The Car Thread ... !

[LadyX]

The Car Thread ... !

http://forums.nicoclub.com/remove-the-2nd-row-center-stack-t537929.html



Side note, what a hideous car. Please get a Mercedes GL instead.

No. I don't think it's hideous at all. You know what's hideous... The 2015 Cadillac. That's why I'm looking at the model before it along with the QX80. Looking into buying a new SUV. Haven't made up my mind yet.

 

[2298754]

No. I don't think it's hideous at all. You know what's hideous... The 2015 Cadillac. That's why I'm looking at the model before it along with the QX80. Looking into buying a new SUV. Haven't made up my mind yet.

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That's not a 2015 Escalade.

And the QX80 is a monstrosity. Not to mention, isn't it pretty damn old?

There's only one legit choice in this segment and it bears the 3 pointed star on it. Mercedes GL. It's a tad bit smaller, but it surpasses the others in quality, fit/finish, etc.

 

[LadyX]

That's not a 2015 Escalade.



And the QX60 is a monstrosity. Not to mention, isn't it pretty damn old?



There's only one legit choice in this segment and it bears the 3 pointed star on it. Mercedes GL. It's a tad bit smaller, but it surpasses the others in quality, fit/finish, etc.



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I know it's not the 2015 Escalade. The one I posted is the older model which is the one I'm looking into because the new (2015) model is ugly.

What QX60? That's the Infiniti QX80. And it's not old. There's a 2015 model that just recently came out.

 

[2298754]

GS-F is a miss. They underpowered it, so no one would cross shop it with the BMW M, MB AMG, or the Audi RS. IS-F is fine, but the RC-F is a lot better.

I said this earlier... but it isn't a bad step forward. Acura isn't even on the same wavelength.

Acura is just Lexus without any of the F models an no RWD models.

It's a tad ridiculous to diminish Lexus' lineup like this. Their core sedans are all pretty fantastic cars and all RWD/AWD. I'm talking about the IS/GS/LS.

The ES is a fancy Camry/Avalon, just like the TLX/RLX are fancy Accords and the ILX is a fancy Civic. Lexus, at least, spends the money on bespoke powertrains/platforms on their core models. The RDX is just a fancy CRV.

The TLX is a great car for the people who want it. The RLX Sport Hybrid is a fantastic drivetrain under a bland snore machine. The RDX and MDX are better than any of their equivalents in other brands.

TLX is middle of the road. The only reason why it is noteworthy is because it's dirt cheap. I think I'd buy a top trim Accord Touring over a base TLX 4 cyl. And it seems some of the press agree with me.

Same thing with the RDX. It's "better" because it's cheaper, that's it. The Q5, X3, Macan, XC60, RX, etc are all superior cars. It's hilarious that a $40k "luxury" SUV doesn't even have rear air vents.

RLX is overpriced. It doesn't offer anything special. I'll give you the MDX. It's Acura's one solid offering.

Honda split Acura from North American Honda next year. This does two things. First, it separates the Acura philosophy (which is quickly moving to AWD) from the Honda philosophy. Second, it puts increased pressure on the Acura brass to perform, as they can no longer hide behind the huge Civic and Accord sales.

I think their major issues come from the fact that their entire lineup is based off some sort of Honda. They don't do enough to differentiate the brand. Not to mention, the RDX and MDX are their sales. That's it. Nothing else sells too well.

Acura is just miles behind in a lot of ways, but damn, you can get a lot of standard features for a low price for a luxury automobile.

You can call me biased, that's fine with me. I've owned my fair share of luxury cars and Acura has never come up on the radar once. They don't deserve to be considered on par with Audi/Lexus/MB/Porsche/BMW

Acura is not a luxury brand. They are premium, that's it. Equivalent to the Buicks of the world.

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I know it's not the 2015 Escalade. The one I posted is the older model which is the one I'm looking into because the new (2015) model is ugly.

What QX60? That's the Infiniti QX80. And it's not old. There's a 2015 model that just recently came out.

Oops. I meant the QX80, it's a typo.

