Odds & Ends From Road America

By David Thomas

March 5, 2015

As you’ve been reading, the Cars.com crew went up to Wisconsin to take part in a two-day track and off-road event for journalists last week. Manufacturers brought out their latest wares to impress us. Some of them did, some didn’t. Here are a few of our musings.

Longest line: Even though we were all relegated to the passenger seat, the Audi R8 had a long line of journalists willing and eager to strap in. The mid-engine R8’s excellent balance and overall dynamics are evident even to the passenger. It’s not as quick or expensive as a true supercar, but it sure has the looks of one. Audi will sell every one it builds.

Surprising offroad treat: The Jeep Patriot with the optional Trailrated offroad package took the muddy, rock-strewn course with ease. It wasn’t allowed on the toughest part of the course because it didn’t have an actual Low gear (the CVT selects the proper gear when put into 4WD mode), but we think it could’ve easily taken it on.