Talking Cars: Our auto experts get fast, furious, and technical

Consumer Reports News: July 10, 2013 12:38 PM

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Episode 8 of Talking Cars with Consumer Reports features our car experts answering reader questions and comments, submitted through our Facebook pages and YouTube channel. The queries are fielded by Director of Auto Testing Jake Fisher and Senior Engineers Gabe Shenhar and Tom Mutchler.

As you'd expect, question topics range far and wide. We answer questions about EPA vs. real-world fuel economy, what to do with a car after a car accident, and why some head restraints are uncomfortable.

Then we talk about the Lexus IS compact luxury sedan, addressing some YouTube criticism about why our First Drive video veers from Lexus' corporate spin. (The horror!) Another YouTube comment wonders why we don't like continuously-variable-transmissions (CVT) for quick acceleration. Several readers ask about testing off-road capability of SUVs and crossovers. Finally, Jake helps a reader find out what highly modified sports coupe would win a "Fast and Furious"-style drag race.

Along the way, listen for Jake's vocal rendition of engine noises and whether Tom would buy a Lexus LF-A supercar or a used Beechcraft Bonanza airplane for $400,000.

As with the other shows, this episode is also be available for free through the iTunes store. Subscribe to the video or audio. The audio is also available via SoundCloud.

We'll post Episode 9 of the podcast on July 25, featuring a discussion of four newly tested vehicles: Chevrolet Impala, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Forte, and Ram 1500. (Look for the road tests coming soon.)