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Subaru Crew Cafe

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  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    is really a cross* between a traditional crew cab, and an extended cab pickup. It's smaller than traditional crew cabs, even though it has front-mounted door hinges; yet it is larger than traditional extended cab pickups, with or without doorlets.

    * = Egad, not another crossover vehicle!

    Bob
  • artgeckoartgecko Member Posts: 78
    I just found out today I have one ticket for Sunday's race. I haven't even received it yet, as it was a perk for the boss and he is going to hand them out to us. I think it said Stand 26 (or maybe stand 25) I didn't see a seat/row, but it was a $75 ticket. I've never been to anything like this before, and don't want to miss seeing the trees for the forest, as it were.

    So, how should I spend my day at Indy? Go find my seat and sit there all day? Wander around and view the race from different vantage points? Fo that matter, can you even see the course from lots of varying places, or is it completely surrounded by stands? I go to Mid-Ohio a lot, and there isn't a bad spot anywhere to watch the races.

    I'm in Cleveland, and was planning on driving early Sunday morning, since I can't imagine finding accomadations reasonably priced this late. Is there shuttle service from outlying parking? Pleny of parking near the track? I'm overwhelmed with questions.

    I don't imagine a general admission ticket gets me anywhere near being able to see the cars, drivers, pit babes, etc. Right? (Got to walk right up to the Johnson Controls Jag Paul Newman was driving at Mid-Ohio yesterday for the GT1 race at the Runoffs!)

    So, help a F1 newbie out. Point to some web site or guide, or give me some personal recommendations. Anything would be appreciated. Reply either here or by direct email to SubaruWRX@mac.com

    Thanks,
    Steve
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    "three little words Scully, six wheel drive"

    just got the dvd * this weekend - hilarious.

    -Brian

    * Monsters, Inc.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    heh. his name is Sully... Scully is an FBI agent who used to have a partner named Mulder.

    :-D

    -Colin
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    that's what I get for trying to remember the quote when I was obviously past my bedtime. ;)

    -Brian
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bob, re:Pilot/MDX, it's gotta be the same upgrades.

    And yes, I was referring to the new Ram Quad Cabs.

    Brian: think about it - they guy's name is Mike. All wheel drive. He's a Subaru fan!

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I just registered there, which gives you some access. I'm asking around work to see if I can get the password for our on-line subscription, since I can't get the print copy any more.

    Article said 260hp, to distinguish from Pilot I guess. 5 speed auto, VTM can send 30% more power to the rear? Kind of vague. Dual piston calipers on the front brakes. Whoop-de-doo, now it matches my Forester's brakes.

    The rear camera is an interseting option - blind spots can be pretty bad on taller SUVs.

    Some Paris preview stuff: Audi may bring the next A3? Don't - I'm not sure Mercedes has done so well with the "coupe" hatchback. AN had yet another article that mentioned the Mercedes name no longer seemed exclusive enough, so they had to use Maybach for their premium sedans. The Golf is the A3. It's gone upscale so there's no real room for the A3.

    The VW Magellan may become an Audi, based on the Cayenne/Touareg platform. Interesting. They are really leveraging that platform.

    And rumor has it the Cayenne has sold out for 2 years already! *gasp* But get this - it's delayed months because of engineering problems with it and the VeeDub!

    Meanwhile, no money was left for the Boxster so it gets a glass window and a whopping 8hp instead of a redesign. That thing will be a decade old by the time they replace it. Guess they spent all the R&D funds on that problematic SUV!

    Sorento starts at $19,995, but a 4WD EX runs $24,595. I was hoping for a little lower, the minivan is a much better value IMO.

    -juice
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    And just how old is the Porsche 911 series????

    At a decade, the Boxster will still be in its infancy.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I think the real problem with the Boxster is that it is absolutely wonderful, yet Porsche was too afraid of stepping on the 911's toes so they never brought a truly powerful Boxster to market. Meanwhile, the M-Z3 Roadster and SLK32 AMG rule the roost while Porsche twiddles their thumbs with an SUV...

    -Colin
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    When I drove a Boxster, I found the shift throw quite long. I guess I was expecting a sports car to have a short throw shifter, not long like that of my Civic (or a Legacy GT). But when you mash the pedal, what a rush!

    What are others' experiences with the shifter?

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
    or is the idea of Porsche coming out with an SUV one of the dumbest ideas in along time?
    Ron
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    A true 911 fan won't buy a Boxster, they want ultimate performance, not a fun little toy.

