The Car Thread ... !

[2298754]

http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/listing/2016/maserati/ghibli/1457288

I think @A.Goldberg should get one of these puppies. Drop-dead gorgeous. Fantastic performance. High quality interior. Good reliability due to the Dodge roots.

 

[0388631]

Lexus only seem to acknowledge there is a recall, everything else is protracted...as is usually the case when manufacturers/dealers have to do things for 'free'

I really hope the LC500 gets close to the LFA and doesn't become as disappointing as the RC F

I feel like the dealers are taking their time to stock up on hardware. I can't tell from the images, but the LC seems long and long. Curious to see how it turns out because people did complain about the RC F. The rear end reminds of the 1st generation SC series.

http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/listing/2016/maserati/ghibli/1457288

I think @A.Goldberg should get one of these puppies. Drop-dead gorgeous. Fantastic performance. High quality interior. Good reliability due to the Dodge roots.

Visually it's nice, but I seem to recall reading the majority of the interior are Dodge parts. The exterior is nice, specifically the front headlights that have some 458 Italia essence. There's a Rusnak Maserati near me and they've had Ghiblis on their lot for ages now. They barely sell many compared to other Maserati models. Shame too, good exhaust note on that. I've had an S variant fly past me and it was music to my ears. If the base was $20,000 short, I'd imagine it would sell more.

Maseratis tend to be a niche market here catering to older clientele who want something exotic seeming compared to the average German sedan or coupe, but don't want to go with Porsche or a high end exotic.

 

[Alphazoid]

^
It does long, and it also looks heavy. The NSX and LFA are still my favourite sports cars to come out of Japan.

As for the Masi, not a big fan of the front personally. Headlights a little too small and hood too big for a V6. The rear and sides are much better looking.

The car has a Japanese sedan feel to it. Maybe its just me.

Interior is nice...don't hate it...don't love it

The GranTurismo is still my favourite design of theirs.

 

[0388631]

Which NSX? The original ones with the popup lights were the most stylish. The new one looks like a toy with wheels.

 

[Alphazoid]

^
I like both. The original is obviously timeless and elegant, but i have little issue with the new one. I've seen much worse.

 

[SactoGuy18]

Speaking of cars, I've owned by current 2015 Honda Fit EX since May 2015.

I'm so used to driving that car that driving almost anything else feels a tad awkward since you have to consider the size of the vehicle, especially given the pretty small size of the Fit compared to most other cars on the road in the USA.

 

[0388631]

^
I like both. The original is obviously timeless and elegant, but i have little issue with the new one. I've seen much worse.

The 02 or 03 redesign on the 1st generation was ugly. I've seen my fair share of early years NSX, and they're remarkable each time you see them. I don't think the new one will be terribly popular. Especially at its price point and overuse of gizmos. Plus I wouldn't be surprised if dealers are tacking on a huge premium. I recall dealers selling base C7 Corvettes 20-30K above MSRP when they first came out and were thus limited until production ramped up to meet demand.

Speaking of cars, I've owned by current 2015 Honda Fit EX since May 2015.

I'm so used to driving that car that driving almost anything else feels a tad awkward since you have to consider the size of the vehicle, especially given the pretty small size of the Fit compared to most other cars on the road in the USA.

Most small cars of that variety will drive like a go kart.

 

[2298754]

Speaking of cars, I've owned by current 2015 Honda Fit EX since May 2015.

I love the Honda Fit. It's possibly the only current Honda that pays homage to the old "Honda" with its engineering. The amount of space it has inside is unbelievable.

The Fit could be a fantastic little car if they gave it a more powerful engine and made it more sporty.
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^
It does long, and it also looks heavy. The NSX and LFA are still my favourite sports cars to come out of Japan.

The Lexus LFA is the greatest car to come out of Japan within the last 10 or so years. The R35 GTR is a distant second place.

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I really hope the LC500 gets close to the LFA and doesn't become as disappointing as the RC F

Probably not. That's supposed to be the next-gen Supra. I think the LC500 is more like the Mercedes SL or 6 series. Luxury cruiser. That being said, I dig the LC500. It needs some forced induction ASAP because a NA V8 doesn't cut it anymore.

 

[AustinIllini]

No surprises here, but Chris Harris loved the new Honda/Acura NSX on Top Gear.

 

[0388631]

I expected him to batter Honda about what they did. I was genuinely surprised. Harris tends to prefer more stomach wrenching cars. The LC 500 is getting the GS F motor, IIRC. I doubt many will sell. It's already rare to see an RC F, because for the money you can get something better in terms of performance.

 

[Alphazoid]

People seem to dislike it 'because of all the technology' but thats the way the industry is going so you can't really blame them. As long as its fast, fun to drive and can do the supercar head turn...

If you want traditional buy an old mustang and restore it. You'll get your V8 and hydraulic steering.

 

[iLog.Genius]

People seem to dislike it 'because of all the technology' but thats the way the industry is going so you can't really blame them. As long as its fast, fun to drive and can do the supercar head turn...

If you want traditional buy an old mustang and restore it. You'll get your V8 and hydraulic steering.

