I wouldn’t say the mentality died with the P38 - but it’s certainly where the brand frayed. Thing is - from a North America perspective - its launch overlapped with the arrival of the Disco I and D90. So a balance - the RR could go upmarket while the Disco and Defender maintained brand values. By 2003 and the L322 it…

While I love solid axles, to me it’s more about what the brand represented.

Up until ~1994/5, they were primarily offroad/utility vehicles and luxury, such as it was, consisted of leather seats, wood trim and power windows. But even in the Range Rover it very evidently came second to functionality. They were also - if…

Big once-upon-a Land Rover guy here. The brand died long before 2012 (at least in the US). I’d put it more around 2003.

I felt this feel several years ago. Work for me involves spending inordinate amounts of time in front of a computer, and “collaborating” with others. I felt a very compelling need to do something with my hands.

UGH.

On the one hand, I applaud them. Modern air travel is a dehumanizing experience, so good on them for making some small effort to humanize it.

I don’t think I’d call it sexy, but it *is* striking - and after years and years of milquetoast Civics I guess that certainly counts for something.

Yes - not as blatant as Lexus/Toyota, but Minis share many parts with BMWs. Most they keep under the surface, but things like window switches are shared.

I agree to an extent - but I’ve actually gone the other direction. I used to be super-interested in cars. Had an old Land Rover that I offroaded, modified, and wrenched on regularly.

My first Mini was still under warranty when I traded it in (for a Clubman that could deal with infant car seats).

Back in 2006, I ordered a Mini. This was before Austin had a dealership, so I had to get my ass down to San Antonio, and got a one-way rental. It was a PT Cruiser.

I think it still comes down to engineering depth (and probably money to develop it).

I used to own a Defender. I’ve sat in an equivalent utilitarian G-Wagen, and I’ve driven a G500. What Mercedes has managed to do with the G500 is absolutely amazing. Not so much the engine as the interior - the ride quality, the sound…

Honestly, I don’t think Land Rover has the engineering depth to pull it off.

I was going to say Challenger, but the first big news story I was aware of was New Coke, which went down in 1985.

I don’t care what it’s called. A 2-Series five-door would catapult to the top on my next vehicle list.

I don’t think the Maxima’s really been the same since Nissan put effort into the Altima in 2002. That generation of Maxima - which I actually cross-shopped, was the last one that I feel had a real sense of what it’s purpose was as a car. Sensible and unassuming but with damn solid driving dynamics and a superb engine.

I really think it depends on what role Nymeria and the wolfpack play in later events.

I know a few people who own or have owned M5s and M6s. And I know several people who insist on manuals. There is ZERO crossover.

My dad had a succession of Zs when I was a kid. Still remember driving out to Texas Rangers games riding in the passenger seat in my mom’s lap.