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This all hinges on a pre-owned S4 with manual not being available when the 335 goes off lease nest summer.
Miss the GTI now and then... It was a terrific car overall. But the WRX is nice, too. Good choices... lots of fun there... and practical as well.
TM
I'm probably remembering wrong, but thought you had the solar sunroof dealy? If so, it's at least functional, which mine is not.
I'm still loving the car, recent trip to MD & back yielded 23-24 mpg. & that's with the Orville Reddenbacher gas (& speeds of the highly illegal nature).
No kidding. Especially considering the 3GS is probably the most powerful smartphone on the market in terms of hardware. (The Pre is very close, but currently most of its guts remain locked away from 3rd party apps.) The 3GS has more than enough power to run 10 applications at once, but Apple says no.
TM
The solar panel, is a wonderful feature, and that I highly suggest, but the whole thing rolls back to give a windy view of the sky....The interior cover can`t be pushed back seperately, but who need alot of wind and sun (along with the heat) surging through the car......I know Howard enjoys his, but I don`t see how, as he has the same conditions as you and I
Here's one you can't have...
Production of this new A1 begins in October, and sales will start in 2010. I think it's a shame it won't make it to our shores.
This is a cool car, IMO, and could achieve cult status... and it just begs to have mods.
Some concept photos and slideshow here... link title
TM
When it’s all said and done, Volkswagen will own a 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG. At a later date, Germany’s largest automaker will acquire the rest of the sports car maker, in a deal that would create an automotive group with 10 brands.
The sale would help Porsche pay most of its 10 billion euro debt sources told Reuters.
Disgruntled Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking, who opposes the deal, is planning on taking a severance package that could total more than 100 million euros. Production chief Michael Macht will replace him as the head of Porsche in the mean time.
- By: Omar Rana
Source: Reuters
Goodness, yet another emerging chapter in the relationship of these companies.
What do you guys think about this?
TM
Not a surprise, Piech and crew were planning this stage for awhile. Wiedeking gambled with the hedges and lost, and no one else was willing to deal with Porsche's massive debt.
As I said before, you would never see a company like Honda pull this kind of stunt. Not in a million years. There's a lesson there for German CEOs that believe too much of their own clippings. Wiedeking was master of the universe, running the only car company that made more profits than revenues selling actual cars. That didn't turn out so well.
Not for US market? Oh darn.... :mad:
Another good looking hatch (IMO) is Fiat 500, also not for US :sick: (though the image fits teenagers and young women better)
Aren't we supposed to get that within a few years? There's going to be a lot of weird rebadging going on between Alfa and Dodge of all companies, but I'm pretty sure the 500 is supposed to show up at Chrysler dealers still badged as a Fiat 500.
It's also too bad we don't get the Audi S3, as that's a better hot hatch than the R32 ever was.
Hmm...
Regards,
OW
Egomaniac! Another Ponzi scheme gone wrong! :sick:
Regards,
OW
The Porsche fiasco is very sad to this huge Porsche fan. I still look for Audi to emerge as the strongest power in that group over the next 10 years.
Interesting. Audi will have the broadest model lineup, and Porsche will still have their selection of awesome sports cars (including electric), SUV and 4-door, and VW will be sooooo much better off. It may not be such a bad thing... to be seen of course.
I guess you liked that A1 I posted for you... I sure do like it a lot... I even like the name!... A1
TM
Certainly could be. Audi needs to watch their pricing though. With the elimination of the A4 3.2 from the US market, the S4 is now the direct rival for the 335i, and it's just too expensive to fill that role. They also need to sort out the business of the A6 V6 being better than the V8 again.
Isn't that a naked VW Polo attired with four loops?
An Audi A3?
Isn't that a naked VW Golf attired with four loops?
Sorry folks you guys may see an Emperor with clothes on but unfortunately the only thing I see is an Emporeor without any clothes on which is nothing more than a humble VW. :sick:
The BMW GT is greatly mocked here in this forum and lo and behold when Audi does a BMW GT wannabe vehicle like a A5 Sportback what happens here?
Yup you guessed it--Audi is praised for their good thinking.
