Stew

Fantastic acceleration numbers and it seems to have a decent ride/handling balance. May still check out one in a few years.

As you all know I recently purchased a 2012 Beetle Turbo. The reasons i went with the Beetle is because I needed something with decent fuel mileage and got a great deal. It helps that it is somewhat unique and is a really good driver. Basics: 2012 Beetle Turbo 2.0T/6 speed manual Base turbo (18 inch instead of 19 inch rims, no fender audio or sunroof, etc, etc) 53k miles when purchased, now a little over 55k Dealership had to replace all brake rotors and pads because they were shot Price $10,900 Exterior: It is a Beetle and unabashedly so. I really like this generation. I was never a big fan of the New Beetle, but I love the changes they made here rom the details to the less "bubbly" roof. I like the additional touches on the turbo such as the spoiler which is blacked out on top and body color on the bottom. IMHO, the standard 18 inch rims look better than the optional 19s, especially against the platinum gray paint. Interior: The styling inside is fantastic. Inspired by the original Beetle interior, they really knocked it out of ballpark. It has lots of gimmicks, which I actually like. The plastics are hard on the dash and dorr panels, but the arm rests on the door is soft. All the switch-gear feels good and is easy to use. I love the bluetooth because of it's simplicity. I had no issue syncing my phone and the calling and audio streaming work great. This is the base audio system though, so there is no touchscreen. It is surprisingly roomy thanks to the tall roof and airy cabin. This shape also allows great sight-lines. I also like the fact that the mirrors are actually large enough to be usable. I love the interior ambient lighting in the upper doors and around the speakers which can be lit in one of 3 different colors. I also love the feel of the thick flat-bottom steering wheel. It isn't all peachy though. i have yet to find the perfect comfort position in the seat. I wish it had a power seat because I think hat would make it a lot easier and would allow additional adjustments. There are no USB ports for phone charging, but there is a nice cubby in the center stack with a standard power outlet that works well and keeps the cord out of the way. NO ARMREST?!?! I believe hs was an option, but why? Kind of ticks me off, but I have adjusted. I also believe a 2012 VW should have standard stereo controls (at least) on the steering wheel. I had them in my 2000 Grand Prix after all. The Drive: I find this car overall a very enjoyable drive. Yes, there is some body roll, but overall it is very controlled. It takes into corners very well and has enough stick to out-stick me. The engine has a bit of turbo lag, but when it hits it feels very good and has no problem moving this 3100 pound car with aplomb and plent of juice to be entertaining. The engine is normally very smooth, though i am noticing some intermittent surging, ma just need a good tune-up. THe six speed is pretty slick, though the throws aren't the shortest ever. The clutch required a learning curve as i was used to the stiff clutch in m truck and the VW clutch is very easy to move through it range with far less resistance. The MPG has been fantastic. Doing roughly 70-80% highway i am averaging 32-34 MPG. THe car is highway rated by the EPA for 30, so i am very pleased there. Overall I am really enjoying this car as my daily driver. It isn't perfect by any means, but it is fun, rides well, and gets great FE. It also gets lots of attention, so far all of it is positive. I do worry about reliability and have no issue admitting this purchase was probably more from the heart than the brain, but we will see what happens.

I love the current regal and am looking forward to the next. I like the idea of an NA or turbo 6 as that would further set the Regal apart from the Malibu, here anyway.

Thanks guys! Frisky, we talked about that while we were taking the photos. They are so different in every aspect, yet they look totally at home together.

And one of the Dakota in the hills yesterday lol.

Got lots more, but these are just some of my favorites.

I think I am maxed out on money haha. I started out with a Hellcat, but changed my mind. I don;t need 707 HP and SRT carries a lot less weight over the front end, yet retains the Hellcat's suspension, brakes, and tires. I think \the GC would be a good dail driver, the RUbicon would be a blast to take the top off and hit the hills, the Challenger is the perfect cruiser.long distance runner, and the 1LE for when the curves need straightened in a hurry

hmmmm 1 GC Trailhawk 43k 2. 2 Door Wrangler Rubicon 35k 3. Challenger SRT392 50k 4. Camao SS 1Le 45k

I think I read they would only let each manufacturer send 1 vehicle. I can kind of see he point because 12 is already a pretty huge field for a comparison. I do like the idea of having some of the less powerful cars have their own BDC type event and hey, gives us a second article to look forward to.

