The Car Thread ... !

[0388631]

Right there with you. The X4 and X6 do not do it for me, even the X6M. Not a huge fan of any of the X series, the X5 is ok but always felt left behind tech wise compared to the other cars. The X5M is a beast though, but not a subtle sleeper for sure.

I think the entire X lineup looks hideous from the getgo, sorry, AU, I know you just love your E70 or whatever it was. I think they look garish. The problem with these cars, and I think Ari said it best a while back, is that they're sedans with increase height and a rounded rear. Suddenly they're the hottest thing since sliced bread.

When I see an X crossover, to me it looks like a X5 from the front giving live birth to an updated 318ti. As a fan of Merc, some say a bit die-hard, even I can admit they come out with silly vehicles to appease the masses. It's all about greed in the end. There's a car for everyone. Crossovers are cars with greater ride height, similar to an SUV, but still drive like a car for the most part. They're great for people or couples who need a little extra room in their vehicle but also need the extra ride height. They're not too popular here in California, but I know they are in the NE because of snow. At which point, driving an SUV is a bit silly since it'll waste more gas.

I'm going to say the X7 is going to be the next big thing here in the South West. It's large size, aggressive looks (based on renders), and affordable intro price of possibly in the low $70,000 range will positive for the brand. When the GL at a non-neutered level starts at around $100,000, you know you have to offer something of equal or better value for a lower price than your competitor.

The upcoming X7 and the new Q7 are going to be the top dogs in the full size SUV segment from the Germans here in the South West. Just you wait and see.

 

[AnthonySmith]

Let's see some of your cars!

Here's my 2014 VW GTI.

 

[2298754]

I think the entire X lineup looks hideous from the getgo, sorry, AU, I know you just love your E70 or whatever it was. I think they look garish. The problem with these cars, and I think Ari said it best a while back, is that they're sedans with increase height and a rounded rear.

Love isn't the right word. I want new car, but can't without a new airbag.

For the record, I find the X1, X4, new X5 (F15), and X6 ugly. I can't stand the X6.

The BMW F25 X3 isn't bad; possibly their best looking crossover or whatever you want to call it. Even BMW realized the F15 was not the hit it was supposed to be, so they shortened its product cycle. We should see the next-gen X5 based on the G-series chassis in a few years.

As a fan of Merc, some say a bit die-hard, even I can admit they come out with silly vehicles to appease the masses. It's all about greed in the end. There's a car for everyone. Crossovers are cars with greater ride height, similar to an SUV, but still drive like a car for the most part.

The GLC and GLE coupe are probably the worst offenders. Both awful.

They're great for people or couples who need a little extra room in their vehicle but also need the extra ride height. They're not too popular here in California, but I know they are in the NE because of snow. At which point, driving an SUV is a bit silly since it'll waste more gas.

Ground clearance. With an AWD sedan, you can't just drive through 12 inches of snow. You'll get stuck.

And I'm not sure the MPG penalty for SUVs exists anymore. You can get a RAV4 Hybrid that does 30+ mpg all day long. It's probably more versatile than the Corolla it's based on also.

When the GL at a non-neutered level starts at around $100,000, you know you have to offer something of equal or better value for a lower price than your competitor.

I can't believe it took BMW this long to develop the X7. Mercedes has had that market to themselves for over a decade.

The GL(S) has become the to-go upper-class minivan around here, especially for those who refuse to be seen in an Odyssey.

 

[2298754]

Let's see some of your cars!

Here's my 2014 VW GTI.

Nice GTI! What wheels are those?

The other thread is basically for car pics: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/picture-of-your-car-2016.1947971/page-13#post-23678335

 

[0388631]

Speaking of air bags, I had a dream last night someone rear ended my GL in a parking lot and I was overcome with joy at the insurance payout and not having to deal with the airbags. I was then awakened by my alarm. Life can be so cruel.

 

[PowerMac G4 MDD]

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-8-series/#slide-4065370

Correct me if I am wrong (I know I'll probably get a response), but I'm pretty sure that the demand for roadsters and convertibles these days is higher than it is for coupes... but it would still be interesting if BMW re-releases the 8-series again. ^^ There's a link showing what seems to be some sort of new coupe from them.

Just brought this up because I saw a 1997 8-series for sale nearby. It was definitely a design from a different planet, as far as BMW design goes, but I think it looked pretty striking.

Now, BMW, when are you gonna bring the Z8 back??
[doublepost=1475898050][/doublepost]

Speaking of air bags, I had a dream last night someone rear ended my GL in a parking lot and I was overcome with joy at the insurance payout and not having to deal with the airbags. I was then awakened by my alarm. Life can be so cruel.

We had our '07 Suburban rear-ended on its left corner, back when the lease was brand-new. Not sure how, but the old guy who hit the parked car allegedly thought that it was driving...

Would be nice if that one had been a dream. I think it's scarier to think that that guy was on the road to begin with.
[doublepost=1475898273][/doublepost]I totally agree. I posted about the X6 and this Mercedes, and I think the Mercedes definitely takes the cake as the uglier one. What's striking is that it actually looks even worse in person. I really despise uninspired crossover designs.

This thing is a silly vehicle; it's but an inflated car. Reminds me of how Tesla took an air compressor to their Model S and came up with a crossover.

 

[2298754]

Speaking of air bags, I had a dream last night someone rear ended my GL in a parking lot and I was overcome with joy at the insurance payout and not having to deal with the airbags. I was then awakened by my alarm. Life can be so cruel.

I wish that happened

 

[AnthonySmith]

Nice GTI! What wheels are those?

The other thread is basically for car pics: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/picture-of-your-car-2016.1947971/page-13#post-23678335

Sweet, thanks!

They're Neuspeed RSe10.

 

[0388631]

Nice. I thought they were Apex wheels myself. Is it a chrome or satin finish?

I wish that happened

Park yours under an old tree during the winter and hope it falls down due to the weight of the snow?

 

[bunnspecial]

Correct me if I am wrong (I know I'll probably get a response), but I'm pretty sure that the demand for roadsters and convertibles these days is higher than it is for coupes... but it would still be interesting if BMW re-releases the 8-series again. ^^ There's a link showing what seems to be some sort of new coupe from them.

Just brought this up because I saw a 1997 8-series for sale nearby. It was definitely a design from a different planet, as far as BMW design goes, but I think it looked pretty striking.

Now, BMW, when are you gonna bring the Z8 back??

BMW does make a roadster-the Z4. It's one of the few on the market these days along with the MX-5 and, of course, several not-current-imported-to-the-US Morgans.

At best, a convertible 8 series could be called a touring car(depending on the definition you use, it might be a grand touring car, but to me that implies an enclosed car). It's WAY to big and heavy to be called a roadster.

And yes, as the resident Lincoln fan/apologist I'll get laughed out the thread, but to me the 8 series looks like a modern take on the Lincoln Mark series, or the Coupe de Ville if you prefer. I've actually toyed with the idea of buying a Mark VIII given their current prices, but gave up looking when I realized most of the ones out there were beat to heck and/or reeked of smoke(cigarette and sometimes other substances that are smoked). In all honesty, the back seat is the best part of this sort of car(get your mind out of the gutter, guys). A big cushy leather back seat combined with the lack of doors really does give you the "living room couch" feeling. Most also have big enough doors that ingress/egress is relatively easy compared to a lot of coupes.

 

[A.Goldberg]

For the record, I find the X1, X4, new X5 (F15), and X6 ugly. I can't stand the X6.

X1 - Not awful for what it is. As far as micro luxury brand SUV's go I think it's probably the best. Certainly way better than a Q3 or GLA.
X3 - I think the best exterior design wise of the BMW SUVs and at the top of the class. However, the interior leaves out much to be desired which has been reserved for the X5 and the lack of the 35d option in the US brings tears at night.
X4 - Same issues as above but hideously ugly. And why pay more
X5 - Not the worst, but not great. The E70 looked way better IMO. This X5 just has this "cow-like" appearence I can't get over and it's become so big and chunky. I share your feelings with the xline wheels- atrocious
X6 - The worst of all their SUV's. I simply don't understand this SUV-Coupe hybrid idea. And shame on BMW for starting this trend.

The X4 and X6 should have been wiped off the drawing board. Seems to me like a cheap way to expand mode offerings, charge more, and spend very little money. That said, I'd rather see twice as many X4 and X6's on the road if BMW agreed to wipe the GT line of vehicles off the planet.

I can't believe it took BMW to develop the X7. Mercedes has had that market to themselves for over a decade.

If I had to guess I would say BMW's reluctance to delve into full size SUV's is one of cautiousness. Around the time the GL came out (2007/8?) gas prices were at an all time high and SUV sales were in free fall. Lots of unpredictability.

