bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

maybe not you, but a lot of people. he will influence some buying decisions.

RXSF

Im not sure if top gear actually influences people, but its still bad press either way

Blackraven

I love JC and I love James and Richard which is why Top Gear UK rocks.

Nevertheless, you buy a car based on what you think, NOT what other people think or say about it.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

i agree that's what it should be, but if high profile gear heads said the m4 sucked, i believe it WOULD hurt sales. fortunately the m4 does not suck.

Gojirra99

The regular 3/5 series have been losing comparisons to Lexus this generation, but didn't hurt their sales at all so far ......

mmarshall

Car shoppers often buy (or refuse to buy) certain vehicles based simply on their long-standing history. That may (?) be why the 3-series, somewhat past its prime now except for the still-potent M3, continues to sell, even though some competitors have caught up to them and/or surpassed them. The 3-series literally defined the ubiquitous sport-sedan for such a long time that it is not easily forgotten.

TangoRed

I think C&D is on the right track. The C63 will be the true porker here.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

that's what i think too. these presses probably only has some (small) influences on sales.

they provide tons of entertainment and fun for some funny discussions though

Nights

It's all about the badge.

There are plenty of people I know who would blindly buy a 3 series or a C class, no matter if they were ****e, simply because they have the blue propeller badge or the 3 pointed star. For these people, it doesn't really matter how good the car is, as long as it has the badge, that's all that matters.

pman6

JC will definitely comment about feeling the weight.

Then he will say he wishes Lexus would have put some LFA DNA into the RCF, and maybe a comment about the nose.

and the stig will go around the track in about the same time as the old ISF.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

should be a lot faster because the track itself has been improved and generates faster laptimes. Plus its an RCF vs an 08 ISF that doesnt have the LSD or updated suspension

yowps3

The numbers never represent actual reality.

My IS350 is heavier than the Camry V6, yet every time I drive the Camry it has a heavier feel to it..

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

It's also a different driver. The previous Stig (Ben Collins) left in 2010 and while the new guy is certainly top notch I've never felt the 11/10ths driving I saw with Ben's laps.

situman

Even if the weight is more or similar, what the RCF is missing will be low end torque and 4wd which the Benz will have to offset the weight. In addition, it will have similar HP numbers soooo, the RCF debuted 2 -3 yrs late or 2-3 yrs too early depending on how you look at it.

doge

He'll see right through it. Recycled, motor, trans, suspension etc.. He'll compliment they styling but he'll complain about the weight and that 8spd.