Best Asian High-end Car/Supercar (2008)

[fisetdavid26]

Vote for the best Asian high-end car/supercar.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Lexus IS-F.

[Ferrer]

Nissan...



















...370Z

[henk4]

Nissan...
..370Z

that's low end...
Let me be the first to nominate the Nissan GTR Monaro.

[Ferrer]

that's low end...
Let me be the first to nominate the Nissan GTR Monaro.
David said high end cars should just have more than 300bhp.

The Z car does. :)

[fisetdavid26]

that's low end...
Let me be the first to nominate the Nissan GTR Monaro.
Hmm... I haven't thought this through as well as I thought I did.

What's the point. The GT-R will win this. I should have made 7 threads.

[henk4]

David said high end cars should just have more than 300bhp.

The Z car does. :)
You should know that Nissan is always cheating....

[ruim20]

Nissan GTR

[Bleeding Heart]

Lexus IS-F...

A certified M3 Killer

[fisetdavid26]

Lexus IS-F...

A certified M3 Killer
Clarkson tend to disagree though.

[NicFromLA]

Lexus IS-F.

Runner up: Nissan GT-R.

[Bleeding Heart]

Clarkson tend to disagree though.

I actually watched that episode on top gear...

I like the IS-F because it's fast...

But one problem with it is that it rides very hard... Not very comfortable...

it doesn't change my mind though... I still like the IS-F

[clutch-monkey]

EVO X? does that qualify?

[fisetdavid26]

I actually watched that episode on top gear...

I like the IS-F because it's fast...

But one problem with it is that it rides very hard... Not very comfortable...

it doesn't change my mind though... I still like the IS-F
Well I like as well but I wouldn't call it an M3 killer.

And I would get a M3 over it actually.

[fisetdavid26]

EVO X? does that qualify?
I'm thinking mass market rather. The FQ's are definitely high-end though.

Plus, it has 300 PS, which is 296 bhp </cock> :D

[Kitdy]

Lexus IS-F...

A certified M3 Killer

What?


Clarkson tend to disagree though.

Along with everyone else. I read a C+D article and it finished last to the ageing RS4, along with C63 and M3 - the M3 winning of course. Lexus is simply not up to snuff in terms of performance. They got the luxury thing down well however. Also, I think the IS-F is by far the worst looking of the bunch.

[Bleeding Heart]

Well I like as well but I wouldn't call it an M3 killer.

And I would get a M3 over it actually.

I have to admit overall, the M3 is better because it rides better and handles better...

In a straight line though, that's a different story...

But yeah, the M3 is a very nice car too..

[jump15vc]

GT-R
im wondering if votes for the GTR are behind the IS-F because everyone expects it to win? lol or maybe MC has blackmailed everyone on UCP into keeping their mouth shut??:rolleyes:

[Bleeding Heart]

Uhhhh... I'm not blackmailed, I just really prefer the IS-F over the GT-R...:p:p:p:p:p

[NSXType-R]

GT-R.

[Kooper]

GTR. Maybe the best car overall of 2008?

[Rockefella]

GTR. Maybe the best car overall of 2008?

That's my prediction.

I'll nominate the Lexus LS600h to be different. Is it a 2008 model?

[Ferrer]

I have to admit overall, the M3 is better because it rides better and handles better...

In a straight line though, that's a different story...

But yeah, the M3 is a very nice car too..
Except that if you watch last week's Top Gear epsiode you'll notice that the Toyota isn't faster than the BMW.

[Kooper]

I'll nominate the Lexus LS600h to be different. Is it a 2008 model?


Think so (http://www.leftlanenews.com/lexus-debuts-20072007-lexus-ls-600h-l.html) yes, but I might be lying.

[digitalcraft]

I'd disqualify the FQ because that's a EU variant even though the base car is JP.

[baddabang]

that's low end...
Let me be the first to nominate the Nissan GTR Monaro.


Nissan GTR


GT-R
im wondering if votes for the GTR are behind the IS-F because everyone expects it to win? lol or maybe MC has blackmailed everyone on UCP into keeping their mouth shut??:rolleyes:


GT-R.


