What exactly is a “Passat-on-’roids cum Ford Five Hundred”?

Not exactly something i wanted in my head before lunch that is for sure.

Yet another winner from Ford. Their products get better and better. Now, please Alan turn your attention to your dealer network. It is never a pleasent experience to walk into a Ford dealer. (At least here in the Northwest)

WOAH, styling cues that come from Ford’s cars in Europe. They should have done this a long time ago. I’m not a big Ford fan, but it’s hard to ignore this kind of styling.

The seating looks really nice but the dash and center stack look too fussy. A bit overdone like many of the Japanese models. My only real complaint though is that they chose to resurrect Taurus (500) as a “replacement” for the Crown Vic. The Fusion is really the market that the old Taurus fit into. This new Taurus is just too big to truly be fun for younger people to drive. It’s what my dad (or grandfather) would think of a “sporty.” Wish Ford could have done more with the Fusion platform and package instead.

Mulletmaster

(referring to fish or hair?)

If you look at the profile of a 1998 era VW Passat, the Five Hundred possesses more than a subtle similarity to the VW.

“AdvanceTrac Stability control is optional” – I thought Ford was going to make this standard on all cars by like 2010? They can’t even make it standard on it’s flagship?

It does look nice, the styling is what I want to see out of Ford, fluid and not as hard edged as some fo their previous attempts. Large sedans are one of my favorite segments, I love cars like the RL, A6 and M35, they are to me what people should be looking at and not SUV’s if you need room. I think this leaps over the new Maxima due to the Nissan’s poor interior quality, I was very, very dissapointed and the Avalon for not being boring and the Lucerne for being on such an old platform.

Oh, and I forgot my most important point – doesn’t this make the MKS pointless in almost everything?

Jake, if you ever need to push cows off the road the Lincoln grill is much more suitable. I see the MKS being a big hit in the dairy states.

Damn this is a nice car Ford! I love the Thunderbird and Interceptor Concept cues. The side profile is mean, sporty, and sophisticated all at the same time. This WILL sell well.

@ricky_b Hopefully when Ford sees the positive reactions to this and the sales figures they’ll do either a refresh or complete make-over for the Fusion

@JakeK66 I was wondering about the MKZ not the MKS as it’s closer in price. With a fully-loaded Taurus topping out at the base of the MKZ I would tag that first.

Mark E, not sure if you’ve driven the SHO yet but the folks at a competitor didn’t give it the high sporting marks that I had hoped for. They say its more of a sporty luxocruiser, and that unless you’re going in a straight line the SEL is the better bet plus $10K cheaper. Would you concur?

Also, Mark, did you see mileage averaging near the estimates on this model? Said competitors said they didn’t. For my next daily sedan (due in a year) I’m a bit torn between the SEL or Limited here, or the Fusion Sport with a few options. This thing looks great and the interior seems fantastic, but it is also quite huge, and I think the Fusion Sport is maybe more fun to drive. What’s your verdict on that?

One other thing – I agree with mullet. Words like “‘roids” and “cum” have no business being even in the same paragraph, much less in the same sentence. But I’m not “dicking” with you … your write ups are top notch and concise.

Mr Mayor, uh er, Mayer!

Drove the SHO as well and honestly didn’t get near EPA ratings. But we were not driving it easy as in a drive to the mall or such. Up- and downshifts on mountain roads do take a toll on the mileage and our experience was no exception. Now if you lived down here in Flat, Humid Florida, your mileage may have been better. Bottom line is the Taurus is a luxo/high performance cruiser that handles well but it is not a car for track day at Infineon or Laguna Seca.

Go for the SEL and option it carefully, because you’ll quickly find yourself in Limited $$$ territory. Unless you are cool with that, then go for the full Limited model.

Thanks for the heads up on Cum. I’ll inform all the colleges and universities that they need to make the top honors “Magna Come Laude” now. Ha!

Thanks for reading!

