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The Car Thread ... !
- Thread starter D.T.
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At one point, mine did sound pretty crazy with the factory Ti exhaust - I wound up running a modified version of it, which is kind of neat as welding Ti is [apparently] not something everyone does. So on a side, there's a main pipe that enters the muffler canister, then there are two smaller exit pipes that turn (the cans run longways side-to-side) and end with the tips. So a guy at the time was running a Ti pipe from the pre-can pipe over to the inner exit pipe. Kind of making a bypass/cutout type setup, and because of the flow + diameter, it still had a decent amount of "muffling" effect (i.e., it wasn't just like a straight pipe).
I think I probably have a photo somewhere!
My parents have among other things a Q7 TDI and I do like driving it as well. Where are you located? January will be a year in England for me but I prefer moving around a lot. I did look up the SQ7 TDI and it is nice! Is the X7 actually coming out? I remember a rumored X7 when the X3 came out about 15 years ago but haven't seen anything sense.
Yeah, ultimately, now, the advantages for a DOHC outweigh an OHV design.
There's a rumor, light on credibility at this point, but that Ford had/has a N/A 7L DOHC V8 in the works - so going the other way in terms of displacement, but not FI, like a 700HP motor for the GT500.
[doublepost=1514482129][/doublepost]Oh this is kind of cool, I was looking for the Ti exhaust photogs, found this. So I scored a super cheap set of Japanese market Volks wheels (back when I had my S2K). Cheap because they were in pretty beat up condition:
I sold them (to a guy in Germany!), and this is the same [specific] wheel after his refurb (amazingly, they all turned out like this):
The Supercharger leaked for what is rumored to be part of the engine for the GT500 with a 5.2 stamped on it. Either taking the Coyote and bore it out to 5.2 liters or taking the Voodoo, but doing a non-FPC version of it.
Yeah, I think it's ultimately going to be FI, but according to this source, the 7L was "way more complete than necessary for just a proof-of-concept". So then there was a followup rumor that it wasn't intended for the GT500, but "something else". Honestly, I think everyone is all in for smaller displacement and FI moving forward (this < 6L option for the next gen Vette, the motor in the current F-GT, etc.)
For cars with a history that's coupled with a V8, it gives us plenty of options for several years to get smaller, better, faster while retaining 8 cylinders ... until we're all driving soulless electric appliances ...
I've heard that 7.0 liter rumor too, but that was in relation to replacing the ancient V10.
Not quite. The interior looks a bit dated even though it's all new. I think I've simply become used to MBZ's over the top styling. The touch screen surfaces with haptic feedback are clever, but I wonder if it'll backfire. The Panamaras we tested a while back had some touch screen stuff. I wasn't paying as much attention to it as the driving dynamics. However, the safety and comfort features the new A8 offers are sublime.
Traditionally, Audi has been the cheapest of the three major German marques. In some eras, both in price and finish quality. That's changed, in terms of the latter, but the A8 is still cheap compared to a nicely featured 7, and certainly cheaper than the S. So far, I'm impressed. The S will still sell because it's an S, but in terms of a "cheaper" car, the A7 is miles if not years ahead of the 7er.
With the economy in better shape, MBZ has went back to their traditional styling guidelines. After 2008, they tarted up their cars to appeal to younger buyers, which makes no sense unless they were well off or didn't suffer from the economic downturn. Though, it goes without saying they're copying Audi in terms of having a set shape for their cars and not differ much between series.
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West coast. Yes, the X7 is coming out. I suspect in 2019 as a Q1 rollout if their end goal of Q3 2018 is not met. It's a full size SUV. And knowing BMW, they'll carve a niche that isn't too well populated by the European brands. Additionally, I'd expect an X7M to follow afterward. MBZ is working on a new GL/GLS, but no idea if their goal for late 2018 will be met. The info is slim and there haven't been a lot of spotted mules in comparison with BMW. Though, to be fair, no one cares that much about a full size SUV. People are more curious about the Z5 and the 8 series.
Full size SUVs these days aren't slouches like they used to be. Exciting times.
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I was talking about your epiphany that the GLS is an extremely dated car (along with the GLE). It’s not a bad car, they still sell tons of them around here, but Audi, BMW, etc definitely are far more invested in their SUV than Mercedes. It’s quite strange how archaic the GLE is considering the relatively high demand of midsize SUVs these days. Why is it that my nearly 9 year old BMW has basically bigger infotainment screen than all Mercedes SUVs? Okay, it’s probably similar in square inches, but widescreen is far more functional than the nearly 4:3 aspect ratio in MB. It seems they’ve finally figured this out for the S and E classes.
