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Driving Impressions
Compared with the heavy-duty trucks from Ford and Dodge, the Silverado 2500 distinguishes itself with well-weighted steering that provides the driver with a greater sense of vehicle control. This is a particular benefit on tight country roads. Although a heavy-duty pickup and its taut rear suspension will never offer a Cadillac ride, the 2500 is surprisingly comfortable over long distances. Both engines are strong, but if you can swing the price premium, the hefty performance and reasonable fuel economy of the Duramax diesel make it a very tempting choice.
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Driving Impressions
Tuned more toward the luxury end of the spectrum, the Genesis’ suspension offers a soft ride with respectable handling. The latter is surprisingly neutral — a run through the slalom showed the Genesis to be a little soft and slow, but impressively obedient. The electrohydraulic steering assist leaves the rack-and-pinion steering feeling more isolated from the tires than we’d prefer, but the steering itself is still precise and appropriate, given the scale and mission of the car. Nobody would ever mistake the Genesis for a BMW when it comes to steering, but Infiniti or Lexus owners will find it familiar.
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One of the main flaws of the previous TSX was excessive road noise. To the new car’s credit, the 2009 TSX is equipped with additional sound-deadening materials and newfound structural rigidity, which quiets things down on the freeway. For manual-equipped models, a shorter-travel clutch and less aggressive throttle tip-in produce a car that’s easier to drive smoothly around town. Less welcome is the new electric power steering system designed to perform better (read: be lighter) at low parking-lot speeds. The problem is, because the old car wasn’t exactly arm-wrenching, the resulting change equates to a less communicative steering system. Still, the TSX is a very enjoyable car to drive on twisting roads, especially if it’s equipped with the manual transmission. Body motions are well-controlled and the car stays relatively flat and attached to the tarmac in even the most aggressive turns. In other words, the 2009 Acura TSX is still one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars on sale.
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Powertrains and Performance
The Luxury and Premium Luxury are powered by a 4.2-liter V8 that makes 300 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque. Power flows to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic that can be shifted manually with steering-wheel-mounted paddles. Jaguar claims a 0-60-mph time of 6.2 seconds for these models.
The Supercharged features, you guessed it, a supercharged version of that V8 that makes 420 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. It should be enough to trim the 0-60 sprint down to 5.1 seconds.
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Casey Gelvin: Driving Impressions
The SH-AWD system in the 2009 Acura RL works transparently but very effectively to maintain traction under the worst of circumstances and, along with the newly firmed-up suspension, provide cornering abilities that are more “sports car” than “luxury sedan.” Acura’s flagship sedan offers a nice balance between a cushy ride and competent handling and, as a result, makes an excellent everyday luxury sport sedan.
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Driving Impressions
The 2009 Dodge Viper is rough, raw, loud and unrefined when compared to other sports cars, and therein lies much of its appeal. As with previous generations, when you pin the gas pedal, you’ll be pinned to the seatback. Jam on the brakes and you can feel your internal organs slam against your rib cage. Novices can appreciate the Viper’s straight-line power and fury, but only advanced drivers should explore its cornering limits.
Steering is precise and offers enough feedback to toss the Viper deep into turns, while judicious amounts of throttle from a deft right foot can direct its nose with smart-bomb accuracy. However, sniper-like accuracy can be achieved with sharper, lighter performers like the Z06 or range-topping Porsches. Get it right in a Viper and the payoff is immediate and plentiful. Get it wrong and you’ll be relying on every car-control skill you’ve ever learned. Barring impact or damage, either outcome is wildly entertaining and rewarding.
