Luxury Lounge

1167168170172173428

Comments

  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Sure, but would you believe if the LS460 scores higher in the performance category than say, the 750i or A8?

    I know I wouldn't and you know how much I like Audi...

    I am not going to argue about every editors biasness, but US News is saying that: The ES is a better performance car than the IS :surprise: :surprise:
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    I am not going to argue about every editors biasness, but US News is saying that: The ES is a better performance car than the IS

    Whoa! Are they saying that it performs better? Or are they saying that they view it as the best choice in its category? I believe the latter.

    TagMan
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Lexus IS:
    Performance 8.0

    Lexus ES:
    Performance 8.3

    I think 8.3 > 8.0 in "performance category" (not the ranking) pretty much means that US News is saying that ES is a better performance car than IS. Like I said, I wouldn't [non-permissible content removed] about the ranking itself but this is absurd.
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ...The first model year for the Vigor is '92 so how did you get it as the '90 model? ...

    I was thinking the exact same thing. :confuse:
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    wei, very little about this article made any sense. Don't worry about it. The whole thing was half-baked. The only thing to take from this is to take everything that U.S. News reports with a grain of salt.

    Good catch on the Vigor and Legend!! :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    The only thing to take from this is to take everything that U.S. News reports with a grain of salt.

    US News should stick to ranking colleges and grad schools, I think they always do a job every year in those rankings. As for cars, leave that to C&D, R&T, MT, Edmunds, Automobile or even CR :surprise: .

    Good catch on the Vigor and Legend!!

    See, I wasn't lying when I said deep down I am a hardcore Honda/Acura fan. ;)
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Lou,
    Like I said, I have no endorsement for the U.S. News rankings other than to post them because the day I saw that they rated the GTI #1 in its category was on the same day you posted those wonderful Ward's Best engines awards, of which the GTI and Audi received the number one engine award!! That's the extent of it. I really don't care that much about the report. If it's bogus, then so be it. I've seen some strange stuff from Forbes now and then, too. Heck, for that matter, Motor Trend even has some strange stuff in it once in a while... and that' was my point earlier about not trying to rate the critics and reviewers... it's futile. Sooner or later they ALL mess up anyway!!!

    TagMan
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    They were wrong. I've heard from inside sources that an RS6 sedan will make its way over. It will likely be only about $5K more than the current model.

    The RS6 would actually be a nice substitute for the R8, and although nothing can replace that beauty, the RS6 offers even better straight-line speed and the ability to carry four passengers in complete comfort.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Tag, you don't need to defend on why you've posted the US News ranking, of course I know you are just the messenger (like I was with the Wards 10 best engine list). All my "bitching" was strictly to the US News ranking, not toward to you.

    I would just like to point that out in case there are any miss understanding.
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Sorry, forgot. I didn't pay attention to most of my leases... the only one that I know completely is the '00 A6 2.7T lease, because that was the first time that engine came out, and it was the first one I truly loved.

    Compares to what? The F-22? IMO every Acura (yes, including the RL) has more exciting design than Audis (okay, maybe not the TT and R8).

    IMO IMO IMO IMO IMO IMO

    In case you hadn't noticed, with your incessant Audi hatred, I don't take your opinions very seriously.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    In case you hadn't noticed, with your incessant Audi hatred, I don't take your opinions very seriously.

    That's okay.

    Because with your Audi fanboy-ism and hatred toward Acura and Lexus I don't take your opinions very seriously either.

    ;)
  • visoviso Member Posts: 14
    Now that is what I've been waiting for! I already have my name it for the next RS6. I was told it should arrive within 12 months or so. Thanks ESF! Way cool! The new RS6 is going to be just plain brutal. The 580 bhp is actually underrated by Audi as the the RS6 is actually 600 bhp according to various sources such as CAR. Easily will hit low 4s to 0-60. Sedan even faster! By the way thanks for your enthusiasm. It sure beats having to listen the Lexus fanboys rant about their glorified Buicks.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    am thinking about the same thing for the same reasons.

    This is the first time our thinking is so similar.

    Now let's get back to our never-ending war and focus on luxury cars. ;)
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    it reminds one of the impact on the environment that the Prius actually has that is forgotten because the focus is mainly on fuel consumption

    Oh yes a few months ago I had a major debate that involved many posts in which I tried to explain the CNW study that had concluded that the Prius is not so environmentally friendly.

    I agree with what you are saying about the Prius but I am not going to buy one because it's envioronmentally friendly. I am buying it because I want to substantially reduce my daily fuel consumption and nothing else.

    A fuel efficient BMW sounds like music to my ears. But most my driving is city driving and hybrids makes more sense to me if my sole objective is fuel consumption.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    :)
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    A fuel efficient BMW sounds like music to my ears. But most my driving is city driving and hybrids makes more sense to me if my sole objective is fuel consumption.

    That is fairly cut and dry. I still believe, however, that there will be new and more stylish choices, even in the hybrid arena, by the time the next generation Prius comes out. It's hard to say for sure what you will purchase. Toyota and Honda and others have sporty hybrids coming out, and you can bet a hybrid diesel will happen before all too long... although I don't know if it will make it before the next Prius debuts.

    Today I heard an interesting Prius ad on the radio while driving. (Surprising enough to me that the car needed to be advertised at all!) Anyway, I was listening to the news for a while and THIS was the interesting part of the ad:

    "....without ever having to plug it in....". Those words were spoken in a manner that suggested that it was a negative attribute to need to plug in a hybrid, and a positive attribute to NOT need to do so.

    Gosh, if Toyota is telling all of us that it is better to NOT plug a hybrid in, then I've got to believe that they are going to leave that to the Chevy Volt, and that their next generation hybrid may NOT be a plug in afterall, or else they would then have to do a 180-degree turnaround, only to then advertise to us that plugging-in is actually good, afterall. :confuse:

    TagMan
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Let's wait and see what Toyota will do with the next gen Prius and with the plug-in technology. Jumping into conclusion based on some dealer ads (I doubt if TMC USA was even aware about this) is kind of immature in my opinion.

    It maybe just me but I always take dealer ads with whole bunch of salt whether its domestic, Japanese or German...

    However, I would agree that Toyota will be making a big mistake if they decide to go against the plug-in hybrid.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Younger? Older? Income?

    Here's the answer:

    We’ve been tracking studies of hybrid demographics for years, and the trends are clear:

    Hybrid drivers have higher income, much higher than the average car buyer. In 2004, J.D. Power reported that hybrid owner incomes are $100,000 a year versus $85,000 a year for the average buyer. In a 2007 survey of 118 Prius drivers by Topline Strategy Group, 71 percent of respondents earned more than $100,000 per year. A 2007 study by Scarborough Research— approx. 1,000 hybrid drivers, not just Prius owners, gave answers—showed that 42 percent have an income of greater than $100,000.

    Hybrid drivers are a few years older than the average car buyer—closer to fifty rather than the average age of forty. J.D. Power’s 2007 review of auto industry marketing showed that only 2 percent of hybrid owners are 24 or younger; while 29 percent are between 45 and 54; and 33 percent are 55 and older. The 2007 Scarborough Research pegged the number of age 50+ hybrid drivers at 23 percent.


    link title

    When I get the chance, I'll dig a little deeper and try to find some concrete information about the "motivations" and "emotional" characteristics that are underlying the majority of hybrid purchases. If I get credible or interesting information, I'll post it. :)

    I have no doubt that fuel economy is a major factor, but I wonder if that is all there really is to it, as it is for Dewey. Celebreties, IMO, are too few to really count, but their motivations may be shared by more common folks, and that is what I'll try to discover. Are the "greenies" really about the environment, are some folks making a political statement, or excuses aside, does it really all boil down to the wallet at the gas pump?

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    I assume you meant "premature", not "immature". LOL. ;)

    That's a good point about the ads being from a dealer or TMC.

    If I hear the ad again, I'll check to be sure it is or isn't from TMC. I thought it was, but it's worth a check, because it certainly makes a big difference.

