Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?

[Frank N. O.]

The original Focus was also said to be a great car, setting new standards in the C-segment (same class as the VW Golf, Honda Civic, Citroen C4, Peugeot 307, Opel Astra and probably Dodge Neon as well if it was sold here, at least sizewise). The new model is more discreet and not as sharp in terms of either handling or looks as the mk1 but still a great driving machine. Just to check, you did read that the European Focus mk2 is a brand new model with no links to the old Focus mk1 that the current US Focus is still based on right? I find it strange that the US Focus isn't upgraded since I thought the classes were the same all over but the mk1 Focus can't hold a candle to the current Golf mk5 but maybe the Golf/Jetta in USA has been moved up to a higher class. An actually with the sedan-models then the Jetta and Focus are now as big as the Passat/Mondeo were just a few years ago.
Some strange notes (in my opinion), the Focus mk2 can be bought with turning headlights (only for the std. halogen lights, not the Xenon lights that are optional), and electrically adjusted pedals! I haven't heard of that many cars that has adjustable pedals, and certainly not mass produced saloons. The mk2 Focus also has ABS with EBD, ESP and EBA and disc brakes all around, 278mm discs on the smaller models and 300mm on the larger ones.

It also seems that the engines are now actually Mazda engines. The 1.6 and 2.0 engines has completely different bore/stroke than the old Zetec/Zetec-E engines that originally appeared in Europe in 1992 and existed in 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 versions, all with the same 88mm stroke btw. It was also said that Ford would focus on making platforms and Mazda would be contrusting engines. The 2.3 PZEV engine in the US Focus btw is actually a MZR engine originally and not a Ford engine from what I heard, although no harm in that at all. Not sure if the good old IB5 and MTX-75 Ford transaxles are still used in Fords though. I can't find any gear-ratios for the new Focus models except the Volvo-powered 225hp 5-cylinder Ford Focus ST.

I am however also hoping that I can get a chance to have another similar talk about buying a new vehicle and talking specs, but then about propellers and instrumentation 

Frank

[undatc]

I actually think they just released the new version of teh Focus line here, or maybe its just a body change.  I saw a new model of Focus on the road yesterday, and was like woah, what happend..

And I agree, the Golf, or even the new Rabbit (which is what I think they are calling the new golf, i actually just am lazy right now and dont feel like looking at the VW site) is amazing.  I wanted a GTI so bad, but couldnt find one in my price range.  Almost bought a jetta, but decided on something newer.  However I have planned to buy a Nissan 350Z or Infiniti G35 when i graduate with that first fat controller pay check, or does that go to my student loans... I forget.

Anyways, im actually really excited that Nissan is going to release their new GTR here in the states.  It has been available as an Infiniti model, i think the 40 or something like that, for awhile but with out all the cool race stuff on it.  2008 or 7, they havent said for sure yet, they are supposed to be available here for about 35k    fully done out, stock with dual turbos and all the other goodies.

Here is my dream car, maybe one day.

http://videos.streetfire.net/search/ford+gt/0/8ab30017-0583-40aa-92d0-988200006f07.htm

That is a Ford GT, that has the super charger removed, and replaced with two turbo chargers running 19psi.  If you go their website,www.turbofordgt.com , they show it at the end, they have rebuilt the engine, with some better parts, and now it runs a little over 1453 horses and about 1250 foot pounds of torqe.......

And that is their street build, I want to see what their fully tuned race build is.......

[Frank N. O.]

Just checked, the current US Focus is still the based on the original international mk1 model although the headlights and front bumpers were facelifted giving them a similar look to the european Focus mk2 but the doors, doorhandles, wheelarches and such are still easily recognizable from the original, and then the matter of a 5 1/2 inch difference in width excluding mirrors hehe.

I've seen spyvideos of the new Skyline GTR on the Nürburgring Northern Loop and it's extremely fast but with active awd and active independant automatic rearwheel-steering, probably active dampers etc. then it should be. The twin turbo GT is just too crazy in my opinion, and the owner is nothing short of insane and irresponsible in my opinion, just look at how it got out of control on a sticky drag strip, then try that on a bumpy slippery public road, more money than brains. I'm not saying all supercar owners are insane, but that dude sure looks like it from that video.

Frank

P.S. We just got the letter in the mail, we can get the car as soon as the dealer is open again woohooo!!!

[undatc]

Just checked, the current US Focus is still the based on the original international mk1 model although the headlights and front bumpers were facelifted giving them a similar look to the european Focus mk2 but the doors, doorhandles, wheelarches and such are still easily recognizable from the original, and then the matter of a 5 1/2 inch difference in width excluding mirrors hehe.

I've seen spyvideos of the new Skyline GTR on the Nürburgring Northern Loop and it's extremely fast but with active awd and active independant automatic rearwheel-steering, probably active dampers etc. then it should be. The twin turbo GT is just too crazy in my opinion, and the owner is nothing short of insane and irresponsible in my opinion, just look at how it got out of control on a sticky drag strip, then try that on a bumpy slippery public road, more money than brains. I'm not saying all supercar owners are insane, but that dude sure looks like it from that video.

Frank

P.S. We just got the letter in the mail, we can get the car as soon as the dealer is open again woohooo!!!

The thing is, is that GTTT is a mid engine mount, and it was running drag slicks.  The weight distribution for drag racing is all wrong.  However, on the road, going through twistys, those cars fly.  And youre right, way to much money, that car used runs about 145k, and that twin turbo kit runs about 16k....

[fireflyr]

Congratulations on finding a new car Frank
Be careful

[Baradium]

The thing is, is that GTTT is a mid engine mount, and it was running drag slicks.  The weight distribution for drag racing is all wrong.  However, on the road, going through twistys, those cars fly.  And youre right, way to much money, that car used runs about 145k, and that twin turbo kit runs about 16k....

I'll stick with my IH's, it's a much cheaper hobby. 

[Frank N. O.]

After thinking about then my mom and I agreed that if he had to buy a 250K DKK Focus then neither of us could save up anything for either a better place to live or for my career wether it be planes or programs so we opted for one that was cheaper so we only had to loan 50 vs 100K DKK and we testdrove one yesterday and he got us a good deal on the Peugeot and he threw in metallic paint since there were only a few ones left in the country of this older but excellent model that also has sports equipment in DK (Momo leather sports airbag wheel, leather gearknob and handbrake handle, OZ Rally wheels albiet "just" a small 15" size, front strut brace, front/side/rear scirts, rear-spoiler with stoplight) it also has 6 airbags and ABS with EBD but no ESP or TCS but that's just fine with me. I still can't believe my mom chose one in black again. If you haven't already ID'ed it then I can tell you that this same company has made a (in)famous twin-engine turboprop that Jim has flown one of in real life.

After it gets settled and we break the car in with some calm highway drives then I'll focus my energy on again trying to find a new life. In the meantime I bought myself some late christmas gifts in the shape of some good old cheap but great computer games and a few movies (The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy UK 2-disc version and Cars (awesome movie and awesome places in the documentary about the real Route 66 trip they took before making the movie)).

Frank

[fireflyr]

You bought a Mitsubishi?

[Frank N. O.]

Darn that was quick, I probably gave too many hints. Actually my mom is buying one, I'm just the driver but yes a brand-spanking new Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6 Invite (that in DK is std. fitted with the optional sport package). We got the contract today and got the exact figure he gave for the 206 and it was good, and then there was the free of charge metallic black paint as well so a good deal Now we just gotta see when the final paperwork with the county and the bank can be finalized so we can swap the cars.

Went by Roskilde Airport on the way today as well and saw a couple of big biz jets, not quite sure what they were but they seemed bigger than Learjet's so maybe Challengers or Gulfstreams. Soon I can try again and go into greater detail and find out what I can do with my life to get it changed for the better, and I might ask you some questions too since you seem to have a lot of info and experience I can use to find out what I can/can't do.

Frank