|
The magazines do not tinker with the cars to get them to run better. Why would they care? The manufactures sure as hell do though. If a manufacture is selling a performance car then they typically provide the magazines with what is know in the industry as a 'ringer'. Basically, the motor has been given some special attention such as blue printing, some times a bit higher compression. I have read that Chevy has a test driver who can shift their manual transmission C5's quite well without using the clutch. Not great for life of the tranny but great for recording a 1/4 mile time. The motorcycle mag industry is well known for getting ringers during its 600 sport bike shoot outs. Hell, anyone remember when the 95 ZX6R recorded a 10.89 in the 1/4 mile stock! Put a little effort into 5 or 6 magazine test cars and watch it pay off in sales!
|