Variance

If you're talking about me, you don't have to be a Nissan guy to point a great deal of what you said didn't make any sense. Who said I was a Nissan guy anyway? And I'll thank you not to call me "boy".

<---Ok, everybody look at my avatar at count to 20. :AH-HA_wink:

Wanton destruction of any car annoys me (provided it's not a total POS worth less than a Klan member's opinion on race relations). Sell it, part it out, hell, give it to charity. Beating the crap out it and destroying it just makes no sense. <_<

Jumbo Shrimp By John DiPietro Date posted: 11-28-2005 Ten years ago, before the flood of current compact SUVs washed over the market, Toyota's RAV4 offered the Gen X and Gen Y folks an SUV that suited their supposedly active lifestyles. Something that could handle foul-weather driving as well as a trip to the slopes or mountain bike trailhead. Something that had relatively small dimensions for an SUV, making it easy to park in the city. Something that had a frugal four-cylinder engine that promised 20-somethings 20-something miles to the gallon. Something journalists dubbed the "cute ute." Well, this is America, the Land of Supersizing, so it was inevitable that the RAV4 would get bigger. And that's exactly what happened with the 2006 Toyota RAV4. Although this new RAV also debuts in Europe this year, they'll be getting the shorter-wheelbase version shown at the 2005 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The difference in length is most noticeable by looking at the rearmost side windows. North America gets a third-seat option, Europe does not. Would this upsizing kill the lovable, agile demeanor of the RAV4? Or would it take Toyota's entry-level SUV to new heights? We couldn't wait to find out so we got hold of a preproduction unit, a V6 Limited that was loaded to the roof rack with options. Grow up already At 181.1 inches in length, the 2006 RAV4 is over a foot longer (14.5 inches) than the outgoing model. It is also arguably more handsome than its forebear. The grille sports Toyota's signature trapezoidal shape, the oversized rub strip on the side is gone, and the greenhouse has a more elegant appearance with its reverse-canted D-pillar. Width is up 3.2 inches, adding to the more aggressive stance. Compared to its chief competitors, the new RAV4 is about the same length as a Honda CR-V (181.3 inches), about 11 inches longer than the Hyundai Tucson and about 8 inches shorter than the midsize Chevrolet Equinox. A lower coefficient of drag (0.33 versus 0.35 previously) promises a quieter ride and better fuel-efficiency at higher cruising speeds. Three trim levels will be available: base, Sport and Limited. Base versions are anything but strippers as the following features are all standard: air conditioning, cruise control, tire-pressure monitor, power windows, power locks, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, keyless entry, an AM/FM/CD system with auxiliary input jack, 215/70/16 tires (V6 versions get 225/65/17s), a six-way (manual) driver seat and a split/reclining/sliding second-row seat. Step up to the Sport and added to the mix are a sport-tuned suspension, alloy wheels wearing 235/55/18 performance tires, foglights, rear privacy glass, spare-tire cover, and color-keyed mirrors, door handles and fender flairs. Limited models feature dual-zone climate controls, heated/power mirrors, a six-disc CD changer and steering wheel controls for the audio system, anti-theft system, chrome grille, color-keyed bumpers, door handles and rear spoiler, power driver seat, alloy wheels with 225/65/17 tires, rear cargo net and leather wrapping for the steering wheel and shift knob. The Safety dance A comprehensive active safety package is standard on all RAV4s and as such, all the high-tech acronyms apply here. Antilock brakes, BrakeAssist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, traction control and Vehicle Stability Control provide peace of mind as well as the ability to save your butt while dealing with the daily risks of urban and suburban driving. Side-impact and side curtain airbags are optional. Come on in and get comfortable Compared to the '05 RAV4, the '06's difference in interior space is immediately noticeable. Toyota claims a 21-percent roomier cabin, and that seems no exaggeration. With the wheelbase stretched 6.7 inches, space for second-row passengers is plentiful — at 38.3 inches, rear legroom is 2 inches greater than a Ford Escape's and an inch less than the Honda CR-V's. And that second-row seat slides fore and aft to cater to passenger and cargo needs — it's not an original idea (Chevy has it in the Malibu Maxx and Equinox) — but a great one nonetheless. Along with the upsizing came the availability of upscale features. Our Limited even had a DVD entertainment system in addition to the leather seating and moonroof. A third seat is optional, and though our test RAV4 didn't have it, we tried it out while at a press event. It should be fine for the kiddies, but adults bigger than 5 feet tall are going to feel cramped back there. Simulated brushed-metallic trim adorns the dash, console and door panels, furthering the uptown image, as do the Optitron gauges and illuminated cupholders up front. Most staffers found the seats supportive and comfortable over long drives, although our tallest staffer (at 6-foot-4), Richard Homan, just didn't fit no matter how much he fiddled with the eight-way power seat. The telescopic feature on the steering wheel was appreciated and rare in this class. The quietude of the cabin impressed everyone, as did the ease with which the second row folded (just flip a lever on the seat side and the seatback flops down, without requiring removal of the headrest in most cases). Not just bigger, but faster, too For the first time, a V6 engine is available in the RAV4. And this ain't no puny 2.5- to 3.0-liter V6. Borrowing a page from the Saturn Vue playbook, Toyota stuffed a burly 3.5-liter V6 (shared with the company's flagship sedan, the Avalon) into the RAV's engine bay. With a forceful 269 horsepower (at 6,200 rpm) and 246 pound-feet of torque (at 4,700 rpm) on tap, this engine gives the RAV4 a decidedly aggressive personality. Coupled to a five-speed automatic and running through an electronic, "on-demand" four-wheel-drive system, our RAV4 scurried to 60 in just 7.1 seconds and was still going strong as it flashed through the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds at 91.2 mph. This means it will lay waste to your snobbish friend's X3 3.0 by about a second in each category. On the street, the RAV4 just moves out quickly whenever you toe into the throttle. The automatic tranny is never caught sleeping — no need to slam your foot to the carpet to coax a downshift. Gear changes are swift and smooth and our average gas mileage, at 19.3 mpg, is commendable given our leadfoot tendencies. Those with more self control should get closer to Toyota's estimates of 20 city and 27 highway. Two-wheel-drive V6 RAVs are rated 1 mpg higher on the highway. The base RAV4 powertrain consists of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 166 hp (up 5 over last year) and 165 lb-ft of torque running through a four-speed automatic gearbox. As with the V6, no manual transmission is available. Mileage estimates are 24/31 (2WD) and 23/29 (4WD). Disc brakes are standard all around, and aided by the best technology available to provide swift and short stopping distances. We scored a best of 120 feet from 60 mph, a performance just 2 feet shy of the highly regarded BMW X3's. Solid and progressive, the pedal feel provided confidence in all driving scenarios. The available four-wheel-drive system operates in front-drive mode for optimum fuel-efficiency until a situation (such as quick acceleration from a stop or while driving on slippery roads) demands four-wheel drive, at which point up to 45 percent of the torque is transferred to the rear wheels. A "4WD Lock" switch allows one to manually select that maximum torque output to the rear wheels. The V6 models come standard with Hill-start Assist Control (which prevents rolling back when on a hill) and Downhill Assist Control (which automatically keeps speed down without the driver having to brake while moving down a steep hill). For those who tow and want to know, the four-banger can pull up to 1,500 pounds while a V6 model can tow up to 3,500 pounds. No longer tiny, but still a dancer With independent suspension at all four corners, the RAV4 incorporates McPherson struts up front along with a double-wishbone setup out back. With tuning set nicely between plush and firm, our Limited delivered a comfy ride over broken-up pavement while remaining responsive and secure on winding two-lanes. Surprisingly, the electric power steering feels well weighted and natural (take note, GM) with no slack at all on-center. With a performance of 61.3 mph through our slalom course, the RAV4 felt confident and well planted. Toyota's overenthusiastic Vehicle Stability Control slapped our wrists and intervened while we were still playing with the RAV's good clean handling fun — we have a recent history of taking issue with Toyota/Lexus traction and stability systems. Overall, we're happy to say that the RAV4 retains its sporty dynamic even though it's grown considerably larger this year, a helluva feat for the chassis engineers. This is how we do it Not only has the 2006 RAV4 moved up in terms of size, it's also managed to broaden its appeal without losing any of its previous spunky and affable personality. Once again, Toyota has shown the automotive world how to build on a model's strengths while still making improvements where needed. Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...rticleId=108153

