TOP 10 ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR WINTER AND BEYOND

Whether you’re looking for a vehicle to get you through the winter, or you just want the extra grip and security of all-wheel drive (AWD), there are many different AWD systems to choose from — and they’re not all created equally. 

I’ll cover ten of the best AWD systems on the market, based on the research and testing I’ve done working for different manufacturers over the past two decades. These AWD systems provide excellent grip in the worst weather conditions, have light to moderate off-roading capability, and a few can even dramatically improve dry-weather handling as well.

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SUPER HANDLING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (SH-AWD) TRACTION TEST

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Here’s a test I set up while working for Acura’s agency to show how Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) can get a vehicle moving in difficult situations. This test also demonstrates how all-wheel drive systems are not all the same.

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AUDI SPORTS CAR EXPERIENCE: FUN WITH A FRIEND

Here’s an inside look at what it’s like to do the Audi sportscar experience in Sonoma, CA. My friend Cherlyn is riding shotgun.

This video demonstrates why all iPhones should be securely fastened and tray tables should be in their full upright position when on a track.

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PUTTING THE LAND ROVER LR3 TO THE TEST

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We take my buddy’s 2007 Land Rover LR3 to Hollister Hills recreation area (near San Francisco) and put it to the test.

The last video (Part 4) shows why there’s no substitute for a true mechanical locking diff! Overall, the LR3 (Tilda Swinton, as my friend Richie likes to call her), did really well and I have a newfound respect for this beast.

 

FRIEND FREAKING OUT AT THE TRACK

What do you do when you have a whole racetrack to yourself and a few minutes of downtime? Duh.

My good friend Gabrielle had never been on a racetrack before. Being the giving person I am, I offered to take her in my S4. 🙂 See her reaction in the video below (turn up the volume).

Shot at Buttonwillow Raceway in Buttonwillow, CA.

 

2015 SAN FRANCISCO AUTO SHOW

IMG_0912_1024While nowhere near as big or spectacular as the LA, New York or Detroit car shows, there was still plenty to see at the 58th annual San Francisco Auto Show. Take a look-see at the pics and find out for yourself. [Read more…]

THIS VS. THAT: TORQUE-VECTORING SYSTEMS

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In this edition of THIS VS. THAT, we’ll cover active torque-vectoring systems — specifically brake-based systems vs. active differentials. What’s torque vectoring, you ask? Torque vectoring usually refers to the ability to actively control how an engine’s power is distributed between a vehicle’s wheels (typically between two wheels on the same axle), in order to help improve vehicle performance in corners.

But how torque is vectored makes a big difference, and it’s the reason why we’re covering this topic.

This brings us to brake-based vs. active differential torque vectoring. These systems are specifically designed to help a car while cornering and are active systems (I like to say proactive). They both do this by monitoring a vehicle’s behavior (using lateral g, yaw sensors, etc.) and the driver’s inputs (steering, gas, etc.) and can begin routing torque before wheels begin slipping to actively enhance cornering performance. So what’s the difference between the two?

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2015 AudiFest in Sonoma

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If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to participate in a national car club event, allow me to share what my 2015 AudiFest experience was like. I’ll disclose right away that I wasn’t able to partake in the track portion. I know, I suck, but I had a prior engagement that weekend (also known as a wedding).

That being said, I can share the part of the event that happened preceding the track day (and this is essentially what differentiates a big, national event from a normal track day anyway). You can reference my other posts to see what it’s like to do a track day. [Read more…]

SPOTTED: 2016 ACURA NSX ON THE STREETS IN SAN FRANCISCO

Pretty, isn't she?

Pretty isn’t she?

On my way to work this morning I had the pleasant surprise of stumbling upon the 2016 Acura NSX. It instantly caught my eye because (a) I’m a car nerd and (b) it was completely blacked out and begging for attention. It was funny because a woman saw the car at the exact moment I did, and she said to her friend: “Wow, that’s a really beautiful car.” You said it sister! Now back off as you’re blocking my view.

Now, I don’t want to get your hopes up thinking that this is an article about a test drive, as there was no test drive to be had. This is because (1) I wasn’t invited to one (2) this wasn’t a press event (3) the Honda/Acura guys were being shooed away by some of the St. Regis staff as the NSX was blocking the entrance to the hotel. [Read more…]

CAR SIGHTINGS: PRIUS PICKUP!

F-350s don't have anything on me.

F-350s don’t have anything on me.

I don’t know why I didn’t think of this first! I mean, c’mon, why wouldn’t anyone want to take a Prius, cut out the rear hatch and turn it into a pickup truck? It’s a Prius, so we all know it gets great gas mileage. And now it’s a truck! I hate to guesstimate, but this thing should have a payload capacity of at least 50 – 80 lbs. You should be able to lug around at least six or more FULLY stocked grocery bags.

And towing? I’m sure it could tow at least half a jet ski. I mean, we all know that a trailer of any size would automatically exceed this car’s towing capacity, but hey, why let that stop someone from the time, cost and energy to do this to a Prius?

Honestly, you have to give this guy props for his handy work (minus the rear quarter panel), because this definitely took some determination. I just wonder if the batteries get wet when it rains…