Limited Time Only -- 50% Off!

Just in time to make your summer reading list! The Automotive Intellgentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide eBook edition for multiple platforms (including PC and Mac) is available at 50% off the $5.99 retail price through July 31, but only via this link at Smashwords.com. Be sure to enter the code SWS50 at checkout to receive the half-off discount.

AI Sports Car Guide Now in Print Format!

The Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide is newly offered in a full-size paperback print edition. As in the electronic version it spotlights 54 of the most coveted rides on the road. Full-length profiles place the reader firmly behind the wheel and chronicle each model's heart-pounding performance, advanced technology and storied heritage, complete with illustrations and specifications. The print version of the Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide is available via Amazon.com by clicking here, or can be ordered immediately from the publisher via this link. Only $10.99.

Click here to read a sample chapter.

Plus, the electronic version remains available for the Amazon Kindle and Apple iPhone/iPod Touch for $5.99 via this link. Also coming soon for the Sony eBook reader and via Barnes and Noble for multiple platforms.

Coming this Fall: Automotive Intelligentsia 2010-2011 Hybrid/Electric Car Guide.

Review: Chevrolet Camaro

One of the most-awaited new-car introductions in recent years, and one of the few bright spots these days for the beleaguered General Motors, is the updated 2010 rendition of the classic Chevrolet Camaro. While one could argue that, at least in hindsight, GM should have put the development money toward bringing a small and highly fuel-efficient car to market sooner, at least the Camaro helps bring a bit of enthusiasm to the brand.

For starters, the recast coupe comes wrapped in broad-shouldered styling that pays homage to the original in a contemporary manner. No mere retro-poseur, the new Camaro rides on completely contemporary underpinnings. The LS and LT versions pack a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 engine that generates 304 hp, which should be sufficient for most buyers. By comparison, the aforementioned LT-1 V8 in the previous generation could muster “only” 275 horses, which still seemed quick even in the late 1990’s.

On paper the V6 engine should feel faster off the line, but it’s weighed down by the car’s sheer bulk. It does, however, get up to speed adequately and the driver is treated by one of the sweetest and throatiest exhaust notes we’ve heard in recent memory. Thanks to modern engine technology the V6 gets what amounts to impressive fuel economy – it’s rated at 29 mpg in (we assume polite) highway driving. We got a solid 21-mpg in mostly lead-footed city driving.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and though it’s far easier to work than the Camaro’s clumsy stick shifts in earlier eras, the clutch-averse can alternately choose a six-speed automatic gearbox that includes manual “TAPshift” controls. Unfortunately, these are buttons that reside at the rear of the steering wheel, and are not true paddle shifters as the faux paddles on the wheel might otherwise indicate. This also makes it difficult to shift gears while turning the steering wheel.

Meanwhile the power-hungry will likely seek out the top SS model, which blows the doors off of the original with an authoritative 6.2-liter V8 engine. Shared with Chevy’s Corvette, the V8 generates a rousing 426 hp with the standard six-speed manual transmission. Be aware, however, those choosing the automatic gearbox are penalized with a slightly weaker 410-horsepower version of this powerplant that automatically shuts down half the cylinders at cruising speeds to help boost its mileage.

A nearly ideal front-to-rear weight distribution and a fully independent suspension at all four corners delivers steadfast cornering prowess without beating its occupants up severely over bumps in the road. The suspension actually swallowed up pavement pockmarks and potholes in our urban environment much better than we expected – this is typically a sports suspension’s weak spot. Keeping a tight rein on its 400-plus horses, the SS receives its own performance-oriented setup with a slightly lowered ride height, albeit with a somewhat rougher ride.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are on hand for sure stopping power (albeit with a touch of brake fade just before coming to a stop), with the SS receiving larger rotors and four-piston aluminum Brembo calipers that can stand up to racetrack-caliber wear and tear. Steering is responsive, but the Camaro’s variable-assist power setup is a little on the light side and doesn’t quite provide as much direct road feel as some enthusiasts might prefer.

The Camaro’s cockpit is reminiscent of the original, though its deeply cast round gauges, deep-dish steering wheel and combo of horizontal and round air vents tend to clash alongside the more modern-looking center stack of controls. Worse, many of the interior elements have a cheap feel to them – better quality plastics would have gone a long way, here. Six airbags and OnStar are standard for safety’s sake. Other thoroughly modern available features include a Bluetooth hands-free cell-phone interface, rear parking proximity warnings and a premium Boston Acoustics audio array.

