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Comments
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
The back seat room seems to be universally poor, not much better than a compact. The rear luggage space is adequate but not fantastic and the mileage is weak.
Frankly, why not go to the next size up and mitigate all these negatives with the positive of more space.
Unless you want a 2 person vehicle with additional ground clearance, I just don't see the attraction.
Plus, these are lady's vehicles if I've ever seen one.
link title
The standard model is much too slow... I'd wait for the quicker GT model.
Comments?
TagMan
Saw I asked the wife(aka the Boss Lady), and she replied I can have it. I thought, hmm, that was way to easy. It wasn't until we got back to the States that she informed me that I will have to sell my beloved(and hotly souped-up) S8.
So to my chagrin and much debating, I let my pride down and will be selling the S8 to a very close friend and just-as-fanatic Audi nut, like you and I.
I thought that since the W12 has more that enough room and power, why the hell not?
The R8 was a no-brainer, all though wife really wanted a MBZ SLR McLaren. I replied. "How nice"? Now where is you $600k check, and that it is if I can even find one? She said that the R8 looks REALLY good!!
The V-8 will plenty powerful enough as she would be driving it too. She doesn't even want to drive my Z06 as she saw that it has 505hp stock. Women..
Lemans?? Now I'm jealous!
I totally agree with that, and I believe LG's posts reinforce that thinking as well.
That's a primary reason that Acura will introduce their diesel in the RDX very soon.
The industry can't help but to see this obvious problem and is at work to address it. Unfortunately everyone will have to wait a little longer for the solutions to start showing up.
TagMan
Regards,
OW
While the wife and I were on our "world tour" for the past 2 nmonths, I saw the RS6. I drove the RS6. I thought the about the RS6. I drove the RS6 in Germany. Loved it. Wanted it.
Now I am really, really jealous! How did you swing that? It must be your Audi VIP status. Congrats! Give details of your experience.
We still have the W12 (I'll wait to see how the next generation A8L will be), the S6, and the A6 4.2 (slated to be traded for the RS6 with the wife taking over the S6).
We added a S4 for my college-bound son (he wanted a RS4 - yeah! really! I said he has to earn that one on his own). Again, congrats on the R8! Make sure you show us pictures when you get it. My time in it at the Audi Driving Experience was mouth-watering.
I'll be attending a Porsche event with my Porsche fanatic friend next month so I'm looking forward to some track time in a Porsche.
Me, too.
edit: I discovered that some of this vehicle information is 2 years old already!! I guess there hasn't been much progress. I also discovered that the "GT" version gets about half the mpg.
TM
Also, you can check out "related videos" on the right side of the main page.
link title
TM
GENEVA — When BMW pulls the wraps off its X5 Vision Efficient Dynamics concept at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, it will be proclaiming a bold message. BMW says this is a production-feasible seven-seat SUV — with the sort of performance, consumption and emissions rating you would expect from an average U.S.-market compact.
Even more intriguing, BMW insiders have tipped the X5 concept as a serious contender for production. As the first official photos were released today, an insider told Inside Line that the model could be built "within the next two to three years."
At the heart of the new concept is a hybrid drivetrain our source indicates will begin appearing in selected BMW models within three years, including the upcoming PAS (progressive activity sedan) and second-generation X3, which are both due out next year. The X5 Vision is designed to operate purely as a mild hybrid, with a small-capacity diesel engine supplemented by an electric motor — so it's different from the full hybrid system seen on the X6 ActiveHybrid at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show last September. The X5's engine is the new BMW twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder common-rail diesel that makes 204 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
BMW's xDrive four-wheel system, a new ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox — which will replace the existing six-speed across the BMW lineup soon — and BMW's stop/start function that switches off the engine when the car is stopped or idling, are all features of the X5 concept.
Although BMW has not yet divulged a weight for the X5 concept, it does claim a fuel consumption figure of 36.2 mpg (U.S.) — dramatically better than the 29.0 mpg (U.S.) of the X5 3.0d.
