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AL L CAR S BEG IN AS A

CONCEPT. ON RARE OCCASIONS,

THEY END AS ONE.

It began as an idea unburdened by limitations.

And i n t he end, despite the prac ticality of

manufacturing and the challenges of production,it remained one. Introducing the f irst creation

from the Acura Design Studio the ZDX four-door

coupe concept. Introducing Next.

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Learn more at acura.com or by calling 1-80 0-To-Acura. 2010 Acura. Acura and ZDX are trademarks of Honda Mot

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Electronic Stability Control will be a government safety mandate on all light vehicles in 2012. But youll

find it standard on every 2010 Tucson we build today. Youll also find lots of other nice features

included, like Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio, and iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks, because we see

industry standards as mere suggestions and build our cars to standards all our own. HyundaiTucson.com

THE ALLNEW TUCSON

THINK ABOUT IT.

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The Subaru Legacy. As carefree as winter driving can be. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive helps you

stick to the road better than the fattest of snowflakes. A Stability and Traction Control System keeps

you going in the right direction. The result is a feeling thats harder to shake than the road itself.

Love. Its what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Dealer sets actual price. Legacy 2.5i Limited pictured has an MSRP of $24,995.

Slippery road behind.

Legacy.Well-equipped at $19,995

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FIRST DRIVES

30 ROLLS-ROYCE GHOSTIt coddles, cossets, yet carves corners too, courtesyof BMW 7 Series suspensionBy Matt DeLorenzo

34 BUICK REGALA turbo Ecotec inline-4 and European DNA makethisshocker!a drivers BuickBy Shaun Bailey

36 HONDA ACCORD CROSSTOUR EX-LFeaturing a fuel-saving V-6, available awd and lookssure to spark water-cooler debateBy Calvin Kim

COLUMNS

13 THE ROAD AHEADBy Matt DeLorenzoTOBORNOTTOB: Small car must-haves, bulletpoints for an up-and-coming class of frugal machines

16 AMPERSANDEdited by Mike MonticelloAUDIE-TRON:Ingolstadts high performance electricsports car concept; future lightweight Murcilago

26 SIDE GLANCESBy Peter EganHANGUPANDDRIVE: Work the wheel and pedals,not the cell phone; you might save a life someday

82 TRACKSIDEFORMULA1RULESCHANGES:Fuel stops go the way

of sliding side skirts; and a word with J.R. Hildebrand

88 THE PODIUMBy Marcos AmbroseV8SUPERSTAR:Revelations and respect forNASCAR, from a guy whos driven nearly everything

94 TECH TIDBITSBy Dennis SimanaitisTECHSTAR: This particular star is three-pointed, asMercedes electrifies its Smart and hybridizes its ML

96 SPEED ZONEBy Douglas KottFASTTIMESATROAD&TRACKHIGH:Track-daystuff for safety, quicker laps and entertainment

98 COUNTERSTEERBy Sam MitaniPECULIARITIESTHE25HOURSOFTHUNDERHILL:NASAs grueling enduro is not without its quirks

C O N T E N T S

ROAD TESTS

64 PORSCHE BOXSTER SPYDERThis special edition loses weight, gains power and avisually striking (though fiddly) topBy Peter Egan

92 ROAD TEST UPDATE AUDI S4 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL SUPERSPORTS

A collective 18 angry, pressurized cylinders poweringtwo impressive awd performersBy the R&T staff

FEATURES

40 BMW VISION EFFICIENTDYNAMICSBMWs wildly futuristic turbodiesel/electric is proofthat hybrid cars neednt be dullBy Patrick Hong

46 PROPULSION PROGNOSTICATIONSWhat the future holds, manufacturer by manufac-turer, in alternative powertrainsBy the R&T staff

48 HYBRID PERCEPTION...A look into the hybrid buyers enthusiasm, mind-setand purchase considerationsBy Dennis Simanaitis

52 ...VERSUS DIESEL & GASOLINE REALITYReal-world mpg with the Toyota Prius, VolkswagenGolf diesel and Ford FiestaBy Dennis Simanaitis

72 LONG-TERM TEST: AUDI R8 ODYSSEY, IIAh, another day, another incredible racetrack. We visitNew Jersey, Kentucky and TexasBy the R&T staff

COMPETITION

84 MICHELIN: LESSONS LEARNED!Sliced by the double-edged sword of competition,the French giant takes it in strideBy Tim Considine

DEPARTMENTS

6 FOCAL POINT

14 REVVED-UP

24 YOUR TURN

99 TECH CORRESPONDENCE

100 ROAD TEST SUMMARY

102 THE FINISH LINE112 PS

COVER STO

PropulsPresent & Fu

Fasten your seatbelt

because were in the of a revolution in pro

technologyvividly

strated by theBMW VEfficientDynamicsanelectric Audi e-Troncoand with us now in ca

theToyota Prius hybrVolkswagen Golf TDIincreasingly efficient

B-cars like theFord FJoin us for a thoroug

existing technologies

shape of powertrains

to come.

This concept pulls every technology we have been

developinginto one very emotional and sporty automobile.Axel Rose, MANAGER, PERFORMANCE AND CO2, BM

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LAST-LAP INTENSITYKyle Busch had a great shot at winning

last years Coke Zero 400 at Daytona, only

to tangle with winner Tony Stewart on the

last lap and then get collected in dramatic

fashion by Kasey Kahne in car No. 9.

PHOTO BY F. PEIRCE WILLIAMS

Nikon D3 1/6th at f/8.0.

ISO 250. Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 lens

Purchase this print (and other Focal Point

images) at the Road & TrackPhoto Store.

www.roadandtrack.com/focalpoint

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www.roadandtrack.com M A R C H 2 0 1 0

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Better sound because of what you dont hear.

ON A HUMAN LEVEL

NO.7

Unlike typical noise-cancellation methods, he knew merely quieting the cabin with

insulation wouldnt do. Instead he sought a much more ingenious technology.

And from his years of studying vibration engineering, he knew exact ly where to

look. Sound is a vibration. A vibration is a wave. Waves can cancel

out competing waves, stated Mr. Ochi.

How do you block undesirable sounds while still preserving those you want? It

was a confounding question, to say the least. Yet an intriguing challenge thatdrove Infiniti engineer Mr. Daisuke Ochi to help develop the remarkable

Active Noise Control system available in the all-new Infiniti M.

Working with a team of audio specialists, including Boseengineers,

an advanced sonic technology was devised. One that not only targets

and eliminates specific sound waves, but also enhances the auditory

sensation of the Ms trademark engine note.

The system does this by continuously monitoring engine RPM to identify unwanted

low-frequency engine noise. Then the speakers in the doors emit opposing sound

waves, effectively canceling each other out . The result is a harmonic engine note that

ascends sonically for a smooth, invigorating resonance, especially appreciated at higher

RPMs when merging onto highways or passing other vehicles.

In the end, youre rewarded with the sounds you want to hear. And shielded from

those you dont. Most of all, Infinit is Active Noise Control system delivers a truly immersive,

multi-sensory driving experience. One crafted to move you in a way no other vehicle has before.

Always wear your seat belt, and please dont drink and drive. 2009 INFINITI.

For detailed specifications and more, visit InfinitiUSA.com.

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PHOTOB

YBR

ENDAP

RIDDY

10 R O A D & T R A C K www.roadandtrack.com

O N L I N E

M A R C H 2 0 1 0

Pass it on to a friend...or keep it for your collection!

A Luxurious Lexus Takes on the Sports Sedan King

Lexus just kicked it into high gear with

the rollout of its new 2010 Lexus LS 460Sport. Poised to give the BMW 750i a run

for its money, the Sport features a stiffer

air suspension system and a few choice

pieces from the IS F. Get the full driving

impression and see the photos at:

roadandtrack.com/LS460Sport

Wina Passport9500ix by EscortEnter for a chance to win oneof three Passport 9500ixradar/laser detectors, eachvalued at $499.95.

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ALTERNATIVE

PROPULSION

SYSTEMSThe gasoline internal-

combustion engine has

reigned supreme for

decades, but alternative

propulsion systems are

becoming more widespread

by the hour. Check out our

list of which automaker

is doing what through 2015

regarding diesels, fuel cells,

full electrics, hybrids

and more.

roadandtrack.com/alternatives

Jaguars Cats Getting Friskier for 2014Jaguar is getting ready to jump back into

the sports-car market as the XE takes

shape as much more than a rumor.

Its now set to go on display at the

Geneva Motor Showjust in time

for the 50th anniversary of the

famed E-Type.

roadandtrack.com/xe

EXPOSED!Our spy photographer caught the 2011 Dodge Charger SRT8

on the road conducting ride and handling evaluations. Log on

to see the full gallery of Charger spy shots, and to get all the

details on this latest car from the Chrysler group.

