WDWFreak53, car discussion

[garyhoov]

Aprilia just unveiled their long-awaited V-4 Superbike:

It looks a little long and bulky to me (possible the inevetible result of the V-4 design), but they haven't released any real specs on it (other than to say that it will have "over 200 HP in race trim".

I guess they must think the design will be competitive.

. . . but now that 1200 cc twins are allowed in Superbike, I'm looking forward to the development of some serious V-Twins.

I've always been a fan of twins.:lookaroun

 

[garyhoov]

From Autoblog, the new Holden coupe:

For my tastes, this styling works better than the Camaro. I think it would be interesting to make this the new Firebird and then you'd have a very different Firebird and Camaro.

. . . but I'm guessing if this comes to the US as a Pontiac, it will be called a G7 or G9 or something.

 

[flynnibus]

I like!

Front half looks a lot like a 3 series.

Too bad production would probably lose the side exhaust and pillarless windows. But here's hopin!

 

[WDWFREAK53]

New Camaro is clocking in at 3800lbs. (That's with the V8). (The Pontiac G8 is 4100lbs).

That's still substantially lighter than the behemoth Challenger. It definitely could be a little lighter though.

 

[garyhoov]

Looks like the long-rumored Solstice Targa may be coming to the New York show.:sohappy:

I'd prefer a true coupe, but I'd also prefer the Targa to the convertible (particularly since the convertible in the Solstice is pretty much crap).

Hopefully they'll offer it in GXP. If so, I may get one.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/new-york-08-preview-pontiac-solstice-targa-may-appear/

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Looks like the long-rumored Solstice Targa may be coming to the New York show.:sohappy:

I'd prefer a true coupe, but I'd also prefer the Targa to the convertible (particularly since the convertible in the Solstice is pretty much crap).

Hopefully they'll offer it in GXP. If so, I may get one.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/new-york-08-preview-pontiac-solstice-targa-may-appear/

I'd love the Camaro to get this.

I'm still heavily leaning toward the V8 'vert (whether it be the SS or the Z/28). The lease on my truck will be up on the same month the 'vert hits the showrooms! (It's a sign )

 

[garyhoov]

I'd love the Camaro to get this.

I'm still heavily leaning toward the V8 'vert (whether it be the SS or the Z/28). The lease on my truck will be up on the same month the 'vert hits the showrooms! (It's a sign )

I'm waiting to see the Camaro in the flesh. I've been having a real hard time getting a read on it from photos. I like it form some angles, but other times I look at it and it just doesn't work for me.

I have a feeling it's one of those cars that will look much better in person. It has some dramatic elements to it that I think might be impressive if you're standing next to it . . . but photos can't quite capture the feel.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

I'm waiting to see the Camaro in the flesh. I've been having a real hard time getting a read on it from photos. I like it form some angles, but other times I look at it and it just doesn't work for me.

I have a feeling it's one of those cars that will look much better in person. It has some dramatic elements to it that I think might be impressive if you're standing next to it . . . but photos can't quite capture the feel.

I know exactly what you mean.

Some numbers of the Pontiac G8 have come out and they are pretty impressive.

I saw the Bumblebee concept in person and was in awe. I loved it. The actual production model isn't out but the pre-production is out and, from what I can tell, the lines are basically the same.

I'm stealing a thought you had about the Mustang when the production model was unveiled and I'm relating it to the Camaro. It is a great "blank" canvas for customization.

Some G8 info from testing:

G8 can do the slalom at 66 mph, thats better than the BMW 535i
Skidpad numbers are in the 0.85 - 0.89 range
The G8 has 50-50 weight distribution with driver and passenger, i think its around 52-48 with only the driver.
Topgear tested the VXR8 against European sports sedans, it beat them in a straight line as well as in the corner
Someone did a comparision between an Audi R8 and the VXR8 where the Zeta was given a head start. The Audi could not pass it in the turns and lost ground in the straights.

Also, here is a comparison that Motortrend did. (I'm only using the G8 because it's on the same platform as the Camaro and most likely will use the same engine...just tuned)

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests...8_vs_2008_dodge_charger/specs_comparison.html

The Pontiac...(which is heavier than the Camaro)...is faster than the Charger, has better braking ability, is cheaper, and weighs about the same.

