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One thing I want to see is what the final version of the A-Class sedan looks like. Hopefully, we'll see it by the New York Auto Show in April 2018 at latest, since Mercedes-Benz plans to sell the A-Class sedan in the USA market.
 
Yeah I've had this conversation with some on here and elsewhere on the weird angle MBZ is playing in terms of refreshes and totally new cars. Options being better than BMW, I really recommend the acoustical package that adds sound deadening and other goodies. Having test driven two new E classes, one with and one without, the difference is noticeable.

Teslas are crap for reliability. Accords and A4 with tech are pretty reliable, but the A4 is expensive as hell to fix.
Generally speaking, it was more expensive to fix a few years ago and long before then. As more manufacturers develop sensors or standardize them to a point, it gets cheaper and cheaper. The S Class had a slew of safety sensors in 2005, IIRC, and they were very expensive to replace. They're pretty affordable in terms of luxury car expenses now, and they don't fail as much as they used to since the tech has matured. That and the computer systems in cars are tested for years before they make it to the production line. Can't say the same about you know who's company.

I'm very impressed with what Honda's done in terms of safety and features on their Civic alone. Big thumbs up to them for that alone. I believe a lot of these safety features should become standard within the next ten years, especially 360* camera systems. A safety feature I do like a lot is Ford's cross-traffic system which Mazda has a version of, likely due to their partnership that ended a few years ago.
 
In the wise words of the young Russell Howard, those who speak through bluetooth in the car look like twa*s. We'll surely look more like them speaking to our cars as if they're a friend. Hate being stuck in traffic and talking to someone through the system. You look like a raging lunatic talking to yourself and being nodding your head from side to side as you direct your voice towards unknown bodies in your vehicle.

20 years ago you'd have been pulled over for a psychotic breakdown. That said, I'm not a fan of the MBUX system based on what I've seen so far. As long as I can still do things the long way with the controls available sans voice, I'll probably be happy.
 
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The name MBUX for the new infotainment system signals that the user experience (UX) is to the fore. A unique feature of this system is its ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. MBUX can be individualised and adapts to suit the user. It thus creates an emotional connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers.

From one of their press sites :eek:. While I’m not sure about creating an emotional connection with my infotainment system, a streamlined, touch-based UI would be much appreciated.
 
I interpreted it as self-learning. I think most MBZ owners will want to know if the system can turn on the heated or cooled seats, and whether or not they can adjust the individual massage points and the bolsters. Especially if it's massaging their bum on a 200-400 mi. road trip.
 
From one of their press sites :eek:. While I’m not sure about creating an emotional connection with my infotainment system, a streamlined, touch-based UI would be much appreciated.
Apparently Toyota is working on an AI that actually wants to create an emotional connection- like ask you how you’re doing. Maybe they think building an emotional connection will make people more inclined to buy their cars.

I always found Mercedes COMAND to be worse than Audi MMI or BMW iDrive. It’s counterintuitive with the counterclockwise function to scroll down. Personally I prefer buttons and kobs to touch screens- much easier to find + use while driving, no finger print issues, no touch sensitivity issues, etc. Honestly touch screens are so cheap now that cars should offer both touch and buttons/knobs.

My girlfriend has a 2013 Volvo S60 with the Sensus infotainment system. It’s interface is pretty bad (especially if you don’t realize for 2 years that you can use a dial on the steering wheel for input rather than the vertically mounted tune knob). But the most clever feature (again undiscovered for years) is you can use the T9 pad on the radio to type in words- IMO much easier to use than dialing a knob or using an onscreen QWERTY keyboard, especially since I grew up in the peak of T9 text messaging.
 
I like it, actually. The car brought up again also features a 10" touch screen in addition to manual controls. Just another reason to consider it over the sedan or my personal choice.
 
Between The Performante and Ford GT, I would choose the Performante. Its $150,00 less than the price of the Ford GT and offers slightly better numbers in performance. Also, the sound of the N/A V10 is intoxicating in the Lamborghini. But the Performante weighs significantly more in at 4,409 lbs over the GT’s weight at 3,045 pounds. Although it’s impressive with what Ford was able to pull from the twin turbo 3.5 V6 with 647 HP, 0-60 in 3 seconds, 216 MPH max. But The body is a work of art on the GT.

Although with the Ford GT, it’s far more limited with only production numbers reaching 250 units annually.
 
What is the material they use in the Performante's HVAC outlets? The issue I have with Ford is how they picked potential buyers. It didn't matter much if you had a GT or had an arsenal of Ford cars. It mattered how much social media presence you had. I take issue with the spur of automotive YouTubers you'd think suffer from some mental deficiencies but at the same time, these cars will be driven unlike the older GTs bought by collectors and rarely driven.

If I see one driving around here, chances are it's Tim Allen or Jay Leno. Though it's more common to see Leno in some of the last indie bookshops in the region.
 
65EE94E3-9126-4992-A190-79558CCFC08A.jpeg

Out with the stock GT/CS Grill


In with the new CDC GT500 Grill
587316D8-0540-452C-BDB7-F7F4FF2CF93C.jpeg


By the way, American Muscle shipped fast (And free). Good customer service.
 
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There's a joke for a million mile Lexus to be made, but glad to see someone using their truck for its intended purpose. The closest I've gotten to buying a truck was almost signing on the line for a Chevy Avalanche back when they first came out. In hindsight, I'm glad I didn't. There would have been no point. It would have been a pavement queen and rarely seen bed use.
 
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My old truck bought in 2015 (India) Over 50k km clocked
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I love driving this machine when ever I visit my home town.
 
What do you think of the Honda Clarity plug in hybrid? Toyota seems to have this technology down, but I’m not sure about Honda yet. The $7500 federal tax credit is hard to turn down though.
 
What do you think of the Honda Clarity plug in hybrid? Toyota seems to have this technology down, but I’m not sure about Honda yet. The $7500 federal tax credit is hard to turn down though.
Definitely a viable choice over a Prius. You don't get some Prius features, but what you get is a better interior and options, not discounting the standard equipment. Plus, it's not a Prius. If you can get the tax credit and any state credits, I'd get or order a very optioned out one. It'll last longer than a Model 3, and not look bent as a coke can, and gaps as if it were mortared.
 
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Definitely a viable choice over a Prius. You don't get some Prius features, but what you get is a better interior and options, not discounting the standard equipment. Plus, it's not a Prius. If you can get the tax credit and any state credits, I'd get or order a very optioned out one. It'll last longer than a Model 3, and not look bent as a coke can, and gaps as if it were mortared.

haha, yes the gaps on a tesla, laugh every time I see one.
 
Bought my dream machine last year
View attachment 752577
Ford Raptor F-150

Nice. Any photos of yours?
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OK, at Universal, time for fun, actually took the GT for a total change up and a few “highway miles” (got some honks on the way down :cool: Though maybe that was for my sexy front seat passenger ;) )

So it was pretty impressive in terms of hauling capacity :) In the trunk we got 3 rollers, a backpack, a small cooler (like a 16 can), top up or down, no difference (because convertibles where the trunk storage changes based on top position are _bogus_).

Riding rear besides the little G was a pool float (partially deflated), swag bags :)

I even managed to average ~22MPG, hahahaha :D
 
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