General Car Talk Discussion Thread
50 years of Japanese concept cars. Some are super ugly but some are beautiful.
I like the Mazda RX-500
http://pinktentacle.com/2010/09/phot...-concept-cars/
I like the Mazda RX-500
http://pinktentacle.com/2010/09/phot...-concept-cars/
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Moderator Alumnus
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wait, what?
http://jalopnik.com/5855983/the-197-...ew-mazda-miata
Scion FR-S
<cite> By Matt Hardigree </cite>
Nov 3, 2011 2:30 PM
The 197 HP Scion FR-S is the new Mazda Miata
The Scion FR-S / Toyota FT-86 gets talked about as a Mustang Killer and competition for the Hyundai Genesis and other muscle cars. It really isn't, although maybe the Subaru BRZ will be. But new specs from FT86club make it clear this car will actually compete directly with the Mazda Miata/MX-5, even if it's never marketed that way.
The first FR-S spec drop gave us the weight (2,662 pounds) and power (197 hp/151 lb-ft), as well as the displacement (2.0 liters) and letting us know it'll have an LSD in all but the base automatic model.
A look at the specs shows the FR-S has identical displacement to the MX-5, and, although it weighs approximately 200 pounds more, an extra 30 horsepower in its pancaked boxer engine.
And then came today's pages from the JDM manual. The FR-S/FT-86 has a lower center of gravity than the Porsche Cayman, Nissan GT-R and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. The F/R weight distribution is 53/47 and the cD of 0.27 is better than a Honda CR-Z and almost as good as a Toyota Prius.
The suspension graphics show a Macpherson strut up front and a double-wishbone setup out back. If you're thinking that this sounds like the makings of a great track day car, then guess what — you're not alone.
Buried in the pages from the web's JDM Deep Throat is a graphic showing how you can fold the seats down to fit an extra four tires for "track days."
Buyers may not think to cross-shop a Scion FR-S and a Miata, nor will Toyota necessarily make that the first point of comparison.
Full size
But if you're looking for the best slow-car-fast option Toyota's clearly built a car with slightly more weight, a lot more power, and more room for track-day essentials than the Mazda.
http://jalopnik.com/5855983/the-197-...ew-mazda-miata
Scion FR-S <cite> By Matt Hardigree </cite>
Nov 3, 2011 2:30 PM
The 197 HP Scion FR-S is the new Mazda Miata
The Scion FR-S / Toyota FT-86 gets talked about as a Mustang Killer and competition for the Hyundai Genesis and other muscle cars. It really isn't, although maybe the Subaru BRZ will be. But new specs from FT86club make it clear this car will actually compete directly with the Mazda Miata/MX-5, even if it's never marketed that way.
The first FR-S spec drop gave us the weight (2,662 pounds) and power (197 hp/151 lb-ft), as well as the displacement (2.0 liters) and letting us know it'll have an LSD in all but the base automatic model.
A look at the specs shows the FR-S has identical displacement to the MX-5, and, although it weighs approximately 200 pounds more, an extra 30 horsepower in its pancaked boxer engine.
And then came today's pages from the JDM manual. The FR-S/FT-86 has a lower center of gravity than the Porsche Cayman, Nissan GT-R and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. The F/R weight distribution is 53/47 and the cD of 0.27 is better than a Honda CR-Z and almost as good as a Toyota Prius.
The suspension graphics show a Macpherson strut up front and a double-wishbone setup out back. If you're thinking that this sounds like the makings of a great track day car, then guess what — you're not alone.Buried in the pages from the web's JDM Deep Throat is a graphic showing how you can fold the seats down to fit an extra four tires for "track days."
Buyers may not think to cross-shop a Scion FR-S and a Miata, nor will Toyota necessarily make that the first point of comparison.
Full size
But if you're looking for the best slow-car-fast option Toyota's clearly built a car with slightly more weight, a lot more power, and more room for track-day essentials than the Mazda.
Your Friendly Canadian
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17,447
Likes: 1,506
From: Toronto, Ontario
I expect a thread by September at the latest. 
Thread Starter
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 63,857
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lol check out this douche.... there is a trend starting in there, have a look... LOL
http://www.jdmchicago.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20332
http://www.jdmchicago.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20332
Fahrvergnügen'd
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,494
Likes: 1,569
From: Maryland
It's a great time to be a hot hatch fan in Europe:
New Fiat 500 Abarth SS, new Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Astra VXR, 208GTi, Golf R, and possibly Polo R too.
