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Luxury Performance Sedans

10338 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 3:12 PM

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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 981 of 1035

#9795 of 10338 Re: Jaguar XF vs Infiniti M45 vs Audi A6 3.0T [lexusguy] by vigorlover

Mar 17, 2009 (1:25 pm)

Replying to: lexusguy (Mar 16, 2009 10:07 pm)
I bought my 1998 XK Convertible used in 2005, so it is just now 4 years in my hands. The only real problem I have had is with coolant leaks. It seems that every year a new hose starts leaking. I swear I must have had them all replaced by now, but the Coolant Level Low light has come on again, and I have had to put in a bit of distilled water to turn it off. Next oil change in a month or so will probably have another hose replacement on the bill.
 
The only electrical problem I have had was the passenger seat controls, there was a wire in the seat getting pinched. Hard to find, but they fixed it. Now if only people would stop kicking the seat control module when they get in!
 
Overall this has been a good car, and well worth the investment in terms of return on driving pleasure and overall interest. Everyone tells me it looks like a new car (helped obviously by its classic good looks and the longevity of the platform).

#9796 of 10338 Re: Jaguar XF vs Infiniti M45 vs Audi A6 3.0T [vigorlover] by lexusguy

Mar 17, 2009 (5:05 pm)

Replying to: vigorlover (Mar 17, 2009 1:25 pm)
The only electrical problem I have had was the passenger seat controls, there was a wire in the seat getting pinched. Hard to find, but they fixed it.
 
Hah! I had the same issue, except with the driver's seat controls. I only found out when my wife attempted to drive the car, and couldn't move the seat forward.

#9797 of 10338 350 HP INFINITI M COMING by skarie

Mar 21, 2009 (9:42 am)

Infiniti Readies Direct Injection for M37 and G37
 
The windblown puddle of mercury known as the Infiniti Essence concept car shown at this year's Geneva show tells volumes about where Nissan's luxury division is headed both stylistically and technically. The twin-turbo 3.7-liter direct injection V-6 in the Essence will debut, sans turbos, in the redesigned M sedan due in early 2010, making about 340–350 hp. The complex direct-injection technology, in which fuel is injected directly into the cylinder rather than in the intake ports as is more common, most likely will also make its way into the G37 coupe and sedan as mid-cycle upgrades before the cars are completely redesigned in about three years. Besides making more power, gasoline direct-injection technology is also needed to meet tightening emissions and fuel-economy regulations around the world
 
link title

#9798 of 10338 The new 3.0T A6 by markcincinnati

Mar 26, 2009 (6:37 pm)

As an Audi fan -- maven really -- I have posted (favorably) about my now gone 2005 A6 3.2 many times. I am now driving an '09 A4 2.0T Prestige edition and it is a step up from the '05 A6. The torque of this 4 cylinder, coupled with the improvement in F/R balance and also the rear biased quattro system make this even more of a blast to drive than the outgoing A6.
 
Now, however, comes the new A6 3.0T.
 
The previous generation A6 3.2, a great car, was, in this league, more than a little bit of an under-achiever with respect to the "urge" it had to get going. I came to realize, however, that even with the 3.2, I was seldom in fear due to the more relaxed acceleration it offered compared to others in this league.
 
Now, however, comes the new A6 3.0T.
 
I thought the A6 4.2 was quick and fast (and thirsty) and with its even heavier front end, a bit of a porker on the twisties. It needed the sport package -- which at that time was really stiff, some said, too stiff.
 
Now, however. . .
 
What is the need for the V8 when the supercharged V6 feels and SOUNDS this good? Damn, and I was just to the point where my 2.0T A4 with its 258 pound feet of torque from sub-2,000 rpms was making me forget how much I like the sound of the 3.2 V6 at full cry in my A6.
 
And, that torque (in the 2.0T) comes without any discernable lag and is, at idle, absolutely vibration free (hello, is this thing on).
 
Now, however. . .
 
Listen, I don't know if you have some predisposition AGAINST Audi, but, even if you do -- take one of the new A6 3.0T's out for a long test drive (and, boy wouldn't it be nice if it had at least ONE tire/wheel upgrade offered on your tester?)
 
As usual you will notice the fit and finish, again at the top of the class. You will also notice the most "intuitive" controls of the class. You will notice the solid feel (handling, that is) both at speed and especially through the most challenging secondary roads you can find -- and, most of all, you will notice effortless and immediate torque without anything that could even make you, for a moment, think this was anything less than a V8.
 
Audi, finally, has brought its "A" game to the LPS crowd.
 
Oh, BTW, my 29th Audi (or so) lets me "testify," that Audi has "no" reliability issues. These things just keep getting better and better.
 
This one, if you are looking in this class, ought to be a contender for "lead dog" status.
 
And, if you want something a little less costly, a $49,650 fully loaded A4 2.0T prestige will almost make you not miss its sibling, A6.
 
BTW, I also drove the Q5 -- it is also of very high merit.
 
Drive it like you live.

#9799 of 10338 Re: [houdini1] by oldcem

Mar 26, 2009 (8:16 pm)

Replying to: houdini1 (Mar 17, 2009 6:36 am)
Good advice. I recently aquired an 06 CPO Jaguar S-Type VDP with Nav for about 40% of its original sticker. I really wanted it for what it is - a muscle car dressed up in a tuxedo.
 
Regards:
OldCEM

#9800 of 10338 Re: The new 3.0T A6 [markcincinnati] by lexusguy

Mar 26, 2009 (10:12 pm)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Mar 26, 2009 6:37 pm)
Listen, I don't know if you have some predisposition AGAINST Audi, but, even if you do -- take one of the new A6 3.0T's out for a long test drive (and, boy wouldn't it be nice if it had at least ONE tire/wheel upgrade offered on your tester?)
 
Hey Mark, good to hear from you. Just as the old 2.7T made the 4.2 V8 irrelevant in the C5 A6 (especially in 265hp S-line guise), the new 3.0T makes the 4.2 equally as pointless. It's a brilliant engine, in my opinion on equal footing with BMW's twin turbo. I also like that Audi no longer punishes you for opting for the V6. For example, you can now get a proper power tilt/telescope steering wheel on the 3.0T.
 
What seems strange to me though is Audi's handling of the sport option on the A6 refresh. Pretty much every car in the Audi lineup now offers an S-line package, but they killed the A6 S-line for '09. The 19" sport package is only available on the 3.0T, but you wouldn't know it by using the car builder. It's buried under the "packages" menu under features & specs. It's like they are trying to hide it.
 
The other negative about the '09 A6 is that they either couldn't or didn't want to upgrade to their latest MMI/NAV system, so it's stuck with the old one presumably until the C7 car debuts. If Infiniti could upgrade the M's NAV system and add a hard drive for the M's mild '08 refresh, why couldn't Audi do the same? It just seems odd that the Q5 has the best electronics in the company's lineup.

#9801 of 10338 Re: The new 3.0T A6 [lexusguy] by markcincinnati

Mar 27, 2009 (7:22 am)

Replying to: lexusguy (Mar 26, 2009 10:12 pm)
I would rather have the Q5's MMI than the current new A6's -- but I have test driven the Q5 and own an A4 and as you know the outgoing A6.
 
To repeat, I would rather have the new MMI -- but the differences, besides the hard drive, are, to my way of thinking mostly cosmetic. Given a choice, I'd take the new one, but would not reject the A6 for lack of it.
 
The Infiniti M did (and does) have a great navi and voice system -- as does Acura and I assume Lexus.
 
The Germans seem to be fine with staying one to two iterations back.
 
My old and now my new navi have been fine and the new one has a much improved map, albeit on an old fashioned DVD.
 
Love the MMI's new graphics tho, but REALLY love the supercharged motivator.
 
Woo Woo!

#9802 of 10338 Re: The new 3.0T A6 [markcincinnati] by lexusguy

Mar 27, 2009 (1:43 pm)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Mar 27, 2009 7:22 am)
To repeat, I would rather have the new MMI -- but the differences, besides the hard drive, are, to my way of thinking mostly cosmetic. Given a choice, I'd take the new one, but would not reject the A6 for lack of it.
 
I agree, the A6 is still one of my favorite cars, and now it finally has the motor it deserves. It's just one of those "would be nice" things. The upside is I don't feel like my pre-refresh S6 is dated. The C7 S6 should really be something special.

#9803 of 10338 Re: Jaguar XF vs Infiniti M45 vs Audi A6 3.0T [vigorlover] by anon3

Mar 27, 2009 (5:12 pm)

Replying to: vigorlover (Mar 16, 2009 10:51 am)
That's funny that you mention the Acura Vigor. That brings back memories. I owned a 1992 Acura Vigor GS for about a year and hated every minute of it. Torque steer and never ending reliability problems. That Acura is the reason that I switched to German cars and never looked back. So I suppose I should thank Acura for making that miserable piece of junk.

Messages Page 981 of 1035

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