Had an '05 loaner all day yesterday. Drove it round trip from Austin to San Antonio so had a lot of HWY and street driving. Impressions:
I felt the added HP and Torque (+20, +10 respectfully) immediately. Amazing what a seemingly small bumb can feel like.
The trans was better in that when in the MM mode the revs automatically match to engine speed when downshifting, very rapidly too. Wish they did this from the start. Seems like a no brainer!
Although it didn't have the sport package, the suspension was tighter that older non-sport loaners I've had.
DO NOT like the new instrumentation or shifter. Personal preference.
DO NOT like that, when in MM, the tranny automatically starts in first from a stop. Personal preference again.
The worse thing was looking at the beautiful loaded M45 while waiting for my loaner. Anyone test drivin' one??
I felt the added HP and Torque (+20, +10 respectfully) immediately. Amazing what a seemingly small bumb can feel like.
The trans was better in that when in the MM mode the revs automatically match to engine speed when downshifting, very rapidly too. Wish they did this from the start. Seems like a no brainer!
Although it didn't have the sport package, the suspension was tighter that older non-sport loaners I've had.
DO NOT like the new instrumentation or shifter. Personal preference.
DO NOT like that, when in MM, the tranny automatically starts in first from a stop. Personal preference again.
The worse thing was looking at the beautiful loaded M45 while waiting for my loaner. Anyone test drivin' one??
What color and how many miles? I just gave up mine recently to Austin Infiniti. It was the Plat Silver one I gave it back to them with 3k 
Quote:
I felt the added HP and Torque (+20, +10 respectfully) immediately. Amazing what a seemingly small bumb can feel like.
The trans was better in that when in the MM mode the revs automatically match to engine speed when downshifting, very rapidly too. Wish they did this from the start. Seems like a no brainer!
Although it didn't have the sport package, the suspension was tighter that older non-sport loaners I've had.
DO NOT like the new instrumentation or shifter. Personal preference.
DO NOT like that, when in MM, the tranny automatically starts in first from a stop. Personal preference again.
The worse thing was looking at the beautiful loaded M45 while waiting for my loaner. Anyone test drivin' one??
Originally Posted by austinteddy
Had an '05 loaner all day yesterday. Drove it round trip from Austin to San Antonio so had a lot of HWY and street driving. Impressions:I felt the added HP and Torque (+20, +10 respectfully) immediately. Amazing what a seemingly small bumb can feel like.
The trans was better in that when in the MM mode the revs automatically match to engine speed when downshifting, very rapidly too. Wish they did this from the start. Seems like a no brainer!
Although it didn't have the sport package, the suspension was tighter that older non-sport loaners I've had.
DO NOT like the new instrumentation or shifter. Personal preference.
DO NOT like that, when in MM, the tranny automatically starts in first from a stop. Personal preference again.
The worse thing was looking at the beautiful loaded M45 while waiting for my loaner. Anyone test drivin' one??
It was Black (Obsidian) on black. Had 12K+ on the odo. You in Austin or S.A.? I took 281 home to FM 165 to 290. 165 is a fun road
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San Antonio...bought the car in austin though with Shealea! :POriginally Posted by austinteddy
It was Black (Obsidian) on black. Had 12K+ on the odo. You in Austin or S.A.? I took 281 home to FM 165 to 290. 165 is a fun road
Registered User
Every time I drive a "loaner", I feel my car is lethargic. The tranny in my car has learned my driving style, while the loaner is probably beat to death.
I drove an '05 as a loaner, had the same impressions as you! Now, I am trying VERY hard not to trade for an M35x. I'm in love with it!
BTW, I will never drive a vehicle without AWD. I think it's great.
I drove an '05 as a loaner, had the same impressions as you! Now, I am trying VERY hard not to trade for an M35x. I'm in love with it!
BTW, I will never drive a vehicle without AWD. I think it's great.