GM: 2006 Pontiac GTO (black or midnight blue on red or black) Ford: Lincoln Zephyr (black/black) Chrysler: Chrysler SRT-8 (black/black) Euro: BMW 540i (E39) Asian: Infiniti M45 Sport

I have this shirt! :)

I've heard worse...but I've heard better, too.

That "bloated tupperware" ( :rolleyes: ) is what helped bring Nissan back and they've been selling quite well. Crappy sales, are you kidding me? :huh: Nissan and Infiniti have had year-over-year sales increases. They've had a 12.5% sales increase so far this year over the previous year. They all have hollow sounding interiors and Hyundai is leagues better than Nissan... :unsure: Can somebody tell me if I'm just wasting my breath on this guy? <_<

Ah, the "bigger is always better" mentality. Less "robust" parts don't equal a poorly built vehicle. The Titan hasn't been out long enough to judge the durability of its chassis but having said that, Nissan isn't new to making trucks. You still have yet to qualify how all Nissans and Infinitis are garbage and let's face facts: you won't. No modern car manufacturer that sells in America today has an entire line of vehicles that's junk. Are you ready to retract that assinine statement now?

Yes, because he drives an Acura his entire point is invalid. :rolleyes:

So you're basing your opinion of an entire company on the interior of one Nissan car? That makes zero sense. :huh: Oh, and you do realize Nissan and Renault are autonomous from each other for the most part, right?

It'd be nice if you'd could quantify this (and you're being all-sweeping about it at that). Have you personally owned or even test-driven any Nissan or Infiniti vehicles to say something like that?

Feliz cumpleaños y día feliz del pavo. :P

TOKYO — Lexus is ready to spring the next development in the compact IS story, according to sources in Japan. North America has already welcomed the impressive new 2006 IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans. But at January's Detroit show, Lexus will unveil a concept teaser pointing to a sleek and different new IS coupe/cabrio, sources say. A successor to the U.S.-designed LF-C concept displayed at the 2004 New York Auto Show, the Detroit 2006 IS concept is much closer to production, it's said, and points to what will be appearing in U.S. showrooms in August 2007. Complete with power-operated top, the Detroit car reportedly packs a 5.0-liter V8 with 450-hp output. This will be a bored-out version of the 4.6-liter V8 from the new Lexus LS 460 premier sedan, which will have its official production launch at Detroit. Lexus is also tipped to be readying an IS 500 sedan to target the likes of the Mercedes C55 AMG and BMW M3. What this means to you: A cool new Lexus IS coupe/cabrio sounds perfect for the United States, and a lusty 5.0-liter V8 sweetens the pot still further. Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=108126

In the first of a new series of Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May head for the Isle of Man to decide which is best: the new baby Aston Martin - the V8 Vantage, BMW M6 or Porsche 911 Carrera S; car cultures clash when the Austin Healey Sprite takes on a Peugeot 307 in a hill climb challenge and a supercar - the Ascari AKZ1 takes to the track. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4...9421&q=top+gear *Broadband might help you out.

If you want to see Top Gear's review of it, here's the video link to the episode (I heart Google Video): http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4...9421&q=top+gear

Shame it'll sell like a bag of rocks as it goes with all BMW wagons.

As I've said before, the only vehicles that have been having higher than average (for Nissan at least) problems are the brand-new vehicles (Titan, Quest, Armada, QX56) coming out of the new plant (Canton, MS) staffed with relatively new workers. They've been improving the quality of those products as well. On some other forums I frequent, buyers of later 2005 and 2006 models of the afforementioned have mentioned how improved they are over the earlier versions (of course, as goes with every company, the are those customers who have had trouble-free experiences with even the earlier products). There's no reason to think as the workers build more vehicles and gain more experience that the quality won't continue to improve.

I don't know...I'm always tetering between liking and hating the Z4's design. I like the overall shape but there are times where I don't really care for the wrinkled shirt styling of the sides.

The Solstice doesn't resemble any car Pontiac made decades ago that I can remember.

New clearer images + interior pictures.

Toyota really isn't wasting any time utilizing their new partnership with Subaru.

DIANA T. KURYLKO | Automotive News Posted Date: 11/22/05 Mercedes-Benz has decided to keep the 26-year-old G-Class SUV in production after 2006 because of solid demand for the massive vehicle. The 5,545-pound G-Class, formerly named the Gelaendewagen, is based on a military vehicle. It was launched in 1979, and was scheduled to disappear in the 2007 model year, when a new full-sized SUV is launched. "We found there is still demand for it," a Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman said last week. U.S. sales totaled 1,491 units in 2004 and are running at a slightly slower pace this year. Sales through October totaled 1,088, down 8.4 percent from the year-ago period. The 2005 G500 is $81,675 including shipping, while the AMG G55 version, powered by a 469-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V-8, is priced at $105,275 including shipping. Mercedes has not introduced a 2006 G-Class. The spokesman said Mercedes has not decided on future engine configurations for the G-Class or if both the G55 and G500 versions are needed. "We are investigating the possibility of a diesel powerplant in it," the spokesman said. The decision to keep producing the G-Class means the full-sized SUV scheduled for the 2007 model year likely will be called the GL. It will be produced in Vance, Ala., alongside the M-Class SUV. The G-Class will continue to be built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. The plant has turned out more than 185,000 units since production began. Link: http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103638

STUTTGART — Spy photographs suggest DaimlerChrysler's Dodge subsidiary may be working on a hot-rod version of its forthcoming Nitro SUV, perhaps a model from the Chrysler Group's high-performance SRT brand. But Dodge executives are still evaluating the possibility of such a model and say it's too early to make a decision. A Dodge spokeswoman told Inside Line, "I can't imagine" the company would do a Nitro SRT. The base-model Nitro will come out next year as a 2007 model. Although recent reports have said the Nitro will go into production in about a year, a different Dodge spokeswoman told Inside Line that production could come sooner. She added, "I would think [the production model] would use" the 210-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine from the Nitro prototype and Jeep Liberty SUV, with which the Nitro shares mechanical underpinnings. The Nitro seems likely to come in both two- and four-wheel-drive configurations. With Chrysler Group vehicles "there's never just one model," said one of the spokeswomen. Neither had information about a different sort of Nitro recently captured by spy photographers: one that apparently has low-profile tires, 20-inch wheels, and a modified air intake. What this means to you: If the spies are right, this is a hot rod to look forward to from DCX. Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=108098

For the 100th post in the Signature/Avatar Test thread, I present "Bouncing Beach Bewbs: Version 2". B)