Car Talk → 2022

[Fringe]

It's nice to see someone continuing to make the PT Cruiser. 

[Subdude]

It's nice to see someone continuing to make the PT Cruiser. 

Huh? I thought Chrysler just stopped production of it.

PT Cruiser stops production

[Fringe]

Huh?  I thought Chrysler just stopped production of it.

PT Cruiser stops production

I was referring (tounge-in-cheek) to the Infinity just posted. To me it looks like a PT Cruiser on steroids. 

[Subdude]

I was referring (tounge-in-cheek) to the Infinity just posted. To me it looks like a PT Cruiser on steroids. 

Oh. Duh, I didn't get it.

[gwilson]

lol, I have an 08 QX56 and love it. I looked at every other SUV on the market and it was the most comfortable with the best toys at the time and I liked how it looked. Mine is quite a big a way from stock right now though.

That said, the exterior styling on the new one is, different to say the least. I went and saw it in person this past week (went and looked at a few other ridiculous cars as well like the Aston Martin Rapide, Panamera Turbo and the new Jag XJ...all of which I like), and it looks much better in person. The interior, however, is possibly one of the best I've ever seen.

I like the CL, but that wood steering wheel looks so cheap (their wood wheels look odd in general) and there is (I never thought I'd say this because I love wood trim) waaaaay too much wood in that thing.

[Urbannizer]

2011 Ford Explorer

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/2011-ford-explorer-unveiled-tries-crossing-over-on-road-to-redemption/

[Subdude]

I kind of like it, especially the grill. They should get rid of the strip of plastiwood on the dash however.

[Subdude]

Perhaps it's a tribute to the Pontiac Aztec?

I had to give this one some thought. The Aztek was beyond a doubt incredibly ugly, but at least it was sui generis ugly. You couldn’t accuse Pontiac of plagiarism – at the time there simply wasn’t anything else like it on the road. Like occasional other ugly ducklings, the Aztek wasn’t without its oddball charm. On the other hand, the Infiniti is much more a collection of current styling clichés. More than just ugly, it aspires to be “upscale” and in consequence comes off as somewhat vulgar and bloated.

Oddly enough, despite its challenged looks, Aztek was a forerunner of the crop of fastback SUVs that we see about us today; the BMW X6, Honda Crosstour etc. I’d lay money on it as being a future collectible.

[Urbannizer]

2012 Audi A7

[20thStDad]

Audi makes some really slick looking cars. Does the performance match? Are they generally worth the price?

[HoustonMidtown]

Audi makes some really slick looking cars. Does the performance match? Are they generally worth the price?

I have an A5 and I love it -- performance is okay, it's definitely not a race car -- I didnt buy it to track though....the combination of exterior and interior won me over when I was car shopping. I bought a 6 month old CPO so I saved quite a bit of money compared to buying a new one -- sticker prices can climb very fast if you aren't careful with the option boxes.

[LTAWACS]

I think this is audi's response to MB CLS500.

[Urbannizer]

I think this is audi's response to MB CLS500.

Here's the new 2011 Mercedes - Benz CLS

http://carscoop.blog...ial-photos.html

Edited August 22, 2010 by Urbannizer

[Subdude]

You know, the fad for elaborate side sculpturing on cars is really getting out of hand.

[Urbannizer]

You know, the fad for elaborate side sculpturing on cars is really getting out of hand.

Their called character lines; I agree.

[KinkaidAlum]

The Infiniti QX looks similar the the 2010 Lexus LX.

I have an older Audi A6. I love the car but damn, Houston potholes are taking out my tires left and right. I now know why so many folks drive big trucks and SUVs. I've been back in Houston for less than 2 full years and have had to replace 7 tires due to pothole damage... and before anyone tells me that I need to avoid them, you can't avoid what the big King Ranch F350 infront of you is hiding!

[TheNiche]

...and before anyone tells me that I need to avoid them, you can't avoid what the big King Ranch F350 infront of you is hiding!

Stop tailgating and you can avoid them.

[Subdude]

The Infiniti QX looks similar the the 2010 Lexus LX.

Not surprising, since they are direct competitors.

[Subdude]

Their called character lines; I agree.

I know, and manufactures have always used them, but when they start getting overdone it's like tailfins in the 1950s. Once the fad passes these cars will look dated before their time.

[Urbannizer]

Ford Explorer Police Interceptor

Don't expect to see the Police Interceptor Utility out on the road until 2012 at the earliest. Ford says that production will begin in late 2011 alongside the sedan at the automaker's Chicago assembly plant.

Link

[HoustonMidtown]

Ford Explorer Police Interceptor

Great -- another front end I have remember to look for in my rear view mirror

[Urbannizer]

2011 Dodge Duango - Finally something new for Dodge.

Look for the Durango to hit dealer lots by late this year.

[travelguy_73]

2011 Dodge Duango - Finally something new for Dodge.

I saw a grand cherokee on the road yesterday, and really like the new lines. If they can get the quality up, it or the Durango might be a good replacement for our XC70. I like the idea of three rows of seats in the Durango.

[HoustonMidtown]

2011 Dodge Duango - Finally something new for Dodge

Very nice.....

[Urbannizer]

2012 Range Rover Evoque

Buyers can opt for three exterior design themes: Pure, a minimalistic take with 19-inch wheels and natural colors complemented by brushed metal trim adorning the insides; Prestige, a "bespoke exterior" treatment with exclusive 19-inch wheels paired "an indulgent interior;" or Dynamic, with 19- or 20-inch wheels a reworked bodykit, and a sportier cabin complete with perforated leather seats and a bit more bling.

Inside, the interior is influenced not only by the Range Rover Sport, but by Jaguar as well. Seriously bolstered seats straddle a center tunnel where a rotary gear transmission selector rises to hand. The four-setting Terrain Response System dial has been replaced with buttons attending an illuminated menu and controls are mainly managed through an eight-inch touchscreen. Aural enjoyment is provided by the 825-watt, 17-speaker Meridian sound system with additional inputs for other peripherals.

Underneath the Evoque's hood is a 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine that, naturally, is not called EcoBoost. Referred to as the Si4, it's been developed for North American audiences and produces 240 horsepower that runs through a six-speed automatic transmission. Electric power steering is standard, a regenerative electrical system captures energy when things get hauled down and everything is kept on an even keel thanks to a MagneRide adaptive dynamics suspension.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/21/paris-preview-land-rover-reveals-the-evoque/

[KinkaidAlum]

That thing is kinda cool looking but damn, that must have some major blind spots.

[Subdude]

That thing is kinda cool looking but damn, that must have some major blind spots.

It's supposed to be somewhat small but it's hard to get an idea of the size from the photos.

[Urbannizer]

5 New Lotus Models:

2013 Lotus Esprit

Link

2015 Lotus Elise

Link

2013 Lotus Elan

Link

2014 Lotus Elite

Link

2015 Lotus Eterne Sedan

Link

[travelguy_73]

Man, Lotus came out of NOWHERE with those beauties. The Elite is absolutely stunning.

[Urbannizer]

My favorite is the Elan but the Elan, Elise and Esprit are to similar in appearance.

[Urbannizer]

2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe

Link

[LTAWACS]

Now that I've seen the new lotus models... this new 6-series from BMW seems absolutely stodgy.

[Urbannizer]

2011 Dodge Charger!

Link/

[LTAWACS]

Changes are not drastic for the new charger. I wonder how design similarity affects resale value... ?

[brijonmang]

I hadn't checked on this thread in a while...WOW Lotus DID come out of nowhere! The Elan is gorgeous. And is that a little Pininfarina side slit action on the Elite? Coming straight out of 550/575 Maranello world with those.

The Charger too is taking the side "scoop" detail from another illustrious sports car. They have basically the same shape as the Viper's massive slits.

[Subdude]

Changes are not drastic for the new charger. I wonder how design similarity affects resale value... ?

Not drastic but material. The side shoulder has been smoothed out seem to help vastly, although there isn't a good profile shot.

[HoustonMidtown]

Not drastic but material. The side shoulder has been smoothed out seem to help vastly, although there isn't a good profile shot.

Are there any interior shots yet? They have supposedly really attempted to upgrade their interiors so Im curious what it looks like....