More New Cars Spied: Kia K9 Concept 2011 Audi A7 Sportback 2012 BMW 3 Series

roadandtrack.com/spy

SPY

SHO

TS SPYSH

OT

PYS

HOTSSPY

SHOT

S

FIRST LOOK:

BrabusV12 GLKSpeed Wagon

Need a GLK that can hit 200.3

mph? If so, this Brabus has

just what youre looking for.

Get the advanced specs and

see the first photos at:roadandtrack.com/brabusglk

More First Looks Online: 2011 Mercedes-Benz F-Cell B-Class 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is 2011 Audi A8 2011 BMW 5 Series

roadandtrack.com/firstlook

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WE SPEAK CAR.

AND APPARENTLY QUITE WELL.

FORD FUSION+ HYBRID

THE MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT MIDSIZE SEDAN IN AMERICA*

NOWMOTOR TRENDS2010 CAR OF THE YEAR.

fordvehicles.com

*EPA-estimated 23 city/34 hwy/27 combined mpg, Fusion S, I-4 automatic. Midsize class per R. L . Polk & Co. Non-hybrid.

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Need more passion in your life? Looking forsome romantic heat to ignite that oldflame? Youre not going to find it in thedrug store. The secret of historys great lovershad nothing to do with pharmaceuticals.

Casanova and Valentino wooed women theold-fashioned way: with chivalry, poetry andgigantic gemstones.

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The worlds rarest and most preciousstone has been working its magic forcenturies. Ruby is the red variety of themineral corundum, one of Earths hardest

minerals. It has everything a precious stoneshould have including intense color, superbhardness (second only to a diamond) andrarity. So its no wonder that top qualityrubies achieve such high prices at auctions,surpassing even the hammer price fordiamonds in equal classification.

In the time of chivalry, the regal ruby wasconsidered 8 times more valuable thandiamonds. Ancient people even believed

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www.roadandtrack.com M A R C H 2 0

BY MATT DELORENZO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

To B or Not to B

Fuel economy standards are set to tighten dramati-cally and soon. Automakers are looking to building more smallcars to make their numbers. As a result, we will experience anuptick in the number of B-class subcompacts not seen since theenergy crises of the 1970s.

Its not like we havent been here beforethink of cars like theFord Aspire, the Hyundai Excel, the Geo Metro and the Daewoo-

built Pontiac Le Mans. What those cars all lacked, besides ameni-ties, was staying power. They were cheap, not just in construc-tion, but in conception.They were expendableand both manufacturersand customers treatedthem that way. But thatlogic neednt apply tothis next generation offuel sippers.

Having recently par-ticipated in a three-wayfuel economy run in-volving a Toyota Prius,Volkswagen Golf TDIand a Ford Fiesta, Icame away with a newappreciation for theB-class entry from theBlue Oval. While I was

predisposed to like theGolfIm a big fan ofthe torque, fuel econo-my and range from die-selsI was amazed thatthe Fiesta managed tonearly match the Ger-man car step for step,while offering the samesort of driving dynam-ics weve come to expect from European hatches. Granted, theFiesta gives away some size, power and utility to the larger Golf,

but it will also be less expensive.In building these new small cars, I believe there are a few ba-

sic concepts that manufacturers should keep in mind:They must have great styling.These cars should project a fun

personalityand that star ts with a great exterior. Previous-generation B-cars had one thing in common, almost universal

bad design. They were cheap boxes and drawn to look that way.Even though the Mini is technically larger than a subcompact,the design shows that small cars can have a tremendous amountof personality. Another is the Alfa Romeo MiTo. Small doesnthave to mean plain.

Dont be afraid of hatchbacks. While Ford has created a 3-box

Fiesta sedan specifically for the U.S. market, Im glad to sethey will also offer a 5-door. Conventional wisdom holds thaAmericans wont buy hatchbacks but Im convinced that the

just wont buy ugly ones.Dont skimp on the interior. People spend much more tim

looking at the inside of their cars than they do the outside. Noonly should the interior look great, it should offer the kind oamenities that people have become accustomed to in largecarsthings like killer sound systems, Bluetooth connectivity an

sat nav systems. Jusbecause a car is smadoesnt mean it cant ba premium product.

Offer engines that givgreat fuel economy anperformance. Thanks tsophisticated electronics and turbochargingthe adage that nothing beats cubic incheis obsolete. There ar

pl en ty of sm al l- di splacement engines, anIm talking in the 1.2to 1.4-liter range, offering terrific responseWhile Volkswagen inervous about selling iPolo with a 1.2-liter tur

bo in the U.S. becausthe displacement is ssmall, my response tthat is 122 horsepoweis 122 horsepower.

Stay away from CVTWhile there are still sommanufacturers enamore

with this technology, for me, its a bust because of its lack of driveability. Generally these transmissions feel rubbery and sluggishwhile the motorboating of an engine working at a constant rpm i

just plain annoying. Stick with 5- or 6-speed manuals and automaics or better yet, a 7-speed twin-clutch like VW has on the Polo.

Which leads me to the final pointmake them fun to driveSmall cars are as much fun scooting in and out of traffic as theare on twisty bits of tarmac. These cars should have great brakegood shocks and grippy rubber. In short, B cars shouldnt b

bare bones cars in pursuit of the lowest possible MSRP, but nicely equipped and offered at a fair price. Manufacturers shoul

build cars not just to meet a fuel economy bogey, but also onein which they can take great pride. They may be B-class car

but they deserve to be on everyones A-team.

Just because a car is small doesnt mean it

cant be a premium product.

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14 R O A D & T R A C K www.roadandtrack.com

roadandtrack.com/rev

LIFEIN THE FAST LANE

The Official Fuel Partnerof Road & Track

enrichedgasolines

PRESIDENT & CEO, JUMPSTART AUTOMOTIVE GROUPDillon McDonald

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF BRAND OFFICER John C. Driscoll Jr.

Editorial StaffVICE PRESIDENT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEFMatt DeLorenzoDesign DirectorRichard M. Baron

Executive EditorPatrick Hong Engineering EditorDennis Simanaitis International EditorSam MitaniManaging EditorAndrew Bornhop Senior Feature EditorDouglas Kott Associate Managing EditorCheryl CooperFeature EditorMike Monticello Detroit EditorShaun Bailey Road Test EditorJonathan ElfalanAssistant Road Test EditorCalvin Kim Research EditorJane Barrett Editorial AssistantDonna GeorgeEditors-at-LargePeter Egan, John Lamm, Joe RuszEditor Emeritus

Thos L. BryantAssociate Art DirectorRobert W. Swi Assistant Art DirectorMarla L. SantosPhoto Services ManagerBrian Blades Photo StaffJeff Allen, Chris Cantle, Jay K. McNally, Marc UrbanoArt Editor Emeritus Wm A. Motta

roadandtrack.com Editorial Director Jennifer Degtjarewskyroadandtrack.com Senior Producer Amber Chunnroadandtrack.com Producer Faith Sampson

Contributing EditorsIan Adcock, David W. Black, Peter Bohr, Tim Considine, Adam Cooper, Tom Cotter, Bob Judd, Gordon Kirby,Gordon Murray, Matthias Pfannmller, Sam Posey, Kent Shocknek, Jim Sitz, Tim Tuttle, Paul Van Valkenburgh, Tom Wilson, Peter Wright

Contributing ArtistsTim Barker, Hctor Luis Bergandi, Denn is Brown, Jon Dahlstrom, Ken Dallison, Alfredo De La Maria, YoshihiroInomoto, Hal Mayforth, Niles Nakaoka, Charles W. Queener, Barry Rowe, Lars Sltzer (Larson), Joe Troise & Frank Ansley, Jack Unruh

Contributing PhotographersBruce Benedict, Paul-Henri Cahier, Rich Chenet, Jim Fets, Stephane Foulon, Barry Hathaway,Koichi Ohtani, Allan Rosenberg, Guy Spangenberg, Bill Warner, Bryn Williams, F. Peirce Williams, Jeffrey R. Zwart

Road & TrackSpeed Radio HostEd Justice Jr.

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For information on reprints and eprints, please contact Brian Kolb at Wrights Reprints, 877-652-5295, or bkolb@wrightsreprints.com

Share your video with us!If we choose your video to run in Revved-Up,

well send you a Road & Track cap!

E-mail a YouTube video link or image to

RTLetters@hfmus.com and be sure to

include Revved-Upin the subject line.