As much as I Like imports Like the Nissan Skyline GT-R Spec V the world Fastest production car and the New maybe ustaging Lexus LF-A Supercar. However, I will still look at an American brand that product looks and performs exceptionally well. I believe this new Taurus qualifies. I will be interested in the upscaled SHO super sedan by Ford Motor. It looks like a great drivers car. We shall see!. I see a number of magazines have already name it Car of the Year and I can see with all the Techno goodies it carries that could auger well for Ford Motor Company!

they need to make a 2 door coupe with a sportier look

btw the vyron is the worlds fastest production car

Everything sounds good but the exterior styling is really nothing to talk about. Not unattractive but just not that different than many cars out there. Kinda derivative.

I kinda liked the five hundreds looks. But I really like the new Taurus.
If Obama still lets us have cars I’ll buy one.

SoCalFiveO I meant for the Commoner not the Aristocrat. But I can agree with you there. Nothing can catch that the Bugatti Veyron after 1/4 mile marker it just pulls away from other exotics as if they were park on the side of the road at a stand still -but then again when you have 1,001 HP on tap you can do that. and at 2.5 sec 0-60 is nothing to sneeze at. which is faster than the fastest speed bike in the world 0-60 @ 2.6 sec which is the mighty Suzuki Hayabusa.

anyone wlse notice the thickness of the rear seat??? HOLY FNCK!!!!!!!!!

But back to the NEW 2010 Ford Taurus! This is an exciting Product. I think the New Taurus is something special, and I think that SHO will blow everything else in its class right off the map. And that goes for more powerful competitors and even though cars like G8 GXP may have more Horsepower it might as well forgetaboutit, when you take into account the AWD the GXP can give it a Rest!

wow i love this car .. ford has a hit and everyone know its .. an all white sho for me please

the only question i have, from a business perspective, is how broad will the market be for big sedans in this range…i’m really excited to see ford putting out cars that garner comments like “world class” in reviews, such as this one…with cars like this, the new fiesta, etc. i think things are looking pretty good for ford…but this kind of quality needs to be spread throughout their lineup…

That exterior looks quite nice, similar to the ‘concept’ stuff, enough to be called ‘the same’ as the concept i guess, that interior i’m not sure about the spedo/tacho etc… but everything else is great.. all very ‘world class’

nice one ford!

This car is simply astonishing. The amount of work that has gone into it is visible from every angle inside and out. My only concern is the price. I understand its a flagship and all but I read on Edmunds.com that a fully loaded SHO will sticker for bout 48K. I like ford and all but at that price its playing against some really serious competition. I think I have to just get over the Brand and look at the car…..if I do that it makes more sense.

But for 50 Large Id MUCH rather have a CTS 3.6. Period

In one respect I agree with LWA (which means there is still a glimmer of hope for him): I also wanna hear “world class” on the Fusion now and Fiesta next year. I think Ford is there, but reviewers are hesitant to say it still.

LWA, I think there is a good market in this size/price class. Many older people are rethinking buying that overpriced large car now, you got the 30/40-somethings who still need to tow their brood around, and then you have the young indebted poseurs who can’t afford to pose much more.

And even though I have little need for a sedan, really, I find them cool and although this is big, it is very compelling. It’s huge but the mileage ratings are good, the quality is there, I don’t care about brand, chicks over 25 actually like sedans, and when the folks are out (about 2 months/year) I can haul them around or throw them the keys (omits the chance for a manual). I can do the same thing in a Fusion too, but this thing looks more like a beast in the pics. Plus when I hop in and drive to California it sounds like it will be damned comfortable.

Ugly design.Design by committee is alive and well at FORD.

Note the chrome plastic badge bar across the read trunk lid isn’t even aligned with the Honda Accord-like useless indentations in the side doors and rear quarter.

I like everything but the grill. WTF is up with that?

Nice design overall Ford, but wtf is with the warts on the rear bumper?? Reminds me of a Chevy Cavalier. They totally ruin an otherwise upscale design.

Twobolt

I have Ford on the line. Their design committee says they have one more spot for a committee member, and also would like to know whether you would like the side creases raised up or the rear logo lowered.

