IMPA Test Days 2009: Part 1, Road Test Day

Source: rp

Unfortunately it appears that as we spiral down a road of technological improvements, we become more inclined towards instant gratification. With e-mail, instant message, texting and now twitter, we hardly have to wait anymore. When we do, it creates frustration, anger and an unsettled persona. In psychology, this is called "expectation theory."

I am willing to wager that if a study was conducted that looked into the mood swings of an individual who was told "no," thereby ignoring their wants for instant gratification, they would go from normal to irritated rather quickly. You hear that, ivy-leaguers? Get cracking on that study.

In the information age, time is being fractionalized into tenths and hundredths of a second. Hell, I cannot even wait the 30 seconds for the elevator to get to the ground floor when I press the button.

Source: rp

Thankfully, in the auto industry there is an organization -- the International Motor Press Association -- that holds a bi-annual event appropriately named Test Days. Essentially, the gist is to allow professionals in the industry and members of the organization to have the opportunity to test drive new models that have recently launched. Although it would be pretty hard to review a vehicle you drove for only 20 minutes, give or take, it is nice instant gratification.

With a plethora of analogies out there, I find the stripper one fits best here. Imagine: you are presented with a bevy of the most beautiful women and you get to have your allotted time with them, albeit a short period, and at the end of the night you're left with nothing but an empty wallet and dreams.

Source: rp

Here it is in automotive form: industry professionals are presented with the latest and greatest, you get a short spin on the road and on the track, then you go home keyless and with a heavy heart. Later on, wondering when you will be able to land another rendezvous.

The first day consisted of road tests. And the beauts were scattered around like aces at a poker tournament. Some notables:

• BMW X5/6 M
• Audi S5 Convertible
• Aston Martin DBS
• Nissan 370Z Roadster
• MB S400 Hybrid
• MINI JCW
• Shelby GT500

Stay tuned for part two, which was IMPA's track day @ Pocono Raceway

For more than 100 photos of Day 1, check out my post on AutoSpies.

Source: rp

~nz

rp

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FIRST Impression: MINI E Brings Together Excitement And Efficiency

In the day and age where alternative energy vehicles are becoming more important to manufacturer’s and their future, it was only a matter of time before the quirky little guy got in on at the act. Yeah, I am talking about MINI.

Source: rp

With the automotive world going through a paradigm shift towards zero emission vehicles and various alternative energy methods, it was only natural for BMW to get involved in some fashion. Although the hydrogen 7-series was an innovative take on the possibilities of the future, it does not seem realistic in the near-term. So, it appears the brand went back to the drawing board and came up with something more pragmatic.

Hence, the MINI E....

Click here to read more.

rp

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