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  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    I want to urge you to get a picnic… etc…

    LOL. At least I have a picnic blanket in the car! It is the more important piece of the equipment.

    :blush: :shades:

    Regards,
    Jose
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    V8-Powered Acura RL Is on the Way

    It looks like the Batman car to me.

    Regards,
    Jose
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Happiness equals reality minus expectation. I applaud you for doing the item-by-item review to bring things back into perspective.

    On a different scale, I took delivery of a new vehicle last week & was very pleased. Low expectation was certainly part of it.


    Sometimes in life there are moments to just take a step back, before moving forward. Those can be important moments. I needed to do that today.

    I do readily admit that I have high expectations of this car, otherwise, I wouldn't even be purchasing it.

    It is definately true that overly-high expectations can be a prescription for dissapointment!

    I am glad you are pleased with you new car. You have every reason to be! :)

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Tomorrow we will go for a spring-break, 1,000-mile driving journey, this time with skiing in between and paying a visit to a friend couple. I will post my driving impressions afterwards. To be compared with those of TM

    1000-miles? with some Skiing?

    Again I say "lucky dog" to you.

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    After the new MDX and now this, it is obvious to me that Acura has adopted and embraced the "gladiator" look for their newest vehicles.

    I'm just not all that hot on the look. I think Aucra is right to offer a V8, although the timing could be late to the party.

    TM
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    TM, I will start driving this morning later than scheduled, just to wait for the outcome of your deal. I will not be branched to the web along the next week, but I think I cannot leave neither without knowing if you have taken the coupe and are happy with it! Please, write a quick little post!

    All the best,
    Jose
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Jose,
    I am not sure about the different time zones between California and Spain, but I do not wish to hold you up on your beautiful trip. I can not go to the dealership any earlier than 10:30 am tomorrow morning Pacific Time Zone (Pacific Daylight Time).

    I estimate that it will easily take up to a few hours to finish there.

    I promise that I will post when it is possible. I will use my mobile to do so.

    But, PLEASE go have a great and safe trip!! :)

    Even if I have to keep you in suspense!! ;)

    TM
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Here I post the link to see a couple of spots that Citroen has put in the web for readers to vote the one that is to be used in the new C5 presentation campaign.

    The spot on the left side ends saying "German character, French Spirit".
    (I find it is very bad to give so much credit to your commercial enemies :surprise: .)

    The spot on the right side says "New C5: get yourself distinguished".
    (Stiff and posh, French style, IMO. :confuse: )

    Anyhow, any of you has the opportunity to vote for the C5 spot to be cast in Spain! :shades:

    http://acw1.citroen.com/c5_lanzamiento/default.htm

    Regards,
    Jose
    Citroen lovers, enjoy the car view!
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Interesting...I didn't know that...I thought Russia overran the Germans by starving them out and walking into Berlin. I guess the T-38 helped!

    I hope Hyundai doesn't start making tanks!!!!!!!

    Regards,
    OW
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Good luck with the rest of your purchase...it was meant to be.

    As far as that M3, just give it a :P

    Regards,
    OW
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    I think that you're referring to the T-34, which was the standard Soviet tank during WWII & which was certainly the best tank design in the world when it was introduced in 1941.

    I'd say that the best WWII tank overall was the German Panther, which was designed specifically to counter the T-34 & which bears more than a passing resemblance to the T-34.
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ... There's nothing like an inline six--not even a V8 can match a loud Porsche or BMW six in terms of aural pleasure, IMO. ...

    "IMO" being the kicker. I think most car guys will staunchly disagree with that statement. Have you never heard an Aston-Martin V8 Vantage, Ferrari F355/360/430, Ford Mustang Boss 302, Shelby Cobra 427, Audi RS4 (or pretty much any car equipped with the VW 4.1L V8), Mercedes AMGs, and I could go on for a loooong time listing cars with the sweetest sounding V8s. Nothing has the bark and aural pleasure as sweet as a finely tuned V8; not the little V or I sixes, definitely not any 4 cylinder, not the V10s or the V12s. However, the V16s do sound as sweet, but what's 16 divided by 2? :P

    Don't get me wrong, there are some nice sounding 6s out there. A Toyota Supra Turbo with the right exhaust kit sounds wonderful, but it ain't no V8. For years I've struggled to understand the fascination with BMW's I6. To me, it's not even close to as smooth as you guys claim (and no smoother than a good V6), and it doesn't sound particularly good at all. I know I'm in the minority here with that, but hey...
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ... Older brothers don't copy their younger brothers, ever. ...

    Does that mean if your younger brother went out and got a HOT wife/girlfriend, you'd have to resolve to get an ugly one? :blush:
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Perhaps I was a bit overzealous in my statement.

    But you have to remember that I have the Audi 4.2. These days I wish the S4 was a bit more aggressively tuned. It's too refined.

