Luxury Lounge

blkhemi

There is a very, very, real possiblility that I may be the lucky owner of a spiffy new R8 if all goes as planned.

Apparently, the buyer for this black/cashmere/Alcantara opted to purchase a 911 Turbo Cab after learning that Audi was bringing the R8 Cab over, but it's waiting list is 4 years long as this is what I learned at the Audi dealership while the W-12 was in service for routine maintenance.

The car has 7 miles on it and is absolutely perfect. I've even got the wife thinking of dumping the XKR to get it, but she absolutely loves that car. I never thought she'd love a Jag like that as it used to be that only an MBZ would do.

If I have to, I will buy right out. It has a $121k sticker on it, but my buddy Al assured me that I can get it with a "gentleman's discount". He probably needs so legal guidance or something..

Either way, I 'll keep you all posted. I sure don 't want to have to wait until Brad Pitt, Jay Leno, Tim Allen, George Clooney, and the Rockefeller family get theirs in 2009 and then Audi puts me in line.

louiswei

Good luck with the R8, although it's not my cup of tea but it's one heck of a car.

If I have around $100K, M5 here I come...

bmlexus

hi

Are lexus built better or bimmers ? I want to get an x5 looks great muscular but some bmws x5 and some other bmws had recalls and some minor glitches,

I would really like a lexus which would be built and compete with the x5 does any1 know when will or will it ever happen that lexus will make a suv that be competing directly with the likes of bmw X5.

hope it happens in the next 3years or so.

any comments appreciated thanks.

houdini1

Congrats, but you have confused me on the time line. Are you saying that you might be able to get the car immediately? I hope it works out for you!

tagman

Holy smokes... getting another Jag would be easy and you won't lose any $ on the R8. Do it. !!!!!!!!!!!!

TagMan

louiswei

The only thing Lexus has that's comparable to the X5 is the RX. The next generation RX, which scheduled to debut next year, will have a 3rd row seat and be similar in size as the X5. However, the new RX will continue to be on the comfort/luxury side instead of sporty like the Bimmer.

blkhemi

Yep! The car is sitting on the Audi rotating showroom floor. I just drove over there to get another look at the car.

I'm meeting with my "money managers" tomorrow to go over a few things. Just cut the check people.

The owner of the dealership is going to let me take the car out for a quick spin tomorrow also. This usually doesn't happen, but given the fact that I've given him over $600k worth of business within the last year. So I will definitely be enjoying that ride.

blkhemi

I will definitely do it tomorrow if all goes as planned.

The wife is not ready to part ways with the XKR just yet and we've just completely given up on the SUV search until all of the diesels get here.

esf

You can get it in many colors besides black, but strangely, as tagman said you have to pay extra for a body-colored panel.

???

To be honest, it looks strange without a contrasting color. I think it looks best in black or gray with the carbon fiber sideblade, or even gray with the silver sideblade.

I have an excellent shot of R8s and RS4s lined up together at a track, presumably during an Audi Sports Car Experience event. There's a gray/silver one, a black/silver one behind it, a light blue/silver, a couple more grays and blacks... and it looks amazing in every color.

'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330

esf

I agree! With everything. Great post.

I was thinking about the 911, too, and I know that although it's not quite as fast, its steering feel is better... and I still love it... but the R8 seduces me. I see Porsches every day, but the Audi R8 would make me feel special. It's also even more comfortable on a daily basis.

I read one review (forgot which magazine, I think Motor Trend) where they took the R8 on a long road trip through the west coast, up to Canada. They described three main encounters from enthusiasts, and not just "normal" people: one guy, in an SLK, stopped them and took them to an area where he could shine his xenons on the R8. And do a photo shoot. A photo shoot, of the car! He also invited his friends and the writer/photographer ended up talking to these guys for a couple hours. The next day, they saw a Ford GT in their rear view, going in the opposite direction. The guy turned around and was looking right at them, and they thought he wanted to drag, so they were (understandably) scared. But instead, he pulled up behind them, got out, and said he was dumping the GT--he already had an R8 on order. The fact that this guy can afford a car twice its price, it just blows me away. Finally, they stopped at a light with a 997 Turbo. The driver was looking wistfully at the Audi, and they told him that his car was faster than theirs. He replied, "I know," (sigh) "but it doesn't look like that."

This article, among the dozens of others, is what has made me fall in love with the car. If it ends up that I order it, I won't even drive it. I know I don't have to.

