Recent Comments:
VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 being built from start to finish {Autoblog}
Jun 17th 2008 7:35PM I still can't get over that GM is able to hock a car at 6 figures with a window to a plastic cover, albeit great performance. Wow, give yourself a pat on the back target demographics. It's a shame, because most of these will driven in the slow lane to bingo tourneys.
Monumental HP is irrelevant, when you are typecast to a car that grannies, rednecks, or Guidos drive (or not really drive at that).
E.S. Romero
Nissan's diesel Maxima may be manual only {Autoblog}
Jun 16th 2008 8:46PM The US is not necessarily indicative of performance or spirited drivers. Again, that is why the UK, Germany,
Australia, etc. have hotter versions of Fords and GMs e.g. Focus, Mondeo, Falcon, Opel. Yes, only about 15% of new autos in the US are manuals. And that number will grow smaller, with more and more posers feeling more sporty with DSGs, and F1, and the likes. But, reality
check, most people who choose that 'performance' edge, don't really drive like they mean business, and to greater extent, they don't use the silly paddles (which are necessitated in cramped F1 cars but not in sports cars). I drive a manual in one of the top rush hour congestion spots in the country, and I always will. Did you ever
notice how many mid-lifer/Seniors there are driving slush box Corvettes and Hemi Magnums thinking that they are cool, verus drivers driving M3s and 911s with the proper 3rd pedal? (perhaps there is an indirect linkage there of why GM is able to sell a 6 figure car with a window to a plastic cover). Drive, or be your own DSG passenger.
E.S. Romero
VIDEO: WebRidesTV pits IS-F against RS4 {Autoblog}
Apr 24th 2008 8:19PM yes, some double clutch or paddle shifting F1 wannabes may be shaving fractions of seconds
On a similar note:
Lubed condoms may save time w/lubing your woman, or would you prefer the traditional approach and go sans raincoat?
Passion in the behind the wheel, is engagement, not necessarily raw HP - or quickest shifts. They maybe marketing double clutches w/performance in the copy - but make no mistakes about it, they are selling it to make money from people who ordinarily wouldn't have the skill to stir the gears and depress the THIRD pedal, and are posers.
Civic Si
Legacy GT Spec whatever
S2000
= paradigm correct
= Lexus ISFX
Lexus is a Luxury brand which wants to have a performance image. Acura maybe front wheel drive, but it has slick honda Manuals in most models -->> more engaging experience. You have ask yourself, what is more troubling a little torque steer :) or not having a manual???????
First Drive: 2009 Acura TSX {Autoblog}
Mar 27th 2008 8:42PM I compared the TSX against Maxima a couple of years ago, the Maxima which still had a proper manual at the time was rubbery in the gates and had too much torque steer and cloth dash cover at the time &*&^$%
The Legacy GT w/turbo, nice engine, could use a six speed (like in the Spec B now). However, all of the exterior colors are geriatric, the handling was superb, but it lacked communication through the steering wheel. The interior quality is not quite up to Japanes lux/sport brands, although I like the needle sweep
I think the best comparison to the TSX for sport, quality, and lux is A4 (front wheel drive) and Volvo S40
The new corporate Acura grill has got to go, if I bought one now I would have to buy a Euro Accord grill...
New York 2008: Pontiac unveils G8 GXP, featuring 50 Cent [w/VIDEO] {Autoblog}
Mar 19th 2008 10:33PM Jeremy, there are manual lessons available, so you won't feel so defensive...
New York '08 Preview: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP packs 402 HP... and a third pedal! {Autoblog}
Mar 15th 2008 11:45AM God bless the third pedal.
Kill the fake hood scoops... ...imagine them on a..., BMW, ugh
2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Sedan first look and pricing {Autoblog}
Mar 9th 2008 10:59PM OK, I tried to be open minded when I went to a recent auto show. It looks, OK, but still shows roots to the Cavalier...
The interior in the Cobaltalier was so substandard, so was the entry level Saturns. GM still lives in the paradigm that small means economical.
It runs behind the competition in a bad way. So you can impress the trailer park crowd w/raw stats... ...or buy high quality and have a fun ride too
Folks, keep in mind you can put a hot engine in a pinto, and add go-kart handling, put that doesn't beat the Civic Si, or GTI or Mazda 3 Speed or Nisan Sentra SE-R or Toyota (uh, nothing, poser :)
Melbourne 2008: Holden Coupe 60 shocks showgoers {Autoblog}
Feb 28th 2008 7:44PM Camaro is nice indeed, no salt your way. I hope they don't make tacky Firebird sticker hood version. Nicest Camaro since '69... It has class. You can put a big engine in any car, but to do it w/out looking like Guido-mobile, that is more of a challenge.
Melbourne 2008: Holden Coupe 60 shocks showgoers {Autoblog}
Feb 28th 2008 7:32PM Yes, it is nice. Rock on w/keeping it real with a manual.
But, this will fail in the US like the GTO did, because many American car enthusiasts (Pontiac certainly not withstanding) like tacky non-functional hood scoops, honey comb grills, extra plastic cladding, Star Wars interior, and stinking automatics water the performance image down.
Unfortunately American car companies are continue to target low brow or poser demographics to a large extent. The Corvette is a great step forward. But, unfortunately many people still buy that car thinking they are buying an image, only to look like slow lane idiots.
GranTurismo geeks rejoice! New Logitech Driving Force Wheel for PS3 {Autoblog}
Feb 21st 2008 8:44PM great, now people can game w/a realistic sterile experience:
o sequential style shifter
o no clutch pedal
Why don't we just get a Chauffer to drive in the games...
