[ssrock64]

On the topic of R&D, how exactly do different states handle prototype testing? Are manufacturers considered fully exempt from safety and emissions requirements at the national level for the purposes of testing (or maybe just in Michigan, California, etc.), or do their prototypes have to meet certain standards? The thought occurred to me today that I know nothing about the licensing and approval process for manufacturer prototypes out on public roads.

 

[billybob_jcv]

I'm not positive, but I think vehicle licensing is always by state (except for federal gov't/military vehicles). So, each state might have different rules for obtaining Mfr plates. I think (but again not sure) that Mfr plates (like dealer plates) just allow the plates to be used on any vehicle rather than being tied to a specific VIN. I think the car still has to be roadworthy if it's on the public roads. However, I'm not sure of rules like emissions - that might be a completely different deal. After all, if you can move Mfr plates to any vehicle you own, then there really can't be smog checks involved.

 

[billybob_jcv]

I think this is one of the best Craigslist ads I've ever seen.

http://ventura.craigslist.org/cto/5016015080.html

First pic - oh look, a white truck:



Last picture - no, it's only white truck when it's going East. Going West, it's a black truck...



Redneck Photoshop to hide the license plate...

 

[gikigill]

2 trucks for the price of one!

Where do I sign??

 

[Hutnicks]

It's White out. When you need black stealth mode you just wash er off

 

[dabtpa]

Please tell me there's not a big "R" on the other side...

There is, but a black Majic marker will color it out in about 1 minute. It then looks like it came from the factory that way.

 

[jimmers]

  There is, but a black Majic marker will color it out in about 1 minute. It then looks like it came from the factory that way.

Surely a Magick marker would be better for audiophile use

Personally I use
Colore Waterproof Permanent Paint Marker Pen Car Tyre Tire Tread Rubber Metal
(in black, of course)

 

[ssrock64]

Thoughts on this 120,000-mile 458 Italia that's for sale at the moment for $134,000? It seems like 120K miles is probably about twice what Maranello ever expects any typical owner to reach, but could we make the assumption that with proper maintenance a Ferrari will behave basically like any other modern car at such high mileage?

 

[Hutnicks]

  Thoughts on this 120,000-mile 458 Italia that's for sale at the moment for $134,000? It seems like 120K miles is probably about twice what Maranello ever expects any typical owner to reach, but could we make the assumption that with proper maintenance a Ferrari will behave basically like any other modern car at such high mileage?

Back in the day Ferrari had the rep of being as reliable as any car IF you followed all the regular maintenance schedules and didn't abuse it.

 

[gikigill]

Sounds very much like Alfa Romeo. Very reliable as long as you follow all services and change oil every 10k.
 
Abuse it and it will retaliate with big bills.

 

[jimmers]

  Sounds very much like Alfa Romeo. Very reliable as long as you follow all services and change oil every 10k.
 

Is 10K 10,000 or 10 KM?

 

[gikigill]

That's the oil temperature actually

 

[veyrongatti]

  Thoughts on this 120,000-mile 458 Italia that's for sale at the moment for $134,000? It seems like 120K miles is probably about twice what Maranello ever expects any typical owner to reach, but could we make the assumption that with proper maintenance a Ferrari will behave basically like any other modern car at such high mileage?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ferrari-458-2dr-Cpe-/281694428156?forcerrptr=true&hash=item41964bdbfc&item=281694428156&rmvSB=true according to the seller, it will ship to Australia.......

 

[gikigill]

Shipping to Australia!!!??

Get your checkbook out Veyrongetti!

 

[billybob_jcv]

With 120K, I think I would be careful of needing to replace parts, not because they failed, but just because they reached their normal replacement age. For example, some car's normal maintenance at 100K+ might include replacing the clutch, or timing belt, or brake rotors, or fuel injectors, or cat converter, oxygen sensor, etc, etc.

Need a new cat for your 458? Only $6,445.75 http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=346163

BTW, that's only for the right side, you'll also need to replace the left side...


On a different topic, I think Formula Offroad in Iceland is just plain nuts! I saw a video where the president of Formula Offroad said that if it's really good course, only a few guys would actually be able to complete it. I believe it!


[VIDEO]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHa4LW9WqnM[/VIDEO]