I went over 100 mph in my 1998 Toyota Avalon tonight, it can somehow manage 0-60 in about 7 seconds. My damn Traction seems to be broke though...the lights always on I can't tell if its working.
I had often wondered what was going on with that technology and how it will affect not only future car production but our beloved manual transmissions. This is good news.
I'm very happy about this tech' It will keep the manual system for that real driving feel. I just hope that they give the car a good sound. By the way, how are Prius drivers around the world. Pretty much every one in Japan is a pain in the arse. Too slow even on the motorway and they all seem to drive worse than the avarage person. I wouldn't be doing that sort of speed unless you know your car very well. I do on avarage 140kmph every day on the motorway. I guess that's about 90 MPH. I can do over a 100 with ease but tend not to. 0-60 in 7 seconds is a respectable time :nod: Yakumo
Prius drivers are pretty annoying here in the States. Just as you've experienced, they tend to drive slowly (I guess the term is 'hypermiling' or driving in a manner to extract the most mpg regardless of speed or basic proper driving technique) and have that "look at me, I'm saving the world" attitude about them. On a recent trip to Los Angeles, I was quite surprised at how many Prius-type hybrids are on the road. Seemed like these vehicles made up the majority over there, though I can't blame them considering how expensive fuel is in that area.
I don't know many Prius drivers, and they aren't overtly crappy over here... A couple owners I came in contact with (one of my old bosses) are pretty pretentious about them, as one might expect. My favorite Prius moment was on Top Gear when they race a Prius at max speed around the test track, and then have an M3 follow just behind it. The Prius actually got worse fuel economy, thus a pseudo-victory for the petrolhead.
I remember that one. So funny. Yes, Prius drivers piss me off every day. They are ALWAYS in the way and never F***ing move out of the way. It's as if they think they're someone special and they deserve the right to make everyone else late for work or where ever they are going to.
I finally got around to videoing that Rollercoaster road during the day. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=latUv2wrsGA
I drive on much narrower roads than that at the same speeds (about 120KMH 75MPH) in the deeper mountain areas at night. Great fun but at this time of year it's dangerous due to frost on the ground. Go off the road in those places and it could be weeks or even months before you're found.
I was a little pissed-off the other night and raced through the neighborhood. Dangerous, yes. Stupid, yes. But. It was so exhilarating, wasting what is left of my tires in 2nd gear the whole time. I'm going to try and get in contact with one of my teachers from high school (he taught metal shop and Cisco networking ) because he used to do autocross in his corvette. I say this because, beyond the fact that I want to chat with him again and possibly see an event, I'd love to borrow the car and have a go at it myself. I certainly can't risk anything on my Mazda... In other news, it was 65 degrees out the other day so I changed my oil. Oh, I love oil changes. Yakumo, I hear that servicing your own car in Japan is pretty difficult (if not impossible) - can you explain how that works? Are you forced to take your car to the dealer (or wherever) for every single little thing (sans mods perhaps... I know you got some new exhaust relatively recently).
Hmm, to service your own car in Japan isn't that difficult for those who know how but the thing is that it's so cheap to let the garage do it. Well, simple things such as oil or break fluid changes. Even if you buy a new exhaust or shocks from a car shop they'll fit them for very little extra money. This is why most people don't do even the simplest of jobs. My last oil change was done by the car shop. It only cost me and extra 300 yen. That's almost the price of two can's of coke or a very nice bottle of beer. Very little money and saves you getting dirty. I fitted my own exhaust though since that was bought on line. If I asked a garage to do it they would have charged a lot because I never bought it from them. I've also just ordered a new grill for my Impreza online. It's a Subaru European exclusive option so it's going to be VERY rare in Japan. I'll take pictures once it's one. Yakumo
My car is automatic. I never tried a stick, nor do i think i want to.. I just want to get from point "a" to point "b". I drive a BMW 528i 1997
I posted some pictures of what was the Mine Racing Circuit in the Japan thread. http://www.assemblergames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4761&page=59 Yakumo
I've been waiting ages for this to arrive. A new limited custom grill direct from Subaru through Suzuki motors of all things. I've got a carbon fiber console panel and aircon covers on order too but they'll take forever to arrive I was told I can't wait to get this on to the car tomorrow. Fingers crossed the rain holds off.
I got an offer to sell my 98' Citroen Xsara VTS. Don't know what to do. I was thinking on getting a Citroen C4 VTR but it's still a bit pricey. Was also thinking on a 78' Puma GTB/S1 (brazilian muscle car), but i don't know if i'm ready for a classic car and all it's issues.
I like that Puma, It kind of reminds me of the 68-72 Chevy Chevelle fastback. I am really thinking of going classic for my next car. I'm not sure about Brazil but here in the States the pros outweigh the cons. - They are at the point where they tend to appreciate rather than depreciate. - Insurance is oddly cheaper for classic cars. - Getting away with using historical license plates. - Far easier to fix and maintain yourself. - Designer's cared about styling back then which is something that they now seem to forget about when it comes to the average car. The only real downsides are gas mileage and finding parts but even those depend on the classic you buy.
