Did You See Anything Good Today? [Read First Post]

[Perfect Balance]

all that and leave on the stock brakes! nice touch!

I'm sure they're plenty.

 

[Serge.D]

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, I had an afternoon to go car shopping, and ended up with a few pleasant surprises at the local dealers...

I've never seen a red Cadillac XLR before. Don't worry, my brother took this one...

Thats a 1 of 500 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car. Price? A cool $66,000. I'd buy it if I had the money. Probably. Plus, that K5 Blazer there is just awesome too. Did I mention this is at Berger Chevrolet? People who are into American cars know what I'm taking about... And I just realized how small my Jetta is compared to the K5 (I'm sitting right behind it).

Hey! A Dodge Viper GTS! This one caught me off guard, as it was parked between a Chevy and Toyota dealer on a vacant lot, all while much of that space was being used to hold construction equipment. Still, a nice car...

My first HHR Panel Cruiser! The guy at the dealer said they've only had it for a few days, and that I was one of the first who actually knew a lot about it. I think its an awesome idea, particularly when you could use all that space in the back as a bed at school...

2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible. Suggested MSRP was $48K, a reasonable price I thought. Then I looked at the sticker next to it, and they're trying to get $68K out of it. They'll do it just fine, I'm sure...

Thats a 2007 Ford Shelby GT. The mark-up was only $14K on this one, so the $44K didn't seem as outrageous as it did on the GT500. One problem; There were Saleen Mustangs at the dealer.

This 2007 Parneli Jones Edition was sitting in the front window, and it is by-far the coolest Mustang I've ever seen, much less sat it (more on that later). I love the color, I love the look, as it all seems so much more toned-down compared to the S281s they had...

I sat in the red one, and while the glass roof was cool and all, I didn't think it was worth $70K. Thats Z06 territory, and the Mustang won't cut it. The seats were uncomfortable too. But hey, the purple color-changer was cool just because of the paint.

(And yes, they had several of the F-150 models. The white one there, and I believe there were two red ones in the "Car Pool" garage.)

===

A break from the car pr0n, how about the 2008 Ford Taurus?

Whoopdy-frickin' doo. Its the first I've seen not at a car show, and I'm fairly unimpressed. Sure, its "distinctive," but the name isn't going to save it.

===

Back to the pr0n!

Thats a 2007 Ford Mustang GT California Special Convertible. Its the first soft-top model I've seen, and it was pretty cool. The F250 there on the back left was awesome though. I've never felt so big inside of a truck, and yes I have driven H2s before...

I believe that is considered a Roush Stage I Mustang, so its pretty much just a body kit, a few suspension upgrades, a short-throw kit with a new shifter, and thats about it. I liked the feel a lot better compared to the Saleen models.

So that Parneli Jones one was unlocked, and I was quite happy to sit in it. The seats were a lot more comfortable compared to the S281, and the overall feel felt more "complete" compared to the other model as well. I like the big N/A V8 power choice, as it suits the spirit of the car a lot better. Plus, who doesn't love a shaker hood?

===

So, overall an excellent day. Too bad I couldn't drive any of 'em...

 

[FastEddie12]

That white thing looks awful! Ewww!

The mustangs are cool though...

 

[McLaren]

The new Taurus is nothing more than a 500 and a Fusion with more "unique" options to its model.

And kudos to someone for actually seeing a GT500 Conv. That appears to share 1 thing in common with its ancestor...rarity.

And I'll agree the Paranelli is by far, the coolest Mustang. Cheap, fast, Saleen made, and a Mustang that was totally worth reincarnating.

 

[Prosthetic]

Man, i'm not the biggest american car fan. But I must say, that the Mustang has a lot going for. And I think that more cars should really be like that. Gives a lot more competition, which means better stuff for cheaper! 👍

 

[Appie]

In front of our house

Also saw an BMW M5 but my batteries were dead

 

[Tornado]

Am I the only one who notices that the aftermarket makes the Mustang look so much better then either Ford or Shelby does? Its crazy, but not as crazy as $44,000 for a Mustang GT with a billet grill and hood pins.

Plus, that K5 Blazer there is just awesome too.

Its always nice to se a good K5. I almost bought one on impulse for my first car, but then stopped when I realised that there are only 4 K5s in the entire state that aren't rusted out more than old Datsuns.

One problem; There were Saleen Mustangs at the dealer.

One more problem: The GT500 is supposed to start at $45,000, and regardless of whether you like it it obviously has more potential than the GT does.

Sure, its "distinctive," but the name isn't going to save it.

