The Car Thread ... !

[Alphazoid]

In the Europe Pro Nav and heated front seats are standard. I'm cheap so the wheels are meh but you could bling it up or opt for non run-flats.

There are two packages here (tech and comfort) for a combine price of 2500 but i wouldn't even bother with the tech pack since pro Nav is standard. Comfort gets you keyless entry, extended storage and anti-dazzle mirrors. Useful stuff. I'd use the tech pack money for the adaptive suspension, harman kardon audio, apple car play. Throw in heated steering and i'm pretty much done.

 

[2298754]

PACKAGES + OPTIONS
Driving Assistance Package $900
Heated front seats $500
Navigation system $1,700
Apple CarPlay Compatibility $300
Active Cruise Control $1,200

+$4600, and those are _requirements_ for us, but I could see maybe a "base" model, leave out the wheels, maybe skip nav (it's required for CP FWIW ...), you'd get a little hotrod SUV that more to to Sport, and less to the Utility, for about $55-56K MSRP.

Lol yes. I was building one of these the other day.

M40i: $54,500
Metallic paint (Love that blue that was posted above): $550
Leather: $1700
Exec Pkg: $2550
Prem Pkg: $2950
Driving Assist (and Plus) Pkgs: $1700 + $900
CarPlay: $300
HK Sound System: $875
Adaptive M Suspension: $700
Wireless Charging: $500
Front ventilated seats: $350
Spare tyre: $150
-----
Total: $66,375

Ridiculous... The MDX is a great bargain.

[doublepost=1520281117][/doublepost]https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/mercedes-benz/cls-53-4dr-auto/first-drive

The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic + (and breathe) has the same inline six-cylinder engine as the S500 and CLS450, with its 48-volt electrical infrastructure and ‘EQ Boost’ starter/alternator that separates the engine and transmission. It gives a momentary boost of 22bhp/184lb ft, an engine-off coasting/gliding function and perhaps the smoothest stop/start we’ve ever experienced.

To make the Mercedes lineup even more convoluted, they've decided to add a 53 AMG model with an inline-6!

 

[0388631]

Bold: I was excited by this prospect, but I'm not seeing anything that corroborates warranty work (specifically) at Honda vs. Acura. I saw a thread on an MDX forum (just a quick general search this morning) that said _maybe_, certainly services that are paid, not sure about free maintenance[?] Interesting though, I'll do a little more research (I hadn't even considered this, I sort of view them as totally separate companies, even though we know the corporate hierarchy).

If it's anything like Lexus, it means oil changes and standard maintenance, including scheduled maintenance is doable. Anything else may need actual dealer specific labor. I'd check with Honda and Acura USA, call around a few dealers. I've had some minor work done at a Toyota dealership on the 2IS because the Lexus dealership was backed up with cars.

The DCT started in MY17 with the Sport Hybrid, it really does (according to review) eliminates a semi-major gripe around the 3.5L models (that's the hunty/clunky 9-speed auto).

Interesting. How's the speed on that DCT? Who makes it? I don't think I ever read a single compliment on that ZF9 transmission.

Hahaha, yes, when I was traveling to The Valley weekly, there were just huge herds of Prius ... es ... Priusi [?] Not too mention, 9/10 times my uber/lift driver was in a Prius.

What's The Valley? I think they could make the Prius look better and improve general MPG in the process, but, no, they need to make it look like a wedge of cheese.
[doublepost=1520289541][/doublepost]

I have a strange attraction to the X3 M40i. If i were in the market for a small SUV this would probably be it. 6pot, 360hp 0-60 4.8s. Modern interior and a fart can. I'm glad BMW are still making 6 pots accessible to buyers. Its relatively good value since it comes with a lot of standard equipment and you really don't need more than 4 grand extra in options.