Other items of note are a solar panel in the roof that acts as an additional electrical source — and preheats the oil while powering entertainment and HVAC systems when the car is stationary; a set of futuristic-looking alloy wheels developed in BMW's wind tunnel for better aerodynamics and lower fuel consumption; and a lower-than-standard ride height, also for aerodynamic advantage.
What this means to you: BMW goes green in style and takes a lot of the guilt out of SUV lust. — Andreas Stahl, Correspondent
Source: Inside Line
Great news no doubt but personally this engine is a little weak for me, I would like to see the same application on BMW's 3.0L diesel.
At the time I mistakenly said it was on the Disney channel when actually it was on the Discovery channel. My bad!!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I too have decided on the RS6 Sedan and await it anxiously. I must admit I was highly torn whether to get the R8 or wait for the RS6 or just get both as I was getting close to doing as my dealer friends kept dangling every R8 that came in in front of me. Such discipline I say!
I've finally found time to head to France this year for the "24 Heurs de Le Mans." I was able to finally get an invite through Audi NA Motorsports to the Audi Hospitality Center there. I am looking forward to taking in the total Le Mans experience including staying up the full 24 hours of the race. Damn those diesel Peugeots!
I hope to do a daily picture log and have a link for everyone to go to so they can see the "real life" stuff there.
Again, best wishes to your wife and to you for a speedy recovery.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
As a follow-up, if you are interested, the egmCarTech website has the complete BMW press release including pics and a basic schematic diagram of the vehicle...
BMW reveals Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, hybrid-diesel X5
Of course, don't expect to buy one of these puppies. It'll be a while before any of this technology translates into a vehicle they will actually let us buy.
TagMan
I guess using some of the very impressive XJ equipment really paid dividends. The lightweight intensive-aluminum is some really good stuff. And the super-stiff structure that is the XK really proves that it is 4 times stronger than that of it's 32 year old predecessor.
"Congrats on the R8 by the way. That and the Maser GT are two of my "would love to own" cars. And the RS6. I'm still on the fence about either an S6 or the XF-S. Maybe I should wait for the 500hp XF-R? Just don't know."
Thanks. The R8 simply captivated me from the onset. It doesn't look like anything else, it performs better than it's V10-powered platformate Gallardo, and it is a relative bargain that is an easy daily drive. The just as sexy Maser GT is in a league all it's own, perhaps until Aston drops the DBS. I did not have an chance to drive it, but according to the reviews, it is a true Maser, more so than it's predecessor.
The XF has finally grown on me. I was on the proverbial fence about when it was first prictured, as we all were. But the truth is definetely in the pudding for this car. The XF-S is the car that Jag has been bleeding for even before the S-Type. The E-Class and 5-Series need to really worry. And the XF-R will finally place Jag in the league w/ Audi, BMW, Mercedes. I believe the 5.0L s'charged V-8 will be a stormer, being based off of the one used in Jag's racing program. It should really have the juice to cap BMW and Mercedes, but the 600-hp RS6 will be a tough horse to break.
Between the S6 and XF-S, I'd go with the newer and edgier XF. It has the poise, power, and performance to compete. Beware though: The Audi is getting a major overhaul for '09/'10 w/ the introduction of the new high-compression FSI V-8 to be used first in the new A8. It said to be good for 400-420hp naturally and turboed to 550hp
True.
I guess from our common experience with Acura in the 90s you should be as dissapointed as me on how far behind has Acura fallen in the last several years.
Absolutely. I would like to see them succeed, and with the TL I thought they would be able to do that, but there appears to be a disconnect between what "should" be going on and what "is" going on. Bolder styling doesn't necessarily mean ugly. Look at the Mercedes CLS for inspiration!
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
You make me feel silly--S4, for your college son? I was thinking my car was something just a bit special.
When my daughter was in college I bought her a Honda Civic. She loved it. Is anything more really necessary? Or, more accurately, will he appreciate it? I'm not questioning your parenting, but is the kid an Audi fan and does he know how to drive a car like the S4?
