New Cars Thread
 

So I'm officially addicted to reading Autoblog and trying to figure out what kind of car I'd like to get next given that I'm fed up with driving a big-ass brick-mobile. Every time there is a new car show I flock to the site and look at all the new concept vehicles, the new revised versions of old cars, and the new launches.

Right now my hot list is comprised mostly of AWD or potentially AWD sporty sedans or 5-doors:

2008 Mazda Atenza (aka 2009 Mazda 6) - If this thing could come with AWD, it would be great. The styling is pretty much perfect for my taste, with 5-door hatch making it a bit more useable. The lack of a Mazdaspeed variant is a little confusing though, especially since they showed a Mazdaspeed-alike at the Tokyo Auto Salon show (it's what, a trim package?).

2008/9 Subaru Legacy (turbodiesel) - Motor Trend claims close to 50 mpg, which is fantastic. I'll wait and see what the pricing is like. Also wondering if it will go with the current styling or if it'll only come out with a refresh.

2009? Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback - Same great drive-train from the Ralliart (which is in turn, lifted from the Evolution MR). Twin-clutch (with no clutch peddle) with paddle shifters and an automatic mode means I can actually drive it without going to driving school again to learn how to do a manual before I get into an expensive new car (and potentially wreck it). AWD plus space means it's functional enough for me, and the looks are great on paper. If it has a lower stance then it may mean better handling, but who knows for sure. The nose seems lifted from the Concept RA, which is a big plus over the regular Ralliart.

You should add the BMW 123d to that list... assuming it ever makes it to the US.

http://jalopnik.com/assets/resources...ries_3door.jpg

Turbo diesel, BMW luxury, entry-level pricing.

It's more expensive than the 325xi though, and has two less doors (which takes it off my list then). I will never drive a coupe again, especially with a kid on the way.

I won't disagree that it's a nice looking car, though, with potential. The turbodiesel version of the 3-series is probably more my speed, but it's firmly out of my price range.

Heck, at the low end of the power (and price) range the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS with the CVT sounds rather nice (and improved over the 08 model in several respects). $21K "nicely equipped" undercuts the Mazda 6's nicer trims, but it definitely isn't AWD either.

Looks like the Subaru Legacy 2.0D will only sport a new "Boxer Diesel" badge as the cosmic difference.

The M-sport package version of the 123d looks even nicer. :)

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/06/b...-only-diesels/

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Looks like the 2008 Mazda Atenza comes in a whole bevvy of trims. I was just playing around with the Japanese site's build configuration tool and noticed that the top two trims are 6-speed automatic "4WD" 2500cc models.

http://www.w-tune.com

I'm just waiting for an update on Mazda's 16X project.

You're slipping Bob!

Here's what he's talking about: http://ezinearticles.com/?Mazda-16x-...gine&id=945714

1.6L direct-injection 2-rotor w/ aluminum housing. More torque with less fuel, and weighing less than the venerable 13B rotory we've seen for years.

Sounds like a perfect motor to bring back the RX7 with! :devil:

Hopefully they can bring some of that great design work they've been putting into the newer concept vehicles and the production cars into the RX7, because the RX8 and Miata looks awfully stale in comparison to the new Mazda 6.

Boo. The diesel Legacy isn't coming to the US. :(

Specualtion was always that it would be Impreza/Forester in the US, in a couple years. No diesel ever?

No, just not the one they released in this model year, I guess. The engine doesn't meet California standards for clean diesel, only Europe's.

BMW is bringing the 335d to the states this fall. Twin Turbo Diesel.

Wow. I likey:

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mitsu...oncept/659339/

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...5a3e556744.jpg

Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype S

I test drove both an '08 Legacy 2.5i and '08 Impreza 2.5i yesterday. . . I really like the Legacy, and I do not like the Impreza very much.

Anything more specific? LOL

Well, the Impreza feels like a huge downgrade in all aspects when compared to the Legacy, much more than a mere $3000 price difference would have you believe. While the new suspension is a bit better than what you used to get on a stock Impreza, it's still taller and less sophisticated than the Legacy suspension, and therefore leans more in corners and rides rougher. The base Impreza also stepped backwards to steel wheels and rear drum brakes. :( The interior sucks, too. It was ugly and uncomfortable. I felt kinda silly while sitting in it.

The Legacy feels a lot classier, and still offers better performance in just about every aspect. The exterior seems more refined, with minimal wheel gap, a lower stance, nice 17" wheels and better tires, and little extras like moonroof, etc. The interior is much more comfortable and attractive. The suspension rides more comfortably, yet is more confident in corners, with less body-roll. The 5MT is also buttery-smooth. I think the only con that I found was in the fact that 2.5 liters don't go quite as far when coupled with the slightly heavier chassis. . . but it seems to be geared well, so it wasn't a big deal.

I'll probably go for a Legacy next, if I decide to get rid of the Impreza. And I just might. . . I'm kinda tired of having something that everyone else expects to be a WRX.

Oh, and I sat in the white '08 STi that they have sitting in the showroom. . . there's a nice, sporty interior that's a lot roomier than it looks from the outside! The seats are apparently still made for large people, unfortunately.

Dude, the STi seats are too big for *me*.

<- classified as "DAMN..." on the general size scale of S, M, L, XL.......

I don't know what Subaru was thinking. The bugeye WRX seats are the best seats Subaru has had in the US.

I just picked up some Sparco Milanos for the STi. I need something with real shoulder bolsters. That's what I get for getting used to a Recaro in the wagon for so long.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/28/s...th-new-curves/

Goddamnit it looks like changed US 2009 Mazda 6 has Down Syndrome and wearing head-gear.

Argh, this would be a perfect time for that body kit that looks like its smiling....

my google is failing me.

That thing is hideous.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...bw_priddy1.jpg
http://www.dvdfuture.com/images/uplo...ght-freaks.jpg

Why do the American arms of car companies insist on making things ugly? Ford is the worst culprit, but we're seeing it again here with Mazda, and I'm sure other companies do it too.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...fiesta_web.jpghttp://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...oor_450-op.jpghttp://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...---001_450.jpg

Battle of the "3-door" hatches!

The 4-door version of the 2 looks pretty nice as well.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...03566s_opt.jpg

Mazdaspeed 2 (Demio) Concept from Tokyo Auto Salon, a while back:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...io-(15)450.jpg