[ds968]

<!--quoteo(post=82218:date=Oct 22 2009, 05:35 AM:name=DiREW0LF)-->QUOTE (DiREW0LF @ Oct 22 2009, 05:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->ds968, I've driven every car in the Maserati range and they look good and sound great but definately aren't thrilling to drive. Also, if your over 6' tall they are cramped inside.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I do agree on most of those points - I have not driven any of the 4 door Maseratis, but I owned a Merak in the late 70s, and recently drove the new Gran Turismo ( I would give my left nut for one of those ) which looks amazing, sounds amazing, is surprisingly not cramped though I am just about 6 ft, but ..and here it goes, you folks will think I've have taken leave of my senses [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dry.gif[/img] .. not quite the same fun factor as driving the 968. Not even close IMO - not sure if it's the way the engine revs, the way the car responds alltogether , but simply not as thrilling. Still, as I said before..I'd give a left nut for one.. they are a piece of art on wheels.

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[DiREW0LF]

The way the engine revs is definately intoxicating! But after a few minutes driving at a steady speed even the engine sound gets annoying, it turns into a drone that will drive you nuts. Also the trannies are sloppy feeling and the ergonomics suck. If I had a few other vehicles in my collection I would definately get one for short rides and to stare at in the garage. They are damn sexy looking.



(Back on topic) - Today(?) is the day for the Panamera, anyone driven one yet???

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[DayDreamer]

I drove the Maserati GranTurismo for a day and I must agree, stunning looks, stuning sound when stomping on it, but when you slowdown and drive like a law abiding citizen, it does lose some of the appeal. Still... I would love to stare at one in the garage.

"Hey honey, shall we go in the Cab or the Maz tonight?" [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

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[DayDreamer]

<!--quoteo(post=82148:date=Oct 20 2009, 10:59 PM:name=gryphon)-->QUOTE (gryphon @ Oct 20 2009, 10:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Perhaps this means that used Panoramas will eventually be selling below $10K like our beloved but under-appreciated 968s?

Tom<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->


That might well be, but I wouldn't touch these beautiful modern machines when they get as old as our 968's... way too much computer stuff.. I think the age of the 'classic car' is ending... The current Aston's, Jag's, Ferrari's, even Porsches are way too specialised to become DIY tinker toys in 10 years.

I heard somewhere that Ferraris diagnostic tools cost a few $100k. A little out of the the home mechanic's budget me thnks. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

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[ds968]

<!--quoteo(post=82306:date=Oct 23 2009, 01:16 AM:name=DayDreamer)-->QUOTE (DayDreamer @ Oct 23 2009, 01:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->That might well be, but I wouldn't touch these beautiful modern machines when they get as old as our 968's... way too much computer stuff.. I think the age of the 'classic car' is ending... The current Aston's, Jag's, Ferrari's, even Porsches are way too specialised to become DIY tinker toys in 10 years.
I heard somewhere that Ferraris diagnostic tools cost a few $100k. A little out of the the home mechanic's budget me thnks. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Absolutely my single biggest complaint about today's cars...technology /electronics overkill. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif[/img]

You're not driving them, you're being driven...and yeah, right into the dealer for that $ 5,000 invoice because you or even your independent mechanic can't afford the ridiculous diagnostic tools.

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[rhudeboye]

<!--quoteo(post=82311:date=Oct 23 2009, 05:33 AM:name=ds968)-->QUOTE (ds968 @ Oct 23 2009, 05:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->technology /electronics overkill. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif[/img]<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
What ? Does this look like an overkill to you?





note the 16 switches running along the sides of the shifter as well as all the buttons in front of it

Cant believe they left those TVs like that. The mounting looks like an after thought in a old minivan. I've seen cleaner installs on pimp my ride.

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[ds968]

Not at all, it definitely needs more buttons, more buttons please ..and another couple of screens in the door panels ! Also, what's up with that steering wheel, could it get any larger ?! There's more padding in it than there was in my prom date's bra !

On another note, related to the $390K median income of the Porsche driver per Forbes, I was just watching CNN's morning show
who kindly informed us that the stage props manager at Carnegie Hall earns a salary of $ 560,000 + / year, and that at least two of
the stage electricians earn salaries in excess of $ 400,000 / year. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ohmy.gif[/img] Say WHAT ?!

F**k me, where have I gone wrong with my career choice.. ? Should have applied for the usher or janitor poistion there and drive to work in my Veyron.

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[DiREW0LF]

The mounting of the screens is definately ugly, but maybe there is a purpose? Do they electronically extend out towards the viewer, maybe in relation to where the front seats are moved? Maybe they tilt so the front passenger can lay the seat back? I'm not making excuses, its just something those crazy German engineers could have come up with...or it might have to do with all the different seats available. Rather than making two versions of each seat they just made a universal module that can be used on any seat, or so that it could be a dealer installed item without having to get an upholstery shop involved...???

I had a feeling that I should have went to college for Janitorial Arts instead of double majoring in Accounting and Computer Science. DOH!

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[gryphon]

<!--quoteo(post=82306:date=Oct 23 2009, 01:16 AM:name=DayDreamer)-->QUOTE (DayDreamer @ Oct 23 2009, 01:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->That might well be, but I wouldn't touch these beautiful modern machines when they get as old as our 968's... way too much computer stuff..<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

So true, DayDreamer. I also drive a Lexus RX400h hybrid and there is absolutely zero possibility that I will continue to own it beyond the factory warranty period without buying an extended warranty. A recent post on the Lexus forums priced a leaking inverter at around $7000.

Tom

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[DayDreamer]

Modern cars are becomming like printers.... buying the printer is not the expensive part, its the damn ink that kills you.

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[raydog]

According to this month's Automoble Magazine, the Panamera and the Cayenne II (which comes out next year) are on the chopping block. They are going to run their 5-7 year cycle and be phased out. Pretty odd that a car is dead as soon as it comes out.

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[Cloud9...68]

I just don't get it. $120K+ for a car? To drive on the street? I know I've said this before, but if I had that kind of disposable income, I'd buy/build the ultimate track car (a 500 hp MR2 turbo strikes me as just the ticket), and spring for something like a Boxster S, a Cayman, Mercedes SLK, BMW Z3 (or, hey, a 968 with the full RS Barn treatment), or for something larger, maybe a BMW 335i or 535i, for my street car. The Panamera wouldn't be on my wish list, but that's just me.

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[Kim]

Today, while out for a drive, I saw a 1983 VW Rabbit diesel (not a PD, not an Umwelt, not an eco-turbo), just a plain 52 hp diesel. I had one of those once. No computer. No power anything (including the engine). But it was fun and, had I kept it, I could have fixed it up forever. Not the same anymore.

BTW, the Panamera is still fun.

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