Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mazda-cx-9-grand-touring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mazda-cx-9-grand-touring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mazda-cx-9-grand-touring/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

 If you keep up with the print mags, it would be easy to think that every journalist, PR flack and blogger loves Mazda's CX-9. Automobile Magazine made a spot for it on their All-Stars list, Motor Trend named it Sport Utility of the Year, Car & Driver thinks its one of the 5 Best Trucks of 2008, SEAMO crowned it their Family Car of the Year and USA TODAY even went as far as calling it "about perfect." We put 380 miles on the 7-seater in our best attempt to debunk the CX-9's mythical aura of SUV perfection and found most of the legend true.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>cx-9 reviewCx-9Reviewcx9 reviewCx9Reviewfeaturedmazda cx-9mazda cx9mazda cx9 reviewMazdaCx-9MazdaCx9MazdaCx9Reviewsuv reviewSuvReview2008-08-11T12:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mercedes-benz-s63-amg-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mercedes-benz-s63-amg-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mercedes-benz-s63-amg-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the AMG S63

There was a time when what we might call super-sedans were largely the province of a dedicated cadre of aftermarket tuners. Companies like Brabus, Alpina and, of course, AMG would generally start with mid-sized German sedans and transform them into something truly special. AMG in particular came to the forefront in 1987 after two decades of building special Mercs when they unleashed the Hammer. They had been building cars for two decades already, but the Hammer took things to a new level by installing a 5.6L V8 from the 560SEC coupe modified with twin-cam four valve heads into the mid-size 300E sedan. With that car, AMG set off an arms race that continues to this day. The tuners are still out there but AMG was eventually brought in from the cold when it was bought by Mercedes-Benz. Today AMG produces high performance versions of almost all Mercedes models and standing near the pinnacle of the lineup is the S63 sedan. Find out what the AMG S63 is like to live with after the jump.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>autoblog garageAutoblogGaragefeaturedmercedesmercedes benzmercedes benz s63 amgmercedes-benzmercedesbenzMercedesBenzS63Amg2008-08-07T11:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Second drive: 2009 Ford Flex SEL AWD, I concur!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/second-drive-2009-ford-flex-sel-awd-i-concur/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/second-drive-2009-ford-flex-sel-awd-i-concur/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/second-drive-2009-ford-flex-sel-awd-i-concur/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Flex

As things turned out a brand new Ford Flex turned up the Ypsilanti branch of the Autoblog garage just a week after my friend Chris had one. While Chris used the Flex as a daily hauler, my family and I used the Flex to make a trek up to Traverse City in the opposite corner of Michigan's lower peninsula for a vacation. Our all-wheel-drive Flex was slightly less loaded than Chris' unit, missing the navigation system and built in refrigerator. The gray vacation mobile also had the base 18 inch wheel package rather than the 19s on Chris' tester.

Since we had rented a house by lake, we decided to bring a bunch of food and assorted other stuff so that we wouldn't have to eat out all the time. The massive interior volume of the Flex made loading up the back a breeze. The well behind the third row seats easily holds a full-size cooler and folding the rear seats forward provides a perfect platform for suitcases beach towels, floaties for lounging on the water or whatever else you choose to bring along. Read the rest of my impressions after the jump.

Gallery: Second Drive: Ford Flex SEL


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>driving impressionsDrivingImpressionsford flexFordFlex2008-08-01T16:06:00+00:00<![CDATA[Above the Autoblog Garage: The Goodyear Blimp]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/above-the-autoblog-garage-the-goodyear-blimp/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/above-the-autoblog-garage-the-goodyear-blimp/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/above-the-autoblog-garage-the-goodyear-blimp/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery.

With excursions in light aircraft, aerobatic planes, commercial jets, and helicopters already under our belt, we jumped on Goodyear's invite to take a flight in one of its three blimps stationed (or should we say tethered) in North America. The world's largest tire company has been flying blimps for more than 80 years. Used as a stable camera platform, or simply for advertising, the giant silver balloons have safely carried countless passengers over the decades. Follow the jump to read Autoblog's first review from the gondola of a lighter-than-air dirigible.