    Ron: we discussed the topic at length in the past. That was in Future Models, and spilled over to this topic when it was created. I agree, but the bean counters knew something if 2 years of production is already sold out.

    Problem is, now they have to come up with big development cash for the 911/Boxster at a time when the market might collapse.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Ron,

    Unfortunately the SUV idea is only one of Porsche's huge mistakes lately. The low-powered Boxster S is another, but the biggest one is Porsche's exit from factory supported racing. They still sell parts, but they have no engineers and no race budget. No factory teams!

    Dumb! What took Porsche to the fore was the Speedster's factory-backed racing. This tradition continued with the 911 and met with astounding success in the dealerships and on the racetrack.

    -Colin
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
    Juice: Didn't want to beat a dead horse but I saw the mention of the Cayenne and every time it comes up I just shake my head.

    Colin: Your comments are right on the mark. I have to admit that I haven't kept up with "sports car" racing (i.e., 24hr - endurance road racing) in several years. (Partially due to the lack of coverage in the states) I'm shocked that Porsche no longer fields a factory team. I can remember their domination of road racing (was it the 970's?) back in the 70's and 80's. Amazing!

    -Ron
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Meanwhile Audi is getting all this great press in their sweeping LeMans wins.

    BMW and Mercedes offer substantially more powerful roadsters than Porsche.

    -juice
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    Road & Track did a comparo a few years ago and the four roadsters finished: Boxster, S2000, BMW Z3, and TT Roadster. (I may have switched the BMW and Audi for 3rd & 4th.)

    The Boxster was the most balanced all around. Personally, I'd still pick the underpowered TT roadster based on looks alone. Although, I think the TT coupe looks awful.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I can't fit in a TT, gorgeous as they are. I can't even see to the sides at all.

    As far as driving them, I've sampled a Z3 and an SLK, plus my Miata. I was surprised that I preferred the SLK320 to the Z3 3.0, by far, too. In fact, I'd put my Miata ahead of the Z3 as well.

    The SLK320 has lots of wood and aluminum, plus a sweet little 6 speed. I was impressed, and usually that stuff doesn't do a thing for me.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I wouldn't mind an SLK32 AMG! Now where did I leave that $55,000 lying around... hehe

    -Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Nah, those are auto-only. The 6 speed was truly silky and loads of fun. The 3.2l engine is very, very smooth, my favorite M-B engine actually.

    In fact, aren't all AMGs automatics now? I've even heard that future BMW Ms will have SMG from now on. Audi's RS6 is also an auto, what's going on?

    Drive the 230 Kompressor and a 320 back-to-back, and you'll agree it's worth whatever cost to upgrade.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Porsches' Cayanne profitable from day one...


    http://TheCarConnection.com/index.asp?article=5358&sid=175&n=156


    Bob

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I read that differently. They spent the profits that the 911/Boxster earned to pay for the development of the Cayenne, so at least they didn't have to go in debt for it.

    It's auto only right? Is that the first Porsche ever to not offer a manual? The beginning of the end of the world, I tell you.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    marketing bullensheissen:
    quote-- The Cayenne’s platform is shared with VW’s new SUV, the Touareg, but the two vehicles have little in common.

    who are they foolin'?

    although this was quite interesting:
    quote-- “We will be racing on slicks (treadless racing tires) before we go racing on sand tires.”

    surely not a tarmac racing SUV... he must mean plans to race in some class, probably a prototype class, with the new V8.

    -Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Maybe on the NASCAR Truck series. Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?

    That's my whole point!

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Doesn't it require Pushrod Engines? I thought that's why it's always american cars entered into nAscar.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Carbureted V8s, RWD, tube-frame chassis, yeah.

    More to the point - what series is Porsche gonna race this behemoth in?

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Juice, this Cayanne really pushes your hot button!

    It doesn't bother me that they've decided to build something you seem to consider sacrilegious. In fact I welcome to see what their take on this type of vehicle is. I hope they do well with it. And... I hope it might influence other brands into building better SUVs, or at least inject some new (untraditional) thinking as to what an SUV can be.

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    And take full damage waiver for it! Pine Barrens here I come!

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I guess I like Porsche small. You read it right there in that article - their profitibility is the best in the industry for their size. They have the very best return on their R&D investment in the entire automotive industry!

    So why mess with a successful formula? Even if Cayenne sells out, you increase fixed costs in a big way. You have to prepare all of your dealers to sell a product they know nothing about.

    Remember how Mercury dealers failed to sell Merkurs, even though the cars themselves were pretty good, and got good press?

    Now Merkur dealers have to sell a Mercury. Well, a Ford truck, sort of.

    It's just so "me too". Never mind BMW's 14 recalls for the X5. Never mind Porsche history. They'll be total poseurs, anyway. A trophy in the garage to brag about total HP.

    Porsche should be small, exclusive. Let VW sell the truck, you can do that without selling your performance soul to the SUV-loving bean counters.

    -juice
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
    This will be the new Gangsta wagon of choice!
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    and coming from an SUV owner (and fan), and being a certified car-nut...

    The SUV market, and truck market, have been for ages controlled by ultra-conservative thinkers. So I welcome anyone who can interject some fresh ideas, whether it comes from Porsche, or any other (non-traditional) SUV/truck maker.

    I'm not at all locked into the image of what Porsche "should be," based on what they've produced in the past. If they want to build an SUV, I say go for it. If anything, it will start a discussion—which it's certainly done here (and elsewhere).

    Bottom line for me is: whatever Porsche or VW come up with, some of those ideas will in way eventually trickle down into more mainstream SUVs and trucks—ultimately making them (hopefully) better vehicles.

    For me it's all about an exchange of new ideas and new thinking for everyone involved, and not about Porsche per say. I'm really not interested as to whether Porsche should or should not build an SUV. Really, I'm not. It would mean nothing to me because I'll never be able to afford one anyhow. I'm interested in this Porsche solely to see what they come up with (we know that now), and it it works (we don't know that—yet).

    I'd feel the same way if we were talking about Lotus, Ferrari, Subaru or John Deere getting into the SUV market.

    Bob
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    Hmmm... a John Deere SUV... any color as long as it's green. Look at the size of those rear tires!

    Does it come with attachments to mow my lawn?

    Jim
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    Bob, it's just one guy using carefully selected statistics to support his opinion. Probably an interesting read with some valid points (like soccer mom's & SUVs?) but ignoring facts that are counter to his opinion. I won't waste any more time on this.

    Jim
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I personally dislike the Porsche Cayenne. Not only is it ugly, but how in the world does it fit Porsche's product portfolio and key competitive strengths? I think they've just changed a key corporate strategy from uncompromising performance to uncompromising performance in any class of vehicle. I think it weakens their image.

    Ken
    (off my soapbox)
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I just found out that I'm going to be in Baltimore next weekend (10/5-10/10) for a conference.

    Any advice on where to eat, things to do?

    Ken
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    e-mail me with the details. We'll *do* lunch! I'd love to meet you—in the flesh! Any other MD/DC guys want to come? Juice? Loosh? Hutch? Mike Smith? Did I forget anyone?

    Bob
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    That would be very cool to see some of you guys in person! I'll email you details.

    Ken
  • teresapoetteresapoet Member Posts: 5
    Saw this fun article in the NY Times about naming cars. Two Subies are mentioned! (I think you have to register to read it, sorry...)

    http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/27/automobiles/27NAME.html


    Teresa

    who names cars but rarely uses those names

  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    are you in Baltimore, proper? email me and we'll do lunch. Where are you staying?
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    damaged yesterday while parked, so I can't go after anyone. Looks like around $300 in paint damage, so below the deductible. :(
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Loosh, I just sent you an e-mail about Ken's trip.

    Bob
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    I am pretty flexible too that week, at least so far, although I do have a 2 night stand at Mick O'Shea's 10/4 and 10/5
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I might be up for a roadtrip down from NY on 10/5 if nothing else ishappening.

    -mike
  • wmiller4wmiller4 Member Posts: 97
    Lots of action at the World Bank today in DC. Bet you are glad you do not work there still!
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Sweet. Hope to see some of you (in person, at last) next, next week!

    Ken
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    paisan Sep 27, 2002 3:08pm

    Ooo... can I come can I come can I come :D

    -Dave
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    makes reference to the GPS (OnStar) system on the stolen Subaru Outback.


    Bob


    http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020927/ap_wo_en_po/us_bank_slayings_7

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    All are welcome, although nothing's firmed up, and may not be until the last moment. We have to work to Ken's somewhat tight schedule.

    Bob
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