Off topic: Audi R8 2008

Okay I take the bathtub thing back.

No offense intended. I just don't think the Elise is that pretty. And it is a small car.

Diesel, Diesel, Diesel!!!

river, if you get the Diesel rabbit, do let me know how it is. I'll wait for the Diesel A4 in 09.

Someday I'll have the R8.

We will see if they even show up here on time. Might end up with the jetta sportwagon if they dont bring the rabbit over. I couldnt justify the cost difference at this point between an A4 and a VW...same engine, tranny, all that stuff. Unless I could afford an S or RS version. Though I do find the A3 much more attractive than the rabbit but not for the 40% price premium.

Ha, none taken. Cars are a very polarizing issue. I've heard much worse at stoplights...you have to have thick skin to drive a Lotus!

Actually, I did a calculation of fitting a VW Passat (same frame as A4) with the same things that go into an A4, and the A4 was only slight more expensive ($29K vs $31K or something similar). The big difference is, the Passat 4Motion is *not* the same as the Quattro (some mechanical engineering explanation that I don't fully understand), where the Quattro is a better designed AWD system when you hit slippery surfaces.

I don't know about the A3, but personally I don't find the hatchbacks that attractive. I'm more of a sedan person (unless it's the Mini Cooper).

I would love to join such a team if I get into Chicago (and that's a big if - still waiting for interview). If I have to sell my motorcycle this summer, I'll need to get the adrenalin rush from elsewhere

I love the Smart car. It's so popular in EU countries where practically every 3rd person seems to be driving one. I don't think it will help in cities like NYC, but it is great for dense urban ones like Chicago or San Franscisco.

svrider - Cool! What kind of bike?

Endurance teams are typically groups of five or so. Also, I guess I shouldn't limit it to just GSB for CIR good times...would anyone at Kellogg be interested in a karting league next Fall/Winter?

Dude, you have an elise and you are going to drive a @!(#!# Smart Fortwo instead?

Me shakes head. Thats like a banker driving a datsun.

Also

https://www.teslamotors.com/

Ha, I think the Smart is a great car in its own right. Funny thing is, it still weighs more than a Lotus!

Also, I kind of have a car sickness...once I pick up the Smart in the Fall, we'll have 4 cars between my wife and I - her Accord, and an IS350 (our "compromise" car, since she can't drive stick). The biggest appeal of the Smart is that I'll be able to fit them all in our garage! Plus, I need something cheap, durable, and efficient.

Re: the Tesla...awesome car, but 100 grand? Personally, I don't see the value.

4 cars? WTF do you do for a living?

I've had a Suzuki SV650 since 2001. Always wanted a Ducati but the insurance was ridiculous. Now that I can afford it, I don't have as much time to enjoy riding.
4 cars - that's quite a garage! My wife & I are planning to downsize from 2 if we move.

p.s. i guess my nick is self-explanatory now

exactly.

Nah, it's just a 3-car one. The Lotus should be able to fit behind a Smart (I measured)!

What do I do for a living? Uh, nothing special...consulting. Probably the reason we can afford these guys is my wife and I both have decent-paying jobs, as it stands. Plus, we don't really live extravagantly and have a cheap mortgage (cheaper than paying rent in the city, for sure). Another thing to consider is, since we don't live in the city, we're not partying downtown every weekend. Most of the guys I work with spend at least $400 each weekend going out. It's all about priorities, I guess.

Of course, once school starts, it's a whole new ballgame. I thought long and hard about selling a car, but...like I said, it's a sickness. I figure with all the money I'll be saving living in the burbs (she can cover all our expenses on her salary, and I'm on her insurance plan), we'll make it through. So....BBQ at my place?

Irish I am sure us Kellogg guys would be able to get a go kart league going...though I havent raced before I would be game.

Ducatis are my dream bikes! The Suzuki isn't exactly a slouch, either! That's awesome that your wife understands...mine WILL NOT let me touch a motorcycle. I hear there's no better fun to be had on the road or track. Color me jealous.

River, awesome! Before you make the move, you should check out an indoor karting place in your area...they're all across the country, and there's no better/safer/cheaper way to experience wheel-to-wheel competitive racing than in a kart!

go kart is SUPER FUN... but beware, I was SORE for 2-3 days afterwards in the shoulder area... That thing takes a LOT of strength!

But I did finish #1 in my group, my first (and only) time, hee hee.

oh yeah, and now I'm addicted to "tracking" (bringing my car to a track) my Audi at the Audi club events... going March 1-2 for another one in Monterey.