Bummer!

Smoker · 03-08-03, 08:45

I moved to the USA from the UK last year and love just about everything here except one.

No Imports!!!!!

Weve had the Mitsubishi Evo for years (2003 will see the Evo 8 in Britian) and they only just now deem it ok to import it here, albeit a toned down version

Weve had the Subaru Impreza for years, you guys have the WRX but dont get the Ultra-Sexy STi till 2004, again watered down....

We had the Cosworth line of Ford cars, they never deemed it sensible to import those, unless you count the Vega Cosworth.

The biggest bummer of all is you never, ever got the Nissan Skyline.

The big daddy of the car modifiers toys, 2.6litre, twin turbo, 4wd and every electronic gizmo you can think of.
The Japs have these things over 1000hp on the road.

Sure I love the American Muscle, but WHY WHY can't we have the best o both worlds ???

blkZ28Conv · 03-08-03, 08:59

1 = safety regulations
2= pollution standards
3= Muscle ( Hp and torque) Rules in the States

The market that could afford the insurance premiums on these vehicles would probably opt for something a little bit more refined.
Nevertheless, they are many nice cars we do not get to play with here in the States. i.e Peugoet's 206, Alfa's Bimmer killer, Opel, etc, etc, etc.

It would be nice to have total freedom of choice of all the worlds automobile makes and models.

BIGkev1001 · 03-08-03, 11:10

I couldn't agree more Smoker. My friends and I were discussing this same thing the other day. If I had the cash flow I would import a Skyline. I wish we got some of the other European cars too..... Peugoet, Alfa, and MG should really consider exporting to the states.

Nagchampa · 03-08-03, 11:25

Rumour is the next generation Skyline will be available both left and right hand drive. I would like to see japanese turbocharged cars make a comeback in North America.

[bubba gump voice] I'm thinking Honda S2000 turbo, Nissan 350Z turbo, Lexus IS300 turbo, Toyota Celica turbo, Acura RSX turbo, Mitsubishi Eclipse turbo, etc.[/bubba gump voice]

Smoker · 03-08-03, 12:17

Well the Evo and the Scooby are just the tip of the iceberg.

Europe had the Lancia Delta Integrale, the Celica GT-4, the Escort Cosworth and the Audi Quattro Sport. (plus the Lancia Stratos, RS200, Metro 6R4 and Delta S4 for those with deep pockets.)

All o these seem sadly to be missing.

As for the Yank car = power - Cossies are regularly on the roads in Britain with 400+hp, the others around 350 or so, more if you have the money.

Torque with a turbo motor is NEVER a problem and these things weigh half what a Yank Tank does, plus 4wd as opposed to rwd.

I spent 20 odd years around these things.

I'm not knocking American stuff, I love Mustangs, Firebirds and Camaros as much as the next man.

Its just ya dont get the choice, which doesnt bother me as I've got to play with em, but for you guys over here its a crying shame.

p.s. I wouldnt put Pugs in the same league .. wait the same SPORT.
Nasty little French tin cans ... ewwwwwwww.

TortoiseAWD · 03-08-03, 01:48

Quote:

Originally posted by Smoker
Weve had the Subaru Impreza for years, you guys have the WRX but dont get the Ultra-Sexy STi till 2004, again watered down....

I wouldn't call the USDM STi watered down . . . we're getting a 2.5 liter turbo motor as opposed to the rest of the world's 2.0. 300 hp, 6-speed, 300 lb-ft of torque, 17" wheels, Brembo brakes, AVCS, projected price in the low $30k's. However, I believe the Euro version has an adjustable center diff; I don't think that's coming in the US version. Also, the 2004 model will be released here this summer, so we don't have to wait much longer!

In general, though, I agree with you . . . the rest of the world gets some really nifty cars that just aren't offered in the US. And I know what you mean about the Skyline. Big horsepower going to all four wheels . . . makes me grin stupidly just thinkng about it. I want!

Tort