I haven’t driven a 500e, but on paper it is within a second of the Abarth 0-60 time and sports a lower center-of-gravity, making for a more stable and planted experience. It has the standard 500 suspension, which is a bit bland, but that can be resolved in the aftermarket. If one pops up for sale in town I may go…

They are all over Colorado, which is a reasonable day’s drive away (granted the return journey, with charging, might take a week).

If the range is an issue, the Abarth is the way to go. (I’m in an Abarth this week and having a lot of fun)

I suppose it depends upon your experience and technical aptitude. First time I did it took 1.5hrs, second time was 30 minutes. I used RhinoRamps both times so I didn’t have to fuss with jack stands..

Can’t forget my Fiat 500 in a Fiat 500 pic from when we still had our 500 Sport.

These aren’t bad option, save for David’s oxidized insanity. How many miles does a typical pizza delivery day include? I know back when I was in the service of the pie, I was running 50-70 miles a day, including my drive home.

This is a great suggestion — and I say that as some one who has tried to find the good in the Prius and failed. (I loathe them) — they do have great braking.

From the perspective of an engineer that works on his own cars, I appreciated it and have been in want of the option on other cars. It allowed Audi to reduce the overhangs, improving handling and styling. I certainly had complaints about Audi/VW, such as the many fragile plastic components associated to the induction…

Oh I have no idea what the horde is interested in at present.

I would imagine powertrain and brake services will go down (significantly), but drivetrain and suspension services will go up (slightly) as the high-torque will likely lead to greater stresses on bearings and bushings.

At least be accurate with your hyperbole.

It was a front-end off procedure for the timing belt, not spark plugs. The front-end removal process isn’t difficult, taking about 30 minutes and hand tools to accomplish. The real terror is the 4.2L V8, which has a rear-mount timing chain assembly, requiring engine removal to…

So much variety!

It was the presence of diesel that caused fraud with Audi/VW in the first place.

We are a small group, and sadly I doubt enough to sustain a market of affordable sports cars. Our only hope once the last wave of enthusiast cars fades will be the used market; presuming they don't find a way to legislate away our privilege of driving for autonomy.

Can confirm.

You can’t patent a format for a show, on second thought, maybe I shouldn’t bait the lawyers to try...

They aren’t facetious arguments, but I’ll acknowledge they are arguments for the minority of drivers.

There is an audience that desires driving dynamics and handling, and not all of them can afford Ferraris. It is frightening to think we may reach a point where fun, driver-firsr cars are reserved for the rich, and the normal masses are purely to blame for being so benign to experiencing anything while driving.

Mazda naming is a bit confusing.

Can it tow? How well?