calculation between the Model S and the Camaro. It's hard to find accurate numbers, but I found Tesla sold about 5100 of them in Q2 this year and GM sold roughly that many Camaros last month. Using these numbers to extrapolate over a year, the 3 Model S fires would equate to…

Hopefully they look next at the OEMs. I can't believe Nissan can charge $160 for an injector (350Z, and available directly from the manufacturer in China for $15, by the way) when BMW charges $220 for a high-pressure injector (335i). I've switched to BMWs because I can't afford Nissan parts anymore.

So I'm confused...was that a promo for the Venom or the GT-R?? As a road-racer watching that vid, I'm sold on the GT-R.

Yeah, should be a good fight. The additional weight and size are due to Ford's use of OHVs, while GM is still using pushrods. GM has done some marvelous things with pushrods, even implementing VVT, but I just can't help but feel it's the same scenario as Mazda with the rotary: you'll eventually just end up back with…

I think Ford has put the LS-series on notice with their 5.8L "Trinity" engine. It is the most powerful V8 anyone in the history of passenger cars has ever offered us. With its Roush-backed technology, it will be a fearsome competitor.

Wikipedia will help in understanding BMW-ese. ;-) Basically: S65 is the V8 in the last gen M3, S54 is the inline-6 in the M3 before that. So yes, inline-6 engines are awesome...especially when made by BMW.

I have to agree with your disappointment on the turbo thing. I have an N54, and while it is hands-down the best turbo motor I've driven yet (saving room for someday when I get to drive a 997 turbo), I find myself missing the instant response of the S65. My N54 makes more power AND torque than the S65, but it takes a…

Nope. The S65 was the last engine to have been built by BMW Motorsport - the dynasty has collapsed (for cost reasons). My vote would be the S54 - it has frickin' finger followers in it, for crying out loud - direct F1 technology put into a car you and I can buy! And even with its incredibly long stroke, drivers…