Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Sports Car advice?

Have you looked at the new Shelby GT500 with 662hp or the Boss, not sure of the price. The Dodge Challenger SRT8 a pretty good one too.

This! Wicked car!

And before Chris Bangle started designing them.

That's a good thing!

The horsepower you can get out of those 993's is amazing and they are still very reliable.

BMW M5 or 540:

2012 Audi R8




The Audi R8 is an all-wheel-drive, mid-engined sports car that shares a platform and other mechanical components with the Lamborghini Gallardo supercar. Despite its high performance capabilities, the R8's user-friendly nature and comfortable actually make it suitable as a daily driver. First introduced in 2008, the R8 now features Spyder (convertible) and V10 variants.

The heart of the R8 is a high-revving 4.2-liter engine that delivers 430 horsepower at 7,900 rpm. Peak torque is 316 lb-ft from 4,500 to 6,000 rpm, with no less than 90 per cent of this output maintained from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. The claimed zero-to-62 mph time is 4.6 seconds, though that number is likely conservative.

Get a Price Quote from a Local Dealer
Audi
R8

Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or optionally the Audi R tronic sequential-shift automatic gearbox, a slightly jerky single clutch unit. A full automatic mode is included for convenience's sake, while Sport mode, with its fast shifting, guarantees the absolute maximum in terms of driving fun.

The car is fitted with permanent quattro four-wheel drive, which distributes the power variably to the front and rear axles by way of a viscous clutch.

The chassis
The chassis features forged aluminum double wishbones at the front and rear. At the front they are triangulated, while at the rear the top one is triangulated and the bottom one is a triangulated wishbone with a track rod. This setup has proved itself to be the ideal solution in delivering agility and maximum steering precision.

Direct, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides optimum feedback to assist the driver.

The spring and damper set-up is stiff in order to deliver maximum driving dynamics, while still providing a high level of ride comfort. This is particularly true when the 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system is chosen as an alternative to the standard gas-filled shock absorbers.

Instead of the conventional damper fluid, a magnetorheological fluid is used -- in other words, a fluid whose viscosity can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically at will and instantaneously, by applying a voltage to the electromagnets.

Audi magnetic ride uses this property to deliver the correct damping forces in every driving situation. A computer determines the prevailing driving situation in a matter of milliseconds. Drivers can choose from two driving programs depending on whether they want to drive in a highly sporty style -- with the magnetorheological fluid adjusted to a low viscosity -- or with the emphasis more on ride comfort.

The Audi R8 is fitted with 6-arm 18-inch wheels as standard, and can optionally be ordered with 19-inch wheels. The 235/40 size tires at the front and up to 285/35 at the rear provide the necessary road-holding. The mid-engined sports car's long wheelbase and extremely low center of gravity ensure that it always retains maximum stability.

Interior
The interior has a driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high center console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.

The sports seats are trimmed as standard in a Leather/Alcantara combination, or optionally in full leather. Alternatively, the R8 can also be fitted with bucket seats, specially developed by quattro GmbH. There is plenty of room for the two occupants, with comfort levels well beyond the norm of high-performance sports cars. There is space behind the seats to stow large bags, or even two golf bags. The luggage compartment at the front has a capacity of 100 litres.

With numerous trim variants and applications in Piano finish or Carbon sigma, there are few limits to the range of customization options for the interior.

Equipment and trim
Xenon plus lights, LED rear lights and daytime running lights, 18-inch aluminium wheels, an audio system with 7-inch monitor, an anti-theft alarm and Leather/Alcantara interior trim are just some of the items on the extensive list of standard features.

The range of optional extras includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system, featuring an output of 465 watts and 12 specially designed speakers. A microphone-based vehicle noise compensation system adjusts audio levels to changing road conditions and speeds.

The acoustic parking system and a rear-view camera help the driver to maneuver into even the tightest of spaces. The radio/navigation system plus, featuring a large-format color monitor and MMI keypad, combines extensive functionality with extreme user-friendliness.

A total of eight exterior colors are available, from Ibis White to Phantom Black, pearl effect.

Craftsmanship
The Audi R8 is being built on a small-lot production line in a specially constructed new block at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm. The entire production process -- from the bodyshell construction to final assembly -- is organized in the same way as a craft workshop. Small teams of specialists accompany every step of production, ensuring that every one of the maximum of 15 cars per day built is up to quality standards.

