The Car Thread ... !

[quagmire]

The majority of my posts are lengthy, and I explain my reasoning and thoughts in all of them. I am not simply saying that one thing sucks and another thing is great. It's just that, for some reason, I get people like AutoUnion criticizing most of my posts - even the ones that merely consist of my thoughts on a car or an aspect of cars.

For example, I made a comment on my loathing key fobs because I believe that they are gimmicky and usually look ugly (especially Ford's key fobs). Now, to my surprise, another user (I think it was AutoUnion) actually agreed with me...

however, it's usually a blunt counterargument, and it all started with AutoUnion calling my family's vehicle a piece of junk that belongs in a scrap yard.

Your opinion though is completely from a performance oriented mindset and trying to justify how your mindset makes up a profitable/majority part of the market. When fact is people like us are not. If we were, the Camaro would be outselling the Mustang and Challenger because it is the best performer among the group. The Chevy SS would be the most popular sedan out there. Majority of people just want simple A to B transport. Performance needs are met by the pony cars, Corvette, etc for the market that wants it.

Fact is the Accord isn't meant to be a performance sedan. Its designed purpose is to be a family sedan. Which means be economical, safe, and reliable. FWD provides all that. Plus FWD is better than RWD in the snow. You want that weight over the wheels. Now todays RWD cars with their better weight distribution with good snow tires has certainly improved things, but again that is an extra cost people are going to have buying such a car( hence why I plan to get the Camaro in April/May to rebuild my wallet to purchase a set of 18" wheels and winter tires for next winter). And people are incredibly cheap or they can't afford that extra expense.

What you're trying to do is like asking the Corvette also be capable of hauling gear in its trunk and be able to tow a 12,000 lb trailer.

By listing the benefits of RWD doesn't mean vehicles like the Accord and RAV4 will benefit from it. The 1st gen SRX was RWD and performed very well given it was an CUV. But it didn't sell because of the way it looked( for some reason Americans have a wagonphobia). The 2nd gen SRX went FWD and gained a typical crossover look and it sold like hotcakes rivaling the RX in sales. I am not saying the switch from RWD to FWD caused the market to all of a sudden buy it, but the looks. Another truth is most people don't give a crap( or even know) about what wheels are powered. You could walk up to a BMW owner and chances are they would think their 328i was FWD.

 

[iLog.Genius]

Fact is the Accord isn't meant to be a performance sedan.

Blasphemy! Where do you think all the "...But is it faster than an Accord" comes from? An Accord is very much a performance sedan!



/s

 

[Alphazoid]

Audi has built an RS3 saloon (sedan for the american folk)

Very tempting...

 

[2298754]

Blasphemy! Where do you think all the "...But is it faster than an Accord" comes from? An Accord is very much a performance sedan!



/s

Well the Accord ain't no Maserati Quattroporte Neiman Marcus edition.

Sadly, the current Accord is probably a "nicer" car than the last-gen POS Quattroporte

[doublepost=1475191365][/doublepost]

Audi has built an RS3 saloon (sedan for the american folk)

Very tempting...

You beat me to it. Was just gonna post this

Looks great. 400hp from a 5cyl in that little thing will be a rocket ship. No MT though

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/09/29/2018-audi-rs3-400-hp-paris/

Last night at the Volkswagen Group Night, almost lost among all the future mobility hoopla about the Volkswagen I.D. autonomous EV concept, Audi parked an RS3 sedan. We have some preliminary information about it – including that it's packing a 2.5-liter TFSI engine, the same five-cylinder powerplant that makes 400 horsepower in the new Audi TT RS we just drove.

[doublepost=1475191620][/doublepost]Another Audi reveal

2018 Audi Q5

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/09/29/2018-audi-q5-paris-official/

But unlike the Q7, the Q5 doesn't look quite so dowdy in its redesigned body. We'll attribute that to the smaller front and rear overhangs, which keep the Q5 looking like a crossover instead of a high-riding wagon. The face is mostly a carbon copy of the Q7's, with a prominent grille featuring a silver surround and flanked by a set of clean, stylish headlights. In back, the smaller Audi gets more expressive taillights that harken back to the first-generation model in their lighting signature. We aren't really sure what Audi was going for with its two-tier rear bumper, but it doesn't work and is inarguably the worst piece of an otherwise fashionable design.

Aside from restyling the Q5's body, Audi managed to both expand it in every direction and trim nearly 200 pounds of body fat through a mix of "maximum tensile strength" steel and aluminum. Audi is also promising an impressive aerodynamics gain for the new body – the company's engineers slashed the coefficient of drag from 0.33 to 0.30. That should mean a quieter and more efficient drive.

Like the Q7, the new Q5 benefits from Audi's push into advanced driver information systems. It gets the 12.3-inch TFT display, also known as Virtual Cockpit, on top of the 8.3-inch MMI display atop the center stack. MMI takes a page from Apple with its Personal Route Assist. Much as CarPlay will automatically display how long it takes you to get home, Audi's new system can study an owner's behavior and suggest the best route to a given spot, even when the navigation isn't active.

While we're geeked about the new tech, the powertrain front is less newsy. The European press release lists one gas engine – a 252-horsepower 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder – and four TDI powertrains. Those latter engines are dead to the US, as Audi faces the backlash from parent company Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal. The European release also lists six-speed manual, seven-speed S-Tronic, and eight-speed automatic transmissions, depending on engine – we'd only count on the eight-speed coming to the US.

The second-generation Audi Q5 will hit dealers in Europe in early 2017. We'll have a first drive review coming up soon with more details and our early takeaways.

Impressions: It wears the Q7's design language much better. The proportions are nicer. As long as this thing drives like the new Q7, it will near the top of the class. Expect them to be everywhere, like the current Q5.

 

[Alphazoid]

You beat me to it. Was just gonna post this

Looks great. 400hp from a 5cyl in that little thing will be a rocket ship. No MT though

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/09/29/2018-audi-rs3-400-hp-paris/

Looks incredible in blue. I want it now.

 

[2298754]

Looks incredible in blue. I want it now.

Yeah, I might add some blackout trim and nicer wheels, but other than that, it does look great in that blue!
[doublepost=1475191880][/doublepost]

My boss has a '15 Challenger Scat Pack. The styling isn't quite my cup of tea, although his does look quite good(black on black with dark rims) and the exhaust note is heavenly.

Scat Pack's do look nice, but it's pathetic how FCA is still using that decade old platform with outdated Mercedes chassis bits.

 

[iLog.Genius]

Interested to see what the price is on the RS3. The only thing I don't like about it is how it looks bloated.

 

[2298754]

As I pointed out to my parents when they got sticker shock when they were buying their 2016 Suburban and saw it was $60K when their 2002 Suburban cost $40K. If you take $40K in 2002 money and adjust it for inflation, it would be $60K in todays money. My 2007 Saturn Aura XR cost $28,000 back in 2006.

Not just inflation. The OEMs have increased the number of models in their lineups. Back in 2000, you could get a MB ML320 for right around $40k (in 2000 money.) Now they have two more SUVs underneath the ML, called the GLA and GLC/GLK. Same thing with BMW. They have raised the X5's price to fit the X1 and X3 into the lineup.
[doublepost=1475192437][/doublepost]

however, it's usually a blunt counterargument, and it all started with AutoUnion calling my family's vehicle a piece of junk that belongs in a scrap yard.

It's not even your car... Why do you take everything so personally?

No one is attacking you, yet you constantly act like a victim. This is really immature and quite annoying IMO.

 

[quagmire]

Not just inflation. The OEMs have increased the number of models in their lineups. Back in 2000, you could get a MB ML320 for right around $40k (in 2000 money.) Now they have two more SUVs underneath the ML, called the GLA and GLC/GLK. Same thing with BMW. They have raised the X5's price to fit the X1 and X3 into the lineup.

True. And GM added LTZ on top of the LT in that gap between our 2002 Suburban to 2016 Suburban. Though I was being somewhat apples vs apples in that statement considering both of the Suburbans were of the LT trim.

As stated by iLog, there are exceptions and certainly lineup construction has changed so models may have moved up in class, moved down, etc. But, the general trend of car prices has been inflation driven more than OEM's purposely driving the cost up.

 

[2298754]

The one feature that I personally would never want to pay for is a rear back-up camera, but today's economy cars are beginning to receive them. I suppose it makes sense, since cars are becoming harder and harder to see out of, but they cost a lot of money.

Fun fact: DOT will be requiring backup cameras soon. http://www.autonews.com/article/201...-phase-in-rearview-camera-mandate-starting-in

The best thing about including a backup camera is that OEMs are now forced to upgrade infotainment systems and include higher-res screens into their economy models.
[doublepost=1475193742][/doublepost]

Hondas have always been only relatively cheap.

Meh, you're wrong. Honda (and Toyota) models tend to cost more than their domestic (and Korean) competition because they don't use the same level of incentives.

