The Hot Mom Car II - Looks like we're getting a C5 (post 82)

[///M-Spec]

And ///M, DO NOT WANT an FX. Those things are just fugly with a capital F.

Actually, wifey isn't too big on it either. But I kinda like the way it looks. I could start an ugly car collection. I already have the Z4

Well their awd system turned the 3er in the comparos I read from being a class leader, into bringin up the rear.

That doesn't mean a whole lot to me; I'm perfectly capable of driving the cars myself and making up my own mind. I don't need to be spoon-fed my opinions from a bloke I don't even know. If they agree with me, that's fine. If they don't, that's fine too. I'm buying the car.. not them.

...What about that new EX35 thingamajig? I have no idea if its "good" or not, haven't heard much about it altogether...

Probably too small. We'll see.

You guys are so serious.

Yeah, a one line post calling a car a POS is really hysterically funny stuff. Almost as funny as going from "I pulled at it a little bit" to "I just touched the plastic cover piece". But not as funny as the transition from "whole dash" to "gauge cluster". Rofflecopter, dude.

But, yeah, the clutch-- I mean e-brake on the altima is unacceptable.

Because....?

And, yeah, I just touched the plastic cover piece on the Murano and it fell right off. I snapped it back on, but you think they would lock that stuff in place.

Like I already said; has it not occurred to you that someone had broken it before you got there? Given that, you know, it was a showcar and people tear those things up?

You guys can't make me like it, though.

Nobody is trying to force you to do anything, least of all participate in this thread.

I will knock it as I please.

Be my guest. And I will keep pointing out how completely devoid of merit your complaints are


M

 

[forza2.0]

That doesn't mean a whole lot to me; I'm perfectly capable of driving the cars myself and making up my own mind. I don't need to be spoon-fed my opinions from a bloke I don't even know. If they agree with me, that's fine. If they don't, that's fine too. I'm buying the car.. not them.

Im just saying that if you want a 4wd car the 3 series is pronanly not the best choice. Bmw are at their best with RWD, otherwise I would go with one of the competitors.

On another note you say that the 3 series etc doesnt have too much space, well the new A4 is meant to be rather roomy and has been beating the 3er in comparos.

 

[Zrow]

What about a Volvo XC90? Has that already been covered?

 

[Sage]

Yeah, the selection process seems a little odd, doesn't it?

Basically […]

Make sense?

Uh, sort of.

[The Infiniti EX35 is] probably too small. We'll see.

It has 16.8 cu. ft. of cargo space, which happens to be a smidgen less than a Mazda 3 hatchback.

 

[JCE]

So the EX is SMALLER? Hmmm, I need to check one out in person. I'm going to assume that Infiniti is still using the engine displacement in the car model name--which means it will have the VQ35? 260-300bhp in something SMALLER than the FX? Wow, that could be brilliant.

 

[YSSMAN]

The EX is based on the G35, so my guess is that its less of a style exercise compared to the FX35, and wouldn't be any smaller at all... Kinda like a G35X on stilts.

 

[///M-Spec]

Im just saying that if you want a 4wd car the 3 series is pronanly not the best choice. Bmw are at their best with RWD, otherwise I would go with one of the competitors.

On another note you say that the 3 series etc doesnt have too much space, well the new A4 is meant to be rather roomy and has been beating the 3er in comparos.

Poverty, let me be perfectly plain spoken with you. You have a yawning credibility gap with me. Based on your past history, I do not believe you capable of rendering an objective opinion, especially when it comes to Audis. Or BMWs. You are free to say what you want here, but until you correct the problem by posting with far greater substance than you have in the past, don't expect me to take your opinions very seriously.

What about a Volvo XC90? Has that already been covered?

My dad has an XC90. It is built like Cheyenne Mountain, but driving it makes the XC70 seem like Lindsay Lohan after seven cosmos and four lines of coke... in Bali... dancing on a table... while waving a handgun.

Uh, sort of.

Not every car buying decision is based entirely on unassailable logic.

The EX is based on the G35, so my guess is that its less of a style exercise compared to the FX35, and wouldn't be any smaller at all... Kinda like a G35X on stilts.

I'm pretty sure both the FX and the EX, as well as the M35/M45, is based on a modified FM platform, sourced from the G.


M

 

[Omnis]

Yeah, a one line post calling a car a POS is really hysterically funny stuff. Almost as funny as going from "I pulled at it a little bit" to "I just touched the plastic cover piece". But not as funny as the transition from "whole dash" to "gauge cluster". Rofflecopter, dude.

