An American Dream (Chevrolet Corvette C6) Part 1

Originally, "Corvette" is a type of warship designed for patrol and escort service. But today I will share my impressions about an American car which is also known as "Corvette".

Even when surrounded by such elite models as the "Bentley Continental" and the "Maseratti GranTurismo" in an underground garage, our yellow Chevrolet Corvette C6 was still stunning in appearance. The long slopping hood and the short snub tail make the low body silhouette look like out of time. The succession of the "Corvette" generations is obvious, and it's great that the car has been changing for several decades, but has always remained instantly recognizable.

The inside
I was completely shocked, as I got into the car... "Welcome to 90's"- so I would characterize this interior, which would be more suitable for the "Opel Calibra" or for some other budget sports car from the late 20th century. There is no hint that you're going to drive one of the fastest cars produced in the USA.

The "highlights" of the interior are the black & yellow plastic which cracks everywhere, the ancient display of the stereo system and the huge gaps between the components. But, as in the "Camaro", the electrically adjustable seats are simply wonderful.

An important note here is that you can't through your stuff back, since almost immediately behind the seat there is the wall of the trunk, and at one point it flew out of my head, so I played squash a bit with the car- the blindly thrown bag ricocheted off the plastic and flopped down on my knees.

The King of Roads (Part 2)

However, when looking at the huge bonnet hiding behind the horizon, you stop paying attention to the interior and everything else. You are the king of roads! And as a true monarch, you drive smoothly and slowly with a sense of dignity. Everyone will let you pass.

But as soon as you push the gas, you are no longer the king- I wouldn't say that the 300C equipped with a 2.7-liter engine is a slow car. The only thing is that there is less bass in the exhaust sound (of course, the models equipped with more powerful engines growl more terrifyingly). But if this engine was lighter even by 100 grams , it would scream worse than any Hemi- especially the one with the 4-speed automatic gearbox, which, of course, can smoothly switch, but lacks speeds and quickness. So the capacity of 2.7-liters is the minimum acceptable level. 
Our Chrysler shares with Mercedes not only the same parktronic system, but also the platform of the previous E-class, which implies a high level of comfort, isn't it? In theory- Yes, but the Americans reconfigured the chassis to suit their tastes. Of course, in general, it remained supremely comfortable, because the US citizens value comfort no less than Germans. But the huge wheels that look so cool are very heavy and sometimes cause unpleasant vibrations when passing over road seams.

The same is with the steering-wheel- on potholes, it twitches stronger than you'd like. By adding a little more jumps on hard bumps, we already have a complete list of complaints against the chassis collected during the test. As for the rest, everything is OK. Although the 300C is a huge vehicle, it 's easy to handle- the suspension virtually ignores most types of holes and bumps without shaking the car. The car feels very tight, sways moderately on curves without resembling most of its "compatriots".
It's good that the charisma of this car is not confined to appearance. The 300C is not only excellently equipped, but also has a solid chassis. It's true, this Chrysler is not the best offer on the market- but let’s not forget, you pay (about $50.000) not only for a set of options, but also for an opportunity to stand out.

The King of Roads (Part 1)

Chrysler was the king of roads in 1960's, when petrol used to cost a couple of cents per gallon, and every self-respecting granny owned a car with engine capacity of at least 5 liters. And although those days are long gone, the 300C is still cool. The most powerful version of the 300C is the SRT8. Carrying a 435 HP V8 engine, it's in no way inferior to its ancestors.

But (unfortunately) the car in our test is a modest version with a 193HP 2.7L engine and a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Instead, the price of this version might be quite affordable for  some motorists. This car basically challenges big, not overly advanced Japanese sedans and not very expensive representatives of business class.
What can it offer in addition to undeniable charisma?
Our packaging is overage for the 300C. The car has xenon headlights, dual-zone climate control, leather interior, powered steering and seats. Moreover, all this is included in the base version. Extra payment must be made for a sunroof, navigation, heated rear seats, more advanced "Kicker" stereo system with 12 speakers a subwoofer and for an electronically controlled gas pedal.

