Automotive Discussion

[Clockw0rk]

Can't find a single replacement wheel or any suitable sets in an affordable price range :(
Really not sure what to do at this point, my best bet seems to be a set of original 16" tri-spokes from another 1994 WRC, they're ugly as sin but would fit.

Other than that I'm a bit at a loss.

[Revoltix]

Aren't good quality low km S15 Silvia imports damn cheap these days?

They're damn cheap for a reason. Some of them have had the absolute shit reved out of them. Because we all wanna be the "Drift King"

Buyer beware!

[TrinityJayOne]

If you're thinking of going Euro, you could do up a sweet E30 3-series. They're reasonably cheap and plentiful and there are plenty of parts and know-how around for them.
Was that directed at me or Surgeon? I'm not entirely sure me + RWD is a good combo while on P-plates.

Also, forgot to mention with that Skyline that the HICAS is busted and by association the P/S. A $400 fix apparently.

[Shorty]

Was that directed at me or Surgeon? I'm not entirely sure me + RWD is a good combo while on P-plates.

Based on how you drive in Forza, maybe you're right. :p

[Clockw0rk]

Get an Altezza, even an AS200 isn't bad (and it's all you can get in Aus anyway).

Woo, new old wheels! Got a set of 1994 GT-Four WRC OEM wheels, complete with unused Pirelli P700Z tires. Pics on the weekend :D

[TrinityJayOne]

Where's them pics then!

Also, Altezza suggestion was for me or Surgeon? Use names! :P Forza jokes aside, I honestly think I'd be wise to avoid a RWD for now and stick with more forgiving layouts.

Also, I'm sure all cars have their problems but I've been reading a lot of bad things about the 306. :( I've looked at other hatchbacks from around that same period but they're all fugly! Another option I'm warming to is an Audi A4 B5, aka the car that Frank Biela used to get AWD banned from the BTCC. :P There's some 1.8l turbo quattro models on Carsales for a whisker under $10k. Turbocharged they may be, but thankfully in 2009 Vicroads decided that maybe "NO TURBOS D:" was a bit harsh and some exceptions were made-

-turbocharged or supercharged with a power to weight ratio of less than 100kW per tonne
-turbocharged or supercharged with a power to weight ratio between 100kW and 125kW per tonne and that is considered to be a family type vehicle (4 seats or more) rather than a sports type vehicle. A family type vehicle is a sedan, station wagon or hatch normally used to carry families/passengers with 4 or more seats and are equipped with child restraint anchorages. A family type vehicle does not include a sports car (two door coupe).
The quattro weighs 1,500kg and has about 130kW so shouldn't be a problem, but I'd need to apply for the exemption. Also considering whether it'd be worth getting something while still on my L-plates or waiting. If I get something now I could learn in it, but I don't know if people would let a learner take a test drive. I'm just worried that if I wait a few months all these nice cars will be gone.

[Clockw0rk]

Is that power-to-weight manufacturer claimed or dyno proven? At the wheels or at the flywheel?

Hate ambiguous laws.

Car didn't end up getting the tri-spokes on Friday! Hopefully Monday. Mechanic forgot them. No rush though.

[Shorty]

The quattro weighs 1,500kg and has about 130kW so shouldn't be a problem, but I'd need to apply for the exemption. Also considering whether it'd be worth getting something while still on my L-plates or waiting. If I get something now I could learn in it, but I don't know if people would let a learner take a test drive. I'm just worried that if I wait a few months all these nice cars will be gone.

As someone who's been browsing used car ads for years, rest assured that there is always another sweet ride coming just around the corner.

[TrinityJayOne]

Sound advice I guess.

Clockwork- Shouldn't matter, at that weight it'd need to be making another 60kW to be over.

Also, obtaining approval may be more difficult than I thought. Apparently they're after a good reason for you to need to drive that car, such as a family member needing special medical treatment and your car is the only one available. I doubt they would approve it if I had just bought that vehicle, but I will call them to find out because it still seems silly. If I'm reading things right, the more powerful V6 would be fine, but go for the economical model and I'm suddenly a hoon. :\

[Shorty]

Also, obtaining approval may be more difficult than I thought. Apparently they're after a good reason for you to need to drive that car, such as a family member needing special medical treatment and your car is the only one available. I doubt they would approve it if I had just bought that vehicle, but I will call them to find out because it still seems silly. If I'm reading things right, the more powerful V6 would be fine, but go for the economical model and I'm suddenly a hoon. :\

It could be worse. In NSW, they don't even have the power-to-weight ratio exemption and they only created the limited list of exempted low-boost turbo/super cars after organisations like the NRMA pointed out that many of the prohibited cars were actually rated safer than many of the cars that P-platers were allowed to drive.

[Cubby]

I saw an L plater driving a Supra tonight.

[Clockw0rk]

The power-to-weight of the NA models is pretty low.

Trin: I know it doesn't matter in your case, but does the guideline get any more specific? I guess at the end of the day it's the "spirit vs. word" argument but it still bugs me.

[TrinityJayOne]

Nope, that's as specific as they get. They're probably referring to manufacturer figures for simplicity.

I never thought I'd say this but a large FWD sedan has made it onto my shortlist. :confused::eek::( The Mitsubishi 380 styling I've always quite liked (the rear is very Charger), and they depreciated like all buggery meaning they're cheap. They start at around 13k on Carsales which is definitely getting pricey for a first car, but they won a buttload of awards and you're getting a 5yo car instead of 10yo+ one. Similarly aged Falcodores at that price have all done twice the km and/or have an extensive mod list (and thus have been thrashed). The only other cons are that it'd be a bit of a guzzler (3.8l) and that it's bigger than I'd need.

Also looking at an E36 3 Series. A 5 Series would be nicer, but the ones from the same time period are 90% slushboxes, and the remaining manuals have done 250,000km+. This E36 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=2&R=9812718&keywords=&trecs=77&silo=1011&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__Qpb=true&__Nne=15&seot=1&__N=1216%201247%201252%201282%204294729572%2042949 67079%20903%201622%20752&MileageTo=752&__sid=12924278C99F) in particular looks damn nice. There's others that are cheaper, but they're all 4cyl models and I'd prefer something with a bit more grunt in a car of that size. Might have to ask Quatters about his own E36 to get some expert advice I think. :D (PS- RWD rule can be waived for a Beemer!)

[enrique]

I saw an L plater driving a Supra tonight.

You can drive a Veyron on your L plates if your parents had one lol.

Power to weight rules apply only to P plates last time I checked.

Hey Trin what about a E36 M3? Or is that a budget buster?

[TrinityJayOne]

Budget buster I would say. Even then, "high performance six cylinder engines" are restricted and I know I specifically saw the M3 mentioned by name somewhere. :P

[Shorty]

The E34 is a great 5 series if the E39 is too much. I had one for years (in auto) and it was great.

[Clift]

It could be worse. In NSW, they don't even have the power-to-weight ratio exemption and they only created the limited list of exempted low-boost turbo/super cars after organisations like the NRMA pointed out that many of the prohibited cars were actually rated safer than many of the cars that P-platers were allowed to drive.

The majority of those exceptions are Turbo-Diesels... I'm 90% sure that unless it's a diesel, turbo = off limits in NSW.

N/A Supra's, Skylines, 300ZX's etc are all legally able to be driven by P-Platers in NSW. High-performance 6's that are restricted in NSW can be found here (http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/downloads/p1p2_conditions_dl1.html). The list isn't all that long.

[Shorty]

The majority of those exceptions are Turbo-Diesels... I'm 90% sure that unless it's a diesel, turbo = off limits in NSW.

Actually, there are quite a few Euro sedans and hatches that use low-power turbos and superchargers to make up their power, such as the turbo Audis, Kompressor Mercs, VW Golfs and the low-power turbo Saabs.

[Clift]

That list I linked to actually lists the vehicles that are exempt from the rule (Which I didn't notice before, was only interested in the prohibited six's).

It lists
- All Diesel vehicles
- Suzuki Cappuccino
- Daihatsu Copen
- Smart Cars

Unless there's an extended list somewhere which includes the Euro cars you speak of?

[Shorty]

The P1/P2 conditions page (http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/gettingalicence/car/p1p2_conditions.html?llid=4) lists a bunch of cars as "examples" of exempted vehicles (which does include the Copen, Cappuccino and the Smart cars), but the expanded list of "moderate performance vehicles" is here (http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/downloads/moderately_powered_turbos_2010.pdf).

[Clift]

Touché. :p

[TrinityJayOne]

The Copen etc are the exact same ones as the Victorian list, but I can't find anything about another list like that. Just the conditions I listed earlier and the exemption form, which is apparently more difficult to get approved than it was upon introduction from what I've read.

On the subject of the 306, an excellent local forum for frogmobiles has brought some relief. They reckon that the electricals can be a bit dodgy, but as long as the car has a full service history you'll be fine. :D I think the Audi is out (the non-turbo is less powerful than the 306, bugger that!), but still quite fond of the E36. That one I linked is priced well below similar (and even lower) specced models that've done more km, but Redbook values them at 5-7k so maybe everyone else is just dreaming. :confused:

[Clockw0rk]

Want. (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Daihatsu/Mira%2c/auction-361471157.htm)

[Shorty]

Jeez, that's tiny. Makes a Smart car look like a Hummer.

[Clockw0rk]

I've always liked turbo Kei cars. There was an Alto Works going for $5k a few months back.

EDIT: Rollin' like it's 1989! pics later :D

[TrinityJayOne]

Pics god dammit!

Also, after another day of review I think I'm sold on the 306. Thread on Aussie frogmobile forum filled up overnight with comments such as "they're so good we currently own three" and "i had a 306 XSI manual as my first car and i still miss it to this day". Not only that, but I checked prices even in other states for Beemers and there just aren't as many at a decent price. One or two others are where Redbook says they should be, and the rest are close to 20k. :( 306s are far closer to the mark. Still early days I guess.

[Clockw0rk]

They see me rollin'
They hatin'

http://i.imgur.com/ZP8iL.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/FthR5.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/5hI5w.jpg

[Shorty]

Want a 918, HiredMan? It's all yours for 845,00 of your finest dollars (http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/21/how-porsche-dealers-will-order-the-918-spyder/).

[Clockw0rk]

Need some more elbow grease on that buff.
Yeah, it needs a wax. I'll get around to it.

[Silverwolf]

Those are some shiny wheels.

[TrinityJayOne]

Remember that red van I saw a short while back? Well I noticed it still on my HDD the other day, and with all this online car inspecting it occurred to me that I could simply run the plates and see what it is! 1972 Bedford. :D

[Ad-Rock]

Finally got a new car: 2007 Getz 3dr manual 1.4 L. 21 months left on factory warranty, 90000 km and all services done: drive away for $7995. It would have been cheaper in the city, but convenience costs.

Very boring car but it does the job and is easy to drive.

[HiredMan]

yeah should be fine, although I think 90,000km is pretty high for a 4 year old car.

[TrinityJayOne]

20k/year is what I read as being average.

[Silverwolf]

Finally got a new car: 2007 Getz 3dr manual 1.4 L. 21 months left on factory warranty, 90000 km and all services done: drive away for $7995. It would have been cheaper in the city, but convenience costs.

Very boring car but it does the job and is easy to drive.

I feel so very sorry for you.

Worst car.

[Clockw0rk]

Finally got a new car: 2007 Getz 3dr manual 1.4 L. 21 months left on factory warranty, 90000 km and all services done: drive away for $7995. It would have been cheaper in the city, but convenience costs.

Very boring car but it does the job and is easy to drive.
Price sounds about right for kms. Just had a look on Trademe for comparison and couldn't find a single 3 door Getz. Hell, I could only find two manual 2007 models and one was a Diesel. Different markets I guess.

Manual is always a good choice, it makes commutes that much more interesting regardless of the car you're in.

Can't say it's my sort of car but it sounds like you got a good deal, enjoy :)

[Ad-Rock]

It's far from my ideal car, too! But we plan on keeping it for only 2 years at the most. I was in the market for a '04 Fiesta Zetec (which are fun to drive fast, apparently), but it would have required a trip to Sydney and dealing with sellers and mechanics who we're unfamiliar with.

[Ad-Rock]

I feel so very sorry for you.

Worst car.

:( if you'd dealt with my last car you would change that to "2nd worst car" :p

[Cubby]

There were some cars on show at the local festival today.
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/1664/img3394v.jpg
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3871/img3390aa.jpg
http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/6734/img3389o.jpg
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/6757/img3386d.jpg
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/7046/img3382k.jpg
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/7751/img3380l.jpg
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/8613/img3379e.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4776/img3398qn.jpg

I want that Impala Wagon.

[TrinityJayOne]

Hells yes, looks great in that colour! Digging the XY GT as well, by far the best looking Falcon of old.

That cream coupe behind the Mustang is ancient, late 30s/early 40s I would say judging by the style. Looks like a Lincoln Zephyr but more sedate. Could you post the non-resized version of that pic so we can read the badge on the side?

[Shorty]

I'll take the Impala sedan, 'cause that's how I roll. That or a '65 Lincoln Continental with the suicide doors. Stylin'.

[Cubby]

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/9108/img3387h.jpg
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7775/img3391k.jpg
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/648/img3392kx.jpg
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/7455/img3393rm.jpg
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/457/img3381fy.jpg
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9876/img3383s.jpg
http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/5233/img3384k.jpg
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6833/img3397w.jpg

[Lazlow]

And admire but please

[TrinityJayOne]

Oh snap it's a ute. Well buggered if I know then! The license plate doesn't appear to be valid but it does have "1954 Ford" on it.

[Cubby]

It's a 1951 Ford Ute Deluxe (whatever the hell that is), it looks a little like a 4 on the plate until you zoom way in, and the card on the window also has '51. Plus my partner said that's what it was *shrugs*

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aussiefordadverts/5124289829/in/faves-41522010@N08/
http://forum.love-fords.org/showthread.php?651-Ford-AU-75th-Anniversary-Day-2-PM-You-Yangs

[Clockw0rk]

I would love that Impala wagon as a roadtrip car :D
Or the yellow "admire but please" GTS sedan. That engine bay is gorgeous...

Here are some similar pics from NZ's biggest annual vintage car show:
https://picasaweb.google.com/the.muss/BeachHop2009

And just because I'm not sure if I ever posted them, here are pics from a drag meet and a chance encounter with a Ferrari owners club:
https://picasaweb.google.com/the.muss/Meremere13072008

[TrinityJayOne]

I'll have the 512TR, thanks! I'd settle for the 308 in a pinch though.

[enrique]

Saw some nice cars at the GP. A black 2010 GT3RS :D, the Lexus LF-A they had on display and sounded wonderful as it lead off the celebrity challenge and a couple of Lotus Evoras (never seen one in the flesh before). Whats the go with Alan Jone's Supercar? In photos it looks like a kitcar. Why would you buy that over something else for the same money (250k I believe).

[TrinityJayOne]

That reminds me! Saw this at Top Gear Live and thought of you, HiredMan. :D

http://members.iinet.net.au/~trinityjayone/Porscheblack.jpg

Now for some Carsales hilarity! Found a Ferrari 250 GTO replica for 50k. Admittedly it is a good looking kit and would fool most people, but the engine is a bit off-

Engine - 12 cylinder Petrol Carburettor 3.0L (2926cc)

http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/private/carsales/7747634.jpg



Hmmm... Moving along, here's a kit that wouldn't fool Stevie Wonder-

http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/private/carsales/2061932.jpg

Apparently that's a Dino 246 GT. Maybe the wide arches and square back are supposed to be some sort of racing aero, but here's how I remember my friend's dad's one looking-

http://members.iinet.net.au/~trinityjayone/Ferraridino.jpg

Best of all is that it's packing the 1.6l 4cyl from a Nissan Exa, and not even the turbo one. 30k that thing is apparently worth!


EDIT: Also, saw an E34 525i Touring today. Was there ever an M version of these wagons? It had a low stance and was riding on 5 spoke mags, but tasteful mags that looked like they may have been stock. Is this the same series you've bought, Shorty? Or was that the E39?

[Shorty]

EDIT: Also, saw an E34 525i Touring today. Was there ever an M version of these wagons? It had a low stance and was riding on 5 spoke mags, but tasteful mags that looked like they may have been stock. Is this the same series you've bought, Shorty? Or was that the E39?

Yes, the one I own is an E34. They did make both the 540i and the M5 in Touring (wagon) form, so it might've been a genuine example. Hard to tell without looking up the VIN, though.

[TrinityJayOne]

Ahh see this was a 525i though. Damn those Krauts make a nice wagon.

[TrinityJayOne]

The Carsales search continues! Found a really nice 406 Coupe, aka the "poor man's Ferrari", which we shall now take some time to ogle. I was never a fan of the sedan, but the coupe really does it for me. Hell it could handle like a complete barge and I'd still want one! :D

http://members.iinet.net.au/~trinityjayone/Pug406-1.jpg

http://members.iinet.net.au/~trinityjayone/Pug406-2.jpg

Anyhoo, this particular one's only 8k because it's a write-off! Not the bad kind though (well, still bad), just hail damage. My mum worked her whole life in a smash repair joint so I've heard about these - basically the damage itself is minor, but because multiple panels would require replacment the insurance companies call it a write-off. :(

Also looked up the 205 GTi today, and they're actually really cheap! :confused: 4k will only get you a project car, but there's one I found for 10k that seems to be immaculate apart from the roof needing new paint. It would be amazing to own one of the original hot hatches, but the safety boy in me says I should at least get something with ABS. I'll probably at least try to test drive one, just to experience it.

Also had a brief look at 5-series wagons just because. There's plenty of E39 Tourings within a small stretch of price range, but it seems that they only had steptronics and no proper manual option (at least the combination doesn't exist on Redbook). Shame.

[Cubby]

Here are some more images that I finally got around to uploading.
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/7753/img3451gh.jpg
http://img864.imageshack.us/img864/2047/img3449.jpg
http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/4082/img3445a.jpg
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/2305/img3444t.jpg
http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/3054/img3443.jpg
http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/7103/img3442.jpg
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/9200/img3441e.jpg
http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/6415/img3440r.jpg
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/7231/img3439o.jpg
http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/1225/img3438y.jpg

[Cubby]

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/7345/img3437z.jpg
http://img864.imageshack.us/img864/340/img3436.jpg
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/4006/img3434s.jpg
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/4042/img3432f.jpg
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/3139/img3433r.jpg
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/1524/img3431i.jpg
http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/8226/img3430y.jpg
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8551/img3429h.jpg
http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/1436/img3428c.jpg

[Cubby]

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9858/img3426ey.jpg
http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/5049/img3425sz.jpg
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/8756/img3427d.jpg
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/764/img3423h.jpg
http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/5710/img3422.jpg
http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/1706/img3424vw.jpg

[TrinityJayOne]

Ugh, why would you ruin a Trans Am with rims like that! The wheels look really small too, they shouldn't be tucked up underneath the body like that.


http://www.thirdgen.org/tech/images/gallery/banditrw1985PontiacTransAm.jpg

Maybe I should buy one of them. :P

[Cubby]

I know right. I was deciding or not where to upload it, but meh. Some dickhead had an old Commodore in there too.

[Shorty]

Also had a brief look at 5-series wagons just because. There's plenty of E39 Tourings within a small stretch of price range, but it seems that they only had steptronics and no proper manual option (at least the combination doesn't exist on Redbook). Shame.

The E39 was the first generation of the 5s to get Steptronic and a lot of cars had it. Clutched manuals are pretty rare for that generation, especially in Touring form. You might have better luck if you're looking for the sedan. Steptronic is a decent gearbox (its only real flaw being a rather high repair bill if it breaks) but if you're after a traditional manual, you're better off sticking to the E34.

[TrinityJayOne]

I much prefer the styling of the E34 Touring, but there's only one on Carsales and the guy is asking heaps because he's done a drivetrain conversion (CBF looking up what he changed it to).

[TrinityJayOne]

Want BMW to make an M3 Touring? Too bad, have a ute! :D

http://members.iinet.net.au/~trinityjayone/AprFoolM3ute1.jpg


"Hang on, what if I want the open-air cruising of the convertible M3 and the ability to haul shit around?"

Worry not good sir, BMW's got you covered! (or rather, uncovered)

http://members.iinet.net.au/~trinityjayone/AprFoolM3ute2.jpg

The blokes behind the Maloo are wetting their pants right now.:P

[Lazlow]

An Australian golfer (can't remember who) had an E36 converted into a ute.

[Cubby]

That is just ****ing hideous, impractical too. People are as likely to haul shit in that, as they are to go 4 wheel driving in a Cayanne.

[Lazlow]

As if people haul anything in a Maloo

[Cubby]

Probably true, but I'm guessing it'd still be half the price of that BMW.

[TrinityJayOne]

You can use a Maloo to "haul ass", as the Americans put it.

[Cubby]

You meant because they have so much ass to haul?

[enrique]

An Australian golfer (can't remember who) had an E36 converted into a ute.

Stuart Appleby had a M5 V8 converted into a ute, that could be the one your thinking of? Speaking of BMWs I saw a current gen (E92?) M3 sedan yesterday and it was silver. Looked great and sounded the goods too, didnt know Australia got the m3 sedan as well as the coupe. Now I have a serious dilemna if I ever have the money in the bank-this or a C63?

And just as it turned the corner and disappeared from my sight (although not out of the range of my ear drums :)) a silver V8 Audi R8 drove past. Looked really smooth without the carbon side blades behind the doors that Ive seen every other R8 with.

[TrinityJayOne]

I think dislike for those carbon fibre bits is universal. I mean I would still have an R8 with them there, but without would be an improvement.

Found this image (http://members.iinet.net.au/~trinityjayone/TrafficAccidents.png) in my internet travels with some interesting facts on traffic/travel accidents. I think that if there's a lesson to be learnt here, it's that anyone driving a green Lexus is a total ****.

[Lazlow]

OH MAN!

Lost my shit driving home yesterday. You know how people put Chev badges on Holdens?

Saw a Holden Cruze... with a Chev badge.

If we stopped at the lights I would have taken a photo.

[Cubby]

I always used to assume it was the ****wit driving that changed the badge to a chev one, but there are so many these days, I'm starting to think they are sold like it.

Also, what's with dickheads that drive 10-20 under the limit, only to finally grow a pair and try and keep up with you once you overtake.

From that image "avoid speeding because higher speeds = greater chance of rollover"
Where is the "avoid steering because turning = greater chance of rollover"

[Silverwolf]

There are definitely some 'special' models of commodores sold with Chevy badges, I can't believe they would make Cruzes with Chev badges on them though.

[Nintendork]

p sure you can't get chev badges on commodores from the factory on our shores. looks shit compared to my vl with nismo badges anyway

[TrinityJayOne]

Are you being sarcastic? >_> There are NO Commodores sold with Chevrolet badges, at least not new. The closest would be the G8 in America, but that's a Pontiac. :P

As hilarious as a Cruze with Chev badges is, it's actually not quite as bad as putting them on a Commodore IMO. The Cruze was a Chev to start with and exported to us, so it makes a little bit of sense. Not enough to stop it from being retarded, mind you.

In related news, I saw some clown in a Commodore with Chev badges today. The best is when they only change one and the front or back still says Holden. :D Also just FYI, I looked up the badges just now and they go for about $30 ready to install, so it's not exactly an expensive thing to do. If I end up buying a 306 I'm replacing the lion badge with a double chevron and any mention of "306" with "Xsara". They used the same chassis so it's ok rite?!

[Kotche]

I saw a SS ute with the chev badges on it but it also had the southern cross etc on the window.

The owner seems a bit confused on what 'pride' to have

[Lazlow]

The Cruze was a Chev to start with and exported to us, so it makes a little bit of sense. Not enough to stop it from being retarded, mind you.

Once a Daewoo, always a Daewoo :p

[Cubby]

The Cruze is ugly anyway (and so small)... though the hatch version looks much better.

[Clift]

They're also a steaming pile of crap... Last I checked there were 40+ known issues relating to the Body Control Module alone. :p

[HiredMan]

Are you being sarcastic? >_> There are NO Commodores sold with Chevrolet badges, at least not new. The closest would be the G8 in America, but that's a Pontiac. :P

Not quite true. The Commodore is (or used to be) sold in the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina.

But yeah, it's not like any on the ones you see in Australia are imported Luminas :) They're people removing the Holden badges and affixing the Chevy bowtie.

[Lazlow]

Was behind one of these today;

http://imgur.com/EnNnR.jpg

http://imgur.com/QVcKz.jpg

Going by the plates it appears to be a showroom car.

[TrinityJayOne]

Hideous cars they are! Nuts to what HiredMan says, the TT is heaps sexier. Not even a competition.

[HiredMan]

Here are some shots of the 2012 911 (http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/caught-porsches-new-911-20110407-1d4qx.html) (model code 998) testing at the Nordschleife with much less disguising than has been seen previously.

And yeah, I do like the look of the RCZ, but it's front quarter view is definitely one of its best angles. Not so good from behind or rear 3/4.

[Lazlow]

Hideous cars they are! Nuts to what HiredMan says, the TT is heaps sexier. Not even a competition.

Yeah can't say I'm a fan of the melted roof line.

[HiredMan]

I like double-bubble roofs. Been a fan ever since the FD RX-7 really.

[TrinityJayOne]

Digging the 998. Are they all using the 3.8l now? I wanna see the Turbo. :D

[HiredMan]

I'm not 100% sure. I believe the engines will carry over as they are all new (introduced for 997.2), so I'd think the 3.6l will remain for the carrera 2 and Carrera 4. Will probably recieve some tweaking though.

I'm kind of expecting all the nat-atmo engines to be producing 100bhp-per-litre plus. Won't be hard, pretty sure the standard 3.6 is the only engine in the current 911 range that doesn't produce at least 100bhp-per-litre. Gawd I <3 Porsche engineering :)

[TrinityJayOne]

Any of you guys remember hearing about espionage goings on over at Renault a month or so back? The story goes that their security chief started an internal investigation into the dealings of three high-level executives. He reckons that they were receiving large sums of money from China into off-shore accounts, apparently payments for espionage from rivals. The security chief convinced the company to give him over $400,000 so that he could buy information on the crimes from an anonymous source, and the three executives in question were fired.

Several emergency board meetings and court hearings later, the truth has come out and Renault is red-faced! Renault went to court with their espionage case, but prosecutors found no evidence of espionage or the alleged off-shore accounts, and now the security chief has been placed under arrest for fraud. :D They're also looking into an employee fired in 2009 over claims he was accepting bribes into off-shore accounts, because they think they might have been tricked on that one as well. The chief operating officer (who approved the initial investigation) has jumped ship for sister company Nissan, and a couple of other executives have left the company as well.

Renault are going to tear that dodgy security chief a new arse (financially :D).

[HiredMan]

Rumour: Porsche preparing 500bhp, 4.0l RSR engined GT3 RS, to be called "GT3 RS 4.0".

Source. (http://m.jalopnik.com/5792212/does-this-spec-sheet-prove-porsches-ultimate-gt3-is-real)

Please let this be real...

[TrinityJayOne]

New Peugeot SXC crossover concept (ugh) unveiled at Shanghai. Kinda looks like that sexy SR1 coupe concept they did last year, only it's an SUV and not sexy. The interior, however, is worth a look at. :eek:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~trinityjayone/PugSXC.jpg

So they've pretty much made Tron/Minority Report: The Dashboard. The steering wheel is dumb but I quite like what they've done with the shifter.

[Lazlow]

Saw my first GTR in the flesh today, albeit briefly. Zoomed across in front me as I sat at the lights.

[enrique]

Rumour: Porsche preparing 500bhp, 4.0l RSR engined GT3 RS, to be called "GT3 RS 4.0".

Source. (http://m.jalopnik.com/5792212/does-this-spec-sheet-prove-porsches-ultimate-gt3-is-real)

Please let this be real...

I think that source is a fake but Im 99% certain that this 4.0L GT3RS is on its way as a swansong for the current engine that won Le Mans in the GT1 back in the nineties.

[Surgeon.]

So they've pretty much made Tron/Minority Report: The Dashboard

Anyone else thinking that the dashboard might RROD at some point?

[TrinityJayOne]

It's made by a Chinese subsidiary, so possibly!

Saw a Ferrari 430 in the CBD today, sounded phenomenal because of the echo and he wasn't even pushing it. Then saw a Chrysler 300C ruined by a set of massive DUB rims. I will never understand the desire to take a reasonably classy looking car and completely **** it with ghastly aftermarket rims.

[Lazlow]

At least it makes some sense... as opposed to the Hilux i just passed with 20" DUBs.

[TrinityJayOne]

I saw something similar to that last weekend. They weren't DUBs, but they were still far too large to be practical.

I wanted to post the old picture I had when we made the really dumb pimped out cars in Forza 2, but it appears I don't have it anymore. :( Mine was the hideous pearlescent poo-green "Brucie's Executive Autos" CRX Del-Sol. :D

[enrique]

Then saw a Chrysler 300C ruined by a set of massive DUB rims. I will never understand the desire to take a reasonably classy looking car and completely **** it with ghastly aftermarket rims.

I would've been surprised had the 300c not been wearing massive DUB rims, they seem to be standard issue to me ;).

However if the Ferrari had've been wearing those rims..:mad:

[Surgeon.]

Not sure why but every single time I've seen a 300c, the driver is always a complete douchebag. Either changing lanes every 5 seconds, gunning it at every set of lights or just trying impress everyone else with their terrible rims.

It's become my arch-nemesis of the road.

[HiredMan]

300C's are retarded. Actually pretty decent cars for yank crap, but the people who drive them are wankers. Saw one the other day on 22 inch wheels ith the number plate WTFLOL.

In other car related news: I've decided that Curtin shops at about 5pm is the place to be to see awesome, rare cars. In the last couple of months I've seen a Porsche 356, a Delorean and some sort of vintage Ferrari that I couldn't quite identify.

[TrinityJayOne]

The guy next to me at work saw the new Fast & Furious movie at a drive-in the other day, and he reckons that heaps of idiots in shit cars were trying to drift out the carpark etc. He said one guy in a rice Skyline tried, spun out instantly and missed a wall by inches. Everyone laughed. :D

[Cubby]

Only would have been funny if he hit the wall.

[Kotche]

going to a drive-in is pretty funny, I'm sure that was the punch line

[Clockw0rk]

If I was rich I'd buy a 300c, put 18" gold Work Meisters on it, paint it Subaru Blue and bolt on a GT wing to just to troll everyone.

Kinda makes me want to play Forza again...

Anyway, the GT3 RS 4.0 is real! Currently at work so can't post an article link but goddamn it looks awesome. So much want.

[HiredMan]

Anyway, the GT3 RS 4.0 is real! Currently at work so can't post an article link but goddamn it looks awesome. So much want.

OH. MY. GOD. (http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/officially-official-2011-porsche-911-gt3-rs-4-0/)

EDIT:

RXHNJGf3A5k

[Clift]

Amazing. :D

[enrique]

Needs more RSR bodywork, Im sure it will be a weapon but it looks too similar to the RS.

[Shorty]

Speaking of bringing out one's inner child...

ZQCFgJalNo4

[R@mb0]

"drift kings" = wankers

[Shorty]

vzWslKwd4cE

[TrinityJayOne]

No comment!

That guy didn't seem like much of a "pro driver", though. Any one of the Top Gear lads would do better drifts than that, he just looked like he was stomping on the accelerator a lot. Amazing sound though.

[Lazlow]

Trin just crushed Pruett's 27 year motor racing career.

[Lazlow]

9 sports car championships

[Lazlow]

didn't seem like much of a "pro driver"

[Lazlow]

crushed

[Lazlow]

:p
.....

[TrinityJayOne]

Pfft I've done all those things.

[Shorty]

In Forza. :p

[enrique]

Im not convinced that was Scott Pruett, he usually says hi to his wife and kids lol.

[dimorphic]

2003 Subaru Liberty, 64,000ks for $16,850. Worth it? Discuss.

[Shorty]

That's pretty low Ks for an '03, but they're asking a fair bit over Red Book. What model and who's selling it?

[Silverwolf]

What model and who's selling it?

This.

If its the model im thinking of, then chances are that its a good buy.

[Silverwolf]

I paid 6.5k for my '99 Liberty, but that was with 200k on it. Still a bargain!

[dimorphic]

This.

If its the model im thinking of, then chances are that its a good buy.

2003 SUBARU LIBERTY 3GEN MY03 GX AWD 33A 4dr Sedan Automatic 4cyl 2.0L. Buying it from a dealer, looking at financing at about $160 a fortnight.

[Shorty]

Red Book has the GX at 10k max. I'd pay maybe 2 or 3 over for the kilometres but at nearly 17 there's gotta be a lot of fat to trim on that deal.

[dimorphic]

$168 a fortnight gets me;

- The car
- Window tinting
- 6 year used car warrenty (or until I hit a certian amount of ks)
- 12 months comprehensive insurance

Over 7 years. And they'll trade my 97 Magna for $2200. I don't know if I should take it or not.

[Shorty]

IMO, you're probably better getting a similar car for less and putting that money towards servicing and/or upgrades. Also, a 7-year loan is going to mean a shitload of repaid interest.

[Silverwolf]

Oh if its a 2.0L GX then i'd say no. What Shorty said is wise.

[Clockw0rk]

Anyone want to buy a 1994 GT-Four WRC Edition Celica ST205?
I'm off to study physiotherapy in Auckland, living costs are too high for a fulltime student to have a sweet, sweet ride like the GT4.

[enrique]

So your finally selling the GT-Four? :(

[Clockw0rk]

Yup, I'll put it on Trademe this weekend.

Not sure how I'll word the ad, I'm thinking of going all Powerthirst on it and making it a bit OTT to get interest. The other idea was a list of myths/preconceptions about the car (weight, power, reliability etc) and the actual facts.

It should sell since it's a WRC model, the problem is getting the amount I'd like (around $8500) because of petrol prices.

[HiredMan]

Don't lend your Murcielago to 22-year-olds (http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/lamborghini-driver-at-fault-for-sydney-smash-police-20110516-1eoqz.html?from=smh_sb)

[TrinityJayOne]

The 51-year-old female taxi driver suffered a broken leg
Seems an open & shut case to me. >_>

Lastnight Ruda was kind (game) enough to let me take his i30 for a quick spin around the local streets. :D My mum's '98 Pulsar was always very twitchy when starting unless you let it creep a little bit before applying throttle, like it was skipping to 3/10 the second you touched it. I just assumed that's how small autos drove, but the i30 is by far the simplest car I've ever had the pleasure of driving. Acceleration from a stop was like sitting in a car-shaped marshmallow it was that smooth, as was braking. I imagine there's some drive-by-wire trickery going on when stationary, because once underway it would still lurch forward when I gave it a bit of poke. :D

I'd definitely look at one if my budget was bigger. Also, Ruda's one (dark blue with gunmetal rims) totally looks like a mini WRX from the side. ;)

[Silverwolf]

It's just a shame Hyundais are horrible and shitty. And Korean.

[Clift]

There's actually not much wrong with the newer Hyundai's, especially the i30's. Nothing to write home about, but they've come a long way since the days of the Excel. :p

[Silverwolf]

Probably not, but they're still ugly as sin.

[Second]

I'd definitely look at one if my budget was bigger. Also, Ruda's one (dark blue with gunmetal rims) totally looks like a mini WRX from the side. ;)

My boss bought a WRX a month after I got my i30. <_<

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/217415_10150234768912329_529442328_8749169_7278993 _n.jpg

[HiredMan]

lol, silverwolf is living in the past :p

Korean cars 15 years ago? Shite. Korean cars now? Pretty much better than everything build quality wise bar Japanese and German cars. Actually, Japanese cars and Porsche.

VW in particular have horrible build quality (worst sold in Australia after Ford and Holden from the last faults-in-first-2-years survey I read, although this was before the Chinese brands made it over here). Puzzling that they still rate almost top in customer satisfaction though, people are stupid I guess.

[Second]

Also posting my i30.

Like a boss.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189057_10150121974550823_680725822_7319603_2853896 _n.jpg

[HiredMan]

I actually think the new Hyundais and Kias look fine.

[Lazlow]

As opposed to the new Subaru Liberties/Outbacks which look god awful. The sportback Impreza has grown on me, but the Sedan version still looks wimpy.

[Second]

I'm terrible. I originally wanted to get a swift because they look prettier. <_<

[Lazlow]

I like the Swifts, especially the Sport version.

[Lazlow]

Also like the Kizashi

[HiredMan]

I rather like the Porsche 911 Carrera, and other 911 based models.

[Second]

I like the Swifts, especially the Sport version.

I was VERY tempted by the Swift Sport, but having not driven a manual since I was on my L plates (and only a few times at that). I was going to look at getting a couple of lessons to learn, but it was too difficult with work.


I really did want a Champion Yellow car. :(

[Second]

FKN GUD 1 Shorty WAY 2 RUIN THA INTANETS

[Silverwolf]

To be honest I just loathe small/compact cars. Basically all the fault of the Hyundai Getz, worst car ever.

Agreed that new Subarus look shit also, also how they turned the Impreza into a hatch only unless you get a WRX. Still, mine looks good so i'm not gonna complain.

[TrinityJayOne]

To be honest I just loathe small/compact cars.
As if! Some of the greatest cars ever are small cars. Can't wait to have my very own hothatch. :D

[texta]

I've said it before but SMART ftw.

[TrinityJayOne]

I said CARS, not motorized shopping trolleys.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q321/fishfishmonkeyhat/Emoticons/emot-iceburn.gif

[Clift]

I said CARS, not motorized shopping trolleys.

The roadster is kinda cool when it's had a Hayabusa motor thrown in it. :p

[TrinityJayOne]

I challenge you to think of something that size that WOULDN'T be kinda cool if Hayabusa-powered! I'd take a 500cc lazyboy.

[enrique]

Swifts are alright, my housemate has one and its got this reverse bumblebee paintjob which isnt as lame as it sounds. Mind you the Swift would be better if someone put a full EVO AWD driveline inc engine in it like a certain Queenslander has done.........

[HiredMan]

I challenge you to think of something that size that WOULDN'T be kinda cool if Hayabusa-powered! I'd take a 500cc lazyboy.

Lada Niva. Actually no, that would be ****ing awesome.

[enrique]

Lada Niva. Actually no, that would be ****ing awesome.

RB powered Lada? Not sure what RB it is but still outrageous either way.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/bloc-rockin-beater-twin-turbo-skyline-powered-2105-shows-off/

I think the engineering is neat for being different but not a fan of how it looks :rolleyes:

[Surgeon.]

Had the Skyline on the Dyno today.

Made 184kw, which is pretty decent with only exhaust/coilpacks and a panel filter. Still has standard ecu & boost.

In any case, I'm thinking about selling it off pretty soon. Really nice car with plenty of potential to be quick, but it's completely wasted on my daily trek to work. Won't miss the fuel bills and endless supply of douchebags trying to drag me either.

[Clockw0rk]

That's very decent :)
Makes me appreciate my stock 158kw at all four wheels too - once the drivetrain loss is factored in, the output of my 17 year old Celica 4 cylinder must be pretty close to your much newer 6.

[Clockw0rk]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=380127815&ed=true

BUY MY CAR.
That is all.

[Surgeon.]

Can't wait to see Clockwork rolling in a Corolla.

Actually, I don't think my next car is going to be much faster. :p

[TrinityJayOne]

Maybe he'll get a widebody Yaris!

[Clockw0rk]

Maybe he'll get a widebody Yaris!
Would if I could, I stand by my opinion of that handsome little beast. I'd ditch the camo paint but that's about it.

A reminder for everybody else:

http://dubdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/auto-salon-yaris2.jpg
http://www.japanesesportcars.com/photos/d/55889-2/2009-modified-toyota-yaris.jpg

[Clockw0rk]

I've now been offered two separate BZR Truenos for my GT-Four. Crazy.

[Clockw0rk]

Aaand I just had a phonecall from a guy who sounded like all his Christmases had come at once. He's owned 3 GT-Fours but never a WRC. So glad it's going to an enthusiast, he's coming to have a look tomorrow and will hopefully be taking it away soon after.

[Clockw0rk]

IkJqKOb0ZhY

[Surgeon.]

Wow, that was quick. Grats.

Now, to replace your awesome sports car with a generic eco-box.

[TrinityJayOne]

Dude at work is selling his still-fresh i30 wagon. Top spec model apparently, just shy of 20k on the odometer. He's asking about 22k. Not too shabby for something so new as I think they're about 30k fully optioned. The wagon is a bit ugmo compared to the hatchback mind you.

[Clockw0rk]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/nissan/pulsar/auction-380484512.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/mazda/familia/auction-378969964.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/toyota/corona/auction-378385097.htm

Help Clocky buy an ecobox! I'll be picking one of those up this weekend if all goes well.

[Lazlow]

'97 Pulsar, drop a SR20DET into it :cool:

[Surgeon.]

Depends on your budget I guess, but I'd probably be looking for a sss pulsar.

[Clockw0rk]

I'd be looking for an N1 Pulsar if could afford it, but the reality is I just need something low maintenance with low KMs that'll do me for four years while I study. I'll probably pick up another GT-Four at the other end, to be honest.

[TrinityJayOne]

I'd get the Toyota! The Familia is plain, and the Pulsar hatchback looks horrid in a 2-door (didn't even know that existed actually). It looks like a wagon that's missing the C pillars. The front on the Toyota is a bit plain, but I like the rear end. It looks more modern and classy than the car actually is. Kind of a big-ish car compared to the others though, isn't it?

[TrinityJayOne]

PS- If you're going to actually go econobox, get a kei-car!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/suzuki/alto/auction-378950696.htm

Imagine having an Alto Works. :D

[Clockw0rk]

They had an Alto Works a few months back, and there was a Daihatsu Turbo Kei car a month or so after that. This is the sort of hatch I wouldn't mind, I'd definitely consider it except Euros probably cost a bit too much to service:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/renault/clio/auction-381015663.htm

Yeah I'd like the Toyota, I like the A series engine and my friend who lives in the same area of town has driven nothing but 4AGEs since high school, so he'd be great help if it needed attention. But yeah, size and weight are a downside. I'd be more than happy with either, it all depends on how they drive and feel on the day. Won't be getting the Pulsar, the owner seemed dodgy.

Still, if the Mazda is the model with four-wheel disc brakes and the DOHC 1.8 then I'd be inclined towards that. $1000 cheaper (I could probably beat them down to $3k) and having owned one before I know how reliable they are. Also, factory alloys and what appears to be an alarm = win.

[TrinityJayOne]

I'm still hellbent on a 306 GTi6. :D

5nuv6bBDRSU

Christ that Fiat is ugly.

[Clockw0rk]

Went for the Familia, it was $1k less than the Corona and it has an alarm. Clutch and gearbox were good and the car itself handled pretty damn well. Taking delivery on Tuesday.

[nintendo]

Only 147k for a 94'? Was it one owner? Just wondering how often it is you find cars that have done such low kms. My mate bought an 01' Pulsar with 155k on it for $5.5k whereas the Mirage I bought is a 98' with 113k for only $1.5k.

Think I got a good deal? The car is extremely straight with nothing mechanically wrong at all. It's had only 10k to 15k between each service. Only been owned by the one lady, and she only drove it to work and the golf course.

[Clockw0rk]

My mate has an '86 Sentra with 160k on the clock, it's not entirely uncommon. My sister's 94 Mazda only has 150k and in comparison, my ex flatmate's 2001 Altezza has about the same because he drives everywhere. It all depends on the owner.

Sounds like you got a sweet deal, there's a lot of factors that change the price but with individual sellers rather than dealers then it often boils down to what the seller thinks the car is worth. If a little old lady wants to sell her AE86 Corolla for $2500 because she doesn't realise how sought after they are, then someone is going to get a pretty awesome deal. It's happened before.

EDIT: Seller of the Mazda came round so I could take it for another quick spin. I tried out the windows and AC (forgot to before) and sure enough, the AC was borked and one of the windows wouldn't go up/down. No dice, checking out the Corona tomorrow.

EDIT 2: Yeah, Corona FTW.

[Clockw0rk]

Yeah boiiii! Corona got delivered this afternoon. Stoked :D
$1000 under asking price, too.

[TrinityJayOne]

Ha! I was just looking at the ads you linked again and was about to mention that the Toyota was gone but the Familia was still there. Top choice. :D

[Second]

http://www.mrlovenstein.com/images/comics/96_angular_aphrodisiac.png

[HiredMan]

-UQ-Psx0ZgU

Just sayin'

[Clockw0rk]

Keen to look at that when I get home :D

Apparently a 7A-GE isn't overly difficult to build, as far as engines go. 7AFE block (which I have in my car), 4AGE donor engine and 3SGE injectors is literally all you need, it's a matter of unbolting everything from the 4AGE (head, pistons, rods, everything) and putting it in the 7A block. It'd bolt straight back into the Corona and massively improve power and torque. Redline only increases by about 500rpm so I won't need to mess with the dash.

I've got a friend who lives and breathes 4AGEs and potential access to a running 4A-GZE so depending on the effort/money involved I may consider this as a project for next year, if I can live without my car for 2-3 months.

EDIT:
Holy shit, that Porsche sounds ****ing incredible.

[Clockw0rk]

My sis is in Melbourne and looking for a cheap runabout hatch for around the $2-3k mark. Anyone care to help with suggestions? I've got no idea where to start looking.

She also said that a 1994 Mazda Familia 4-door 1.5L sedan with roughly 150k on the clock is worth about $8-10k, can anyone debunk this or is it pretty accurate?

[Clift]

Changed the sprocket gearing on ye olde motorcycle recently (motorcycle equivalent of changing the diff / final drive ratio on a car). So much fun! :D

Sure, I can't hit 120km/h in 1st anymore and fuel economy has gone out the window (it's a super-sport - it had terrible fuel economy to begin with). But the fun factor has increased ten fold. :p

[Clockw0rk]

So you've gone for acceleration over top speed? Sounds like the perfect choice for a sports bike IMO. What do you have?

[Clift]

Aye, stock gearing it would top out at ~250km/h, haven't tested it yet, but should stop at ~225km/h with the new gearing.

It's an '08 ZX6R. They've got a rediculously tall 1st gear and being a 600 they're already kinda gutless below 8,000rpm. Power is a lot more accessible now, pulls in 5th/6th like it used to in 3rd/4th. :)

[Clockw0rk]

Sounds brilliant :D
My mate just got his full motorcycle licence, he's looking at a Ducati or something similarly exotic. I'm warming to motorcycles but would probably rather have a cruiser than a sports bike.

[Clift]

It's definitely a lot more fun to ride. :D

I'd opt for an Aprilia over a Duke if I ever decided I wanted something exquisite. They're the superior Italian manufacturer imo. :p

[Clockw0rk]

Duly noted.
He's definitely not set on a Ducati, just wants something interesting (and preferably exotic) that isn't a Suzuki or a Kawasaki like every other sportsbike owner. There are definite benefits to a Japanese bike in terms of the costs of owning one, but it'd be a toy rather than a commuter so I can definitely see his point of view, he's always gone for "unique" cars.