[Urbannizer]

2012 Volkswagen Eos

Often derided as a "hairdresser's car", the 2012 Eos has been treated to one of our favorite engines: the 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the Golf GTI. This 208-horspower engine – available with either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission – can now take the Eos from a full stop to highway pace in 7.8 seconds. Overseas buyers can also specify the 138-hp 2.0-liter diesel (with the same transmission choices). Volkswagen has also included Hill Start Assist standard on the 2012 Eos, along with Vienna leather upholstery, heated seats, 17-inch wheels and some sheetmetal enhancements that brings its look in line with the rest of the brand's small car lineup

Link

[LTAWACS]

The EOS = blah

Back to the Loti (plural of Lotus)... I noticed the side view mirrors are not very... practical.

[travelguy_73]

2012 Volkswagen Eos

Link

I jsut read on VWVortex that the Golf Cabrio is coming back. If they can get the cost down, it will be a sure hit. But where does that leave the EOS? I know they don't run in the same circles, but I think a lot of people (i.e., women) buy an EOS but would be perfectly happy with a cheaper Cabrio. Or maybe it will be another Europe-only option. All I know is VW has some pretty serious sales goals and they aren't going to make it with the Jetta and NMS alone!

[Subdude]

I jsut read on VWVortex that the Golf Cabrio is coming back. If they can get the cost down, it will be a sure hit. But where does that leave the EOS? I know they don't run in the same circles, but I think a lot of people (i.e., women) buy an EOS but would be perfectly happy with a cheaper Cabrio. Or maybe it will be another Europe-only option. All I know is VW has some pretty serious sales goals and they aren't going to make it with the Jetta and NMS alone!

Autoblog has a rumor that VW is interested in buying Ferrari from Fiat.

[LTAWACS]

Autoblog has a rumor that VW is interested in buying Ferrari from Fiat.

If they do... I wonder what kind of effect this will have the designs of both VW and Ferrari.

[gwilson]

Autoblog has a rumor that VW is interested in buying Ferrari from Fiat.

This isn't likely to happen considering that VW owns Lamborghini.

If they do... I wonder what kind of effect this will have the designs of both VW and Ferrari.

In the unlikely event that it were to happen, it would be combining of engineering rather than design.

[Subdude]

This isn't likely to happen considering that VW owns Lamborghini.

Boy, I wouldn't be too sure. VW has proven a lot more interested in expanding its portfolio than worrying about competition with itself. They also have Bugatti competing in the high-end market, and Skoda and, to a lesser degree Seat compete with VW.

[gwilson]

Boy, I wouldn't be too sure. VW has proven a lot more interested in expanding its portfolio than worrying about competition with itself. They also have Bugatti competing in the high-end market, and Skoda and, to a lesser degree Seat compete with VW.

Yes, but they don't have apples to apples competitors within their brand.

Seat and VW aren't direct competitors.

VW > Audi > Bentley

Porsche > Lamborghini > Bugatti

Skoda and Seat have automobiles in similar segments, but they aren't direct competition.

Them buying Ferrari would give them two ultra-competitive brands in the same market.

What they might do is simply buy an equity stake to piggy back on Fiat's most profitable brand.

Fact is, we won't know until the silly Europeans do something silly. I think it would be tragic though. Part of what has kept both companies innovating is their competition with each other (Lamborghini and Ferrari).

[LTAWACS]

Interesting,

[gwilson]

Subdude...looks like you're more on point that I thought...

Marchionne admits Fiat might sell of Ferrari ahead of merger

It still doesn't make sense to me. The idea of Ferrari and Lamborghini being head to head competitors within the same company just seems nutty.

That said, no matter which car one chooses to buy, VW wins, so who knows.

I do know that buying Ferrari would barely dent VW's cash position though.

[Subdude]

Seat and VW aren't direct competitors.

VW > Audi > Bentley

Porsche > Lamborghini > Bugatti

Skoda and Seat have automobiles in similar segments, but they aren't direct competition.

Skoda especially has a lot of overlap with VW. After all they're all built on the same platforms. One reason that Skoda has become so popular is that people view it as a way to buy VWs for less.

There are many many examples of direct competitors being sold within the same company (witness Peugeot Citroen), but after GM pruned its brands VW seems the most extreme case.

[Urbannizer]

2011 Chrysler 200 (Sebring under new skin.)

Link

[Urbannizer]

LA Auto Show is back.

2011 Chevy Camaro Convertible

Link

Edited November 17, 2010 by Urbannizer