The Great Quandry

"maximillious" (maximillious) 03/25/2014 at 11:45 • Filed to: None

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Hey OPPO!!!! Long time no see! I have finally finished my move and settled myself in the beautiful city of Denver. I am now residing in the Cherry Creek area, for those of you who know the city. Being in this area is great because there is alot of money and that means there is alot of beautiful cars. And this is where my problem comes in. Over the last couple of weeks I have seen Masseratis, C7 Vettes, Ferarri's, a couple Lambo's, a Viper or two and one HEAVILY modified Elise. However, there has been one car that I have seen more than the rest. This car is one of my favorite vehicles on the market today.

The Nissan GT-R. And not only have I seen this car in Matte Orange, Matte Blue, Matte Black, but there is now a person living in my building that owns a Matte White GT-R.

This is the greatest car Quandry I have faced. Every morning I wake up and step out for my short bike ride to work, and there it is in all its matte glory, parked in my buildings lot. An when I get home there it is once more... just staring back at me.

Being faced with one of my dream cars every day has started to wear on me. And now i find myself scaufing as I step outside and see it looking back. Its like I'm starting to loathe the GTR and I know I shouldnt. Seeing this car every day is almost making me hate the GT-R.

So OPPO let me ask you this. Should I be feeling these negative feelings from this car being present all the time or should I be happy to have it there every day even though I cannot drive it, or be in it (giggity). And I ask you to reflect, if you were faced with one of your dream cars every single day and you couldnt drive it or be in it (giggity) how would you react.

The picture is the actual GTR I see every day.

thebigbossyboss > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 11:47

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Dat's da jealously man.

Nibbles > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 11:49

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Can't help. Welcome to Denver though!

maximillious > thebigbossyboss 03/25/2014 at 11:50

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Oh I am fully aware of that. I dont know who drives it, never met or saw the owner, but I am certainly jealous the car exists and I dont have the key. But this goes beyond just that simple idea. Its like im being desensitized to how awesome it really is.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 11:50

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What you need to do is befriend this man. Then somehow get him to give you a ride in it.

Then you can get over it

You need closure to move on, which you won't have by looking at it every day. You will keep hating it unless you try to go for it (or in your case, in it)

thebigbossyboss > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 11:52

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That i understand. Honestly, I used to get really excited about supercars, but these days I tend not to, not because I ever see them (I live in a not very wealthy part of Canada) but because of all the pictures online and stuff. now I am more excited when I see a 1980 G body than when I see a GTR or Audi RS 6. wierd eh?

ddavidn > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 11:53

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That is a very sexy GT-R.

Brodieman > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 11:56

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Leave a note, say something to the effect of "fantastic car, I see it every day and I'd love to take a look at it when you have time" and leave your email.
Hopefully he's (possibly she, giggity), a car guy and wants to talk a little and show it off.

This works. It's how I got to drive the Veyron that parked next to my 500E in my office building. Except it was the other way around. The Veyron owner left a note saying "I love the 500E, it was the first big purchase I made when I had the means starting out. I miss it dearly. Please call me and let me have a look at it one day. - The Veyron Guy"

maximillious > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 03/25/2014 at 11:57

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I totally agree, I hope to speak to the owner one day. I think he is probably the same guy that owns the heavily and tastefully modded 300zx that the GTR is always parked by. ugh one day.

maximillious > ddavidn 03/25/2014 at 11:58

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I

know!

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 11:58

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There is one thing really bothering me about it: why is the front plate on the side liek that? Why isn't it dead center?

maximillious > Brodieman 03/25/2014 at 12:00

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Well thats a fuckin Cinderella story right there! How lucky you are to have struck that note with the guy! I am hoping the owner of the GTR has a secret lust for ST's, maybe I can arrange a test drive swap!

maximillious > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 03/25/2014 at 12:01

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Some people do that, I know its a common thing on the ST.... usually its either because the plate looks ridiculous in the center, or some believe it interrupts airflow to the intercooler.

Audi-os, amigos > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 12:02

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A GT-R in your life is worth two Civics in your driveway.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 12:03

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That is one of the best things in Fl- NO FRONT PLATES!

We also don't have any inspections!

BarryDanger > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 12:12

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Welcome to Denver, look out for my GTO with the Oppo sticker on it! I went to DU and actually lived right next to the owner of the matte orange GTR - I think they are so popular because of the AWD and relatively comfortable ride needed for these torn up roads. What kind of car do you drive?

Lekker > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 12:13

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First of all, great use of the giggity powers. Its good to keep the quagmyre around here.

