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Well, when you compare all of the cars in a given segment, somebody has to lose. Lately it seems to me (and to a lot of the mags as well) that somebody is Mercedes. What does the C-class offer that you can't get anywhere else, other than a Mercedes badge? And how much is that even worth anymore? Judging by Mercedes recent huge price slashes, it's worth a lot less than it used to be.
The C-class doesn't have the best engine, or the best interior, or the best drive, or the best equipment, or the best price. It's not even in the top three of any of those categories. That to me spells average. It's better than Acura sedans that start with T... and... who else? Old Saabs and Volvos? That's all I've got.
Despite being a brand new design, the E can just barely hang on against the about to be replaced A6 and 5 series. That's not a good showing. That's embarrassing. The A6 has direct injection, has had it since it was introduced in 2005. MB still can't quite sling that. They'll get it to you.. eventually. That's embarrassing. Everybody has DI these days but Mercedes. Cash strapped Jaguar has it.
The GLK is not let down by its engine like the C350 and E350 are, mostly because everyone else is not bringing their A-game to the entry lux ute class, other than Infiniti and Volvo. That's not a complement, it just means that Mercedes' flaw is less obvious. The rest of the GLK's flaws are quite obvious, hence its last or near last place showings in most comparison tests.
The C-class is better than the Acuras, the E class is better than the GS, RL, and outgoing M, and the GLK is better than the SRX, RDX, and EX, so they are better than the complete losers of each class, but nowhere near the top. In other words, average.
drool.
TM
Indeed, its right up there at the very top with cars like the Gallardo Spyder. It's better looking than the DB9 Volante, and much better than the Ferrari California.
Then, to put a bow on it, the only diesel BMW is bringing over is the mongo 335 that develops more torque than any manual transmission can handle. ...
You might want to qualify that by saying "more torque than any manual transmission [from BMW] can handle." Let me list a few American cars that come only w/ manual transmissions and those transmissions are handling more HP & torque than BMW's 3L diesel can hope to make.
Corvette ZR1
Corvette Z06
Mustang GT500
Mustang GT500KR
Mustang GT500KR Super Snake
Viper
So I doubt that it's really even an issue that BMW can't make a tranny to handle that torque. They just choose not to do it. Sort of makes sense to me. Most folks that buy manual trannies do it for performance. For most people that buy diesels, performance couldn't be further from their minds. There's no business case to offer a manual 335i/535i here (yet.)
Reading your posts are always entertaining
Just wondering do you still have the R8, you didn't mention anything about it :confuse:
But of course! I've had some tuning, suspension, and exhaust work. But nothing crazy as the car doesn't need it. This car continues to delite in ways a Ferrari and a Lambo can, for 2 to 3 times more of cost...
Just out of curiosity, how many miles do you drive a year?
:lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:
Nope! As you'd remember, that's my wife's car that she bought when the XK's rear-end was decapitated by a distracted driver.
It has been great also. I don't drive it much, but she does about twice a week.
On another note, I finally got her to drive the R8, which required an act of Congress and a Presidential Pardon on my behalf! She has vowed to never drive it again in fear of damaging her pristine driving record. Although it is just as easy to drive as her SL550...
On Tuesday I took in my Cayman for routine service, when I went back at lunch to pick it up the Sales Manager saw me and tossed the key to a Panamera to me. He said - push every button and have fun. The car that I drove was black and had a sticker of $118K. It was really fast and fun to drive, truly a four door sports car. The interior was really beautiful with great quality throughout, I was more impressed than I thought I'd be. The problem was when I returned back to the dealer and got out of the car. It looks awkward from the back, the hatch type design doesn't work.
Needless to say I gave him back the key, they are going to have a hard time selling a bunch of those at premium prices with a compromise design. I'm sure that some people will buy it because it drives great or they just love Porsches but in this economy, Porsche has a challenge on its hands.
I know that the borard has had very little comments about cars such as this lately but I thought it may be of interest to some.
