See, now you get it. I'd aim for CPO if you can. Also, test drive the Cayman vs the Boxster -- they're nearly identical but the driving dynamics between a coupe and its droptop equivalent is pretty big.
By reilo Go To PostSee, now you get it. I'd aim for CPO if you can. Also, test drive the Cayman vs the Boxster – they're nearly identical but the driving dynamics between a coupe and its droptop equivalent is pretty big.Yeah, I will, I think I just favor the droptop due to being able to use it pretty frequently.
e: i couldn't find any CPO within 500 miles of my area through the Porsche website, but I imagine I can find one if I call the dealerships
Now we know how much it will cost to get that 2.5-liter four-cylinder's 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque: $30,090.Would love to see a chromeless version, but wow, this is a great looking update. Looks properly upscale.
This is the base price of the Mazda6 Grand Touring, which is the entry trim level to this engine. In fact, the Grand Touring will only come with the turbo engine, as will the new Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trim levels. The base-level Sport trim and higher-level Touring will only come with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder (187 hp, 186 lb-ft of torque) that now comes with cylinder-deactivation. Every Mazda6 will receive a comprehensive series of updates when it arrives at dealerships this April.
The revised Sport, which comes with cloth manual seats, dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, blind-spot warning, rear-cross traffic assist and low speed automatic emergency braking, is only $5 more than the outgoing 2017.5 model for a new base price of $22,840. The optional automatic adds another $1,050 to the price. Moving up to Touring limits you to only the automatic transmission and adds 19-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, a sunroof, and rear air vents. It starts at $26,590, $455 more than the outgoing model with the optional automatic.
By Kibner Go To PostYeah, I will, I think I just favor the droptop due to being able to use it pretty frequently.
e: i couldn't find any CPO within 500 miles of my area through the Porsche website, but I imagine I can find one if I call the dealerships
I use my Cayman as a daily and I find it to be quite an excellent city runner. Gets decent gas mileage, fun to drive and the two trunks hold a pretty decent amount of stuff.
I drove both and definitely prefer the hardtop because there's more storage space and less body flex. Then again, I live in PNW where we get like 200 days of rain a year so YMMV.
By Christberg Go To PostI use my Cayman as a daily and I find it to be quite an excellent city runner. Gets decent gas mileage, fun to drive and the two trunks hold a pretty decent amount of stuff.Thanks for the feedback!
I drove both and definitely prefer the hardtop because there's more storage space and less body flex. Then again, I live in PNW where we get like 200 days of rain a year so YMMV.
I live in south Louisiana. It rains far less often that that, but when it does rain, it pours. Something like 90 days a year.
Mazda is doing it right with the new 6. Easily the best looking Japanese sedan being made right now and it looks like the power figures will now rival the competitors as well. Good for them and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested in test driving it.
By matmanx1 Go To PostMazda is doing it right with the new 6. Easily the best looking Japanese sedan being made right now and it looks like the power figures will now rival the competitors as well. Good for them and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested in test driving it.If they put out an AWD variant that'll be huge.
Visited local Audi and Mercedes Benz dealerships today just to have a look around. I didnt realize the Audi dealership is in a temporary location while they are having a new place built and the temp location was really bad and chaotic so i didn't stay long. All of their cars are in a 5 story parking garage behind the front offices and so you couldn't really "walk the lot".
The Benz dealer was much, much better and a really pleasant experience. I told them I was there to buy an AMG hat from the parts department (of which they had several nifty ones) and so I was left completely alone to wander around and look at everything. Their lot seemed to be well laid out and the inside was nice and upscale without feeling stuffy. Their were GLA's everywhere but I did spy one very cool C63 S AMG sedan and I have to say that car has a great stance and looks both tidier and meaner up close than it does in pictures. Great interior also.
Regardless, I will definitely be back to visit both places when I am ready to start test driving.
The Benz dealer was much, much better and a really pleasant experience. I told them I was there to buy an AMG hat from the parts department (of which they had several nifty ones) and so I was left completely alone to wander around and look at everything. Their lot seemed to be well laid out and the inside was nice and upscale without feeling stuffy. Their were GLA's everywhere but I did spy one very cool C63 S AMG sedan and I have to say that car has a great stance and looks both tidier and meaner up close than it does in pictures. Great interior also.
