The Tesla Roadster is an electrified version of the Lotus Elise which is only slightly less rare. I have not had a chance to get into a Tesla Roadster, but I imagine it is still very similar to the Elise, albeit a bit less focused. I did have the opportunity to squeeze into an Alfa 4C and I was glad to be there surrounded in exquisite carbon fiber-goodness. At least until I glanced over at the automatic gearbox. Why, Alfa, why?? Same issue with the Giulia Quadrifoglio.

In other cool car news: The New Nissan Z is rumored to have 444 hp now.

 

444? Where did you read that?

 

It was "leaked" by a video game of all things. Project Cars 3, lol.

 

I saw that, and I believe that number could easily be real but I'm betting it's not the base version. I'm still kind of expecting a lower base version in the 300hp range, an "S" version in the 400hp range, and then a later NISMO trim that comes with revised exhaust & tune and an appearance package.

 

It is the Nissan way

 

Some new details and reviews coming out on the MK8 Golf R


fast forward to 4:30 for 1/4 mile results

cliff notes 12.3

Confirmed torque vectoring in for the rear: https://media.vw.com/en-us/releases/1490

 

My 4 are:

2021 Mercedes GLA45
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Tesla P85D or Tesla Model Y
2017+ Hyundai Ionic Hybrid Limited

I just found out that the Hyundai doesn't have a Lead Acid Battery, which the other hybrids and Electric cars do. I believe they have a Lithium Phosphate doing that job as well as the lager Lithium Phosphate for the hybrid part. I like that. It also has a 6spd dual clutch rather than a CVT. It should get at least 50mpg.

 

I drove a 2005 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG (W211) yesterday. All I can say is what a car! You can make over 600 hp/650 ft-lb of torque with less than $3000 just like the owner has done. I would have definitely taken this over its E60 M5 competitor back in the day even though I’m not a MB fan. I actually liked the E55 AMG driving and engine more than the AMG GT R I drove around the track months ago even though both of their handling isn’t any good. Feels like a solid German tank and looks elegant. Only thing I disliked inside is how the seat’s side bolster makes a weird movement (dynamic bolster feature) when you take a corner hard.

 

Rav4 Hybrid is something I've got in mind as well for a couple years down the line. I expect I'll have the G another year or two, which will put me at 7-8 years of ownership. A small SUV is where I'm leaning, I'd like a truck or a large SUV but parking at my condo isn't the greatest. Would you be looking at the Prime version or regular hybrid?

 

I am thinking the regular one. I like the Prime, but it weighs around 4300 lbs. It is fast though. If there was a great deal on a Prime, I would consider it. I plan on keeping my G for a while. I have owned it since Nov 2016 So perhaps in a few years. I have had a lot of maintenance done on my car, which should insure it's longevity. Might decide to look around 2023

 

We had one of these at our store years ago and I took it for a drive. Total sleeper and yes, the torque is addictive. I called our Mercedes store across the street to ask about reliability. The service advisor said the issue with that car was not if you had to replace one of the four $4,000 air shocks, but how often. Crossed it off my list, but definitely a cool car.

 

I believe you can rip out the air ride in exchange for coil overs.

 

Or even just a regular suspension (or any other suspension) would probably be cheaper than the air ride once only one went bad.

 

I've got the same thoughts, Prime would be sweet but unless there's a good incentive it would be too much. I'm probably looking spring/summer of 2023. My car is going to need ~$1200 into it this year but then it'll be good for years again too. I'd need to actually drive a Rav4 hybrid to see if I'm happy with the power level, but if I go test driving that means I'm going to find a way to justify car shopping so I'm not going to do any driving until I'm getting closer to switching.

 

Updated thoughts on this:

Genesis G90 or similar. I rode in a G80 or G90 in 2020 and it was real nice.