SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: astons...
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2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
And Bentley still has some of the best interiors in the business so I don't see your point. If you don't like them, don't buy one. I would think one of the reasons people bought Mercedes was the interior as well and it didn't stop you from buying a clk with its cheap plastic bits all over the place.
M
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From: Bethesda,Md.
Bentley Arnage Red Label
True some of the best with VW parts sticking out of them. That isn't what a Bentley is about either. I didn't say I wouldn't buy a Bentley Conti because of that. If I were a buyer in that space I'd buy something else because the Bentleys are just plain ugly as hell to me, especially the Coupe. My CLK didn't cost Bentley money either nor does it have "cheap bits" all over the place. That is total BS.
M
M
Looks like the public doesn't agree with you considering the huge success the new Bentley's are enjoying! Also,how could you possibly have an issue with the Bentley interior and be happy with the crap in that CLK? The wood alone looks like plastic laminate and the window switches are 10cent pieces of plastic. I have a Gclass with that same crap in it so don't tell me they aren't cheap!
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08 S65, 06 M3 CS(stick), 02 BMW X5 4.6iS, 07 R1 Raven, 08 F-450 4x4, 08 CooperS JCW
I had a Red Label before,had driven Arnage T extensively,most people I know who now have some variation of Conti,also owned or still do own some older gen Bentley (Arnage/Azure/Continental T) and everyone shares the same opinion as I do.
I really don't understand where your animosity toward newer,VW engineers infuenced design comes from,where do you come from with your strong and so definitive statements?
Did you really have such a negative , personal experience ,with one of the new Continentals?
How much time did you spend in one?
I really don't understand where your animosity toward newer,VW engineers infuenced design comes from,where do you come from with your strong and so definitive statements?
Did you really have such a negative , personal experience ,with one of the new Continentals?
How much time did you spend in one?
Enjoy your car but don't resort to what is effectively mocking other members with rather more modest garages.
"Juice it" manages to run some equally exquisite machines yet brings to the table a much kinder and less confrontational attitude.
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GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
This superior tone seems rather out of place. GermanCar1 has not made any personal attack, simply stated that he doesn't like the look of the GT and Cont. Of course, the new Bentley's have been an amazing success and I don't agree with all this "an S4 is just a VW and a Bentley is just an Audi etc" rubbish that some people come up with but at the end of the day it's just a hunk of (rather expensive) metal so there is no need to get on your high horse.
Enjoy your car but don't resort to what is effectively mocking other members with rather more modest garages.
"Juice it" manages to run some equally exquisite machines yet brings to the table a much kinder and less confrontational attitude.
Enjoy your car but don't resort to what is effectively mocking other members with rather more modest garages.
"Juice it" manages to run some equally exquisite machines yet brings to the table a much kinder and less confrontational attitude.
I simply disagreed ,so please ,do not look for a meaning that was not there to begin with....
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
Looks like the public doesn't agree with you considering the huge success the new Bentley's are enjoying! Also,how could you possibly have an issue with the Bentley interior and be happy with the crap in that CLK? The wood alone looks like plastic laminate and the window switches are 10cent pieces of plastic. I have a Gclass with that same crap in it so don't tell me they aren't cheap!
M
Last edited by Germancar1; Jan 3, 2007 at 01:57 AM.
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GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
That is because "the public" doesn't have a clue about the true Bentleys, at least not this singer/rapper/athlete group that have made the Continental family so popular. Any and everyone can afford one now because they price of admission has dropped from 225k to 160k or so. Again, a CLK doesn't cost Bentley money, nor MB ever boast about its interior. We all know MB had its dark moments in interior crafting. Why does this have to turn into some personal BS? This isn't about me having a problem with the interior of the Bentley. I was merely pointing out that all these people hollering "exclusive" need to think again. The Continentals aren't bespoke like the Arnage is, was my point. Of course the Bentley has a wonderful interiors, but it isn't as "exclusive" as some here would have you to believe. I personally think they're some ugly VW ish looking cars, but hey they say "Bentley" so that is all that is needed for most.
M
M
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From: Bethesda,Md.
Bentley Arnage Red Label
That is because "the public" doesn't have a clue about the true Bentleys, at least not this singer/rapper/athlete group that have made the Continental family so popular. Any and everyone can afford one now because they price of admission has dropped from 225k to 160k or so. Again, a CLK doesn't cost Bentley money, nor MB ever boast about its interior. We all know MB had its dark moments in interior crafting. Why does this have to turn into some personal BS? This isn't about me having a problem with the interior of the Bentley. I was merely pointing out that all these people hollering "exclusive" need to think again. The Continentals aren't bespoke like the Arnage is, was my point. Of course the Bentley has a wonderful interiors, but it isn't as "exclusive" as some here would have you to believe. I personally think they're some ugly VW ish looking cars, but hey they say "Bentley" so that is all that is needed for most.
