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There had been many things about foods that our parents said to us when we were younger. Some are completely ridiculous that we go rid of them when we grew up, but some stayed on. So what is the truth behind the food myths that our parents used to tell us? The fact is some of these myths are probably preventing us from making the most of our diet so it’s about time that we know and this post is all about uncovering the truth behind the lies. Myth no. 1 Raw doesn’t mean healthy There’s a reason why our human ancestors discovered and mastered the use of fire. With the use of fire, our diet has been revolutionized. However, it has always been a huge lie that raw foods are better then cooked ones. Some vegetables will lose their nutrients when cooked for long periods while others have toxic substances that need to be killed before being eaten. It’s also a misconception that raw fish is better than the cooked variety. When it comes to this myth, eat both raw and cooked foods just to make sure. Myth no. 2 Use plastic cutting boards instead of wooden ones A 1993 study surprisingly showed that wooden cutting boards are better because bacteria died off quickly than in plastic ones. In plastic cutting boards, bacteria multiplied exponentially out of control. The results once again demystified our once long-held beliefs on food-related matter. Myth no. 3 Coffee can cause hypertension A study by the Johns Hopkins University showed that drinking a cup of coffee a day can raise the blood pressure just a little bit. However, drinking from 5-6 cups a day will increase the likelihood of developing hypertension. But then again, coffee drinking is rendered harmless as compared to other vices like smoking and drinking. The aforementioned has a more apparent effect compared to the former. Myth no. 4 Eat three times a day These days eating just three times a day are no longer enough especially with the high-octane lifestyle that we have. Essentially, most dieticians prescribe eating seven times a day and that includes the three full meals and several snacks. However, the number of meals a day does not determine how healthy you can become but the nutrients that are present. Myth no. 5 You can feed anything to your dog Your dog seems like he can munch on anything without much effort but just like humans, they have limitations too. Feed your dog a bar of chocolates and that’s enough for him to have a heart attack. Basically, 15 Hershey’s bars can kill a 22-pound dog and if there’s no veterinarian, a burnt toast can help your pooch remove the lethal theobromine. Aside from chocolates, garlic and onions shouldn’t be fed to your best friend because it can cause their red blood cells to burst. However, the trip to the graveyard for your dog would mean he or she has to eat a pound of onions first. Be wary of the things that you hear or being told you especially when it comes to health and food. Always be a skeptic and find time to verify whether the things that you’ve been told to believe really have some merit behind them.

Supercars are not meant and built for everyone but they have everything that everybody loves and one of that is exclusivity. For instance, the Aston Martin V8 that happens to be a convertible and since it comes from the renowned manufacturing facility of Aston Martin, it’s tough not to have high expectations about the car. Let’s see what this exotic car has in store for supercar enthusiasts and gauge whether it really deserves to be part of its categorization. As far as performance is concerned, the V8 Vantage Roadster can spurt from 0-60 mph in merely 4.9 seconds and that’s one huge leap if you’re going to ask me. When it comes to its top speed, this auto can scorch the road by reaching at least 175 mph and probably even more as one fan said. The good thing about this car is that it can generate as much as 380 horsepower with its 4.3 liter engine and that’s quite an achievement considering that bigger engines don’t produce that much. Apart from that, the other astonishing thing about the Vantage Roadster is its rigidity and that’s quite something considering that this one is a convertible. Additionally, there are loads of multimedia features that you can choose from making the Vantage Roadster a moving entertainment cabin of sorts. The question now is, is this car really worth it? First and foremost this car is not yet at the level of a Bugatti Veyron or even a Tesla Roadster. However, any man who’s in the know of the automotive industry knows that this car has some fine tinkering done on it and that’s pretty obvious. At 126,000 USD, the Vantage Roadster is a lot more affordable than other exotic cars. With that being said, the Vantage Roadster is a decent exotic car that may be far from fantastic but still great enough to be part of its elite place in its class. When it comes to its performance on the road, it has been said that the Vantage Roadster underwent thousands of miles of testing under extreme weather conditions from Arabia to Europe. If this car was able to survive rigorous testing, then it’s logical that this car can easily surpass what the urban jungle can throw at it on a daily basis. Exterior-wise, the Vantage Roadster is an eye-catcher although since it has loads of gadgetry inside, it can only accommodate two people at the same time. So if you plan to tug along some friends or family members, too bad because the other seat is already taken. Unfortunately, this car’s extra space is only limited to five cubic feet and that’s too small even for those who don’t carry a lot at all. When it comes to driving, that’s where the Vantage Roadster is really good at. Be it the street or highway, this car is very easy to handle even by those who are not very experienced yet. Also, this car doesn’t consume that much oil compared to other cars in its class and that’s very important especially with how gas prices have skyrocketed over the years. Overall, this car is the most practical one that I’ve seen in the exotic ride category because it has the trappings of a supercar and the practicality of some luxury autos out there. Overall, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster isn’t the best car yet but its Aston Martin craftsmanship painted under its hood, there’s no reason why anyone would ignore this auto’s quality and not to mention affordability. Basically, it is akin to a boxing prospect that has all the tools needed to become part of the pound-for-pound list and it’s just a matter of time before it can be fully polished to its full potential.

