Canada Auto Information
The Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG is not a sports sedan, although it is a sedan. The E55 is not a sports car, although it tears from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The E55 is a speed sled – a conveyance of staggering power capable of great pace. Attaining great speed is not just [...]
Driven hard, the SRX felt balanced or a 4450-pounder, thanks in part to its wheelbase and in part to the AWD Model’s 52/48 weight bias. Throughout, the ride was terrific: firm but never harsh, no crash-through, no lateral head toss, no gratuitous damper bound – even over a yump that got all four wheels airborne. [...]
Among the automotive design fraternity, Giorgetto Giugiaro is still the high priest, but for a few years now he has taken a back seat as his cosmopolitan son Fabrizio presented a new image for the business in Moncalieri, near Turin, that is now known as Italdesign-Giugiaro. Fabrizio’s style has been more architectural than artistic, bringing [...]
How Porsche created a convertible version of the 911 Turbo – without Porsche ever finding out about it. By now you know that Porsche is planning to introduce a cabriolet version of the 911 Turbo in 2003. As far as Porsche is concerned, it’s the first time the factory has produced a droptop turbo. But [...]
A more efficient cylinder-head design. It peaks at 237 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm, and it feels strong and responsive from the moment you tickle the accelerator. It’s happy to rev, but massively energetic low-end and midrange response mean there are times when you short-shift, skip a gear [...]
Highs: Slick clutch, EZ coordination of smooth shifts, torque four, responsive brakes. Lows: Odd hitches in steering response, ropy shift linkage, gritty ride texture, basement seating in back. The Verdict: No longer cute, no longer crude, Neon settles for the committee approach. The shifter feels like an assemblage of loose-fitting parts, the throttle is stiff, [...]
