Odds & Ends From Road America
As you’ve been reading, the Cars.com crew went up to Wisconsin to take part in a two-day track and off-road event for journalists last week. Manufacturers brought out their latest wares to impress us. Some of them did, some didn’t. Here are a few of our musings.
Longest line: Even though we were all relegated to the passenger seat, the Audi R8 had a long line of journalists willing and eager to strap in. The mid-engine R8’s excellent balance and overall dynamics are evident even to the passenger. It’s not as quick or expensive as a true supercar, but it sure has the looks of one. Audi will sell every one it builds.
Surprising offroad treat: The Jeep Patriot with the optional Trailrated offroad package took the muddy, rock-strewn course with ease. It wasn’t allowed on the toughest part of the course because it didn’t have an actual Low gear (the CVT selects the proper gear when put into 4WD mode), but we think it could’ve easily taken it on.
Surprising on-road treat: Cars.com is a resource for real people shopping for real cars, so our access to exotics like Lamborghinis is limited. Street drives of the Gallardo Spyder were a treat even for us. We’ve been on something of an ultra-luxury kick, which invariably raises questions about what makes a model worth its high price. After experiencing its stunning looks and the sound and power of its 520-hp V-10 engine, no such question arose.
Saddest note of the two days: Ford brought out a GT500 for us to play with, and on one of its first rides of the day, on the first turn on a wet track, a journalist smashed it up. You’ve never seen so many other grown men close to tears.
Related
Cars.com Audi R8 Video (KickingTires)
First Drive: 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V (KickingTires)
Suburban Dad: Sirius Satellite TV (KickingTires)
The Urban DINK: 2008 Audi TT (KickingTires)
Hands On: Pontiac G8, Buick Enclave (KickingTires)
Live Blogging From the Track (KickingTires)
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THAT JOURNALIST SHOULD BE SHOT FOR WRECKING THAT
BEAUTIFUL GT500!
Say where was that journalist from anyway? :)
WHO was the journalist? I want names. Please let it be somebody from The Truth About Cars. One of those guys wrecking a domestic would be TOO perfect.
Well we can say it wasn't anyone employed by Cars.com. Other than that...
C'mon Dave T. Spill it. It was someone from Motor Trend wasn't it? Or Maybe DUB? Has anyone seen Eddie Griffin lately?