By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
The problem with cars like the Continental GT though is they aren't "real" old money Bentleys, they are "footballers cars" as Clarkson would say. The Continental GT/Spur is as English as the VW Phaeton. The CL is the more refined and elegant car, the Continental is too shiny and flashy, the coupe equivalent of an Escalade.
I would pass over both the Continental GT and the CL for an Aston DB9 (a lot more British than the Bentley) or a Maserati GranTurismo. Both are more exclusive, far better looking, and better drivers.
TM
Maybe, but I still think the Continental GT is a bit showy. It's actually much flashier than the Cadillac XLR. I'll take the Aston or Maser with alloys, rather than chrome.
I am sure your neighbor Mr. Overkill is a nice fellow and I dont mean to be facetious but I think his extended multi TV Escalade is a perfect match for his AMG autos.
A few years ago I expressed my interest in a hybrid retro-Isetta from BMW.
Guess what?
My dream may just become true. This possible new city hyrbid will be my contribution to the environment.
BMW to bring back Isetta bubble car
The firm that brought us the MINI has delved into the design archive once again
If there’s one car maker that knows how to resurrect a motoring legend, it’s BMW.
And the firm that brought us the MINI has delved into the design archive once again – to produce a 21st-century Isetta microcar! With its tiny dimensions and simple cabin, the Fifties original was hard to beat in town, even if it had no reverse gear.
The car was only 2.4 metres long, with space for two adults inside – and even some luggage. And now it looks as if the Fiat 500 and Smart ForTwo could have a new rival. Bringing the concept up to date, the modern Isetta’s dimensions are bigger. That’s to help it accommodate a fourth wheel, as the post-war version had only three.
A distinctive feature of the ‘bubble car’ was its unique front access. Safety regulations don’t allow that today, but the cute shape will remain. And while the classic delivered only 12bhp, the newcomer will easily keep pace with urban traffic, thanks to the efforts of BMW’s powertrain development team.
The rear-mounted engine layout will be retained. This gives the car similar packaging advantages to Volkswagen’s up! concepts, as seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. And, due to its tiny size and light weight, the new Isetta will have the lowest CO2 output of any car in BMW’s range.
That will help it to cut the line-up’s average emissions to meet future targets. A zero-emissions electric variant would also provide a similar benefit. BMW has given no official confirmation of the new Isetta’s existence, but company bosses are said to be considering design proposals.
One issue to address is brand image. Could such a car live up to the firm’s “ultimate driving ma-chine” slogan? If so, expect more about the new Isetta in 2010.
link title
The one thing that really through me over the top was that this car is equipped w/ e-gear, not exactly a new generation Ferrari F1. I'm more of the row your own crowd, so I didn't exactly care for the e-gear to say the least. Now when Audi/Lambo get the S-tronic into the supercars, then we may be back at the bargaining table.
I also am weighing the option of holding out for the Cab version, as well as waiting to see if Audi will be daring enough to put the upcoming Q7 V-12 TDI into the rear engine bay of the R. And there is the upcoming R10 to factor in just as well.
So I'll get in line with Pitt, Clooney, Puffy, and Will Smith among others...
Regards,
Jose
(58, playing tennis three times a week, trekking on the mountains and skiing as much as I can :shades: )
(Edit: and I like # 13
I guess the XKR will just have to suffice for now
Lucky you, three new cars in one year! Yeah, jealous... I've been debating buying a third, mid-life crisis convertible for a couple of years now. But just when I think I'm ready, the stock market kicks me where it really hurts... in the wallet! :sick:
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
You're right. Honda discontinued the stick version of this car for '08. I stand corrected.
Anyhow, I will be placing my next vehicle order for a 2008 3 Series with Sport package henceforth and forthwith in early summah. :shades:
TM
I posted what I thought to be his interesting perspective on the 12 cylinder.
TagMan
It's smaller than some riding lawn mowers!!!
TagMan
Is it going to be a 328i or 335i?
Explain further, please.
TM
I have not yet told my wife about the new 335i convertible yet, I already have 4 cars (Including a BMW Convertible at my vacation home) so that would be 5 cars. My mid life crisis could get me into divorce court.
Explain further, please.
It is just coincidence, I know well, yet many good thinks have occurred on day 13 of any month in my life. So, it is a nice number for me. (You mentioned something about # 13 and Pat, didn't you?)
Jose
I got stopped recently for daring to have a bit of harmless fun. Barely stepped on the go pedal. :surprise:
Therefore I will restrict myself to the 328i. It has more than enough get up and go and will run rings around the 545i in agility moves.
I've always been a 3 Series guy at heart and from the moment I took possession of the 5'er, I knew my next vehicle would be a 3 Series. Simply the best sport sedan in the world in its price range.
Thanks. I'm sure I will like it. My 4th BMW.....
Not to say I couldn't be stopped in a 328i.....
My "Support Florida State Troopers" sticker will be prominently displayed across the entire rear window.
PS: The numbers 3, 2 and 8 add up to 13. How can I lose?
