Hole in the Marketplace

kingbriani · 11-16-2006, 06:46 PM

A huge hole exists in the american car market that needs to be filled. Who else wants to see a lightweight coupe with a relatively peppy engine, FR, good weight balance and with a base pricetag in the high 20s to low 30s. Im talking like a smaller/lighter 3 series. I dont much care about all the luxury features. I just want a fun little car to mod and slide around. Seems like anything remotely like this are all FF. And I'm not a huge fan of hatchbacks so if the 1 series comes over here it wont quite fill the void, although the 2 series would do nicely!! (hint hint bmwna) It doesnt even have to be german. The Acura TSX is nice, just give it a turbocharger, rear-wheel drive and an lsd (and maybe take off two doors). Anyway thats what I want. Does anyone know of such a car that exists that I'm missing? Or of plans for any similar car to come to the US anytime soon? Would anyone else buy one?

Ray · 11-16-2006, 07:54 PM

Is the 350Z too heavy? Maybe an S2000. I agree, your choices are slim.

kingbriani · 11-16-2006, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThreeThirtyEye

Is the 350Z too heavy? Maybe an S2000. I agree, your choices are slim.

yeah, both of those are great cars in their own ways but i was thinking of something with a backseat.

Ray · 11-16-2006, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingbriani

yeah, both of those are great cars in their own ways but i was thinking of something with a backseat.

I see.

Some RWD coupes with a back seat include the G35 coupe, RX8, or Mustang. Pontiac GTO if still available.

tmoney · 11-16-2006, 10:01 PM

Mini cooper anyone? (I know you don't like hatches, but it meets the other criteria)

Ray · 11-16-2006, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmoney

Mini cooper anyone? (I know you don't like hatches, but it meets the other criteria)

That's a nice choice, but he wants a RWD.

maq · 11-17-2006, 12:03 AM

You can pick up one of these for high 30k's (MSRP $40k). 255hp, 3100lbs, 0-60 in 5.6s, but no LSD. That's comparable to the E36 M3, which is still a benchmark today. It's a 2-seater though.

just4kickz · 11-17-2006, 12:11 AM

i know you said u didnt like hatches... but i like the a3 alot

haha and its a mod-able car

kingbriani · 11-17-2006, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by just4kickz

i know you said u didnt like hatches... but i like the a3 alot

haha and its a mod-able car

arent the A3s and A4s either FWD or AWD? i like the 2.0t engine in audis a lot but would prefer they were lighter and RWD. And had better front/rear weight distribution at that.

TommyBahama · 11-17-2006, 07:03 AM

i dont think there are many people looking for a 4 seat convertable like this.

maybe the g6?

kingbriani · 11-17-2006, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyBahama

i dont think there are many people looking for a 4 seat convertable like this.

maybe the g6?

ewww, coupe not convertible. and no american brands

ward · 11-17-2006, 08:38 AM

the upcoming Z2 may fill the bill, once they make an M coupe version of it

we're talking 2012 ish though

truebluetitan · 11-17-2006, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThreeThirtyEye

I see.

Some RWD coupes with a back seat include the G35 coupe, RX8, or Mustang. Pontiac GTO if still available.

I have the RX-8, and think that if you got a base model with manual transmission then you will have the kind of car you are looking for. Upgrade the suspension, wheels, and add a supercharger or turbo and you'll definitely zoom-zoom.

EDIT: I've read some magazine articles about the 335i coupe with charts comparing it to other cars and the RX-8 isn't far off it's marks.

kingbriani · 11-17-2006, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

the upcoming Z2 may fill the bill, once they make an M coupe version of it

we're talking 2012 ish though

thats a long way off!

but it should be an awesome little car though, especially the rumored variant with the 2 liter turbo four-cylinder.

its got everything except the backseat. whats the latest info on the 2-series? when is it supposed to hit the production line, if ever? and what are the chances it will make it to the US? man can you image a 235? that would be a fun car! doesnt the 1-series have a curb weight around 2800 lbs or something, depending on engine of course? A 2800 lb coupe with the 3 liter twin-turbo six would be unstoppable! I hope they arent just coming out with a convertible, does anyone know if just a plain coupe version is in the works? im not a huge fan of convertibles considering their heavier, less rigid body and inflated price. anyway thanks for the replies so far!

kingbriani · 11-17-2006, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truebluetitan

I have the RX-8, and think that if you got a base model with manual transmission then you will have the kind of car you are looking for. Upgrade the suspension, wheels, and add a supercharger or turbo and you'll definitely zoom-zoom.

EDIT: I've read some magazine articles about the 335i coupe with charts comparing it to other cars and the RX-8 isn't far off it's marks.

i've never really grown to like the look of the rx8. if they brought back the rx-7 that would be a different story though, as long as they kept the price reasonable! im also not really knowledgeable on the rotary engine but it seems to me like maybe it's an answer to a question no one asked. what are the real benefits? just that its super light? seems like its fuel economy suffers and dont you have to constantly add oil?

vladinecko · 11-17-2006, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

the upcoming Z2 may fill the bill, once they make an M coupe version of it

we're talking 2012 ish though

ha ha, they better come out with something a little better than that by then. damn, i'll be 30 in 2012 and hope to drive a 911 which should also give me 4 seats

ward · 11-17-2006, 09:21 AM

we've got the same goal Vlad,

but I've only got about 2 years to go... gotta save for that 911S!!

