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Sedans Ultimate AWD Sports Sedans
828 messages, Last post on Oct 03, 2009 at 9:40 PM
You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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It's on the way..I'll be all over this thing! Here are two articles. ZAP-X is a Crossover Electric Vehicle designed by ZAP Motors and Lotus Engineering derived from the Lotus APX concept platform. The vehicle is estimated to be launched in 2010. The company claims that this car would be powered by a four in-wheel electric motors that generates 644 bhp (480 kW/653 PS) and reaches 350-mile or 560 km with a single charge. It also boasts a top speed of 155 mph or 249 km/h, acceleration of 0–60 mph in 4.8 s and a 10 min recharge time. ZAP, in partnership with Lotus Engineering have designed a new EV that will result in one of the most advanced electric cars ever developed. The aptly-named ZAP-X Crossover does potentially offer a very real transition option from conventional combustion vehicles, as the short-falls of electric vehicles have been almost completely eradicated in this new design. The award-winning APX lightweight aluminium architecture allows for unparalleled performance and usability. The drive system comprises of innovative electric motors inside each of the wheels, which in partnership can deliver up to 644 horsepower, and speeds of 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds, up to a maximum speed of 155mph. The power system enables the vehicle to travel up to 350 miles before needing a charge, and the new rapid-charge technology allows for battery recharging in as little as 10 minutes. Seating allows for up to 7 passengers (not a type-o) and some very cool new gadgets included as standard too, such as touch-screen controls, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, High-Res Video, Windows XP, iPod Ready, firewire, GPS, USB2 and more! Regenerative braking as standard, and energy collecting windows and windshields allow for some additional charging, too. With everything you’d want out of a conventional sports car, it also has the versatility of being used as a family vehicle too! Regards, OW |
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My wife and I plan to look at the 2009 Audi A4 quattro 2.0T. What other cars in the same class should we look at? We currently have a 2003 A4 quattro 1.8T which has been almost flawless. Our criteria include comfort for 4 occupants, responsive handling, reliability (perhaps a given these days), all weather capability, and fuel efficiency. Beyond a size adequate to provide comfort for four passengers, we favor smaller cars. Price is a consideration. We can afford what we want but are unwilling to pay just to have a certain brand cache.
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Replying to: waygrabow (Aug 27, 2008 7:46 pm) Having said that, the model I drove had an estimated price of about $48k, and IMHO that's crazy. The 2.0T model will surely be a lot more affordable, and that engine actually makes more torque than the V6 does. I didn't get to drive one, but I'd lean towards that engine. At the same event we got to sample a Lexus IS230 AWD (comfy, but very soft), a Benz E300 4Matic (solid brakes, but disappointing handling), the A4, and a BMW 328xi. The Bimmer had the best handling, but it's close in price to the Audi, and that's with the base engine, so it won't get much cheaper. I think the strong euro/weak dollar may leave you with a bit of sticker shock when you go shopping for the 2009s. I'd add a few others to your list - the 2009 TL-S will have SH-AWD. Also, the G35x from Infiniti. Finally, for a budget buy, check out a Subaru Legacy GT Limited, or even a spec.B model. That kind of money lets you buy a lot of very nice cars. Good luck shopping.
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Replying to: ateixeira (Aug 28, 2008 6:00 am) |
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Replying to: ateixeira (Aug 28, 2008 6:00 am) If my choices were limited to AWD cars I would also look at the Evo MR as well as the STi. The Spec B is another excellent pick. I found a very clean 2005 Audi CPO S4 for just $31900, but unfortunately it was a slushbox... 
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Replying to: roadburner (Aug 28, 2008 12:06 pm) Try them out, though. Can't hurt, plus it'll be fun. 
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Replying to: ateixeira (Aug 28, 2008 12:54 pm) If they're TOO sporty, then he's TOO old. 
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Replying to: roadburner (Aug 28, 2008 2:27 pm)
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Replying to: waygrabow (Aug 28, 2008 4:08 pm) The MazdaSpeed3 is very nice, but no AWD. IMHO that's too much power for the front wheels alone, so much that early models had engines shaking out of their cradles due to wheel hop on acceleration. Doesn't Mazda even limit boost in 1st and 2nd gear? Give it AWD, Mazda!
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