And while i’m at it, what is the reason for blocking the drivers side lower air intake? The difference between the left and right sides is obvious and just looks dumb. Owners better be prepared to explain that one to their puzzled friends and neighbors.

Keldon,

I’ll esplain it all for you!

The warts you complain of on the rear bumper are the sensors for the rearward and cross traffic assist options when you throw the car into reverse. On the front, the radar cone for the adaptive cruise control sits under that cover.

Mark, thanks. But from a design standpoint, I don’t like either of them. Its too bad Ford couldn’t have found better ways to conceal that stuff.

Ford is making sweet products right now. Except the Taurus X, Escape, Ranger and Focus, I would actually buy. The Taurus looks just great, I’m glad it looks exactly like the clay model that was leaked a long time ago.

Actually keldon, they did a good job with hiding those radar sensors – the best I’ve ever seen, even on premium make cars. Aren’t you the one who said to not talk about design opinions on these message boards?

4000 lbs for the FWD version and 4200 lbs for the AWD Haldex based version?? That’s Merecedes-Benz S550 weight folks. And Mercedes S550 fuel economy. A BMW 528i weighs in at a comparably svelte 3500 lbs.

A FWD Passat, by comparison, weighs in at around 3400 lbs.

The captains of industry that drive S550s probably aren’t as affected by wildly fluctuating retail fuel prices (50% retail price jump since November) as are consumers shopping cars in the $25,000 price range.

No hybrid version??? That may be unforgivable in the eyes of the younger market segment, assuming that is who Ford is targeting all this “convenience high tech” to. And speaking of “convenience high tech”….Microsoft Sync? So what? FIATs have Microsoft Blue and Me, a far more sophisticated blue-tooth and web browsing technology.

With the silly fender vents (NON-FUNCTIONAL) I’m sure Ford has put together a capable competitor for the Buick Lucerne.

But can it compete, dollar for dollar, with the Hyundai Genesis?

It’s just that the Fusion, can do everything that the new Taurus can, plus one thing the Taurus cannot – achieve 40 mpg in combined cycle driving. And it sports a shape more in line with Ford’s Euro designs. And the Fusion is currently selling quiet well thanks to the hybrid model. Some 12,000 per month even in these tough times.

yeah… passat on roids? wtf?

Admittedly, this new Taurus is a decent effort and far better than the 500/last gen Taurus. Sadly, it seems, though, that Ford cannot seem to come up with original design. Though it looks decent, it is hard to pin any original design cues on this car. It seems like a desperate attempt to be different without really being original. 19″ wheels and a bizarre grille/splitter do not make a car good looking.

Bankruptcy2009 @ 6/22, 1:38p

You might want to reconsider your definition of “Commoner”. Without a doubt $1.3M for a Veyron is not everyday people money, but neither is just short of $73K for a regular GT-R35 for get the $160K for VSpec. Forgetting the huge dealer mark-up and the fact NISSAN on Will make maybe 10-20 VSpec a year. I doubt any of them sold outside Japan will go for less than $200K and almost all of them will either be looked away forever and beaten to death in Dubai and parts thereabouts.

If you are looking for a “Supercar for the Proletariat”, then try looking at cars an actual middle class person would and could buy WITHOUT winning the lotto or some huge lawsuit, or saving on a starvation budget for 10 years just to make the down payment. Being realistic you are going to be looking at the MUSTANG GT500, CAMARO SS, CHALLENGER SRT-8 (Needs suspension tuning bad), the 370Z NISMO (Not as impressive as it looks trust me), RX-8, Lexus IS-F (Probably the ONLY reason why TOYOTA has not yet made a new SUPRA), The Infinti G-37 Coupe (W/ AWD), and fairly extensive list of performance and Sports cars that top out under $50K and you can actually get if you go to the appropriate dealer.

Also, as you are looking at people who work for living and can not afford to have more than one car person, assuming one for the each driver in a household. Driving the crazy-fastest car in the universe is not high on their list. Even if you could buy a GT-R35 or most of the cars I listed, the sad fact is that scarcely a handful of applicable drivers have access to a track of any type where they can drive their car as designed and frankly they don’t care. For the most part, these cars will never be pushed over 50% of what they can do and then only once every other cosmic event.

Sad but true.

Also, the GT-R35 Vspec still is NOT the fastest Production car. That title traditionally goes to top speed champions. The minimum qualifier is 200mph regardless of price. In which case the ZR-1 and the VIPER ACR still beat the car happily. The Z06 is faster as well. The Official Champion is the SSC Ultimate Aero at 257mph, I think. You really need to get familiar with the GT-R35’s actual mission and not the fantasy that lingers around the car like a noxious fume.

Oop. The GT-R35 tops out and around 193-195mph. Not too shabby but it is likely due to the dubiously designed but slippery body and little less. It probably needs more than 3 miles to get there.

Passat-on-’roids cum Ford Five Hundred?? WTF!

I think the car has improved in many ways. However, I find the exterior and interior layout too busy. I also don’t like the steering wheel or the shifter design. It’s not elegant as it’s Japanese competitors.

Meh…too big, too bland, too thirsty, too heavy.

This car will sell as well as the 2008 Taurus.

I see many are forgetting that this is a full size car. This is NOT meant to be small. So if a large car can get 28 mpg, thats pretty good. Name others that do vastly better???

And an S550 is nearer to 4600lbs +. So is the new 7 series…even heavier.

I have driven the SHO…it is a sporty luxocruiser and is great at it! Good power, very linear, no dead spot in the powerband. Ride is firmer than you’d expect from Ford Taurus for sure. Handled very nicely without alot of roll and transitioned from grip to slip very neutral fashion. The model I drove didn’t even have the “Performance Package” that will give it taller gearing, stiffer suspension, and some more trans/steering tuning.

For the price of a loaded LTD, you’d have an entry level ES350 or an Avalon (Talk about unoriginal styling!). Personally, I’m not longer in support of import brands. I truly don’t believe they are built any better and after seeing the interior on this car, I know so. And LLN just posted more stats to back that. Start supporting your countries manufacturers! I never see anyone here pick apart any imports they way we do American cars. The Taurus is a huge stup up from the 500 which had such a short life because Ford recognized what a **** up it was. Why can’t anyone praise them for acting so quickly. Man! No love here!

I like this new Ford!
What?
I SAID I LIKE THIS NEW FORD!
But…….having said that, the Chrysler 300 will be redesigned next year.
The G8 is already a better value
The Avalon is old, and it can get to about 6 seconds, like the SHO, due to being close to 3500 pounds, and it has a SWEET interior

The new Ford does have a better interior than the current G8 and 300

Anybody expecting 100k sales, expect to be disappointed.
The first year will get close, than it will settle into about 60-70k a year.
I think the next 300 will steal any thunder this Ford has.
It’s nice, just not that nice.

And it has a Ford’s big heffer ass!
LOL!
DrFill

No BLakarr the SCC Aero is not truely a production car. Their don’t make their own motor. Its a slapped together POS that should be marked POS.. The Veyron is the Fastest car in the World. and No the V=Spec is the Fastest at less than 100K – $69,000 dollars ok Sorry but that’s the way it is!

As far as the 300 is concerned, well Chrysler is going to have to deliver big time with that model. You have a lot of folks that aren’t happy about with the bailout, refusing to buy anything out of Auburn HIlls.

Bankruptcy2009,

Sorry to disappoint you again, chum, however the terms of “production” is not set by a set minimum number of units made each year. the SSC is still in production and let’s be fair the car cost slight south of $700K, though truthfully I think most large manufacturer would knock this one out of less than half. You can make only 10 cars a year, the Bugatti Veyron and SSC ULTIMATE AERO each for example, and it still counts. Or just 10 a year for one year and it still counts as production, though dubiously. The SSC is still in production if you are wondering.

