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Comments
My LS460L has air suspension on it and on the sport mode, the car is definitely stiffer and the handling improved. In any case, I feel very safe in the car. Usually however, I drive it in the comfort mode.
BTW, I bet Pat is very proud of me today. I posed a question that I knew would get a lot of responses about the various cars. Pat, now I can talk about the economy, right
Well done!
He obviously hangs out with Jeremy Anwyl, another pundit for the gas tax.
I say tax all companies who do not make all of their models efficient instead of creating a false market which is another opportunity for greed-planting for the government.
What say everyone??
Regards,
OW
LOL. Yes indeed your topic was a very good one. I agree that you did get good advice and feedback from those that replied. Very nice discussion. We should most definitely talk a bit about the economy now. Perfect timing for Len to also join in.
Frankly Charlie, I really don't want to get back in the market right now. Every day there is money being made somewhere, and I figure I don't always have to be a part of it. For now, I'm making money the old-fashioned way, and I'm preserving my portfolio without much risk. (I reserve the right to change my mind at any time, though, cause I'm notorious for doing that.) I've got too much on my platter right now to be taking any extra risks. I've got to sell an expensive property in a market that isn't buying expensive properties. It's causing a level of stress that I'm not used to experiencing. I don't like that kind of feeling. :sick:
My approach is to put a low enough price on the property to let the value really shine through... in spades... make it a "no-brainer", "can't-resist-it", "chance-of-a-lifetime" opportunity for a potential buyer.
We'll see.
TM
.
Price bracket :confuse: I've read reviews saying its more smoother than a Bentley and Rolls!
aren't these other cars harsher (amount of road feel) than say my LS460L?
Yeah, I think LS460L is as comfortable as it gets.
TM
TM
I understand exactly what you are saying with regard to handling and ride. All your saying is that at this point a cushy ride is more important than handling so you'll opt more for the former over the latter provided the latter is sufficient. I'm with you 100% and it's why the only cars in this class I like are the LS and S. The A8 and 7 fall short of what I'm looking for in a car in this class in my experience of driving them. They put the weight on sport over luxury and I put the weight in the polar opposite. Don't know if you have driven the S but I can assure you it would please you as much as the LS as it's incredibly similar albeit with better handling. Issue there is whether that improved handling (and it's less than ever if you have an LS with air suspension) is worth the higher price plus the risk of passing up the guaranteed reliability of the LS; also you'll hate the nav system view on the S and the woman orders you around as opposed to the Miss America personality in the LS nav. But you'll love the freedoms the S gives you with bluetooth over the LS' silly restrictions. But again - as for the handling and ride, the S is absolutely stellar. But I can't say the same for theA8 and 7 as they sacrifice too much of the ride for me personally. But that's my taste and I respect those who see otherwise because cars should be judged by individual buyers for their tastes and not for the tastes and desires of others.
BTW - GL has been flawless so far and I love it.
Market - earnings reports better than expected in some key companies. I'm very happy with my return on Apple. Sold some today so I'm playing with all house money in Apple and Citi. Got a real big deal going on in my real business so I'm completely focussed on that moreso than market dynamics right now. But I do hate the CIA mess that has been created and I've given up completely on Obama as a result (sorry to tell you that) as he just keeps showing me the bad judgment of a guy that speaks without thinking things out and than asks questions later and reverses course within days. I hope he's paying attention to what's going on in Pakistan and it's certainly the worst time to turn on the CIA given the taliban advances. Hillary is all over that one but no one is paying attention to her. She'd have made a much better President IMO. This column captures my thoughts perfectly so enough said.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/23/rollins.obama.torture/index.html
As far as the navigation system and bluetooth is concerned, I really like the new generation RX. The voice recognition is vastly improved and I love the positioning of the navigation screen and the mouse-like control. There are also lots of other "toys" like Heads Up Display, Radar Cruise, remote start, etc. that I love on this vehicle. The new RX450h for my wife should arrive by later in June. Great to hear that your GL has been perfect for you.
Yes, it looks as if Obama made a mistake with the CIA/torture policy. But I think that he will learn from this and not repeat it in the future. I still have a lot of faith in him. Good luck with your "really big deal" in your business. Do you still see the Dow up to about 10,000 by the end of the year?
Again, we'll see
The S4 is already better than the 335 xDrive, and I'm willing to bet that the RS4 will be better than the M3.
I felt much the same way back in '96. I was fed up with Mercedes and their service, so I bought an LS400 and was very pleased with it. The LS has never been particularly exciting and it certainly wasn't then, but I just wanted a car that I didn't have to think about, and it served that mission perfectly.
Eventually though, I got rather bored with the LS. Driving one isn't the kind of soul-killing experience that something like a minivan is, but the LS makes no effort to involve you in the drive in any way. It would be happier in a sci-fi "auto drive" mode, while you take a nap in the back.
I still don't have much interest in Mercedes and BMW products, but Audi provides a compelling alternative to Lexus. Audi seats are more comfortable, and their interior materials and ergonomics are superior. Most Audis are probably what you would call a "grand tourer" - not a bone crunching, teeth rattling sports car, and not a syrup injected, overly cushy luxo-barge cruiser. Audi Drive Select takes things a bit further and lets you set up the suspension, throttle response, and steering how you like it. The S6 is not jerky and harsh at low speeds like an M5, nor is it too soft and too bland like a GS460. It's just right.
I still don't have much interest in Mercedes and BMW products, but Audi provides a compelling alternative to Lexus. Audi seats are more comfortable, and their interior materials and ergonomics are superior.
All spoken like a true Audi fan
Well... I agree Audi seats are comfy last time I checked, but more comfortable than a BMW Sport Seat or the seat in a Lexus LS?... not so sure about that. I think it gets down to personal preference.
And you are willing to bet that the RS4 will be better than the M3? Hmmmm... I'm not so sure about that either. It may have a horsepower edge until BMW does some more tweaking, so as not to be outdone, but I doubt it will handle as well. And... I am certainly willing to bet that the next M3 will be even better than the current one.
That all said, I really like the direction Audi is taking the RS4... well, not the over-pricing.
TM
Well, what can I say.. :shades:
Well... I agree Audi seats are comfy last time I checked, but more comfortable than a BMW Sport Seat or the seat in a Lexus LS?... not so sure about that. I think it gets down to personal preference.
I agree, seats are definitely a personal thing. It usually takes extended time behind the wheel of a car for me to really determine if one seat is significantly better than another, except in cases where the seat and/or driving position just don't fit, as in the RL.
In my brief time with BMW Sport seats, I've found them to be very good, but I wasn't blown away by them. I've had plenty of time in LS400 and LS430 seats, which were average. Not uncomfortable, but nothing special. The previous generation A8 had significantly better seats than those cars, but I was not a fan of the old A8 for various other reasons.
Lexus has definitely upped their seat game in the last few years, and the LS460 is much more comfortable than earlier generations. I would still give the edge to the A8, though.
And you are willing to bet that the RS4 will be better than the M3? Hmmmm... I'm not so sure about that either. It may have a horsepower edge until BMW does some more tweaking, so as not to be outdone, but I doubt it will handle as well.
Audi's gone a bit mad with horsepower lately (see RS6) so its a given that the RS4 will significantly out power the M3, and possibly the C63 as well. I'm not sure exactly what their engine plans are, but my guess would be a TT version of the 4.2L V8, with at least 450hp. What tweaking is BMW going to do? The M3 CSL has been canceled, and I haven't heard about any other significant changes to the car.
As far as handling, the two cars are going to be very different. The RS4 will most likely not be able to do crazy tail-out powerslides like the M3 (and even the R8) can. That said, I don't think we've seen close to what Audi's modular front-midship architecture is truly capable of yet. BMW has played their cards, and the RennSport guys have their target to take down. I'm willing to bet that the new RS4 with significantly better weight distribution than the old car, and an RS version of the Magna/Audi "QuattroSport" active differential will be quite a bit faster than an M3 on a track.
