The General Car Thread.

[Auzkhia]

If you could bring a back marque from the dead, or at least the realm of inactivity, what it be?

I'd bring Triumph back. They could make small, fun to drive convertibles and hatchbacks.

BMW owns the name, so they could pull another Mini with Triumph.

Plus with Buick, GM has a mid-range car that doesn't have to worry about being viewed as an "overpriced" Chevy or "devaluing" the Cadillac name.

I'm not a Ford guy by any means, but I really think they should bring Mercury back and elevate Lincoln back to proper luxury car status.

While I think they should move the Lincoln brand more upmarket - starting with RWD cars again, like a Mark IX based on a stretched Mustang and a real, full size, RWD Continental (the size of a 7 series at the price of a 5); I don't think they should bring back Mercury. The line between "Premium" and "Luxury" gets blurrier every day, as BMW's get bigger and softer and Lexuses (Lexi?) get more powerful and firmer. I think comfort and sport trims on Lincoln vehicles can cover both nicely as the get closer and closer together.

Let me put it to you this way.
Ford = Redner's
Mercury = Giant or Weis
Lincoln = Shopping exclusively at Wegmans
Brand Hierarchies are like this. GM's Mercury is Buick and historically Oldsmobile too, and GMC if you're talking trucks and SUVs.

[Petrolheadia]

I'd bring Triumph back. They could make small, fun to drive convertibles and hatchbacks.

BMW owns the name, so they could pull another Mini with Triumph.

While I think they should move the Lincoln brand more upmarket - starting with RWD cars again, like a Mark IX based on a stretched Mustang and a real, full size, RWD Continental (the size of a 7 series at the price of a 5); I don't think they should bring back Mercury. The line between "Premium" and "Luxury" gets blurrier every day, as BMW's get bigger and softer and Lexuses (Lexi?) get more powerful and firmer. I think comfort and sport trims on Lincoln vehicles can cover both nicely as the get closer and closer together.

Let me put it to you this way.
Ford = Redner's
Mercury = Giant or Weis
Lincoln = Shopping exclusively at Wegmans
Brand Hierarchies are like this. GM's Mercury is Buick and historically Oldsmobile too, and GMC if you're talking trucks and SUVs.

1. What about a BMW Z2 that is not a Bimmer, but a Triumph? And maybe a Z0 that is a Triumph?

2. Can you translate it to European shop names?

[Auzkhia]

BMW owns the name, so they could pull another Mini with Triumph.
Let me put it to you this way.
Ford = Redner's
Mercury = Giant or Weis
Lincoln = Shopping exclusively at Wegmans
Brand Hierarchies are like this. GM's Mercury is Buick and historically Oldsmobile too, and GMC if you're talking trucks and SUVs.

1. What about a BMW Z2 that is not a Bimmer, but a Triumph? And maybe a Z0 that is a Triumph?

2. Can you translate it to European shop names?

I'm not familiar with different grocery stores outside of PA and NE U.S. I know of Aldi (Aldi Süd) HIT, and Lidl, but both seem like they'd be bargain brand since they are so cheap. The analogy was very regional specific.

[Patridam]

I'd bring Triumph back. They could make small, fun to drive convertibles and hatchbacks.

BMW owns the name, so they could pull another Mini with Triumph.

While I think they should move the Lincoln brand more upmarket - starting with RWD cars again, like a Mark IX based on a stretched Mustang and a real, full size, RWD Continental (the size of a 7 series at the price of a 5); I don't think they should bring back Mercury. The line between "Premium" and "Luxury" gets blurrier every day, as BMW's get bigger and softer and Lexuses (Lexi?) get more powerful and firmer. I think comfort and sport trims on Lincoln vehicles can cover both nicely as the get closer and closer together.

Let me put it to you this way.
Ford = Redner's
Mercury = Giant or Weis
Lincoln = Shopping exclusively at Wegmans
Brand Hierarchies are like this. GM's Mercury is Buick and historically Oldsmobile too, and GMC if you're talking trucks and SUVs.

Believe me, Auzi, I know how brand hierarchy works (or worked), and I notice your RCR reference there. My point was that there isn't enough demand for middle-priced cars these days to justify bringing back Mercury. Buick isn't even doing all that great, if it weren't for China it would've gone kaput a while ago.

