Road Tests
At Inside Line, one of the most enjoyable parts of our job involves road tests. Primarily these are broken into two categories: First Drives and Full Tests.
A First Drive road test is typically scheduled when a manufacturer is introducing a new model or an update of an existing model. We receive an invitation to attend a special introduction for the media and one of our writers goes to see the vehicle and drives it. The manufacturer gives a presentation outlining its thought processes involving the vehicle's development and what it hopes to accomplish in the market, and then writer will then drive the vehicle. Later he?ll write a road test article that combines an overview of the design, engineering and technology with driving impressions.
When the vehicle finally enters production (usually within three to four months), we acquire an example from the manufacturer that represents finalized specifications. We will typically keep it for about two weeks and run it through a rigorous testing regimen put together by our team of test-drivers and engineers. We'll take it to the test track, measure and weigh it, and then acquire handling, braking and performance figures using our highly specialized equipment. In addition, we?ll take photographs and video of the vehicle, and then several editors will evaluate it. One editor will write the Full Road Test, presenting another mechanical overview but with emphasis on the results of testing as well as the driving impressions acquired by our staff. We'll also discuss the way the vehicle stacks up against its competition in terms of features, performance and price.