Gallery: Goodyear Blimp


All photos copyright Michael Harley / Weblogs Inc.

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]]>BlimpdirigibledirigiblesflyingGoodyeargoodyear blimpgoodyear tiregoodyear tiresGoodyearBlimpgoodyeartireGoodyearTireshindenburg2008-07-31T20:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Volkswagen SportWagen SE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-volkswagen-sportwagen-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-volkswagen-sportwagen-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-volkswagen-sportwagen-se/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2009 VW SportWagen SE

A while back, my wife and I decided we would become parents. As soon as I saw the little wand TURN blue, I knew we'd need a bigger car. That was almost three years ago. We still need a bigger car. The problem with knowing a little bit about cars is the dizzying plethora of choices and the rumored promises of what's on the horizon. We didn't want the soccer-mom stigma of a minivan, or an SUV that drove like a truck and got 12 mpg. We wanted a car with room for two parents and one, possibly two, baby seats, and all the gear that comes with a growing family. I insisted the car have handling as near a sports car as possible, burn as little gas as possible and cost less than $25k. Oh, and is it too much to ask for style?

My mom said, "You want it all, don't you? Just buy something." Which, of course, only incited me to a new level of stubbornness and a vow to find the perfect car. After more than TWO years shopping, our family car Holy Grail just might be German.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Volkswagen Sportwagen SE


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>dieseldiesel sportwagenDieselSportwagenfeaturedjetta sportwagenjetta sportwagen reviewJettaSportwagenJettaSportwagenReviewsportwagensportwagen reviewsportwagen tdiSportwagenReviewSportwagenTdivolkswagen sportwagenVolkswagen sportwagen reviewVolkswagenSportwagenVolkswagenSportwagenReviewVW sportwagenVwSportwagen2008-07-31T12:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Maserati GranTurismo [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-maserati-granturismo-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-maserati-granturismo-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-maserati-granturismo-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the GranTurismo for a high-res gallery

When we review a car, at some point we take it out to find a secluded location for a photo shoot. Anyone who does drive by usually keeps on going without asking any questions. Not so with a gleaming Nero black Maserati GranTurismo and a "Where are my sunglasses?" yellow Corvette Z06 sitting side by side. This was the scenario that transpired when fellow Autoblogger Chris Shunk swung by the Ann Arbor office for a joint photo shoot of our respective review vehicles. Corvettes, even screaming yellow Z06s, are pretty commonplace in Michigan. Maseratis, however, are anything but. The GranTurismo sashayed onto the world's automotive stage in March 2007 at the Geneva Motor Show looking right at home in the company of the models who always adorn the displays of Italian marques at such events. Read on to find out what Maserati's latest coupe is like to live with.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Maserati GranTurismo


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>featuredmaserati gran turism...maserati gran turismomaserati granturismmaserati granturismoMaseratiGranturismMaseratiGranTurism...MaseratiGranturismo2008-07-30T11:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: Bentley Continental GT Speed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/in-the-autoblog-garage-bentley-continental-gt-speed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/in-the-autoblog-garage-bentley-continental-gt-speed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/in-the-autoblog-garage-bentley-continental-gt-speed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Bentley Continental GT Speed

When we reviewed the Bentley Continental Flying Spur a couple of years ago, we showed you just how many other forms of transportation could be bought with the car's $183,825 out-the-door asking price. For this review of Bentley's new super coupe, the Continental GT Speed, we thought we'd list just a few of the cars that produce the same or less horsepower than the fastest Flying B ever made. The complete list is rather long considering that the GT Speed is powered by a twin-turbo, twelve-cylinder engine producing 600 horsepower, but here are just a few.

