This week in Car Tech

Wide-open performance testing
Our Car Tech staff made its yearly pilgrimage to Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Calif., this week, joining a group of other automotive journalists for the opportunity to drive a multitude of new models on road and track. Our top cars on the Laguna Seca track included the BMW M3, the BMW 135i, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, and a whole bunch of Audis. During the road driving portion of the event we experienced luxury cars such as the Jaguar XF, the Maserati Quattroporte, and the Bentley Continental GT Speed. For a little fun, we thrashed a Mini Cooper and a Clubman through an autocross course. We felt like the luckiest people in the world during the two days of this event, and have many photos of the cars we drove to share. Check out Audis on the track

 Look for more coverage of the event here

Garmin Nuvi 660
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Garmin Nuvi 350
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TomTom GO 720
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Garmin Nuvi 200
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Magellan Maestro 4250
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2008 Audi R8
The 2008 Audi R8 is a serious blast to drive on the right roads and would be incredible on the track, but we recommend going with the manual transmission to make it more drivable in everyday circumstances. The cabin electronics work well enough but aren't cutting edge. Read more

2008 Ford Edge SE AWD
Although offering a characterless driving experience, the top-notch cabin electronics make entertainment and communications effortless in the 2008 Ford Edge Limited. Read more

2008 Volkswagen Jetta SE
The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta offers a lot of good driving gear and a comfortable cabin for a low price in an attractive package. However, its cabin tech options are generally lacking. Read more

2008 Volvo C30
The 2008 Volvo C30 makes for a fun and sporty little car that will stand out in a crowd. It can be optioned up with the full range of tech, though its stereo interface leaves something to be desired. Leave out the automatic transmission option in favor of the manual. Read more

Pioneer's in-car AVIC F-Series unveiled
Kevin Massy
Associate Editor
Pioneer's AVIC Z-Series has set the standard for in-dash navigation devices over the past couple of years, and so the release of a new line of a new family of products in the AVIC series is big news for car tech fans. Read more

iPod connection through existing CD Changer adapter
Posted by cdelwood
I drive a company van all-day. It has factory radio, no CD player. Several years ago, I added a Wal-Mart brand CD changer that connects through the antenna. I was wondering, since I have already run wiring to connect the CD changer module through the antenna, can I just find a cable that will replace where the changer plugs into the module? Read more 

• 1. 2008 Lexus LS 600h
• 2. 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
• 3. 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
• 4. 2007 Lexus GS 450h 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
• 5. 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
• 6. 2008 BMW 535i
• 7. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport
• 8. 2008 Cadillac CTS
• 9. 2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro
• 10. 2008 Volvo C30

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