@A.Goldberg is going to accuse me of paying you off to post this. We've been discussing his next vehicle and both came to the conclusion this X3 M40i is the best vehicle to fit his needs. And, honestly, I'm quite chuffed with it. It looks great, it sounds great, it's faster while being heavier than everything in its class, gets great mileage, three control surface methods of using the navigation and perusing the settings, plus the mood lighting. He can make it bounce around colors as if he's in a discotheque and relax in traffic. I think it's the best CUV/SUV BMW has made in a while. It's a hard choice between this and the SQ5. I'm not counting the Macan or the MBZ equivalent. The Merc is outdated and hideous, and the Macan's sweet spot is the GTS and that's before options you'd want.
[doublepost=1520289728][/doublepost]

To make the Mercedes lineup even more convoluted, they've decided to add a 53 AMG model with an inline-6!

Yes, and this is the next gen of our current second vehicle. I don't believe it's a true AMG engine but one tuned by them like the 43. In either case, the car looks nice enough but the engine is questionable given the hybrid unit drive-train that coincides with it. Are you interested in one?

It looks like MBZ is deploying 4Matic systems in nearly all their next gen cars. Interesting to see performance figures compared to previous gen models, especially with the rear biased system.
[doublepost=1520289795][/doublepost]Also, @AutoUnion39, notice how shiny that paint is and then look at the heavy scratched beak of the car. Those are some massive swirls.

 

[Alphazoid]

The American pricing for the M40i seems 'meaner', you guys have more packages and options to pay for. Even the blue metallic paint is standard in Europe. The SQ5 is a very good alternative as well but i hate the fake exhaust tips, then there's too much chrome which cannot get rid of, and you pay slightly more. The Macan would be the ideal driver's car but its dated and a refresh is incoming.

 

[0388631]

The American pricing for the M40i seems 'meaner', you guys have more packages and options to pay for. Even the blue metallic paint is standard in Europe. The SQ5 is a very good alternative as well but i hate the fake exhaust tips, then there's too much chrome which cannot get rid of, and you pay slightly more. The Macan would be the ideal driver's car but its dated and a refresh is incoming.

Actually, it's still cheaper than you guys. The X3 starts at around 50,000 GBP and that's a hair over $70,000 whereas the starting on the X3 M40i costs around $54,000, and $65,000 if you load it up with goodies. Likewise, the car I'm planning on costs £90,000 in the UK and it's about £12,000 cheaper here. The same vehicle costs €124,000 outside of the UK. Loaded with CCB, too, it doesn't reach such a high price. VAT is included in the price of the vehicle, so that may sway it a bit. However, some American dealerships will 'eat' the purchase and other taxes if you're a longtime client of theirs and have bought and referred people to them.

The SQ5 and even Q7 are nice vehicles, but as you pointed out, the fake exhaust is something else. It really detracts from the car. I would expect that on the lesser VWs and not the Audis.

Of new cars, I don't get the point of moodlighting.

 

[D.T.]

To make the Mercedes lineup even more convoluted, they've decided to add a 53 AMG model with an inline-6!

That sort of came out of left field, right?

Also, tell Bufus to stop leaning against the front fascia when he's checking the oil, scratched it up.

Interesting. How's the speed on that DCT? Who makes it? I don't think I ever read a single compliment on that ZF9 transmission.

What's The Valley?

The reviews are extremely complimentary of it. The motors + DCT and it's pretty quick too, ~5.8s 0-60.

SV, Silicon Valley.

Even the blue metallic paint is standard in Europe.

Son of a .... they're ripping us off!

 

[0388631]

Oh. I had no idea you were a California native?

That sort of came out of left field, right?

Not necessarily. It wasn't expected, but MBZ is no stranger to inline sixes. The gas V6 is about 20 years old now and I think they had a diesel V6 a long time ago.
[doublepost=1520298529][/doublepost]

The reviews are extremely complimentary of it. The motors + DCT and it's pretty quick too, ~5.8s 0-60.

