OT - help me pick a car capable of the following....
#18
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I wanted an S4 Avant but since Audi decided not to bring it to the US market this time around, I bought a Q5 instead. It replaced a gas-guzzling ML63 AMG. The Q5 has been great, handles well, goes quick enough to be entertaining, and doesn't feel heavy like previous X5's and other suv-types I've had. A dog kennel can be installed in the rear and it has a best-in-class towing capacity of 4400lbs. That means it can easily tow a GT3 to the track on a lightweight trailex or similar. I've seen it done by a fellow Q5 owner at a recent event and they claim it did a solid job during an 8-hour drive. Here's a pic I took of their setup...
If you want something just as fun to drive with decent fuel mileage and better towing, how about the new Cayenne hybrid. It uses the same 3.0T motor from the latest Audi S4, paired with an electric motor for extra power and efficiency.
If you want something just as fun to drive with decent fuel mileage and better towing, how about the new Cayenne hybrid. It uses the same 3.0T motor from the latest Audi S4, paired with an electric motor for extra power and efficiency.
The 2011 Cayenne hybrid would be a very interesting solution. I think Porsche has done a great job with the new interiors and it would pull my GT3 + enclosed trailer on occasion. Humm........
#19
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#20
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Checked a few towing specs, I've got a 24' enclosed trailer weighing in at 3,500 lbs empty so it would be that and a ~3,300 lb GT3 and a bit of gear.
VW Tourareg TDI - 7,716 lbs
Mercedes GL550 - 7,500 lbs (but a thirsty beast while doing it)
Mercedes GL350 BlueTEC - 7,500 lbs
Audi Q5 - 4,400 lbs (not enough for my enclosed trailer)
Audi Q7 TDI - 6,600 lbs
BMW X5 xDrive35d - 6,500 lbs
Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid - 7,716 lbs
Range Rover Sport - 7,716 lbs
VW Tourareg TDI - 7,716 lbs
Mercedes GL550 - 7,500 lbs (but a thirsty beast while doing it)
Mercedes GL350 BlueTEC - 7,500 lbs
Audi Q5 - 4,400 lbs (not enough for my enclosed trailer)
Audi Q7 TDI - 6,600 lbs
BMW X5 xDrive35d - 6,500 lbs
Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid - 7,716 lbs
Range Rover Sport - 7,716 lbs
Last edited by Blaine S; 07-26-2010 at 01:37 PM.
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a Audi A6 avant would accommodate the all-wheel drive and Kennel requirement. Probably handle a trailex trailer too.
But i rather ditch the dog then drive a wagon
If going with a strong sedan to do what you require you can consider:
Mercedes S550 4matic
7 series BMW with xdrive
Audi S6 or A8
realistically, for draggin' dog and GT3 around i suggest a Range Rover HSE.
But i rather ditch the dog then drive a wagon
If going with a strong sedan to do what you require you can consider:
Mercedes S550 4matic
7 series BMW with xdrive
Audi S6 or A8
realistically, for draggin' dog and GT3 around i suggest a Range Rover HSE.
#25
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Upcoming Touareg this fall looks to have a gorgeous interior and the new Jeep Grand Cherokee doesn't look bad either...
#26
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I would not pull a 24 foot enclosed trailer with a GT3 and some stuff in it with anything less than a 3/4 ton (F250, GM 2500, etc).
And if I did do it with a cayenne or q5 etc... it would be a lease car. You do not want to own it out of warranty...
and I think this thread is fine for the GT3 section...
And if I did do it with a cayenne or q5 etc... it would be a lease car. You do not want to own it out of warranty...
and I think this thread is fine for the GT3 section...
#27
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I would not pull a 24 foot enclosed trailer with a GT3 and some stuff in it with anything less than a 3/4 ton (F250, GM 2500, etc).
And if I did do it with a cayenne or q5 etc... it would be a lease car. You do not want to own it out of warranty...
and I think this thread is fine for the GT3 section...
And if I did do it with a cayenne or q5 etc... it would be a lease car. You do not want to own it out of warranty...
and I think this thread is fine for the GT3 section...
Towing ratings are overblown. Stick to max 80% of the manufacturers numbers. In some conditions towing a large rig like you propose can be downright dangerous with a small vehicle.
#28
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after buying pepper GTS to tow a 20' box. i sold it after 6 weeks (1 tow). i dont know how ppl do it. now i tow with 2500 diesel. but i want a 3500 dually now ;-)
like certain things, BIGGER is better.
i'll post my pete when i get it.
like certain things, BIGGER is better.
i'll post my pete when i get it.
#29
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Thanks everybody for the feedback. The new Cayenne S Hybrid is a serious consideration and might the best complement to the other cars. For longer tows should have access to a 3/4 ton Duramax. Mooty was the problem sway (and a relatively short wheelbase) or power and torque?
Sorry tcsracing1, the dog stays.
Sorry tcsracing1, the dog stays.
Last edited by Blaine S; 07-26-2010 at 01:14 AM.
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Blaine,
For a 24' enclosed at roughly 7000lbs all up, you most assuredly need a 3/4 ton truck/suv.
My '03 2500 Yukon XL 4x4 (suburban) was rated at 10000 lbs with it's 8.1L big block, and pulled a 20' enclosed at 6900 lbs loaded with ease. Overcapacity is your friend when towing; never max out the tow rating, you and the vehicle won't be happy!
Not sure if the 8.1L is still available, and it was a gas hog; it may be a 6.0L is the big engine now. The Chevy/GMC Suburban/Yukon XL can really be luxed out if you choose, pull your loaded trailer, and still be a great family hauler/utility vehicle. It's not available with a diesel, but it's certainly a valid alternative to a pickup....and, you can find a GM dealer most anywhere if you have problems out on the road.
Just another 2 cents to mull...
J
For a 24' enclosed at roughly 7000lbs all up, you most assuredly need a 3/4 ton truck/suv.
My '03 2500 Yukon XL 4x4 (suburban) was rated at 10000 lbs with it's 8.1L big block, and pulled a 20' enclosed at 6900 lbs loaded with ease. Overcapacity is your friend when towing; never max out the tow rating, you and the vehicle won't be happy!
Not sure if the 8.1L is still available, and it was a gas hog; it may be a 6.0L is the big engine now. The Chevy/GMC Suburban/Yukon XL can really be luxed out if you choose, pull your loaded trailer, and still be a great family hauler/utility vehicle. It's not available with a diesel, but it's certainly a valid alternative to a pickup....and, you can find a GM dealer most anywhere if you have problems out on the road.
Just another 2 cents to mull...
J