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Cory Wolfe

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Everything posted by Cory Wolfe

  1. Cory Wolfe
    Based on what I've seen of the prototypes running around, I have high hopes for the newest Malibu. With that said, I wouldn't be surprised if GM found a way to screw it up. It seems as if for every step forward they take with the Malibu, they make some sort of compromise that keeps them a few steps from leading the class. Over and over again.
  2. Cory Wolfe
    Not 100% sure, but I think it's just port injection. I can't really seem to find it listed anywhere on Subaru's website.
  3. Cory Wolfe
    Aluminum isn't really out of place in a flagship luxury sedan. The XJ and A8 have used it for years.
  4. Cory Wolfe
    Yes, if you are comparing the 3 sedan vs. 6, it would be the 6. But the utility of the 3 hatch out-triumphs the bigger sibling. That may be true, but if you want fun and real utility, you'd probably go with the grand-daddy of hatchbacks, the Golf. It's a full 8" shorter yet has more room for rear passengers and a nearly 3 cubic feet more cargo room.
  5. Cory Wolfe
    The problem with Subaru's six cylinder is nearly the same problem as every one else's; They haven't advanced technology wise. In 2005, Subaru offered three engines in the Legacy/Outback. A 2.5L NA H4, a 2.5L Turbo H4, and a 3.0L NA H6 were available. Let's just focus on the latter two. The 2.5T was, at the time, rated for 250 hp & 250 lb ft of torque (this was later re-rated under SAE at 243 and 241). The 3.0 was rated for 250 hp & 219 lb ft of torque (also re-rated under SAE at 245 and 215). Assuming similar options, equipping the 3.0 adds an additional 50 lbs. Both engines required premium fuel. As you can see, there is really no benefit to choosing the H6 (later the H6 would prove as the more reliable choice, however). Now, let's jump forward 5 years to the next model with its revamped line-up of engines. The 2.5T is now rated at 265 hp & 258 lb ft of torque. The 3.0 has now been bored out to 3.6 and is rated at 256 hp & 247 lb ft of torque. So what happened? Mechanically, the only notable advancement was a new asymmetrical connecting rod allowing them to increase the displacement. So, let's look at power per liter to see what's what. The old 3.0 had 81.6 hp/liter and 71.6 lb/ft/liter. The new 3.6 now has more at... Oh, wait, no... less, much less, at 71.1 hp/liter and 68.6 lb/ft/liter. All that work to increase bore & stroke for nothing. Okay, so what have they really pulled off here? Well, peak power is now available at 600 less RPM (but peak torque requires an extra 200 RPM), premium fuel is no longer required, and general NVH improvements have been made. This engine hasn't changed with the latest generation and is, in a word, underwhelming. Subaru has a long history of offering turbo-charged H4 engines. Besides AWD, it is probably what they are known for most. While I haven't always agreed with replacing 6 cylinders with turbo 4's, in a Subaru, it just feels right. I loved every bit of my Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT with its turbo. I would love to see Subaru reinvest in a similar set-up.
  6. Cory Wolfe
    You know, I thought I'd like this car more than the ATS-V, but I don't. The design is just a tad more tidy and restrained on the ATS. Entirely intentional, I'm sure, as the CTS is already the more expressive of the two. Yet, when it comes to non V models, I prefer the CTS over the ATS for the same reasons I prefer the latter with V models. I can't really put my finger on why... Anyways... With that said, excellent car overall. It's more of a logical, evolutionary move keeping many aspects of what made the last model such a highly-praised sports sedan (and wagon, and coupe; one the best cars I've ever driven). This will likely continue to rock the worlds of BMW, MB, and Audi as it has done so before. The only disappointing thing I see is the lack of manual transmission option. That's really only a minor issue, though it should be noted that BMW will surprisingly let you have an M5 with one. The RS6 (not sold here), E63, and XFR-S are all automatic only as well.
  7. Cory Wolfe
    Not really, the Vette's light up in a sort of U shape. Besides, VW has used that style of LED taillights for quite some time now... 2010, I believe. It would be the other way around.
  8. Cory Wolfe
    They're here... http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/624041603/overview/
  9. Cory Wolfe
    A Mazda 3s Touring with the newly available 6spd manual is pretty appealing, though it's priced about the same as the 6 Touring. You do get slightly more luxuries in the 3, but I'd have a hard time picking it over the bigger, sexier 6. Once the '16 model is available with its gorgeous new interior (and assuming the 6 Touring keeps its 6spd manual option), it'll be even tougher.
  10. Cory Wolfe
    It actually looks better than the regular Sonata, unlike the last generation. Basically just a mini-Genesis in looks.
  11. Cory Wolfe
    I'll be interested to see them in person again. Josh is looking to replace his Sonic with another SUV and he has been eyeing all the mini-crossovers, including this one.
  12. Cory Wolfe
    Indeed. VW is actually known for their reliability in Europe, unlike here. They tend to do well over there; Not Toyota or Honda well, but well nonetheless.
  13. Cory Wolfe