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
This could very well be my wife's next car, as she might be ready for something more fuel efficient in three years.
I saw some shots, and it really is stunning with that exterior color combo (white/silver). I'm excited for this car to hit production!
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
1) It isn't apples to apples. Most of the "great Northeastern US uppper middle class mommys" that I mentioned earlier aren't going to shop Suburu let alone drive a Suburu wagon to a Junior League meeting while they still have some positive equity in their McMansion.
2) Leaving the apples to apples issue to one side, does Suburu rate significantly higher on Federal crash tests, have dynamic stability control, and the great seats of a Volvo? Speaking of the best seats in the business, the base of my typical 5' 10" body's head is no more than an inch or two away from the headrest on a Volvo seat while I am driving. On other cars like my Cayenne it is yards away. The Volvo seat for this and other reasons has got to minimize the incidence of whip lash.
I have to say, I really don't understand the appeal of the SLR at all. First of all it's Paris Hilton's car, and I have to assume that all of those people in LA driving Continental GTs would be driving SLRs if they could afford them. While it is very impressive that such a heavy almost GT type super car can go toe-to-toe with its arch rival Carrera GT on a track, supposedly (as reported on by TG mag and such) it's actually rather lousy to drive, with steering inherited from the A-class (!) and the worst "on/off" application of ceramic brakes in any car. Even if I had the money to drop on an SLR, I would still take the R8 or the Maser over it in a second. The Audi and Maser also don't suffer the issue of melting their own platforms, and don't require special service. Supposedly there's one SLR guy in Canada.
I've driven both. And I understand the legitimate complaint or comment when an engine has a lack of low-end torque.
One of the chief complaints of the super-handling Lotus Elise was always about the lack of low-end torque. By supercharging the engine, Lotus addressed the complaint and provided an engine with both increased horsepower and more low-RPM grunt. Much improved!
The wonderful Porsche engines can rev up nicely yet provide adequate low-end torque... The best of all worlds! The BMW twin-turbo is praised for it's powerband, with high torque coming in at about 1400 RPM.
The R8 supercar fortunately has plenty of torque!
Now all that said, I do understand the excitement and thrill associated with a wildly spinning engine that sounds like it's about to destroy itself, but there are greater engines that emit wonderful sounds of winding up, but can also deliver that magical and awesome feeling of surge through the entire RPM range.
TagMan
I think Maserati was right to design the GT to be... well a GT, from the onset. The last Coupe and Spyder were always a bit confused, one half Aston, one half Porsche, and just as with the BMW 6 series, that doesn't really work. Jason Plato's review of the Maser on Fifth Gear a few weeks ago was interesting. He really liked the car, but complained that it had to be revved to get into the power band, that you couldn't just ride on a wave of torque. Well duh! It's Italian! If you just want big displacement and loads of torque, buy an SL. Italian engines are supposed to be revved, that's where the fun (and that sound!) is.
At this point I think I'm leaning towards the XF. There's going to be another S6, and I'm sure it will be much better than the current one due to Audi's new more balanced platform. Will there be another XF 7 or 8 years from now though? Honestly at this point, with Tata saying they really just want LR and they will turn around and dump Jag with the ink not even dry, who knows?
In order to be a IIHS "Gold" safety pick, a car must ace the IIHS's front, side, and rear impact tests, which include headrest design and whiplash testing. The IIHS tests are much tougher than the Federal tests. In small cars, the Subaru Impreza aced all three tests and is "Gold" rated. Is the Volvo S40? Nope, it only earned an "acceptable" score for side impact. The Legacy (with optional stability control) aced all three tests and is also a "Gold" rated car. How about the Volvo S60? Nope, once again, only "acceptable" for side impacts.
