Top ten US cars, according to MSN...

...and only one native (and probably only because only the natives build large SUVs):

http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4018597&src=LP luxury

 

Doesn't the V70R count as american given that it is part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group (along with jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin)?

 

I wouldn't try telling a Swede that, Isaac. To me, American ownership doesn't necessarily make a thing American. Would you regard Land Rover and Aston Martin as American? I doubt whether the Americans would, because they would then lose their exclusive "cachets" in their target markets.

 

That's very interesting, Tones. I think we do tend to think of Jaguar and Aston as British but Rolls Royce and Mini as German. If so, why is that?

 

Jag's and Aston's are still recognisably Jags and Aston's. Mini's clearly have liitle to do with the original (and was never a make anyway) and who on earth would own up the new Roller ??

 

Steve, allthough I know RR and Mini are both owned by BMW I still think of them both as British. Uncle Ants, don't you like the new Roller? I think it looks amazing, seen a few in the flesh and they are stunning. The certainly have presence!

Michael.

 

Hmm. Presence? Stunning? Mebbe .... Nah. Definitely one of the ugliest cars ever built. Sorry.

 

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one then

 

Did Chris Bangle, er, design it?

 

I think he was involved, but it's nothing like his controversial designs for BMWs, which I happen to like a lot. Actually, more and more people are coming around to Bangle's design direction for BMW, and you can already see it's influence on other cars. Put a new 5 series alongside the previous model and the old one suddenly looks unbelievably dated.

Michael.

 

Tones/UA, do you like the convertible any better? I can guess your answer

http://www.carpages.co.uk/rolls_roy...tible_10_11_04.asp?switched=on&echo=677701623

 

Well, it may not be the most beautiful car ever designed - although it may look better 'live' - but I wouldn't kick it out of the garage.

 

How can you say that? :yikes:

Talking of looking better 'live', recently while I was waiting to pick my car up (it was in for a service) I had another chance to look at the 5 series. It was a 535d Sport (yes a Diesel sport), which looked a lot better than the 5 series looks in pictures. It could be the fact that the sport is a little be lower but mostly it was the perspective I think. I was looking down at it like you normally would unless you drive an off roader. I was thinking that I'd be happy with the 5 series in blue or black, I actually like the looks. The only reservation I still have is the design of the boot lid, particularly the gap between the lid and the top of the bumper, it gives the impression a poor fit. It's due to the curvature of the top of the bumper/panel.

Having typed all this I'm wondering what is the point of this post?

 

must say that the 5 series is not looking as offensive these days, but that probably because there are so many about - a bit like being kicked repeatedly in the head stops hurting after the 5th or 6th blow. it's arse still looks plain wrong though and the 6 series makes me want to vomit.
the coolest thing about the new roller are the hubcaps which say it all really.
cheers


julian

 

The interior is very tastefully finished IMO, with the expected level of craftmanship.

 

Ok, ok, I'm sold.

So how many speakers do I need to sell?

 

You clearly haven't seen the promo for the new M6 yet:

http://www.bmw.com/generic/com/en/products/highlights/m6/phase_1/movie.htm

Michael.

 

michael,
it's not the performance of the thing it's the looks AGAIN. especialy the drop top eeeurgh. i'm sure once i've been bludgeoned enough i'll submit and think they look nice but not yet.
cheers


julian

 

At your margins, no more than a couple I'd say.













Only kidding Steve.

 

Julian - look at a 6 series in profile, imagine the boot wasn't there and what you're left with is pure Porsche 911. I'll see if I can PhotoShop up an example for you.

Michael.