Car Talk!

**RobRich** · October 9th, 2009, 10:21 AM

Without the concept's Theta II turbo engine and AWD drivetrain, I am not sure what to make of it, except maybe that it seems to be Kia's version of the Scion tC. I have also heard both of the stock I4 offerings tend to fall flat at high RPMs - the cams are probably biased more toward mid-range power.

AFAIK, Kia claims to be working on a ~200HP turbo 1.6L option, for whatever that is worth.

The question is the market demographic. Much of the latest generation or two of econosports have been sporty, but hardly economical. Upwards of $20,000+ for a naturally-aspirated I4 econobox turning around 130-170HP is hardly a deal IMO.

The current Mustang V6 offering 210HP and RWD starts around $21,000. The current Camaro V6 offering 304HP and RWD starts around $23,000.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe perhaps could have been a serious contender, but the 2.0L turbo model is priced about $3,000 too high IMO. Hyundai should have offered a discounted model without EBD, ECS, TCS, etc. to get entry-level pricing under $20,000.

**RobRich** · October 9th, 2009, 10:39 AM

Someone finally got decent power in a BMW Z3.... with a SBC V8 and 471 blower!

Blown-Chevy Powered 97 'Z3 for $20,000! - BMW Z3 - Jalopnik

That is almost as interesting as the Miata project with a Jaguar V12 I spotted on a local forum awhile back.

Orangeline · October 9th, 2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobRich

Without the concept's Theta II turbo engine and AWD drivetrain, I am not sure what to make of it, except maybe that it seems to be Kia's version of the Scion tC. I have also heard both of the stock I4 offerings tend to fall flat at high RPMs - the cams are probably biased more toward mid-range power.

AFAIK, Kia claims to be working on a ~200HP turbo 1.6L option, for whatever that is worth.

The question is the market demographic. Much of the latest generation or two of econosports have been sporty, but hardly economical. Upwards of $20,000+ for a naturally-aspirated I4 econobox turning around 130-170HP is hardly a deal IMO.

The current Mustang V6 offering 210HP and RWD starts around $21,000. The current Camaro V6 offering 304HP and RWD starts around $23,000.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe perhaps could have been a serious contender, but the 2.0L turbo model is priced about $3,000 too high IMO. Hyundai should have offered a discounted model without EBD, ECS, TCS, etc. to get entry-level pricing under $20,000.

Wow...thats an in depth analysis! I would say you are spot on with the competition target being the TC and would also add the Civic (non Si) as well as the other FWD coupes. The Mustang is really a whole different demo and probably a more direct competitor to the aforementioned Genesis Coupe.

From a design angle at least, it definitely brings a new style perspective for Kia.

Orangeline · October 9th, 2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobRich

Someone finally got decent power in a BMW Z3.... with a SBC V8 and 471 blower!

Blown-Chevy Powered 97 'Z3 for $20,000! - BMW Z3 - Jalopnik

That is almost as interesting as the Miata project with a Jaguar V12 I spotted on a local forum awhile back.

HA...that chassis is flexy enough stock. Wonder what that engine does to it.

And how the hell do you fit a jaq 12 into a miata. I had trouble fitting an SR20 into one size. You would have to add two feet to the car

**RobRich** · October 10th, 2009, 10:31 AM

The Jaguar V12 fits. Guy in Tampa did it. IIRC, he has a thread at Tampa Racing detailing the build. He also posts at one of the Miata sites.

Here are a couple of his videos:

RedFury · October 10th, 2009, 11:10 AM

he must own paul bunyans horse shoe!

SoloCamo · November 11th, 2009, 04:23 PM

So I'm finally parting with the Jeep....

The engine has decided to rattle, tick, kaboom, knock, and every other noise you can think of. It's not burning oil, it's still got plenty of power, and doesn't leak oil but it's just becoming too much of a money pit. The gas mileage is horrendous right now, (12-14mpg no matter how I drive) and now it decided to leak coolant as well. It's dying out while driving, not starting properly, transmission is slipping every now and then, u-joint is shot...etc.

Even if it was in top shape, 21-22mpg max is not something I can afford, and it being only a 2-seater has it's limitations..

So though it still runs, still burns the tires on command, and does it all fine...it's not going to last at this rate. It lived a good life, and I really wish I had the money to make it the Jeep it was destined to be. The lack of care from the previous owner, and me being pretty damn rough on it and it still going strong despite it's problems is a testament to it's reliability and durability.

Now I hope I can find a good home for it...

The Real Bingo · November 11th, 2009, 04:24 PM

Sorry to hear, SC. Got any idea what you'll replace it with?

SoloCamo · November 11th, 2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Real Bingo

Sorry to hear, SC. Got any idea what you'll replace it with?

Thanks....for now, until I find a good home for the Comanche and can afford a new ride I'm going to be driving my families spare car. A 1989 Buick Skylark with the 2.5L "Iron Duke" 4 banger. Great on gas, and that engine is damn reliable though I'll have to be easy on it due to the slipping transmission. Don't think I'll be racing that 20yr old 4 banger around anywhere though

JLK03F150 · November 11th, 2009, 04:39 PM

I loved my 92 Cherokee 4WD and if Jeep was still making them in 03-04 (instead of that god-awful Liberty) I would have a different user name. lol I like the 4 door Wrangler and might go that route when the F150 needs to be replaced. If Jeep still makes them and if Jeep still exists. That'll be a long time at this rate though, the truck only has 38k miles on it.