Dodge Viper - 600 horsepower
Lamborghini Murcielago - 571 horsepower
Ford GT - 550 horsepower
Porsche 911 GT2 - 530 horsepower
Corvette Z06 - 505 horsepower
Ferrari F430 Scuderia - 503 horsepower
1999 Oldsmobile Alero Coupe - 150 horsepower

While it's true that cars with 600+ horsepower are becoming common in the supercar segment, the GT Speed's 48-horsepower bump over the standard Continental GT drives it into some truly rarified air. Read on to find out how it fared in the Autoblog Garage.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: Bentley Continental GT Speed


Photos Copyright (C)2008 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>BentleyBentley Continental GT SpeedBentleyContinentalGtSpeedContinental GT SpeedContinentalGtSpeedfeaturedGT SpeedGtSpeed2008-07-28T11:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: Aprilia RSV 1000 R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/26/in-the-autoblog-garage-aprilia-rsv-1000-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/26/in-the-autoblog-garage-aprilia-rsv-1000-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/26/in-the-autoblog-garage-aprilia-rsv-1000-r/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for more high-res images of the Aprilia RSV 1000 R

When the sportbike discussion inevitably turns to outright performance, the Aprilia RSV 1000R is usually left out of the equation. It is true that the Italian bike is down on horsepower when compared with its racier relatives from Ducati and especially against the inline four machines from the Japanese manufacturers. While the Big Four from Japan continuously improve their unique (but very similar) breed of liter-class sportbikes with completely new designs every few years, Aprilia has sat back and made very small and incremental changes to its V-Twin contestant, and though its acceleration is surely a tick or two behind the leaders, it is important to consider the fact that everything is relative in the world of liter-bikes. Remember, barring something truly special, any liter-class sportbike from the last decade is sure to be the quickest vehicle on any given road. So, what does the Aprilia offer to make up for its apparent lack of horsepower? Read on.

Gallery: Aprilia RSV 1000 R


All photos copyright Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs Inc.

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]]>apriliaaprilia reviewaprilia rsv 1000 raprilia rsv1000raprilia rsvraprilia testApriliaReviewApriliaRsv1000rApriliaRsvrApriliaTestfeatured2008-07-26T13:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage:2009 Nissan GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-nissan-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for our high-res gallery of the 2009 Nissan GT-R

Nissan recently granted Autoblog four fleeting days with a red 2009 Nissan GT-R. While it seems every major automotive outlet has tested "Godzilla" on the track (including our First Drive), we chose instead to keep it on the streets to see if one of the world's most powerful and fastest accelerating cars could be domesticated by stop-and-go traffic, family errands, and carpool duty. Of course, we only stuck to that routine for a day or two... the rest of the time was spent on the famed canyon roads of Southern California. Follow the jump to read about our 100-hour experience in the Nissan GT-R and don't miss what very well may be the most beautiful gallery of high-res images we've ever published courtesy of our own Drew Phillips and all ready to become your next desktop wallpaper.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Nissan GT-R


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

UPDATE: We've rerun the GT-R drive due to pure awesomeness.

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]]>featuredG-TRGodzillagt-rgt-r v-specGt-rV-specGTRin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGarageNissanNissan GT-RNissanGt-rr35r35 gt-rr35gt-rr35testdriveSkylineTest DriveTestDrive2008-07-23T19:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mercedes-slk55-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mercedes-slk55-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mercedes-slk55-amg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,




Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG

It sits there, all tension and sinew, ready to pounce on lesser cars. Start it up and it barks with a clear V8 voice that thumps off the neighbor's house, setting them discreetly peeking from behind their lace curtains. This is an SLK? Oh yeah. No longer a blocky Benz with dwarfism, the SLK55 AMG ripples with muscle and delivers speed like a spin kick to the temple. A bad-ass Mercedes, indeed.

Gallery: Mercedes SLK55 AMG


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>autoblog garageAutoblogGaragefeaturedgaragein the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragemercedesmercedes ambmercedes amgmercedes benzmercedes slkmercedes slk55mercedes-benzMercedesAmbMercedesAmgMercedesBenzMercedesSlkMercedesSlk55slkslk 55slk 55 amgslk55slk55 amgslk55amg2008-07-18T19:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 BMW M3 MT6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-bmw-m3-mt6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-bmw-m3-mt6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-bmw-m3-mt6/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 BMW M3 coupe.

Third-party performance tuners like Alpina, AMG, Brabus, Ruf and others have thrived in the land of the autobahn, typically modifying cars from one particular brand. In the late '70s, BMW became the first of the German automakers to establish its own in-house tuning division, incorporating its motorsports arm into what's now know as the M division. The firm's racing knowledge disseminated down to its production cars with the introduction of the M1 and later the M535i. In subsequent years, M followed up with the M5 and M3. Eventually Mercedes followed suit by buying out AMG, while Audi launched Quattro GmbH. Over the past two decades, M has continued to create ever faster iterations of mainstream Bimmers and for 2008 the M brain trust brings us the fourth generation of the M3.

The original 1986 M3 used the boxy body of the E30 3-series coupe, equipped with a high output, 16-valve four cylinder engine to homologate the body and engine for Group A touring car racing. Over the years, M3s, like all other BMWs (and pretty much every other car on the road), have grown bigger, heavier and more powerful. The E36 and E46 M3s both drew motive force from in-line six-cylinder engines ranging from 240hp to 333hp. The new E90-based M3 has what could turn out to be the ultimate engine of the series, with an all-new 4.0-liter V8 generating 414 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. But what's it like to live with? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 BMW M3


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>bmw m3bmw m3 coupeBmwM3BmwM3Coupe2008-07-11T19:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Lincoln MKS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-lincoln-mks/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-lincoln-mks/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-lincoln-mks/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the MKS for a high res gallery

The 2009 Lincoln MKS may be the marque's last chance at establishing a distinct image after two decades of struggling to find its identity. At one time Lincoln, like its counterparts at Cadillac, stood apart from lesser vehicles with unique styling, powertrains and features that clearly delineated its place in the automotive hierarchy. Not that Mark IVs, Vs and VIs were high-water marks in design, but at least when you saw one rolling down the road, you knew you were looking at a Lincoln.

But the Continentals of the '80s marked the onset of Lincoln's utterly forgettable image, and when Ford went on a buying binge in the late '80s with Jaguar, continuing through the '90s with Volvo, Aston Martin, and Land Rover, the waters began to be seriously muddied. The creation of the Premier Automotive Group, which bundled all the premium brands together, did nothing to help Lincoln's outlook, so Ford's in-house luxury brand needed a fresh start. With the dissolution of PAG, Peter Horbury and the team went back to the drawing board to define a look that would shout "Lincoln!" for years to come. Read on to find out if the MKS succeeds.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2009 Lincoln MKS


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>20092009 lincoln mks2009 lincoln mks road test2009 lincoln mks test2009LincolnMks2009LincolnMksRoadTest2009LincolnMksTestautoblog garageAutoblogGaragefeaturedlincoln mkslincoln mks test driveLincolnMksLincolnMksTestDrive2008-07-07T12:35:00+00:00<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #100]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/03/autoblog-podcast-100/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/03/autoblog-podcast-100/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/03/autoblog-podcast-100/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Here it is in all its glory, Episode #100 of the Autoblog Podcast. We've finally made it. There's a new graphic, a big group of five people all talking on top of each other, and new music. Stay tuned, as we've got an excellent giveaway coming up soon (i.e. when fearless leader Neff gets back from his nuptials). We'd thought that #100 might go 100 minutes, but for your sake, that's not the case and we occupy only 50 minutes of your time this week. Thanks for listening and keep the feedback, commentary, and questions rolling in to podcast at autoblog daught com. See you next week!

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]]>autoblog podcastautoblog podcast 100AutoblogPodcastAutoblogPodcast100podcast 100Podcast1002008-07-03T16:34:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Cayman S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-porsche-cayman-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-porsche-cayman-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-porsche-cayman-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Porsche Cayman S

To many, the Porsche Cayman is just a look-alike twin to the drop-top Porsche Boxster. While it shares a platform, underpinnings, and even engine choices with its two-seat sibling, the Cayman performs a decidedly different role and delivers even more gratifying performance. Porsche dropped off a top-of-the-line Cayman S in the Autoblog Garage. It offers a more powerful engine and larger brakes over the standard Cayman model. Follow the jump to read our impressions on the Porsche Cayman S after we held the keys in our hands for a week.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Cayman S


All photos copyright Michael Harley / Weblogs Inc.

