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Sedans Luxury Lounge
21805 messages, Last post on Mar 12, 2010 at 11:54 AM
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Replying to: tagman (Nov 23, 2009 7:53 pm) ...Give it all a few more years and then let's see what happens. I still think we are a good generation away from widespread acceptance of luxury hybrids, IMO. Can't shake the feeling that the current luxury buyer anticipating a true luxo-hybrid is in the minority. Perhaps when hybrids become a fixture in motorsports, the trickle down in performance & bragging rights will help lure the luxury hybrid buyers of the future? BTW, glad you stuck around Tag, thought you're abrubt adios awhile back might have been the end to your posting here.
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Replying to: lexusguy (Nov 24, 2009 2:21 am) A tremendous step in the right direction for Lotus, and from what I have read, there will be more good news to come from Lotus. You are absolutely right about the power being cranked up over a long period of time. From what Lotus has announced so far, it is fairly clear that Lotus will remain faithful to that approach, and we can expect the Evora to get more and more power and the usual tweaks over the course of many years ahead. Lotus made an interesting decision earlier this year regarding the pre-SC Elise models... they decided to make the SC components available as a kit to perfectly retrofit those earlier non SC models. That was a cool move, IMO. It briefly made me think to pick up a good used one and retrofit it, but then I came to my senses... darn it.  TM |
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Replying to: rockshocka1 (Nov 24, 2009 4:28 am) Widespread, maybe... but there is a huge unfulfilled market for hybrids that goes well past the Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid. I will go on record here and stand firm that the lux hybrids will sell well if the products themselves are otherwise good. The Lexus HS's overwhelming sales success, while more on the low end lux scale is still a strong indicator. It's strong sales have surpassed expectations. It always surprises me how so many are "surprised" at the acceptance of certain cars. I used to be shocked at the statements that came from the auto industry when they said that the addition of mandatory safety equipment on vehicles would run up the price so much that no one would buy the vehicles. Instead, what we witnessed was the public choosing to purchase vehicles with airbags, and opting to add rear curtains, when optionally available. Now we see this as SOP. It should come as no shock that people want safe, fuel efficient cars... and they want them in all the market segments, including the lux segment. The age demographics of the lux segment also point to this. In fact, Lexus itself is a testimony to that fact. So, I maintain there is plenty of room in the lux segment for hybrids. BTW, glad you stuck around Tag, thought you're abrubt adios awhile back might have been the end to your posting here. Thanks for that... I must admit that I almost threw in the towel. My apologies to all. TM
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Replying to: tagman (Nov 24, 2009 8:58 am) Time will say. Regards, Jose (Not looking for a reply on this PS comment, but LHC is eventually working. Wait for the results!)
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Replying to: jlbl (Nov 24, 2009 12:17 pm) You guys all know my long-standing position on the virtues of European car performance. So, I'm not changing my perspective. I love the performance and driving dynamics of the best European vehicles. And I have a long purchase history to prove it. But, let's be realistic when we are talking about the lux catefory. It isn't all European any more anyway. Afterall, Lexus is the perfect example of how that category successfully includes vehicles without the priority being all about performance. The recent HS is just the tip of the iceberg. It is an overwhelming success that is beyond expectations. I just can't ignore that kind of thing, nor ignore the long history of Lexus success in the lux segment. I am convinced that hybrids will find their place in the lux segment... yes, I am now on record saying this, and you are right that time will tell. (I definitely noticed the news about the LHC, and look forward to it ramping up much more... hopefully there will be no black hole... LOL ) TM
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Replying to: tagman (Nov 24, 2009 12:51 pm) 2010 Tesla Roadster Performance Specifications Style 2-seat, open-top, rear-drive sports car Drivetrain Single speed fixed gear with electrically actuated parking lock mechanism and mechanical lubrication pump Motor 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor with variable frequency drive. Base: Output 248 peak horsepower (185kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. Redline at 14,000 rpm. Sport: Output 288 peak horsepower (215kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Redline at 14,000 rpm. Chassis Resin-bonded and riveted extruded aluminum monocoque. Four-wheel independent suspension featuring upper and lower unequal length wishbones and co-axial coil spring telescopic dampers. Brakes Hydraulically operated. Tandem master cylinder with vacuum servo and anti-lock braking system . Acceleration Base: 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds Sport: 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds Top Speed 125 mph (electronically limited) Range 244 miles Expected Battery Life Seven years or 100,000 miles. Battery Custom microprocessor-controlled lithium-ion battery with 6,831 individual cells. Full Charge About 3.5 hours using the Tesla Motors Home Connector at 240 Volts and 70 amps. Price: $101,500 Regards, OW |
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Replying to: circlew (Nov 24, 2009 1:07 pm) MBZ, BMW, Audi, and Lexus will deliver the goods. As you so clearly pointed out, the possibilities are much greater (and even better) than many expect. Expect great things!  TM
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Replying to: tagman (Nov 24, 2009 5:06 pm) Now I'm hoping for 4 in-wheel electric motors to drive the wheels of an R-8 or similar car. Inhalation for any comers! Audi is likely to spoil the supercar party for both its archrivals at the Frankfurt Motor Show. BMW and Mercedes-Benz will unveil the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept and the SLS AMG respectively at the show but had not been counting on Audi's so-called e-Tron being there. Adamant that no leaks or teasers will be seen before the official presentation next week, Audi executives will now be tightening security around the car more than ever after these leaked concept files found their way to our offices. Its overall profile is pure R8 but it has a different front grille, LED headlights, wheels and rear end. The interior is also very different and features a completely driver-biased centre console with two screens; one for the rear view camera and one showing a navigation map. Interest is gaining momentum and the company's own ElectricityUntamed.com site is not helping the situation one bit. Officially the e-Tron does not exist. However rumours and these pictures say it does, and that its powertrain is based on either the hybrid or 100% electric model. The former would fall in line with BMW's Vision EfficientDynamics Concept while the latter would put it on par with the confirmed SLS AMG eDrive which has a combined output of 392kW (533hp) and 880Nm of torque.  Regards, OW
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Replying to: circlew (Nov 24, 2009 1:07 pm) There's nothing Swiss watch about that at all. Battery lifespan is a serious problem that must be dealt with before a purely electric car (or even a car that depends heavily on its batteries, like the Volt) can gather mass acceptance. The 125mph top speed is also not going to impress a Porsche or Ferrari owner.
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