I am sorry if you think so poorly of a Corvette engine. But that is your imperfection not mine. Mind you many of the fastest cars in the world use someone else’;s engine. the Veyron is a VW engine. The McLaren F1, still one of the fastest production cars ever and they made maybe 100 of those, was a Mercedes Engine. The Koenigsegg CC8S and likely the CCX uses a FORD 4.6L V8 modded nearly beyond recognition. Lotus uses TOYOTA engines regularly. Just because you disapprove of the source engine or the car it is in does not grant credence to disallow the truth that the SSC ULTIMATE AREO has a CONFIRMED top speed of 257mph. The VEYRON’s was never confirmed but was said to be about 254mph.

Your trying to split hairs again with the price and at odd angles. It would not matter anyway. The “Standard” C6 CORVETTE as fast as the GT-R35, the Z06 is faster and less expensive than the GT-R35 and trying to conveniently cut off the price at $69K means you know just who is faster AND costs less. C6 CORVETTE is flat out faster again. Trying to cut it off so the ZR-1 at $107K would not count… wait the VIPER ACR costs about $90K even and it IS faster the the Vspec, which by your own settings can not be counted because it goes for $160K and it isn’t really any faster than the standard GT-R35.

You can backtrack and say “fastest at NURBURGRING” for the money range YOU set but then the VIPER ACR beats that argument with a tire iron. 7min 22sec… Yes, I know the VIPER ACR’s time is unofficial but it is still real.

“Fastest in the rain”? Who races streetcars in the rain, except in anime and dumb@ss fools with a deathwish?

PLEASE check ALL your data, caveats and all. You keep missing wide on details and now you’re just missing wide.

Sorry, chum, but THAT is how it is.

Kinda big, pricey and gas-guzzly.
I think the next generation Fusion is going to be more attractive in 3 years.

No I Would agrue that one into the ground Blakarr. THE GT-R Pound for Pound is a Faster Car than the Corvette. And in terms of real world driving a Corvette would not keep up in all weather conditions. LOL
so laugh that off. The Veyron is a Solid Car the SCC Aero is a Piece of Junk in comparison and I’d be willing to bet that at its barely 3 to 4 MPH at TOP END its Shaking like a Mother where as the Veyron does NOT! And Beside I am sure that Sucker could be tune to at least 2000 HP and taking the record even higher.

JakeK66…No, that’s not what i said. I said I don’t understand why people argue about car designs and styling, b/c its subjective and we’re all entitled to our own opinions. And i was simply stating MY opinion about two aspects of the new Taurus, not slamming someone else’s point of view or arguing with anyone about their comments.

I think this will be a very successful car for Ford, and it is likely to be a very fine vehicle. But with respect to the design…it’s like…hmm…almost, but not quite. Definitely too busy, as if the design were elegantly simple, and someone came along and added all these little bits and pieces all over it, just mucking it up. The grille being the signature example of this…could that be more overwrought? The elegance and simplicity of Ford’s signature 3-bar grill should have been adapted, not abandoned.

Example of how to do this right? See the new Buick LaCrosse.

Bankruptcy2009,

Seriously can’t you come up with a better retort than essential “Nuh-uh the GT-R just is better.”

Using the all-weather argument really makes no difference, when NO ONE except suicidal lunatics and anime characters race in the rain. Hydroplaning will get and AWD just as fast as a RWD, magic drivetrain or not. It’s all in the technique and the tires. AWD is not a cure-all, I’ve watched GT-R35s go sliding off the track, into guard rails, and into phone poles.

“He just made a mistake” or “He did not know what he was doing”. Easy retorts but the truth is if you don’t have the skills the car is not going to make up for it. Don’t bemoan a car you have to be at least “this skillful to drive to its limit” and you know that you are not.

As for the VEYRON and SSC Ultimate AERO, unless you have real experience or proof of their ride quality, you may not want to place bets. If you don’t know do go shooting your mouth off, you may have to take a bullet for it. It is unlikely the that the Veyron will get boosted to 2000hp. It already get less than 5mpg. Anymore and you’ll have to tow/haul the thing to the next gas station. Even the mega-rich do not like having to stop at literally every other gas station just to get across town. But if they do, I’m sure it’ll be a hoot.

As for the SSA UA TT’s interior, hey I would rather comfortable over fancy anyway. Look s down right cozy in that car. the VEYRON, not so much. A bit busy and fussy for my tastes.

Now back the TAURUS…

The gauge cluster is straight out of a 1998 Jaguar XJ8, which is not bad at all.

Drfill the SHO goes to 0-60 in 5.2 seconds a whole lot faster than any Avalon dreamed of, get your facts straight before comparing times of different cars. Source is Car and Driver and other online sites.

Cobra
Inside Line just tested it against the torqueier, and lighter, G8 GT, and got 5.8 against the GT’s 5.3
Not a chance it keeps up with the Pontiac at it’s weight, approaching 4500 lbs.
Avalon, at almost 1000lbs less, fires to 6.0-6.2, with 100 less HP.
The chances of a prodcution car being that quick are slim and none
Think Ford tweeked it to get it’s numbers down?
5.8 is a much more realistic time
Ford, Have a salad!
DrFill

Blakkar, the McLaren F1 is the fastest naturally aspirated car in the world and it uses a BMW V12, not a Benz engine.

As for this car, I think its a decent looking car, better than the avalon, but I’ll wait for the next 300C/Charger.

F50,

You sure? At any rate my point then was that McLaren did not use their own engine. Heck they did not have their own engine.

Yeah the Taurus is a good deal less stylized than the 300C and I’m not having that cartoon angry face from the Charger. I would hope their next Charger looks more like a Charger.

Boloney Blakkarr AWD is absolutely SUPERIOR TO A OLD FASHIONED RWD CAR those are the Facts.

If you don’t believe me try and any AWD car VS a RWD and you will see their is NO Comparison. And it is Real World Driving that counts. The Corvette ZR1 could not even come close to holding its own with a GT-R in rain, sleet, or snow. And yeah I can’t tell you the number of times that people when its raining are doing over 90 Miles per hour. And to be honest in wet weather conditions I would not value my life in something as chintzy as the corvette besides the fact it would fish tail out of control with just a little twist in the road over 90 MPH and GT-R will Hold it like FLY PAPER. Those are the facts you can’t REFUTE! But don’t date try that in a ZR1 and If Told you the number of Deaths for 5 cents on Corvettes that I know about I could eat very good for several Months; then that alone should tell you something.
But believe as you wish.

And since we are talking the battle of superior traction and performance, the New SHO is due to be out in
just a month or two. I will definitely take one for a test drive. And I encourage for you to do the same. even though I know deep down you hate not only imports you hate Ford as well. But I think your going to find this car will out perform every absolutely everything in its class hands down- not of all its techno goodies but for its AWD, Traction control, and ABS system.
And I am sure this NEW TAURUS would even OWN A ZR1 under wet weather conditions. FACT!

athens- I don’t know where your getting your figures at, but…

The S550 weights 420 more pounds (curb weight).
The S550 gets 14/22 mpg vs this Taurus’s 17/25 (according to EPA’s 2009 estimates).
Ford isn’t advertising this to kids out of high school and college as their “media model”. That car would be the Fusion, hence the more aggressive styling, the hybrid powertrain and the slightly more performance oriented driving. Not to mention the price difference of five grand

I wonder why they aren’t offering a Hybrid version?

Yeah I would like to see a Hybrid Version to.

Blakkar,

The V12 in the F1 was definitely made by BMW. The F1 was conceived–I believe–at a time when McLaren and BMW had an F1 partnership. Regardless, BMW definitely made the engine.

Bankruptcy2009 @ 6/23, 11:55a

There is nothing old fashioned about RWD. The fact that you think so simply shows your lack of knowledge of the cars in general and lack of understanding of how cars work on a case by case basis. Ideally RWD is the best drivetrain for performance and racing driving. The fact that the fastest cars in the world are mostly RWD only cars is proof of that. The fact that 99% of all on-road Racing is RWD is proof of this as well.

