XM/Sirius
 

We had an XM radio in a rental car in LA. It would drop in the oddest places on the freeway where no visible obstruction could be seen. But it was consistent - everytime we drove by the Long Beach exit we would lose signal. It's a common satellite problem. Digital signals do not transmit through stuff.

The sirius radio in the Beemer has a buffer (I can't remember how many seconds the buffer is) but when driving under overpasses, most of the time we won't lose signal. I haven't noticed any loss around trees. Mostly buildings and overpasses.

XM/Sirius
 

[Sirius reception]

I have had Sirius for about two years in two different cars, and the only times it consistently drops is in parking garages, whether underground or above ground. In other words, large concrete structures. It works in my garage and I've never had tree or building (even in "urban canyon" situations) reception problems. Occasionally, maybe once a week or so, I'll lose the signal for 5 to 20 seconds for no apparent reason. I'll be out in the open, and it will just drop and retrain. However, that's pretty rare, and not that much of a problem.

Generally, like satellite TV, I have rarely noticed any reception problems, and they have been only occasional and brief. I don't know who these people are who lose DirecTV during a storm. We've had some doozies in Chicago this year, and my reception never goes anywhere. Maybe their dishes are setup poorly so that their normal reception is not very good. Mine is extremely high in perfect conditions, so there is enough of a buffer in poor conditions, maybe.

for all the TT haters out there
 

The new TT is coming, and it's gorgeous...

http://bilder.autobild.de/bilder/1/53300.jpg

http://bilder.autobild.de/bilder/1/53299.jpg

And a spyshot of the upcoming M6
 

for all the TT haters out there
 

Nissan called. They want their coupe back.

Like the color, though.

TT
 

Still a TT hater
Howboutthis?
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/meris...y/c448511a.jpg
The new 2005 911 Carrera S wears the largest standard wheels and tires ever offered on a 911, which adds to the sports car's dramatic look and feel.
For the first time since 1977, the 911 Carrera comes with two engine choices. The base versionl retains the 3.6-liter horizontally opposed "flat" six with VarioCam Plus valve timing that was in the previous car. But power is increased to 325 horsepower from 320. Torque remains at 273 lb-ft at 4250 rpm.

The engine for the S is a new 3.8-liter version of the 3.6-liter power plant and can develop 355 horses and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4600 rpm. The larger engine comes as the cylinder bore grew by 3.9 inches, though the stroke remains unchanged.

Both engines are available with a choice of new transmissions that are designed for the new, increased power: a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed Tiptronic. (Fuck Tiptronic ) In the manual, the synchronizing rings are made of steel now. The synchronizing is triple in first and second gears and double in third gear. A driver can notice that shifts come faster and are smoother than in the previous car.

TT
 

I just got my C&D, which has a full review. I love the new front fascia. It goes without saying that the numbers rock.

for all the TT haters out there
 

I disagree. Sure, it bears some resemblance, but the look is fresh.

for all the TT haters out there
 

Ore-Ida called as well. Their fry-slicer has gone missing.

for all the TT haters out there
 

I'm not sold on the waterfall grille either, but it's here to stay. I think it looks best on the A3 sportback and on the upcoming A4 re-design.

for all the TT haters out there
 

And on that damn Chrysler. I hope other manufacturers aren't going that way - I hate it when something becomes trendy like that and the manufacturers feel pressured into compliance.

for all the TT haters out there
 

It is worst on the Chrysler, I think. This one at least looks non-huge.

for all the TT haters out there
 

How's it look convertible?

for all the TT haters out there
 

No word yet. That pic is a photoshopped spy pic, so some of the details may still be off. Still, I think it looks fantastic. Here's hoping they incorporate a sunroof this time...

BMW 5er touring
 

Have we discussed this one yet?

Better looking than the sedan, at least.

http://www.bmw.com/generic/com/en/pr...tion_front.jpg