And with that comes my biggest complaint! Just like you, I was having the R8's free(and mandatory) 1k mile check-up done, and there set a brilliant silver Panamera. From the jump, just I'd predicted from looking at it in the print, I didn't care for the rear-end styling, as it looks like Porsche was going for a "4-door 997" look but it did not turn out to be a cohesive design. But of course I had to drive it with it being a Porsche and all. It drives wonderfully, no doubt helped by the testers PDK and self-adjusting shocks. And it loafs along very deceptively .
All in, had Porsche went with a conventional butt, I might not have the A7 or CTS-V on my target list right now to replace my long gone S8...
I have a question, what do you guys think about the overpriced LF-A
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I couldn't agree with you more. It's exactly what's wrong with the car. Otherwise, it's a fairly well-executed design. It's a shame of course, but less significant to any success or failure the car might otherwise have because the car is doomed anyway... as VW has already announced that the Panamera will only have one life cycle, so it's really all academic as far as I'm concerned.
The Panamera probably won't win too many hearts in its short life.
TM
I have a question, what do you guys think about the overpriced LF-A
I don't understand it. If it was priced like a Ford GT or an Audi R8 V10, it would make slightly more sense. At Murcielago money though, it's just silly. It's supposed to be a halo car for the F brand - which consists of one car that hasn't done particularly well. It's from a company that can't win F1, and otherwise races Camry stock cars.
Who is the buyer? Somebody has to think, I don't want a Ferrari, or a Lamborghini, or a Zonda, or a Koenigsseg, or one of the insanely fast cars like the Ascari and Gumpert. I want to pay $400K for a Lexus.
Sadly, the mainstream Lexus vehicles will likely continue to be very reliable, yet under-achievers in terms of performance.
At the end of the day, nothing really changes because of the LF-A. Nothing.
Buy a GT-R and pocket the massive difference in price.
TM
The engine sound alone worths about 200K IMO. The styling is unique for sure, because I can't see any hints of earlier super cars in its design. Whereas if you looked at the NSX, you would see some elements of the Ferrari GTB (not sure of the model, the one used in Magnum PI) in it.
I would buy one if I had 400k to spare.
Would put the LFA in your collection of rare cars/trucks?
Haha... gimme a break.
The styling is unique for sure, because I can't see any hints of earlier super cars in its design.
No wonder. There isn't another great supercar manufacturer that would stoop that low. Heck, this upcoming FT-86 (likely called Celica) has better lines than that LF-A.
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Whereas if you looked at the NSX, you would see some elements of the Ferrari GTB (not sure of the model, the one used in Magnum PI) in it.
I believe you are referring to the 308 GTS.
As far as that Acura NSX goes, it was an awesome looking car in its day. In fact, it still deserves respect after all these years. Unlike the LF-A, it has classic design elements.
Truly, the LF-A really looks tacky, over-exaggerated, and simply does not have any genuine classic lines whatsoever... it's Japanese design on steroids... IMVHO of course.
TM
Same here, i dont understand what they were thinking trying to sell this car for $400k. They should have just came up with a new brand like Scion or something and just have the F brand as a whole new line of cars. I dont even think there gonna sell 500.
I don't understand it. If it was priced like a Ford GT or an Audi R8 V10, it would make slightly more sense. At Murcielago money though, it's just silly. It's supposed to be a halo car for the F brand - which consists of one car that hasn't done particularly well. It's from a company that can't win F1, and otherwise races Camry stock cars.
Well one thing is for sure the GTR and the R8 certainly looks like a bargin now more than ever, or even the SLS or the Califonia.
I thought i was the only won who as thinking that. The front of the LF-A looks too after market, They should have just sticked with the concept, ditch the carbon fiber use aluminum and lower the price to $200K.
I am sensing that you don't like the look of the LFA because of its uniqueness...
