What Car Actually Lived Up to its Hype?

"Sportpackage" (sportpackage) 07/31/2014 at 13:14 • Filed to: What car?

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PR departments can make every new car seem like a superhero that can save baby seals and achieve word peace. So my question is, what car lived up to its hype?

For me, it would be the C7 Corvette. The C7 marketing team went on a blitz before the car's debut, and the car made good on all promises while even exceeding some. So what car is as great as it was supposed to be?

Ilike_cougars > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:16

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Toyota Corolla? because no hype and meh! car

Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:16

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E60 M5? Air conditioned seats and a plaid speed button?

GhostZ > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:17

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Some part of it was that the hype wasn't very high, as Mustang purists pretty much thought that the original intent of the Mustang had gone out the window during the New Edge era. With the dead of the Camaro in 2002, Muscle cars were basically done.

But when it came out, it was fast, simple, looked great, and made you feel good behind the wheel. We take it for granted just how unique the 2005 Mustang was when it came out and how it really changed things up for better or worse.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:21

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Edsel

EL_ULY > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:21

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C7 exceeded my very specific expectations. Z06 especially

T5Killer > GhostZ 07/31/2014 at 13:22

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Lost the original intent with the New Edges? HUH who said that. I have been in the Mustang "community" for about 20 years now and never once heard that granted I am into late models so maybe it was the Classic guys but they are kinda weird. The New edge was one of the best with the 260hp GT and the 390 HP 03/04 Cobras and the Mach1 in the middle.

mr_gofast > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:23

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themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > GhostZ 07/31/2014 at 13:23

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I disagree heavily because of the 2010/2011 facelift. The 2005-2009 mustangs had anemic engines and were very much "more of the same". The updated mustang gave rise to the 300hp V6 and 400hp 5.0L along with actual world beating performance with trims like the Boss 302/Laguna seca, and the monstrous GT500.

I think that mustang lived up to the hype and then some. The 5.0 cashed all the checks while the boss and GT500 were the true kingslayers. I said this earlier today - just a decade prior, the thought of a mustang spanking a new M3 was laughable. And yet, it happened.

dinobot666 > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:24

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The BRZ lived up to the hype of auto journals, but not the internet where winning is numbers, mainly HP numbers.

HammerheadFistpunch > Ilike_cougars 07/31/2014 at 13:24

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I would agree, but they did/do a lot of advertising for the Corolla as "hip" and "fresh" and all sorts of other words that:

a. shouldn't be used for the corolla

b. shouldn't be used ever.

My personal fav is this one

"It's all smiles when you are connected. Discover the tech-savvy 2014 #Corolla:"

When what I actually see is a Corolla driver being mocked to shame by his friends.

Brian, The Life of > GhostZ 07/31/2014 at 13:25

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Totally agree and, without this, the Camaro and Challenger wouldn't have happened. The 5th gen Mustang really lived up to the 1st.

GhostZ > T5Killer 07/31/2014 at 13:25

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At least where I was from, switching to DOHC, using spoilers, having tiny grills and not looking like a real 'muscle' car meant that they were american ricers.

Objectively, yeah, it was an awesome car and I always liked them, but most people seemed to think it was a joke, with Ford caring more about economy than performance (which wasn't necessarily true).

Part of that may have been that when it first came out, it was hard to make much power out of the DOHC motor without spending a lot of money.

Fed(oo=[][]=oo)uken > Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 07/31/2014 at 13:27

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It has become underrated and overshadowed, but 8 billion rpm 5.0L V10 and a 7 speed smg?!?!?!?!!!!

Saracen > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:28

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I would say the F-Type lived up to its hype.

I mean, look at it. Mother of god.

GhostZ > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 07/31/2014 at 13:28

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The updated mustang also had extremely controversial styling and didn't reach those power levels until 2012ish. I don't think it lived up to the hype nearly as much as the 2005 model. The 2012s were a much more capable car, but the stakes were also way higher then and the competition was gunning for them directly.