How interesting! Coincidence or not, I also have had MANY good things happen on the 13th or associated with that number. Being born on a 13th was the perfect significant beginning of all of them (yes, a Friday). My wife's birthday just happens to be 13 days after mine in the same month, and as I said, I have had many significant events happen on the 13th itself all throughout my life... mostly good.
But that said, I'll add that I have learned in life that unanswered prayers have often proven ultimately to provide the better outcome, as well as to learn that there is often something very good that comes from something that appears at first to be a negative. What does it all mean? Well... IMO, we all make our personal determinations on where we give thanks, praise and credit... as well as how much faith we are able to have... and to where it is directed.
TagMan
Exactly! So, I wouldn't use the Floirida State Toopers as any reason to get any particular car.
If you prefer the 328i, great! Maybe you have no need for the extra ponies under the hood offered by the 335i, and that's fine. The EPA rates the combined mpg advantage of the 328i as only 1 mpg over the 335i. The lease plan, however, could be much more significant and the 328i likely has a much better payment. Have you checked into that yet?
TagMan
I find it difficult to keep myself in check driving the 545i, and I'm sure the same would hold true for the 335i. The 545i needs to go bloody, bloody fast!
You know, the 328i can get to 60 mph in about 6 seconds. Nothing wrong with that.
I had two 325is before the 545i. Both were great, but neither made me feel I was going to self-destruct.
Oac knows what I mean. He drove a 545i and seemed to feel the same.
I am pretty sure that's the case for your 545i and the 335i as well.
It's definately harder to contain a car with immense power. :surprise:
TagMan
I remember a British mechanic who told me the advantage of pre BMW-era Rolls Royces is that their chassis never rust, as the engine constantly leak oil.
While I agree that Bentleys may have lost some of their charm, I am definitely convinced quality made the necessary leap towards the survival of the brand. I would never consider the Bentleys of RR-era except for static use in a museum.
Keeping the good parts of the brand while discarding the problems is the challenge the new owners had to meet, and I consider they did it quite well.
For those who have the budget for a few continentals, I guess it may still possible to order hand made Bentleys
http://www.autobild.de/artikel/Themen-News-Zweit-Bentley-fuer-die-Queen_40275.ht- ml
you and I are the only ones in this forum that excited about the Isetta. I guess my tastes are more European than North American.
My childhood memory of an Isetta was in 1970 when I had visited Frankfurt. I never saw one here in Canada although I know they existed in USA.
An R10?
In that case patience is a great virtue.
Ya' think? In Florida, everything seems to be driven by the "senior set."
I live in Arizona, where there's no shortage of the elderly (I'm not far from participating). When I had to do business in Florida, I learned what industrial-grade, water-cooled, world-class old people were all about. The AZ bunch looks like triathlon participants in comparison.
It's a sociology experiment (not that there's anything wrong with that). God's waiting room doesn't begin to describe it, to say nothing of the driving "skill" of the cohort.
Tag, that Member Since date of April 13, 2001 (which was, incidentally, a Friday!!) is the date we moved here from another platform. I've actually been around here since some time in 98. Many members show that same Member Since date - what it signifies is that we were here before the Forums (known as Town Hall at the time) moved here to WebCrossing.
Oh c'mon Howard! I drive my BMW 335i without feeling like I am on a Kamikaze mission except when I see a patrol cop. Despite the traffic cops I love the speed of my 335i.
I will need at least one speedy car in my garage especially if I am going to have an Isetta.
(And thanks a whole bunch, tagman. I never would have noticed that at all if you hadn't brought it up. How embarrassing!
Here's another interesting perspective on gas guzzling.
North Americans have made great strides in improving energy efficiency, but have consumed all those gains with gas-guzzling cars, monster homes and an electrified lifestyle, says a report from CIBC World Markets Inc.
The Energy Paradox is that as we become far more fuel efficient we also end up increasing our fuel consumption . Sounds nonsensical but here's an interesting article explaining the above observation further:
Globe and Mail
Not legally (surprise, surprise), but those of us who live in the West & have access to Nevada, eastern Oregon, New Mexico & a number of other areas that can be run on the cruise control at well over 100 mph, so long as the vehicle is able & the driver is willing. If you're interested in learning where the speed limiter cuts it, that's doable as well. Paid-up life insurance is a good idea, but fun can still be had. My top memories are a Sunday morning on US 60 in New Mexico & a couple of early morning runs coming from Oregon into Nevada, with breakfast in Winnemucca. No traffic, smooth road, no animals, high speed. . .joy.
Those who drive vehicles like this east of the Mississippi do it for reasons different from those of us who get to exercise them out here, I think, but what do I know?
Eat your hearts out. :P
And of course I can beat most vehicles when the light turns green.
But the 328i can get me to my local bank almost as quickly as the 545i.
But since my wife is so considerate at making the rum cake just the way I like it, very light on the flour....and in return, needs me to transport her and her endless supply of suitcases to the airport (voted #1 by Zagat; way to go Tampa!), I must compromise with a sporty and practical vehicle.
So BMW it will continue to be.
