It had been a while since visiting the Sandbar Mexican Grille, so I stopped by for a peek. This is one of those “dual personality” places. In the daytime, we see a mixed crowd of customers, although most are close to the “retired” age with plenty of snowbirds wandering around. At night, all the young gold diggers and college-age players take over. It used to be owned by the same group that had Axis/Radius nightclub, which I could not confirm if they still do by press time. The food is nothing to rave about, but will do for the intended crowd. A good place for a “quickie” snack or drink if you are near Scottsdale Road and Shea.

I wanted to look sharp for my arrival, so I picked the new 2013 Lexus GS-350. This has been redesigned with new styling, and it looks good — although the fake air scoops under the bumper seem kind of cheesy to me. Then again, nobody noticed them but me. The interior is all new as well. It looks like someone at Lexus spent some time in a BMW 5-series; the layout here has some similar shapes. But the difference is the master computer control knob for the stereo, navigation, and other controls, which is easier to use than that complicated BMW I-Drive unit. I really liked the seats, which offered great support, and were coated with some nice tan leather.

Power is by a 3.5 liter engine putting out 306 horsepower, and hooked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, with manual paddle shifters (on the steering wheel where they belong). With traction controls on, I saw 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, or 5.3 seconds with them off. Plenty brisk for me. Gas mileage is listed at 19-28. I got average of 24 overall.

 The ride is a bit softer than previous models. I had the optional “F-Sport” pack ($5,690) and the “Dynamic Handling” option ($1,700) as well. This allows you to adjust suspension, steering, and transmission modes for soft or fast driving. They seem to work well, but a bit pricey as you can see! Toss in another $1,735 for navigation, some minor goodies, and this $46,900 car reached $58,069 in a hurry! In this price range, I find it rather absurd to be charged an extra $64 for a cargo net and $105 for a trunk mat, when these should be standard.

Overall, the new GS is a big improvement over the older version. If the Lexus reliability applies to these new models, they should sell plenty.

Test & Photos By Chad Haire

The Infiniti G-37 series has always offered good performance, but for those who want more, the IPL coupe is here. We get a list of high-output goodies, like 348 horsepower engine, 7-speed automatic tranny with manual override, racing suspension, huge wheels/tires, giant brake discs, and sport exhaust system.

It works. I took this car on the tight mountain roads by Tortilla Flats, and it stuck like glue in fast corners. The steering is responsive; the brakes firm and powerful. A real brisk street racer. A 6-speed manual transmission can be had, but it can’t compete with the automatic for performance or ease of use — not with this strong engine. I might mention the ride was on the firm side, perhaps not a car for long trips, but certainly enjoyable on short ones!

To enlighten your driving experience, every luxury item is standard, from leather trim, power everything, to stereo system. This might explain the $52,345 price tag. I couldn’t believe they charged an extra $200 for trunk mat and first aid kit. Really now! We also get xenon high-output headlights, which gave mixed results. We saw plenty of illumination on high-beam setting, but low-beam lighting was too low, and cutoff too short at about 80 yards. When entering pavement dips on the back roads, the light would disappear completely due to its narrow beam, hardly compatible with brisk driving!

Since this is billed as a track-ready car, we found some odd features. For example, the traction/stability system can’t be fully disconnected, although a button on the dash does so partially. Wheel spin is next to impossible, so 0-60 mph times were slower than need be, although 5.3 seconds is brisk enough. Also the paddle shifters are not located on the steering wheel, but steering column, making the paddles hard to reach when taking tight corners—the whole point of having paddle shifting to begin with! Of course, only one out of 500 owners will care, but good to know for those who do.

Overall, I give the IPL 9 out of 10 stars. The price isn’t cheap, yet still far less than what we have to pay for a German car with similar performance. And the reliability has proven better too, nice to know if you are going to keep it for the long term. Overall, it’s a good choice.

STORY & PHOTO: Chad Haire

The new VW Jetta has been a good seller in the economy car market, with great gas mileage, and a low $16,945 price tag. But the model we are interested in is the upgraded Jetta GLi turbo sports sedan that offers BMW-like performance at a reasonable fee.

Under the hood, the GLi has the proven 2.0 liter turbo power plant, cranking out 200 horsepower. Mine was hooked to a nice DSG dual-clutch 6-speed automatic gearbox, with economy or sports mode operation. There is also a manual override with steering wheel paddle shifters for racing around corners. Since there doesn’t seem to be any way to disconnect the traction-control system, the car slightly bogs when racing from a stoplight, but once on the move, acceleration is impressive. So was the gas mileage. The computer showed an average of 27 mpg in the previous 2,300 miles of driving when I got it. This is also what I got overall. The EPA figures say 24/32. There is a 6-speed manual tranny offered, but it’s not quicker and EPA mileage drops to 22/33.

We also get a beefed suspension and bigger brakes, and it pays off. The ride is firm, but steering feel and handling are very sporty. The GLi brakes are the best I have ever used in ANY CAR! PERFECT, with instant response and great feedback. If all car makers could present brakes this good, I would be a happy guy!

The cabin is nothing fancy, but materials are well made, and all controls easy to use. The GLi gets side-bolstered sport bucket seats, special steering wheel, and extra goodies on the dash and trim.

Overall, the GLi is a nice sports sedan. While it won’t beat your neighbor’s BMW 1 series, it can give it a run for the money. With a price of $23,495 well equipped, it’s a bargain too.

STORY & PHOTOS by: Chad Haire

As a rule I don’t care for convertibles, but then again, there is nothing more fun than a soft-top roadster, and the Nissan 370-Z is a nice one. This is a real sports car. The 3.7 liter engine now puts out 332 horsepower, and can reach 0-60 in just over 5 seconds. The short wheelbase and stiff suspension result in outstanding cornering ability. The brakes work perfect, and I had the optional “sport brake” pack that stops even quicker, with perfect pedal feedback. The steering has no feel, but is quick enough. Overall, the Z is capable of running with those expensive German sports machines.

Drawbacks? Well, the ride is stiffer than a Roman Chariot, and the wind noise lets itself be known on the freeway. Not a car for long trips, but with little interior room and a tiny trunk, out-of-town trips are not on the menu anyway.

I am told the 2012 model will still be offered with the base 6-speed manual gearbox, but I say pass. It’s totally outclassed by the 7-speed automatic, which is better suited to this strong engine. If you like to select gears yourself, there is a manual shifter override on the auto stick. There are also manual paddle shifters; they are not mounted on the steering wheel, but behind on the steering column. As a result, it’s awkward to shift in corners . . . the entire point of paddle shifting to begin with. Nissan needs to change this!

The base price starts at $43,500. With a few options, we hit $48,000. If this is too much, the base coupe is only $31,000.

PICTURE & TEXT by: Chad Haire

I always liked the styling of the 2011 Mercedes SLK, but I’m not really sure this newer 2012 change is an improvement. In any case, the bright red paint found on this example helped get approval from onlookers on the street. But it’s performance that counts and the SLK delivers!

Under the hood is a 3.5 liter V-6 cranking out 302 horsepower. It’s hooked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, with Economy or Sport mode. For shifting in corners, there is also a manual mode, with paddle shifters located on the steering wheel. The factory claims a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds, which is close to what I got. Gas mileage is rated at 20-29 mpg. I got 24 in the city, 29 at 70 mph cruising, and 27 in mixed commuting. Can’t complain about that. A smaller 201 horsepower engine is offered, as well as a monster V-8 with 415 horses. The ride is on the firm side, but this is a sports car after all. The handling, braking, and cornering ability is very good. The retractable hardtop roof offers low wind noise when up, and wind in your hair when down, the best of both worlds.

There were some options I had some mixed opinions about. First was the $1,070 lighting pack. On the positive side, the potent bi-xenon bulbs put of a powerful blast of light on the “high” beam setting, up to two miles away, and the light swivels with the steering wheel. But on “low beam” mode, the light cuts off around 70 feet, not very comforting as it takes twice this distance to stop at freeway speeds. Something to think about if you live in an area where wildlife wanders on the road at night! Haven’t tried the standard headlight system. Perhaps you should test both before buying? The other option was the glass roof at $500. Even with the dark tint, driving this in sunny Arizona is a sure way to be broiled alive. Better suited for those who live in Alaska!