Long live the Emperor from Ingolstadt!
I can fully understand why the Prius is the most loved vehicle based on many surveys.
For the first time in my life someone scolded me for going too slow. Also a public transit bus driver gave me the finger for going too slow. This was all during the very same day I went to court to fight a major speeding ticket. Now I am driving my Prius far faster and phenomanally getting better mileage while doing so since I later learned that using EV mode on a frequent basis reduces mileage. Still learning and having great fun with the car.
I am getting as good mileage as reported in the media. The solar sun roof is a wonderful gimmick on a hot sunny day. The key is a real electronic key not the kind of nonsense they give you at BMW which basically functions like a metal key but cost $500 ( A BMW 7 Series key actually costs close to 1K $ here in Canada)., and the gizmos in the Prius which costs a fraction of what they cost in a luxury car are truly amazing.
My wife likes her BMW and convinces me that she loves her BMW but still wants to trade in her car for a Prius like mine. Go figure?
Read Fortune Magazine about Daimler Benz. Basically MB realizes the future is not in diesels. So now MB wants to introduce a enegy efficient car like the Prius. Unfortuantely I think MB will experience the same disappointments as Honda is experiencing with their Honda Insight. The new hybrid S Class with a lithium ion battery is a joke considering it is hardly better than a diesle S Class.
Nobody and I repeat nobody can engineer a car like a Prius except Toyota and that is what makes Toyota the best auto engineering company on earth.
TM
Actually, my very first reply to you after your re-appearance and your "announcement", was to suggest to you that you actually do have feelings for the Prius... and I think you have proven that you do indeed love cars... just a different breed of 'em, that's all.
I'm thrilled that you have this car, and I wouldn't mind having one as well, but it just makes no sense for me at this time because my BMW hasn't betrayed me... yet. Instead, it continues to deliver 100% of driving enjoyment and fun. But, we both know that a BMW can turn on its owner at any time... so we'll just see how long the party lasts.
As far as the A1 goes, it's got cool written all over it. It's a good-looker indeed... not at all like the ugly BMW GT cars. The European 1-Series hatch isn't bad looking, so for me it isn't about the brand, as you suggested... for me it's just plain and simple... either a car looks good or it doesn't. The BMW hatch vehicles don't work for me, but the A1, the GTI, and the Mini Cooper look cool, IMO. I don't just rubber stamp my approval of everything that BMW makes just because it's from BMW. I have never been thrilled with the appearance of many BMWs, and that's why I never bought one before the 135i... which I think offers a terrific drive and looks great as well.
Someone here said the 5-Series GT looks like a frog, and I agree. I've seen it up close and I can't warm up to it.
Back to the Prius... just so you know, the Prius is the single most prestigious car here in Malibu. You may think I am kidding, but I assure you I am not. I think Julia Roberts and other celebrities may have started this years ago, I'm not sure, but this is clearly Prius country here unlike anything you could imagine. The only thing more prestigious than having a Prius in your driveway here in Malibu is to have two of 'em. :shades:
TM
Technically, the Bentley Flying Spur Speed is a VW. Even with a $200K+ price tag and monstrous power (I believe it's the fastest 4-door in the world) it rides on a VW platform and its W12 is all VW. Heck, the million dollar Veyron is powered by twin *gasp* Volkswagen W8 engines. I'm just not sure what the problem is here. VW is very good at what it does.
One can make the argument that the Golf based Audis with their VW spec 2.0T and R32 engines and Haldex AWD systems aren't "real" Audis. Personally I'm not bothered by it. The same argument could be made that the Cayenne is just a Toureg from Stuttgart that got hit with an ugly stick.
I'm sure you know how far a pretty face can get you in this world. That's the difference between the A5 SB and the 3/5 GTs. It's attractive.
TM
you make a good point assuming that I did point out the Veyron and the Fly Spur as mere humble Volkswagens. But I didn't.
How many VWs share a platform or drivetrain with Veyron: 0
How many VWs share a platform or drivetrain with a Flying Spur: 0
How many VWs share a platform and drivetrain and AWD system with an Audi A1/A3? Every single one of them.
