[s-cars] RE: W8 (NAC)

[bob.rossato at att.net]

I just tried to send this a few minutes ago and as I hit the send button the
electricity in our building went out.  I didn't know I had that kind of power ;-
)

Yes, 6 speed as in 01E style (I presume) manual gearbox.  They just starting
coming in to the US these past few months.  I didn't bother driving the
slushbox W8 as it's a waste of a great engine.

I agree on the looks.  Fix the suspension and the brakes (reminds me of a 1970
Ford Galaxy LTD) and I could live with the car, though no real engine upgrade
potential.

When the new Passat comes out in 2005, at least I think that's when it comes
out, it will return to an east-west engine orientation so the W8 will be a
goner.  So, the availability of W8s with 6spd manual gearboxes will be very
limited.

Bob

> B-
>
> Oh, I can't more totally agree and I've yet to drive one.  They totally
> would need to have suspension and brakes addressed, I was sorta just
> assuming that was a given!  Sorry.
>
> Good observations though.  When you say 6spd, you mean stick?  Didn't
> realize they came with them, nice.  The brake feel is precisely why I
> dislike the B5 S4, and like you said, most newer cars these days.  And while
> the initial bite is overly done, it doesn't mean the brakes are better, as
> they're NOT!  Scary.
>
> Like you said, our cars needed a 'bit' of items addressed to make them
> 'right' (heh, 'bit' is what I tell the Mrs.), the W8 is no exception.  I was
> merely saying it looked damn good on the road, seemed to perform OK, etc.
> Of course it needs 'improvement' 8-), but it looks to be a good start in the
> right direction at least!  Refreshing these days...
>
> -P