Mercedes AMG SL65 (coupe, V12, biturbo): 1) very easy to drive (automatic, good visibility, etc.) 2) hardtop convertible...best of both worlds 3) fast and fun when appropriate 4) great comfort (massaging and cooling seats, etc.) 5) every safety and luxury option imaginable 6) fast and fun...some things are worth repeating Tim
I drove it in Monterey and had mixed feelings. I am 6'2 and 270 lbs and when moving the front seat back to my driving position the seat is way behind the B piller so I really had to squeeze in to get in to the car. Black mark ! I have no such problem getting into my E63, my 911 cpe or my Ferrari. Once in it was very comfortable I drove the 4S handled well and felt quick enough but no match for the E63. I did not like the dash instrument panel console with over 150 switches to possible adjust just too damm many choices . I can transform my E63 by touching 2 switches to firm the suspension and change the shifting etc. Poor visability from the cockpit,bad blind spots. Lots of room in the back seats once in and plenty of trunk space esp with the seats folded down. It felt much smaller ( except when parking )on the road handled well, a modern 928 feel, nothing like a 911, trans was excellant. Overall I think the Panamera is the answer to a question no one has asked, I do not think it will be a huge commericial sucess and I would reccomend the purchase of a sports car for driving fast and a sedan for carring 4 people of maybe even a sporty SUV.
Considering that Im stuck in traffic most of the time, my performance needs are low: my vote Chevy Tahoe. If I add in the performance factor AND I only need haul around one VC at a time: 575M.
Had an E46 M3 daily (SMG) loved it. Now Aston Martin V8 Vantage - although moving to San Fran challenges me on a daily basis. (stickshift and hills, scary every time)
The DCT Lag isn't fixed yet, it might be but I haven't heard anything or gone to a dealer in awhile. It's scary the first time it happens, but after some time you get used to it and learn how to avoid it happening. It really sucks though and can't wait for a fix if ever there is one. I still love the car and drive it daily.
DCT is still a huge improvement over the old SMG. Like I said, I had a E46 SMG since 2004 and STILL can't figure out how to drive it smoothly. Many a passenger have complained of nausea.
Joe, just drove a buddy's new 2010 California earlier today. I am completely blown away by the car... The dual clutch is much better than the M3 DCT that I've driven. The power delivery is strong and oh so smooth. Yes, this is truly a real Ferrari. I initially did not think too much of the car when I initially saw it played with it and sat in it at the unveiling at FofSF earlier this year, However, upon driving this machine, I have to say this is one truly great car, and has to be consideration for one of the best daily drivers in the world, if you can get your hands on one. I recommend any of you guys to test drive this car!
I have to admit, I dismissed it right off because of it's looks. It seems to carry lines from so many other cars and few that distinguish it as an F-car. But your performance description is intriguing...Thanks
My vote is for the ISF. Carries 4. Has 4 doors, 416HP, 370 ft/lb TQ, 8spd manual-automatic shifts in .1s, doesn't get too much attention, decent gas mileage (17mpg to almost 30mpg depending on driving style), and Lexus reliability.
When I lived in NYC the Vantage was a weekend only fun car. I got it in 6sp manual, which makes it a bit of a hassle to drive around the city. No complains otherwise, its an amazing car. As a "weekend car" it fits the bill, but as a second car that is supposed to be the support vehicle, it isn't the right choice. I would have sold the Vantage earlier, but it's hard to stomach a 40% loss in 6 months. We are shopping around for another car that's more practical, Jessica wants a Mini with the same red/stripe as the scud. Hilarious.
Are they even here? Only Fiat 500's I've seen were on MI MFG plates. Importing one takes skill, and probably isn't worth the hassle unless you *really* want it.
Thought about the Fiat before, keeping it in the family/etc. I was too concerned about the dealer network/service infrastructure. BMW/Mini dealers are ubiquitous and that is very re-assuring. Free maintenance is a plus too.
Some of us have been using Italian cars without dealer support for dailies for years. It's not for everyone though. Dealers can have a distinctly casual attitude about doing a good job or the right thing, so it's often a toss of the dice anyway. Back when Alfa was still in the US, thus dealers present, I stopped by my independent for something and saw a car I recognized. It belonged to the owner of a local Nissan dealer who also happened to be the Alfa dealer. Turns out he didn't trust his own mechanics and had his car serviced at the independent. As for inclusive maintenance, it's a nice touch, but not nearly enough to keep a car trouble free for much longer than a lease and maybe the subsequent owner. See what BMW up until recently recommended (and still recommends in some other markets): http://www.docstoc.com/docs/4274076/Recommended-BMW-Maintenance-Schedule