    TMC is now testing plug-in technology in Japan. There oughta' be a reason. ;)

    TagMan
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Toyota wants hybrids to be mainstream and to be priced as close to possible to non-hybrid models. A costly plug in model with more potent and expensive batteries contradicts the whole notion of mainstream and cheap. Also plug ins may be a hindrance for people who park outside or are not close to an electrical outlet. So plug ins would cater to a niche who are willing to spend big bucks to gain a few extra MPG and who can tolerate the inconvenience of plugging it in over-night.

    So if I was Toyota I would scrap the idea of having mainstream plug ins and instead build a one of a kind hybrid Lexus which has all the latest hybrid bells and whistles(expensive battery ,plug in , costly hybrid components and technology).

    So here's my guess:

    Premium priced Lexus plug in hybrids for a big spending niche (the minority)
    Lower priced Toyota non-plug in hybrids for a more frugal mainstream buyer (the majority)
  • gfr1gfr1 Member Posts: 55
    My perception is that unless you have a battery system capability that is like the planned Volt, ie a typical trip profile that won't need to use the ICE, the plug in feature would be a wasted capability. That is to say, the ICE always cranks up due to the requirement for the battery to between 50 & 80% charge. So, with the near term battery capability, little is gained by plugging in. In my case, I live on a ridge line. So. I know that the engine would be running as I depart home, going downhill, for warm up. And, when I return, I know that the engine will have to run, to get me back home. Hence, a full battery. To get any room for a plug-in charge, the system would have to have advance features to guess what it would take to leave the battery charge at a low point for the plug-in charge. So, until they come up with a 30 - 40 mile battery only capability, the plug-in wouldn't be much of an advantage. The whole technology needs to advance before they worry about plug-in. GR
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    So here's my guess:

    Premium priced Lexus plug in hybrids for a big spending niche (the minority)
    Lower priced Toyota non-plug in hybrids for a more frugal mainstream buyer (the majority)


    Interesting idea. Somehow, though, I think it might be better to stay with one very capable system that they can use on all their cars and trucks with some variations, depending upon the model. It would be cheaper to manufactuer and service such a single-system centered approach.

    With this focused approach, Lexus would be elevated more by the normal feature-rich content as they are now, and not by the hybrid system itself.

    The plug-in capability would be best to be included, but not a requirement to use. It could be plugged in when possible, which would add full battery power by doing so, but if that is not possible, the engine, (likely a very efficient gas engine) would run when necessary, as in the current model... best of both worlds. More updated emphasis would be placed on keeping the batteries charged, as subsystems would be even more efficient than they are now, and less energy would be wasted... from the exhaust stream, for example.

    The newer and sportier hybrid models that have been announced by Honda and Toyota have sparked my interest, but so far the Prius is just way too funky for me. I know that I could not stand it for too long, no matter how much I rationalized how much it might make sense.

    If those newer models are as cool as the concepts from the car shows, then I'm a potential buyer of a hybrid... parked alongside my diesel SUV? HA! :)

    TagMan
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    But, it does sound like you bash Acura just a little too harshly when you don't give them the credit for the MDX that is truly justified, and the market and reviewers generally confirm. As I said, sure there are shortcomings like fake wood, but to be fair, the MDX really makes up for those in spades with its terrific versatility, functionality, and genuine ride capabilities that are practically unmatched for the money in any other SUV.

    Perhaps if my wife needed a vehicle the size of the MDX, I might take it more seriously. I still think it's really ugly though, with that giant Japanese robot face, and the Audi knock-off rear end.

    Unfortunately, after years of stumbling around in the dark with no design direction at all (the 5-point grill really sets an Acura apart from all of the other Asian cars that use 5-point grills, and of course makes them much more interesting looking than any Audi), it seems like the Gundam look is set to become the new face of Acura. I think it will go over about as well on the new TL as the Subaru "wings" look did on the Tribeca.

    image
    image
    image
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Compares to what? The F-22? IMO every Acura (yes, including the RL) has more exciting design than Audis (okay, maybe not the TT and R8).

