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It's been a terribly kept secret that Ford is building a Fiesta ST. Ford finally confirmed that the car will debut at the LA auto show next week. Instead of the widely speculated 180 hp, the 1.6L Turbo will make 197 hp.quote:A new high-output variant of the award-winning 1.6-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine propels Fiesta ST with an estimated 197 horsepower and 214 lb.-ft. of torque. In comparison, Mini Cooper S makes do with 181 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft., while Chevrolet Sonic RS produces just 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. It it ends up being a 75% Focus ST it will be wonderful. I hope it's available with the Recaro seats out of Focus without being part of a bajillion dollar option package.
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Nov 27, 2012 03:10
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travisray2004 posted:E: Just read the autoblog article. They need to quit bloating up Minis.
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Jul 2, 2013 02:06
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travisray2004 posted:While weight savings is always welcome, I don't see the point in making it larger. The original had good proportions for its class.
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Jul 3, 2013 01:42
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MINI's official statement about the photos from the previous page:MINI posted:Aggressive and relentless papping is something British celebrities have had to learn to live with. Members of the Royal Family, as well as actors, footballers and top models are all familiar with the sensation of being caught in uncompromising situations, and now MINI is the latest victim. Absolutely unaware and without make-up, the youngest member of our family was caught by sensationalist photographers in a highly private moment. The young one was yellow and completely defenceless. We understand the worldwide interest in our family but it is not the British way to send such unfavourable pictures around the globe. http://www.motoringfile.com/2013/07/03/mini-uk-responds-to-f56-spy-photos/
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Jul 4, 2013 02:34
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Devyl posted:More like "We know it looks bad; but please, wait until we can get our professional photography team to take amazing super high resolution photographs of such inane and trivial things as the pile count of the carpet or the detail of the bulb used in the right rear brake-light. Thanks again, and please buy our new car."  Compare that to the recent pictures from gmotors. The front isn't as flat from side to side and the top and bottom elements line up better. 
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Jul 4, 2013 05:37
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Tacier posted:The back end doesn't look like crap this time. Nice work Mazda! BeastOfExmoor posted:Apparently nobody in marketing has any idea how lenses work. Telephoto lenses are typically much more flattering. Wide angles are what distorts perspective. It looks like they tried to apply some correction too. The front fender trim is one piece but it doesn't line up right. 
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Jul 4, 2013 07:26
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Can we post about test drives in this thread too? I drove a new 2014 Mazda 3 hatchback today. It's sooo good. The one I drove is a 2.5 Auto in the top Grand Touring trim. It looked exactly like the one in the press photos.   Best things about the car: - The interior is gorgeous for the most part. The metallic and gloss black trim pieces are really nicely done details. The gauges look great, the climate control knobs and dials are well done and solid. The iDrive-like knob for the nav/stereo is solid. - The center screen is a touchscreen, so you can control it that way if you don't want to use the knob. I generally prefer the knob for reasons outlined here, but the touchscreen is nice if you're stopped and want to type in a street address. - The system is really responsive. Probably because it's SD card based, it brings up my street name in about a second. The same operation in my MINI's DVD-based system takes 10+ seconds. - Excellent power from the 2.5L engine. I think this engine makes more power than most of its competitors while the car is lighter. You can tell. - The six speed auto is very good. It's responsiveness reminds me of a DSG. It doesn't shift as quickly as a DSG, but it's also smoother when starting or stopping. - Great steering. It's responsive and has a bit of feel. It isn't as weighty or as planted as a Focus, though. - The blind spot monitoring system is neat. It's a feature that I don't need but would like everyone else driving around me to have. In addition to the usual orange light in the side mirrors to let you know that something is there, the system will sound a short audible alarm if you signal or steer in the direction of the obstruction. The system will also warn you of cross traffic when backing out of a parking space. Very handy, and it comes standard on all but the basest trim level. Things I didn't like: - The paint quality seems rather poor. I know modern water-based paints have issues with orange peel, but this is more excessive than anything else I've looked at recently. The clear coat looked thin and dull. To add insult to injury, this shade of red actually costs $300 extra. - I thought the heads up display was kind of gimmicky and it'll probably get old fast. The display reminds me of those green CRT screens from the 80s. It only shows your speed and limited navigation instructions- distance to and direction of next turn. The screen opens and closes when you turn on and shut off the car. I imagine the mechanism is full of plastic gears and it sits on what will be the hottest part of the interior. There's so much that can go wrong considering the minimal benefit of this feature. - The headliner is so amazingly poor compared to the rest of the interior materials. - I like the styling of the new front and rear end, but I wish they had kept the more upright wagon profile of the previous models. The tall front end and sloping rear can look really awkward from some angles:   Really, did they just put the new front and rear on top of the old parts?The one I drove was $27k. My first thought was that is too much money for a compact Mazda. But having actually driven it and used some of the features, I'd say the price can be easily justified. My dad has a 2012 Focus hatchback and it's beyond competent in pretty much every way. The Mazda is too, but it's a lot more polished and it seems like every little thing has just had a little more thought put into it. I'd like to try one in a lower trim level with the 2.0; my guess is for 22-24k you can be just as happy and have the most significant toys. TheGoatTrick fucked around with this message at 07:32 on Sep 28, 2013 |
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Sep 28, 2013 07:26
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CharlesM posted:I don't know if you had the opportunity to see but did you get any impression of the noise level in the car, especially at freeway speed? That's something that's not that great on my 2006. One thing I did notice on the freeway is that sixth gear is rather tall. At 70 MPH, the engine is turning only 2,000 RPM.
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Sep 28, 2013 09:21
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Some official information about the next generation MINI hardtop has been released: http://www.motoringfile.com/2013/09/29/mini-unveils-f56-new-engine-transmissions-we-go-hands-on/ - Cooper: 1.5L Turbo I3, 134 hp, 162 lb-ft (at 1,250 RPM!) - Cooper S: 2.0L Turbo I4, 189 hp, 207 lb-ft - 6 speed manual with automatic rev matching or 6 speed automatic - Updated suspension geometry to reduce torque steer and increase steering feel - Adjustable shocks Seems a bit underpowered for a 2.0 Turbo, but hopefully they've focused on longevity and efficiency. It's still more powerful than the current Cooper S, which isn't exactly lacking in the real world. I bet they also left a lot of room for a more powerful model. Unofficially, there are new spy shots. The car seems to have less of a flat face than the last set of pictures, although to me it still doesn't look quite right. This is a Cooper S, and if the current lineup is anything to go on, the Cooper might look better since it won't have the hood scoop or brake duct underbite at the bottom. I currently have a Cooper S but I'm much more interested to see the regular Cooper this time around. Seems like a decent combo of power, weight, efficiency.  
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Oct 1, 2013 06:16
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Apparently the GM SUVs are getting a new transmission later. They probably couldn't be bothered to redesign the shift mechanism for the current transmission since it'll only be around for a year.
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Oct 5, 2013 05:32
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The third generation MINI three door hatch (F56 model code in BMW speak) is being officially unveiled on Monday, see nonsensical teaser video here. In the mean time, a couple new variants have been spied testing: F55, a five door hatchback. This is the 5 door Golf to the F56 three door. http://www.gmotors.co.uk/news/new-mini-5-door-hatchback-spied-less-disguised/  F58, nicknamed "Spacebox" for the time being. This is more like the Jetta wagon in this family. Note the Clubman-style barn doors. http://www.worldcarfans.com/113111566174/2015-six-door-mini-travellerspacebox-spied-for-the-first  Spacebox looks like it has a lot of potential. This platform will accommodate AWD and diesel engines are planned, although not for the US initially.
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Nov 16, 2013 06:23
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TheGoatTrick posted:The third generation MINI three door hatch (F56 model code in BMW speak) is being officially unveiled on Monday Cooper S with 2.0L turbo 4 and goofy looking bumpers:   Cooper with 1.5L turbo 3. 0-60 in the mid 7s which I think makes it as fast as the first generation Cooper S (and it has about the same amount of torque). It's rated at 62.8 mpg UK, so I'll guess 46 mpg highway EPA rating.  No more center speedo. Instead there's a screen with optional iPhone/Android integration.  Other unnecessary options you can get: full LED headlights, self parking, heads up display, electronic dampers. I'm indifferent about the styling changes but the three cylinder Cooper seems like a really nice package. TheGoatTrick fucked around with this message at 02:59 on Nov 19, 2013 |
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Nov 19, 2013 02:56
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Throatwarbler posted:So there's a Kia Forte SX 5 door too. I had the same feeling driving a Kia Optima turbo. It doesn't feel like it has 274 hp.
