On The Road...
Acura was represented this year by the New TLX, a solid well built sedan that runs in the mid size BMW 3 series, Cadillac ATS class. Nice handling with all wheel steering, lots of power with a 290 HP V6 and a 9 speed transmission. Lots of tech goodies, power and comfortable while being extremely gripping and nubile on the road. It also handled extremely well in a track test run.
Chevy... had the 8 speed automatic Corvette on hand. While not as engaging as the 7 speed manual I drove earlier this year the transmission was set up well and with shift paddles could give you a bit more connection to the driving experience. I called it the “set it and forget it” Corvette.
Cadillac CTS-V Coupe...This ain't no Coupe de Ville! Maybe it should be called the Coupe de Quick as the Corvette engined Caddy combines neck snapping power, cat like handling and top of the line luxury. Still is one of my favorites to drive and be seen in.
Nissan Juke NISMO… I don't know that you can find a small car that is as unique as the Juke and set up with the NISMO package it is a fun to drive quick little small car. You can fell the GT-R in this one.
Mazda MX 5 Roadster...this will be the last year of the iconic sports car in it’s present form and it was a trip down memory lane just cruising down the country road with a tinge of fall in the air listening to the tuned exhaust...why I fell in love with the Miata oh so many years ago.
Maserati Ghibli...a solid well mannered road car with some Italian personality! That's what I got out of the Ghibli. Excellent materials inside, a well set up chassis under that had some of the best road feel of the day and a body Bellisima, the Alfa was not the only Italians getting noticed at the MMC .