GTR. Maybe the best car overall of 2008?

We consider a car that grenades it's own transmission while using its own launch control system as "High-end"?

[The_Canuck]

Acura TL....lol

[Rockefella]

We consider a car that grenades it's own transmission while using its own launch control system as "High-end"?

You can also argue that a car can't be high-end unless it's in for servicing every 500 miles. ;)

[digitalcraft]

Acura TL....lol

Acura FTL?



How do Acura, Lexus, Infiniti and Scion count? Do they count as American or JP?

[fisetdavid26]

Acura FTL?



How do Acura, Lexus, Infiniti and Scion count? Do they count as American or JP?
I lol'ed at FTL :D

EDIT: American. Posted in the American thread as well.

[digitalcraft]

Asia has been sort of running low on supercars at the moment. Most brands have lopped off their halo cars in order to focus on economy cars to make it through rough times it seems.

I'm going to have to go with the Ollium Spirra S, which started being sold this year.
0-60 in 4.6 seconds, 190mph top speed.
391hp out of a mid engine supercharged hyundai 2.7l V6.
Only 2376 lbs

None on this site. :(
First Look: Korea’s first supercar 2008 Spirra S at AutoFans www Auto Com (http://www.autofans.us/2008/04/27/first-look-koreas-first-supercar-2008-spirra-s/)

Its also groundbreaking as the first Korean supercar. With the way things are going, I expect Korea's share in the auto industry to only grow. They've already vastly improved quality, now mainly they need to improve image and cars like this do exactly that.

[wwgkd]

Asia has been sort of running low on supercars at the moment. Most brands have lopped off their halo cars in order to focus on economy cars to make it through rough times it seems.

I'm going to have to go with the Ollium Spirra S, which started being sold this year.
0-60 in 4.6 seconds, 190mph top speed.
391hp out of a mid engine supercharged hyundai 2.7l V6.
Only 2376 lbs

None on this site. :(
First Look: Korea’s first supercar 2008 Spirra S at AutoFans www Auto Com (http://www.autofans.us/2008/04/27/first-look-koreas-first-supercar-2008-spirra-s/)

Its also groundbreaking as the first Korean supercar. With the way things are going, I expect Korea's share in the auto industry to only grow. They've already vastly improved quality, now mainly they need to improve image and cars like this do exactly that.

I'm kind of surprised that with that weight and horsepower the acceleration isn't faster. Nice to see Korea getting into the market, though.

[f6fhellcat13]

ZR1

...or Suzuki Swift

[fisetdavid26]

ZR1

...or Suzuki Swift
ZR1?.

[fisetdavid26]

LOL GT-R

I quite like the IS-F as well. Very straightforward thread here...

[cmcpokey]

not a supercar, but the Lexus LS600h. the car that does everything better than the germans, including omiting the driver

[f6fhellcat13]

ZR1?.


LOL GT-R

Yes sir

[Spastik_Roach]

Nissan GT-R.

[zeppelin]

Hopefully the Infiniti G37 Coupe is considered high-end enough, because it's pretty much my favourite new Asian car. Sorry, not a GT-R fan.

[Zytek_Fan]

Hopefully the Infiniti G37 Coupe is considered high-end enough, because it's pretty much my favourite new Asian car. Sorry, not a GT-R fan.

Seconded.

The G37 ALMOST fits into the mainstream though...

[cmcpokey]

i think it does, i mean, i almost bought one.

i think there is a fundemental difference in the way we all look a these. we all compare them to what we could afford, or see ourselves affording when we 'grow up.' a lot of the 'high end' cars, i can almost afford now, whereas i think i am in the vast minority of regular posters on this site. its really hard to come up with a satisfactory breakdown though.

[zeppelin]

Yeah, it's tight, but it meets the performance criteria. Of all the current Asian cars on the market it's my favourite, so I suppose if it doesn't count, then I vote nothing.

I'm personally underwhelmed with the current stock of Japanese and Korean cars. And American for that matter, and a lot of Europe. I guess I'm just not fond of where the entire car market is heading.

[wwgkd]

Yeah, it's like defining super car. For some people, that's a Corvette, which makes an F430 a super duper car and a Veyron...what?

[Zytek_Fan]

LOL GT-R

I quite like the IS-F as well. Very straightforward thread here...

My pick is the IS-F.
It's pretty damn nice.

[70cuda88]

GTR

I had to right something else down here because i was too straightforward

[Ferrer]

Yeah, it's tight, but it meets the performance criteria. Of all the current Asian cars on the market it's my favourite, so I suppose if it doesn't count, then I vote nothing.

I'm personally underwhelmed with the current stock of Japanese and Korean cars. And American for that matter, and a lot of Europe. I guess I'm just not fond of where the entire car market is heading.
That's the problems of regulations and globalisation.

Takes away almost all that was interesting about cars.

[Kitdy]

My pick is the IS-F.
It's pretty damn nice.

What about it? As I said, it failed in a comparo, and what's it got that will make it better than the GT-R which will assuredly win?

[Ferrer]

What about it? As I said, it failed in a comparo, and what's it got that will make it better than the GT-R which will assuredly win?
Your better may be different from his better.

[Kitdy]

Your better may be different from his better.

Indeed. Mine is right.

But seriously folks, comparing it's achievements to the GT-R what has it got? I haven't driven it but it certainly does not stand out in it's class according to those that have and I don't think that with all the other cars Japan offers that it is the best.

Anyways, I wasn't trying to bash his view, I was more interested in why he liked it. I mean I don't mind nominating things that aren't gonna win but if someone nominated a car I want to hear what about it is good and I didn't see an explanation.

[CamNismo]

Nissan GT-R

[zeppelin]

That's the problems of regulations and globalisation.

Takes away almost all that was interesting about cars.

Yes, and unfortunately it seems the latest styling trends are making cars look bloated, over-designed, and ugly. They all look lethargic and fat, and quite frankly most new cars have gotten unnecessarily overweight. Also, it seems manuals are a dying breed as well, and I refuse to embrace this manu-matic/flappy paddle/tap-shifting faux-manual culture.

[Ferrer]

Yes, and unfortunately it seems the latest styling trends are making cars look bloated, over-designed, and ugly. They all look lethargic and fat, and quite frankly most new cars have gotten unnecessarily overweight. Also, it seems manuals are a dying breed as well, and I refuse to embrace this manu-matic/flappy paddle/tap-shifting faux-manual culture.
I agree totally.

Fortunately old cars are still here. :)

[zeppelin]

I agree totally.

Fortunately old cars are still here. :)

Yep, my hopeful next car will be a 2001 Audi S4. Classic and timeless.

[Kitdy]

Yep, my hopeful next car will be a 2001 Audi S4. Classic and timeless.

Are you in between cars then taking the bus?

[clutch-monkey]

Indeed. Mine is right.

But seriously folks, comparing it's achievements to the GT-R what has it got?
more like, what hasn't it got?
hype, preconception, drooling fanboys rabidly dry humping the rear bumper.
since the GT-R didn't quite descend from the heavens to lead us to the promised land, i'd seriously consider the lexus to drive on the street?
although i agree that none of this is a technical achievement, so probably doesn't count.

[Ferrer]

more like, what hasn't it got?
hype, preconception, drooling fanboys rabidly dry humping the rear bumper.
since the GT-R didn't quite descend from the heavens to lead us to the promised land, i'd seriously consider the lexus to drive on the street?
although i agree that none of this is a technical achievement, so probably doesn't count.
I'd never vote for either, but to help the Lexus case it has an 8 speed gearbox.

Altough probably this one of the cases for technology for the sake of technology and no other good reason...

[clutch-monkey]

8 speed gearbox? what the hell for haha.

[Kitdy]

What'd you vote for for best Asian High-end/Supercar then Ferrer other than the GT-R?

Has anyone read this month's Evo?

And clutch, as I said, the IS-F is simply nothing special.

[Bleeding Heart]

Hey... I don't know about you guys, but this may be the reason why the GT-R is not nominated by everybody in the forum...

