Automotive - Good choice, the C63...

Good choice, the C63...

Dec 20, 2013,12:18 PM

The M4 will be an amazing car. But it'll be broadened for en masse. The latest BMW M5 is already exhibiting this. When driving the latest BMW M5, the difference is very small compared to the 550i. The difference between the previous M5 (the E60 chassis) and the 545i/550i models was much more substantial. The E60 M5 was firmer sprung, different suspension system altogether (non active) and had a unique engine and transmission that really differentiated the car. The E60 M5 was a visceral experience. It was a pain in the rear to drive on the road as the clonky transmission didn't like upshifting below 4000 RPMs, and I'm not going to be driving my GRANDMOTHER with upshifting at 4000 RPMs, she'll feel vibrations and even with her hearing aid off, she'll hear the engine. The symphonic engine note from the V10 was nothing short of spectacular, it'd beg to be driven to 6000 RPMs consistently, and it had a generous redline of over 7000 I remember. Driving the car aggressively on an open windy road however proved massively enjoyable and memorable. It was a bit long in length and wheelbase, but it was an amazing machine nonetheless. The latest M5 is just boring compared to the previous E60 M5. However, the latest version is much more usable in chauffeuring the grandmother, the in-laws (if you have those), and whomever you don't want to make a bad impression with.

So, I'd take the C63 over the M4, at least for now. The M4 will probably not be as special as the current M3 coupe (which is another impressive experience). But in a world of polar bears getting skinny (why not feed them Coca Cola, look at what it does to us Americans) we have to be conservative with our natural resources and pollution, and this latest M4 addresses the green conscious in all of us.

An Evening With AMG

By: patrick_y : December 18th, 2013-17:47

Mercedes-Benz AMG hosted a small reception at the LA Auto Show. During this reception, they show-cased a few of their all-new vehicles such as the S65 AMG and S63 AMG. Teutonic hammers in large four-door sedan variants. For more Mercedes-Benz and AMG cove...

AMG stands for WOW, in German. ;)

By: amanico : December 18th, 2013-18:45

What a post, my friend! I am deeply in love with the concept car. Will we ever see it in the real life, one day? Best, and thanks for these slices of dream. Nicolas

Yes. Here's a video of the design process...

By: patrick_y : December 19th, 2013-03:16

They will make it, but not Mercedes-Benz, a coachbuilder will take a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG chassis and build on top a car that looks like the Vision Concept. Here's a video of the designers of the Vision Concept. <object width="853" height="480">&l...

Very cool! Thank you, Patrick.

By: amanico : December 19th, 2013-05:12

Thanks.

By: VMM : January 9th, 2014-16:22

Been driving it for a while, it handles pretty well. :) cheers vte

Ahh!

By: patrick_y : January 10th, 2014-11:52

What's your best lap time in it on what race course?

Ahh! :)

By: VMM : January 10th, 2014-16:43

Let me know which track you like, and I'll tell you. :) I guess it would be just an average time, but I really enjoy driving many cars, even virtually. cheers vte

I'm terrible at driving virtual cars...

By: patrick_y : January 11th, 2014-10:41

I don't own a PlayStation, XBox, nor Nintendo. And I'm terrible with the virtual cars. It's much easier in real life. What's your time on Laguna Seca?

I don't think there is a big difference.......

By: VMM : January 12th, 2014-07:38

....... between driving virtual or real cars nowadays. You must try GT6 or iRacing for PC, you will not believe how "real" it has become. Of course you better do it with the proper pedals, steering wheel and gear paddles or stick, as I do. In the past it ...

That's a fast time!

By: patrick_y : January 12th, 2014-12:22

Lightning quick for Laguna Seca. Good to know that the virtual world doesn't have radars and cops.

Super cool

By: Spellbound : December 18th, 2013-19:29

How cool is that concept car!? See the ultra low profile tires? The SLS AMG Final Edition is sure to be highly collectible in the decades to come. Dean

It's an awesome concept car. Truly!

By: patrick_y : December 19th, 2013-03:23

I loved it. And it's affordable, you can drive it in the video game! All you need is a video game, and a TV. And the car was even more amazing to see in person. What did you think about the Lamborghini Egoista?

Thanks for the share Patrick

By: Mark in Paris : December 19th, 2013-05:54

The Vision concept car is really stunning. I wasn't a fan of Mercedes but those AMG are really nice cars... Mark

Check this out...

By: patrick_y : December 19th, 2013-12:36

In this post, there is a video of how they designed the Vision Concept car. Which AMG car is your favorite? Mine is the C63. And I really like the G-wagon, but I don't really desire an AMG version.

My choice

By: Mark in Paris : December 20th, 2013-06:42

Well, I think I would go for a C63 too (I'm not a big fan of the SLS in this level of cars) and I'll choose the black series edition : But I must say I would go for the new M4 instead if I had to choose :p ...

Good choice, the C63...

By: patrick_y : December 20th, 2013-12:18

Old vs new

By: Mark in Paris : December 21st, 2013-06:17

Thanks for sharing these thoughts Patrick. I haven't try this new M5 but I imagine how it evolved. Nevetheless, if I wanted to have a car to have fun on roads I would go for a Porsche. New sport sedan/coupé are more like big GTs able to carry the whole fa...

It's a mix...

By: patrick_y : December 21st, 2013-12:24

This post has been edited for cohesiveness. Quoting you Mark: "New sport sedan/coupé are more like big GTs able to carry the whole familly and allow the driver to have fun with pressing the right pedal sometimes. Sadly, that's how things evolved lately." ...

My dogs would love the white leather interior ...

By: Marcus Hanke : December 19th, 2013-08:37

... maximum mess with a minimum of effort. Other than that, I like the S-class a lot. Weird, didn't recall having thought like that a while ago. Maybe the 50th birthday affected my brain, and I have become a "senior driver" ... Marcus

Hmm, your dogs would love my living room sofa.

By: patrick_y : December 19th, 2013-12:31

I have white sofas in the living room. Maximum stain, minimal effort. I do like the S-Class as well. It's a bit of a plush drive though, driving the Audi S8 was definitely much more light and nimble. Your off-road truck is an amazing vehicle.

Stunning new S-class....

By: Jacky : December 25th, 2013-07:13

Thanks for sharing :-) beautiful pictures of beautiful cars. The S65 AMG is simply awesome...beautiful and classy with power. Best is the word. Never knew they still produce V12 though. Thought the world had gone smaller engines this days. The Concept car...

Can't wait to ride in one...

By: patrick_y : December 25th, 2013-12:05

Glad you like the new S-Class. I personally find it a bit too luxurious and not serious looking enough. But I overall like it. Now, I just have to get driven in one in all sorts of conditions to be convinced it's still the best car in the world. The last ...