As a car buff, it’s easy to relate to the word ‘performance’ in terms of quarter-mile times, 0-60 figures and horsepower output-- though by definition, the meaning is far deeper than mere specifications can lead on.
Though ‘performance’ refers to how well something reacts or fulfills its intended purpose, the definition of the word itself, roughly interpreted, includes putting on a show, too.
As such, your writer would like to share with you his pick of five machines that not only put down some impressive numbers, but also that put on a show for their drivers by delivering impressive sights, sounds, sensations, and emotions-- as well as delivering a memorable experience.
In no particular order, here are this correspondent's pick of five machines that deliver top performances true to the definition of the word.
Ford Shelby GT500: This beast is like an action movie on four wheels. With machine-gun exhaust sound effects, ludicrously rampant acceleration and the most bad-ass styling on this side of a six-digit price-tag, the Ford Shelby GT500 makes drivers excited, nervous and anxious every time they start the engine. A short-throw shifter, tight ride and frisky rear end pull them into the experience, and the recently-upgraded interior and selectable ‘red, white and blue’ instruments are all part of the show.
Looking to take in the action, sound effects and adrenaline of a Michael Bay movie on every drive? If so, the Ford Shelby GT500 might be the performance bargain of the century.
Audi R8: Aside from the ever-revving snort of its 4.2-litre V8 or the explosive, high-rpm shriek of its 5.2-litre V10, the Audi R8’s very styling and execution put on a show for drivers-- and anybody within its line of sight. Blame the low, wide and swoopy proportions, evil fascia, wide and squat backside and an engine displayed like a trophy under a glass window.
Half of the performance the R8 puts on comes from watching people’s reactions to it. This sensible supercar constantly attracts crowds, cell-phone camera photographers and mouth-open stares from youngsters. Best of all, despite its tremendous capabilities, it’s also comfortable, roomy and easy to drive. It’s like watching a great movie in a surprisingly comfortable chair.
Nissan 370Z: The numbers speak volumes of the new Nissan Z-- though the 332 horsepower and lightened-up body only tell half the story. The new Z puts on a show for drivers by means of its edgy, stare-grabbing body, automated Synchro Rev Match system and luxurious, techy and hardcore interior. Beyond this, the sound and adrenaline rush of its big V6 approaching 7,500 RPM is an experience like no other-- and the tremendous steering feel pulls drivers into the action, too.
Of course, the stiff, un-insulated ride and abundant aural feedback help remind drivers they’re in something very serious with every drive.
BMW M3: In some respects, the M3 is like a rolling high-tech, sci-fi film you can park in your driveway. With the DriveLogic controller allowing fine-tuning of numerous vehicle systems, drivers can fiddle endlessly with suspension damping, steering effort and engine response while pretending they’re plotting a course in their favourite starship.
Don’t miss the furious thrust of the free-revving V8 engine as it approaches 8,000 RPM, or the millisecond gear changes from the DSG II gearbox either. With the fastest gearchanges this writer has ever experienced, thunder-clap throttle-blips are constantly at the driver’s fingertips, and the process of swapping cogs in its fastest shift setting borders on surreal.
Dodge Challenger SRT8: Though it mightn’t have a six-digit price tag or skin-peeling acceleration, the Challenger SRT8 is one of the best performance cars going when money is an object. Not only is its strongly retro look as sneaky and evil as a movie villain, but it makes all the right noises and feelings while drivers fire off tire-chirping gearshifts like it’s the seventies. If you’re not willing to sell an appendage, Challenger SRT8 might be the feel-good performance car of the decade.
Though ‘performance’ refers to how well something reacts or fulfills its intended purpose, the definition of the word itself, roughly interpreted, includes putting on a show, too.
As such, your writer would like to share with you his pick of five machines that not only put down some impressive numbers, but also that put on a show for their drivers by delivering impressive sights, sounds, sensations, and emotions-- as well as delivering a memorable experience.
In no particular order, here are this correspondent's pick of five machines that deliver top performances true to the definition of the word.
Ford Shelby GT500: This beast is like an action movie on four wheels. With machine-gun exhaust sound effects, ludicrously rampant acceleration and the most bad-ass styling on this side of a six-digit price-tag, the Ford Shelby GT500 makes drivers excited, nervous and anxious every time they start the engine. A short-throw shifter, tight ride and frisky rear end pull them into the experience, and the recently-upgraded interior and selectable ‘red, white and blue’ instruments are all part of the show.
Looking to take in the action, sound effects and adrenaline of a Michael Bay movie on every drive? If so, the Ford Shelby GT500 might be the performance bargain of the century.
Audi R8: Aside from the ever-revving snort of its 4.2-litre V8 or the explosive, high-rpm shriek of its 5.2-litre V10, the Audi R8’s very styling and execution put on a show for drivers-- and anybody within its line of sight. Blame the low, wide and swoopy proportions, evil fascia, wide and squat backside and an engine displayed like a trophy under a glass window.
Half of the performance the R8 puts on comes from watching people’s reactions to it. This sensible supercar constantly attracts crowds, cell-phone camera photographers and mouth-open stares from youngsters. Best of all, despite its tremendous capabilities, it’s also comfortable, roomy and easy to drive. It’s like watching a great movie in a surprisingly comfortable chair.
Nissan 370Z: The numbers speak volumes of the new Nissan Z-- though the 332 horsepower and lightened-up body only tell half the story. The new Z puts on a show for drivers by means of its edgy, stare-grabbing body, automated Synchro Rev Match system and luxurious, techy and hardcore interior. Beyond this, the sound and adrenaline rush of its big V6 approaching 7,500 RPM is an experience like no other-- and the tremendous steering feel pulls drivers into the action, too.
Of course, the stiff, un-insulated ride and abundant aural feedback help remind drivers they’re in something very serious with every drive.
BMW M3: In some respects, the M3 is like a rolling high-tech, sci-fi film you can park in your driveway. With the DriveLogic controller allowing fine-tuning of numerous vehicle systems, drivers can fiddle endlessly with suspension damping, steering effort and engine response while pretending they’re plotting a course in their favourite starship.
Don’t miss the furious thrust of the free-revving V8 engine as it approaches 8,000 RPM, or the millisecond gear changes from the DSG II gearbox either. With the fastest gearchanges this writer has ever experienced, thunder-clap throttle-blips are constantly at the driver’s fingertips, and the process of swapping cogs in its fastest shift setting borders on surreal.
Dodge Challenger SRT8: Though it mightn’t have a six-digit price tag or skin-peeling acceleration, the Challenger SRT8 is one of the best performance cars going when money is an object. Not only is its strongly retro look as sneaky and evil as a movie villain, but it makes all the right noises and feelings while drivers fire off tire-chirping gearshifts like it’s the seventies. If you’re not willing to sell an appendage, Challenger SRT8 might be the feel-good performance car of the decade.