A New Qld Birth

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My story…

I ordered a Phantom XR6T on November 12th. Expected delivery was Feb 28th. A bit of a pain but all that I had read indicated that the wait was worth it. Then I got a sido (build number) on or about the start of December. Then 2 weeks later I was told the car had been built and was waiting for shipping. To cut a long story short, on the 30th December I took delivery of a Phantom XR6T, with premium sound and grey interior (ordered phantom interior but very happy with the grey). I am a very happy camper.

My impressions –

Colour – The pictures just do NO justice for the colour. This is just such a unique, striking, glorious colour that until you have seen, will not be able to fully appreciate. The colour changes depending on the light, it sparkles in the sunlight and people have unanimously said how impressed they are with it. I was concerned that the colour could be feminine like a violet but it’s very much a male shade.

Sound – DO NOT buy this car without the premium sound option. I purchased the premium sound for the 6 stack cd, period. But it’s so much more. The quality of sound is just unbelievable for a factory fit stereo, and the colour LCD is just great. Simple to use, sounds great, very functional. As for speaker placement, 2x2 in the front doors, tweeter just above the dash in door jam, 2x2 speakers in the rear parcel shelf and one subwoofer in the middle of the rear parcel shelf. And it plays copied CD’s, no problems at all. This is just a must have for the car.

Gear change – Impressed with the short throw, and have no issues with any of the changes. I don’t know at this time that I would change anything about the box. And as for auto, it’s so much fun driving this car with the manual that I am pleased I decided on the manual. The clutch is not light or heavy.

Driving – I had only driven the XR6 (as a test drive) before purchasing this car. And that is a good vehicle, but this car takes another leap into the beyond. Never have I been impressed with a car as much as this, and have driven many cars.

Turbo lag – Does it exist: Yes. Am I concerned about it: no. It’s like this, you take off and the power is great (no complaints) and then whoosh, hold onto your seats and off we go. And it just wants to keep going and going. It hurts at the moment to take that foot off the go button (car being new). It just seems to have power everywhere. What fun. I would pay to go on a ride like this it’s so much fun. Do I need more power than this: No (didn’t think I would ever say that). This car is a licence to loose your licence. Before you know it, you are up to the speed limit.

Exhaust – What a note. It sounds just great. I tend to find, I will sit at the lights and play with the accelerator just to hear that wonderful sound coming from the back (wife not too impressed). Would I change it: no. It has the balance between sound and performance for me. And the size of the pipe at the back looks to be real. Two large pipes heading into the one at the back. So it’s not all for show.

Handling – Very impressed. Having come from a Clubsport and driven WRX in the past, this car holds it’s own. I went up a mountain the other night and down in hurry (at the speed limit) and it didn’t miss a beat. The tyres are great and just stick. The suspension is just where I needed it to be. The ride is firm yet subtle, and comfortable, yet throw it into a corner and you have the confidence that you will come out the other side.

Steering – Better than any car I have ever driven. It’s just point and shoot. It’s firm yet you know where the car is at all times. This is one of the best features of the car.

Steering wheel – The standard wheel is great. No need for an upgrade. Nice soft leather that feels good and looks good.

Brakes – They work and work well. I was very impressed with the quality of the standard brakes. You will feel very confident with the package. I had need of the ABS the other night, and it worked just as it should and avoided some pain.

Headlights – Bright and light up the road. The driving/fog lamps just fill that gap.

My favourite parts –

It just has power on tap, everywhere.

The look of the car is great. It has style not plastic like other companies.

Interior light coming on when you stop the car and pull out the key

It just has power on tap, everywhere.

The interior of the car looks tremendous and sporty, but is very practical down to a pen holder and business car holder.

Aircon – 17 speed fan that just works a treat.

Handles like on rails

It just has power on tap, everywhere.

Mates comments who have driven the car (don’t shoot the messenger)

“80% of the power of my R33 Godzilla”

“Handles as good as the WRX up the mountain, but maybe not in the wet”

“Steering is better then any BMW”

“the looks and colour are just stunning”

and a guy walking by when parked “b**chin car dude”

Is the wait worth it?? I had high expectations after reading this forum and any press articles that I could get my hands on. I can happily say that all of my expectation where exceeded and I can’t help smiling when I drive the car. If only people knew just how dam good this car this car was, they would be sold out for years. If this car doesn’t end up being THE car for this generation, somebody will need to release a Porsche or alike for $50k and sell it to the masses.

And lastly a heartfelt thanks to all of you. You made my (shorter than most) wait time bearable, knowing that there were others in the same boat and finding out more information than most people will know about the car.

For those of you that have taken delivery, congratulations on owning a piece of automotive history. For those still waiting, it’s worth the wait. It’s so sweet when you finally get the keys….

Of course, I have attached some pics. Some standard pics as well as some shots, that are a little different. The smaller shots, I have larger shots of if interested. I hope you enjoy (as much as I am the car)…

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Subwoofer (boot shot), boot liner and some pics of the rear spoiler

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Scuff plate, intercooler, exhause and strut thing...

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XR mats, dash, pedals and start up screen (that somebody requested)

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Ahhh...speakers... Tweeter, front door, sub (middle rear deck), back speaker

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Water washer jet and pics of the engine (how sweet it is)..

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Headlight protector (note the small XR logo), the rubber and the standard brakes...

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4 to go...

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3 to go

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2 more..