Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye

January 11, 2019 by JT

The Hellcat - We all know what it is. Dodge & FCA has done an amazing job marketing and pushing this idea that you need 700hp. They honestly have me convinced and I feel like I might get one to replace the Impala someday. Who really knows, it all depends on where they go in price on the used market. The other trick is finding one that wasn’t tracked, like I do below.

The Hellcat wasn’t enough apparently, so they made the Redeye. “Possessed by The Demon” is one of their taglines and it’s true. They basically took the normal Hellcat and put some Demon parts on, resulting in 797hp… Think about that. Seven-Hundred-Ninety-Seven Horsepower! Add in a 10.8 second quarter mile time. That is insane that they are even allowed to sell this thing. I can imagine a random accountant or stock broker picking one of these up due to excessive box checking. The results are predictable but not ideal. Hopefully that doesn’t happen and they stay comfortably in the garage until I can afford one.

Anyways - the video below is just a leasurly if not somewhat exciting few laps around the track. This event had a professional in the passenger seat for good reason. Lots of automotive journalists can’t be trusted… I think we all did pretty good though and when I watch this back I really wish they didn’t have me on the track with anybody else. Until next time Hellcat Redeye.

Fiat 124 Spider Lusso

December 28, 2017 by JT

The 124 isn't unique - with so many parts and similarities to the Miata, you have to wonder why Fiat even bothered. Well, I'm glad they did! I had a blast in this car, even though I predicted I wouldn't right when I first looked at this thing.

The power wasn't anything major, the styling is just ok, but honestly nothing can replace that fun feeling of a convertible just zipping around everybody. If you get the chance to drive one of these, don't snub your nose - just go do it. Drop the top, fire it up and see what you think. I highly recommend you don't go race a Corvette or Focus RS - you will definitely lose. This car is perfect for half the year here in Ohio, the other half you need to park it.

Below, you'll see my hour spent in the car, condensed down for your enjoyment. I was able to test out the Lusso model, which is top end in comfort, not performance. I really want to drive the Abarth version some day.... Call me Fiat, please. Also, I would prefer a manual in this guy. For the full picture, watch the video below and hopefully you will be as surprised as I was.

Off-Road in the Renegade

October 05, 2017 by JT

The Jeep has always had a special place in my heart. As I have mentioned in previous posts and videos, it was my first car. I had a 1987 Wrangler and it just had a certain feel to it; allowing you do take the top down and at the same time crawl over end of the world debris and floods. Now every single day, you don't need this capability, but everybody wants some comfort now.

The current Jeep Wrangler has a similar feel, but the Renegade has shown up as a smallish option built on a Fiat chasis that can still do all the big boy stuff and also fit into a cheaper rental car fleet. I had a chance to drive one through a short off-road course, nothing overly difficult, but it gave me the feeling of fun in a Jeep again. I really enjoyed this thing and highly recommend you check them out. You will be paying Jeep prices, which means more than your normal small SUV/crossover, but at the same time this thing is loaded with easter eggs and Jeep heritage - which has to be worth a little something extra, right?

Reservations at Dorsia

March 31, 2016 by JT

2016 Cadillac CTS-V

This was a good one. 640hp. 200mph. $91,000. The fastest Cadillac ever made. All of this was waiting for me in Florida and I couldn't have been more excited. GM finally put me in a car that was more my speed, interest and of course; who doesn't want to drive this?

My excitement was also mixed with fear when I really got into deep thought during my two hour flight. You see a press loan is something that is amazingly cool, but amazingly scary too. I've never wrecked or even come close to being in a fender bender with a press vehicle. The idea of having the most expensive, fastest car I've ever driven was weighing on me. Once arriving though, starting the V made everything feel familiar and my memories of the V-Sport came back.

You see the CTS-V, even though it is the new LT4, sounds amazingly similar to the C5 Z06 I've pounded around the track and also took Lilly for a spin around the block. Raspy, loud when you hammer it and the intoxicating sound that makes you want more; that made me feel at home when I first pushed the start button. This is another vehicle that requires a mildly techy brain to setup from the get go. Options, gauge changes, seat settings, Carplay, touchscreens, motorized gadgets, driver modes and buttons everywhere. Do not mess with this stuff while driving; this is the kind of car you want to configure before you set off. 640hp and radio tuning do not mix well, especially in a car you do not own. I happily spent 30 minutes just listening to the LT4 exhaust idle, while setting up everything to my liking.

When I speak on the performance, just know, it does everything you want it to and then some. Having 640hp is amazing, and almost too much. In central Florida, you cannot utilize this power with all the tourists around. The V requires a track to actually be appreciated because that is where it works best. I found it to be comfortable and missile fast all at the same time. The steering was heavy and firm, the car felt planted and most of the time it was this monster lurking under the hood tempting you.... This car really is like Patrick Bateman, cleaned up and sharp on the outside. When you start to drive though, it will literally kill you if you don't understand what you are dealing with.

Options on this car are available, including a carbon fiber package and glovebox CD player. This particular CTS had the upgraded Recaro seats and the Performance Data Recorder camera setup. So much going on and lots to play with, like any Cadillac. My massively long video review is below - when you have 3 days in a 2016 V-Series, it's tough to keep the movie short. Hope you enjoy and I also made one of my favorite part: the active exhaust that let you know how much of a madman this car truly is.

Trax Vlog

September 02, 2015 by JT

2015 Chevrolet Trax AWD

My latest vehicle review was something I wanted to do differently. When writing these things out, snapping photos and shooting video, you tend to forget what it'd be like to drive one of these vehicles in real life. We focus on stats, numbers, figures and features instead of what actually works and doesn't work. For the 2015 Chevrolet Trax, I wanted to showcase a week with the Trax, and how it works for my family.

So instead of typing and writing up a synopsis, I felt a Vlog style review would be a good change of pace. You can follow along as I use the Trax to visit different places, drive my family around and also throw in some feature talk as well. Hope you enjoy our seven day Vlog of the 2015 Chevrolet Trax.