[TrinityJayOne]

Seen some pretty nice cars this week! Twice I've seen this big coupe go past the front of my office, and on the second occasion he was kind enough to give it the berries. :D At first I thought it was a DBS, but it sounded supercharged so perhaps it was an XKR.

Another day that week I saw a worked Mitsubishi Colt in the same place, that same one I painted in Forza 3.

http://members.iinet.net.au/~trinityjayone/forza/colt1.jpg

It was lowered and riding on rims that looked similar to the ones above, with matte black bodywork around the bottom of the car. It did not have manufacturer vinyls all over it (apart from the black parts it was solid white), and I'm happy to say that the exhaust note matched the look. :D

Lastly, it's taken me 2 years to notice that an old lady on the street I walk down every morning owns a classic Alfa. :eek: It looks very similar to the one in Forza 3, but larger. It also had dual headlamps instead of a single pair, with the ones on the outside being larger. I'm 90% sure it's a Giulia.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Alfa_romeo_giulia.jpg/800px-Alfa_romeo_giulia.jpg

What a gorgeous car. I'll keep an eye out and take some pics if she has it parked on her lawn again.


Finally, lollin' at the taxi driver that drove me home this morning. If your automatic transmission is hanging in neutral for a good second before violently engaging the next gear and there's a faint spell of burning in the car, get that shit serviced/replaced.

[enrique]

Went to the motorshow in Melbourne this week, mainly to check out the new Aventador, wasnt disappointed, looks great in the flesh, makes the Gallardo it was next to seem plain. Favourite car of the show alongside Maserati MC Stradale or the black Quattroporte. :D :D

Noticed the Joss supercar is still kicking around, apparently to get a Euro V8 when it goes into production whenever that is...

[TrinityJayOne]

I would've gone but didn't have the time as I only found out it was on at the last minute. What happened to it being in March?

[Lazlow]

They had some cool looking all electric Audi R8 with the most hideous wheels I've ever seen.

[HiredMan]

Thats the E-Tron I believe.

[TrinityJayOne]

Saw that coupe again today, but up close this time. It's a DBS. Lucky bastard!

[enrique]

Thats the E-Tron I believe.

Yes indeed. Turned up on tuesday and was wondering where the R8 GT was and was told by one of the nice Audi ladies ;) that it had been and gone on opening day :(.

Kudos to Porsche for putting the 935 Moby Dick on their stand and removing some of the bodywork :) beside the Aventador probably spent more time checking that out that most other cars, made the Panemara next to it seem like the ugly stepsister....

Trin, no idea why its in the middle of the year but it now alternates each year with Sydney.

[HiredMan]

Kudos to Porsche for putting the 935 Moby Dick on their stand and removing some of the bodywork :) beside the Aventador probably spent more time checking that out that most other cars, made the Panemara next to it seem like the ugly stepsister....

You're joking... they had a 935 there? I probably would've made an effort to get down to Melbs if I had known and taken some pics :(

[TrinityJayOne]

Just saw a classic Camaro SS in blue at the local servo, looked reeeeal nice!



Oh wait no it didn't, because the arseclown of an owner has put a set of ghastly rims on it. As if that wasn't bad enough, they looked like 20s. Poor Camaro. :(

[enrique]

You're joking... they had a 935 there? I probably would've made an effort to get down to Melbs if I had known and taken some pics :(

Yeah there was a 935 there, didnt know about it until I strolled past the Porsche stand. Surely was the highlight of the Porsche stand, the Cayman R was alright but Moby Dick is something else and one of the highlights of my day. They took the rear bodywork off and you could see inside the cabin. Couldnt believe how wide the rear tires were. :eek:

[Surgeon.]

Depth of Speed - JDM Legends Restored (http://vimeo.com/25800809)

[Surgeon.]

Joys of owning a Skyline. :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/9813/img0857qq.jpg
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9500/img0860bq.jpg
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/6101/img0856bm.jpg

[HiredMan]

Just buy some GT-R badges to replace em ey brah. No. Don't.

[enrique]

Just buy some GT-R badges to replace em ey brah. No. Don't.

Yeah surgeon please dont, got enought assclowns doing that to 33s. I saw a real R34 GT-R today, first one for a while, still near the top of the bucket list.......;)

[Surgeon.]

Nah, no GTR badges.

Probably find some replacements and put them back on right before I sell it, closer to the end of the year.

God I'd love to take a baseball bat to the ****wit that took them.

[TrinityJayOne]

Put some Chev badges on it!

[Lazlow]

Put some Datsun badges on it.

[TrinityJayOne]

If he really wants to go the "American badges make my car unique bro" look, he should get some Infiniti badges.

[Shorty]

Here's a tubular-chassis, 330hp Honda motorcycle-powered Fiat 126. Why? Because racecar. (http://jalopnik.com/5817154/how-a-tiny-fiat-gets-transformed-into-a-monster-race-car/gallery/?popular=true)

[HiredMan]

MP4-12C spanks 458 by almost 3 seconds round Top Gear test track. (http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/11/mclaren-mp4-12c-celebrates-second-quickest-power-lap-time-on/)

lol

[TrinityJayOne]

Speaking of everyone's favorite motoring show, I hope everyone has their kettles going! I watch ep1 lastnight and ep2 on the train today, both were great. The final hot hatch test they did is pretty much automotive nirvana.

[Lazlow]

MP4-12C spanks 458 by almost 3 seconds round Top Gear test track. (http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/11/mclaren-mp4-12c-celebrates-second-quickest-power-lap-time-on/)

lol

What'd they do, get fat American stig to drive the 458?

[enrique]

MP4-12C spanks 458 by almost 3 seconds round Top Gear test track. (http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/11/mclaren-mp4-12c-celebrates-second-quickest-power-lap-time-on/)

lol

Wow thats a bit of a surprise. Just saw Evo's track test and the Ferrari was quicker and not just by a tenth.

[Lazlow]

Blonde causes million dollar pile up outside Monaco's Place du Casino (http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/the-1m-car-crash-it-involves-a-blonde-five-very-expensive-cars-and-monte-carlo/story-e6frfq80-1226103274498)

[Clockw0rk]

Wow thats a bit of a surprise. Just saw Evo's track test and the Ferrari was quicker and not just by a tenth.
Ferrari uses more powerful cars set up specifially for press tests.

http://jalopnik.com/#!5760248/how-ferrari-spins

[Shorty]

I think that story broke a while back when some journalist caught holy hell from Maranello for wanting to borrow a customer's car to use in a road test.

[Clockw0rk]

I think that story broke a while back when some journalist caught holy hell from Maranello for wanting to borrow a customer's car to use in a road test.
I know it's old, I was using it to illustrate why there may have been a difference in results.

[Shorty]

Fair enough.

The thing that disappointed me about that whole fiasco was that Ferrari makes genuinely good cars, so they don't need to be resorting to these bullshit tactics in the first place. I mean, how many people with the actual means have honestly decided against buying a Ferrari purely on benchmarks?

[Surgeon.]

Went with my brother to take a look at an Evo 5 he was considering buying.

Evo was kinda average, but right behind it . . . a 22B!

Was just sitting there, all dusty and unloved.

[HiredMan]

Wow! Australian delivered one do you know? There were only 5 iirc

[TrinityJayOne]

So Rowan Atkinson wrote off his McLaren F1 today. Lost control on a motorway apparently, took out some signs, then hit a tree and the thing caught on fire. The first comment on the article I read was "he saw a Reliant Robin coming the other way". :D

Also, anyone know what the deal is with the Nissan G35 coupes over here? Someone at my work got picked up in a 2-door one the other night and it's a first for me.

[Clift]

Seen a few. They're hideous. Just saying. :p

[TrinityJayOne]

When they came out I would've agreed 100%, but this one looked nice. Kind of like how an Audi TT might look like if Honda had designed it.

[Shorty]

It's an import.

The V35 (not to be confused with the R35, which is the new "GT-R") was made in Japan from about '03 to '07 as the follow-up to the R34. It was quite different from past models - it was a coupe instead of two-door sedan (though they also released a four-door sedan version), the engine was a V6 and naturally-aspirated (you can also find it in the Stagea and, strangely, the '03-onwards Renault Espace among others) and there was no GT-R model.

It's like a more luxurious version of the 350Z and they even share parts. They were also released in the US as the Infiniti G35.

[TrinityJayOne]

Good information!

Now, the latest Shit Cars I've Seen round-up. :P On the way to my new physio there's a fairly shite-looking auto repair place, and out the front is a selection of employee-owned automobiles so fine they would be right at home at Brucie's Executive Autos.

-A Mercedes Benz C-class coupe of some kind that's been lowered and fitted with stupidly-large DUB-style rims.
-An Impreza that's had similar treatment, along with what I suspect is a 3rd party STi kit because it just doesn't look quite right. This is all made worse by the fact that this was a first generation Impreza, AKA the good looking one.
-Thirdly there was a current model Falcon, again with - you guessed it - horrid bling rims and this time tinted windows. The hilarious part is that it was quite clearly a taxi at one stage, because there's big off-yellow shapes where the company stickers used to be! :D

Finally, the pièce de résistance, an S14 Silvia with what is supposed to be a widebody kit. Perhaps the term "widebody parts" would be better, because this thing looked like someone had blown up a ricer convention then let Stevie Wonder have a crack at putting one of the cars back together. The front quarter panels were of course wide (and of a very ugly angular design), but then it just ends (quite sharply) at the A pillar. Things looked similar at the rear. It was very clearly a quick bolt-on job because there was gaps everywhere and the actual chassis is still stock, as evident by the fact that the wheels are tucked away several inches inside the arches. The fuel door is also unchanged and still sunk several inches into the panels, so I'm not entirely sure how the owner would fill the thing without transplanting petrol from a jerry can with a hose or something. The funniest part of all this? Stock brakelights. Wouldn't want it to look cheap now, would they! :rolleyes:

If it's in a good spot for my next appointment I'll try to sneakily take some pictures.


Moving along, a car I already have pictures of/here's one I prepared earlier!

http://members.iinet.net.au/~trinityjayone/BarryCivic1.png

http://members.iinet.net.au/~trinityjayone/BarryCivic2.png

What we have here folks is a car that used to be an EE/EF Civic. Let's take a moment to dissect!

-Milo tin exhaust, on a standard Civic
-Mag wheels, on a standard Civic (at least they were tasteful mags)
-Altezza brakelights
-Whatever the **** that reflective shit between the brakelights is supposed to be
-Retarded slutty stickers all over the back window. The Playboy one is clear, the others I don't remember (this was taken a few weeks back) but they were equally tramp-tastic.
-Driver had her seat tilted way back and was pretty much sitting in the back seat. She's obviously taken inspiration from those super cool VL drivers.

[Clockw0rk]

Should I take my bone stock 100hp 1.8L Corona to a track day? The suspension is so soft I'll probably roll, the seats have no support and I'll be cruising around Taupo Track 2 with a whole bunch of Altezza club members.

[Shorty]

If you plan to modify the Corona in the future, why not? At the very least, pushing it a little on the track will give you an idea on where to start.

[Clockw0rk]

I wouldn't consider modding it until I'm finished with uni, it's just for the lols and a bit of entertainment.

[Shorty]

ZwHXLyrweNM

[Clockw0rk]

Porsche's new 911 has a 7-speed manual. I can't wait to drive it in FM4.

[HiredMan]

Porsche's new 911 has a 7-speed manual. I can't wait to drive it in FM4.

Are you deliberately trying to make me feel bad? :(

[Lazlow]

It'll be the cover star!


























































For NFS The Run :p

[TrinityJayOne]

Someone had a rich wedding in my area yesterday! Saw a three car procession involving a pair of mid-sized Audis in black, being tailed by a white Jag XFR. I'm yet to see a sexier large saloon! For those with a poor memory-

http://members.iinet.net.au/~trinityjayone/jag.jpg

Mmmm...

[enrique]

Saw the same white Mercedes C63 estate three times yesterday. Looked good and sounded great, love that burble from the 6.2L V8 as it drove past.

[nintendo]

Kinda relevant to the Jag,

But I remember my uncle test driving the XF last year, and how freaking uncomfortable it was in the back seat. That curve that makes it look all nice made it feel all shit. Im not that tall, like 189, but I couldn't even sit in the back slouched over like I normally am without my head touching the roof.

He actually ended up not getting it because he figured out that if his kids grew to much, when they were seated in the baby seats their heads would also be touching the roof.

[Clockw0rk]

I was walking to the shops yesterday and saw a brand new Audi R8 V10 driving around the suburb, he must have been doing the laps in his new car as he passed me about 3 times. I saw him pull up and stop at an intersection next to my flat, I considered asking for a ride when a people mover came around the corner a bit too wide, the guy in the R8 said "AHH NOOOO" quite loudly and then it scraped all the way down the side, putting a huge gouge through the driver's door, the carbon fibre vent and the rear quarter. Photos once I've got them off my phone.

[HiredMan]

Hahahahahaha, classic! :D

Serves him right for driving round and round like a tit.

[Clockw0rk]

I felt a little bit bad for him, he had been driving sensibly and the crash was entirely the fault of the other guy. At the same time, he was doing the laps in a crappy neighbourhood for no good reason instead of taking it out on the motorway or something. Seems like a very silly thing to do.

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/1707/crash1l.jpg
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/406/crash3u.jpg
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/3870/crash2i.jpg


And the big one:


http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9319/imag0057bd.jpg

[HiredMan]

The poor bastard that hit him will be up for a very big repair bill.... They'll want to replace the door skin, rear quarter panel, bumper and carbon blade.

[Clockw0rk]

It's a monocoque so they can't replace the rear quarter, it'll just take some very delicate and very expensive panelbeating. Poor guy. The first thing the Audi R8 owner said was "you do realised you've just caused about $50,000 worth of damage?" I hope he's insured.

[Shorty]

tU0r99fyD0U

[Lazlow]

Was behind an 09 Shelby GT500 the other day, puts out a nice note.

[Lazlow]

Anyone want to buy GT race car? (http://www.australiangt.com.au/page/13/For_Sale)

[TrinityJayOne]

I'm assuming those are in no way road legal? >_> Some of the prices seem really cheap for what they claim you get.

[HiredMan]

Nah they're not. I'll take the Cup S thanks, but I'd rather have a 2012 RSR

[Space_Monkey]

Oh dear. :p

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/lamborghini-eight-ferraris-and-three-mercedes-in-3m-supercar-crash/story-e6frf7lf-1226213944391

[Bob the Destroyer]

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i256/BobTheDestroyer/IMG_0231.jpg

My new rig, pretty happy with it

[Shorty]

How long until you put some Chevrolet badges on it? "Only milk and juice come in 2 litres", "F*** off we're full" or Southern Cross bumper stickers optional. :p

[Cerebral]

Im not that tall, like 189

Yeah just a humble 6'2"

[Clift]

The Lamborghini Aventador J (http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/lamborghini-aventador-j-geneva-star-conceived-built-in-six-week/) is quite possibly the sexiest thing I've ever seen! :D

Also, Volkswagen are looking at buying Ducati. I wasn't even aware Ducati was for sale, but apparently they're in massive amounts of debt. /shrug

[enrique]

I'm assuming those are in no way road legal? >_> Some of the prices seem really cheap for what they claim you get.

In some countries (more so Asia I think), a car only has to have a handbrake to be considered road legal-I remember an interview with the head of Porsche Motorsport years ago and he remembered orders coming in from Asia for the 996 Cup car and they would specify a handbrake and it would be assumed the car was meant for the road.

I'll have a 458 GT3 thanks :D Utterly gorgeous.

[Shorty]

Walter Rohrl will return to Pikes Peak (http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/walter-rohrl-returns-to-pikes-peak-2012-03-29) this July, 25 years after his record-setting run.

Q8AzQolK_84

And here's some onboard of Rohrl at another rally.

wdy8CG09rSU