The Future Automotive Thread

[exitspeed]

I have a '15 Q50 AWD in Pearl White as a loaner right now while my Pathfinder is in the shop to have some damage done from a hit-and-run and...while it is a nice car, I just don't feel excited about it. It's certainly beautiful from most angles, and it feels sporty, but it just doesn't have the soul that the previous Gens had (I've had those as loaners too).

The Nissan/Inifniti formula is just so different from just a few years ago.

It could also be me. My perception of both brands. I love older Nissans and the previous Gen G35/7's but all the disappointments from Nisssan, both current product and the directions they are going, its really soured my love for the brand. To the point where I just can't wait to get rid of my Pathfinder next year.

Originally Posted by drift freaq

Now when Ghosn first came in he indeed tried to take the company back to some basics and actually succeeded in ways. We got the GTR back.

Its worth noting that the GTR happened IN SPITE of Ghosn. He was against any GTR that was economically responsible for the company. He told the engineers and bean counters to figure out how to build it without losing money or it wasn't going to happen. He wasn't interested in a Halo car, the engineers were. THEY were able to figure out how to build the entire car on an assembly line, other than the engine, to keep cost down. Ghosn should receive 0 credit for the GTR happening.

[drift freaq]

Originally Posted by exitspeed

I have a '15 Q50 AWD in Pearl White as a loaner right now while my Pathfinder is in the shop to have some damage done from a hit-and-run and...while it is a nice car, I just don't feel excited about it. It's certainly beautiful from most angles, and it feels sporty, but it just doesn't have the soul that the previous Gens had (I've had those as loaners too).

The Nissan/Inifniti formula is just so different from just a few years ago.

It could also be me. My perception of both brands. I love older Nissans and the previous Gen G35/7's but all the disappointments from Nisssan, both current product and the directions they are going, its really soured my love for the brand. To the point where I just can't wait to get rid of my Pathfinder next year.



Its worth noting that the GTR happened IN SPITE of Ghosn. He was against any GTR that was economically responsible for the company. He told the engineers and bean counters to figure out how to build it without losing money or it wasn't going to happen. He wasn't interested in a Halo car, the engineers were. THEY were able to figure out how to build the entire car on an assembly line, other than the engine, to keep cost down. Ghosn should receive 0 credit for the GTR happening.

I stand corrected, perhaps I did give Ghosn too much credit. I totally feel you on your feelings about current Nissan/Infiniti.

It's really kinda sad. I honestly have to say that the new Miata has really peeked my interest. Give it a couple of years I might actually pick one up.

[future]

The Q70> Q50

[Dutchmalmiss]

Originally Posted by drift freaq

I honestly have to say that the new Miata has really peeked my interest. Give it a couple of years I might actually pick one up.

Seriously. That car is too well put-together to ignore. Suspension, wheels, bolt-ons, and you're good.

[Corbic]

Originally Posted by Dutchmalmiss

Seriously. That car is too well put-together to ignore. Suspension, wheels, bolt-ons, and you're good.

But it's hideous and laughably small.

[Bushido]

Miata's hood shut line is so turrible.

[Corbic]

Originally Posted by Bushido

Miata's hood shut line is so turrible.

Looks like some transformer or unfinished concept car.

[dorkidori_s13]

all i have to say about the miata is...

[exitspeed]

Originally Posted by dorkidori_s13

all i have to say about the miata is...

Ahahahha. That's too funny. I do genuinely like the new Miata though. If they made an actual hardtop version I wouldn't even think about Nissan anymore.

[Dutchmalmiss]

Haha I think we all agree the new Miata is more of a 'beauty in the eye of the beholder' kind of car. Bang-for-the-buck performance + fun for under $30k is not bad.

Agreed, a hardtop version would be very sexual I'd think.

[drift freaq]

Originally Posted by Dutchmalmiss

Haha I think we all agree the new Miata is more of a 'beauty in the eye of the beholder' kind of car. Bang-for-the-buck performance + fun for under $30k is not bad.

Agreed, a hardtop version would be very sexual I'd think.

If they had a hardtop version it would be a no brainer and I am not surprised Corbic thinks it's ugly he is all high on Horseys thinking they are the best thing since sliced bread.

[Corbic]

Originally Posted by drift freaq

If they had a hardtop version it would be a no brainer and I am not surprised Corbic thinks it's ugly he is all high on Horseys thinking they are the best thing since sliced bread.

Wait, they aren't?

Surely Mustangs ARE the best thing since the 911 and 250 GTO...

(Slice bread was invented in 1928, the 250 GTO in '62, 911 in '63 and Mustang in '64. )

[drift freaq]

Originally Posted by Corbic

Wait, they aren't?

Surely Mustangs ARE the best thing since the 911 and 250 GTO...

(Slice bread was invented in 1928, the 250 GTO in '62, 911 in '63 and Mustang in '64. )

Lol you are seriously going to compare a Mustang to a 250 GTO, or a 911 I seriously hope you are being facetious.

[Corbic]

Originally Posted by drift freaq

Lol you are seriously going to compare a Mustang to a 250 GTO, or a 911 I seriously hope you are being facetious.

Actually yes.

I'll do one better. The 250 GTO doesn't even deserve to be mentioned. The typical fuck face would not even know what one was without the chrome letters F E R R A R I.

The Mustang and 911 are iconic, universally recognized and have had one of, if not, the biggest impacts on the performance car market and racing over the last 50 years.

Corvette is obviously in that discussion as well.

[exitspeed]

Originally Posted by Corbic

Actually yes.

I'll do one better. The 250 GTO doesn't even deserve to be mentioned. The typical fuck face would not even know what one was without the chrome letters F E R R A R I.

The Mustang and 911 are iconic, universally recognized and have had one of, if not, the biggest impacts on the performance car market and racing over the last 50 years.

Corvette is obviously in that discussion as well.

And the Miata is in the discussion as well.

[drift freaq]

Originally Posted by exitspeed

And the Miata is in the discussion as well.

Ya but remember Mel he absolutely hates the look of the Miata so it will not get discussed.
Lol his bias's completely negate any effect of fair and true evaluation for truth or accuracy.


In other words his opinions are facts for him.

Oh and it is comical that he will mention A particular Ferrari as a Iconic ( one that now sells for Close to 40 dollars ) and then dismisses it becuase he thinks most people would not know what it was beyond the Ferrari name.
Hmmm enough people into Ferrari's in the world that the value had gone to 1.5 million yet no really knows what it is or was beyond the fact of its name?

Oh but there ar no other Ferrari's that have become Iconic no? 346, Daytona, Testarossa, just to name a couple of others.

Clearly everything to him is based on his likes and his likes alone.

[Corbic]

Originally Posted by drift freaq

Ya but remember Mel he absolutely hates the look of the Miata so it will not get discussed.
Lol his bias's completely negate any effect of fair and true evaluation for truth or accuracy.


In other words his opinions are facts for him.

Oh and it is comical that he will mention A particular Ferrari as a Iconic ( one that now sells for 1.5 million dollars ) and then dismisses it becuase he thinks most people would not know what it was beyond the Ferrari name.
Hmmm enough people into Ferrari's in the world that the value had gone to 1.5 million yet no really knows what it is or was beyond the fact of its name?

Oh but there ar no other Ferrari's that have become Iconic no? 346, Daytona, Testarossa, just to name a couple of others.

Clearly everything to him is based on his likes and his likes alone.

Actually my statement about the 250 GTO is 100% accurate.

They go for 7 figures because they are hyper rare (less than 39) and the ultra wealthy collectors are willing to pay for that.

This is no different then many other hobbies and collectables where the "general public" have no way of comprehending why something is worth what it is.

You mention the Testarossa and that's a great example. Average folk easily recognize it by brand and model, but the typical Rossa is still very affordable at $70-90k.

911s are the same way. Dumbasses on the street has no idea which is a 930, Club Sport, 911S etc. Hell, someone asked if 911T meant turbo and another time someone told me the 911SC was the Super Charged model. (Pointing at the huge A/C unit).

Just because something is valuable doesn't mean that it's universally recognized as valuable.

As for the Miata. It's ugly. NA and NB cars look great... Then something went terribly wrong Mazda. To be fair, at 6'5, yes, I have a natural bias against a car I can't even drive.

[exitspeed]

Originally Posted by Corbic

As for the Miata. It's ugly. NA and NB cars look great... Then something went terribly wrong Mazda. To be fair, at 6'5, yes, I have a natural bias against a car I can't even drive.

Yeah, your opinion doesn't change history. The Miata is the best selling 2 seat sports car in history...by a lot. You don't make history being irrelevant.

I've never been a particularly big fan of Miatas personally but I respect how it changed history.

[Corbic]

Originally Posted by exitspeed

Yeah, your opinion doesn't change history. The Miata is the best selling 2 seat sports car in history...by a lot. You don't make history being irrelevant.



I've never been a particularly big fan of Miatas personally but I respect how it changed history.

What does being "the best selling 2 seat sports car" have to do with anything?

PT Cruisers and Sebrings sold mad crazy back in the day, as did the Ford Explorer.

The Chevy Cavalier outsold the Civic...

Are you implying that the Ferrari 250 GTO is a pile of crap because Ferrari only sold 39 units?

[drift freaq]

Originally Posted by Corbic

What does being "the best selling 2 seat sports car" have to do with anything?

PT Cruisers and Sebrings sold mad crazy back in the day, as did the Ford Explorer.

The Chevy Cavalier outsold the Civic...

Are you implying that the Ferrari 250 GTO is a pile of crap because Ferrari only sold 39 units?

Corbic You know Miata's were extenselively club raced all over the world as well has having series devoted to them again all over the world. That does actually make them Iconic. Whether you choose to believe it or not or even take that into consideration is your choice but it does not change the fact.
Just because you do not think or approve of something does not mean it has not reached Icon status.
240z/fairlady's indeed like the Miata reach Icon status and not just in one country. In fact the 240z pretty much cemented Nissan's racing heritage all over the world. That is the kind of thing that creates Icon status.

In a sense the same could be said about the 250 GTO becuase while only 39 were made and sold it was that car that cemented Ferrari's non F1 road racing heritage in the early 60's and pretty much put the Ferrari name on everyone's lips when someone said name an Italian Sports car.
One could day we got the 512mm LeMans / Can Am cars because of the road racing succes of the 250GTO

Now in effect what this shows is it can be numbers sold, hell the Volkswagon Bettle was an Icon for the better half of 3 decades partly based on shear numbers sold.
At the same time other factors can give Icon status. Cars that put the brand names on everyone's lips. Sure the average joe might not know what a 250GTO is but that car put the name of Ferrari on enough people's lips for word to spread. If Ferrari had not built that car, raced it and won extensively . Would people now Ferrari today? Perhaps not.

P.S. I made a mistake earlier on pricing. They are fetching close to 40 million dollars now at auction.

[exitspeed]

Originally Posted by Corbic

What does being "the best selling 2 seat sports car" have to do with anything?

PT Cruisers and Sebrings sold mad crazy back in the day, as did the Ford Explorer.

The Chevy Cavalier outsold the Civic...

Are you implying that the Ferrari 250 GTO is a pile of crap because Ferrari only sold 39 units?

Obviously countless actors go into a car's success, relevance and place in history, its not as simple as just "rare" or "best selling".

If that's not something you can understand, then maybe a comprehension discussion should be had.

That's just a little jokey jab BTW. Not everyone gets why the Miata is important/significant.

[future]

So to those in this thread have went from a Z33 back to other cars why did you? I'm seriously looking back into a HR

[deolio]

Originally Posted by future

So to those in this thread have went from a Z33 back to other cars why did you? I'm seriously looking back into a HR

they're just plain boring to drive and they myriad of mechanical issues made ownership not so enjoyable. also in my opinion the z owner community is terrible and to me that was a deal breaker. they're nice for daily driving if you don't need to haul anything and only have one friend, but if you ever need to fit more than 3 bags of groceries and want to do some drifting you'll be disappointed

[future]

Even with a HR? I know the previous years had trans and amp issues. I know of the Centric slave problem also but I've never heard from anybody about problems with the HR. I'm even looking into a 06 if I can get the right color.


What do you mean boring to drive? I don't need a fast car (if you didn't see my egg in the "doing it wrong thread") so the Z is plenty fast for me. I only plan on bolt ons and mostly suspension mods for a weekend car

[drift freaq]

Originally Posted by future

Even with a HR? I know the previous years had trans and amp issues. I know of the Centric slave problem also but I've never heard from anybody about problems with the HR. I'm even looking into a 06 if I can get the right color.


What do you mean boring to drive? I don't need a fast car (if you didn't see my egg in the "doing it wrong thread") so the Z is plenty fast for me. I only plan on bolt ons and mostly suspension mods for a weekend car

It really is a matter of opinion. The trans issue was only early 2003 models and the customers played Nissan to the hilt with trans replacement under warranty. It was like just enough were bad that Nissan took a any trans problem that comes in replacement policy under warranty.
You don't here people complaining or having issues these days. Pretty much the same with the concentric slave issue on 2007 HR cars . It was a problem and Nissan figured out a fix not before people screamed to high heaven though. There are certainly enough running around now with no issues.

Though combined with the recession it easily could have been another contributor to scaring people away from 370's.

Z33's are actually not bad weekend fun cars. I will probably pick one up myself.

[future]

Thanks for the response! I know there are people who had them and went back. If i could get a 06 in that rare purple I'd get an 06 and that's the only way. Really pushing for a HR for the cool hood (changes the front end in my opinion) and obvious engine revs lol

[Corbic]

Originally Posted by future

So to those in this thread have went from a Z33 back to other cars why did you? I'm seriously looking back into a HR

HR is a good car. Big difference in power, nearly 50whp gain. Power bulge hood is the sex.


I had an 03 and I got the PB hood after some hail damage. Fun car, nice daily but a lot of power envy.

My SR S13 at 14lbs was considerably faster. Ultimately nagging cosmetic issues and a need for a winger vehicle forced the sale.

I swapped it out for an '05 Taco V6 AC. The Tacoma feels just as fast as the Z and fits my life style 10x better. I'd do it again a million times.

I've had an FC, DSM, '78 Camaro, Golf, GTI, CB7, Z33 '96 Mustang GT. Mustang is the only one I miss.

[future]

I'm debating a 14' mustang but i don't like solid axel and too much money for what i feel like paying.

I'd say the biggest problems with the Z is insurance and MPG. As far as I know

[drift freaq]

Originally Posted by future

I'm debating a 14' mustang but i don't like solid axel and too much money for what i feel like paying.

I'd say the biggest problems with the Z is insurance and MPG. As far as I know

If you want an HR you are talking 07-08. 06 was a rev up. I also seriously doubt Corbics S13 SR had the torque that the HR has. I also can say part of why he felt his S13 was faster is way different rear end gearing. Stock Z's have 3:54's vs S chassis 4:08 . I can gurantee put a 3:70 or the Z car owners favorite a 3:90 and that Z will kick ass off the line and out of the corner. Ya you will lose some top sped but hey you will have a blast were it counts.

[future]

Yeah I know the years, what i meant to say was only way I'm getting a 06 is if it's the purple ones (can never spell the name right so I don't attempt) but finding one I like is not as easy as just getting a HR in some boring color.