Everything posted by Frisky Dingo
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New York 2019: 2020 Hyundai Sonata: Comments
The Arteon will top out right around 44-45K in the US market.
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New York 2019: 2020 Hyundai Sonata: Comments
This is daring design done right. Bravo, Hyundai. Almost makes up for the wretched new Elantra. Almost. As for comparisons to the Arteon, I don't think there will be a tremendous amount of cross-shopping the 2, but I could be wrong. I think the Arteon looks better. Hyundai could have usurped it in the interior department however. Refinement and performance is typically where Hyundais lose out big, and I would expect it to be no different here. I don't foresee a Sonata model that will approach the top spec Arteon performance wise. Plus the Arteon will offer AWD. Still, nice to see Hyundai doing this. If the popularity of CUV's means more sedans like this- ones willing to take some risks and really separate themselves, it might not be so bad.
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Geneva 2019: Subaru Viziv Adrenaline Concept: Comments
I don't think Subaru understands the meaning of the word 'Adrenaline'.
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VW News: Arteon On Its Way to U.S.... Finally.
On the one hand, I'm glad to see a truly new sedan hitting the market. Especially one as great looking as this. And I think it will offer a pretty strong value quotient, as well. On the other hand, I feel compelled to point out that this should have been on sale a year ago. Especially considering VW's habit of completely botching the roll out of new models to dealers. With the inevitable low build numbers, port issues, transportation hang ups, and mismanagement of allocations that are the VW norm, it will be the end of summer before there is any inventory and people can drive them and reasonably get cars spec'd to their liking. By that point, the novelty will have worn off. Couple that to the fact that VW will be stingy on incentives and it will lease like crap, and it is not a recipe for sales success. Also, I've driven it, and people wanting a though and through sport sedan aren't going to be captivated by it. Not trying to be cynical, but I foresee this car suffering the same fate as the CC. It will be fresh for a short while- which VW will squander- then the enthusiasm will fade and along with it, the interest and sales. I hope they prove me wrong, but my guess is this car is going to be DOA.
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Geneva 2019: Mazda Unveils the CX-30 Crossover: Comments
This cuv madness has got to stop. ?
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Dream Car Garage...
1999- Diablo SV, preferably in Verde Scandal 2009- F430 Scuderia 16M 2019- GT3 Touring Choosing as far into the future as I can within reason- - Inevitable McLaren 750(?)LT - Upcoming Audi e-Tron GT
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Dream Car Garage...
Very fun thread idea! I'll add mine once I have a list compiled. I think this will be tough.
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Dream Car Garage: Ones We Lost In '19 Edition
My list- RS7 Performance R8 RWS Vanquish Volante Fiesta ST G500 4x4²
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Dream Car Garage: Ones We Lost In '19 Edition
Been a while since we did one of these. A lot of great vehicles had their last hurrah for the 2018 Model Year. From mainstream offerings, to exotics, many models had their demise. This thread will be dedicated to those. You can choose either cars that were discontinued entirely, had specific trim levels axed, or lost body styles. Rules- 1) Must be 2018 MY 2) Choices must be offered in your market 3) Production vehicles only 4) Choices must have been discontinued, replaced with new model, had a body style dropped, etc 5) Maximum of 5 choices 6) These are your only vehicles Have fun!
- Mercedes Benz Introduces the New AMG GLE 53: Comments
- Volvo News: Volvo Upgrades Hybrid Powertrains; Refreshes XC90
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DRIVEN: 2019 Chevrolet Blazer LT AWD 3.6
This thing is a joke. And it's yet another mediocre GM offering in what is becoming a quite extensive list of mediocre new GM offerings. I feel like they are really losing touch and are on the brink of a repeat of the bailout days. These borderline luxury segment prices for mainstream offerings are comical. Especially for a brand that actually has luxury nameplates within the corporate umbrella.
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Peugeot Selected As Brand for PSA's Return to U.S.
Foolish. This will inevitably turn out to be a wasted effort. It takes years and years to establish brand recognition and cachet, and therefore demand. And to build an effective dealer network. And they are mounting this undertaking at time while the car industry is more precarious than ever, and we are on the downside turn of the economy. Makes 0 sense.
