Apologies should go to the movie Crazy People (1990) starring Dudley Moore.

 

nah - their line was "They're boxy, but they're good" - for which the production was successfully sued.

 

Volvo succesfully sued the producers of that movie for that line?

I personally liked the Jaguar one..

How Did that go again?

"For Men who like getting Hand-Jobs from strange women,"

or something to that effect.

 

yup, the problem with that movie is the producers didn't get rights to mention the brand names. Because they were presented in an unmistakeable way, integral to the plot, and mocked the companies in question damages were inevitable.

Believe it or not if we're filming a scene and there's a coke machine in the shot, we are supposed to get coke's permission before releasing that footage.

Normally if it's background stuff the makers of the product in question are happy to have it there, and in fact in some cases if they're approached in advance will provide goods in exchange to BE in the shot (it's rare for them to pay cash, but for example they might provide a truckload of coke for the craft services - the food & beverage truck that feeds cast & crew)

For example the producer I'm working with right now is negotiating with Sony, as there's a scene in my script that takes place in an electronics store and we're using a ton of Sony equipment in production, so Sony is offering to let us use their location and give us a discount on some kit in exchange for showing them favorably.

Volvo was not shown favorably in "Crazy People", so permission was unlikely.

 

First, you are going to hate the LS 5-speed coming from a Mustang GT. Although the gearbox is good, the engine need about 50 more ft-lbs of torque to be enjoyable in Detroit traffic. Make sure to test drive one. I get the Ford discount and really wanted the LS for it's size and value (at Ford pricing and incentives). But, it simply didn't excite me like I thought it would/should. I test drove more cars an ended up not using my Ford or Chrysler discount becuase they don't make any fun sport sedans with sticks that are reasonably quick.

And I already have an SE that I love. I am 6'4" and the Miata just doesn't work. It amazes me that Mazda designed a 2-seat car that can't hold anyone over 5'10". I have no problems in my first gen. My SE is just as quick, and has the potential to handle just as well and more power if that is your goal.

Aaron

 

Well, I started this thread long ago, so I guess an update is due. After driving a number of Miatas (1990 thru 2002), hey didn't thrill me. Nice cars. I like the way they look. But every time I see a guy driving one they looked kinda gay.

I drove a pair of 1st gens locally. One was really tricked out and raced, but the body was getting rough. The engine seemed sluggish... especially for one with new apex seals. Another was just tired in general.

Finally, I found one on cars.com that I've decided to buy. It's a GSL with just 55,000 miles. Condition is, as you can imagine, pretty damn nice. It's coming from Indiana some time next week. I can't wait!

Regarding the LS, I had a new 2000 model for about 6 months with the V6 and 5 speed. I thought the Getrag 5 speed was very smooth and easy to shift -- really enjoyed it. Straight line 0-60 was about 7.8 seconds, the same as a GSL-SE and only a few tenths slower than the V8 LS. However, it wasn't best in class; highway acceleration and other torquey efforts aren't in the same league. Now the LS has about another 20 horse since then, so that should help. I love the car's great sport ride, quiet interior, great comfort. The new subwoofer system will help too!

 

And one final point: Neither car has the straight line thrust of a 2002 Mustang GT (260 HP V8, 5 speed, posi). But each of these three cars are designed with different criteria and different points of excellence....

Center of gravity is nice and low on the Rex, which coupled with the 50/50 balance results in great handling. However, it doesn't seat 4, let alone comfortably.

The Mustang provides raw power. Not quiet, not a great highway cruiser.

The LS has 50/50 weight balance, which provides good handling in a car of its size. Super comfort with good road feel and manners. An extra 50 HP would be nice though!