The fact that it looks like it was styled by someone who vaguely realises what the word "generic" means may, though. I have seen one in the flesh, and I have to say that the Gillete front actually fits the 500 well. Better than the hack job done on the Freestyle, at least (though maybe that is mostly because the Freestyle wasn't so "bleh"). And for that matter, the Montego was pretty well improved too, though the front end works less well on that than it does on the Milan.

I believe that is considered a Roush Stage I Mustang, so its pretty much just a body kit, a few suspension upgrades, a short-throw kit with a new shifter, and thats about it. I liked the feel a lot better compared to the Saleen models.

So, it is a better looking Shelby GT? Does it go for less than $44,000? It already has more value than the GT from a modifications standpoint, so sign me up.

Also saw an BMW M5 but my batteries were dead

There is a nice Beamer to the right of Mr. 2 that appears to be a 5er. Would that by chance be it?

 

[Rue]

New Honda Civic Type-R outside my house this morning. Is this the first of the thread?

 

[harrytuttle]

This thread is nothing without pics.

Seconded. 👍

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j76/81401/cars/group/m6_bentley-061907.jpg
M6 + Bentley Brooklands; say 'yummy' to the all-too-common M6.

Common to you, but I've seen exactly one since it's release. For what used to be the biggest M market, this thing is notable by its absence.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j76/81401/cars/lamborghini/gallardo_spyder-061807-3.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j76/81401/cars/lamborghini/gallardo_spyder-061807.jpg
You didn't see a Gallardo Spyder this week. Very interesting story behind this spot, not necessary to post here. Florida tags from the Miami area. Only my third Gallardo Spyder spot, all in the last two months.

The thread may be useless without posts, but stories always add interest....

Am I the only one who notices that the aftermarket makes the Mustang look so much better then either Ford or Shelby does? Its crazy, but not as crazy as $44,000 for a Mustang GT with a billet grill and hood pins.

No, I think the sudden popularity of Saleen Mustangs is proof of what makes a Mustang look good. Until last year, Saleen S281's were incredibly rare. They now have to be at least as common as new Bentley's. The Parnelli Jones 302 is the best looking one, I think (since the GT-R never made it to production).


On with the show:


BMW M5 2001

Because it's so much cooler than the current one.


BMW Z8

Because everyone loves a Z8.


Dodge Charger SRT-8

Because there's a few people here who can't tell the difference between "SRT" and "R/T". (Hell of an exhaust note, though.)


Dodge Rampage 2.2 1984

Because I've never heard of it before. I mean never. I had to really dig on Google to learn about it.


Ford F-150 Harley Davidson

Because I've never seen this color before. Is it anything special, or just a H-D in white? Excuse the blurry photo, though; wrong photo settings.


Pontiac Solstice GXP

Because it's proof that people will buy anything. A wolly chassis plus a moderately powered engine equals..."eh".


Triumph Mk2

Because old British cars are cool...so long as you can get them running.


Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG 2003

Because it's a great car for the money it's going for these days? Give that car a manual and it would have fared so much better against the E46 M3. I seriously do not know what Mercedes is waiting for.


Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet

Because until last month I thought these things didn't exist. Now I see them by the fistful. Where have these been hiding?


Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG 2001

Because it's rarer than the supercharged one. And cooler...a little.


Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Edition

Because it's bitchin'.


Ha!

 

[YSSMAN]

One more problem: The GT500 is supposed to start at $45,000, and regardless of whether you like it it obviously has more potential than the GT does.

I pretty much agree. I really don't think the standard $45-50K for a Cobra (be it a coupe or convertible) is that bad, but when they strap on the $20K "market adjustment," thats when the aftermarket models make more sense. Of course, much of that likely comes down to whether or not you buy into the nostalgia of the Shelby name, or are prepared to go with racing inspired/tuned models from outside tuners. Generally speaking, you're going to end up with about the same performance by the days end, but the big differences are going to be Ford's factory warranty with the 10,000 lb 5.4L S/C V8, or deal with the tuner warranty and the lighter weight built 4.6 (or 5.0), be it S/C or not.

When it comes down to it, I still like the Cobra despite its disappointing performance numbers, but I'd rather tinker around with a base GT to build my high-performance model.

So, it is a better looking Shelby GT? Does it go for less than $44,000? It already has more value than the GT from a modifications standpoint, so sign me up.

It depends on how you like your Mustangs I guess. The Shelby GT has quite a few tacky pieces (particularly the hood scoop), so overall the Roush comes off like it has been screwed together a lot better. If I recall correctly, the price tag was set at $36K, which comes off as a better deal with the Roush-tuned suspension pieces.

