04-02-2013, 07:37 PM | #45 |
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Audi's S products are roughly on par with BMW's equivalent top trim series model. It could be a "35i", but it might also be a *50i model for the 5 series and above. M Performance or (for a little longer) "is" models fit the bill too where they are available.
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04-02-2013, 08:19 PM | #46 |
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Audi salesmen have always viewed their S line as equivalent to BMW's M. They view their RS line as 'above' M. lol
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04-02-2013, 09:30 PM | #47 | |
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04-02-2013, 10:25 PM | #48 |
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If they would just produce new E46 with a "lci" restyle to make it current and drop in a boosted N52, I would be happy. Seems that this 2GC is the closest it gets.
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04-03-2013, 12:15 AM | #49 | |
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Admit what? I have no idea what you are talking about. You must be confusing GC with GT -- the 5 and 3 GT are completely irrelevant to a 2-series GC. GC are certainly not rear heavy (aesthetically or otherwise). This thread is about the 2-series Gran Coupe. Scott did allude to a GT (or Gran Sports Tourer/Gran Tourer) six months ago (http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=752970), but that is a completely different vehicle and not the subject of this thread. (And frankly on that subject, I hope they limit that to the FWD 1-series GT, of which they debuted the concept car some time ago, the BMW Concept Active Tourer, and has been spotted winter testing). |
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04-03-2013, 01:08 AM | #50 |
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I would either pick a coupe (which is definitely my life-choice) or a regular 4-door while convertible is the most-thrilling of all three to drive though.
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04-03-2013, 08:16 AM | #52 |
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The only good side to taking so long to release the 2GC that I can see is that BMW will have plenty of time to tweak it to make it very competitive against the A3 and CLA. They already know the recipe here, so they should be able to knock this one out of the park. Reading the very recent 135is reviews posted on here shows that BMW still knows how to make a basic, fast, fun sports car.
I was doing a little comparison last night, and the new A3 sedan is literally within an inch or two in every direction the same size as the e46 sedan. I've always preferred BMW's styling to Audi's, but I am not sold after seeing the new 1 series' terrible headlights. I think they're going to really have to come out swinging if they're going to recapture this market after MB and Audi have had it all to themselves for a couple years. BMW basically has to just hope that the few real enthusiasts out there will just hold on for a small RWD sedan. Audi and MB already have strikes against them in that regard due to FWD in the CLA and FWD-biased quattro in the A/S3. Add rumors of no manual trans at least in the S3's case, and BMW could still offer something very competitive here. I wouldn't count them out just for arriving late to this party. If BMW is paying attention to trends and listening to these forums, they'll see that staying true to their heritage is way more important than anything else they'll do. Companies that stay "authentic" stay successful.
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04-03-2013, 08:28 AM | #53 |
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04-03-2013, 09:02 AM | #54 |
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04-03-2013, 09:51 AM | #55 |
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^^I do agree with both of you. i know the money is in giving the non-enthusiast crowd big comfy cars to park at the mall. I just think BMW is slowly trying to make something for everyone. That kind of tosses out the exclusivity notion of owning one, but I think as long as there are brands building cheaper cars like our domestic companies and Kia/Hyundai, they will always bring in the bargain shopper over BMW. It's going to be interesting to see how things play out. It seems like some companies are trying to push themselves upstream while BMW pushes itself downstream. I think the timing of the 2GC will be cool to see how it stacks up against this new WRX/STi (if it's as cool as the concept car...not likely, but here's to hoping). I'd assume they'll be roughly in the same price range, (high 30s-low 40s) and BMW is going to start having competition with cars and companies it never had before. And, I think many BMW enthusiasts will venture outside of the brand, if their needs aren't being met by BMW. Most of the BMW fans I've met are first and foremost driving enthusiasts, and that's what drew them to the brand. If they find something that appeals to their driving needs/wants more elsewhere, I can see them venturing elsewhere. At least that is true of myself.
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04-04-2013, 10:50 PM | #56 | |
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04-04-2013, 11:32 PM | #57 | |
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04-04-2013, 11:36 PM | #58 | |
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The Honda ACCORD is a pudgy soft whale and yet Honda still makes light simple fun cars like the Fit. Every manufacturer is making cars lighter, and also moving towards turbocharging , including BMW. The e82 1 series is the first step for bmw badged models and more models coming in the 2er lineup because the 3 series simply moved up market like the Accord. The f20 135 in Europe is a roaring success and no doubt the 235 and M2 will be here as well. The "BMW lost their way" complaint lost its legs about 2 years ago when the 1M came out. They are expanding and bringing out more models with a greater variety than ever and the small sedan segment is ripe for a light and nimble 2 series sedan. In addition, We have already seen rumors of a possible z2.... |
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04-04-2013, 11:50 PM | #59 | |
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Wow. That's a lot of drama. You just talked yourself into buying an Audi by creating your own rumors! |
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04-05-2013, 08:58 AM | #60 | |
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This certainly helps create demand for the good cars, but after selling my previous M Coupe, I haven't found a BMW that seems like a good replacement. My wife's 135i was meant to be replaced by an F30, but it was a disappointing drive and she ended up with an X1 instead. There was a time that a 3er, really any version, was a safe choice to be the best car to drive in the class. Now Cadillac (?!) makes that car and Audi and MB are certainly either closer or ahead of BMW in the fun to drive category. I think there's huge opportunity for a 2er sedan / grand coupe to make a big impact and restore some of the uncomplicated, direct driving fun that many of us grew up enjoying about BMW. Frankly, I look forward to it. As an aside, Honda largely fixed the Accord with the current generation, and it sells better, even though it's not as cushy or heavy. Let's hope the entire round of future BMW's goes this direction, not the continuation of diluting the main product while offering a few gems. |
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04-08-2013, 04:42 PM | #61 |
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09-15-2013, 03:06 PM | #66 | |
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