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Side note for a giggle - on my way home from work tonight, I heard on the news that Colby, the guy on Survivor has DECLINED the Aztec prize. Seems he prefers the cars that he already has. Since they insisted on him taking his prize, he said he was going to just auction it off on e-bay. It might be an amusing bid to watch.
Chat with you later!
Patti
Bob
Stephen
what could you really get out of an Aztec on eBay anyway? not like there's a supply shortage...
-Colin
Serge
Chat troubles - help, Drew. Can't get in. I get to the page and it loads 90% but not all of it.
Anybody?
-juice
juice, if you could provide me with your browser and any other details, I'll let the tech guys know too.
I can get in but it's blank. I do not see the option you're mentioning. I'm going to try my other notebook...
-juice
Funny thing is, I'd been using hers for several weeks in a row, and we're on the same ISP with IE5 software.
So it's a mystery to me, but I'll just stick with mine from now on. I'm sure the wife will be delighted! ;-)
Meanwhile, let me know when that chat transcript is up so I can see what I missed.
-juice
Not sure what happened to your setup, but let's see what happens next week (try both?).
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
make sure JAVA CONSOLE ENABLED is checked on (in the TOOLS|INTERNET OPTIONS|ADVANCED)
-Brian
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Re Ford Explorer/Exploder/Xplod? : I guess it comes as no surprise to some of you but I learned yesterday that the Escape is sold outside the US as the "Maverick," reviving the name of that unlamented 70s-era compact. I was told (by some French clients of mine) that the name "Escape" is too close to the name of the Renault "Espace" (a minvan/MPV, I think) for Renault's liking, hence Ford's change.
Ed
Bob
Bob
Greg
Ross
http://www.cnn.com/2001/BUSINESS/05/01/q.mateja.gm/
The best part is by Ron Zarrella, head of General Motors North American Operations.
start quote from article:
The rear end, mostly the unsightly crease in the huge glass hatch lid covered with an equally huge rubber strip, has been the big hangup. But, oddly, Zarrella says styling isn't the primary reason folks outside the GM family have held off buying an Aztek.
"We blew it with Aztek on the price [$25,000 to $27,000 before options]. We priced it too high for youth to afford, and we've got to get the price down to get the volume up. We're doing that with some lease programs," he said.
But Zarrella says that in addition to a lower price, some styling tweaks will help.
"We have a design change coming for this fall, mostly bigger wheels and tires. But it's not a major redesign."...
end quote from article.
I am glad he zeroed right in on the problem, price too high and wheels and tires too small.
OK, hands up. How many will buy an Aztek if they put bigger wheels and tires on it, and lower the price?
Yeah, that's what I thought. It is insight like this that makes me cringe when I hear GM and Subaru mentioned together.
Regards,
Frank
Stephen
-and-
the wheels are SO BIG, they have to cut ALL the bodywork away to accomodate them.
Grin,
-wdb
Ross
this is a link to pix I took at MBPowerTrip event in SanFran this spring.
http://members.home.net/rehlost/mbpowertrip2001.html
I can email you images if needed.
Wish Subaru did something like that too. I'd love to see the limits of WRX handling.
Ken
First we went with a professional driver (crash helmets and all), driving an AMG E-55, over a twisty course. This guy didn't hold anything back—4-wheel drifts, power sliding, etc.—very impressive! We also pushed the vehicles we drove pretty hard. They were:
S-430. Impressive, but very large, and you certainly could feel the size. A true fantasy ride.
SLK-320 6-speed. A real hoot. It was the only manual there. I found the tach a bit hard to see, and my left leg was uncomfortably close to the bottom of the dash.
ML-320 & ML-430 with Sport package. Both felt very large and ponderous after driving the cars. Still very impressive, as long as you remember that they're SUVs. I preferred the 430, because of the added power and better handling.
E-430 with Sport Package. Very nice! One of my favorites.
C-320. Also very nice. A very good handler, although a bit on the small size.
C-230 Supercharged hatchback. I drove two of these, yet to be released models. Very impressive, although the engine seemed somewhat crude as compared to the 320 models. We both loved the way the moonroof worked.
They also had the new C-Class wagon there. It has a very steeply raked rear window, which cuts down on the cargo area considerably. Vehicles we didn't get a chance to drive (ran out of time) were: SL-500, CL-500, E-320 and the C-240 sedan.
