Luxury Lounge

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  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Too bad that I can't afford one right now...

    :cry:

    Well, maybe I can if I trade in my car and take up a 72-month loan but that means I'll have to kiss goodbye to my plan of getting a condo/townhouse. Also, it wouldn't work as my daily driver...

    :cry::cry:
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    Okeley-dokely. Just had to grieve somewhere...!

    And, I have always relied on the kindness of the strangers here...

    I voted on the linked site, thanks for that.

    '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...)

  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    ;)
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    image

    Perfection.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    Slumping sales at Jaguar and Land Rover have prompted the companies to cut their workforce by 300 jobs, eliminating two shifts at the Solihull production facility. Further cutbacks are expected next month as well, costing three shifts at the Halewood factory where the Jaguar X-Type is built.

    The sales losses that have led to the layoffs and production cuts are originating primarily with the Jaguar brand as Land Rover sales remain steady despite the weak global market. Strong Russian and Chinese demand have filled the 31% drop in U.S. sales for the SUV marque, resulting in a world-wide sales tally just 3% off last year’s numbers, reports The Sunday Telegraph. Jaguar’s aging model line is slipping in sales around the world, however, despite the entry of the new XF sedan.

    Tata is slowly moving the Jaguar brand back toward profitability, registering the first sales increase in two years, and is also reconsidering some existing partnerships. Replacing Ford as the engine supplier for Jaguar-Land Rover could be a step toward the goal of improved profitability. One candidate for the new engine supplier could be the Fiat Group. Rumors of Fiat’s interest in the Jaguar and Land Rover brands have existed since Ford put them on the auction block, and once Tata acquired the companies, expectations of partnerships and technology sharing took their place.

    Jaguar and Land Rover aren’t going to take the weak economy or slumping demand standing still, however. Already numerous models are either in the works or on the drawing board, including an XF-R version of the XF sedan and an all-new generation of the legendary-but-aging XJ. And despite the economic necessities of a tough marketplace and rapidly declining demand, Jaguar still ranked number one in customer satisfaction in the U.S. according to the latest J.D. Power survey. Jaguar has even announced a plan for a return to profitability with a proliferation of all-new high-end models.

    From Motorauthority.com

    '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
    Replacing Ford as the engine supplier for Jaguar-Land Rover could be a step toward the goal of improved profitability

    Jaguar was stuck with that lousy 3.0L Duratec for far too long. The old Taurus engine simply has no place in a luxury car. The six is gone from the US market, but I think in Europe they are still using it. They definitely need a new six for the XF. The XJ gets fantastic fuel economy for a V8, but the XF doesn't. Sixes are what sell in the mid-lux market, and they need one badly.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Honda's latest dedicated hybrid vehicle will be the Insight... reborn as a Prius fighter. The body lines are obviously designed after the FCX Clarity, Honda's fuel cell vehicle. A significantly lower price tag than the Prius is promised. My guess is that the Prius will have more power than Honda's new Insight and still offer similar fuel economy, but at a price tag that is much higher than Honda's Insight. All to be seen, however.

    BTW, I think the Honda Insight is better looking than the Toyota Prius, both current and next generation... although none of them will win any beauty contests.

    image

    vehicle overview

    press release

    TM
  • m4d_cowm4d_cow Member Posts: 1,491
    "Nice pictures. Do you have one with the LEDs on? those looks very menacing when viewed in the rearview mirror. "
    Yes I know exactly what you're talking about. A few months ago I was driving on the highway when this black R8 came out of nowhere, LEDs on, and headed straight behind my car. It was very very intimidating, almost as if the car was prepared to eat mine for dinner. I wonder if the A5 or upcoming A4 can give off the same impression.

    IMO the Laguna Seca is lighter than Sprint Blue (albeit slightly), I'm not sure I want one as most M3s roaming here are in Laguna Seca blue. Way too many imo. The Sprint blue is indeed tempting, too tempting, but only available for std series for extra fee??? Darn it (curse you esf :P) ....err, how much extra?