And NO, it didn't just come out. It's been around since 2010ish. It was called the QX56. They just renamed it to fit their new naming lineup and you fell for it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infiniti_QX56

For the 2014 model year, Infiniti has taken steps to rename their entire product line. As a result, the QX56 is rebadged as the QX80.

 

[AustinIllini]

I said this earlier... but it isn't a bad step forward. Acura isn't even on the same wavelength.




It's a tad ridiculous to diminish Lexus' lineup like this. Their core sedans are all pretty fantastic cars and all RWD/AWD. I'm talking about the IS/GS/LS.

The shoe fits, though.

The ES is a fancy Camry/Avalon, just like the TLX/RLX are fancy Accords and the ILX is a fancy Civic. Lexus, at least, spends the money on bespoke powertrains/platforms on their core models. The RDX is just a fancy CRV.

The TLX is better than the IS per most rankings, the RDX is better than anything Lexus puts out in the class. The MDX is the undisputed king of its class.

TLX is middle of the road. The only reason why it is noteworthy is because it's dirt cheap. I think I'd buy a top trim Accord Touring over a base TLX 4 cyl. And it seems some of the press agree with me.

The Accord Touring and its "amazing" CVT. The best part of the four cylinder TLX is the DCT. You don't get that with an Accord.

Same thing with the RDX. It's "better" because it's cheaper, that's it. The Q5, X3, Macan, XC60, RX, etc are all superior cars. It's hilarious that a $40k "luxury" SUV doesn't even have rear air vents.

I like how you confuse Value Luxury with Cheap.

RLX is overpriced. It doesn't offer anything special. I'll give you the MDX. It's Acura's one solid offering.

The Sport Hybrid All Wheel Drive is amazing and special, it just took them too long to add it.

 

[2298754]

The TLX is better than the IS per most rankings,

I'd love to see where this happened. And I'm not talking about some irrelevant source like USNews. A reputable auto rag, like Motor Trend, Automobile, C&D, etc. The TLX is barely ever mentioned in the same sentence as them.

The IS has beat the 3 series in a few direct comparisons also. Not to mention, how are they even comparable? One is a fancy Accord and the other is an actual RWD sports sedan.

the RDX is better than anything Lexus puts out in the class.

Lexus NX just came out. Are you seriously going to tell me the warmed-over CRV is better than the NX? Have you even sat in the NX or driven it? It actually feels like a luxury car, unlike the CRV+.

Guess we will have to wait for the refreshed RDX to settle this.

The MDX is the undisputed king of its class.

Agreed. I'm fine with this. If I had a large family and was broke and couldn't spend the coin on the Mercedes GL or Audi Q7, etc, I'd buy the MDX myself.

The Accord Touring and its "amazing" CVT. The best part of the four cylinder TLX is the DCT. You don't get that with an Accord.

You're acting like the DCT makes the TLX some sort of sports car. Even a Veloster has a DCT these days.... The Accord Touring is a fantastic car for the price.

Not to mention, the Acura badge isn't worthy of the price premium. The interior materials are hardly better on the Acura. They should be, but aren't.

Look at a top-trim VW Jetta and the entry-level Audi A3. There is a significant step-up in fit/finish, interior quality, technology, etc.

The Sport Hybrid All Wheel Drive is amazing and special, it just took them too long to add it.

Irrelevant. As you said, it came too late and on the wrong car to debut it. There were rumors of a SH-SHAWD MDX coming soon. Hopefully, that happens.

Not to mention, Audi has a very similar system coming on the B9 A4. And I'm willing to bet money that it will be launched correctly. Everyone will know about the technology and people will actually want to buy it.

 

[LadyX]

Oops. I meant the QX80, it's a typo.

And NO, it didn't just come out. It's been around since 2010ish. It was called the QX56. They just renamed it to fit their new naming lineup and you fell for it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infiniti_QX56

I get that. But I meant the interior and exterior. It's a newer model, new look.

 

[2298754]

I get that. But I meant the interior and exterior. It's a newer model, new look.

It's a facelift. Not a redesign.

 

[quagmire]

I think this discussion has gotten a tad dramatic. However, as much as I don't like Cadillac, the ATS and CTS are pretty solid cars. The only issue is that there is no way in hell Cadillac should be trying to command MB/Audi/BMW prices for them. The brand prestige is simply not there.

