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The article also talks about an XK6 roadster built on the Ford Thunderbird base, and some SUV project called the X500, based on a next-generation Lincoln Navigator.
Of course, these "secret sources" sometimes get their stuff so wrong you wonder if they write under the effect of some LSD flashback. Not that I'd know what that feels like. :-)
Shows pics of the supposed new XJ8. It looks like a large S-type. Speaking about which, under
http://www.ecomcars.co.uk/newcarsecrets_n/spypictures/march/jaguar/jaguar.html
they have the supersport S-type, which will have the XJR engine, but due to lighter weight -I suppose- will make 0-60 in under 5.0 secs (!), at least so they claim. Tiptronic shifting and all.
I still prefer the XJR. Call me a snob, but I resent it when car companies stretch $40k platforms into the $70k range - not enough differentiation and image-cred. :-) Believe it or not, I didn't really buy the XJR for the performance, I simply loved the XJ8 and thought the XJR looks like a fresher, somewhat "younger" and ever-so-slightly edgier platform.
M
M
ambisonx - What kind of external lumbar support have you got??
The E430 is, by all rational measures, a far more than fast enough car. I do think going for the M5, XJR or E55 is ultimately an irrational decision, for you simply can't be using all the power. You can't use all the power of the E430, for that matter, and hope to keep your license for long.
One of the reasons I choe the XJR was because it was the softer, most comfortable ride of those 3. It does sacrifice the ultimate performance envelope to achieve that, but to me that counts. I know I don't want to go for lumbar support in a 70k car... :-)
Let me know if you're interested.
Including the M3 into this equation seems somewhat out of place. It is a great car, but nowhere near any of these if comfort and luxury is high up your priority list, which seemingly it is.
And comfort and luxury to me is where the E55 implements a somewhat odd combination of harshness with pretentions of luxury. I find the ride too noisy and harsh, but then again, if you buy into their value proposition it certainly is one of the most satisfying cars around. You just have to check whether it fits *you*. The E430, on the other hand, is undoubedly an extremely capable car, albeit somewhat bland. I guess the sports package can spice it up some. Performance wise, again, I think no one can really claim to be truly pushing the performance envelopes of any of these cars, including the E430, consistently. It is oddly satisfying knowing such reserve is there, though, but to be honest, I did not primary buy the XJR for the performance, but rather for the design. Different strokes for different folks. :-)
Of course, there still is the M5. yeah, it's manual, but BMW knows how to make manuals buttery smooth. Your right hand and left foot seamlessly implement a semi-automatic.
And well, I hate the idea about a down economy, but even a slight slow down renders the luxury car market very lackluster and sends prices down. Luxury cars are luxury items - they are not investments, since if the economy slows down in most cases their value immediately plummets. In fact, I have heard from several different sources that all luxury car brands in the valley are experiencing a slow-down as it is. I bought my car like I buy Lorenzo Banfi shoes, knowing its sybaritically wasted, yet well enjoyed, money.
Given the trend towards mass market appeal and even brand bastardization most luxury car brands seem to have these days, I do think they do compromise the luxury experience, since the overwhelmed service departments are shared by expensive and cheaper cars. If that trend continues and affects my experience, my next car probably will be a more utilitarian and rational choice.
As for my Audis, things would break or wear out, I thought, prematurely. Lots of them were little things like electric switches, relays, etc. I don't think this has to do with poor service/maintenance, but lack of quality suppliers or poor design. Maybe the Euro experience is different b/c they don't buy all those gadgets over there? Hubs, bearings would also wear out and make noise, though this could be service/maint. related. Let's see, what else? Trans cooler leaking trans fluid into coolant and vice versa, water pump failure at 52k miles, leaky gaskets.... It's almost enough to want me to forget Euro cars and go w/ an Acura or Lexus.
I took euro delivery of a 2000 E430 sport a little more than a year ago and I was really disappointed with the vehicle. The ride quality was very nice, but the cornering capabilities left me cold. I started investigating the possibility of buying the E-55 anti-sway bars and shocks and ultimately realized what a bargain the E-55 was, so I dumped my E-430 and waited six months for a 2001 E-55 which solved all problems. I too found the ride quite harsh at first, but after a couple thousand miles on the odometer it begin to soften up (or maybe I got used to it). There is nothing like its acceleration and handling.
I had the same experience with Audio as others- great design and poor build quality. Worse yet, the dealers were not up to the task. Audio made a reputation in this country by offering German cars at 2/3 the price of BOW and Mercedes and at that price they could be forgiven their sins, but that price advantage is gone and the build quality is not much better.
http://www.netspace.net.au/~pandalais/jrobbo/Articles/WheelsSeptember1999/Comparison.htm
Personally, I find it much more comfortable in the E55 than the previous generation European M3. The E55 feels much more solid with better insulation somehow cushions my back side better filtering out general the NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness).
I have test driven the LS430 and the ride is too floaty for my taste..
The new M-3 is supposed to be very supple but with those 19 inch wheels I have a hard time believing it.
In the final analysis only your own backside can be your guide.
If you have any connections at a dealer, I'll bet you can get one of these cars for MSRP and not have to wait too long. Remember, the current run of E-55's ends this Spring and we will have to wait until the new E-class model reaches the US, so the next AMG E-class could be more than two years off and the price game will begin all over again.
I can compare it to a 1999 328i:
The E55 is much, much smoother and quieter and waaay faster. The instrument cluster and driver convenience options are much better. I love the voice recognition system, the SOS and tele-aid features. The seats are very comfortable, but don't feel like a Buick's. The whole car just feels right.
I can also compare it to a 1997 911 twin turbo
(my baby):
The E55 is not even close in handling and accelleration. But, I'd rather take the E55 on trips lasting several hours.
So, in my humble opinion, it falls right in between.
Was going to get an M5, but the dealer markup of $10K to $20K just didn't sit right with me. I paid MSRP for the E55. I am glad I went with Benz, it looks better and feels better. Just my .02c worth.
The two Mercedes dealers I went to were Mercedes Benz of Laguna and Caliber Motors of Anaheim Hills. Both did not charge over MSRP if the was ordered through them, even if one became available earlier.
I got mine from Caliber Motors.
Norik