And of course the RS4 will also unfortunately be very expensive. I have no doubt that the next M3 will be a better car, the Motorsport division wouldn't be doing their jobs if it isn't. Let's just hope they can spare the time between making new jet powered SUVs. So much for Motorsport not following AMG down that path. :sick:
Speaking of seats, as you know Jaguar also puts in very good seats for long-term driving... almost too comfortable, like being in a favorite TV chair... y'know, the one you can watch NFL games all day, and it cradles you so nicely you tend to fall asleep... not good to tend to fall asleep at the wheel due to excessive comfort... LOL.
BMW does have some major plans for replacing a lot of their engines, as I recently read something to that effect. I just can't imagine what the next step really is (or even should be) for the M3. A horsepower war? Efficiciency will need to fit into the equation, as it will be demanded, and will be part of the competitive attributes between future vehicles.
So far, Audi's handling takes a back set to BMW's, so it will take more than gobs of horsepower to beat BMW on the track. This is one particular competition that I am most interested in. I have my eye out for the next generation M3 as a car I might trade in the 135i for, but it's too early yet to know that.
Speaking of which, I believe I read something about the N54 might be replaced by a twin-turbo 4-cylinder, delivering more power and fuel-efficiency with those 4 cylinders. Are you up to date on any of this? I may have to do a little homework to find the source of some of the info I read.
Oh, BTW... an X6 drove next to me yesterday. Absolutely horrible. It's a monster. The Mercedes R-Class has some good company... a couple of freakazoids.
TM
I believe there are enough choices at the top of the luxury car market to get the best blend for everyone. Audi seems to have the best value and balance from what I have experienced as you have so eloquently stated.
Regards,
OW
For the M3, the next power plant will be a blown 6. Less weight and modular power. Word is it could be a V-6!!
I would guess at least 400 ponies and high 300 twists. I wouldn't be too quick to give Audi RS4 the nod if the M folks go on a crash diet with the next M and get it around 3,200 lbs. Guess which one will be the scalpel?
Here is some recent news.
The next generation BMW M3 will be powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, says Ludwig Willisch, the man in charge of BMW’s M division. But there’s more to the story than that, according to an article on MotorTrend.com after staff of the magazine sat down with Willisch and other journalists in Munich.
For starters the engine will not be the same twin-turbo inline-six found in the current 335i. In fact, it might not be a twin-turbo at all. Even more shocking, it might not be an inline-six. That’s right, BMW is currently looking at the possibility of using a V6 for the next M3.
While the BMW faithful will abhor the idea (like they did with the amazing V8 that powers the current M3), a V6 would allow for the engine to be located in a more central position in the car. Unfortunately, it would most likely be heavier.
Interestingly Willisch defied convention by stating that the next generation M3 wouldn’t necessarily have to be more powerful, so long as it was lighter. And BMW intends to focus on decreasing the weight of their vehicles across the board.
The discussion also raised the possibility of an M for the 1 Series, and while it won’t be called an M, BMW is planning a high-performance version of the second generation 1 Series. It will, says Willisch, be more in line with one of the most iconic BMW’s of all time, the E30 (the original) M - sort of.
By today’s standards this high performance 1 Series will be light with a curb weight of 2,860 lbs - which is still a significantly larger number than the roughly 3,200-lb curb weight of the E30. Willisch said that BMW engineers are currently working on a twin-turbo four-cylinder engine to power such a car, but noted that with the weight it would still need at least 300hp in order to be an ideal package.
As for when these new cars will come out, both models are slated for 2014, so expect concept cars and pre-production models throughout 2013.
With all this talk about turbos for the new M3, we shouldn’t forget that with the new 5 Series and 6 Series due out next year as 2011 models, the following year will bring M versions of those cars - and you can be sure the V10 is a thing of the past.
