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#1 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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So I'm officially addicted to reading Autoblog and trying to figure out what kind of car I'd like to get next given that I'm fed up with driving a big-ass brick-mobile. Every time there is a new car show I flock to the site and look at all the new concept vehicles, the new revised versions of old cars, and the new launches.
Right now my hot list is comprised mostly of AWD or potentially AWD sporty sedans or 5-doors: 2008 Mazda Atenza (aka 2009 Mazda 6) - If this thing could come with AWD, it would be great. The styling is pretty much perfect for my taste, with 5-door hatch making it a bit more useable. The lack of a Mazdaspeed variant is a little confusing though, especially since they showed a Mazdaspeed-alike at the Tokyo Auto Salon show (it's what, a trim package?). 2008/9 Subaru Legacy (turbodiesel) - Motor Trend claims close to 50 mpg, which is fantastic. I'll wait and see what the pricing is like. Also wondering if it will go with the current styling or if it'll only come out with a refresh. 2009? Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback - Same great drive-train from the Ralliart (which is in turn, lifted from the Evolution MR). Twin-clutch (with no clutch peddle) with paddle shifters and an automatic mode means I can actually drive it without going to driving school again to learn how to do a manual before I get into an expensive new car (and potentially wreck it). AWD plus space means it's functional enough for me, and the looks are great on paper. If it has a lower stance then it may mean better handling, but who knows for sure. The nose seems lifted from the Concept RA, which is a big plus over the regular Ralliart.
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#2 |
The Doink
Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 20,335
Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata
Class: PDX/TT-6
The way out is through
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You should add the BMW 123d to that list... assuming it ever makes it to the US.
![]() Turbo diesel, BMW luxury, entry-level pricing.
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Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints? |
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#3 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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It's more expensive than the 325xi though, and has two less doors (which takes it off my list then). I will never drive a coupe again, especially with a kid on the way.
I won't disagree that it's a nice looking car, though, with potential. The turbodiesel version of the 3-series is probably more my speed, but it's firmly out of my price range.
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"What can change the nature of a man?" - Ravel Puzzlewell |
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#4 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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Heck, at the low end of the power (and price) range the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS with the CVT sounds rather nice (and improved over the 08 model in several respects). $21K "nicely equipped" undercuts the Mazda 6's nicer trims, but it definitely isn't AWD either.
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"What can change the nature of a man?" - Ravel Puzzlewell |
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#5 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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Looks like the Subaru Legacy 2.0D will only sport a new "Boxer Diesel" badge as the cosmic difference.
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"What can change the nature of a man?" - Ravel Puzzlewell |
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#6 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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The M-sport package version of the 123d looks even nicer.
![]() http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/06/b...-only-diesels/ -- Looks like the 2008 Mazda Atenza comes in a whole bevvy of trims. I was just playing around with the Japanese site's build configuration tool and noticed that the top two trims are 6-speed automatic "4WD" 2500cc models. http://www.w-tune.com
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"What can change the nature of a man?" - Ravel Puzzlewell Last edited by Kunikos; 2008-02-14 at 12:52 PM. |
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#7 |
Tape Terrorist
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Melmac
Posts: 1,792
Car: ?
Class: Retired!
Warning: Prolonged eye contact may cause insanity
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I'm just waiting for an update on Mazda's 16X project.
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A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi. |
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#8 |
The Doink
Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 20,335
Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata
Class: PDX/TT-6
The way out is through
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You're slipping Bob!
Here's what he's talking about: http://ezinearticles.com/?Mazda-16x-...gine&id=945714 1.6L direct-injection 2-rotor w/ aluminum housing. More torque with less fuel, and weighing less than the venerable 13B rotory we've seen for years. Sounds like a perfect motor to bring back the RX7 with! ![]()
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Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints? |
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#9 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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Hopefully they can bring some of that great design work they've been putting into the newer concept vehicles and the production cars into the RX7, because the RX8 and Miata looks awfully stale in comparison to the new Mazda 6.
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"What can change the nature of a man?" - Ravel Puzzlewell |
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#10 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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Boo. The diesel Legacy isn't coming to the US.
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"What can change the nature of a man?" - Ravel Puzzlewell |
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#11 |
EJ22T
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Reno
Posts: 9,445
Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red
Class: 19 FP
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Specualtion was always that it would be Impreza/Forester in the US, in a couple years. No diesel ever?
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FWD is the new AWD |
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#12 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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No, just not the one they released in this model year, I guess. The engine doesn't meet California standards for clean diesel, only Europe's.
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"What can change the nature of a man?" - Ravel Puzzlewell |
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#13 |
EJ205
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Truckee
Posts: 1,948
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BMW is bringing the 335d to the states this fall. Twin Turbo Diesel.
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Does it have a motor..............Does it have a motor? |
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#14 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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"What can change the nature of a man?" - Ravel Puzzlewell |
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#15 |
EJ205
Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Dayton, NV
Posts: 1,888
Car: Current: 2014 Forester 2.5i Premium. Old: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L
Class: RNP, long ago (see motto)
"Kids are ruining autocross."
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I test drove both an '08 Legacy 2.5i and '08 Impreza 2.5i yesterday. . . I really like the Legacy, and I do not like the Impreza very much.
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Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential |
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#16 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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Anything more specific? LOL
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"What can change the nature of a man?" - Ravel Puzzlewell |
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#17 |
EJ205
Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Dayton, NV
Posts: 1,888
Car: Current: 2014 Forester 2.5i Premium. Old: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L
Class: RNP, long ago (see motto)
"Kids are ruining autocross."
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Well, the Impreza feels like a huge downgrade in all aspects when compared to the Legacy, much more than a mere $3000 price difference would have you believe. While the new suspension is a bit better than what you used to get on a stock Impreza, it's still taller and less sophisticated than the Legacy suspension, and therefore leans more in corners and rides rougher. The base Impreza also stepped backwards to steel wheels and rear drum brakes.
![]() The Legacy feels a lot classier, and still offers better performance in just about every aspect. The exterior seems more refined, with minimal wheel gap, a lower stance, nice 17" wheels and better tires, and little extras like moonroof, etc. The interior is much more comfortable and attractive. The suspension rides more comfortably, yet is more confident in corners, with less body-roll. The 5MT is also buttery-smooth. I think the only con that I found was in the fact that 2.5 liters don't go quite as far when coupled with the slightly heavier chassis. . . but it seems to be geared well, so it wasn't a big deal. I'll probably go for a Legacy next, if I decide to get rid of the Impreza. And I just might. . . I'm kinda tired of having something that everyone else expects to be a WRX. Oh, and I sat in the white '08 STi that they have sitting in the showroom. . . there's a nice, sporty interior that's a lot roomier than it looks from the outside! The seats are apparently still made for large people, unfortunately.
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Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential Last edited by M3n2c3; 2008-02-25 at 08:15 PM. |
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#18 |
The Don
Real Name: Aaron Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 3,097
Car: '97 Legacy / '05 FXT
Class: low
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Dude, the STi seats are too big for *me*.
<- classified as "DAMN..." on the general size scale of S, M, L, XL....... I don't know what Subaru was thinking. The bugeye WRX seats are the best seats Subaru has had in the US. I just picked up some Sparco Milanos for the STi. I need something with real shoulder bolsters. That's what I get for getting used to a Recaro in the wagon for so long.
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Tact is for people who aren't witty enough to be sarcastic. |
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#19 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/28/s...th-new-curves/
Goddamnit it looks like changed US 2009 Mazda 6 has Down Syndrome and wearing head-gear.
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"What can change the nature of a man?" - Ravel Puzzlewell |
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#20 |
JDM Cowboy
Real Name: Nick Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 8,642
Car: 2015 Mazda 3
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Argh, this would be a perfect time for that body kit that looks like its smiling....
my google is failing me.
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While a standard engine is powered by a belt connected to the crankshaft, a turbo engine runs on its own exhaust steam, making it more energy efficient. -- CNN |
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#21 |
EJ207
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Reno/Sparks, Nevada
Posts: 3,482
Car: 2000 2.5RS
Class: RestNPeace
Master Slurper.
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That thing is hideous.
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"Why do chicks tell you to call and then not answer....so gay." "Cuz girls are fags I dunno" |
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#22 |
(40 percent vodka)
Real Name: Joel Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 4,446
Car: 2004WRX
Class: Baby-Hauler/GroceryGetter
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"A power nap is when you sleep on someone who is weaker than you." - Dimitri Martin |
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#23 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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Why do the American arms of car companies insist on making things ugly? Ford is the worst culprit, but we're seeing it again here with Mazda, and I'm sure other companies do it too.
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"What can change the nature of a man?" - Ravel Puzzlewell |
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#24 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the "3-door" hatches!
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"What can change the nature of a man?" - Ravel Puzzlewell |
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#25 |
EJ22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: QT3 Forums
Posts: 213
Car: Three-Dead-Hooker-Trunk Devilmobile
Xfire: Kunikos
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The 4-door version of the 2 looks pretty nice as well.
![]() Mazdaspeed 2 (Demio) Concept from Tokyo Auto Salon, a while back: ![]()
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