Guess what I test drove today?

Old May 2, 2003 | 09:24 PM
  #1  
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Guess what I test drove today?

I was going over to the Vishnu shop today and the Autoweek people were there. Guess what they had in the parking lot? After talking for a while, we traded keys ... not too shabby for an American car (built in Germany!).
Attached Thumbnails Guess what I test drove today?-crossfire2a.jpg  
Old May 2, 2003 | 09:24 PM
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more ...
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Old May 2, 2003 | 09:26 PM
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that thing is built in germany??

that looks sweet
Old May 2, 2003 | 09:26 PM
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last one ... too bad it wasn't here long enough to get on the dyno. I'm curious what that 3.2L V6 can push to the rear wheels.
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Old May 2, 2003 | 09:28 PM
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one more ...
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Old May 2, 2003 | 09:30 PM
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its a bit more masculine than the Z3/Z4, S2K and Boxster, but the not the Boxster S

Yup, its built in Germany since the underlying engine and suspension is mostly mercedes derived. So I guess this is an "import". It should be on sale in a couple of months ...

Rides alright, but I wouldn't give my WRX for it.
Old May 2, 2003 | 09:41 PM
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Originally posted by CupertinoSteve
too bad it wasn't here long enough to get on the dyno. I'm curious what that 3.2L V6 can push to the rear wheels.
The engine rating at the flywheel is less than a WRX. Did this car have the six-speed or five-speed auto?

Why was Autoweek at the shop?

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Old May 2, 2003 | 09:48 PM
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I drove the 6spd. It was a pretty short stroke, but there is a lot of side-to-side play.

I'll have to let Shiv say why Autoweek was there ...
Old May 2, 2003 | 10:02 PM
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It's funny to hear what people, especially us enthusiasts who tend to eat, live, and breathe cars, have to say about Vishnu. Of course some of us don't agree with their pricing policies, but if you think about it, there are other market segments than the "strapped-for-cash hot-rodder." Sure, there are plently of companies competing to have the cheapest uppipe or the lowest price on VF30s, but there is another demographic out there that may to this point be largely untapped: The late 20s or thirty something guy (or gal for that matter ) who's got some penny to throw around and wants to have a seriously fast car. They are willing to pay a premium for a totally integrated package that's totally worry-free. Although the WRX doesn't fall into the category of something people buy to be frivolous, it is a well-built car that can be made to haul some serious ****. So my thinking is that Vishnu is targeting that very demographic that has money to spend and doesn't necessarily know all that much about cars. If you think about it, who's car would you rather modify: some car-nut who's strapped for cash and is going to scrutinize every single mod you make or someone who doesn't mind paying some extra cash and could care less what you do to their car as long as it performs better?
Old May 2, 2003 | 10:05 PM
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Wow, that was a pretty intense 1000th post. Didn't even notice until I was done. I think it commemorates the occasion nicely.

Anyhow, the reason I made another post was to say thanks to Steve for sharing his experience with us. So what does it feel like to be an industry insider?
Old May 2, 2003 | 10:07 PM
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i'll answer this one for Shiv ... the Crossfire is not for Shiv and I HIGHLY doubt that he will be making parts for that car. It was just what the magazine editor was given to drive (since he's from detroit).

Steve
Old May 2, 2003 | 10:25 PM
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Originally posted by Steppin Razor
Wow, that was a pretty intense 1000th post. Didn't even notice until I was done. I think it commemorates the occasion nicely.
A shame it wasnt on topic
Old May 2, 2003 | 10:29 PM
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Easy there junior.
Old May 2, 2003 | 11:17 PM
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Thanks Razor!
I'm not sure about being an "insider", but its fun knowing things before others.

Steve

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