Your boy, BJR > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:31

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Fucking this. The XTS only exists as a stopgap. The last of the HT/Northstar era to give the last living bit of those hangers on something to drive while they continue evolving and kicking BMW repeatedly in the dick. BUT! Holy shit- young folks kinda like this car! (seriously, the average XTS owner is a 30something year old african american banker)

So what does Cadillac do? They put a 420hp TT V6, brembo 6 piston brakes, magnetic ride, and AWD, because at this point, why the fuck not? THERE IS NO REASON THIS SHOULD EXIST. They should have blown away the exec who pitched it RoboCop-style. But no. If i had the money (I don't otherwise I'd already have one) I can walk into a caddy dealer and FUCKING BUY ONE. Cadillac, you crazy fucking bastards. They created the single greatest car that $69,995 can buy.

GhostZ > Brian, The Life of 07/31/2014 at 13:32

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It's sad, because it came at this awkward time before the horsepower wars, so compared to the models out now it seems laughably under-performing, but in 2005, 300HP was something . It was only 30 less than an M3, in a much, much cheaper car, and the Corvette was one of the only american cars with less power.

Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 > Fed(oo=[][]=oo)uken 07/31/2014 at 13:33

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Absolutely!! I have driven this variant, and almost bought it too. Drove very spiritedly because a white RS5 pulled up next to me and revved. So the reasonable response is to burn him.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:34

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So much overhype! Well, it's better than negative hype!

//9000rpm

//motorcycleengine

//shootsflamesoutttheback

//bannedincanada

//rcr

Brian, The Life of > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:35

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The first "new" Mini. While its stablemates are bloating, the Mini Cooper itself is great little car and has the ability to actually haul stuff, too. No one expected it to be the thinly disguised go cart the original was but BMW did an amazing job of delivering a modern, safety system-laden interpretation of it. I know several people who own them and they all love their cars.

T5Killer > GhostZ 07/31/2014 at 13:37

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The 4.6 SOHC/DOHC came out in '96 when it was a SN95. The tried and true 5.0 was only in the SN95 for 94-95 Model years and trust me are not as good as the '96+ 4.6 DOHC Cobras. I have been a 95 5.0 Cobra owner for 15 years now trust me on it. The New Edge really upped the power for the SOHC GT from 215 to 260. Were you talking about the 96 to 98 SN95?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > GhostZ 07/31/2014 at 13:38

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2011 was the launch of the new engines. 100hp jump for each engine is massive. The reason why everyone was "gunning for them" was because the 2005 was not that much of an upgrade over the previous gen. The Mustang seriously languished during the 2000s compared to previous gens. IMO the only thing the 2005 is really good for is the styling relaunch and while I might be in the minority, I have never liked it. The 2010 facelift is better in every way to my eyes.

Milky > GhostZ 07/31/2014 at 13:39

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300hp was something, that thing was crap. Wasn't it just a carry over New Edge Mach motor? Not to mention the GTO had 350-400hp & the Camaro had 300 in '98.

I respect the new 5.0, but damn Mustangs were underpowered for a while.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:39

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FieSTa.

First there was the hyperbole.

Then there was the Top Gear hot-hatch showdown.

Then there was the Road and Track #3 "drivers car" finish.

Then there were the fawning journos everywhere.

Then I drove one.

Then I knew.

Then I bought one.

GhostZ > T5Killer 07/31/2014 at 13:40

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I was talking about the 96-98 SN95, but I lumped it with the new edge because they're very similar.

But I think people had a really hard time figuring out how to make great power for cheap out of a 4.6, whereas the 5.0 had been around so long it had a huge wealth of knowledge and parts already for it. I don't think the 4.6 aftermarket really opened up until the 2005 Mustang and it started being bought by older men who wanted to 'rebuild' their dream cars.

Fleetwouldhoon > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:41

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Toyota Venza. In 6 years of sales, I've seen one commercial - a 15 second spot where it is driving through a forest in 2008. No hype. It does exactly what you'd think it does - cushy CamryVagen.

Two Drink Minimum > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:44

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Fiat Abarth. The Catrinel Menghia Super Bowl commercial was fantastic. And the Abarth itself absolutely delivered on what it promised, in spades.

T5Killer > GhostZ 07/31/2014 at 13:48

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That is understandable the backlash to the Modular was pretty big and the 96-98 GT SOHCs were complete dogs and it did take a long time to catch up. I remember all the Mustang magazines had feature cars with Windsors swapped into modular cars. Its weird now Modular swaps are the rage and I have even thought of doing one!

