Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

You are here: MacNN Forums > Community > MacNN Lounge > Car Talk - come in, we'll talk, no big whoop (Shaddim's bloggish thing)

Car Talk - come in, we'll talk, no big whoop (Shaddim's bloggish thing) (Page 9)
Thread Tools
imitchellg5
Posting Junkie
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 16, 2013, 02:59 PM
 
Originally Posted by angelmb View Post
It could be worse, such as the ecosystem of distraction that you encounter at most cars nowadays.
I agree, it seems much, much less cluttered than the majority of higher-end cars on the market.
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 16, 2013, 06:01 PM
 
I wasn't really talking about there being buttons, just that they don't appear to be very intuitive (and they look tiny). I hate fishing for the right button while driving, and it's worse at night. Granted, it's a small gripe, otherwise I'm quite impressed. It's all a vast improvement.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
imitchellg5
Posting Junkie
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 16, 2013, 07:02 PM
 
They look plenty big in the photos.

Anyway, earlier on you had mentioned the California is a souped-up Maserati. It isn't. The design and platform was originally drawn for Maserati by Pininfarina, but Fiat believed it would be more fitting as a Ferrari than a Maserati. Pininfarina then reworked the body completely for Ferrari. Not one bit is Maserati.
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 16, 2013, 08:19 PM
 
Nah, it's a GranCabrio with more power (and a tiny back seat).
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
imitchellg5
Posting Junkie
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 16, 2013, 09:32 PM
 
Originally Posted by Shaddim View Post
Nah, it's a GranCabrio with more power (and a tiny back seat).
Uh. No. Not at all. The GranCabrio (and the GranTourismo) is based upon the Fiat M139 architecture, which is used by the Quattroporte, GranTourismo family, and the Alfa 8C. It was nearly the basis of the new Viper. This is the part that gets confusing: When Ferrari and Maserati split in 2005, Ferrari retained the rights to the M139 platform. But, due to Fiat's ownership of the entire group's IP, Maserati still is able to freely use it. Ferrari have not used it (ask them). Ironically, the M139 is also a much stiffer platform than what the California uses.
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 17, 2013, 01:37 AM
 
The Alfa 8C is not as stiff as the California, I've driven both. It's like: California > 8C > GranCabrio
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
angelmb
Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Automatic
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 17, 2013, 06:46 AM
 
What are you thoughts on the ELR.?
     
imitchellg5
Posting Junkie
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 17, 2013, 08:24 PM
 
Originally Posted by Shaddim View Post
The Alfa 8C is not as stiff as the California, I've driven both. It's like: California > 8C > GranCabrio
You have to be joking. A convertible will never be as stiff as a coupe, I don't care if it's hardtop or not.
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 17, 2013, 09:59 PM
 
Originally Posted by imitchellg5 View Post
You have to be joking. A convertible will never be as stiff as a coupe, I don't care if it's hardtop or not.
Nope. The 8C has some really squishy suspension, even in Sport.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
imitchellg5
Posting Junkie
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 17, 2013, 10:03 PM
 
I was talking about platform stiffness, not suspension tuning. Yes, the 8C has a soft suspension setup. Which is why it's never been held to be that great of a car. It looks like it should be fantastic to drive, but it's too uncomfortable and loud to be a good GT, but it's also tuned to never be as good as a Ferrari on the track.
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 17, 2013, 10:12 PM
 
I couldn't feel substantial flex in any of them, chassis stiffness seemed to be sufficient in each case (the GranCabrio is marginal).
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
olePigeon
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Dec 1999
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 18, 2013, 03:46 PM
 
I was wandering around on Wikipedia, and I had no idea that Ford has made a Super Sport edition for each of their transit cargo vans over the years. Pointless, funny, and awesome at the same time. I think they missed the opportunity to add some cool Frazetta inspired van art, though.
"…I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than
you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods,
you will understand why I dismiss yours." - Stephen F. Roberts
     
Laminar
Posting Junkie
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Iowa, how long can this be? Does it really ruin the left column spacing?
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 19, 2013, 10:40 AM
 
Originally Posted by OreoCookie View Post
and I feel like I've seen the tail lights' design elsewhere, too
Malibu.

     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 20, 2013, 07:42 PM
 
Today I had the opportunity to see and ride in (though not drive) a Singer 911. F*** me, what a gorgeous car. I've always had an appreciation for air-cooled Porsches, but it isn't what I'd call love. After seeing the fit and finish, the insane OCD levels of detail, and hearing that glorious exhaust note from its bespoke Cosworth 3.8l six, I'm mesmerized. The term sublime is overused, horribly, but that's the one word that's foremost in my mind after that ride. Oh, and lust, that word fits too. $430k? Really? That's a cold dunking of reality. Have to do some soul-searching when talking those numbers, even for something so wonderful.


"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
ajprice
Professional Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 23, 2013, 04:59 PM
 
Shaddim, I'll leave this here for when you've got a free half hour. The Singer 911: All You Ever Wanted to Know - CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS - YouTube

It'll be much easier if you just comply.
     
andi*pandi
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: inside 128, north of 90
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 23, 2013, 05:51 PM
 
I wish it would snow.

Donuts - YouTube
     
OreoCookie
Moderator
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Hilbert space
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 23, 2013, 08:45 PM
 
Whoever makes these things are bastards! That Singer is a beautiful machine. Which makes me very happy. Then I realize I will never, ever be able to afford one. Which makes me very sad.

I've always been a Porsche man, but this one is really, really beautiful. I've always had a soft spot for the 964 generation, so this is right up my alley. I've had a look at some pictures, the interior is really beautiful as well.
I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 24, 2013, 12:57 AM
 
It is, it's one of the most gorgeous cars I've ever been in. Everything was perfect, the fit and finish were beyond reproach. It's just... it costs more than a McLaren MP4 and BMW M5, combined. If they were in the 200-250 range, I'd break my arm getting to my checkbook, but the other side of 400k is too much. Oh, and get this, rear tires are $2500 /pr. Really. (Though I'm sure a person could find some Hoosiers that would fit too.)

More Singer porn:




Speaking of Porsche, I've really been enjoying my Carrera S. I know folks have been bitching about the electric steering, but it's really a tempest in a teapot, I can't find fault with it. The car handles beautifully.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
Spheric Harlot
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: 888500128, C3, 2nd soft.
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 24, 2013, 01:47 AM
 
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 24, 2013, 02:23 AM
 
Yeah, ajprice posted that earlier, it's a great piece by Harris (as usual).
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
Spheric Harlot
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: 888500128, C3, 2nd soft.
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 24, 2013, 04:38 AM
 
Oh shite. I may have got that link from here, had the page open for a while, watched it, done other things, and then posted it here. Oops. Sorry.

What a remarkable piece of engineering, though. Certainly appropriate to the money they're asking.

Whether it's worth it, of course, is a different question. I don't see spending more than 10,000€ on a car in the first place, but my gear priorities are in an entirely different realm, anyway.
     
OreoCookie
Moderator
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Hilbert space
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 24, 2013, 09:09 AM
 
I've googled a bit, and it seems their prices start at 250k. Shaddim, that's almost, you know, affordable

PS Apparently, you can pay extra for everything, depending on your level of OCD. Want all the screws polished and nickel plated? There is an option for that. Hand-sewn leather trim in the engine bay (I suppose neither good nor trunk are correct here?). Sure.
I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 24, 2013, 10:27 AM
 
They start there, but you don't get that ungodly bespoke Cosworth engine. I looked at the options and figured it out, and out the door, delivered to my driveway, it was a Franklin short of $420k... To me, it's just not worth it.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
OreoCookie
Moderator
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Hilbert space
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 24, 2013, 10:41 AM
 
Originally Posted by Shaddim View Post
They start there, but you don't get that ungodly bespoke Cosworth engine. I looked at the options and figured it out, and out the door, delivered to my driveway, it was a Franklin short of $420k... To me, it's just not worth it.
I'm curious, what options did you include besides the Cosworth engine? To pay another 200k for options seems insane. You could almost get another, uh, stock Singer Porsche for that.

And as an aside note, you should also start posting pics of your garage … 
I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.
     
badidea
Professional Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Hamburg
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 24, 2013, 10:46 AM
 
Haven't been here for quite a while...but now I have a question!
Shaddim...could it be that you're real life name is Jay Leno?
***
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 24, 2013, 11:07 AM
 
Nah, my real name is Mike. Sorry about the mess, we had an issue earlier with a very rude individual stalking me all over the forums, but it's sorted now. (Even after all these years they haven't figured out that personal attacks only make me more stubborn.)

I did meet Leno at the Gooding car auction in Pebble Beach, I was surprised how grounded and normal he seemed. He was wearing Armani instead of Levi's, but he was the same friendly dude. He even held my baby for a photo.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
badidea
Professional Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Hamburg
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 24, 2013, 11:42 AM
 
Originally Posted by Shaddim View Post
Sorry about the mess, we had an issue earlier with a very rude individual stalking me all over the forums, but it's sorted now.
I have no idea what you are talking about but I really like (some of) the cars!
***
     
olePigeon
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Dec 1999
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 25, 2013, 04:53 PM
 
Leno is a genuinely nice guy and a car buff.
"…I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than
you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods,
you will understand why I dismiss yours." - Stephen F. Roberts
     
mattyb
Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Standing on the shoulders of giants
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 28, 2013, 09:15 AM
 
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 28, 2013, 09:29 AM
 
Oh, it's the Hennessey... thing. I wouldn't buy anything from John Hennessey, he's a scam artist.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
OreoCookie
Moderator
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Hilbert space
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 28, 2013, 10:29 AM
 
Seems like a car that goes really, really, really fast in a straight line, the anti-thesis to a Lotus in my opinion. I'm not that much of an expert, but you just can't saw up a Lotus, stretch it, fill the extra empty space with a boat engine and expect it to handle.
I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 28, 2013, 02:43 PM
 
I loved the look on Hennessey's face when Leno took one of those out for a drive, it was like "just hold on a little longer, don't break!"

Absolutely feel sorry for the Lotus, he ruined the handling and weight distribution. Now it takes half a city block just to make a u-turn. Sad. Oh, and he refuses to let journalists test them at VIR, Laguna Seca, or anywhere but a 1/4 dragway. Seriously, a person could just buy a Gallardo, 458, or Ford GT and send it to Heffner Performance. They'd end up with a faster car, for less money, that won't break when they sneeze on it.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 9, 2013, 12:00 AM
 
The restoration, it turned out well.


"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
imitchellg5
Posting Junkie
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 9, 2013, 02:17 AM
 
Wow that's gorgeous.
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 9, 2013, 04:38 AM
 
Thanks. Runs better than new. It was a complete nut and bolt resto, the wheelbase was shortened to match the S1/S2 (along the way we shed ~300lbs of weight), and we updated all the electrics and rewired the whole car with PTFE insulated copper. The V12 was traded for a 4.2L I6, that was then stroked to 4.5L, the SU HD8 carbs were re-ported, and it now makes 360hp @6500RPMs. It'll do 0-60 in 5s flat, while getting ~18MPG. (Oh, and added clear front indicators and removed the fugly rubber bumpers.)



(a larger pic from the side)

"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
andi*pandi
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: inside 128, north of 90
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 16, 2013, 09:07 AM
 
So, is this a good deal for a present for a guy? Last year I got him indoor skydiving and that was a hit. He's not a huge car buff, but a chance to play on a racetrack? Heck, I'd go for that:

The Motorsport Lab Deal of the Day | Groupon Boston
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 16, 2013, 03:13 PM
 
If he's a car nut, absolutely. Especially if he's never driven an exotic. If he isn't a petrolhead it can still be an exhilarating experience.
( Last edited by Shaddim; Feb 17, 2013 at 06:38 PM. )
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
OreoCookie
Moderator
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Hilbert space
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 17, 2013, 09:01 AM
 
Beautifully and tastefully done, Shaddim.
I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 19, 2013, 01:35 PM
 
Thanks, that was a fun project. To start, I thought it might be less expensive to just buy a S1 E and be done with it, but turns out I saved quite a lot, and I ended up with exactly the car I wanted, to boot.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
Laminar
Posting Junkie
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Iowa, how long can this be? Does it really ruin the left column spacing?
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 20, 2013, 07:00 PM
 
Originally Posted by andi*pandi View Post
So, is this a good deal for a present for a guy? Last year I got him indoor skydiving and that was a hit. He's not a huge car buff, but a chance to play on a racetrack? Heck, I'd go for that:

The Motorsport Lab Deal of the Day | Groupon Boston
Note that it's their "agility-autocross course," so it may just be a bunch of cones set up in the track's parking lot - it definitely doesn't sound like it's the full race track.

Still super awesome (I'm doing something similar in April). Go for it!
     
Spheric Harlot
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: 888500128, C3, 2nd soft.
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 21, 2013, 04:14 AM
 
The future of the internal combustion engine: valve actuators rather than cam-shafts?

The Future of the Internal Combustion Engine - Inside Koenigsegg - YouTube
     
Laminar
Posting Junkie
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Iowa, how long can this be? Does it really ruin the left column spacing?
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 21, 2013, 11:16 AM
 
Lotus has had that kind of system for a while, they call it AVT. They originally designed it for research - you can try out different cam "profiles" by adjusting a few parameters rather than grinding and installing a new camshaft.

Active Valve Train | Lotus Cars
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 21, 2013, 10:34 PM
 
The new McLaren P1 is going this route too, it's unfortunate that it's so cosmetically impaired.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
BLAZE_MkIV
Professional Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Nashua NH, USA
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 21, 2013, 11:27 PM
 
I doubt any system put into a shipping car will look close to that. Test equipment often looks nothing like the end result. For starters it's off the shelf parts not custom. It probabably supports a much larger range of settings than nessicary and has allot of measurement equipment.
     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 22, 2013, 12:39 AM
 
Christian is a crazy/brilliant mofo. I talked with him at the R&T meet and greet in Miami back in 2010 and he said they'd make an all CF engine by 2014, with a 1M kilometer duty cycle, that would never need major service, and he was serious as a damned heart attack. When carbon fiber becomes cheaper the mainstream will get it in spades, due to weight and durability. 10 years from now new cars won't have any steel in them at all, they'll be all composite and aluminum.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
BLAZE_MkIV
Professional Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Nashua NH, USA
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 22, 2013, 02:09 AM
 
I though the issue with CF was you can't make it to tight tolerances and it doesn't take well to machining.
     
angelmb
Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Automatic
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 22, 2013, 12:14 PM
 
Originally Posted by Shaddim View Post
The restoration, it turned out well.
Beauty

Maybe i am totally wrong here but wouldn't the Bowlus Road Chief travel trailer look great towed behind it.?

     
Shaddim  (op)
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 22, 2013, 05:52 PM
 
No trailer hitch, never going to have a trailer hitch. Thanks for the compliment, though. The drive is amazing, it has such a wonderful balance and feel. No driver aids or fancy electronics, it gets by on its mechanical prowess and is better for it.

Edit: and it gets a lot of attention, more than new sports cars, which is a testament to a timeless design. Oh, and if you ever have a car with knock-off wheels, make sure to check those at each gas fill-up. It's... umm... just a good idea.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
olePigeon
Clinically Insane
Join Date: Dec 1999
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 25, 2013, 12:53 PM
 
Nice. Can't even see the hidden machine gun compartment and rear oil slick deployment mechanism.
"…I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than
you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods,
you will understand why I dismiss yours." - Stephen F. Roberts
     
imitchellg5
Posting Junkie
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Feb 26, 2013, 02:35 AM
 
Had a massive snowstorm here in Colorado Springs last week and pretty much ruined my Accord. I was trying to get home at about 7pm and it took me 3 hours to do the 20 miles. By the time I got home I had been pushing snow with my bumper. I was actually pretty impressed. I didn't think anything about it at the time, which was mistake number 1. Mistake number 2 was starting it up in the AM and snapping every belt in the motor. Snow had gone up and frozen all around the block. I'm not sure the amount of work that is required to get it back running, but I'm sure it's more than just replacing the belts. Not really worth it for a totalled car that's had a run in with deer. Darn :-/ Sucks because I have basically brand new tires (Goodyear Eagle GT) with about 400 miles on them from last week. Anyway, I'm looking for probably an Outback, but it's hard to find them in stick shift lately.
     
 
Thread Tools
 
Forum Links
Forum Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Top
Privacy Policy
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:12 AM.
All contents of these forums © 1995-2017 MacNN. All rights reserved.
Branding + Design: www.gesamtbild.com
vBulletin v.3.8.8 © 2000-2017, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.,