Hyperbole.

Because....?

Because if someone thinks it's a clutch and steps on it while driving, that's no good. Plus, if you crash and the floor comes in a bit it would probably break your shin off. Why couldn't it be in the same spot as all the other cars and trucks (with floor e-brakes) on the market?

Like I already said; has it not occurred to you that someone had broken it before you got there? Given that, you know, it was a showcar and people tear those things up?

Why was every other car not torn up in the same fashion? Murano was not auto-show-proof. No good.

Nobody is trying to force you to do anything, least of all participate in this thread.

Well, originally, my intentions were to praise the CX-9, until I saw that it was being compared to a Murano (or not, in hindsight). So forgive me.

Be my guest. And I will keep pointing out how completely devoid of merit your complaints are


M

Sure thing.

 

[Bram Turismo]

I love this car purely because it prooves it is possible to build something more ugly then the latest Toyota Thundra...

 

[Duke]

My dad has an XC90. It is built like Cheyenne Mountain, but driving it makes the XC70 seem like Lindsay Lohan after seven cosmos and four lines of coke... in Bali... dancing on a table... while waving a handgun.

Dude, where are you getting your material these days?!

 

[///M-Spec]

Hyperbole.

One man's hyperbole is another man's all-natural organic compost.

Because if someone thinks it's a clutch and steps on it while driving, that's no good.

True, that'd be terrible. Because doing that would mean you're an idiot.

Have you noticed that if someone mistakes a hot iron for a telephone, they could answer it and burn half their face off? That's no good.

Luckily since the e-brake only actuates a rear drum lining meant to hold the car still instead of stopping it, the braking effect would be considerably weaker than say, accidentally misapplying the brakes. Unfortunately, you'd still be an idiot, just going slower.

Plus, if you crash and the floor comes in a bit it would probably break your shin off.

Going by that logic, then every car with a real clutch pedal would do the same thing, making them all tie for "worst ever made". You didn't really think that one through did you?

Additionally, the NHTSA didn't note any problems when they awarded the Murano 5/5 Stars in their Front and Side Impact Tests and I've never received a notice for a class-action lawsuit against Nissan for this, so I think it's safe to say this isn't a problem.

Why couldn't it be in the same spot as all the other cars and trucks (with floor e-brakes) on the market?

Maybe a foot pedal closer to a body's centerline makes it easier and more comfortable to use? And since it poses no significant safety risk, is a better place for it? 💡

Why was every other car not torn up in the same fashion? Murano was not auto-show-proof. No good.

Right. Because any car that is not impervious to vandalism at a car show must be the worst car ever designed.

I'm sure there are hundreds, if not thousands of Murano owners who regularly drive their cars to a public show, leave the doors open and let anyone who wants to crawl all over their cars. It might be a real problem for those people.

Oh wait. More hyperbole, right? Haha. That's funny stuff.

And how do you know no other cars were broken? Did you sit in every car and try to peel every piece of trim off?

Well, originally, my intentions were to praise the CX-9, until I saw that it was being compared to a Murano (or not, in hindsight). So forgive me.

Forgiven. Feel free to contribute in a productive manner at anytime. 👍

Dude, where are you getting your material these days?!

Must be from a dream I had with Lindsay Lohan in it the other night. Except she ended up being my uncle Gary in drag. Uncle Lindsay told me Paris Hilton was going to chop off my junk and send it to Ben Bernanke, but I could apply for a home equity loan based on it. Just then Michael Vick showed up and started barking like a dog, so Lindsay ate him.

I wonder what it all means? Must be more hyperbole.


M

 

[forza2.0]

By WES RAYNAL

The old rap on the Audi A4 has been that it's a choppy ride, with a too-heavy front end and a tiny back seat. With a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the newish BMW 3 Series on the market, the A4's flaws were magnified. With its new A4, which made its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show on Sept. 11, Audi hopes it has caught and passed its German brethren.

The new A4 is bigger than the car it replaces, six inches longer in wheelbase and overall length and two inches wider. Although Europeans will have a choice of five direct-injected engines ranging in power from 143 to 265 hp, we will get two: the 3.2-liter V6 producing 265 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque and the 2.0-liter, 200-hp turbo four.

We had a chance to cruise around Italy for half a day in the V6-powered car with a six-speed Tiptronic transmission. The V6 pulled strong and smooth, and the ride felt greatly improved; the long wheelbase helps, clearly. And while "supple" has never been a term used with stiffly sprung Audis, this ride is far less jarring than the outgoing car's.