Additionally, full size SUV's have never really been a huge market in Europe. Only very recently have SUVs been able to gain more reasonable mpg ratings through lightweight materials, unibody designs, dumping unused low range transfercases, using more efficient engines including turbos, hybrid drivetrains, US-worthy diesels, etc.

I imagine if the X7 concept was ever anything other than an elongated X5- something more along the lines of body-on-frame, Land Rover technology-esque (as BMW formerly owned LR), the increasing gas prices would have quickly put the gas prices on the project.

It's funny once gas prices fell after the "gas will never be under $4.00 ever again" scare, the SUV market quickly rebounded.

 

[bunnspecial]

It's funny once gas prices fell after the "gas will never be under $4.00 ever again" scare, the SUV market quickly rebounded.

I was talking to a friend the other day and he idly mentioned that he'd like to buy a pickup truck as a secondary vehicle. I made the comment to him that I think every man wants a pickup truck at some point in his life, which disturbed my friend and said that he felt like he should go buy a Budweiser cap and a can of Skoal to go with it.

In any case, around here just a basic 1/2 ton brings an eye-popping price. Go shop for a 90s Silverado, and a really nice one-particularly with a small block 350-might run you $10K or better. Even a beat to heck one is still a $2-3K truck.

10 year old F150s, Silverados, Ram 1500s, and the like can still bring $15-20K depending on condition and mileage.

For that matter, I've idly talked to my barber a few times about buying his '87 Ram which he thinks about getting rid of every 6 months or so. Admittedly it's low mileage, but it's the "wrong kind" of low mileage since most of the driving is from his house to the shop and back-he could probably walk to his shop faster than he could drive there. He does go to Lowes once or twice a week and it gets some longer trips, but the bulk of his driving is to the shop. It has a carbureted 327(or something in that ball park) and a 4.10 rear end. He tells me it gets in the neighborhood of 10-12 mpg on the interstate. The paint is also shot on it, and it has some rust in the sides of the bed. I pretty quickly lost interest when he said he'd want $3.5K for it, but the truth is that if he ever gets serious about selling it, he'll probably get it.

At least in this area, I honestly think that trucks have better value retention than anything except maybe Camrys.

Granted there's a fair bit at play in the truck market. New full size pickups are in the $40K+ range. In the days high gas prices and economic stimulation, a LOT of older pickups(especially 90s Silverados and F-150s) went to Cash-for-clunkers heaven. As many predicted at the time, that has resulted in a shortage in the used car market of larger vehicles.

In any case, when I started talking prices my friend lost interest really fast.

 

[2298754]

Park yours under an old tree during the winter and hope it falls down due to the weight of the snow?

Maybe I should do that in a few months
[doublepost=1476029056][/doublepost]

BMW does make a roadster-the Z4. It's one of the few on the market these days along with the MX-5 and, of course, several not-current-imported-to-the-US Morgans.

Z4 is gone.

There is a Z5 coming, but that is a joint-development with Toyota.

The Miata is a great answer. Also the Boxster. Can't think of any others.

[doublepost=1476029394][/doublepost]

That said, I'd rather see twice as many X4 and X6's on the road if BMW agreed to wipe the GT line of vehicles off the planet.

Ugh, don't even get me started. The G30 5 series is getting a 5GT variant too. How do they justify a hatchback over the wagon?

WTF is the point of a 3GT, 4GC, and F31? They all serve similar purposes.
[doublepost=1476029503][/doublepost]

It's funny once gas prices fell after the "gas will never be under $4.00 ever again" scare, the SUV market quickly rebounded.

I think we will see the RAV4/CRV overtake Camry/Accord/Civic/Corolla sales in a few years
[doublepost=1476030432][/doublepost]

Correct me if I am wrong (I know I'll probably get a response), but I'm pretty sure that the demand for roadsters and convertibles these days is higher than it is for coupes... but it would still be interesting if BMW re-releases the 8-series again. ^^ There's a link showing what seems to be some sort of new coupe from them..

BMW is bringing back the 8 as an answer to the S Class coupe (quite popular in the Northeast) and the upcoming Lexus LC. Audi will have a flagship coupe (A9?) in a few years; design should mimic the Prologue concept.

I'm assuming BMW expected the 6 series coupe to sell better, so there's no direct replacement soon. Instead, they're pushing it upmarket because the C217 has been successful. It's a shame because the F06/F12 are gorgeous.

On the topic of the Z8, not happening again. Now, I think the i8 is considered their halo?

Tbh, BMW needs a flagship supercar. Porsche/MB/Audi all have something to sell you for $150-200k.

 

[bunnspecial]

The Miata is a great answer. Also the Boxster. Can't think of any others.

I thought of the Boxster after I'd posted that last night, but was too lazy to go back and add it.

But yes, that's all the ones I can think of. Is the RX8 still a thing?
[doublepost=1476039510][/doublepost]

The Miata is a great answer. Also the Boxster. Can't think of any others.

I thought of the Boxster after I'd posted that last night, but was too lazy to go back and add it.

But yes, that's all the ones I can think of. Is the RX8 still a thing?

BTW, I found green paint in the engine bay of the MG

 

[PowerMac G4 MDD]

I suppose their i8 is their outrageous "super car." TBH, I was disappointed to see that it wasn't fully electric. I don't have anything against hybrids, but it would be a bit more amazing if it could achieve what it does without any gasoline. Also, its electric range is only 15 miles. Around town will work, but nothing much else.

The main appeal of that car, for myself, is the design. It's gorgeous, IMO. At that price, though, I'd probably settle for an AMG Mercedes.
[doublepost=1476078096][/doublepost]

BMW does make a roadster-the Z4. It's one of the few on the market these days along with the MX-5 and, of course, several not-current-imported-to-the-US Morgans.

At best, a convertible 8 series could be called a touring car(depending on the definition you use, it might be a grand touring car, but to me that implies an enclosed car). It's WAY to big and heavy to be called a roadster.

And yes, as the resident Lincoln fan/apologist I'll get laughed out the thread, but to me the 8 series looks like a modern take on the Lincoln Mark series, or the Coupe de Ville if you prefer. I've actually toyed with the idea of buying a Mark VIII given their current prices, but gave up looking when I realized most of the ones out there were beat to heck and/or reeked of smoke(cigarette and sometimes other substances that are smoked). In all honesty, the back seat is the best part of this sort of car(get your mind out of the gutter, guys). A big cushy leather back seat combined with the lack of doors really does give you the "living room couch" feeling. Most also have big enough doors that ingress/egress is relatively easy compared to a lot of coupes.

Yeah, I'm aware of the Z4; I went to the dealer to see one. I was referencing the re-release of the 8-series, in that it's odd when convertibles and small roadsters seem to be more popular. Nonetheless, I liked the 1990s one and am curious to see what this one looks like.

EDIT: OH, okay - I looked up more pictures of the 8-series. I kinda see what you mean. For myself, it just reminds me of the older M3 coupes (circa 2002), except obviously larger and more 'masculine.'


Don't worry about the Lincoln thing: you should have seen my face when I saw a fully-loaded 2006 Lincoln Town Car (light-ish maroon color w/ beige canvas top) when we drove past a local used car lot. Much want.

 

[A.Goldberg]

I think we will see the RAV4/CRV overtake Camry/Accord/Civic/Corolla sales in a few years

I wouldn't be surprised. The cSUVs of today tend to be far more function than a small-midsize sedan and can attain similar gas mileage. Unless wagons are looking to make a comeback the crossover is here to stay. Manufacturers this time around seem to have futureproofed themselves with decent fuel economy, just in case gas prices double again.

Looking at something like a new RAV4 compared to the I6 Grand Cherokee or V8 Discovery I my mom owned in the 90's is crazy. Nearly double the gas mileage, way more space, much more agile. Most people can live without the higher towing capacity and heavy duty, mpg killing, low range transfer cases.

Ugh, don't even get me started. The G30 5 series is getting a 5GT variant too. How do they justify a hatchback over the wagon?

WTF is the point of a 3GT, 4GC, and F31? They all serve similar purposes.

BMW has too much interbreeding going on in their line up. Hopefully Darwinism will play out and the GT lineup will cease to reproduce.

 

[0388631]

Let's add the excess badges to it. Merc, BMW, Audi, Lexus, et al are guilty of adding their performance badge to their otherwise ordinary sedans that aren't the actual performance vehicle. They merely have some suspension changes and more aesthetic panels. I think the RAV4 will be the next popular compact SUV because before it, the CR-V was popular but seeing as Honda has made a move to CVT transmissions, I suspect the sale rate for Rav4's will increase over the next few years. And as I said a dozen pages ago, the Camry is the better car over the Accord aside from the EX-L V6, which uses a normal automatic.

On badges, I'd say BMW is the worst. It's hard to keep up with BMW's many models now aside from the ones that offer M Sport packages that add the aesthetics package plus the M badge in front of the model number. Which for someone like me who's not into BMW, adds more confusion of whether it's another badge poser or if it's a legitimate model. In which case, it's stupid to see. There are maybe one or three M Sport packaged vehicles with huge engines that do make sense, but for the majority, it doesn't make sense.

The Lexus ones are funny though. Pay an extra 3-4 grand and get slightly stiffer suspension, better throttle response, an extra driving mode in relation to the previous feature, and bigger tires/rims. And, in my honest opinion, a hideous interior that comes with F Sports.

 

[macquariumguy]

A friend took delivery of a new NSX yesterday and he invited local NSX owners to stop by and check it out. Beautiful car, looks much better in person than it does in pictures.

He arrived in his old NSX, a 99 Zanardi edition.

He also brought his McLaren.

Personally, the old NSX still stirs my loins in ways these new cars do not.

This new NSX will be tracked extensively. It is joining the stable of Chin Motorsports. I'm looking forward to getting a ride around the track at Sebring sometime soon.

 

[2298754]

Let's add the excess badges to it. Merc, BMW, Audi, Lexus, et al are guilty of adding their performance badge to their otherwise ordinary sedans that aren't the actual performance vehicle. They merely have some suspension changes and more aesthetic panels.

Yup, Audi started this crap years ago when they began branding their sport packages as "S-Line."

IMO, it dilutes the AMG/RS/M brand names.

And as I said a dozen pages ago, the Camry is the better car over the Accord aside from the EX-L V6, which uses a normal automatic.

I am glad that Toyota hasn't jumped on the CVT bandwagon.

On badges, I'd say BMW is the worst. It's hard to keep up with BMW's many models now aside from the ones that offer M Sport packages that add the aesthetics package plus the M badge in front of the model number.

BMW's entire lineup doesn't make sense if you aren't into the brand. xDrive, sDrive, iPerformance, MSport, etc.

The Lexus ones are funny though. Pay an extra 3-4 grand and get slightly stiffer suspension, better throttle response, an extra driving mode in relation to the previous feature, and bigger tires/rims. And, in my honest opinion, a hideous interior that comes with F Sports.

I hate the LFA-style cluster they put into everything

Not to mention, all the F-sport trim packages are hideous.

 

[A.Goldberg]

The Lexus IS F-Sport by far has the worst instrument cluster I've seen in any car in a while. There is just a lot of missing space to the right and left of that giant instrument dial under the binnacle. I assume in the futures they'll have LCD information either side, but for now it looks incredibly cheesy. Then again Lexus and sportiness often don't fall hand in hand, though I will say the IS otherwise isn't a bad looking car. The biggest joke Lexus ever made was the IS 250 F-Sport. At least the newer 200t has a little more oomph to at least break 7.0 seconds 0-60 (barely... 6.8-6.9 sec, 8sec rolling).

(Meanwhile the 328i pulls 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, 6.7 rolling)

 

[2298754]

The biggest joke Lexus ever made was the IS 250 F-Sport. At least the newer 200t has a little more oomph to at least break 7.0 seconds 0-60 (barely... 6.8-6.9 sec, 8sec rolling).

(Meanwhile the 328i pulls 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, 6.7 rolling)

View attachment 664665

The '17 330i is even faster with the new 4cyl. 41mpg highway is impressive too!

 

[bunnspecial]

This was this past weekend's project

 

[iLog.Genius]

Man, I would love a garage with all the tools to work on cars.

 

[bunnspecial]

Man, I would love a garage with all the tools to work on cars.

You and me both!

I was at the mercy of a friend who helped me tremendously with the garage space, tools, and know-how of doing the job. He has two MGs, and he's had the engine out of one of them 3 times this year.

 

[2298754]

G30 5 series pictures leaked were just leaked online

http://jalopnik.com/heres-the-next-...ource=jalopnik_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

[doublepost=1476234491][/doublepost]@quagmire

Time for you to go buy a Camaro. They're basically handing them out now!

http://jalopnik.com/brand-new-chevrolet-camaros-are-absurdly-cheap-right-no-1787662886