Test Drives, Trends & Events

Despite the name Solar Orange, the paint scheme on this 2009 Audi TTS is far from eye-searing.

A sports car should be both exciting to look at and exciting behind the wheel. The 2009 Nissan 370Z has a polarizing “love-it or hate-it” style and is a blast to drive. The 2009 Aston Martin Vantage is truly a looker even when standing still but it is truly a joy to run through the gears. The 2009 Audi TTS is in my possession for the week and has so far fulfilled one half of my simplified equation; it looks great from all angles - even when wearing bright (very bright) Solar Orange paint but is it fun to drive? More...

The 2009 Audi R8. Alternate title: When a Man Loves an Audi.

Beautiful eyes, gorgeous hips, and a stunning profile have me completely in love

No I am not referring to a woman, but to the 2009 Audi R8. It has a polarizing appearance that quite literally causes people to shout nonsense at me when I am driving down the road. They crane their necks, twist their bodies, point at the car … and then turn into incoherent puddles of stupor. It all sounds quite dramatic, but their reactions are nothing compared to my own. I am a drooling, slack-jawed mess adrift in a beautiful sea of carbon-fiber and aluminum. More...

The 2009 Audi A5 is a good looking car from all angles, making BMWs self-conscious everywhere it goes.

Heading back east for the weekend, I made a call/email/drastic plea to a friend to try and line up a car for me during my time in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Boston. The voice on the other end asked if the 2009 Audi A5 3.2 Quattro with manual transmission would be acceptable. Hmm… a $54,715 (as tested) fully-loaded luxury coupe for free or a $20/day rental car with cigarette burn holes in the seat. This was less a choice and more a great way to start a long weekend. More...