Audi R8 GT

Audi unveiled the R8 supercar 5 years ago with great applause, even from the non-automotive world.  The car is absolutely beautiful with the iconic LEDs around the headlights which have become a staple on all modern Audi.  I will never forget the great Super Bowl ads Audi ran which I still believe are driving Audi’s recent popularity.

Since its premier, Audi has been constantly tweaking the R8 first by adding an optional 5.2 liter Lamborghini V10 to replace the Audi 4.2 liter V8.  The next iteration was the R8 Spyder, a car I hate based on principle.  Removing the structural components of the roof on a high horsepower car drastically reduces the torsional stiffness which ruins the handling.  I’ll stop there because I could talk all day about the flaws in paying more for a lesser car, but regardless of the engineering, in order to fit the convertible top, they can to cover up the engine.  One of the great things about mid-engine supercars is that most have a glass panel to display the engine as seen in the R8, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis.  Why cover it up with a cloth top?

Back on topic, the most recent update has produced the lightest, fastest, and therefore the best Audi R8 to date.  The R8 GT has the 5.2 liter engine bumped from the standard 525 bhp to a radical 560 bhp.  Audi also converted several body panels to carbon fiber and even used thinner glass to save a total of 220 pounds.  They also updated the front fascia and added a fixed rear wing to keep the rear end under control at speed.

The sad part is that I will probably never own one because only 333 will be made and they may never be sold in America.  Regardless, it is a gorgeous, all-wheel drive supercar that will be a permanent member of my dream garage.

*Thanks to netcarshow.com for the pictures.

MINI Cooper

Another car I would love to own that falls into the daily driver category is a current 2011 MINI Cooper.  It is small and lightweight with a peppy engine, plus it has great handling.  I would take great handling over high horsepower any day; therefore the 121 bhp is a non-issue.

When BMW bought the MINI brand and produced the first new model in 2001, MINI enthusiasts were outraged that the car grew in size and weight, mainly due to modern safety standards.  While still one of the smallest cars on the road, it is a giant compared to the original MINI.  The old model had such personality and charisma with the racing victories to match.  Everyone feared MINI would be ruined.

Luckily BMW knew what they were doing and produced a great car that now has a cult following.  MINI claims the car is so much fun to drive because of its “bulldog stance”.  I have never driven a MINI, but while working in Munich I rode in a Cooper S Convertible on the Autobahn and it was a blast.  Again the top speed wasn’t there compared to the other cars flying past us, but it made up ground in the corners.

One thing you might be asking, “Why get a standard Cooper when you could add a Cooper S or John Cooper Works Edition to your dream garage?”  The simple answer: racing.  I am still competing in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Solo events which are races that take place through a cone course in an empty parking lot for best time.  It is not side-to-side racing that might be seen on TV, but it is still an absolute blast.  Last year, SCCA adjusted the car classifications for the Cooper S from G Stock to the much faster D Stock class.  The Cooper S was dominating the GS class at regional and national events, but it will be much harder to win in DS.  The standard Cooper remains in H Stock (the slowest class) where it is still very competitive.  I am driving my daily driver in HS with great success, but I am no match for a MINI. 

Overall the standard MINI Cooper is a great car with amazing handling and great fuel economy, but the one thing I wish they would change is the location and size of the speedometer.  If you haven’t been inside a MINI, the speedo is about the size of a wall clock and sits directly in the middle of the dashboard between the driver and passenger.  I would hate to learn to drive in a MINI because I can picture my parents freaking out as their eyes are glued to the speedometer.  Regardless of the terrible speedo placement, I hope to own a MINI one day, and yes my 6’6” frame fits nicely inside.

A quick aside, MINI just debuted the MINI Rocketman Concept which is even smaller than the current Cooper.  There are rumors that it may enter production, so I will keep my fingers crosses.

*Thanks to netcarshow.com for the great pictures.