The second annual Summer Run to the Sun event for members of the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) proved to be an exciting test of 18 sports and performance cars sans the sun. While the first event in 2006 provided 100-plus degrees of summer sun in eastern Washington, the 2007 run in late July offered rainy and overcast conditions on most western Washington roadways.With 18 journalists and 18 cars, the Summer Run began near Sea-Tac International Airport and traveled to an overnight stop in Bremerton, Wash. On the first day of testing, a route of just less than 300 miles on back roads through the Port of Tacoma, Point Defiance Park, Centralia, Pe Ell, Raymond, Aberdeen, Shelton, and finally to the new Hampton Suites on Bremerton's revamped waterfront. During dinner at the new Kitsap Conference Center, journalists were welcomed by Bremerton Mayor Cary Bozeman who outlined the advancements of downtown Bremerton and the surrounding area.
This journalist's first ride of the day began in the 2008 Subaru Legacy Spec B, a solid and enjoyable ride in a proven sedan that offers superb safety and agility. The next leg featured the 2007 Volkswagen Eos 2.0T, with a six-speed automatic transmission; frankly, it was not our favorite of the 18 tested cars.
Next in line was the 2008 Volvo C70 convertible that now offers 10 more horsepower and other added features that make this an outstanding vehicle with exceptional handling characteristics. Perhaps the most unique ride was the fourth of the day, in the 2008 Audi R8 with German specifications. The 420-HP, rear-engine R8 has an exceptionally low profile and is fast and exciting to drive, a true winner among performance vehicles.
The first day progressed with a ride in the 2007 Audi TT Roadster with a 3.2-liter engine and the pleasantness of a hot roadster with its sharp handling and performance features. Next was the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, a performance coupe with thrusting power and the feel and appearance of a real sports car.
Downsizing in power, the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible followed the Z06 and provided a fun driving experience in one of the most popular cars in today's market. The enhanced 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible provided a much improved ride over previous models as well as better handling aspects.
Rounding out the day was the 2008 Dodge Viper, truly one of America's top performance cars and a much improved version of past models. It hugs the road better, has less vibration, yet still offers an amazing amount of power with its 600-HP engine that just plain sounds exotic. Its quickness and improvements for 2008 make it another winner in the American sports car offerings.
Day two began early and offered some of the Northwest's most picturesque scenery over a 320-mile run. From Bremerton, we headed along Hood Canal, through Port Angeles to Forks on the Olympic Peninsula, visited spectacular Lake Crescent, drove scenic Highway 101 to Aberdeen, and after runs through Olympia, ended up back near the airport.
Our second day of driving began with two of our all-time favorite sports cars--the 2007 models of the Ford Mustang GT500 coupe and convertible. These throaty, meaty sportsters emit the essence of muscle cars and offer excellent handling and full-on performance features.Changing from Mustangs to the 2007 Honda S2000 coupe was a tranquil transition. This unit has a 2.2-liter engine and a smooth six-speed close-ratio manual transmission that makes it fun to drive. From the S2000, we upscaled to the 2007 Jaguar XK convertible, a sports car loaded with comfort and convenience as well as offering pleasant roadability. A fast and enjoyable 2007 Mazda MX-5 PRHT was the following vehicle, a road hugger that is a quick and very appealing sports car.
Rounding out the final four vehicles of the day were the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550, a classy sports car that offers power, comfort, and style; the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, a jewel of a sports coupe that offers plenty of acceleration and the feel of a racer; the 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS four-door sedan with a 2.0-liter DOHC engine; and the well-styled 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line with its inline four-cylinder engine and tight handling-another top performer in our view.
While prices on our tested units varied from under $20,000 to more than $90,000, each offered its own nuances and features that make the sports and performance markets attractive to many buyers. For those who desire fast, performance-oriented sports cars, there is plenty to choose from in a price range for all buyers.