Revved-UpFor notable quotables, video linksand general automotive shenanigans,go to:

Matchbox Mayhem!You can have your chase scenes fromThe French Connectionor Ronin, ourmoney is on The Fastest Yellow &Redas the greatest ever since itinvolves tiny die-cast cars, plasticarmy men and stop-motionphotography. Truly a modern classic.

Dances with VoltsBy now you may have seen thelame video of the Chevy Volt dance

from the L.A. Auto Showbut we

much prefer this one showing tire-

howling action involving the real car

at the hands of

chief engineer

Andy Farah at

Dodger Stadium.

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APPLY TO GLASS. DEFY THE ELEMENTS.

Apply Rain-XOriginal Glass Treatment to your windshield and watch water bead upand slide off as if by magic, giving you a clearer view of the road ahead. Photos at leftshow the remarkable difference in visibility one treatment can make. Visit rainx.com

Outsmart The Elements

UNTREATED TREATED

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Edited by Mike Monticello

16 R O A D & T R A C K

As car enthusiasts,we want to protect theenvironment, but we alsodont want to drive boringcars. So its refreshing thatamidst the push for alter-native energy vehiclesapush which seems des-tined to turn cars into mereappliancesthere are a few

players who recognize itsimportant that their greencars must also offer greatdriving dynamics in addi-tion to good looks.

We were pleased whenAudi unveiled the e-Tronelectric sports car conceptat last years FrankfurtAuto Show. Further so

when the folks fromIngolstadt allowed us abrief drive in the $1 millionshow car; better still, Audirecently announced it willbuild a limited productionversion in about two years.

Despite being a show car,the e-Tron can get up andgo in a hurry (although we

werent allowed to drive itmuch above 50 mph). Me-chanically, it feels almostready for production. Look-ing very much like an R8,the e-Tron is powered byfour synchronous electricmotorsone per wheel,thus making it all-wheeldrive. The combined power

output is an adequate313 horsepower, but itsthe whopping 501 lb.-.of torque that gets yourattention, ready to propelthe car from 0 to 62 mph(100 km/h) in a claimed4.8 seconds and to a topspeed of 125 mph. Dip intothe throttleer, the electr

e -TronAUDI

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PHOTOSBYJIMF

ETS

www.roadandtrack.com M A R C H 2 0 1 0

accelerator switchand the

e-Trons instant torque can

be felt at just about any

speed. In fact, Audi says

that to go from 37 mph to

75 mph takes just 4.1 sec.

Thomas Kruter, techni-

cal project manager for

the e-Tron, tells us the car

was designed to have driv-

ing dynamics similar to

those of the R8. As such,

the e-Trons curb weight is

targeted at around 3500

lb., similar to the R8 V-10,

although the concept car is

currently 600 lb. heavier.

But in driving the e-Tron,

theres little hint of this.

The electricity is stored

in water-cooled lithium-ion

batteries located in the

center of the vehicle, just

a of the cockpit. The 53-

kW-h battery pack, which

weighs slightly over 1000

lb., is capable of delivering

42.4 kW-h under continu-

ous usage, making for a

range of about 150 miles.

Using a standard European

household socket (230

volts, 17 amps), the e-Tron

can be fully charged in 6 to

8 hours. A 400-volt (63-

amp) outlet cuts recharge

time to 2.5 hours. Of note,

Audi engineers are inves-

tigating the possibility of a

wireless inductive charging

system where no cables are

needed to connect the car

with a physical outlet.

The e-Tron has a smaller

overall footprint than the

R8, due to a shorter wheel-

base, shorter overhangs

and a lower height. In fact,

the two cars share only

the same width and fender

flares, despite looking so

much alike. The e-Trons

chassis is constructed

with Audi Space Frame

(ASF) technology, and

the exterior panels are

made of carbon fiber-re-

inforced plastic. The front

suspension uses double

wishbones, with a multilink

setup at the rear. Steer-

ing is via rack-and-pinion,

electrically assisted only

when the wheel is turned

to conserve energy. Under

normal driving conditions,

the 235/35-19 front tires

receive up to 30 percent

of the torque to help drive

the car, with the remain-

ing torque routed to the

295/30-19 rear tires. The

application of torque-vec-

toring technology allows

optimized power output

at each wheel to minimize

understeer or oversteer

during cornering.

The interior of the e-Tron

has a futuristic design

theme, highlighted by an

LCD screen in the center of

the instrument panel. The

screen is flanked by two

dialsone showing vehicle

speed, the other power us-

age/regeneration. The MMI

system handles the LCD

screens various functions,

accessed via a touchpad

The electrified R8 is cool and fast.Is it the Supercar of Tomorrow?

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18 R O A D & T R A C K

on the center console. Ad-ditionally, the Audi Car-to-xCommunication featureallows the e-Tron to com-municate automaticallywith the road and its in-frastructure based on GPSposition, geographical data(grades, corners) and traf-fic conditions.

An initial run of 100vehicles is to begin produc-tion at the end of 2011. Nopricing has been set yet,although rumors peg thesticker around $200,000.We look forward to thatproduction Audi e-Tron, asit appears to be an earnesteffort to build an excitingall-electric sports car fordriving enthusiasts.

Patrick Hong

European carmakershave been bullish ondiesel technology in

the past; so why themotivation to showan electric sportscar concept?

Audi continues to improvetodays high-tech TDI cleandiesel and TFSI direct-injection engines, as wehave shown with the A3

TDI, which gets 42 mpgon the highway. Neverthe-less, we are also investingin new drivetrain conceptssuch as the electric e-Tronto achieve the advantagewe have in conventionalengines with electricallydriven cars in order toprepare for new customerneeds. Since battery costsare still very high, it makessense to come top-downwith the technology. Be-cause the electric motormakes maximum torquefrom a standstill, it offers avery good basis for the so-called torque vectoring. Italso accelerates without theneed for gearshis.

In what direction isvehicle technology

heading?

As stated during Cali-fornia Governor [Arnold]Schwarzeneggers pressconference at the L.A. AutoShow, its clear there is nosilver bullet technology.The emphasis has to be on

further improving existingdrivetrains, while at thesame time looking at newconcepts. It is clear that inthe long term, cars will bedriven mainly electrically,but until then we will see alot of interim solutions likestart/stop systems, hybridsand plug-in hybrids.

How much life andimprovement isle for fossil-fuel-based cars?

We are continuing to opti-mize fuel consumption, asshown by the A3 TDI andeven the 2011 A8. This isdone by improvement ofthe engine technology butalso, and this is becomingmore and more important,by optimizing the overall

concept and by using high-tech lightweight technol-ogy, driver assist systemsand better aerodynamics.These technologies willmore and more be seen inother cars.

Will alternativeenergy cars be ableto offer the sameexcitement andallure as fossil-fuelbased cars?

For electric cars, our answeis the e-Tron. Hybrids andplug-in hybrids offer thepossibility to boost power,while also the ability to drivin purely electric mode for acertain distance, which givean exciting, almost com-pletely silent and emission-free drive mode. You will

HEAD OF ELECTROMOBILITY

STRATEGY AT AUDI AG

A succesthe Murcil

under developm

promisingperformance than

Despite some delays, Lamborghini is still hardat work on the replacement for its long-runningMurcilago supercar. Were now told we defi-nitely wont see the car before 2012, as the Ital-ian company is apparently determined to makethis the most mind-blowing Lamborghini ever.

A big contribution to its anticipated other-worldly performance is a dramatic cut in weight.This will be achieved through the use of an alu-minum Audi Space Frame based on that of theR8, replacing the Murcilagos steel chassis.Other weight savings will come via a carbon-fiberbodyshell. The body also wont be as long, large-ly due to a significantly shorter front overhang.

Styling will continue the mid-engine wedgetheme made famous by the Countach/Diablo/

Murcilago, but the new Lamborghini will be farmore angular and slightly more slim-waistedthan the current Murcilago. Expect more linesand creases; were told it will look as sharp andlight as it really is.

Of course, the new flagship Lamborghiniwill have all-wheel drive and a mid-mounted

V-12, with power rumored close to 700 bhp. The weight savings and extra powermean we can expect performance to rival (or possibly exceed!) that of the exclusive$450,000 Murcilago LP670-4 SuperVeloce. Theres also talk of a rear-drive-onlyversion, similar in concept to the Gallardo Balboni.Mike Monticello

PHOTO-ILLUSTRATIONB

YL

ARSON

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www.roadandtrack.com M A R C H 2 0

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ROADANDTRACK.COM/e-Tron

also have the ability to savefuel, shown via an onboarddisplaythis gives anotherkind of excitement, as well.

When will thetechnologies

showcased in the

e-Tron show up in

production cars?

