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Photos: Performance testing at Laguna Seca

On the second day of the 2008 Western Automotive Journalists Media Days, we drove a variety of cars at Laguna Seca. This famous track employs a number of technical turns, not to mention a quarter mile straightaway, for testing handling and acceleration.

CNET Reviews staff
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1 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
A number of manufacturers brought their cars to the track. Here they are waiting in the paddock for the track to open. The Maserati MC12 sits up front, a two-seater built on the Ferrari Enzo platform and powered by a 6-liter V-12. It is one of 30 built.
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2 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The MC 12 screams past the pit lane piloted by race driver Derek Hill, giving his 81-year-old father Phil a ride. Phil Hill is the only American-born driver to win the Formula One Championship.
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3 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The Mini Cooper S, though not as fast as the Subaru WRX STI following it, handles well on the track.
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4 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, even with the Cabriolet top, is a car made for the track. Its rear engine and all-wheel drive make it handle much differently than a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car.
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5 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
These three cars, a Dodge Viper, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, and BMW M3, get a chance to pour on the power going up the hill.
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6 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The corkscrew is famous for its sharp left turn followed by an elevation drop and a quick right turn. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X heads into the second turn as the Dodge Viper aims itself down the hill.
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7 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
A Roush Mustang is just hitting the second turn, followed closely by a Nissan 350Z NISMO. Both cars feature track tuning and equipment.
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8 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The new Dodge Challenger SRT comes out of the second turn of the corkscrew, while an Audi S5 sets up for the approach.
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9 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
Mercedes-Benz's latest AMG-tuned car, the C63, hits the apex at the second turn on the corkscrew. This car features a 6.3-liter V-8 naturally aspirated engine putting out 457 horsepower. Its suspension is tuned to handle these corners.
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10 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The Audi R8 tears down the track. Its 420-horsepower engine gives it plenty of thrust through the straightaways and coming out of the turns. Its Quattro all-wheel drive and magnetic damping keep it firmly grounded.
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11 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
A Suzuki SX4 loaded with aftermarket equipment, such as a turbocharger and a carbon fiber hood, sprints up the hill, followed by the Mercedes-Benz C350, a very capable car on the track.
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12 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
Demonstrating the variety of cars on the track, here's a Porsche Cayenne, a Cadillac CTS, and a Jaguar XKR.
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13 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The BMW 135i, which proved a favorite of journalists at the track, cuts towards the apex, while the Dodge Viper sets up for its approach.
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14 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The Mazda RX-8 heads across the apex on the turn, with the Audi S5 coming quickly after.
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15 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
This BMW M3 features the new double-clutch transmission, along with the M3's superb array of handling and engine electronics. The transmission is amazing, offering quick shifts through seven gears.
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16 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
Journalists put three minis, a Cooper, a Clubman, and a Clubman S, through their paces on an auto cross course in the parking lot. This course involved tight turns and a slalom, all generally run in second gear.
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17 of 17 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The front tires of the Mini Cooper spin as the driver puts on the power, letting out a high-pitched shriek and the smell of burnt rubber.

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