I realize I'm opening a can of worms here, but I'd really like a variety of opinions (and actual driver experience) on this subject. I bought and sold a 2002 Corvette Coupe about a year ago and currently own a '91 NSX. While both of these cars have their strong points, I still find myself looking for something "more". I believe my criteria are not too mutually exclusive, but I admit that it will be a bit of a trick. What I am looking for is a car that has excellent and QUIET ride qualities, great low end torque (plus 300 or more hp), good handling and of course, sporty looks. I love the looks of the NSX, but as I get older, I apparently want to be more insulated from the road than in years past. My candidates include the following: Jaguar XK8/XKR, Mercedes SL500, CL 500 and the E55 (AMG Variants of the other 2 sound good too). I have omitted the BMW M5 in deference to my wife, who is still bitter about my purchase of a car with a manual trans. At any rate, I would like to hear from some of you regarding your input on this subject, especially if you currently own or previously owned one of these cars.
Ultimate Grand Touring Car
- Thread starter dfaul
- Start date
I would recommend the SL600. Fast, luxurious, and sharp looking!
-Awais
-Awais
Mercedes SL65 AMG 
http://www.mbusa.com/amg/model-inc.jsp?model=05_SL65&modelsection=SL
Don't want a convertible? How about the Mercedes CL65 AMG?
http://www.mbusa.com/amg/model-inc.jsp?model=05_CL65&modelsection=CL
If you want a killer 4 door, then the Mercedes S65 AMG
http://www.mbusa.com/amg/model-inc.jsp?model=06_S65&modelsection=S
One of those cars should do the trick!
http://www.mbusa.com/amg/model-inc.jsp?model=05_SL65&modelsection=SL
Don't want a convertible? How about the Mercedes CL65 AMG?
http://www.mbusa.com/amg/model-inc.jsp?model=05_CL65&modelsection=CL
If you want a killer 4 door, then the Mercedes S65 AMG
http://www.mbusa.com/amg/model-inc.jsp?model=06_S65&modelsection=S
One of those cars should do the trick!
Osiris_x11
Gold Member, Moderator: Marketplace
Teutonic Arrow...!
hmmm... Thinking outside the box, but same genre... Checkout the Mercedes Benz CLS55 AMG
http://www.mbusa.com/amg/model-inc.jsp?model=06_CLS
It's literally a 4dr coupe w/ no equal in class. This is my personal fav. as of now, sans the NSX!
hmmm... Thinking outside the box, but same genre... Checkout the Mercedes Benz CLS55 AMG
http://www.mbusa.com/amg/model-inc.jsp?model=06_CLS
It's literally a 4dr coupe w/ no equal in class. This is my personal fav. as of now, sans the NSX!
Hmmm... I see a major Mercedes trend. I agree that the new CLS looks Awesome. I drove by a black CLS 55 the other night and felt like Pavlov's Dog. One question for the 12 cylinder proponents out there: are they that much better than the pumped up 8's?
What about the Obvious Choice, the new Ferrari 575 Superamerica!
The SL55 is the best choice of the bunch, but I'm suprised you didn't mention the 645 Convertible. It's also a grand tourer.
The SL55 is the best choice of the bunch, but I'm suprised you didn't mention the 645 Convertible. It's also a grand tourer.
I'd go for the SL - the retractable hardtop is a thing of beauty.
Aston Martin
I know it’s not one of your candidates and I’ve never driven one, but when I think of "Ultimate Grand Touring Car" the Aston Martin DB9 is on my list. However, it is considerably more expensive than the cars you mentioned.
Although it’s supposed to be more sport car and less grand tourer, perhaps the DB9’s little brother, the V8 Vantage might be worth a look. Pictures below.
I know it’s not one of your candidates and I’ve never driven one, but when I think of "Ultimate Grand Touring Car" the Aston Martin DB9 is on my list. However, it is considerably more expensive than the cars you mentioned.
Although it’s supposed to be more sport car and less grand tourer, perhaps the DB9’s little brother, the V8 Vantage might be worth a look. Pictures below.
I read recently that BMW will eventually offer 6-speed manual transmissions in the M5 and M6. Good news for enthusiasts!Ponyboy said:
Attachments
Re: Aston Martin
I had a chance seeing a DB9 on highway the other day... It's beautiful ... but silver in bright day light doesn't look too good on highway, seems kind of high on ground... yet the two pics Ojas submitted were stunning. I had some British magazine and they have the darker color, DB9 is just plain beautiful....... speehless.
I had a chance seeing a DB9 on highway the other day... It's beautiful ... but silver in bright day light doesn't look too good on highway, seems kind of high on ground... yet the two pics Ojas submitted were stunning. I had some British magazine and they have the darker color, DB9 is just plain beautiful....... speehless.
Re: Aston Martin
thread Officially high jacked
I just can't help it!!! WOW is that aston beautiful!!
Ojas said:I know it’s not one of your candidates and I’ve never driven one, but when I think of "Ultimate Grand Touring Car" the Aston Martin DB9 is on my list. However, it is considerably more expensive than the cars you mentioned.
Although it’s supposed to be more sport car and less grand tourer, perhaps the DB9’s little brother, the V8 Vantage might be worth a look. Pictures below.
I read recently that BMW will eventually offer 6-speed manual transmissions in the M5 and M6. Good news for enthusiasts!
thread Officially high jacked
I just can't help it!!! WOW is that aston beautiful!!
Re: Aston Martin
I saw a nice black DB9 on Hollywood Blvd about a month ago.... LOUD exhaust on it as the driver (looked like Taboo from the 'Black Eyed Peas') was staring at me in my NSX and floored it in front of me while was making a turn at the intersection. Nice car, but I still like the Vanquish a lil bit more :biggrin:
NSXDreamer2 said:
I saw a nice black DB9 on Hollywood Blvd about a month ago.... LOUD exhaust on it as the driver (looked like Taboo from the 'Black Eyed Peas') was staring at me in my NSX and floored it in front of me while was making a turn at the intersection. Nice car, but I still like the Vanquish a lil bit more :biggrin:
