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Comments
That would be a fun way to live.
I'm still thinking McLaren is the way to go though.
Very nice.. though I wonder if it loses something in the transition to Spyder. I don't think that was originally in the plan, and you can sort of tell. I think I would have to go with its cousin, the LP-560-4 Spyder, which is a true beauty.
Yet.......hmmm........ you can call me crazy, but I'll still take the R8. When a company can design the rear that good... I can't resist. The R8 Spyder's rear appearance is as good as it gets in my book.
And... I would get to visit the local Audi dealer now and then.
But, all a dream for now.
TM
It will be a while before the car goes into full production... but once it does, the Lexus 600h would be a dead dinosaur by comparison... although I would expect something more competitive at some point from Lexus.
Congratulations to the Germans for this Mercedes Benz... quite an accomplishment, IMO.
For the record... I personally have no interest in this type of car, but it is an incredible achievement.
link title
TM
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Let the "facts" go through a full cycle... they are interesting enough.
But do make sure you click on the "storm over frankfurt" link", on the lower right of the screen... because after it plays, it will open up links to some very cool videos. The "lawn mower" video will crack you up. It's already on YouTube.
But... putting that all aside... what will Audi be introducing on the 15th? Most likely an all-electric concept.
TM
The 600h is already a dead dinosaur IMO. An extra $32,000 over the 460L for a net gain of 2 mpg. You'd get a better return on investment if you just put the money directly in the gas tank.
They've been hinting at an electric R8 concept.
For those exact reasons, I recall arguing strongly for Len to NOT order the 600h and to get the 460L... which he ultimately did... and I am positive he has never regretted it. There is no real justification for the 600h.
And, not only is the LS600h meaningless compared to it's own 460L brother, but the upcoming Mercedes S500 hybrid completely and totally nukes the 600h.
I must say, Mercedes has done some incredible R&D here... the numbers are much more impressive than I would have ever imagined.
Love technology... in the right hands.
TM
Really? That would be something alright. I had only imagined an all-electric sport hatch of some sort, but an all electric R8 would easily be in line with the kind of big accomplishes that seem to come from Audi these days.
Gosh, it looks like we're now starting to get into the thick of the big automotive changes that we were yacking about a couple of years ago. That future we were discussing is just about here now. Still, too many concepts and not enough production... but I think we are within a year or two now of actually seeing a new generation of production vehicles.
TM
Indeed. The BMW's hydrogen 7 concept from a few years back was interesting, but they never really did anything with it. Much closer to reality is Audi's upcoming Q5 3.0TDi, which I think could be a breakout hit over here. It doesn't weigh a kajillion pounds like the X5, ML, and Toureg diesels, so 30 mpg should be well within reach.
We'll see. What I'm more interested in right now are those super light cars that are supposed to be right around the corner. Electric power is neat, but imagine a new 911 Turbo or M3 CSL that weighs the same as the original version. The leap in performance and handling would be huge
I'm starting to get annoyed by Audi's option packages, which is getting more and more complicated and sometimes even forcing you to buy options you don't want. They now place the cool 18" twist spoke wheels as optional, what the heck? And the new stock wheels are downright cheap looking, sigh....
Pricing, well, nuff said
And last, I'm starting to see hints of cheapness in Audis. The cars are less fabulous to the touch inside out. Plastic pieces inside and out are starting to feel brittle. The color combination for the interior is getting awkward (where are the classy ol' platinum and soft beige?) Is it still good? Definitely, but compared to the previous gen Audis it feels... I don't know... kinda cheap actually.
One last: Audi spent that much on R&D yet still can't provide consumers with better standard seats? Shame...
Maybe I'm complaining too much. :P
Yes indeed TM! As soon as the EPA estimates on the LS600h were published, I was totally turned off and I canceled my order ( I actually ordered one of these 3 years ago when it was first announced). I do believe that it is like throwing a ton of money away to pick the 600h over the LS460. I wonder what Len is doing these days. I bet he is busy making a bunch of money in the stock market.
BTW, my wife and I love the new RX450h. It is fun to drive, playing around with all the useful gadgets. I bet even you would be surprised as to how good the handling is on this model. My wife averages about 29 mpg when she drives it (usually on short, little trips around town). I usually drive it on the longer trips we take together and easily average 31-33. However, on about a 30 mile test drive around the city, I averaged a whopping 46 mpg. This was without turning the power off. It was continuous driving in typical city traffic with stop lights, etc.
BTW, I just recently got out of the stock market... and I'm talking 100% out. I need to take a breath and think about how to proceed from here. I reaped some nice six figure gains in just this past month, so I want to be smart as I go for yet another round. It's not all automatic. I believe the next 60 days could contain some serious volatility and risk... I can just feel it lurking, and it bothers me. I can't shake the feeling. Maybe (hopefully) Len can post his latest market outlook for us. He has been absent too long, IMO, and I look forward to reading his posts.
As always, good to hear from you!
TM
Known as the Styletto, and built by Steenstra...