YouTube - Series Twelve Episode Five 5/7 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMOanafsytc)

[Bleeding Heart]

What'd you vote for for best Asian High-end/Supercar then Ferrer other than the GT-R?

Has anyone read this month's Evo?

And clutch, as I said, the IS-F is simply nothing special.

Hey Kitdy... I'm just wondering... What do you have against the IS-F...

It's a nice car... Sure, it has flaws such as the 8-speed gearbox and the hard-ride... but overall, it's nice... :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused: :confused:

[Ferrer]

What'd you vote for for best Asian High-end/Supercar then Ferrer other than the GT-R?

Has anyone read this month's Evo?

And clutch, as I said, the IS-F is simply nothing special.
I don't know honestly.

Probably I'd have to vote for it. Even if I don't like it at all.

[Kitdy]

Hey Kitdy... I'm just wondering... What do you have against the IS-F...

It's a nice car... Sure, it has flaws such as the 8-speed gearbox and the hard-ride... but overall, it's nice... :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused: :confused:

I don't claim to speak in absolutes many htings really, I have not driven it or it's competitors but based on what I have read, it is lacking somewhat when it comes to the bench set by it's German competitors - that is my problem. I am not saying that it can't be the best for this award as it could be the worst in it's class but still the best for this award, but I doubt it as there are so many other Japanese cars and with the GT-R out I could not justify voting for it.

Visually, I think it is not very appealing modest like every other Lexus I have ever seen (this is not an exaggeration).

All I think it has on it's competitors is the 8-speed.

Looking back at the reviews, it wasn't as "bad" as I thought but it still lost.
Here's two comparos:


Road and Track (http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=31&article_id=6696)

Car and Driver (http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/2008_bmw_m3_vs_2008_lexus_is_f_comparison_test)

So as for what you said about straight line speed, (at least to 60 mph) the IS-F may not even be faster than the M3 and was slower than the C63. In the R/T test it was second most expensive base price, second heaviest, 3rd most powerful. It had good torque however and a good ride - but as the C/D test says, not as good as the M3.


I don't know honestly.

Probably I'd have to vote for it. Even if I don't like it at all.

I think it takes a person of character to vote for a car that they know is the "best" even if they don't personally like it - realising it's impact and the like. I dunno if it'd do it, but I'd like to think that if a really good (yes, again) boring FWD econobox was out, I'd vote for it, but I am doubtful.

[Ferrer]

I think it takes a person of character to vote for a car that they know is the "best" even if they don't personally like it - realising it's impact and the like. I dunno if it'd do it, but I'd like to think that if a really good (yes, again) boring FWD econobox was out, I'd vote for it, but I am doubtful.
I think I'm exactly there. I don't like the GT-R, it just too much of a computer on wheels. I personally think that the other high performance Nissan unveiled this year (the 370Z) is far more enjoyable. And it does have other good points, like being lighter and smaller than its predecessor.

But enjoyment shouldn't compute as highly as other factory when choosing the COTY (the same as personal preference I mentioned in the other thread). As a result the GT-R is probably a better and more worthy contender for the COTY award.

[wwgkd]

Yes, and unfortunately it seems the latest styling trends are making cars look bloated, over-designed, and ugly. They all look lethargic and fat, and quite frankly most new cars have gotten unnecessarily overweight. Also, it seems manuals are a dying breed as well, and I refuse to embrace this manu-matic/flappy paddle/tap-shifting faux-manual culture.

Well, a lot of the extra weight is coming from crash safety regulations. Plus, people keep wanting more luxury features in their car. They don't just want it to drive, they want it to do all kinds of other stuff and harass the car manufacturers when they don't include these features. It does add up.

[roosterjuicer]

ill say the same thing i said in the American high end car category....

The voting is over, there is no need for debate. the GTR is hands down the best car coming out of japan right now nothing is even close.

[Kitdy]

I think I'm exactly there. I don't like the GT-R, it just too much of a computer on wheels. I personally think that the other high performance Nissan unveiled this year (the 370Z) is far more enjoyable. And it does have other good points, like being lighter and smaller than its predecessor.

