Automotive Reviews
Posts tagged sports car
2010 Audi TTS
Nov 13th
Let’s talk a bit about the Audi TT. Although it’s named for a famous motorcycle race–the Isle of Man’s Tourist Trophy–and it’s a compact sports car, it hasn’t made much of a mark as a racing car. The TT turns up on the track occasionally, but it lacks the racing connections of its big brother the R8. Considering that its competition includes cars like the Honda S2000 and Porsche Boxster, both of which have lots and lots of track time, the TT has always come across as a stylish but somehow incomplete sports car.
That changed for 2009, with the introduction of the Audi TTS. The addition of Audi’s “S” badge means performance, and the TTS is no exception. A comprehensive suite of engine upgrades serves to transform the TT from a sexy fashion accessory into a serious performer. With more power under the hood, the TTS manages to neatly split the difference between serious sports car and comfortable daily driver. Does it increase the TT’s street cred? Well, if it’s any indicator, the organizers of the Tourist Trophy race chose the TTS as their official cars shortly after its introduction. More >
2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Nov 7th
When it comes time for the Big Three to roll out the big guns, no punches are pulled. Chevrolet shows off its Corvette ZR-1. Dodge unleashes the 500-horsepower Viper SRT-10. And Ford unloads the Shelby GT500.
The baddest Mustang in the land may have a back seat and a full-size trunk, but it doesn’t give up much in terms of horsepower, attitude or race-track breeding. For 2011, Ford’s Special Vehicle Team is taking things a step farther with a horsepower and torque boost, a mild diet, aerodynamic and transmission enhancements, and styling upgrades inside and out. More >
2005 Ford GT
Nov 7th
Many people will recognize the GT, Ford’s new supercar. It would be hard to imagine a finer homage to Ford’s LeMans-winning, Ferrari-beating GT40 race car of the 1960s than this thoroughly modern remake. Like most supercars, the face recognition goes hand-in-hand with the understanding that few people will actually get to take the wheel, thanks to low production numbers. When the chance arose to spend a few minutes with a GT, we seized it with both hands, of course.
It didn’t matter that most of the drive was spent following a big, slow SUV with a local TV cameraman hanging out the back to get running footage. The opportunity to pilot a 550-horsepower, mid-engined race car for the street does not come along frequently, and we’re happy to report that the Ford GT is not only a superfluous performer, but it’s easy to live with as well. More >