=====

Pontiac Solstice GXP

Because it's proof that people will buy anything. A wolly chassis plus a moderately powered engine equals..."eh".

Ouch.

Sure, the structure may come off a bit "loose" at times, but it isn't the worst I've heard about. The biggest surprise has always been that the slushbox model is apparently the better choice over those with a stick... Still, its certainly one quick car, and will hang with the best of them at a good price.

 

[Joey D]

I've seen a lot of RX-8's driving around but I've never once seen one in this Lightning Yellow color.

 

[Appie]

Did someone ever saw an RX-7. Would love to see a pic of that

 

[Brett]

Well I said I had seen an Alfa Romeo Spider with Oklahoma tags on it and would post it, well I am just now finally getting around to it. I saw the car last Friday while I was out with a friend of mine buying some music from a local record store and Best Buy.



This is what I was seeing for a while and when I had first seen the rear end, there was something odd about it that made me think it might be an Alfa. Finally, once we were a little closer, I knew for sure it was an Alfa and here is a couple more pictures of it.



The next pictures are of much less interesting car, at least compared to most of what is posted here, but somewhat neat since I have only seen a handful of them and was trying to get used to using my camera phone some more.



Sorry more my side mirror in the first picture, it just managed to work its way into my view. I guess it decided it needed to be in a picture.

 

[Joey D]

The mirror is fine, proof you actually saw the car.

 

[Brett]

You can see part of my 3000GT in the mirror too. So that is a doubly good picture. You get to see a Civic Si and part of my 3kGT.

 

[Tornado]

Because it's proof that people will buy anything. A wolly chassis plus a moderately powered engine equals..."eh"

Ouch. The only things I've ever heard that was wrong with it was that it tries to act like a Miata when it is so obviously too heavy to be, and that the engines are trash. I thought the chassis was fine. I agree, its no Fiero, but its still a decent Miata alternative.
And in any case, at least it isn't a Saturn Sky.
Besides, proof that people will buy anything is seen more in cars like the BMW X3 than the Kappa cars.

Finally, once we were a little closer, I knew for sure it was an Alfa and here is a couple more pictures of it.

The mid-90s Alfa Spyders were awesome looking cars in the same way that the Plymouth Prowler was: Keep that damn soft top stowed away.

Because I've never heard of it before. I mean never. I had to really dig on Google to learn about it.

Really? My previous next-door neighbor owned a Plymouth Scamp. Silly little things, they were.

 

[Brett]

I thought it was a very cool spot, as I have only seen a couple other Alfas outside of that one. I am sure the soft top would have been off, had it not been a somewhat rainy day. It somewhat drizzled, sprinkled, or rained throughout the day last Friday.

 

[YSSMAN]

Ouch. The only things I've ever heard that was wrong with it was that it tries to act like a Miata when it is so obviously too heavy to be, and that the engines are trash. I thought the chassis was fine. I agree, its no Fiero, but its still a decent Miata alternative.
And in any case, at least it isn't a Saturn Sky.
Besides, proof that people will buy anything is seen more in cars like the BMW X3 than the Kappa cars.

I'm glad we kinda agree. Kinda.

The basic ECOTEC isn't a good fit with the nature of the Solstice on the base model, but the Turbo motor is reportedly really good (I have yet to have personal experience). I think the "different" power delivery was the complaint there.

...But hey, I like the Sky, so what do I know...

And the X3? They (BMW) fixed the suspension, so its supposed to be a lot better. But that doesn't make it a better idea than the 328xi.

 

[Rue]

New Honda Civic Type-R outside my house this morning. Is this the first of the thread?

Does anyone know when this car came out? I'm struggling to find any info on it. It's all about the 3-door hatch.

 

[Brett]

Do not have a clue. I did not even know Honda was going to make more than on Civic Type-R, as the only one I had ever seen pictures of was the three-door hatch.

 

[Tornado]

...But hey, I like the Sky, so what do I know...

I adore the Sky, and think it is a way better car than the Solstice. And it can probably be gotten for less, too.
But here is the problem:

It ruins the entire car.
It would be so much better as this:

Does anyone know when this car came out? I'm struggling to find any info on it. It's all about the 3-door hatch.

Here you go:

Japanese Civic Type R

The Japanese version of Civic Type R has gone on sale. Unlike the European version, it is based on the 4-door Civic sedan thus has a larger boot and longer wheelbase. In Japan, it is used to replace the Integra Type R, which was dead last year. (The last generation, UK-imported Civic Type R was never a hit in Japan) Therefore in Honda's website you can see it is usually compared to the last Integra Type R.

