First Drive: 2013 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Cadillac has been producing the CTS since 2002. In 2004, Cadillac started making a high performance version of the CTS, the CTS-V, in 2004. Production of the first generation CTS-V occurred between 2004 and 2007. The first generation CTS-V was a front engine, rear-wheel drive sedan. Cadillac did not produce the CTS-V in 2008 since the second generation CTS came out that year. The second generation CTS is available as a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe and a five-door sports wagon. In 2009, Cadillac started producing the second generation CTS-V, which is also available as a sedan, coupe and wagon. The most popular car brand for test drives at the 2013 Houston Auto Show was Cadillac. There were several occasions when all eight Cadillacs were on the road and not parked at the Cadillac test drive area. I test drove all eight Cadillacs that were available for test drives, including three Cadillac CTS-Vs. The rule with Cadillac is that you have to drive either the ATS, XTS, SRX, CTS, or Escalade before you can get behind the wheel of a CTS-V. Once you test drove one CTS-V, you can get back in line and test drive the other CTS-Vs. After test driving the Cadillac CTS, I got behind the wheel of the CTS-V Coupe. This version of the CTS-V is a front engine, rear-wheel drive two-door coupe. The version I drove features a six-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the CTS-V.

The CTS-V Coupe features a sporty, sleek styling. I love the side profile of the car. I also like the double grill, which adds some aggressiveness to the CTS-V. There is a "V" badge on each door. The interior is of the CTS-V Coupe is luxurious with a sporty flare. There is leather everywhere and it does not feel cheap. The CTS-V Coupe features an infotainment system that includes a screen that rises up from the dashboard. The CTS-V Coupe also features an analog clock, which is a staple for luxury vehicles. The CTS-V Coupe features Recaro seats that adjusts fourteen different ways. I have never been in a car seat where the upper back support moves in and out. I had good amount of head room and leg room behind the wheel. But the low roofline of the coupe minimizes headroom for rear passengers.

The CTS-V Coupe is powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8 that produces 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and reaches a top seed of 179 mph. The CTS-V Coupe feels fast. The CTS-V Coupe has a big engine, yet it is very quiet inside the car. Also, for a sporty car, the CTS-V Coupe has a smooth ride. This is caused by the magnetic ride control. Ferrari borrowed this technology and used it in the Ferrari 458 Italia. When a legendary supercar manufacturer uses your technology for one of its cars, you are doing something correct. The CTS-V Coupe is the best two-door car I have ever driven. Prices for the CTS-V Coupe start at $64,515. A fully-loaded CTS-V Coupe can fetch over $74,000. The CTS-V Coupe is one of the most expensive cars I have driven, but you get a great car for the price.

The CTS-V Coupe has been featured in Alex Cross, The Defenders, Chuck, Auto Esporte, Top Gear USA, A Gifted Man, Running Wilde, Charlie's Angel, Jack and Jill, Criminal Minds, Switched at Birth, and the Office. The CTS-V Coupe is playable in Forza Motorsport 3, Car Town, Forza Motorsport 4, Forza Horizon, Asphalt 7: Heat, and Car Town EX.

Overall, the CTS-V Coupe is one amazing car. I have driven the entire CTS-V line up, and all three cars are amazing. These cars are an experience. As far as the CTS-V Coupe compared to the other two, it is my least favorite. There is not enough head room for rear passengers. But the CTS-V Coupe is still the best two-door car I have ever driven. I have driven a Ford Mustang 5.0, Chevrolet Corvette Camaro SS, and the Scion FR-S, and none of those cars can compete with the CTS-V Coupe. The CTS-V Coupe has a comfortable ride, power, performance, handling, and yet it is quiet inside the car. The CTS-V is not a cheap car, but if you can afford to spend over $65,000 for a car plus gas and insurance, definitely give the CTS-V Coupe a test drive. I highly recommend this car, even with the limited head room for rear passengers. This car borderlines supercar performance.

Next time, I cover the CTS-V Wagon.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713

First Drive: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Edition

At the 2008 New York International Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled a new sports car. To show off what this car can do, Hyundai demonstrated its abilities by doing powerslides and burnouts in this new car. This new car, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, would go on sale in Spring 2009 as a 2010 model. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is unique to the Hyundai brand as it is the brand's only front engine, rear-wheel drive sports car. I have seen several Genesis Coupes at various Houston auto events. At the 2013, Houston Auto Show, I was able to take one out for a test drive. The version I drove was the 2013 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Track Edition. The version I drove came with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The Genesis Coupe Track Edition is also available with a six-speed manual transmission. Other trim levels for the Genesis Coupe include the 2.0T, 2.0T R-Spec, 2.0T Premium, 3.8 R-Spec, and 3.8 GT. The 2.0T versions come with a turbocharged 2.0L I4 that puts out 271 hp and the 3.8 versions come with a 3.8L V6 that put out 348 hp. All versions of the Genesis Coupe come with either the six-speed manual transmission or the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has a very aggressive styling. It has stylish lines going along the sides of the car. What ruins the styling is the front of the car. That wide open black grill just does not work in terms of styling. The only interior option for the Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Edition is black with leather seats. This is a sports coupe with 2+2 seating, so there is not much leg room and head room for rear passengers. Behind the wheel, I had good amount of head room and leg room. The seats are firm. This is a sports car and the ride is designed for track days.

The Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Edition is powered by a 3.8L V6 that produces 348 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 149 mph. This is a quick car. It also has a firm ride to it. You will feel the smallest of bumps in the road when you are behind the wheel of this car. But, this car was built for the track and the steering response is very good. It is also quiet inside the cabin when this car is in motion. Prices for the entry level Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T starts at $25,125. Prices for the Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Edition goes for $33,895,  which includes a $895 destination charge. A Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track with the automatic transmission begins at $35,145, including the $895 destination charge. A manual Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Edition cost around the same as a base Nissan 370Z Coupe. Both cars have similar driving/ ride qualities, I feel that I have room behind the wheel of the Genesis Coupe. And The Genesis Coupe is not as low to the ground as the 370Z. For the price, you are getting good value with the Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has been featured in Burn Notice, Top Gear Korea, Motorweek, 24, Auto Esporte, Best Motoring, Siti hyunteo, Leverage, and Top Gear USA. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is playable in Veloster HD, Ridge Racer, Drift City, Arctic Drift, RayCity, Astana Racer, Forza Motorsport 3, Forza Motorsport 4, Forza Horizon, Nitto 1320 Legends, Asphalt 7: Heat, Car Town, GT Racing: Motor Academy, and Grid 2.

Overall, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Edition is a good sports car. It has good power coming from the 3.8L V6. It has great acceleration. It responds well to steering wheel inputs. This car is fun to drive and was the most popular car for people to test drive at the Hyundai Ride and Drive booth. It also has a very firm ride to it. You will feel every bump in the road when you are in this car. If you prefer a softer ride, look elsewhere. But if you can handle the firm ride and want a good sports car at a reasonable price, then give this car a test drive. Unfortunately, Hyundai took a different approach with its compact sports car, the Hyundai Veloster.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713

First Drive: 2013 Hyundai Veloster

At the 2007 Seoul Auto Show, Kia revealed a concept car codenamed HND-3. The final production version was revealed at the Detroit Auto Show on January 11, 2011 and became the Hyundai Veloster. The Veloster went into production in 2011 and sales started in Korea on  The Veloster is a four-door hatchback/sports coupe with a front engine, front-wheel drive layout. The Veloster was released to the Korean market on March 10, 2011. Sales of the Veloster in the United States started in fall of 2011. I have seen the Veloster at various Houston car events and on the Houston Roads. I drove the Veloster Turbo at the 2013 Houston Auto Show, but that is not what I will be focusing on. During one Friday in May 2013, I decided to stop by the local Hyundai dealership and took a Veloster out for a test drive. The version I drove came with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters, which is a $1,250 option. The Veloster comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The version I drove came with the standard package, but for an additional $2,000 dollars, you can get the style package. For another $2,000, you can get the tech package, which requires the purchase of the style package.

The Veloster is quite stylish. It has a sporty styling to it. What is unique about the Veloster is that it has a rear door on the passenger side. It has a coupe profile with a sloping rear that leads to the rear hatch. The Veloster comes with dual chrome tip exhaust outlets as standard. With the style package, you get a sunroof and fog lights at the bottom of the front bumper. But the version I drove came with the standard package and lacked the features. The Veloster comes with 17 inch wheels with optional wheel locks ($55). The interior was nothing special since I got the basic package. But the metallic interior accents do add a nice touch to the interior. The seat was slightly comfortable. It was not firm at all. I had good head room and leg room behind the wheel.