It's a sharper handler, too, because of several subtle but important changes. Audi engineers moved the front differential forward of the clutch, so the engine sits farther back; the lower rack-and-pinion steering system helps lower the center of gravity; the quattro all-wheel-drive system now splits torque 40/60 front/rear. Combined with the new aluminum suspension (five-link front, multilink rear), it all adds up to a car that feels less front-end-heavy than the outgoing model and responds crisply to driver inputs. There is excellent body control in the corners. It is a more enjoyable driving experience overall, and we look forward to trying the 2.0-liter turbo.

One option we recommend is Audi Drive Select. At the push of a button on the dash, ADS adjusts accelerator-pedal response, power-steering weight and ratio and shift points. ADS has comfort (softest), dynamic (sportiest), auto (computer-controlled based on driving style) and individual (set and controlled through Multi Media Interface) modes. Turn-in is much quicker with ADS, and the car responds to the right foot a lot better. Audi hasn't priced ADS yet but hinted that it would add less than $3,000 to the sticker. We think ADS is worth a look.

The interior is simply fantastic. A8 and R8 customers, let alone A4 owners, will feel at home. The comfort level is incredible, and the quality of the materials looks great. Audi's string of gorgeous interiors continues unbroken.

Plans are for the car to be on sale in the United States in fall 2008 as a 2009 model. Audi hasn't decided on prices yet, but if history holds, we do not expect a big increase from today's $35,000.



SPECS

ON SALE: Fall 2008

BASE PRICE: $35,000 (est)

DRIVETRAIN: 3.2-liter, 265-hp, 243-lb-ft V6; awd, six-speed Tiptronic automatic

CURB WEIGHT: 3480 lb (Europe)

0-60 MPH: 6.1 sec (est)

FUEL ECONOMY: N/A


The 2009 Audi A4 gets bigger and better - AutoWeek Magazine

 

[JCE]

Erm, can I have that Audi if he doesn't want it? The fact that it looks like an R8 in the front just made me forget all about the little things that annoy me with the A4. Daddy likes. 👍 I can only imagine how good the Advant is going to look...

 

[///M-Spec]

It is a good looking car.

The 2009 Audi A4 gets bigger and better - AutoWeek Magazine

So where are all those comparison tests where the A4 has beaten the 3-series, solves global warming, saves a cat stuck in a tree, cures cancer and makes lasting peace in the Middle East?

I like this hyperbole stuff.


M

 

[1X83Z]

The A4 just keeps getting better and better, and it's being updated so often it clearly shows Audi's on top of the game. This is its fourth different model in eight years!!

 

[Duke]

The A4 [is] being updated so often it clearly shows Audi's on top of the game. This is its fourth different model in eight years!!

[Devil's advocate] Or it means Audi is just scrambling to play a lot of catchup... [/Devil's Advocate]

 

[Zrow]

[Devil's advocate] Or it means Audi is just scrambling to play a lot of catchup... [/Devil's Advocate]

What I was thinking. How about build a solid model that can hold it's own for a while?

That said, I like Audi's and I'm a fan of this new one.

 

[Gil]

I'm still trying to convince the wife that I need a G35 coupe.
But in lieu of that the 35x floats my boat.
And I could even take it in the "base" package with no added options and save $3500 on your options.
The "base" car is that well equipped and Nissan has finally moved the damn seat adjustment buttons to the side of the seat instead of under the inner thigh bolster.
I could learn to live with the Caddy with no probs also.
My fear of the cost of repairs for German cars keeps me out of one. But, I could almost see myself in an R32 VW.

 

[JCE]

[Devil's advocate] Or it means Audi is just scrambling to play a lot of catchup... [/Devil's Advocate]

What I was thinking. How about build a solid model that can hold it's own for a while?

Because people like you guys would complain "oh that design is x years old, GET A NEW ONE AUDI" if they did keep it around awhile. That shows that no matter what companies do people will still complain. Back to the topic...

 

[Duke]

Because people like you guys would complain "oh that design is x years old, GET A NEW ONE AUDI" if they did keep it around awhile. That shows that no matter what companies do people will still complain. Back to the topic...

Actually, no.

I've been railing against the current school of "change something, change anything, doesn't matter if it's ugly, just do something different" automotive design for at least the last 4 years.