'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330

lexusguy

Don't know what's the top speed of the GT-R is but the LF-A will be more than 210 mph. After seeing spy videos of this car testing in the Ring I think there is little doubt that it will trump GT-R's time.

Nissan has nothing to prove. The GT-R was always Japan's only "true" super car, even though it was basically just a hot Skyline coupe. The R34 could flatten any NSX, or Supra. If Lexus is just trying to match the F430, they'll lose. It takes an Enzo to beat the GT-R.

louiswei

It takes an Enzo to beat the GT-R.

Great, so Ferrari should make nothing but Enzo since everything else is just crap compare to the $70K Nissan. Porsche should only make the GT2 since everything else in its inventory got beat by the $70K Nissan. Lambo, Aston Martin and especially the "ultimate driving machine" BMW should all just pack up and go home since the $70K Nissan trumps them all in the Ring. Oh yeah, don't forget to throw in the awesome R8 into that mix as well...

Just like the 0-60 figures, the time in the Ring alone does not make or break a car.

I would take the original NSX over the R34 and Supra which both look too boy racer. The new "supercar" GT-R is also guilty of looking too playstation-like IMO compare to other supercars like the Ferrari, Lambo and the high end Porsches. If I have $70K and need a daily driver I would opt for a M3/C63/IS-F and put the rest in the bank as my speeding ticket fund. However, if I am in the market for a weekend fun car then the GT-R would definitely be on the top of my very short list.

tagman

I think it is kind of narrow- minded, with all due respect, to suggest that the GT-R is only a 0-60 or "ring" car and has no no other redeeming qualities. At the very least consider it's overall driving dynamics... And has anyone forgot to mention that the GT-R is a sports car? And It sure packs a lot of wallop for the money. It's does not have some of the charm or sex-appeal of some of the Italian and German sports cars, granted, but as we've been saying on this forum... credit goes where credit is due... And the GT-R gets credit for performane value quite possibly never seen before, reminiscent, but surpassing the days of the first appearance of the little RX-7. The "value" and capabiilities of the GT-R seem quite possibly unprecedented!

Does that mean I'm going to want to trade-in my 997 Carrera S Cab for a GT-R? No chance! As you are pointing out, it's performance alone isn't everything... but man, that GT-R would be on my short list!

TagMan

louiswei

Does that mean I'm going to want to trade-in my 997 Carrera S Cab for a GT-R? No chance!

That says it all...

I'd rather vote with my wallet than my keyboard. I've got a few cars on my short list as well but ultimately it's the one on the top that counts.

You won't see me arguing about the great performance value the GT-R puts on the table. With starting price around $70K (right now I am hearing the markup will be around $15K) I think the only other car that's even close to it is the Corvette Z06.

tagman

The Z06 is better than many are aware.

Like you said, though, the good values aren't always the top choice with the wallet. The LS is my personal example of that... It's value doesn't put it at the top of my buying list.

TagMan

lexusguy

Great, so Ferrari should make nothing but Enzo since everything else is just crap compare to the $70K Nissan. Porsche should only make the GT2 since everything else in its inventory got beat by the $70K Nissan. Lambo, Aston Martin and especially the "ultimate driving machine" BMW should all just pack up and go home since the $70K Nissan trumps them all in the Ring. Oh yeah, don't forget to throw in the awesome R8 into that mix as well...

Just like the 0-60 figures, the time in the Ring alone does not make or break a car.

I'm not trying to say the GT-R is for everybody. It's more mean than elegant, and its not particularly luxurious. The GT-R was never a luxury GT. It's all about going really, really fast.

atlas7

Very interesting discussion regarding the Nissan GTR...Seems many of the folks, not all, who use "performance" & handling" as the differentiatior for the European cars vs. the Japanese cars are all of a sudden backing off "performance & handling". Why is that, is it because the GT-R it is not a "traditional Supercar" as the likes of Ferarri, Lambo, Porsche GT, etc..You can't have it both ways, you use it when it is to your advantage and dismiss it when it works against you. But what this argument tells me is that their appears to be a bias towards "traditional supercars and Luxury cars with heritage. Thinking about it, I suppose it's natural to have that type of bias. The new kids on the block usually have trouble gaining acceptance when running with the big dogs.

bmlexus

Yes i do know that the only thing comparable to a X5 is a RX which lexus has.

But i have never really think abt the RX it really looks something much different
than say a X5 and most of the people who drove these RX are women its like a
ladies car,

Does any1 know that is there any chance that lexus could be bringing
a new line up of SUV (Excluding the GX RX and the large size LX570) to compete with the likes of X5 Cayenne ML,

houdini1

So I wasn't the only one who noticed that, eh?

tagman

Atlas7, Another good post.

