I had a charged week-end with my trip to Geneva on Saturday and my competition in Karlsruhe on Sunday, but both tips were sucessful. You may think I am going to post a bunch of nice photos, but unfortunately it won't be the case. One reason is I did not know how to use my camera, I left it on auto-mod, but even so the pics were of bad quality, I think I'll have to read the manual for next time. Then it was Saturday, and on week-ends there are just so many people, in fact this time there were just so many, you could not pass nor even breath. Then another reason, is that the photos are really pointless, you can see much better phots from the press day, where they have acces almost everywere and there are not so many people. The aim of such a trip is not to take photos, though you automatically whish to, in order to immortalise the moment, but it does not work. Photos are simply worse than reality when it is about car. Taking photos is just like not having seen the cars in reality, it is a loss of time. And infact you really do not have much of time if you want to see everything in detail, I though I would leave at 4:00 PM, but I left at closing, 7:00 PM. Don't expect a perfect and detailed review, I just would like to share my opinons in a more objective way on the most awaited cars. I'll at once tell you I was a normal visitor and not a VIP, so I had no access to Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin, Bentley and Lamborghini.
The Twins: Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86
I think most of you know how enthused I am about this car, but to say the truth I am disapointed. I followed this car since its first announcements, and saw the Toyota FT-86 Concept, the red one, at Geneva 2009. I loved it in all ways, its proportions and its desing. The new Toyota GT86 does not look as good, I have a feeling it will very quickly be outdated, but this is not my main concern. It is slightly larger and higher than the concept, and also this displeases me, but I could get over this. Overall some lowering springs and some good looking lightweight 18" rims with wheelspacers will make it quite a looker. The worst detail of the exterior are the lexus-style taillights, they just look very cheap and outdated.
A bigger issue is the trunk and the rear seats. The trunk is very small, if it was a hatch it would not change anything other than weakening the chassis. The rear seats are not more usefull than in an Audi TT for example. I know no large person would fit in, but even so there is little space, not for the knees, because of the deep rear seats, but for the feet. The front seat has to be moved very much in front, what is uncomfortable for the front passenger, un impossilbe for the driver. I am 1.80 m, and the drivers seat set for my size nobody would be able to sit behind me. I think this is a different case fot the japanese, as they are in general smaller than european.
In general the sitting position is nice, but better than in the Mazda MX-5? I am not sure of that.
The worst part of the car is the quality, not so the quality of the materials but of the fit an finish, be it inside or out. To be harsh, it is on Dacia level. This is also not a problem for me, but at a 30.000 € pricetag, even if it has rear-wheel drive, one of the lowest centers of gravity and one of the best steerings, according to press reviews, 30.000 € is just to much. I was told the Subaru would be cheaper than the Toyota as you would get a more basic version, but I doubt it will be at 25.000 €, and for me anything above is just too much.
What shall I do? I won't put any deposite or book it yet. I'll wait for a testdrive. I could get a second hand Honda S2000 or Mazda RX-8, but I would prefere a new car. The Nissan 370 Z is already too heavy and "luxurious", the Mazda MX-5 would be nice if it was a Coupé only, but its design is too soft. One thing is sure if I'll end up getting it, it won't be my daily driver, but my track tool. I can't say for sure, but I do see myself skipping this car and wait a few years to get a two times more expensive, 60.000 € Porsche Cayman (981).
Unfortunately, unlike the Lexus LFA which I think the 4.8l V10 and the whole package are worth 400.000 €, I think the 2.0l H4 and tha whole package of the Toyota GT86 (and Subaru BRZ) are not worth 30.000 €, and this coming from someone that is hard-core as I. Maybe I am not so as I think to be.