 

[Keef]

Yeah. Automotive engineers work hard to find something good and often do, but they're the only ones who seem to realize it's good. Business leaders aren't happy with "good"; they want "different".

 

[Zrow]

Because people like you guys would complain "oh that design is x years old, GET A NEW ONE AUDI" if they did keep it around awhile. That shows that no matter what companies do people will still complain. Back to the topic...

People like us, who say "don't release a new model every two years"? If you say so. I'm saying build a solid winner that's gonna stand the test of time for a while, so you don't have to keep making major changes whenever something new hits.

 

[1X83Z]

[Devil's advocate] Or it means Audi is just scrambling to play a lot of catchup... [/Devil's Advocate]

Mercedes and Audi are on the same sport sedan redesign schedules and Audi crammed another one in between two of Mercedes'. Audi just wants their deserved portion of the market share. They're doing a good job getting it, too.

 

[///M-Spec]

Mercedes and Audi are on the same sport sedan redesign schedules and Audi crammed another one in between two of Mercedes'. Audi just wants their deserved portion of the market share. They're doing a good job getting it, too.

I mostly agree. They are probably the most aggressive German premium player out there right now. The MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform) and new generation 40/60 quattro is a huge change in thinking at Audi and it shows they're willing to step up to the plate to achieve parity with their rivals.

However, I wouldn't consider the B6 to B7 an entirely new model, since both cars are based on the PL46. The B7 is more than a mere facelift, however and should qualify as a "new", but not "all new". Beside the new sheet metal, there were new engines and some significant changes in suspension subcomponents (like wheel carriers and control arms from the S4). But the bones of the car are still B6 based.

It is similar to the change between 1999-2001 BMW E46s and the "facelift" 2002-2005 E46s, but more far reaching (because BMW did the powertrain changes in MY 2001 and the chassis tweaking in the '02 facelift. They tend to prefer small running changes from model year to model year).

The B8 is absolutely a clean sheet design and the best looking Audi in years, not counting the R8.


M

 

[1X83Z]

However, I wouldn't consider the B6 to B7 an entirely new model, since both cars are based on the PL46. The B7 is more than a mere facelift, however and should qualify as a "new", but not "all new". Beside the new sheet metal, there were new engines and some significant changes in suspension subcomponents (like wheel carriers and control arms from the S4). But the bones of the car are still B6 based.

I consider it a redesign based on considerably different styling coupled with new engines. If you hold Audi to "the platform is the same, and therefore it can't be a resdesign" then General Motors hasn't redesigned a car in like 30 years.

 

[Kent]

Infiniti G35x AWD (Premium and Sport Packages)
I've driven this car twice now and to put it bluntly, it rocks. The G really does deliver BMW level performance for less money. Handling is excellent and the VQ delivers great thrust. The interior is very agreeable and Nissan has some pretty good financing offers. My only lament is the bland exterior styling and sadly uninteresting color choices. In terms of blingin' it, the CTS has it covered by a country mile. But as much as I like the new Caddy, the G is the one I want in our driveway most.

CLIFF’S NOTES: I’ll take one in Lakeshore Slate.

Hands down, no comparison to any of the others.
Looks good and I'm sure it does everything else well also. 👍

 

[Omnis]

Actually, no.

I've been railing against the current school of "change something, change anything, doesn't matter if it's ugly, just do something different" automotive design for at least the last 4 years.

The difference is that Walter Da Silva is in the house and is making cars look good.

 

[///M-Spec]

I consider it a redesign based on considerably different styling coupled with new engines. If you hold Audi to "the platform is the same, and therefore it can't be a resdesign" then General Motors hasn't redesigned a car in like 30 years.

No, redesigned is a fair word. I personally prefer "mid-cycle update", but it doesn't really matter. I only wanted to point out that the B7 was not a totally brand new car. Extensively updated, though. Nothing wrong in my mind with updating an existing car. It means most of it was right the first time (though sometimes it can also mean there's not enough $ to do a complete revamp but I don't think that was the case with the B7).


M

 

[1X83Z]

No, redesigned is a fair word. I personally prefer "mid-cycle update", but it doesn't really matter. I only wanted to point out that the B7 was not a totally brand new car. Extensively updated, though. Nothing wrong in my mind with updating an existing car. It means most of it was right the first time (though sometimes it can also mean there's not enough $ to do a complete revamp but I don't think that was the case with the B7).

+1

All agreed.

 

[TopHat]

then General Motors hasn't redesigned a car in like 30 years.

All they did was keep the names of the platforms. Now they dont even do that.