That is really quick for a car its size. I'm not sure of Acura's direction but it seems like they got tired of getting hate and actually tried. Pretty cool to see a DCT used in a hybrid setup. Did not expect that at all given the transmission offerings on hybrids by other brands.

 

[A.Goldberg]

We've been discussing his next vehicle and both came to the conclusion this X3 M40i is the best vehicle to fit his needs.

Is that a fact?

You should know my indecision in these types of situations never leads to a conclusion.

 

[0388631]

Is that a fact?

You should know my indecision in these types of situations never leads to a conclusion.

True, though we could always drug you. How about the MDX SH? That's another choice. Should be a bit cheaper than the X3 loaded out and have better resale down the road. It's not as fast as the X3, but I don't think speed was on your mind as much as comfort and reliability.

Though if Zoidberg's post is true about the Macan, you could luck out with late model 2018 once the near year rolls around. The Porsche dealers near us were giving nice incentives to leftover lot cars with various options. Though you could do that with the X3 or SQ5.

 

[2298754]

Mercedes just released pictures of their AMG GT sedan

 

[D.T.]

Oh. I had no idea you were a California native?


Not necessarily. It wasn't expected, but MBZ is no stranger to inline sixes. The gas V6 is about 20 years old now and I think they had a diesel V6 a long time ago.
[doublepost=1520298529][/doublepost]
That is really quick for a car its size. I'm not sure of Acura's direction but it seems like they got tired of getting hate and actually tried. Pretty cool to see a DCT used in a hybrid setup. Did not expect that at all given the transmission offerings on hybrids by other brands.

I'm not, I was traveling every-other-week from the east coast! And yes, it was pretty debilitating

Yeah, that DCT + 3.0L V6 + electric is a pretty slick setup, I mean, look at the new NSX! Clearly it works, doesn't add a ton of weight (I read it's about 225lbs, but it's very low in the chassis). Seems like Acura (Honda) could take this setup and create a killer sports car that's not an SUV, or a $150K supercar. Same thing, more electric power, larger Ci gas motor, ~400HP + DCT in a sleek chassis.

 

[forza1976]

Decided to unload our previous 2015 M4 and 2015 M235 for the following, 2018 M550 and 2018 M240 vert for the wifey.

 

[Alphazoid]

Mercedes just released pictures of their AMG GT sedan

Yikes. I see what they tried to do...don't like it. What is going on with MB design and more importantly...who is approving these.

 

[D.T.]

Decided to unload our previous 2015 M4 and 2015 M235 for the following, 2018 M550 and 2018 M240 vert for the wifey.

His and hers, outstanding

Yikes. I see what they tried to do...don't like it. What is going on with MB design and more importantly...who is approving these.

They're all on on this current generation of design language - it's just awkward on some models. I think it [mostly - the grill is a bit much in any variant] looks fantastic on the AMG GT (and I'm not a big Merc fan but this is a glorious vehicle):

 

[Alphazoid]

The GT (not the new one) is a nice looking car and a good homage to the SLS. The C and E coupe are also nice. Everything else i find meh.

 

[0388631]

I'm not, I was traveling every-other-week from the east coast! And yes, it was pretty debilitating

Yeah, that DCT + 3.0L V6 + electric is a pretty slick setup, I mean, look at the new NSX! Clearly it works, doesn't add a ton of weight (I read it's about 225lbs, but it's very low in the chassis). Seems like Acura (Honda) could take this setup and create a killer sports car that's not an SUV, or a $150K supercar. Same thing, more electric power, larger Ci gas motor, ~400HP + DCT in a sleek chassis.

Jeez. That'd ruin my mood for a long time.

