Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Sedans High End Luxury Cars
24700 messages, Last post on Dec 01, 2009 at 12:24 PM
You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
Let's try to define this forum as being limited to luxury performance vehicles where the mainstream version in a typical configuration has an MSRP of at least $60k.
A luxury vehicle with a base price of $59k qualifies because it would typically be bought with some additional equipment, bringing the MSRP over $60k.
Vehicles like the E, 5, A6, M, or GS, even if available in certain versions over $60k, don't qualify because they are cars from companies that have higher end cars in their lineups.
|
Replying to: lexusguy (Sep 20, 2006 3:01 pm) |
|
|
Replying to: lexusguy (Sep 20, 2006 2:15 pm) I stand corrected. |
|
|
Our local dealer's row (BMW, Lexus, Audi, Mercedes, Chevy, Toyota, Land Rover, Mini and Chrysler) has pulled together to fund/build a test track in which customers can put their potential purchases though some tight turns and a bumpy road section. There is also a hill-climb section for Land Rover buyers. It isn't anything huge, but it is the first one I've seen. Oh, went to see the VW Eos yesterday and couldn't take it on a test drive due to their only being one sales personal on duty for the first 6 hours everyday! This is a large VW dealer twinned with a Buick dealer, but the VW side has only 2 salespeople. There is a lot wrong with this picture! M
|
|
|
Someone posted a few days back that Toyota was looking to boost global production by some outlandishly high number (40%?) by 2008. Looks like the real plan is more like 11%: Toyota forecast global vehicle sales would grow to 9.8 million units in 2008 from an expected 8.85 million units this year, supported by the planned addition of 1.13 million units in output capacity worldwide between 2006 and 2008. reuters story
|
|
|
Replying to: merc1 (Sep 21, 2006 4:22 am) Despite a lack of sales people, I think the Eos is going to make life very tough (tougher?) for Volvo and their C70. The VW will cost less, but offer more power and of course the DSG, which is light years ahead of any Volvo tip-autobox.
|
|
|
Replying to: blkhemi (Sep 20, 2006 11:59 am)
|
|
|
Replying to: merc1 (Sep 21, 2006 4:22 am) Which one? . . . since there will be the standard version and the more powerful/featured model. This is a large VW dealer twinned with a Buick dealer, but the VW side has only 2 salespeople. There is a lot wrong with this picture! Now that the Eos has arrived, maybe they'll take a giant step up to 3 sales people.  What did you think of the Eos so far, from what you were able to see without test driving? TagMan
|
|
|
Here's the link: link title TagMan |
|
|
From Toronto's Globe & Mail there is an interview with an MB executive about Blutec. The following is the best description I read so far about Blutec: Vaughan: In basic terms, what is in this BlueTec technology that makes it clean? Maier: There are four steps. First, the engine itself, which is brand new and produces the lowest possible level of raw emissions even before the purification systems come into play. Second, there's an oxidizing catalytic converter to minimize carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. Third, there's a filter that catches 98 per cent of particulates. The fourth step reduces nitrogen oxides, which are currently the only exhaust gas component still emitted in greater quantities by diesel as compared with gasoline engines. Vaughan: Well, that fourth step is somewhat controversial because, to get the maximum benefit, you have to add a liquid into the exhaust stream, and some regulators want a completely passive system that doesn't require the vehicle owner to do anything. Maier: BlueTec comes in two versions, depending on the type of driving and the level of regulations. The second involves injecting a non-toxic aqueous solution into the exhaust gas, which releases ammonia that breaks down nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen and oxygen. You would only need to refill the tank of this solution with every oil change so it does not require much effort by the owner. Interestingly MB is rumored to be discussing Blutec lisencsing deals with BMW, VW, Honda and Toyota (for their Tundra Trucks). Obviously there is no need for automakers to duplicate the efforts of MB in terms of achieving stricter emissions requirements. Blutec |
|
|
As with hybrids, Blutec does not achieve EPA Figures. Linked below is a test drive of the new Blutec E320 Benz. Globe & Mail |
|
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2011 Audi A8
2010 BMW 7 Series
2008 Jaguar XJ-Series
2010 Lexus LS 460
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
2009 Maserati Quattroporte
2010 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