Spoon II > Two Drink Minimum 07/31/2014 at 13:51

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This!

Reigntastic > dinobot666 07/31/2014 at 13:52

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BRZ is a fantastic handling car, I think it delivered on its promises. I might want a turbo, but I don't think they were misleading with marketing at all.

Chris Harris claimed it has the steering feel of a $60k car, and after driving a few exotics I have to agree with him. Car is an absolute joy to drive.

Jayhawk Jake > Two Drink Minimum 07/31/2014 at 13:58

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I don't think so. It's not generally reviewed all that well, and the prices have plummeted on them because they don't sell.

saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:58

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918 Spyder. There was fairly little hype leading up to its release, but I think it's the best out of the 3 hybrid hypercars.

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 13:59

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Sorry, I couldn't resist. I'll show myself out now.

TotallyThatStupid > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 14:01

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Pretty sure, in 1990, the answer was Miata. Was for me, anyway.

T5Killer > Milky 07/31/2014 at 14:05

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Nope the '05 to '10 GT was a 3v SOHC 4.6 and the Mach1 motor was a DOCH 4V 4.6. Ford didn'r really need to match or beat HP at the time look at the 94-98 cars they murdered the F-body sales and they were down atleast 50 to 60 hp. HP isn't everything when it comes to selling cars.

Ilike_cougars > HammerheadFistpunch 07/31/2014 at 14:11

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Ha Ha, yeah see that one. In terms of tech I'd have to agree, things like bluetooth and rear facing cameras have become standard items, in many cars that there is really no real merit in mentioning it, and categorizing them as Tech Savvy is a bit too much. And notice the gear stick? According to the website, that is a gated shifter lol. You learn something new every day...

Milky > T5Killer 07/31/2014 at 14:14

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Well obviously ….

But yea, its a mustang, its going to sell well. Doesn't mean I want an outdated car. I just dislike when Ford cut corners because when they do its super obvious.

n54 & s38 > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 14:26

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I'd say the original North American WRX. Tons of hype for the car after years of being sold overseas and it didn't disappoint.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > dinobot666 07/31/2014 at 14:33

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It only didn't live up to the hype of those that expected it to smoke their bro's Mustang. I haven't met too many disappointed people who bought one knowing it wasn't built for numbers.

mfennell > Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 07/31/2014 at 16:04

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I dunno. My buddy owned one and the reality of it was single digit fuel economy in winter with a 19 gallon tank combined with waiting for something else to break. I suppose lifetime average fuel economy wasn't so bad once you factor in miles in BMW loaners... He dumped it within months of the CPO expiring but not before a $1000 steering angle sensor (that was required for about 3500 separate systems in the car) failed.

Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 > mfennell 07/31/2014 at 16:09

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Oh, my extremely complicated, bonkers fast sedan has some maintenance to keep it in good working order?

Rich people say "How much" poor people trying to be rich say, "how much down and how much are the payments." Man up FFS.

Saracen > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/31/2014 at 16:41

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People expecting it to smoke their bro's Mustang were completely delusional.

Saracen > Jayhawk Jake 07/31/2014 at 16:43

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Seriously. You can get a new Abarth for $16k...

$16k!!!! there is nothing else at that price I would rather have.

Two Drink Minimum > Jayhawk Jake 07/31/2014 at 17:18

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Dude. Those reviews ding the Abarth for being exactly the thing Fiat promised it would be. A small, feisty, unrefined urban fighter with a bitchin' turbo and epic growl. So they down vote the Abarth on things like where the window controls are placed, and the oddly-unnecessary initial body lean, and the fact the steering wheel won't telescope.

And sure, since the Abarth arrived, Ford has upped the game with its 197hp Fiesta. But the Abarth was there first, and it delivered on its promise when it arrived.

Sportpackage > TotallyThatStupid 07/31/2014 at 17:40

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If you don't mind me asking, what was it like during the debut of the Miata? I would assume even more press than the FRS/BRZ

Stef Schrader > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 20:41

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The 997.1 GT3 RS.

It's everything a Stef could ever dream of.