The senior set is usually in the minority at such events.
Taken overall though, there sure are a lot of seniors in Florida.
At the Thanksgiving gathering I attended, 2 guys were relating war stories from World War Two!!
I find it difficult to drive with restraint.
How about this one?
http://www.autobild.de/artikel/Themen-Testberichte-Der-XX-SL_220723.html
0-62 : 3,9 sec 0-125 : 10,9 sec
Top speed : 220 mph governor (if long gear chosen) otherwise 210 mph
730 hp
1100 NM, this should be like 750 lb/f I think
280K Euros. I think around 420K USD.
Fuel efficiency ? What does this mean? They claim 7,8 MPG on a "quick highway trip". This suggest going 80mph is like idling.
http://www.autobild.de/artikel/Themen-Testberichte-Der-XX-SL_220723.html
I'm pretty sure Clarkson tested that Brabus SL on Top Gear, and hated it. It's even more pointless than the SL65 AMG. The traction computer just goes into "oh my god!" mode if you even touch the throttle, and the car freaks out. The SL just isn't made to deal with that kind of power, it was barely able to so much as go around a corner. For that kind of muscle, you need a K-sseg, Zonda, or a Veyron.
(And thanks a whole bunch, tagman. I never would have noticed that at all if you hadn't brought it up. How embarrassing!
Thanks to you as well, Pat!!! Although, as you continue to post, the number will indicate a higher count, but we all know that it was at exactly 13,000 when you actually made the post!!!... and that's what counts. A little interesting personal history.
Very Cool!
TagMan
tx_buzzard...
WHO, you ask? Why, our very own Mr. H.... that's who!
You can bet he'll be contacting Dinan for that download first thing tomorrow. Anything to get rid of those menacing Florida State Troopers. Thanks to the Dinan download, Mr. H. will be able to fight fire with fire, and he'll be outrunning those pesky troopers, as he watches them disappear in his rearview mirror.
Mr. H.'s first Dinan download experience was not so good, as the video link below will show... he had some minor vehicle control and tire smoking issues, but now he has good reasons to download the Dinan experience to his latest 5-Series... so he can finally be free from those horrible Florida State Troopers.
Thank you Dinan download... freedom at last!
Oh, yes... a quick video of Mr. H.'s first Dinan experience...
Mr. H. attempts the Dinan download
God bless you, Howard!
TagMan
Dewey, I acknowledge I am very sentimental towards Isettas. I posted this before.
In short, she was my first owned car. She was (at least) a third-hand car :mad:, and that time even co-owned with two of my friends. She lay abandoned in the yard of a crafted mechanic, who put her at work again. We bought her for a bunch of former Pesetas. We were fifteen-sixteen, no driving permits, on local, very deserted roads. Just a very warm summer.
If you wish to have a look to other luxurious small car of about the same age of Isettas but not the same size of Bentleys, here are the links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisc%C3%BAter
http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/biscuter-zapatilla.html
As well as this one:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/bv/pegaso.htm
Enjoy,
Jose
Maserati came back with an insulting offer of $20K. I will keep the car and they will replace the plaque from 01/90 to whatever it is supposed to be. The $20K can't even cover my attorney fee and the lease payment since the incident happens. I contacted a local news channel and they are interested in my story. Let's see.
P.S. Add insult to injury, 2 months ago with less than 8000 miles on this convertible, the A/C went out of freon. Maserati wanted me to pay for $400+ to recharge because it is regular maintenance issue. I did not do the AC service because it did not make any sense. The date i took the car home, the coolant tube came loose and coolant was all over my garage. Maserati had to tow the car back for repair.
Nice turn of phrase!
Yes! When my wife asks me what I want for Christmas, now I have an answer:
The Dinan power download! My prayers have been answered!
The only thing that bothers me is DINAN doesn't have 13 letters.... an omen, perhaps?
Man, you just can't catch a break! First off, you should tell Maserati what they can do with that pathetic excuse of an apology. $20k can't even scratch the surface. And this leads me to believe that they practice this type of business regularly as they're so eager to give you the said amount of money without even talking to a representative face-to-face yet. Such a sad thing to have happen as I really like their cars, and I really really like the QP now that it has a proper transmission.
But replacing the plaque is supposed to make all the difference in the world? Absoluetely not! Especially seeing how you bought the car on the premise that it was "'01/90". With your attorney by your side, call Maserati's bluff. File the lawsuit. I guarantee you they will come up with a better offer as this is a definite lose case for them in the form you've presented it.
BTW: Have you taken the $20k yet?
Yes, that Dinan download will make the perfect Christmas gift!
Glad you got a chuckle out of my post... Just for you.
TagMan
Interesting story and links... Thanks!
I don't recall Dewey's reason for his sentiment towards the Isetta, as I understand yours, but I do not expect we will see one here anytime soon. Did you read my post yesterday when I mentioned that I saw one in person... My son's photographer has one... and it fired right up!
TagMan
Thanks for taking the time to thoroughly crack me up!
So why am I looking at the Dinan website, one click away from ordering that sucka?? :surprise: