History originally published in Sport Compact Car, December 1997 Of all the “could’ve beens,” perhaps the saddest ever is the Volvo 480 Turbo. Volvo hadn’t built a sports car since the demise of the 1800ES after the 1973 model year. The five mph bumper rule that came into full effect in 1974 would have required […]
1996 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS-6: Heavy breathing in the aviary
Cars 1996 Contemporary review originally published in Road & Track Sports & GT 1996 We know, as you do, that the pony car concept is 30 years old. The layout, front engine with live rear axle, is primitive and has more technical shortcomings than D.C. Has lobbyists. GM’s small-block V-8 is – ready for this? […]
Saab Sonett II: Different strokes from Swedish folks
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek June 9, 1986 Bound in this white plastic projectile I dance on the offset pedals and coax the stubborn column shifter from gear to gear, surrounded by the peculiar note of the two-stroke triple. I brake early for the corners and then slither through the corners at full throttle, […]
1998 Honda Prelude Type SH: Pulling its weight in style
Road test originally published in Road & Track Sports & GT Cars 1998 “It is one thing to show a man that he is in error, and another to put him in possession of the truth.” – John Locke, Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1690 The Big Lie: Front-wheel drive is better for handling because it […]
1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4: Survival of the nifty
Contemporary review originally published in 1998 Road & Track Sports & GT Cars Not long ago car market was awash in Japanese high-performance cars and coupes. Buoyed by Japan’s bubble economy, it was a sine qua non for that country’s carmakers to have a high-powered 2-seat or 2+2 flagship to carry its corporate honor. But […]
1999 BMW M Coupe: Warning: This coupe can be hazardous to Cougar drivers
Contemporary car review originally published in Road & Track Sports & GT Cars 1999 Good thing no one was coming the other way. The driver of the Cougar – old style, with the “formal roof” – spun his head around like a Linda Blair wannabe as he passed me and drifted into the oncoming lane. […]
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