Subaru Crew Cafe

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Rob: but look at the BMW 3, the wheels are pushed out to the corner. VW actually lists BMW as a competitor, funny enough.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's a cool Mini but they really need 4 doors on it.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    No, but it's "heritage," in that they offered that feature on the original Mini Estate back in the '60s.

    http://www.miniplanete.com/04decouvrir/01histoire/04derives/03estate/02estate.htm

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Gotcha, I just think that if they produce it and want any sort of volume it would have to have 4 doors. Look how huge that front door is!

    -juice
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    That was the reason I had heard for longer overhangs. I checked it out though. BMW has a 2" longer wheelbase but is about 10" shorter overall. BMW lists the overhangs at 29.7" F and 39.8" R - VW doesn't. So I guess you can't believe everything you hear.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    See what I mean? By my math the Passat has 12" more overhang.

    -juice
  • dstew1dstew1 Member Posts: 275
    Wow is right, the new Rav4 is stylish, and Toyota certainly helped its case by adding a big V6 as an option.

    Unfortunately I'm ready to buy before cold weather sets in again, as I'd prefer not to go another wet fall and icey winter without AWD. However, holding off on a likely FXT purchase is more and more tempting with the more info I see about this new Rav4.

    Anyone have an idea on what a four-wheel drive V6 will cost, though? I can't imagine it coming in at under 30k, which probably still makes the FXT a bargin by comparison.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    We used to call it. Toyota nickel-and-dimes you for options, so even the old ones got up there in price.

    With 3 rows and a V6, I bet this will approach $30k, sure. A loaded Camry can break that. A loaded Sienna breaks $42k!

    Still, can't hate 'em for offering a wide variety.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Interesting how the spare tire seems almost "carved out" of the rear door. I like that, in that it doesn't stick out as far as a conventional door-mounted spare. I don't care for the fully enclosed spare cover (I don't like them on any rear mounted spare that I've seen to date), however. I just prefer the "naked" look of a bare spare tire on the door.

    image

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I still have a couple of issues with that design - it still blocks visibility when backing up, looks like you won't see anything behind you and to the right.

    Issue #2 is the lack of a real bumper. There looks to be only an inch or so sticking out behind the rear gate. A 5mpg fender bender will damage a lot more than just the bumper. I think I'd leave my hitch receiver in all the time just to have something besides the spare tire hit first.

    Issue #3 is that is still opens the JDM way, so if you parallel park the door blocks the curb completely, not to mention you'd need a lot of space to open it at all.

    They can resolve the visibility problem with a rear-view camera, I bet that will be an option. A hitch can help with #2 and maybe just don't park in the city to avoid issue #3.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I agree. However none of that really has anything to do with the rear tire.

    Blocking rear vision? Just drop the mounting a few inches on the door.

    No rear bumper? Just build a long/wide rear "step bumper" that extends out beyond the rear tire; something like what is found on the Dodge Sprinter.

    JDM opening. I can live with that, but yes they could have hinged on the other side.

    Bob
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Interesting that they kept that design. Most "soft" SUVs today have the spare under the cargo area like passenger cars. I guess they felt that it was a part of the RAV4 character.

    I think Toyota would still have had a nice looking vehicle if they didn't mount the spare on the rear gate.

    Ken
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.4stroke-design.com/

    http://www.4stroke-design.com/

    This thing is really neat!" It's very "French" in feel, which makes sense as it's a French car company.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's freaky but neat.

    3 cylinder with a 6 speed manual. Why not just make it a roadster, though?

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    You gotta be kiddin'! It looks like a micro 1930-era Bugatti coupe. You couldn't get more "French" than that.

    http://www.ritzsite.net/Bugatti_T57/03_T57.htm

    Bob
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    at 1100lb I bet it gets great gas mileage.

    ..but I can't see a car like that ever meeting ever-toughening US crash standards.

    ~Colin
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I agree. I don't see how it could look like it does, and meet bumper requirements, let alone safety requirements. What a shame... :(

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    My #1 rule - if it's going to be impractical, it has to at least have a folding top.

    Now if were a shooting brake with 3 rows of seats and ran on biodiesel and cooking oil you'd have my interest. ;)

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0509/16/C07-315611.htm
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Meaning as an option. Still, quite impressive.

    If you think about it, it's a way for Toyota to move upscale without really competing with Lexus.

    Smart move.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://emercedesbenz.com/Sep05/13MercedesIntroducesHybridSClass.htm
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've been calling for a diesel-electric hybid for a while now, that sounds interesting. Too bad it would cost me $125,000 to save $10 a week on gas. ;)

    -juice
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    What's the problem? According to me calculations it'd only take about 240 years to recoup the cost of the car through fuel savings. Those Mercedes diesels do run forever.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It is pretty funny though, when you see luxury car/SUV buyers complain about fuel prices, which amount to approximately 0% of their total costs.

    I noticed that in the Infiniti QX56 threads, people were asking if they could use regular. I say, just get an Armada if that's what you want.

    Perhaps it's because you deal with the intial cost once (if you pay cash for the vehicle), but with gas prices every week.

    -juice
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    I think you're right. It's more painful to see the money come directly out of your wallet each time you fill up. Strangely, it's much easier to forget the tens of thousands you spent purchasing the vehicle.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, and then the obvious solution, to save $5 per week, is..

    drum roll please...

    BUY A NEW CAR!

    Spend thousands to save pennies.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103231
  • declansdaddeclansdad Member Posts: 120
    Bob,

    That's terrible news for Mazda and it's new (to the US market) 5. I hope Mazda can find/fix the problem(s) ASAP.

    Up to 30 days w/o your new car is a bit unsettling, but at least Mazda is taking car of their customers.

    Michael
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    How long before they pull out of North America, period?

    http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0509/24/0auto-325750.htm

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=107292
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Having just spent a few days down in NYC (mid/upper east side - hospital area), I noticed way more cyclist on the streets than I had during the summer or in the spring. Price of gas, perhaps? Commuters, couriers, and piled high merchandise delivery bikes. I also noticed that very few wear helmets! I feel downright naked biking without one.

    Steve
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Steve,

    There are a lot more cycling clubs and activities in NYC now. There are also a few groups that are trying to get the city to make cycling more accessible for everyone. I do agree that it is stupid for riding without a helmet. I have recently gotten my wife riding again on a Trike and have to argue with her to wear a helmet.

    BTW, if you want to do some riding in Manhattan, there is the MS Bike ride coming up on Oct. 16th. They close down a portion of the FDR, and the West Side Highway. It's a nice ride, and for a good cause.

    Mark
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Saw that a while ago. We knew it was pulled about 2 weeks ago, but they only explained why last week.

    I warned the guys at 3Z.

    Isuzu's days are counted, it's now a matter of when, not if. They've become a GMC sales outlet. I'm sure the only thing they need to negotiate is with the dealership owners on how to transition into selling another brand.

    EVO wagon is hot. I love bizarre cars like that, total cult car if they sell it here.

    -juice
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    My favorite way into the city is Taconic => Saw Mill => Henry Hudson => Dykeman across to the Harlem River Dr. => FDR Dr. For most of that trip you would never know you were in NYC if it weren't for the road signs. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking in places. Watching the recreational bikers along the waterfront or the paths following the parkways make me want to ditch the car and ride!

    A few week ago I picked up the MS brochure for their lower Hudson ride that included crossing the Tappen Zee bridge! I would love to try one of these adventures some day but this just isn't the time. Plus, I am probably not in shape for it either. 10-15 miles pulling my little one in our Burley trailer along a rail trail is enough to tire me out.

    Steve
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Thought I'd share a funny tid bit from this morning.

    I pulled away in my Miata and noticed a fly on my windshield. The determined little bug would not fly away even after I pulled up to speed. 25. Then 40.

    Clinging on for dear life, I'm sure. I could have used the wipers, but I wanted to see how long he'd hang on.

    He made it up to about 60! :D

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Funny story. Your windshield must smell sweet to the flies! When's the last time the Miata got a bath? ;-p

    That's some serious grip. Imagine if someone could engineer something like that for human applications.

    Ken
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Umm... didn't you ever see the movie The Fly? :)
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Help me! Help me! (in a half human, half fly-like voice....) refering to the original '60's movie.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Buzz Buzzelp meeee! :D

    The Miata was washed about 2 weeks ago. Last weekend we were at the beach, so it'll get cleaned again this weekend, when I'll be home.

    -juice
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    According to this article:

    http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/050928-4.htm

    the problem stems from operator error.

    Some folks are forgetting to shift the manu-matic on the highway and running at high speeds for prolonged periods causing overheating of the exhaust.

    I guess the Mazda manu-matic doesn't upshift itself when conditions dictate.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's hilarious.

    I'm not sure this should be able to result in a fire, I mean, what if you're at high rpms scooting around town?

    In a vanlet, maybe not. ;)

    -juice
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    It's the prolonged rpms. Scooting around town, you're not sitting at 6-7K for minutes - hours on end.

    I see this being right up there with the techs/owners not ensuring that only a single gasket is on the flange on CRV's.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    This is worse - they have to go out of their way to put it in manual mode in the first place.