The production Focus ST looks awesome and it's pretty big too. Might be a good substitute for a wagon
New Fiat 500 Abarth SS, new Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Astra VXR, 208GTi, Golf R, and possibly Polo R too.
The production Focus ST looks awesome and it's pretty big too. Might be a good substitute for a wagon
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Joined: Jun 2006
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And a not-as-good time to be one in the US.
Sometimes I think our cheap gas relative to other countries is a gift and a curse. It enables us to travel in cars much more practical and gives us some more options. At the same time nobody gives a crap about small, fun hatchbacks as much. You get more tools in huge ass SUVs blocking your line of sight when you try and back out of a driveway or parking spot instead.
and we don't get cars like the CTR, Abarth SS, Scirocco, etc
Sometimes I think our cheap gas relative to other countries is a gift and a curse. It enables us to travel in cars much more practical and gives us some more options. At the same time nobody gives a crap about small, fun hatchbacks as much. You get more tools in huge ass SUVs blocking your line of sight when you try and back out of a driveway or parking spot instead.
and we don't get cars like the CTR, Abarth SS, Scirocco, etc
Fahrvergnügen'd
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,494
Likes: 1,569
From: Maryland
And a not-as-good time to be one in the US.
Sometimes I think our cheap gas relative to other countries is a gift and a curse. It enables us to travel in cars much more practical and gives us some more options. At the same time nobody gives a crap about small, fun hatchbacks as much. You get more tools in huge ass SUVs blocking your line of sight when you try and back out of a driveway or parking spot instead. and we don't get cars like the CTR, Abarth SS, Scirocco, etc
Sometimes I think our cheap gas relative to other countries is a gift and a curse. It enables us to travel in cars much more practical and gives us some more options. At the same time nobody gives a crap about small, fun hatchbacks as much. You get more tools in huge ass SUVs blocking your line of sight when you try and back out of a driveway or parking spot instead.
and we don't get cars like the CTR, Abarth SS, Scirocco, etc
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I haven't driven any of the 7AT or 6MT variants though. It gets mediocre fuel economy though.... 18-20 mpg average. I suppose that's not awful for a sporty coupe. We got 26 mpg on 4-5 hour trips with the A/C on. You probably don't care but the backseat is awful for said long trips
I'd say its a good amount sportier than a base 3G TL. Not sure about a 3G TL-S.
Buy a damn usb cable for your camera! Theres a Frys Electronics store on Las Vegas Blvd near 215.Nah. Give me the low power engine in the Toyota for insurance purposes, while still using all the Subaru aftermarket performance parts
You still didn't get tires??lol check out this douche.... there is a trend starting in there, have a look... LOL
http://www.jdmchicago.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20332
http://www.jdmchicago.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20332
Dont think Ive seen a CL with LED taillights on here.
hot hatches.And a not-as-good time to be one in the US.
Sometimes I think our cheap gas relative to other countries is a gift and a curse. It enables us to travel in cars much more practical and gives us some more options. At the same time nobody gives a crap about small, fun hatchbacks as much. You get more tools in huge ass SUVs blocking your line of sight when you try and back out of a driveway or parking spot instead. and we don't get cars like the CTR, Abarth SS, Scirocco, etc
Sometimes I think our cheap gas relative to other countries is a gift and a curse. It enables us to travel in cars much more practical and gives us some more options. At the same time nobody gives a crap about small, fun hatchbacks as much. You get more tools in huge ass SUVs blocking your line of sight when you try and back out of a driveway or parking spot instead.
and we don't get cars like the CTR, Abarth SS, Scirocco, etc
/justdrovefromVAtoNYandbackin24hoursandisabitpissed offatmyfellowdriversrant
Sharp cheddar please.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
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I test drove a used sedan version. It was pretty nice, overall. It handled well, felt kind of quick but not as visceral as some other cars (probably between the luxury sound deadening and, I believe, a modulated electronic throttle response). The problems I had were lack of feedback, especially from the steering wheel, some difficulty finding sixth gear (although the other gears went into their gates with solid precision) and an unsettling constant vibration in the stick itself. I probably would have been far more impressed if I hadn't taken a BMW 328i down some back roads a few nights before.