    WOW pricing on vettes!!! Heck if I dont need backseat I'd be heading straight to Chevy dealership now, and the blue one's amazing. Oh wait, its over the budget... darn, oh well...
  • m4d_cowm4d_cow Member Posts: 1,491
    they got some amazing S6 pics in sprint blue on flickr.com. Bet it'll look great with black-aluminum interior.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Thanks, Pat, for your consideration. And sorry for going off-topic. Funny, but I was just about to suggest that LG and esf send a PM, if there was anything more.

    Actually, I think LG already provided tons more info than I ever would have expected. It was most generous. And esf helped as well.

    Thanks, gentlemen... I've decided to get the Canon 50D and be done with the conversation. :)

    TM
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Thanks, gentlemen... I've decided to get the Canon 50D and be done with the conversation.

    Good choice. :) Here is a great resource to help you determine what lenses to buy: Photozone Canon lens reviews

    Also, don't forget that Speedlite.

    Ok I'm done with the off-topic :)
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    It's a GREAT topic and I'm sure lots of others would be interested. Don't be done with it on my account! :shades:
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    As there is a brand spankin' new 135i parked right outside my window at work. A great, bright blue color w/sports pkg. Red interior, not my favorite, but then it's not my car.

    I was told that the owner just bought it after paying off his "winter beater" a 330xi! His family car is an M5... Guess he's a Bimmerphile!

    '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...)

  • rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    I almost ordered the Sprint Blue, but decided it would draw too much attention from Johnny Law. It's a $750.00 charge for models that offer it. Sales guy told me VAG will match any paint you bring in for $2500.00. But be certain because you may have an increased deposit for such an order. Don't know if the charge may be less for paint they already have?
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    I saw a couple of Audis with the lights and although they certainly were noticable, imo they cheapened the brand---I further think they would produce a ticket a lot quicker than none...t
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Not my favorite color combo either. I've seen pics of almost all of them, and it's one of my least favorites. The car can easily be much better represented than that. When I get my camera, hopefully well before Christmas!, I'll fnally post some pics of my cars here on the forum. Of course, knowing me, who knows WHAT cars those might be!... LOL!

    ;)

    TM
  • rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    Tony, how do you feel the LEDs cheapen the brand? personally, I think Audi has made DRLs look cool for once. plus, isn't the point of DRLs to stand out for safety reasons? One could argue these LEDs stand out much more than standard DRLs which are becoming as common as the days when there were none.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    "Of course, knowing me, who knows WHAT cars those might be!... LOL!"

    The new (currently unknown to most of the general public, shhhh. Dont' tell...) BMW 035di HT convertible (constructed of aluminum to save weight, of course...)? Or Genesis, could go either way...!

    I do envy your sense of whimsy (and probably your bank account)!

    Yeah, you gotta keep a car at least long enough to take, and post, a pix or two...! ;)

    '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...)

  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    but decided it would draw too much attention from Johnny Law.

    I did some research on this.

    My bil is a deputy and it turns out that most of them see your speed before they know which car they are looking at. The radar kicks back results without them selecting a specific vehicle.

    He said the whole red car = more tickets thing is a myth.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    I'm quite certain my bank account would be better off if I had laid off the cars a bit! ;)

    Now, it's time to get serious about making sure my kids have enough financial help from me to make it through college. My daughter is a H.S. sophomore, so there's not much time. My son is in third grade, so that will give me a chance to catch my breath, although by the time he's ready for college, I'll be 150 years old... LOL.

    My best intentions are to keep this 135i as long as possible. I love it THAT much! One of my absolute all-time favorites. What a magic carpet! :)

    TM
  • rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    Could very well be true, I might have just chickened out not to stand out so much. I have an uncle & cousins who have been HW patrol & have told me sticking out draws attention. I guess choosing stealth is just piece of 'my' mind.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    How's THIS for a red car?
    (from another website forum with other gorgeous pics)

    image

    :shades:

    TM
  • rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    very sexy indeed. My memory may be failing, but didn't you balk on that great color?
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Confirmed (although I always thought it was true).

    Myth No. 3
    Red cars get more tickets.

    Forum posters on Color Matters, a Web site that focuses on color theory and everything that color affects, claim drivers of red cars get more tickets.

    There are no official studies to confirm that red cars do get more tickets, but some suggest the bold color tends to attract more attention from everyone, including police officers. There is also a theory that red cars can create an optical illusion that makes them appear to be going faster than they really are.

    Regards,
    OW
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    You are a one-man sales team for that car!

    BTW, my old friend had a daughter who excelled enough to get into Harvard. He is a financial wizard and said you either have to have millions in assets or zero to get the aid you need even if your son is accepted into an Ivy Leaguer considering the tuition these days. He is in the middle so it'll hurt real bad!

    Hopefully, the son takes after the Dad and is an entrepreneur!

    Regards,
    OW
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    I'm tellin' ya, you're killing me! 3 months and 25 days left....

    Top Choice so far: G37 or 135

    2006 A8 (Love that car but afraid to test from fear of instant sale and loss of 135i toss-a-bility!) :confuse:

    Regards,
    OW
  • clemboclembo Member Posts: 253
    Have any of you guys driven the XF? I know Dada has re-occuring dreams of cooler Jags but I need a sedan for the winter and I'm considering the XF on looks, technology, and performance.

    I believe that some of you guys have had XJ experiences but we haven't had much debate on the XF. I am hoping that it might be a worthy substitute for the A8 that I had for the past 3 winters.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    very sexy indeed. My memory may be failing, but didn't you balk on that great color?

    Yeah. Good memory. I came close but ultimately didn't want the red, as nice as it might be.

    Mine is TiAg with Savanna, Poplar wood trim and Moonlight top. It's terrific, and I WILL eventually get a pic up here, but that Canon 50D that I'm now wanting won't be released until some time in October... darn.

    I think the car lends itself well to a number of different colors that look very good.

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    You are a one-man sales team for that car!

    HA! The car speaks for itself.

    Top Choice so far: G37 or 135

    Well... that ought to be easy enough. ;)

    TM
  • bmlexusbmlexus Member Posts: 755
    Next month BMW will show the concept version of the BMW X1 before revealing the production model early next year. According to CAR, BMW is also working on what is known as the X2. The X2 will be a part of the X1 family but will fit more into a sporty crossover segment.

    While the X1 will follow the footsteps of the X3 and X5 - the X2 will be a sporty baby X6 coupe crossover. The BMW X2 is planned to be a 2-door SUV with a sloping roof and an aggressive design courtesy of Chris Bangle. Under the hood, the X2 will share the powertrain with the X1 - kind of like the X5 and X6. CAR says that internally the X1 and X2 are known as the Sports Activity Wagon (SAW) and Sports Activity Runabout (SAR) respectively.

    So when will we see the BMW X2? The BMW X1 Concept and MINI SUV Concept will be shown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show next month and will enter production shortly after that. The X2 is currently on the drawing board and has yet to receive the green light from executives.


    image
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    I hope your wife doesn't read this forum. Especially if she's the jealous kind...

    Ms. Tag: Tagman! Get your butt in here right now!
    Tag: Yes, dear...
    Ms. Tag: Explain yourself!
    Tag: Dear?
    Ms. Tag: What is this "Luxury Lounge" you've been hanging around in???
    Tag: Aw, gee. It's just a place me and my friends hang out in, talk about stuff...
    Ms. Tag: What kind of stuff!
    Tag: Cars, cameras, stereo stuff, cars...
    Ms. Tag: What have I told you about that filthy, disgusting and expensive habit that is cars!
    Tag: Oh come on, all the guys do it!
    Ms. Tag: If all the guys bought Cadillac XLRs, would you?
    Tag: No, dear. Absolutely not! Without a doubt, NO! Unequivocally, NO! Not if they were giving them away free in a Happy Meal! Not if they had a "buy one, get one free" sale and Laurasdada bought one and gave me the free one! I'd rather drive a Sebring sedan first! (Ok, I get it Tag. You're still on the fence about the XLR... ;) )
    Ms. Tag: Can you explain this post: " I love it THAT much!"
    Tag: I was talking about my new 135!
    Ms. Tag: You're new WHAT???
    Tag: Uh, um, well you see...
    Ms. Tag: You did it! You bought the coupe without permission! Well, mister, I expect that thing to be out of this house very soon!!!
    Tag: Oh, THIS one will be gone soon, dear... :blush:

    '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...)

  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    You are definately good for a laugh now and then.

    Fortunately your script is nothing like reality here. Ms. Tag is actually very supportive. In fact, I think she has actually liked some of the cars. Especially lately. Sometimes when I come home in the 135i, I can tell the 911 has been driven. You don't suppose that Ms. Tag is enjoying driving that 911 do 'ya? ;)

    Y' know I was thinking about you earlier today. True! I spent hours this evening working on getting a fresh coat of Zaino on the entire 1er. I used an orbital and really worked the Z5 in. Then I used the orbital to remove it as well. Man, that car is shiny. Looks like liquid silver. It's never looked better. I kept wishing that I had that Canon camera to take a pic.

    Yes... I love it THAT much. :blush:

    TM
  • m4d_cowm4d_cow Member Posts: 1,491
    That is the best red for a car. the only other that come close is 2002-2004 A4's red (cant remember the name).
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    I am hoping that it might be a worthy substitute for the A8 that I had for the past 3 winters.

    I tested the XF quite a bit, but decided to ultimately go with the S6. The XF is a great car, like the XK it strikes a near perfect balance between ride quality and sporty handling. The interior is very nice, and the James Bond tricks are neat, but actual materials quality could be a bit better. The sound system is excellent. I like the S-V8 better than the M45 and A6 4.2 S-line, but the car doesn't look or feel as special as the S6. I'm not so sure it would be a great winter car though, it's RWD only, and while there are snows available for those big 20" wheels (255/35 front and 285/30 rear), they are about $400 each.
  • m4d_cowm4d_cow Member Posts: 1,491
    I believe it might settle for an lectric motor attached to their i-DSI engines, which gives stellar mileage of 40-50mpg but weak power (when a 1.5l vtec makes 110hp, the i-dsi version makes only 87hp in the asian market.)
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    I tested the XF quite a bit, but decided to ultimately go with the S6.

    You made the right choice.

    TM
  • m4d_cowm4d_cow Member Posts: 1,491
    Tag, whats TiAg??? I never saw any 1er with red interior so I cant say much, but I saw M3s with red leather and they look cheap imo. Also, the color seems like it'll fade easily after a few years
    Also, I dont think the LED cheapen the Audis. BMW went ahead with the "angel eyes" treatment, which imo, looks cool. And I remember that many were skeptical at 1st, now they love it.
    The LEDs certainly looks more "cool" than "classy", but I personally believe that it's the color thing. The blue...ish look is what makes it less classy than old fashioned ivory.
    This is what I like about european designs, they have more art involved in designing cars than the Japanese. Being style oriented, that's good for me, although some design themes do make me laugh so hard blood came spurting through my nostrills (Acura, are you listening?) :P
  • m4d_cowm4d_cow Member Posts: 1,491
    I guess the "evil wifes" arent so evil afterall eh?

    The 1st to react when I buy a new car is my sister, which goes like:

    "wow, big bro, nice ride you got there"
    "thanks"
    "hey can I borrow it for college?"
    "err, no. what am I gonna drive to work then?"
    "okay then, just give me $5000"
    "HA??? for what???"
    "so I can have enough money to get an RX8"
    "WHHAATTT??? I thought dad gave you money for a car?"
    "yeah, but I need 5k more to get the RX8"
    ".....no...."
    "pleassseeeee....."
    "let me think...ummm... NO"
    "okay then I'll just sneak in next time and steal it"
    "dont even think about it"
    "you know I can, you know you cant do anything about it :P "
    "......."
    "please, or do I have to go out there and sell myself for 5k?"
    "WHAT???"
    "come on... 5k and you'll get a sweet kiss everytime we meet, pleaaassee..."
    "(giving up) ah darn it alright, alright"
    "you're the best, big bro"
    "yeah right........and you're the worst"

    Manipulative, aint she? :P :P and I'm the most gullible big bro ever :sick: :sick:
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Tag, whats TiAg???

    Titanium Silver.

    My 135i is Titanium Silver Metallic Exterior with Savanna Beige and Black (Combo) Interior, Poplar wood trim, and Moonlight soft top.

    The Moonlight soft top is a black top with some metallic silver threads woven in... which results in a very cool shimmering effect.

    I promise that one day when I own that new camera, I will post pics.

    TM
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    TM, please just borrow a camera and give us a look! We're dyin' in here!

    Regards,
    OW
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    LG, I am interested in the 2006 A8. What to you know about that MY that would help with my decision?

    Regards,
    OW
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    image

    image

    TM, at least I can look at these until we see the results from the Canon 50D!

    Regards,
    OW
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    OW,
    That's an attractive Cashmere 128i. BMW used that car a lot in it's convertible promotional materials

    You'll be taking pics of your own 135i before too long! Just like Automobile Magazine wrote... You will look back one day and realize that the 135i was one of the best car purchases of your life.

    BTW, make sure you allow enough time for your car to be built to your specs. So, if you need it Dec. 31st, for example, you'll probably need to order it late October or early November. Check with your dealer.

    TM
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Well Mr Rock---The angle could have had something to do with the way they looked, but for me they were quite large, nothing dainty, and as you mentioned they would definitely catch your attention--just like the blue light in the rear view mirror--whose attention they would surely catch..I really can`t say why for me it looked cheap, but it did...just like too much chrome... I was surprised they were the way they were in real life as the pictures I have seen they are muted and menacing looking--rather cool--but not in real life Tony
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    No, my little dialog ditty is purely fiction. More a mother scolding her son after finding a certain magazine hidden under a mattress...(Car & Driver).

    My lovely, yet evil, wife is just in no ways a car guy. A closet with tires is how she sees her RX. Which she professes to love. Which is good for me, it's paid for and she desires not a new car. At the moment. In three years she has decided that daughter will get the RX and she will have a Porsche. She doesn't know which one or why, but a Porsche. I asked her, "Cayman or Boxster?" "No," she replied, "A Porsche!" How many Porsches get driven consistently 5-10mph below the posted limit? Well, in three years, at least one...!

    When I bought the TL, I didn't tell her (although I did show up one Saturday in a new MB E320, a test drive. That opened her eyes a bit, she knew I was seriously shopping). Bought the TL during lunch hour (ok, two+ hours) one weekday and just bought it home, before she came home with the kids. In the garage, in place of a Platinum Chrysler 300M was now a dark blue TL. Of course, she didn't notice. And wouldn't have for days, maybe weeks had the kids not asked me whose car was in our garage!

    I put my fourth coat of Zaino (two Z-5, two Z-2) on a couple of weeks ago. Been regularly washing w/Z-7 and Z-6ing. For a 44 month old dark blue car, it's lookin' gooooood.... Only four more payments and it's all mine! Next car will be lighter in color, e.g. Lunar Gray or Pearl Gray...

    We're getting our little piece of hurricane here in the form of humidity. Gotta be 90%. Just typing, I'm sweating profusely! Maybe it's time to break down, close the windows and turn on the central air. Nah, gotta save money for the Jag...!

    '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...)

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    Evil Sister... :P

    And, let me correct you here:

    "Manipulative, aint she?" should be:

    "Manipulative, aint women?"

    Not gullible, just a good guy... Or, just a guy... ;)

    '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...)

  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Nice story :) thanks Tony
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    TM, thanks for the info. I will do just that.

    Regards,
    OW
  • m4d_cowm4d_cow Member Posts: 1,491
    Obviously I've lost all memories on my chem class lol. Of course, Ti-Ag....

    Dada, your wife's ignorance on differnt types of Porsche may become a blessing in disguise. Think of it this way:
    "evil wife" wants a Porsche.
    You ask, err, what type honey, Boxster? 911? (aww, crud, how much is it gonna cost...)
    "huh? what are you talking about, a Porsche!!"
    "ok, hun, there are different types, just look at these pics"
    "...they all look the same... whatever, just get me a Porsche"
    "okay then the Boxster it is (whew, I just saved $30k)" :P

    This is particularly true as the new, redesigned 911 looks too similar to Boxster. :P :P
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