Now, imagine what that engine, tuned (most likely supercharged), on a car that weighs 400lbs less can do for numbers.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Great coupe/vert shot.
The musclecars are back.
And...one with a little "Disney Flair"

 

[garyhoov]

Did you see`this one yet Brian? I like it from this angle (could do without the apparent non-functional vents in front of the rear wheels though):

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Did you see`this one yet Brian? I like it from this angle (could do without the apparent non-functional vents in front of the rear wheels though):

No I hadn't seen it...and look!

Camaros are going back to the trailer parks!!! :lookaroun

I'm not a fan of the non-functionality of the vents...but at least they had some aesthetic value. At least the vent on the hood will be functional (in the V8).

I heard that GM let it slip that an SS model will join their V6 and V8 lineup. Hopefully the rebirth of the Z28 will follow after.

GM said that there will be no more "camo" put on any of the test mules. (We still have yet to see the ACTUAL headlights or the real center stack interior)

EDIT: I love those rims.

 

[DMC-12]

I feel somewhat out of place at my new job. At least 3 guys in my work group drive/have M3s. Ugh... so I have to deal with them now.*sigh* Great... BMW fanboys. :lol:

Them: OMG...l00zer... why dont you have a V?!

Me: Cause I would not be able to afford the level of ins. coverage I want on it... in my single, male, age bracket, ON TOP of the vehicle payment.

Them: OMG... thats sooo weak!!

Me: Well yeah... I guess if I still lived in my moms basement... and had no real world bills to... I could afford the M3 and the ins for it as well.


:lol::lookaroun

 

[WDWFREAK53]

I feel somewhat out of place at my new job. At least 3 guys in my work group drive/have M3s. Ugh... so I have to deal with them now.*sigh* Great... BMW fanboys. :lol:

Them: OMG...l00zer... why dont you have a V?!

Me: Cause I would not be able to afford the level of ins. coverage I want on it... in my single, male, age bracket, ON TOP of the vehicle payment.

Them: OMG... thats sooo weak!!

Me: Well yeah... I guess if I still lived in my moms basement... and had no real world bills to... I could afford the M3 and the ins for it as well.


:lol::lookaroun

Ya know...maybe it's just me but I don't like the 3 series at all. I don't mind the coupe...but the others are so... bleh. :shrug: The CTS has much more style and sophistication to it...with a muscular side

EDIT: I think I know what it is...I think it's because I see the Fusion, Focus, Malibu, Charger, etc...and think, "Why would anybody pay for a car that really brings nothing to the table?" Sure, it's a "BMW" but compared to your every day driver...what does the BMW offer that the Fusion or Malibu don't?

If you're the type of driver that continuously zigzags through traffic and punches it and basically beats the crap out of a car...fine, be my guest, hop in your M3 and have at it. Driving to and from work and around the city...your M3 isn't doing anything that the cars half of it's price are doing.

 

[flynnibus]

yeah... but we don't buy cars for praticality

You don't drive a ferrari to work because you NEED a ferrari Its actually much worse then that focus, etc.. but does that mean your a tool for buying the ferrari? nah!

 

[WDWFREAK53]

yeah... but we don't buy cars for praticality

You don't drive a ferrari to work because you NEED a ferrari Its actually much worse then that focus, etc.. but does that mean your a tool for buying the ferrari? nah!

No, not at all...but most people don't have a ferrari as a daily driver either.

Just saying

(The same could be said for any luxury car...I'm just picking out the BMW's because their drivers seem more gung-ho than the other luxury car drivers)

 

[mkt]

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/ly/09gtr.htm

Yup. I want, nay NEED one.

Can someone spot me $100k? I'm good for it

 

[WDWFREAK53]

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/ly/09gtr.htm

Yup. I want, nay NEED one.

Can someone spot me $100k? I'm good for it

I'm telling you...if I could swing it...I'd be driving it.

I'm really hoping that the GT-R makes it into Transformers 2. It'd make one helluva Prowl.

