I love how Lego pops up any time someone mentions VW.

 

Those are Audi RS3 numbers. Nice! This thing with a tune is going to be a monster. Hmmm....

 

Did someone mention VW?

Just kidding. To be fair, I brought it up when 4DR baited me with the C&D article. So I basically Bettlejuiced myself.

 

Based on all the reviews I've seen thus far, everyone absolutely dislikes the interior and lack of physical buttons. They struggled during the lighting lap because the driver would accidently change the driving settings mid corner. Listened to TST podcast last night and it was agreed there are other flaws that make the car a hard buy and the Mk7 is a 'better'.

The CT4 is 4 seconds quicker than the ATS in this example but it really comes down to how much do you want to spend. The ATS-V is probably a bargain on the used car market and in my opinion the better looking car. Regarding the weight difference of the CT4 v. CT5, the 250lbs is not going to stop me from having the better car. When I sat in the blackwing a little while ago, it was a perfect fit for me. It felt 'right sized', bigger than the G but it didn't feel THAT big. A track junky must have ordered that one because the only option it had was carbon brakes.

Manual is the only way to spec this car. If you are going to get an automatic, I'd look at a m5 or e63.

 

Remembering how much fun it was to drive the Veloster N, this car should be a great option if you prefer the look of a sedan.

 

Not sure if anyone cares, but the new Z is rated at 405hp in the Gran Turismo game that is being released tomorrow.

 

I do care! That's nice

Also, SUPER EXCITED for GT7. I've played every one since GT1.

 

That is curious. Aren't video games often used to leak teaser info these days?

Years ago I used to have a Microsoft Steering Wheel w/pedals that I would play NFS with. Man, that was fun. NFS Hot Pursuit was really intense.

 

It could also be a slight HP difference between the Japanese 400Z (is it still called Fairlady Z in Japan?) and the U.S. version due to differences in emissions regulations, maybe?

 

I think you hit the nail on the head here.

 

I was not expecting much, but WOW is this car entertaining to drive! Easily the most fun suv I have ever driven and I am definitely not an SUV or A/T guy.

 

We're looking at the Audi Q5 and Q3 (or SQ3 if that exists) to replace the CX5 - my wife wants to upgrade. Any ownership on here that can give an opinion?

I'm not getting rid of the G anytime soon... but I might be adding a 350z next month.

 

I'm guessing the Audi could be luxurious and rewarding in its own right, but the old 350z sounds like fun.

On a completely OT comment... this afternoon I test drove a KIA Soul as research for a car for my youngest. The interior was very nice for what it is, and comfortable. The car has some cute style to it, and it's practical (and cheap, and 10/100). However, the driving "experience" was like sitting in a cheap recliner and not actually moving. The steering wheel had zero feedback... none whatsoever. And the engine was anemic, even though it claims 140 hp. None of these detractors matter to my daughter, and that's fine, different values and all. But if it were me, that underpowered drivetrain would get me into an accident.

 

I work with both Audi and Mazda and the SQ5 is nice if it fits the budget, but a new CX-5 Turbo is just about as nice and fun to drive for a lot less money. No SQ3 on our shore unfortunately. The 350Z would be a fun toy. I saw a blue one on the way to work this morning and it still looks good in 2022.

 

The Soul is like a modern PT Cruiser. Your comments mostly applied to it as well.