Audi RS4 Avant
In general there is nothing new, it is "nothing else" than an Audi A4 Avant fitted with the engine from the Audi RS5 Coupé. But it does magic. Is the RS4 B8 better than the RS4 B7? In terms of performance it could be faster, also thanks to its DCT, whereas the old one only had a MT. Different opinions and preferences, if the RS4 was offered in with both choices, I'd still pick the dual-clutch transmission. In terms of looks, it is also not possible the say wich one is really better, the B7 was much more aggressive and really had more character as you first related it to the DTM car, but I like the more undestated look of the B8 with the large oval exhaust tips and just simple air intakes without foglights, that hint on something beasty. The small triangular small side intakes do not look bad in fact, however I think if the large intake and the small one were all one. The best part of the RS4, always concerning esthetics are the rims. I never liked the RS5 rims, I think they are really ugly and bland, but the new V 5 spoke rims in 20" are IMO the best looking rims Audi did lately. An detail I never noticed before was the shape of the rear brake dics, they are not round, see pic. All in all, Deckhook will really love the car, it will look good in any color. The new 20" rims are a must, but I'd advise not to have the alu trim on the front and rear bumper, if it was my choice, would also get the Audi-frame and mirror caps in gloss black.
Audi A3
It is nothing new? You knew it would look good but it is boring? It is a just an overpriced Golf? Sorry but you are wrong. Its looks can be discussed, but only in one way: somebody may prefere something more special, and less usual. But even so I doubt this statement is true. Design-wise it is the most simple car of its class, but it ends up being to most special because non of the other look that simply good. The blue A3 was really beautiful. The interior layout pleases me very well, in fact now it is my favorite one. It is in the same time simple, but modern, and the really functional, its functionality for its calss, reminds me the one of the MP4-12C. There was no model displayed with the full-LED headlight, unless I missed it, but there was the one with S-Line seats and Bang & Olufsen soundsystem. It was on and the quality is the best in class and even better than other more expensive ones. Of course it is not anything like the A8 with 1200 Watt. The interior feels the most cozy and the interior quality is also top of its class. I was or maybe am yet known as an Audi hater, but the new A3 jsut blew me away. Other than the fact the dashboard and door panels are not covered with leather, the car feels like a small Bentley. Usually we see things on cars waterdown the brand, like for example with the Lexus LFA, Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, but in the case of the A3 it feels like Audi did the oposite they started by the A3, so I can't imagine what the new A4 will be like, it will push everything a large step further.
Mercedes A Class
The new A Class is too generic and has nothing to do with Mercedes? I don't thing this is true. In style it reminds the B Class, inside it reminds other Mercedes cars like the roadster, the side glass shape is 100 % Mercedes so no doubt, if you took away the badges you would know it is a Benz. It looks really sporty even in normal trim, unlike the 1 Series, the A Class does not need the AMG package. The interior is really nice, it is not really of any worse quality than the others, though I haven't compared it with the B Class. The seats are very comfortable yet they feel the most sporty. Apparently it borders human that the frame around the door windows is not covered by any plastic, it is really not an issue, I'd prefere some clean metal than some cheap plastic. The CF trim is not CF. Neither is it fake. YOu can't se it on the pics, but the trim is some kind of rubber or soft plastic that is plated in CF style. It is really soft and is of good quality, I really liked it and think it feels even better then any other alu trims of other cars. The A Class is low but with alot of space, way more than in the 1 Series. The navi may look strange in the photos, but it feels more solid than in the 1 Series and is better fitted. In general the new A Class is a true entry level Mercedes, and can be driven by male for its sporty looks and by female for its fashionable looks.
Mercedes SL and SL AMG
The interior is high-end, a huge step over the previous SL. I just can't imagine waht the S Class will be like. The only think I dislike is the layout, due too its asymmetry. Concerning the interoir, there is nothing to comment on, but the exetrior is unexplainable.
I went back and forth, from the SL 500 to the SL 63 AMG and back again, I just could not tell. The 1 Series is the most ugly car on the BMW line up, I am really sorry, but it is the same case for the SL. You can improve the looks of the 1 Series by putting the M package, but it still is ulgy. However on the SL, AMG does magic, it could be the most beautiful Mercedes. I have no idea how was that possible? What is the red color of the SL 500 that made it look so bad? Or was it the matt silver color of the SL 63 AMG that made it looks so good? I really love the SL 63 AMG, I'd pick it over the Ferrari California, but I really dislike the standard SL, and I think it will never gorw on me. You know Mercedes's slogan? "The best or nothing". I say "SL 63 AMG or none".