Second, I see one everyday too from my window at my desk at work. Instead of loathing it, it makes me feel like someone who works at my company has gone far enough to get one. And therefore I should be happy and excited I MAY have that opportunity. Or if you want another take on it, It makes it seem less dream car and more of a reality. But at the same time, I do feel like I don't see it as a rare unicorn anymore. Rather an exceptional machine.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 03/25/2014 at 12:16

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It could spur an opposite of closure—a stronger, deeper desire to work your ass off to own one.

maximillious > BarryDanger 03/25/2014 at 12:27

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You will see me shooting around with a Black 2014 Focus ST, black oppo sticker on the back as well. Love the Ratsun you have in your display pic by the way! These roads are far from torn up... take a trip to milwaukee and let me know what you think. What year/color is your GTO, I assume its the new one? I almost bought a 6.0 before I got my ST, but i needed something more economical.

MonkeePuzzle > Nibbles 03/25/2014 at 12:41

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a seconding of the welcome.

and oh my! white with satin black parts... that's perfection!

CPT Speedbump > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 12:49

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The thing that confuses me is, all of Denver has nice cars..but all of Denver has shitty shitty shitty roads. Really, a lot of Colorado has super nice cars...but it all has shitty shitty shitty roads. Also, of all the nice cars you see...you want the automatic??? D:

BarryDanger > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 12:56

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Thanks, Here's a picture of my old Ratsun (It's somewhere up in Evergreen being rebuilt)

And the 2006 - I put the G8 19" wheels on it but I don't have a picture

×

multiple wheels for each day of the week > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 12:57

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hit up the Colorado ST page on the book of face ... I have a RR one

BarryDanger > BarryDanger 03/25/2014 at 13:07

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maximillious > multiple wheels for each day of the week 03/25/2014 at 13:18

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Thanks dude I joined up! Gonna stalk the boards for a while and see whats going on. Did you get the invite from for for the Octane academy? They said I can sign up for a free day of the ST class.

CAcoalminer > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 03/25/2014 at 13:22

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In Texas I think we're supposed to have front plates but have never done it and haven't had any trouble yet. However, I'm jealous that you guys don't get inspections. I'm always suspicious of the seedy looking man and what he is doing to and/or with my 12c when he's driving it.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > CAcoalminer 03/25/2014 at 13:38

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Wait! 12C as in McLaren?

CAcoalminer > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 13:45

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I would suggest that you leave a note on his or her windshield with your name, number, and explaining that you're a car enthusiast, have always loved the GT-R, live in the same building, and would be thrilled if he/she agreed to meet up to talk about the car and get to know each other or something along these lines. Most car owners are usually cool people and would jump at the chance to meet another car enthusiast (especially one who likes the same car as them). I know I would. I can remember back in December of 2008 I was driving through my small hometown during a weeknight one evening around midnight and spotted a black GT-R. I couldn't believe it because in all of my 8 years living there, I had never seen a particularly interesting car except during weekends when the tourists (mainly from San Antonio and Austin) would arrive. Having just purchased a gray one the week before, I was absolutely thrilled and immediately pulled over and wrote a note similar to the one I described above. Interestingly, it wasn't even ten minutes later that I received a phone call, while on my way back to my ranch, from the owner, Steve. Long story short, Steve and I have been great friends ever since and it all started because of a note left on a windshield.

The old girl before I traded her for a 12c:

CAcoalminer > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 03/25/2014 at 13:47

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Yes.

CAcoalminer > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 03/25/2014 at 13:59

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Here's some pictures I shared of it in another post. I drove her over 1,800 miles from Philadelphia all the way to Texas and have been quite smitten ever since. Oh and I did remove the front plate once home.

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/hopefully-the-…

maximillious > CAcoalminer 03/25/2014 at 14:06

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It appears you and I have the same taste in cars. The 12c sits slightly above the GTR on my list only to be topped by the P1

PushToStart > CAcoalminer 03/25/2014 at 14:08

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You have an Alfa 12C? Badass! That car is one of the most beautiful cars made in the past 15 years in my opinion. Totally jealous right now :P

CAcoalminer > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 14:09

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What can I say. Great minds think alike.

CAcoalminer > PushToStart 03/25/2014 at 14:21

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I wish. No just a crummy old McLaren 12c. Are you referring to the concept car that was shown a few years ago, the car from the 30s, or the 8C?

Alfa Romeo 12C GTS Concept

1936-7 Alfa Romeo 12C

2007-2010 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

multiple wheels for each day of the week > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 15:24

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yes I did but id rather spend the money and go to FL and Fishing and Diving

maximillious > multiple wheels for each day of the week 03/25/2014 at 15:29

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ah yeah, Since I am out here so close to it I think I am going to take the journey out. I head the class is normally over a grand so its got some value

They are trying to upsell me on the Mustang GT race class for an additional 1000$ but im not sure

PushToStart > CAcoalminer 03/25/2014 at 15:41

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Derp, I meant Mclaren. I was actually watching Alfa videos at lunch so they were on my mind when I typed that.

