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The Cayman probably beats it in reliability and build quality and dealer support, but darn it, I've always wanted a Lotus and this seems to be the one to get (in Canada, at least).
Hagerty raised some valid criticisms, but considering the compromises in the Evora's competition, it's the best of the lot.
The Cayman probably beats it in reliability and build quality and dealer support, but darn it, I've always wanted a Lotus and this seems to be the one to get (in Canada, at least).
Hagerty raised some valid criticisms, but considering the compromises in the Evora's competition, it's the best of the lot.
There’s a few people around my area that own evoras. I’d rather have the Evora than the Porsche. But that’s a personal preference thing…
if you’ve got the cash though, might as well spring for its successor.
Anyone have any seat time with a Factory Five Roadster, Type 65 Coupe, or their GTM Supercar? They also have a new supercar model in the works, each of those are quite tempting.
You're welcome OP. Mods, we can now close this thread.
Spoiler
For real though, this resto-mod thing is cool. My only extent of modern QOL modding will be a double DIN apple play head unit, avg/above avg speaker upgrade. Maybe new alternator and clean carpet. Don't need anything else really.
Anyone have any seat time with a Factory Five Roadster, Type 65 Coupe, or their GTM Supercar? They also have a new supercar model in the works, each of those are quite tempting.
I don't, but with any kit car the real major factor is how well it's put together and the quality of components. It's really easy to have one that's a basket case of electrical problems, squeaks and groans, bad alignment, overheating, you name it.
Also many kit cars don't have AC, not totally sure on those cars but it's one thing to put AC back in an FD, for example, that had it removed, and putting AC in a car that has no ducts, no vent control mechanism, no control unit for the AC, etc. etc. I can see many of those cars would be built without it.
Something like the Cobra wouldn't make sense to have AC, it's not in line with the aesthetic of the car, but that really limits use especially this time of year.
Anyone have any seat time with a Factory Five Roadster, Type 65 Coupe, or their GTM Supercar? They also have a new supercar model in the works, each of those are quite tempting.
no but i remember Paul Ko taking me around Sears Point/Infineon/Sonoma in his then new Rx8, and the Rx8 with two people in it pulls on the Factory Five Roadster in a straight line. when the Rx8 is faster than something in a straight line it rather removes that car from consideration....
the S2000 makes the Rx8 feel like a rocket ship though....
Gordon's car comes to mind when talking about an FD being crafted to extraordinary standards. I have been lucky enough to sit in it/start it and his car is jaw dropping. Now I'm not saying his ride is to the level of singer because frankly, I wouldn't know. But it sure is a badass car.
Thanks very much, Elliot. I started building what I thought of as an enhanced stock version more than a decade ago. Singer wasn't around. I wanted to build an FD that had no plastic and no polyester and none of the seams or side markers or undercoating. My plastics were all plated in copper and then wrinkle finished. Carpets are the best wool and the interior is completely covered in the best leather I could find. There are so many little details, like the ribbed plastic bin covers behind the seats being wrapped in leather, but still looking stock. The aluminum grille and rear valance add a bit of jewelry reminiscent of the 60's Maserati's and Ferrari's. But nothing really jumps out at you except, maybe, the rear dual exhausts, but even they look factory. No body kits or wide fenders or whatever. Just a better stock interpretation. Still the only one like it.
I really hope Ihor decides to build some Singer-like cars. I think there's a demand for them. Especially with prices today being what they are.
Thanks very much, Elliot. I started building what I thought of as an enhanced stock version more than a decade ago. Singer wasn't around. I wanted to build an FD that had no plastic and no polyester and none of the seams or side markers or undercoating. My plastics were all plated in copper and then wrinkle finished. Carpets are the best wool and the interior is completely covered in the best leather I could find. There are so many little details, like the ribbed plastic bin covers behind the seats being wrapped in leather, but still looking stock. The aluminum grille and rear valance add a bit of jewelry reminiscent of the 60's Maserati's and Ferrari's. But nothing really jumps out at you except, maybe, the rear dual exhausts, but even they look factory. No body kits or wide fenders or whatever. Just a better stock interpretation. Still the only one like it.
I really hope Ihor decides to build some Singer-like cars. I think there's a demand for them. Especially with prices today being what they are.
That's awesome! I know it all looks stock, but do you have any pics on here of your work?
I know zero about thew new Supra except the outside is really trying too hard - too many wings and scoops. I think they overcooked the design some.
I completely agree with this but now that it's been sitting in my driveway it's grown on me. It's really stupid but I like driving around something that's not common like the supra or the FD. They're both head turners. But comparing a 2021 vs. 1993, well the FD is just old. The supra boils down to being a BMW and I find it hilarious that people get upset when you mention that, who cares? Don't buy it? Definitely the worst thing is the lack of that 3rd pedal, autos just suck.
I'm not going to lie but I'm considering listing my FD for sale. I've always been that guy who's said I'd never sell it but I rarely drive the FD anymore and it seems like such a waste to let it just sit in my garage.
Living in Illinois, I wanted a daily driver and
something with AWD with the modern tech. I settled on the BMW 435i. Picked one up with 17K miles for $35K. It is a 6 cylinder turbo and drove like a dream. It has bluetooth, blindspot indicators, adaptive cruise control, parking assist radar, a heads up display, navigation with a big screen, multiple driving modes (eco, comfort, sport and sport+), back-up and 360 view cameras. Unfortunately, an 18 year old ran a red light and T-boned me in the drivers side. The car was totaled but the modern safety (side air bags and head curtain air bags) protected me and I walked away. BMW came on the audio and said they detected an airbag deployment and was notifying the police of my location! I did not know the car even did that! I was impressed with the safety and performance and looked for replacement. I found the same car in a hard top convertible a couple years newer. The convertible adds weight and does impact the performance a bit but not bad. If you buy used you can find them for way below $65K. If you buy new they run around that price.
I completely agree with this but now that it's been sitting in my driveway it's grown on me. It's really stupid but I like driving around something that's not common like the supra or the FD. They're both head turners. But comparing a 2021 vs. 1993, well the FD is just old. The supra boils down to being a BMW and I find it hilarious that people get upset when you mention that, who cares? Don't buy it? Definitely the worst thing is the lack of that 3rd pedal, autos just suck.
I'm not going to lie but I'm considering listing my FD for sale. I've always been that guy who's said I'd never sell it but I rarely drive the FD anymore and it seems like such a waste to let it just sit in my garage.
The 2023 Nissan Z is almost here... your move, Mazda:
I’m actually really impressed with the new Z. I know it’s not a total redesign but if it wasn’t really broken..
I do enjoy the fact it comes with a twin turbo v6. I wonder if they just slapped on some turbos to their infamous vq engine. (High probability that’s what they did)
manual transmission with a standard pull brake handle?! Yes please! A new car being sold without all the added nanny crap I can definitely hop on board with.
For those that don't know me, I used to be a FD owner many years ago and a moderator on the site for a number of years. I sold my FD to build a race car, but ended up buying a championship prepped 2000 Honda S2000 race car (with a 2004 Honda S2000 motor swap). I guess I followed in Rob Robinette's footsteps, whom I did get to meet in person by accident as our paths crossed professionally. My E46 M3 also exited for a Jaguar F-Type and soon after added Alfa Romeo 4C along side the F-Type. The F-Type and 4C are not really comparable with the FD. They are different tools for different purposes.
I do think the 5th Gen Supra is the most FD-like new car on the market today. As the photos show of the members with both above, the dimensions are fairly similar. There will likely never be another rotary engine car. However, for those who want something "similar" to the FD but with all the modern creature comforts, the new Supra will likely fit that bill nicely.
I’m actually really impressed with the new Z. I know it’s not a total redesign but if it wasn’t really broken..
I do enjoy the fact it comes with a twin turbo v6. I wonder if they just slapped on some turbos to their infamous vq engine. (High probability that’s what they did)
manual transmission with a standard pull brake handle?! Yes please! A new car being sold without all the added nanny crap I can definitely hop on board with.
I wonder if the Nissan Z's engine is the same as the one in the Infiniti Q60. It's been selling for a few years already.
I know the Nissan Z is a low-volume, low-profit product, but it's also Nissan's true flagship product, more so than the GT-R, because it's a purist car.
Their dedication to the Z's future is indicative of a long-term commitment, even if the Z is not some kind of cutting-edge technology platform at the moment.
The little visual cues that are 300ZX throwbacks are a nice touch, too.
I agree. The GTR has always been in a different camp. They actually had three classes if you count the Z, the Silvia (kind of a Z), and the skyline.
The Z was never cutting edge, just a good little sports car. This hopefully solves the gap that the Miata and BRZ leave from a power perspective. I think the MK5 Supra is still at a bit higher level (performance, looks, price, status)
To me, and no offense to anyone, neither the Z nor the Supra would pass the "do I keep looking back and staring at it when I walk away from it" test. I've had an FD since '96. I still do it. Sometimes I just go down to the garage and look at it or sit in it. I decided I wouldn't do it with a Cayman either, or an Evora, or a Corvette.
Exige yes, GT3 yes, maybe an Ultima GTR yes. Do I have a shot at a sub-2:xx lap at VIR or WGI with any of those? Exige, prolly not, GT3 yes, Ultima yes. Can I afford those two? Yes, but not comfortably. So here we are.
Lets be honest to ourselves... is there really a true replacement for the FD? I don't think so. If you're willing to pay Cayman/911 prices to replace an FD, why not get an FD? GTR...? We have to look at price points here. Supra Mk4? 300ZX? 3000GT? NSX? Two out of the four listed are hugely inflated and the other two are dirt cheap. New Z? Potentially but who can really say until we get the car. The price point is promising, the manual transmission is promising but again, the car is not even out yet.
TBH, I enjoy my Mk5 Supra, yeah, it doesn't have a manual transmission but thats why i have an FD and RX8. Would i like it with a manual? Of coarse! But unfortunately it doesn't and honestly, sometimes i prefer it that way. Just put it in sport mode and go. I can paddle shift if really wanted to. Price point is high compared to an FD but i got cup holders, comfortable seats, decent room (except for having to go in low due to the roof line) and i don't have the guilt of of putting miles on my white FD. I would prefer to have a Mk4 but with Mk4 prices being as they are, odds are i'll never get one or convince myself to get one when i'm looking towards a 992.2 GT3.
The thing is, i don't think the FD will ever have a proper replacement, we may out grow it or let go of it for a newer car/different car but it will always be missed. Kinda like the "girlfriend/boyfriend who got away" (singing the Katie Perry song in my head). Anyways, just my 2 cents
To me, and no offense to anyone, neither the Z nor the Supra would pass the "do I keep looking back and staring at it when I walk away from it" test. I've had an FD since '96. I still do it. Sometimes I just go down to the garage and look at it or sit in it. I decided I wouldn't do it with a Cayman either, or an Evora, or a Corvette.
Exige yes, GT3 yes, maybe an Ultima GTR yes. Do I have a shot at a sub-2:xx lap at VIR or WGI with any of those? Exige, prolly not, GT3 yes, Ultima yes. Can I afford those two? Yes, but not comfortably. So here we are.
Your points are well taken, but the Cayman is a "look back" car for me
