So, Chuck, am I correct in deducing your exterior color is "Pearl Gray"? I don't know that I've seen that color in person. Sounds amazing.

 

You got it Trav. I will try to throw a few pics in my garage tonight from home.

 

I've been thinking of several points I'd like to share with you all regarding my ownership experience, from a summary standpoint. I like the car more than I thought I would. The pluses:

1. the seats. Some have complained that the seats are too rigid for long stretches. I think they're the best auto seats I've ever used. I have been able to find a seating position that is so much more comfortable than I've ever had before that there's no comparison. I have a herniated disc in my neck, and this is a long story. I'll condense it to state that I can lean against the seat back and have it support me all the way up my spine to the headrest comfortably, for the first time ever.

2. The navigation system. I have again seen those who have complained that the system is antiquated and difficult to use. For me, it's the only nav system I've ever used that doesn't get shut down early into a plotted journey due to my disgust with most nav's obtrusive beeping and unnecessary and aggravating constant jabbering. The jag nav is like a sober and professional flight attendant, with polite beeps and everything. I LOVE IT.

3. The car's thrust capabilities are very convenient and sneakily smooth. I've grown accustomed and proficient at using the prodigious and smooth power delivery to conveniently swallow long swaths of road to significantly shorten transit times. I have also almost completely avoided all abrupt acceleration. It's just not becoming to the conveyance. Smooth application of mid-rpm torque, 2500-4000 rpm, delivers the torque without the unnecessary wear and tear and still gets the needed get up and go.

4. The Brembos are just great. Outstanding. Again, I've read lots of complaints about less than desirable pedal feel and modulation. I disagree again. You have to mash the pedal to access the prodigious whoa factors. But one can get "normal" deceleration with moderate pressure. I like it.

5. The action of the accelerator pedal took some getting used to. It's very sensitive to input upon initial engagement. But after acclimation, it allows a very gradual and smooth take-off from stop that is like BUTTA. Love it. AND, the positioning of brake pedal in relation to accelerator pedal allows for excellent transitions from braking to throttle application and back.

6. The ride over most road surfaces and imperfections is beautiful. But, more on ride later.

7. The stereo is outstanding.

Minuses:

1. I don't like the suspension's reaction to abrupt road imperfections. Over most surface changes it's great. But a significant crack, where the road has separated and say, has a 3 or 4 inch height transition from one side of the crack to another, is too harsh, and I venture to conjecture that this is one way in which the air shocks are subject to early/premature failure.

2. Visibility out the transition area between front and side of car, like when making a right turn at an intersection, as you throw in seeing around those excellent side mirrors, can be tough. I've had to be very careful to not miss stuff and hit obstacles at various times.

3. There should be seat memory buttons for the passenger front seat. That's stupefying, albeit I'm quibbling.

I'm too tired to continue now. If I think of more, I'll add it later.

 

Well put Trav. Sounds like you have the bug... Welcome to the world of fine automobiles.

 

Ahh, the transmission. That may be my most favorite unexpected attribute. I LOVE how when I'm in traffic, for instance, and I'm coasting at speeds in the 20-40mph range, and I can let off the gas and the tranny hangs and downshifts into lower gears. The more I get used to this, the more I realize that one can make their brake pads last a very long time by letting inertia slow these cars down.

I also go through phases with the "sport" button. I rather like how if I leave "sport" off, how the trans shifts early into second gear when accelerating from a stop, and applying low throttle. Then, when the early shift is over, smoothly applying a deep pull on the throttle. That torque thrust from around 15 mph to say freeway speeds, is just awesome.

 

hey buddy, life keeps me super busy lately. I told Jim Im really trying to come on more and spend some time keeping in touch with you guys and helping out.

Its all about looks to me, I dont like what tint does to the body lines of a car. From an inside perspective I dont mind driving a car with light tint but dark makes it hard to see. Also, a tidbit for you guys reselling the car is many people who dont like tint dont know it can be taken off but most people that like it know you can add it. Therefore it helps to not have it when you get ready to sell it. Its all preference, I have some friends with highlines that hate it also but some that love it, just my preference.

and yes during the summer it is crazy hot here but the one part I care about keeping cool when it is in the sun is the dash since it can have a big effect on the AC output. Most people dont tint their windshield though so you might still want one but I use one of those reflective windshield covers. Yes, its dorky but I hate to sweat (unless Im purposely doing something for it lol) and want the car to cool off as soon as possible.

good, glad that helped!