Looking at the LFA pictures gave me almost the exact feeling that I had when I saw the IS-F images. However, the IS-F is much better in real life. So, I am saving my judgment on the LFA for now.
Not a chance. Nothing against Lexus and their first "supercar", but the R8 will suffice for me.
Wow, that is a striking Toyota. I hope they don't dither down the production look.
Is this car going to compete with the 370Z (which means mandatory rear drive)?
Boy, it sure does have a lot of Aston Vantage in it's shape, which happens to be a good thing, IMO.
No contest. Worlds apart.
The R8 is absolutely gorgeous... one of the most beautiful sportscars ever produced. The LF-A... is... umm... not.
TM
Which is exactly the point. The upcoming Celica has a better appearance than the LF-A, and it competes with Hyundai! Perhaps the LF-A looks more like a Hyundai at a SEMA convention.
TM
Last year at the 2008 SEMA show, Hyundai’s new 2010 Genesis Coupe was the main tuner attraction. This year, Rhys Millen Racing will show a Genesis Coupe, known as the RMR RM460, fitted with Hyundai’s award-winning 4.6 Tau V8. The mid-engine configuration and enhancement give the Genesis Coupe a total of 500-hp.
Other than that the RMR RM460 Genesis Coupe will get RMR’s Signature Edition kit consisting of a carbon fiber spoiler and a carbon fiber rear hatch. Inside, the modified Genesis Coupe will get Sparco Chrono sports seats, Sparco Alcantara and carbon fiber interior panels, and Infinity Kappa Perfect Speakers and power amplifier.
The RMR RM460 Genesis Coupe will ride on HRE 560 Series 20-inch wheels wrapped in Toyo T1R tires and a high-performance braking system by StopTech.
Here's a pic and a link to the press release...
Press Release:
RHYS MILLEN RACING CONVERTS GENESIS COUPE INTO PREMIER SPORTS CAR WITH MID-ENGINE V8 FOR SEMA
Here's last year's show car...
TM
According to one story, the accident happened when a Prius driver plowed right into the back of the Tesla (maybe the Prius driver was jealous about the Tesla's superior fuel economy and performance... j/k) and the resulting huge impact shoved the Tesla under the Toureg. :surprise:
It was reported that the Tesla driver walked away. That's a miracle... just look at that Tesla.
TM
I've got a better one for you. I don't think I've seen a "walked away" crash worse than this one.
That's not two Audis that hit each other. It was one Audi until it met that tree, then it became two.
TM
:sick:
Regards,
Jose
PS: Back home after having had 10 splendid days in Chicago and NYC—LI.
2nd. PS: Yes Tony, beautiful cars of other era.
3rd. PS: Though I can understand the reasons of Edmunds management, I will miss our not discussing about matters other than luxury cars from time to time, even if those matters are not of my primary interest.
After all, this is like a gentlemen club (ladies welcome too) primarily devoted to luxury cars. Or that is my merry feeling.
Welcome back, Jose. You see the same license plate because that is the same car. Check out what lexusguy wrote under the picture. That is a frightening picture, indeed.
Tony, I didn't hear back from you - I trust you have found a satisfactory way to get here, glad to see you. Please feel free to write back if you are still having any issues.
I thought I was having an unusually good jet lag until then!
Regards,
Jose
Sorry I got busy and didn't get back to you on that, but I see Pat explained it to you.
Back home after having had 10 splendid days in Chicago and NYC—LI.
What's this?!!? No visit to California? No fair... we missed you!
FWIW, our family took our first trip to NYC last Thanksgiving (my daughter was invited to be in the Macy's parade... which was very cool of course.) I never ate so much in one week! Awesome city!
TM
The two and a half more days I spent in planes were plainly awful. Lufthansa is highly efficient but crews are trained in remaining they are after all like Fräu Rottenmeyer's and you are a bad boy who deserves discipline.