My view on this is that the aspirations of some of us is to have the closest possible combination of BOTH performance and luxury... Even in the high performance sportscars.

When I think about it, it was one reason I traded that Lotus in for the 997 Carrera S... The Lotus was pure track performance, and while it was wicked fun for a while, I wanted the whole enchilada. For my money, that meant the Porsche. Had the Turbo Cab been available at the time, I'd have considered it, but it wasn't.

The GT-R is mostly business... like a Lotus, but more sophisticated.

The same desire for BOTH performance and luxury applies not just to someone wanting a high-end sportscar like a Porsche, Ferrari, or R8 for examples, but also applies to some of the owners of high-end sedans.

That does NOT contradict the same desire for performance and luxury in a sedan.

The old ongoing argument has been that some of the high-end sedans do indeed come closer to providing both than others. Specifically the old argument that the LS only provides the luxury and not enough performance, as opposed to the argument from owners of the S-Class that it does indeed provide more of the performance in combination with the luxury.

The GT-R, therefore gets the credit for performance, but not for luxury... And the LS, therefore, gets the credit for luxury, but not as readily the performance.

TagMan

designman

Hey, just stopping by to wish my buddies a happy Thanksgiving and happy holidays. May everyone be moved by the spirit of the season. I hope all is well.

D-man

blkhemi

D-Man, boy sure have been missing you around here. Hopefully your visit won't be a short one. Hope all is well.

To ALL fellow posters, have a great Thanksgiving Day, and remember to give thanks for all that we have(both big and small) and think of those that are less fortunate than we may be.

dewey

think of those that are less fortunate than we may be

Are you talking about Brad Pitt who cant get immediate delivery of his Audi R8?

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

lexusguy

To ALL fellow posters, have a great Thanksgiving Day, and remember to give thanks for all that we have(both big and small) and think of those that are less fortunate than we may be.

Thanks, have a good one yourself.

lexusguy

The GT-R is mostly business... like a Lotus, but more sophisticated.

Actually, I think the GT-R is closer to the Evo than the Lotus. More so when it was based on the Skyline coupe, but it still uses a trick, racing bred AWD system combined with a lot of boost in a (fairly) normal package. The S2000 is more the Japanese Elise.

tagman

Sure that's a closer comp, but I owned the Lotus, and the point was to use my own experience as an example of preferring to have some luxury AND performance all in the same vehicle... Thus the Porsche Carrera S.

Likewise, the GT-R is huge on performance (even more so) but certainly light on luxury. Conversely, when we take a look at sedans, Lexus LS is stronger on luxury and lighter on performance.

While the Porsche can reasonably represent a combination of BOTH performance and luxury in a sportscar, The Maserati Q can represent an example of a sedan that Is strong on BOTH. IMO, the S-Class is Stronger on having a combination of both than is a Lexus LS.

So, I just don't see any contradiction that I've made by liking the GT-R... and as I said, not enough to give up my Porsche.

TagMan

jcoby

By the way, I got tired of my 328i already. I am trading it in for an loaded 2008 IS350. I found the relative bland interior/features and over hyped German driving dynamic is not for me.

Very interesting conclusion.

[BTW, I have been real busy lately and have not been on any forums for about a month - so that is why I am bringing this up nearly a month after your original post.]

Early in October I drove my friend's 325i for an extended period and came to a similar conclusion. I was very impressed with the 325i's heavier steering at higher speeds, but it was annoyingly heavy during parking and other low-speed maneuvers. I drove as agressively I could on the highway and I did not come away with the feeling that the 325i actually handled much better than my stock GS 430; the 325i was only slightly better than the GS 430 in city driving at speeds below 45 MPH. Overall, my lengthy experience with the 325i made me even more appreciative of my own car - and I am very thankful for that. The GS 430 gives up little to my friend's 325i in routine handling, but the GS interior is a far more comfortable place to inhabit on a daily basis.

I also came away believing that the car reviewers and hardcore BMW enthusiasts have seriously overhyped the capabilities of the 3-series versus its competitors.

I still respect BMW as much as always, but I will show support for them at a distance rather than actually purchasing a BMW as my next vehicle.