But yeah, I love the McLaren. I'm a huge Ferrari fan, but I think (secretly) I'd rather have a 12C than a 458

multiple wheels for each day of the week > maximillious 03/25/2014 at 15:42

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yea all focus st owners 13 and 14 got invited . it looks cool and if it was closer I probably would do it but id rather spend a weekend this summer down At Pikes peak for the Hill climb

CAcoalminer > PushToStart 03/25/2014 at 15:44

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Haha it's alright we all have our moments. On the 458 vs. 12c topic, both are great cars but ultimately I chose the 12c because its suspension makes it just so much more usable.

Here's some pictures I shared of mine in a older post.

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/hopefully-the-…

PushToStart > CAcoalminer 03/25/2014 at 16:37

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Beautiful! That's so awesome! And by the looks of the other stuff you've mentioned in those other comments, you've pretty much owned most of my dream garage!

CAcoalminer > PushToStart 03/25/2014 at 18:18

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Thanks. I've definitely been quite blessed in life. Do you have any questions about any of the cars that I've owned?

PushToStart > CAcoalminer 03/25/2014 at 18:57

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Sure!

I noticed you mentioned an RS 4.0 briefly, do you still have that?

Did/do you primarily track that car, and how is it on the street?

You also mentioned that you were considering a 650S. Are you also looking at the 458 Speciale as well, similarly to when deciding between 12C and 458?

And this might be kind of a weird question, but I've noticed from pictures (never been up close to one IRL) that the Carrera GT's shifter is in quite a different position than most other manual cars- is that difficult to get used to/use?

CAcoalminer > PushToStart 03/25/2014 at 19:56

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No, I unfortunately don't have the RS 4.0 anymore (one of the few cars I truly miss). I ended up selling it about a year after purchasing it. I did track the car and I can say that it was truly magnificent. Great shifter, intoxicating noise, strong brakes, and fabulous grip at speed. As far as street driving, it's possible to use it on public roads but I wouldn't want to drive it cross country. Not surprisingly, its suspension, even in its mildest setting, is a bit harsh and there is very little sound deadening so road noise does penetrate the cabin. Also, the tires were a bit of a handful when they were cold or it was raining. That being said, as a pure track car or something you wake up early on a Sunday morning to drive, I don't know that there's anything better.

Concerning the 650S and Speciale, I am considering the Speciale before making my decision on the 650S. At this time, I'm simply waiting for both cars to become available in my area, as I want to drive both before deciding. Also, I like to see what cars actually look like in the flesh as photos can be deceiving at times.

As far as the Carrera GT and its shifter, it definitely was an adjustment to what I'm used to. As you know, in most cars the shifter is at about the same level as the center console. Therefore, since I'm fairly tall (6'4'') and have long arms, I can usually rest my arm on the center console and reach a short distance forward to shift gears. However, in the Carrera GT, the shifter is at steering wheel height and therefore quite high up, so initially my muscle memory kept telling me this is weird and wrong. Keeping these things in mind, I've learned that in "spirited driving" where you are constantly up and downshifting and using both hands to steer, then the Carrera GT's shifter position makes complete since as its nearly at steering wheel height and therefore allows you to simply reach to your right instead of right and down with traditional shifters. However, in less exciting driving, such as traffic, the shifter position is a little bit annoying as my right arm is usually resting on the center console and has to now move up and out to switch gears. So to clarify, when driving on your favorite backroads or flogging the car on track, the shifter position is ideal and wonderful. However, in traffic or during a road trip with long open expanses, it can be frustrating.

I hope I answered your questions but if not or if something is unclear feel free to let me know as it won't hurt my feelings at all. In addition, if you have anymore questions, I would be more than happy to do my best to answer them. Sorry about my terrible grammar, you can tell I definitely wasn't a journalism major in college.

Also, I don't know if you have already read this but here was a short post that I did a few weeks ago comparing my GT2 RS and 4.0:

"Well I don't have quite enough time for a full in depth review tonight but I'll share some, hopefully helpful, insights. When talking about the RS 4.0, I always like to compare it to its big brother the GT2 RS. Both cars are not only the best cars that Porsche makes but truly can hold their own against rival supercars (or whatever we're calling them these days). In terms of brake feel and steering, I don't think that anything comes close (the enjoyment of the steering wheel dancing around in your hands on a bumpy Texas back road is something that truly must be experienced to be believed). In addition, they are both cars that require "deliberate" inputs (you definitely can't operate the shifter with one finger like the GT). These factors all combine to make these two exciting to drive but also quite a handful on public roads. While they may have license plates, these two are definitely street legal race cars. Their rides are quite stiff, their engines need to be revved to get the best out of them, their tires are semi slicks and therefore have very little traction in the wet, and the road noise is quite pronounced. Now let me be clear, I have no problem with these traits, in fact I find them quite endearing, but I think people need to understand the purpose behind the engineering of these vehicles. They weren't meant to be the car you get in every morning and calmly drive to work in. That's what the Carrera and Turbo models are for. No, these vehicles were designed to make the driver work behind the wheel and turn ever drive into an event. Yes, they may not be as quiet or as easy to drive as their other 911 siblings but that's what makes them so special. The best way I can describe it is think of video games you've played. With the easy game you beat it within a few days and face little to no struggles along the way. In this scenario, the individual will feel pleasure for a small period of time but it will fade soon after. However, with harder video games you were constantly getting frustrated because you couldn't pass that one level or work out that last minor detail. You had to exert real effort and it challenged you both mentally and, to a smaller degree in this example, physically. Therefore, when you finally finish this game in 2 weeks or a month compared to a few days with the easy game, you will feel like you actually accomplished something and that feeling will stay with you for much longer. Well that's how these two cars are. They will have you cussing, yelling, and swearing that you hate them but when you finally learn their secrets and start driving them in the manner intended, you'll wonder why anything else still maintains a spot in your garage.

I didn't intend for this piece to be so philosophical or long but sometimes my mind starts going and things just come out. Anyway, here are some impressions of both vehicles. Both feature huge carbon ceramic brakes that can stop each car so violently that you will have racing harness impressions on your chest. In addition, both have "high strung" engines that need to revved out as the 4.0 and GT2 RS don't hit their sweet spots until 5,000 and 4,000 rpms respectively. However, the 4.0's is much more enjoyable both in power delivery and aural pleasure. Also, the 4.0 hooks up much better out of corners due in no small part to the fact that both cars wear the exact same Michelin Pilot Sport Cup+ tires (F-245/35/19, R-325/30/19) and it has 120 less hp and 177 less lbs. ft. On top of this, the 4.0 interestedly also feels much lighter than the GT2 RS even though their claimed curb weights are only 77 lbs. apart. However, the GT2 does have a more effortless feel to the way it gains speed when in the power band and accelerating hard. Finally, maybe it's just because I'm a skinny, old gentleman but I find both cars optional sport bucket seats quite comfortable while still being able to hold me firmly in place.

Sorry that this write up isn't very cohesive but I wrote things as I remembered them as both cars are gone (another story that I would be willing to post if you're interested). If you have anymore questions or want to know something specific about each car feel free to ask."

PushToStart > CAcoalminer 03/25/2014 at 20:15

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Wow, how did I miss that write-up? I'm on Oppo a bit so I'm surprised that somehow I didn't see that and read it! I was actually wondering what the comparison was between those two, but didn't know you also had a GT2.(!!!)

And thanks for answering all my questions! I do have one more I forgot to ask, but seeing as how you have quite the collection of cars, and me being the Ferrari fanboy that I am, I was wondering if you have/ have owned a Ferrari?

CAcoalminer > PushToStart 03/25/2014 at 20:33

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It was a part of this conversation , so it's understandable.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Surprisingly, I have never owned a Ferrari. I have nothing against them but it always seems that either they appreciate way too fast before I can get them or something else catches my eye and I can't swing both. A great example is the Enzo, I was dead set on getting one back in the day but once they became available on the private market the prices were nearly double the MSRP. Therefore, I decided I could buy something better for that price and ended up eventually buying a Ford GT and Porsche Carrera GT instead. However, I have been lucky enough to have great friends who swear by them so I have experienced quite a few of them (F40, F50, Enzo, 458, and 430 Scuderia to name a few). In fact, after recently driving a friend's 16M, I am actually starting to look around a bit for one. So who knows, maybe in a few months I'll be a first time Ferrari owner.

PushToStart > CAcoalminer 03/25/2014 at 20:47

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Nice!

Thanks for answering all my questions, it's definitely not everyday I get the chance to talk to an owner about their amazing garage! Good luck on your decision with the 650S/458 Speciale! Keep oppo updated if/when you pick one and make sure to post pictures! :P

CAcoalminer > PushToStart 03/25/2014 at 21:00

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You're welcome. I always enjoy talking about cars with fellow enthusiasts and wish I had the same opportunity when I was young. I'll be sure to post more as things change. Have a good evening.

maximillious > multiple wheels for each day of the week 03/26/2014 at 09:57

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The Hill Climb is on the top of my list for things I HAVE to do this summer. I want to get out there so bad. My Gf really wants to go check it out as well...she isnt huge on cars, except for what I constantly talk about but she is getting into it more and more

multiple wheels for each day of the week > maximillious 03/26/2014 at 10:07

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I can recommend that you get there super early (Like 1 am day of race ) and get to the top watching area. The Devils playground ... bring snow gear and lots of water and food . I'v done it a few times and we are watching lower now last few year we were at Cove Creek . This year we are planning watching from the Start if Ducati does the Vip thing again. My Vid from lat year