The Car Thread ... !

[bunnspecial]

Give me the glorious I-6 Jag engine with dual or triple SUs...heavenly.

Electric-I'll pass.

Still, there's not another car in the world that can match the lines and look of an E-type.

I wonder how "authentic" they'll go and if those are actually Dunlop-type spline drive wire wheels. I can see the torque of an electric motor ripping the splines to shreds on them...

Also, is Lucas engineering the drive system?

 

[Apple fanboy]

Give me the glorious I-6 Jag engine with dual or triple SUs...heavenly.

Electric-I'll pass.

Still, there's not another car in the world that can match the lines and look of an E-type.

I wonder how "authentic" they'll go and if those are actually Dunlop-type spline drive wire wheels. I can see the torque of an electric motor ripping the splines to shreds on them...

Also, is Lucas engineering the drive system?

Yes I can imagine the sound of it would be rather..... disappointing.

But the lines and wheels of the E-type are a thing of beauty.

 

[AustinIllini]

Now that I've had my certified used Scion iM for almost a month, I can say I've been pleasantly surprised with the car.

Two things I like: the really effective air conditioner (works great even when the outside temperature is 104 °F. (40 °C.)), and the car rides WAY better than my old Fit, even with even lower profile tires than my Fit. Yes, it does take a little more pedal pressure to move from stop, but once moving the car has lots of power on the freeways even at 70 mph (113 km/h).

Congrats on the ride! Enjoy it in good health!

 

[oldhifi]

I bought a 2013 Touareg v6 TDI Lux last weekend. Drives like a dream. still under VW TDI warranty
705 miles to empty

 

[0388631]

Z4 is... interesting!

 

[iTurbo]

Just boosting around in one of my project cars here in northern Wyoming. In the background is one of the many coal mines that dot the landscape around here.

It's a 1987 Shelby Lancer that I converted to DOHC (twin cam 16v) with a Maserati cylinder head. It's basically a Chrysler K car, but still a hoot.

 

[44267547]

Attended Pro Street ‘Comp Series II’ Tour Over the weekend. Some awesome old school and contemporary cars were on site.


1968 Firebird.

[Side Note: This is the type of green that I like on a car, from this first picture from the front of the vehicle it looks black, but from the rear, it’s more of a Darkside green, where it’s more metamorphic based on the lighting.]

Now, those are some *FAT* tires. (16 inches)

 

[0388631]

I'm seeing some blue. Regardless, that is a glorious flake paint job.

 

[44267547]

Not sure how I feel about the new Z4. My immediate thought it looks like a Kia Stinger at first glance (Kind of SL500 like), but then I really do like the revised tail lamps and rear more than I do the front, and it’s certainly reminiscent of the BMW history from
the front. But the European reported performance numbers are impressive, especially the torque: 3.0 TT/340 HP/540 TQ. [Possibly 380 HP for the U.S. model).

What I didn’t know, was this was part of a collaboration with Toyota.

https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-n...-spec-model-make-more-power-ar182270.amp.html

 

[400]

Going to go against the grain with the E type a few posts above, never quite got on with its lines, seemed un finished. Miura for me all day.

 

[D.T.]

What I didn’t know, was this was part of a collaboration with Toyota.

Yes, that's been on the table and circulating through the automotive knowledgebase for several years - very specifically this is the platform that will be shared with the new / 5th Gen Supra.

 

[VivaLasVegas]

Not sure how I feel about the new Z4. My immediate thought it looks like a Kia Stinger at first glance (Kind of SL500 like), but then I really do like the revised tail lamps and rear more than I do the front, and it’s certainly reminiscent of the BMW history from
the front. But the European reported performance numbers are impressive, especially the torque: 3.0 TT/340 HP/540 TQ. [Possibly 380 HP for the U.S. model).

What I didn’t know, was this was part of a collaboration with Toyota.

View attachment 779199 View attachment 779200

https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-n...-spec-model-make-more-power-ar182270.amp.html

The new Z4 looks nice!

 

[44267547]

The new Z4 looks nice!

