Leica ceased production of M7 and MP in 2009, per owner

[Leigh Youdale]

Well, maybe now that VW owns Porsche they can borrow some engineering and work out how to build a 4 cylinder boxer engine into the back end of a new Beetle and make it the modern equivalent in the same way that a new 911 is a modern version of the original.

Now that's what I call a REAL concept car! Go VW!

 

[wgerrard]

And Volkswagon at some stage will re-release the original air cooled beetle ... for sure! 🙄

Actually come to think of it they should ... that thing they're currently marketing as a beetle is hideous! 😛

Would certainly be appealing, but there's no way the classic Bug would meet contemporary safety and emissions standards. They could make a new version look as much like the old Bug as possible, but it couldn't be a perfect match. Here's in the States, for example, the bumpers the classic Bug wore would have to be replaced by the big things cars wear today.

 

[J J Kapsberger]

Here's your chance. The list owner of the "Leica Forum" is asking for questions to ask Leica management next month at Photokina. See:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/136317-photokina-your-questions-leica.html

Jim B.

Thanks, Jim.

 

[photogdave]

Well, maybe now that VW owns Porsche they can borrow some engineering and work out how to build a 4 cylinder boxer engine into the back end of a new Beetle and make it the modern equivalent in the same way that a new 911 is a modern version of the original.

Take it from a Vanagon owner - you don't want a VW boxer!
However, my inline-four conversion works very well indeed!

 

[Robert Hooper]

It really makes no business sense for this small struggling company to continue production of film cameras. Purchase the remaining stock while you still can. I have a feeling Leica film cameras, both old and new, are about to rocket up in price. I think I'll finally spring for an MP.

 

[maddoc]

I have the TDI (diesel-powered) version of the car, a 2000 model, which allows me to use biodiesel fuel made from discarded restaurant cooking oil rather than buying dino-diesel from those folks in the Middle East who love us all so much. My car puts out less pollution than a Toyota Prius --

The Toyota Prius emits less pollution than any 100% conventionally (combustion engine only) powered car. 😉

 

[bwcolor]

Of course you are ignoring the very toxic lithium mining areas and the toxic disposal of the batteries.. big problem.. no solution ..yet

 

[Keith]

I think I read somewher that in spite of the Toyota's favourable polution output and running costs it's actual footprint on the planet is fairly large!

 

[maddoc]

Of course you are ignoring the very toxic lithium mining areas and the toxic disposal of the batteries.. big problem.. no solution ..yet

Lithium mining is a problem but so far the battery used in the hybrid cars is of the nickel hydride type. About Li battery recycling, there is an interesting article:

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/23215/

 

[jonmanjiro]

I think I read somewher that in spite of the Toyota's favourable polution output and running costs it's actual footprint on the planet is fairly large!

The pollution generation is just shifted from the car's exhaust pipe to the power plant where the electricity is generated 😉

 

[maddoc]

The pollution generation is just shifted from the car's exhaust pipe to the power plant where the electricity is generated 😉

Not exactly because the energy conversion efficiency of a large scale power plant is higher than that of the cars equivalent necessary to convert the same amount of energy (including losses in efficiency due to transport etc.).

The bigger problem is producing the cars and the amount of energy / materials / pollution involved. 😉

 

[bwcolor]

Sorry, wrong battery, but toxicity comment valid. It is funny that I should make that mistake in that just this week I was talking to a radio controlled airplane guy and he was telling me how the lithium batteries would explode and then we talked about the promise of lithium polymer batteries. All of these technologies have a good ways to go, but then again.. the early M cameras didn't need a battery at all. Waiting for my M3 and two lenses to get back from DAG.. back to cameras..

 

[sc_rufctr]

I think I read somewher that in spite of the Toyota's favourable polution output and running costs it's actual footprint on the planet is fairly large!

And another thing... The batteries are good for about 9 years. Then they needs replacing at about $12,000! (you do the maths)
Kinoff puts the fuel saving thing into perspective. 😡

It's interesting that Toyota built this hybrid considering the true cost to the environment.

Personally I believe it's nothing more than a marketing exercise.
Yes it does use less fuel but at 12 years you have to decide weather to change the batteries or recycle the car.

Just don't use logic when considering this car. 🙄

 

[jonmanjiro]

Not exactly because the energy conversion efficiency of a large scale power plant is higher than that of the cars equivalent necessary to convert the same amount of energy (including losses in efficiency due to transport etc.).

The bigger problem is producing the cars and the amount of energy / materials / pollution involved. 😉

I think my basic premise still stands, Gabor. Although the total pollution output is no doubt less per car.

I'll shut up now before I get a whupping from a professional in this field 😀