Entry and exit is reasonably easy for a low-slung car of this character – at least in the front – though it’s still a bit of a climb in and out. Front seat comfort is good, with just enough lateral support, but not so much as to squeeze the kidneys on a stout middle-aged frame. Rear seat room is woefully inadequate, however. Trunk space is on the small side, though it's more than adequate for a pair of suitcases or golf bags, and the rear seatbacks fold down to maximize its capacity; loading is hampered by the generally flat trunklid opening, however. Still, we don’t expect many will buy a Camaro for making trips to the warehouse store.

Send Dad Back to (Driving) School

Here's a great Father's Day gift idea, at least for dads who live in or near, or can be shipped off to Phoenix, Arizona.

The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving is giving dads a taste of racecar driving with its Father's Day Rapid Precision Maneuvers Program (RPM) on June 20, 2009 at Bondurant's renown racing school adjacent to Firebird International Raceway outside of Phoenix.

Rapid Precision Maneuvers is a four-hour course featuring a timed autocross event, accident avoidance and lead and follow time on the 15-turn, 1.6-mile Bondurant track. Bondurant's industry-leading instructors in charge of the program have taught everyone from professional racecar drivers and police officers to teenage students. The course will teach drivers the basics of vehicle balance and visual skills, along with high-speed lane change and braking acumen that will prepare them for quick decision making and evasive maneuvering out in the real world.

Best of all, participants spend time behind the wheel of a Pontiac Solstice, a Chevrolet Corvette and a Cadillac CTS-V. They also take to the track in a Bondurant ProKart - 45 MPH racing go-karts that get the adrenaline flowing as the school's professional Karting instructors show drivers the fast way around the Bondurant Kart track.

Interested parties can sign up for Rapid Precision Maneuvers until June 1 at a reduced price of $349, which is far cheaper than getting dad a Solstice, 'Vette or CTS-V for year 'round use. Check program availability and register by visiting www.bondurant.com or contacting Travis McClure at 480-403-7648.

New: Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide

Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide is now available for the Amazon Kindle e-Book Reader and the Apple iPhone/iPod Touch with the free Kindle Reader app!

Use this link to purchase directly from Amazon.com. Only $4.79 and includes wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet.

Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide is the ultimate digital book for die-hard automotive enthusiasts and casual onlookers alike, spotlighting 54 of the most coveted rides on the road. Full-length profiles place the reader firmly behind the wheel and chronicle each model’s heart-pounding performance, advanced technology and storied heritage, complete with photos and specifications.

From rough-and-tumble muscle machines to the world’s most elegant and sophisticated exotic sports cars in the world, the Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide profiles a broad spectrum of performance-minded models, carrying sticker prices that range from just over $20,000 to an unobtainable $2 million. These include brand-new head-turners like the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette ZR1, Dodge Challenger, Ferrari California, Ford Shelby GT 500, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Lotus Evora and the Tesla Roadster, along with modern classics from Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Bugatti, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and many other makes.

Those fortunate enough to be in the market for a new sports car will find the Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide to be an invaluable asset, while even those just “kicking the tires” will be engaged and entertained by this world class collection of rolling works of art.

Use this link to purchase directly from Amazon.com. Only $4.79 and includes wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet.

Complete list of makes and models reviewed in the Automotive Intelligentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide:

• Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
• Aston Martin DB9
• Aston Martin DBS
• Aston Martin V8 Vantage
• Audi S5
• Audi R8
• Audi TT
• BMW 1 Series
• BMW 3 Series
• BMW 6 Series
• BMW M3
• BMW M6
• BMW Z4
• Bugatti Veyron 16.4
• Cadillac XLR
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Chevrolet Corvette
• Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
• Dodge Challenger
• Dodge Viper
• Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
• Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
• Ferrari California
• Ferrari F430
• Ford Mustang
• Ford Shelby GT 500
• Honda S2000
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe
• Infiniti G70
• Jaguar XK
• Koenigsegg CCX
• Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
• Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
• Lexus SC430
• Lotus Elise/Exige
• Lotus Evora
• Maserati GranTurismo
• Mazda Miata
• Mazda RX-8
• Mercedes-Benz CL
• Mercedes-Benz SL
• Mercedes-Benz SLK
• Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
• Morgan Aero 8
• Nissan GT-R
• Nissan 370Z
• Pontiac Solstice
• Porsche 911
• Porsche Boxster/Cayman
• Saturn Sky
• Spyker C8
• Tesla Roadster

Use this link to purchase directly from Amazon.com. Only $4.79 and includes wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet.

Coming soon, Automotive Intelligentsia e-Book Guides to Luxury Cars, Hybrid/Electric Vehicles, Luxury Cars, Family Cars & Crossovers, New Car Prices and more!