As others have been saying, the idea that Volvos are the safest cars on the road is a myth. Many years ago they may have been, but now there are plenty of cars that can not only match Volvo, but in some cases beat them. You said the V70 was safer than the Audi A6 Avant because its cheaper. There may be Audi buyers that think that Volvo is below their status, and there may be Volvo buyers that think Subaru is below their status. That doesn't change the fact that the Subaru is much cheaper than the Volvo, and yet its just as safe.
I have as well, and can appreciate both types of engines. Italian V8s aren't like the four cylinders in the Lotus or Honda S2000, dead until there's several thousand rpm on the tach. There's always something there, but they are at their best when you really wind them up. They are much more like the M3 than the 335i. When you drive a car like the Maser GT you just sort of have to expect an engine like that, it's the Italian way. If you just want something that can charge up a hill without having to drop a gear, buy a CL550. That said, I believe the GT is expected to get a version of the 4.7L V8 from the Alfa 8C which should take care of any power problems.
Anyway, you may recall I have owned a Ferrari and I understand that Italian V8... wonderful engines! That said... I'll take the Porsche engine!!! Or almost any high-end German engine.
TagMan
The Carrera S Cabrio I drove was a tiptronic. My wife wont let me get a sports car with a stick, she wants to be able to drive it too, and she just doesn't get the whole three pedal thing. My last convertible with a MT was the Healey.
Ever since you first posted her, I liked you spirit, and generosity for sharing your knowledge....I would like to `urge you on` in making a deal asap ...I suspect the dealer is delaying so you are then quick to do something they profit from.....Just my opinion, but possibly you could pick out a car you would be happy with, that was in stock, and then try and purchast that one....I know alot of deals get sidetracked because of pride, so if you made your mind up you wanted a certain car---then just push to get that one, on trade with the damaged one....The dealer has alot of resources , and can probably fix at a profit, and also make a profit on your deal, and I believe you would be far ahead in the long run...Again `Good Luck` Tony
Glad to hear it
I just didn't want to think about that kid who crashed in his M5, part two...
My great grandfather had a Horch Pullman in the 30s. You just don't get better than that.
:surprise: WOW! No, you do not!
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
I've never wanted an SLR at all. It doesn't elicit one iota of passion in me. It's ugly, overweight and overpriced.
Yes, if I had $500K to dump on cars, I would have an R8, a Maser GT, X5, XKR convert and S550. However, each one of those cars could easily be swapped out for something just as magnificent (GT3, V8 Vantage, Range Rover, M6 convert and S8).
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
Not sure if any of you were aware of this, but for people who are interested in buying one, go ahead and build it.
I already built my M3 sedan. I know which body style and which transmission I want (M3 sedan with M-DKG), but the color is actually the hardest decision. I don't think I've seen such a tempting array of colors on any car, ever. And it looks fantastic in every one of them. Thank goodness there are only 7!
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
Regards,
Jose
Regards,
Jose
M3: $63,675
ISF: $61,335
I have to say kudos to BMW for keeping M3's price very competitive and IMO $2k for buyers in this segment is essentially a non-factor.
Now let's wait and see if MB can deliver with its C63.
LOL!... Always easier to understand when you are in the same boat.
Just a little history... I was never able to see a Crimson Red car anywhere in person, nor were there any good pics at the time I placed my order. After I ordered the Jet Black, some great pics of the Crimson Red finally came out, and quite honestly, I probably would have ordered that Crimson Red had I been able to see it before placing my final order. Originally, I wanted red anyway, but had initially chosen that Sedona Red until I saw it in person at the car show. So, in the end, without a Crimson Red to see, I wasn't willing to take the risk.
This is the Crimson Red that I might have ordered...
This is the Jet Black that I ended up ordering...
So... you are doing the right thing to try to see the colors before deciding. Try not to go too crazy.
Good luck.
TagMan
Wonderful engines indeed, unfortunately they also have a voracious appetite for fuel. I was quite impressed with the Carrera S flat-6. All it needs is a more competitive automatic or DSG, and I might consider buying one.
That's supposedly in the works (hopefully), but you never know.