Makes me happy that the Viper, 1LE, and GT350R all put up great finishes.

The idea of electric is great for some areas, bu here it isn't feasible yet. We don't have the infrastructure for it and few if any public charging stations. I think offering both would be great actually, along with the 2.0T as a base gas engine. I figure this would be much smaller and lighter than a Pacifica or any of the other more conventional vans so the engines wouldn't need huge power to keep the Microbus moving.

I love that van concept! I remember seeing it and wondering why they don't bring it into production. VW has a storied history they could really build off of if they just would. Amarok, Scirroco, and a new Microbus would be great starts to building a better, more popular, and more profitable brand. I also think just scuttling the TDIs is a horrible idea. Fix the emission issues and get them back out there. Scandals don't last forever. Look at the Toyota unintended acceleration and the GM ignition scandal. The sales hits were few and short. Imagine a TDI Microbus that gets around 40 MPG with the diesel torque.

Exactly, and it wouldn't be an issue at all to slap a new grill on the Pacific and bring the Caravan back. I have noticed all mentions of vehicles on the new platform are for Dodge, but crickets for Chrysler. Fiat needs o be killed here or completely revamped too.

The only one I worry about not being around is Chrysler. They will have what, 2 models once the 200 runs it's course if they don't find a replacement partner? Dodge is actually holding it's own very well with basically every model seeing increases in sales. i have heard there will be quite a few changes to the platform before the rest of brand gets it, a lot to decrease cost.

Oops, should have mentioned mine is the 6 speed manual. You are correct though.

Such a wide array of variables. HP and torque under the curve, etc. My little Beetle surprises me. Roughly 3100 pounds with 200 HP and 207 tq. The power band is really stout which means power is always abundant and I can climb most of the grades around here in 6th gear and even have some juice in reserve. 0 to 60 is the mid 6s which is perfectly fine for fun to drive.

thanks!

They could also bring their midsize pickup in (name escapes me right now), I think that would be a massive hit as well. While it would be awesome o have with a diesel, I think a lineup or turbo 4s (1.8t and 2.0t) along with the VR6 from the Passat would make this an interesting and popular entry into this rebounding segment. I think a new van that looks like the original VW van would also bring in quite a few sales. I mean seriously, who else could do a retro minivan and catch the hearts and minds of the people. It would have an appeal to those in the segment that don't just want a 2 box minivan. Admittedly, I may be certifiable ya'll

This is a tough one for me. Since the CC is off limits, at least that leaves one extra spot in my top 5 to fill. I am also only concentrating on FWD models. 1. 2015+ Chrysler 200S V6 1992-1995 Taurus SHO manual trans 1997-2003 Grand Prix GTP 1998-04 Regal GS And just to throw everyone off: 2011 Camry Sport V6

The Scirocco is a beauty and I think bringing it may help with the brands lagging sales and the current sting of the diesel issues.

I like what I am seeing. i am hoping for the new turbo in here.

What VW did was wrong as was what GM did with the ignition issue, Toyota with the unintended acceleration, and Takata with their airbag issues. Hopefully they have all learned. I don't think it is a bad thing at all when a manufacturer realizes their is a problem and does a recall. Things are changing. I do hope VW gets their emission issues fixed because they had a great thing going with their TDI cars and I hate to see them pull them out of the US completely.

On the Cascada, why not put the 2.0T in there? It would probably get better FE too as it shouldn't have to stay quite as far in the boost all the time to keep it going. The 1.6T would be reat in a maybe a sporty Cruise or even Sonic model. I agree with the Encore (and Trax) too.

After 2 years, 3 max as they get their special models out, I believe they will have to start piling incentives on the Camaro just to move it. I hate that as it is an excellent driving car, but it also has a lot of little issues such as visibility. Looking at coupes and particularly if I was in the market for a turbo 4 or 6, I would look for a gently used ATS coupe. My brother got a loaded 15 ATS could for the low 30s with only 4900 miles on the clock. It was an AWD with the V6 too with driver assist and ever option Cadillac offers. That is slightly optioned 1LT Camaro territory.