But enjoyment shouldn't compute as highly as other factory when choosing the COTY (the same as personal preference I mentioned in the other thread). As a result the GT-R is probably a better and more worthy contender for the COTY award.

Props to you. I'd have to drive them both, but I may well prefer the 370Z as well - it is lighter and still packs a punch and as you say, it does not have the gizmos. I am not sure if I would like the gizmos or not though - I think riding on rails on the GT-R with the fancy AWD system would be fun but the sheer mass of the thing I think would detract some enjoyment.

[wwgkd]

Props to you. I'd have to drive them both, but I may well prefer the 370Z as well - it is lighter and still packs a punch and as you say, it does not have the gizmos. I am not sure if I would like the gizmos or not though - I think riding on rails on the GT-R with the fancy AWD system would be fun but the sheer mass of the thing I think would detract some enjoyment.

I have to agree with that. I tend to like the simpler cars, well except for the scuderia, and while I do think all that technology is an achievement I don't think a car should drive itself.

Everyone keeps saying it's great just because it weighs so much and is still fast. It is impressive, but is it really a good thing to reward someone for building an overweight car? What could it have achieved with less weight? Throwing a bunch of electronics onto a car isn't necessarily a better engineering feat than building a car that fast without them.

[Ferrer]

Everyone keeps saying it's great just because it weighs so much and is still fast. It is impressive, but is it really a good thing to reward someone for building an overweight car? What could it have achieved with less weight? Throwing a bunch of electronics onto a car isn't necessarily a better engineering feat than building a car that fast without them.
You raise a very good point. The fact that the GT-R is seriously overweight definitely is a argument against its chances of winning. Bigger isn't always better. And more isn't always needed or wanted.

I guess in the end it's all a matter of philosophy. Either you are for the technologically advanced complex car, or you prefer the more back to basics simpler approach. The ZR1 or the ACR being an example of the later.

Even so, that doesn't detract from the fact that the GT-R is an amazing car and completely deserves at least a COTY nomination. That doesn't mean it's perfect though.

This can also be linked we something that crossed my kind. What if the Volt (or the Tesla Roadster or the Fisker Karma) were available for nomination and voting? Should we really be nominating and voting them from the car enthusiast point of view? Or are they just a transportation device? In my opinion there should be a line where the driving experience is so diluted that they shouldn't be considered cars anymore. But where do we place the line?

[Kitdy]

Those electric cars may be worthy - but I think at first their green credentials need to be evident - how green are electric cars? It's hard to measure really and depends where they are being run and built. The revolutionary aspect of them needs to be recognized as COTY material I think. When the Beetle came out it was nothing special from the enthusiasts point of view but certainly should be considered for COTY - I think the same could be said of the 2CV or Model T or Mini. They were groundbreaking and brought cars to the people, a car like the Volt could bring electric cars to the people.

[Ferrer]

Those electric cars may be worthy - but I think at first their green credentials need to be evident - how green are electric cars? It's hard to measure really and depends where they are being run and built. The revolutionary aspect of them needs to be recognized as COTY material I think. When the Beetle came out it was nothing special from the enthusiasts point of view but certainly should be considered for COTY - I think the same could be said of the 2CV or Model T or Mini. They were groundbreaking and brought cars to the people, a car like the Volt could bring electric cars to the people.
But all those cars while innovative share common traits. They have gears, and engines that can be revved. They might not be built from an ethusiast's point of view but they can be enjoyed by enthusiasts.

I'm not sure that's the case with electric cars. They definitely present a conflict in my idea of what makes a car good. Therefore while I acknowledge them as innovative and groundbreaking (and as such COTY material) my petrolhead side just can't get through voting them.

I certainly wouldn't know what to do.

[Kitdy]

Ok well the Tesla for example I think can be enjoyed from a enthusiast's point of view - maybe not your view with your ultra-pure manual-or-the-highway view (which I respect) but by many others surely, the Fisker too is suppsed to be quick?

As for the Volt or Prius I dunno really.