They had some competitors there for testing too: Lexus IS300, Audi A4 2.8 (Juice drove), and a BMW 325.
Patti- SOA should put on events like this to promote their products—and AWD. This is the third event of this type I've been to (Jeep 101 and a GM driving event). They've all been great. Driving (pushing) vehicles like this, back-to-back with other models, both the same and other brands is a great idea.
Bob
• A cargo net/guard that retracts into the cargo cover. This is not a MD exclusive. I know Volvo and BMW(?) also have this feature, and Honda offered it on their first Accord wagon, a few years ago. I think it's a very useful feature, and is a better solution than the current optional rigid dog/cargo guard that Subaru offers.
• Adjustable side bolsters for the front seats. Drew—correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe I saw that feature in the E-Class brochure. This is a great idea. You can adjust the side bolsters to fit large or small people.
• Auto up and down on all windows. We've discussed this before here. MB offers it, so should Subaru (I know they used to years ago).
• The S-Class offers power-adjustable rear seats with memory and heated features. Could possibly a feature on premium Subarus?
• A standard first aid kit. Could be an option for Subaru.
Bob
Cockpit display of left/right/rear view.
Mirrors replaced with lenses (like mini cams - wide angle of course) mounted on sides and rear utilizing fibre optic technology to project views onto a panel/screen with grid reference where the driver can see all three sides without turning heads and gauge distance of fellow vehicles around.
Rearview could use birds-eye lense (comes in handy when backing up).
No more mirrors to adjust, blind spots, or rearview mirror in the way of your line of sight (or seeing letters backwards).
Shouldn't we go over to "Future Models"?...
drew_ "Subaru Crew - Future Models II" Jul 1, 2001 10:08am
On an unrelated note, Happy Canada day!
SOA did do an event like this-- for employees and dealers only... almost. The Subaru Internet Performance Panel (SIPP) went to Firebird Raceway outside of Phoenix, AZ *first* a few months back and got to flog the WRXs a bit, and ride along with professional drivers. I believe Glenn Wallace (of www.new-impreza.com) beat or nearly beat the pros' times on the autocross course!
Even with GM money, I have serious doubts SOA could do a larger scale events like that.
-Colin
-Brian
Drew, your thoughts? No lah, not the 'Singlish' thing lah. I mean, Edmunds co-hosting with Subaru on a 'Power Trip' or the likes...
A winter meet to AWD frolic in the snow?
Mirror tells me what looks to be a black Ford Explorer in the lane I'm merging into, <70ft back. I'm merging with a vehicle in front onto moderate traffic and the moment I committed, the Explorer sped up and almost rear-ended me. Needless to say, high beam, than when passing me its passenger proceeded to sent off projectile(s), of which one found its mark (no damage - micro scratch) followed by passenger sticking out of window uttering whatever (my windows rolled up). Now, by nature I'm hot headed (reason I don't own a pistol), I was 'P'ed that my beloved was assaulted on and instinctively was about to stick out a glorious finger (actually a lot more went through my head like "eat my steering wheel lock!")...then maturity set in - "be calm stay back, don't escalate the situation and look for an out. Got my out no sooner, a clear path at a bend to punched it. Man, Al'Gator got 'umph' tonight (there is a difference between 93oct and 94oct) and I was off whilst the Explorer was sandwiched between cars in the passing lane. As I whisked pass, ooh the urge to do the "ta ta" scene... but Confusius says, "Get the hell out of there! They may not be done with you yet" so I didn't hang around under 70 to find out.
Anyway, if you see a black SUV with NYC license plate CC1 42L - it has a driver who demeans SUVs... as for me, you know I'm going to remember it. Maybe I might not be too mature then... >:/
Actually, I've been noticing more and more people just doing really stupid things. (I guess our new baby really has brightened our senses especially when we're on the road - we want her to be safe.) Cars pull out in front of you, when they should have waited for you to go past them. Instead, you have to slam on the brakes to 'let' them in. I've had to swerve out of the way a couple of times to avoid these 'idiots'. At least we haven't felt unsafe performing these emergency manuevers with our Outback - in fact, I think we've felt the safest while driving it.
Is everyone on vacation this week? Am I the only one at work?
-Brian
but I doubt it. I would be first to admit it if I was being an idiot doing stupid things (not saying that you're saying I am). Traffic was moderate, evenly spaced about 1-2 car length @ 30-35mph (slow moving vehicles six cars upfront), I see <70ft clearance behind me, which is ample for that condition. I've been taught and constantly backseat driven if Mom is riding with me, "slow down, let them in".