Oh yes, the engine is divine.
I apologize for not remembering... I had thought you liked to row the gears.
TagMan
Indeed. For that amount of money I'd want something really special, something that says Zonda or Koenigsegg on the back and wont appear on the cover of OK! featuring an intoxicated Lindsay Lohan.
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-mno/Mercedes-Benz-SLR-McLaren-Dashboard-Sea-12- 80x960.jpg
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2005/2005-Pagani-Zonda-F-n-Interior-1280x960.j- pg
One is a bit nicer than the other.
On another topic, wasn't MB sued over a SLR by some California owner? I wonder whatever came of that. I agree there many more great cars in this price range that are unique and are an overall better package. Personally, I would get myself a Ferrari at that point. Always a classic
Shame.
My wife tried that on me once. There are very few things that I do not accomodate her on, but honestly, this is one of them. It's just too much to give up and I have to be true to myself. While she needs an automatic, she still claims she can drive a stick... but I've witnessed that challenge, and it is not without grinding, crunching and burning up the clutch. She has not driven my Carrera S even once, and I have no problem with that.
My ultimate plan is to have the 911 Carrera S and the BMW 135i (both 6-speed M/T) for my own admittedly selfish and personal use, and to get rid of the big Jag and get her an auto-tranny or DSG-type sporty car of her own when she doesn't want to drive the SUV. That would be four cars in total, but it would free me of the "guilt"... LOL. Or, I could skip the fourth car, and just let her grind gears once in a while. :sick: But either way, I'm not getting my sports cars with an automatic... no way!
The bigger concern for me is that my daughter will be learning to drive later this year and next year will want a car. I imagine my insurance will skyrocket with a teenager on the policy. For whatever reason, she insists that she doesn't want anything that looks too fancy. Gotta stay "cool", y'know.
I strongly urge you to buy your wife a nice piece of jewelry (or something she loves) and yourself a sports car with a six-speed manual, all at the same time. It's been way too long for you since that beautiful Healey, and you owe it to yourself... Your knowledge and immense passion for cars is off-the-charts... you so much deserve it... you really do. Think about it.
TagMan
I hope I will be able to get a deal along next week. The deal being either on that 0-Km car or other car I will choose among those on stock. In case I will not be able to cut a satisfactory deal, I can keep my repaired car for a couple of years, as you said. I am not in a hurry; nor I am hooked by desire. I will keep posting on the progress of the deal, if there is any.
Regards,
Jose
We're a car-oriented family, but certainly not to the extent that you've described. As it turned out, I threw in the other 50% on the Accord that my #3 son took to college, given that he kept his scholarship for the whole time.
Sounds like you've also got a son to be proud of (as if. . .), and he's got a car to be proud of. For once, I think this is a good thing.
Regards,
Jose
Ah, if only it were that easy. Really though, I honestly don't mind that much. I've never been the "you'll pry that clutch pedal from my cold, dead foot" type, and my choice to buy or not buy a car has never hinged on whether it offered a stick. The rev matching ZF six-speed is plenty of fun, and I get no complaints from the missus. I think I owe her at least that much after all she accomodates me on.
The bigger concern for me is that my daughter will be learning to drive later this year and next year will want a car. I imagine my insurance will skyrocket with a teenager on the policy.
It's so nice not to have to deal with that. My babies are both named Joseph, each one weighs about 150lbs, and they will never drive or go to college. Or move. :shades:
It's a gloriously exotic supercar, with blistering performance, but at the same time it's very luxurious and easy to drive everyday. You could even keep the change left over from the SLR and buy a couple other cars on the side.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
It is confirmed.
-moo
Hey, maybe you can help me out. The California law that requires hands-free cell phone use will kick in this Summer. My 911 has the phone option, but as you know that requires a sim chip. I would rather have Bluetooth as the way to link to my phone. Will the '09 911 offer Bluetooth? And if so, can it be retrofit? Otherwise I'll have to go aftermarket.
TagMan