    You've really lost me here. Audis, especially post the switch to the big grill, have a single, cohesive theme that goes all the way from A3 to A8. They are all instantly recognizable as Audis, even without the badge. Acura has nothing like that. Their cars are all over the place. Nothing about any one of them says "Acura". Take the badge off, and they could be Nissans, Mazdas, Hyundais, or even Toyotas. Lexus and Infiniti used to be just as guilty, but both of them have at least developed brand design strategies, if only just in the last few years. Acura still has nothing, no G/M look, and certainly no Finesse of any kind.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    I'll give you that Audi lineup has a really great family resemblance, however, that doesn't automatically translate into great styling. I personally don't like the buck tooth grill that Audi has adapted and the too subtle (or blend) exterior style. But that's just me, different stroke for different folks.

    I find TT and R8 to have great styles, these two are definitely the exceptions within the Audi lineup in my opinion.

    As for Acura, I would beg to differ that it doesn't have family resemblance, here's a hint: pentagon grill. Also, I can see a lot of similarities between the TL and TSX, for some reason Acura has softened that design scheme a lot for the RL and I think that was one of the mistakes they've made for that car. As for the SUVs, RDX and MDX do share similar looks in the front and rear fascia as well.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Audi knock-off rear end.

    Audi knock-off? Correct me if I am wrong but I believe that the MDX and Q7 went on sale about the same time so it's hard to say who knocks who off. As matter of fact, if we dig deeper we would find that the MDX is just following RDX's rear design scheme (there is the Acura family resemblance for you). Since the RDX has hit the market before both the MDX and Q7, if one must have to say who knocks who off then it's only fair to say that the Audi SUV has a knock-off rear end of Acura SUVs.

    Here are the pictures:

    RDX:
    image

    MDX:
    image

    Q7:
    image

    As for the Acura grill. Can you point out which other Asian brands also use pentagon shape grills? Because as far as I know both Toyota and Lexus have reverse trapezoidal grills (different style), Nissan has the "key hole" grill design, Infiniti currently has adapted the razor blade grill and Mitsubishi has the Audi knock off buck tooth design with its new Lancer. I just can't think of another brand who also has the pentagon design.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Since the RDX has hit the market before both the MDX and Q7, if one must have to say who knocks who off then it's only fair to say that the Audi SUV has a knock-off rear end of Acura SUVs.

    Well, technically the Q7's rear lights mimic those on the refreshed '05 A4.

    As for the Acura grill. Can you point out which other Asian brands also use pentagon shape grills? Because as far as I know both Toyota and Lexus have reverse trapezoidal grills (different style), Nissan has the "key hole" grill design, Infiniti currently has adapted the razor blade grill and Mitsubishi has the Audi knock off buck tooth design with its new Lancer. I just can't think of another brand who also has the pentagon design.

    Here are some examples. The 5-point grill is about as generic-Asian as it gets.

    image
    image
    image
    image
    image
  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    I am patiently waiting for the diesels

    That is surely going to be my next consideration as well. I may wait for the 2nd go-around however, as I would love to see a performance diesel with a huge amount of torque on the market. I also think the availability of bio-diesel needs a shot-in-the-arm to keep these motors clean and running at their peak and a little more "green". Hopefully this will be addressed in the new Energy Bill. :confuse:
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,224
    Random thoughts:

    But days like Thursday's Nor'easter always make reality deflate my grand scheme of impractical or third car ownership. 11-12" of snow in the driveway, and then allowing my neighbors to park their cars in my (somewhat!) plowed driveway so that their driveway can be plowed, gives pause as to having a third car parked outside the garage. It was amusing to hear a DJ on the radio imploring all BMW owners to not drive during snowfalls! On the news that night, they did show an abandoned 7 series in what did not look like too much snow. My TL could not make it up a rather long, steep hill. Made it about 90% of the way, but that was it. But I arrived without incident (one close call with a pinhead in a Volvo...). Still, TL is the poorest car I've owned to drive in the White Gold.

