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All Lexuses as hybrids will add differentation to the brand. Lexus is the first to introduce luxury hybrids so they are the ones who have defined this category of vehicles. Being the first company to define a category of vehicles usually leads to being the benchmark car within that category. The Lexus RX remains the benchmark vehicle for luxury crossovers. The BMW 3 Series remains the benchmark for performance sedans while Audis remain the benchmarks for premium priced AWD vehicles.
Also the insulated quiet cocoon-like feel that Lexuses are traditionally famous for makes them perfect candidates for being equipped with almost sound proof hybrid drivetrains.
Unfortuanately BMW is trying to maintain sales volume by increasing the number of vehicle choices. BAD IDEA in my opinion especially when such a decision will lead to the result below:
A BMW X2
Inventing a niche that serves little purpose is a wasted endeavor.
Go figure.
And, I'm sure we agree that BMW could easily eliminate some of them.
BTW, good luck tomorrow!!
TM
Until Lexus officially kills it, there are still talks about it.
I agree that Lexus would do very well, even with the drop in oil price, to capitalize on its reputation of being the first luxury hybrid brand. There are so much interest out there in up coming new hybrid model.
Also, I've learned not to be too attached to any stock, because mgt can can their tunes about their co so often, sometimes within weeks. Just look at GE. Looks like the US markets are up. Happy Thanksgiving/Columbus Day.
Regards,
OW
Surely it's not ashes unless you sell or the companies you are invested in go bankrupt?
While you are certainly the expert, isn't this one of those times when you stop and wait?
Your next car?
LOL.
The CR-Z and this OSM (open study model) concept are not the same car. The pic you posted is the OSM, which may be the replacement for the S2000. So far, the best info I have found indicates that they will either be seperate models, or they will merge into the same model lineup with the CR-Z concept becoming the coupe, and the OSM concept becoming the convertible. On top of that, there are strong possibilities of a hybrid powertrain.
If I had to guess, I'd say that they will be seperaste models with the CR-Z as a hybrid coupe, and the OSM (after some modifications) as the replacement for the S2000 roadster.
TM
Pardon my figurative speech since it appears that I have been misunderstood.
Selling? GOSH NO!!
Ashes can turn into gold within one day, especially today. That is why I've been buying stocks like a madman these past few weeks despite the fact that some of my recent purchases have dropped like a free falling anchor.
"Buy and Hold Investors especially the ones who buy during tumbling markets are usually the ones who become the wealthiest investors. I have linked the statistics from the current edition from Barrons below:
Consider that $1 invested in stocks from February 1966 through May 2007 would have grown to $16.58 in that period. That's a 7% annual return. By contrast, investors who were out of the market in the five best days each year during that span were left with only 11 cents.
That's a pretty good case for the buy and hold philosophy, or, if you're out of the market, for getting back in soon.
BARRONS
OW: Wow, the EW Sentiment/Indicator seems to be working...!? Sure, she'll get to retire early... :surprise:
Dewey: Would you like to hire her as a consultant?
'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...)
What's the point based on it's warranty.
The story below is from Autoblog:
A member of the North American GT-R Owner's Club forums started a thread recently in which he tells about dropping off his Nissan GT-R at the dealership when he began hearing loud noises coming from the rear of the car. The dealership told him that his transmission was toast as a direct result of him turning off the car's VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) too much, which you have to do in order to use the Launch Control function. The cost to repair the tranny is $20,000 and Nissan won't cover it under warranty since the GT-R owner's manual states that damage to the transmission is not covered if it is proven to be the result of using Launch Control with the VDC turned off. In fact, the manual states that the only reason you should turn off VDC is for when you're rocking the vehicle because it's stuck in mud or snow. That's kind of like Nissan saying you should never use the Launch Control Function despite the fact that it is there.
link title
Based on the last few weeks I may definitely require her services. It's either that or getting the law enforcement authorities to impose a restraining order so I can live without any threats from my clients.
Below is from the Wall Street Journal:
Car makers often do their best work when their backs are against the wall. The auto industry's history is marked by design and technology breakthroughs spurred into production by a crisis that shattered status-quo strategies. The 1932 Ford was a response both to the Depression and sinking sales of the aging Model A. The Deuce Coupe is still revered as a classic and is a favorite of hot rodders.
Honda Motor Co.'s development of the CVCC engine for its compact Civic model was a response to demands for cleaner cars by regulators in the U.S. and Japan alarmed by rising air pollution. Honda was a tiny upstart company, and it went for broke developing a car that could meet tough new U.S. clean air standards by 1975. Honda's success was twofold, because the U.S. launch of the fuel-efficient CVCC engine coincided with a gas-price shock that opened American consumers' minds to the idea of buying a tiny Japanese car.
Chrysler's brush with near death in 1979 spurred that company, under Lee Iacocca, to take chances on new ideas that rivals had shelved, such as the concept of a vehicle with three rows of seats that rode like a car and could fit in a garage. The Chrysler minivan, as much as the earlier K-Cars on which it was based, paved the way for Chrysler's revival during the 1980s.
Environmentalists might not like to think so, but the sport-utility vehicle was, in many ways, an innovation born of the industry's desperation for new and profitable ideas during the early 1990s. As long as gas was cheap, Americans loved them. The early 1990s crisis also pushed U.S. car makers to pay attention to what Japanese rivals were doing to build cars better -- lessons they took too long to learn.
lWall Street Journal
And, yes the Lexus variant of the Prius has been discussed here on and off for months.
TM
Exactly, we live in interesting times.
I recently bought an almost new Ford F-150 King Ranch for a knock-down price ($24,000, 7500 miles, 4WD) when gas was right at $4 a gallon where I am. I got it because we are making a couple of life-style changes that involve some land and hauling big stuff around. I could also see that the $ was starting to gain some ground but it was pretty clear that the economy was tanking. I am fortunate to be in a dependable-income situation and felt I could take the gamble.
Well, now gas is back under $100 a barrel, we are able to buy land at 2/3 the cost that it was 6 months ago, I am in a new vehicle that I could now sell for more than I owe (despite no money down) and I really think the rule is that there is opportunity right now in ways that there has not been for a few years.
On the down-side, I have betrayed every auto-rule I ever had- automatic, non-diesel truck
CEO -- Chief Embezzlement Officer.
CFO -- Corporate Fraud Officer.
BULL MARKET -- A random market movement causing an investor to mistake himself for a financial genius.
BEAR MARKET -- A 6 to 18 month period when the kids get no allowance the wife gets no jewelry, and the husband gets no sex.
VALUE INVESTING -- The art of buying low and selling lower.
P/E RATIO -- The percentage of investors wetting their pants as the market keeps crashing.
BROKER -- What my broker has made me.
STANDARD & POOR -- Your life in a nutshell.
STOCK ANALYST -- Idiot who just downgraded your stock.
STOCK SPLIT -- When your ex-wife and her lawyer split your assets equally between themselves.
FINANCIAL PLANNER -- A guy whose phone has been disconnected.
MARKET CORRECTION -- The day after you buy stocks.
CASH FLOW -- The movement your money makes as it disappears down the toilet.
YAHOO -- What you yell after selling it to some poor sucker for $240 per share.
WINDOWS 2000 -- What you jump out of when you're the sucker who bought Yahoo @ $240 per share.
INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR -- Last year investor who's now locked up in a nuthouse.
PROFIT -- An archaic word no longer in use.
'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...)
Here's a couple more:
Credit Crunch - A new exercise the EW does at the bank instead of the gym.
Financial Crisis - Previously called Mid-life crisis but without the toys or girl freinds.
Bank Bail Out - Cash Flow movement described by LD, consolidated from all the toilets across the country combined.
S & L - Shot your Load.
Big Three - An archaic business model in the auto industry.
Keep smiling!
Regards,
OW
TM
link title
To Nissan: It is great that your beloved GT-R beats the 911 Turbo at the 'Ring for half of the price and it is also great that you stuck it to Porsche when they call you a liar. However, if you really want to take on a company like Porsche then there is much more you need to do than just having a fast car on playstations...
BTW, where ya' been?
TM
I remember reading that the GS-F has been put on indefinite hold, and probably axed. There are no other F cars in the pipeline, so...
Go figure.
This isn't exactly a new idea from BMW. They've been doing the sedans and coupes that way for decades. 3, 5, 7 are sedans. 6 and 8 were/are coupes. Now they have muddied the waters there a bit though, the 1 doesn't follow the odd number structure, and the new 8 will most likely be a CLS type of vehicle.
BMW should fire the people that think the brand needs 6+ SUVs. Mercedes tried that "a Mercedes in every driveway" thing a few years ago. How'd that work for them?
I'd certainly like to see Infiniti go that route. Of the three major Japanese luxury brands, Infinitis are the most performance oriented, and most capable of taking on 400+hp. I think eventually they will get their own in-house tuner (if Cadillac can do it, anybody can) but its probably going to take several more years.
Maybe that could be their market, to compete with Audi, BMW, Infiniti, and Mercedes, possibly even Acura.
Just offering AWD is no big deal these days. Everybody has it now, including Lincoln and Cadillac. What sets you apart now is how sophisticated your AWD system is. Acura and surprisingly Saab deserve credit for being out in front with lateral torque shifting systems. Audi is right on their heels, and I believe the X6 has something similar as well. Mercedes, Infiniti, and Lexus now need to catch up.
Nissan isn't exactly on their own in this respect. Most manufacturers that make high performance cars specifically tell you that "auto journalist" style abuse is not covered under warranty. Using launch control too many times in a Ferrari will destroy the clutch, and its a solid bet that Ferrari will laugh at you when you ask for a warranty replacement at no charge. Just because launch control is a built in mode, it doesn't mean its less harmful to the car than brake-torquing or clutch dumping.
I don't know why I keep leaving randomly, but there's something about the layout of the site that makes me thing it's more "work" to use than other sites, and I've just been to lazy to come here.
Anyway. That stock price is not a typo. When I bought a few shares in 2005 they were worth around 200 Euros. At one point in 2007 they were worth about 700 Euros per share. Now it's about 500.
After quite a bit of thought I have made a decision on a new car: nothing. I'm waiting until next year, and I'm not going to replace the S4 with it because the resale value is so poor that it just wouldn't be worth it.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
After looking at all the pictures, I don't know that I'd call that "totalled." If I had the money, I'd buy it and sit on it. Probably would have to buy the replacement parts piece by piece until I had everything then have it repaired and enjoy...
Now they have muddied the waters there a bit though, the 1 doesn't follow the odd number structure, and the new 8 will most likely be a CLS type of vehicle.
...
Not quite. The M1 was a coupe, and I think there is a 4-door 1-series available in Europe. I doubt a new 8-series would be a CLS type vehicle. The 8-series has always been, basically, a 7-series coupe; an SL competitor. Now if they came out with a 4-series, that would probably be a CLS competitor.
There was never intended to have a GS F for the current GS (which is a very good move IMO) so that rumor is moot at best despite all the "noise" that the auto jounalists were making.
LF-A is going to be another F car for Lexus, rumored to be called the GT F. As matter of fact, you can see there are few F badges on both the LF-A and LF-A convertible concept cars.
Pretty good, one proposal down and one more to go before Thanksgiving.
Lately I have been casually looking (meaning less than 10% chance of buying unless I come across a deal that I cannot refuse) for anything (prefer the luxury brands of course) between $25k to $30k. I prefer it to be 2005 or newer and has to be somewhat sporty.
Any suggestions?
I'm sure there are lots of ideas that could be tossed around. Even an XJR... but here's my first suggestion... It may not be exactly what you had in mind, but an '04 or '05 M3 could be had for that price range. Plenty sporty, tons of fun, reasonable amenities... and good-looking. Also, it will hold its value.
You would really enjoy it. I've thought for some time that you should give this car a genuine ownership experience. And, if you ever tired of it, you could be rid of it without much loss.
TM
Major:
1. I want a sedan. Period.
2. From reading Edmunds' experience with its own long term 2002 M3, the maintanence cost is going to be CRAZY!!
Minor:
1. I don't think I can live with the conventional key-fob after being spoiled by the keyless-entry/start... :P
I am thinking about a 2006 530i but I am a little hesitant due to the fact that I have been spoiled by the power of my IS350, maybe a test-drive is in the order...
Like I said, I am strictly "just looking for fun" right now and am completely satisfied with the IS350 as far as driving experience goes. Just wish that the back seat can be a tad bigger...
I would suggest considering an '05 Audi S4 or A6 4.2 S-line, or an '06 Infiniti M45 Sport.
2008 Infiniti M35 might be a good one
40.3K (invoice) -7K (fac to dealer) -1.5K (cash to customer)=31.9K + options(?) + TTL
2008 TL has good incentive ~ 31K for type S fully loaded.
Sanjay
S4: good one, I'll look into it
A6 S-line: Hmm... never liked the styling of the A6. But again, I didn't like the current gen 5er's style at first so...
M35/45: really like the interior but not feeling the exterior AT ALL
TL-S: FWD... 'nuff said.
Back in '05 when it launched, I didn't "get" the new A6 either. I thought the single frame grille was weird, and that the interior was cold and somewhat uninviting when compared to the best in class interior in the previous '98-04 A6. After spending a lot of time in several A6s though, I've come around. I like the looks now (especially the S6's of course), the interior is a big change from the previous Audi look that goes back to the early '90s, but it's comfortable and modern, and overall it's still best in class.
The previous gen S4 is too small for me, but it's a great car. You can choose what type of grille you want, the '05 has the old style, the '05.5 has the new style.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
My car gets 16MPG in mostly daily commuter driving. It's rated with some hideously low numbers, like 13 city and 19 highway or something. I usually get better than that, and the sedan should be better, but still...
A 2006 330i (E90) or 2005 330i ZHP (E46) sedan might be a better choice. Although, now that I think about it, it wouldn't be much of a step above your IS.
I wouldn't recommend the A6. The refreshed model looks fantastic, and the S6 is incredible, but the standard A6 bores me to death and would probably do the same for you. My son, who is totally into cars (and Audis), had a hard time staying awake when I test drove the 4.2 back in 2005.
I guess you shouldn't get rid of your car. I don't think there is anything used that could replace it adequately, as has been the pace of horsepower growth over the past couple years. I think that next year, if you're ready, you could consider a 2010 A4 3.0TDI or 335d. Both are deceptively quick with gobs of torque, but the A4 gets better mileage while the 335d is quicker from a stop.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
Well anyways greetings from jakarta, Indonesia. My second time here and its still a hellish nightmare. NYC-LA style traffic jam + hot-hot-hot weather + jetlag = hell.
Anyways I'm getting a rental Camry here, and it surprisingly looks totally different from American Camrys, much much classier, but somewhat too mature looking.
How do I post a pic here....... arrgghh this site is darn hard to use. (Frustrated, heat stroke maybe? :P :P )
Curious, did your tester have the sport suspension? Most versions of the previous gen A6 were also extremely dull to drive. The 2.8/3.0s were slugs, and the 4.2 wasn't particularly quick, and it felt heavy and ponderous. Audi got it right with the 265hp 2.7T S-line though, which could easily outrun and out handle the 4.2.
As far as I'm aware, the current S-line option on the A6 is basically an appearance package, because the sport suspension is available is a stand alone option. I've driven a new 4.2 S-line and didn't find it boring. It's not as playful as an M45 Sport or Jag XF, but its far better than cars like the RL and GS.
The image automatically right sizes. If you add one from the net, you should make sure it is no larger than 600 x 480 or the host will make it toast!
Regards,
OW
boring interior.
Its called camry in some places, as well as aurion.
Lou and others, keep in mind tat December brings us a refreshed A6 with a supercharged engine. 290 horses, and 300 torques [Clarksonism]
Hey Tag, I'm coming to your neck of the woods today for the Monterey sports car championship at Laguna Seca. [ALMS for those not in the know]
I think I've got the wife set to get in her first diesel at the end of the month. Infiniti FX comes off lease, ML320 CDI comes on lease.
Erm, that would be CarSpace page!!
m4d_cow, you'll see a link in the upper left that says My CarSpace - that's where you go to upload your pics like OW suggests.