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smk4565

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Everything posted by smk4565

  1. smk4565
    I don't get the delay on the 9-speed, they run risk of not being first with a 9-speed, and the S-class is always first. I read that one headlight costs over $1,500, so it isn't like they are trying to cut corners on costs. It also made me think that Cadillac was worried about the $4.80 door handles on their flagship, how do they feel about spending $3,000 on the head lights. Another interesting factoid, is the perfume lasts about 7,000 miles and costs $65 to replace.
  2. smk4565
    CTS is getting it, and my guess is the ATS-V also.
  3. smk4565
    I am surprised, and a bit disappointed that it still has the 7-speed because they have been working on a 9-speed for a few years now. It would have been nice to have that at launch, but it looks like they'll add it for 2015 model year. The interior is outstanding and the front may look plain, but S-class fronts always have and they are always timeless classics. The side and rear views look good. They'll probably never sell it here, but the S300 bluetech hybrid gets better mileage than a Prius, pretty amazing for a car this big.
  4. smk4565
    Regardless of what they do with the XTS, it won't ever out handle the 3700 lb CTS with 50/50 weight distribution and the same magnetic shocks and RWD. FWD/AWD can't do it. So the enthusiast buyer is going to pick the CTS, because the 2014 models of XTS and CTS will probably be priced the same, and the CTS got bigger and on the inside should be nearly as roomy. To me, a 410 hp XTS is like a 350 hp Chevy Malibu, you could do it, but it just doesn't make a lot of sense. Most XTS buyers are probably 70 and don't even use the full 300 hp, but I know for marketing purposes it looks good when you have a big horsepower number next to your car. And having a 410 hp engine helps change the image that the XTS is for 70 year olds.
  5. smk4565
    Yep, and they keep rehashing the 5.3 liter V8 when they need to put a 3.0 liter turbo diesel V6 in that will make more torque and probably get 27 mpg, rather than 22.
  6. smk4565
    I totally agree with Drew on market shift and it isn't the government forcing out V8's and big cars it is the market. For most drivers, 200 hp is suitable and a 4-cylinder gets you that. And monster vehicles just seem uncool or tacky now, where people now don't want the image of excess, but now they want to have the image of how responsible they are and how they care about the environment. The Navigator was the status symbol of 1998, in 2008 it was the Prius. Times change. Neither the Impala or Taurus (or Maxima) are worth $43k to me, they do pack on a lot of options that on a BMW or Benz would cost you over $50k, but still, $43k for a big front driver just isn't worth it to me. The Genesis has better value in that regard, or a loaded Fusion gets you most of what you get in the Taurus, and the Fusion looks better, assuming we are comparing new cars, because $40k buys a heck of a used car.
  7. smk4565
    Still the best car in the world.
  8. smk4565
    I have not driven one, but it seems to me like making a twin turbo Lexus ES or the MKS Ecoboost is the best comparison. In the MKS's case the power is nice for more straight line power, but you still don't have handling. 400 hp makes sense in the CTS since it has the chassis to handle it, it makes less sense in an XTS. A driving enthusiast is going to pick the CTS over the XTS because the CTS will always handle better due to less weight, 50/50 balance, rwd, etc. Acura could make a 420 hp RLX, yet it won't be as good as a CTS or 5-series because it is a FWD Accord underneath. Putting 400 hp in an Acura, Lincoln, Volvo or XTS is basically pointless from a driving standpoint, from a business standpoint it makes sense because there are always people that will pay the extra $5000 for power they can't really use.
  9. smk4565
    I don't really see the point when it will still have over 60% of the weight on the front axle. Power doesn't fix FWD weight distribution. Although there are probably some old guys reliving the muscle car era that will pay the price premium for more power and like how it is fast in a straight line. So from a money making standpoint, it makes sense.
  10. smk4565
    Cars are expensive. But $40k for an Impala is a lot. I don't really think the Maxima, Taurus, Avalon or Impala are worth that, but if you load them up that is what they cost. The Azera I think has the best value in that segment, and it is roomy on the inside without being huge on the outside. To me the Genesis/Charger/300 are the way to go here because of the RWD. At least you get the RWD benefits at the $35-40k price point.
  11. smk4565
    Sounds like the Vortec V6 is now the Ecotec V6. I wonder how Eco it really is, the Ram gets 25 mpg, and if an automaker got smart and cut the weight and put a 3.0 liter turbo diesel in a pick up they could get 30 mpg highway or close to it. I wonder if this 4.3 L has better NVH characteristics than the Pentastar 3.6 or Ford's 3.7 liter, my guess is no,
  12. smk4565
    If they go after the S-class, they'll fail. The best option for Infiniti is probably a 4-seat coupe based on the GT-R but longer, and not as race track inspired. The GT-R is already developed and they could basically put an M56 interior in it and have a halo car. They could go more after the BMW 6-series and Gran Coupe or Audi A7. But that may not sell either, but at least it would have a chance.
  13. smk4565
    If they price the CTS above the XTS then that will hold true. But right now the XTS is the most expensive Cadillac sedan going off base price. I sort of think they will price the CTS the same as the XTS, like they did in 2006 with the STS/DTS.
  14. smk4565
    The top end Cadillac is. Maybe the top Buick can be a Riviera coupe on Delta II and they can get really crazy and combine the 2.0T with eAssist! I don't know if they need "special," they tried sporty with the Regal and it is their worst seller. Their top selling car is their version of the Toyota Avalon, and they've had success with SUVs because women buy them. The demise of Mercury and downfall of Lincoln and Chrysler only offering a gangster looking sedan have helped Buick. I will say though that GM lacks convertibles big time, Buick and Cadillac don't have one. GM does need a luxury convertible, and as a Buick it could be more like a $40,000 car and appeal to the baby-boomers and empty nesters of the 55-70 crowd that don't want a Camaro, but don't have Mercedes E-class cabriolet money. Chrysler sells those miserable 200 convertibles because there is no where else for people to go with the Solara dead and VW Eos is tiny.
  15. smk4565
    This car isn't worth waiting 90 days for. I guess some buyers that need a car if they want it can put the order in and wait, but then what if they change their mind and don't want it? If a big deposit is required people may be hesitant to order it. Then you also have to buy a car you've never driven, when you can go test drive a 300C, Charger, Genesis or other big sedan and take it home the same day.
  16. smk4565
    The youth are driving, but they are buying Kias and Hyundais, not Toyotas.
  17. smk4565
    I bet the coupe does not have the 2.5 liter, and uses the 2.0T as the base, and the V6 optional. Really that 2.5 should be dropped from the sedan also. I am curious if the Escalade interior will be another dressed up Tahoe or if they will do something with it to justify the price tag. The Mercedes GL is the #1 selling SUV in that segment now, the Navigator and Lexus LX570 seem dead in the water, so it is basically a Cadillac vs Mercedes race at this point.
  18. smk4565
    There will be a Koup version, it is on Kia's website as a 2014 coming soon vehicle. They also offer a 201 hp turbo 4, most in this segment don't offer that kind of power in a coupe either. You have to spend more on a Golf GTI or Focus ST and those aren't coupes.
  19. smk4565
    The Forte has an optional cooled driver's seat as well. I think that is a great feature because no one wants to stick to hot leather in the summer, and most cars under $30k don't offer that.
  20. smk4565
    Looks better than the CTS coupe, looks pretty good.
  21. smk4565
    Not sure about the tail lights that go to the roof. Sounds like the early 90s Chevy Lumina MPV or Pontiac Trans Sport. The interior does need to get better and not remind of a Tahoe. The Mercedes GL is the #1 seller in this segment now, the Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator are nearly extinct, you sort of have to get it right or face elimination.
  22. smk4565
    That is a rather depressing figure to all car fans and gear heads. A bit misleading though if they using depreciation on a new car which is obviously a lot. 1/3 of their cost is depreciation.
  23. smk4565
    The diesel could be there at launch, that engine already exists and will be on sale here this summer in the E-class and GLK. They will have to move on the coupe and convertible, if the sedan comes out in the fall, the 2-doors could come in the spring. Mercedes is chasing BMW in this segment and they know they can't go a 1 or 2 years with no coupe, when the BMW has one.
  24. smk4565
    Excellent fuel economy. The only downside is it starts above $25k rather than below $25k. They need a more powerful version of this engine (maybe 30-40 more hp and lb-ft) for Cadillac. Even with a power boost they should still be able to get 40 mpg out of an ATS.
  25. smk4565
    The interior gives me a BMW vibe, compared to the current car's S-class looking center stack. I wish they'd come up with their own look, hopefully the exterior looks like a Hyundai and not just like a blend of other cars. I like the current Genesis a lot, but it is just too boring looking, and doesn't have enough unique styling cues. I hope this car is good, and the 5.0 V8 carries over, because getting a 430 hp rear drive luxury sedan for $45k is great value.
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