M
M
The only person you are convincing is yourself. The last time I checked everyone and their brother weren't buying 160k plus cars as you seem to suggest and the number of Bentley's on the road is still a tiny fraction of cars sold so they are still very exclusive. As far as Bespoke interior goes, that means you have the ability to customise you interior as you like with different woods, stitching and leather colors as well as some other stuff and it certainly applies to the Cont. And yes, the Mercedes isn't Bentley money but it is Audi money and the interior isn't up to par with them either.
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
The only person you are convincing is yourself. The last time I checked everyone and their brother weren't buying 160k plus cars as you seem to suggest and the number of Bentley's on the road is still a tiny fraction of cars sold so they are still very exclusive. As far as Bespoke interior goes, that means you have the ability to customise you interior as you like with different woods, stitching and leather colors as well as some other stuff and it certainly applies to the Cont. And yes, the Mercedes isn't Bentley money but it is Audi money and the interior isn't up to par with them either.
True the Bentley interiors are customizable. No a older out of production MB from 2003 isn't going to be up to par with an Audi of that year, we all know that. Big news that is and just about as irrelevant.
M
Last edited by Germancar1; Jan 4, 2007 at 02:48 AM.
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Well I think Bentley had to release the GT to survive. Just like how the new 986/996, cayenne helped save porsche, the GT has helped bentley survive, and thus one less car manufacturer we have to worry about being run out of business.
As nice as the "bespoke" car business is, unfortunately in this new global economy, most all companies have had to adjust or run out of business.. (look at american car companies.. need i continue?)
R&D on the new arnage would NOT be cheap. And you can be damn well a few thousand models a year of the old one aren't exactly paying for research into the new one.
So i think, regardless of what people think about the bentley gt, it still is nice, that this car will give them the cash flow for r&d and to produce more of the "finer" models of the bentley at hopefully a more reasonable price, for years to come.
And just FYI: I am not a GT fan either. When I first saw the car, I was, honestly not very impressed. Very boring, dull, for the money, but to each their own. The Arnage on the other hand when it first came out.
(trying to turn this conversation into an optimistic one
)
As nice as the "bespoke" car business is, unfortunately in this new global economy, most all companies have had to adjust or run out of business.. (look at american car companies.. need i continue?)
R&D on the new arnage would NOT be cheap. And you can be damn well a few thousand models a year of the old one aren't exactly paying for research into the new one.
So i think, regardless of what people think about the bentley gt, it still is nice, that this car will give them the cash flow for r&d and to produce more of the "finer" models of the bentley at hopefully a more reasonable price, for years to come.
And just FYI: I am not a GT fan either. When I first saw the car, I was, honestly not very impressed. Very boring, dull, for the money, but to each their own. The Arnage on the other hand when it first came out.
(trying to turn this conversation into an optimistic one
)
Last edited by seattlecarfreak; Jan 4, 2007 at 04:29 AM.
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New Arnage is also "VW" based,they will use FS stretched floor pan an VW W16 NA engine.
And will be fabulous....
And will be fabulous....
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Bentley Arnage Red Label
Then you'd better check again, Bentley is on pace to sell 10K units a year, more than Ferrari, Aston, and all the "exclusive" other high-enders. Of course it is all relative, I thought little tidbit was understood. Gee whiz. They're exclusive to "regular" brands like MB/BMW and the like, but they aren't compared to Aston, Maserati, Ferrari and the like. You guys just don't seem to realize how badly the Bentley name has been pimped.
True the Bentley interiors are customizable. No a older out of production MB from 2003 isn't going to be up to par with an Audi of that year, we all know that. Big news that is and just about as irrelevant.
M
True the Bentley interiors are customizable. No a older out of production MB from 2003 isn't going to be up to par with an Audi of that year, we all know that. Big news that is and just about as irrelevant.
M
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300ce
The only reason Bentley sells more units than Aston or Maserati is because people are buying them. Both of those companies would produce what they can sell and with the new Astons their will be more than ever on the street. As far as the maserati being more exclusive, keep thinking that. Those POS's are rare, not exlusive because no one wants them.
...............I agree with you. I don't understand why people think that auto makers will choose not to sell you a car if you want it and can afford it. Mercedes will sell as many AMG's as they can and will Bently and Aston Martin. The production number in any product line is based on the manufacturer's estimate of how many units it can sell based on market forces. I hate to brake it to people..........No, there is no artificial limit on how many cars Aston Martin will sell just to be exclusive. The limit in how many cars Aston Martin produces is based on how many Aston's they think they CAN sell. Anyone and everyone, absolutely anyone and everyone that wants an Aston, or Bentley or AMG that can afford it WILL get one. Period. There is no velvet rope.
