Tag Archives: /Drive

? Drive Plus – VW Golf R v BMW M235i – Chris Harris on Cars

Drive Plus – VW Golf R v BMW M235i – Chris… by boobiesr4squeezing

Your thoughts on the upcoming VW Golf R?  I’m less concerned about the M235i, since the 2015 STI has already been matched up with that particular car (see this post for more insight).

My thoughts?  This is just another VW Mk VII Golf R video.  This is also another Golf R video that is non-US-spec.  This is also another video touting its Haldex system.

We keep seeing videos of this car but only in it’s EU-guise.  It makes me wonder if there will be a US version (of the same car, not a watered down version).  Also, everyone keeps talking about how smart the Haldex system is — it was initially debuted in the Golf R on an ice track.  Subaru has been doing that for YEARS.  As well, Haldex isn’t true all-wheel-drive…it enables power to the wheels only when needed.  Yes, that is more efficient.  No, that doesn’t make it better than dedicated AWD systems.  I’d like to see the car handle and see drivers such as Randy Pobst test that car on a track.  Yes, Chris Harris gave the car ‘the beans’ in the video, but I’ve to see much more of this car than the last 8 months of videos before I become intrigued by this car’s technology.  And then there’s the euro stigma about technology.  Will this car be expensive to service and maintain?  Will there be non-stop electrical gremlins that plague the owner experience?

No, I’m not yet smitten.  Keep trying to woo me, VW.

2015 Subaru WRX STI: Everything You Need To Know — AFTER/DRIVE

This is the best 2015 STI review I’ve seen yet.

Why? Because it’s an honest review that explains where the real improvements are and how those real improvements translate into a great track experience.  It discusses things such as the stupid comments about the lack of a hatch…it discusses that issue with tact.  It discusses the active torque vectoring and shows a great example of how such tech helps drivers on track (there’s video footage of it kicking in when a driver is overshooting the apex of a corner).

I really liked how the three guys discussed the car and how they were rational when discussing the differences between the STI and WRX.  They gave solid feedback on why the STI was the overall better buy (not better value buy).

I highly recommend watching this video if you want see an unbiased and frank review.