Not a great example of "european" inspired design. It screams "designed by a japanese teenager who loves video games" to me Now if the R35 goes into production looking anything like the prototype, that will be classy. When I think of European designs I think of Peugot, Ferrari, Lamboghini etc - cars that look like they come from a fashion house rather than a production line.
The U.S.-bound version of the Lotus Elise might be the perfect compromise. A Lotus with a Toyota engine! I'd love to have one, but I've sworn off new, rapidly-depreciating cars for the time being. Heck, I've already got me a ride with a Toyota engine, that sits behind me, no less, like an engine should. No, she's not a Lotus, but she's closer than most folks will ever get to experiencing the real deal!
That Saab's hood looks like a mechanic's nightmare. It isn't as simple to change the oil with a hood in your face. I love Italian cars. I personally like most European car makers. Maserati hasn't been listed yet so I'm gonna add it to the list. Amazing cars.
ummm.... mr2...... just a guess? I love my RSX-S it's muy, muy speedy, but I need a trailer for my 15" combo..... errr.
I currently drive a BMW 528i. It not only has HP but torque as well. It is beautifully instinctive to urban-suburban driving. My wife enjoys a 2001 Volvo V-70. It has the better stereo, but is just a "car" in the HP-torque dept. But it has been a very good car overall. I appreciate an auto where the fundamentals are sound. I don't give a care for the "extras" if the basic function (point A to B) is compromised by lackluster engineering, poor road-handling, and cheap parts. I also am easily annoyed by cheap-looking interiors and gadgetry especially if the basics are faulty as well.
Yeah, I feel ya about the need for a trailer, too. I recently played a gig where I got to use backline gear so all I had to bring was my bass. My wife met me there and had to catch a ride home with me. The *only* way to accomodate both of them was to stand the bass up behind the seats - which wouldn't have been bad except that meant I had to put the top down and it was about 39F that night -- Brrrrrr!!! I actually almost bought a small trailer for the MR2 when I was autocross racing the car - but learned it was actually possible to fit 4 wheels - with race tires mounted - into the passenger compartment - oh the things you can learn on the internet!!!
Nice - a good friend of mine has a 540i w/6 speed. What a blast to drive! Unfortunately, it spends too much time in the shop for my tastes -- not to knock your ride, though P - Schweeet!
Haven't even heard of a "Dushenberger"...do they actually exist. But I bought a new car last July and tried out several. But I had to go for something that could haul my cabs. The Subaru WRX that was just absolutely NUTZ!!!!. If I lived where JMX does and could drive on that "jet landing strip, the Autobahn, I could see owning one. Here's what last year's ""Automobile" mag had to say about the WRX - "At $24,720, the WRX is the hot-rod deal of the century, a real-world turbocharged terror that more than holds its own against the stratospheric $71, 095 (BMW) M5. We are crazy about it. Whichever you chose, you'll own the best sport sedan your money can buy."
As far as i know, there was alot of engineering done on the R34 in Germany. Then again, i could be wrong.
Oh yeah, MR2 is correct. My neighbor down the street has a nice 911 but she's a garage queen - I'd much have a lesser car that I can flog and have real fun with. Speaking of which - here's a video of me racing her. This run is with street tires when I first got the car, so she's not showing her full potential here, but I think you'll get the idea!: http://www.secretdonkey.com/secretdonkeyrun.mpg Oh - if I look a bit tentative at the end part of the run, it's because I'd just spun out in a glorious 360 at the end of my previous run!
the mr2 is a very cool ride! I test drove her and almost dragged my tongue on the ground it's so low. way tooooo small for me, the rsx is perfect............. race ya- i'm going to Maine in the spring, anybody want to have a cannon ball run????
Now that's what you call reliability.... And let's not forget FIAT (Fix it again Tony). Had a Fiat 1600 TC Sedan in HS. The headlights brightened when you pushed on the gas, dimmed when you pressed the brakes. Their electrical system left something to be desired....