This base SLK with 3.5 liter engine started at $54,800. With more goodies, we saw a total tab of $65,805. Big spenders can get the big V-8 car for about $75,000.

Small gas-saving vehicles are the trend at the moment, but for those who want luxury, power, and room to haul, the Infiniti QX-56 is a top pick. Under the hood is a potent 400 horsepower V-8 engine, connected to a 7-speed automatic gearbox. It moves this big barge out in a hurry. Empties the gas tank in a hurry too, with an EPA rating of 14-20 mpg. In the real world, I got 13-16.

The QX is a pleasant driving experience. The interior has high quality materials, really plush. There were lots of buttons and switches to operate, but they are easy to use once learned. The steering, brake, and handling ability is very sporty. The ride is comfortable, although those giant optional 22-inch wheels and giant tires rumble a bit on rough pavement.

The base price starts at $61,800. I had every option, so I saw a total of $75,340! Too many goodies to list here! My favorite extra was the “around view” camera system that shows a 360- degree view around the vehicle. It gives the appearance of a “from the sky” satellite image, great for backing into parking spaces. I can’t describe it any better — you have to use it to believe how fantastic it works! My non-favorite extra was the radar-type cruise control that uses a computer to give three set distances between your car and the one in front. All it does is create a gap for others to cut into, and it causes the driver to pay less attention while driving — a safety hazard rather than a safety feature as advertised. Wouldn’t be so bad if there was a manual override for conventional cruise operation, but there isn’t. This is high-tech GARBAGE in my opinion, but you can delete it on the order form if you don’t want it. Your choice!

The only real competitor with the QX-56 is the Cadillac Escalade. I think you should drive both before buying, if only to see that the Infiniti is superior.

TEST & PHOTOS by: Chad Haire

Go to Scottsdale Rd. and Shea, and there are all kinds of eating and drinking establishments around. Plenty of bars too, but one less since Devil’s Martini went under. One place you might visit is Ernie’s on the southwest corner. This is a “dress-down” place, with no fancy cars or plastic women –just a neighborhood hangout here. Lots of my friends used to visit here, but have stopped going, griping that the prices have been raised too much. I stopped drinking in clubs, so I can’t verify this, but it’s a good place to relax and shoot pool.

I wanted to show up in something classy, but not too expensive, so I picked the Acura TSX. It doesn’t draw much attention on the outside, thanks to UJS (universal Japanese styling). Inside is more impressive with all controls and switches being easy to use . . . even the navigation, without reading the owner’s manual.

Under the hood, a powerful 280 horse V-6 is still optional, but you don’t need it. The base 2.4 liter four-cylinder is a real gem, being turbine smooth all the way to its 7,000 rpm redline. At this peak, it cranks out 201 horsepower. I am told a 6-speed manual gearbox is still offered, but my 5-speed automatic was just fine. It has normal, sport, or manual modes, with steering wheel paddle shifters for the latter operation. Gas mileage is rated at 22-31, which is what I got.

If you like to drive fast, this car will please. The steering, handling, and braking abilities are great. The ride is comfortable on the freeway too.

The only complaint I had was with the headlight design. The brights put out plenty of light, but the low setting did not. The light beam rides too close to the ground (less than 3 feet), and cuts off too soon. Not a good idea if you are driving on back roads where large wildlife wander. Also, when entering dips, the light can disappear completely! So while this car likes to go fast, it might not be a good idea at after dark, especially on those back Arizona desert roads. This has become a common aggravation on many cars today, and it needs to stop.

A TSX loaded with the bigger engine might set you back about $38 grand, but this one came standard with everything you need (no options) at $33,795. If you want high-tech without going German, it’s a good choice.

Story & photo: Chad A. Haire

If you look at the photos, the new Veloster is sure to be a hit; it looks like it’s going 60 mph when sitting still! A sharp-looking car, especially with that bright orange paint — it’s also a bargain. We get 4-wheel disc brakes, 6-speed manual gearbox, alloy wheels, rear wiper, air, stereo with XM satellite radio, power everything, cruise, tilt wheel, stability control and more for only $17,300. Add bigger tires and wheels, sunroof, leather, navigation, and other goodies, and this cool ride maxes out at $21,300. How is this possible? Well, it’s made by Hyundai. Yep, the Korean maker.

Under the fancy looks are standard parts from commuter sedans, but I still found this car fun to drive. The little 1.6 liter engine puts out 138 horsepower, and combined with the 6-speed manual shifter, moves out well. It also got gas mileage of 28-37 mpg overall. Ride, handling, and brake performance are good.   A nice commuter.

For those who want more, we got a Hyundai Genesis coupe with flat black paint. With a powerful 3.8 liter V-6 engine cranking out 306 horsepower, and hooked to a 6-speed manual, we reached 0-60 in 5.5 seconds.

We also had the R-SPEC racing pack including giant Brembo brakes, larger wheels/tires, and track suspension. A fast and great handling car, but that beefed suspension gives a very stiff ride. The manual shifter seemed stiff too. But if you want to pass on a Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro, the Genesis coupe is a good alternative. Loaded with EVERYTHING, we topped only $26,940.

Story and Photos by Chad Haire

The Audi A-6 sedan has two features. First, it’s expensive. The base price on mine started at $49,900. But of course you “need” all of the extra toys that jack the price, which came to $61,530. Secondly, this is a first-class ride. I drove it for a week and couldn’t find anything to complain about (except giving it back).

As a sport sedan, this delivers. The small 3.0 liter V-6 is supercharged with 310 horsepower, hooked to a great 8-speed (yes, eight) automatic gearbox. I reached a brisk real world 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds (unless you want to believe Motor Trend magazine, which listed a questionable 4.6 seconds time. They expect us to think a two-ton Audi with 310 horses can run as fast as a two-ton Mustang with 500 horses? Ain’t gonna happen, but M/T magazine has always been shelling out the bull). Handling, braking, and steering are excellent. The suspension also has four adjustments for ride comfort/handling ability.

Another great feature is the interior. Audi has a reputation for assembling a fantastic cabin, and this one is top notch, with beautiful materials, fine workmanship, and lots of bells and whistles properly spread. The main computer system for radio, suspension, navigation seems complex for first-time users, but easy to learn and simple to use once learned. In any case, it’s far superior to units found on other German cars.

When you’re not driving fast, the A-6 makes for a good soft luxury ride. If I had to drive from Scottsdale/Phoenix to New York right now, this is the vehicle I would take. A real smoothie and a great car if you can afford it.

Text and Photos by: Chad Haire

The new VW Beetle Turbo is one fine-looking German machine, but does the performance live up to the looks? To find out, we took the Beetle on the twisty back roads by Apache Lake during a one-week test drive to wring it out. The steering has little feel, but is responsive if you make the effort. Cornering ability is “sports car” excellent. The brakes are absolutely perfect, with good feel and quick stopping ability. Some novice drivers might find them a bit aggressive, but they will get used to it. That 200 horsepower turbo engine lags a bit from a stop light, but once under way, it provides plenty of power. The 6-speed DSG automatic gearbox has a manual shift mode, but the auto-sport setting shifts quicker and smarter when blasting around corners, making manual operation pointless. A great transmission! Overall, this is a real German sports machine.

Drawbacks? Well, I did have some minor complaints. First, it’s just as easy to put the tranny in “sport” mode by accident as it is to put it in “drive” on purpose. I suspect there are many Beetle owners driving in the wrong mode without realizing it, and using more gas in the process. Secondly, the cloth seats seemed too soft for long trips. The biggest gripe was with the sun visors, which do not slide back and forth, making it impossible to block the sun’s rays coming through the driver’s/passenger’s windows. VW has been making cars long enough to know better!! The great performance, however, as well as gas mileage of 22-30, made me forget the flaws overall.

The Beetle Turbo has no options, being fully equipped at $25,720. Well, almost fully. I was shocked to find that satellite radio is not included — something that nowadays we get even on the cheapie Korean cars. Otherwise, this car is a good buy for someone who wants German performance, and doesn’t want to go broke buying it.

Story and Photo by: Chad Haire