FlushBush

Hey Mike:It's true I've not been an active poster however I've just been too busy with projects and that's cut back on all of my "social computing". I do however follow the site and enjoy the ongoing energy.I hope nobody thinks my test-drive remarks were too disparaging. The new model is a giant leap forward and I expect that many subtle improvements will come to light as people start to take delivery of them. For me though, the pitter-patter clatter of my diesel is music to my ears and I won't trade that in for any gas-guzzling hotrod ... I'll wait for sanity to prevail at MB and they bring it back. In the meantime, I'm a happy camper!Peter

Yesterday I got a call from Star Motors offering me a test drive so this morning I took that little puppy out for a nice spin. There are many things I really liked about it. Styling is nicer and the interior's more livable (reclining passenger seat, both windows control from driver's side, climate control works great, etc). The sound system is a quantum leap forward. If MB had brought in the diesel it would be a no-brainer upgrade however I've decided to hang onto my little HIGHQ for the long haul. The new one's pretty peppy however gas just doesn't do it for me. The torque of the little diesel makes up for its relatively low horsepower so I didn't feel at all underpowered when I drove away in my dear old boot.

This VW concept car looks interesting: ZOOM ZOOM :-) I'd given up motorcycling due to safety considerations however this thing strikes me as a nice compromise.

For those who haven't already seen it, this ad is enough to make anyone want to try a Citroen: http://www.theembassyvfx.com/citroen.html

I've always loved Citroens. When I was a kid, the neighbor had a classic DS model that looked like it had just arrived from outer space. Citroen's ?Deux-Cheveaux and Maserati-engined models only added to the mystique. Anyway, I see that Citroen have just introduced a concept car that's clearly in the same category as the smart fortwo. If they started selling them here, I'd think seriously about buying one. Check it out: http://www.gizmag.co.uk/go/4891/1/

Story here.

The raw specs would lead one to think there's a smart underneath all that sexy stuff. However, this photo makes it appear that the six-speed transmission is a genuine standard. Perhaps they've added their own special sauce? Why did I like that photo ... I'm a sucker for wire wheels!

http://www.4stroke-design.com/ It sounds like this is built around a smart engine? EDIT: The photos are something else ... here's my favorite.

There's a smart article in the latest "Costco Connection" magazine. Quoting from the article: "Its brand name, ?smart" is an acronym of sorts: S for ?Swatch?, M for ?Mercedes? and "art" (because of the car's appeal?)" Is this an urban myth? Any there any other theories? Peter EDIT: In reading the article, I was directed here.

Mine is "HIGHQ" I was tempted to take "MIPOD"

Hmmm ... I see the grommet up by the hatch hinge but are you sure they're put there to provide access to rustproofers? Even if you pull out the whole taillight, you'd need a very long application wand to get the goop all the way to the far end of the rocker tunnel and I'm not sure if that's feasible. Wouldn't the rustsproofer's wand have a tough time snaking all the way from up top? It hurt me to see the three holes drilled along each side however I think that's the only way that Krown will do quick annual refreshing of the goop. The holes undoubtedly weaken the tridion somewhat however I suspect the difference would only come into play when being run over by a tank.

Hey Mike: I've been silent lately but that doesn't mean I don't care. I'm still fanatically in love with my car but am so *(&%^$ busy with other stuff that I don't find time to post. You should definitely do that waxoyl thing. Your Rana will be so happy! Peter

The holes were neatly drilled and plugged ... no better or worse than when they did my wife's Lexus. The tridion is no less prone to infiltration that most other unibody constructions. Take out your rear light assemblies and you can stare right down the frame members that go to under the doors.

Ottawa winters are really bad for rust and I've seen the value of Krown over the past 20 years. I had them do my smart last week for $50 and they did a good job (belly pan off and nicely cleaned up afterwards) At first I baulked at letting them drill access into the Tridion however they convinced me that it's the only way to get full benefit. They drill all cars unless you really fight it ? if full-sized Benz and Beemer owners allow it then why shouldn't I?

Here's an interesting article on AC: http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_2841984 Maybe we'll see it in the next generation of smarts?