Clarkson writes review on his experience in an FPV GT. - Page 5

SpoolMan · 10-05-2011, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Professor_Evans

I could care less how clever the auto is, I prefer to be in control 100%

I was lucky enough to have Luke Youlden take me around Sandown with him driving my 360rwkw F6, you can have your control just like a manual.... only you don't need to push a clutch, compression lock ups using the ZF to slow and feel slide to get through the corners.
You command the gear you want.
Comparing a 4 banger to a ZF 6 speed auto is like comparing technology 20 plus years apart, and that's how much different they feel to drive too...

1TUFFUTE · 10-05-2011, 09:35 PM

as far as im concerned his opinion is wrong if he thinks the GT is a fail of sorts. For instance they clearly respect the performance of subis and evos as they are everywhere...and yet our aus sedans match and exceed them not only performance wise but looks and interior and ride quality. And hinting it handles crap is not saying much....the GTs are quickera around a track then the HSVs so far from the comparos weve seen. It just takes someone who knows more than one throttle position around a race track....clown

Phonic · 10-05-2011, 09:38 PM

I'm just amusingly amazed at some of the brand blinded comments in here.

As an automations engineer, I've done work for all the local automotive manufactures aside from Mitsubishi. Ford has the fastest cycle time (time it takes for complete car to roll of the line) of any plant. That means the assembly line workers have less time at each station to complete a set of tasks. As a consequence, fit and finish isn't as good as Toyota's for example who has the slowest cycle time. Now the design of the anchor points and anchorage methods has allot to do with fit and finish, most of the miss aligned gaps in interior trim is rushed work.

In the end Australia's automotive market is small, so you can't expect products designed and only sold here to be of equally finish to all imports yet still offer the size, equipment and performance they do without minimising profits......somthing has to be compromised.

ray38l · 10-05-2011, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpoolMan

I was lucky enough to have Luke Youlden take me around Sandown with him driving my 360rwkw F6, you can have your control just like a manual.... only you don't need to push a clutch, compression lock ups using the ZF to slow and feel slide to get through the corners.
You command the gear you want.
Comparing a 4 banger to a ZF 6 speed auto is like comparing technology 20 plus years apart, and that's how much different they feel to drive too...

if they are as good if not better then a manual on a track then why don't v8 supercars use them?

**Dave R** · 10-05-2011, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray38l

if they are as good if not better then a manual on a track then why don't v8 supercars use them?

Because V8 Supercars totally reflect what works well in road cars.

They are half way there though with the sequential setups they currently run.

93EB_SXR6 · 10-05-2011, 11:33 PM

...ok, just saying I prefer shifting gears in a manual.
I actually prefer the feeling of using my left foot too!

2011G6E · 11-05-2011, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phonic

In the end Australia's automotive market is small, so you can't expect products designed and only sold here to be of equally finish to all imports yet still offer the size, equipment and performance they do without minimising profits......somthing has to be compromised.

That right there is the biggest problem with Australian cars...and at the same time the biggest piece of luck Aussie car makers have going for them.

They've pushed the propoganda successfully for decades now that somehow buyers here should just be happy to get four wheels and a roof "for the size of the market", or "for the price we charge". And buyers actually believe it!
The buyers will then overlook all sorts of problems with fit, finish, and quality, just saying "Aww bless 'em...they're trying thier hardest"...and the makers know this, so don't feel they have to really try all that hard.

The big flaw with this is that they will be relying on repeat buyers or brand-loyal customers, as anyone who actually takes a day to wander around several dealerships would see that there are now a lot of other options besides "the big two".

That sort of logic will bite you in the bum one day...

Antwon · 11-05-2011, 01:27 AM

Anyone else notice he said "it is now fitted with a supercharger and an intercooler" Im fairly sure their not intercooled? ive seen a W2A cooler on one but thought it was aftermarket as it did have 500+ rwkw

Zero_PSI · 11-05-2011, 01:35 AM

I still find this article valid as a "Jeremy Clarkson Review". As usual, it's a comical take on what would be and actual car review.

I don't see why people take his opinions so seriously. He's not trying to promote or demote cars...he's just a guy pointing out his opinion.

Rodp · 11-05-2011, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray38l

if they are as good if not better then a manual on a track then why don't v8 supercars use them?

I think we have a contender for the 2011 awards..

Bucknaked · 11-05-2011, 06:55 AM

Isn't everything that comes out of Clarkson's mouth treated as gospel?

Papa Smurf · 11-05-2011, 08:07 AM

Typical Pommie know all, they still see Australia as the Antipodes and that we are just convicts, at least the ideas for our falcons come from here.

I think this gentleman should stick to driving his over priced euro cars and not bother coming back to Australia.

chevypower · 11-05-2011, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Smurf

Typical Pommie know all, they still see Australia as the Antipodes and that we are just convicts, at least the ideas for our falcons come from here.

I think this gentleman should stick to driving his over priced euro cars and not bother coming back to Australia.

You are just validating his jokes about Australians.

Wretched · 11-05-2011, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Smurf

Typical Pommie know all, they still see Australia as the Antipodes and that we are just convicts, at least the ideas for our falcons come from here.

I think this gentleman should stick to driving his over priced euro cars and not bother coming back to Australia.

overreaction much?

The guy is an entertainer, people who read his articles, books and watch his shows understand his sense of humor. It is typical British.
Some of what he says in the his article are what many of us have been thinking about the cars for a while now.

People here are just too precious and really personify the bogan mentality many think of Australians.

Relax people.

anto · 11-05-2011, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

-

Hey at least I don't get cut up when someone pays out on my Focus, what car did you have when you where 19?

lol, that explains everything.

but umm, a pepper red XAGT manual sedan actually.

2011G6E · 11-05-2011, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Smurf

Typical Pommie know all, they still see Australia as the Antipodes and that we are just convicts, at least the ideas for our falcons come from here.

I think this gentleman should stick to driving his over priced euro cars and not bother coming back to Australia.

...erm...

Don't speak too soon about the Falcon and where the ideas come from...the "bosses" in Australia aren't the real "bosses", and several times the real bosses have threatened to just shut down production here. It's like being a middle manager...you know you're in charge...until someone higher up taps you on the shoulder and reminds you that you aren't...

Clarkson does his job well. He does car reviews without fear or favour, without pulling punches about the bad points, unlike most car reviews written in newspapers which are simply glowing in thier praise.
And if he can manage to do it while taking the mickey out of someone along the way, that's even better...

pottery beige · 11-05-2011, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anto

lol, that explains everything.

but umm, a pepper red XAGT manual sedan actually.

little lols at what the carpark at work looked like way back then.. no poof or rice......

ltd · 11-05-2011, 10:19 AM

Geez there are some whingers out there.
I thought his review was funny, even though I wanted him to like the GT.
His review is not really far off the mark though. If ford wanted him to write something nice then they should have given him an F6E where he could wax lyrical about the performance of a 6. What we have to remember is that he loves the Aston Martin DBS and has even bagged out Bentleys and others in preference; the GT just does not stack up against these. Yes, he likes the commodore for what it represents for the price, but the GT is not on sale over there nor is any of the other falcons which would be more suitable like the F6E and the G6E-T. You have to remember, whilst the GT interior is not bad it's no record beater, and the bang for buck really only occurs thanks to the engine. The handling on all Fords and Holdens IS comprimised by the fact they are tuned for Australian roads which by world standards, are woeful at best.
Potholes, corrugations, worn surfaces; a patchwork quilt of laziness by corrupt and inept councils is the best way to describe the roads of which our two beloved car manufacturers have to tune their suspension setups to. Of course Clarkson isn't going to be a fan. If he drove the commodore on our roads here too he'd be less than impressed.
Nope, I'm still a fan of JC and I think for the humour and good moments he's brought to our screens he deserves a little more respect.
I think we all need to put his review into context, it's not the end of the world and him spending time in more of the range may have brought him around a little.
As for others who want to criticise Ford on alleged experiences, go troll somewhere else.

ray38l · 11-05-2011, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

Because V8 Supercars totally reflect what works well in road cars.

They are half way there though with the sequential setups they currently run.

my comment was in response to the guy who said you can have control in an auto. You cant. Autos are getting better but they are not as smart as humans. They are the obvious choice for drag racing but.
However manuals are on the death bed with car company's making it harder to buy one. I believe in 10 years time manuals will be gone for good and that will suck for people like me who like to actually drive instead of being steering wheel attendants.

XR6_661 · 11-05-2011, 11:03 AM

Wow.

I've never seen such nonsense in a thread over someones opinion of a vehicle.

Bud Bud · 11-05-2011, 11:15 AM

Have some here never seen Top Gear???

Have we lost the ability to laugh at ourselves in this Country??? Has political correctness ruined GEN Y??? Bring back Aunty Jack, Arthur Dunger, Leo ******, Ted Bullpit and Norman Gunstan!

Bud Bud

anto · 11-05-2011, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pottery beige

little lols at what the carpark at work looked like way back then.. no poof or rice......

yeah those were the days, cosmic blue pepper red XA's ...daily drivers sitting i n the work carpark. things certainly have changed.

speaking of which, apollo blue may be coming home shortly, watch this space ;-)

platinumXR · 11-05-2011, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anto

a pepper red XAGT manual sedan actually.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pottery beige

little lols at what the carpark at work looked like way back then.. no poof or rice......

Ditto.

I think by then I was on my second 400+ hp Falcon.

Still, a four door family taxi that was not intended to be a race car / sports sedan that can mix it up with some pretty serious purpose built weapons is still pretty good value for money.

As for JC...well he is a peanut - but a funny one and not meant to be taken too seriously all the time. Lighten up sheesh.

Fled74 · 11-05-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6_661

Wow.

I've never seen such nonsense in a thread over someones opinion of a vehicle.

+100

SS_01 · 11-05-2011, 01:42 PM

I love that we are all quick to praise whoever gives a review that fits into what our perception is, but someone who gives a negative review must be wrong. Yes the GT has a fantastic engine and an ok Drivetrain, but the rest needs to be worked on. Does this mean i wouldnt buy a gt?? yep, because the GS can be unlocked and half the problems fixed up with the money you save from buying the GT.

Having said that, at this point, as much as I hate the front of the new HSV's, I would probably still buy it over the FPV.

Mitch_ · 11-05-2011, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray38l

my comment was in response to the guy who said you can have control in an auto. You cant. Autos are getting better but they are not as smart as humans. They are the obvious choice for drag racing but.
However manuals are on the death bed with car company's making it harder to buy one. I believe in 10 years time manuals will be gone for good and that will suck for people like me who like to actually drive instead of being steering wheel attendants.

its true - you can't have control in an auto...

holey ****! sequential shift!

oh well - ferrarri still have manuals... oh wait.. semi-auto...

its ok ray with the 3.8L - we still love you

**GasoLane** · 11-05-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

I know the GT is no AMG, M division, or R contender. It's clearly not meant to be.

Obviously he seems to think that it is. If Benz or BMW etc make a sport version of their family car why shouldn't people over there think that a GT is the Ford's equivalent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

But he even put it below a Commodore... A COMMODORE. Doesn't that get anyone riled up?

Erm, show me the part where he said the Commodore was better.
If you mean the sentence "The current crop of Holdens aren’t too bad, in a meaty, knuckle-dragging sort of way" If I was a Commodore owner I certainly wouldn't consider that statement complimentary.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WAForce8

Its not a supercar, Aston Martin, Jag, Rover or a hatch back and worst of all its Australian. Of course he was going to tag it. He is a 2 pint POM and everyone knows that they have as much experience with large cars as they do with winning wars on thier own. None! Of course he was going to tag it.

Love it !! Especially the bit where you said that the Aston's and Jag's are NOT large cars!!

2011G6E · 11-05-2011, 03:24 PM

I also think they should have given him a turbo XR6 of one of the FPV turbos. That would have impressed him!

Hell, last time I was at a Ford dealer, they had an FPV V8 ute sitting there proudly...with no one buying it for several months now...and it said "315kw" on the display information.
Right outside was a couple of other FPV's was a white turbo six sedan with "310kw"

Why the hell would you spend all the extra money for five kilowatts?

Mitch89 · 11-05-2011, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Professor_Evans

I don't understand why somebody would buy a performance car with an automatic gearbox - it takes away a large part of the driving experience IMO.

Since my car spends most of its time around the 'burbs and on the motorway (often in traffic), an auto make sense. Then, when I feel like "driving" it, I can stick it into manual shift, and control the changes myself.

Sure, a manual may be a bit more fun, but for 95% of my driving an auto makes much more sense.

The majority of people who buy cars like these will never take them to a track, heck some won't even see the redline. They want to get to work, pickup the kids, do the shopping, etc. I think an auto works better for those tasks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

Why the hell would you spend all the extra money for five kilowatts?

I'd say the people walking past it knew the F6 didn't have only 310kw

flappist · 11-05-2011, 04:58 PM

One thing to remember is that he is compaing directly not at the ridiculous prices charged here.

A FPV GT costs about AUD $75,000 which is about 50,000 pounds and in UK you can buy a BMW 335i for 38,000 and a M3 or C63 AMG for 54,000.

The fact that in Australia euro cars are grossly overpriced is irrevent. Top Gear has a world wide audience so everything needs to be compared equally.