Next Exit Observations

Friday, September 23, 2016

These Cars Are Worth It

4 Less Expensive Alternatives To Iconic Cars

Don’t have the cash to buy your dream car? Don't lose faith - there are other options and they aren't exactly terrible

A80 Supra Alternative: 1990-1996 Nissan 300ZX

The Supra’s final generation was a hit when it came out, then grew to become a legend due in no small part to the Fast and Furious franchise. The 2JZ is a wicked engine capable of monster power, and there’s no denying the A80’s sexy styling and jet-fighter interior. But if you want a proper twin-turbo Supra, you’re looking at a minimum of $30,000 for something halfway decent, and prices quickly go up from there.

Meanwhile, Nissan 300ZX fans are like “hey, this car is fast, has two turbos and it turns corners.” The Z32 didn’t necessarily go under the radar; most people know about its twin-turbo 300bhp V6, exceptional suspension tuning with rear steering, and its drop-dead gorgeous ‘90’s aero styling. It’s just that the Supra got more glory, never mind the 300’s own stable-mate, the god-like Skyline GT-R. That’s why you can buy a very nice Z32 300ZX twin-turbo in the United States for just $15,000.

BMW M3 Alternative: BMW 3-Series

Ironically enough, in my recent piece on Focus RS alternatives I listed the E92 M3 as a viable option. Now, I’m presenting an alternative to the, ah, alternative. Sometimes the best alternative is to just step down a notch. And in this case, it’s not like you’re stepping down to a stripped-out base model with all the power of a busted vacuum.

The 335i coupe equipped with the M sport package is among the best non-M Bimmers ever built. It still has all the poise and balance enthusiasts expect from a German brand. It still has the luxury and understated styling. It’s available with a proper manual transmission. And it’s not exactly slow - the turbocharged inline-six makes 302bhp and sends the 335i to 60mph in under five seconds. For this, you’ll spend roughly $20,000 in America, almost half the going rate of the E92 M3. And yes, to satisfy all the BMW purists, I’ll also bring light to the fact that an E46 M3 with 333bhp from its inline-six is even cheaper yet.

Complete list (CarThrottle.com)

Thursday, September 22, 2016

It's Not That Crazy Of A Statement

The BMW E30 Is The German Mustang

[T]his message is for the Americans reading this who have gone out and bought E30s because it was the simple and easy choice to make, one that gives them all of the wonderful ability to carve a Sunday drive out of any free hour in their day, or shred some tires if they so choose. You’ve crashed enough in that second part for it all to become clear. You’re just driving a Mustang now, but with a better ride, better handling, a fancier engine, and an interior that doesn’t make you feel like listening to country music every time you climb inside.

You dream high-horsepower dreams, imagining a day when you get that nice set of coilovers, and choice tires, and maybe an engine swap. An engine swap! You could lay rubber from your driveway to the nearest track.

Look at yourself. You’re no different from the Mustang bros. You just have a better badge.

(Jalopnik.com)

It Does Exist

(Bits&Pieces.us)

Duh!

Automakers Claim Obama Mileage Requirements Give Little Thought To Consumer Or Economy

Major automakers escalated a fight to delay or revise the Obama administration's ambitious targets for cutting vehicle greenhouse gas emissions through 2025, saying in prepared testimony made public on Wednesday that low gas prices and weak demand for electric vehicles may require significant revisions to the rules.

The issue is not whether vehicle fuel economy will improve, Mitch Bainwol, head of the industry trade group Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said in testimony to be delivered on Thursday to a U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, "but rather how will automakers meet the aggressive standards currently in place, by when and at what cost to consumers, industry and the economy as a whole?"

(AutoSpies.com)