    '08 BMW X5 • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    "For years I've struggled to understand the fascination with BMW's I6. To me, it;s not even close to as smooth as you guys claim (and no smoother than a good V6), and it doesn't sound particularly good at all..."

    As expected, and being one of the many Bimmer owners that participate here, you knew I'd disagree with that assessment.

    For years, people have often wondered HOW BMW could make such good engines out of the most simplistic design. I-6's are easier to build than V-6's, but most manufacturers don't build them. There is no particular reason available as to why that is so. But when it come to BMW, very, very, few(if any) have ever been able to come close to what they can produce.

    I've driven the best of them. Honda's supposed class-leading V-6(owned quite a few). Toyota's impressive V-8's(owned a LS). The Americans brawny V-8s(own those by the boatload) And you named some exotics. There is no car than can reproduce the wail of a Ferrari V8, rightfully so. They deserve that respect. But we are talking everyday rides.

    No car that competes in the classes that BMW offers the I-6 TT combines the turbine-smoothness with an equally impressive soundtrack to go with. Not the raspy and not pleasingly-vocal IS and G, not even my fav A4.

    But there was one car that has a 6-cyl that was omitted off of the list: Porsche 911. Talk about a car that sounds as good as it drives.

    But to your credit, this is all purely subjective. So we all have our own thoughts.
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Is today "esf hate day?"
    :(

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    "Is today "esf hate day?"

    With two Audi's in your garage, how could anyone hate you??/ :P ;)
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ... Being a premium marque is not about being in everyones driveway Leave that for Toyota and GM. Being a premium marque is about producing special cars that are not for everyone and certainly should not belong in everyones driveway. ...

    How prophetic. And you don't even grasp the message in your own words. :( But I agree with you on the X6. I thought it was a stupid idea with the Infiniti FX and I still think it's a stupid idea with the X6. The X6 is just adding to the fray. Infiniti has had that niche sewn up for a few years now. Question is, will the X6 take sales from the FX; not that the FX is particularly popular (thank goodness.)
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    Will there be anyone in attendance from here? I'm sure I should run into some of my EC participate..
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,621
    "I-6's are easier to build than V-6's, but most manufacturers don't build them. There is no particular reason available as to why that is so."

    When the FWD craze hit, mostly to reduce cost, I6's pretty much went away because they're too long to fit sideways into most engine compartments. RWD allows their use, which is yet another good thing about driving the "proper" set of wheels.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Interesting post. Your aversion to the sound of the I-6 is your own taste, as is your attraction to the V8.

    From my perspectve, there are various #-of-cylinder/exhaust configurations that provide a pleasureable and exciting aural quality. It's the whole combination, and even valve function plays a role.

    Then there are the different moments when a configuration sounds best. In other words, some combinations sound more exciting at upper screaming RPMs, while others emit that sweet note in second gear under full acceleration at mid-upper RPMs, for example.

    But, there's no doubt that for many of us, the sound qualities can make a very big difference.

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    +1

    That's funny. :D

    TM
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    Who is going to pay over $70K for an Acura? ... they are just going to get laughed at.

    Well, they should be used to it by now. They got laughed at when they offered up the current RL at $50K. I feel bad for the folks that paid that much (and in some cases at the launch, more) for that car.:(
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Well said. As so often, I see we're on the same page here.

    Enjoy the show! Hope to hear your impressions. (And maybe see some nice pics.)

    TM
  • dhamiltondhamilton Member Posts: 878
    long been a lover of V8's. But I'm beginning to love the sound of Porsche flat 6 at about 7 grand. It's so unique, and just captivating IMO.

    The V8 in the R8 is very pleasing, it just gives a hint at what is about to happen.

    A customer is having a custom Milltech exhaust put on his R8 as we speak, I can't wait to hear that beast fire up!!!!!
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Wow, looks like Nissan has a winner. The others are back to the drawing board!!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Older brothers don't copy their younger brothers, ever. ... except in THAT case. Not an exact copy, but along the same lines at least (unless there is a twin available).

    Regards,
    OW
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    I'm a "Bimmer owner," too. I have an '08 550i Sport (manual, of course) and I don't even particularly care for it's sound. To me, BMW just doesn't cut it when it comes to engine note. And, my gawd, all the ruckus these engines make on a cold startup! Sheesh! They sound horrible! :sick:
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    Is today "esf hate day?"

    Nope! Much love, esf! :) Just making comments/observations, is all.
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    To each his own.

    My ZO6(V8) has the most horrible pushrod-tap ruckus of any of my modern cars.

    But I love it no less.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Cold? What difference does that make? They all warm up within minutes. As wonderful as the sound of the 911 is, as some have mentioned here already, when it's cold it sounds like it's seriously damaged... Just terrible! But within minutes I'm smiling ear to ear!

    TM
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    A Porsche sounds awesome from inside but not so much from outside (when it's idle).

    A BMW sounds good from outside (when it's idle) but so-so from inside.