Key Competitors
Those in the market for an exotic performance car like the R8 should also consider the tastefully-styled Aston Martin V8 Vantage and the potent Porsche 911 Turbo as well as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which can't match the interior refinement of the Audi but serves up prodigious amounts of horsepower.

I got a chance to drive in one of those (one of two that were in this country first for emissions testing) and it was very fast. They are right that there wasn't any felt turbo lag.

"2012 Audi R8"

So my 6yo should ride in the trunk?

I was talking about the new M5, not the Audi.

Oops! To much top gear. How about this one?

2013 Audi S8



The biggest, baddest, fastest and lightest S8 yet has arrived - filling both the role of the top A8 model and top S model for the Audi luxury lineup. For the latest generation this full-size performance sedan puts a new, downsized and uprated V8 to task along with a lightweight aluminum body for optimal performance and economy.

Powertrain
The S8 is powered by an all-new engine in the Volkswagen family, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI V8 that turns out 520 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque (from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm).

In addition to being incredibly powerful despite its relatively small size, the engine also brings efficiency to the table thanks to several fuel-saving technologies including "cylinder on demand," a recuperation and a start-stop system. Cylinder on demand works under part load by deactivating four of the eight cylinders for an efficiency gain that is particularly pronounced at moderate highway speeds.

A package of acoustic measures including the Active Noise Cancellation system suppresses possible intrusive noise and vibrations that result from the use of only four cylinders.

Shifting duty is handled by an eight-speed tiptronic transmission that is tuned for both fuel economy and performance, helping the S8 to achieve about 23 miles per gallon - compared to a figure of only 17 mpg in the previous V10-powered S8.

Zero-to-60? Just 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

Chassis
As impressive as the S8's powertrain is, the German automaker is just as proud of the chassis that underpins the all-new S8. Features include a uniquely-tuned adaptive air suspension with variable damping, allowing up for to three inches of variation in ride height, adjusting along with the adaptive electronic steering as well.

Drivers can select one of five different driving modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and efficiency, each of which delivers a unique setup aimed at maximizing its respective qualities.

Moving toward the pavement, one will find 20X9 wheels wrapped in 265/40/R20 tires as standard, with five different optional wheels - four of which come in a 21-inch diameter. The disc brakes hiding behind the wheels are a sizable 15.75 inches in the front and 14.37 inches in the rear, grabbed by matte black calipers with S8 logo imprinted on them.

There are also optional carbon-fiber ceramic discs, shedding 11 lbs of total weight and improving stopping power.

Body and design
The S8 features the Audi Space Frame (ASF) body which is made almost entirely of aluminum. As a result, despite its size and extensive list of luxury features, the S8 weighs in at a relatively low 4,354 lbs. The body itself contributes just shy of 510 lbs to that total, which is about 220 lbs less than a comparable steel-body.

Stylistic details include a single-frame grille in platinum gray with eight double bars coated in chrome. Audi also makes use of an aluminum-look blade to make the bumper design appear sharper, while high-gloss black slats and aluminum-look ribs in the side air intakes add touches of style.

Wrapping around to the sides, one will find door handles with strips of aluminum and aluminum-look mirror houses, as well as body color trim strips on the sills. Out back, the S8 features a diffuser insert with a two-layer aluminum-look finish that is offset by platinum gray and frames two oval dual exhaust tips finished in a chrome-look finish.

The S8 can be had in 13 colors, with Daytona Gray and Prism Silver unique to the S model.

Luxury inside
As one would expect from a flagship Audi sedan, the S8 comes complete with an impeccable fit and finish - says the automaker - featuring luxury bits with sport-minded driving at heart throughout. Seats come wrapped in leather, but are sporty in their shape and style, complete with multi-way, power adjustability and are exclusive to the S8 model. Stitching and piping come in steel gray for added contrast, while the instrument panel upper inlays and tiptronic gear selector lever are finished in Carbon Atlas.

The S8-exclusive steering wheel comes wrapped in leather and has a multi-function design with sporty driving at the core of its shape. Looking past the steering wheel the driver will take notice of the traditional gray dials and white needles on the gauges, which is extended to the analogue clock as well.

The door sills are illuminated with the S8 logo, while other night-time illumination will come from the driver information system and MMI monitor - each of which feature special S8 screens. Shift paddles and peddles are finished in an aluminum-look finish.

Interior technology and features abound, ranging from a vast selection of interior colors, inlays and seat upholstery choices, to soft Valcona leather and seats with ventilation and massage functions. There is also a leather package, DVD changer, convenience key, LED headlights with double glazing and the ambient lighting package - all standard on the S8.

