Ignition /// RS

Since 2001, the Toyota Prius has been an iconic car for the green revolution of automobiles. It’s easily recognizable to everyone, too. Look, there goes a hybrid! In Hollywood, there’s even a function that can be used amongst celebrities to determine how ‘green’ any of these ‘stars’ are: basically, (number of Prius owned) x (amount of times owning of said Prius is mentioned on the red carpet) = (apparent greenness). Jesting aside, I drove something yesterday that puts the Prius on notice. Who would of thought? Diesel power conquering the Hybrid-Drive? Well, Europe has known of this phenomenon for quite a while, but now is better than ever for the ‘States to catch up. This is my second Volkswagen post in a month, yes, and I realize I’m fanboying a little bit here, but bear with me me: the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI is out for green blood.

(more…)

It’s snowing outside. It’s good, then, that tomorrow I have the chance to drive the all-wheel drive version of Volkswagen’s Golf V, the R32. The Mark V platform (also known as the A5 or PQ35 Platform) has already proven its useful in the current model Audi A3 and the superb Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk V. What could make that platform better, then? By adding Haldex Traction all-wheel drive and the ingeniously-designed VR6 engine, Volkswagen has created something absolutely amazing. There really is so much to say about this car, so let’s begin, shall we?

(more…)

I had the opportunity to drive a 2008 Pontiac G8 GT last week. Equipped with Holden’s L76 6.0L V8, the G8 GT is Pontiac’s long-awaited replacement for the flagship GTO that ended production in 2006. Before the drive, I had read a couple reviews that openly compared the G8 to German competitors such as the BMW 550i. Oh-ho… wow. No, no, no. It’s solid. It gets that for a start, for sure, because it is. It’s a very solid performance car without a doubt. But for certain people (me included), 361 horsepower doesn’t cut it if the vehicle is seriously lacking in other areas…

(more…)