TotallyThatStupid > Sportpackage 07/31/2014 at 22:06

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It was the second coming of Jesus and Elvis, with a circle of ghosts of Brit Cars Past that made the finale of a Harry Potter movie look like a Caspar cartoon.

mfennell > Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 08/01/2014 at 09:09

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Oh look, sarcasm. With a picture and everything.

The transmission going tits-up is not part of "maintenance". It was a neat car but not worth the aggravation. Feel free to overlook reality if it suits your BMW fanaticism but there's a reason the cars are dirt cheap.

The dude has (currently) a C6 Z06, supercharged Elise, CTS-V (replaced the M5, is faster, and doesn't break), Audi S4 Avant, and a Lancer Evo of some kind. He's not familiar with this "payments" thing you speak of.

mfennell > Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 08/01/2014 at 09:14

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FWIW, I just pinged him about E39 vs E60 M5s:

"To buy, E39 without a doubt. My E60 was awesome but maintenance makes your Ferrari look cheap."

So you're on the right track. Time tempers all - when he still had it, the E60 was "the biggest pile of sh*t I've ever owned".

Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 > mfennell 08/01/2014 at 09:18

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But seriously, any of those cars at literally any moment can have something go tits up. And more power to him for moving on to something he finds better suited to his desires/needs. But if you believe the Caddy doesn't break I believe you are mistaken and should just wait until it is time. My supplier bought a heavily modified, but still streetable, CTS-V that dyno-d at 640whp. IT was a simply amazing machine, but I found the throttle just about useless. It was so light, which is common for many GM vehicles that even the slightest bump in the road at low speed would caused a very minor addition in throttle pressure to the pedal and the car would go from "Oh, I'm just gonna toodle along this neighborhood street at or below the speed limit, doo dee doo." To oh sweet holy shit a bump in the road and you moved you right foot a millimeter, now it's time for warp speed. Oh your trying to turn, ain't care."

But in all honesty, performance vehicles are amazing technology. When I am able to purchase the model I desire, I am mentally prepared for malfunctions and large pieces of the machine to need refurbishing or replacement, I believe this is just how it goes regardless of the maker.

Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 > mfennell 08/01/2014 at 09:19

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Wow, I genuinely hate that he is soured by that experience.

BenLikesCars > GhostZ 08/01/2014 at 22:19

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Never mind the 2005 Mustang... How about the '65 ('64.5) Mustang?

That car worked out for FoMoCo, eh?

BenLikesCars > Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 08/01/2014 at 22:24

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Heavily Modified means you really can't blame the original manufacturer for quirks related to the throttle etc.

This is different from an as-the-factory-built-it vehicle.

BenLikesCars > Saracen 08/01/2014 at 22:42

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wtf it's down to $16k?!?!?!?!? gonna visit carsdirect.com now...

Maybe it's down to $16k in your area, but in the Garden State carsdirect.com says the going deal for the car should be as noted in the screen-capture image pasted in.

When we got our Focus for $15k, well, I would like to think I would have noticed a freaking Abarth for a grand more. Okay, so that was more than a couple months ago, but, nonetheless.

Edit/PS, Clarkson likes it plenty,

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Saracen > BenLikesCars 08/01/2014 at 22:50

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Well, that was the last time I checked. There were over a dozen across the country.

Autotrader now only shows one Abarth that is marked down from $25k to $16k. Brand new 2014.

My guess is that the 2014's will be marked way down again when the 2015's arrive.

BenLikesCars > TotallyThatStupid 08/01/2014 at 22:51

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I was 17 or so at the time. I remember it was a total f—-ing surprise, for me anyhow. (I was and am subscribed to several car magazines, which I read back-to-back. At the time, these included Autoweek, when it was still every week.) I didn't get to test-drive one until a few years later, around the time the Subaru Outback came out (okay, more than a few) and I remember being pleasantly surprised by how quick it was.

BenLikesCars > Your boy, BJR 08/01/2014 at 22:53

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Sheeit, you actually convinced me. Well said!

BenLikesCars > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 08/01/2014 at 22:54

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Very similar path for me viz Ford Focus.

BenLikesCars > Sportpackage 08/01/2014 at 23:00

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52 posts and no one mentioned the ultimate hyped car that walked its talk?

Your boy, BJR > BenLikesCars 08/01/2014 at 23:01

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Are you me?