General Car Talk Discussion Thread
How do you manage that?
Oderint dum metuant.
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From: Lake Wylie
Your Friendly Canadian
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From: Toronto, Ontario
Supposed quote from Dario Franchitti... thoughts?
Modern cars are getting faster, grippier and more stable. But I only want those characteristics in a race car. It seems to me that a trend is developing when road cars are being engineered to behave like race cars -- but the truth is that driver enjoyment is way down the list of priorities for a racer. If we go down that route, it’s a slippery slope for those who love road driving.
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Moderator Alumnus
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Well, I like the direction they are going, from a "control" perspective. These newer cars have better control and ability. This essentially makes them safer. Obviously it's still the responsibility of the driver to maintain control - but all of the traits that make them more like race cars also make them able to avoid accidents better (generally speaking).
I do agree though that this fine tuning of response and control comes at a cost of driving experience - the easier a car is to control, the faster / harder you are going to have to be going before the experience starts to become dramatic. So that threshold is being raised with the new cars, such that you won't be able to find the limits of the cars as easily as before. This in turn means for regular every day driving, the car is not going to challenge you. I think this is along the lines of where he is coming from when he says that. It also has to do with the fact that manual transmissions are not as common.
I do agree though that this fine tuning of response and control comes at a cost of driving experience - the easier a car is to control, the faster / harder you are going to have to be going before the experience starts to become dramatic. So that threshold is being raised with the new cars, such that you won't be able to find the limits of the cars as easily as before. This in turn means for regular every day driving, the car is not going to challenge you. I think this is along the lines of where he is coming from when he says that. It also has to do with the fact that manual transmissions are not as common.
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Moderator Alumnus
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likely reposts so I am leaving this here.. splendid large images of Zonda R.
http://www.automobilesreview.com/pic...agani/zonda-r/
http://www.automobilesreview.com/pic...agani/zonda-r/
Your Friendly Canadian
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From: Toronto, Ontario
I agree with you that the increased control and capability of modern cars is a good thing. But I think you can separate the race features of a modern car and the safety features.
When I think modern safety, I think blind spot warning, radar cruise control, traction/stability control. These shouldn't affect everyday driving pleasure.
When I think modern "race" features, I think launch control, automated manuals, air ride/adjustable suspension, even EPS. Things that make driving easier, and less connected.
Hopefully one day the majority of enthusiasts will realize that difference between road cars and race cars.
Fun Fact: The new Alfa 4C has completely unassisted steering.
When I think modern safety, I think blind spot warning, radar cruise control, traction/stability control. These shouldn't affect everyday driving pleasure.
When I think modern "race" features, I think launch control, automated manuals, air ride/adjustable suspension, even EPS. Things that make driving easier, and less connected.
Hopefully one day the majority of enthusiasts will realize that difference between road cars and race cars.
Fun Fact: The new Alfa 4C has completely unassisted steering.
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Moderator Alumnus
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oh when I mentioned safety I was talking about how the heightened performance characteristics make the car safer. Acceleration, braking, handling, etc. The other safety features are part of the equation but separate.
nice on the 4C!
nice on the 4C!
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Moderator Alumnus
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Pagani fans, have a peep in here. It says the very last Zonda R is being built right now, and it is being configured for ROAD use - the only one as such. 
http://www.egarage.com/current-inter...agani-factory/
http://www.egarage.com/current-inter...agani-factory/
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Only Top Gear would do this: tow a Cygnet to the back of an Aston Martin Virage...
http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/ast...ear-2011-10-05
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1963 Ferrari 250 GTO Once Again World's Most Expensive At $52 Million
From here: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...-at-52-million
In what seems a never-ending escalation of sales prices--despite the global economy--another Ferrari 250 GTO has claimed the title of world's most expensive car. This time, it's a 1963 250 GTO that sold for $52 million.
The car is an ex-racer from the collection of Paul Pappalardo, reports Bloomberg, similar to the car pictured above. No other details on the sale are known, and Pappalardo declined comment when Bloomberg contacted him.
