that tesla steering wheel looks like im sitting on a couch playing call of duty and i am in

 

Honda Civic hatchback

 

While I have only had my 2012 G37x for less than a week, I am coming from a 2009 Lexus LS460 and the one thing that is I realize is just how much I have missed more responsive steering.

I test drove an LC500 and I must say that it would be the first place I would look to for a replacement. Really drives great. Indeed more expensive, but as a huge fan of naturally aspirated engines and 8 cylinder powerplants, the 2UR-GSE is a peach and no doubt one of the very last non turbo 8 cylinder that will be ever seen. Even at around 5 years old, these guys are still gonna be pretty darn expensive, but doable while still paying cash.

Would love to own one the real AMG 63 models. Still offends me they went to a 5.5 liter forced induction motor without changing the nomenclature after the M156 6.2 liter original 63's. If only the package wrapped around that motor was a little less prone to bouts of indigestion, I would buy one in a second. Also, it is super speedy whenever a part needs to be replaced on the motor as well to state the obvious.

 

The RWD sport has a more responsive steering rack than the AWD or RWD non-sport. FWI, junglejack.

 

Fuel efficiency: Honda Civic Hat with 6 speed
RWD or AWR + Luxury: 2016 and up Lexus GS
RWD or AWR but cheap: KIA Stinger

 

I think Lexus will roll out the LC-F with the twin turbo as the new LS, but it will put out a ridiculous amount of HP what we will ever seen in a Lexus, except the LFA. I would own one in the next.........10 years LOL.

 

Very good list indeed. Kia is already offering some pretty substantial discounts on the Stinger and I shudder to think what the resale is going to be on these. Prior to the '12 X, I owned 3 Lexii in a row (LS460, 2005 LS430 with the Ultra Luxury Package, and an LX470) and I will no doubt miss the dealer experience when I go in, but as long as there are loaners, I don't care very much. At least when I owned my 2004 M45 circa 2006, I never had issues getting loaners even for oil changes.

 

I like the Q50RS *if with android auto. The Infiniti guy at the LA Auto Show was wondering why no android auto too. I wasn't the only one to ask and much of the competition has AA.

 

I would imagine Infiniti is continually adding Apple Car Play and Android Auto to vehicles like Nissan is doing as the years progress. The Q series will probably be one of the first as I think it is still their volume model.

 

...... NEXT Summer when i actually get a replacement for the G i am getting a Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti. I cant afford the Quadrifoglio Nor do i need all that but i def am going that route. Out of everything else on the market the Alfa is the one car that is totally different than everything else. And i feel like coming from the G if i upgrade im going to have to completely go outside of the box. I considered a New Mercedes/Lexus/Audi etc...... but everything is just so Bla... So yes that would be my personal choice.[/QUOTE]

I also like the Alfa. The problem is there are few dealers and none near me.

 

Civic type R!

 

Test drove a MK7 GTI yesterday. It is not a replacement for the G

 

'splain yourself, Lucy. Seems like a fun car, but not one I would consider in the same class +/- as the G.

 

Agreed.

I test drove a 2017 Autobahn with the DSG back around Thanksgiving, mostly to get a feel for the interior since the R and the Autobahn have the same interior trim level.

I thought the interior was really nice. Fit, finish, materials, panel gaps were easily on par with the G. Not surprisingly, since the G was new in 08 and the MK7 platform was new in 2013. The seats were heavily bolstered, maybe even more upper bolstering than our Sport seats, and the flat bottom steering wheel was nice and fat. The Fender audio > our Bose, and while I'm not a tech guy, I liked the blind spot monitoring, and based on our Accord Touring, I'm sure I'd figure out Apple Car play.

The MK7 actually has real cup holders (cup holders on the 6MT G are a joke), and there is a ton more interior storage. You could actually fit a 32oz bottle of water in the door pockets, and it's nice they are carpet lined. My kids would appreciate the rear HVAC vents, and I'd like the hatchback versatility.

Handling wise, there was no comparison to the G though. Between all season tires, a 100 hp deficit and FWD I wasn't impressed. Steering was ok, with decent turn in, but I'm probably going to have to live with EPS unless I end up in a STI. I just don't think you can compare electric to hydraulic steering from a "feel" perspective. The GTI felt lighter though.

I hated the fake sound being pumped into the cabin.

I'm still interested in an R and how the wider/stickier tires + AWD and additional 75 horsepower go when paired to a proper 6MT. But the GTI wouldn't even be a consideration for me.

 

I agree that it is a very different car, but still a very good car. It used to be one of my favorites, but I must be getting old because now the styling resembles a roller skate to me- even the Golf R.