We plan to have a smallnumber of e-Trons on theroad by 2012. How manyultimately make it onto theroad depends on the avail-ability of the necessary in-frastructure to charge (andcommunicate with) cars,the necessary improve-ments of the cost-benefitratio for the electrical com-ponents and/or possiblelegal incentives.

Although it looks similar to the R8, the e-Tron is more compact and rides on a shorterwheelbase. The all-new interior reflects the forward thinking electric drivetrain.

LEXUS LS 460 SPORTBMW Rival?The Lexus LS 460 is a very nice luxury sedan.

But a threat to BMW faithful? Not really. Lexusis out to change that with a new Sport Packageavailable on rear-drive LS 460s.

The Sport Package consists of a stiffer air sus-pension system (a soer version is optional onthe regular LS), 14.8-in. Brembo front brakes fromthe hot IS F as well as that cars AA80E 8-speedpaddle-shi automatic transmission. As with theIS F, this gearbox delivers thrilling throttle-blipdownshis, although different electronics helpthe LS shi more smoothly (the paddles are alsoslightly smaller). Inside, front sport seats offer im-proved lateral support. The Sport Package can bedistinguished by its lower front air dam, side skirts,a dark grille and 19-in. forged-alloy wheels.

Seemingly small changes add up to big dif-ferences on the roadespecially if that roadis curvy. Setting the suspension to Sport (thestiffest of its three modes) does away with thesquish associated with the regular LS. It takesa firm set entering turns, with minimal bodyroll and negligible understeer, the 245/45R-19Dunlop SP Sport Maxx summer tires offeringplenty of grip. The Brembo brakes bring a high

level of confidence, while the 380-bhp 4.6-literV-8 can make exiting turns a fun exercise inpower oversteerwho knew the LS chassis wasso competent? Yes, the steering could be a bit

more taut, and the sport seats still need morelateral support, but overall the LS Sport Packag($6185 over the LS 460s $64,680 base price)is refreshingly competent.MM

A stiffer suspension,upgraded brakes and paddle

shifters add up to an edgier

Lexus flagship.

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www.roadandtrack.com M A R C H 2 0

2012 BMWM5

Around the same time BMW officiallyannounced the redesigned 5 Series (seeAmpersand, February 2010), our alert spyphotographers caught the hotted-up newM version tearing around the Nrburgring.Notable giveaways that this 5 Seriesprototype was indeed an M5 include bigfront air intakes, huge cross-drilled brakes,large wheels and tires and, of course, therequisite M quad-outlet exhaust. Seen hereis a photo-illustration of how we believethe 2012 M5 will look when it hits the U.S.market around May 2011.

Not surprisingly, BMW officials havebeen reluctant to talk about the new M5.

But rumors suggest BMW is scrappingthe current M5s V-10, which is no longerrelevant in todays fuel economy- and C02-conscious world. Instead, the new M5 willuse a version of the twin-turbocharged4.4-liter V-8 found in the new X5 M andX6 M SUVs. While those two behemothsput out 547 bhp, a BMW source told usthe twin-turbo V-8 engine has the poten-tial to put out far more than that. A goodguess would peg the new M5 at just under600 bhp. Gearbox-wise, we were told thecurrent M5s SMG is definitely dead (okayby us), certain to be replaced by BMWstwin-clutch M-DCT system.MM

Rapide RideA SPORTS CAR YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAN APPRECIATE

Aston Martin recently of-fered us an early ride in the2011 Rapide, codenamedVH400 for Vertical-Hori-zontal 400-series, for thepurpose of evaluatingthe cars superb Bang &Olufsen audio system. Butas much as we care aboutfine sound systems, no

one was fooled as to whatwe really wanted to findout: ride quality and rearhead- and leg room. Andalthough we didnt get toactually drive the proto-type, the seat-of-our-pantstest tells us the Rapide is agreat addition to the AstonMartin lineup.

Front passengers mighteasily confuse a Rapidewith a DB9, but rear pas-sengers will experiencesomething entirely new.Those rear seats are low,but with enough leg roomto be comfortable even for6-footers. And as with allAstons, Rapide passengers

are coddled with luxury.Its natural to compare theRapide to Porsches Pana-mera, and having ridden inboth, I find the Rapide tobe more enveloping, andmore involving of the rearpassengers in the driversexperience.

The first year of produc-

tion for this exotic sedanis limited to roughly 2000units, and orders are beingtaken now for spring deliverExclusivity comes at a priceas picking up a new Rapidewill set you back $199,950.But your friends and familywill most definitely appreci-ate it.SB

Ford Mustang GT 5.0SOMETHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

The five-oh has returned to the Mustang, giving the2011 GT model a welcome boost of power to better com-pete with the big V-8s found in the Chevrolet Camaro anDodge Challenger. Packed with 4 valves per cylinder andvariable valve timing on the intake and exhaust, the GTsall-aluminum 5.0-liter V-8 puts out 412 bhp and 390 lb.-of torque (versus 315 bhp and 325 lb.-. for the 2010 4.6liter Mustang). The new engine should put to rest rumorof a twin-turbo V-6 EcoBoost Mustang.

The new V-8 has been designed to be relatively inexpensive, keeping production costs down and thus maintainingthe Mustang GTs price advantage over its competition.Nevertheless, it revs to 7000 rpm while promising 25 mpon the highway. Although peak power is made with premum fuel, Ford says the engine will run just fine on regular,although power will drop to about 400 bhp.

The 2011 Mustang GT will also come equipped withelectric-assist power steering, brake components from thShelby GT500, improved chassis stiffness and revised realower control arms.

Ford isnt letting the V-6 model amble out to pasture,either. A 305-bhp 3.7-liter Duratec V-6 with dual variablecam timing will replace the old 210-bhp 4.0-liter V-6 forthe 2011 model year. Not only does this all-aluminum en-gine produce 280 lb.-. of torque, but it also weighs 41 lbless than the current V-6. Upgrades to the V-6 Mustangschassis should improve handling.Shaun BaileyPH

OTO-ILLUSTRATIONBYMOTORFOREC

AST

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ASTON MARTINSDIMINUTIVE CYGNET

O F F I C I A L P H O T O S :

Aston Martins small-car answer, the Cygnet, iscoming closer to production reality. Aston recentlyreleased official photos of the Cygnet concept, whichis based on Toyotas iQ city car. Besides the obvi-ous exterior cues linking the Cygnet with its sportierAston brethren (the huge grille, hood vents, side

strakes and pop-out doorhandles), its interesting tosee all the leather and luxuryfeatures added to the inte-rior to complete the Aston-ization of the iQ.

Aston says the Cygnet con-cept represents a creative,environmentally conscioussolution, being small, yet

with presenceand highly fuel efficientnow com-bined with the prestige of Aston Martins luxurybrand ownership. Aston says work is continuingon the Cygnet concept, with a hoped-for productionversion at some point during 2010. It will initially beoffered to U.K. and European Aston Martin owners,at an expected price of around $32,000.MM

CADILLAC CTS-V COUPEIts hard to find fault with Cadillacs amazingly competent second-generation CTS-V

super sedan. And now, two long years later, the CTS-V Coupe has arrived. As youd

expect, it was a challenge for Cadillac to improve on the sedan, so the coupe is virtually

identical mechanically. That means it uses the same 556-bhp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8

also offering a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, along with

standard Magnetic Ride Control and Brembo brakes.

What separates the coupe from the sedan, however, is a sleeker, 2-in.-lower roof, a

2-in.-wider rear track and a unique center-mounted dual exhaust. The wheelbase remain

the same, but the rear seat room is only for two. Despite the modest differences between

the V Coupe and V sedan, the V Coupe will likely cost a bit more and offer slightly

improved performance due to better aerodynamics.SB

Into the wind tunnelliterally!

I used to drive my 1958

Ford Consul Convertible with

the top down in Cleveland

winters. The innovative Air-

cap hardware found on the

new Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Cabriolet makes such exu-

berance rather less whacko

today. An adjustable wind

deflector and mesh net rise

out of the windshield header

at driver command, togeth-

er with a screen extending

between the Cabriolets two

rear seats. The latter defeats

the inevitable back dra; the

former diverts the airflow

into a higher arc over the

passenger compartment.

The effectiveness of

these gizmos is astound-

ing. Because Im quite long

waisted, I stick out almost

clown-like in the back seat

of many convertibles. And,

it was punishing in the

Untertrkheim tunnel at

87 mph, my eyes watering,

head buffeted, conversa-

tion all but impossible.

As the Aircap moved into

place, though, I could feel

the calm rising up past my

chin, nose and eyes, stop-

ping just about mid-fore-

head. A weird sensation

my hair was experiencing

87-mph laminar flow (note

the elegant sweep-back,

not typical convertible

comb-over), but I could talk

calmly with my seat mate.

