What's the worst new automotive trend?

eighty911nut · 02-10-2006, 02:22 AM

In reading the Cayman review with the mention of its slow throttle response, it reminds me of how much I have hated the feel of most electronic throttle applications I have driven. My vote goes to E-gas and its electronic throttle ilk. I understand the theoretical benefits, but in the real world, they suck from a driver's perspective. Gimme a cable connecting my foot to the gas anyday. Any others?

Jim Garfield · 02-10-2006, 04:31 AM

Chris Bangle.

bkreigsr · 02-10-2006, 04:37 AM

any dubs larger than 18"

RallyJon · 02-10-2006, 04:48 AM

Drive by wire or whatever you call it is as responsive as they make it. Drive an STI--the throttle response is almost telepathic. My Audi, on the other hand, has a much softer drive by wire throttle. Mercedes uses an incredibly long, soft pedal--you don't even get off idle for an inch and a half.

s2per · s2per's Garage

Over-electronicized German sedans, SUVs and yes, even Porsches. Too many nannies keeping folks out of trouble (good) and numbing the driving experience (bad).

Starter buttons aggravate me, as well. My grandfather's '52 Pontiac had one and I thought it was dumb when I was a wee lad.

And don't get me started on i-drive and all the other "Let's use 3 steps to do a 1 step operation" computer control centers.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by bkreigsr
any dubs larger than 18"

It's not a dub until it hits 20". So you hate ALL dubs.

The single most unappealing trend for me has been the large one piece facias that have taken over fort the air dam/spoiler, bumper, flare extension etc. Too much plastic.

cashflyer · 02-10-2006, 05:50 AM

The loss of fuzzy dice and eight-ball shifters....

yelcab1 · 02-10-2006, 05:55 AM

Bangle Butt, now proudly found on all high end Japanese cars.

sand_man · 02-10-2006, 06:00 AM

I'm not sure if this is a "new automotive trend", but anything that looks like this:

DB_NC_95C2 · 02-10-2006, 06:02 AM

Chris Bangle, and the spread of his design ideas to other manufacturers, along with the similarly twisted Japanese designers. Witness the next S class. Ugh. Big butts, slab sides, 'flame surfacing' (excuse me while I go vomit), Dame Edna anime-looking eyebrow-headlights, overly busy 'look at me' styling.

BMW used to have a driver-oriented cockpit. I don't care for their interior layouts any more and see above for my perspective on their exteriors (or should I say posteriors).
Compare an 850 to the new 6 series. Beauty and the beast.

What ever happened to discreet and low-key form-follows-function styling. At least Porsche still somewhat 'gets it' and their design department headed by Michael Mauer (from Saab) will hopefully try to stay that course. Saab has until the debut of the new 9-5 followed a discreet styling ethic, but unfortunately the new 9-5 has chosen a 'look at me' attitude too.

DB_NC_95C2 · 02-10-2006, 06:05 AM

sorry, this was meant for the thread 'worst new automotive trend', hit the wrong button !

Moderators can you move this please ?

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

My number 1 vote: OBDIII and event data logging (except when my teenage kids start driving)

My CooperS has electric throttle and it is quite responsive.

I think the many passive safety devices are appropriate for the majority of drivers. And the other "luxury" items, such as automatic windshield wipers and cabin temperature help to reduce driver workload. Unfortunately, many drivers then turn to lattes and cell phones instead of putting their attention back into the road (I'm guilty of this).

cubby911T · cubby911T's Garage

How about "Feature Inflation" in general. I think it started with headlight washer fluid/wipers. I mean WTH? Does your car get so dirty between washes that you have to douche the headlights with a dedicated spritz?

This trend has continued lately with heated windshield washer solvent, cooled leather seats, cooled glove boxes, remote engine starting, and many other features that seem to me to be available just for the sake of a pissing contest between car manufacturers.

john walker's workshop · 02-10-2006, 06:50 AM

mass quantities of electronics.

pwd72s · 02-10-2006, 06:58 AM

Big brother electronic, robotic, and automatic camera surveillance.
All accompanied by ever increasing fines and penalties. As far as I'm concerned, GM deserves bankruptcy for placing a "black box" in every vehicle it makes. I think there is less and less reason to drive a special car as the days pass.

hesaputz · 02-10-2006, 07:03 AM

Bling. And the marketing circle jerk of the last 15 years, during which Yuppies and non car people buy German sedans for their curbside panache plus electronic and mechanical gimmicks, while the manufactureres, believing that this is the market and future for their companies, keep the worhthless gizmos comin'. I'll believe in things like Idrive when it can do something worthwhile, like fire a paint pellet at an offending car, or light up an LED middle fingere salute

sand_man · 02-10-2006, 07:13 AM

Speaking of electronic wizardry and gadgetry...when will this "handy" little gem make it's way into the automotive market:

Paul T · 02-10-2006, 07:19 AM

ditto on Bangle.

ajackson · 02-10-2006, 07:20 AM

Feature bloat can be a good thing. I'm amazed that I can buy a new econobox ($13-$16k car) that has power everything, cd player, lots of speakers, good ac, etc etc. You can get a $20k car with leather, climate control, navigation, etc etc.

I agree that the electronic systems of the newest luxury cars seems to have spiraled out of control, but the standard equipment on normal priced cars is awesome compared to 10-20 years ago.

MotoSook · 02-10-2006, 07:23 AM

Bigger is better thinking. That trend has been going on in the states for way too long.