Automotive News Discussion

[Jake]

The three-door thing is funky! As a certified tallboi, I enjoy the lack of B-pillar when I go to change lanes or back up and need the view over my left shoulder.

Gave it back today. Will miss it a bit. The GTI is very much "hot hatch in a suit" all the time, this and the Civic Si/WRX/Ford ST twins are all more frat-boy-hatches and I like the funk that comes with that. It was kind of silly to pull up to the office in it, but in a sea of blandly-colored crossovers and leased luxosedans, I enjoyed it. Work threw me some curveball days while I had this car on loan, and it's impossible to be anxious/annoyed/in the dumps when your exhaust makes angry machine gun noises between gear changes.

That said, the road noise at highway speed is annoying and the suspension, even in Normal mode, is a bit harsh for city streets.

Full review coming soon. Good job Hyundai!

[WRXtranceformed]

New Corvette base model standard features...not bad:
https://jalopnik.com/here-are-the-standa...882478/amp

You definitely want that performance pack tho

[G.Irish]

That standard equipment list is really strong. Looking at that, there's not much I feel like I would need to add. Just the Z51 package really. And color matched accents.

Can't wait to see how the Z06 turns out.



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[Sijray21]

Think they'll make a zr1 trim? I feel with the trunk and frunk space they could equip it with an electric hybrid drivetrain on top/in conjuction with what they have and really make it haul. ZE1 maybe?

[G.Irish]

Oh I'm sure a ZR-1 is coming. A performance hybrid is anyone's guess but it has been rumored.

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[JPolen01]

Make Acura Great Again?

[ScottyB]

They finally got rid of the Acura Beak, rejoice!

[.RJ]

that's a sharp looking sedan

[Jake]

Agreed, it looks pretty good.

By comparison, I'm in a 2019 Maxima SV right now and it just looks like a lumpy caricature of a sports sedan - and drives like one too.

[JPolen01]

Agreed, it looks pretty good.

By comparison, I'm in a 2019 Maxima SV right now and it just looks like a lumpy caricature  of a sports sedan - and drives like one too.

I don't understand the Maxima's place in life anymore. It seems unnecessary in a lineup of 2 different Versas, Sentra, Altima, and the Leaf.

[rherold9]

Agreed, it looks pretty good.

By comparison, I'm in a 2019 Maxima SV right now and it just looks like a lumpy caricature of a sports sedan - and drives like one too.

I bet there's a nice fine line about wanting to be brutally honest about the cars you drive, but also not ruining future chance to test drive other cars?

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[ScottyB]

I don't understand the Maxima's place in life anymore. It seems unnecessary in a lineup of 2 different Versas, Sentra, Altima, and the Leaf.

i don't think anyone understands current day Nissan. they're turning into Japan's version of early 80's Chrysler. absolutely everything they sell now is super old or literally designed for Hertz.

[G.Irish]

They finally got rid of the Acura Beak, rejoice!

Beak started getting phased out a few years ago.  Only cars left with it now are the ILX and NSX.  The NSX changed it to body color last year.

[Jake]

Agreed, it looks pretty good.

By comparison, I'm in a 2019 Maxima SV right now and it just looks like a lumpy caricature of a sports sedan - and drives like one too.

I bet there's a nice fine line about wanting to be brutally honest about the cars you drive, but also not ruining future chance to test drive other cars?

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I've been pretty honest, just using nicer words so far. The Maxima is from Enterprise, but I'd like a shot at loans with Nissan later so worth it to be honest yet mildly diplomatic.


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[Steve85]

I realllly like it. Hopefully won't get too neutered for production.

Nissan - I had a Sentra V rental while the BMW was in the body shop, CVT with simulated shifts. Just awful.

[JPolen01]

 CVT with simulated shifts. Just awful.

I thought the entire point of the CVT was smooth power delivery (at least in theory). Why the simulated shifts? What consumer is asking for that? To help people afraid of CVTs feel like it is a real auto?

[ScottyB]

To help people afraid of CVTs feel like it is a real auto?

part of it is probably exactly that.

the other part is its just a marketing gimmick - if there's shift points it "feels sporty" and you get "more control". that perceived image can actually sell cars. its just like synthetic engine noise speakers in the cabin - by manipulating the experience to feel more authentic you can provide more theatre and excitement.

[Jake]

The point of a CVT is to allow the engine to stay at its optimum RPM for the desired function, whether that's economy at 60 mph or 6300 rpm for maximum power output. My (very long gone) ex's Dodge Caliber did this. It was "correct" but people hated it, myself included, because it feels drone-y while making max power.

The Maxima is trying to be "sporty" so you get this simulated upshift nonsense mated to paddle shifters on the SR trim. The engine makes peak power north of 6k rpm but the CVT won't hold it there. It's absurd.

[JPolen01]

Mercedes brings 8 passenger EV Van to market for 2020. No word on US market though. Reported 250 mile range. Not bad for their first EV (I think this is the first?).

[Jake]

M-B offers a GLC plug-in hybrid now and a full-EV variant is coming, I think. EV van looks good though. I'm a fan of their design direction lately.