- Volvo News: Volvo Upgrades Hybrid Powertrains; Refreshes XC90
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Audi News: Audi Unveils SQ5 TDI for Europe
The color is Azores Green, and it is really lovely in person. The SQ5 in gas 3.0 Turbo V6 form has been on the US market for a year already. It's a shame there are no more VAG diesel offerings here. A previous gen A6 Prestige TDI that I spent 2 weeks driving daily is one of absolute favorite all-around cars I've ever been in. Just such an immense total package.
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Other Hobbies besides cars
A combination of mini-barrels- 1-10 liters in size- and bottles with wood aging staves in them.
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Other Hobbies besides cars
I have no pics, but I like to go hiking, I grow and propagate agave plants and aloes, and I basically hunt for collectible and rare spirits, especially tequila. I have over 150 bottles of tequila and mezcal in my home bar. I also barrel age my own.
- Chicago 2019: 2020 Subaru Legacy: Comments
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Chicago 2019: 2019 Jetta GLI: Comments
About time they brought this car up to spec with the GTI. Been a long time coming. If this offers ventilated seats and rear seat vents, it could be a contender for my daily driver in a year or so.
- VW News: Rumorpile: Volkswagen Scraps Mild-Hybrid Powertrain for Next-Gen Golf GTI
- Industry News: Rumorpile: Ford and Volkswagen Discuss Expanding Their Partnership
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5 by 5 trivia challenge: compare/contrast current ride w/ previous ride.
This is somewhat difficult for me with my car situation, but the closest would be the comparison between my 2014 4Runner Trail and 2016 GTI. So, here goes- Currently driving my 2016 GTI SE w/ Perf Pkg and DSG. Leased new. Had it 32 months. Just rolled over 26k miles. What I like more about it- 1) Clearly, and the biggest difference, it's a sport offering. Not a full-on sports car, but a sporty car, at least. So it was nice to come back to something with fun driving dynamics. 2) Refinement. The fit and finish on my GTI is exemplary, and notably better than Toyota's. 3) Efficiency. Averaging 24-26 beats the heck out of 15. 4) Tech. Great Fender audio system, Proximity key, Android Auto, etc are all newer features that surpass Toyota's tech. 5) Usability. It's far easier to exploit what a GTI offers on a daily basis that it is a 4WD SUV. Before my GTI, I had a 2014 4Runner Trail Edition Premium. Bought 1 year old w/ 14k miles. Had 18 months and put another 14k on it. Here's what I liked more about it- 1) Space. Duh. Held people in more comfort with more space, and had plenty of room behind the second row. 2) Off-road capability. Unlike most, I actually off-roaded in mine. I was always taking it out and going down rutted out, muddy trails; across/through rivers/streams/creeks; taking it down by the river, etc. 3) All-weather ability. The GTI's FWD does fine most of the time, but 4WD with the right tires is just on another level. 4) Ease of ownership. By this I mostly mean I didn't feel like I had to give it as much attention. I feel the need to always have my GTI spotless inside and out. I never cared if my 4Runner was dirty. 5) Lastly, just the general comfort that comes with owning such a vehicle that has a sterling reputation of reliability, indestructibility, and resale value. I went into buying with no concerns of future worth, managing miles, repair worries, etc.
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OCTOBER CAR SPOTTERS!
I don't usually post in here, as due to the nature of my work, and where I live, I see a fair amount of exotics, supercars, high-end luxury cars, oddities, etc, etc. Had to make an exception for this one. Wednesday night there was not one, but TWO McLaren P1 GTR's at my dealership. One of them belonged to Ken Griffin. Made for quite a spectacle out in the parking lot. Even customers who had no idea about cars knew they were watching something special. ?
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Do We Still Do the 'Guess What Car I Bought' Threads?
My 16 GTI lease is up in just a few months. I had always planned to buy something cheap to kick around in once it went back. Something dailyable, but still kinda fun. This just came along so I jumped on it. The thing is actually quite enjoyable. You don't realize how much you miss having a manual until you get another manual. I'm loving it!
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Do We Still Do the 'Guess What Car I Bought' Threads?
It is indeed a 5MT 2.5 Golf. Little thing is damn fun in its own right, too!