    Flops?

    Cory Wolfe replied to Drew Dowdell's topic in The Lounge

    Well, there's the Saturn CVT, GM's Quadrasteer, and GM's mild hybrids for starters. As far as vehicle models, and ignoring the obvious ones that are constantly being called out, you have the following: Nissan Cube, Kia Rondo, Mitsubishi Raider, Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Acura ZDX, Chrysler Aspen, the entire Scion brand...
  14. Cory Wolfe
    Volkswagen does reasonably well elsewhere in the world. For whatever reason, they cannot figure out the U.S. market.
  15. Cory Wolfe
    Off-topic a bit, but perusing Blue Knob's website, they currently have a bunch of 2014 Impala 2LTs with the 3.6 for under $20k. That also seems to be a great deal. 2014-Chevrolet-Impala-2LT Blueknobauto.com
  16. Cory Wolfe
    Any AWDs? I think they were all FWD. Doing a quick search on Cars.com, I'm seeing a few in the same price range. I did notice that all the 2.0T are noted as "Turbo/e-assist", though. I thought it was the other way around...? Edit: Looking around at Buick's website, with the e-assist as an option, Cars.com must just lump the option with that trim level because those are definitely the 2.0T and not e-assist. 2014 Buick Regal $19,461 Cars.com 2014 Buick Regal $19,588 Cars.com 2014 Buick Regal $19,990 Cars.com
  17. Cory Wolfe
    About a month ago, Blue Knob had half a dozen 14 Regals with the 2.0T for right around S20k. One of them was even $18.9k, I believe. Seemed like a great deal, though Blue Knob mostly deals with ex-rentals and such.
  18. Cory Wolfe
    It doesn't look bad by any means... It is just a slightly chunkier Audi wagon with some of the new bits from the TT and Q3. The problem is that Audi has been tweaking the same design for 10 years now. Each new model becomes slightly edgier, adds more LEDs, and starts to look more and more like vanilla. I think the A7 was the last interesting looking Audi to debut. As someone who has always favored Audi, I'm starting to find less and less to like in the looks department.
  19. Cory Wolfe
    I think Audi has officially given up on styling their vehicles.
  20. Cory Wolfe
    and yet he loved it if I remember... didn't he used to go junkyard hopping for it? He did. I even joined him one time, bringing home an entire bumper that was stuffed inside. That was a "fun" 4 hour drive on I80.
  21. Cory Wolfe
    Will someone please tell MB and BMW to stop it already?! These are terrible compromises in every way.
  22. Cory Wolfe
    I'm not at all surprised to see Bill in another truck.
  23. Cory Wolfe
    My ex had a Metro convertible... It was awful. Like driving a car made out of cardboard and powered by turtles.
  24. Cory Wolfe
    Forbes and Consumer Reports have had it out for the Wrangler for quite some time for no apparent reason. It's a vehicle of its own niche, there's nothing in the US on sale today that is as versatile. Everybody (else) loves them, and for good reason.
  25. Cory Wolfe
    Thanks, y'all!
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