More info, pics, and the press release all right here:
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TM
I don't love the A4 2.0T. The Sport package is pretty much required since the standard seats are terrible, and I don't love the color choices either. BMW certainly offers you a lot more options in terms of interior trims in the 3 series.
The B8 car offers far more technology than the B7 car ever could, and it's certainly more spacious and more attractive. The other edge of the sword though is that cost-cutting had to be done, and in some areas it's a little too obvious. Ye olde gooseneck trunk hinges is a particularly egregious example. Despite what Mark says, I still think the A4 2.0T is a significant step down from an old A6 3.2, let alone the 3.0T which now also has 3G MMI for 2010.
Frankly, there's just no way I would buy anything in the entry-lux segment at $35K. A new A4 2.0T, 328i, G37 etc. just can't match the attractiveness of a CPO A6, 5, or M for the same money.
As for materials quality, the B8 A4 is nice enough and competitive with the class, but it does not blow the C-class and 3 series out of the water like the B6/7 car vs. the C and 3 of one generation ago, or particularly like the B5 car did vs the C and 3 of two generations ago.
I'm very curious to see what Audi delivers in terms of interior design and materials with the new A8 and A6. Both the S and 7 are much better on the inside than the previous versions, and if Audi cannot deliver the same, they will be risking one of their primary selling points.
Len, where are you? We need your expert advice on the stock market.
Meanwhile, I'm wondering if I'd really get an A5 when I get home in 2 years, the pricing is no longer attractive and the 3 is getting even more appealing..... at least a decently loaded 335i coupe can be had for $50-51k in my area, vs the estimated $53-54k for the equivalent A5. :sick:
Don't get too greedy. There is a natural tendency to feel bad after selling if the market still goes up... even though you just made a nice profit. It's silly. The same profit is made regardless which direction the market goes after you sell. All you have done is to guarantee it... not a bad strategy. And, you can always re-enter the market after a downturn... not after a major run-up.
That's why I am out of the market right now. I have locked in big profits. And, when the market takes its next significant dip, as it always does sooner or later, that's when I'm back in.
I think it is somewhat of a concensus that this rally is ready for a breather, or correction. I personally am not so sophisticated at trading that I think I can somehow milk every last dollar out of the last stages of the rally. I'm not sure who really is. I am more than satisfied to get out before it changes direction. Now, I am going to be patient, until I see a sensible time and strategy for re-entry.
TM
I agree and I believe you did the right thing. No matter which way the market goes, you have locked in your profits and you should feel good about them.
As we move forward, if the market goes up, I hope you wouldn't start feeling too greedy about how you missed making even more money than you already did. Of course, if the market goes down, you'll be the smartest guy on your street for all of a few days.
I very much want to get back in on a nice correction.
That's our shared goal. Or... something significant that makes it very clear that we should get back in. (Like some sort of incredible economic news, technological breakthrough, or awesome political accomplishment, for example.)
Good luck to us!
TM
The bigger question for Len is where he thinks the market will go after 10K. Because if he believes that it will continue to soar past that mark, then he should stay in the market. But, OTOH, if he believes that 10K is about as far as it will go for a while, then we are already at the point (as we are already nearing 9.7K) to consider taking major profits and waiting for the next big opportunity.
TM
Well there wasn't a 535i for 2007, but a two year old 530i can be had for around $32K, which I would definitely take over a new 328i. Most luxury car warranties are 4/50. The CPO warranty typically adds two years of coverage, and up to 100K miles, so the warranty is "basically" the same or slightly longer. You also have the added insurance that you won't get a car like Dewey's. Anything with a serious repair history would never be certified by the factory. When you buy new, you take the gable of getting a lemon.
The A5 3.2 makes no sense at over $50K. Not when the S4 is basically the same money. The S5 is now likely to keep its V8 rather than switching to the 3.0T engine next year, so it will probably remain some $10K more expensive than the 335i coupe.
Aye, good point. And if one waits for 2010 MY to come out then it's possible to get a 2 y.o 535i
I'm losing faith in Audi. Guess I'm gonna have to forget A5 and get a more sensible 335i coupe instead, or perhaps an S4 if it really is the same money :P
I'm a bit curious though, Edmunds lists the '07 530i at around $35k. Does that mean Edmunds' TMV is no longer accurate or is it because of the market slump? If it's true then I assume it's possible to negotiate prices below TMV. :shades:
Len, get back to us! I hope you are OK.
$35K is still fairly accurate. The range of certified '07 530i prices I saw in my area was $32-38K or so. It depends on equipment levels, mileage, and what the dealers think they can get.
The new S4 starts at $46K, exactly where it needs to be to smash the 335 xDrive. The new A5 2.0T is reasonably priced at $36K, but Audi has the same problem with the A5 3.2 as they did with the A4 3.2. It's just not fast enough for its price tag.
At $46k an S4 is a worthy car, that's pretty much the same price as the old S4. By comparison an A5 3.2 costs about the same. It's a no brainer, I'll take the S4. Make mine Sprint Blue with back/white interior. :shades:
This Hyundai Sonata, however, doesn't rely on just one popular or very distinctive design attribute... it goes considerably beyond that. It is more appropriately seen as a single model car that includes numerous recent style attributes all rolled up in one and cleverly morphed together... and then somehow given a shot of flamboyance.