    To the CR-V example, it would be like GLUING a 2nd gasket in place, then forgetting it was there! LOL

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    ...anyone else see this article on Forbes?

    http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2005/09/28/acura-SAE-horsepower-cz_sk_0929vehicles_ls.html

    The new SAE measurements for HP have forced Acura/Lexus and some other manufacturers to restate their peak HP ratings. The TL, for example, is now 258HP down from 270HP.

    Ken
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Don't take it personally but it's old news. SAE changed their methodology and it's causing many manufacturers to restate.

    On the positive side, Honda and Toyota are retesting all their engines even though SAE said they didn't have to unless the engines are new or substantially revised.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, Ken, where have you been? :P

    We discussed this in the Tribeca thread, plus some others. The MDX was downrated from 265hp to 253hp. So it's about the same as the Tribeca's 250hp, but you can't really compare because Subaru is not yet using the SAE methodology.

    Basically it prevents "cheating". Not exotic oils, no disconnecting accessories. But also - no sand bagging.

    You want a conspiracy theory? Subaru was understating the power in the Forester XT, we all know is was MUCH more than 210hp. So now they claim 230hp just to be closer to the SAE figure they'll eventually have to publish. Probably 240-250. They can say they were close.

    Conspiracy theory - the engine didn't change at all from '05 to '06. In fact the 06 models have been a bit slower in 0-60 tests. C&D said it was taller gearing from 3rd gear on, but guess what? The XT doesn't need 3rd gear to reach 60!

    I think when Subaru finally does use the SAE procedures, the turbos will creep up even more in stated HP (240-250 for F-XT, 260 for L-GT), but the H6 might drop some (240 or so).

    Let's see if I'm right. Anyone want to bet on that? Bob - double or nothing from my Tokyo debacle?

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Oops -- sorry about the WTLW (:embarasased:). I don't hang out here enough, especially in the Tribeca forums.

    Ken
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Nissan's wacky Privo—with a rotating cabin!

    http://www.autoindex.org/news.plt?no=1237&nl=y

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I love it, though. This is what concepts should be - WAY out there and wild.

    You could drive around sideways. Never have to back up!

    -juice
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Went yesterday to Arlington Park in Illinois, started at 8am, left about 2:15pm. Did the required truck test drive (Nissan Titan and a Chevy Silverado SS) to drive the H2 up and over the gravel hill. Did the required passenger car test drive (Toyota Echo - hey, there was no line!) to drive the 'Vette manual. The Corvette was my first drive and ride in any vintage. A driver rode with you on the H2 and Vette course, and you only got one lap in these. You could repeat other vehicles if you wished.

    Got a bag of snacks from the "cafe", a large cookie, can of soda (or pop), an apple, and a bag of chips. Water was at all the tents, which were at each area (Passenger Cars, SUV, Trucks, etc) where the lines formed for the test drives.

    There was also a Pontiac Solstice, the line was over 1 hour long.

    Most of the lines in the SUV and Luxury tents were for the competitor cars: BMW, Acura, Mercedes especially.

    Vehicles driven with additional comments:
    Chevrolet Silverado SS (short course isn't suitable for a drive of this truck, this is a street cruiser)
    Nissan Titan (would really liked to compare the Toyota Tundra here)
    Hummer H2 SUT (did you know there is a button to give you an additional 2" of clearance?)
    Toyota Echo (I was revving the engine in line next to the kids in the Cobalt SS, what a riot)
    Volkswagon Jetta (liked the new design, rides good)
    Chevrolet Corvette manual (simply sa-weeeet, what a rush)
    Cadillac Deville (drove this like it's intended demographic - turn signal on and 5mph with my seat as low as it could go and my face up to the top of the steering wheel, all while riding the brake the entire way)
    Cadillac SRV (not bad, still feels like a high luxury VUE to me)
    Cadillac STS (have always liked the STS)
    Saab 9-5 Aero (impressive, not that the turbo swayed me)
    Saab 9-5 sportswagon (again, drives very well and that turbo is nice)
    Saab 9-3 convertible (prefer the 9-5, but the convertible is nice)
    Buick Rainier (feels like a truck, would have liked to drive the 9-7x instead)
    Chevrolet Equinox (tall feeling, adequate)
    Chevrolet HHR (yeah, it's a Chevy PT)
    Saturn VUE redline (ride was alright in redline form)
    Volvo XC90 (what does GM think they're competing with?)
    Honda Pilot (taller than I thought, ok ride)
    Acura MDX (much better version of the Pilot)
    Pontiac GTO manual (incredible rush, drove the course like it was on rails and oh that engine)

    Next weekend is the Taste of Lexus event, same place. Should be fun.

    -Brian
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