You're right that the car industry is incorporating more computers in their cars but in the case of the LFA, other than the looks, engine and perhaps exclusivity, what are you really getting? If you were to ask a car enthusiast to pick between a LFA or Porsche 911 Turbo/GT2/GT3/CGT, never mind other competitors from Lamborghini, Ferrari & McClaren. I reckon the majority would pick the Porsche because it does the whole sports car/super car better without all the computers (though Porsche's do have their fair share of computers, not just as much).

The argument was the same for the R35 GT-R but the difference was the GT-R was released and it was truly a supercar killer given it's initial price tag upon its release so people had no issues with it. You can't say the same with the LFA which given its price tag, doesn't do a whole lot.

I appreciate the LFA for what it is/was, but if I had a money tree growing in my backyard (which I do not...), the LFA would not be at the top of cars I would consider. To me, the LFA is nothing more than a car to discuss or talk about at a bar - gloss over the sound of the engine but wouldn't consider as a purchase vs. other cars in that price range or cheaper.

 

[Alphazoid]

Someone said this recently and i kind agree

I get the impression that Toyota/Lexus wanted to make a car that's more about the sensation of driving rather than a car which performance numbers based - like the Nissan GT-R. I mean the LFA is front engine, rear wheel drive rather than mid engine or 4wd. It's naturally aspirated. Finally it only has a single clutch gear box because it's lighter and you can feel the change of gears more so than a double clutch. The LFA may not be the fastest car in the world, but it may very well be the best in terms of the raw experience of driving it.

Also, no disrespect for the GT-R, it is an amazing car but I've heard people say it lacks the soul of other high performance vehicles.

 

[JoeG4]

Visually it's nice, but I seem to recall reading the majority of the interior are Dodge parts. The
.....
If the base was $20,000 short, I'd imagine it would sell more.

The 300/charger can get into the $45k range (excluding the hellcat) pretty darn easily. I do agree though they're not worth the $20k more. For $65k you're almost in hellcat charger territory and the interior in that is comparable lol.

I'm still not exactly sure why people expect a $100k Mercedes S class interior in a $65k car. The Maserati is really FCA's 300C replacement - they're trying to go after people that have money to buy a 335i and want something more interesting or larger. It was probably made to compete with the XF in the "god I'm not going to be the 50th software engineer at work to buy a 3 series" territory. xD

Hrmm then again the 3 series is a $40k car. Well, fine!

And yeah it really is their 300c replacement. I think Sergio's trying awfully hard to keep Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep from possibly stealing a single sale from Fiat/Alfa Romeo/Maserati. Man I'm SO OVER Alfa Romeeeeo. I feel like they killed the Viper just to glorify that stupid brand.

Shoot I still can't agree with how they rebranded the 300 as a uh, Lancia Therma. It sounds like a disease, and I don't know why Europeans would buy an american car rebranded as a european car. I think europeans would rather buy the american car branded as an american car. It's like rebranding the Toyota GT86 as a Dodge. People wanna buy a toyota not a dodge. err.. I'll shut up now lol.

 

[0388631]

I'm still not exactly sure why people expect a $100k Mercedes S class interior in a $65k car.

I'm not sure where you got this from. I've never heard this comparison. Mid-range Merc interiors and Audis look nicer. Hell, the Jags look better. The only S class comparison I've ever seen on the internet have been by Tesla fans claiming the Model S is more luxurious than an S class and as Luxurious as a Bentley according to a brain dead tech reviewer from a while back. At which point I wonder what the crack addiction rate is in this country.

I think the S class is lovely but I wouldn't buy one. It's got a little too much going on. Granted you could probably run over a cow and not feel a damn thing or hear it crying in pain due to the superior sound deadening materials.

 

[2298754]

People seem to dislike it 'because of all the technology' but thats the way the industry is going so you can't really blame them. As long as its fast, fun to drive and can do the supercar head turn...

If you want traditional buy an old mustang and restore it. You'll get your V8 and hydraulic steering.

Not really. If you want something more traditional, for the same money as the Acura, you can get a R8 V10 Plus (one of the fastest NA cars out there), 911 GT3/GT3RS, or even a McLaren 570S. When you're talking six figures, prestige matters and Acura is lacking severely in that respect.

Before someone brings up the R35 GTR, remember that Nissan gradually increased the price to six figures over the years... *after* proving its performance credentials. Acura is expecting to get Porsche money for this right off the bat. (They even charge extra for navigation. Is that a joke?)

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I'm still not exactly sure why people expect a $100k Mercedes S class interior in a $65k car.

No one is, but at that price, you're going up against the big dogs with reputations for these things. The switchgear in an Audi/BMW/Lexus/Mercedes-Benz look and feel expensive. The Ghlibi's interior is no better than an Infiniti or Acura. To be honest, it's probably worse.

Not to mention, the W213 E Class is coming out right now and that does have a S-Class like interior in it
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I appreciate the LFA for what it is/was, but if I had a money tree growing in my backyard (which I do not...), the LFA would not be at the top of cars I would consider.

918 Spyder is at the top of the list for me, with the LFA a close second.

The LFA will probably be the best supercar to ever come out of Japan, unless Toyota/Lexus try to make something more "advanced" down the line.