    Lexus? You can't hear a Lexus...

    No, seriously, the IS350 actually sounds pretty good at high RPM. At low RPM it sounds more like a turbine engine instead of a gasoline inject, almost jet-like in some perspective.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    A Porsche at idle? How relevant can that be? A Porsche sits at idle about 0.0001% of it's life! :P

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Great read! Thanks! Skarie, that GT-R is scary! :)

    Incredible performance achievement from Nissan, IMO. And, as I posted in the past, The GT-R looks somuch better in person than any pic I've ever seen.

    TM
  • skarieskarie Member Posts: 78
    Great read! Thanks! Skarie, that GT-R is scary!

    Ur welcome, if you enjoyed that won here is another..Enjoy.
    http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=31&article_id=6594
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    And it's awesome! Dream come true kind of car! More later.

    Jose, thank you... go have a wonderful trip... We'll share experiences when you return.

    I'm also going on vacation for 10 days starting Saturday, but I'll be mobile-connected. But no BMW for those 10 days!

    Have fun!

    TM
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    Cold? What difference does that make? ...

    When it comes to BMW's engines, a LOT! :surprise: Both the M5 and 550i sound horrendous on a cold startup. The first time I heard them startup, I (and my then girlfriend) asked, "How long has this thing been sitting?? What the heck is wrong with it?" The salesman looks at my girlfriend deadly serious and in a condescending manner tells her, "That's the sound of HP." I looked him right in the face and said, "You're out of your mind! This thing sounds like CRAP! A car isn't supposed to sound like that when it starts."

    For those of you that haven't had the displeasure of hearing a new M5 or 550i cold start, imagine, if you will, an old Geo Metro with, like, 300,000 miles on it and about 2 quarts low on oil! :surprise: :P It makes me want to look back for blue or white smoke every time. Now, if the engine is already warm, it sounds "fine." I'd still prefer more bark, though. The VW 4.1L V8 or an E550? Now there's some sweet engine notes! (in this class) ;) Though the E500/550 has that weird whine to it.

    I agree with you, blkhemi, the Corvette doesn't sound all that nice, either. Although, when that Z06 is wailing out at 7K RPM!!! Good gawd!
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    Congratulations Tag.

    And I say that with relief as well as happiness! ;)
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    I hurried here today to find out the outcome:) I know you are happy the deal is over with, and now enjoy the car---with more input if you don`t mind Tony
  • reality2reality2 Member Posts: 303
    Sometimes I turn on the engine in my new S6 just to listen to it's mechanical symphony. :)

    I have not heard the M5 at cold start, but on the road it does have nice menacing sound.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    I think that you're referring to the T-34, which was the standard Soviet tank during WWII & which was certainly the best tank design in the world when it was introduced in 1941.

    You're right, that's the one I was thinking of. The T-38 was a little amphibious snorkel tank armed with a machine gun. While the last Panthers and Tigers were better than the T-34, Russia was building so many that it just didn't matter.
  • bmlexusbmlexus Member Posts: 755
    I looked him right in the face and said, "You're out of your mind! This thing sounds like CRAP! A car isn't supposed to sound like that when it starts

    But u still boght the car
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Please excuse this pic, as I used my mobile to take it, and I know it isn't very good quality. But I just got home and must tell all of you that the car is a delight to drive. I really love it. Black, however, may be a challenge for my emotional makeup, as I already see lots of dust and dirt... or it could be a good lesson to force me to relax a little. Either way, the Zaino will happen after I return.

    I don't leave until early Saturday, but I'll stay connected with my mobile.

    image

    I must thank all of you for putting up with my months of confusion as well as excitement about this car.

    I'm not sure I should post a review as there as just so many out there. Also, I won't really be able to spend much time with the car until I get back from Easter/Spring break. That's a Bimmer Bummer. (very bad joke... I promise never again)

    Anyway, if you have any specific questions, however, please feel free to ask.

    Most sincere thanks again to all... :)

    (I promise better pics when I finally buy a camera, maybe late Spring.)

    TagMan
  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,583
    TM, a very nice pic especially with a mobile.

    Anyway, best of luck and happy/safe motoring with your first Bimmer.

    Nice ride !
  • reality2reality2 Member Posts: 303
    CONGRATS! Tagman. Very nice ride. Let us know you first impressions when you can. I know what you mean about dust and dirt or any little smudges. Drives me nuts as do dirty rims. But, it will teach you zen. :)
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    How many cars do you own?

    I have to ask.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Congrats!

    Worth the wait!

    I, too, will be away, starting tomorrow night... going to Argentina! Very excited! It will basically be a scenery trip--Buenos Aires for half the time, and a small town in the mountains for the other half. I'll be back next weekend.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    All you need is some good ceramic tints then you are set.

    Congrats!
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Beautiful--thanks for the pic.

    And I must say, quite a nice home. It looks so warm.

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