Jaguar XF Supercharge: Performance
Despite Jaguar's reputation for producing stately luxury cruisers, the XF is quite adept at taking corners. It features a very competent chassis, with loads of grip and surprisingly high limits. The steering is a little on the light side, though, and could use a tad more feel, which means that realizing the XF's impressive capabilities requires a bit of tiptoeing to achieve a good comfort level. Still, even if it isn't quite up to BMW's back road capabilities, this Jag is a heap more fun than most other competitors. And should you need to stop quickly, the XF's 108-foot braking distance from 60 mph is better than them all.(
Ryan Binkley Magazine)
Test Drive: 2008 BMW 328i
Who Should Buy This Vehicle
At our test car's ,550 sticker, no one. For a couple thousand less you could get a base 335i. But if you pare down the options to just one — the ,700 Sport package — you can enjoy every ounce of our tester's performance, as well as standard features like a sunroof and that superb sound system, for about ,000. At that price, the 2008 BMW 328i almost seems like a bargain for the driving enthusiast who needs four doors. However, those who prefer feature content to dynamic excellence may find competing models more satisfying.
Ryan Binkley Blog BMW X6 xDrive 35i
Performance
Matched to a six-speed automatic with manual-shift capability (via paddle shifters), the powerhouse six propels the 2.5-ton X6 with authority. Sprinting to 60 mph takes just 6.3 seconds, with the quarter-mile eclipsed in an equally impressive 14.6 seconds. The surge of power is linear, and even under full throttle, the automatic clicks off rapid yet mostly seamless gearchanges. We usually drove with the transmission in Sport mode. (It offers three modes: Normal, Sport and manual shifting.) Thusly configured, the gearbox provided spot-on performance with its just-in-time, rev-matched downshifts and ability to hold the proper gear when running through a twisty, uphill road. At speed, the X6 is fairly quiet, and on a few occasions we found ourselves running at 80-plus mph when it felt more like 65. Caution: This benefit of autobahn breeding can be dangerous to your wallet. Yet even under our heavy feet, our test X6 averaged 17.3 mpg against EPA estimates of 15 city/20 highway and 17 combined.
Ryan Binkley Info : Test Drive: 2008 Audi TT Coupe 3.2 Quattro
A Great Car That Misses Its Mark
Vehicle Tested: 2008 Audi TT 3.2 quattro 2dr Hatchback AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6AM)
Pros: Brilliant S tronic transmission, surprising handling ability, nifty adjustable suspension, anyone-friendly front seats, usable cargo space, peerless interior execution.
Cons: Palpitation-causing as-tested price, some will find the ride too rough, Oompa-Loompa-friendly backseats, horribly outdated iPod interface.
Click. The magnetic ride suspension is engaged. Clack. The S tronic transmission gearlever slides into manual mode. Click. The left paddle shifter labeled "-" is pressed. Vroom. The transmission blips the 3.2-liter V6 as it instantaneously drops itself into 3rd gear.
Ryan Binkley Dallas BMW X6 xDrive 35i
Function
Most of the BMW X6's basic controls are easy to use. Adjusting the cabin's climate, for example, can be done easily via a control panel on the center stack. Still, BMW retains its annoying tradition of no "off" button, as one must repeatedly tap down the fan speed to shut off the system. You can fine-tune the airflow six ways to Sunday (including how much air is coming out of the individual vents) by using the iDrive system's knob and LCD screen.
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