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!

My Garage: Lamborghini Reventon

What would you do if you had one million euros? If you love your cars, then buying the Lamborghini Reventon would be top of your list. So what if you dont have any change left at the end of it? What you get is razor sharp styling (those LED tail lights are amazing) coupled with 6.5 litre 48 valve DOHC V12 engine that churns out 650 hp. Unfortunately only 20 have been made and all 20 have been sold.

The Reventon ensures that Lamborghinis remain on posters (and in this new age, desktops as well) all around the world, something which Ferrari hasnt been able to do.

Would I buy one: Well seeing as all 20 are sold, thats a moot question ....

Would I drive one: How can one say no?

My Garage: Ferrari F50

When a company with a history as glorious as Ferrari's celebrates 50 years of producing cars, the end result is bound to be really special. The mid engined 4.7 litre natually aspirated 60 valve V12 engine made the Ferrari F50 a really special car. It looked the part as well with its massive rear spoiler and the show matched the go - 520 PS gave it massive grunt and the car boasted F1 derived front and rear suspension as well.

Of the 349 that were made, 4 people ordered it in silver and another 4 in black. Why oh why?

Would I buy one: Of course not, given the ridiculously large spoiler, I'd probably reverse it into a stationary elephant or a tree.

Would I drive one: As long as it isnt in silver or black, I'll take it for a spin.

My Garage : New Volkswagen Beetle

The automotive sequel to the best selling Volkswagen Beetle, this new Volkswagen Beetle had some massive shoes to fill but rather than sticking to its age old formula VW decided to change with the times and shifted to a front engined front wheel drive format. The simplicity of the original though was lost and though the car had loads of people booking it in hordes, primarily because of the nostalgia factor, mechanically the car had its own niggling issues which has kept it from attaining cult status.

Numerous versions with different engine options have been released to ensure that theres a Bug for everyone.

Would I buy one: Despite the tugs on the nostalgia strings, personally Ill take the new Fiat Abarth 500.

Would I drive one: It doesnt look manly enough, personally Ill take the new Fiat Abarth 500.

My Garage : Volkswagen Beetle

21 million. Thats the number of Volkswagen Beetle cars that have been manufactured between 1938 and 2003 which makes it the longest running and most manufactured automobile on a single design platform. Ever. Commissioned by the one and only Adolf Hitler, who wanted a basic peoples car that could transport a family, the Beetle went on to become a stupendous sales success in several countries across the world. India too has its own Beetle clubs and its not difficult to see why. They were simple but more importantly lovable cars.

And that is something not many car manufacturers understand.

Would I buy one: Cars like this need you to invest time and money. And they make people think youre as old as their grand dad.

Would I drive one: On sunday mornings, definitely yes.

My Garage : Abarth 500

The original Fiat 500, known to the world as the Topolino (or little mouse) was a popular small car (if you thought modern small cars were small you need to check out this car) that was made for almost two decades till the mid 50s. The decidedly larger new Fiat 500 was launched in 2007 and Fiat's performance division Abarth was not far behind with its 1.4 litre Abarth 500 being released a year later. With 133 hp, low ride suspension, 16 inch wheels and sporty interiors, the Abarth 500 is the most affordable version to have among the different variants that Abarth has churned out.

Oh and those racing stripes with matching side mirrors are pretty sweet.

Would I buy one: I'll take three. One in black (with red stripes). One in red (with white stripes). And one in white (with red stripes) .

Would I drive one: Hot hatch. Hot performance. Fiat. Ticks all my boxes.

My Garage : BMW X6

For all intents and purposes, this car should never have been given the approval for production. Never before has a car maker tried to combine the benefits of an SUV with the styling of a coupe. And there was a reason why nobody ever tried it. Its just plain wrong. The proportions are all over the place but at least BMW give you multiple engine options. This 2 tonne xDrive50i model features a 3.3 litre V8 with 407 PS and a top whack of 250 kmph.

You will need all that power to escape the eyes of people wondering who on earth is dumb enough to spend so much money on such an ugly car.

Would I buy one: No. I don't want to be disliked by all and sundry.

Would I drive one: No. Not even if it was my last day on earth.

My Garage : Audi Q7

Bollywood's reigning sweetheart on four wheels, the Q7 does boast of a quattro permanent four wheel drive system with a central differential lock and an adjustable-height air suspension which means it isn't just for the poser crowd. This 4.2 litre TDI with 322 hp is more than enough to speed away from the waiting paparazzi. The success of the Q7 has ensured that Audi has been able to extend the SUV range to the smaller Q5 and Q3.

My personal pick of the German SUV brigade.

Would I buy one: I'm no Bollywood star nor do I have political connections.

Would I drive one: Honestly I wouldn't mind. Throw in a Bollywood starlet and that becomes a yes ....

My Garage : Maserati Gran Turismo

The gorgeous Italian supermodel that shares its 4.2 litre V8 engine with Ferrari finds the picture perfect sweet spot between beauty and brawn. Numbers don't matter on a car that looks this good. An impressive feature list doesn't matter on a car that looks this good. In fact, your personal stock would go up if you are seeing driving around a car that looks this good. And isn't that what maters when you buy a car this expensive?