The Germans in general have traditionally kept to pretty uniform styling across their lineup, as well as evolving their style rather than radical redesigns with every generation.
In terms of the large luxury sedans, the S-class has always been, and likely will always be king. Mercedes does a great job keeping their sedans current, but seem to rely on branding more than anything to sell their SUVs right now. I’ve toyed with the idea of an E-Class (sedan
)— maybe even an E43 AMG, but that seems a bit excessive now that the E400 has been released. I just love the grill on the AMG. Personally, I’m not a fan of touch anything in a car. It’s just not practical to use while driving. Even with haptic feedback you can’t “feel” where the button is to start off with. My fingers have poor capacitance making things more difficult in some cases. I was almost dead set on buying a Touareg TDI a couple years ago but the touch infotainment drove me crazy. In retrospect I wish I bought one.
Dated in tech, sure. Interior design? At the time of its release, it was pretty nice. MBZ tends to have long model runs, and they're very funky with engine choices as seen with the new E in the US. I don't get it, and I've never gotten it. When they change something major, like the tech or the software, they're slow to implement it. Ideally, you buy a MBZ for its driving experience... in the form of grace. When I test drove the GT, it was very graceful despite the sportiness of the vehicle. It felt wonderful despite its stiff suspension.
Not quite. MBZ did some funky stuff during and after the immediate period of the economic downturn to appeal to younger buyers who saw it as a stiff brand made for old(er) people. They didn't really succeed, and instead, their vehicles looked garish for a period. Audi does it well, and boy is it boring to me. Porsche does it best, because even the 996 has its charm.
In terms of the large luxury sedans, the S-class has always been, and likely will always be king. Mercedes does a great job keeping their sedans current, but seem to rely on branding more than anything to sell their SUVs right now. I’ve toyed with the idea of an E-Class (sedan
I think you can get an E400 wagon now, too. The upcoming G refresh includes new interior and the digital dash. The VAG implementation is nice... it's seamless. The BMW implementation is alright, but it isn't something I'm too interested about. With the MBZ, you either like it or you don't. There are reasons why it's not fully encased with a tight seal.
Think I read dealers do nice buybacks on those and the Audi diesels in the NE based on their popularity and not the scandal. Touch for me is still relatively "new" despite having used a smartphone for the better part of a decade now. Ideally, a car maker should make it very easy to do everything from the steering wheel while you take short glances at the console or the screen in front of you, pushing aside the gauges. I don't really mind fiddling with it when driving on a long highway with minimal traffic or when we went upstate where there's far less cars. I suppose this makes a great case for radar guides cruise and that Audi bumper to bumper thing everyone's copying now.
What irks me now is gear stalks or gear buttons. I don't want to be reminded of cars I drove a couple decades ago and buttons are so stupid. I can't forgive Audi for their start/stop button in the center console. It reminds me of the weird stuff Saab did back in the day.
West Coast of the US or England? Your knowledge in European cars has me curious. I am glad to see the X7 is finally coming out. A full size SUV might be too big for just my wife and I but it is something to consider and I have a Tahoe at my parents currently and it is a full size SUV. Both the Z5 and 8 series are nice.
When is the G refresh? I am surprised the G is still around since Mercedes-Benz kept saying they were going to discontinue it.
I thought using the word state would have tipped you off. The Z5 has only been seen with camo. What you see as a body shell, even with the fancy doodling isn't what you get. The 8, on the BMW site, is more of a concept than a final product. Though, I'm sure it'll be very nice since it's supposed to pay homage to the old 8 series, which was elegant and futuristic in its day. The Z5 is being in made partnership with Toyota. Both companies benefit, and from what I've read, it's not going to be the mess that was the Subaru and Toyota partnership on the BRZ and FR-S/86. The last rumor I read was that Toyota would be offering a hard top and BMW a traditional protected soft top, and both would offer the other option down the road. It's safe to say Toyota is reawakening from the boring crap they've been producing and slowly getting back into the game.
2018. Might get pushed into 2019. They're dropping two engines; the diesel and the G65, which has a very old engine in it, and I believe is shared with the S65, which is slower than the S63, and lacks 4Matic. They're also dropping the 4x4 something with the portal axles. I haven't seen portal axles on an SUV in a very, very, very, very long time. B class is getting dropped, but it was limited offer and I suspect for research purposes.
My best guess right now is that in 2020, MBZ will do what BMW is doing and cutting low volume vehicles. So, expect the GLC to get slashed then. It's a poor seller and dire compared to its target segment competitors. Not to mention it's ****ing hideous.
In any case, just add 20-100 HP more to whatever you buy depending on the car. You have more engine options living in the UK than we get here. High performance diesels are always nice. Sound awful, but nice and fast, while keeping fuel tabs in check. Unless you get a fuel stipend...
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It did but I never spoke with an American who was as knowledgable on European vehicles as yourself except a civilian I worked with on my first assignment who's father worked for MBUSA. The old 8 series was beautiful and I would get 1 if I found 1 at a reasonable price. I am glad to see Toyota is stepping their game up because their cars right now are boring.
I wasn't aware of a refresh on the G. Now I wonder if my parents will trade one of theirs in! Was there a diesel G sold in the US? I know there were several in Europe but I have never seen or heard of one in the US. You are correct the G65 and S65 share the same engine. The lack of 4Matic is why 1 of my uncles went with the S63 over the S65.
The new B class getting dropped is not a big loss. I hd a 1st generation B class as a rental car when I was stationed in Italy and it was decent. I would like to see the A class come to the US since it has gotten much nicer since the 1st & 2nd generation. The GLC coupe is hideous but the SUV isn't bad looking. But it would be no big loss if it was slashed.
I wish the engine options were better in the US because there are nicer engine options in the UK. The diesel engines that MB has are great and I am a fan of diesel because of the fuel prices and diesels tend to last longer. The sound isn't as bad as it was in the past. My boss has a UK spec 3rd generation Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 3l MB diesel and it is great. If I could get a diesel Grand Cherokee in the US then I would consider it but I don't think there has been a diesel option in 2 years.
I finally ordered my blank rear deck lid on late Friday and will be able to use my new badge that's been sitting here for over a month. No orders processing till Tuesday, so it probably won't ship till Wed ... I went with the OEM Ford Racing part, started liking the little design of the MY18 part (with the two small, horizontal lines), knew the fitment would be right on, and I got hooked up with an outstanding dealer code for a discount. I'll probably just sell my stock part to avoid more part accumulation.
Some people buy for the name. Others like to know more about the car.
No idea about the diesel G. The G wasn't popular up until six years ago, when the Range Rover was dethroned as the go-to high end SUV. Personally, I think both are hideous. The new Range Rovers look like lumpy blokes who got clocked.
I'm not a fan of either GLC. I always thought the GLK, its predecessor, looked better. In traffic, if you saw a GLK, it looked like a poised cat waiting to strike its prey. Furthermore, whoever at MBZ thought that coupe SUVs should be made, should be dragged out back and shot.
No idea about the diesel G. The G wasn't popular up until six years ago, when the Range Rover was dethroned as the go-to high end SUV. Personally, I think both are hideous. The new Range Rovers look like lumpy blokes who got clocked.
I'm not a fan of either GLC. I always thought the GLK, its predecessor, looked better. In traffic, if you saw a GLK, it looked like a poised cat waiting to strike its prey. Furthermore, whoever at MBZ thought that coupe SUVs should be made, should be dragged out back and shot.
@puma1552. Any recommendations for modifications? Did you add anything specific to your 14 GT in terms of aftermarket? What are your thoughts on the Cervini Hood? I'm in complete planning mode for the Spring.
This is a stock photo, however; I plan on ordering this next week after the holiday, it's the Cervini hood for the GT. It just looks stellar on this body style. It's actually rather affordable, but the labor and paint job from the body shop will cost almost more than the hood itself.
This is a stock photo, however; I plan on ordering this next week after the holiday, it's the Cervini hood for the GT. It just looks stellar on this body style. It's actually rather affordable, but the labor and paint job from the body shop will cost almost more than the hood itself.
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I saw a purple Mustang last week. Also saw a chameleon one next to it. I've never seen either color. It was a neat experience. I've yet to see a GT3 RS in the purple color it's offered in. I've only seen one in white in the wild.
Last peculiar post of 2017... unless I break into the scotch earlier than I usually do.
