Nissan GT-R

The successor of the iconic Nissan Skyline GT-R, this car certainly does live up to the name Godzilla. With a 3.8 liter twin turbo charged V6 that put out 480 hp, this monster quickly became the darling of performance seekers who wanted big bang for their buck. Admittedly it is slighty clinical in its approach but it is a mad car and you know you just have to have one in your collection.

Way back in 2011, I wrote these lines in a blog post for a silver GT-R. Fact is, this is my favourite car of all time. 

Would I buy one: A resounding yes. It's the on road equivalent of (insert name of your favourite actress here).

Would I drive one: Another resounding yes. Up a series of hairpin bends to the nearest hill station. And down again. And up again. And down again ....

Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce China Limited Edition

The name gives it away, doesnt it? The Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce China Limited Edition was unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show and had a limited run of just 10 cars for the most discerning customers from China. Thee orange stripe apparently symbolizes the strength of an erupting volcano. The interiors get a touch of orange as well to go with the exterior theme. 

Oh and every car gets a badge with the name of it's owner. Now how about an India special Aventador?   

Would I buy one: I probably would have to move to China to do so! 

Would I drive one: Since everyone and their uncle drives around the standard Murciélago, this would be a fantastic alternative.  

My Garage : Porsche GT3

When Porsche launched the race focused 996.1 GT3 in 1999, few suspected that it would go on to become as successful as it eventually did, both on the race tracks and in terms of outright sales. The names of the subsequent variants are confusing to say the least - 996.2 GT3, 996 GT3 RS, 997 GT3 (which included the 997.1 GT3, 997.2 GT3, 997 GT3 RS 997 and the GT3 RS 4.0), 991 GT3 and finally the 991 GT3 RS but they have all stayed true to the racing formula.

The rear wing though is surprisingly not the ugliest one you can find on a Porsche.

Would I buy one: A go faster version of what is already a quick 911? I'll pass.

Would I drive one: Get me a few laps at the Nürburgring where it won the grueling 24 hours race in 2000!

My Garage : Subaru Impreza Street Racer

Big rear spoiler. Check. In your face body kit that can scare most small kids. Check. Bright paint shade with Subaru stickering. Check. Mean matt black hood. Check. It's got all the ingredients in just the right mix for the perfect street racer and will have more heads turning turning than the latest flavour of the season starlet from Bollywood.

Mercifully it will help take your attention away from the controversial bug eyed look of the stock car. 

Would I buy one: A couple of years ago I would've said a definite yes. Now I don't know.

Would I drive one: The car is a legend. Sign me up for a late night drive.

My Garage : Jaguar XK 180

To say that concept cars play a crucial role in the global automobile industry would be a bit of an Understatement. Concept cars provide manufacturers a platform to showcase the future direction of their design language and highlight new technologies as well. The Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, new VW Beetle and even the Plymouth Prowler are cars that had their beginnings as concept cars and eventually got manufactured due to massive demand. 

Unfortunately this hand built concept by Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations group never made it to the showrooms. 

Would I buy one: Ridiculous question. Of course. 

Would I drive one: Its the perfect car for that perfect cloudy day.

My Garage : Ferrari 550 Maranello

Way back in 1996, Ferrari released a relatively mass market (3083 units), spacious (space for light bags or a golf club set) grand tourer with a glorious 5.5 litre engine displacing close to 500 bhp that ticked all the right boxes for sports car lovers. So maybe the Pininfarina styling wasnt to everyones taste but the 550 Barchetta did prove to be a much better looker with its soft top.

Just in case youre wondering why the Maranello term seems so familiar, it is the town where the Ferrari headquarters are located. Nice tribute.

Would I buy one: If I were offered the Barchetta, its a definite yes! With a name as awesome as that who could refuse? Barche-tta. Bar-chetta. Barc-hetta ....

Would I drive one: Again, with the Barchetta, a definite yes! As long as it doesnt rain ....

My Garage : Pontiac Firebird

An icon in its own right, the 1967 Pontiac Firebird is the perfect example of how platform sharing can spawn a whole new brand that can carve a niche of its own. Blessed with its coke bottle styling, the 1967 Firebird utilized engines from other models in the GM lineup including an OHC inline six and the V8s which came in both 5.3 litre and 6.6 litre capacities.

In later years, the Firebird came with the famous hood decal that made it stand out in a pack.

Would I buy one: Ive always been more of a Mustang guy .....

Would I drive one: You know I really wouldnt mind the opportunity.

 

My Garage : Mercedes Benz SLS AMG

Most companies would not attempt to build a successor to a car as iconic as the 300SL. Mercedes-Benz however believes that their SLS AMG, with its long sweeping bonnet, gullwing doors and 6.2 litre V8 engine that puts out over 563 bhp, is the modern interpretation of the ever popular 300SL.

Truth be told, not even Mercedes-Benz can replicate what was a great car.

Would I buy one: If I had $ 200,000, most definitely

Would I drive one: In red, most definitely.

My Garage : Fiat Punto Evo

Fiat's drop dead gorgeous Grande Punto received a mild facelift in 2009 along with a couple of new engines, a new navigation system that was coupled with its Blue & Me system and a new name - the Fiat Punto Evo. It may not boast of tarmac shredding performance but it sure will put a smile on your face each time you look at it.

And for some people thats all that matters.

Would I buy one: I already own a Grande Punto and hence it makes no sense to buy a mid life facelift. It does look smashing in white though. Hmmmm .....  

Would I drive one: Everyday.

My Garage : Chevrolet Camaro SS

The Camaro was Chevrolet's answer to Ford's amazingly successful muscle car in the mid 60's. During its launch in 1966 Chevrolet product managers even went so far as to say "(it was) a small vicious animal that eats Mustangs". This fifth gen Camaro SS boasts of a mammoth 6.2 litre V8 engine that is good for 426 HP.

With smart product placement in the Transformers trilogy as the beloved Bumblebee, Chevrolet has ensured that the Camaro has carved a unique identity for itself.

Would I buy one: Muscle car madness in the trademark Bumblebee paintscheme. So what if there isnt a pretty actress in the front seat?

Would I drive one: Somebody give me the chance! Anybody!