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

What is this discussion about? Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ-Series, Lexus LS 460, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Volkswagen Phaeton, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, Sedan

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.

Outline

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#22951 of 24700 Re: Mercedes, McLaren SLS [merc1] by tagman Jan 15, 2007 (6:46 pm)
Replying to: merc1 (Jan 15, 2007 6:35 pm) I think it will be compared with the C63 AMG more than anything. Nope. Hate to say it, but the Autospies website (not an endorsement!) has a video that says how the IS-F will be a major comparison to the M3. It's what people think of, even if it isn't a truly appropriate comp. And, yes, I agree the C63 AMG will get its day in the sun with the IS-F as well. But... Trust me, the major comparisons will be between the IS-F and the M3... afterall the M3 is the king of the hill, at least perceptually. TagMan Replies to this message: merc1 (Jan 15, 2007 6:55 pm) brightness04 (Jan 15, 2007 7:00 pm) tagman (Jan 15, 2007 7:46 pm) maxhonda99 (Jan 16, 2007 1:38 am) tagman (Jan 16, 2007 8:18 am)
#22952 of 24700 Re: hpowders [brightness04] by tagman Jan 15, 2007 (6:50 pm)
Replying to: brightness04 (Jan 15, 2007 6:41 pm) Sometimes the device that actually connects to the Sony's HDMI input has has to have its own HDMI output selected. Make sure the output selection of the device is set to HDMI instead of component, providing the device allows for output selection. Replies to this message: brightness04 (Jan 15, 2007 7:05 pm) lexusguy (Jan 16, 2007 1:50 pm)
#22953 of 24700 Re: hpowders [tagman] by hpowders Jan 15, 2007 (6:53 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Jan 15, 2007 6:00 pm) SUV diesels are inevitable, IMO. No class of vehicle needs diesel engines more. Automobile Magazine only got 11 mpg with the 2007 X5. Most normal folks could probably expect 15-18. Imagine being able to get 23 mpg out of that beast. Too bad they didn't come up with a universal VCR that could play VHS and Betamax. A lot of folks got burned. Replies to this message: tagman (Jan 15, 2007 7:42 pm) merc1 (Jan 16, 2007 8:42 am) hpowders (Jan 16, 2007 8:47 am) and 22 more... tagman (Jan 16, 2007 9:57 am) and 1 more...
#22954 of 24700 Re: Mercedes, McLaren SLS [tagman] by merc1 Jan 15, 2007 (6:55 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Jan 15, 2007 6:46 pm) Well actually all 4 cars will be compared, the C63, M3, RS4, and IS-F. The thing is unless the IS-F goes a way different route from the usual Lexus type suspension and surprises at the last minute with a manual it won't be any competition for the M3. The C63 might be dynamically going by AMG's recent efforts, but it won't have a manual either. Being compared to and actual competiton for is two different things, but we'll see. M
#22955 of 24700 Re: Mercedes, McLaren SLS [tagman] by brightness04 Jan 15, 2007 (7:00 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Jan 15, 2007 6:46 pm) IMHO, comparing the "4.9 or less" from IS-F to the 4.9 from 335i is somewhat missing the point. "4.9 or less" for IS-F is manufacturer's spec, whereas 335i's manufacturer's spec is 5.4 for 0-60 manual, and 5.6 for automatic. At that performance level, half a second is enough room for an entire different class. The manual vs. automatic also makes a huge difference. Magazine reviewers have no qualms about revving the engine sky high and then dump clutch, whereas for someone who owns (or for that matter leases) a new 335i, if the person chooses to drive like that, the transmission wouldn't last through the first year, or even 6 months. In contrast, results with automatics are repeatable by flooring the gas pedal; it's not good for the car either in the long run, but nothing like killing the synchro and clutch within a few months with dump-clutch starts. Until the cars are physically avaialble for reviews, I'd say the 400hp V8's propelling cars weighing about 3500lb each make IS-F and M3 quite well matched, at least for the vast majority who are not obsessed with manual transmission. Replies to this message: tagman (Jan 15, 2007 7:46 pm) maxhonda99 (Jan 16, 2007 1:38 am) tagman (Jan 16, 2007 8:18 am)
#22956 of 24700 Re: hpowders [tagman] by brightness04 Jan 15, 2007 (7:05 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Jan 15, 2007 6:50 pm) I tried both a Sony upscaling DVD player, and the HD cable box (two of them) from Verizon (Fiber Optics). Three Verizon guys spent four hours in my living room. We made all the right output selections . . . no luck. The HD cable box can put an image on the TV for about 10 minutes, then image freezes up and go blank. garr! I'm going to insist on HDMI test at the store next time. Replies to this message: lexusguy (Jan 16, 2007 1:50 pm)
#22957 of 24700 Re: hpowders [hpowders] by brightness04 Jan 15, 2007 (7:21 pm)
Replying to: hpowders (Jan 15, 2007 12:48 pm) hey, which AVS forum is that? I can use some help. XBR2 is certainly nice. Are you by any chance using HDMI input? I got the Plain-Jane Bravia KDL40V2500 for only $2000, in the hopes of saving perhaps $500 compared to the 40" XBR2; hey 1080p is 1080p, right? Wrong! The plain-jane V2500 gives me a boat load of useless composite inputs, but only two component and two un-useable HDMI; that's not nearly enough to juggle HD cable, DVD, and HD video recorders. ahh, penny-wise and pound-foolish if I have to take this door stopper back. Replies to this message: hpowders (Jan 15, 2007 8:07 pm)
#22958 of 24700 Re: hpowders [hpowders] by tagman Jan 15, 2007 (7:42 pm)
Replying to: hpowders (Jan 15, 2007 6:53 pm) Being compared to and actual competiton for is two different things, but we'll see. Well said, and that's exactly the point. Just playing in the same arena doesn't mean actually being equivalent, but it sure does tons for being perceived as such. And, perhaps unfair, but that perception will go a long way for the IS-F, and Lexus knows it. TagMan Replies to this message: merc1 (Jan 16, 2007 8:42 am) hpowders (Jan 16, 2007 8:47 am) anthonyp (Jan 16, 2007 1:50 pm) and 21 more... tagman (Jan 16, 2007 9:57 am) hpowders (Jan 16, 2007 1:47 pm)
#22959 of 24700 Re: Mercedes, McLaren SLS [brightness04] by tagman Jan 15, 2007 (7:46 pm)
Replying to: brightness04 (Jan 15, 2007 7:00 pm) Until the cars are physically avaialble for reviews, I'd say the 400hp V8's propelling cars weighing about 3500lb each make IS-F and M3 quite well matched, at least for the vast majority who are not obsessed with manual transmission. And that, my friend, is just more fuel and evidence of the upcoming comps between the IS-F and the M3. Fair or not, you speak for many who will see it that way. TagMan
#22960 of 24700 Re: hpowders [brightness04] by hpowders Jan 15, 2007 (8:07 pm)
Replying to: brightness04 (Jan 15, 2007 7:21 pm) No. I am using the component video connections. No great difference with HDMI to justify the added expense of the cables. Check out the XBR2 forum over there. Some of those folks are quite knowledgeable. It's called the "Official Sony XBR2 Thread." When I started posting there they made it "official."