I agree that the new M5 is the king of the hill performance wise. Unfortunately, the looks of the E60 just leave me cold. The M5 version may look a little better, but it still doesn't do it for me. (JMO) Over time, I expect that it will "grow" on me. But I don't think it will ever grown enough for me to own one. Instead, my hopes are on the next generation 5 series. And if the performance envelope is such that the "550", "560", "570" or whatever the high end non-M is delivers performance comprable to our E39 M5s, I probably won't spring for the M. Even now, I'm not lusting over the extra 100 HP in the E60 M5. I don't doubt that it is a hoot to drive, I just won't compromise the complete package - looks and performance. To those of you that have the new M5 and love the looks or are willing to look past it due to the performance, more power to you and no disrespect intended. I have no doubt that it is an incredible experience.
Last night I went to the LA Auto Show. BMW had the M6 on the turntable in Blue. Great looking color. But when the rotation came around to the rear, I'm sorry, the Bangle Butt killed it for me. They had an M5 on the floor in what I thought was a terrible color - kind of a burnt orange/brown. (I thought I had taken a picture, but I just downloaded the shots I took and I didn't even bother). The flat dash again did nothing for me. In fact, for me, the best looking BMW car on display was the previous generation M3 followed by the previous generation 3 series convertible. (These cars have not yet migrated to the new platform.)
But was really alarming (which reinforces the fact that BMW is leading some others in styling) was to see not only the new S class with a Bangle type trunk, but even on the new Toyota Camry!! Kind of reminds me of what my wife tells my Son when he goes astray...."If you are going to lead, lead in the right direction!"
But just so you know that I am not opposed to all new styles, they had the new Camero concept at the show and it looks AWESOME!! Lexus also had a great looking concept for a super car. The new Porshe Cayman also looks great. See attached pictures.
That Aston is gorgeous. Then again, so are all Astons.
__________________ 2005 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG / Black / Black 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 / Silver / Black
Previously: 2001 BMW M5, 2004 Mercedes CLK55 AMG, 2004 BMW 545i, 2003 Infiniti FX35, 2001 BMW 330ci, 2000 Audi A6 2.7T, 1999 Mercedes CLK430, 1998 Audi A4 1.8T
to me it looks like gm is copying ford and doing a retro camaro remake. I mean, it looks like a modernized '69 camaro, just like the new mustang. Kind of cool for 5 minutes, but i just don't see loving it for long.
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Mike
91 M5 Alpine White II, Silver Gray 3/90 production
17x8/17x9 M system with PS2, 20mm touring roll bar; Ground Control Coilovers; EAT Chip, CD43; bmw/nardi blackline steering wheel, 3.8 Cam Gears
08 535i / 6 speed
Space Gray; Gray; Sport/Premium/Nav
00 M5 Ti Silver; Imola/black sportiv --Sold
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Suspension:
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Interior/Misc:
Eurodash, updated steering wheel, Bluetooth retrofit, Sirius Retrofit, hardwired V1, Widescreen Mk4 nav, M audio retrofit, Ice Link, BSW Stage 1 speaker upgrade, bmw towbar
I agree with Stickman all the way ... but, you should read the Wall Street Journal ... this week. Can't remember which day, but they had an article on the Bangle Butt (used that term) and the fact that now many are following in his footsteps and he has gone from almost being "impeached" to a being HERO (as in "styling leader") ... go figure.
I don't know what I will do if someone "drives into my beautiful beast." Cry the rest of my life away, I guess ...
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"The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge."
to me it looks like gm is copying ford and doing a retro camaro remake. I mean, it looks like a modernized '69 camaro, just like the new mustang. Kind of cool for 5 minutes, but i just don't see loving it for long.
There's a Wall Street Journal addressing that issue as well ... different day, Tuesday, this week, if I recall correctly. Copying in a retro way seems to be bringing back old customers ... designing cars with the same name and a "new" look doesn't seem to attract anyone ...
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"The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge."
I agree with Stickman all the way ... but, you should read the Wall Street Journal ... this week. Can't remember which day, but they had an article on the Bangle Butt (used that term) and the fact that now many are following in his footsteps and he has gone from almost being "impeached" to a being HERO (as in "styling leader") ... go figure.
...
I don't know that it was Bangle's ideas that were so bad, it was the execution. The WSJ had a side view of I believe the new LS460. At least in profile, the butt didn't look nearly as massive as the Bangle Butt. Much better integrated into the design. Couldn't see the interiors, but I am willing to bet they are much more traditional; 6 is better than the 5 or 7, even the Aston looks way better IMHO.
The Z4 doesn't look nearly as bad to me, and the new Z4 coupe actually looks good. The 3 series (other than the tail lights, did BMW run out of money??) doesn't look too bad either so that for me, the driving dynamics overcome some of the rather bland styling. I can see making the 6 a little avant garde, after all, it is a specialty car. Can't see doing it to mainstream 5 an 7 series.
WSJ doesn't change my opinion of the 5 and 7; 6 a little better, but could still use some time with Georgette Klinger.
Regards,
Jerry
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'01 Black/caramel
Dinan Stage 3 suspension, SS jet coated headers, ESS SC kit, open brake ducts, Hamann front splitters, TEC cupholder, U.S.(Euro style) tilt/slide armrest, 6k HID fogs, 6k super white low beams, V1/Stealth1, dual head LI, 2.65 diff w/40% lockup/2x dynamic, compact spare, Euro trailer hitch, Mocal oil cooler, ACS type rear spoiler, Rogue custom SSK and tranny mounts, ST 355 BBK (fronts), BP sway bar brackets, Bluetooth retrofit
Kind of reminds me of what my wife tells my Son when he goes astray...."If you are going to lead, lead in the right direction!"
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