KeriBlog

Cars, Security & a Peek into my Life

Trying to Define What Makes a Luxury Vehicle

At what point does a regular vehicle become a luxury one?

It’s tough to pin down! In trying to find one defining element, instead I came up with a bunch of what it’s not –

  • it’s not price,
  • nor number of units sold,
  • it’s not the type of gas it uses,
  • it’s not the number of features it’s equipped with,
  • nor the type of materials it’s finished with.

Plus! People’s benchmark of luxury can vary greatly.. what’s really nice to one may not to another, like – they’re happy with jewelry from People’s, I prefer Piaget.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

The only argument that seems to hold is in regards to the one thing that can’t be held or touched – perception. Perhaps that’s it, then – luxury is defined by whoever’s advertising dollars are better at convincing us that something is high-end.

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Back to ‘Keri on Driving’ – Index

 

 

Porsche’s Acid Green means Plug-in Hybrid

A Porsche with green touches means the SUV is a plug-in hybrid.

The exact name is “Acid Green,” and is found on the badges, callipers, and instrument cluster.

To be clear, this is not an endorsement of hybrids, I just think the green is sharp.

Read my column Down with Hybrids for why.

(Photo credit above: Mike Schlee)

 

 

Fake Engine Sounds, it’s Happening

It’s a dichotomy – a quieter engine is a more technologically
advanced and efficient one

But the problem is we consumers still associate noise with power, so automakers are faking it.

Who’s doing it? The list includes BMW, Ford, Lexus, Porsche, Toyota, VW and more.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

My proposed compromise:

So to the automakers – not sure this is your best idea, guys. Buyers aren’t happy, and the lack of information on your sites makes you seem shady.

I propose a compromise: keep adding the fake engine sounds, but also tell the buyer that you did. Then add an FAQ to your website on how to disable it, or better yet, add in an “off” switch.

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Back to ‘Keri on Driving’ – Index

 

 

A 1956 Porsche Whatever

Starting in 1948 this was Porsche’s first production automobile, and 1956 was the last year it was made.

It was replaced by the 911.

Of the 76,000 originally produced, about one half survived, making this one 1 / 38,000 in the world. Even less if you do the math based on model year (1 / 9,000-ish.)

Being so into cars, it’s assumed I’d be really into this, but I’m not, because…

I don’t like old cars.

I take a lot of heat for saying that, but it’s true.

Anything before circa 1995-ish doesn’t much interest me.

Why?

– because they break,
– are unreliable,
– and uncomfortable.

I barely fit into the backseat, and I fit into everywhere.

I’d be skeptical of any stories of 4 adults taking a road trip in one of these.

Even on this day, the car broke. Doesn’t matter if it’s meticulously maintained, which this one is, that’s just the nature of an old car: to break and be unreliable.

And since I will choose function over fashion every time, I don’t like them.

1965 Porsche 356

A 2.0 L outputting 95 hp and… okay I’m done, can’t care enough, here’s the link to the Wiki.