New 2016 non-Z51 with mag ride delivered today - quick review
10-06-2015, 11:27 AM
#21
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Congrats on getting your '16 - sure looks great in the pic.
10-06-2015, 11:36 AM
#22
Premium Supporting Vendor
First off thanks to Tommy Jr and his staff at MacMulkin, pleasant experience, no BS. In less than two weeks since my initial e-mail I had the car in my Garage. They set up the shipping with Intercity and kept me informed every step of the way, no complaints at all.
Previously I had a '14 base car with the only options being 2LT and the A6 trans. I owned the car for around a year, it was an early build, had a few small issues, belt tensioner, bad door speaker and an annoying exhaust leak. All fixed by me and the dealer. Nice car but a little boring looking, pickins were slim when I bought it so any C7 was nice to have.
Decided I'd skip the '15s and try again for a '16 since GM added a few features like the front camera and mag-ride. I was mostly curious on the non-Z51 mag ride (FE3) since I had it on one of my old C6s. I will say in touring mode the ride is quite a bit smoother than the base C7 with the 18/19" tires, sport seems about where the base car was and track feels a little stiffer. Its not a huge difference like I have read from people with the C7 Z51 mag-ride, but I havent really did any aggressive driving yet so maybe I'll notice it more.
Also, just in case anyone is wondering it does not have an added trans cooler for the A8, I didnt expect it but though MAYBE GM would put them on all the '16 A8s. I wont ever drive it hard enough to need it though so its not a big deal.
Front camera is a nice addition.
PDR is pretty cool, not sure why I got it or NAV, but its there and fun to play with
A8 wasnt what I expected to be honest, might take a few more miles to learn and it might get better with more throttle input but it seems like a takes forever for it to upshift using the paddles. I have been driving a '15 Challenger with an A8 for the last year and the Chrysler trans is great, the instant you hit that paddle (even at 1/4 throttle) it shifts. Maybe this will get better with some miles but it really doesnt seem much different than the A6 in my '14 except more shifts. Time will tell I guess.
Panel fit is better than my '14, paint is - well - C7 paint. Thats why I went with white this time around.
Not trying to be too critical, I really like the car, looking forward to racking up some miles.
Previously I had a '14 base car with the only options being 2LT and the A6 trans. I owned the car for around a year, it was an early build, had a few small issues, belt tensioner, bad door speaker and an annoying exhaust leak. All fixed by me and the dealer. Nice car but a little boring looking, pickins were slim when I bought it so any C7 was nice to have.
Decided I'd skip the '15s and try again for a '16 since GM added a few features like the front camera and mag-ride. I was mostly curious on the non-Z51 mag ride (FE3) since I had it on one of my old C6s. I will say in touring mode the ride is quite a bit smoother than the base C7 with the 18/19" tires, sport seems about where the base car was and track feels a little stiffer. Its not a huge difference like I have read from people with the C7 Z51 mag-ride, but I havent really did any aggressive driving yet so maybe I'll notice it more.
Also, just in case anyone is wondering it does not have an added trans cooler for the A8, I didnt expect it but though MAYBE GM would put them on all the '16 A8s. I wont ever drive it hard enough to need it though so its not a big deal.
Front camera is a nice addition.
PDR is pretty cool, not sure why I got it or NAV, but its there and fun to play with
A8 wasnt what I expected to be honest, might take a few more miles to learn and it might get better with more throttle input but it seems like a takes forever for it to upshift using the paddles. I have been driving a '15 Challenger with an A8 for the last year and the Chrysler trans is great, the instant you hit that paddle (even at 1/4 throttle) it shifts. Maybe this will get better with some miles but it really doesnt seem much different than the A6 in my '14 except more shifts. Time will tell I guess.
Panel fit is better than my '14, paint is - well - C7 paint. Thats why I went with white this time around.
Not trying to be too critical, I really like the car, looking forward to racking up some miles.
Thank you for posting a photo of your C7 from MacMulkin. Glad to hear all went well and thank you for your business, we certainly appreciate it and look forward to helping you with any future moves.
Thanks,
Jim
Intercity Lines
jim@intercitylines.com
www.intercitylines.com
10-06-2015, 11:38 AM
#23
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Simply gorgeous. 
I just can't get over the beauty of these cars. I'm starting to like them better than the C2's.
I just can't get over the beauty of these cars. I'm starting to like them better than the C2's.
10-06-2015, 02:41 PM
#24
Are you talking about your upshift speed in Tour, Sport, or track mode? I was pretty skeptical of the A8 at first, but I really can't complain about upshifts at WOT in track mode ....
10-06-2015, 05:13 PM
#25
Instructor
Decided I'd skip the '15s and try again for a '16 since GM added a few features like the front camera and mag-ride. I was mostly curious on the non-Z51 mag ride (FE3) since I had it on one of my old C6s. I will say in touring mode the ride is quite a bit smoother than the base C7 with the 18/19" tires, sport seems about where the base car was and track feels a little stiffer. Its not a huge difference like I have read from people with the C7 Z51 mag-ride, but I havent really did any aggressive driving yet so maybe I'll notice it more.
10-06-2015, 07:01 PM
#26
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Trust me, try a '15+ Challenger or Charger with a 6.4 and the 8 speed or a hellcat on sport mode + and thats how a 'DCT like' auto should react at any throttle or RPM with the paddle shifters. I'm not saying the A8 is bad, but there was a lot of hype and 'DCT like' was being thrown around quite a bit. Not sure why people take it personally, I never said it sucked, just was not what I expected.
Maybe something is wrong with mine, but it really doesnt to act much different than my '14 C7 with the A6 both using the paddles or just driving around. Havent really got on it hard yet..
10-06-2015, 07:08 PM
#27
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
On a good note thanks to GM for putting the electric hatch pulldown back, I know it weighs a fes OZ more but it was worth it
on a bad note spotted a few body issues today after taking a closer look around the car so I'm a little bummed out, we'll see how it gets handled.
10-06-2015, 07:12 PM
#28
All modes, the trans itself shifts pretty quick, no agument there but there is a lag between the time you hit the paddle and it actually shifts.
Trust me, try a '15+ Challenger or Charger with a 6.4 and the 8 speed or a hellcat on sport mode + and thats how a 'DCT like' auto should react at any throttle or RPM with the paddle shifters. I'm not saying the A8 is bad, but there was a lot of hype and 'DCT like' was being thrown around quite a bit. Not sure why people take it personally, I never said it sucked, just was not what I expected.
Maybe something is wrong with mine, but it really doesnt to act much different than my '14 C7 with the A6 both using the paddles or just driving around. Havent really got on it hard yet..
Trust me, try a '15+ Challenger or Charger with a 6.4 and the 8 speed or a hellcat on sport mode + and thats how a 'DCT like' auto should react at any throttle or RPM with the paddle shifters. I'm not saying the A8 is bad, but there was a lot of hype and 'DCT like' was being thrown around quite a bit. Not sure why people take it personally, I never said it sucked, just was not what I expected.
Maybe something is wrong with mine, but it really doesnt to act much different than my '14 C7 with the A6 both using the paddles or just driving around. Havent really got on it hard yet..
10-06-2015, 07:24 PM
#29
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KP,
Havent really got on it hard yet..
Sure just easy cruising the shifts have some lag but who cares about that. Under power the shifts are very quick with the paddles.
Havent really got on it hard yet..
Sure just easy cruising the shifts have some lag but who cares about that. Under power the shifts are very quick with the paddles.
10-06-2015, 07:48 PM
#30
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
GM said it was 'DCT like' not me lol.
Its not really that big of a deal to me, just commenting on it. When you go from something that shifts instantly at any throttle and rpm to hitting the paddle and nothing happens for 500rpm it seems to take forever to shift.
10-06-2015, 07:50 PM
#31
Melting Slicks
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10-06-2015, 07:58 PM
#32
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First congrats on your 2016 AW coupe!
Would you trade up again or would you have kept your A6 2014 original car. I have a 2014 A6 Z51 MRC 3LT and I am always thinking of upgrading if the right car is out there. Is the A8 tranny much different than the A6 tranny. Thanks Dave
Would you trade up again or would you have kept your A6 2014 original car. I have a 2014 A6 Z51 MRC 3LT and I am always thinking of upgrading if the right car is out there. Is the A8 tranny much different than the A6 tranny. Thanks Dave
10-06-2015, 08:06 PM
#33
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10-06-2015, 08:17 PM
#34
Instructor
[QUOTE=kp;1590642106]Its 'feels' smoother in tour than the non-mrc base but it also feels more controlled. I'm not sure why the 18/19" tire combo isnt available with the mag ride, seems that would be softest ride. I assume the Z51s with MRC have a rear sway bar and stiffer bushings, this sill doesnt have a rear sway bar so I assume no other Z51 suspension parts as well. Wonder how the '15 ZF1 cars with the 19/20s and regular base suspension ride ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________ Somebody on the forum reported that they couldn't feel the difference between base 18/19" tires and 19/20" ZF1 tires. I was skeptical, But sounds like maybe they were on to something. I'm with you on 18/19" tires should be smoothest ride and should have been offered. If for no other reason than all season runflats are available in those sizes. A big benefit for those who live in a cooler climate and want to take a drive on a nice winter day. Enjoy your new car and thanks for the review.
10-06-2015, 08:23 PM
#35
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
First congrats on your 2016 AW coupe! Would you trade up again or would you have kept your A6 2014 original car. I have a 2014 A6 Z51 MRC 3LT and I am always thinking of upgrading if the right car is out there. Is the A8 tranny much different than the A6 tranny. Thanks Dave
Would you trade up again or would you have kept your A6 2014 original car. I have a 2014 A6 Z51 MRC 3LT and I am always thinking of upgrading if the right car is out there. Is the A8 tranny much different than the A6 tranny. Thanks DaveI like the newer infotainment, front camera, hatch pulldown etc, if it was just for the A8 over the A6 I would have to say no. My main complaint with the A6 is the large gap in ratios, not its shifting speed really. Overall its really the same car with a few more gadgets, at this point you may as well wait for a horsepower bump unless you want out before the 3/36 is over.
10-06-2015, 08:54 PM
#36
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Kp I have a 2014 Z51 and yes I do get lots of brake dust but I clean my wheels with a detail spray and microfiber cloth about every 3 times I drive the car which takes me 5-10 minutes. The BRAKE DUST does not affect the rest of the car so I am sure both a Z51 and non Z51 would be cleaned the same amount of time depending on driving and weather conditions.
I would spend exactly zero hours wiping the wheels off except when I wash the car, they get washed when the car gets washed
10-06-2015, 09:33 PM
#37
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Is the magride at ridiculous cost of 3500 worth it?
I had been waiting for GM to release the MagRide as a separate option and then they charge that for it.
I had been waiting for GM to release the MagRide as a separate option and then they charge that for it.
10-06-2015, 09:49 PM
#38
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The '14 I had was pretty plain, if it was a 2LT + Z51 with MRC I probably would have held on to it longer.
I like the newer infotainment, front camera, hatch pulldown etc, if it was just for the A8 over the A6 I would have to say no. My main complaint with the A6 is the large gap in ratios, not its shifting speed really. Overall its really the same car with a few more gadgets, at this point you may as well wait for a horsepower bump unless you want out before the 3/36 is over.
I like the newer infotainment, front camera, hatch pulldown etc, if it was just for the A8 over the A6 I would have to say no. My main complaint with the A6 is the large gap in ratios, not its shifting speed really. Overall its really the same car with a few more gadgets, at this point you may as well wait for a horsepower bump unless you want out before the 3/36 is over.
I would however like to get a used one of these!
Last edited by Always Red Dave; 10-06-2015 at 09:57 PM.
10-06-2015, 09:54 PM
#39
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My '12 GS after a week (I daily drive them) the wheels were covered with brake dust and looked bad but the car looked OK. It was bad enough I switched to ceramic pads. Could do the same for a Z51 I guess but the non-Z51s have those nifty non-rusting rotors too.
I would spend exactly zero hours wiping the wheels off except when I wash the car, they get washed when the car gets washed
I would spend exactly zero hours wiping the wheels off except when I wash the car, they get washed when the car gets washed
10-06-2015, 10:00 PM
#40
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Not sure if the NAV/PDR is worth it either, except for the little speed limit sight that pops on the HUD.