Tag Archives: VW

Bored With The Wrangler

So, I bought a Jeep Wrangler Sport S back in October 2018. I love Wranglers. I still love this vehicle, but I’m not sure it’s Covid-19 (I no longer drive to/from work – in fact, I rarely drive now) or the fact that there’s not a lot of trails around here to drive on, but I’m beginning to be bored with the Wrangler.

It has some mods but nothing traditional. For example, the first thing folks do is throw on big wheels and a lift. I don’t really want bigger wheels or even a lift. Why? Because Jeep will not remedy (under warranty) suspension issues if I start adding my own parts. I like the way the Jeep currently rides. Also, I can’t stand tire hum and big all-terrain tires will do that. Yes, I can have two sets of wheels/tires in case I want to play on the trails, but there are no trails close by. I’m not going to spend the money on a lift and tires/wheels if I’m not going to use those tires/wheels.

Currently, I’ve side steps, LED headlights (mandatory, IMO), and Mopar mats in both the front and back.

What I really miss is my STI. Will I be getting another? Not unless they release a new revamped version.

I have been looking at several other sports cars:

Late model (2008) Porsche 997.1 Carrera 2 Manual

Porsche (2009) 997.2 Carrera 4S w/ PDK & Chrono package.

Early Porsche 718 w/ PDK and Chrono package (I’d prefer the 718S, but most are out of my budget)

Toyota Supra MkV (either the 2020 or the 2021 model)

VW Golf R (2017 or so; DC-equipped)

VW R32

I wouldn’t even mind a hard-top Miata at this point (I’d even consider supercharging it).

I’m leaning heavily toward a Porsche but I’ve to pay off the damned Wrangler first (plus, I’m putting a kid through college with another heading to college in 3 years; another is almost done with college). Plus, the two I really want is either the 997.2 or a 718S. The 991 is too expensive and any 997.2 2010 or above will cost dearly (997.2s have been creeping up in price, too). If I want a 997.2, I should be looking at them now…they might be unattainable if I wait too much longer.

I can also step down in Carrera models (996s, which I do not really care for, especially when those could have IMS issues), but that’s considered settling for less, IMO.

I think I’m just missing a sports car. I suppose I could find an older R32 or Miata and keep the Wrangler too (I’ll definitely consider this option), that way I can have my cake and eat it too. I don’t need a lot of power or an exotic to have some fun.

2017 Mazdaspeed 3 Possibility

2018-mazdaspeed-3-artists-rendering-photo-586350-s-1280x782-626x382

http://blog.caranddriver.com/footloose-and-fancy-three-mazda-3-refresh-mazdaspeed-3-coming-for-2017/

Excerpt:

Officially, Mazda will comment on none of this, but the new car will almost certainly be turbocharged, offering output somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 horsepower. All-wheel drive is a possibility. The starting price should be somewhere around $30,000, suggesting Volkswagen Golf R levels of performance for loaded–GTI money.

Wow, this is good news.  It means there’s another WRX/STI competitor and the list of competitors is broadening.  Additionally, on the horizon is the Ford Focus RS and the Golf R, with both having AWD.  This will probably spur Subaru to be more competitive…it’s either that, or they’ll begin to lose market share.  I’ve no problem buying a non-WRX if Subaru doesn’t want to compete (the only thing I’ll probably miss is the great resale value). I’ll also link Car & Driver’s FB posting on this topic:

Post by Car and Driver.

? Drive Plus – VW Golf R v BMW M235i – Chris Harris on Cars

Drive Plus – VW Golf R v BMW M235i – Chris… by boobiesr4squeezing

Your thoughts on the upcoming VW Golf R?  I’m less concerned about the M235i, since the 2015 STI has already been matched up with that particular car (see this post for more insight).

My thoughts?  This is just another VW Mk VII Golf R video.  This is also another Golf R video that is non-US-spec.  This is also another video touting its Haldex system.

We keep seeing videos of this car but only in it’s EU-guise.  It makes me wonder if there will be a US version (of the same car, not a watered down version).  Also, everyone keeps talking about how smart the Haldex system is — it was initially debuted in the Golf R on an ice track.  Subaru has been doing that for YEARS.  As well, Haldex isn’t true all-wheel-drive…it enables power to the wheels only when needed.  Yes, that is more efficient.  No, that doesn’t make it better than dedicated AWD systems.  I’d like to see the car handle and see drivers such as Randy Pobst test that car on a track.  Yes, Chris Harris gave the car ‘the beans’ in the video, but I’ve to see much more of this car than the last 8 months of videos before I become intrigued by this car’s technology.  And then there’s the euro stigma about technology.  Will this car be expensive to service and maintain?  Will there be non-stop electrical gremlins that plague the owner experience?

No, I’m not yet smitten.  Keep trying to woo me, VW.

1972 VW Beetle powered by Subaru STI engine!

      

 

This car is very unique. It is a 1972 VW Beetle in shell only, because it has a Subaru STI engine (an EJ207, specifically), as well as some Porsche 911 parts! The engine is tuned to 325 HP. It is a non-US car, though.

2015 VW Golf R – R&T First Review!

Item of note: the DSG model of the 2015 Golf R will supposedly do a sub 5-sec 0-60…the 6-sp manual will be in the low 5s (5.3s or so).

As well, apparently, this car won’t ship until very late this year or early next year, due to the fact that this car is being built exclusively in Germany (the GTI is built in Mexico, and ships to the US quicker).

R&T also states that the 3-door version may actually be produced for the US. That’s not particularly a big deal for me (I’m not really interested in a VW at this point in time), but some people are wanting that model.

Older VW Sciroccos

While the VW Scirocco is a far cry from a Subaru WRX, they are definitely highly sought-out cars and are rather rarely seen in public…in fact, I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen one in person.  A friend had one when we were in high school and I loved to ride shotgun in that car.

Here’s a good link to view pictures and read about them.