Don't I wish I had a M113, but then it won't make me a better driver.
Ross
I for one think the Aztec will look even uglier with bigger wheels. Does it really need to attract more attention? Why does GM kill cars they finally get right (Fiero, Allante), yet they are too stubborn to give up on this bomb?
Kate: nice pics. That's actually an SL. The SLK is the smaller hardtop roadster.
The PowerTrip was fun, but I felt very differently about the same cars Bob drove:
E55 AMG: sweet ride-a-long with a pro. Kind of like driving with paisan or The Cat, just in a more powerful car. Very fun. :-)
S430: felt like a yacht. A luxurious yacht, but just not something I'd ever drive. Gimme an E55 AMG any day over this behemoth.
SLK320 6 speed: I was surprised at how much I liked it. I thought it would feel heavy, but no, it was agile. Sweet engine (zzzzzz-ing!) with a true manual made this easily my favorite for the day. Light clutch, wood shifter, nice steering wheel, luxurious interior. If I hit the jackpot this could replace the Miata in my driveway.
ML320 & 430: too big and too heavy for me. Felt painful through the slalom, with slow steering and major lean. By far I prefer how my Forester handles (not a fair comparison, I realize). I did like that I felt like I was sitting on a throne, with acres of space, nice engine even on the ML320. The 430 had the sport package, but honestly, it was just stiffer, so I preferred the ML320 and its smooth ride. Overall, not for me, but if the wife wanted one and we had the cash I would not object.
E430 Sport: Yuck, I felt 100% different than Bob. Too heavy and big for me. Nice, roomy, and luxurious, but not sporty by any stretch of the imagination. Felt like a family luxury car, not a sports sedan. AMG really does magic, since the E55 felt vastly different.
C240: actually, Bob, I think we did drive one. We just drove a C320 later and it was more memorable. I liked the C240, even the baby Benz has exemplary materials. It felt agile, but the tranny was just oh-so-slow to shift and spoiled the fun. The size was perfect for me.
C320: sweet, sweet engine. Talk about mid range, this thing sang to me. My favorite engine of the day, believe it or not, despite the tranny's best efforts to spoil the fun (again, too slow to downshift).
Coupe: 100% hatchback. It doesn't even remotely resemble a coupe, so the name is completely ridiculous. I like hatchbacks, though. Liked the interior, just like the C class. The moonroof is ingenious - you get two and the front slides up and over, giving the rear more shade. I actually like this better than the Outback setup, 'cause the driver gets the open feel. It drove sporty and light, so I liked it. The engine is crude though, nothing like the V6s, not even as refined as a Subaru boxer. $25 grand for a Benz sounds great, but I'd buy a WRX in a second.
Audi A4 2.8 Quattro: I just had to drive the only AWD vehicle there besides the M class. Nice but the engine had no low end at all. Had to rev the daylights out of it to get going. Overall not bad, but I prefered the new C class, which surprised me.
Conclusion: I still prefer light cars with manual transmissions. Subaru gives up nothing to these in terms of handling or sporty feel, only in materials and luxury features.
-juice
A plug for stability control: on the ML it was coming into play again and again. I'm sure I would have knocked down some cones had I not had it on.
Don't you love it when you prefer the cheaper item! ;-)
-juice
Bob
AMCI ran the event, though D/C funded it of course.
-juice
Thank you all for your sage advise for a new '02 Forester owner.
Another question:
I can't get the cassette door to open to accept a tape. Any ideas of what could be blocking it? I have not put any tapes or other foriegn objects in there. Do they ship with anything in there that the dealer should have removed?
Thanks, Bobo39
Did o.k., not great. One run I was off course..missed a gate. Ran 52 and change on my first, 51 and change on my second, actually just shy of 50 by a couple tenths. Did manage to best a Contour SVT, an e30 325is, a stock civic, an S40 and a 528i. And a 330Ci that was Off Course 3-for-3.
Still have lots to learn, though. I learned that I hate RE92s more than I could possible imagine. Learned that 18mm is just fine on the otherwise stock suspension. Learned that I want a new suspension, and the modest gain from an exhaust would still be quite welcome.
Also learned that the WRX has uplifted us all. Everyone was curious about the stranger in their midst..too bad that scoop is just for show.
-Colin
-Brian