I hope you are really enjoying your new IS. Keep us posted! :shades:

laurasdada

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

60+ degrees in Boston today so before we headed out to the relatives I gave the TL a Zaino Z7 wash (not enough time to Z6 after). Cleaned up the wash stuff and myself and the family headed north. Upon arrival at destination, I noticed that a rather large bird (probably a Turkey, revenge no doubt!) had decided to compliment the Zaino shine by leaving a large non-color matching splatter on the hood. And, of course, it rained while we feasted at the in-laws. Bright sun at my home when washing, rain 30 miles north... And a Happy Turkey to you, Mr. Murphy...

jcoby

It's nice to see you back, Houdini1!

tagman

OK ... that's another reference to Zaino I've heard in just two weeks! Is this stuff any good? Everybody out here is raving about it'

Who knows the real scoop on this stuff?

TagMan

laurasdada

Hello: I've been using Zaino for 3 years now. A very, very good product especially for the darker colors. Relatively expensive, easy to use but time consuming. I've become somewhat addicted... There are threads in the forums devoted to Zaino, as well as discussing other products.

Visit zainostore.com for more details...

Another Thanksgiving gone by and the Great Turkey (with all apologies to Charles M. Schulz and Linus) did not leave a new Jag XK in my garage :sick: . Oh, well. Only a month 'till Christmas...

Hope springs eternal.

clembo

I agree that Zaino is the best, but it can be a lot of work. I use the Zaino system on 2 of my cars, I just use Carnuba on the other 2. The Zaino does lookk much better, if I had more time or desire I would use it on all of the cars.

Dada, what happened to our tropical Boston weather today? I was going to get in a round of golf as my club closes Sunday but it looks like we are back to our normal N.E. weather. (Maybe it's warm in Brockton)

cyclone4

Dada, what happened to our tropical Boston weather today? I was going to get in a round of golf as my club closes Sunday but it looks like we are back to our normal N.E. weather. (Maybe it's warm in Brockton)

Does laurasdada live in Brockton? I get very sentimental/nostalgic when someone mentions the city where I lived for many years. It was sure fun "cruisin the drag" on Main Street with my brand new 1969 Mustang Mach 1 back in the day. The girls were definitely attracted to my car.

laurasdada

Greetings Clem & Cyclone:

Clem, as a New Englander you should know re: the weather. If you don't like it, wait a minute (and it will change)! Yeah, yesterday was great but ya gotta love a 30 degree temp change in less than a day!

I use Zaino on my dark blue TL, fabulous stuff. Z2 & Z5 w/ZFX. Z6, too. And I just this summer ordered the Z7 wash. I don't Zaino the Evil Wife's RX300 as it's a bit older and white so it always looks kinda clean-ish. I just Black Magic wax it 3 or 4 times/year. Looks good but doesn't last as long as Zaino.

Cy: No, don't live in The City of Champs. I go to Brockton Rox games in the summer. And, if necessary, the RMV... Not a native of these parts. Actually grew up in Connecticut, but the taxes were too low. So I moved to Mass. That took care of the tax situation. Now I have much less money... What was I thinking???

esf

My view on this is that the aspirations of some of us is to have the closest possible combination of BOTH performance and luxury... Even in the high performance sportscars.

I agree, and that's why I want an R8. More than a GT-R.

BTW, the new X5 is at the dealer... we just haven't picked it up yet. So I can do this now!

'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet

esf

Really? That's interesting! If he can't, it would take me at least a decade, I'm sure...



'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet

dewey

It was sure fun "cruisin the drag" on Main Street with my brand new 1969 Mustang Mach 1 back in the day. The girls were definitely attracted to my car.

Fords were great chick magnets back in the 60s and 70s. During my high school days the girls were attracted to my used 78 Ford Granada with a red vinyl roof. Ok, ok maybe their attraction had nothing to do with my Ford and everything to do with my animal magnetism.

dewey

I've heard the following claim so oft repeated here that it has become almost an established truth:

Who on earth would own a German car out of warranty when they are such money pits?

Well I have news for you the above claim is BUNK!!!!

Why?

Because if German cars were such money pit lemons then most owners would try to get rid of them ASAP! But the facts below indicates that the cars with the most longetivity are primarily German cars.

Passenger car longevity rates
Brand % surviving 11 to 15 years

Porsche 98.7%
Volvo 87.2%
Lexus 83.7%
BMW 83.6%
Mercedes-Benz 82.6%
Toyota 78.2%
Audi 76.5%

link title

dewey

Ten years waiting for an Audi R8?