 

[AustinIllini]

I expected him to batter Honda about what they did. I was genuinely surprised. Harris tends to prefer more stomach wrenching cars. The LC 500 is getting the GS F motor, IIRC. I doubt many will sell. It's already rare to see an RC F, because for the money you can get something better in terms of performance.

My understanding from his review was that Honda basically made a "real synthetic" experience. That is, it feels real, the experience is real, but the engineering behind it is extremely sophisticated. So while Harris should have hated it, he didn't because the illusion is just that real.

It only furthers the problem I have with Honda (to some extent Acura, but an Acura is a Honda so I tend to group them together): The world's largest racing engine manufacturer is severely lacking excitement in its public cars. That's almost criminal.

 

[2298754]

And yeah it really is their 300c replacement. I think Sergio's trying awfully hard to keep Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep from possibly stealing a single sale from Fiat/Alfa Romeo/Maserati. Man I'm SO OVER Alfa Romeeeeo. I feel like they killed the Viper just to glorify that stupid brand.

Technically, the Ghlibi is the *next-gen* 300C/Charger platform. FINALLY moving away from the 15-20 year old W220/211-derived Chrysler LX platform.

Also, why the hell is Sergio still in charge? That idiot is pilfering away RAM and Jeep's profits... for what? Two worthless brands that will gain no traction? Maserati and the "forever coming soon" Alfa Romeo

That money should be going to quality improvements and more Jeeps. Not Alfa Romeo

 

[AustinIllini]

Technically, the Ghlibi is the *next-gen* 300C/Charger platform. FINALLY moving away from the 15-20 year old W220/211-derived Chrysler LX platform.

Also, why the hell is Sergio still in charge? That idiot is pilfering away RAM and Jeep's profits... for what? Two worthless brands that will gain no traction? Maserati and the "forever coming soon" Alfa Romeo

That money should be going to quality improvements and more Jeeps. Not Alfa Romeo

I'm not sure what Sergio is doing, but I can say that this middling effort with Alfa is not helping. To introduce a prominent Italian brand to the market should be worthy of huge marketing efforts. FCA doesn't sell a car like the Giulia in the United States. Too bad.

 

[D.T.]

The world's largest racing engine manufacturer is severely lacking excitement in its public cars. That's almost criminal.

Totally agree, we need a 300-330HP, sub 2900# S2000 successor, the NSX should've been less tech, more visceral, sub-$99K, they should make a badass 400+ sedan (with an AWD option) to compete in the S6/5-series market.

 

[AustinIllini]

Totally agree, we need a 300-330HP, sub 2900# S2000 successor, the NSX should've been less tech, more visceral, sub-$99K, they should make a badass 400+ sedan (with an AWD option) to compete in the S6/5-series market.

Heck, I'd settle for a SH-AWD Acura TLX Type S with 330ish HP. I do, however, believe there is an S2000 follow up in the works. My concern is it will be exceedingly expensive.

 

[Suture]

I'd love to see a successor to the S600 or S2000 from Honda.

 

[iLog.Genius]

I don't know why Honda doesn't just partner up with another manufacturer to come up with S2000 successor or another sports car/roadster similar to the BMW/Toyota partnership.

I remember all those Honda commercials that featured a Honda F1 car yet there is nothing in their lineup that showcases that sort of driving experience or tech.

 

[0388631]

Toyota and BMW? I must have missed that.

Just finished up Sunday's Top Gear. Really want that retro MG. I feel that if Honda were to make a premium sports car, it would cost quite a bit of money. The S2000 was a brilliant car, problem is just about every child racer bought one and ruined it. That and Honda really need to drop the Japanese mantra of bulbous design. These days I can't tell if certain cars are sedans or slimline crossovers.

But back to that MG. Wow! Brilliant looks, fast, and it would be a wonderful car to die in if it came to that.

My understanding from his review was that Honda basically made a "real synthetic" experience. That is, it feels real, the experience is real, but the engineering behind it is extremely sophisticated. So while Harris should have hated it, he didn't because the illusion is just that real.

It only furthers the problem I have with Honda (to some extent Acura, but an Acura is a Honda so I tend to group them together): The world's largest racing engine manufacturer is severely lacking excitement in its public cars. That's almost criminal.

Yeah the Motortrend review from last month shines light on that stuff. I'm not hot on the design or the driver aids or extreme tech.

 

[AustinIllini]

I don't know why Honda doesn't just partner up with another manufacturer to come up with S2000 successor or another sports car/roadster similar to the BMW/Toyota partnership.

I remember all those Honda commercials that featured a Honda F1 car yet there is nothing in their lineup that showcases that sort of driving experience or tech.

There are so many rumblings about the next S2K. If I were Honda, I would partner up with someone to get an RWD platform. The VTEC-type engine and the manual transmission are S2K (and Honda) staples, but Honda hasn't had a RWD platform in some time. The reality is Honda will likely go with a setup similar (all be it less Hybrid-y) to the NSX, which is the SH-AWD from the Acura lineup, only flipped to be rear wheel biased. My concern with that is weight.