finding the signal in an industry filled with noise
Admission: I’ve never followed racing very closely because I’m more interested in road cars or track cars based on road cars.
Fact: Regardless of your enthusiasm for racing or Formula 1, you’ll probably have a newfound appreciation for the factoids listed in this article…
Over 3 years ago, I posted on the benefits of using your spare tire before it aged…
Recently ABC picked up on the same story, as you can see here.
Ordinarily I take pride in being ahead of the curve, but this time I’m just despondent at the number of people who not having read my blog have inadvertently put themselves at risk.
Tell a friend…
while its true that the firmer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars that come with Speed specification have provided a tangible extra degree of control over its body movements, so too is it undeniable that this has not been achieved without a significant degradation in ride quality. Those huge 20” wheels thump a little too readily into even small road imperfections and that wonderful, gliding lollop that makes the standard Flying Spur such an outstanding luxury car has gained a coarse edge that’s not really in keeping with the character of the rest of the car. Some will not miss that last bit of finesse to the ride and will regard its flatter cornering as a more than fair exchange, but it is fair to point out at this stage that for all its potential, the Speed remains essentially a large, four-door limousine and not an ultra-sporting two-seat roadster in which such compromise in ride comfort might be regarded not only as entirely acceptable, but even quite desirable. – 4car on the Bentley Flying Spur ‘Speed’
I’m referring of course to the Motor Trend long-term update that has a lot of people talking…
Now granted, automotive journalists are an agressive bunch, but I can’t see how a company known for products that don’t require much in the way of care and feeding can spec brakes and tires that wilt so easily… Not that soft tires and brakes are a bad thing – they usually bring with them better handling, stopping and feel from the driver’s seat. It’s just that in the LS’ case it has no excuse – no one’s every penned a flattering word on the car’s handling or braking; it’s not the car’s M.O…
The C30 feels busy over small bumps, and the big tyres on those handsome 18in rims feed a surprising level of noise into the cockpit on anything less than very smooth asphalt, which is a shame. I’d happily trade a little of the handling’s edge for smoother progress, especially as the soft throttle action and long gearing (over 100mph in third) give the C30 a leisurely gait. A car that looks so different – inside and out – to the fast-hatch herd should have the confidence to follow its own dynamic agenda too. – evo
Not to beat a dead horse, but the modern car has so much grip that there’s little opportunity to savor the sensation of just a whiff of opposite lock (one of the reasons the original MX-5 Miata was lauded in its time and is a legend today – even the tires were chosen to be more drifty).
Even the best and purest driver’s cars of today commit this mortal sin:
the Boxster is just too good. Even with the power boost, the Porsche feels like it could handle 500 hp. There is just so much grip that the near 300 hp engine is swallowed by the chassis. Sure, you can get it to understeer if you’re rude to the car but there is too much rear stick and not enough power to balance it with the throttle, at least on the street. And this is on the standard 18” wheels. The 19” setup should add even more grip. I kept hoping for a bit of rain just so I could have some fun. I remember that our long-term Boxster was far more enjoyable on winter tires than the summer tires. The loss in grip allowed you to exploit the full extent of the car on your local highway on-ramp. I guess my overall point is that I still love the Boxster but I wish it was not so good of a car. I like something that slides around a bit, likes to dance, and has lower limits on the street. – Marc Noordeloos, Automobile
(Even the engineers that get it right eventually succumb to market pressure for lower profile tires on larger wheels – look at what happened to the Elise and the aforementioned Miata…)
Not even a Lexus is immune to the laws of physics…
As long as the road is smooth, it’s a serene ride, but sealed cracks and potholes in the pavement kill the serenity. Even in its soft setting, the adjustable suspension can’t compensate for the reinforced sidewalls of the Dunlop run-flat tires. – Car And Driver