Dont bother! By 2017 the Audi R8 will become obsolete when this new model is introduced

I dont know if Will Smith has made his 2017 order yet but apparently he seems to be a very happy test driver.

houdini1

Great news and thanks for sharing! I don't suppose that the more expensive a car is the more likely a person is to spend money on it to keep it running. Nah, didn't think so!

Now let's talk about some of that ocean front property I have for sale here in Kansas!

tagman

Bingo! You understand exactly what I was talking about.

Now... Let's say you are a guy with a budget limit and the R8 is out of range... you could consider a Cayman or Boxster, or even a Lotus or Corvette, but that GT-R is a serious contender that represents massive performance... But at the sacrifice of some luxury... Surely there will be those that will choose it even when they can afford more, and especially when financially constrained at that level.

That said, if I weren't able to afford my Carrera S, personally I'd pick the Cayman or Boxster S before the GT-R.

Let me put it this way... If there was a budget limit...

1. Cayman S
2. Boxster S
3. GT-R
4. Corvette
5. BMW Z4
6. Audi TT
7. Lotus Exige
8. Lotus Elise
9. Honda S2000 CR

TagMan

bmlexus

Can any1 reply my message no. 7925.

tagman

The answer to your question is simple... The BMW X5 has no direct competition from Lexus. While the upcoming RX will be offered in two sizes, I wouldn't consider the larger 7-seater to be an X5 competitor.

Frankly, if the X5 is your primary focus, you should just get the X5, IMO.

TagMan

houdini1

It depends on what you are looking for. I would agree that the RX and the BMW 5 series are not direct competitors.

Having a "performance" oriented SUV has never made much sense to me as I view performance and SUV as being mutually exclusive. You either want one or the other.

If you want an SUV and you like Lexus, look at the GX and the LX. They are both luxurious and comfortable, and are superb off road vehicles if you are so inclined.

2001gs430

I also came away believing that the car reviewers and hardcore BMW enthusiasts have seriously overhyped the capabilities of the 3-series versus its competitors.

That's exactly how I felt after a few weeks in the 328i. Now, after 3 weeks in my IS, I believe I've found the right replacement for my GS. Unless you MUST have stick-shift or doing some sort of track racing, IMO, the IS350 is a much more balanced vehicle in term of sport/luxury in this class.

houdini1

Thanks jcoby, same to you! You have been sorely missed.

I had a new 3 series sedan back in 1989. I replaced it after 3 years with with a new Honda Accord and I can still remember how much more I liked the Accord. I never had any problems with the Bimmer, I just did not like it.

bmlexus

Ok, i actually figure that too that japanese SUV really doesn't have any competitors for the x5..

I really like the X5 but after reading some strange reviews abt x5 and the recent recalls as much as i love this car i have my share of doubts for it

I just don't like the gx and lx.too big like a family van

Which car handles better the lexus or the bmw which has the better grip i am sure its the bmw but just asking.if u guys can reply

A guy i know is considering buying a 7 series any comments that the 740 is better or the 750. And Is the new LS better than the 7series

I just don't get this why does lexus not make a SUV to compete with the likes of the x5 cayenne.

Hope to get all the replys

thanks guys.

blkhemi

"Are you talking about Brad Pitt who cant get immediate deliver of his Audi R8?"

Also, Michael Douglas, Tom Cruise, Puffy, Jay-Z, just about every athlete of any sport!

Funny thing happened. I was chatting w/ my longtime pal over to his house for T'Giving. I too was in the Boston area yesterday(Wellesley). He opted to cancel his order on his 2008 F430 SC in favor of the R8. And this is a guy who drives a Maser Q-P, a 360 Modena, and a "Magnum P.I." Daytona. And he restores Alfa's for hobby. But to switch from all-Italian to a German-sourced brand shocked me coming from him. But he proclaims that it's good enough for the Gallardo......

atlas7

I've heard the following claim so oft repeated here that it has become almost an established truth:

Who on earth would own a German car out of warranty when they are such money pits?

Yes, and you probably just reacted the same as when you heard it for the very first time.....Give it a rest.

laurasdada

Shucks! I work in Wellesley! You could have stopped by and given me one of your cars! Or visited Brightness (wherever he is?).

Oh, well. I was actually in Ct. on Wednesday taking back some of my money from the Mohegan tribe... :shades:

Hope y'all had a lovely Thanksgiving and look forward to the Patriots march towards perfection. I'm hoping that they face the Pack in the Super Bowl to get revenge for the "Desmond Howard" incident back in the '90s... Geez, three Super Bowl wins in the '00s and I can't let go of that. I guess you need something to keep you going in life!