What car: AWD, Sedan, Manual, Massive HP

I think the trouble is he's looking for more bark than bite.

A 335xi doesn't even look as tough as an M3.. .and it's the "little" BMW. Think like a tough guy rich guy. Do you want the starter 3 series?

Unfortunately I don't think the car he wants exists. Anything huge power in a big status luxury or factory big power configuration is going to be a flappy paddle/automatic car... OR RWD.

GRM likes huge power in unassuming packages, but it doesn't sound like this is what he's after. He wants status... pull up to the curb and the kids say.. HOLY E36 M3!

So what you're saying, a c63amg owner is a "tough guy"? LMFAO

yamaha wrote: So what you're saying, a c63amg owner is a "tough guy"? LMFAO

Well no, not in and of itself... but when you factor in the following which we have learned about him, I'll let you get out your mat.

wvumtnbkr wrote: "bore that E36 M3 out or do whatever to get that bitch past 500bhp". ...be 5 years old or newer. Money is not exactly a deciding factor (sub 100K is preferable).

wvumtnbkr wrote: I mentioned the EVO and WRX and he asked me if I would paint it lime green with a big wing. Okay, EVO and WRX are out.

wvumtnbkr wrote: ...he is not really a car guy. He is more of a status guy.

The guy asking for this magic car sounds like the kind of guy that would like this Pontiac G8 GT I see in town now and then; wide wheels with a chrome lip, loud pipes, guy behind it is always over the speed limit on surface streets.

I think I'd just stop speaking to him to possibly reduce guilt by association.

RS4 supercharged / thread.

Too bad he is a status guy, because a URS4/URS6 still look timeless and can easily make that power.

For those of you suggesting an STi, have any of you BEEN in an actual 500hp (at the crank) STi? It ain't easy, and it definitely isn't a daily driver. Plus in the money we are talking about, it might as well be a Corolla.

SAAB had some cool stuff (the viggen) that look the part, but it is a "saab", might not do it on the status.

OH OH OH! The new polestar. The Volvo S60 Polestar. I WIN! (all youse other guys just said s60).

In reply to HiTempguy:

I thought the new Polestar concept was like 250k?

It does look like a hoot to drive, though.

In reply to HiTempguy:

I have, and I agree that a 500 hp subie gives up a bit in refinement in a car that can't spare any. They are noisy angry popping whistling beasties.

A 535ix manual converted to single turbo has snob appeal and easily hits 600 hp for about$7k extra.

If the goal of AWD is for traction in inclement weather seems like 500+hp counteracts that completely. Might as well go rwd so that he just does donuts instead of rocketing forward into conditions he cant break or turn.

I really think the answer is CTS-V. I've spent the last 37 years on the Canadian prairies. Have never had, nor needed AWD. People that "need" AWD for winter are pansies... The CTS-V is well within budget. Makes more than 500hp stock, has 3 pedals, and will have full warranty, which a guy that likes cars but isn't a car guy will appreciate. Tell him to man up and learn how to drive. Spring for some good winter tires. Besides, I'm sure the Caddy has all the safety gizmo acronyms going on.

Depending on what he wants to pay.....

If he wants a REAL manual trans the only thing I can think of is EVO (not MR) and STI obviously first. Then comes the Golf R. This is of course thinking new or relatively new.

Of course all of those would need to be modded for "big power". Generally with any of those cars a catless or sport cat downpipe and a tune is all you need for enough power to entertain.

I really wouldn't look at anything else. Almost every AWD I can think of is either auto or floppy paddles that cost $4000-$8000 to fix when they break outside of warranty. Does Audi even make manual cars an option anymore on their performance models?

For those of you suggesting an STi, have any of you BEEN in an actual 500hp (at the crank) STi? It ain't easy, and it definitely isn't a daily driver.

Such a car can be a daily driver. It's just pointless to build a STI with that much power IMO. What are you going to do with it? Drag race? Then you chose the wrong car. You buy a STI or EVO and "build it" to do autocross or track days or for fun not to build a supercar.

he is not really a car guy. He is more of a status guy.

Then why does he want a manual trans car with AWD? If he wants that then there are limited options if he wants to be a status cock then buy a status cocks car like an Audi S4. /thread

Shopping for status people are easy. Want a AWD status car. Audi S4. Done.

Somebody wants a V70R with a 6speed?

My girlfriend's car, lol. Not a status cocks car though. That is a car for someone who wants something legitimately good instead.

335xi because... http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=816141&highlight=VTT

If we allow rwd to this, has MB put the nasty v12 TT in the E or S class yet? If so, argue that ease of reaching 700rwhp and over 1000tq with just a reflash would be worth living with an automatic.

kanaric wrote: I really wouldn't look at anything else. Almost every AWD I can think of is either auto or floppy paddles that cost $4000-$8000 to fix when they break outside of warranty. Does Audi even make manual cars an option anymore on their performance models? ...buy a status cocks car like an Audi S4. /thread

Sure, the S4, S5, and R8 are available available with manual transmissions. The S6 and S8 are not.

I also don't get your hate for the S4. "status cock's car" ? I've owned an 12 years (B5 and then B6) and the other owners I've met haven't been substantially different from any other brand's car enthusiasts.

xflowgolf wrote: ignoring the 500HP mark.. . he can get a new shiny flashy B8 Audi S4. Add in the APR supercharger pulley and tuning and it's 400ish HP. 400+HP on 100 octane tune. http://www.goapr.com/products/pulley_30tfsi.html Otherwise I agree with the other suggestions. Buy RWD, and a 2nd winter vehicle, or just drive an automatic.

You don't need to ignore the 500hp part!

That Stage II+ with the pulley makes 400 at the wheels! Typical losses on a manual quattro are definitely over 20%, so you're there even with the 93 tune.

A stock 6-speed B8 S4 made just over 300 hp at the wheels on my dyno. Talk about under-rated! They're only supposed to put out 330ish at the crank!

Porsche 996 Turbo. Chip it, game over. They're sub $50k and remarkably reliable.

docwyte wrote: Porsche 996 Turbo. Chip it, game over. They're sub $50k and remarkably reliable.

Not a sedan. Are the new ATS Caddy's available AWD with a manual and the 2.0 turbo?

Not a sedan but any of your modern diesel trucks with a programmer and an exhaust should exceed his desires. Sorry it would be 4wd not AWD

unk577 wrote: Not a sedan but any of your modern diesel trucks with a programmer and an exhaust should exceed his desires. Sorry it would be 4wd not AWD

Now theres an option. 6 speed Cummins 4wd with big power sounds good!

crankwalk wrote: Now theres an option. 6 speed Cummins 4wd with big power sounds good!

I once saw one that made around 1000lbft launch at an 1/8 mile strip... the back axle did all sorts of ugly things that axles shouldn't do. Truck was fine.

codrus wrote: I also don't get your hate for the S4. "status cock's car" ? I've owned an 12 years (B5 and then B6) and the other owners I've met haven't been substantially different from any other brand's car enthusiasts.

People who are shiny happy people seldom know they are one! (Sorry, too easy, former B5 S4 owner here...) Generally it's the younger 2nd/3rd owner crowd with these cars that can tend to be the shiny happy peoples.