Regardless, I will definitely be back to visit both places when I am ready to start test driving.
Might be late on this, but I thought the Japan episode from TG was pretty good. Glad they covered Ebisu Circuit with Hello Special, Gunsai Touge (too bad they didn't use the Best Motoring/Hot Version portion of the track), bosozoku/Lambozoku, and of course drifting. There was points where Matt did get on my nerve. That said, this is an episode I would keep watching because it is good.
LOL, literally just discovered i can turn off ayc braking in my evo. if i didnt just shear a lug stud i'd toss the car around heavily this afternoon
Did a little thing with my GTI over the weekend(well technically, 10 mins at most lol):
It's a bit hard to see and almost impossible to notice unless you live and breathe MK7 Golfs but I got a lighting package GTD front grille to replace my non-lighting package grille. Now the chrome matches the chrome inside the headlights... yay! Lol. I actually wasn't really planning on this coz I blacked out the chrome/red stripes in the non-LP grille a month ago, but somebody on eBay was selling a replica GTD grille for $50 and I just couldn't pass it up. The VW OEM grilles retail for $250 so I think you can see why it was a no-brainer to get the replica grille.
I think this ends my physical/aesthetic mods to the car. I was actually wanting to get a set of Rokblokz and go for a rally look, but I can't be arsed to take off the back wheels or pay somebody to install some mudflaps so I'll probably just skip that. So I think my next mod is gonna be wheels, but idk what direction to go. The inner JDM fanboy in me wants to go with bronze RPF1's like I originally wanted to do with my Miata, but I'm not exactly sure if RPF1's are something a Euro should use lol.
It's a bit hard to see and almost impossible to notice unless you live and breathe MK7 Golfs but I got a lighting package GTD front grille to replace my non-lighting package grille. Now the chrome matches the chrome inside the headlights... yay! Lol. I actually wasn't really planning on this coz I blacked out the chrome/red stripes in the non-LP grille a month ago, but somebody on eBay was selling a replica GTD grille for $50 and I just couldn't pass it up. The VW OEM grilles retail for $250 so I think you can see why it was a no-brainer to get the replica grille.
I think this ends my physical/aesthetic mods to the car. I was actually wanting to get a set of Rokblokz and go for a rally look, but I can't be arsed to take off the back wheels or pay somebody to install some mudflaps so I'll probably just skip that. So I think my next mod is gonna be wheels, but idk what direction to go. The inner JDM fanboy in me wants to go with bronze RPF1's like I originally wanted to do with my Miata, but I'm not exactly sure if RPF1's are something a Euro should use lol.
Looking good, Jong. In terms of wheels, I actually really like the new Golf R wheels as I think they look upscale and "serious" without ruining the image of a sleeper performance car. You probably wouldn't want to use the R wheels but you could certainly use them as an inspiration. Wheels are so subjective in terms of looks I would almost start with a weight target (because lighter wheels are a good performance mod) and then see what you like that matches your weight target. Just my 2 cents.
Edit - Just got a text from my contractor. He's applying for our permits to stat work on the garage. Woot, woot!
Edit - Just got a text from my contractor. He's applying for our permits to stat work on the garage. Woot, woot!
By matmanx1 Go To PostMazda is doing it right with the new 6. Easily the best looking Japanese sedan being made right now and it looks like the power figures will now rival the competitors as well. Good for them and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested in test driving it.
The more new Accords I see on the street...the more I realize that it is one fucking ugly car front and back.
Then again, Accords have been largely trash looking since 2003-2005:
But the refresh of that model looked great. And then back downhill from there on.
Blobby Square Blob 2008
4 door Accords haven’t been pretty in a long while, just tastefully inoffensive. Not a bad thing really. I did like the looks of a few of the more recent coupes though. Milquetoast is really the order of the day for this segment of car, pretty much in its entirety. Honestly, not a single mainstream family sedan strikes me as attractive in who knows how long. Early 00s probably, like the Altima and Euro Accord/TSX from then.
By Facism Go To PostWhat do i need to know about the Mazda mx5 from around 2005? Might actually fuck with buying one.Man, I could write paragraphs about how much I like my little MX-5 but I have an 08 which is an NC, or third generation. The 05 was the tail end of the NB, or second generation as the NC cars started in 06. The NB has a great 1.8 motor that loves to rev and I would always encourage anyone who is looking to get one with a limited slip differential and a manual gearbox. (To my knowledge the automatic cars never got the limited slip).
The NB cars are a little smaller and lighter than the NC (although the last of the NB cars, like the 05, already had so much new safety equipment added on that they werent that much lighter than the NC) although the seats are worse and there is less room for most people so definitely get some seat time before you buy.
Since there is no such thing as a "bad" MX-5 you really can't go wrong. But, like any other used car, look for service history and definitely make sure the top is in working order and does not leak because they are not cheap to replace.
Finally, I will say that owning my NC makes my daily commute highly entertaining on those days that I drive it. You have to be very involved with the car since it doesnt have a lot of power and really work the engine and gearbox to good effect and it is very rewarding to do so. MX-5's are great!
Another vote of confidence for the Miata/MX-5 here. I also had an NC and it was fun and reliable.
Yeah, wheels are definitely gonna be under 20 pounds. And yeah I agree that it needs to look a bit upscale and performance-y which is why I'm having second thoughts about the RPF's. I'm thinking of maybe TSW, Vossen, and the like but we'll see... I'll be getting the wheels sometime after summer so I've got a loooong time to do research lol.
IMO the previous generation Accords are the best looking. It looks a bit muscular while also having some class(like the Mazda6 lol).
But yeah the current gen is butt ugly.
By matmanx1 Go To PostLooking good, Jong. In terms of wheels, I actually really like the new Golf R wheels as I think they look upscale and "serious" without ruining the image of a sleeper performance car. You probably wouldn't want to use the R wheels but you could certainly use them as an inspiration. Wheels are so subjective in terms of looks I would almost start with a weight target (because lighter wheels are a good performance mod) and then see what you like that matches your weight target. Just my 2 cents.
Edit - Just got a text from my contractor. He's applying for our permits to stat work on the garage. Woot, woot!
Yeah, wheels are definitely gonna be under 20 pounds. And yeah I agree that it needs to look a bit upscale and performance-y which is why I'm having second thoughts about the RPF's. I'm thinking of maybe TSW, Vossen, and the like but we'll see... I'll be getting the wheels sometime after summer so I've got a loooong time to do research lol.
By AlphaSnacks Go To PostThe more new Accords I see on the street…the more I realize that it is one fucking ugly car front and back.
IMO the previous generation Accords are the best looking. It looks a bit muscular while also having some class(like the Mazda6 lol).
But yeah the current gen is butt ugly.
Tomorrow my car is going to the dealer to install my new Michelin Super Sports and to get the wheels stripped and resprayed to Stratus Grey Metallic. It's an OEM Jaguar color, a dark grey. I'm really hoping everything comes out looking clean.
By AlphaSnacks Go To PostTomorrow my car is going to the dealer to install my new Michelin Super Sports and to get the wheels stripped and resprayed to Stratus Grey Metallic. It's an OEM Jaguar color, a dark grey. I'm really hoping everything comes out looking clean.Didn't go for PS4S?
I started digging myself, and I couldn't find them for any cheaper than the PS4S, as they are intended to replace the SS. Though the performance difference really is negligible, they do wear more evenly with better tread life. Even if you're paying $20 more per tire, it's worth it.
By matmanx1 Go To PostMan, I could write paragraphs about how much I like my little MX-5 but I have an 08 which is an NC, or third generation. The 05 was the tail end of the NB, or second generation as the NC cars started in 06. The NB has a great 1.8 motor that loves to rev and I would always encourage anyone who is looking to get one with a limited slip differential and a manual gearbox. (To my knowledge the automatic cars never got the limited slip).
The NB cars are a little smaller and lighter than the NC (although the last of the NB cars, like the 05, already had so much new safety equipment added on that they werent that much lighter than the NC) although the seats are worse and there is less room for most people so definitely get some seat time before you buy.
Since there is no such thing as a "bad" MX-5 you really can't go wrong. But, like any other used car, look for service history and definitely make sure the top is in working order and does not leak because they are not cheap to replace.
Finally, I will say that owning my NC makes my daily commute highly entertaining on those days that I drive it. You have to be very involved with the car since it doesnt have a lot of power and really work the engine and gearbox to good effect and it is very rewarding to do so. MX-5's are great!
cheers mate. Seeing as they're all seemingly petrol engines, what's the say on going in with a model that's got over 100,000 miles on the engine? Any specific things i should look for outside of what you've already told me?
It really depends on the year as the different generations have all had different motors. In general they are reliable cars that don't tend to break but once you have that many miles on any car it becomes more a question of how well it has been taken care of. Are you looking at an 05 or was that just an example?
By matmanx1 Go To PostIt really depends on the year as the different generations have all had different motors. In general they are reliable cars that don't tend to break but once you have that many miles on any car it becomes more a question of how well it has been taken care of. Are you looking at an 05 or was that just an example?
Just an example. There's some newer models (plus an 85 model with 54000 miles on it lol) but the asking price shoots up quite a bit locally.
Long time no post. Just checking in to say that Tavarish's Lambo project is freaking awesome and i've been watching/listening to his podcast a bit too. Not bad.
My car is doing great. Took the local BMW dealer up on a free spring checkup offer plus free touchless car wash and swag bag. They gave me a list of a couple things wrong... one of which I already had the part to fix and took me 30 mins and $35 instead of the $280 they quoted. Everything else is minor and i'm not bothered by it for now.
The better half and I took it on a day trip to Palo Duro Canyon for hiking last weekend. We drove about 250 miles on the day and it continues to be an excellent highway cruiser. The Koni yellow sports on the softest setting are just perfect for daily driving IMO. I wish it wasn't so busy at the canyon for some spirited driving on the twisties but I can tell it's going to be really good when I get the chance. I'm still loving my Conti ExtremeContact Sports.
My car is doing great. Took the local BMW dealer up on a free spring checkup offer plus free touchless car wash and swag bag. They gave me a list of a couple things wrong... one of which I already had the part to fix and took me 30 mins and $35 instead of the $280 they quoted. Everything else is minor and i'm not bothered by it for now.
The better half and I took it on a day trip to Palo Duro Canyon for hiking last weekend. We drove about 250 miles on the day and it continues to be an excellent highway cruiser. The Koni yellow sports on the softest setting are just perfect for daily driving IMO. I wish it wasn't so busy at the canyon for some spirited driving on the twisties but I can tell it's going to be really good when I get the chance. I'm still loving my Conti ExtremeContact Sports.
Jong, have you looked into the neuspeed wheels? They seem to be very popular in the mk6 community so it’s probably the same with the mk7s. Had a customer in a lowered Sienna come in on Vossens.
Did y'all know Motor Trend is pulling the plug on YouTube?
Apparently you're forced to get MT On Demand now if you want to watch their new shows.
You're in west Texas right? Whereabouts exactly? I'm probably gonna drive out to Lubbock in May for a friends graduation at Texas Tech so if there are any good roads you recommend, please do share!
Yep, I'm partial to the RSe52's and the RSe10's if I go the Neuspeed route. My only "issue" with them(if you can even call it that) is as you said, they're pretty popular within the community and while it's not a bad thing, I'm looking for something a bit more unique to the other GTI's out there.
Apparently you're forced to get MT On Demand now if you want to watch their new shows.
By TylerD Go To PostThe better half and I took it on a day trip to Palo Duro Canyon for hiking last weekend. We drove about 250 miles on the day and it continues to be an excellent highway cruiser. The Koni yellow sports on the softest setting are just perfect for daily driving IMO. I wish it wasn't so busy at the canyon for some spirited driving on the twisties but I can tell it's going to be really good when I get the chance. I'm still loving my Conti ExtremeContact Sports.
You're in west Texas right? Whereabouts exactly? I'm probably gonna drive out to Lubbock in May for a friends graduation at Texas Tech so if there are any good roads you recommend, please do share!
By BubbaKrumpz Go To PostJong, have you looked into the neuspeed wheels? They seem to be very popular in the mk6 community so it’s probably the same with the mk7s. Had a customer in a lowered Sienna come in on Vossens.
Yep, I'm partial to the RSe52's and the RSe10's if I go the Neuspeed route. My only "issue" with them(if you can even call it that) is as you said, they're pretty popular within the community and while it's not a bad thing, I'm looking for something a bit more unique to the other GTI's out there.
By jongkookie Go To PostDid y'all know Motor Trend is pulling the plug on YouTube?I was wondering why we haven't seen any new H2Hs. This is dumb.
Apparently you're forced to get MT On Demand now if you want to watch their new shows.
By jongkookie Go To PostDid y'all know Motor Trend is pulling the plug on YouTube?Yeah I saw that yesterday about MotorTrend. At least you will be able to watch the episodes on their website for free (with ads) or for a small monthly sub if you don't want ads. As good as some of their programs are, I don't mind watching them on their website instead of YT although I have to wonder if the mobile performance will be as good as YT's mobile performance for video content.
Apparently you're forced to get MT On Demand now if you want to watch their new shows.
You're in west Texas right? Whereabouts exactly? I'm probably gonna drive out to Lubbock in May for a friends graduation at Texas Tech so if there are any good roads you recommend, please do share!
Yep, I'm partial to the RSe52's and the RSe10's if I go the Neuspeed route. My only "issue" with them(if you can even call it that) is as you said, they're pretty popular within the community and while it's not a bad thing, I'm looking for something a bit more unique to the other GTI's out there.
Tires and refinished wheels are on. Fucking love it. I'll post some pics in a bit.
They were more expensive on Tire Rack at the time of purchase. And for my XKR the differences will probably be lost, especially since it's not a track car.
None the less, they and the refinished wheels are on the car now. And wow, I forgot how much Super Sports transformed my 370Z all those years back. The Pirellis could barely hold back 510+HP, but the Michelins reel them right in and just grip. They're like claws for the pavement. It's a wonder why manufacturers would install anything OTHER than these tires, because they will get you the bragging rights in all of the magazine tests and such. Beyond the off the line grip, the steering response is just otherworldly. I feel like I've reconfigured my entire suspension to get this kind of communication from four chunks of rubber. The XKR was always a car that splits the difference between a GT car (i.e.: SL Benz) and a sports car (Porsche 911), and these tires push it more towards sports car than GT car, without any of the sports car drawbacks. It's simply sensational.
Crazy thing is that they're still only being broken in. After about 300 miles or so they'll reach their full level of grip.
Yes, it is. I visited him at his house a few weeks ago. His garage is much smaller in person than it appears in the videos. I had to do a lot of tip-toeing, it's fairly tight. But it is loaded with tons of tools and stuff. But like I've been saying here, he's gonna get this thing running. When we were young, this is the same kid who said "I'm gonna find a wrecked Maxima and buy the VQ35 out of it to fix mine". And he did. And he was the first ever to do a VQ35 swap and have the first 4th gen in the US.
By zfzmikey Go To PostDidn't go for PS4S?
I started digging myself, and I couldn't find them for any cheaper than the PS4S, as they are intended to replace the SS. Though the performance difference really is negligible, they do wear more evenly with better tread life. Even if you're paying $20 more per tire, it's worth it.
They were more expensive on Tire Rack at the time of purchase. And for my XKR the differences will probably be lost, especially since it's not a track car.
None the less, they and the refinished wheels are on the car now. And wow, I forgot how much Super Sports transformed my 370Z all those years back. The Pirellis could barely hold back 510+HP, but the Michelins reel them right in and just grip. They're like claws for the pavement. It's a wonder why manufacturers would install anything OTHER than these tires, because they will get you the bragging rights in all of the magazine tests and such. Beyond the off the line grip, the steering response is just otherworldly. I feel like I've reconfigured my entire suspension to get this kind of communication from four chunks of rubber. The XKR was always a car that splits the difference between a GT car (i.e.: SL Benz) and a sports car (Porsche 911), and these tires push it more towards sports car than GT car, without any of the sports car drawbacks. It's simply sensational.
Crazy thing is that they're still only being broken in. After about 300 miles or so they'll reach their full level of grip.
By TylerD Go To PostLong time no post. Just checking in to say that Tavarish's Lambo project is freaking awesome and i've been watching/listening to his podcast a bit too. Not bad.
Yes, it is. I visited him at his house a few weeks ago. His garage is much smaller in person than it appears in the videos. I had to do a lot of tip-toeing, it's fairly tight. But it is loaded with tons of tools and stuff. But like I've been saying here, he's gonna get this thing running. When we were young, this is the same kid who said "I'm gonna find a wrecked Maxima and buy the VQ35 out of it to fix mine". And he did. And he was the first ever to do a VQ35 swap and have the first 4th gen in the US.
Congrats, Alpha. You will love those tires. I won't put anything but Michelin's on my cars now and my Dad is pretty much the same way. And it does boggle my mind at what OEM's are using to save a few bucks on their performance cars these days. I belive AMG Mercedes still uses Continental (good tires, but not Michelins) and some of the Audi RS models are shipping with Hankooks (decent, but nowhere near the Michelin) and even new Porsche cars sometimes have Pirelli's or Goodyear tires. It's all about the economics, and I get that, but we as consumers just want the best tires on our sports cars, right?
While in Long Beach for the SoCal SLAENT meetup, I saw a restored Porsche being prepared for a car show later that day and got some pictures:
By Kibner Go To PostWhile in Long Beach for the SoCal SLAENT meetup, I saw a restored Porsche being prepared for a car show later that day and got some pictures:Really, really nice 914. Those are still very under appreciated in the Porsche family despite dominating auto crosses for years. Light weight and mid engine = bliss between the cones. The 6 cylinder versions are worth big time cash but the 4 cylinder ones can still be had for cheap. This one is a really great example.
By Smokey Go To PostI would honestly take one of those over just about any other super car on earth mainly for how it sounds at full tilt. That 4.0 flat six just screams.
True story: I literally had a nightmare once that I traded in my XKR for a Porsche. I was so excited until I realized I made a mistake and ordered a used 914. LMAO
I'm confused. Is the new MotorTrend VOD service free with ads or not? Because it's asking me to create an account and promoting 14-day trial that then goes into a $2.99/mo subscription.
EDIT: I see. The most recent H2H episodes are gated.
EDIT: I see. The most recent H2H episodes are gated.
So, the new Touareg... Why do Volkswagen insist on putting supercheap looking non-body coloured shark fin antennas on all their veichles?
It ruins the ”aesthetic” of the car(s).
#1stworldproblems
It ruins the ”aesthetic” of the car(s).
#1stworldproblems
By Smokey Go To Postthis is a thing?
ok then
I don't really keep up to date with German luxury brands, but why did Mercedes make a Panamera
By nabe_shogun Go To PostI don't really keep up to date with German luxury brands, but why did Mercedes make a PanameraBecause they basically fill every sector?
By Smokey Go To Postthis is a thing?That wing is sooo tiny
ok then
By Smokey Go To Postthis is a thing?Yeah and I am pretty sure that I read somewhere the other day that all of the AMG GT's coming to the USA in the future will be of the 4 door variety. I don't believe the 2 door has ever sold up to their expectations over here. Will the 4 door do any better? I really don't know.
ok then
By nabe_shogun Go To PostI don't really keep up to date with German luxury brands, but why did Mercedes make a Panamera
I have no clue, especially because the CLS was the segment creator that led to the Panamera. And the AMG GT 4-door IS a CLS with some different cladding. Somehow this shit came full circle.
By Lunatic Go To PostBecause they basically fill every sector?
But Mercedes created the sector with the CLS. Why have they come full circle and made a pointless vehicle?
By matmanx1 Go To PostYeah and I am pretty sure that I read somewhere the other day that all of the AMG GT's coming to the USA in the future will be of the 4 door variety. I don't believe the 2 door has ever sold up to their expectations over here. Will the 4 door do any better? I really don't know.
It wouldn't surprise me if it's because Mercedes has simply confused their owners to great extents. They offer way too much of everything. I don't see the need of having a coupe for the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class (especially the C and E coupes, since they look almost identical) while still selling the SL, SLK (now SLC), as well as the AMG GT.
So I checked out a prototype of the new Vantage.
Pics and videos are being uploaded here:
https://www.instagram.com/locking_diff/
First off: it sounds fucking vicious. Much better than the AMG GTS, which it shares its motor (among other parts) with. AM has calibrated the exhaust and tune to its liking, which gives the car its own unique character.
That said, there was one thing that surprised me the most about the car is how seemingly easy and simple it looked underneath the hood. The bumper looks like it'll come off with a few simple screws in a matter of minutes. Also, the size of the front bumper is tiny. When you pop the hood, you realize why it's so small, because with the hood up, the fender liner is exposed - so there is neither bumper nor quarter panel concealing the lining of the wheel well. It's covered entirely by the hood. Furthermore, yes, the bumper looks extremely easy to take off, but so do the headlights.
A lot of headlights today require the bumper to be removed first, but looking at the new Vantage, that doesn't seem to be the case here. Because the fender liner is exposed, the headlight is secured to the corner of the bumper and to a chassis brace with simple screws. And because it doesn't have any weird shapes, there is plenty of clearance for it to just slide right out towards you. While I'm sure there are still some cars with this level of simplicity, I doubt they're worth $150,000.
Also, not sure if this is prototype specific (I don't think it is), but the hood release lever is in a place you'd never find it. Buried underneath the glovebox on the passenger side of the car. I spent a good time looking for it everywhere until I asked. I suspect this is just a bit of British nonchalance and cost cutting in not having to reroute the cable and lever to the other side of the car.
The interior is really nice and you see tons of Mercedes AMG GT bits everywhere - especially the entire infotainment system. But I do think the AMG GTS is far superior with higher quality materials, fewer grey plastics, and prettier layout. The Vantage just seemed a bit too busy in the center. The squared steering wheel is rather crazy though. I prefer a flat bottomed one, but that's up for debate.
There are no rear-sets, unsurprisingly. And the trunk is rather small. Smaller than I expected, in fact. But with the aggressive kit all around the car, the aerodynamic uniformity, unbroken lines and such, the Vantage has veered more towards sports-car than GT-car like in the past. AM clearly has Porsche in its sights, and with AMG as its partner, I suspect those looking for something less ordinary may gravitate to this as opposed to a 911.
Pics and videos are being uploaded here:
https://www.instagram.com/locking_diff/
First off: it sounds fucking vicious. Much better than the AMG GTS, which it shares its motor (among other parts) with. AM has calibrated the exhaust and tune to its liking, which gives the car its own unique character.
That said, there was one thing that surprised me the most about the car is how seemingly easy and simple it looked underneath the hood. The bumper looks like it'll come off with a few simple screws in a matter of minutes. Also, the size of the front bumper is tiny. When you pop the hood, you realize why it's so small, because with the hood up, the fender liner is exposed - so there is neither bumper nor quarter panel concealing the lining of the wheel well. It's covered entirely by the hood. Furthermore, yes, the bumper looks extremely easy to take off, but so do the headlights.
A lot of headlights today require the bumper to be removed first, but looking at the new Vantage, that doesn't seem to be the case here. Because the fender liner is exposed, the headlight is secured to the corner of the bumper and to a chassis brace with simple screws. And because it doesn't have any weird shapes, there is plenty of clearance for it to just slide right out towards you. While I'm sure there are still some cars with this level of simplicity, I doubt they're worth $150,000.
Also, not sure if this is prototype specific (I don't think it is), but the hood release lever is in a place you'd never find it. Buried underneath the glovebox on the passenger side of the car. I spent a good time looking for it everywhere until I asked. I suspect this is just a bit of British nonchalance and cost cutting in not having to reroute the cable and lever to the other side of the car.
The interior is really nice and you see tons of Mercedes AMG GT bits everywhere - especially the entire infotainment system. But I do think the AMG GTS is far superior with higher quality materials, fewer grey plastics, and prettier layout. The Vantage just seemed a bit too busy in the center. The squared steering wheel is rather crazy though. I prefer a flat bottomed one, but that's up for debate.
There are no rear-sets, unsurprisingly. And the trunk is rather small. Smaller than I expected, in fact. But with the aggressive kit all around the car, the aerodynamic uniformity, unbroken lines and such, the Vantage has veered more towards sports-car than GT-car like in the past. AM clearly has Porsche in its sights, and with AMG as its partner, I suspect those looking for something less ordinary may gravitate to this as opposed to a 911.