Cars

[forrestang 10]

The EVOs are definitely in the "teenager cool car" category but they are amazingly fast. I don't think most people realize how fast the newer EVOs are because is looks like a regular old mitsubishi with a few body kit differences.

 

Believe me, I know! I used to spend thousands upon thousands building/racing my cars and bikes. I've never had an EVO personally(as I was into building Mustangs, and other cars with small block V8s but I have worked on/modded numerous Evos and WRXs).

 

But at the end of the day, I'd still call even a 10 second daily driven Evo a grocery getter. IMO there is nothing you can do to any of those cars that would put them over into the 'exotic car' class.

 

Since you brought up the R8 Audis, have you paid any attention to the newer ones with the V10s? Sex on wheels man.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9x1ZK4ghJg]YouTube - The Sexiest Supercar? - Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro First Test[/ame]

[TIKITRADER 10]

I really like the Cadillac STS.

This is a nice everyday car.

 

 

[TIKITRADER 10]

One more of my favorites.

 

Infiniti G37

 

 

 

Pricing and features here

2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan | Photos, 360s | Infiniti USA

 

 

 

 

 

[rock 10]

I have an RRS in dark gray. It is truly fantastic until you run into electrical problems. It is hard to get it diagnosed and repaired properly. Many run just as fine as any other car, but there are many that don't relatively to other brands. The people I know with a range rover can afford the high cost of maintenance and repairs that are cost out the wazoo! Just keep it in mind and don't get surprised at the costs.

[TIKITRADER 10]

This will get the wild girls to jump right in and take a ride

 

Nice cruise on a sunny hot weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bathrobe 10]

This is so.............actually I don't think the word that would describe it exists. :)

 

 

[Gabe2004 10]

Concept cars are my favourites.

Too bad most of them never make it to the show rooms.

 

Gabe

[daedalus 10]

This is so.............actually I don't think the word that would describe it exists. :)

 

Buddy, you are one of the few with the cash flow to walk into the dealer and pick one up! (well ok - you'll have to wait a bit until they come up second hand with like 1,000 miles on it so you don't pay outrageous dealer markups and since you weren't already selected by Ferrari to purchase it) but still....

 

Life's too short not to own a piece of engineering perfection in your garage!

[jonbig04 10]

My Last baby... fully built top and bottom, standalone, coilovers, etc......

 

 

it has since been sold and i've got my eye on a 996TT for this year. Onwards and upwards!

 

WTF you had a maszdaspeed protege?!?! So did I! hahahaha, back when I was 16. Gosh I had fun in that car.

[daedalus 10]

WTF you had a maszdaspeed protege?!?! So did I! hahahaha, back when I was 16. Gosh I had fun in that car.

 

lol. small world. I don't know about you but it was a rare car where i lived. There were 2 (including mine) in a city of 1.2 million. I loved that car. Handled like it was on rails and the blow off sound was addictive!

[jonbig04 10]

lol. small world. I don't know about you but it was a rare car where i lived. There were 2 (including mine) in a city of 1.2 million. I loved that car. Handled like it was on rails and the blow off sound was addictive!

 

Oh yea, very rare. I've only seen a handful anywhere. Mine was the 2003.5 titanium gray. Nothing cosmetic done to it. But I did have front mounted intercooler (as I see you did) and hard pipes w/ a greddy blow off valve (that I had to recirculate and the thing sounded just like a turkey!), cold air intake and of course an electronic boost control set at about 11PSI. Oh and a cat-less downpipe that made a world of difference.

 

That car was so much fun. Of course I did wreck it eventually lol. :doh:

 

After I had that car I got into real estate and of course futures. I miss those days, when all I cared about was my car and the weekend. I only had it for about 2 years. A fun 2 years though.

[forrestang 10]

Oh yea, very rare. I've only seen a handful anywhere. Mine was the 2003.5 titanium gray.

Dinero, your thread is being hijacked right now!!!

 

I don't have a protege.... but my current daily driver is a 2006 MazdaSpeed6 purchased new a few years ago.

 

I purposefully purchased this car because I just wanted something decent, that didn't have tons of upgrade potential that was semi-sporty.

 

Well....shortly after buying it, I replaced the factory turbo with a GT3071R, catless DownPipe and mid pipe. EMS w/boost controller and a front mounted intercooler. I just couldn't help myself.

 

I got it dynoed and did my own tuning and squoze out 326hp to 4 wheels(This dyno was prior to my new intercooler). So that's about 385hp or so at the crank. It was factory rated at 274hp at the crank....and others where seeing about 230 or so at the tires. A few months ago though, I put the stock turbo and exhaust on.... so now it only has the intercooler, engine management and intake on it.

 

Still has some other goodies like short throw shifter and lowering springs, but is basically just a daily driver still.

[jonbig04 10]

Sorry for the thread jack!

 

In keeping with the spirit of the thread:

 

Click for full size - Uploaded with plasq's Skitch

 

 

I have loved the evo for so long, I just can't leave it out. I remember being so happy when I found out the Evo 8 was being sold in America. Regardless of what you think about sedans and rice rockets etc, this car demands respect. Put a couple thousand into this car and you can still use it to take your kids to skill, all the while embarrassing cars that cost 10x more.

 

I wouldn't buy one because I don't think it's luxurious/stylish enough. If I had one I would do some serious weight management, install a roll cage, put a few goodies on it and take it to the local track.

 

Click for full size - Uploaded with plasq's Skitch

 

The Audi R8 was mentioned before. To me, it's downright gorgeous. I saw one in person a few days ago and it looks even better close up. It's not may favorite simply because if I dump over $100k on a car, I want it to be quicker than 12.8 in the 1/4. That's a buttload of money that, stock for stock, is about the same as an Evo.

 

Click for full size - Uploaded with plasq's Skitch

 

The 911 turbo. I love this car so much. Everything about is perfection. But, it's $150k. Don't get me wrong, I think it's worth it, but the problem I have is with Porsche's cannibalistic lower-level models. Call me ostentatious, but if I spent $150k on a car, I would want people to know that this car is rare, awesome, and mine. But to the untrained eye, let's face it, there's not much difference between a 911 turbo and a snail spec Boxter. That's good for Boxter owners who want the prestige of owning a Porsche, but not so good for 911 turbo owners.

 

I know I know, who cares what everyone thinks right? Well if I spend $150k on a car, I do.

 

Click for full size - Uploaded with plasq's Skitch

 

This is my favorite car right now. The new BMW M3. Just $55,000. My favorite thing about this car is that it's power is suggested, but unmistakable (especially in person). It's refined and subdued, but something about it also says "Don't F*** with me". It's luxurious and sounds amazing. It's also naturally aspirated which means, well, you don't have to keep it that way.

 

What kind of car do I have right now? Well I live downtown, so it looks something like this:

 

Click for full size - Uploaded with plasq's Skitch

[forrestang 10]

 

 

This is my favorite car right now. The new BMW M3. Just $55,000. My favorite thing about this car is that it's power is suggested, but unmistakable (especially in person). It's refined and subdued, but something about it also says "Don't F*** with me". It's luxurious and sounds amazing. It's also naturally aspirated which means, well, you don't have to keep it that way.

 

 

It's weird you mention this one.... as I have just recently developed a thing for this car. I now have various pictures of this car as my background image on my desktop.

 

It seems like an awesome machine.... I don't know about that newer transmission in them though.

[daedalus 10]

^^ +1 My problem with the M3 is the new DSG box. Motor Trend reported on their long term loaner than after 30k miles the entire car had "loosened up" with its chassis and the DSG box wasn't tight and smooth anymore. Personally i'm waiting for potential gearbox revisions and more long term reviews before i'm plunking down my hard earned cash for one. But I do love the car.

 

Honestly i'm pretty caught up on the IS-F and the second hand market is ridiculous... you can wipe 27k off the sticker on a used '08 with 19k miles. And you'd never have to worry about reliability. I'm on the fence between that and the 996TT - (which also has insane value for money used right now). You can get 95% of the 997TT performance for 1/3 the price.

 

Very cool to find fellow car guys here!

[forrestang 10]

^^^^I agree, I'd just opt for the standard 6speed manual if I were getting one.

[bathrobe 10]

^^^^I agree, I'd just opt for the standard 6speed manual if I were getting one.

 

Me too, I think it is sad that manual transmissions are not around like they once were. I am 30 and I am the only one I know for sure that can drive one. :doh:

 

I understand how it is easier to drive an automatic but it can definitely take a great deal of fun out of driving.

 

In March 1998 I got an Audi A4, black on black (looked great), I then lowered it about 1.5" using Eibach springs and Koni shocks which made it handle like it was on rails which I think is far better than a car that is super fast but handles like a boat. To add to this I put 18" wheels with very high performance, "sticky" tires When I would accelerate quickly the car would settle a little, which added to the dreamlike experience of driving it.

 

I added custom made blue-ish Xenon headlights that I ordered from a shop in Germany before they were on all foreign cars and were still illegal where I lived

 

In 1998 it cost either 27k or 32k, I got it 7 months used and I do not remember, but I think it was a great price for the way it drove.

 

This does not compare to a Ferrari, Aston Martin, or Porsche; But I loved this car more than any other vehicle I have driven since. Sadly some of them cost far more.

 

All I am getting at is that the price of the car does not make it awesome, the way the car works with me is what I use to decide.

 

I will try to find a pic and post in this thread.

Edited February 17, 2010 by bathrobe

[jonbig04 10]

Me too, I think it is sad that manual transmissions are not around like they once were. I am 30 and I am the only one I know for sure that can drive one. :doh:

 

I understand how it is easier to drive an automatic but it can definitely take a great deal of fun out of driving.

 

In March 1998 I got an Audi A4, black on black (looked great), I then lowered it about 1.5" using Eibach springs and Koni shocks which made it handle like it was on rails which I think is far better than a car that is super fast but handles like a boat. To add to this I put 18" wheels with very high performance, "sticky" tires When I would accelerate quickly the car would settle a little, which added to the dreamlike experience of driving it.

 

I added custom made blue-ish Xenon headlights that I ordered from a shop in Germany before they were on all foreign cars and were still illegal where I lived

 

In 1998 it cost either 27k or 32k, I got it 7 months used and I do not remember, but I think it was a great price for the way it drove.

 

This does not compare to a Ferrari, Aston Martin, or Porsche; But I loved this car more than any other vehicle I have driven since. Sadly some of them cost far more.

 

All I am getting at is that the price of the car does not make it awesome, the way the car works with me is what I use to decide.

 

I will try to find a pic and post in this thread.

 

Have you seen the new S4? I saw one today and couldn't believe how awesome it looked. Never have I seen a car look so normal in pictures and so great in real life.

[bathrobe 10]

since you weren't already selected by Ferrari to purchase it WHAT? YOU HAVE TO BE CHOSEN?

 

I missed this earlier, Ferrari has to choose you?

Chris

[bathrobe 10]

Have you seen the new S4? I saw one today and couldn't believe how awesome it looked. Never have I seen a car look so normal in pictures and so great in real life.

 

Not in person, but I just checked it out on the website. I like cars that do not look too sporty (terrible word) but are beasts on the open road.

 

I like the seats and headlights on the S4.

[daedalus 10]

I missed this earlier, Ferrari has to choose you?

Chris

 

Yea... the initial release batch for most of their cars are like that... obviously some more than others - the Enzo you had to be selected to have the option to purchase it, but on their more normal releases (16M, Scuderia, F458, upcoming 599 GTO) you can't just walk into the showroom and order one unless your willing to pay EXORBITANT over sticker prices.

 

And even then its a crap shoot. Typically unless you already own at least one Ferrari they won't let you have one of the new cars. The more Ferrari's are already in your stable the more of a "shoe in" you are at the dealer getting you a car (assuming their is a build slot still left which usually isn't the case). But typically the way it works is say, I purchased a Scuderia, then Ferrari will send documentation to you about car features, spec sheets, etc... so if you're walking into the dealer without that info - you're really not going to be walking out with a car.

 

And i guess I should mention much of this is getting more and more strict to avoid people just putting in orders for cars to flip around for a cash profit. It had become such a problem with the brand that the company has really started to restrict owners of new cars to avoid people flipping the cars.

[daedalus 10]

^^^^I agree, I'd just opt for the standard 6speed manual if I were getting one.

 

+1 - I'll take a manual any day of the week. I hate that companies like Ferrari do not make and will never make a proper manual tranny again. Some of us derive so much of the pleasure of driving from nailing the perfect double clutch'ed downshift for a corner - not just pulling a paddle and having the ecu rev match the engine... snoooooze.

 

Thats truly the only reason why i'm on the fence about the IS-F... no manual tranny option and that is a key component I don't know if I can overlook. But the comparable BMW/Audi alternatives are 5-10k premiums at current second market prices and thats a lot for a clutch pedal.

 

My other concern with the M3 was that they mentioned that it wasn't just the tranny going to crap, but that the entire chassis had softened up and creaks and groans were developing aplenty.

[james_gsx 16]

Have you seen the new S4? I saw one today and couldn't believe how awesome it looked. Never have I seen a car look so normal in pictures and so great in real life.

 

 

I park next to one every day at work. It's white, good looking car.

 

Anyways.. I've posted my cars on here before, but in the spirit of this thread I'll do it again.

 

Old GSX - GT40r turbo, AEM EMS, CP pistons, Manley Rods, HKS 272/272 cams.. you get the idea. It was pretty quick, but I got tired of the reliability issues. I gave the car away to a friend about 2 months ago.

 

 

 

I bought the Mercedes almost 3 years ago (with my own money, don't worry). I have H&R springs and a rear sway bar sitting on my floor waiting to be installed. It's RWD so it blows in the snow. The plus side, it handles very well. I got lucky with this car, most Mercedes (and I say this as a Mercedes fanboy) are not meant to be driven hard. This car on the other hand has a stiff ride and solid feedback. I imagine Mercedes was targeting the BMW audience with this car, and it worked for me.

 

 

This is a drive my friend and I took two summers ago in the mountains. Haven't been up there in a while, I typically drive up Mt. Evans at night when no one else is around.

 

[james_gsx 16]

I also want a Porsche Panamera Turbo. Everyone hates them, I love them. It's a balls fast station wagon and you can put in a child seat if needed

 

[daedalus 10]

I also want a Porsche Panamera Turbo. Everyone hates them, I love them. It's a balls fast station wagon and you can put in a child seat if needed

 

Initially I hated them but they have grown on me. They need some tasteful modification and then they are HOT.