    And speaking of Honda/Acura: Just my .02 but this automaker has rarely been about style, whether intentional or not. Acura, the original Japanese Luxury Brand: Only two Acuras come to my mind as having any style: the original Legend Coupe (a variation on the BMW 3.0 or 635) and the current TL. Ok, maybe the NSX, but I never thought its style was its forte. I owned an '88 Integra, probably the best screwed together car I've owned. Fun, economical, reliable but stylish? So-so. My TL, otoh, is a handsome car from almost any angle (ok not a great rear). Simple, clean aggressive front end, nice clean wedge profile with a bit of character. Simple "star" alloy wheels that go nicely. I dig it. Lovely interior. Nice materials, simple controls, good toys and some whimsy. And this is not a $35k car (I have non-nav). For me in '05 it was a $30k car.

    I don't buy the badge, I buy the car. Don't care if a maker has a "style theme." I care about the car that I'm buying and can't afford. Of course I do care about the mfg. of the car. If they have a rep for building low quality, low reliability cars (like GM... ;) ), well, that may be a harder sell. But if the particular car does it for me, I may take that chance. I did with my '99 Chrysler 300m. While not the best screwed together car I've owned, I thoroughly enjoyed that experience: handsome inside and out (but certainly not the highest quality interior materials), smooth ride, decent handling, mpg. And...reliable! Who'd a thunk I would ever buy a domestic, much less a Chrysler! C&D 10 best and MT COTY (if you consider that any kind of honor!).

    So, my next car? On the menu (and I've driven none of these):

    Jag XK: But it would be a third car. I don't picture that out during snowy New England winters. This would be the true midlife crisis car for little ol' middle class me...
    Audi A/S5: A beauty and practical w/quattro. Look forward to testing 'em out.
    Used Caddy XLR: Can't explain this one, but if I can get a two year old for less than half of original msrp? Third car, unlikely. Just something about the XLR (certainly not the interior) just has held my interest.
    BMW 3 coupe/convert: Maybe xi? Could be practical... I've always wanted a hardtop convert.

    Of course, the Evil Wife could declare that she wants to upgrade her RX300. Then I do not pass Go...

    '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...)

  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Attention to the newcomer. I rather like the BMW Series 3 Cabrio, however. At least on the pictures.

    http://www.infomotori.co.uk/a_ENG_20655_1.html

    http://www.channel4.com/4car/news/news-story.jsp?news_id=16798

    Regards,
    Jose

    Edit: Not thinking in changing cars right now. The 530d has to pay back some of the money we paid for it. The Cooper still has two leased years to come. Who knows what it will be next?
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    If I truly hated Acura, I wouldn't have had two. I am just continually frustrated by them, and won't consider owning one again until they produce a proper HELC.

    Lexus? When have I hated Lexus? I love the IS, GS and LS. I will probably also like the new LX when I see it on the road, though I haven't loved it in pics. The SC and GX are the only ones I really dislike in their lineup. RX and ES don't bother me.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    I already have my name it for the next RS6. I was told it should arrive within 12 months or so.

    Very nice! Congrats. I'm considering waiting for one myself.

    The new RS6 is going to be just plain brutal. The 580 bhp is actually underrated by Audi as the the RS6 is actually 600 bhp according to various sources such as CAR.

    Yes, I've heard that, too. There seems to be an underrated twin-turbo epidemic; the BMW 335i, Porsche 997 Turbo and a handful of others may suffer from this.

    Easily will hit low 4s to 0-60. Sedan even faster!

    I have a hunch that the RS6 will be both the quickest and fastest sedan in the world. Think about it: if it does have 580-610hp, that's similar power to the current king (S65 AMG) and it would be more than enough power to surpass the C63 AMG in acceleration. Yes, believe it or not, the C63 AMG is the quickest sedan in the world right now, with one magazine reporting a 3.9 sec 0-60 time. It (the sedan) will also weigh about 500lbs less than the S65 AMG which doesn't hurt. Look for 200mph+ without a limiter.

    Unrelated: have you guys heard the buzz on the new S4? Thankfully, Audi really is moving back to forced induction. It will employ a 3.0 V6 with either a supercharger or twin-turbocharger, and a reported ~330hp. That leaves room for much lower weight (the new B8 A4 already weighs about 200lbs less than the B7 with the same engine), much better performance and lower price. Look for it to give the class-leading 335i/335xi a fright, better than the S5 could do.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Audi knock-off? Correct me if I am wrong but I believe that the MDX and Q7 went on sale about the same time so it's hard to say who knocks who off.