anyone else driven the 2012 Chevy Cruze? my friend drove me around today in his 6MT and i was very impressed with the space inside, "luxury" features, and the interior quality.
i was shocked when he told me the dealer had 4 6MTs in stock. he took delivery the same day. i have never been able to take delivery on the same day with any of my own/family's vehicles.
by the end of the ride, i found myself really wanting a Chevy Cruze
i was shocked when he told me the dealer had 4 6MTs in stock. he took delivery the same day. i have never been able to take delivery on the same day with any of my own/family's vehicles.
by the end of the ride, i found myself really wanting a Chevy Cruze
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
Even the nurburgring gets traffic!
there were a couple of close calls!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYINRvTIBl8
there were a couple of close calls!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYINRvTIBl8
Suzuka Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,283
Likes: 1,272
My cousin has a G37 S coupe. I like the way it drives.... haven't pushed it but going around some twisty roads (the Santa Cruz mountains are well-known to locals) I like it. The steering is nicely weighted and even stock it has that nice VQ growl. All the amenities you'd really need. Handles nicely for a coupe of its size.
I haven't driven any of the 7AT or 6MT variants though. It gets mediocre fuel economy though.... 18-20 mpg average. I suppose that's not awful for a sporty coupe. We got 26 mpg on 4-5 hour trips with the A/C on. You probably don't care but the backseat is awful for said long trips
I'd say its a good amount sportier than a base 3G TL. Not sure about a 3G TL-S.
I haven't driven any of the 7AT or 6MT variants though. It gets mediocre fuel economy though.... 18-20 mpg average. I suppose that's not awful for a sporty coupe. We got 26 mpg on 4-5 hour trips with the A/C on. You probably don't care but the backseat is awful for said long trips
I'd say its a good amount sportier than a base 3G TL. Not sure about a 3G TL-S.
I test drove a used sedan version. It was pretty nice, overall. It handled well, felt kind of quick but not as visceral as some other cars (probably between the luxury sound deadening and, I believe, a modulated electronic throttle response). The problems I had were lack of feedback, especially from the steering wheel, some difficulty finding sixth gear (although the other gears went into their gates with solid precision) and an unsettling constant vibration in the stick itself. I probably would have been far more impressed if I hadn't taken a BMW 328i down some back roads a few nights before.
I'll be test driving an AT & a MT G37S Coupe tomorrow to make my first official thoughts.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
Going to the LA auto show this saturday!! 
Also going to test drive the CTS-V there! I love cadillac! They're bringing out all the V's for test drives! Getting there early so there's no line and I can tear up LA with no traffic! Excited!
Also going to test drive the CTS-V there! I love cadillac! They're bringing out all the V's for test drives! Getting there early so there's no line and I can tear up LA with no traffic! Excited!
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
You dont sign up you just go to the auto show. Various automakers will have tents set up by the streets and you go and just sign a wavier and stuff and go drive it.
They were there at the OC autoshow too. Cadillac had the CTS V's there too. Their rule was you had to drive one of their regular cars before you get in the line for the V that way it keeps that line down. I would have done that but i wasnt 21 a couple months ago
Now I am though!!
Here's the list of cars they're bringing. It could change. I hope chrysler brings out some srt vehicles. They did at the OC auto show.
http://laautoshow.com/TestDrives.html
They were there at the OC autoshow too. Cadillac had the CTS V's there too. Their rule was you had to drive one of their regular cars before you get in the line for the V that way it keeps that line down. I would have done that but i wasnt 21 a couple months ago
Now I am though!!
Here's the list of cars they're bringing. It could change. I hope chrysler brings out some srt vehicles. They did at the OC auto show.
http://laautoshow.com/TestDrives.html
Thread Starter
Moderator Alumnus
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Posts: 63,857
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Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
Ohh nice its going to be at the Auto Show! Sweet! I'll be seeing it there!
I hope Ford puts the suspension in this thing to handle all that power haha.
I know Chevy put a good set up in the ZL1.
I hope Ford puts the suspension in this thing to handle all that power haha.
I know Chevy put a good set up in the ZL1.
Registered but harmless
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14,887
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Umm, have you been around Staples Center when the auto show is in town??! The area is pretty congested. "No traffic" does occur-- but only after midnight and before 7 a.m.!
Do you know if the test drives are on the street or on the Convention Center property?