The CTS' current price cuts are a good sign, but they still need to lower them more. They were going for $10k-15k off MSRP last time I checked online. That is ridiculous. When have you ever seen an Audi A6 or Lexus GS with that much money on the hood? They don't need it to sell.

ATS has the same issue. They made too many of them and priced it too high. Residuals have tanked and used models aren't worth anything. Cadillac needs some internal management changes.
If they were, they would actually be selling.

I agree that the prestige and image isn't there yet to demand BMW/Benz money. The CTS was already $5K cheaper than the 5 series/E Class( give or a take).

I disagree with making the car cheaper as the solution. Wasn't working for them when the CTS was in the 3 series segment, won't work now. What they should do is offer value in the content offered. If BMW/Benz offer a feature only found in the high trim models, Cadillac offers it in the trim lower. The prices should be within the ballpark of each cars competitor. Not a load cheaper. Cadillac should make HID's standard on the ATS and offer their lighting element as standard as well.

Also, they have to market the cars to show what Cadillac gives you in terms of image, etc. The cars could be the best thing ever made, but if their marketing sucks( which Cadillac's does), that doesn't matter in an image driven market. Got to have good marketing to sell an image. BMW has it, Mercedes has it, etc. Hell the reason Apple took off was because of great marketing.

Reading Cadillac forums ( who own the 2nd gen CTS), they would only buy the CTS if it was $10K+ cheaper than the Germans. That is ridiculous. These people who have owned these vehicles for years would only return if Cadillac offered value pricing. And the fact an article stated that customers are going to the mainstream brands instead of the competition, also shows the customers are not the type that build up a brands image.

Defection analysis at KBB.com shows Cadillac owners abandoning the brand for non-luxury nameplates, and most are going to mid-size sedans or compact crossovers.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kbrauer/2014/11/11/2015-cadillac-ats-why-cadillac-cant-sell-great-car/3/

 

[2298754]

I disagree with making the car cheaper as the solution. Wasn't working for them when the CTS was in the 3 series segment, won't work now. What they should do is offer value in the content offered. If BMW/Benz offer a feature only found in the high trim models, Cadillac offers it in the trim lower. The prices should be within the ballpark of each cars competitor. Not a load cheaper. Cadillac should make HID's standard on the ATS and offer their lighting element as standard as well.

Your point of view makes more sense than what I was saying!

This seems like a good strategy to me. Similar to the Lexus way of thinking and it is working for them.

I like the idea of keeping it in the ball-park. $5k cheaper, etc isn't a bad idea. Come to think of it, if the CTS had an MSRP that was $10k less than the 5/A6/E, the public perception would automatically be that it is an "inferior" car. But the other caveat to this would be that they would follow Hyundai's strategy. Which would be to offer more equipment at a better price than Toyota/Honda. They seem to be doing a good job, but even today, Toyota and Honda can sell cars with less equipment at higher prices. It takes a long long time for the image to develop.

However, GM management doesn't seem that bright. They're quick to just throw giant discounts on their cars to move metal. There's much more to the formula than that. Johan was successful at Audi because of the momentum and lineup the brand had at the time. The R8 had just come out and their headlights/grill were becoming iconic. Even after he left, Audi is getting better by the day. Their marketing is on point. Audi doesn't move volume with huge discounts.

Isn't Cadillac around the corner from bringing out their S-Class fighter? That will be the litmus test for the brand. Can they get buyers to give up their S-Class (the best car in its class, by far) and come into a Cadillac?

Reading Cadillac forums ( who own the 2nd gen CTS), they would only buy the CTS if it was $10K+ cheaper than the Germans. That is ridiculous. These people who have owned these vehicles for years would only return if Cadillac offered value pricing. And the fact an article stated that customers are going to the mainstream brands instead of the competition, also shows the customers are not the type that build up a brands image.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kbrauer/2014/11/11/2015-cadillac-ats-why-cadillac-cant-sell-great-car/3/

I think this article brings up two different points that are interesting. First would be Cadillac's notoriously poor resale value. Maybe the people who own the 2nd gen CTS can't afford to go to the 3rd gen because prices went up so much and their cars aren't worth anything. The second point I thought of is another problem in their lineup. The SRX is old. They need more luxury SUVs. They need to go all out and offer a lineup that competes with the X1/X3/X5/upcoming X7s of the world. People want SUVs and Cadillac isn't offering them. Not everyone wants the blingmobile (Escalade) or the outdated SRX.