I agree, but as I posted initially, I wasn’t too keen of the overall looks. Sometimes I think it’s a smaller car like a roadster maybe that I’m not used to seeing more often that makes me feel indifferent. However, The more I actually look at the renders and photos of the Z4, there is a lot to like about this specific car. At first glance, it really does make me think of the Kia stinger GT if you have ever seen one, but obviously a clear difference between aesthetic materials, performance and overall build quality is that much higher with the BMW.

But I bet what’s even more impressive, is actually driving this car would be a fun experience with being a lighter weight and handling coupled with the Twin turbo set up.

The only other thing that I’m not sure how I feel about this car is the actual headlight design, but I gather that there is re-design elements that automotive engineers try to make it ‘Different’, and my point is rather meaningless for those who want the roadster experience and can look past every little detail that anyone can scrutinize every detail about a car. If I was in the market for a roadster like the Z4, there is Not an anything stopping me from taking a serious consideration given this will deliver performance in a smaller package.

 

[VivaLasVegas]

I agree, but as I posted initially, I wasn’t too keen of the overall looks. Sometimes I think it’s a smaller car like a roadster maybe that I’m not used to seeing more often that makes me feel indifferent. However, The more I actually look at the renders and photos of the Z4, there is a lot to like about this specific car. At first glance, it really does make me think of the Kia stinger GT if you have ever seen one, but obviously a clear difference between aesthetic materials, performance and overall build quality is that much higher with the BMW.

But I bet what’s even more impressive, is actually driving this car would be a fun experience with being a lighter weight and handling coupled with the Twin turbo set up.

The only other thing that I’m not sure how I feel about this car is the actual headlight design, but I gather that there is re-design elements that automotive engineers try to make it ‘Different’, and my point is rather meaningless for those who want the roadster experience and can look past every little detail that anyone can scrutinize every detail about a car. If I was in the market for a roadster like the Z4, there is Not an anything stopping me from taking a serious consideration given this will deliver performance in a smaller package.

I bet it would be impressive to drive!

 

[0388631]

Some more video of the mid-engine Corvette or what most people believe. Can't really see Cadillac trying to push a mid-engine car despite what some theorize. It makes no sense given Cadillac can't tell their ass apart from their head.

What I didn’t know, was this was part of a collaboration with Toyota.

I only mentioned it about six times this year. And many times in 2017. I'm with you on the design language. I'm not really feeling it, but I predict the LCI a few years down the road will be beautiful.

The M40i badging on the rear lid makes me wonder if they'll use the current B58 powerplant in the 340i/440i or if they'll use the revised model due for the next gen 3 and 4 series, which offers more HP and beefier torque figures across the band.

 

[DaveyVigs]

I'd seriously consider is the 2019 Honda Insight

One of my friends just purchased a new Insight. If it were my money, I'd spend the extra $2-3k and get the larger Accord/Camry hybrid.

Similar fuel economy with more power and better refinement. The Insight is loud.

I am a Honda guy and traded my ‘15 Civic for an Insight over a month ago and LOVE it. I test drove the Clarity, Civic hatchback, Accord Sport and Accord hybrid and prefer it over all of those vehicles.

Mostly because of the following: Technology. 55MPG Gas mileage. Fits in my garage. Not as loud as accord sport and civic hatchback. Interior feels quite premium. It’s actually super quiet except when revving or using sport mode but loud noise doesn’t bother me one bit. The accord infotainment system sucks because it sticks out way too high and is not very sturdy compared to the Insight’s screen which is more even with drivers line of sight. The accords taillights . Plenty of room in front and back seats. I didn’t like the accords center console setup(hidden compartment, cup holders next to gear shift buttons, arm rest didn’t open far back enough.) I would leave my phone in that hidden compartment every time and would likely drop water condensation all over the gear selector buttons. But to each their own I guess.

 

[44267547]

I only mentioned it about six times this year. And many times in 2017. I'm with you on the design language. I'm not really feeling it, but I predict the LCI a few years down the road will be beautiful.
.

