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Send in your Mercedes-Benz 126 chassis photos:
2007-11-01 06:02:00
I'd like to ask anyone who has a 126 chassis Mercedes -Benz to send in your photos! This has always been one of my favorite cars and I know there is a ton of nice 126 cars around. Please email info/photos on your 500SEL/SEC 560 SEL/SEC 420SEL AMG Hammer car etc. etc. would love to feature them on Car Test Ride!!Email to cartestride@yahoo.com
More About: Photos , Mercedes Benz , Mercedes-Benz , Send

Top Ten Production Cars - 2007 Tokyo Motor Show - MSN Autos
2007-10-30 19:11:00
Top Ten Production Cars - 2007 Tokyo Motor Show - MSN Autos Here is a MSN autos link to some great upcoming production cars from the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Several I have already posted on including the Nissan GT-R, BMW M3 and Lancer Evo X. A few other intriguing cars featured are the Jaguar XF (hmmm.. those lines look very German influenced to me), Audi RS6 Avant (ahhh yes.. nothing more I love than German Wagon's stuffed with massive horsepower... an eye popping 571 to be exact!!!) and the monster Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG with a earth shattering 514 HP!!! (as per my earlier review of the 2008 C class.. the thought of that much power in that car is something I just can't comprehend). In summary, looks like the Germans are back at the saloon power arms race!

General Motors "Folks" November 1955 magazine:
2007-10-30 00:30:00
Talk about a blast from the past!! A good friend of mine just happened to have an original copy of a 1955 General Motors "Folks" employee magazine. This particular issue showcased some of the upcoming 1956 models. From cover to cover this magazine is a time capsule piece of Americana! It's so great to see a historical piece like this during the golden age of the American auto industry......Ahhh! Tail Fins Galore! Well.. ok not exactly "crumple zones"Baseball, Apple Pie and General Motors ! "Pontiac, it's the talk of the Test Drivers!" how bout the test riders?One in FOUR! Radios!!Hello Mr. Vice PresidentI'm sure there is a song somewhere about this car...And we'll save the last.. to show you an automotive first!
More About: Magazine , November

1986 Toyota Supra Turbo Digital Dash:
2007-10-29 03:21:00
As a follow up to my earlier post on the digital dash of the 1980's.. A Special thanks to Andy from New Zealand for the great pics of his Japanese spec 1986 Toyota Supra Turbo with the digital dash all lit up like a Christmas tree! I still say bring back the digital dash!!!
More About: Toyota Supra , Digital

2008 Nissan GT-R - Photo Gallery - Motor Trend
2007-10-28 00:52:00
2008 Nissan GT-R - Photo Gallery - Motor Trend A nice photo gallery from Motor Trend of the new 2008 Nissan GT-R. I really like the steering wheel.. It looks very aggressive and in your face. The big red "R" beams out to remind the driver at all times exactly what he's driving.. I am still not sold on the exterior styling. I liked the old Skyline's understated appearance. Maybe this new GT-R will grow on me over time, I'm just excited to see this car finally hit the U.S. market after all these years! I'll be sure and post more on the 2008 Nissan GT-R.

Ford Mustang SVO autocross Video:
2007-10-26 01:38:00
Here is a great autocross video from inside a Ford Mustang SVO. The Mustang SVO is probably my favorite Mustang of all time. The later SVO's had 205HP and 240 lbs. ft. torque out of it's small 2.3 liter turbo engine. Matched with a light weight body, special adjustable suspension and sport seats. The 1984-1986 Ford Mustang SVO was a very special pony! Many have said this was one of the best handling cars of the 1980's.. you can see why so many of the Mustang SVO's are seen on the autocross track. I would love to do a "Wall Poster Classics" segment on the Mustang SVO if the opportunity ever arises to drive and review one.I really hope Ford takes a look back at great Mustangs like the SVO and does away with that ancient live rear axle they put on the new Mustang. Sometimes the best way to move forward is to look back!
More About: Video

"Project Cars" 1994 Mercedes-Benz E320
2007-10-25 02:58:00
Here is a beautiful 1994 Mercedes -Benz E320 a friend just picked up. It needs some minor TLC but overall it's in really good shape. I'll be sure and post details on all the repair work that is done and of course "after" pics when this Benz is all cleaned up and road ready.If you have a project car you are currently fixing up or restoring.. drop me an email at cartestride@yahoo.com .. send some pics and info and I'll be glad to post it in the next "Project Cars " segment....
More About: Mercedes Benz , Mercedes-Benz

2008 Cadillac CTS Review - MSN Autos
2007-10-24 05:41:00
2008 Cadillac CTS Review - MSN Autos As a follow up to my first thoughts on the 2008 Cadillac CTS I posted earlier.. Here is a link to a good first review from MSN Autos. It seems GM is finally catching on and developing suspensions from testing on the Nurburgring (first was the new Corvette Z-06). The base 3.6 liter V6 engine in the 2008 Cadillac CTS pumps out 263hp with a beefed up 304hp direct injection version available. The more I read about this new Cadillac CTS.. the more excited I get! I'm really interested to see the CTS V version that is sure to follow. Cadillac seems to have really done their homework with the 2008 CTS, but how it will stack up against it's European rivals remains to be seen.
More About: 2008 , Dill