 

[LadyX]

It's a facelift. Not a redesign.

It's a new design. Seriously, look at the exterior of both the QX80 and the 56. Do they look the same? No. I don't care if it's a facelift or not. What's important is that the QX80 looks much better than the QX56. I wouldn't buy the 56 but would buy the 80. So yes they both are completely different, to me at least. It doesn't seem like they are to you.

 

[quagmire]

Your point of view makes more sense than what I was saying!

This seems like a good strategy to me. Similar to the Lexus way of thinking and it is working for them.

I like the idea of keeping it in the ball-park. $5k cheaper, etc isn't a bad idea. Come to think of it, if the CTS had an MSRP that was $10k less than the 5/A6/E, the public perception would automatically be that it is an "inferior" car.

However, GM management doesn't seem that bright. They're quick to just throw giant discounts on their cars to move metal. There's much more to the formula than that.

The CTS starts at $45K, the 5 series at $49K, and the E Class at $51K. So I already think it is priced appropriately. The price cuts are only on the higher end models.

The ATS is a bit more tricky. I think an appropriate price gap between the 3 series would be $2-3K. $5K is a bit too much.

GM brought in the guy that revitalized Audi and he is already doing things to change it up. Cadillac has moved to NYC, they are a semi-independent division now( almost like the old days where each GM brand had their own resources, etc). So hopefully he can do some good. But it has been a revolving door at Cadillac......

 

[2298754]

It's a new design. Seriously, look at the exterior of both the QX80 and the 56. Do they look the same? No. I don't care if it's a facelift or not. What's important is that the QX80 looks much better than the QX56. I wouldn't buy the 56 but would buy the 80. So yes they both are completely different, to me at least. It doesn't seem like they are to you.

How is it a "new" design again? Still looks like a beluga whale.

 

[AustinIllini]

Ugh, stop reminding me of what the WRX could have been.

Don't get me wrong, I love my 2015 WRX. But every time I see that concept, I can't help but wonder WTF Subaru was thinking when they made the 2015 WRX what it is today.

Here is my avatar on a different forum.

 

[D.T.]

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How is it a "new" design again? Still looks like a beluga whale.

I think both of those are 2014 Q80s, the 2015 has different fogs, a mesh grill, etc:

... but it is just facelift. Personally, I love the big Q luxury barges

It's a new design. Seriously, look at the exterior of both the QX80 and the 56. Do they look the same? No. I don't care if it's a facelift or not. What's important is that the QX80 looks much better than the QX56. I wouldn't buy the 56 but would buy the 80. So yes they both are completely different, to me at least. It doesn't seem like they are to you.

Basically the Q56 got re-badged as the Q80 in ’14, then face lifted in 2015. Again, I’m a fan

To answer you original question: that center console is not indicated as removable in any of the specs, extended info, interior pics, etc., and the seats all fold flat (flush to the console).

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Side note: I will turn this car around if my thread degrades into bickering No touching, no yelling, and especially no biting.

 

[quagmire]

Buick Avenir concept... What a beauty..... Shame if it goes into production, won't look anything like that.

 

[S.B.G]

Buick Avenir concept... What a beauty..... Shame if it goes into production, won't look anything like that.

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Wow, that is a nice looking machine.

 

[AustinIllini]

Buick Avenir concept... What a beauty..... Shame if it goes into production, won't look anything like that.

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It is pretty. But I fear you're right.

 

[LadyX]

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How is it a "new" design again? Still looks like a beluga whale.

This is the old QX56 of which I was referring to ...

And this is the QX80 ...

The one on the right is the 2015 model...

The 2015 QX80 has new front and rear fascias, new wheel designs, three new exterior colors, and a number of interior refinements.

