Comparison: 2008 Jaguar Super V8 vs 2008 Lexus LS600hL vs 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 vs 2007 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT

fastonekiller submitted on 11/12/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 6:21 PM
from: www.motortrend.com

[153] user comments | category: New Cars

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Comparison: 2008 Jaguar Super V8 vs 2008 Lexus LS600hL vs 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 vs 2007 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT

Motor Trend Comparison Results:

1st place: Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT
Lights up the brain's pleasure centers like no other sedan we know.

2nd place: Mercedes-Benz S550
Pushes the lux sedan envelope in all the right directions.

3rd place: Jaguar Super V8
Disguises modern technology and dynamics in authentic 19th-century elegance.

4th place: Lexus LS 600hL
Overpromises and underdelivers on performance, fuel economy, and even luxury.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0712_high_end_luxury_sedan_comparison/index.html Read Article

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david999 - 11/13/2007 10:24:31 AM

Show Comment -22 Boost

ThierryHenry14 - 11/13/2007 10:44:54 AM

+15 Boost

Serious question, what difference would it make? the comparison was not won/loss based on price, because the Maserati outpriced it by 18k.

Do you think a LS600h that promises V12 performance but cannot keep up with V8s would be outperformed by its less expensive LS460?

Its a lose-lose situation. If the LS460 can do better in the test, it means the LS600h is a major failure because it can't live up to its V8 counterparts.

david999 - 11/13/2007 10:58:07 AM

-6 Boost

Audi was not included because of the all-wheel-drive, yet the LS600hL is
even though it also has AWD. This is one of the reasons these comparisons should always be taken with a grain of salt.
"Audi's Lambo-V-10-powered S8 is another compelling choice, but its 59/41 weight distribution and all-wheel drive mute the handling a bit, and its bodywork is perhaps conservative to a fault"

EL34 - 11/13/2007 11:15:07 AM

+5 Boost

david999, stop your whinin' and take your lumps.

enthusiastx11 - 11/13/2007 11:16:31 AM

+5 Boost

apparently the LS600 can't compete in this class.

enthusiastx11 - 11/13/2007 11:23:40 AM

+8 Boost

david:

read the article. audi was not included because they would only allow ONE car from each country. and the benz was deemed superior to the audi. furthermore, the LS600 is the only car from japan in this price range, so it was the automatic entry.

golfer38 - 11/13/2007 11:28:50 AMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

999, your logic is weak at best, however, I do think it was a mistake not including some type of A8 in this test. The reason they didn't include it(based on the quote you gave) seems rediculous to me.

That Maserati is my favorite out of the bunch emotionally, but I would be hard pressed to choose it over the S550 for daily use.

david999 - 11/13/2007 11:35:29 AM

-8 Boost

Why did they not choose the V12 Jag or V12 Benz if they include the LS600?
The Maserati is $34,000 more than the Jag, so the price does not seem to be a factor here.

EL34 - 11/13/2007 11:44:03 AM

+5 Boost

david999, the leather in the Italian stallion fantastico!

EL34 - 11/13/2007 11:46:37 AM

+3 Boost

is fantastico!...BTW :)

enthusiastx11 - 11/13/2007 11:53:59 AM

+4 Boost

"Why did they not choose the V12 Jag or V12 Benz if they include the LS600?"

because that would have been a comparison of V12 cars. this is a comparison of V8 cars.

furthermore, there is no V12 jag offered in the states. and the benz version in particular is WAY over $100,000...it STARTS at $145,000. by the way, the maserati can be had for $116,000.

david999 - 11/13/2007 12:03:48 PM

-7 Boost

Price as tested of the Maserati was over $128,000. Why not compare the LS460
with the other V8s, instead of the LS600hL, which was developed as the alternative to other V12 luxury vehicles.

enthusiastx11 - 11/13/2007 12:08:28 PM

+6 Boost

because the LS600 has.....a V8. and it's lexus flagship and should embody the best of the brand.

enthusiastx11 - 11/13/2007 12:13:47 PM

+3 Boost

also, they could have optioned up the LS600 to $121,000...but extra weight of those options would have slowed it down even more.

the maserati didn't need the options they put on it (like crazy expensive wheels). it's fully equipped at $116,000.

pushrod27 - 11/13/2007 4:19:41 PM

+6 Boost

david999...
You keep saying that they should have compared the LS600 to V12 sedans, because that's Lexus target...
well if it places DEAD LAST among V8 sedans, then what makes you think it's comparable to a V12 sedan? It can't compete.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/13/2007 6:07:08 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

"Audi was not included because of the all-wheel-drive, yet the LS600hL is
even though it also has AWD. This is one of the reasons these comparisons should always be taken with a grain of salt."