Supercar Poll:
2007-10-23 21:34:00
I've just added a new poll to Car Test Ride! The infamous question... "What is the greatest Supercar " I'm excited to see some feedback from this.. If there is a car I missed you think is worthy of the Supercar poll... Be sure and Comment Below!! If I get enough response I'll add it to the poll!
More About: Poll

"Reader's Rides" Send in your cool Car!!
2007-10-23 16:46:00
Since I've had great feedback and support in such a short period of time. I am going to start doing a segment called "Reader's Rides." If you own a cool car and would like to share.. Please email a few good photos and some info and I'll be happy to post it. Again, thank you to all our readers and I look forward to seeing some really great cars!Please email photo's/info to cartestride@yahoo.com
More About: Cool , Send

Bugatti Veyron vs. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Video:
2007-10-22 22:31:00
Just to put in perspective how fast the Bugatti Veyron really is, here is a great video of the Bugatti Veyron running a few sprints against the very fast Mercedes -Benz SLR McLaren!! Watch how the 1001hp Bugatti Veyron pulls away from the McLaren Mercedes with ease. I can't even imagine what it is like driving that Bugatti at top speed... Amazing Car!
More About: Video , Mercedes Benz , Mercedes-Benz

"Wall Poster Classics" 1990 Nissan 300ZX
2007-10-21 19:11:00
The early 1990's was an odd time for the Automotive industry. Technology was finally starting to catch up with restrictive U.S. emissions. New engine development had made it possible for cars to reach horsepower levels similar to the power crazed muscle car era without destroying a rain forest with every tank of gas.It was time for a Car company to take a leap of faith to show the U.S. and the world what was possible in new car design. Just as they had done in 1970 with the original 240Z, Nissan kicked off another decade with the amazing 1990 Nissan 300ZX.This particular 300ZX is a 1990 2+2 model with leather, Bose, automatic and pretty much all the options available when new. It belonged to my parents and unfortunately this old girl was sold a while back. Affectionately named "Ruby," I have many fond memories of this amazing car.The naturally aspirated 300ZX's 3.0 liter V6 produced 222hp and 200 lbs. ft. torque. Which was quite a lot of power for it's day. When the 300ZX turbo w...
More About: Classics , Poster , Wall

iPhone Road Shots: 2000 E39 BMW M5
2007-10-19 22:20:00
I just happened to run into a friend today who has an absolutely beautiful 2000 E39 BMW M5!! Check out the rare color combo of ice blue over black with red inserts. This has to be one of my all time favorites. BMW, saloon, racing tuned suspension, Manual transmission and 394 hp... it just doesn't get much better than that! I think it is the best set of iPhone Road shots so far!Check out how the badges have been removed.. can anyone say "Sleeper!"
More About: Iphone , Shots

2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione - First Drive - Motor Trend
2007-10-19 00:16:00
2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione - First Drive - Motor Trend It has been a long time coming! Alfa Romeo finally returns to the United States with the 2009 8C Competizione! What a beautiful design. It embodies everything that is Alfa Romeo. This car looks as sleek as a custom tailored Italian suit. It is the kind of car you flash down the streets of Monte Carlo in on the way to a socialite ball. You can be sure the valet is going to park it in front of the Ferrari's and Porsche's as the showcase car for everyone to see.Yes I'm sure it will be unreliable.. But who cares! If you are looking for the pinnacle of passion and soul in an automobile.... it doesn't get any better than the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.Sorry though... unless you are already on the list.. the few cars slated for the U.S. are all spoken for.

Random Rants: Does anyone want to sell a car nowadays?
2007-10-18 05:12:00
Many of my last posts have been about the hunt for my next car. I am probably going to end up leasing again because aside from the lower payments, I like the idea of a new car every couple years.When I leased my last car (2004 Audi A4) I priced shopped around until I found the best quote. My local dealer did beat the lowest quote from other dealers and I felt very happy with my overall sales experience.Car sales in my area (especially high end cars) are very slow right now. Our local economy is heavily driven by real estate and times are tough. Taking this into consideration along with the fact that 2008 models are starting to show up with 2007 models still on the lot, I figured this would be a good time to shop for a new car... Boy was I wrong!Not ONE dealership I have dealt with thus far has given me a reasonable quote. In fact the Mazda Dealership gave me such a ridicules lease quote on a Mazdaspeed 3 (which I stated how much I loved from an earlier post) I basically walked out o...
More About: Rants , Random , Sell

iPhone Road Shots: BMW 3 Series E90
2007-10-17 20:05:00
I know it isn't exactly a rare car to see on the road. But, I snapped some pics of this nice E90 3 Serie s sedan today as a follow up to my test ride review. I'm pretty sure this car is a 2006 330i (please correct me if I'm wrong). This car is a perfect example of how beautiful the new 3 series can look with the right color and options. Check out the slick alloy wheels.. and I love the dark metallic grey paint (very similar to my Audi actually). I know it is still a love or hate design.. With this set up though.. gleaming in the sun. I think this car looks fantastic..
More About: Iphone , Shots , Road