Optional features are also extensive, with multiple driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, which includes the stop and go function, Audi side assist, Audi lane assist, night vision assistant with pedestrian highlighting and more.

The S8 also features a new Audi technology which utilizes a 360 degree camera for the parking system with four small cameras, allowing many views for the driver from within the car.

A high-end Bang & Olufsen 1,400 watt sound system with 19 speakers is also available for the audiophile-grade speed junkies.

Key Competitors
The closest competitor to the S8 is the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, which provides a similar mix of luxury and performance. The Jaguar XF equipped with the special order-only Supersport package and the V12-powered BMW 760Li serve up comparable power but otherwise lack the Audi's more overt sporting focus.

Your GTO was a Holden based car (GM of Australia) which you've been happy with so why not look at the latest iteration from Holden - the 2014 Chevrolet SS.

From Forbes -

The 2014 Chevrolet SS, which makes a very fitting debut tied to the Daytona 500, is a car that is just as momentous as the C7 Corvette in its own way. It is a Chevy muscle car at heart that will get a lot of attention from dads who are Corvette fans but need more space for the kids. The SS also makes for a powerful symbol of how parent company General Motors has muscled its way back from bankruptcy.

The SS has a V8 engine called the LS3, which is the same one used in the 2013 Corvette. With 6.2 liters of displacement and 415 horsepower, it is more potent than the 5.5-liter V8 engines used in the new Chevy SS Nascar race cars.

Click Here

911- 997.2 Carrera 4 S or the 991 model. Try the PDK trans and you may never go back to manual.

For a real driver's car with horsepower to spare and a real sports car feel, with back seats that will seat actual people (your child won't be 6 for long), and is in your price range- you'd be hard pressed to beat either a BMW 5 Series (not necessarily an M5) or an Audi A8 or S8 if you can find any of these used in your price range.
I personally like the 540 best of all of them, but the 535i and Audi S8 are also tremendous cars that handle as well as they look and they have much more attractive interiors than just about any American car.

If you like American muscle and you want a car that will probably appreciate over time, an first generation Camaro will keep you going, has a back seat that will work, and will still turn heads if restored or modded properly. Should easily be able to find one in your price range.

Personally, my favorite early muscle car of that era is the 66/67 Nova SS. Always loved the lines, great interior (but I would add high back seats for safety), and sound great. Don't hold the road like a BMW, but that can be remedied with some of the handling kits now available for early muscle cars. You can still get a pretty nice one for around $25-30K restored. Add the handling package, disc brake upgrades, and a little interior work and you've got an appreciable asset for around $40K and you won't see as many around as you do 911's and other sports cars that seem to be on every corner.

Or, keep your GTO for your daily driver and get a dedicated testosterone factory like I'm doing and build a Cobra replica. Just you and a passenger and the sound of more horsepower than most people can handle out on a Sunday drive. It's raw, but you can't beat the styling and feel.

Bob

I'd go with the 2013 Cayman S. My wife runs a 2010 Boxster and it is a fun car, cheap.

While we all enjoy the concept of lots of horsepower it's rare to get to truly unleash it unless you're going to spend some time over at SIR or PIR and I had a lot of fun on both in an Alfa that could in no way be described or fast. I'd suggest you go old school and look at something like a Morgan +4 with some of the engine swaps you may even get close to 400 hp.

http://www.morgancars-usa.com

Of course, this may lead to buying more Savage 99's, bamboo fly rods and fedoras but as I used to say, "I'm a man of the 90's, it's just the 1890's"

Funny you should mention 540. . These two are currently in my garage. A 1985 535i 5 speed, and a 2001 540i with lots of Dinan goodies. The Dinan is pretty much a poor man's M5 and is my wife's daily driver. Lots of fun and a sleeper. I also have a 1985 M635Csi (Euro market car) so you might say I have the bug.

Mercedes Benz S600 V-12 automatic Triple Black convertible....throw your gear in the trunk.

Dodge Viper V-10 6-speed manual Triple Black convertible...throw your gear in the trunk.

These are the two late model sporters that I have, they both are to much of a good thing.

Gunner

I'd look for a Toyota Supra Twin Turbo. Not very many sports cars can keep up with a Supra in a straight line race, especially if you upgrade the turbo's.

I sort of went in the opposite direction. I had a 2004 Mustang Mach 1 and went to a 2004 Lexus IS300 with a 5-speed standard shift and haven't looked back.