I’ll just give you the short of it. The GT-R35 does NOTHING every other automaker could do if they so wished. GM is upgrading the ZR-1I’m sure it is a result but only to enhance it’s grip under power. What the GT-R35 doe is manhandle its way around with AWD. It’s handling is actually pretty tame and without the AWD would not fair well against dedicated RWDs with their more aggressive technique to turn in and go. You ever watch F1, those cars turn on a dime and handle like slot cars but it’s a razors edge and yet these are the basis for the fastest cars in the world.

What you see as fish-tailing is the driving failing to control the car’s ability to turn it very fast. Controlling grip and drift are critical to driving a RWD to its limits. Most luxury cars, like BMW and MERCEDES, do this for you, with computers and automation, and thus lock away much of it’s real potential for the sake of comfort and false superiority for the unskilled. No doubt why you have this utterly asinine fervor for the GT-R35. It can’t drive for you yet you seem to think it can.

On your hypothetical 90mph turn, stop watching TRON already. I really don’t think you have the foggiest idea what you are talking about most of the time. Seriously do you just dream this stuff up or can you proof one wit of it. If you are so sure of your information, give me a source. Video games do not count. Again the ZR-1 is faster at Nurburgring. If you still doubt then here:

http://www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=3&fID=0&tID=10073

Who is faster?

As for the Taurus with AWD, I’m sure you do believe it would “own” a ZR-1. That is a fact. Everything else you have blathered is strictly your own fantasy.

Scarface03,

Okay, My mistake.

ROFL do you know how many times F1 cars spin out and fly off the track. Quite a Bit. And NO Sir. The reason car companies usually have’nt invested in AWD before is two or three Reasons. (I did’nt say they were logical).
1.) Why change what worked last year.- is a reason most car companies don’t employ AWD
2.) It involved redesigning the engine , the body, chassis, and modify the suspension to allow power gearing to the front wheels- more time and money and reasearch involved that accountant don’t want to spend – this is why a GT-R starts @ $69,000 but for a 473 HP Turbo Charged V-6- Its shows a Corvette ZR-1 its taillights!
3.) Car companies have been for the most part Lazy.

Those are the reason guy. Read it and Weep.

Bankruptcy2009,

First comment) like I said. A Razor’s edge. The real limit is like anything else, not for trainees, wanna-bes, and worthless hacks. Besides racing would be no fun without running such a fine line and the risk of total failure.

Responses

1) It still works. The old adage “Why fix what’s not broken?” applies here. Especially since you don’t need AWD for good all weather traction. If you don’t know or want to believe it, that’s on you .

2) You obvious have no idea what the GT-R35 drive train looks like. Maybe not. The GT-R35 took six to ten years to develop. With RENAULT holding the purse strings, that car was likely on a shoestring budget for the whole time. I’ll give NISSAN that much, time and patience, not a moon shot. Like I said before, Nothing nobody else has ever done before. The only difference. NISSAN did all in one car. Go figure.

You can stop trying to yank me, punk. You aren’t my type. You already know the searing truth. the ZR-1 is quicker, faster, and more agile. If you want to pretend differently that’s on you again. Not my problem anymore.

But then here’s something to keep you up nights. The CORVETTE is famous for being a moving target. The ZR-1 today will be a vastly different beast form the model two years from now. But you won’t know because your too busy looking elsewhere until it happens and then you’ll be playing the same denial games all over again. The 300ZX was when it came out the only car out of Japan that could beat the C4 CORVETTE. Then the C4 ZR-1 and later GS hit and that was the end of that. The ZR-1 is on the upgrade and their is a new GS coming. The GT-R35 better not fall prey to the Japanese MO of “build and leave it” or it won’t last more whole three years.

I’d be willing to bet the GT-R35 gets left as is after this year and never even touches the VIPER ACR and the VETTE keeps chugging along leaving yet any other would-be to flash bright and fade away.