The ample room available in the interior makes you feel as comfortable as in your living-room. You can choose any kind of sitting position behind the wheel, especially if you've paid extra for the electronically controlled gas pedal. No matter if it's a dwarf or the Hulk- both of them will  feel equally comfortable. And although the steering wheel is obviously too big, it doesn't embarrass at all. Quite the contrary; this huge wheel reinforces the impression of driving a huge road cruiser. The field of view from the soft “captain chairs”  through the small windscreen, which emphasizes the brutal appearance of the 300C, leaves much to be desired. It really annoys, when parking the car. The good news is that the car has a parktronic system which, by the way, is the same as on the E-Class Mercedes. In general, I couldn't find anything in the interior to carp about. The trimming is also nice- it won't get to the level of Mercedes, but the 300C was never meant to.

Maserati GranTurismo (Part 2)

But in that story, the result was slightly disappointing- the sedan lost too much physicality. In our case, although the automatic transmission has changed the character of the GranTurismo, it has retained its fighting spirits and sporting qualities. This 6-speed beast is capable of switching even at highest revs- up to 7200 rpm! Very few automatic gearboxes are able to perform such astonishing feats.

It might be slightly inferior to some more sophisticated robotic gearboxes, but it will never harm the driver, which, in this case, is much more important. Moreover, it is more reliable and can adapt itself  to the driving style of the driver at low and medium revs, at the same time keeping constant its actions at high revs.
The ZF gearbox can be used manually (by means of gear shift underwheel petals), as well as automatically offering the driver 2 sub-options: "Auto Sport" or "Auto Ice". The latter, by the way, is very useful when driving on slippery roads. Both of the suboptions are intuitively understandable and act just as you expect.
I must confess, after the installation of the new engine, the rear-drive (and the driver too) has to cope with  the capacity of 440 HP, which is achieved at 7000 rpm.

As compared with the previous 4.2 L GranTurismo, the increase is by 35 HP. The maximal torque is also increased- this V8 engine produces 490 N m already at 4750 rpm. This power is enough to provide decent acceleration for a sport car. It took me 5.3 seconds to accelerate the car 0-100 km/h (the factory data is 5 seconds) and 13.5 seconds to pass the distance of 400 meters. The maximal speed of this coupe is 295 km/h. I didn't dare to check it out. It would have been a reckless challenge to do so on Armenian roads or tracks. I am willing to take it on trust, however.

I'd like to separately underline the work of the suspension. Taking into account the terrible quality of Armenian roads and the low ground clearance, the car never touched the road ( I was very lucky not to damage a 150.000-dollar-car).  The Skyhook system, which constantly controls the shock absorbers, significantly improves the comfort level, at the same time, maintaining the necessary, but acceptable rigidity.
The main advantage of this coupe is the equal pleasure both from fast and slow driving. All the reactions are predictable and very clear. The gas pedal is very responsive, and therefore should be treated delicately. The engine sound of the GranTurismo is simply magnificent- it can be compared with that of Ferrari and, may be, the German AMG. During the ride, I really enjoyed that Italian Symphony of power and immense energy.
In general, this coupe really made a very strong impression. Leaving behind the new Quattroporte, the GranTurismo is just another huge step forward, which brought glory to the Italian legendary car brand.

Maserati GranTurismo (Part 1)

The seductiveness of this car is so strong that you'd better not look at it too long, otherwise you might sink into complete apathy towards any other vehicles on this planet. At least, while you are next to the GranTurismo, the probability of this event is as great as your desire to try it out on a deserted highway, like the guy on a glossy advertisement.

There is an impression as if someone hid a special emitter in the car that makes you and others to look only at it. I think the appearance of such cars is like a breath of fresh air in the world of automotive industry. It's great that there are still heroes who are able to convey to buyers that fire from the past that has captured the hearts and minds of the designers leading them eventually to create something truly immortal... something that's called the car, which, in fact,  gradually turns into a banal means of transportation. Undoubtedly, the Maserati GranTurismo is one of the brightest representatives in the automotive world. This car allows you to divide the cast of sports cars into two camps proving that the combination of sport and comfort at this highest level is still achievable.

It should be noted that the design of the GranTurismo was created by the Studio Pininfarina, whereas that of the well-known Quattroporte by the colleagues from Bertone. It's not necessary to write much about the design of this car, because it's an embodiment of perfection and I believe everyone is able to do justice to it.
Just note that from any angle you can see something new and special. In front, there are the slanting xenon headlights and the huge air intake with an impressive trident.