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Dec 2, 2013 16:47
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Seat Safety Switch posted:I really wish there were Allpar equivalent sites for every make and model because I'm sure the engineers at Ford and GM and Nissan and whatever all have great stories. Lots of history on design and development and a lot of prototype pictures.
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Feb 24, 2014 00:15
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MINI is bringing a concept of the next generation Clubman to Geneva: http://www.motoringfile.com/2014/02/25/world-debut-mini-clubman-concept/. It's has four (six) doors now and is a separate model from the upcoming 5-door version of the standard Cooper 3-door hatchback. Got that? Looks pretty close to the production version:  It'll have the same engine options as the regular Cooper, so 1.5L Turbo 3 and 2.0L Turbo 4. There will also be an AWD plug in hybrid model with electric motors on the rear wheels.
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Feb 26, 2014 07:04
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ilkhan posted:Has Toyota really become that lazy? BR-Z/FR-S twins and now twins with a BMW? For a Supra?!
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Jul 13, 2014 18:30
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Mange Mite posted:The current Lexus design language looks awful so it's at least better than a Lexus. The Alfa looks like an Acura ILX with a body kit.
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Jun 24, 2015 04:38
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Kraftwerk posted:I drove a mini as a rental and I confirm that it was the most fun I've ever had with a car having never driven an M3 before. Not only was the throttle responsive but you could really feel the acceleration and handling. Too bad all the reliability headaches make it the worst car to own.
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Feb 17, 2016 18:45
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A Proper Uppercut posted:Got an email from Mazda saying they're unveiling a new model on the 22nd. Anyone have any idea what it is?
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Mar 20, 2016 18:09
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leica posted:No pics with the top all the way down?   
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Mar 23, 2016 02:25
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KYOON GRIFFEY JR posted:Miata Club Sport: 29,4 with destination, no options Hopefully, for 2017, Mazda has figured out that people would pay a little extra for heated seats in the Miata Club. I know I would have, although I don't miss them as much as I thought I would.
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Jun 12, 2016 22:18
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coolskillrex remix posted:Too bad the 124 is apparently more fun to drive, let alone comparing it to the 124 abarth Also, the Miata is faster.
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Aug 11, 2016 16:11
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coolskillrex remix posted:The targa top Miata is so good looking that I would never buy a soft top one... I wonder if the brakes still work as well with like an extra 200lbs
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Aug 12, 2016 05:55
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big crush on Chad OMG posted:The chrome windshield surround is just so off putting. I wonder if someone will make body colored vinyl to wrap it. I drove one of these at the auto show last week, but it was an automatic. Still, it was very nice and I hope they sell a lot of them (they won't, my local dealer is already offering $1700 off sticker).
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Oct 16, 2016 19:36
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Deteriorata posted:Manuals are as rare as hens' teeth and are being sold at a premium. They can't give the automatics away.
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Oct 16, 2016 20:00
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Here's the new Genesis G70. It's a Kia Stinger but 6 inches shorter and without the liftback.    Early reviews seem promising and they *might* do a 2.0 Turbo and manual configuration. I think it looks really nice, grille aside.
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Sep 15, 2017 07:42
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Powershift posted:Speaking of cars for fat people
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Dec 5, 2017 06:58
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KillHour posted:This also totally ignores the fact that a big part of what makes a regional cuisine 'good' is variety. Detroit doesn't have a big Asian population compared to Irvine, but they have drat near everything else. Even the street tacos in Mexicantown are more legit than the insult to your taste buds you get in Irvine.
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Apr 18, 2019 17:40
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Jiminy Christmas! Shoes! posted:I wish they would put sliding doors on vehicles besides vans. Why wouldn't you want sliding doors on an SUV???
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May 22, 2019 15:31
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fknlo posted:Is there anything glaringly bad with the current Tucson? My friend that has been shopping for a while thinks it's what she wants to go with. I'm trying to talk her into the Sport trim since the upgraded headlights are better than on the lower trims, but she's trying to avoid leather and of course they wrapped the wheel and shift knob on that level. Bonus points for having port injection and an automatic transmission with actual gears.
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Dec 9, 2019 18:09
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Ror posted:Why is that screen there? Why isn't the center just redesigned to incorporate it? I guess it's to keep the lines of the dash going across the whole car for aesthetics but I can't believe so many car designers are just shrugging and sticking a tablet on top. At least some of them go down, but I know some cars only will when the car is off. Applebees Appetizer posted:It's too bad the new Miata doesn't have an option for no screen at all with something basic like a single din music/bluetooth player. Most people don't buy Miatas for the entertainment system to begin with it's not about that, leave it for the touring trim automatic cars or something.  BTW I have a current Miata and the screen is totally fine. Its out of your sightline, dim enough at night, and the physical controls are way better than the touch screen in my other car.
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May 13, 2020 16:44
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Applebees Appetizer posted:Holy crap that's awesome. Is there a kit for it or is that a DIY job someone did?
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May 13, 2020 17:37
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kimcicle posted:Didn't the base 1.5L ND Miata come without a screen? I swear that it was the base option in other markets, and it was just a control knob and a bunch of memory buttons... 
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May 13, 2020 19:51
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Ror posted:The actual most annoying thing when looking at new Miatas seems to be that it's surprisingly hard to find the regular roadsters since the RF version came out. The RF has a neat look but I decided the normal one is still the best choice and it turns out that most dealers only have about 1 non-RF for every half dozen RFs they have, if they have any non-RF at all. 
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May 14, 2020 02:36
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EnergizerFellow posted:Anybody know who this MotoManTV guy is on Youtube? He seems to have way more real wealth than garden-variety rich youtubers, talks like somebody with a formal engineering background, and from various comments made in passing, probably some executive-level guy in something at least tangential to the automotive and/or aerospace world. I've been enjoying all of his recent classic car reviews. His channel also has some in-depth interviews with well known folks in the industry (Lutz, Albert Biermann, Dave Coleman, etc.).
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Aug 1, 2020 17:32
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Godzilla07 posted:I test drove an Accord Hybrid. The Accord felt significantly more solid than my Optima did, and the ride quality was a lot better. The Accord soaked up small road imperfections, and larger impacts did not punch their way into the cabin. The Accord's steering was taut, and the noise floor was pretty low. The Honda hybrid system is transparent outside of full throttle scenarios, and offers a nice amount of pep. I'd like to see a one-pedal experience, which feels like it should be possible given the quasi-EV nature of Honda's hybrid system. The interior ergonomics were great, and the materials quality in the cabin was good. I solved the leather steering wheel problem with a wrap specifically made for the Accord. Took a few hours to install but totally worth it. 
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May 6, 2021 15:59
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melon cat posted:Unsure if this is the correct thread to ask, but what's the verdict on Honda's hybrid drivetrain system in terms of reliability? I really like this car. It is quiet, comfortable, and efficient. The price was only a couple grand more than the gas Accord, and for that I got a little more power and a lot better gas mileage.
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Oct 29, 2022 19:04
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Residency Evil posted:Interesting. I thought the hybrid rental I had was a CVT but it’s something else? Interestingly, if you floor it, you get power from the electric motor only. If the engine is coupled to the wheels when you do this, it will disconnect and rev up to charge the batteries as quickly as possible. I like this system. It is torquey at lower speeds and super quiet most of the time. I'm averaging about 45 mpg in my 2019 Accord even though most of my driving is 70+mph on the highway and stroads with higher speed limits, which are not ideal for the system. TheGoatTrick fucked around with this message at 05:25 on Nov 13, 2022 |
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Nov 12, 2022 20:47
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Godzilla07 posted:Cynically, I think the critical reaction is a result of Vinfast being an easy target. Journalists know there won't be any meaningful repercussions for hitting out at Vinfast like there would be for outright trashing terrible cars from traditional automakers. I test drove one. It feels incomplete. If they had just spent a little more time on some details like tuning the suspension and improving the software it could be alright. It does need to be less expensive, though. Nobody is going to pay Ioniq 5/Mach-E/Model Y money for this.
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Aug 31, 2023 11:58
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