Not many people have probably heard of the Bristol Fighter T but then again, you’re not aware that something’s brewing unless it has already created a big splash. If the great things in life are usually those that don’t get the limelight, then you can consider the Bristol Fighter T as one of it. This car which comes from Britain has qualities that you can consider part of the elite already. The first thing that you’ll notice about this car is its unbelievable 8.0 liter V10 engine that can push the wheels as fast as 270 mph. Yes folks, you’ve read that right, the Fighter T is one super fast car needless to say. That’s not all of course because this road devil can generate as much as 1100 horsepower which is enough to really blow you away literally. How about the acceleration? As I’ve said earlier, the Fighter T is not and will never be the regular car built for the masses and that being said, it can cruise from 0-60 mph in only 3.5 seconds. That’s just a bit slower than putting your seatbelt on though. Meanwhile, the Bristol Fighter T is not all about speed and power because it has great contours and lines that would definitely attract anyone. However, compared to other exotic cars out there, the Bristol Fighter T lacks the necessary flash in order to be placed in the super car category. Sure it is fast and powerful and needless to say, this car is more than what you actually need during regular fishing trips. On the upside, the whole car has a great set of multimedia artillery that can definitely appeal to everyone. Apart from that, the interior isn’t that bad either although you have to deal with the pretty small space that’s available for the passengers. So is the Bristol Fighter T practical? The fact is, if you can afford something that costs 700000 USD, I don’t think that the word even applies to you. The Bristol Fighter T is naturally one voracious gas consumer and that has to be expected for a car with an 8.0 liter engine. The bad thing about this car is that if ever some of its parts become busted, you would have to directly order from the manufacturer itself. That wouldn’t have been a problem if you live somewhere in Europe but if not, then you’d have to wait for several months before these parts are delivered to you. So is the Bristol Fighter T worth it? The fact that it isn’t a Ferrari or Lamborghini makes it already a risk in itself but I supposed that’s a pretty unfair statement though. Meanwhile, it isn’t a particularly attractive car either but then again, the performance that it brings to the table makes it a very delicious commodity already. Overall, the car is worth all the money that you would spend for it because of its sheer exclusivity. For sure you won’t be seeing another Bristol Fighter T at least several thousands miles away from you.

Ferrari has always been at the pantheon of the automotive world for years. Because of this, every super car that it releases gets the attention of the whole world. It has been dominating the Formula 1 scene for years and that speaks a lot about their whole program. You don’t get to see a Ferrari car everyday on the road that’s why it would be better if you recognize it when you see one. Meanwhile, another celebrated car comes from Ferrari and it is called the Ferrari Scuderia. For sure, this super car will never come in cheap but it’s good to know that it has fantastic specifics that are worth mentioning here. The Scuderia enjoys the superior technology that all Ferrari cars have and although it looks perfect already, let’s see if this one does deserves the superlatives that it receives. The Scuderia looks like the F430 from afar since its aesthetics were based from the latter. However, there are minimal differences that you will be able to discern especially if you’re into the Ferrari brand. Meanwhile, it has a massive 4.3 liter V8 32-valve engine which generates as much as 510 horsepower on the road. Needless to mention, this one is a super car and it was designed to torch the road at 198 mph while its acceleration from 0-60 mph is pegged around 3.6 seconds. Impressive isn’t it? Read on. The exterior of the Scuderia speaks of impeccable craftsmanship. It’s the kind of car that commands every attention on the road and without a doubt, it deserves it. The interior on the other hand features a double-layered Alcantara and carbon-fiber seats which are meant for extra durability. Moreover, the dashboard can’t get any more complete because of the sophistication that it offers. Basically, it’s meant for the superior driver that’s why you won’t see anything inferior in the cabin. The excellent technology that the Scuderia has is so good that it’s a tad short of qualifying to be an airplane, but then again it doesn’t have the wings. The good thing however is that it has the Ferrari touch and badge. Meanwhile, when you talk about super cars such as this one, the word practicality is almost null and void. The car is pegged at around 550000 USD and anyone who can buy this has more than enough money to last two lifetimes. The Ferrari Scuderia looks good, feels good and it’s certainly not fond of your wallet. The downside of this is that it eats up too much fuel because of its 4.3 liter engine. Apart from that, just like any other super car out there it’s not meant for long trips and there isn’t much cargo space either. If you’re planning to buy a car for road tripping and you have half-a-million dollars to spare, cross out the Ferrari Scuderia it’s part of your list. Overall, the Ferrari Scuderia is a nasty road devil that is pretty expensive with very few downfalls. Don’t expect to use the Scuderia as your weekend family car because it’s not made for that purpose. It’s not very practical although if you want to experience Ferrari craftsmanship just like Michael Schumacher, this car is hard to turn down.

2008 Mazda5 First Look: Slicker Looks, More Luxury for Sporty Crossover Mazda5 The quirky but lovable Mazda5 mini minivan has been refreshed for 2008 with updated styling, a more comprehensive list of standard features and an improved interior. It stands out among the sea of tall, six-passenger crossovers and bloated minivans, because it’s small and sporty enough to drive like a compact sedan, yet has the room to haul the fam and all the gear that comes with ‘em autopartswarehouse. Externally, the Mazda5’s new front fascia, grille, headlights and taillights are slightly more aggressive, but the vehicle still resembles a swollen Honda Fit more than it does typical crossovers or minivans. The improvements inside are more dramatic, with an updated shift panel and center console that offer better ergonomics and new electroluminescent gauges. Second-row passengers now get air vents with fan-speed controls, while extra armrests and an auxiliary audio jack should make long trips more bearable for road tripping families. A one-touch lever folds seats forward, creating up to 44.4 cu. ft. of storage. The base Sport model starts at $18,630, and includes 17-in. alloy wheels, power door locks, second row under-seat storage and remote keyless entry. Also standard across all models are steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Touring model, at $21,245, gets extras like sportier bodywork, a moonroof and an in-dash CD changer. The top-end Grand Touring model ($23,000) is equipped with Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights and heated leather seats that can be bought at autopartswarehouse. Powered by a 2.3-liter, 153-hp four-cylinder, the Mazda5’s relatively light curb weight of 3417 lbs. will appease enthusiasts, since most of the competition keeps getting bulkier and more unwieldy. Though the five-speed automatic is the default choice (producing 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway), the 5-speed manual is the gearbox of choice for drivers hoping to resist the mundane duties of family transport. The manual gets slightly better EPA numbers (22/28 mpg), but it’s only available in entry-level Sport trim. The 2008 Mazda5’s improvements should make it even more of a contender in a market where vehicles keep getting bigger, thirstier and more expensive. —Basem Wasef

2008 BMW X6 Test Drive: High-Riding, High-End Horsepower Prowls for Cayenne Territory BMW X6 SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Imagine a conventional BMW X5 morphed into a hatchback coupe with a 400-hp twin-turbo V8 and a bleeding edge all-wheel drive system thrown in for good measure. Well, that’s the new X6, which furthers the four-door coupe trend started by the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Jaguar XF. Soon the mini segment will also include the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera, but this BMW is the only crossover four-door coupe we’ve seen—ever. And while some might find the look a bit odd, we think it’s positively dripping with machismo. There are two versions of the X6. The base XDrive 35i uses BMW’s sweatheart 306-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six. The XDrive 50i packs an all-new 400-hp 4.4-liter V8 twin turbo. Both come with the computer-controlled XDrive all-wheel-drive system and a new, fast-shifting 6-speed automatic with shifter paddles on the steering wheel according to autopartswarehouse. The V8 shows off a new design, unrelated to the one that served in so many big Bimmers (and Range Rovers) over the last 10 years. The direct injection packages the two small Garrett turbochargers and catalytic converters inside the V between the cylinder heads. There are even separate twin intercoolers. The result? A rather robust 400 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque at engine speeds as low as 1750 rpm. The high-riding X6 is the first BMW vehicle to come with Dynamic Performance Control (DPC), a new version of XDrive that distributes engine torque between the front and rear axles and now side-to-side, too. In other words, there’s torque vectoring at all four wheels for autopartswarehouse DPC uses an advanced computer control and an innovative rear differential that incorporates two planetary gearsets and two clutch packs. That lets the system multiply torque to an individual rear wheel so DPS can help steer the vehicle by directing torque to either of them. This unique BMW technology works while accelerating or decelerating and enhances steering precision, too. In fast corners with abrupt steering maneuvers or when the driver suddenly lifts off the gas pedal, DPC simply improves stability. We drove the new X6 near BMW’s factory here, where the mountainous territory was filled with foggy, wet two-lane roads, Interstate highways, and wet and dry road courses at the nearby Michelin tire development test track. So we really got a taste of what the X6 could do, and we were impressed as per autopartswarehouse. The X6’s body and chassis dynamics were surprisingly good. Well, maybe not that surprising, because this is a BMW, after