Last peculiar post of 2017... unless I break into the scotch earlier than I usually do.
@Relentless Power Hey, thought you asked but looks like you may have revised your post - but at any rate, I'm wanting to use a different rear badge, that won't cover the holes after the big, shiny GT is removed, so this is just a deck lid without holes (the new badge just mounts with 3M).
Here's how they compare:
So it's the component in the center with the GT, it's part of the trunk when it opens. The only difference is the '18 has those two horizontal lines, which I kind of like, breaks up the rear a little.
The Ford Racing part is just the same without the mounting holes for the GT:
Some people run it totally blank like this, I'm going to use a really slick Coyote badge I posted a few pages back
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/the-car-thread.1766143/page-298#post-25564489
Here's how they compare:
So it's the component in the center with the GT, it's part of the trunk when it opens. The only difference is the '18 has those two horizontal lines, which I kind of like, breaks up the rear a little.
The Ford Racing part is just the same without the mounting holes for the GT:
Some people run it totally blank like this, I'm going to use a really slick Coyote badge I posted a few pages back
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/the-car-thread.1766143/page-298#post-25564489
Apologies, I did edit my post, because I researched what you were referring to before you responded.
Regarding your modification, it's the little details that make the big differences with cars. I do like the Coyote badge, it will look good on your black car. I meant to ask, do you have an exhaust set up on your 2016?
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As with most things manufacturers do, its probably money. Loss of body coloured bumpers/sideskirts is a trend find serious annoying. I dunno when it became unacceptable to paint the whole bumper/sideksirt the body colour. BMW & Porsche being the worst culprit. Its ugly enough to make me consider choosing a very dark colour to mask the defect. It just sticks out like a sore thumb and cheapens the look of the vehicle.
I doubt they’ll discontinue it. They must make a ton of money off of them. $120k base price for an archaic vehicle with a bunch of old technology mostly pulled from a C-Class? If they really wanted to sell them they’d automate the manufacturing and drop the price. I think eventually they might have to add in some creature comforts to make it more competitive with things like the the Range Rover- reworking the suspension and chassis to make it more comfortable most notably.
Really? The G-Wagon has always been relatively popular here on the east coast ever since 2002/2003 when they brought it to the mainstream US market. With its price tag it’s not exactly affordable for most. The Range Rover has always been a cheaper, more refined and road-worthy vehicle, and therefore more popular.
Well said. My former coworker bought it because of the technology but most people buy for the name.
I forgot about Range Rover actually. I figured they would fade away after Ford sold them to Tata Motors in 2008. Hopefully the 2019 Defender will be sold in the US because I always liked that.
The GLK was a nice looking SUV.
Perhaps saying the G will be discontinued is a sales technique MB is using. The current G looks almost identical to the first generation so I agree that they are probably making a ton of money off of them. My parents have a G among other high end vehicles and I think it is comfortable but it does feel top heavy at times when cornering.
It is hard to believe Range Rover is cheaper given its high price tag. Personally I am hoping Jeep launches a new version of the Commander because I liked it.
They did want to about 14 years ago, but they stopped once they realized how many people liked the car. I used to know someone a long time ago that owned one of the 1st gen, really old models. It was in tip top shape and fairly simple to maintain. It was the most gorgeous SUV at the time and still is. It and the FJ40 are probably the most iconic early SUVs I can think of.
The G stands out regardless of wherever you are.
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Forgot to specify west coast. The Range Rover has all but collapsed here. You'll still see the new models here and there, but the G has exploded in popularity. The third generation RR was popular due to pop culture and it being a real looker in a field of typical SUVs. The fourth generation had a softer appearance. Historically, the 2nd generation RR was very popular back in the day but also very problematic. I'm a fan of its design. I suspect the G became popular due to sharing a similar boxy design even in the 2010s and, again, pop culture.
The G stands out regardless of wherever you are.
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Porsche changes it from generation to generation. You can get any non-painted surface on a Porsche painted as an option. There's matte plastic, but there are options for glossy black plastic which works nice on their whites (Star Wars theme), carbon fiber instead of plastic or painted in the body color. You can even get interior trim pieces painted in the body color. Stitching in the body color and at what point could pick out body color and a complementary color for the stitching, and so on. A Porsche is an empty canvas. Do what you want with it when it comes to ticking off the checkboxes.