    It isn't just the Q7. The 2005.5 A4 Avant, 2006 A3 Sportback, 2006 A6 Avant, 2007 Q7 (of course), upcoming new A4 Avant and others are all using/going to use the rear end design. It is Audi's design theme... not Acura's.

    By the way, your point on the TSX and TL? Yes, those two have obvious resemblance. But the thing about the Acura lineup is, it's very separated. There are three different themes within their lineup: clean and sharp (TSX/TL), space-age (RDX/MDX) and yawn (RL). The RL shares NOTHING with any of its counterparts, which is quite strange. Until they find a cohesive theme that translates into the entire lineup, they won't be respected in terms of car design.

    BTW, most people would disagree with your point on Audis not being attractive. They haven't won countless design awards for nothing...

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    The A3 Cabriolet competes more with the 1 Series than the 3 Series. I find that the A3 cab isn't as attractive as the A5 cab will be, and the same is true of 1 vs. 3; the beauty is lost in their small sizes.

    However, I still think the A3 and 1 convertibles are attractive. But the hatches actually look better. And probably drive better. And cost less.

    I guess I'm a little biased on the A3, though! :P

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    As that is what I returned home to. The wife and I had an early Holidays exodus to Japan for a couple of weeks. What an experience. Fuji, cultural museums, the works! We did it all..

    Now back to the hustle and bustle of being a New Englander. 2 feet of snow, what's more to ask? A Nor'Easter to come...

    I've been catching up on all of the posts. Some of the Audi bashing is still ever-present. LG is now liking the XF? I like it a lot too after careful study. Tag, esf, clembo and others have been holding the fort down.

    But one of the more particular subject matter that was being discussed was the validity of the MT COY 2008 Cadillac CTS DI. I think it is a well deserved honor. There is no other car(not even my standby Accord) that is more significant over it's predecessor than that car. And that is part of scoring detail. The Malibu is definitely a close second.

    After seeing the CTS on the streets a couple of times now, I couldn't resist the urge in going to test drive one. Initial impressions are ever-lasting w/ me. And this one definitely did not let me down. Easing into the well contoured and leather lined seat, the overall interior execution was not lacking in any nature of the word. And this is a GM product? Everything is lined and fitted together seamlessly. Very nice. It is definitely tops in the current class, materials, assembly, and overall execution wise.

    Driving wise: Again, very class competetive. The DI engine and 6-speed tranny work together well in their marriage, seamlessly communicating with each other. While GM's 3.6 DOHC engine is really smooth, A BMW 3.0TT and Lexus 3.5 are smoother operaters overall. And I couldn't detect C&D's claim of "NVH" in any range of the RPM, no matter how many times I ripped through the rpm range. Ease of driveability is a definite apparent trait in this car. It is not a tossable as a G or 3-Series, but nonetheless is as much fun to drive. The car drives larger than those cars because it is: At 3900 pounds and 190 in. long, the CTS is definitely more 5-Series than 3.

    And all of this at a price of $43k, is quite possible that the CTS earned this claim on it's own merit? You bet your bottom line it did!

    Now with all of the bling going on with American cars, the CTS is a bit too "bright" for my tastes, but is a true player here.
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    "I have a hunch that the RS6 will be the quickest and fasted sedan in the world.."

    No hunch about it!! Nordschelife has tape of the car rocketing 0-60 in 3.6 secs on pump petrol!!

    And yes, much to the dismay of the rumor mill, the RS6 will be present and accounted for next year. And as is the case like the last gen, it will be fun with a price tag to mach. Top-dog: $90k. But not looking quite so bad in the company of the $80K S6, $85k E63 and M5(up to 90 for this model). But the RS6 is served as is: Fully loaded except with a sunroof-delete option and 20" BBS wheel option to complement the Track mode on the car.