all. But while many other crossovers have a tendency to plow into the corners, that’s not the case with the X6. Better still was the thrust of that techy new V8, with exemplary performance and nearly instantaneous torque delivery. And for those of us that crave a little magic from the exhaust tips, the X6 delivers a gutsy growl. At full throttle, it sounds downright hungry—as if it wants to chow down on some Stuttgart steel. Perhaps a plateful of Porsche Cayenne? BMW says the twin-turbo I-6 version will do the 0-60 mph run in 6.6 seconds, and the twin-turbo V8 version sprint to that speed in 5.3 seconds. Pretty darn good for a truck that weighs around 5300 pounds. We dug the X6’s style and were impressed by the interior room—well, at least the room that people will occupy. The back seat could easily swallow my tall frame, despite the sloping roof. But in terms of practical room for gear, the X6 is limited. If you need to carry more than 59.7 cu. ft. of gear with the rear seats folded, maybe the X5 (with an extra 15.3 cubes) is a better choice. The XDrive 35i will start at $53,275, and the XDrive 50i will start at $63,775—both figures including $775 destination and delivery. The long option list runs to 22 items and seven packages. BMW says that next year, it will offer the X6 with a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter clean diesel engine as well as a Two-Mode hybrid drive system. Now those two are certainly worth waiting for, if you ask us. —Jim McCraw

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Ferrari is present at the 78th International Geneva Motor Show with its entire GT range, the F2007 single-seater that won last year’s Formula 1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships, the legendary 365 GTB4 “Daytona” which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and a special area dedicated to the One-to-One Programme. autopartswarehouse Taking pride of place at the Ferrari stand, however, is the 612 Scaglietti, the model being used to inaugurate the new One-to-One Personalisation Programme. Ferrari intends to allow every client to fully personalise this flagship model, courtesy of a wide array of new content as well as the options available through the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Programme. In fact, a special dedicated “atelier” area has been set up at the factory in which clients can put together their own bespoke 612 Scaglietti accessory by accessory, detail by detail. In exactly the same way as they would at a haute couture fashion house, owners can choose details and materials they want for their car in consultation with the Ferrari experts who will actually build it to their exact specifications and tastes. We have recreated a compact version of the real atelier (due to be officially opened in Maranello in the near future) on the stand. Further such ateliers will then be opened over the next few months in other parts of the world. Clients will be assisted in making their selections by dedicated Programme consultants who can help them at every stage of defining their car’s specification. Naturally, despite the many variations on offer, the Ferrari flagship’s benchmark quality and styling characteristics will remain unchanged and no modifications will be permitted that would impinge on the signature Prancing Horse safety and reliability. All of these unique new 612 Scagliettis will be built in a dedicated assembly area at the Maranello factory. autopartswarehouse To underscore the sheer depth and flexibility of the personalisation options available for the 612 Scaglietti, we are exhibiting at Geneva a version which has been inspired, right down to its perforated leather Daytona seats, by the classic 365 GTB4 which will stand alongside it. The famous 365 GTB4 was, of course, affectionately dubbed the Daytona in honour of the historic one-two-three finish delivered by the Scuderia Ferrari in the eponymous 24 Hour Race in 1967. The arrival of the 365 GTB4 was a significant moment in the company’s history and Ferrari will be celebrating this car’s 40th anniversary in 2008 with a series of events across the globe. 2008 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Personalization Program Review The 612 Scagliettis being used to launch the One-to-One Programme incorporate a series of technical evolutions that reflect the Ferrari philosophy of constantly introducing innovations in each model. Most notably, the V12 flagship now boasts an electrochromic panoramic roof which covers the entire top of the cabin. This has the dual advantage of giving occupants the feeling of driving along in a drop-top whilst enjoying the comfort and safety of a coupé. However, this is no ordinary panoramic roof. It is made from electrochromic glass which can be changed at the touch of a button to adjust the levels of sunlight allowed into the cabin. The electrochromic glass solution was developed in close collaboration with Saint Gobain, a partner with whom Ferrari has most recently developed a similar highly innovative solution for the Superamerica. In addition to its electrochromic roof, the 612 Scaglietti also sports the aptly named SuperFast gearbox which delivers an exceptional gear-shifting time of 100 milliseconds and a reduced inertia clutch to enhance the engine’s responsiveness still further. The iconic Ferrari manettino, now featured on the entire range, has also been added to the steering wheel. Another model being showcased at Geneva is the F430 Spider, a rear-engined 8-cylinder that combines blistering performance with open-top driving pleasure. The version on the stand is displayed in a historic colour Grigio Ferro, with a sophisticated Cioccolato interiors. The F430 Spider has proved an enormous success since its launch and in 2007 won prestige awards from international publications, such as Quattroruote, Autozeitung, Auto Illustrierte and Auto Motor und Sport. The Company’s sporting history is also represented on the stand by the 599 GTB Fiorano, the highest performance production model ever built at Maranello and seen here in a classic Rosso Corsa livery, and the 430 Scuderia, an extreme model voted “Dream Car of the Year” by the authoritative British car magazine Top Gear. autopartswarehouse The more track-oriented side of Ferrari’s dual soul is represented most ably on the stand by the F2007, the single-seater that won the World Championship last year, bringing to 15 the overall number of Formula 1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles won by Maranello so far. Thanks to autopartswarehouse

2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Hummer H3T Although it’s scheduled to debut at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, we can bring you the goods on the 2009 Hummer H3T now. As expected, it’s essentially a standard H3 with a utility bed out back. A 22-inch-longer wheelbase helps to accommodate the bed without sacrificing interior passenger room. The cargo box itself will offer GM’s bed rail accessory system, so although it’s only 5 feet long it should prove more useful than your typical SUT add-on. 2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Hummer H3T Posted by Keith Bradford at 08:30
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The Numbers the World Has Been Waiting for We know you want the numbers and we're not going to waste your time. Neither is Nissan. Its 2009 GT-R hits 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, quicker than the last Dodge Viper, Corvette Z06 and Porsche 911 Turbo we tested. Keep your foot pinned, and after another tap on the upshift paddle it will clear the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds at more than 120 mph. We know this because we've just returned from Japan where we tested a privately owned Nissan GT-R on an airstrip outside Tokyo. The car we tested was a Japanese-spec example with 1,500 break-in kilometers on its odometer. It's owned by Japanese journalist Jun Nishikawa and packs the same hardware the U.S. car will get: a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 that generates at least 473 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. It had the same six-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox and the same adjustable dampers which, by now, you've read plenty about. What you likely haven't heard about is this: launch control. Despite its bold 3.5-second 0-60-mph claim, Nissan has been keeping this little bit of technological wizardry a secret. Test a GT-R in the homeland, however, and the need for confidentiality is quickly overwhelmed by the need for speed. Controlling the Launch Activating the Nissan GT-R's launch control is a matter of configuring its transmission, dynamics control and damping adjustments properly. The transmission and damping switches must both be set to the R mode and the VDC must be switched off completely by holding the VDC-R button down for a few seconds. Then it's just a matter of pinning the brake with your left foot and wooding the throttle with your right, not unlike the technique used to produce a tire-shredding burnout in that '85 Camaro you drove in high school. The result, however, is quite different. The computer holds the engine at 4,500 rpm and waits for you to lift your left foot off the brake pedal. When you do the GT-R produces the most crushing acceleration of virtually any production car in the world. Our test was conducted on a fairly low-grip surface that produced lots of rear wheelspin before the GT-R's sophisticated all-wheel-drive system engaged the front wheels and it thundered down the track. Its 3.3-second 0-60-mph run and 11.6 at 120.9 mph performance make the GT-R the quickest car we've ever tested.autopartswarehouse It's even quicker than the Porsche 911 Turbo Tiptronic, but not by much. The German hits 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and blasts through the quarter-mile in 11.6 at 118.5 mph. Due to their lack of all-wheel drive, the Dodge Viper and Corvette Z06 are held back by traction limitations. Despite its 600-hp V10, the last Viper coupe we tested reached 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and finished the quarter-mile 