The Veloster is powered by a 1.6L I4 engine that produces 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 118 mph. I felt that the Veloster suffered in the drive quality department. It felt like the Veloster took a while to get to 60 mph. The ride quality was decent. It was a little on the smooth side. But the Veloster is not that responsive. I had to really turn the wheel just for the Veloster to corner. With most cars I drive, the car will turn instantly in the direction I turn the steering wheel. With the Veloster, it felt like a delay from the time I turn the wheel to the time the car turned. At least it was quiet inside the Veloster during the test drive. Prices for the Veloster start at $18,395. With the included options of the six speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, wheel locks, carpeted floor mats, and the cargo tray, the price of the Veloster as tested is $$19,905. For a sports coupe, the price is reasonable.

The Hyundai Veloster is featured in Siti Hyunteo (City Hunter), Auto Esporte, Motorweek, and Robot & Frank. The Hyundai Veloster is playable in Veloster HD, Drift City, Car Town, and Car Town EX.

Overall, the Veloster is all style and no substance. Hyundai should have put more power into the base engine. 160 hp to 170 hp would be more ideal, especially in a sports coupe. The standard Veloster has 4 more hp than a Toyota Prius, and the Prius is designed to get very high gas mileage, not to be a sports coupe.Not to mention that the steering of the Veloster is not that responsive. At least with the Veloster, there is a turbocharged version that provides a much better driving experience. Now if you want a Veloster, go with the Veloster Turbo. That has style and substance. Pass on the standard Veloster. The standard Veloster fails to give a proper driving experience, something that is a must for all sports coupes.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a camera phone.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T

The Dodge Challenger first went into production in 1969 as a mid-size pony car. It was designed to compete against the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang. Production run of the original Challenger ended in 1974. The Challenger name came back in 1978 as a rebadged Mitsubishi Galant Lambda. Its production run ended in 1983. On February 6, 2008, Chrysler debuted the Dodge Challenger SRT8, which was powered by a 6.1L Hemi V8 engine. For the 2009 model year, the Challenger lineup was expanded to include a V6 engine and a 5.7L Hemi V8 engine. One thing lacking for the Challenger was technology. At the 2014 New York International Auto Show, Dodge unveiled the 2015 Dodge Challenger and the 2015 Dodge Charger. On September 1, 2014, I was able to get behind the wheel of a 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T. The one I drove came with the all new eight-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is available on all Hemi powered Challengers.

The 2015 Dodge Challenger got a styling update from the previous model year. The 2015 Challenger features a new grille with design cues from 1970-1974 model, quad LED "Halo Ring" head lights, LED tail lights, and a functional hood intake on all Hemi models. The interior is redesigned as well. Available is an 8.4" touchscreen, retro styled gauge cluster, ventilated seats, and a 7" TFT display. Also available for the Challenger is blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and a reverse camera. The Challenger I drove was the Challenger R/T that had a 5.0" touchscreen, a reverse camera, projector fog lamps, high performance brakes, performance steering, 20" hyper black aluminum wheels, rear body-color spoiler, and steering wheel paddle shifters.

The 2015 Dodge Challenger is powered by a 5.7L Hemi V8 that produces 372 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Challenger R/T is a quick vehicle. It also has good steering response, braking response, and throttle response. Turning on sport mode improves the overall driving experience. Compared to the previous model year, the 2015 Challenger is more comfortable to drive. Dodge improved the seat comfort. The addition of the eight-speed transmission greatly improves the ride quality. The shifts are smoother, which help give the 2015 Challenger R/T a smoother ride. Prices for the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T start at $32,490. Adding the eight-speed automatic transmission increases the price by $1,400. The version I drove has an MSRP of $34,585. The Challenger is reasonably priced. It has performance and comfort.

Overall, the 2015 Dodge Challenger is a huge step up for the previous Challengers. Changing the lights to LEDs helps with the styling. The interior is greatly improved. Going with the Uconnect 5.0/Uconnect 8.4AN instead of the 130/430N/730N infotainment systems helps with user friendliness. Plus the eight-speed automatic transmission greatly improves the ride quality. I love how smoothly the transmission shifts. The 2015 Challenger is also available with a reverse camera and blind spot monitoring system, which is needed in a sports car. The one issue with the Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger is blind spots. Adding the blind spot monitoring system will help make the Challenger safer on the roads and freeways. If you need more performance, there is still the Challenger R/T Scat Pack and the Challenger SRT, both with a 6.4L Hemi V8 engine that produces 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. Available in 2015 will be the Challenger SRT Hellcat, which gets 707 hp for a supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 engine.

CarJunkie

Photo was taken by a camera phone.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.