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Acura TL Two factors kept La Tour Eiffel around. The first was practical necessity — they utilized the tower for radio transmissions — and the second was that it grew on people as time went on. That’s the real parallel with the Acura TL. Auto writers and car junkies have lambasted the all-new TL and its radically different styling. That huge silver grille has taken the brunt of the verbal attack: It’s been called everything from a metallic elephant seal to a giant vegetable slicer. (“Silver blot” was probably uttered by Parisian auto hacks.) The oddly bulbous rear end hasn’t fared much better. The fact that the ‘09 TL replaces a sharp, highly touted predecessor doesn’t help. News Ryan Binkley: Nissan 350Z Comfort The manual short shifter gives an authentic sporty feel, but it is quite stiff, as is the clutch pedal. As such, be prepared for a sore arm and leg after commuting in stop-and-go traffic if you make the 350Z your own. The Z is relatively quiet inside, although there is some road and wind noise at highway speeds. The engine gets rather vocal at full throttle, though this throatiness is expected and even preferred by most, as it gives the feeling of a closer connection to the car. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Performance With all that said, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E550 has an affable nature that should please most luxury sedan intenders. It has the firm, reassuring feel that’s the hallmark of a premium Euro-bred sedan, and a plush ride quality, as bumps and ruts are absorbed without any excess body motions. Wind noise is virtually nonexistent, as is road noise, except when running over grooved concrete freeways (common in Southern California), where the latter is noticeable but not intrusive. (Ryan Binkley Articles – Monday 22 January 2007) Blog Ryan Binkley : Mazda MAZDA6 Comfort The 6 is impressively composed over bumps despite its standard 18-inch tires. The ride is firm without being harsh — not quite BMW-like, but perhaps closer to this ideal than any other family sedan. Road noise, however, was more intrusive than we’d expect of a car in this segment. Web Ryan Binkley Test Drive: 2008 BMW 328i Considerably less impressive is the 328i’s backseat, which is only suitable for adults of average height or under. Mainstream economy sedans offer more head- and legroom in back than this premium four-door, and among competing compact sport sedans, only the Lexus IS 250 is less hospitable. The rear outboard seats are nicely shaped, however, so those who do fit will likely enjoy the ride. Moreover, materials quality throughout the cabin is excellent, with abundant soft-touch surfaces complementing the leather upholstery and brushed aluminum trim. (Thursday 16 November 2006 : Contact Ryan Binkley) Bio Ryan Binkley Ryan Binkley Cars Ryan Binkley Magazine