neuronbob

Filmed this a few weeks ago via my Google Glass. It was one of my first, clumsy attempts at using Sport Mode with manual shifting. While the shifts are the fastest I have experienced with manual shifting--not a surprise given that's what DCTs are known for--the process seems a little clumsy to me. That's just me getting used to the car, however, and not an indictment of the car itself. I understand DCT is the way of the future, but I love a stick shift. I guess I'm a dinosaur. A youngish dinosaur, but a dinosaur nevertheless.

PS: This car freakin' SCOOTS. I keep saying it is properly fast. I am not exaggerating. I did one blast in Sport Mode without the paddle shifters and was pushed back in my seat. I'm talking almost CTS-V like acceleration. Sports car this may not be, but lots of fun can be had with this car.

Anyhoo....

hondamore

wstr75

Bob, thanks for the video. Google Glass, eh? I am impressed! You are truly a modern Renaissance Man!

Speaking of your preference for a manual transmission, I've been contemplating buying a used weekend convertible fun car having a manual transmission and have been studying up on Miata, S2000, Audi TT and some BMW models. Question: Have you ever had your 2002 S2000 suddenly get loose when accelerating in the rain? On the S2000 forums the membership appears to split into the manly man faction that posits good drivers know how to manage a suddenly wild bronco and the others that say, be super cautious when putting the hammer down in non-dry conditions. It does make a case for an oldster like me to give consideration to the 2006+ S2000. However, you can buy an almost new Miata Gran Touring PRHT for the price of an 80,000+ mile 2006 - 2008 S2000. Your thoughts and advice is appreciated. Note: In 2006 Honda put VSC on the S2000.

My apologies for asking this diversionary question on this thread.

getakey

My wife drives a 99 323i Convertible with manual
Make us an offer

neuronbob

Get an S2000. If God himself created his own manual shifter, it would be just like the S2000's. It is that good.

If you should have the good fortune to buy an AP1 like I have, REAR TIRES in good shape are the key to safety. Most of these "snap oversteer" accidents you hear about happen because of driver error. The most common driver error is bald/poor tread tires. (Yes, you read about lift-throttle oversteer in turns, but reading the road properly and GOOD REAR TIRES help to avoid problems in the first place.) I have never, ever had any trouble in the rain in my AP1. Ever. Good tires, good vigilance of road conditions, and a HPDE or two teach you how to handle the car properly.

Did I say keep your rear tires in good shape enough times?

Speaking of the S2000, the Sport Hybrid feels as fast as my S2000, maybe a touch faster. I can't believe this car hustles for all the weight it carries. The sheet metal says "boulevard/highway cruiser", but the drivetrain says "drive me, drive me now!".

neuronbob

More fooling around. This video is with the car automatically shifting the gears. I much prefer it this way. PS, this tank of gas will have horrific mileage, but I am getting a lot of smiles out of it!

George Knighton

Definitely no slouch!

I wonder how many people got out their stopwatches to see if they could extrapolate some times from your videos.

neuronbob

I wasn't trying for top speed runs so I don't think folks can extrapolate much from my videos. One of us has to find a good way to launch the car without breaking it.

FredS

Is the cabin as quiet as the video seemed to represent?

George Knighton

It's very quiet.

At some point, I think that all of us are going to have the "Wind Noise Problem" for which there are two TSB.

If you look at your front doors from outside the car, you might even notice some moisture present in an odd place that you can't get to, and this is a symptom of the Wind Noise Problem.

You might also notice that a black vertical molding piece is slightly loose.

If the dealer gives you guff with your KC2 qualifying for the first TSB, then ACR will tell the dealer to submit it under a standard warranty claim. It's possible the dealer won't really fully understand the issue and because there are so very few KC2 cars, he might just assume that there is something different between the KC1 and KC2 cars, and a legitimate reason why the KC2 would not be a part of the first TSB.

There might be some kind of update by the end of January, specifying that KC2 cars are a part of the first TSB and that the procedure (and problem) is the same between KC1 and KC2.

neuronbob

As a tomb.

Mike_TX

Bob, in video 1, it looks like your steering wheel is canted a good 10 degrees or more to the left when you're going straight. Is that some kind of artefact of the Google glasses, or do you need an alignment?

Btw, I'm impressed with the quality of the video from the glasses.

.
.

hondamore

The second video gives a better look at the RLX Sport Hybrid's two personalities. The car goes from nearly silent in electric mode to a growling beast getting to 87mph in a flash. I was grinning from ear to ear watching the video, I can only imagine how big the smile on Bob's face was as he drove it.
Many thanks Bob!!

plastikman

Very nice Bob !

neuronbob

Thanks for the tips. I'll be looking for those. I'll likely just have that done at the same time as the headlight recall repair.

It's the angle of the camera. My steering wheel is straight as an arrow.

I do love my Google Glass. It's too bad development seems to be slowing. If sound quality could be improved, I'd be 100% happy with it.

I am. This car does what you ask it, when you want it. It is surprisingly fun to drive, and in a way different from my V wagon.

Maybe it's time for you to consider a sport Hybrid for the next lease. Deals should be better by then. Until then, enjoy that Audi, you picked up a good one.

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

Very nice! I really miss the sound of a screaming Honda V6.

neuronbob

Nothing quite like a J35 at high revs.