Front-seat occupants gain

even more benefit.

Last, the Aircap wind-

shield hardware is a real

technical tour de force,

with miniaturized actua-

tors packaged compactly

in the header.

The new E-Cabriolet,

deemed a convertible for

all seasons, also sports

a really impressive CDof

0.28. The E-Class coupe i

even better, at an astound

ing 0.24.

Dennis Simanait

MERCEDES-BENZ

E-CLASS CABRIO

Mercedes-Benz gave our Engineering Editor the rare

opportunity of sitting in a stationary new 2011 E-Class

Cabriolet while traveling virtually at 140 km/h (87 mph for

us Mericans). The venue was Mercedes Untertrkheim wind

tunnel; he reports:

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CATCH MY DRIFT?It was great to read Slide

Rules about driing cars

and their capabilities (Cover

Story, January 2010). One thingcrossed my mind. I know there

are going to be complaints about

the judging, the numbers add-

ing up to a different winner and

the always-present What about(insert car not used in contest

here)? For me it was great to

see cars that are typical road

handlers get the tires loose and

still perform at top levels. I couldonly dream of taking some of

these cars and driving them at

11/10ths. What I would like to

see, as the snow settles in, is a

similar article with some awdvehicles doing the same in a

snow-covered field. Match up the

likes of Mitsubishi Evo, Subaru

STI and Audi A4.Sgt. Torrey A. Gray, U.S. Army

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Many years ago, when I was

in high school, it was consid-

ered cool to lay rubber, which

these days I suppose is called

a smoky burnout. Rev theengine, pop the clutch, and the

resulting noise and tire smoke

were sure to attract attention

from those nearby. No doubt

driing is lots of fun, and takessome serious skill to perform

proficiently. But it still reminds

me of those old days in the high

school parking lot or in front

of the local drive-in. I have towonder whether it really is a

serious motorsport, or just an-

other version of show bizlike

tractor pulls and monster-truck

demonstrations.Pete Warner

TAOS, NEW MEXICO

WHAT DO YOUREALLY THINK?

It must have been a slow dayin the editors office for some-

one to come up with the idea tocover driing, much less put

it on the cover. Although I agree

that it takes a level of control

and finesse to handle a car on

the ragged edge, I find it hard tobelieve that you consider it the

most entertaining way around a

racetrack. While it may be visual-

ly exciting to the spectators and

fun for the drivers, I find it reallydoes nothing to advance the true

concept of driving perfection: to

turn the best laps that the tal-

ents of man (or woman) and the

capabilities of the machine cancombine to accomplish. Sure,

times and what...dri angles,

were recorded for each vehicle.

But taken at face value, none

seemed to fall into the wowcategory like a sub 8-minute

lap around the Nrburgring or a

new top speed recorded on the

Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans.

Comparing driing to true racinis akin to comparing profession

wrestling to an Olympic compe-

tition. Come on, R&T; lets get

back on point.Powell T. Park

SEVEN LAKES, NORTH CAROLIN

When the Smoke Clears

ONE SIZE NEVER FITS ALLAs I started reading Side

Glances (The Vehicle Nobody

Makes, January 2010), I soon

realized where Peter Egan was

heading and I thought, Finally,the answer to the question that

has been haunting me for the

past several years. He was go-

ing to reveal to the world the

one vehicle that does it all! But,alas, no answer was given. Just

as there is no motorcycle that

does it all, there is no car or truck

that does it all. I think Peter has

a good combination with the vanand Mustang. Mine is an SUV,

a small utility trailer (parked in

the yard waiting to be covered

in snow) and a vintage muscle

car. Im getting used to pullingthe small trailer and it is quick to

hook up, easy to load (Im get-

ting old) and great for a lot ofother projects.

Mark ThomasROCKVILLE, MINNESOTA

OVERHEATEDYour article outlining the pros

and cons of dual-clutch gearboxes

in the Mitsubishi Evo and Porsche

Cayman S (Shiing Priorities,

January 2010) brought up animportant point for track nuts

like me: the degradation of the

operation of these transmissions

when they get hot. On a usual

4- or 5-run track day, with eachsessions 30 minutes of full-bore

running, the last thing you need is

the transmission packing it in due

to heat. Im surprised that a car

such as the PDK Porsche wouldnot provide better cooling to cope

with this, especially for warmer

climates. Maybe the old-reliablestandard box is the best choice

aer all.

Mike VadvilavichLOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA

PRND32L = PULL BACKTO DOWNSHIFT

Concerning the To Push or

Pull When Downshiing ques-

tion (Sidebar, Transmitting theTwist, January 2010), I dont

understand why no one realizes

the obvious. I call myself an

active automatic transmis-sion shier, meaning that I cant

stand leaving the car in Drive

for long, and the floor-mounted

shiers Ive driven for decades

always have the lower gears tothe rear (closer to the driver).

That is, PRND32L. As a result, I

and whole generations of driver

like myself, am conditioned to

pull back to downshi, so muchthat its become second nature.

Ken CrossneSOMERSET, NEW JERS

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ORIGINA

RED

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the perfect tool to get the job done right. Mechanix Gloves. The tool that fits like a glove. 800.222.4296 Canada: 604.542.7055All trademarks, personal likenesses and the likeness of the no. 29 race c ar are used under license from their owners.

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26 R O A D & T R A C K www.roadandtrack.com

BY PETER EGAN EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Funny how small decisions can save your life, orchange it forever.

For instance, when I went off to college in 1966 I had to pickout a dormitory at the University of Wisconsin, choosing from along list of dorms. I didnt really know one dorm from another,so I picked Sullivan Hall.

Why?Well, we had good family friends named Sullivan, so I ran-

domly checked the little box next to that name on the application.And thats how I met my future wife, Barbara. She was in Cole

Hall, a womens dorm that shared a common dining room, andwe met in the lunch line. If Id checked one of the other dormnames, wed probably never have met, and theres a slim chanceI might be married to some other saint by now. That, or living onskid row, drinking cheap wine and living like Charles Bukowski.

Which might improve my writing, but cause even more liverdamage.

But let us now jump ahead 45 years, and watch as the fatefulforce of small decisions raises its head once more in our lives.

A few weeks ago, Barb and I were riding my Triumph Scram-bler on our way home from breakfast on a lovely Sunday morn-ing. We were cruising down County Highway A when I turned

to Barb and shouted, Do you want to take the quick way homor the scenic way?

She flipped up her face shield and shouted, The scenic way!So I quickly backed off the throttle and started braking for

turn onto Union Road. As I did so, a young woman in a smalozenge-shaped GM economy car (your guess is as good amine) glided through the stop sign on Union Road at abou25 mph without looking our way. She was on her cellphoneslouched against the door and gazing off in the other direction.

The timing was perfect. If I hadnt already backed off ththrottle and started braking, she would have killed us.

I honked my horn, but the horn on my Triumph is pathetic. makes the same bleating sound a small sheep would make if yo

poked it in the butt with a sharp stick. I hasten to say that I havnever actually done this to a small sheep, but I think you caimagine the sound.

In any case, the horn did not penetrate either the car windowor the womans consciousness and she continued onward, without ever having seen us.

This is a new phenomenon. Until the invention of the cellphoneI never witnessed a presumably sober driver with so little situationawarenessor sense of self-preservationthat he or she woul

Hang Up and Drive

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Engine gunk!

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I think every state should have severe penaltiesfor talking on a cellphone whileyou drive, just to remove all temptation. Maybe lose your licenseand get your

car towed, as if you were seriously drunk, because you might as well be.

blow a stop sign on a relatively busy county roadwithout even casually looking both ways.

Now I see it all the time.Strangely, that very weekend, my sister called from

California to say shed gotten a ticket from theCalifornia Highway Patrol for answering her cellphonewhile driving. Her phone rang, she picked it up, lookedout her side window and found herself staring at a

police officer. Who was staring back. He gesturedhypnotically for her to pull over, and she did.

Being a good brother, I tried to commiseratewith my sister over this expensive ticket, but my heart wasntin it. I felt Id been put in the position of a parent defending awayward child to the TV cameras. (Yes, I know Duane is a se-rial killer, but he was always a good boy and he loved to feed thegoldfish) I felt bad for my sisterwho normally doesnt talkon the phone while driving (eat one lousy foot, and they call youa cannibal)but I was privately glad California had this law onits books. And Im amazed every state doesnt.