For example, GM was recently advertising 20% off MSRP for some models. When has anyone ever seen a brand new Honda/Toyota sell for 20% off. Unless it's damaged, never is the correct answer. Not to mention, Honda (and Toyota) have stricter requirements for their financing programs, whereas companies like Nissan/FCA, etc seem to be more relaxed and have no problems financing people that really shouldn't be buying a car in the first place.

[doublepost=1475193900][/doublepost]

Whether you like the features that come standard is a different argument but you get a ton of a lot more with today's cars than you did with cars in the past.

Bingo. Now you can get a Civic with radar cruise, FCW, full-LED headlights, heated REAR seats, etc. A few years ago, leather in a Civic was considered a big deal.
[doublepost=1475194627][/doublepost]

I don't think I've ever seen one 911 variant get this much praise from everyone

 

[0388631]

That Q5's color is something else. Looks very, very aesthetic in that color. The RS3 looks alright too, but I hardly think it'll attain much sales here in the states. Though I could be wrong seeing as the deafening and harsher than normal ride of the M2 was never an issue with buyers and how every dealer is sold out and has been for months.

That Porsche, though, it's something else. Kind of surprising how a parts special car managed to become so iconic.

 

[2298754]

That Porsche, though, it's something else. Kind of surprising how a parts special car managed to become so iconic.

When you have the best legos, your creations tend to be good too

It's crazy how Porsche's engineering team has been cranking out one great car after another. Hopefully, Preuninger (sp?) and his team drop the new 6MT into the 991.2 GT3.

 

[iLog.Genius]

The 911R pure Porsche through and through. With the 911 going FI and the GT3 PDK-only, it's no wonder why the 911R is getting so much praise - it's the 911 as it should be. It's unfortunate that it was a limited edition. Not that I could afford one if it were not.

 

[A.Goldberg]

The majority of my posts are lengthy, and I explain my reasoning and thoughts in all of them. I am not simply saying that one thing sucks and another thing is great. It's just that, for some reason, I get people like AutoUnion criticizing most of my posts - even the ones that merely consist of my thoughts on a car or an aspect of cars.

however, it's usually a blunt counterargument, and it all started with AutoUnion calling my family's vehicle a piece of junk that belongs in a scrap yard.

Dude, I say that I like a car and then I get insulted for it... what do you call that? I lift a finger and I have someone telling me that I'm wrong or that my opinions make no sense.

I am not thinking that I am personally being attacked; don't think that I am translating "your car sucks" into "you suck." I'm just sick of giving thoughts or opinions and having some wiseacre tell me that my judgment is off or that everything I've driven sucks.

Seriously, I'm not saying I'm not on your side here buddy. But these lengthy pubic rants about feelings of persecution only encourage further antagonism.

Some people debate you because your statements are either debatable or false, perhaps in the experience/knowledge beyond your own. But you shouldn't feel singled out as this occurs all the time in this thread. Take a look back on the near 200 pages of comments here.

I do think you take comments related to your cars as quite personal. Just above you quoted AU told you your cars should be scrapped. You took that very personally, especially restating it again now. Why? Because you like it, you're proud of it, it's a valuable unique possession you've put effort into? That's not attacking your cars more than you.

Frankly you can make a big huff about this but frankly it's your choice to be here. You're more than welcome to be here to be here and put up with personalities you don't like- as is much of life. Oftentimes if you go to brand specific forums you'll find a self-confirming bias of one brand of fanboy. Here you have a melting pot... or tossed salad to be PC.

AU loves Audi/Porsche and usually BMW
Austinillini loves Honda/Acura
Zenithal thinks Mercedes (well GL) is the greatest thing since the wheel
Quagmire loveS GM more than life itself
BunnSpecial thinks the Lincoln LS platform is the gift God, second being MG's

So obviously there is and will be disagreement.

Blasphemy! Where do you think all the "...But is it faster than an Accord" comes from? An Accord is very much a performance sedan!



/s

Where is Austinillini (sp?) to defend Honda/Acura?! (Speaking of Fanboys )

 

[0388631]

When you have the best legos, your creations tend to be good too

If that isn't the most astute observation about Porsche, then I'd like to know what is. Gold star for you.
[doublepost=1475218363][/doublepost]

Zenithal thinks Mercedes (well GL) is the greatest thing since the wheel

No... no I don't? Not when I spend nearly $1,000 a month on fuel. I like Mercedes heritage in general. I like the GL, but it isn't the end all be all MBZ, especially as it's an SUV. I enjoy that it's got decent pick up and go for its behemoth size.

 

[A.Goldberg]

No... no I don't? Not when I spend nearly $1,000 a month on fuel.

You clearly not missed the hyperbole.

 

[0388631]

AU loves Audi/Porsche and usually BMW

Loves? Enamored with more like it. I suspect his future bride-to-be's ring will have a jewel pattern of Audi and or Porsche.
[doublepost=1475218580][/doublepost]

You clearly not missed the hyperbole.

I didn't. But then again I stopped caring about the Maserati issue and the whining of being ill treated pages ago. It's like rapping the knuckles of an invalid and forcing them to walk. It isn't going to happen; he's not going to grow up.


Edit: You forgot Muscle Master. Who's very confusing might I add. He hightailed it out of here a while back.


Edit 2: Err, I think that joking "Gold star for you" was a bit off hand. I meant the sticker you put on a sheet of paper. Not another type of gold star.
[doublepost=1475219930][/doublepost]

Have you seen RFP's drive/review at Laguna Seca? (It was for DCotY)

“I am in love with [it]. It just works: the level of control, the balance, the stability without understeer.”

[doublepost=1475160289][/doublepost]I saw an ATS-V on the way home on Tuesday, [I believe] it was the Crystal White package (matte white), had all the carbon dress up goodies - the wheels looked aftermarket just because of the additional positive offset, but it could've been OEM-ers with spacers, plus the stance was pretty tight, I suspect aftermarketing lowering.

Anyway, it looked terrific.
[doublepost=1475160373][/doublepost]... and for my 3rd merged post

Got these delivered today

View attachment 660965

I have now. I skipped over this episode. The sound is intoxicating. Very few cars make me feel like a little boy. This is one of them.

 

[2298754]

AU loves Audi/Porsche and usually BMW

DAEWOO. I love DAEWOO.

 

[2298754]

Have you seen RFP's drive/review at Laguna Seca? (It was for DCotY)

“I am in love with [it]. It just works: the level of control, the balance, the stability without understeer.”

That Mustang is so impressive. To be mentioned in the same breath as McLaren (#1) and Porsche (#3) is no easy feat.

 

[2298754]

Loves? Enamored with more like it. I suspect his future bride-to-be's ring will have a jewel pattern of Audi and or Porsche.

It will have a Daewoo pattern!

I even have a Daewoo jockstrap, but that is NSFW.

 

[2298754]

Edit: You forgot Muscle Master. Who's very confusing might I add. He hightailed it out of here a while back.

BigNorm aka MM seems to have other issues he needs to deal with first

 

[D.T.]

That Mustang is so impressive. To be mentioned in the same breath as McLaren (#1) and Porsche (#3) is no easy feat.

Yeah, it's an amazing execution and it has fantastic street presence too, if you've had the chance to see one in person, up close. While DCTs are pretty outstanding, it also makes me smile a bit that's it's a model that's only offered in a manual, though that stays with the "track/drivers car" theme (just like the Performance Pack is only available in manual). I've had a few manual only models (Z06, S2K, R1), there's something kind of special since it takes that extra driver commitment.

Since I'm a convertible person - and there's no such beast in the GT350 line - I'm interested to see what trickles down from the GT350 into the GT line, and specifically into availability in the vert. There's a couple of test mules in full camo' cruising around Deerfield, from spy shot comparisons, it looks like the hood line follows the 350, so that kind of assumes a different fascia[?] This is the upcoming MY18 models that are supposed to see some kind of "facelift".

 

[bunnspecial]

BunnSpecial thinks the Lincoln LS platform is the gift God, second being MG's

Ari, although I do indeed think the DEW-98 was indeed touched by God himself in the design and production phases, and I now think that I'm likely going to have a life-long love affair with MGs, you must also remember my surely unhealthy liking for the Panther platform in all its various iterations. Granted the Town Car is the best of the best, but I am rather fond of the Marauder

 

[0388631]

Ah. Now I realize why you wanted an S Type R.

 

[0388631]

Came across this earlier today. I recalled the RS3 being posted here.

Seeing as the sedan will likely be over $50,000, I can't help but say this is going to knock the M2 off its bum. I can see people not wanting the Audi because its AWD system kills spirited driving, then again the people who buy an M car or really any RWD car won't ever turn off driving aids that come with the car.

And unless my ears deceive me, the interior cabin noise is a fraction of BMW's.