The search for my next car.. 2007 BMW 328i test ride review
2007-10-16 16:35:00
Well by now some of you may be noticing a trend. Yes! I do like German cars. I promise though there are some good pictures and reviews on American Muscle coming up soon!The BMW 3 series has set the benchmark for many years in terms or performance, style, quality and overall driving perfection. It was one of my top choices a few years back when searching for a new car. The E46 chassis 3 series was a high water mark for BMW. After years of perfecting, everything seemed in perfect harmony with the E46. So how does the E90 chassis fair?Pretty much anyone who is into cars knows about the controversy surrounding the new BMW styling. At first I wasn't even considering checking out the 2007 3 series because I hated the new body design. Hated everything about it. It looked plastic and out of proportion to me. But, everywhere I turned there were adds beckoning me to come look at the new 3 Series. Thousands off this.. lease for nothing that... Finally enough was enough and I went down to my l...
More About: Review , Search , Ride , Test

2009 Audi A4 - First Drive - Motor Trend
2007-10-15 21:17:00
2009 Audi A4 - First Drive - Motor Trend Here is a link to Motor Trend for a first drive review on the all new 2009 Audi A4. I have seen some initial pictures of this new A4 before. Having a 2004 Audi A4 myself, I will say I wasn't the biggest fan of the grill redesign that came after my model. Also disappointing was how Audi took away some of the standard convenience features (like a trip computer that came with a basic options package.. now requires and additional $2000+ package... outrageous!). One of the main reasons I chose my A4 over a BMW 3 series was all the goodies that came standard with the car. I test drove the 2007 A4 and was very disappointed in the stripped down options on the lease special cars.It looks like Audi is gunning to pull ahead of its German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz with this redesign. I personally think the 2009 A4 looks fantastic! Audi has definitely borrowed some design features from its big brother A6. The interior looks amazing as always. No doubt ...

Random Rants: The 80's Sheik Digital Dash
2007-10-15 15:48:00
It really is a love or hate type thing. I can honestly say I have never met someone that was indifferent towards them. The digital dash craze from the 1980's is something that today I do miss. Maybe it is just a over hyped memory from my childhood. Seeing the 3 square pods on the dash of a first generation C4 Corvette light up was like magic to me! It was as close to Knight Rider as you could get and for a 7 year old boy that was a big deal! The digital dash in the first generation 300zx was pretty darn snappy as well. I loved the big swooping tachometer on the 300zx, it was like something right out of Star Wars. (Laser power at full!! Fire! Fire!)Looking back now I know they may seem a bit dated. The digital dash has proven a bit problematic over the years as well. I say they should bring back the digital dash! (at least as an option) With today's technology I can only imagine the light show they could put together! Everything seems so cookie cutter and generic now days. There is...
More About: Rants , Random , Digital , Sheik , Dash

Sydney 2007: Aussie-only 281 HP Mazda3 MPS Extreme - Autoblog
2007-10-15 06:51:00
Sydney 2007: Aussie -only 281 HP Mazda3 MPS Extreme - Autoblog Some of you may have read my earlier review on the MAZDASPEED 3. I really loved that little rocket and it is still one of my top choices for my next car. Well check out this article on what is brewing down under at the Sydney Motor Show. The Mazda3 MPS Extreme.. Wow!! 281hp! 313 lbs ft. torque!!! Not only does it have engine tweaks, it also has some wild body enhancements as well. More power can only be better right!! Unfortunately, I don't think this car will be hitting U.S. shores anytime soon.. or ever for that matter.. Hey.. one can dream though!!!
More About: Sydney

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X - Latest News, Reviews, and Photo Galler
2007-10-14 21:35:00
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X - Latest News , Reviews , and Photo Galleries - Automobile MagazineHere's a good review from Automobile Magazine on the new 2008 Mitsubishi Lacer Evo X. I'm not totally sold on the styling yet. Although it did take years for the last generation Evo to grow on me. I loved how the old car looked like an econo box that had fallen in a vat of radioactive material and emerged with superhero powers. After reading several early reviews, I'm a bit disappointed in how it seems Mitsubishi has tamed this toxic beast. One of the things I did like about the old car was the turbo lag believe it or not. I loved that "hammer in the chest" acceleration. It is far to early to really form an opinion yet. So I'll follow up on the new Evo X once some more hard figures are released. Of course getting to drive one would be even better!