L-Rec

Just clocked 551km when the light came on today, I have been using Carltex Vortex since day 1 on my car.

My opinion on some of those comments: 1) Yes, the Sportivo does understeer quite a bit; 2) Fuel Economy is nothing outstanding, could even be described as average; 3) Overall, the car IS GREAT value - e.g. 141kw engine, 6 speed manual, leather interior - what is he on about? 4) "The dash features high gloss fake metal inserts", this is a styling decision to match the charcoal/black interior with some 'sporty' silver bits. Its a matter of opinion. I do agree that there is a high gloss due to the clear coat, thats the cheaper way to do it, a better way to have done it would have been to get a matt finish by getting the parts satin chromed instead of painted, a more expensive process. Overall, the car is great value. Just my $0.02 :)

Now I feel left out. How about running? Anybody tried that? You know, with two legs or whatever. Now that's my thing :P

Technically not a decal more an emblem/badge, but I will change this over to the red version when I get off my *****:

Forgot to mention, try Astor Base Metals in Sydney for gold plating.

Precison Plating Melbourne, if I'm not mistaken, do the gold plating for locally-manufactured vehicles. What you may need to pay for is a specially designed rack(s) that hold the sportivo badges & Toyota emblem while they go through the plating process. It will be that cost plus the cost of plating & any deliveries...may get a bit expensive but it will be worth the end result, the gold plating would like rather sick, especially if your car is ink black or cascade blue.

In answer to the thread question: If you really want to do it the proper way: Contact a company in Melbourne called Precision Plating, they do gold plating. The process is they strip back the original chrome layer (its actually 3 layers of copper, nickel & chrome), then plate the emblems/badges (gold), then put a clear coat for a finish. Going through the correct process will avoid having any adhesion issues down the track.

Mine has it under the Corolla badge on the rear, except that its not bright chrome, its got a satin chrome border & black paint finish. There is also a red one which I have & I might actually change that over. These types of badges appear on the new facelifted Camry Sportivo, in dealerships now.

Hey mate! I've spotted you before, but that was like months ago. If I run into you again I'll be sure to wave hi :)

hmm looks like half the melbourne population is around the Footscray area (me included). I'm down Barkly St/Footscray Rd in the morning on the way to the monash freeway. If you see a black stivo with slimline number plates & a unique Sportivo badge on the rear (black with satin chrome edges) then thats me

lol, they are mad over there! Those are australian-built camry's, that vid. is probably from Saudi Arabia...GCC market we call it in the industry...

The WRX looks like it has a carbon fibre bonnet. Must cost a mint ;)

Just picked up my car from the dealer. I can also confirm that the torque hole has dissapeared, its bloody sweet. Lift in the 6000 rev range seems to be OK too, although not as profficient as pre-ECU update B)

Thanks Peekay, I'll fill you guys in when I have some results.

Can't believe he smoked an AMG Mercedes - just goes to show in some cases how the skill of a driver fair outweighs a head to head performance-wise only...