Ted
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...............I agree with you. I don't understand why people think that auto makers will choose not to sell you a car if you want it and can afford it. Mercedes will sell as many AMG's as they can and will Bently and Aston Martin. The production number in any product line is based on the manufacturer's estimate of how many units it can sell based on market forces. I hate to brake it to people..........No, there is no artificial limit on how many cars Aston Martin will sell just to be exclusive. The limit in how many cars Aston Martin produces is based on how many Aston's they think they CAN sell. Anyone and everyone, absolutely anyone and everyone that wants an Aston, or Bentley or AMG that can afford it WILL get one. Period. There is no velvet rope.
Ted
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300ce
Ted
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
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G55, SLS, smart eq
Lambo to slow sales
Italian firm Lamborghini announced at the LA show that it's putting the brakes on its supercars
11th December 2006
After a big 20 per cent jump in sales last year, it wants to see a slowdown in the number of cars it sells over the next 12 months. Chief Executive Stephan Winkle-mann explained: "We are aiming to protect the mystique of the brand." California, which includes LA, is its single biggest market.
Italian firm Lamborghini announced at the LA show that it's putting the brakes on its supercars
11th December 2006
After a big 20 per cent jump in sales last year, it wants to see a slowdown in the number of cars it sells over the next 12 months. Chief Executive Stephan Winkle-mann explained: "We are aiming to protect the mystique of the brand." California, which includes LA, is its single biggest market.
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Lamborghini: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...low_sales.html (registration required):
............Good post, although I don't take manufacturer press releases very seriously. I would not expect him to say......"I think we have reached our sales ceiling and will be making less cars in order not to buld up excess inventory." Good info anyway.
Ted
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
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Lamborghini: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...low_sales.html (registration required):
Sounds like they want to make them less easy to buy for anyone who has the $$ and can get one off the Showroom floor immediately.
Anyway,its just a statement,market feels differently for them,since their cars are readily available.
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Bentley Arnage Red Label
Ferrari definately has the storngest brand and after reading some of the more reasent posts on Fchat it amazes me some of the crap potential ferrari buyers will go through to get a new car. The new thread about Ferrari making buyers sign a right of refusal for the first three years at MSRP and not what market value is just rubs me the wrong way. The delusional people think this will stop the flipping but in reality it will allow the dealers to do the flipping as they will buy the car back and then do the marking up.
Since you are getting your 599 soon, have you seen the contract yet? Not that most won't keep the car for three years but just the notion of them trying to double dip on a car you paid for and is your property isn't the way to treat customers that already jump through hoops to buy cars. I can't wait till the product cycle goes back to the Testarossa days where they need to discount cars to move them.
Since you are getting your 599 soon, have you seen the contract yet? Not that most won't keep the car for three years but just the notion of them trying to double dip on a car you paid for and is your property isn't the way to treat customers that already jump through hoops to buy cars. I can't wait till the product cycle goes back to the Testarossa days where they need to discount cars to move them.
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Bentley Arnage Red Label
Agree. I like Lambos but they will sell as many as they can. There is no way they can turn the brand into Ferrari and they are in the business of selling cars so I would say get the new Murci replacement out an put a real top on the convert, bump the HP on the Gallardo and sell what you can.
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one well known example is bugatti.. try buying a vehyron. Costs them $1.7 million to produce and they sell for $1 million. (Don't quite understand the whole story there..) also i think the classic body style morgans are in a similar situation, with a long waiting list of years. (Can't just walk into a dealer and buy one..) I'm sure there are quite a few others, but I don't keep up. Supercars.net has thousands of unique cars on there and i'm sure more than a few may easily fit into this criteria.
Last edited by seattlecarfreak; Jan 4, 2007 at 10:15 PM.
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Bentley Arnage Red Label
one well known example is bugatti.. try buying a vehyron. Costs them $1.7 million to produce and they sell for $1 million. (Don't quite understand the whole story there..) also i think the classic body style morgans are in a similar situation, with a long waiting list of years. (Can't just walk into a dealer and buy one..) I'm sure there are quite a few others, but I don't keep up. Supercars.net has thousands of unique cars on there and i'm sure more than a few may easily fit into this criteria.
Actually the Veyron will cost you at least 1.4 and they don't limit production, they just can't make any more any faster than they do. I here they lose a little on each car but the press they have received and the cars performance puts them back on the map and hopefully that trans and other stuff from the car will trickle down to some of the more affordable cars.
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NA
Back to Astons I think that it is a fantastic nameplate. The cars are beautiful to look at and while it may not "get you through a corner 0.00042 seconds faster" or have a "3.9555 0-60" none of that is supposed to matter. It is designed to be a luxury cruiser not a Ferrari competitor. I think the big turnoff for most people is the fact that it is a front engined coupe, and most people expect something a little more exotic for that price (ie targa top, convertible, and so on and so forth).