Nice job filtering quotes, david, but as enthusiast already said the S8 wasn't included because they could only choose ONE car from Germany. The S550 is the fairly obvious choice.

chris760 - 11/13/2007 8:46:29 PM

+3 Boost

just shut up and stop being a sore loser.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 11/14/2007 1:31:04 AM

+5 Boost

Listen, the LS600 is no V12 competitor. You have to drive a real V12 to understand that.

The Lexus lost again.

EnnNorak - 11/15/2007 12:36:44 AM

+1 Boost

No excuses please for not including the Audi A8L -- the A8L is the best value by far. Although the LWB Jag has plenty of rear leg room (contrary to an earlier observation i made a few years ago), the fake wood plastered all over its dash causes too much glare and taller passengers always bang their head on the roof trying to get into the rear seat. The Mercedes has too many techno gimmicks that cost and arm and a leg to repair. The big Lexus is a hybrid which makes it an oxymoron. The Quattroporte probably has the most character but too few dealers to service it.

chris760 - 11/13/2007 8:47:46 PM

0 Boost

the maserati is by far the best performing luxury sedan in this group. the s550 is a great car, but not the best

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MeanVulcan - 11/14/2007 8:55:21 AM

+2 Boost

The S8 would be the best luxury sport car in this class. A go anywhere, anytime super cruiser with best in class interior and modern styling (unlike the plain boring soap-bar looking LS).

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ThierryHenry14 - 11/13/2007 10:39:17 AM

+1 Boost

They should have included the A8 and 7er to complete the luxury full size class.

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w209w114 - 11/13/2007 11:15:49 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Do I hear a bit of a sour note?

reply to this comment

EL34 - 11/13/2007 11:17:43 AM

+2 Boost

Like the sour exhaust note of the LS600 Hybrid ;)

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david999 - 11/13/2007 11:22:12 AM

-11 Boost

Exactly. The LS600hL is more comfortable, better fuel economy, more technology, better warrenty, and yet because it does not handle more like a sports car, Motor Trend thinks this Luxury vehicle is not as good as even the Jaguar? Ha!

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 11/13/2007 11:28:19 AM

+4 Boost

david:

"The LS600hL is more comfortable, better fuel economy, more technology..."

WRONG. the article said the LS600 "overpromises and underdelivers on performance, fuel economy, and even luxury."

furthermore, the guys at motor trend and car & driver get to drive more cars--in more conditions--than any of us. so i think they know what they're talking about.

reply to this comment

david999 - 11/13/2007 11:44:08 AM

-4 Boost

"Lexus and Mercedes each offer about two cubic feet more space in back than the Jag does",

Also, look at the last page of the article where they compare in table form the vehicles.

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pushrod27 - 11/13/2007 4:24:48 PM

+6 Boost

The Jaguar is actually quieter than the Lexus. The Lexus under-delivers on luxury too. It wasn't about wanting the sedans to be sports cars.

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MeanVulcan - 11/14/2007 8:57:43 AM

+1 Boost

If they would have said the Lexus rules you would be the first one to praise them. This is called hypocracy.

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2ndbimmer - 11/13/2007 10:46:24 AM

+5 Boost

Although the Maserati is sexy, I do believe the new S550 is above and beyond the other vehicles. I dont think they chose the 7 series because it is due for a redesign next fall.

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Czelinski - 11/13/2007 11:03:11 AM

+8 Boost

Lexus last again...

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EL34 - 11/13/2007 11:45:46 AM

0 Boost

JUGNU - 11/13/2007 11:11:31 AMView My AgentSpace

-10 Boost

Outdated 7 series and A8 not even considered.Again....

JUGNU

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enthusiastx11 - 11/13/2007 11:30:19 AM

+3 Boost

did you read the article?

they chose only ONE car from each country. isn't it logical that they would choose the newest model (S-class) and not the ones that are at the end of their lifecycle?

enthusiastx11 - 11/13/2007 11:32:58 AM

+3 Boost

furthermore, germany was the only country which offered a CHOICE of cars in this class. every other country had only ONE competitor to put forward.

w209w114 - 11/13/2007 11:13:15 AMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

4th place: Lexus LS 600hL
OVERPROMISES and UNDERDELIVERS on performance, fuel economy, and even luxury.

Enough said.

reply to this comment

answer - 11/13/2007 1:02:49 PMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

If that was "enough said", why bother posting a quote of it?

w209w114 - 11/13/2007 3:29:03 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Answer,

Does it bother you THAT much?

Some people dont want to hear the truth a second time. You ask why, I say why not?

w209w114 - 11/13/2007 3:29:06 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Answer,

Does it bother you THAT much?

Some people dont want to hear the truth a second time. You ask why, I say why not?

answer - 11/13/2007 4:30:10 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

Not really.

Now I that I think about it, double-posting actually bothers me more.

Czelinski - 11/13/2007 11:13:30 AM

+5 Boost

"The LS460 competes in this class"

And would still end up in the same posistion.

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EL34 - 11/13/2007 11:16:09 AM

+1 Boost

There is a brand spankin' new BMW 7-Series coming ;)

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enthusiastx11 - 11/13/2007 11:21:11 AM

+2 Boost

for daily driving, i'd take the S550 no question. looks, luxury, performance, technology--it does it all.

however, the maserati is SOOOO gorgeous (have you guys seen the interior of this car!) and handles so well, that it would be my choice--if it were a second car and i didn't have to deal with all its quirks on a daily basis.

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ICON - 11/13/2007 1:11:53 PM

+1 Boost

Couldn't agree more Enthusiast...When I see the Maserati on the road I always look...beautiful auto(like a piece of art- up there with some of the new Aston Martins)...but the S550 everyday.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/13/2007 6:15:59 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I completely agree with of you. The Quattroporte is gorgeous, sexy, stunning, a real dream sedan. The S550 is hot, too, and although it can't match for style or performance it does everything else with amazing competence.

chris760 - 11/13/2007 8:49:08 PM

+2 Boost

now only if every car was as gorgeous as the maserati...

S4cabriofoxone - 11/13/2007 9:43:34 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Well, then the Maserati would have to be even more gorgeous so that it could still be exotic. LOL, it's a balancing act. If every car was that good-looking there would be no exotics to lust after.

EL34 - 11/13/2007 11:47:42 AM

+7 Boost

I agree 100%.

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w209w114 - 11/13/2007 11:52:30 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

XDrive

The answer to your question is really very simple. They ENVY the german automakers.

Now, why they envy them I dont know. Thats the million dollar question. But I think it has a lot to do with affordability.

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Tonee - 11/13/2007 11:44:48 AM

+8 Boost

This is the 2nd time that Lexus has placed dead last in a comparison similar to this one. Car and Driver did a test with the LS460L against the Super V8, S550, A8L 4.2 Quattro and the750Li. In their test the Lexus came in 5th place for almost the same exact reasons. Wasn't this car supposed to be the premium luxury 'go-getter'? On another note the first place winner was Mercedes' S550 which has clearly set the standard for all other cars in its class to follow. Better luck next time Lexus!

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EL34 - 11/13/2007 11:49:20 AM

+9 Boost

Looks like ToyLex needs to go back to the drawing board.

answer - 11/13/2007 11:49:14 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Here is a crazy idea, instead of people constantly stating how the LS hybrid sucks, how about a little brain-storming?

What should the LS hybrid have to be a "success" in the eyes of the naysayers here?

Me? I think it should offer way more in terms of interior color choice options and exclusive materials.

I'm a sucker for things like the piano black wood trim used on one of MB's designo S class models. Little stuff like that goes a long way.

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EL34 - 11/13/2007 11:51:23 AM

+4 Boost

A good color for any Lexus is pink.

w209w114 - 11/13/2007 11:56:36 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Answer

How about forgetting all that stupid nonsense of color and trim and focusing more on the terrible overpromised drivetrain, engine, and performance.

Lexus overlooked all of the above but didnt forget the leather and trim. Thats where they went terribly WRONG.

And thats what people like you fail to see.

answer - 11/13/2007 12:32:04 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

I love when w209w114 tries to post something intelligent. (It's so cute!)

But as I made reference in a story posting yesterday, if you look at the BMW 760il and the hybrid LS they do match up very well in performance. I mean by that the numbers that people turn to when deciding upon a car, and the numbers that they actually use when driving (msrp, 0-60, mpg).

If you see the hybrid LS with sales and discounting equaling the Acura RL, then you might consider it a failure. However, for a first attempt, this LS is worthy of being compared with the others here.

Just because you don't like something, it doesn't mean it's going to be a failure.

Rupert - 11/13/2007 12:34:12 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

More personalisation.
Better performance, better real world economy, a lower price. That's all :P

w209w114 - 11/13/2007 3:34:57 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Answer

So just because its their "first" attempt we should cut them some slack?!?!

Give me a break. This car was supposed to be the biggest thing since the invention of the gasoline engine. Lexus really blew it. I can imagine a lot of people that bought this car ebfore they knew anything about it would be upset.

Could you blame me for expecting something that was promised?

S4cabriofoxone - 11/13/2007 6:22:33 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

I think the LS600hL's stupendous weight is unnecessary and certainly brings its performance and efficiency down a few notches.

It should also have more standard features--at a $35K premium over the LS460L, I want the power rear seats, self-park, cooling box, heated rear seats, etc. standard, thank you very much! The A8L W12, S600 and 760Li all have a LOT more standard than their V8 counterparts.

bleek516 - 11/13/2007 6:29:00 PM

-4 Boost

what are you talking about? LS600h has a better weight to horse power ratio then all of them except the Maserati.

And it's easily as fast, and breaks in shorter distances.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/13/2007 9:46:20 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Are you kidding?

I'm serious. You ARE joking, right?

Because assuming it does have the best hp/lb ratio--I'm just assuming here--it still weighs almost 5100lbs, more than a BMW X5 and more than enough to hamper any effect the 438hp had on the car's performance.

But anyway, I highly doubt it. The Jag weighs about 1200lbs less and has 18 less horsepower. Could you give me a link?

MeanVulcan - 11/14/2007 9:06:31 AM

+3 Boost

Let Lexus figure it out by themselves, if they need help (which they do) then they don't belong in the same company of Audi/BMW/MB/Jaguar/Maserati. They've copied enough from the Germans.

M35MT - 11/13/2007 12:14:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I'm so glad the Maserati came in 1st. That car deserves recognition for what it is. If I had the money and was shopping for a car in this class, I'd pick it, hands down...one word: exclusivity.

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cdoke - 11/13/2007 1:17:41 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

What I am about to say may surprise some people. First, none of these cars really have any mystery to me anymore and so there really is no strong emotional appeal for any of them. Having said that, I think, at the moment my preferences mimic their list.

1. Maserati - I find this car far from perfect and so it and the number two position are very close in my mind. First, I find that Pininfarina’s designs age prematurely and this car is no exception. The front is quite beautiful, but the proportion of the rear window and its relationship to the door panel is pseudo-90’s. I think the car is simply too short- the back seat is too small. Some of the details are dated; most notably the inlay facing the back seat has a very strange execution and reminds me of shows from the 70’s. I also find that how aged the car looks is a function of its color. Grey is a horrendous looking color on it in my opinion. I do like the execution of the wood in most cases-in particular the use of the grain, but the plastic on the center console is unimpressive. After all of this, it is still number one on my list at the moment.

2. Mercedes S550 – There are only a few things that I don’t like about the Mercedes. The primary one is the dash section under which the Command screen is housed- it looks like an afterthought and really is poorly designed. The other thing is that every time I go to look at one it seems impossible to find an interior color that isn’t ugly. They all seem too dark to me.

3. Jaguar Super V8 (2008) – I hate the 2008 XJ. I don’t know what tasteless nouveau riche person they designed it for, but its garish and tacky grille is simply hideous. It also looks funny without the hood ornament. If someone were to give me this car I would sell it and buy a 2007 XJ. The previous Jag at least looked classic. I would rather have a used pretty Jag than an ugly Jag. I hope they don’t screw up the next XJ.

4. Lexus LS600hL –It’s just not “me”. I don’t know it as well as the others, I will admit. I have sat in the new LS- its isn’t my cup of tea.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 11/13/2007 1:47:59 PM

+2 Boost

The Lexus feels like driving a couch, like a Buick.

Go to your couch and sit at one end and pretend your hands are on the sterring wheel and that's what driving a Lexus LS600 feels like.

:)

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 11/13/2007 3:54:31 PM

+2 Boost

Cdoke

Spot on with your analysis.

I have been filled with dread with the Jag facelifts since the 2004 facelift of the S-Type
Then the R Edition mods became Very Tacky {Like something you would find on a Mustang}

Now the 2008 facelift of the XJ.

Very sad indeed.

cdoke - 11/13/2007 4:21:15 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I actually liked Ian Callum's redesign of the S-type as far as the grill is concerned- I think it added a much needed depth. I honestly didn't pay that much attention to whatelse was changed.

Jag_xfr - 11/13/2007 2:10:46 PM

-9 Boost

I would rate them in this order.

1st - Jaguar XJ, but I would save my money and get the Jag XF instead, the XF is better looking and probably has the finest interior this side of a Bentley, I sat in one at the weekend and everyone at the motorshow was equally amazed by it.

2nd Maserati Quattroporte - slghtly awkward looking fron end, but it has Italian charm!

3rd Lexus LS600hL - No badge appeal and very much has the the look and feel of a Toyota.

4th Mercedes S550 - Bland styling, gadgets are the only thing it brings to the party!

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cdoke - 11/13/2007 2:16:29 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I do think that you have lost your mind, my dear sir.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 11/13/2007 3:56:53 PM

+3 Boost

He has not lost his mnd

He just works for Jaguar

His mortgage payments depend on Jag sales so he is constantly working on his Sales Spin.

Rupert - 11/13/2007 4:24:01 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

That's amazing because at the motorshow I went to everyone said how weird the interior was.
I didn't like the XF at all, it's based on the old S type platform (so it's 8 years old already), it looks like a bad cross between a Mondeo, a GS and a small dog, and brings nothing new to the party expect for some useless trivialities like the rotary gearknob and the foldaway vents. Ian Callum's "character marks" (those lights!) just ruin what could have been a very fluid design - he did the same with the XK (again, those lights!)
And Top Gear singing its praises because they want to like it no matter how bad it is won't swing it for me.

It's not bottom of its class, but it instantly comes 3rd or fourth in my book.

Rupert - 11/13/2007 4:26:20 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

But if I see it in a different colour and trim it may change my mind. The one I saw was green (???) with a cream interior which did not sit well with the huge swathes of silver-painted plastic on the dash. It may be better in black.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 11/13/2007 4:33:39 PM

+2 Boost

Well

Im glad you got to see it for yourself
I was sure from the pictures that the XF was going to be a case of Gimmicks.
As long as the Bean Counters are allowed to have final say over the design of a vehicle the results will always be RUBBISH

Oh well

I guess we just have to wait and see what happens with the new Owners.

Lets hope the Range Rover does not suffer the same fate.

I keep having nightmares in which the new Range Rover is launched and it lookes like a Navigator.

Rupert - 11/13/2007 5:02:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

If the next Range River comes out as anything less than amazing I will cry.
If it comes out cheap looking I will go and murder some Ford accountants.
If it comes out like a Navigator I will kill myself.

Rupert - 11/13/2007 5:03:06 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

There's an O not an I in Rover...:S

S4cabriofoxone - 11/13/2007 6:27:25 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

The XF is a disappointment. The concept was beautiful but the production version is underwhelming.

pushrod27 - 11/13/2007 8:38:06 PM

+1 Boost

There's a chance the new Range Rover could suck. Ford bought the current design after BMW developed it. A Range Rover (like anything else) developed completely under the auspices of Ford could be as horrible as everything else Ford has built.

Jagexpert2 - 11/14/2007 4:14:04 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Rupert its not the same platform. There was no carry over. It just kept the same dimensions.It uses steel and high strength steel alloys. not in the previous S TYPE so not the same at all. Also 100000000 percent Ford free of parts

Rupert - 11/14/2007 6:37:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

From AutoExpress:
As ever, Jaguar is using a front-engined rear-wheel-drive layout, and the XF shares much of its platform architecture with the current S-Type.

In addition, same engines, same gearboxes.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 11/15/2007 3:41:45 AM

+2 Boost

"it looks like a bad cross between a Mondeo, a GS and a small dog"

Hahahahaah love your sense of humour

FerrarisR4me - 11/13/2007 3:11:38 PM

-4 Boost

For me:
1. Maser (every day Ferrari, nuff said)
2. Jag (class & sport, wood, leather, light weight, didn't ruin it w/ gizmos ie BMW)
3. Benz (fantastic cars, styling a little blah? Needs more sport)
4. Lex (great car to be chauffered in I'm sure, but why is it in this test?)

reply to this comment

theoptimisticpessimist - 11/13/2007 5:32:35 PM

+3 Boost

Just the brakes.

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S4cabriofoxone - 11/13/2007 6:28:27 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

LEAVE!!!

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MeanVulcan - 11/14/2007 9:15:36 AM

+3 Boost