BMW M5, BMW M6 and BMW 6 Series GranCoupé
It is the first time I saw the M5, and I can only say it looks 5 times better than on pics. The M6 looks 10 times better then in pics. I did not like the M6's paint on the pics, but live, I even did not notice I hated the color. I would not chose that color but it did not look bad at all. In reality the M6 is so much more agressive than it looks on the pics and the rear diffusor is nice unlike on the pics. The interior is just perfect best quality of any BMW ever. Looking at the cars design, they really like a turbocharged V8 is the best engine to fit in, they have the same character, some sleaping beasts that you would not like to wake up. The stance is really agressive, not like in the pics. I think these are the two first BMW that you do not need to lower or to add wheelspecers on.
In real life the GranCoupé gorgeous, it looks better than the 6 Series Coupé. I would say the 6 Series Coupé does not look that good because it lacks two doors. The 6 GC is so low, so wide and being long it looks so short and dynamic, I could not understand how I got such impression. On the pic it looks so long. THe interior is the best interior BMW ever did, it is really my personal fav of all, both in design and quality, the interior of the 1 Series and 3 Series may be similar, but they are far from that. The price explans that. Conclusion? The M6 GranCoupé will be the best BMW ever, performance wise only until the M3 comes, and design wise only until the M4 comes, but don't expect to see such high quality interior.
BMW 3 Series
As on the pics it looks exaclty that good, except for the interior. The finish is slightly better than on the 1 Series, but not mind blowing. IMO it is a bit too busy and the layout is confusing. It feels distracting, at least too me. I know this may seem contradictroy when the 6 Series has nearly the same layout. But all in all the 3 Series is truly best in class, but not invincible, though I will still stay the most sold mid-sized sedan in the world. But after the new A Class and the new A3 the 3 Series will get some tough time when the new C Class and A4 will be out in 2014.
Volvo V40
This was the biggest surprise. The car is so so nice. Design is really original and is IMO the biggest threat to the A3. The interior quality was really so premium, I do not know it is really is, but for me it felt better than the 1 Series. The car is really spacious, and the arranging compartments are very practical. I was astonnished by the instrument cluster, which was a colored screen. You could configure many things on it, I usually like analogical, but this one was maybe even better than the black panel dispaly of BMW. I would put this car in to the premium category, it is a nice hatch worthy of considerartion.
Maserati GranTurismo Sport
You know it is my favorite 2 door coupé, and you know what I don't like about it. The upgrades it has are nice, but the front bumper is worse. It feels cheaper because of the huge amount of black plastic. The desing is inspired by the GranTurismo MC Corse, but unlike it, the all around the grill is just palin plastic without air intakes, so it has nothing functional. The bumper of the normal GranTursimo if far more elegant and fits better the purpose of the car.
Ferrari F12
Live it looks just as good as n the pics, and it is probalby the best looking Ferrari. It is said to be more compact, it is also, but still not as compact as the Lexus LFA. A nice car, but I can't really tell anything about it, first because I could not enter the stand, and second because I can't afford such a car. And if to dream, the LFA makes me dream more.
Lamborghini Aventador
I saw it for the first time, and yes it is the car that would turn the most head and attract the most attention. Here goes the same as for the F12, the car is out of my reach and thus I can't have any justifieable opinion. But I can say for sure Mansory ruined it.
McLaren MP4-12C
I also saw this for the first time, but unfortunately there were only tuner versions. I love the looks of the car, it is the most compact among the supercars, and I defintely like its design more than the 458 Italia. The Mansory version it IMO the best looking Mansory ever, it was not ruined. Maybe a less flashy color and some silver or black rims and it would be really nice.
Pagani Huayra
The rear looks really good, but I'll never like the front. The car is not of my taste but I so much love the attention to detail which is beyond everything. If only my favorite brand, Alfa Romeo, could be built by Horacio Pagani...
Porsche Boxster S
I love this car. Not really this one, but thanks to it I know how the Cayman will be, the best Porsche ever, after tha Carrera GT. It really makes me wanting it. Interior is so luxurious and sporty, simple and funtional. Quality is top, just like in all the other Panamera, Cayenne and 911. The size is no nice and compact, just what I am looking for. I really want to by Cayman in the next years.