    Where do I sign up!?
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Hey folks, PLEASE make sure the pictures you want to display in your posts fit within the text area. If they don't, you need to either edit them for size or just post a link. Alternatively, you can post them on your CarSpace page and use the automatically generated text to display them; that should ensure they fit.

    This has become crucial with the most recent software update. A picture that it is wider than the text area prevents a number of messages on the same page as the picture from being read.

    I've left a number of pictures here that are distorting the page, but I can't keep doing that. In the future, if your picture doesn't fit within the text area, the post will be removed.

    I'm sorry about this, but there's nothing I can do to avoid it.
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    I'll tell you why Acura really boils my blood: Because it can be so much more of a car company with just a bit more use of creativity:

    TL: A great car that is in search of a better undercarriage. The transmission turns the wrong wheels and the nose is much to heavy for this otherwise handsome face. Especially in TL-S form, it's engine power can overtake it's footing really easily. But this car is still a competitor, as I see more and more people buying them.

    TSX: What is it's purpose? To compete with premium compact V-Dub Jetta or to trim the price of a TL for ease of entry into the compact lux class? It performs well, but a Jetta GLI performs better for oh, 3 grand less with a better powertrain(2.0t, DSG)

    RDX: Don't even get me started on this mishap! A 240hp 4-cyl that returns WORSE fuel econ numbers than the 260hp, 3.0L X3? It's smaller and carries less than the Bimmer just as well. A ride that only a horse wrangler could love, this model is another one Acuras miscues that should'be been though0 outt a bit longer before being flagged into production. Buy a CRV EX(real-time AWD), take it to the local tuner shop for a turbo/suspension/wheel upgrade, go onto katskin.com for some decent leather, and, VOILA, an Acura RDX that's better than the Acura RDX. And guess what? You get to pocket about 10-12k in the process.

    MDX: No doubt the brightes star in the Acura lineup, it performs well and is well suited for the growing family as it brims with the latest in the technology. Really no gripes with it except that yet again, Acura put the polishing rag down before all was complete. Call up fellow Japanese maker Lexus and ask for some real wood and metallic trim before greenlighting the interior. I still prefer the previous gen to this one.

    RL: WHY??????????????????? Either give it proper RWD or give it a proper 40/60 split in it's SH-AWD to ensure better handling and less front-heaviness. And by all means, 350-400hp is what it takes to be taken serious in this class nowadays, so a new high-feature V-6 is in need seeing how Acura is allergic to V8's. And I'm all for conservative styling(I've got 2 Audi's), but the RL takes it to a new level. A new direction in styling and overall exterior execution is definitely needed next time around. I sure hop this RL isn't here for a long as it's predecessor('96-'03).

    I wonder what is happeing at parent company Honda for things to be so out of whack down the hall at Acura? And I still hold the utmost respect for the brand, it's just in need of better direction.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Welcome back to all that beautiful snow. We have to drive a few hours to the Lake Tahoe area in order to see it... and ski it, of course. Strange sometimes, as I remember some weekends with a day in massive mountainous snow and a sunny day at the beach.

    Good post on the MT COTY... and subseqent posts on your perspective on Acura.

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    LG, the MDX's "gladiator" grill isn't my favorite, but Acura really does have a "look" more than you either recognize or give credit. There is a lower edge crease that is prominent, lending itself to the letter "V". While bearing resemblance to other Japanese makes, it is more pronounced... and how interesting that a Japanese car should mimick a German car as well! It looks mostly Japanese with German sprinkles... Lexus has lots of company!

    Overall, Acura needs to shed their design theme, IMO, and start with a clean slate... And make the new "look" awesome as well as upgrade the interior materials, and perhaps get a segment-leading V10 rear drive or SH AWD flagship... although it could aleady be too late for Acura to be considered seriously in this segment.

    TagMan
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,224
    That was a nice synopsis of the Acura styling themes. Actually, I consider the TSX and RL somewhat related in that they are both handsome, but generically so.

    '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...)

  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    Ah, many moons ago in Central Cali!!

    I can remember being a young fresh law school grad in the '70's going to Tahoe, Mammouth, and on up into the Sierras with the ol' man in either his Scout International or a Ford Bronco- Clearly before it was cool to drive SUV's.