The new title holder is the latest in a long line of Ferrari 250 models to win the crown. Just over a year ago, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO (pictured below) sold for $35 million, taking the title from another '62 250 GTO that sold for $28.7 million. Before that, a 1957 Ferrari 250 Tesa Rossa sold for $16.4 million at a Pebble Beach auction.
Can the value of these cars truly be stated in the tens of millions of dollars? Perhaps--but even with a history of setting record-breaking prices at private sale and auction, the current prices for the Ferrari 250 GTO have clearly gone into frenzy; it's unlikely similar rises can continue for much longer.
The car is an ex-racer from the collection of Paul Pappalardo, reports Bloomberg, similar to the car pictured above. No other details on the sale are known, and Pappalardo declined comment when Bloomberg contacted him.
The new title holder is the latest in a long line of Ferrari 250 models to win the crown. Just over a year ago, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO (pictured below) sold for $35 million, taking the title from another '62 250 GTO that sold for $28.7 million. Before that, a 1957 Ferrari 250 Tesa Rossa sold for $16.4 million at a Pebble Beach auction.
Can the value of these cars truly be stated in the tens of millions of dollars? Perhaps--but even with a history of setting record-breaking prices at private sale and auction, the current prices for the Ferrari 250 GTO have clearly gone into frenzy; it's unlikely similar rises can continue for much longer.
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Wanna drive a Ferrari cuz you're jealous of the BoostedJacks and Altegris' of the world? Well, with this APP, you can now make your car sound like a Ferrari... 
http://jalopnik.com/make-your-lame-c...app-1435802354
http://jalopnik.com/make-your-lame-c...app-1435802354
Your Friendly Canadian
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From: Toronto, Ontario
In all seriousness though, does that collection seem too... single-purpose to some of you guys?
I'd want maybe one or two of those, some off-road toys, dedicated track rats, etc.
I'd want maybe one or two of those, some off-road toys, dedicated track rats, etc.
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I'd probably have a garage bigger than BoostedJack's imaginary hangar.
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Koenigsegg Sets Up Preowned Program
Just sayin'...cuz, I'm sure like, most of us in Car Talk can afford even a used one.
I know Golf R's parents sure can.
http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/10/03/ko...car/#continued
I know Golf R's parents sure can.
The program is designed and structured to offer warranty and a level of service close to what is offered on a new Koenigsegg vehicle.
Koenigsegg is celebrating 10 years of production this year. With production numbers now reaching over 100 cars, we recognized the need to introduce a pre owned program to facilitate a healthy second hand market for our vehicles, and give buyers of pre owned cars peace of mind to enjoy their car to its fullest.
For a vehicle to be eligible for the "Koenigsegg Pre Owned Certification Program" it needs to undergo an arduous inspection process as well as be updated and refurbished according to criteria's set by Koeningsegg Automotive AB. This effectively means that all cars sold from official Koenigsegg representatives are in top condition with all factory upgrades performed.
The Koenigsegg Pre Owned Certification Program is exclusively for and only available through official Koenigsegg representatives. We offer up to 2 year factory warranty and free service on approved pre owned vehicles sold from an official Koenigsegg representative.
Koenigsegg is celebrating 10 years of production this year. With production numbers now reaching over 100 cars, we recognized the need to introduce a pre owned program to facilitate a healthy second hand market for our vehicles, and give buyers of pre owned cars peace of mind to enjoy their car to its fullest.
For a vehicle to be eligible for the "Koenigsegg Pre Owned Certification Program" it needs to undergo an arduous inspection process as well as be updated and refurbished according to criteria's set by Koeningsegg Automotive AB. This effectively means that all cars sold from official Koenigsegg representatives are in top condition with all factory upgrades performed.
The Koenigsegg Pre Owned Certification Program is exclusively for and only available through official Koenigsegg representatives. We offer up to 2 year factory warranty and free service on approved pre owned vehicles sold from an official Koenigsegg representative.
Suzuka Master
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From: SoCal
Not complaining though at least I still have a car.
