Who doesn't love a good powerslide? I mean good, smoky, high-speed hooliganism. The type of slide where slip angle matches velocity and the road is coming at the driver through one of the side windows.
Problem is, they're not the most low-key form of driving excitement. The neighbors, and the local constabulary, may take notice if someone were to enter their neighborhood in this fashion. (Click picture above for larger image)
Our long-term Pontiac G8 cares not for neighbors or the police. We have, apparently, been too kind to our V8. On the way home the other night with Executive Editor Michael Jordan, the G8 decided to live on the wild side and turn the traction control off. By itself. On the highway. It wants us to be bad. It's daring us.
If it starts calling us Dave, though, I'm driving it into the ocean.
While some of our staffers thought this would be great fun, other more rational heads prevailed and I took it to the Martin Automotive Group in Los Angeles.
"Does it have aftermarket wheels?" our service advisor asked. Nope. "Is it lowered?" Nope. "Hmm, this is the first time I've seen this issue on a car without rims or a lowering kit. It's a common issue on the CTS and this car with big wheels or when lowered."
By 'this issue' he means a failed wheel-speed sensor. The issue he's talking about is a malfunctioning wheel-speed sensor that talks to the stability control system. He said that it was an easy fix and we'd have it back later this afternoon.
Mike Magrath, Vehicle Testing Assistant @ 6,626 miles
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And the picture above was taken while you were entering the dealership parking lot, right?
Because in my mind, that sensor failed, and suddenly all driving in the G8 had to be done sideways. Even at a redlight, its sideways...waiting...the light turns green, smoke pours from the tires and it moves off the line. Still sideways.
I hate pinot noir.
Lol
I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I cant let you do that.
...Actually, I'd really like a nav system with HAL's voice.
FYI: That picture was taken at our test track, by our photo editor Kurt Niebuhr. Driving is Chris Walton...probably going about 70.
And for those of you wondering; Yes, he saved it.
-mike
"I hate pinot noir."
Lol.
If anyone orders merlot, I'm out of here.
I wannabe wannabe wannabe like Mike! Like Mike...if I could be like Mike!