Like the European Civic Type R, the motor is still that K20A 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC, but its tuning is even hotter. Compression ratio is 11.7:1, higher than the European version (11.0:1) as well as the old Integra (11.5:1). Compare with the latter, it employs larger diameter throttle butterfly and larger diamater and straighter intake manifolds. To reduce air resistance further, the intake manifold unit is casted with a special resin coated on the sand die, hence smoothening the internal surface of the intake manifolds. This technique is carried over from the late NSX. It alone contributes to 2 more horsepower at high rev. At the exhaust side, the exhaust manifolds are rerouted to reduce back-pressure.

Overall, the engine produces 225ps (JIS) at 8000 rpm and 159 lbft of torque at 6100 rpm. Max rev is 8400 rpm. For comparison, the old Integra Type R produced 220ps at 8000 rpm and 152 lbft at 7000 rpm, with the same max rev at 8400 rpm. The current European Civic Type R produces 201hp (DIN) at 7800 rpm and 142 lbft at 5600 rpm, with cut-out set at 8000 rpm. The Japanese reserve the best for themselves !

The chassis of new Civic Type R is 50% stiffer than Integra Type R. Compare with the regular Civic sedan, it has various strengthening but without any suspension tower bars because of the inherent strength of the chassis. Weight is reduced by using aluminum front bumper beam and by deleting some sound insulation, spare tire, electric door mirrors etc. The rear seatback cannot be opened for access to trunk, both saving weight and increasing strength. The car is 20mm wider and 10mm lower in ride height. Brakes are upgraded to Brembo 320mm ventilated discs with 4-piston calipers up front and 282mm discs at the rear. The front brakes also got cooling air ducts to draw cold air. Tires are 225/40R18 like the European version, but unlike the latter, it gets a Torsen LSD as standard.

However, the new Civic Type R may be slower than the car it replaces. It weighs 1270 kg, some 80-100 kg more than the old Integra Type R. This is virtually impossible to be compensated by the slight increase of power.

Linky (scroll down to April 3rd)


I call it the "good Type R."

 

[Rue]

Thanks for the info. Gosh I wonder how much this cost to import into Hong Kong. Being so new, I think the first registration tax is about 85% of the vehicles RRP.

 

[1X83Z]

Saw some cars today.

Testarossa

My favorite shot:

The driver was 18-20 years old, male.

Also saw this trash:

Quite a hot day...

Extremely saddened tonight at seeing the very first Aston Martin Vanquish I have ever seen on the road, however a picture was impossible. I've been a bit depressed about it all night, as it's one of my 'must-see four.' Any other circumstance would've warranted a picture. As such this does not count as a spot, and, thus, I am still yet to see one on the road.
THAT IS ALL

EDIT: by the way, I've been out of town, but TO HARRY----

+rep for the CLK Black Series spot!!! Hands down one of the best spots this summer in this thread - a very very very incredible automobile, to me, but even if it were crap kudos on already seeing one. And I was proud of myself for seeing the new Taurus and a new Altima Coupe on the road - those things aren't half the rare that the CLK is! Thanks for sharing.

 

[YSSMAN]

Question: Wasn't it snowing in Denver like a week ago?

Other Question: Who got the new Taurus first? You or me? Or are we not counting dealer cars here. Even in Michigan we're not stupid enough to buy that car...

 

[1X83Z]

Question: Wasn't it snowing in Denver like a week ago?

It's probably snowing right now at 12,000 feet. We haven't seen snow here since April, maybe early May in the metro area.

Other Question: Who got the new Taurus first? You or me? Or are we not counting dealer cars here. Even in Michigan we're not stupid enough to buy that car...

I saw the vehicle on June 15, 2007 in front of the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. No photo for proof though and I have yet to see a second, not that I'm terribly interested in photographing the thing, even though I love the Taurus name.

 

[McLaren]

Hey, quick question Doug.

When you gonna stop seeing that big red Bentley, and see a real Brooklands?

 

[1X83Z]

Hey, quick question Doug.

When you gonna stop seeing that big red Bentley, and see a real Brooklands?

Hopefully really soon. Denver isn't a gigantic Bentley market (though you wouldn't know it by the amount of Continental GTs I see here) but Atlanta has more Bentleys than Crewe. I can't imagine it'll be too long before I get a spot.

 

[McLaren]

The old Brooklands doesn't tickle my fancy, but I saw a new one through the window of the Bentley dealer here, and it looks pretty freakin' nice, I must say.

But I bet these rims are a pain in the butt to stay clean.

 

[1X83Z]

Yeah well - the guy who washes it doesn't mind.