 

[LadyX]

I think both of those are 2014 Q80s, the 2015 has different fogs, a mesh grill, etc:

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... but it is just facelift. Personally, I love the big Q luxury barges



Basically the Q56 got re-badged as the Q80 in ’14, then face lifted in 2015. Again, I’m a fan

To answer you original question: that center console is not indicated as removable in any of the specs, extended info, interior pics, etc., and the seats all fold flat (flush to the console).

You're right. It doesn't say whether it can be removed or not. I just contacted my local Infiniti retailer to inquire about this. They said they'll check and call me back with an answer. But the discussion link that AutoUnion39 posted, there have been a couple who removed the center console box successfully.

 

[quagmire]

2016 Chevy Volt revealed. 50 miles on a charge, 41 MPG out of the 1.5 liter gas generator. Looks a bit too much like a Honda Civic, but not bad of a design.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...vy-volt-first-look-naias/?click=_hpTrnsprtr_5

Chevy also unveiled the Bolt concept promising 200 mile electric range for about $30K.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-sho...chevys-all-electric-bolt/?click=_hpTrnsprtr_2

Nissan unveiled their brand new Titan. Comes in two flavors, the Titan( which carries 60% of components from the current Titan) powered by a V6 and V8 ( no specs yet) and the Titan XD which pretty much is a 1500 HD( not quite a HD truck, but better than a typical 1500) offering a Cummins diesel.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...the-2016-nissan-titan-xd/?click=_hpTrnsprtr_3

Holy Cow.... New Ford GT. 600+ HP from a 3.5 liter Turbocharged V6.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-sho...3/ford-liveblog-updating/?click=_hpTrnsprtr_2

 

[AustinIllini]

The Volt is super ugly. The GT looks exotic as heck, but almost looks like you couldn't drive it with the ridiculous overhangs.

Another reason Chevy will create a mid-engined Corvette Zora ZR1

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Acura announces NSX. Orders this summer. Somewhere around $150,000. North of 550 HP. 9 spd DCT with rear wheel biased sport-hybrid SH-AWD.

 

[2298754]

Volt is a huge improvement over the current one... especially the interior.

The Ford GT is a winner. Looks exotic as hell. Drool worthy. Well done Ford.

NSX? Lol $150k for an Acura? Good luck with that. It looks better than the concept though. The competition is way too strong for this car. Let's see how it pans out. The biggest issue here in price. Doesn't matter how "good" the car is. The badge doesn't command that level of price, especially with Porsche/Audi/Mercedes/Aston/Maserati/Jag, etc all playing in the same price bracket

The new Ford GT is the stand-out so far between the two. Already has over shadowed the NSX at the auto show. Everyone is talking about the Ford.

EDIT: also new Nissan Titan with a cummins diesel. interesting!

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This is the old QX56 of which I was referring to ...

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And this is the QX80 ...

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The one on the right is the 2015 model...

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The 2015 QX80 has new front and rear fascias, new wheel designs, three new exterior colors, and a number of interior refinements.

I feel like I'm talking to the brick wall. I'm not talking about the super old QX56.

I'm talking about the QX56 from 2013. The one of the "left" of the last picture you posted. The one of the right is the exact same car, but has a mild facelift and a new name "QX80."

 

[AustinIllini]

NSX? Lol $150k for an Acura? Good luck with that. It looks better than the concept though. The competition is way too strong for this car. Let's see how it pans out.

The new Ford GT is the stand-out so far between the two. Already has over shadowed the NSX at the auto show. Everyone is talking about the Ford.

The NSX is really the only car of its type in its class. Acura managed to stay a bit ahead of the game with the hybrid system, so I would imagine that torque is unlike anything in its price range.

Also, appears to be RWD biased SH-AWD system, which is a good thing.

The GT does look fantastic, as well.

 

[2298754]

The NSX is really the only car of its type in its class. Acura managed to stay a bit ahead of the game with the hybrid system, so I would imagine that torque is unlike anything in its price range.

Also, appears to be RWD biased SH-AWD system, which is a good thing.

Let's see what happens... $150k starting means ~$170k-ish loaded up. That's almost 911 Turbo S money. You can get a GT3 for less than the NSX. New R8 is around the corner too. Hopefully, Acura markets this correctly. If not, they deserve to fail.