Straightline

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

With the base 3.7-liter V6 engine, the Lincoln MKS is a pretty ordinary luxury car with an uncomfortably large price tag. In our full test of an all-wheel-drive 2009 MKS, we came up with a 7.5-second 0-to-60-mph time (7.2 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a dragstrip) and a 15.4-second quarter-mile at 90 mph. These are hardly the numbers of an elite luxury sedan, and the fact that the engine feels and sounds strained while moving the 4,300-pound MKS certainly doesn't help.

But Ford's twin-turbocharged and direct-injected, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, newly available for 2010, is supposed to change all that. If you've seen the Loveland Pass advertorial, you know that this is trumpeted as the V6 engine of tomorrow -- the one that performs like a V8 without the fuel economy penalty.

Frankly, it better perform like a V8. The EcoBoost option is only available on AWD versions of the 2010 Lincoln MKS, and it adds $5,000 to the price tag right off the bat. Additionally, our fully loaded MKS EcoBoost tester has the $3,500 Ultimate Package (Rapid Spec 201A), which includes a dual-pane sunroof, hard-drive-based navigation with real-time traffic and weather, plus a rearview camera; and a THX 5.1 surround-sound audio system. It also has the EcoBoost Appearance package ($2,995), which provides 20-inch chrome wheels and all sorts of additional flair inside and out, plus adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation ($1,310) and active parking assist ($535). Total damage? $56,625. That easily puts it in the price territory of the Mercedes-Benz E550 and Jaguar XF. Granted, the EcoBoost V6 works miracles in the Ford Flex, but that wagon only costs $40K.

We didn't attempt a hill climb in our Lincoln MKS EcoBoost, but we did take it to the Inside Line test track. Follow the jump to see how it did.

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost.

Categories: IL Track Tested,Lincoln,Luxury Cars,Sedans

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test-drivers. Enjoy.

When BMW introduced the idea of the SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) with the original X5, we scoffed appropriately. Then we drove it and were shocked that the ungainly beast was not ungainly at all. Then BMW took it a bit further and rolled out the X6. It appeared even more useless, yet it, too, was a surprisingly entertaining drive.

BMW didn't stop there, of course, as it rolled out Motorsport versions of both the X5 and the X6 earlier this year. There was no good reason for them to exist, but BMW went ahead and built them anyway. After testing the X6 M, we're glad BMW took the time.

You see, this X6 is so fast that its odd looks, big sticker and pointless existence don't really matter. You simply have to respect it for what it can do. And we're not just talking about going fast in a straight line. It stops and turns amazingly well, too. It's a triumph of engineering over design and marketing. Just take a look at the numbers if you don't believe us.

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2010 BMW X6 M.

Categories: BMW,Crossovers,IL Track Tested,Luxury Cars,SUVs

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

We're doing something a little different this week. We've tested a 2010 Suzuki SX4 hatchback with Suzuki's new 150-hp 2.0-liter engine; it's the red car in the photo. This isn't a huge increase over the 2009 model's 143 hp, but the new engine makes a huge difference in how this car feels. Although it's hardly an apples-to-apples comparison, for some perspective, this 6-speed-manual, front-wheel-drive 2010 SX4 is over 3 seconds quicker to 60 mph and 2 seconds quicker through the quarter-mile than our 4-speed-automatic-equipped, all-wheel-drive long-term Suzuki SX4 (11.7 seconds, 18.3 seconds at 76.3 mph). Yes, both the 6-speed gearbox and the front-drive configuration for the SX4 hatchback are new for 2010 (SX4 sedans have always been front-drive).

But here's the different part. Although supplied to us by Suzuki, this 2010 SX4 has suspension, brake and tire modifications by Road Race Motorsports (RRM), plus a cold air intake and less restrictive exhaust that are likely good for a slim increase in horsepower. So this is a production car with light modifications that a typical owner could conceivably make. We've included a list with prices.

The blue SX4 in this photo is even more of a curiosity. It's called the Suzuki SX4 "Zuk," and it was originally developed as a show car for the 2008 SEMA show, borrowing aesthetic elements from Suzuki's Hayabusa and GSX-R. It has the turbo kit that RRM developed for the 2007-2009 SX4, so it's quicker than the 2010 hatch, but as you'll see from the handling numbers, the suspension mods aren't fully resolved on this car. It's also 200 pounds heavier than production SX4s, thanks largely to an elaborate rollcage fitted for aesthetic reasons (it's meant to mimic a motorcycle frame) -- yes, gotta love SEMA.

All the numbers are after the jump, along with video of the "Zuk."

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2010 Suzuki SX4 & SX4 "Zuk" by Road Race Motorsports.

Categories: Hatchbacks,IL Track Tested,Suzuki,Tuners and Modifications

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

We really like our long-term 2008 Ford Flex, but it has never had much going on in the acceleration department. For 2010, the long-awaited Ford EcoBoost V6 is an option for the Flex. And it's no understatement to say it makes a world of difference.

With this twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 under its hood, the Flex shaves 2 full seconds off its quarter-mile time and has a 9-mph quicker trap speed. That's nothing short of amazing for a big, heavy, six-passenger crossover.

Full track test results for the 2010 Ford Flex SEL with EcoBoost after the jump, followed by track numbers for our long-term Flex, so you can compare the two.

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2010 Ford Flex SEL with EcoBoost.

Categories: Crossovers,Ford,IL Track Tested,Wagons

Mazda's MX-5, better known as the Miata, is in its 20th year of production in 2009 (we know, we know, 2010 models are already here). Still, we think it's appropriate to recognize the little Japanese roadster for what it is...and what it was.

Continue reading 20 Years of MX-5: Then and Now.

Categories: Convertibles,IL Track Tested,Mazda,Sports Cars

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

The diesel-powered Jetta TDI wagon has gotten most of the attention, but Volkswagen also builds a Jetta wagon equipped with its torquey and fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged, gasoline four-cylinder. Rated at 200 horsepower, the 2.0T is only available on the top-of-the-line VW Jetta SportWagen SEL. With a six-speed manual gearbox, it has a fuel economy rating of 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway. And all Jetta wagons have 67 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

This particular 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SEL is loaded with options, resulting in a borderline uncomfortable price tag. Fortunately, it's over a second quicker to 60 mph than our long-term VW Jetta TDI sedan, which weighs about the same. With our SEL wagon's port-installed 18-inch wheels and 225/40R18 Goodyear Eagle GT tires, it's hardly shocking that it stops shorter than our Jetta TDI sedan, too. What is surprising is that this SEL wagon is over a mph slower through the slalom than the TDI -- those grippy tires don't work well with the stock suspension tune.

Follow the jump for numbers and comments from our test driver.

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SEL.

Categories: IL Track Tested,Volkswagen,Wagons

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

Since its introduction for 1996, the Subaru Outback has had a cult-like following, and we mean that in the nicest way. It's the classic all-wheel-drive wagon -- not too big, not too flashy, but incredibly useful and rugged for its size. The redesigned 2010 Subaru Outback is still quite practical, but we think it might have gotten too big. We think it has become a full-on SUV. And we're beginning to miss the Subaru Legacy wagon.

This extra size and weight is apparent at the test track, where our 2010 Outback 2.5i tester handles and stops far more like an SUV than a wagon. We should note our test Outback was a bit of an oddball in terms of equipment -- a base 2.5i model with the six-speed manual gearbox and no options. Most 2010 Subaru Outbacks should have Subaru's Lineartronic CVT. As always, 2.5i indicates Subaru's normally aspirated, 2.5-liter, boxer four-cylinder.

Click through to see all the test numbers, along with comments from Chief Road Test Editor Chris Walton.

First Drive: 2010 Subaru Outback

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i.

Categories: Crossovers,IL Track Tested,SUVs,Subaru,Wagons

Here we have a classic rivalry. On one side there's the 2009 Lexus ES 350, the brand's best-selling car and the one model that solidified Lexus as the "new Buick."

On the other hand, there's the new 2010 Buick LaCrosse. It's hoping to lure Lexus buyers back with more interesting styling, stronger engines and all the features luxury buyers expect to see these days.

So which sedan is the "real" Buick? Chief Road Test Editor Chris Walton breaks them down to find out in our latest luxury sedan comparison test.

Comparison Test: 2010 Buick LaCrosse vs. Lexus ES 350.

Categories: Buick,IL Track Tested,Lexus,Luxury Cars,Sedans

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

The whole idea of a high-performance sport-utility vehicle is a little tough for us to swallow. It's a totally nonsensical concept, yet it continues to thrive even in the face of expensive gas and even more expensive vehicles.

That said, who wouldn't appreciate driving a 2-ton, four-wheel-drive vehicle that can run 13s in the quarter-mile? There aren't many that can, but we've tested two that impressed us.

Most recently, it was the 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S that rolled through the garage and blew us away with its 550-horsepower V8. Then again, it should for $139,000. If your budget doesn't allow for such extravagance, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the next best thing. For a mere $45K, it offers a similar experience. How similar? See for yourself in our latest head-to-head match-up straight from the test track.

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 vs. 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.

Categories: IL Track Tested,Jeep,Porsche,SUVs

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

The Smart Fortwo isn't a performance vehicle no matter how you cut it. It's all about convenience and efficiency. Performance is an afterthought, sort of like the transmission.

But there are some people, we'll call them dreamers, who like the idea of a spruced-up Smart Fortwo. For them, there's the Fortwo Brabus, a mildly tuned factory special that at least gives the impression that this Smart can handle itself around a corner.

To that end, the Brabus-tuned Smart gets a retuned exhaust, revised suspension, a few aerodynamic enhancements, and larger wheels and tires. There are some interior enhancements and special colors, too, but for the purposes of this experiment we'll consider that icing on the cake. Or the most useful upgrades depending on your perspective.

