[quote=Ferrer;1010367]It turns out that is indeed a coachbuilt V8 Vantage, with an engine from 1996 and a chassis from 2001.[/quote]
It is a polished turd then - if I may borrow popular phrase.
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[quote=Ferrer;1010367]It turns out that is indeed a coachbuilt V8 Vantage, with an engine from 1996 and a chassis from 2001.[/quote]
It is a polished turd then - if I may borrow popular phrase.
[quote=Kitdy;1010317]The Ghibli, and now, the QP, are pieces of crap. They don't have a good engine, they don't have dynamic prowess or a good ride, their interior quality is laughable, and they cost infinity billion dollars. The Alfieri is ugly. Screw Maserati. People have been tripping over themselves to praise Maser since the launch of the QP V, including myself sometimes, but the truth is they are laggards.[/quote]
Their sedans are out of their league but the GranTurismo is, essentially, a half-price Ferrari California which is in fact superior in many if not most aspects to the California. I question, however, their interior quality being laughable. You're accentuating the negative, it doesn't seem to me that they're [i]that[/i] much behind the Germans. Then again the Germans have been slipping for years.
[quote=Ferrer;1010367]It turns out that is indeed a coachbuilt V8 Vantage, with an engine from 1996 and a chassis from 2001.
Oh, and also, Aston Martin lost 25 million quid last year.
[url="http://www.autonews.com/article/20141205/COPY01/312059977/aston-martins-next-bond-car-hints-at-future-design"]Aston Martin's next Bond car hints at future design [/url][/quote]
Is the chassis from 2001 just the same as the Vantage chassis? Why would they be using such an old chassis?
I doubt it's [I]the same[/I] chassis, but the VH architecture was unveiled with the original Vanquish in 2001.
[quote=Koevoet;1010372]Their sedans are out of their league but the GranTurismo is, essentially, a half-price Ferrari California which is in fact superior in many if not most aspects to the California. I question, however, their interior quality being laughable. You're accentuating the negative, it doesn't seem to me that they're [i]that[/i] much behind the Germans. Then again the Germans have been slipping for years.[/quote]
The GT is their best car, for sure. Even still whenever I read a review, the reviewer seems to trip over themselves wanting to praise the car, but can't really in good conscience recommend it. I'd definitely take a GT over a Cali, that being said.
I'm not joking about their interior quality. For their price point and brand value, it is pathetic. Go sit in a Ghibli, or even - shockingly - a QP and touch all the buttons, feel the leather, grab the steering wheel. Compare that with a face lifted E-Class or S-Class, for significantly less price. Were I QP owner, I would be embarrassed by the interior if I took my hypothetical S-Class owner friend for a ride. The Chrysler parts bin has been raided.
The Germans have not been slipping when it comes to interior quality and design.
[quote=Ferrer;1010392]I doubt it's [I]the same[/I] chassis, but the VH architecture was unveiled with the original Vanquish in 2001.[/quote]
Right, I meant the design was from that era.
Wow, this looks mighty lazy of Aston, but heck, if I lost that much money I'd be scrambling to build something fast to turn a profit too,
It's just a concept car that moves for James Bond.
[quote=Kitdy;1010429]The Germans have not been slipping when it comes to interior quality and design.[/quote]
That's true.
Although, having said that, there's a trim piece in the A-Class which rattles. Something which can't be said from the Alfa Romeo. Or the twelve grand Hyundai.
Then there's the preposterous ride. Or worsening handling.
By the way, AFAIK the GT is a SWB Quattroporte, Dueporte if you will. It has little to do with the California.
[quote=Ferrer;1010433]That's true.
Although, having said that, there's a trim piece in the A-Class which rattles. Something which can't be said from the Alfa Romeo. Or the twelve grand Hyundai.
Then there's the preposterous ride. Or worsening handling.
By the way, AFAIK the GT is a SWB Quattroporte, Dueporte if you will. It has little to do with the California.[/quote]
Oh, absolutely. Which is why it is almost comically large.
The CLA, GLA, and A don't do too much for me. At least the A is vaguely attractive, and the GLA will sell like hotcakes here. The CLA just "is."
Buy a Golf or A3 if you want a compact hatchy German luxury car. Or if you are fun, a 2, cuz the new 1 is ugly and we don't get it.
[quote=Kitdy;1010310]That and can AM actually make money? This is a ridiculous boom period for luxury car manufacturers and they are still losing.
Maserati is figuratively selling polished turds and I bet they're making a mint. [/quote]
It is surprising they are losing money building one of the prettiest looking uber cars going around. I wonder if it lack of sales or just poor management?
[quote=Revo;1010371]It is a polished turd then - if I may borrow popular phrase.[/quote]
Being so elegantly sarcastic this slipped under the radar for me.
I was waiting for your opinion on modern Maseratis.
[quote=crisis;1010448]It is surprising they are losing money building one of the prettiest looking uber cars going around. I wonder if it lack of sales or just poor management?[/quote]
You know, now that you mention it, I haven't seen a Rapide in the wild at all. I've seen them at auto shows and such... but I see the Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte more frequently than any Rapide.
[quote=NSXType-R;1010453]You know, now that you mention it, I haven't seen a Rapide in the wild at all. I've seen them at auto shows and such... but I see the Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte more frequently than any Rapide.[/quote]
Spain:
[LIST][*]Standard 470bhp Aston Martin Rapide: 228 grand[*]Most expensive 530 bhp Quattroporte: 169 grand[/LIST]
This may explain why Maseratis are as popular as Dacias compared to Aston Martins.
[quote=Ferrer;1010449]I was waiting for your opinion on modern Maseratis.[/quote]
I didn't give any, because I personally think it is pointless to reply Kidty's emotional comments here.
The use of strong language made his opinions ignorant and unfair. I don't want to be part of Special Olympics.
Not that this is the correct thread (feel free to separate to continue elsewhere if required), but may I ask what is your actual opinion on them?