11.8 at 125.3 mph. The Corvette Z06 isn't even close. Once impressive, its 4.1-second 0-60-mph run and 12-second quarter-mile at 121.8 mph are now well off the pace, which is why Chevy is creating the supercharged Corvette ZR1.autopartswarehouse In an effort to preserve its drivetrain and relations with the owner, we only activated the launch control twice, but with a few more attempts to calm the violent wheelspin, the numbers would likely have been even better. Leave the launch control off and the tranny in R mode, and the car is still sick quick. Sixty mph arrives in 4.0 seconds and the quarter-mile disappears in 12.3 seconds at 120.6 mph. All our testing was completed using manual shifting.autopartswarehouse World-Class Braking It requires 15-inch rotors, six-piston Brembo calipers and sticky Bridgestone Potenza RE070R rubber to bring a 3,836-pound GT-R to rest from 60 mph in only 104 feet. That's only 1 foot longer than the Porsche 911 Turbo equipped with the $8,800 ceramic composite brake package. It's also the same stopping distance as the last Dodge Viper we tested and 2 feet shorter than the Corvette Z06. Experience tells us that the Nissan GT-R's conventional iron rotors aren't going to endure abuse as well as the 911 Turbo's ceramic brakes, but in a one-stop scenario like this, we have no reason to doubt them. With a solid, effective and intuitive pedal, braking confidence is high. Plus, we're guessing future versions of the GT-R will get brakes as advanced as the Porsche's.autopartswarehouse Predictable, Accessible Handling Our makeshift test facility at the AMI Airport near Tokyo didn't allow room for lateral acceleration testing on a skid pad. However, we did set up our standard slalom for comparison. Again, we were somewhat thwarted by the less-than-ideal surface, which had unavoidable painted lines crossing the course. This served as an opportunity to witness the GT-R's striking at-the-limit composure. Blasting across the bumpy painted lines between cones, you get the sense that this is truly a special car. Its chassis remains composed and it goes exactly where it's pointed despite the ugly surface. There's none of the puckering that comes with driving a Vette or Viper this fast through a slalom. Nor is there the sense that the rear-mounted engine of a 911 Turbo is eventually going to find its way to the front. The Nissan GT-R is versatile, with plenty of control latitude, and the difference between the limit of grip and the limit of control is huge. It's probably the most easily controlled car we've slid sideways between the cones. More importantly, its abilities are far more accessible for the average driver than those of its competition. At 72.9 mph, it's quicker here than the Z06 and 911 Turbo but can't quite match the huge-tired Viper (74.2 mph). Still, it will be interesting to see how these numbers compare when all three cars are tested at the same place and time. The Best Part Perhaps more impressive than the Nissan GT-R's brain-cell-punishing acceleration or its stellar handling is its price. At just under $70,000 it's within reach of the upper middle-class enthusiast who insists on spending disproportionate amounts of his income on a car.autopartswarehouse Plus, it will take an average driver and hurtle them into a realm of speed they couldn't buy with a 911 Turbo. It's world-class fast and relatively cheap. And that's a hard combination to beat.

What Is It? Mitsubishi Eclipse Ralliart Concept What's Special About It? This is an Eclipse done the way we would have done it. It's from Ralliart, the motorsports division of Mitsubishi and unlike the standard Eclipse this concept looks like it could be a serious driver's car. Gone is the production model's front-wheel drive in favor of an all-wheel-drive setup pulled straight from the Lancer Evolution. Ralliart went ahead and used the Evo's turbocharged four-cylinder engine, too, but cranked it up with a laundry list of HKS performance parts. A new turbo, 264 cams, a high-flow fuel pump, high-flow injectors — it's all there along with a custom intake and 2.75-inch exhaust from the turbo back from autopartswarehouse. Mitsubishi estimates the engine cranks out around 400 horsepower. We were glad to see a six-speed manual transmission instead of the paddle shifters that every other concept seems to be favoring these days. The rear suspension was borrowed from the Endeavor SUV while Road Race Engineering provided the coil-over shocks. Brakes are eight-piston Brembos up front, four-piston in back with 15- and 13.5-inch rotors, respectively. Overall weight was reduced by using carbon fiber for the roof, front and rear fascias, hood, mirror housings and front fenders.autopartswarehouse The interior of the standard Eclipse is one of its bright spots and the Ralliart designers didn't fiddle with it much. They replaced the rear seats with storage bins and swapped in Recaro seats covered in leather and Alcantara up front. Auxiliary gauges were added to the top of the dash along with a suede-covered steering wheel pulled from the Evo.autopartswarehouse source edmunds