So what do I really think?I think every state should have severe penalties for talking on

a cellphone while you drive, just to remove all temptation. May-be lose your license and get your car towed, as if you were seri-ously drunk, because you might as well be. About once a week,the newspaper reveals another study showing that cellphoneusers have approximately the same accident rate as drunks, sowhy not get them all off the road? Why pick on drunks? Someof them are very nice people, when sober, and mean well.

Perhaps, as a motorcyclist, Im extra sensitive to this problem,but Ive never seen an erain 46 years of drivingwhere so manydrivers wander across centerlines, block passing lanes, mindlesslytailgate or blow intersections, and these people are almost always onthe phone when they do it. Lost in another world and driving aroundin a deadly fog of double-tasking, like someone trying to run a tablesaw and write a grocery list at the same time.

My advice is to shut off the saw, write the list, and come backlater. Easier on the fingers.

On a less vitriolic note, Ive noticed another new and slightlyhumorous side effect of compulsive cellphone use:

Many people dont read maps anymore or write down directions.Last year a young journalism student asked to come out to our

home and interview me about the magazine business. When Itried to give directions to our house, she said, Uh, I dont havea pencil and paper. Ill just call you when I leave.

So, of course, I had to be home when she left, as well as whenshe arrived.

She got to our house in segments, calling four or five timesduring the two hours it took her to find our home.

Okay, now Im in a town called Edgerton. Where do I gofrom here?

Well, you took Highway 59 about seven miles too far. Youhave to turn around and go back to Highway 138. Do you havea map?

No.If youve got a pencil or a pen I can give you directions.Theyre in my purse. Ill call you when I get back to High-

way 138 And so on.

But its not just cellphones that affect our navigationaskills. An extreme reliance on GPS or MapQuest seems t

have had a similar effect on the humabrain. Both are wonderful tools, especially i

crowded, complex urban areas, but I still see themas an adjunct to maps printed on paper.

In recent years, weve had visitors show up our place with MapQuest directions, and theusually get here without much trouble. GP

makes it easy, too, because it can rethink a route if you miss a turor find a road closed or a bridge out. The ability of GPS to recaculate a route and instantly cough up a new set of directions seemalmost miraculous to a non-electrical genius (i.e., moron) like me

Occasionally, however, Ive been surprised to discover thasome of our visitors travel without paper maps of any kind, anhave arrived with only a vague sense of where, exactly, they arin North America. (Is St. Louis far from here? Thats whermy cousin lives.) Im such a map junkie that I cant leave on tripeven when armed with GPS and MapQuestif I havenfirst reviewed where Im going on a real map. But then I donreally trust electronics.

In this Im probably part of a dying breed, like Henry Ford distrusting hydraulic brakes, but I still like the material substance omaps. I got back into flying again a couple of years ago and havoccasionally rented airplanes with GPS units in them. I admirwhat they can do, but still travel with an opened FAA sectionachart on my lap or tucked under my right leg. I like to look, alternately, at the ground and the map and pinpoint exactly wheream, and tend to use GPS (and the venerable VOR system) as verfication of the chart, rather than the other way around.

Actually, Ive never known a pilot who didnt constantly looout the window and wonder about his or her position over thground. Which is why I cant imagine how those Northwest plots overshot the Twin Cities not too long ago. If they were trulawakeas they claimthey represent a whole new breed ocuriosity-free pilot, the likes of which Ive never seen. Amateu

pilots like me, at least, have a constant, subliminal tape loop thruns through the brain, saying over and over again, Where amnowWhere am I now

The Northwest pilots claim (in their second version of thTruth) that they were working on their laptops and lost track otime. Sounds unlikely, but I suppose its possible. Look whacellphones can do. And texting, and programming your GPS.

I was riding around this past summer with a friend who wasimultaneously talking on his cellphone and trying to type ia new destination on his GPS, and he almost ran a mergingasoline tanker truck off the road. The trucker gave a loud angr

blast on his horn, and my friend responded by lifting his onfree hand off the steering wheel and shaking his fist, with th

phone cradled against his shoulder. Meanwhile, I braced mysefor the impact and made two large depressions in the footwewith my heels.

I was pretty shaken by this near miss and probably shoulhave said something, but I held my tongue. After all, except fothis one minor flaw, my friend is really a great guy.

Sort of like a few drunks Ive known, and that serial killeDuane.

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2010 K&N Engineering, Inc.

Chevy Impala 2006-10 3.5L, 3.9L 33-2334

Chevy Malibu 2008-10 2.4L, 3.6L 33-2296

Chevy Silverado 1999-10 4.8L, 5.3L 33-2129

Dodge Ram 2003-10 4.7, 5.7L 33-2247

Ford Escape 2009-10 2.5L 33-2187

Ford F150 2009-10 4.6L, 5.4L 33-2385

Ford Focus 2010 2.0L 33-2401

Ford Fusion 2010 2.5L 33-2357

Honda Accord 2008-10 2.4L 33-2402

Honda Civic 2006-10 1.8L 33-2342

Honda Insight 2009-10 1.3L 33-2433

Hyundai S onata 2006-10 2.4L 33-2887

Mazda 3 2004-10 2.0L, 2.3L 33-2293

Nissan Altima 2007-10 2.5L 33-2374

Toyota Camry 2010 2.5L 33-2370

Toyota Corolla 2009-10 1.8L 33-2360

Toyota Prius 2010 1.8L 33-2435

Toyota RAV4 2009-10 2.5L 33-2355

K&N LIFETIME AIR FILTERS FOR MOST VEHICLES

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30 R O A D & T R A C K www.roadandtrack.com

2011

The cabinslayout may be

similar to the BMW

7-Series, but the

materials, crafts-

manship and the

unique coach-

style doors are

all Rolls-Royce.

CHICHESTER, ENGLANDPresence. It has been the call-ing card of the Rolls-RoycePhantom since its introductionin 2003. Presence is also the in-spiration behind the Phantomssmaller stablemate, the Rolls-Royce Ghost, which uses suchcues as a stand-up grille andcoach-style doors to set it apartfrom other luxury cars in itsclass. And, of course, the carscabin gives off a luxuriousaura that comes from the finestwoods, wools and leathers as-sembled with the pride of Eng-lish craftsmanship.

The new Ghosts Phantom-likepresence derives from the carssubstantial dimensions. It rideson a 129.7-in. wheelbase andmeasures 212.6 in. in overalllength. The car is 76.7 in. acrossthe beam and stands 61.0 in. tall.Even with these generous propor-tions, it looks svelte when parked

beside the more senior Rolls.Despite the similarities to the

Phantom, the Ghost has a per-sonality all its own, due largelyto its underpinnings, which arecourtesy of the 7 Series from

parent company BMW. This

lineage gives the Ghost a uniqueblend of a limousines body witha drivers spirit.

The motivating force behindthis athletic drive is a 6.6-literdirect-injection twin-turbo V-12making 563 bhp and 575 lb.-ft.of torque. This silky smoothengine is mated to an equallyseamless 8-speed ZF automatictransmission driving the rearwheels. While the Ghost tipsthe scales at a robust 5445 lb.,you wouldnt know it when you

depress the accelerator. The fac-tory reports a 060-mph time of4.8 seconds. Top speed is elec-tronically limited to 155 mph.

Not only is the car swift, it isfluid in operation. The cars steer-ing is light and communicativeand it drives much smaller than itsdimensions would suggest. TheGhost is easy to hustle down theroad quickly and yet at the sametime, it handles and rides with aunique, almost inexplicable isola-tion from the world around you. It

is extremely quiet inside and yetwith the steering wheel in hand,you dont feel separated from thtask before you. Looking downthe massive hood ahead, its asif youre seated at a finely tunedgrand piano.

Turn-in is precise, theres littbody roll to speak of and thestandard 19-in. wheels and tireoffer plenty of grip. The brake

pedal feel is also quite good,with a linear action that is easyto modulate. Again, the carsBMW pedigree shines throughwhen it comes to vehicle dy-namics. And yet, when you sitin the passenger seat or in the

back, the experience is eerilysimilar to being driven aroundthe Phantom. Obviously RollsRoyce has its DNA down pat.This is a car you can equally e

joy driving or being driven in.It is also a car in which to be

seen. The unique styling, coacstyle doors and in some modelthe two-tone paint scheme withan aluminum-colored hoodoffset from the rest of the bodyare sure to draw a crowd. Insidtheres room for five, plenty of

plush carpeting, supple leatherand wood veneer along withsuch classic touches as theorgan-stop vent pulls and doormounted umbrellas.

Rolls-Royce encourages customers to take advantage of th

bespoke nature of its build process, allowing buyers to selectthe woods, paints and leathersused to finish the car. A tour othe factory confirms that muchof the car is handbuilt, althougI was disappointed to learn thano longer are the radiator shelcrafted in-house and signed bya single artisan, but rather comfrom a supplier.