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]]>2008 porsche cayman s2008PorscheCaymanSCayman SCaymanSfeaturedGarageintheautobloggaragePorschePorsche CaymanPorscheCayman2008-06-30T15:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retractable Hard Top]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mazda-mx-5-miata-retractable-hard-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mazda-mx-5-miata-retractable-hard-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mazda-mx-5-miata-retractable-hard-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Mazda MX-5.

Just as it appeared that winter was finally drawing to close here in Michigan, one of the definitive summertime cars turned up on our doorstep -- the Mazda MX-5 Miata . Somewhere back in the middle part of the last century, small, lightweight, roadsters flourished with a variety of models available from mostly British manufacturers. Names like MG, Triumph, Austin-Healey and Lotus defined the genre. Unfortunately, a number of factors such as random intermittent windshield wipers, intermittent headlights, intermittent ignition, persistent oil leaks and predisposition for the bodies to convert to iron oxide soured the reputation of these and other car builders. This was followed by the consolidation of the most of the British car industry into British Leyland and then the onset of safety and emissions regulations. By 1980, the classic British sports car had become all but extinct.

Then a strange thing happened. Mazda, always had a reputation as being slightly offbeat (witness its dedication to the Wankel rotary, which exists to this day) introduced a new model dubbed the MX-5 Miata . This compact, rear-drive two-seat roadster bore a strong resemblance to a '60s vintage Lotus Elan. However, unlike the Elan and its compatriots, the Miata started every time you turned the key, didn't leave you drenched when it rained, and didn't leave puddles of oil on your garage floor. In other words, it was a classic British sports car that worked like a modern Japanese car. Read on after the jump to find out how the latest incarnation fares.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Hardtop


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Brad Wood / Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>featuredmazdamazda mx-5mazda mx-5 hardtopmazda mx-5 miatamazda mx-5 roadster ...MazdaMx-5MazdaMx-5HardtopMazdaMx-5MiataMazdaMx-5Roadster...retractableretractable hardtopretractablehardtop2008-06-29T13:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[In The Autoblog Garage: BMW 128i Convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/28/in-the-autoblog-garage-bmw-128i-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/28/in-the-autoblog-garage-bmw-128i-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/28/in-the-autoblog-garage-bmw-128i-convertible/#commentsFiled under: , ,



BMW's 1-Series does not smirk at you and say "don't hate me because I'm beautiful." No, this small Teut is easy to deride on appearance; one look has you hating it because it's not beautiful while so many of its past brethren have been classically handsome. Whether it suits your taste or not, the 128i convertible we borrowed is unmistakably the work of the wizards of Munich. So, it's definitely a BMW, and it's being described as a reincarnation of the legendary 2002; does it measure up?

Gallery: In The Autoblog Garage - BMW 128i Convertible


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>bmw 1 seriesbmw 1-seriesbmw 128ibmw 128i convertibleBmw1-seriesBmw128iBmw128iConvertibleBmw1Seriesfeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGarage2008-06-28T13:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Volkswagen R32]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-volkswagen-r32/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-volkswagen-r32/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-volkswagen-r32/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 VW R32

The scraping as I pulled into the church parking lot worried me. I'd only had one of the rarest of VeeDubs for a few hours and I might have already nicked it. An unholy shame for sure, since for two weeks I had looked forward to blasting down I-20 at the wheel of an R32. For two weeks I had wondered how loud a redlined VR6 could wail. But for the last two hours I'd done nothing but get lost in Atlanta gridlock trying to set my destination on the car's in-dash nav.

Pulling in the First Pentecostal parking lot's steep entrance was a decision made in frustration and impatience, one made easier with the R32's light, quick steering and massive acceleration. But shelter from the kamikaze traffic I expected, undercarriage damage I did not. A quick inspection revealed nothing of importance had suffered trauma. The 18-inch wheels and their low-profile Continentals looked fine. The rear differential seemed unscathed. The bumper's plastic valance was unharmed and couldn't have made the metal-on-concrete sound I'd heard anyway.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 VW R32