In related news, stay tuned for our coverage from the New York Auto Show starting April 8th, as BMW plans to take the wraps of its M version of the X6.
[Source: Motor Trend]
TM, you might want to consider the next high performance 1-er...most likely a new Tii.
Regards,
OW
OTOH, I'll always keep the door open to an M3... depending on just how good it is.
Thanks for the info.
TM
1. Ultimate grip and cornering power: The familiar skidpad g-force performance.
2. Transitional behavior: How the car behaves when turning the steering wheel, especially while accelerating or braking.
3. Path accuracy and directional stability: How well the car goes where it's pointed and how faithfully it tracks straight ahead.
4. Steering and brake feel: How well the controls convey what's happening where the rubber meets road.
5. Chassis composure and control: How confidently the suspension absorbs and reacts to bumps, dips, and changes in the road surface.
6. Cockpit ergonomics: Control positioning and function, and the seat comfort and support contribute to good car control.
When it's right for you you know it...particularly if you rate each one of these characteristics and your ride scores high on all of the criteria based on your personal preferences.
Regards,
MB
Audi
And a rare Ferrari
The fan on the rear was intended to create max. ground/car adherence by increasing Venturi effect because of the acceleration and diffusion of the air coming from below the car. Sort of anticipation of the current diffusors. The car was a winner in the hands of Nicki Lauda.
Regards,
Jose
I think I may need to put one of those Venturi fans on the back of my car. :shades:
TM
Regards,
Jose
Seriously, though... it really makes me consider the terrific heritage of Mercedes Benz.
BTW, are you and the wife back at work now after all that skiing?... healing people as you should be doing.
TM
Regards,
Jose
2009 Ferrari 599 HGTE First Drive, Edmunds Inside Line
Personally, I know that I am better able to serve the world when my batteries are charged. Sometimes it's a simple good night's sleep, sometimes a little R&R or get-away, and sometimes it requires a full-blown vacation... but I always need my cup of Starbucks or Kona coffee in the morning.
TM
Don't underestimate what torque-vectoring all wheel drive can do. Just look at the TL SH-AWD. In conventional terms, the car should handle like a complete pig. It's based on a pedestrian platform, it weighs 2 tons, and it has a good 60% of its weight on the nose. And yet when Edmunds tested it, it thrashed the 335i around a track. Both the RWD and AWD versions were sent home, tails betwixt legs. That's despite the fact that the TL like most Acuras has no real low end torque, and is significantly slower than the 335i in a straight line.
Both the 335i and 335 xDrive were also beaten by the V8 powered, old gen B7 S4, so its an absolute no-brainer that the 2010 B8 S4 will mop the floor with them, as well as Acura, since the Audi has better balance, and enough power to at least match if not outrun the 335i in a straight line.
I'm sure the 335i is much nicer to drive than the Acura, which has been criticized for numb steering. But lap times aren't about how nice a car is to drive. They are about what car can brake latest, and get full power down earliest coming out of a corner. RWD is at a significant disadvantage here. That's how the GT-R is able to take down supercars, despite a weight disadvantage that can be as high as half a ton. Torque-vectoring AWD comes pretty close to breaking the laws of physics.
The B8 RS4 will be faster on a track than the current M3, I guarantee it. It probably won't be as playful, but it'll be faster. The next gen M3 is a whole different can of worms, we're talking the B8 RS4 vs. the E90 M3 sedan here.
Audi is also proposing smaller engines and radical weight reductions in its upcoming cars, so the continued rivalry between these two teutonic titans should be very exiting, and will benefit fans of both. RennSport is forcing Motorsport to work harder and produce better cars, and vice versa.
TL SH-AWD track test
The AWD certainly adds stability, but what I don't like is that the AWD simply sucks too much of the fun out of the entire experience.
But, nevertheless... you are right.