Along with this old-world approach to final assembly is theuse of modern features such asnavigation, a high-end soundsystem, adaptive cruise controand a nifty head-up display thain European models actuallyreads speed limit signs for youThe Rolls-Royce Ghost willcapitalize on the exclusivityof the larger Phantom, while

broadening the brands appeal a slightly bigger market with aMSRP of about $245,000 wheit goes on sale in April.

ROLLS-ROYCEGhostThe spirit moves youBY MATT DELORENZO

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Take control with the worlds most sophisticated all-wheel drive system. Super All-Wheel Control. An all-wheel

drive technology so intelligent, it reads every inch of the asphalt providing enhanced performance and stability

regardless of the driving conditions. And speaking of intelligent technology, we added a 40GB HDD

navigation system with real-time traffic and voice control for your MP3 player and mobile phone.

So neither rain, nor snow, nor annoying DJs, nor the most frustrating traffic snarl will keep you from enjoying the

ride. The 2010 Outlander. Its different for a reason. For more information, go to mitsubishicars.com/outlander.

THE REDESIGNED 2010 OUTLANDER. TAKE CONTROL.

Consider it a course in

speed reading for the road

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P R E S E N T I N G

START ING UNDER $19,000. WELL EQUIPPED UNDER $21,500.

Climb into the all-new Kizashi and youll instantly see why the press has been showering it with praise.

From its French-stitched, bolstered sport seats to its available 425-watt, 10-speaker, iPod-compatible

Rockford Fosgateaudio system to its eight s tandard air bags to its class-leading standard horsepower to

its available all-wheel-dr ive traction no detail has been over looked. Suzuki spent over a billion dollar s to create

the Kizashi and the fruits of our labor can best be summarized by the writers at Autoblog, who called the

Kizashi an inexpensive five-seater that can embar rass cars costing 150% as much, if not more. We invite you to

take the Kizashi for an invigorating test drive. We can assure you, its an automobile thats well worth your time.

MSRP does not include tax, license, title or destination charges. Dealer prices may vary. Vehicle shown with optional equipment. iPod, Rockford Fosgate and Autoblog are registered trademarks. Engine output claim based on manufacturers web sites as of12/14/09. Class defined as Global InsightsMY10 Lower Midsize segment. AWD available with CVT only. Vehicle shown upon a designated off-road trail. Along with concerned conservationists everywhere, Suzuki urges you to Tread Lightlyon public andprivate land. Preserve your future off-roading opportunities by showing respect for the environment, local laws and the rights of others. American Suzuki Motor Corporation 2010. Suzuki, the S logo and Suzuki model names are Suzuki trademarks or .

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SuzukiAuto.com/Kiza7 AVAILABLEAWD

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34 R O A D & T R A C K www.roadandtrack.com

2011

DR

I

V

DETROITTHISNEWREGAL,built on the global Epsilonplatform, is identical in almostevery way to the European OpelInsignia. In fact, the first carscoming to the U.S. will be Ger-man built and were originallyslated to be sold as the next-gen-eration Saturn Aura. By 2011,however, Buick Regals will bemanufactured in North America,specifically in Oshawa, Ontario,Canada. The change from Insigniato Regal entails a swapping of

badges, grille, headlamps andshock valving. The headlampswere changed for legal reasons,and the shocks retuned for theU.S.-market all-season tires.

As a 2011 model, the top-line CXL will go on sale in thespring with a 6-speed automaticand a choice of 4-cylinder en-gines: a 2.4-liter direct-injec-tion Ecotec making 182 bhpor a 2.0-liter DI turbocharged

powerplant rated at 220 bhp.The turbo Regal will be offereda few months after the normallyaspirated version, followedshortly by a 6-speed manual.

On initial examination, it maynot seem like theres a lot to getexcited about. Front-wheel-drivesedans in this category are com-mon: Acura TSX, Lincoln MKZ,Volvo S60 and Audi A4. What isexciting, however, is driving the

car with the turbo four. This is abrilliant engine that made a namefor itself in the Cobalt SS by be-ing lively and powerful, whilestill offering decent economy. Theturbo 2.0-liter suffers the loss ofonly one mpg compared to thenaturally aspirated 2.4, which willlikely get 30 mpg on the highway.

The chassis of the Regal issolid. From the well-bolsteredleather-covered drivers seat, itseasy to sense this cars Europeanflair and origins. There is a no-ticeable lack of chrome and goodattention to detail with the plastic

parts. In my quick inspection,I found not a single hard, hol-

low-sounding plastic panel. Thetilt and telescope steering wheelallowed for a good ergonomicdriving position. The only thingseemingly out of place on thecar was the Buick emblempar-ticularly when youre driving theturbo with the 6-speed manual.

Its not just the engine thatsgoodso is the chassis. Thesteering feel is superb, with min-imal torque steer effects. Underhard acceleration traction controlkicks in readily, resulting in lighttugs on the steering wheel. Forthose who find this a bother, thestandard stability system can bedeactivated completely. An op-

tional Interactive Drive ControlSystem (IDCS) will be madeavailable. It allows driver-selectable parameters for damper stiffness, transmission shift points,throttle map, steering assist andstability control limits.

The Buick Gran Sport, shownas a concept in Detroit, is closeto production. Based on the OpeInsignia OPC, the GS features

powerful Brembo brakes, a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 tuned to anestimated 260 bhp, intelligentall-wheel drive and Hyperstrutfront suspension technology with20-in. forged wheels shod withPirelli P Zero summer tires. Adrive in a European OPC made iclear that Audi has competition.The world may not be ready fora Buick like this, but wed love itAs it is, the 220-bhp turbo pullsthe 3600-lb. Regal CXL to 60mph in less than 7.5 seconds.

One attribute of older Buicksthat has been kept is quietness.Listen carefully and the hiss of aspooling turbo can be heard. Butclose the windows and its easyto have a conversation at 70 mph

Nobody to talk to? Turn up theoptional Harman-Kardon audiosystem and plug into the USB

jack, or go wireless with Blue-tooth. All the usual technology isavailable, as are heated seats. Ithas been a long time since sucha thick-rimmed leather steeringwheel has graced a Buick.

The one remaining questionis price. We expect the 2.4-literCXL to start just under $26,000with a loaded turbo car landingnear $36,000.

BUICKRegalA European infusion of Opel brings life to the Regal

BY SHAUN BAILEY

Although shown as a concept, the Buick Regal GS is built from existing components. We expect todrive a production version later this year. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine will likely produce 260 bhp

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The Fifth C?

Is it possible that the mind of ascientist can create more beautyand romance than Mother Nature?

The laboratories at DiamondAura

were created with one mission in mind:Create brilliant cut jewelry that allows

everyone to experience more clarity, more

scintillation and larger carat weightsthan they have ever experienced. So,weve taken 2 carats of our lab-createdDiamondAura and set them in the mostclassic settingthe result is our moststunning, fiery, faceted design yet! Inpurely scientific measurement terms, therefractory index of the DiamondAura isvery high, and the color dispersion isactually superiorto mined diamonds.

Perfection from the laboratory.

We named our brilliant cut stonesDiamondAura, because, they dazzlejust like natural diamonds but withoutthe outrageous cost. We will not boreyou with the incredible details of the

scientific process, but will only say thatit involves the use of rare minerals heatedto an incredibly high temperature ofnearly 5000F. This can only be accom-plished inside some very modern andexpensive laboratory equipment. Afterseveral additional steps, scientists finallycreated a clear marvel that looks evenbetter than the vast majority of mineddiamonds. According to the book

Jewelry and Gemsthe Buying Guide, the

technique used in DiamondAuraoffers, The best diamondsimulation to date, and even

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The 4 Cs. Our DiamondAura3-Stone Classique Ring retainsevery jewelers specification:color, clarity, cut, and caratweight. The transparent colorand clarity of DiamondAuraemulate the most perfect

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36 R O A D & T R A C K www.roadandtrack.com

2010

AIMEDPRIMARILYATBABYboomers who now have the timeto pursue activities that theyvealways wanted to do, the HondaCrosstour is a vehicle designedto appeal to people looking tomove up in size from a sedan,or move down from an SUV.In that regard, the Crosstour issimply a station wagon with6 in. of ground clearance andgood EPA fuel economy of 18mpg city/27 highway.

As Hondas premium vehicle,the Crosstour EX is outfittedwith a 271-bhp 3.5-liter VTEC-equipped V-6 engine with cyl-inder deactivation, moonroof,dual-zone climate control andsteering-wheel-mounted audiocontrols. The top-of-the-lineEX-L adds leather seating,Bluetooth and a more powerfulsound system with a USB portand XM satellite reception. Bothtrim levels can be had with an all-wheel-drive system with a centralmultiplate clutch.

The Crosstours cylinder de-activation has three modes. Atfull power, all six cylinders firenormally. When youre at re-duced loads, VTEC closes bothintake and exhaust valves whilethe computer stops pulsing theinjectors on either the rear bankof cylinders in 3-cylinder mode,

or the right cylinder of the frontbank and the left cylinder of therear bank when in 4-cylindermode. During operation, wefound the technology used tohide the roughness inherent toselective-cylinder running to

be effective. Systems such asActive Control Engine Mounts(ACM) and Active Sound Con-trol (ASC) are used to maskvibrations and noise. Except forthe green ECO light on thedash, the operation is essentiallyseamless while driving. TheACM is controlled by the on-

board computer to cancel vibra-tions from cylinder deactivation

by counteracting the vibrationitself, helped in part by a rub-

ber-isolated front subframe.Meanwhile, ASC emits an out-of-phase signal to filter certainfrequencies through the carsspeakers. It can also accentuatevarious engine sounds.

The 5-speed automatictransmission also features newtechnology for Honda, includ-ing rev-match downshifting aswell as a gear hold function thatworks based on the speed differ-ential between the left and rightwheels, which means the trans-mission wont shift when yourein the middle of the corner.

On the inside, youll know

immediately youre in a Hondaproduct. There are familial ele-ments that will resonate withcurrent Honda owners; the dashlayout and steering wheel areinstantly recognizable. As befitsa car of this size, there is gener-ous room for all five passengersas well as ample cargo space.The hatchback cargo area hassmall access doors just behindthe rear wheel wells that revealcubbyholes for odds and ends.Above them are metal releaselatches for the rear seats. Theload floor can be raised to reveala flattish cargo area.

But the aspect that many of uscant get over is the styling. Ourchief gripe lies with the lack ofintegration between the muscularfront and soft rear ends. Never-theless, as the adage goes, Beau-ty is in the eye of the beholder.

Thankfully, once we had achance to drive it, the Crosstour

revealed itself as what we hopedit would be: an Accord stationwagon. Its a solid utilitarian ve-hiclealbeit one with question-able styling. Our EX-L test carwas equipped with an optionalDVD-based navigation systemas well as all-wheel drive. Theall-wheel-drive system is front

biased and made the car feelless nimble on the few twistyroads we found in Rancho PalosVerdes, California, about 30miles south of Los Angeles. Thesystem is definitely not perfor-mance-biased, but rather more foall-weather safety. We enjoyedthe communicative and livelysteering feel of the front-wheel-drive model, but felt the suspen-sion was softer than a standardAccord sedans. But then, thatstotally fine for this familyhauler. The EX starts at $29,670and an all-wheel-drive EX-L witnavigation goes for $36,220.

HONDAAccord Crosstour EX-LWhen four doors are just not enough

BY CALVIN KIMPHOTOS BY JEFF ALLEN

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What started in 1975 with a pair of rented Formula

Fords and a makeshift road course in Thompson,

Connecticut is now the worlds largest and best racing

and driving school. Today Skip Barber Racing School

visits more than 20 different tracks around the country

with Racing Schools, High Performance Driving

Schools, Mazda Driving Schools and the Skip Barber

Race Series, including the Skip Barber MAZDASPEED

Challenge. All designed to make you a safer, faster and

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2009 MacNeil Automotive Products Limited

What Matters to You?Today, America needs fresh leadership to lead usas a nation out of this economic crisis. Leadershipmust come not only from our political leaders butalso from the average citizen. The exporting ofAmerican jobs is a trend that must be stopped andreversed. When I walk into my local hardwarestore, I typically find 85% of the goods for sale aremanufactured 7,000 miles away. RecognizableAmerican brands have been forced by shortsightedmanagement and buyers at large national chains to

build factories overseas just to save a lousy $.50 ona tape measure. To these ruthless buyers, it is allabout the money. Rarely are product quality, the

political system, human rights, animal rights andenvironmental costs to the planet considered, not tomention the cost to our society of exporting notonly jobs, but an entire factory!

At MacNeil Automotive, we are doing our partfor the American economy and for our 300 millionfellow citizens and neighbors. My philosophy isthat if my neighbor doesnt have a job, sooner orlater I wont have a job either. For example, weused to have our All-Weather Floor Matsmanufactured in England by a company that usedantiquated, inefficient equipment. They made adecent floor mat for us, but we thought we could

build a better floor mat for our customers using

modern American technology, American rawmaterials and skilled American workers. So in2007 we transferred all of our floor mat manufac-turing back to the United States. Today, we buildthe best fitting, highest quality automotive floormats in the world, right here in America.

Our machine shop is equipped with 17 CNCmachining centers including four 4 axis millsand one 5 axis mill that produce between 30 to 50injection and thermoforming molds per month.We have one shift of highly skilled American

Journeymen toolmakers and apprentices, but ourmachines run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.There is not a more efficient tool and moldmaking operation in the world - and guess what,its right here in America.

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Specialists in Original Equipment anAftermarket Automotive Accessorie

Furthermore, all of our CNC mills are manufac-tured in Oxnard, CA by Haas. Our 1,000 toninjection molding machines are made in BoltonOntario of American and Canadian componentsOur thermoforming machinery is made in CarolStream, IL. The raw steel and aluminum billetswhich make up our tooling are sourced fromAmerican steel and aluminum mills such as Vis

Metals in Fontana, CA. The raw materials thatmake up our All-Weather Floor Mats, FloorLineCargo Liners and Mud Flaps are manufactured iBellevue OH, Arlington TX, Wichita KS andJasper TN. Our forklifts are made in Columbus and Greene NY. Our warehouse racking ismanufactured in Tatamy PA.

At MacNeil Automotive, we are also very awareof sustainability and our responsibility to theenvironment. We are proactive in controlling waand recycling all of the unused raw materials

from the manufacture of our tooling and producincluding: aluminum, steel, rubber, TPO, TPE,

paper and cardboard.

As you can see, we are as dedicated to designindeveloping and manufacturing the f inest automtive accessories for our consumer and OEM clieas we are passionate about supporting theAmerican economy, preserving the Americanindustrial infrastructure, and keeping the monein our family, a family of 300 million people

from all over America.

Life is simple; be good to your fellow man, be kto animals and the environment, and place builda quality product, supporting yourcountry and your fellow American worker befor

profit. And, one last thing - lets all do our bestto balance family time with work time as ourchildren are the future of America.

Sincerely,

David MacNeil, Founder/CEOdmacneil@macneil.com

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40 R O A D & T R A C K

BMW VISION

EFFICIENTDYNAMICS

CONCEPT

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www.roadandtrack.com M A R C H 2 0 1 0

The dawn of high-performance hybrids

BY PATRICK HONG PHOTOS BY BRUCE BENEDICT

As a plug-in turbodiesel hybriddressed in upward-pivoting

doors and radical styling, BMWs 4-seat Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is

packed with technology enabling it to be both frugal on the fuel and fast on the road.

Fresh from its Frankfurt Motor Show world debut last year, it arrived a few weeks later

stateside to make its Los Angeles Auto Show appearance. And before it rolled into the

convention center, we were able to take a closer look at this futuristic hybrid concept

car, which is destined to play a large role in defining the shape of things to come.

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TheVisionseamlesslyblendsthegreenhouseandthebodyintooneelegantworkofart.

Flowing contours and layering of various surfaces give the Vision a dynamic presence.

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www.roadandtrack.com M A R C H 2 0

The Vision EfficientDynamics Concept is 181.1 in. long, 74.in. wide and 48.8 in. tall. It has a 2+2 seating configuration thaincludes 5.3 cu. ft. of luggage space. The overall curb weight is jusa little over 3000 lb. The show car rides on 21-in. tires, size 195/55Of particular interest is the innovative approach to the cars lightweight construction. The chassis is made mostly from aluminumwith exterior skin utilizing layering technology where one surfacis bonded on top of another to create a smooth skin with a minimnumber of joints. The special polycarbonate glass that stretchefrom the base of the windshield to the rear blends seamlessly intthe doors and the fenders made with similar material. The BMWsignature kidney grille has active louvers that open and closdepending on the cooling needs. The sculpted air dams ahead othe front fenders and the specially designed A-pillars are intendeto guide the air around and over the car efficiently with minimresistance. Drag coefficient for the Vision is 0.22.

Inside the car, complementing the Visions futuristic exteriostyling, is a sweeping and flowing instrument panel. The seats ararranged to give passengers a floating