VPI

Thanks to Brent being a fan of BMW on Facebook I got to see the sign up for the BMW Ultimate Driving Experience Autocross thing in Maryland in June. Not sure how much you actually get to drive, but it should be fun.

In my very scientific testing tonight, Forza 5 on the Xbox One, I have come up with some interesting differences between the R and the S4. Unfortunately the game only has the Mk VI R so I could not get a true test. The A pillar on the Golf, being more vertical and thinner makes for a dramatically better view of the track than the S4. I am pretty sure a Mini Cooper could hide in the visibility block from the A pillar on the S4. The larger side mirrors on the S4 were much more usable than the smallish ones on the R. The R seems to be much easier to coax through the tight curves of the Nuburgring, and is more stable when using the curbs. The R is more stable and does not lumber through corners, the rear end tends to not throw off the balance and try to come around on you nearly as much as the S4. The S4 seems to be good with early power in the curves, but brakes seem to unsettle it unnaturally. Top speed on the finish line straight was dramatically different, 165 for the S4 and 131 for the R. Not sure how accurate that is, or if the Mk VII R might be a bit faster, but that long straight was a big part of the time difference between the two, as the R is quicker through the crazy windy areas. Best clean Ring lap on the Golf R 12:07 and the best time on the S4 11:32. Might have to go test drive a few more options tonight.

So what is it about the Elio that interests you? I can't even find the 0-60 times on their page.

I would pay money to see you stepping out of a Yugo GT on base.

Unfortunately, I am not a baller like you, so I am only looking for economy cars at this point, really just wanted to see how it compared to my 2002. That dealership did have a nice lease offer for a convertible M235i for $499 that was interesting.

Hope it is nice thorn free, nacho/biscuit filled Birthday Brent.

I tried to test drive a convertible M4 at the BMW dealership and I was ignored for the whole 20 minutes I was there.

I really liked the Black Edition inside.

They have a new Black Edition RS5 and a used RS5.

Contemplating taking Nate's original advice and just leasing an S4 now. Not sure the Golf is really going to be a comfortable daily driver for me with the dramatic turbo lag and limited driver shoulder room. Maybe not, Audi lease terms suck balls. I would be better off buying the thing. They have a Blue one they can get for me, but it is Premium Plus with Tech package some crappy Bang & Olufson stereo and the upgraded sport diff. Not sure if a full Premium package would not be a better purchase. Some specs: Sepang Blue Pearl DSG Transmission Nappa Leather Package Tech Package: Audi MMI navigation (dramatically better than the Golf one), Parking System, Audi Connect Sim Card thing for Google interface and a wifi hotspot (just like those fancy Chevy's), etc. Sports Differential Bang & Olufson Carbon Fiber Atlas Inlays??? Some stupid $600 Alu-Optic package? Free Service (Thought this was already included like in a Bimmer but I guess not) Longer warranty 4year/50000 as opposed to 3/36000.

Maybe a road trip to Dan's little town. http://www.vagfair.com/york/

911 is the only one I would get out of that group. I would get one myself if the people in this area were not douche-holes that enjoy hitting my cars in any parking space I leave them.

I will give a qualified dew eet, but nothing official until I know the actual car.

Happy Birthday Raffy

Do you guys have the Fender system?

What do the VW crew think about the quality of the stock sound systems in your cars. I assume they are averagish? The weird subwoofer where the spare tire should be seems kind of weird.

Nothing crazy about it. Looks like a fun car.

No telling. I do not have a lot of faith in the middle of June story I last heard.

Maybe Watkins Glen or Lime Rock Park as potential races for a get together. http://www.imsa.com/series/united-sportscar/schedule

I am going to start hitting the Tudor series races, including this one in August at VIR. Might make nice road trip destinations. http://virnow.com/events/oak-tree-grand-prix/

I have driven a lot of cars over 100 MPH without an 18 inch scaffolding on the trunk lid without any problems.

That is the WRX that I really want but I guess the hatchback is gone now. You can order the sti without the stupid wing now though.

Would love to do that, but I would probably be doing it in a rental as I am not patient enough to drive across the country. How is your WRX treating you? I really liked the ones I drove and came very close to ordering a 2016 with eye sight and the new navigation system.

Good to hear. I am looking forward to the rockets. How are the windy roads in Ohio? Seems to be in between DC and Chicago. I am also interested in road trips up to Nate's area as that seems to be the only way we get to see him.