I found Chicago is one vibrant town but not as canaille as NYC is. I love both cities, to each its own. I visited California some time ago. I visited San Bernardino, Palm Springs, Los Angeles and SanDiego (La Jolla) while staying invited by LomaLinda University Hospital. I used to travel on a Cessna of a colleague, even I piloted her, but, TM, I feel I missed the best part of California, i.e., Malibú
First time I visited the USA was in the winter of 1976. I have been since then a witness of how the way of living has become more and more equal among Europe and the USA. Communications, ways of living, retailers/molls but, most importantly, dressing and cars. Oh, where are all those men suited in vivid clear colors put on square patterned jaquets and pants!! And, where the ladies wearing thick white stockings even in torrid summer went? Yet what I miss the most are the big, tremendous cars floating along the streets. Now, the difference is not in size or design, but in the incidence of hybrids and diesels, which in Europe is just opposite to that of North America excluding Mexico (it should be pronounced Méjico with rough very rough j, as should be Texas.) Nonetheless, pic ups and tracks are making their way in Europe too.
Okey, I must confess that, as yesterday, I am writing at 3:30 AM under the combined influence of jet lag confused awakeness and a sturdly sleeping (legal) drogue. As the drogue is blunting my brain, I feel is time to leave, before taken one wrecked car by two or many more. :surprise:
Regards,
Jose
PS: Only for connoisseurs: Who remembers that film named Sabrina and the chauffers role in it?
I wanted one in yellow and I still do but those claustophobic rear seats is what kills the deal.
And please dont tell me that Audi S4 of yours is yellow or else I will become green with envy.
So now you got an Audi this.
An Audi that.
A few of those Audis.
And now a spanking new Audi.
For me novelty is a spice of life. I dont always want the same kind of car. At least that's what I told myself when trading in my BMW 335i for a Prius.
A hybrd MB :confuse:
Whatever makes you happy. But I think this car will be a big flop. Luxury hybrids other than the Lexus RX are doomed to be flops because mileage-wise these vehicles will choke Mother Nature to death no matter how slow you are driving them.
love visiting your side of the Ocean though I hadn't gone to Spain since the 1980s.
I may go with my family to Barcelona next year. That is one city I cant forget.
I kind of regret that Europe and North America are starting to resemble each others. I liked the world better at least aesthetically when the world was not so globalized. Well at least North Americans prefer hybrids over diesels. That is one distincition I hope will remain the same at least here in North America.
My mother owned Benzes for decades and so far reliability-wise she's happy even with her 2001 MB C240.
My mother plans to replace her 2001 MB C240 with a 2010 MB E350 4Matic. I am trying to persuade her to buy a yellow Audi S4 but so far I haven't been persuasive enough. She still remembers the horrors of owning an unreliable 86 Audi 4000S. I cant blame her because after my BMW 335i I vow I will never ever buy a BMW again. Unless ofcourse BMW starts producing yellow Audi S4s.
you are a true connoisseur.
It ceases to amaze me on the depth of your knowledge on almost every fine thing that is in the sphere of luxury.
Audio equipment, autos, watches, wine, restaurants, travel.
Not to move off topicI just have one single guestion to ask you. Is it worth getting a Samsung LED TV versus a LCD TV?
Being more a value guy myself is it worth the extra $$$.
Dewey,
Short answer is YES..if and only if it has Dynamic Contrast
Not going into too much details LCD TV's with LED backlight have better color gamut, and consumes significantly less power.
High resolution OLED (TRUE LED) TV's are still in pre production/trial phase as the life of blue OLED is much lower then red/green...hence color drift with time is a big problem. Most of the advertised LED TV's are LCD TV's with LED backlight as oppose to CCFL backlight.
Now to come back to Autos's the Yellow Audi S4 vedio review will look spactacular on Samsung LED TV. Next best option to owning one.
OK PAT I will stop here..Sorry
First scene, he's dressed all shabby driving an old Mercedes. He's going around a corner and crashes into a fruit stand or something around the turn.
