Well, I got to sit in a new Abarth last night at the KC auto show, and I have to say that while I see where the extra money went, I'm still not all that impressed. In a couple of months they'll have them at the dealer tho the spokesperson said the entire production run for this year is already sold out, so it may be a while before I get to drive one. They seem to be playing with the interior design a little this year too on the regular 500 and I have to say I like some of what they've done. The white dash insert and steering wheel in particular - while very retro - really looked like fun.
I was following behind one the other day. From certain angles it kept making me think of a pear shaped woman with a big butt. Best picture I could find that conveys it: I see them fairly often now in the Bay Area. There are 2 or 3 in my neighborhood (vs like a dozen MINIs)
I noticed yesterday while driving thru town the surpising absence of large pickups and vans, as well as large cars. I think the trend to smaller cars is really talking hold.
I drove through Oklahoma the other day and stopped in for gas in a small town. Of the 10 vehicles in the lot: 1 MINI (me), 8 American-made pick-ups and 1 10+ year-old Toyota Camry. I don't think that much of middle-America has gotten the message.
There are parts of the country where a pick up is necessary and not just driven to look macho. Ya can't pull a goose neck trailer with a micro truck. :nonod: Jim
Well, I looked at several 500's at MOTD and was surprised. I have NO plans to go out and buy one, but I did not find it unappealing. It was cute (in person) and the interior was not a turn off. It is NOT a MINI, it is what it is and I did not find that all bad. Just saying..... Jim
That is a club I do not belong to. You guys can have fun without me. Hey Jim changed the oil in the last year or so??? :devil: