Old features on high-end cars

[Klutch9]

I've noticed in recent years a few really high-end cars that have parts that are really antiquated or simple. Perfect example: The Porsche Panamera, even the GTS model, still has the simple 9x3 J-hook wiper blade connection, whilst nearly every other expensive car, and most cheap cars nowadays, have one of the newer-fangled connection types. What difference it actually makes, if any, is irrelevant. I just found it interesting, and am curious in the thought process of using that type of connection over another. What odd or cheap things have you all noticed on some really high-end cars?

 

[The_Jeff]

A dodge viper uses the same key blank as a $9999 saturn s-series.

 

[hattaresguy]

I like the trend back to analog clocks.

Also on Bentley until probably recently, I know this is true to at least the 90's Arnage, you could check the oil level with the fuel gauge, a feature left over from before the war.

 

[bdcardinal]

The Lexus SC430 was the last car with an available cassette player, their reasoning was most owners were older and had cassettes.

 

[Kuato]

OMG...Another example....high end cars still use the wheel.

As you said, irrelevant.

/sarcasm

Why change something that is simple, effective and proven? I can certainly understand suspension and engine parts innovation. Maybe Porsche is working on a gee-whiz system to keep the windshield clear.

 

[The_Jeff]

I looked at a 1973 BMW Bavaria mid-to-full size semi-performance sedan that rode on 175R14 tires. (Default aspect ratio is 80.) Tire rack shrugs and can't get them anymore.

And the car handled great on them! They were cheapie Kumhos or Dunlops or something too!

Bring this back.

 

[NYSteve]

2008 Lexus GX has:
Cassette Player
Barn Door Rear Door (Swings out, not up)
Body on Frame
V8, full-time 4WD
Mechanical Cooling Fan

 

[fdcg27]

I really don't pay too much attention to how the windscreen wipers are attached when I think of a high end car purchase.
It may be that the old style J-hook arms are more costly to make than other later types with different wiper attachments, so less costly cars have moved in that direction.
In a simple part, why waste time and resources redesiging it, unless the goal is to save unit cost?

 

[Kestas]

My 95 E320 Mercedes has a phone in the armrest. I wonder if I can still subscribe to the service.

 

[dishdude]

I always thought the analog clock in the instrument cluster of my Mercedes was a bit old fashioned.

 

[Vikas]

That is NOT a "real" analog clock but rather simulated analog clock. You need Infinity for real analog clock!

 

[dlundblad]

The girlfriends parents have a previous generation Navigator which also has the analog clock. I prefer digital myself, but to each their own. It has one job: Telling time.

+1 on using something simple. If it is proven to work well over so many years, why change it?

 

[Wheel]

Simple things are usually easier/cheaper to fix and design. It's pretty much the reverse side to Occam's Razor.

As far as an analog clock, I think most people can read and understand them more quickly than a digital. (purely opinion here)

 

[jigen]

Originally Posted By: Kestas
My 95 E320 Mercedes has a phone in the armrest. I wonder if I can still subscribe to the service.


Pretty sure Volvo was still doing this until the early 2000's.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
A dodge viper uses the same key blank as a $9999 saturn s-series.


It also uses (or at least USED) the same hub as a Dakota. Yes, Viper suspension is based heavily on the 1st-generation Dakota!

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
That is NOT a "real" analog clock but rather simulated analog clock. You need Infinity for real analog clock!


Or Chrysler.

 

[Mau]

my 2007 acura tl type s has a tape deck... never been used!

 

[artificialist]

This makes me think of something that happened in the late 1990s. The GPS was available with a voice chip, and some people thought that was new.

It wasn't. Nissan and Chrysler had voice chips as far back as 1984. They weren't attached to a GPS, obviously, but I think you can get my point.

 

[The_Jeff]

Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Originally Posted By: eljefino
A dodge viper uses the same key blank as a $9999 saturn s-series.


It also uses (or at least USED) the same hub as a Dakota. Yes, Viper suspension is based heavily on the 1st-generation Dakota!


Well heck let's take our V8 and lop two cylinders off and make a truck... then tack two more on and make a sports car... holla now!

The neon had some omni underpinnings. Of course the fiero had chevette bits.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Originally Posted By: eljefino
A dodge viper uses the same key blank as a $9999 saturn s-series.


It also uses (or at least USED) the same hub as a Dakota. Yes, Viper suspension is based heavily on the 1st-generation Dakota!


Well heck let's take our V8 and lop two cylinders off and make a truck... then tack two more on and make a sports car... holla now!

The neon had some omni underpinnings. Of course the fiero had chevette bits.

Not exactly.

The Viper V10 used an aluminum block and heads so it is far from being the same engine.
Now, the V10 in certain Ram trucks had many similarities with the Magnum 5.9, especially the fact that it used an iron block and heads.