While at MTTS – LA last weekend, I took the chance (and waited in line) at driving the factory JCW car around the Auto-X course they had set up.

I’ve read tons of reviews about this car already, and the main thing that always comes up is torque steer.

And they are all correct. Holy. Crap.

Torque steer would be an understatement. More like unstable-when-shifting-into-2nd-under-power is more like it. From a dead stop, it’s barely noticeable. But then shift from first to second and get back on the gas and hold on tight! Completely unexpected.

My drive was short, around a very tight course and I only drove it once. I would like to get some more time either on the street or track, but if I had to say right now, this car is overkill. Sure it goes like a raped ape. Stops before the dime and handles better than a rollercoaster, but that’s a lot of power trying to escape through the front wheels and I think it might be a bit to much.

…Says the guy with the 110HP MINI Cooper with 193k miles on it.