A bit more than a subtle difference dont you think?
Calling a A3 a Quattro in itself is fraudulent when in fact it uses a Haldex system. Any litigation suits based on this misonomer? Nope! Most customers dont give a hoot because those four loops are what they are seeking and that is why now we will have a A1 Volkswagen Polo.
This just proves how famished people are for prestige. In order to accomplish prestige you just lower down the bar to a VW Polo and bingo now you are a premium car buyer. Ingenius! Just like the company where every single staff member is either a manager or an executive. For some "title" means everything.
Canada is the only country in the world where thy Prius is not the number one selling hybrid. In fact the Toyota Camry hybrid outsells a Prius two to one. We Canadians are still in the Paleozoic Age when compared to the very smart people of Malibu.
I live in a neighborhood where most the cars are the cars that are the main focus of this forum. One neighbor who saw my Prius said "oh well at least your wife still drives a BMW." Another neighbor asked what the hell happened? Where's my BMW 335i?".
And last but not least a third neighbor said "you cant be serious?"
Talk about neighborly love.
Though the wives of my neighbors seem to have quite an eye on me since I have a Prius. Lately my wife has been scrutinizing all my interactions with the ladies of our neighborhood. I guess all middle aged men are entitled to drive a chick magent.
TM
A Green car plus a Green Card will access me to many Green notes of legal tender at Malibu.
Not quite. Underneath the Flying Spur is a VW Phaeton. Engine (with added turbos) and drivetrain, AWD system, and platform. It's all Phaeton. There's even Phaeton switchgear in the Bentley. That's where I draw the line. To me, the straight out of the XK switchgear in the Aston Vanquish was worse than the fact that underneath the DB7 was a Jaguar XJ-S from the days of the Ford administration.
Quattro just means AWD. No one questions where BMW's xDrive comes from. Nor do they question the fact that like BMW's brakes, their new torque shifting system has no cooling system and will overheat on a track (by BMW's own admission!). The Ultimate Driving Machine - for one lap. After that, better get your Audi or Porsche.
A bit back, I think that Dewey touted his new-found animostiy towards the automobile (since warmed by the soft hum and warm glow of Prius batteries!), I now share that ennui. I still enjoy my TL, put a third coat of Zaino on it over the Fourth weekend, but I'm just not excited about cars at the moment. I still read my C&D and Automobile, but with less enthusisasm. But, to be honest, that is how I feel about almost all things right now. Sorry to be Debbie Downer here, but I find myself (still) in a state of shock and disbelief. This, too, shall pass. But, pass to what?
My current mental/physical/emotional state continues to be good for the economy, though, as I continue to revamp my casual wardrobe. I've dropped a few lbs in the last several weeks and am now buying sizes I haven't fit in since the '80s! Maybe even earlier... Darn Kohls, they keep having sales, giving me discount coupons... And thank you Jos. A. Bank for your buy one, get two free sales!
Tag, was in your new 'hood this past April. Went to Paradise Cove beach (am I a tourist, or what!), warm weather but very cold water! My father's ladyfriend's daughter has a beachfront home in the Colony, nice. Evertime I see the pan of that strip of beach in Two and a Half Men, I try to spot the house. Shopped in your CVS...
Enjoying the posts here, quite a tight little band of loungers...
Trying to hang in and figure out the universe,
Laurasdada
'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...)
Interesting observation and maybe it is applicable to MB.
But what is most interesting is that despite the economy cars are not cheaper overall:
Meanwhile, the average sticker price, the average transaction price -- typically lower because of incentives -- and the average monthly payment are generally at their highest points since 2002.
link title
So in otherwords dealers despite the low volumes are keeping their prices high because most the people who can afford new cars are the ones who dont need to stretch themselves in terms of low prices or compelling lease deals.
Good to see your name again.
Glad to read from you again.
Regards,
Jose
Audi was messing with the sportback design long before BMW came up with it. I love BMW's for their dynamic prowess, but the line forms behind Audi when it comes to design and innovation. Who does Ferrari get direct injection from?
