Topic: That time of year again! CCOTY

[Shnak]

They use to setup a big thing with hill climbs and such but apparently vehicles were being damaged.  This year was pretty sad in that regard from what I heard.  I spent my time on the track so I don't know.  I do know the Touareg handled surprisingly well on the track!

What I find pretty sad that vehicles get damaged by "simple hill climbs and such" tests. 

[Dante]

On the other hand, I'd be interested to know how the AWD systems compare to each other, and how the vehicle generally performs under difficult situations (steep inclines, lots of snow/mud, etc.) Just driving around a 'cottage' trail is ridiculous and useless. Just shows how serious this CCOTY thing really is.

It's not only CCOTY unfortunately. I'm yet to see, and I've been looking for the past 4 years, a well done AWD SUV comparison.

[wing]

They use to setup a big thing with hill climbs and such but apparently vehicles were being damaged.  This year was pretty sad in that regard from what I heard.  I spent my time on the track so I don't know.  I do know the Touareg handled surprisingly well on the track!

Did you test the Tucson, Sportage, RVR ans Juke on the track too?

I did test the Juke on the track, it was kind of scary with the torque vectoring AWD it felt like it had a mind of it's own.  I did not test the other vehicles on the track.

I do believe the Touareg is still based on the cayenne, I did take the Cayenne on the track too and it was awesome.

[Mike]

They use to setup a big thing with hill climbs and such but apparently vehicles were being damaged.  This year was pretty sad in that regard from what I heard.  I spent my time on the track so I don't know.  I do know the Touareg handled surprisingly well on the track!

What I find pretty sad that vehicles get damaged by "simple hill climbs and such" tests. 

If it were simple tests, I would agree.  however, you get a group of auto journalists together to evaluate vehicles that are not theirs....someone bets someone else how fast they can climb the hill......then the big air competition starts.....

[Shnak]

I do believe the Touareg is still based on the cayenne, I did take the Cayenne on the track too and it was awesome.

Not that I want to be splitting hair here, but I believe the Cayenne and Touareg are using a platform developped specifically for both of those vehicles... the Touareg is not using the Cayenne's platform, and the Cayenne is not using the Touareg platform. They're using a shared platform.

[wing]

[Erik]

That damn Mercedes is blocking our view of the Sonata!

[vdk]

Matte white?

[5 Wheel Drive]

Not sure I'm a fan of it in white.  But, oh baby, I love that car.  Make mine silver, or the red that Mercedes had on the stand at the Montreal Auto show.

So, how was it to drive?  Are you still grinning?

[wing]

It is fast in a straight line but that's about it.  But uber cool that is for sure!  The R8 and 911 Turbo were MUCH more fun to drive, but the SLS is pure sex on wheels.

[Railton]

Finally, some pics! Where's the rest of'em with Jeffie-boy and TB at the wheel?
Railton