2. Can you translate it to European shop names?

I forget where you are from, exactly, so I'm doing this centered on Poland.
Ford -> Netto, Aldi, Biedronka, Lidl, etc.
Mercury -> Lewiatan or Intermarche
Lincoln -> Freshmarket

[Petrolheadia]

BMW owns the name, so they could pull another Mini with Triumph.
Let me put it to you this way.
Ford = Redner's
Mercury = Giant or Weis
Lincoln = Shopping exclusively at Wegmans
Brand Hierarchies are like this. GM's Mercury is Buick and historically Oldsmobile too, and GMC if you're talking trucks and SUVs.

Believe me, Auzi, I know how brand hierarchy works (or worked), and I notice your RCR reference there. My point was that there isn't enough demand for middle-priced cars these days to justify bringing back Mercury. Buick isn't even doing all that great, if it weren't for China it would've gone kaput a while ago.

2. Can you translate it to European shop names?

I forget where you are from, exactly, so I'm doing this centered on Poland.
Ford -> Netto, Aldi, Biedronka, Lidl, etc.
Mercury -> Lewiatan or Intermarche
Lincoln -> Freshmarket

Quote 2:
Poland? This is EXACTLY where I live!

[Patridam]

Believe me, Auzi, I know how brand hierarchy works (or worked), and I notice your RCR reference there. My point was that there isn't enough demand for middle-priced cars these days to justify bringing back Mercury. Buick isn't even doing all that great, if it weren't for China it would've gone kaput a while ago.



I forget where you are from, exactly, so I'm doing this centered on Poland.
Ford -> Netto, Aldi, Biedronka, Lidl, etc.
Mercury -> Lewiatan or Intermarche
Lincoln -> Freshmarket

Quote 2:
Poland? This is EXACTLY where I live!

I forget if you told us or not, but I guessed based on your experience with communist cars and by how quickly you made me be specific when I just said "Polski Fiat".

[Auzkhia]

BMW owns the name, so they could pull another Mini with Triumph.
Let me put it to you this way.
Ford = Redner's
Mercury = Giant or Weis
Lincoln = Shopping exclusively at Wegmans
Brand Hierarchies are like this. GM's Mercury is Buick and historically Oldsmobile too, and GMC if you're talking trucks and SUVs.

Believe me, Auzi, I know how brand hierarchy works (or worked), and I notice your RCR reference there. My point was that there isn't enough demand for middle-priced cars these days to justify bringing back Mercury. Buick isn't even doing all that great, if it weren't for China it would've gone kaput a while ago.

I know. What sells in China is a big car with spacious rear seats, and it's a prestigious brand there; It's not seen as a grandma car there. This is the best selling car sold for China.

[Pensyltuckee Island]

I'd bring Triumph back. They could make small, fun to drive convertibles and hatchbacks.

BMW owns the name, so they could pull another Mini with Triumph.

While I think they should move the Lincoln brand more upmarket - starting with RWD cars again, like a Mark IX based on a stretched Mustang and a real, full size, RWD Continental (the size of a 7 series at the price of a 5); I don't think they should bring back Mercury. The line between "Premium" and "Luxury" gets blurrier every day, as BMW's get bigger and softer and Lexuses (Lexi?) get more powerful and firmer. I think comfort and sport trims on Lincoln vehicles can cover both nicely as the get closer and closer together.

Let me put it to you this way.
Ford = Redner's
Mercury = Giant or Weis
Lincoln = Shopping exclusively at Wegmans
Brand Hierarchies are like this. GM's Mercury is Buick and historically Oldsmobile too, and GMC if you're talking trucks and SUVs.

I have never, in my life, ever heard of those stores....

[Auzkhia]

BMW owns the name, so they could pull another Mini with Triumph.
Let me put it to you this way.
Ford = Redner's
Mercury = Giant or Weis
Lincoln = Shopping exclusively at Wegmans
Brand Hierarchies are like this. GM's Mercury is Buick and historically Oldsmobile too, and GMC if you're talking trucks and SUVs.

I have never, in my life, ever heard of those stores....

Those grocery stores are commonly found in Pennsylvania as they are from PA, except Wegmans of Rochester, NY. But, really it's a reference to Regular Cars.

[Petrolheadia]

Now it's time for the biggest battle of the car universe. What do you prefer: Holden or Ford?

[Pensyltuckee Island]

Well, considering that I have never actually seen a Holden, I'll go with Ford.

[The Two Jerseys]

Now it's time for the biggest battle of the car universe. What do you prefer: Holden Chevrolet or Ford?

Fixed.

[Keyboard Warriors]

Now it's time for the biggest battle of the car universe. What do you prefer: Holden or Ford?

Sadly this doesn't seem to matter as much anymore. When it did though, I was in the blue camp. Family pressure and expectations and all.

[Costa Fierro]

Now it's time for the biggest battle of the car universe. What do you prefer: Holden or Ford?

I used to be a Holden fan.

[Gun Manufacturers]

Now it's time for the biggest battle of the car universe. What do you prefer: Holden or Ford?

Being a GM fan, I'm going to say Holden.

Dammit, I want a Ute SS V-Series Redline (since GM didn't make the Pontiac G8 ST or a new El Camino).

[Patridam]

The battle where I am would be Chevy versus Ford, but I suppose I'd say Ford. Although I dislike the movement towards the Egoboost (pun intended) engines the Mustang is a thoroughly modern and attractive car and presents a good value when properly optioned, and the F150 is the stalwart of the industry, at least if you get a 5.0.

[Auzkhia]

Now it's time for the biggest battle of the car universe. What do you prefer: Holden Chevrolet GM or Ford?

Fixed.

Double Fixed.

The battle where I am would be Chevy versus Ford, but I suppose I'd say Ford. Although I dislike the movement towards the Egoboost (pun intended) engines the Mustang is a thoroughly modern and attractive car and presents a good value when properly optioned, and the F150 is the stalwart of the industry, at least if you get a 5.0.

Blame CAFE for the rise of ecoboost engines. But, the V8 Mustang would live on, because what's the point in buying a Mustang without a V8?

I too am with Ford, if I had to choose.

[Patridam]

Fixed.

Double Fixed.

The battle where I am would be Chevy versus Ford, but I suppose I'd say Ford. Although I dislike the movement towards the Egoboost (pun intended) engines the Mustang is a thoroughly modern and attractive car and presents a good value when properly optioned, and the F150 is the stalwart of the industry, at least if you get a 5.0.

Blame CAFE for the rise of ecoboost engines.

I too am with Ford, if I had to choose.

Larger naturally aspirated engines get the same real world fuel economy as smaller turbocharged engines with similar horsepower, while being cheaper and more reliable. It's just that the goddamn CAFE highway mileage is skewed way in favor of turbos.

[The Two Jerseys]

Double Fixed.

Blame CAFE for the rise of ecoboost engines.

I too am with Ford, if I had to choose.

Larger naturally aspirated engines get the same real world fuel economy as smaller turbocharged engines with similar horsepower, while being cheaper and more reliable. It's just that the goddamn CAFE highway mileage is skewed way in favor of turbos.

According to the EPA, the fuel economy for a base 2015 Corvette with a 450 hp V8 is comparable to that of my 12-year old Malibu with a 170 hp V6.

That's what aerodynamics will do.

[Auzkhia]

Double Fixed.

Blame CAFE for the rise of ecoboost engines.

I too am with Ford, if I had to choose.

Larger naturally aspirated engines get the same real world fuel economy as smaller turbocharged engines with similar horsepower, while being cheaper and more reliable. It's just that the goddamn CAFE highway mileage is skewed way in favor of turbos.

Naturally aspirated is way more reliable, but it seems like smaller turbo engines do little better for CAFE.

Larger naturally aspirated engines get the same real world fuel economy as smaller turbocharged engines with similar horsepower, while being cheaper and more reliable. It's just that the goddamn CAFE highway mileage is skewed way in favor of turbos.

According to the EPA, the fuel economy for a base 2015 Corvette with a 450 hp V8 is comparable to that of my 12-year old Malibu with a 170 hp V6.

That's what aerodynamics will do.

A C6 Corvette gets 27 MPG while the Audi S4 gets 20 MPG.

[Brusia]

If there's a car thread this definitely needs to be in it

[Auzkhia]

If there's a car thread this definitely needs to be in it

(Image)

The classic Gullwing, now we're talking.

[GreatestBanks]

My family has the following cars:
2015 Honda Accord

And we just got the 2016 Acura MDX (for a price below MSRP)

[Auzkhia]

My family has the following cars:
2015 Honda Accord
(Image)
And we just got the 2016 Acura MDX (for a price below MSRP)
(Image)

Is it just me or has the Accord become rather massive?

[GreatestBanks]

My family has the following cars:
2015 Honda Accord
(Image)
And we just got the 2016 Acura MDX (for a price below MSRP)
(Image)

Is it just me or has the Accord become rather massive?

Yes, the Accord has become larger than the Chevrolet Silverado. Much room in it.