Hey Tag, I remember you having some back/neck problems a while back. How is that? I mention because I spend a lot of time on my bike, and a little at the gym, and as a result have some sciatica, and hip issues. YOGA, YOGA YOGA, and then maybe a little more yoga. It has really changed how often I can train, and how hard. Highly recomended by this NorCal native.
Do at least 12-15 sessions before you make a decision!!!!!!
My son's hitting in baseball has been steadily improving. Most of the parents think he will be the first one to hit it over the fence. At a recent game, he hit a one hopper to the wall, a solid double. Well, as he's approaching second base, the third base coach is holding up both arms/hands in the universal "hold up," "don't advance," "STOP!," "HALTEN SIE!," "ALTO!" "ARRET!" sign language. Hopefully, you're seeing the picture that I'm trying to paint here...
Well, as my son rounds second, the coach (and fans) starts yelling, "Stop, no don't come to third!!!" while jumping and continuing the universal sign language with an ever greater sense of urgency. Son, while appearing to notice the pleas of the coach, continues his quest for 50% more base than the two he should have been more than pleased to acquire with this shot to center.
Of course, the ball arrived to the cutoff man at about the same time as my son rounded bag el segundo. And the ball was FedEx'd to third well in advance of Sir Speedy. Not surprisingly, as he slid into third, he was tagged out with little doubt at to his fate.
As he lay there happily in the dirt (happy becuase he was covered in dirt, not for being thrown out...), the coach asked hadn't he seen the sign, the jumping up and down? "Of course," replied my son. "But I thought that was the 'Home Run, go for it sign'!" Much laughter ensued, and the fans all agreed that it was the third base coach's fault.
Of course, this led to a meeting of the coaching and 10 year old player minds and the signs were explained and mutually agreed upon. The game was still handily won, 17-6.
When he's playing for the Sox, hopefully he will buy his far from perfect, but well-intentioned Dad the luxury/sporty ride of my choice...
'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...)
I am very happy for you. In a away, I wish my wife had chosen the new Prius, but we are both very happy with the RX450h. BTW, as I posted on a reply to Laurasdada, it seems as if you have become what I have been and still am....a high tech, green geek
I laughed when you talked about people getting upset with you for driving too slow. My wife now complains that I drive too slow with the RX450h when in reality I am driving at or even above the speed limit. Compared to how I was driving prior to the RX450h, it seems slow to her.
Congratulations again on a very smart choice.
BTW, isn't it time we start talking about the stock market once again? Len, where are you?
I think it's a good bet that Apple will introduce their competitive reply to the netbook market, which has been surprisingly better than many had predicted. This upcoming product might have a keyboard or simply be a touch-screen tablet... but it will fill a perfect spot in their model lineup, and probably kick everyone else's butt in the process.
Once it becomes a reality, I expect Apple's stock to surge.
BTW, I have already made a fair chunk of change buying and selling Ford on its fluctuations. I strongly suggest buying Ford now and holding it for a while. I'm personally going to buy more Ford tomorrow morning... nothing too heavy, just $50K worth. I also recommend putting just a small amount of your portfolio into a company called nVidia (NVDA) as a longer term hold. And, let's not forget Microsoft is still a buy, IMO... as I've done well with it so far.
GE has been my trickiest investment, but I truly believe that after another hurdle or two, GE is going to explode at some point not all that far down the road. We'll see on that one. WalMart has been going sideways for quite a while now, and while competitor Target has lost a ton, Wally World has been nicely holding its own... Very interesting... So, I'd strongly consider WalMart right about now... for the long-term, not for instant success folks, however.
TM
Nice, indeed. The restaurant at Paradise Cove serves some damned good food. I like their Calamari quite a bit, and they do make a few good specialty drinks for the ladies. Locals go there, too.
The water temp in April? Not quite Summer, but the water temp varies along Malibu's 27-mile coast, depending upon the location, time of year and conditions. For example, at the beach near my neighborhood, water temps can even vary from day to day. Overall, the water is chillier on the West side (more open ocean), and lots warmer in the bay (East side - less open ocean, so it warms up), but none of it is painfully cold like in Northern California. And, yes, the weather is incredible most of the time. Not too hot, not too cold.
I hope you can see past this challenge you are going through. You obviously have skills to offer, so you just might have to offer them elsewhere. I remember when my world got turned upside down from the sick economy... but I faced the challenge and came out stronger than ever. But I was so angry and frustrated at first. I thought that I was going to lose everything. Instead, I changed my business model and decided to move to a whole new cool location and create a wonderful new chapter in life for me and my family. So far, it's absolutely awesome. So, LD... Have no fear!!.. But do have plenty of faith!.. and enough self confidence. That's all part of the solution. I really hope you work it all out. I'm sure everyone on this forum wants the same thing... for you to get past all this, and to cheer up, and start enjoying life once again. At least you are now enjoying a better waistline!
BTW, good baseball story! My son also plays baseball... like your son, he's a really good player, as he was drafted up to play above his age level. In addition, I am usually one of the managers or coaches. At the end of last season, we had a game that we had to win, or we would not make it to the tournament playoffs. My son was the pitcher for that game, and I was on pins and needles with every pitch. Lots of pressure against a team that was expected to beat us. I watched nervously as I watched that young long-haired kid continue to strike out batter after batter. It was awesome, as the crowd grew very large and I gazed upon my son, standing there on the mound, cool as can be, throwing fastballs, strike after strike. We won that game and proceeded to the championships. He got the game ball, of course, and a seriously big ice cream cone that night, and a video game the next day. He earned it. Man, I was so proud. Anyway, I totally understand the baseball thing. It's terrific, and that's (in part) what life is all about. Good luck LD. Really.
TM
Here's a link to the scoop and more pics if you really want to get sick... link title
TM
link title
TM
Incidentally, from what I can gather (not much is published) Haldex supplies the AWD to most of the manufacturers, certainly Volvo, SAAB, etc. I don't think that many major engineering changes take place and it would seem that Jag could easily offer it.
Supposedly the new SAAB AWD system ( yep, supplied by Haldex) is the latest and best because it can direct torque to opposite corners (left front and right rear) and not simply fore or aft. But everyone "knows that the Audi Quattro is the best AWD system." Can someone tell us why Quattro is the best in one simple sentence?
Quattro is best because all four wheels are driven, all the time. The other systems must wait until slip has occurred to send significant torque to the rear wheels in front biased systems or the front wheels in rear biased systems. This "slip, then react" system can't match the Torsen setup's instantaneous responses. I'm pretty sure that Quattro remains unbeaten on snow and ice vs. the competition.
I believe Honda was first with rear L/R torque vectoring with their SH-AWD system, followed by Saab. Audi now has it as well, they call it "QuattroSport".
As far as pricing goes, the basic law of supply and demand applies. Low supply, higher demand = higher prices/lower manufacturer incentives. Manufacturers have cut production to meet the demand and the government has pushed them to cut dealers so there is less competition and the price naturally rises.
Horrifying!
Regards,
OW
Nice ball story, maybe our kids will be teammates some day!
And that Acura is somewhat stylistically challenged. My '05 TL continues to look better and better.
'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...)
Hopefully, TM is wrong about the fate of Jaguar as this is my idea of a true luxury sports car and it would be a shame to loose it and the XK.
Regards,
OW
Coincidentally, I am supporting my in-laws due to Alzheimer's so the timing of my unemployment is perfect! I am learning so much regarding elder care which will help as the sun sets in my ballpark in the nearing ninth inning of my life!
Keep the Zaino going 'cause you have the the top looker in Acura's stable afaic!
Regards,
OW
I test drove the Prius last week. In the 15 minutes or so of driving, I found it is an outstanding vehicle for the purpose. The tech package is so cool with remote A/C, park assist (my wife would love this auto parallel park feature if proven to work in real life as the sales person claimed), and the solar powered fans.
I would buy one on the spot if Toyota given it a bit more grunt on the low end (I know, it would reduce the milage...) . I'll see if the HS will be the one.
On second thought, I may buy it for my wife and she would have the perfect excuse to be slow on the road