Automotive Reviews
Two Doors
2010 Lexus IS 250 C
Sep 4th
The IS convertibles from Lexus crept into the market without much fanfare, dropping into a natural hole in the Lexus lineup and settling in like they’d always been there. Does it mean something that I forgot about the existence of this car until I saw one in a parking lot and wasn’t sure what it was?
As an avowed car spotter, it was somewhat embarrassing to see the Lexus IS 250C and not immediately recognize it. A natural addition to the line of IS compact sport-luxury sedans, the retractable hardtop fills both the two-door coupe and convertible roles and gives the IS models a broader base from which to compete with the likes of the Audi A4 and A5 and the BMW 3-Series. Those two vehicles are the gold standard of the compact sport-luxury market, though challengers like the Infiniti G37 and Cadillac CTS were certainly on Lexus’ mind when the IS 250C and IS 350C were penned. More >
2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
Aug 27th
Chevrolet’s Corvette is practically a marque of its own; this sports car’s long history makes it as much of a household name as that of its parent company. Even when people say that the entire General Motors lineup is completely devoid of desirable product, this comment is frequently followed by, “except for the Corvette.” The latest ‘Vette is an American sports car done right.
The Corvette Grand Sport, new for 2010, aims to garner even more respect for the venerable ‘Vette. With suspension modifications and styling tweaks, the Corvette Grand Sport borrows some of the better performance attributes of the high-dollar models and blends them into a unique midrange package. More >
2010 Nissan Z® Roadster
Aug 21st
It’s frequently the case that the things that make a car special have nothing to do with its ability to go fast, corner hard and look like a million bucks. There’s something else at play, some undefinable X-factor that takes a car to the next level, so to speak. It’s an automobile’s ability to create an emotional connection that helps it to become more than just a conglomeration of metal, glass and plastic pieces. Yes, it is possible for a machine to have charisma, and the best vehicles have it.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt if that emotional connection comes wrapped in a package that can go fast, corner hard and looks like a million bucks. Nissan’s new Z® Roadster stands out as an example of a car that combines both of these assets into a single package. The 370Z has been with us for a couple of years, and given that car’s sexy lines and general lust for performance it’s no surprise that it’s gone topless. Combining the 370Z’s retro-futuristic looks and fun-to-drive road manners with a bit of extra sun is practically a no-brainer. More >