    The fondest memories of course was when I was a kid and he'd take my brother and I with our friends to Redwood Nat'l Park and we'd just gaze at the enormity of Nature there for hours.

    Tag you live in a very blessed part of the nation if I must say.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,224
    "Now back to the hustle and bustle of being a New Englander. 2 feet of snow, what's more to ask? A Nor'Easter to come..."

    Did y'all move to Greenwich? Oyster Bay is more Mets territory than Red Sox country. Actually, Greenwich ain't so much New England. But I wouldn't throw Belle Haven out of bed for eating chowdah...

    '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...)

  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Interesting read.

    Leno XF article
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    No hunch about it!! Nordschelife has tape of the car rocketing 0-60 in 3.6 secs on pump petrol!!

    HOLY SH*T.

    Sorry, just had to get that out of the way. Now I absolutely want one. I'll probably contact my Audi dealer within the next few months... WOW. I cannot get over that time.

    Top-dog: $90k. But not looking quite so bad in the company of the $80K S6, $85k E63 and M5(up to 90 for this model).

    Agreed. I've built the M5 numerous times, as I also love that car. It tops $90K with very few options. At that point I'd just get an S8 instead. And then I'd get an RS6 instead. It's just an endless chain until I've worked my way up to an S65 AMG, LOL.

    But the RS6 is served as is: Fully loaded except with a sunroof-delete option and 20" BBS wheel option to complement the Track mode on the car.

    Where did you get all of this info? Link? I hope we both have them in our garages by the end of next year...! :shades:

    I feel giddy.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    I absolutely agree, with everything.

    "allergic to V8s" made me laugh out loud, heheheh.

    I love Honda. But Acura has turned into their biggest mistake ever. No, not the company as as whole, but everything that makes it up. Toyota and Nissan have gotten so far and have gotten so much more cohesive (!) with Lexus and Infiniti. But Acura? Left in the dust! And the fact that the Acura RL (Honda Legend) and TSX (Honda Accord) are already sold in Europe, that completely hampers their chance of any success there.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    There were quite a few lapses in that article. It's a good read alright, but a couple I noticed...

    So when I heard that the new XF, which I saw for the first time last week, was $63,000 (£31,000) for the supercharged version, I was amazed... I had reckoned on $80,000-$85,000.

    ??? This car isn't supposed to be more of a HELC than the XJ. You would think he knew that.

    Inside the XF, the feel is hi-tech English gentleman’s study. The wood quotient is minimal for a Jaguar.

    Jaguar execs have stressed the fact that it's the most wood they've ever put in a car.

    Otherwise, I'm really interested in the XF SV8. At first, I was disappointed, because I didn't think it had come close to the production version. But now I'm reading glowing review after glowing review, and each one comments on how beautiful it is, in addition to how well it navigates the pavement. I think this is the best Jag in a long time.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    We've had it for almost three weeks, and I still haven't had time for a proper picture. It was cleanest the day I got it, and I only had my phone, so sorry for the bad quality... but it's been dirty ever since, thanks to the lovely Chicago weather. When spring rolls around, I'll post more, if you're interested. It's quite nice.

    Edit: sorry, my pictures don't show up. I have a Mac and I tried pressing the "Img" button, dragging the photos into the post and leaving the "link" there, but that didn't work. I'll post a small gallery on my profile. I just realized that my picture is still one of the RX and S4 next to each other... :surprise:

    Running boards will be added... eventually.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Jaguar execs have stressed the fact that it's the most wood they've ever put in a car.

    I've heard that as well, but it doesn't appear to have the most wood of any Jag, at least from the drivers seat view. The dash is missing that huge wooden slab found in the XJ, and even the new XK if you get the wood option. In it's place is a much more modern and minimal stripe of wood.

    image
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Wow... the foldout ad inside the cover of Jan. '08 C&D of the new XF was impressive enough, but what a great selling job Jay Leno has done for Jaguar. That is a good omen for the company... huge endorsement from Leno.

    When is the XF available?

    TagMan
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

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.