Ask the Car People.SM


Luxury Performance Sedans

10339 messages,  Last post on May 30, 2013 at 3:26 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

Messages Page 805 of 1035

#8034 of 10339 Re: Mercedes models rated "most reliable" [bw45sport] by merc1

Aug 04, 2006 (4:56 am)

Replying to: bw45sport (Aug 04, 2006 1:24 am)
The only thing that video really shows is that a Mercedes was a much simpler car back then. The physical build of a of certain Mercedes has changed dramatically for sure (first generation ML, W220 S-Class and 2001 C-Class comes to mind), so I think the fair thing to say is that they aren't all built the same anymore. Some of the newer models are physically built as robust as car can be without going overboard and paying dearly in increased weight. Also, the W124 had bascially what is about as sophisticated as truck engine (I6) compared to MB's current engines. The only thing comparable today is MB's iron-block I6 diesel engine. No car would be able to withstand water in the engine and the other things that car went through and still turn over the way cars are built today so it isn't just Mercedes-Benz. Also he electronics on the W124 are primitive by today's standards. The merger had very little or anything to do with how Benzes were built. Mercedes downgraded themselves starting in 1994 with the C-Class that came out that year. Now the ML that everyone likes to point too did come out in 1997, but it was already a done deal by the time Chrysler joined the mix. The bumpy road test that they subjected that W124 wagon through is the same one that most car makers used today to test durability, either that or they have a "shaker" machine that duplicates that kind of stress indoors.
 
M

#8035 of 10339 Re: Rumours [dewey] by lexusguy

Aug 04, 2006 (5:47 am)

Replying to: dewey (Aug 03, 2006 2:06 pm)
Rumored suitor? Renault. Sounds like Ghosn's ambitions are beginning to resemble Napoleon's. A Renault-Nissan-GM-Jaguar-LandRover Alliance sounds like a beast that will be too humungous for its own good. The article is linked below.
 
At least that would give Jag access to a decent V6. A Jagified VQ would probably be good for well over 300hp. They'll never reach that with a Taurus engine.

#8036 of 10339 Re: July LPS Sales... [rich545] by designman

Aug 04, 2006 (6:13 am)

Replying to: rich545 (Aug 03, 2006 8:07 am)
I just wonder why 0-60 times are so different for the Boxter and Cayman, but not the 911. Is it the increased power?
 
You will always hear the rationale to be the difference in torque and it’s true, but ultimately the gearing and shift points in the Porsche Tips are not optimal. There’s really no reason why most cars should have less disparity in acceleration between auto and manual. I guess Porsche couldn’t give a flying fajita because 85%-90% of their sports cars sold have manual transmissions.
 
BTW in normal situations, the Boxster Tips start in 2nd gear. Not sure about the 911s. Is this the case with your Cayenne S? I had one as a loaner once but forgot to take notice. The SUV is one thing, but with the Boxster I am sure I would be quite miserable with the Tip.
 
Low end torque with a nicely geared auto transmission that has optimal shift points equates to point-and-shoot acceleration. We don’t see that in Boxsters. You have to be between 4500 and 7200 RPM (redline) and precise shift points to get max acceleration. Below that the car just doesn’t move. So if someone is not familiar with the transmission and engine power curves he ain’t beating too many cars.
  
Well we’re really OT now thanks to our pal Shipo and his duel at the friggin’ Tappan Zee bridge. Rich if you would like to continue I guess we should move to a Porsche thread.
 
Oh, one more thing now that I’ve already risked getting sent to the spanking machine in the principal’s office by digressing. Coincidentally, the headline on the front page of today’s local paper is about shipworms eating the piers that hold up the causeway of the Tappan Zee bridge.

#8037 of 10339 Re: I didn't [dhamilton] by designman

Aug 04, 2006 (6:36 am)

Replying to: dhamilton (Aug 03, 2006 10:32 am)
I didn’t think it was to much of a stretch to put together that automatic is the word. Hopefully i haven't offended anyone with that.....automatic, automatic, automatic. OK, back to hitchhiking
 
Thank you for explaining yourself. Your reference to the A word as ungentlemanly suggested another word in my mind, something less flattering than merely an “automatic” transmission. I’ll leave it at that with no offense taken. We move forward.

#8038 of 10339 Re: Rumours [lexusguy] by dewey

Aug 04, 2006 (6:58 am)

Replying to: lexusguy (Aug 04, 2006 5:47 am)
In Wall Street Journal today there is a rumor that a Korean auto maker(Hyundai most likely) is interested in Jaguar.
 
What better way for Hyundai to make a splash in the luxury segment, IMO. Also the high quality and reliability of the Hyundai marque may prove to be a great a benefit to Jaguar . Only problem is Hyundai will have to work overtime in developing engines and platforms that are suitable for Jaguars (good luck)

#8039 of 10339 Re: Rumours [dewey] by lexusguy

Aug 04, 2006 (7:31 am)

Replying to: dewey (Aug 04, 2006 6:58 am)
What better way for Hyundai to make a splash in the luxury segment, IMO. Also the high quality and reliability of the Hyundai marque may prove to be a great a benefit fir the Jaguar marque. Only problem is Hyundai will have to work overtime in developing engines and platforms that are suitable for Jaguars (good luck)
 
That doesn't seem likely. Hyundai was basically put on hold while the chairman was in prison, and they have a lot of work to do just to get things back to normal. Not a great time for a major aquisition.

#8040 of 10339 Re: July LPS Sales... [designman] by rich545

Aug 04, 2006 (10:13 am)

Replying to: designman (Aug 04, 2006 6:13 am)
Yeah, we are off topic a bit so this is the last I'll post about it here. Yes, the Cayenne S starts in 2nd (all Cayennes do) which is really annoying. I often find myself "tipping" down to first just to get moving more quickly (obviously it takes a good amount of power to get that 5,500 lbs moving). The poor TZ Bridge. I grew up in Sleepy Hollow so the thing dominated my landscape for quite some time. I bet Shipo and his buddy didn't get to race TO the toll given how backed up it gets!

#8041 of 10339 Re: July LPS Sales... [rich545] by shipo

Aug 04, 2006 (10:23 am)

Replying to: rich545 (Aug 04, 2006 10:13 am)
"I bet Shipo and his buddy didn't get to race TO the toll given how backed up it gets!"
 
That's a bet that you'd win.
 
I commuted from Bergen County New Jersey to Elmsford for over 5 years, and I gotta tell ya, I don't miss it.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

Messages Page 805 of 1035

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement