But, of course, performance isn't all about straight line speed. The Tuscani sports P215/45ZR17 Michelin Pilot tires on a sweet set of 5-spoke style, 10-spoke alloy rims, resulting in surprisingly adherent grip. It's an easy car to drive fast, capable of darting in and out of traffic if in a hurry or winding its way effortlessly through twisting seaside roadways.
 |
| Its 17-inch wheels on 10-spoke alloy rims provide excellent grip when combined with the independant sport tuned suspension. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
During the launch I took a similarly equipped GS-R, now scheduled to be discontinued, through an insanely tight autocross course as well as a full-scale road course next to the Las Vegas speedway. While I didn't put the Tuscani through the same arduous labor, the GS-R performed flawlessly, impressing all the journalists on hand at the time. The Tuscani, with its similar-spec fully independent sport tuned suspension, should at least be as good.
The new model gets standard 4-wheel disc brakes too, including front calipers painted red for a sportier image, plus ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) as standard equipment. Forward momentum is assisted by standard traction control, especially important in wet or colder climes.
 |
| The Tuscani features a number of little extras, including a row of slick looking ancillary gauges. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
That's where the Tuscani's standard heated side mirrors would be appreciated as well. They're also power actuated, as are the windows and door locks, the latter which feature remote keyless access. The standard power sunroof is optimal for warmer days, along with an automatic climate control system to keep things cool - or warm I suppose. Other Tuscani features include a trip computer, cruise control, fog lights, chrome exhaust tips, an alarm and immobilizer system, and an AM/FM/CD audio system with 6-speakers. I especially like the trick row of ancillary gauges on the center stack, including torque, voltage and fuel consumption - very slick.