TM
You've got a point. The S6 will not dance like the M5, but that's not really what I wanted from the car. After so long with a rolling sofa, I wanted a car that was solid, quick to respond, effortless to drive at high speed, and gripped the road like it was digging into the surface with claws. I also wanted to experience a V10 before they disappear from all but the supercar realm. The S6 does all of those things, without forgetting that its also supposed to be a luxury car.
I also like that the S6 is still an understated, under-the-radar stealth mobile. Only an Audi enthusiast would notice the little side skirts and aluminum side mirrors. IMO, the M cars and especially the AMG cars have gotten too flashy and brash looking. Too many slats, vents, slashes, badges, and too much chrome.
An old AMG used to be nearly indistinguishable from the standard car, but those in the know would recognize those monoblock wheels and say "cool, that's an AMG." I wish they would go back to that.
Regards,
Jose
TM
Toyota 3rd and 7th.
Oh, BTW... an X6 drove next to me yesterday. Absolutely horrible. It's a monster. The Mercedes R-Class has some good company...
You really hate X6s dont you? Rather like the R class better
TM
Yeah, BMW and Toyota, both have been deep in the pit for the last so many years I cannot even remember. :P Honda F1 performance was no better as well.
Honda eventually gave up as F1 sponsor just last Summer. So, this season the full former racing team previously called "Honda" changed name (Brawn), engine (MB) and sponsor (Virgin) to started winning races: four out of five up to now. Imagine. Brawn is the name of the current owner, who is at the same time team director and chief engineer and was formerly Honda, Ferrari and Renault chief engineer.
Toyota has made good progress this weekend. Yet BMW still is one of the worst racing teams. Why? May be they are only Germans. :sick:
I mean, almost every F1 racing team is made up with F1-specialized engineers and team directors coming from all countries and backgrounds and using a few number of different engine brands. MB furnishes three teams (McLaren, Brawn and Force India), Renault two teams (RBR and Renault itself), Ferrari other two (STR and Ferrari itself). Toyota and BMW, one team each.
It seems to me that BMW is too loyal to its brand background. But Toyota is also a brand devoted team. Kudos to Toyota. It must be said, in F1 world British engineers are considered the best, and most chief engineers are Brithish.
Regards,
Jose
Lot's of fun and excitement, but that's mostly what it is good for. .. the business of terrific motorsports entertainment. Anyone (not you, of course!... LOL) that might draw any unrealistic conclusions from this is fooling themself.
It must be said, in F1 world British engineers are considered the best
Maybe they are employed by Lotus.
TM
True, IMO. It has been a surprise the good results Toyota has achieved along this week-end.
BMW did much better last year. Are they suddenly a different company this year because they didn't place as high in F1?
As you know, BMW F1 racing team has been second to other "big" teams (Ferrari, McLaren, Renault) in past years. Is particularly in this year that BMW is in trouble. But so are Ferrari, McLaren and Renault. This year is like the "rebellion of the younger siblings".
All of this is caused by different interpretations on the regulations approved by FIA at the end of last season. These regulations, intended to set a common pattern for all, are so ambiguous that technical differences among chassises are wider than ever, being the engines very similar nevertheless.
As a result, the beginning of this season is being very much interesting because apparently weaker teams consistently win over historic teams. But BMW seems to be the most confused by this crazy play. They and Ferrari have followed more than anyone else the rules just the "right" way, or so they say.
Really it is like Bernie Ecclestone, the owner of F1, and FIA were playing fool with the teams. Which in fact is as it was intended, given the "war" that started between FOCA (constructor association) and FIA-Ecclestone along last season.
Anyhow, historic teams are putting big money in new chassis developments. Everyone is looking forward next race in Barcelona, to see how much everyone has improved. This is good for the show, and the sport, but not good to save money spent on car development, which was the reason that led FIA and Ecclestone to write the regulations in order to save money in crisis times. As usual, "life is what happens when you are making other plans", as goes the saying.
Regards,
Jose
Why is it that you don't like the looks of the x6?