Well, that was it. There were many other interesting things, and I had many interesting discussions, with some of the constructors. I cannot report everything. If you would like to know something else just ask me, maybe I could answer. To conclude, everthing is worth driving to such an event, you have to see everything for yourself. I am looking forward to drive to Paris in October.
PS: Unfotunately at the moment my favorite brand has only two cars on sale, the Mito and the Giulietta. The 4C was not there. But this is my new sig.
The Twins: Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86
I think most of you know how enthused I am about this car, but to say the truth I am disapointed. I followed this car since its first announcements, and saw the Toyota FT-86 Concept, the red one, at Geneva 2009. I loved it in all ways, its proportions and its desing. The new Toyota GT86 does not look as good, I have a feeling it will very quickly be outdated, but this is not my main concern. It is slightly larger and higher than the concept, and also this displeases me, but I could get over this. Overall some lowering springs and some good looking lightweight 18" rims with wheelspacers will make it quite a looker. The worst detail of the exterior are the lexus-style taillights, they just look very cheap and outdated.
A bigger issue is the trunk and the rear seats. The trunk is very small, if it was a hatch it would not change anything other than weakening the chassis. The rear seats are not more usefull than in an Audi TT for example. I know no large person would fit in, but even so there is little space, not for the knees, because of the deep rear seats, but for the feet. The front seat has to be moved very much in front, what is uncomfortable for the front passenger, un impossilbe for the driver. I am 1.80 m, and the drivers seat set for my size nobody would be able to sit behind me. I think this is a different case fot the japanese, as they are in general smaller than european.
In general the sitting position is nice, but better than in the Mazda MX-5? I am not sure of that.
The worst part of the car is the quality, not so the quality of the materials but of the fit an finish, be it inside or out. To be harsh, it is on Dacia level. This is also not a problem for me, but at a 30.000 € pricetag, even if it has rear-wheel drive, one of the lowest centers of gravity and one of the best steerings, according to press reviews, 30.000 € is just to much. I was told the Subaru would be cheaper than the Toyota as you would get a more basic version, but I doubt it will be at 25.000 €, and for me anything above is just too much.
What shall I do? I won't put any deposite or book it yet. I'll wait for a testdrive. I could get a second hand Honda S2000 or Mazda RX-8, but I would prefere a new car. The Nissan 370 Z is already too heavy and "luxurious", the Mazda MX-5 would be nice if it was a Coupé only, but its design is too soft. One thing is sure if I'll end up getting it, it won't be my daily driver, but my track tool. I can't say for sure, but I do see myself skipping this car and wait a few years to get a two times more expensive, 60.000 € Porsche Cayman (981).
Unfortunately, unlike the Lexus LFA which I think the 4.8l V10 and the whole package are worth 400.000 €, I think the 2.0l H4 and tha whole package of the Toyota GT86 (and Subaru BRZ) are not worth 30.000 €, and this coming from someone that is hard-core as I. Maybe I am not so as I think to be.
Audi RS4 Avant
In general there is nothing new, it is "nothing else" than an Audi A4 Avant fitted with the engine from the Audi RS5 Coupé. But it does magic. Is the RS4 B8 better than the RS4 B7? In terms of performance it could be faster, also thanks to its DCT, whereas the old one only had a MT. Different opinions and preferences, if the RS4 was offered in with both choices, I'd still pick the dual-clutch transmission. In terms of looks, it is also not possible the say wich one is really better, the B7 was much more aggressive and really had more character as you first related it to the DTM car, but I like the more undestated look of the B8 with the large oval exhaust tips and just simple air intakes without foglights, that hint on something beasty. The small triangular small side intakes do not look bad in fact, however I think if the large intake and the small one were all one. The best part of the RS4, always concerning esthetics are the rims. I never liked the RS5 rims, I think they are really ugly and bland, but the new V 5 spoke rims in 20" are IMO the best looking rims Audi did lately. An detail I never noticed before was the shape of the rear brake dics, they are not round, see pic. All in all, Deckhook will really love the car, it will look good in any color. The new 20" rims are a must, but I'd advise not to have the alu trim on the front and rear bumper, if it was my choice, would also get the Audi-frame and mirror caps in gloss black.
Audi A3
It is nothing new? You knew it would look good but it is boring? It is a just an overpriced Golf? Sorry but you are wrong. Its looks can be discussed, but only in one way: somebody may prefere something more special, and less usual. But even so I doubt this statement is true. Design-wise it is the most simple car of its class, but it ends up being to most special because non of the other look that simply good. The blue A3 was really beautiful. The interior layout pleases me very well, in fact now it is my favorite one. It is in the same time simple, but modern, and the really functional, its functionality for its calss, reminds me the one of the MP4-12C. There was no model displayed with the full-LED headlight, unless I missed it, but there was the one with S-Line seats and Bang & Olufsen soundsystem. It was on and the quality is the best in class and even better than other more expensive ones. Of course it is not anything like the A8 with 1200 Watt. The interior feels the most cozy and the interior quality is also top of its class. I was or maybe am yet known as an Audi hater, but the new A3 jsut blew me away. Other than the fact the dashboard and door panels are not covered with leather, the car feels like a small Bentley. Usually we see things on cars waterdown the brand, like for example with the Lexus LFA, Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, but in the case of the A3 it feels like Audi did the oposite they started by the A3, so I can't imagine what the new A4 will be like, it will push everything a large step further.
Mercedes A Class
The new A Class is too generic and has nothing to do with Mercedes? I don't thing this is true. In style it reminds the B Class, inside it reminds other Mercedes cars like the roadster, the side glass shape is 100 % Mercedes so no doubt, if you took away the badges you would know it is a Benz. It looks really sporty even in normal trim, unlike the 1 Series, the A Class does not need the AMG package. The interior is really nice, it is not really of any worse quality than the others, though I haven't compared it with the B Class. The seats are very comfortable yet they feel the most sporty. Apparently it borders human that the frame around the door windows is not covered by any plastic, it is really not an issue, I'd prefere some clean metal than some cheap plastic. The CF trim is not CF. Neither is it fake. YOu can't se it on the pics, but the trim is some kind of rubber or soft plastic that is plated in CF style. It is really soft and is of good quality, I really liked it and think it feels even better then any other alu trims of other cars. The A Class is low but with alot of space, way more than in the 1 Series. The navi may look strange in the photos, but it feels more solid than in the 1 Series and is better fitted. In general the new A Class is a true entry level Mercedes, and can be driven by male for its sporty looks and by female for its fashionable looks.
Mercedes SL and SL AMG
The interior is high-end, a huge step over the previous SL. I just can't imagine waht the S Class will be like. The only think I dislike is the layout, due too its asymmetry. Concerning the interoir, there is nothing to comment on, but the exetrior is unexplainable.
I went back and forth, from the SL 500 to the SL 63 AMG and back again, I just could not tell. The 1 Series is the most ugly car on the BMW line up, I am really sorry, but it is the same case for the SL. You can improve the looks of the 1 Series by putting the M package, but it still is ulgy. However on the SL, AMG does magic, it could be the most beautiful Mercedes. I have no idea how was that possible? What is the red color of the SL 500 that made it look so bad? Or was it the matt silver color of the SL 63 AMG that made it looks so good? I really love the SL 63 AMG, I'd pick it over the Ferrari California, but I really dislike the standard SL, and I think it will never gorw on me. You know Mercedes's slogan? "The best or nothing". I say "SL 63 AMG or none".
BMW M5, BMW M6 and BMW 6 Series GranCoupé
It is the first time I saw the M5, and I can only say it looks 5 times better than on pics. The M6 looks 10 times better then in pics. I did not like the M6's paint on the pics, but live, I even did not notice I hated the color. I would not chose that color but it did not look bad at all. In reality the M6 is so much more agressive than it looks on the pics and the rear diffusor is nice unlike on the pics. The interior is just perfect best quality of any BMW ever. Looking at the cars design, they really like a turbocharged V8 is the best engine to fit in, they have the same character, some sleaping beasts that you would not like to wake up. The stance is really agressive, not like in the pics. I think these are the two first BMW that you do not need to lower or to add wheelspecers on.
In real life the GranCoupé gorgeous, it looks better than the 6 Series Coupé. I would say the 6 Series Coupé does not look that good because it lacks two doors. The 6 GC is so low, so wide and being long it looks so short and dynamic, I could not understand how I got such impression. On the pic it looks so long. THe interior is the best interior BMW ever did, it is really my personal fav of all, both in design and quality, the interior of the 1 Series and 3 Series may be similar, but they are far from that. The price explans that. Conclusion? The M6 GranCoupé will be the best BMW ever, performance wise only until the M3 comes, and design wise only until the M4 comes, but don't expect to see such high quality interior.
BMW 3 Series
As on the pics it looks exaclty that good, except for the interior. The finish is slightly better than on the 1 Series, but not mind blowing. IMO it is a bit too busy and the layout is confusing. It feels distracting, at least too me. I know this may seem contradictroy when the 6 Series has nearly the same layout. But all in all the 3 Series is truly best in class, but not invincible, though I will still stay the most sold mid-sized sedan in the world. But after the new A Class and the new A3 the 3 Series will get some tough time when the new C Class and A4 will be out in 2014.
Volvo V40
This was the biggest surprise. The car is so so nice. Design is really original and is IMO the biggest threat to the A3. The interior quality was really so premium, I do not know it is really is, but for me it felt better than the 1 Series. The car is really spacious, and the arranging compartments are very practical. I was astonnished by the instrument cluster, which was a colored screen. You could configure many things on it, I usually like analogical, but this one was maybe even better than the black panel dispaly of BMW. I would put this car in to the premium category, it is a nice hatch worthy of considerartion.
Maserati GranTurismo Sport
You know it is my favorite 2 door coupé, and you know what I don't like about it. The upgrades it has are nice, but the front bumper is worse. It feels cheaper because of the huge amount of black plastic. The desing is inspired by the GranTurismo MC Corse, but unlike it, the all around the grill is just palin plastic without air intakes, so it has nothing functional. The bumper of the normal GranTursimo if far more elegant and fits better the purpose of the car.
Ferrari F12
Live it looks just as good as n the pics, and it is probalby the best looking Ferrari. It is said to be more compact, it is also, but still not as compact as the Lexus LFA. A nice car, but I can't really tell anything about it, first because I could not enter the stand, and second because I can't afford such a car. And if to dream, the LFA makes me dream more.
Lamborghini Aventador
I saw it for the first time, and yes it is the car that would turn the most head and attract the most attention. Here goes the same as for the F12, the car is out of my reach and thus I can't have any justifieable opinion. But I can say for sure Mansory ruined it.
McLaren MP4-12C
I also saw this for the first time, but unfortunately there were only tuner versions. I love the looks of the car, it is the most compact among the supercars, and I defintely like its design more than the 458 Italia. The Mansory version it IMO the best looking Mansory ever, it was not ruined. Maybe a less flashy color and some silver or black rims and it would be really nice.
Pagani Huayra
The rear looks really good, but I'll never like the front. The car is not of my taste but I so much love the attention to detail which is beyond everything. If only my favorite brand, Alfa Romeo, could be built by Horacio Pagani...
Porsche Boxster S
I love this car. Not really this one, but thanks to it I know how the Cayman will be, the best Porsche ever, after tha Carrera GT. It really makes me wanting it. Interior is so luxurious and sporty, simple and funtional. Quality is top, just like in all the other Panamera, Cayenne and 911. The size is no nice and compact, just what I am looking for. I really want to by Cayman in the next years.
Well, that was it. There were many other interesting things, and I had many interesting discussions, with some of the constructors. I cannot report everything. If you would like to know something else just ask me, maybe I could answer. To conclude, everthing is worth driving to such an event, you have to see everything for yourself. I am looking forward to drive to Paris in October.
PS: Unfotunately at the moment my favorite brand has only two cars on sale, the Mito and the Giulietta. The 4C was not there. But this is my new sig.