Second scene, still dressed shabbily, he's driving an old BMW. He's making a turn and flies off the road and gets airborne through a billboard that reads "Le Mousse is Loose" or something like that.
Third scene, he's dressed dashingly driving a new Audi. He makes a clean getaway. The tagline is something like "Progress is good."
Regards,
OW
You'd be surprised at how much you can pick up when you don't have any kids to worry about, hahaha.
Not to move off topicI just have one single guestion to ask you. Is it worth getting a Samsung LED TV versus a LCD TV?
The answer is rather complicated, as these things usually are. First and foremost, Samsung (and Sony's) LED sets technically are LCD. The display technology is the same, as are most of the drawbacks. The only difference is the lighting, traditional LCDs are lit by CCFL tubes, whereas the LED models are lit by you guessed it, LEDs.
There's also two kinds of LED lit models, edge lit, and fully back lit. The Samsung B6000, B7000, and B8000 are all edge lit, which allows them to be razor thin. They are also fairly light weight and very efficient. That's the good news. The bad news is that lighting uniformity is a big problem - the edges of the screen look brighter than the middle. Some CCFL based sets can suffer from this as well, but it's much worse on the edge lit sets, to the point where I think they look worse overall than the cheaper CCFL models. The edge lit models also cannot turn the LED's off individually, the lights are either on or off, so black level suffers badly in brightly lit scenes. I'd take a pass on the edge lit models.
The other type of LED lighting - fully back lit - is the interesting one. Instead of the lights on the sides, the entire back of the set is covered in LEDs. These aren't as thin yet as the edge lit sets, but they are much better, thanks to a trick called local dimming. There's a few of these on the market now, but the only two worth talking about are the Sony XBR8, and Samsung's brand new B8500. Local dimming means that they can turn individual LEDs off in dark parts of the picture, allowing for black levels better than any plasma, including the over hyped Pioneer Kuro. There's still a couple of downsides. Price for one, the B8500 will set you back quite a bit. The XBR8 is from last year and is more affordable now, but it's also harder to find. Then there's an effect called "blooming". Because there's not an LED for each pixel, light from LEDs that are on can leak into parts of the picture that should be dark. The B8500 is better at avoiding this than the XBR8. Samsung's model from last year, the A950, isn't as good as the XBR and isn't worth trying to find.
Finally, the last downside is that back lit LED sets exacerbate LCD's most significant flaw vs plasma - viewing angle. The B8500 is the best looking flat panel TV you can buy - if you're looking directly at it. Start moving to the side, and it's advantage basically disappears. The XBR8 is a bit better in terms of viewing angle.
What I would ultimately suggest depends on what you want. If you're a huge movie fan and you want the best possible experience in a darkened room, and your seating position is directly in front of the TV, it may be worth the $4500 US for the 55" Samsung. The 55" XBR8 is currently going for around $4000. The 46" models are both significantly cheaper, about $3500 for the Samsung and $2500 for the Sony.
If an extra wide viewing angle is a top concern, your best choice is still a plasma, and the best of those is Panasonic's V10 series. Energy efficiency is better than it used to be, though it will suck up more watts than a big CCFL LCD and quite a bit more than an LED set. The old knocks on plasma, life span and screen burn, are really no longer issues. If anything the plasma will probably out last the back lights on the LCDs.
Last but not least, if you just want a decent TV with a fairly good viewing angle that's reasonably efficient and affordable, a Samsung B650 or B750 would be fine. We're still several years away from reasonably priced big screen OLED sets, and the other potentials like SED seemed to have all died off. Mitsubishi's laser set is an interesting but ultimately pointless exercise. 10" deep is great for a rear projection, but nobody wants a set 10" deep in 2009, especially one that costs $7000.
I'm not really sure what dynamic contrast has to do with anything, as you'll find some version of it on just about every flat panel TV. Sony's version is applied in a rather ham fisted way, which is why I tend to prefer Samsung sets over Sony.
Sorry hosts! :sick: