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Luxury Performance Sedans
10338 messages, Last post on May 01, 2013 at 3:12 PM
You are in the Sedans Forum.What is this discussion about? Lexus GS 430, Acura RL, BMW 5 Series, Volvo S80, Audi A6, Infiniti M35, Infiniti M45, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS, Sedan
#7111 of 10338 Re: The techiest LPS is...... [dewey] by markcincinnati
Apr 07, 2006 (5:40 am)
Replying to: dewey (Apr 06, 2006 11:47 am)
dewey (et al), I say (and applaud) "to each his/her own." Personally I have found convenience and safety in several of the items you disdain. Still, to each. . . .
I have one issue (and not specifically with you), however.
I am convinced that either some further evolution in technology OR the virtual mandatory adoption of current technology with respect to hand and eyes free telephoning in a car looms large on our collective horizon.
In the big town or small city of Cincinnati, if that better characterizes our situation here in Ohio, I find myself from time to time in s-l-o-w moving traffic. To pass the time, I will count the number of Mercedes that are 4Matics, the number of people with their windows DOWN and the number of people out of "the next 25 cars" that are using a cell phone and obviously doing so using their hand and arm (leaving them one hand and arm to control a car that is ever more likely to have a digital entertainment and control head unit, telematics and navigation system and, like my 2005 Audi A6, 82! instruments and controls under the driver's direct line of control and in some way vying for the driver's attention or, at the very least monitoring.)
Phones held by hand will be, I predict, a casualty of our "progress." I want to be able to use my cell phone when I want. But I also want everyone who uses their phones to use them without hands and via voice command ONLY. My reasons are both personal and sociological. I want the use of my phone (personal) and I want "all of us" to be as safe as can be (optimally, NOT maximally).
If we don't adopt and embrace technology advancements, I suspect, they will be imposed on us.
I helped a friend load up his two children (ages 3 and 1) into the car seats in the back seat of his 2005 vehicle. The original astronauts must've had less complicated mechanisms.
At age 54, I grew up in a time when cars did not have seat belts and there were very few car seats but lots of Brittany Spears seats if you get my drift (and If my spelling is correct.) By the time my parents got the first brand new car I can remember, a 1963 Chrysler Newport, the "dealer installed" lap belts were "thrown in" to help close the deal.
My father NEVER used them. Six years later in that car, he hit a patch of ice, made love to a 100 year old tree and was catapulted through the windshield (which cut him severely but did NOT kill him.)
He still didn't wear his seat belt afterwards.
Now, in OHIO at least, it is illegal to drive without one. At first blush, I resent being told I must wear one, even though I wouldn't back out of the garage without one on; then, I think it is a good idea especially if it might reduce my insurance premiums even 1%, then I get all altruistic and think it is "for the greater good."
I also am happy that yelling "fire" in a crowded dark theater is not considered "free speech."
All this tech, often initially, seems to be frivolous or novel -- I think these cars have such primitive tech (even the LPS cars with all the option boxes checked) and could not even imagine what it would be like to NOT have voice activated sat nav (for I do consider it a convenience AND safety feature -- long after the "cool" toy effect has passed.)
It has done no good, but we have a company policy that says if you are "on the clock" and driving a car, you must PARK before using your cell phone or have hand and eyes free capabilities.
We also have a weapons policy. My understanding is you must tell [your employer] what weapons you have. I always thought a knife like Crocodile Dundee uses would be cool to carry, but haven't been able to locate one.
Where was I?
Oh yea -- this technology is primitive, but it is a great first step and vital to protecting some of our freedoms and using the Sociological Imagination, a good thing for society.
I wouldn't leave home without it.
At this time, I support your desire to disdain and avoid it -- but not insofar as your use of your cell phone while driving on the public streets, unless you are fully hand and eyes free (which essentially means voice activation or mind melding with the tech!)
Drive it like you live!
- lexusguy (Apr 07, 2006 9:42 am)
Replies to this message:
#7112 of 10338 Re: Goodbye LPS! [rich545] by vchiu
Apr 07, 2006 (8:05 am)
Replying to: rich545 (Apr 06, 2006 7:48 am)
OK, no problem. and the gas price is still less than half of Europe so it is good to take advantage of it.
I understand the image you have. I also remember when I was 13 in 1985, I spent a month in the US to learn the Language. My welcoming family had a Station Wagon (Dont remember, think Chevrolet Impala). this was a real barge with room inside. The handling? well, don't remember a thing. it seems driving at that time was like watching a movie in slow mode, so such question might have been irrelevant.
Got 3 wagons. I could do so many things with them that i will choose them over Sedan version. the problem of SUV is that to get a good handling (say closer to that of a sedan) the suspension is stiffened. went on a X5 with sport susp. don't like the hard ride. makes my 7 feel like a buick in comparison.
maybe the Cay has a good compromise. goodbye LPS!
#7113 of 10338 Re: The techiest LPS is...... [markcincinnati] by lexusguy
Apr 07, 2006 (9:42 am)
Replying to: markcincinnati (Apr 07, 2006 5:40 am)
Excellent post. In York (it may now cover all of PA, not sure) it is illegal to talk on a cellphone in the car without a hands free device.
#7114 of 10338 Re: The techiest LPS is...... [lexusguy] by dewey
Apr 07, 2006 (10:14 am)
Replying to: lexusguy (Apr 07, 2006 9:42 am)
Mark and Lexusguy, I respect both your views despite the fact that I completely disagree with them.
Seat belts and hands free devices become neccessities only out of government legislation. I think it is tragic when luxury becomes necessity due to bureaucratic interventions. I have nothing against seat belts and hands free devices, but it should be the right of each individual to choose whether he wants to use his seat belts or his cell phone in a car.
Choice is a wonderful thing and governments have no business in taking that away from us.
#7115 of 10338 Re: The techiest LPS is...... [dewey] by markcincinnati
Apr 07, 2006 (2:49 pm)
Replying to: dewey (Apr 07, 2006 10:14 am)
And I agree, mostly, but it is the very fact that I can sit and count 21 out of 25 people using their hand held cell phones that puts the rest of our freedoms at risk, in a roundabout way. Just embrace the tech for the good things it can bring rather than force all of us to do without.
Hands and Eyes Free phoning is better than it becoming illegal.
What will happen is the government will impose even more onerous and restrictive crap on us. Lets use bluetooth before we're forced into something we find far far more big brotherish.
The Genie IS out of the bottle.
I say live it, or live with it!
And, I also say Drive it like you [would like] to live.
Well, I don't actually say that much, but you get my drift.
I see my insurance premiums on the rise or some other social engineering costs being imposed on us if we refuse to recognize -- just as an example -- the "imposition" on other drivers on the public highways of one handed, one eyed (since the other one is on the phone screen) cell phoning.
Me, I just say: "Call Home" and 98% of the time the darn thing just dials away and I get my own damn voice mail.
What a world, what a world.
Can't have it any other way, even if I wanted to.
New tech forever! Old tech never! Now that's a phrase I can live with -- besides, I have only myself to blame if the choice is denied me.
And BTW seat belts and hands free devices ARE for the greater good -- government or no -- it does irk me that I have to be told I must wear a seatbelt, particularly since I feel virtually naked without one and wouldn't dream of being in a car without one on -- but I understand some folks would drive without them otherwise which would certainly raise the death toll and my insurance premiums.
I don't mind if you want to kill yourself, but please don't raise my insurance rates for "unbuckled drivers" for pity's sake -- so, what the heck, I tolerate a stupid law (stupid since it is like legislating the widely accepted concept of "self preservation.")
Asta la pizza baby!
P.S. you said "but it should be the right of each individual to choose whether he wants to use his seat belts or his cell phone in a car." To that I say, OK don't fasten and do call -- just do it while you're driving on private property, preferably your own private property not OUR public streets, I simply cannot afford another TAX to cover "unbelted" or "cell phone distracted" drivers.
My wallet will appreciate it.
#7116 of 10338 Re: The techiest LPS is...... [dewey] by hpowders
Apr 07, 2006 (3:16 pm)
Replying to: dewey (Apr 07, 2006 10:14 am)
Uhh...your freedom of choice ends when it infringes on my rights. When you are engaged in a hand-held cell phone conversation, there is no way you can devote your undivided attention to where it's supposed to be.
Whether its alcohol or hand-held cell phones, drivers have a right to expect that other drivers will act responsibly and not be a menace out there. You get behind a wheel, there's things you shouldn't do.
You want to kill yourself. Be my guest. Just don't take me with you!
I see these cell-phone users driving too slow, swerving in and out of lanes,etc;
If people are too selfish and irresponsible to drive a car properly, then I support legislation vigorously enforced with heavy penalties to protect the rest of us.
When adults can't seem to act like adults, it's time for a change.
And while I'm at it, let's also legislate away those ridiculous belly putters.
If you can't putt with a standard length putter, you shouldn't be out there.
Billy Mayfair, are you listening?
#7117 of 10338 Re: The techiest LPS is...... [dewey] by docnukem
Apr 07, 2006 (3:27 pm)
Replying to: dewey (Apr 07, 2006 10:14 am)
Choice is a wonderful thing until it intrudes on others. I am not talking about free speech. Seat belts, helmet laws, and (maybe in the future) legislation for hands-free devices is also so that you don't either endanger others or make others pay for the costs of your choices. Freedom of speech does not endanger you or cost anyone anything. Rear-ending someone because you are fiddling with a phone obviously does.
#7118 of 10338 Um ... by pat
Apr 07, 2006 (5:33 pm)
We're getting pretty far afield of our topic. Some of you may want to pursue this theme in an appropriate discussion on the Automotive News & Views board, but here we're more focused on the cars themselves.Thanks.
#7119 of 10338 Re: The techiest LPS is...... [dewey] by james27
Apr 07, 2006 (5:38 pm)
Replying to: dewey (Apr 07, 2006 10:14 am)
In Germany, if I remember correctly, they seem to expect people to mitigate risk. If you leave something expensive out, visible in the car and it is stolen, you probably won't collect on your insurance. If you don't wear your seat belt and are injured, you can't collect. If you have a car capable of taxing a V-rated tire, and you only have H-rated on it, you will be fined, if caught, or be liable in an accident if it happens. There is a huge impact on society for people that can't or won't take responsibility for their actions. Those that are ejected from a car and are killed or handicapped for life because they weren't strapped in are likely to collect from society for possibly decades, and their families may need help, too.
So, while I don't agree with all of the things, and because I am risk adverse, I wear my seatbelt, bought a car with a handsfree phone capability built-in, and believe in dedicated tires for each season because it improves my odds.
- pat (Apr 07, 2006 5:55 pm)
Replies to this message:
#7120 of 10338 Re: The techiest LPS is...... [james27] by pat
Apr 07, 2006 (5:55 pm)
Replying to: james27 (Apr 07, 2006 5:38 pm)
We need to get back to the cars themselves, okay?
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