 

[mkt]

lol.. I'm downsizing right now, so swinging it isn't an option.

Right now I've got the R32 and the 4Runner, with the R32 serving commuter duties, spending most of its time in a parking garage , while the 4Runner is my weekend workhorse.

The 4Runner's got a V8 which means that while I love it cause it's quicker than most of the POS's on the road here and it'll scoot up the mountains like no ones business, gas is expensive and for once a consideration for me.... especially at 12mpg.

I still need the ground clearance and 4WD/AWD to get up in the mountains, which means I can't just sell it and use the R32 7 days a week... it won't survive a single trip up to the mountains. I'm considering getting a 4cyl softroader to go up, since I don't need a massive off-road machine, but rather something that will go up without complaint. Maybe a used Murano 4WD, or a Subaru Forester... even a Nissan Rogue AWD or Ford Flex might do the trick. If they were reliable, I'd consider a Land Rover Freelander or an old beat up diesel Discovery or Range Rover (they're actually not too hard to find here). Perhaps an oddball 4cyl mitsu montero.

Gah!! Decisions...

4Runner pro/con
Pro:
Paid for
Fun for an SUV
reliable
Its radio picks up english broadcasts from neighboring islands
Good for these horrid roads here
That rear tailgate window that opens is neat
Very good off road
Not bad on road either

Con:
12mpg combined fuel efficiency
Impossible to park on the street...
...or in most garage spots.
Costs $70 to fill
V8 Limited Model is rare resulting in a scarcity of certain parts, thus a premium price commanded for them
No TRD toys

ok, 8 pro, 6 con.. this rant is over :zipit:

 

[WDWFREAK53]

lol.. I'm downsizing right now, so swinging it isn't an option.

Right now I've got the R32 and the 4Runner, with the R32 serving commuter duties, spending most of its time in a parking garage , while the 4Runner is my weekend workhorse.

The 4Runner's got a V8 which means that while I love it cause it's quicker than most of the POS's on the road here and it'll scoot up the mountains like no ones business, gas is expensive and for once a consideration for me.... especially at 12mpg.

I still need the ground clearance and 4WD/AWD to get up in the mountains, which means I can't just sell it and use the R32 7 days a week... it won't survive a single trip up to the mountains. I'm considering getting a 4cyl softroader to go up, since I don't need a massive off-road machine, but rather something that will go up without complaint. Maybe a used Murano 4WD, or a Subaru Forester... even a Nissan Rogue AWD or Ford Flex might do the trick. If they were reliable, I'd consider a Land Rover Freelander or an old beat up diesel Discovery or Range Rover (they're actually not too hard to find here). Perhaps an oddball 4cyl mitsu montero.

Gah!! Decisions...

4Runner pro/con
Pro:
Paid for
Fun for an SUV
reliable
Its radio picks up english broadcasts from neighboring islands
Good for these horrid roads here
That rear tailgate window that opens is neat
Very good off road
Not bad on road either

Con:
12mpg combined fuel efficiency
Impossible to park on the street...
...or in most garage spots.
Costs $70 to fill
V8 Limited Model is rare resulting in a scarcity of certain parts, thus a premium price commanded for them
No TRD toys

ok, 8 pro, 6 con.. this rant is over :zipit:

Umm, why not get rid of the R32? :shrug: If it spends most of the time in the garage anyways...and you can get something like an Aveo or a Cobalt for the commuting and parking.

 

[mkt]

Umm, why not get rid of the R32? :shrug: If it spends most of the time in the garage anyways...and you can get something like an Aveo or a Cobalt for the commuting and parking.

The R32 is far too much fun on the commute (like your Z was) ... I have no reason to ditch it yet.

Plus, on the odd weekend I stay in San Juan, or don't go to the rainforest (if I decide to do a quickie trip to the mountains to the west, for example), it's quite a fun car. Also, if SCCPR (local SCCA club) has an autocross day, I like taking it there.

Plus, with the heartache I went through buying the car in Miami and shipping it here to PR (not to mention the vehicle excise taxes and shipping costs, which alone are enough to buy an Aveo or Cobalt), I don't plan on getting rid of this car anytime soon.