IMO, this car, like the Genesis to some extent, can't escape appearing to be the result of a somewhat excessive amount of computerized digital design.
All that said... quite frankly, I somehow find myself impressed enough with the overall appearance of new Sonata to have the opinion that it represents a successful design statement.
Another good job and another step forward from Hyundai... IMHO.
TM
The interior, however, appears very tasteful (at least in the pics). Others could learn from this interior.
This is an important car for Infiniti... I'm just not convinced it makes enough of a significant impact or statement.
TM
No idea about pricing. The current M starts at around $46, so my guess would be a small increase from there. With Mercedes slashing the price of the E, they can't go up too much. Infiniti doesn't have the presence or the cachet to follow Audi into price parity with BMW and Mercedes.
I think the exterior styling is a significant improvement. The current car is awkward and blocky, and has aged very badly considering it was released in '06. The older A6 and 5 series look fresher.
The interior is by far the best Infiniti has ever done. The sloping dash element first introduced in the '02 Q45 actually works this time, and doesn't look grafted on from a minivan. If they've managed to fix the refinement and NVAH issues from the previous car, they could have a winner.
Hyundai is SERIOUS compared to some really big players who have shot their load long ago. :mad:
Infiniti is my top choice when shopping is resumed!
Regards,
OW
IMHO, compared to the exiting model, it does. I agree the front portions of the car did not impress upon first glance.
Regards,
OW
Infiniti M... well, the front end reminds me of the current Maxima, not exactly a good thing as it gives the impression that the design team didn;t make enough effort. Slap the arrow headlights in there,a dn you'll see a smoother Maxima design although the car is pretty good looking. Interior, thumbs up.
G, LS and GL are all still all flawless and I love each vehicle. Based on my experience so far MB hit a homerun with the GL and my gas mileage has gotten better and better.
I'll update my thoughts on stocks next week sometime. Hope everyone is well.
[Tony said as replaying to Rockshocka1´s Spanish words]
Hola a todos,
No escribo mucho estos días; en todo mi tiempo libre únicamente leo y sobre todo escucho música.
What a pleasure to have again my old vinyls for my ears. Thanks to the new Clearaudio Performance (and the Trichord Research Dino Mk2, Simaudio Moons i3.3 and CD3, Vienna Haydn Grands and REL R-305, not forgetting Yters, QEDs, Furutechs and other assorted gibberish). Thanks are due too to LG.
My wife is contented not having big protruding columns, and I am even more cheerful listening to the clearest musical sounds coming from musicians seated/sited among our books.
If all this is a bit opaque I can, on petition, explain further other day. :P
Regards,
Jose
(who has even lost interest in his diesel little tractor these days)
(Though in fact the anxious will be I, and on top of it I will be glad to confess my love to her :sick: )
Regards,
Jose
2. Get sick, literally, driving it because it undulates for no apparent reason and has this jerky, hesitating, bizarre transmission. Normal. This is normal are you ******* kidding me?
3. Inquire, just for kicks, what it costs to sell back...just for kicks you know.
4. Cost: 20% of its value...in one month.
Why? Difference between the 0.99% rate for all new 2009 until BMW can unload all of them onto the public and a standard rate of, say, 6.5% or whatever it is today over the (longest?) 60 month duration of financing.
5. Laughing. It is pretty funny in a kick yourself in the head and write off BMW as a decent car company kind of way.
Decades of BMWs...this is the last one.
I did, too late evidently, find one article written in the UK I believe that talked about people being green gilled which I suspect means wanting to vomit because of the X3's horrendous ride. I don't know what is causing this because people keep confusing this undulating, swaying, rocking, bucking quality with a 'sporty' suspension which it isn't.
This isn't a hard ride where you can feel the road, this is a swaying ride where the cabin keeps moving around after it hits some tiny bump in the road.
The Ultimate Driving Machine? How about the Ultimate Barf Machine?
Yeah, that's what they do. My wife can't wait to be rid of hers, which fortunately is nearing the end of its lease. They said the transmission would get better once the adaptive shift logic kicked in. It didn't. Believe it or not, the ride quality was actually worse in the first few years.
The X3 is the worst vehicle BMW makes, but I'm not a big fan of the rest, what with their idiot shifters (one of the few things the X3 is not afflicted with) annoying turn signals, run flats, iDrive, etc. etc. etc.
Unfortunately it sounds like it's too late to get rid of it for a Q5. That's what we'll be doing. My only other suggestion would be that if yours is literally undrivable, take the resale hit, and buy a CPO Lexus RX or something like that.
Common complaints I hear about X3 includes:
-Terrible ride
-Jerky tranny, particularly with 3.0 engine
-Cheap materials
-Ugly flat-nose looks
-Slooooww responding NAV
:P
What gas mileage do you get on your GL? I can't seem to get my RX's life time average to go above 20, but again I have a lot of stop and go driving.
What's your take on natural gas?