Is it particularly the looks that you hate? Or because bmw tried something different?
If you wanted an suv, but didn't need the extra space, would you buy an rx350, honda pilot or the X6?
Correction, three out of four.
Brawn GP and Red bull are both using their engines better than their suppliers Renault and Mercedes
Rightly so. :sick:
Brawn GP and Red bull are both using their engines better than their suppliers Renault and Mercedes
As said, Brawn and Red Bull R chassis are better than those developed by McLaren and Renault teams.
Regards,
Jose
The CEO of the Stuttgart marque's parent, Daimler AG, has told a German news magazine that the 'lie-gate' affair could have terminal consequences in terms of Mercedes' F1 project.
"If circumstances should change, perhaps because of an unreasonable punishment by the FIA, it is possible that we could consider our engagement," Dieter Zetsche told Focus.
The Focus publication added that the Daimler executive committee will meet to discuss possibly exiting formula one on Monday, two days before the World Motor Sport Council considers fraud charges against team partner McLaren in Paris
If this happens its bad news for F1, and what about Hamilton? Where will he go? Ferrari? BMW? Perhaps Brawn?
Is it particularly the looks that you hate? Or because bmw tried something different?
Design is a subjective thing... I just don't like the looks of the BMW X6... maybe if it was smaller, perhaps, but even then, I'm not sure I would like it. As I mentioned earlier, I have never liked the looks of the Mercedes R-Class either.
If you wanted an suv, but didn't need the extra space, would you buy an rx350, honda pilot or the X6?
I wouldn't buy any of those if I was looking for a small SUV. That said, I think the Pilot is a good value. I'd be much more inclined to get the CR-V. Beyond that I'd consider the upcoming BMW X1, the next-generation X3, and maybe the GLK (although I'm not warm on the style). I'd look at the Mini Clubman, although it's probably too small, and I'd look at the VW Tiguan. I think my daughter's Ford Escape Limited Hybrid is nicer than I ever thought it would be, but I'd rather wait for next year's version, which will get some further improvements. I'd also consider alternatives to an SUV, like a smaller hatch model such as the MazdaSpeed 3, or the GTI, or the Audi A3.
I'd even buy a Prius or Insight before buying an X6!
TM
Hamilton is under the same accusation than McLaren. Charges are that McLaren principal instructed Hamilton to lie to the official stewards on an race incident happened with other driver, Jarno Trulli. As a result, Hamilton lied and Trulli was deprived of his third position in podium for the benefit of Hamilton. Race video recordings proved that things happened as Trulli had said to the stewards and not as McLaren/Hamilton stated.
Of course this is bad for F1 but worst for McLaren. Is not first time McLaren is caught in misbehavior. Two years ago it was proven than McLaren spied Ferrari through a fired Ferrari engineer. MB was very disappointed then and now is even more with things they rightly consider are damaging the brand prestige.
So McLaren can be suspended or fined, and Hamilton can also be suspended or fined. Team and driver, each have send apologetic letters to FIA in order to minimize the expected punishings. I do not however believe these punishings are going to be big ones, on behalf of the spectacle and F1 business. But I understand MB is far from being happy with the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Hamilton, the driver who was coached since he was thirteen by McLaren and particularly McLaren principal Ron Dennis, said in a press conference two weeks ago that he was prepared to leave McLaren not for the benefit of McLaren but for the benefit of himself, as he was disappointed with McLaren car current performance. He also told ambiguous words about Ron Dennis, still very influential in McLaren. The air started to be ever rarer in McLaren and MB headquarters.
So, where is going Hamilton if he is going somewhere? Being the excellent driver he is, he has not the aura of good boy and good teammate he had. As well, he is not considered a good car developer. On the other hand, the best teams have their driving positions filled. Brawn got theirs renewed last year. BTW, Brawn openly says he consider Alonso the best current driver and accordingly offered Alonso a post in Brawn team which Alonso rejected. Alonso wanted a mere two years contract, waiting for an expected move to Ferrari that would occur next season. I do not feel Hamilton would be happy going to BMW or any other team apart from the winners-to-be. So, may be Alonso and Hamilton will clash again in Ferrari or in order to enter into Ferrari team. :mad:
Moody waters, those of F1 back yard.