Just try to keep up with the classiness that the Maserati exudes.

Would I buy one: Its a car that oozes with elegance and sophistication. Just my type. I'll take one in black with red leather interiors.

Would I drive one: Yes. And enjoy the mammoth inflow of attention. The car is the star.

The Need for Speed

An open letter to dads, moms, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends, colleagues, teachers, neighbours and all other well wishers.


A couple of incidents over the last few days have prompted me to write this letter which I hope will help you understand me and my passion better. It all started when I overheard a conversation in office (I know, I know. One shouldnt eavesdrop but its not like I can block my ears with my fingers or stuff them with cotton each time someone speaks) in which a colleague was discussing driving down from Bangalore to Pune in his car. During the course of the conversation he casually mentioned that he was not comfortable doing speeds above 100 kmph which according to him were dangerous and that no one should be doing those speeds on Indian roads.

The second thing which prompted me to jot this down was an email forward which contained the following image.

I am a biker. To me its more than just 4 simple words. It means that I enjoy riding my bike and not just for reasons of convenience (easier parking, wriggling past stationary cars at each of our by now accepted traffic jams, the ability to offer a lift to a pretty colleague without having to worry about you boss & teammates piling on like they would if you had a car etc: ). It means that I sometimes just need a break from the stressful corporate life that I lead and a long distance solo bike ride is the one medicine that has never failed me to date. It means that I enjoy the occassional pulling away from a traffic light as if my life depended on it. It means that at times I do ride at speeds of close to a 100 kmph, if not more, within city limits. Now before you start shaking your head in disapproval while reinforcing your perception that combining youngsters (I'll take that as a compliment, thank you) with bikes is a bad idea, hear me out.

I am a responsible biker. To me its more than just 5 simple words.

It means that over the last few years, while other were out buying clothes and shoes at the latest season sale or treating themselves to a new mobile phone, I didn't. Instead I have been saving money to buy my riding gear which now includes a KBC helmet, a DSG jacket, Cramster full gauntlet gloves, Cramster knee guards and Alpinestar SMX 2 boots. Now while these names may not mean anything to you, what I can tell you is that I have spent in excess of Rs 25,000 of my

own money on riding gear over the last few years and I haven't just bought them as a style statement or to put up pictures on Facebook only to be dump them in a cupboard after a week. With the exception of the knee guards (which are too impractical for daily use) I wear all my other riding gear every time I take my bike out. Is it difficult walking around a mall carrying your jacket and helmet in one hand while carefully carrying all your friends shopping (if our friend is a girl) in the other? Yes, it is. But its a difficulty I'm willing to live with.

(Im quoting from a previous well received post of mine on safety gear) - This is not to say that wearing riding gear will save someone in every instance. The fact is they do make a massive difference between a one way trip and a two way trip to the hospital.

It means that in the 9 years of riding my bike with over 70,000 kms under my belt that has mercifully included only 2 minor spills and a trip to the racetrack in Madras, I am fully aware of my limits and my limitations on a bike. I know how long I can ride my bike while being able to concentrate fully and when I need to take a break and for how long I need to take a break. I know that dogs, drunkards, kids and just about anything else can suddenly decide to run across the otherwise empty road and I am prepared. I know that the bus in front of me might just decide to stop and pick up passengers in the middle of the road and I am prepared. I know that the poser on the bike next to me thinks that he needs to prove his prowess on two wheels and when the signal turns green he will ride recklessly to prove something to himself and I am prepared. I know that the driver in front of me is new to tackling Indian roads and that he / she just might panic and make a hasty move and I am prepared. I know that people, in all their infinite wisdom, try crossing our roads while traffic is moving at a fair clip and I am prepared. I know that if I get knocked down by a speeding car that has just jumped a signal and crashes into me, I will be the one who gets hurt and I am prepared.

So yes, I do occassionally ride fast but I do so responsibly and fully aware of the consequences. I do not do so if I have a friend with me on my bike because I take extra precautions when someone else's well being is in my hands. I do it because the road in front of me is empty and I do not see any potential risks as I continuously scan the road. I do it because I know that I am in full control at all points in time & that I will back off the moment I sense danger. I do it because those 30 seconds of riding fast makes me feel more alive than I have all week.

Everyone who is riding fast is not a menace. Please do try and understand.

Yours truly,

A responsible biker

My Garage : Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV

Honestly, I have never been a fan of its predecesor, the Miura which is widely hailed as one of the most beautiful cars of all time. The Countach though was the first real Lamborghini to grab my attention. Blame the scissor doors and the razor sharp styling that looked like it could cut any object into a million pieces. Just 676 of the 5000 QV (quattrovalvole) were built which featured a 5.2 litre engine that had four valves per cylinder (hence the name) with 455 bhp on tap with a top speed of 295 kmph.

The car to have on your wall as a kid growing up in the 80s.

Would I buy one: I would need super human powers to be able to reverse this car, given the near lack of rear visibility from the drivers seat. And no, I dont have super human powers ....

Would I drive one: As long as I dont have to reverse the car, I most definitely would.