Last month we took a first drive in the latest diesel models to arrive here from Europe - the Jetta TDI and BMW 335d. Obviously there are other models as well (such as the X5, Q7, ML, etc) but we feel these two are going to have the greatest impact on our sector.
The Jetta TDI offers hybrid-beating economy in a very affordable package, while the 335d is one of the best cars you'll ever drive, regardless of its powerplant.
In this issue we've taken first drives in the new VW CC and BMW 750i. Admittedly, the BMW isn't the ideal vehicle to reduce your fuel bills - although it's world-class technology helps minimize consumption, and there's even talk of a 730d possibly coming here.
The VW CC isn't available with a diesel option either, but its 2.0T motor will sip gas if you can resist the temptation to either bury the throttle or upgrade the turbo's software.
$25000 HP2 Sport: 130hp air-cooled...
$25000 HP2 Sport: 130hp air-cooled twin, carbon body, ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes
Even before we'd driven the CC, its styling caught our attention. Looking like a mini-Merc CLS, the lines are surprisingly elegant for a car that starts at around $26k. The interior oozes class as well. In fact, we thought the car had so much potential we offered it as the latest Photochop Challenge. And you can see the results of the Photoshop modifications elsewhere in this issue. Some are definitely good enough to be built and, dare we say, almost rival Volkswagen's own CC concept featured on this month's cover...
We have to thank the genuine enthusiasts at VWoA for making our exclusive cover story possible. They wanted us to show you hardcore Dubheads and European car fans this car in all its detail. And what incredible detail has gone into this concept.
Speaking to the design team and getting a close look at the car, it shades even the legendary R GTI concept. We feel it also ranks as one of the best Euros to appear in the last few years.
With VW having to appeal to such a wide demographic, its incredible how they built something that's so true to the roots of our hobby. It's a masterclass in how to build the perfect Euro. Turn the pages and absorb its detail.
Anybody who's able to achieve similar attention to detail and restrained, sporting elegance will have a winner on their hands. So when readers ask us what it takes to build the definitive Euro, we'll point to VW's Performance CC in future as one of the best examples of the genre.
Not only did I get to share time with VW's enthusiasts this month, but I also took a little jaunt with some of BMW's enthusiasts. You can read about it in my blog at www.eurotuner.com
MW S 1000 RR World Superbike...
MW S 1000 RR World Superbike in early testing. Can it beat the Japanese at their own game?
To paraphrase; I managed to persuade two of BMW's top executives from Germany, who were in LA for the auto show, to join us on a tour of the local canyons. BMWNA's top PR specialist also came along, providing four of the company's best two-wheelers. These included the incredible HP2 Megamoto and the 130hp HP2 port.
Given the choice, threw a leg over the $25k HP2 Sport and refused to get off. I had not ridden a BMW motorcycle before, but this one rates as possibly the best bike I've ever experienced.
While its air-cooled 1170cc boxer twin didn't rev as hard as many bikes I've owned, the unrelenting wave of torque encouraged short shifting. Once I adapted my riding style, the HP2 Sport was as fast as anything I'd ridden, including my recently stolen R1. A burst up to almost 150mph proved it was definitely no slouch.
Yet it was the HP2's unbelievable stability that really surprised me. Although not a GP rider, I was having to back-off the power mid-corner to avoid running into the rear of more experienced riders. The HP2 Sport flatters any rider, thanks to its carbon bodywork, Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes and forged wheels. It's also the first bike I've ridden with ABS technology, which performed imperceptibly, as you'd expect from BMW.