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Run to the Sun event tests 25 sports and performance vehicles
by Jerold B. Smith
Marysville, Wash.—The Northwest
Automotive Press Association (NWAPA)
held its annual Run to the Sun event in
September to provide member journalists
the opportunity to test-drive a variety of
sports and performance vehicles.
Testing over two days of the 2011 event
included 25 vehicles ranging from true
sports cars to performance-oriented
SUVs.
Included in the 2011 run were the 2012
Acura TL SH-AWD, 2012 Audi A6 and
A7, the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible,
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, the 2012
Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible, the
2012 Chrysler 200C, 2012 Dodge
Charger SRT-8, the 2012 Fiat 500
Convertible, 2012 Ford Mustang Boss
302, the Honda Civic Si Coupe, and the
2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec.
Also, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited Rubicon, the 2011 Kia Optima
Turbo, 2011 Lexus IS-F, the 2011 Lotus
Evora S, the 2012 Mazda5, 2011 Mazda
RX-8, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63,
2012 M-B
SLK350, 2011
Mitsubishi
Outlander Sport,
2012 Suzuki
Kizashi Sport, the
2012 Volkswagen
Beetle Turbo,
2012 VW EOS
Lux, and the 2012
Volvo S60 R-
Design.
Over routes
The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible was a
top performer at the Run to the Sun event.
This model prices out at just under
$103,000.
that began each day at the Tulalip Resort
& Casino, the vehicles were driven by 25
journalists in rotation over routes that
included freeways, country roads, and
mountain passes.
While many of the sports cars offered
plenty of power and acceleration, the mix
of having vehicles such as the Wrangler
Rubicon and Outlander Sport provided
both the sport and performance attributes
of SUVs. The Wrangler is a particular
favorite for its high-profile, off-road
capabilities, and fun driving experience.
The throatiness of V-8 engines in the
Cadillac CTS, Camaro SS, Charger SRT-
8, Mustang Boss, and others provided the
thrill of boastful power and massive
acceleration. The Acura, Audi, BMW,
Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and other models
combined dynamic powertrains with
luxury highway driving.
The 2011 Lotus Evora S is a pure sports
car that features amazing handling
characteristics.
Always a favorite to drive is the awardwinning
Lotus Evora S, recreated with a
345-HP supercharged 3.5-L V-6 engine.
While it’s not the easiest sports car to get
in and out of for larger drivers, once
inside, the Evora exudes power and
performance. A sport button allows the
driver to control throttle response and
Continued on page 25
Page 24 November 2011 Parts & People www.partsandpeople.com