| Author | Message | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Intermediate Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 1449 Registered: 8-2001 |
It makes perfect sense to use the Audi network. I'm just surprised I haven't seen or heard anything about Lambo coming back in my area. | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 667 Registered: 10-2001 |
Willis its just an idea. In Miami it just happened that way but, after seeing Ferrari and BMW both have dealers build seperate showrooms right next door for Maserati and Mini, If I was Lambo I'd solve my network problem with Audi in the same way. | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Intermediate Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 1447 Registered: 8-2001 |
Audis sell extremely well up here in the Seattle area. However, I have yet seen any indication that they're adding Lambos to the network up here. | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 665 Registered: 10-2001 |
Robert- " You still have the limited dealer network" If Lambo is smart, and I think they are very smart since I have heard that 2 years ago they started recruiting top people in the Auto industry to solve the dealer network problem. But maybe they have found an easyer way. Here in Miami they set the Lambo dealer next to a big Audi dealer and the two are almost acting as one dealer. So I don't see a problem since audi has such a high image of selling and servicing hi-tech cars (see clutch talk in off topic section) Lambos as a hallmark car in a Audi dealerships with a few guys in the service department that have been Lambo trained. Kind of reminds me of Acura with a NSX looking out of place sitting in a showroom full of normal cars. But it would work great for both brands. Audi sales seem to be picking up. Good cars and winning some races. | ||
| robert biscan (Tn_ferrari_bob)
New member Username: Tn_ferrari_bob Post Number: 26 Registered: 1-2003 |
I read the same article and got to admit that he new lambo's seem to be leaps ahead of the older cars. You still have the limited dealer network issue and I'm sure replacement parts are a ton. The performance and appearance inside and out make it desirable. | ||
| TAKO (Tako)
Junior Member Username: Tako Post Number: 221 Registered: 4-2002 |
Michael, I am selling my Murcie because I will spend half of my time in Japan and I don't have time to drive them all in US.... And here in Japan, cars are MUCH cheaper these days. I got my black 360 spider for only 140k here. Gallardo is 148k here and I can get immediately. If I like it, I am even thinking about selling my modena here. I will keep the other modena in US though. | ||
| JOONG HYOK KIM (Jhk1973)
New member Username: Jhk1973 Post Number: 6 Registered: 7-2003 |
How much are you selling it for? | ||
| tony zuccarino (Tzucc)
New member Username: Tzucc Post Number: 39 Registered: 6-2003 |
the Lambo marketing guy today told the crowd at CI they expect to produce 300-400 this year and all are pre-sold already. FWIW. | ||
| Marcus Mayeux (Mmayeux73)
Member Username: Mmayeux73 Post Number: 510 Registered: 4-2002 |
Taek-Ho Kwon, Why did you get rid of the Murcielago? Was it the miles you put on the car-just wondering. Best regards, Marcus | ||
| adrian low (Audionut)
Member Username: Audionut Post Number: 340 Registered: 4-2003 |
I spoke with the Lambo dealer in Ontario about 6 weeks ago and he said he had 17 deposits on cars! Saw some outstanding looking Diablos and Murcs in the showroom. | ||
| Michael Basic (Sensational1)
New member Username: Sensational1 Post Number: 18 Registered: 2-2003 |
May I ask why you are selling the Murcielago, Tako? | ||
| TAKO (Tako)
Junior Member Username: Tako Post Number: 220 Registered: 4-2002 |
My Gallardo comes in Jan. and selling my Murcie very soon.............. And selling 996TT, which I drove only for a month... | ||
| Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
Member Username: Ralfabco Post Number: 662 Registered: 3-2002 |
If you want less problems and lead times on parts, consider a Porsche. Obviously P of N.A., can afford to keep everything on the shelf. The P cars are more reliable also. P cars have alot of refinement built in. They are without a doubt the most bang for the buck. You will see four, five or many more everytime you are in the car. A 996 TT with 2K miles for how much ? What a bargain !!! You have to put up with the good, bad, and the ugly when it comes to the exotic Italian Cars. I would feel confidently that the Gallardo will be launched correctly. Any issues will be addressed with a warranty. The Gallardo is a good value. | ||
| Michael Wogronic (Michael_fvm)
Junior Member Username: Michael_fvm Post Number: 77 Registered: 4-2002 |
I would not really worry about the Gallardo having many problems upon introduction. You have to remember that Audi (VW) has been involved for nearly all of the developement of the Gallardo. They know that too much is on the line at this point too introduce a car that is not perfect. Right now we have enough deposits on the Gallardo to last us until late 2004. But people change their mind, so I am sure a couple people will decide not to wait. However, it is nice, being a Lambo dealer, to have this many cars sold before they even get here. Also, we have gotten many more inquiries lately because of the press coverage in the last month or so. | ||
| Marvin Balagot (Mdb69)
Junior Member Username: Mdb69 Post Number: 112 Registered: 4-2002 |
I'm not sure that you can compare the Murci launch to the Gallardo. The Murc had many similarities to the Diablo so there probably weren't as many things that could go wrong. The Gallardo is a new model so there inevitably will be a few things to work out. | ||
| Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 72 Registered: 5-2003 |
Taek, The potential for new car problems is my biggest concern. I figure that if I wait until the middle of next year, many of the possible bugs might be hammered out by then. As you said, though, the Murcielago did incredibly well and if it goes similarly with the Gallardo, then placing an order after a test drive should prove to be nice timing. | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 1937 Registered: 11-2002 |
Ryan, Its true that in bigger markets there are more allocations. But there are also more buyers. Call around, but don't agree to anything binding because you haven't even driven the car, let alone seen one in person. The only downside to getting a Gallardo in my opinion, is the first car problems. The Murcielago did remarkably well, so I think the Gallardo would also excel. One never knows though. I might wait a year or so. Cheers | ||
| Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 71 Registered: 5-2003 |
If I put my name on the list today, I will not get a car until March. However, that is because the dealer here has a very, very small allocation. In a bigger market, it's probably a different story. | ||
| JT (Mightymagician)
Junior Member Username: Mightymagician Post Number: 138 Registered: 11-2002 |
Taek why did you let go of the merci? | ||
| 911 Fan (911fan)
New member Username: 911fan Post Number: 18 Registered: 5-2003 |
Marvin, first he stole it. Then he drove it like he stole it.  | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 1931 Registered: 11-2002 |
Mark, >>If you order a Murci what is the build time like?<< I was asked to wait a few months so I went ahead and bought through a guy who manages private collections in Asia. He found me one within days. >>If you order a Gallardo today is there a list? What is the build time?<< Have not inquired lately but when I asked a few weeks to a month ago they said I would have to wait at least one month but they were not sure on allocations or on production figures. Yes there was a list. I also don't know how accurate this is because I didn't ask with money in hand, which changes things quite a bit. Time may be longer of a wait (dealer wanted to seem like he could accomplish what no other dealer could) or could be a shorter wait (dealer is trying to hype the car by pretending there is a lot of demand for it). I've usually found the latter to be more the case. If you are very serious. Cars can definitely appear "out of the blue". Cheers | ||
| Marvin Balagot (Mdb69)
Junior Member Username: Mdb69 Post Number: 111 Registered: 4-2002 |
Holy crap! How did you put 14k miles on it in 1 month? | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 1930 Registered: 11-2002 |
Ryan, >>What were your thoughts on the Murci?<< I thought the car was really the best road car one could buy at the time. Obvious exclusions for the ultra exotic like the Enzo, which I have not driven, yet, or the McLaren F1, which I briefly drove. I've gotten flamed for this before, but I feel the car is leagues better than the current batch of Ferrari cars. Picture 360 type driving fun with 575 power and then some. The car is remarkably well put together considering its an Italian car. The car is very fast and it feels it too. I am no race car driver and I don't know how to rate cars particularly well. I went into Lamborghini with an open mind. I was well aware of their history and their reputation. But if you put these aside and drive the car the way you would any sports car it really really shines. Magazines like to exaggerate expeciences with supercars because it sells issues. Owners or others like to exaggerate experiences because it fuels the fire and adds to their "I can have whatever I want" image. Behind the hype, the Murcielago is a car that will not disappoint. Every major sports car collector I know on a personal basis has, owns, or has owned a Murcielago. I never hear them cry about Ferrari vs. Lamborghini either...they have both. Magazines will say that the cars are not for everyday, blah blah blah. The car doesn't make concessions for being stuck in rush hour where the old bag lady is progressing down the street faster than you. Then again, no sports car is at home in this environment. The car is remarkably civil and felt very comfortable to me. I'm 5'8" so I didn't feel any claustrophobia or any discomfort in the cabin either. A/C was cold and seats were comfy. I never listen to the radio in the car, so I don't have any experiences with that. Only fit and finish problem was with dash electrics. Fixed once and the problem never returned (keep in mind only 1 month of ownership). Also keep in mind that in that 1 month I drove 14k miles. So I know how roadworthy the car is. I've driven 550s and they are just not even close. 360s encapsulate the feeling a little better but come up way short on the performance front. Again, a$s dyno providing the readings here, even though true track times have proven the same. It pains me to say this. Really. But if you want a lot of Lamborghini (the car, not the owner) myths disspelled, you should have an open conversation with Allan Fiedler. He doesn't have the Murcielago experience I do, but he has been a Lamborghini owner for a lot longer than I have and know the product (Countach, Diablo) better than I do. Wouldn't be surprised if he knows the Murcielago better than me by now either. He has also owned some Ferraris. As much as I dislike his way of posting sometimes I think he provides the board with little kernels of valuable info. Like Lamborghini's famous disappearing clutch. Very true in that it's attributed to the owners not knowing what they are doing. I've never had a conversation with Allan outside of the forum and I certainly don't know the guy but just about every levelheaded, nonargumentative comment he has posted on Lamborghinis I agree with. Lastly, it's difficult to answer a question like the one you asked me. If you're a little more specific I might be of a bit more help. Maybe mention some cars you have owned/driven to draw some comparisons. As for the Gallardo, I'm also eyeing the car. I definitely think its priced right. But I'll reserve judgement until I get to drive the car. Cheers | ||
| J.D. Smythe (Jeff)
Junior Member Username: Jeff Post Number: 238 Registered: 2-2001 |
Mark I'm only guessing on these numbers but: 25% of Ferrari's production comes to the USA. That's roughly 1100 cars. I don't know what the breakout is for the 575, 456, and 360. Probably 700-800 360s each year. | ||
| MarkPDX (Markpdx)
Junior Member Username: Markpdx Post Number: 226 Registered: 4-2003 |
A few of questions If you order a Murci what is the build time like? If you order a Gallardo today is there a list? What is the build time? How many 360s are in the US? | ||
| Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 70 Registered: 5-2003 |
Taek, What were your thoughts on the Murci? I am seriously thinking about putting in an order on (WAIT! Okay, flame retardent driving suit on now) a Gallardo. I would like to see one first, though, just to make sure it's what I think it is. I especially like the idea that the it's built to be an everyday sort of car, like a 911 Turbo. I am a little curious as to how many I see on the roads but I think that for the most part, it will be relatively exclusive. If I do order one before they come out, I would love to be able to drive a Murci first so that I can get an idea for what the Gallardo will be like. Anyways, as Jim said, it's going to get very interesting. | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 1927 Registered: 11-2002 |
Yes I did, and yes it was brief.  Cheers | ||
| MarkPDX (Markpdx)
Junior Member Username: Markpdx Post Number: 225 Registered: 4-2003 |
Taek Didn't you briefly own a Murci? | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 1925 Registered: 11-2002 |
Can't wait to get me a test drive in one of these. Should be very interesting indeed. Now that my Porsche has sadly been taken out of commission, maybe a Gallardo to fill the void? Hmmm... Cheers | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Intermediate Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 1290 Registered: 3-2002 |
I read a funny letter to the editor of AutoWeek yesterday. The writer said "No, it's not the best new supercar in the world. With 1200 units a year, it's hardly more exclusive than a Viper (1400 units). It is slower than a Viper, and twice the price. We who buy these cars buy speed and exclusivity." Where's Allan Jr.? | ||
| Vince (Manatee)
Member Username: Manatee Post Number: 301 Registered: 6-2002 |
I hope none of them were "crunched" by the press. | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Member Username: Davel Post Number: 306 Registered: 7-2001 |
All the press reports show this car and the company to mean business. I think its great and will only produce better cars from Ferrari and the others to compete. | ||
| JRV (Jrvall)
Intermediate Member Username: Jrvall Post Number: 2158 Registered: 11-2002 |
>>At the factory.<< Ahhhh Darn !! I was hoping there were already 20 Gallardos in the US somewhere hiding out... 20 Lambos in any one place at the same time is impressive though, even if it is the factory. Regards, JRV | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 2313 Registered: 10-2002 |
At the factory. | ||
| JRV (Jrvall)
Intermediate Member Username: Jrvall Post Number: 2156 Registered: 11-2002 |
Mr. G., Where was the press launch, Europe or the US? | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 2312 Registered: 10-2002 |
In this months Car and Driver they have an interesting article on the Gallardo. They report that at the press launch there were 20 Gallardo's availible to be driven. When they launched the Diaablo there was 1. This is a different Co. under VW. As Ferrari has shown with the Enzo and the Stadale they can compete with anyone. It's going to get very interesting... |