You Likely did mention it multiple times, I probably even acknowledged it somewhere along side in this thread about the collaboration, I blame my memory retention.

But in terms of the design cues with this Z4, referencing those pictures again, it’s the ‘sloped’ back headlights that I don’t like and I think that’s what’s throwing me off the most. But again I have mentioned it before, seeing renders and photos of a car really is meaningless, seeing a car in person most times alters perspectives, at least for me it has.

But everything to me about the rear of the Z4 looks great. Especially the rear diffuser and bumper. I Genuinely like the Z4, but I can’t escape the idea that it resembles a Kia Stinger from the front, perhaps its just the color red that BMW was using in the photo above, which is also a similar color that was heavily promoted for the Kia stinger GT marketing agenda.

 

[Huntn]

Not sure how I feel about the new Z4. My immediate thought it looks like a Kia Stinger at first glance (Kind of SL500 like), but then I really do like the revised tail lamps and rear more than I do the front, and it’s certainly reminiscent of the BMW history from
the front. But the European reported performance numbers are impressive, especially the torque: 3.0 TT/340 HP/540 TQ. [Possibly 380 HP for the U.S. model).

What I didn’t know, was this was part of a collaboration with Toyota.

View attachment 779199 View attachment 779200

https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-n...-spec-model-make-more-power-ar182270.amp.html

First impression, the body strikes me as overly busy. I’m probably comparing it to the Miata.

 

[bunnspecial]

I like the looks of the new Z4, and it looks impressive on paper to me.

With that said, weight-to me-is always a big deal in roadsters/pure sports cars, and there's no real getting around it. The last generation was a bit over 3100lbs, and from what I can find the new gen is said to be lighter but not by a huge amount(about 100lbs was the number I saw). That still puts it over 3000lbs.

Granted safety and emissions equipment add a lot of weight, and I wonder how long Lotus will be able to keep their cars at a ton or a bit under.

I don't know that we can ever go back to having roadsters that are light enough to toss around like the 1 ton tin cans of old.

Also, I want a manual, dang it! I know autos have a lot of redeeming qualities now and on paper are pretty much in every way better, but when I drive a roadster I want to feel connected to it. An auto takes away a lot of that.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I like the looks of the new Z4, and it looks impressive on paper to me.

With that said, weight-to me-is always a big deal in roadsters/pure sports cars, and there's no real getting around it. The last generation was a bit over 3100lbs, and from what I can find the new gen is said to be lighter but not by a huge amount(about 100lbs was the number I saw). That still puts it over 3000lbs.

Granted safety and emissions equipment add a lot of weight, and I wonder how long Lotus will be able to keep their cars at a ton or a bit under.

I don't know that we can ever go back to having roadsters that are light enough to toss around like the 1 ton tin cans of old.

Also, I want a manual, dang it! I know autos have a lot of redeeming qualities now and on paper are pretty much in every way better, but when I drive a roadster I want to feel connected to it. An auto takes away a lot of that.

Oh agree. Cars need manual gears to be fun!

 

[44267547]

First impression, the body strikes me as overly busy. I’m probably comparing it to the Miata.

I may have already mentioned it, but I saw your exact Miata/color when I was driving to the gym while back. Really like the refresh.

This whole ‘roadster’ discussion has me thinking what I will do for my next ‘fun’ car set up, maybe a GT350 and a roadster on the side? I would consider the Miata, especially for the price tag and what it offers. I like rotating sports cars when I don’t feel like driving the other at times. I actually just Purchased/upgraded my daily driver with the Hyundai Sonata 2.0 Turbo. (Surprisingly very quick, loaded, will have more photo’s/info later.)

Can you tell me what you don’t like about the Miata experience? Pros/cons? Content with the performance aspect side of things?

 

[Huntn]

I may have already mentioned it, but I saw your exact Miata/color when I was driving to the gym while back. Really like the refresh.

This whole ‘roadster’ discussion has me thinking what I will do for my next ‘fun’ car set up, maybe a GT350 and a roadster on the side? I would consider the Miata, especially for the price tag and what it offers. I like rotating sports cars when I don’t feel like driving the other at times. I actually just Purchased/upgraded my daily driver with the Hyandai Sonata 2.0 Turbo. (Surprisingly very quick, loaded, will have more photo’s/info later.)

Can you tell me what you don’t like about the Miata experience? Pros/cons? Content with the performance aspect side of things?

2016 Miata- It drives wonderfully, I love the suspension and handling, it has a lot of power, makes the verroom sound. The manual roof opens and closes with ease while seated in the driver’s seat. It made me throw over my 1982 Fiat Spider. It gets great gas mileage on the highway, but the tendency is to drive it in a non-saving gas mode.

Anyone want to buy a classic roadster? 1982 Fiat Soider 2000. I’m putting it up for sale this fall.

​

What I don’t like? Limited space, however the trunk is large enough to fit two small half size roller bags. The Fiat had a small back seat convienent for groceries. Most cars like this do not have back seats so...
There is no spare tire. It includes a tire repair kit.

I’m in love with the Miata.

 

[0388631]

You Likely did mention it multiple times, I probably even acknowledged it somewhere along side in this thread about the collaboration, I blame my memory retention.

But in terms of the design cues with this Z4, referencing those pictures again, it’s the ‘sloped’ back headlights that I don’t like and I think that’s what’s throwing me off the most. But again I have mentioned it before, seeing renders and photos of a car really is meaningless, seeing a car in person most times alters perspectives, at least for me it has.

But everything to me about the rear of the Z4 looks great. Especially the rear diffuser and bumper. I Genuinely like the Z4, but I can’t escape the idea that it resembles a Kia Stinger from the front, perhaps its just the color red that BMW was using in the photo above, which is also a similar color that was heavily promoted for the Kia stinger GT marketing agenda.

I can see why you see that. I don't know if that's the final grill design because I can't find much info on it. Though I suspect it'll be in line with the active cooling grills on most refreshed BMWs now. When I drove the new 5 I couldn't figure out how to manipulate it when parked. I'm not sure of the long term ramifications of the active grill, but I suspect BMW had been testing it for a long time before using it in new cars.

As for the rear, I get a AMG GT vibe from it. Like I said, not too hot on the looks, but the LCI is going to look better, IMO.


I'd love to see an M Coupe version of this using a borrowed engine from the future M3/M4. Which is slated to be north of 500 HP.


We're entering a weird phase in automotive engineering where many cars outside the basics are getting huge power upgrades. I've long posted that I suspect the next 911 GTS under the "992" moniker to get around 475-500 HP, the latter being in 991.1 GT3 territory. The 911 Turbo S is the hallmark of the 911 line sans the GT cars. I can't even guess how much power the next variant will have when the current one pushes out 585 HP, IIRC.

 

[44267547]

2016 Miata- It drives wonderfully,

Is this a daily driver for you or just a weekend car? The only other reason I would consider a Miata (Aside from being a decent roadster) in that specific size of a car, is that I can actually fit that car, another full size sports car [and] my daily driver all in the same garage without having to opt/pay for additional off-site storage. Unfortunately in my state, I can’t drive my sports cars year round, which is only a few months before they will be in storage for the season.

 

[Huntn]

Is this a daily driver for you or just a weekend car? The only other reason I would consider a Miata (Aside from being a decent roadster) in that specific size of a car, is that I can actually fit that car, another full size sports car [and] my daily driver all in the same garage without having to opt/pay for additional off-site storage. Unfortunately in my state, I can’t drive my sports cars year round, which is only a few months before they will be in storage for the season.

It’s a weekend car at least that is my intent to replace another weekend car, the Fiat Spider which at one point was my main car, not the one I currently own, but a 1975 model. For the type of driving we are doing, the seats are comfortable, but coming back from a recent trip (3.5hrs one way) to Austin, my butt got a little numb. So it’s suitability for long distance is less than both our Fiat 500 or our Toyota Highlander which is the real comfort vehicle for long trips (up to 12hrs on the road).