The magnificent silhouette of the car is emphasized by the quaintly designed wheel disks, as well as the traditional small air-ducts on the wings. The exhaust pipes framed with a black diffuser alongside with the beautiful taillights give the rear part of the car quite a solid appearance. Even the external data can solely provide a steady demand for such coupes on the market- the sophisticated connoisseurs of real cars are ready to vote for them with their finances. These people are not willing to put up with modern trends of creating electric "trolleys" and various pseudo-hybrids. They earn enough money to afford the best of the best.
It's worth mentioning that since the release of the GranTurismo S Automatic, it's been much easier for this coupe to fulfill its mission, because the original version of the GranTurismo was not so powerful- it was equipped with a smaller engine and was destitute of some innovative features. This story is somehow similar to that of the Quattroporte, when the engineers screwed automatic transmission thereto.

Subaru Impreza (Part 2)

The 211HP turbo-engine performs miracles!
All the systems and components of this car were specially chosen to fit the engine, which is a half-aviation engine with low compression and a high-pressure turbine. The accurate and light transmission with short strokes of lever, and of course, the perfectly chosen gear ratios provide an instant and precise gear selection. Thanks to the permanent four-wheel drive and independent suspension, there is no chance that the car will go into a skid. The car admirably demonstrated real qualities of stability and reliability on the road at any speed. All the maneuvers were performed with ease, as if a smooth step aside.

The controllability of this car can’t cause anything but admiration. The steering is accurate and sensitive. The “Impreza” is distinguishable for probably one of the most correct power steering- it just helps the driver not to lose his close contact, for even a second, with the road. All this together creates that wonderful merging effect, thanks to which the “Impreza” becomes an organic part and continuation of human body.
It’s quite natural that the systems of passive and active safety are adequate to the abilities of this car. The brakes provide an effective deceleration at any speed- the ABS system intervenes only in case of real need. The two air bags and intensified power elements of the body are ready to shield the passengers giving them a maximal protection.

To the credit of the creators of the civil version of the “Impreza”, it must be said, that they managed to achieve a truly unique combination of, at first glance, incompatible qualities. This car is capable of delivering true pleasure to the connoisseurs of aggressive driving. Moreover, in some cases, the good-sized salon and the specious trunk allow it to act like a family sedan.
The primary thing in the”Impreza” is the process of handling, and only it provides the highest pleasure. You only once need to hear that exciting symphony of the soft engine roar, turbine howl and the rustling tires on asphalt, and your heart will be conquered once and for all.

Subaru Impreza (Part 1)

At first sight, there is nothing special. The car has typical shapes for a modern vehicle. But there are a few characteristic details that give the “Impreza” a particular expressiveness. The large “nostril” of the intercooler in the center of the hood, the massive spoiler on the trunk and the huge and rough fog lights in the front bumper call from your subconscious such names as “Paris-Dakar Rally”, “Pharaons Rally” and “Monte Carlo Rally”. While testing the car, I had an obsessive feeling, as if it was not just a car, but a breathing creature with a powerful charge of energy. When I first saw this car, my legs were trembling  with inexplicable fear-  it sent a chill down my spine- I was filled with turbulent emotions until the door opened and I got into the car.

My first impression of the interior was slightly discouraging- the finishing seemed to be slightly primitive with its dark tones. The number of devices and all kinds of knobs and buttons is minimized, but after a more careful study, I understood that everything was optimized to achieve the most important goal: the maximization of the driver’s contact with the car. The interior is poor, or to be more correct, it’s realized in an ascetic style, thus creating an atmosphere of maximal energy concentration and attention to handle the car. Speed is the paramount feature of the “Impreza”, therefore on the main site you can see the excellently visible and easily read speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges, which help the driver to control the movement and the speed of the car. The lights devices are controlled by means of the switch on the right sight of the steering wheel, so the driver needn’t remove the hand from the steering wheel to manipulate them- just pull the fingers! The same is with the mirrors and windows controls.

The “Recaro” anatomical seats are rather hard, but let’s not forget that this vehicle is not created for comfort.
I turned the key and the car came alive.  When the pointer of the tachometer crossed the cherished mark “3000”, there came the moment of truth- I understood the reason of that fear, when I first saw the car. As the turbine started to howl, I literally got stuck in the seat. From passengers’ side, I could hear hysterical exclamations, which are impossible to reproduce for censorship reasons.
To be continued...