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Tutor, Napo Monasterio / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>featuredhot hatchHotHatchr32r32 reviewR32Reviewvolkswagenvolkswagen r32volkswagen r32 reviewVolkswagenR32VolkswagenR32Reviewvwvw r32vw r32 reviewVwR32VwR32Review2008-06-23T12:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: Aprilia SXV550]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/19/in-the-autoblog-garage-aprilia-sxv550/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/19/in-the-autoblog-garage-aprilia-sxv550/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/19/in-the-autoblog-garage-aprilia-sxv550/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Aprilia SXV550

After having it in our garage for the last few weeks, the Aprilia SXV550 can best be described by the word 'extreme'. From its extremely compact yet very powerful V-Twin engine to its extremely uncomfortable saddle, this is a bike that demands attention from its rider. Also extreme is its ability to wheelie and perform stoppies, so much so that it must be ridden with great respect on the street. The Supermoto category is basically made up of off-road bikes equipped with just the bare essentials to be street-legal. Off go the knobbies and in their places are spooned grippy sportbike tires on 17-inch wheels. This bike fits neatly into that category and was created with maximum fun in mind; but does the SXV's extreme nature take the joy out of riding it on the street? That's what we set to find out when we borrowed one for our garage. Read on to see how it fared.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: Aprilia SXV550


All photos copyright Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs Inc.

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]]>apriliaaprilia sxv550aprilia sxv550 reviewaprilia sxv550 testApriliaSxv550ApriliaSxv550ReviewApriliaSxv550Testfeaturedgaragein the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGarage2008-06-19T12:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2008 Porsche RS 60 Spyder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/13/first-drive-2008-porsche-rs-60-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/13/first-drive-2008-porsche-rs-60-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/13/first-drive-2008-porsche-rs-60-spyder/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder

On paper, the Boxster RS 60 Spyder might seem nothing more than a limited-edition Boxster with some interior upgrades, a slight horsepower bump over the S model and a name picked from the company's rich racing history.

Let's first take a look at the car's historic name. In 1960, Porsche's mid-engined 718 RS 60 won both the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Targa Florio. Historic pictures show it as a silver car with a red leather interior, much like the 2008 Boxster RS 60 Spyder I took around Barber Motorsports this week.

Continue reading after the jump and visit our high res gallery.

Gallery: First Drive: Porsche Boxster RS 60


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>barber motorsportsBarberMotorsportsDavid MurryDavidMurryfeaturedPorsche Driving Experienceporsche rs 60porsche rs 60 spyderporsche rs60porsche spyderPorscheDrivingExperiencePorscheRs60PorscheRs60SpyderPorscheSpyderrs 60 spyderRs60Spyder2008-06-13T14:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Audi RS4 Cabriolet, Quattro GmbH's Stephan Reil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-audi-rs4-cabriolet-quattro-gmbhs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-audi-rs4-cabriolet-quattro-gmbhs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-audi-rs4-cabriolet-quattro-gmbhs/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi RS4 Cabriolet

Just about the time that a Misano Red 2008 Audi RS4 Cabriolet arrived in the Autoblog Garage, the very last examples of the breed were rolling off the assembly line at the Quattro GmbH facility in Neckarsulm Germany. During my trip to Germany a couple of weeks prior for the launch drive of the new Audi A4 Avant, we had an opportunity to sit down in Neckarsulm with the General Manager for Development of Quattro GmbH, Stephan Reil. Quattro is Audi's in-house tuner division, comparable to AMG for Mercedes-Benz and the M Division at BMW.

Quattro GmbH has several divisions, one of which is responsible for development and part of the production of Audi RS models such as this RS4 Cabriolet and the new RS6. Another group is responsible for all aspects of a car from development to production and quality control. The first product of this latter team is the Audi R8 that debuted last year. The third group is responsible for accessories like the S-Line products and the last department handles individualization of new cars. When customers order a new Audi, they can have it customized in innumerable ways such as custom colors, upholstery and pretty much any add-on you can think of that adds plenty to Audi's bottom line. There is also a group apart from the vehicle groups that is responsible for lifestyle products, which could be anything from umbrellas to Jeff Kuhlman's (Audi of America Communications Director) favorite, the Audi cigar cutter. Read on after the jump for my impressions of the RS4 Cabrio and to learn what Reil had to say about Quattro and how they came to build this car.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Audi RS4 Cabriolet


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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