Recent Comments:
Volt SS? Chevrolet considering turbocharged 1.4-liter for Volt {Autoblog}
Jul 22nd 2008 1:09PM This car (in whatever configuration it finally arrives in) will sell out completely on the first day. No one will be able to get their hands on one without paying a $10K premium for YEARS!!
MPG math is worthless in this case. America wants this car. The frenzy will just create more frenzy.
Audi introduces the next MMI {Autoblog}
Jul 21st 2008 10:12PM my response exactly. you can't do great in-car gps without touch.
damn germans...please copy the japanese on this one
KTM bringing faster, harder X-Bow to Geneva in 2009 {Autoblog}
Jul 15th 2008 8:05PM Why isn't this car available in the states?
Damned weak American Dollar.
I guess I'll just wait for the Atom 500.
Valmet to manufacture Fisker Karma {Autoblog}
Jul 15th 2008 12:48PM Hooray!!
I reserved one of these on the off chance that it would not be vaporware. About 3 months ago I would have said 25% chance of actually being produced. I have to bump that number all the way up to 60-70% now.
Tesla confirms Model S sedan, 225-mile range and $60k {Autoblog}
Jun 30th 2008 8:12PM If you're looking to buy a 60-80K sport sedan, then the price is cheap. In 2010,ill be looking for a sport sedan and if it's nice, the Tesla Sedan will get a look.
If you are selling tech based on off the shelf cheap components, then mass market for cheap. If you are selling new tech, then sell at the high end.
Buick Reatta a design flop? {Autoblog}
Jun 28th 2008 4:42PM You beat me to it!
Ugliest cars ever:
1. Pontiac Aztec
2. 91-95 Buick Skylark
Audi A1 drop-top bound for Frankfurt in '09, aimed at MINI cabrio {Autoblog}
Jun 26th 2008 6:45PM holy moly that is gorgeous.
Please make this Audi. Give it a spunky diesel engine and then make an RS1 version and sell it in America. I'll put money on one now.
Audi A1 drop-top bound for Frankfurt in '09, aimed at MINI cabrio {Autoblog}
Jun 26th 2008 6:44PM holy moly that is gorgeous.
Please make this Audi. Give it a spunky diesel engine and then make an RS1 version and sell it in America. I'll put money on one now.
Obama critizes McCain's $300m battery prize {Autoblog}
Jun 25th 2008 2:22AM I hate stupid online arguments so only facts, no editorializing:
1. Prior to the oil embargo (1973), US average fuel ecomomy was 14mpg.
2. CAFE regulations proposed to double that by 1985 to 27.5 mpg. This move was widely criticized and called impossible by every automaker.
3. Automakers did it (for the most part, some chose to pay the fines, particularly high end sports car manufacturers) and in doing so created engines so efficient that oil prices were driven down for two decades. It's also possible that oil prices themselves drove consumers to smaller more efficient cars. (probably both happened...who knows?)
4. All of the gains in efficiency learned after the embargo can go one of two ways. Use it to make a higher mpg car or more powerful engines. We've been driving our more powerful engines around in huge cars and now have an addiction.
Ok, now the editorial:
We are (for the most part) having intelligent discussions and even disagreements on the best way to cut our foreign oil addiction and move to alternative sources of energy. Remember how we were having these discussions the last 8-16 years, we weren't. Improving our fuel economy will happen, our our country will cease to exist.
It's American and Democratic to disagree. We all love cars. Lets not be ignorant, juvenile jackasses in our discussion on the politics of cars and car makers.
By the way....I have an Audi RS4 (13 mpg), and I look forward to future vehicles like the Volt, the Fisker Karma, and the Honda Clarity.
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Audi RS4 {Autoblog}
May 31st 2008 2:06PM As a current RS4 owner and best friend of 335 owner, I will agree on a few points.
1. The iPod integration is awful (actually my biggest complaint about the car)
2. The Nav could be a lot better. But mostly it isn't the nav as much as it's the lack of a touchscreen. You cannot do smart nav without a touchscreen (damn germans...they are notorious for this) . No one piloting an iDrive system can talk about frustrating navigation.
3. Driving a quattro setup is different than driving a RWD setup. The RS4 is a bit nose heavy which will sap all the 60% at the rear if you try to go bombing around a corner like in the 335. If you change your technique, slow into the turn, shift the weight and load up on the acceleration about halfway through the turn, all 4 wheels pull you out with your nose aimed straight on.
4. The gas mileage does suck...it's a quattro with a giant V8 attached.
I feel bad for you, with respect to your sensor problems, I hope to not have the same happen to me.
Finally, all cars face massive depreciation of the lot, especially this class of luxury sport performer. I bought a used one with 6K miles on it and saved 14K off sticker.
I love this car. It's a permanent smile generator. It has a few issues, what car doesn't?