Yep. The idea is solid when you think about it. I think it's the future of ICE vehicles until electric ever matures, which it probably won't in our lifetime. Which reminds me, have you seen that photo floating around taken sometime last week of a Supercharger location in the Bay Area with about 20 or 30 cars waiting in line?
[doublepost=1520374756][/doublepost]

Mercedes just released pictures of their AMG GT sedan
Fantastic porn

Glorious. Goodbye A7/S7.
[doublepost=1520374946][/doublepost]

His and hers, outstanding




They're all on on this current generation of design language - it's just awkward on some models. I think it [mostly - the grill is a bit much in any variant] looks fantastic on the AMG GT (and I'm not a big Merc fan but this is a glorious vehicle):

It works. Some may not like it, but this is what they've always done. Having driven the regular GT, it's one heck of a machine. Is it worth buying when the S version is a bit more? I'm going to say no. Driving dynamics are incredible and it does take about 10-15 minutes to get used to how the car carries itself.
[doublepost=1520375057][/doublepost]

View attachment 753453 Decided to unload our previous 2015 M4 and 2015 M235 for the following, 2018 M550 and 2018 M240 vert for the wifey.

How's the M550 for you? Enough power? I didn't think those would sell but I'm seeing a lot of them on the road. Really amazing what BMW did with this generation of cars.

 

[0388631]

Lord Elon, The Insufferable, stated yesterday that Toyota's factories are as slow as a granny with a walker. Specifically, the dunderhead said that while Toyota and other modern manufacturers are good at spitting out vehicles in timely fashion (don't get too excited FCA), they believe they can do even better.

 

[BarracksSi]

Can't believe I'm saying this: I love my CVT.

To set this up -- I'd been driving manuals ever since buying my first car, a Honda Civic, in 1990. My wife and I got two new Hondas last spring, a CR-V and a Civic hatchback. Both have CVTs; the CR-V's forward "gears" are Drive, Sport, and Low, while the Civic, in its Sport Touring trim, has Drive and Sport plus paddle shifters.

For the past two weeks, we've been visiting our parents back home while Mom recovers from knee surgery. I've been driving their Chevy HHR and Subaru Forester, both with traditional slushbox automatics (at least the Forester has a "sport" mode with which you can manually select gears).

I've forgotten how annoying it is to have a transmission hunt for gears when I don't want it to shift at all. Say I'm going downhill and don't need to accelerate -- the Subaru upshifts to make me go faster even though I'm off the throttle. The CVTs in our Hondas can hold a gear, or even "downshift" (easy to do on demand with the Civic's paddles), to use engine braking to regulate speed.

The programming on the Subie's transmission sucks, too. It'll let the revs hang for a full second after lifting off the throttle. If I want to accelerate, sometimes it'll respond, sometimes it won't. At part throttle, it'll upshift with a jerk.

Almost NONE of these annoyances happen with our new CVTs. Although I'm still getting used to accelerating while hearing the engine revs stay the same, it makes technical sense to use the engine's optimal RPM range for power (whether you want more power or less) and adjust the transmission continuously to match road speed. Traditional "stepped gearing" automatics, whether we realized it or not, were always a workaround to accommodate the combustion engine's unequal power curve. With a CVT, when you want max power, the ECU can park the engine right at its power peak, and let the transmission handle the acceleration in road speed. With a traditional automatic, the engine still has to transition into and out of its powerband.

I'd still rather own a manual transmission again. But for now, I really miss my CVT.

[/blaspheme]

 

[D.T.]

Jeez. That'd ruin my mood for a long time.

It was brutal, but fun, cool stuff, xR/CV (AR, VR, computer vision), backed by a company everyone would know The pay was obscene, so it motivated me to do what I haven't done for well over a decade (I pretty much operate from the HO 99% of the time).

So leave SF on a 7-8p flight (PST), fly for ~6 hours with probably an hour or more layer ... gain +3 hours of time as I move into EST ... get home at 9-10am the next morning ... ugh.

I'd still rather own a manual transmission again.

Whew, OK, you can stay

 

[senseless]

$50,000 plus and leather and CarPlay are still options? At what point do you say, that's too much to spend on a car? I'm not talking about affordability as much as feeling like you weren't totally reckless.

 

[0388631]

X1-X4 are intro vehicles for the brand. You would be surprised at how many luxury vehicles use leatherette as a base over leather. Even Porsche offers synthetic in their vehicles. BMW starts off with SensaTec TM, Dakota, Nappa and then Merino which goes to true M models only.

Here's the kicker. Depending on your locale, the cars on the lot will usually be optioned with real leather, because people in that area will expect that. I was telling Golden just last week how you won't spot an MB Tex vehicle on a dealer lot here unless the model offers it as the only interior choice. Just as you won't find more than a few E300s since the E400 is what's selling now.
[doublepost=1520634223][/doublepost]

It was brutal, but fun, cool stuff, xR/CV (AR, VR, computer vision), backed by a company everyone would know The pay was obscene, so it motivated me to do what I haven't done for well over a decade (I pretty much operate from the HO 99% of the time).

I understood some of that. You were a consultant? It's cool to see VR finally getting off the ground. I remember people talking about VR in the 80s going into the 90s and how it would be so real one day. I haven't used a modern unit myself, though.

So leave SF on a 7-8p flight (PST), fly for ~6 hours with probably an hour or more layer ... gain +3 hours of time as I move into EST ... get home at 9-10am the next morning ... ugh.

I could do that with a tub of Planter's Spanish red peanuts back and forth.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Can't believe I'm saying this: I love my CVT.

To set this up -- I'd been driving manuals ever since buying my first car, a Honda Civic, in 1990. My wife and I got two new Hondas last spring, a CR-V and a Civic hatchback. Both have CVTs; the CR-V's forward "gears" are Drive, Sport, and Low, while the Civic, in its Sport Touring trim, has Drive and Sport plus paddle shifters.

For the past two weeks, we've been visiting our parents back home while Mom recovers from knee surgery. I've been driving their Chevy HHR and Subaru Forester, both with traditional slushbox automatics (at least the Forester has a "sport" mode with which you can manually select gears).

I've forgotten how annoying it is to have a transmission hunt for gears when I don't want it to shift at all. Say I'm going downhill and don't need to accelerate -- the Subaru upshifts to make me go faster even though I'm off the throttle. The CVTs in our Hondas can hold a gear, or even "downshift" (easy to do on demand with the Civic's paddles), to use engine braking to regulate speed.

The programming on the Subie's transmission sucks, too. It'll let the revs hang for a full second after lifting off the throttle. If I want to accelerate, sometimes it'll respond, sometimes it won't. At part throttle, it'll upshift with a jerk.

Almost NONE of these annoyances happen with our new CVTs. Although I'm still getting used to accelerating while hearing the engine revs stay the same, it makes technical sense to use the engine's optimal RPM range for power (whether you want more power or less) and adjust the transmission continuously to match road speed. Traditional "stepped gearing" automatics, whether we realized it or not, were always a workaround to accommodate the combustion engine's unequal power curve. With a CVT, when you want max power, the ECU can park the engine right at its power peak, and let the transmission handle the acceleration in road speed. With a traditional automatic, the engine still has to transition into and out of its powerband.

I'd still rather own a manual transmission again. But for now, I really miss my CVT.

[/blaspheme]

I've never owned an automatic, and never will. I like to decide which gear best suits the situation.

 

[SactoGuy18]

One thing I definitely like about my 2015 Honda Fit EX is its CVT automatic. Unlike the CVT from my old Honda Civic HX CVT coupe, the CVT on the Fit shifts ratios far more quickly and doesn't have the "slipping clutch" feel of the old CVT's.

 

[0388631]

It's as if I'm experiencing a nightmare...

 

[Alphazoid]

I've never owned an automatic, and never will. I like to decide which gear best suits the situation.

Eventually i'm not sure you'll have a choice, unless you refuse to buy a new vehicle.