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[snaponbob]

And I think the following thoughts will apply to the GXP. Hope so.


Long story short, I live 5 miles from the dealership that I ordered my RL from. STILL 4th on the list for an RL. SO.........a member here said that there was a silver RL at a St. Louis dealership. Not any more. It's in my driveway in suburban KC, Mo.

Initial observation.
1) Already drove a standard Sky. I autocross a Triumph TR8 that has been "warmed up" and modified to SCCA Street Prepared rules. A well modified 3.5 liter V8 pulls 2750 pounds better than a turbocharged 2 liter hauling 3100 pounds. For a while. If you haven't driven a manual Redline or GXP LEAVE YOUR RIGHT HAND ON THE SHIFTER. First gear runs out in a HURRY. Second gear runs out in a HURRY. Third gear is imPRESSIVE!!!!! The last time I felt a car pull harder in third than first was a 93 Viper.
2) The engine is electric motor smooth. VERY weird.
3) At idle it has a bit of a V8 rumble. On the road you can't hear much out of the engine or exhaust. This certainly masks one of the "inputs" one has to judge a cars acceleration. The car really pulls hard but it's almost hard to fully sense it.
4) The car was produced before the September shut down. Now power door lock buttons (now THERE is a pain in the ass - what the hell were they thinking?!?!?). I am 5' 8" and felt like I was sitting in a bucket. FIRST MOD - raise the seat.
5) First impression of the Monsoon - overrated. But I need to spend a little more time with it. Played the radio only, didn't play with CD.
6) Wonderful ride. Better than the NA.
7) The dealership did have the tire/wheel protection package. This is a NEAT deal. Bought it.
8) Since the car was 240 miles away I trailered it home. The last time I had that many "stares" at a car I was selling DeLoreans. It was funny. I'm driving 70mph on I-70 and people would speed up to get along side, and when I looked at them they would stop staring and drive away. Really sort of comical.
9) My local dealership knew I was going after this car. My salesman called me as I was driving home to ask if I was going to cancel my order. I told him I wasn't sure yet (I really do want a white one). He asked if I could drive it over so they could look at it. Answer - yes. He asked if he could ride with me. I told him NO, but he was welcome to drive it himself. Stutter, stammer, "WHAT, REALLY?". I said yes. (Scoring points may have some value later. )
10) The car has 1375 miles on it. The diff is DRY.
11) THE BLIND SPOTS HAVE BLIND SPOTS!!! Those damn Fiat side mirrors SUCK. They could really stand to be rectangular. Oh well. Stick on spots will help.
12) All this in a 10 minute drive!!!
13) Actually, I am developing PERMA-GRIN. Tomorrow it comes off the trailer and I'll put some miles on it.
14) Had to pay the higher base price. Otherwise, MSRP plus mud guards. Silver pearl, Monsoon with 6CD, XM radio, leather, spoiler, chrome wheels. In other words, loaded minus automatic.

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Redline (still) on order
White (changed my mind!)
Black/Red leather
5 speed
Polished wheels
Monsoon