William346

2011 Audi A8 Pricing and Details Announced for UK [Video] I like this car! Sure it's just a big A4, but at least it's based on car that's actually good looking! I wouldn't say Audi are bland cars, rather I'd use the term conservative. I don't like the way the dash in the A4 is angled around the driver and I had similar concerns that Audi would bring this into the A8, but thankfully they've found sense and designed an interior that is functional and looks good too. I wouldn't be complaining about Audi designs at all when you consider what BMW is doing. The X1 (is that what it's called?) looks like the front of it melted in the sun, the z4 is a collection of mismatched curves. The last 5 series had funny headlights where a bit of the light swept around to the side as if the designers had slipped a paintbrush or something. As for Mercedes, I would buy one in case it broke down on the way back from the dealership or likewise in case a part of the trim in the interior fell off in my hand. They don't build 'em like they used to! At least Audi are consistent, beautifully built, if slightly bland, perfect motorway munching cruisers with a good badge and a good image. My Hat goes off to the designers for resisting the modern day pressure to come up with outlandish and whacky designs (BMW listen up) to attract attention and generate market share.

Volkswagen Tiguan Facelift Unveiled at Guangzhou Auto Show This is more bland than the non-facelift model!

The Future of Saab: Possible Scenarios Sure, BMW and Audi are better built (forget Mercedes, they're as brittle as those little toys you get in xmas crackers). But to me, Jaguar made history with the XF Simply because it was such a radical departure from the S-Type, certainly more mainstream and conforming, while at the same time never losing that certain "Jaguarness" that makes it unique. Sure, the circular transmission dial that rises out of the centre console and the swivelling air vents are just novelties rather that performing any serious function that could not otherwise be achieved, but still those little features set it out from the pack and made journalists talk about the car in positive terms. My point is, why kill the brand, when Saab could get back to basis, find what is they do well and aim to excel at it? Personally, I like Saab, there is something "different" about being in a Saab whereas BMW, Audi and Mercedes feel a little too mainstream and dare I say "samey" to me.

The Future of Saab: Possible Scenarios Dear GM, I know your short on cash, but don't let Saab go! Please! The new 9-5 is a good looking well designed car. Don't let us down when you're on the brink of success. Don't stop 3 feet from Gold (see Dale Carnegie). Saab are unique cars, a little quirky, ignition switch on the centre console, aeronauticly inspired engineering (not sure where!). I know loads of Saab owners who'd be so sad to see the brand go. I once had a Saab 900. It was possibly the worst car I ever owned! But god I loved it and if I had spare cash now, I'd buy one as a second car just for the fun of it. Don't do a Ford and sell Jaguar just when the likes of the new XF are making history. Don't do it! Bite the bullet and get going.

VW of America considering two new models - Phaeton returns You can build 'em in America if you want to VW! But just don't ship half built cars back to Europe and try and sell 'em to us. German build quality, free of rattles and squeaks and a car that lasts. This doesn't happen in America so just watch how you go!

Citroen Releases First Details of New 3.0HDi V6 Diesel Engine James2911: That was my question too! Somehow everything else on this page seems to diverted to Electric powered cars! What I want to know, like you, is whether or not this engine is the same one in the Jaguar XF and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport (and in other models for that matter). I Can't imagine very many people ordering a 3.0 Diesel Citroen. People with that kind of money could probably buy something classier or else would have more sense. Sadly, I have a soft spot for Citroens (lack of sense) but can't afford this one (lack of money). As for electric cars, while we're on the subject... great idea, loads of torque and can be quick too (See Tesla Roadster). As for hydrogen, yes good idea to generate the power to transfer to the battery in the car, like a petrol station does now. Battery technology has been around for so long and it keeps getting better and better. Batteries are the way forward. How to recyle and dispose of them after we're finished with them sounds like an opportunity to get more people into jobs. Since it is a recession, shouldn't we all be pushing this issue for all its worth, supporting Obama and trying to get our siblings back into jobs. OK, I've ranted enough.

Fiat to Merge with GM Europe & Chrysler to Create New Automotive Superpower Was watching CNN yesterday because it is the only English speaking station I get in Austria. The question put to the American public yesterday evening is whether or not they'd buy a car from a company headed up by Fiat. I didn't watch long enough to hear the replies as I had to go to work. GM is a disaster. Opel should be totally set free really now that they're back to making decent cars again. GM itself is made up of very plasticky cars that do 1 MPG and GM has shoved these cars down American's throats for years. Yes America is great, I'm not anti American and I have friends in North Carolina and New York, but seriously, why do they make such awful tacky cars? I am sure American engineers are at least the equal (if not better, hello NASA etc.) of those in Europe or Japan for that matter so why don't you guys get up and show us what you've got. Imagine if Fiat and GM decided on how well built future cars would be, maybe perhaps using tinfoil as a primary component? Don't scare us! One of you get up and make us something decent that doesn't gradually fall apart and rattle and squeak after a few short days of purchase!

Fiat to Merge with GM Europe & Chrysler to Create New Automotive Superpower Forget about Fiat! What about Opel? Fiat make good small cars, I admit. I have a 2009 Registered Fiat 500 as a second car for the girlfriend. It's great. Niffty in town although a bit out of its depth on the Autobahn. Main complaint about the car is the build quality. Fiat's used to rust, now they don't, they're just assembled with rubber bands and Selotape instead. Neighbour just bought a new Opel Insignia. Lovely car. Drove it a couple of times. Really well designed and put together. If Fiat and Opel etc. come together will the build quality at Opel suffer??? That is my worry!

Renault Clio RS 200 Priced and Detailed (UK) Why, why and why again, is renault "face lifting" all their cars to make it look like a large elephant sat on them? Surely in a financial crisis or whatever, a car maker would want to make its cars look appealing. Don't first impressions still count anymore? If I were a car salesman I couldn't sell this car with any conviction at any price. I'd probably be honest and tell my customers to go to the next dealer for something that hasn't been squashed. Perhaps Renault is outsourcing their design team to Middle of Nowheria and employing children at less than a dollar a month to redesign their cars in order to save money. My next car? NOT RENAULT.

BMW X1 Caught Completely Undisguised during Photoshoot BMW X5, X6, new 7 series all nice looking cohesive designed cars. 3 series, not too bad, not great, could be better. Everything else from BMW of late, since Bangle (good thing he left) has been a disappointment style wise. And now this "brown blob on the left" as someone put it. Shame BMW can't get better stylers, their cars handle really well and are a pleasure to drive (haven't driven all of them of course).