Looking at TM this week, the general mood is intoxicated by the successful new PlusFour. This is very positive for MMC and for many potential buyers of the PlusFour.
The PlusSix from 2019 had somehow appeared from the beginning with a "different" "modern" impression. Its whole presentation was dominated by the decisive new feature: the CX platform. There were many expectations, curiosity and there was a (real) polarization to the Trads from the very beginning. The PlusSix was from another planet. That made it much easier to say, I'm staying with the Trad or I want something completely different, new.
This year it's different with the PlusFour, which has moved closer to us, although still very expensive. But its beautiful and seductive lines make us forget for a moment that this car will also drive completely differently than a Trad. Not that the car will drive badly. But just completely different, and not just a little bit different. Is it a little more cognitive dissonance with the PlusFour and less clearing polarization like against the PlusSix? What do we desire? The same in "better" or the "other"?
I personally make the decision easy for myself. Because I think whoever rides a 4/4 like me is the farthest away from the temptation of the PlusFour (the temptation or a need to substitute the 4/4,,not the temptation the PlusFour has in its own) because the 4/4 is the most decidedly "different" of all trades and most classically represents the old school. On the other hand, the new PlusFour is a bit more "similar" to the roadster, at least in terms of cost and engine power. Its driver is perhaps more sleepless in his thoughts. Also because the performance of the roadster calls for a more modern chassis. With the 4/4 no one calls out, it is a statement of another time, resting in itself, inspiring confidence.
Funnily taking my last sentence there is a similarity between the 4/4 and the PlusFour in terms of self confidence.
Interesting contribution, Heinz.
I think you are right to a large degree - the New Plus 4 is less likely to appeal to trad Plus 4 and, in particular, 4/4 owners.
The new Plus 4 is closer to the Roadster in terms of power but my feeling is that most Roadster owners will not be tempted. The Roadster pushes the trad to the limits of its traditional set up, but it works and delivers that power whilst preserving those vintage driving characteristics we all love. And it's those vintage driving characteristics that I think will persuade most Roadster owners to stick with their cars. It's not just about the power for many Roadster owners but the vintage nature of the car and its handling. I'm not convinced that the new Plus 4 will offer anything more than a modern, safe and environmentally better car with modern handling characteristics and comforts that will make it easier to live with - and that it will be all the duller for it.
