You sure about that? The SQ8 (5213 lb) and SQ7 (5291) are basically the same vehicle. The differences are primarily styling and the absence of the third-row and the headroom it requires. The RS/S/Q8 body is also about three inches shorter than the 7.

Good call, although most used All-tracks will be above the $15K threshold. The regular Sportwagen with 4Motion, though, is starting to show up in the $15K range with decent miles.

This is true, but does Subaru make a plug-in Forester? The list of Outlander PHEV competitors is very short if you’re just talking plug-ins.

The 5.9 made more than 100 lb-ft of torque than the iron-block V6. So a V8 Prowler might have been a little quicker in a straight line, especially with those widely-spaced gears and meaty back tires.. But your power density point stands. Even the R/T version of that engine didn’t make a lot of horsepower.

Well put. Chrysler in the 1990s was making finally making some interesting and diverse cars after the mainly-the-same front-drivers of the ‘80s. In addition to the cars you mentioned, Chrysler was also killing it with Jeep.

It is sort of surprising that the PHEV does so poorly in the U.S. There’s very few alternatives to those who want a plug-in SUV (Niro, Crosstrek...). And yet they’ll be lucky sell 750 units here in 2020.

The V6 has been available for years in the GT model. The Outlander doesn’t sell because it’s not that good with either engine. The SOHC(!) V6 was relatively modern in 2007 but hasn’t been updated in a decade and doesn’t have enough grunt for a three-row that can tow. It’s only available with a 6-speed auto so gas…

In this spec about 200 pounds more than the heaviest Elantra (3,300 vs 3,100). So not bad, actually. The Elantra is a good 10 inches longer.

I don’t see VW selling diesels of any kind in the U.S. again. I can see a hybrid or plug-in version to fill in the sales gaps left by the departure of other plug-in sedan options, like the Fusion.

Diminishing returns if you toss it in a bulky, heavy CUV with a DCT. Plenty of sub-2-liter turbocharged cars get great gas mileage.

Yep. I’d even toss the Crosstrek, Encore GX, and Eclipse Cross in the same category. It’s a well-established segment by now, and it’s odd Raph would gloss over it.

I’m not sure I’d trust a $14K 944 Turbo. Most of the good ones I see are well into the 20s now. A 944 S2 on other hand would be a solid alternative, as would a Boxster/Cayman. 987s are dropping in price; a similar mileage 2006-2008 Cayman would be easy to find for less than $18K.

I think your instincts are correct. The book value is based largely off the fact its mostly a Z3 in drag. But when people are buying the look (see 911) the book goes out the window. I was pricing these a couple of years ago and realized a non-M Z3 coupe with good colors and condition would likely run me $15-20K. The…

Absolutely. Even silver-over-black cars with no distinguishing options go for $20K+ in nice condition. If you find an S52 M Coupe under $20K that doesn’t have big miles or needs major fixes buy it.

I would call it “traditional” more than conventional. Sure the drivetrain configuration is familiar, but the low curb weight, H-pattern box, smallish V12, central driving position....all pretty unconventional.

It’s as close as anything that’s been tried in the modern era. The big missing piece, aside from the more generous tolerances, will probably be the pneumatic valvetrain. Adapting that for the road is not possible for Mercedes given the emission restrictions. It also has an effect on redline, because mechanical valves…

Good catch on the power. Also, I don’t think there ever was a Turbo S non-hybrid with the 4-liter V8, so this car would have to be based on the “regular” Turbo.

I don’t normally support an engine swap, this is the right idea. Installation kits are already out there for the Z32/LS. I might look for a manual since that trans works well with the V8, but at this price if there’s no rust it’s a good starting place.

Thanks, I couldn’t remember. U.S. sales figures are so low for the E55/E63 estates that it’s easy to forget some MYs actually existed. I was surprised to find 2005 is the only year of the 211 wagon to crack three digits!

I believe we got a single model year of the E55 estate (2006) and after that got the E63 version of the refreshed W211. So the real deal is out there, as is the NA V8 version.