Regards,
Jose
I like that the S6 is content to be a comfortable luxury car in 99% of normal driving situations, and is ready to play for that rare 1%. All of the cars in its class are large and quite heavy, so what the S6 does give up because of its AWD system is less noticeable than for example in cars like the TTS vs. a Porsche Cayman S.
The GT-R situation is a little different. It uses its trick AWD system purely to be faster around corners than its rivals. When you're shopping for a car like the S6, you're already making significant performance sacrifices in order to get the space and the luxury features, no matter what car you buy.
The M5 certainly provides a more lively experience than the S6 in the right conditions, but it falls flat in typical low speed stop and go driving. I don't want a car that is wonderful for that 1%, and lousy for the other 99. There are much better choices to really get the full BMW experience (such as the 135i as I'm sure you know) which are more fun than the M5 and do not suffer from its maladies.
The S6 does manage to be more fun than most of the mid-lux alternatives, and the confidence it gives when the weather turns sour is absolutely unmatched. The best execu-rocket now available though is most likely the XFR, and I do plan to take one for a spin at some point.
My S6 isn't going anywhere yet though, as I want to see what Audi's next moves are with the C7 twin turbo V8 S6, which will be lighter and better balanced than the C6 version, and will probably offer the active diff from the S4. I also want to see how the production A7/S7 turns out.
Really? You think so? I'm having a hard time digesting that one.
Sure... it's quick and it's style is new and interesting, although not awesome... and it's priced right.
But "the best"? Please explain.
TM
Funny thing is everybody seems to drive either one of the following 5 cars: a Toyota called Innova (quasi-MPV, think Pacifica), another Toyota oddly named Avanza and Xenia at the same time, Honda Jazz (Fit in our speak), Nissan Livina (I think it's called Note in Japan), or a Suzuki minivan. What an odd place....
just curious? Are you a Diplomatic?
Nope, it's just the company I work for has foreign branches across the globe and I get this one for my assignment. It was initially offered to a senior of mine but he said he's too old to live that far away now.
Anyways about the X6, the v8 already got the new turbo since the 2008 MY, but the 6-cyl got the new turbo starting 2009 MY (January shipments). Great news for you
Congrats to Gary for his ride, and Tag.... well... I know it's hard to divorce the 911, but you'll get over it :P
Meanwhile, it's just me, my amusingly boring Camry (which surprisingly is too big to drive around here in comfort), and some very attractive local ladies :shades:
Btw, what's this A7 everybody's talking about? Anyone got any pictures?
But no matter how bad looking it is, I'd never pick a Prius over the X6. Translation: the Prius looks even worse!!! :P
Anyone got any thoughts on future designs of the German 3?
Tag, and LG, you guys are discussing the great debate between Audi/BMW. The BMW is the purer driving experience, the Audi serves more functions, better.
BMW =Sprinter
Audi=dec athlete
I think we fully agree on that.
And, the work done by Adrian Newey and Jeoff Willis (ex Williams-BMW) with current RedBull-Renault deserves my admiration as well.
I keep looking forward in excitement to see the development of Brawn's and RBR cars.
Regards,
Jose
Funny, I have so little respect for Toyota that I was smiling when they managed to fubar a perfectly good 1&2.
LG, I get you with the S6, at some point a sedan trying to be a track car is a silly mission. However, a really well engineered sedan that's fast, comfortable, and feels special [you've mentioned this before and I agree, S cars just feel special] is the best.
I would take an S8 over a Mas Q any day, why, the S8 is more rare, and just better executed IMO. I'll happily take a 2010 Cayman S with the new LSD for my track work thank you!!!!!!