3) All car companies are lazy. Do you honestly think that if NISSAN had not purchased PRINCE motors there would be a GT-R at all to day? But lazy is relative. The amount of work that goes into these cars may not be obvious to your biased eye but to me I see so much more. Just because a car does not have the mechanical density of a Swiss watch, does not mean it does not represent the same level of work. Maybe less by quality but the same over all.

Last comment) I don’t cry over cars, child. Maybe you do which is why you expect it of others.

I think you do cry over it. Blakkarr that’s why I post it makes my day. Now How you feelin Hot Hot Hot.
And BTW Nissan isn’t going away they are’nt the ones in Bankruptcy GM IS!- you know the parent company that produces your junk pile ZR-1. But GM might be going away.
Which after maybe a few years will be forced out of making a performance cars or business altogether! But Nissan’s Proud Heritage of Racing will continue. And No Sir the
GT-R is not going away. It’ll be chevy that goes away and maybe at the hands of being owned by the Fed Gov. and the UAW Good Luck CSmoke lol

No the GT-R is faster I have one parked across the Street at the Nissan Dealer right now. Its Jet Black and its got I eat Corvette’s for Breakfast written all over it!

Its a Dead even match on Dry Pavement – still beats the vette 0-60 and, V SPEC Bests the ZR1 at the Ring,, The Next Generation will LEAVE NO DOUBT in your MIND AS WHO IS FASTER. GT-R! RULES!

LLN: You’re nead n with “Sure, it was a well-made car, but it was about as staid and unexciting as they come.”

cocojoe53: “Yet another winner from Ford. Their products get better and better.” Yep.

JakeK66: My favorite Large Sedan is the A8.

mayer_ray_nagin: Speak Latin or die!

SoCalFiveO: “they need to make a 2 door coupe with a sportier look.” The only two-door “Taurus” I can recall was in NASCAR.

Bankruptcy2009: “But back to the NEW 2010 Ford Taurus! This is an exciting Product.” you’re exaggerating, but I gt your point.

leftwingagenda: “this kind of quality needs to be spread throughout their lineup…” yep.

save saab: “Ford is making sweet products right now. Except the Taurus X, Escape, Ranger and Focus.” I disagree on the Escape, which only recently has been dethroned by the Vue as the best cute-ute evr. I actually considered buying a Freestyle, but it was overpriced and didn’t have the utility I was looking for.

athens: “No hybrid version?” Who cares? There should be a clean-diesel. “But can it compete, dollar for dollar, with the Hyundai Genesis?” good question.

TL: “It’s not elegant as it’s Japanese competitors.” Which competitors would those be?

l.sanchez: “you’d have an entry level ES350″ Which is a Gussied up camry.
“I’m no longer in support of import brands. I truly don’t believe they are built any better.” very few are, at least compared to GM and ford, unless you’re spending a lot more money.

pennst8: “As far as the 300 is concerned, well Chrysler is going to have to deliver big time with that model.” You’re right. GO BLUE!

06/22, 9:43 PMPOSTED BY:
Blakkarr

Blakkarr: “truth is if you don’t have the skills the car is not going to make up for it.” yep.

sharpie: You said “Gauge.” I like her.

Blakkarr: “I would hope their next Charger looks more like a Charger.” By that, do you mean a two-door?

Bankruptcy2009: “AWD is absolutely SUPERIOR TO A OLD FASHIONED RWD CAR those are the Facts.” Not sure I understand your sentence structure, but I agree that AWD can in some circumstances be better than RWD.

“And to be honest in wet weather conditions I would not value my life in something as chintzy as the corvette.” What’s your problem with a Corvette?

Blakkarr: “What you see as fish-tailing is the driving failing to control the car’s ability to turn it very fast.” yep.

Bankruptcy2009: corvette is a great car. Anyone with his eyes open knows that. i’ve Chosen a GT-R as my mid-life crisis car. Or an R8.