[rmackintosh]

I just got back from driving a Cadillac XLR with 600 miles on it.....the owner was my dad's neighbor....and was watching us set up my dad's new motorhome today to go to the races next week....he drives up in the thing I tell him "SWEET RIDE!" and he says...."Hey, go ahead and take it out! Take it for as long as you like!" (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

Well my wife is there with my daughter and 12 week old son, so I say to her..."....give the kids to grandma, lets GO!"

That car was NICE.......the interior was WAY nicer than I had thought it would have....very German car quality and finish.....leather seats that were firm and supportive but NOT uncomfortable like some....the suspension....VERY FIRM yet still smooth and luxury like...not great tires on it, but still a GREAT compromise for sport/luxury....the motor....Northstar....was peppy, more than I expect from a Caddy, but not Vette like either....

All in all a SWEET car! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Now if I could ONLY find $80,000 lying around..... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[94bird]

im all for advances in technology and a cleaner environment even, but just like i will not drive a Geo metro to save the environment, i will not drive a technologically advanced vehicle thats no better than some old school design. maybe thats just me.

Yep, that's an American attitude that many Europeans and Orientals just wouldn't understand. That's part of what makes us different, and it's a good thing. German car companies in particular will pay exhorbitant amounts for their components just to make sure they have a certain technology they are absolutely certain they need. Many times we show them they didn't really need that technology in the first place and they just don't understand it. AMG and SRT are exchanging a fair amount of data as of late and when we tell them how much we buy our engine components for they are many times truly astounded. Once you break down the features we have on our components (tolerances, materials, etc.) it's pretty easy to understand why they can't buy components for even 3 times what we pay.

However, there are rebels out there. One of the Daimler Chrysler execs came from an AMG background. He was the main person responsible for making sure we got the chance to build our new high output pushrod engine that I've been working on. When some of the DCX people wanted some higher technology items to be put on this engine he asked one question, "Will it make more power with that?" If the answer was no, it didn't go on the engine. I admire that guy, but because of his attitude he's not still working for Daimler Chrysler. I hope he returns.

No particular approach is right for all consumers and that's why some people buy Hondas and others buy GM. I'm just glad we have the choice. Long live cheap gas! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)