It all adds up to a most unusual Smart. But is it any more of a performance vehicle than the standard model? We took it to the track to find out. See the results and a video after the jump.

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2008 Smart Fortwo Brabus.

Categories: Convertibles,IL Track Tested,SMART,Tuners and Modifications

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

Try to forget the awful commercials for the 2010 Buick LaCrosse for a moment. As ill-conceived as those pathetic attempts to make Buick look cool may have been, the car doesn't really need that much help. It's not the best-looking sedan Buick has ever made, but it's not ugly either and it has some good hardware under the skin.

In this case, our CXL tester was powered by the base 3.0-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission. With 255 horsepower, it's a pretty stout engine, but it did have 2 tons of sedan to move. A standard set of 18-inch wheels and tires helped, too, but the all-season tread left a little on the table when it came to the handling tests.

Of course we're aware that the track is the last place you would ever find a 21st-century Buick, but it did better than you might think. Click through to read all the details.

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL 3.0.

Categories: Buick,IL Track Tested,Luxury Cars,Sedans

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

Is there a reason for the Bentley Continental GTC Speed to exist? Not really, at least not outside the Bentley accounting department.
 
A big coupe by any standard, the convertible version of the Continental GT is even more sedate in both appearance and purpose. Adding what Bentley calls the "Speed" treatment tries to re-inject a little enthusiasm back into the mixture. It adds more power, bigger wheels and tires, carbon-ceramic brakes and a retuned suspension. All useful stuff, but does it really make this giant convertible perform like a sports car? Will its owners even care?

They should for a price that surpasses a quarter of a million dollars. See what our test-drivers had to say after putting it through its paces in our latest installment of IL Track Tested.

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2009 Bentley Continental GTC Speed .

Categories: Bentley,Convertibles,IL Track Tested,Luxury Cars

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

Like all good grudge matches, this one goes on and on. One day Mitsubishi is on top, the next day it's Subaru winning the drag races, or rally stages or whatever event you want to throw these all-wheel drive, turbocharged twins into.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback is an all-new addition to the lineup. Its hatchback configuration makes it a little more practical without losing any of the Ralliart sedan's sharp design. Some say it might even be better looking, and it only adds 122 pounds in the process.

On the Subaru side, the Impreza WRX hatchback would be the obvious choice for a direct head-to-head battle. Problem is, we haven't tested an '09 hatch yet, so we figured the 2009 sedan would be a good stand-in. It has the new, more powerful boxer motor and all the same mechanical parts, its slightly lighter weight the only real advantage.

So how do these middleweights stack up on the track? Check out the stats after the jump.

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback vs. 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan.

Categories: Hatchbacks,IL Track Tested,Mitsubishi,Sedans,Subaru

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

When the 2007 Toyota Tundra debuted, most of the talk centered on the new 5.7-liter V8. And for good reason. It was one of the most powerful engines ever offered in a half-ton truck, and its six-speed automatic transmission gave it the flexibility to perform brilliantly in almost any situation.

What wasn't talked about very much was the Tundra's smaller V8. A carryover from previous years, the base V8 wasn't nearly as impressive. Whereas the bigger 5.7 had few peers, the 4.7 merely kept pace with the mid-line engines in most of the Tundra's competitors. It also used a five-speed transmission like many of its competitors.

For 2010, the Tundra received a mild refresh. You probably can't tell it from the outside, but the big news is under the hood anyway where a new 4.6-liter V8 replaces the previous 4.7-liter. Although smaller, the new 4.6 produces a more substantial 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque. It also gets a little extra help from a six-speed automatic transmission which Toyota says helps it deliver best-in-class mileage for a full-size V8-powered truck.

Well, we didn't do a fuel mileage loop at the track, but we did put the new Tundra 4.6 through our normal battery of instrumented tests to see how it moves the big truck. Click through to see the results -- you can be sure the folks at Chevrolet and Ford will be doing the same.

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2010 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4.6-L V8.

Categories: IL Track Tested,Toyota,Trucks

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

All style and no substance. That's been the knock on the Audi TT from Day One. Sure, it was a rolling museum sculpture, but it could also get gutter-balled at a traffic light by your average Toyota Camry. Kind of hard to look cool after that.

To remedy the problem, Audi has added a V6 option along with bigger, more powerful four-cylinder engines. They helped, a little, but none of the various drivetrains turned the TT from a stylish coupe into a real sports car.

The 2009 Audi TTS is the latest attempt to reshape the car's image. Although not a full RS version like the TT shown in Geneva this spring, the TTS gets a high-output version of the 2.0T four-cylinder along with a standard six-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive.

It also sits lower on a retuned suspension with adjustable magnetorheological dampers. Our test car also had a set of sizable 19-inch tires and wheels. Click through to see if all the new hardware turns this TT into a real performance coupe or just another pretty Audi.

Continue reading IL Track Tested: 2009 Audi TTS.

Categories: Audi,Coupes,IL Track Tested,Luxury Cars,Sports Cars