ALPINE6SPD · 11-17-2006, 10:27 AM

You will have a car like this within 2 years. The 1 series is coming in a coupe version by then to the US market.

kingbriani · 11-17-2006, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALPINE6SPD

You will have a car like this within 2 years. The 1 series is coming in a coupe version by then to the US market.

thats awesome if its true, do you have any references?

ALPINE6SPD · 11-17-2006, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingbriani

thats awesome if its true, do you have any references?

yes the BMW market rep that we spoke to last week. We will also see a diesel 3 series and a diesel X5. We may also see a vert of the 1 series.

vladinecko · 11-17-2006, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

but I've only got about 2 years to go... gotta save for that 911S!!

6 years and $80k to go for me, my friend...

(i feel like the kid in that carrera commercial)

ynotony · 11-18-2006, 08:22 PM

The 1series is only 8 inches shorter than my e36 and weighs more too. The 3-series is already a very small car. there aren't many cars that are smaller than it.

My roommates yaris and corolla are about the same size as my 3 series.

11-16-2006, 06:46 PM	#1
kingbriani Private First Class 25 Rep 122 Posts Drives: '07 Honda S2000 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Hole in the Marketplace A huge hole exists in the american car market that needs to be filled. Who else wants to see a lightweight coupe with a relatively peppy engine, FR, good weight balance and with a base pricetag in the high 20s to low 30s. Im talking like a smaller/lighter 3 series. I dont much care about all the luxury features. I just want a fun little car to mod and slide around. Seems like anything remotely like this are all FF. And I'm not a huge fan of hatchbacks so if the 1 series comes over here it wont quite fill the void, although the 2 series would do nicely!! (hint hint bmwna) It doesnt even have to be german. The Acura TSX is nice, just give it a turbocharger, rear-wheel drive and an lsd (and maybe take off two doors). Anyway thats what I want. Does anyone know of such a car that exists that I'm missing? Or of plans for any similar car to come to the US anytime soon? Would anyone else buy one? __________________ __________________________________________________ Future ED Car: E92 335i Montego Blue w/ Black leatherette and Grey Poplar Sport Package, Navigation, Bluetooth, Sunshade, Heated Seats, 6 mt BBS RG-Rs
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11-16-2006, 07:54 PM	#2
Ray Member 306 Rep 22,825 Posts Drives: three series Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: sfCA iTrader: (0)	Is the 350Z too heavy? Maybe an S2000. I agree, your choices are slim.
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11-16-2006, 10:01 PM	#5
tmoney First Lieutenant 23 Rep 334 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 335i [0.00]	Mini cooper anyone? (I know you don't like hatches, but it meets the other criteria) __________________ E90 335i - Black Sapphire on Terra // Full M-Tech Kit // Euro clear headlights // Vorsteiner vented hood // Gloss black front grill // Gloss black window trim // Carbon fiber splitters // Carbon fiber trunk spoiler // BMW Performance 19's
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11-17-2006, 12:03 AM	#7
maq Lieutenant 12 Rep 469 Posts Drives: MTA Monthly Pass Join Date: May 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	You can pick up one of these for high 30k's (MSRP $40k). 255hp, 3100lbs, 0-60 in 5.6s, but no LSD. That's comparable to the E36 M3, which is still a benchmark today. It's a 2-seater though.
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11-17-2006, 12:11 AM	#8
just4kickz boku no namae ha... 336 Rep 11,025 Posts Drives: 2006 BS 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: S. Bay Area, CA + Newark, NJ + ChiCity + True Blue iTrader: (11) Garage List 2006 E90 330i [0.00]	i know you said u didnt like hatches... but i like the a3 alot haha and its a mod-able car __________________ looking for a PreLCI Black Sapphire e90 front bumper without license plate holes "Akimbo shotguns. Broken wrists anyone? And don't give me that 'it's just a game' bull**. Where the are my akimbo interventions then?! One scope on each eye mother**er!!"
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11-17-2006, 07:03 AM	#10
TommyBahama Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 258 Posts Drives: e90 330i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Umass iTrader: (0)	i dont think there are many people looking for a 4 seat convertable like this. maybe the g6?
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11-17-2006, 08:38 AM	#12
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	the upcoming Z2 may fill the bill, once they make an M coupe version of it we're talking 2012 ish though
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11-17-2006, 09:21 AM	#17
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	we've got the same goal Vlad, but I've only got about 2 years to go... gotta save for that 911S!!
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11-17-2006, 10:27 AM	#18
ALPINE6SPD Lieutenant General 156 Rep 10,411 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 328i Sport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highland Lakes NJ iTrader: (2)	You will have a car like this within 2 years. The 1 series is coming in a coupe version by then to the US market. __________________ 2010 AW e90 328i: 6 speed, Black Leather, Dark Wood trim, ZPP, ZCW, ZVP,ZSP, Nav, Xenon BMW Performance CF Rear spolier and Gloss black grills 2008 Candy White MKV GTI 2.0T 6 Speed Manul Gone 2008 AW X3 3.0si: 6 speed Returned 2006 AW e90 330i: 6 speed Dinan Stage 1 Returned
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11-18-2006, 08:22 PM	#22
ynotony Private First Class 63 Rep 185 Posts Drives: Carrera S Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	The 1series is only 8 inches shorter than my e36 and weighs more too. The 3-series is already a very small car. there aren't many cars that are smaller than it. My roommates yaris and corolla are about the same size as my 3 series.
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