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  • Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT

    The Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT, a name that rolls off the tongue with the same elegance and poise with which the car itself prowls the streets. Now, let’s be clear, when it comes to choosing a sports car, the Porsche 911 often seems to be the default setting for many. But, dear readers, there’s a world beyond the ubiquitous Porsche, a world where the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT doesn’t just exist; it thrives with a character all its own.

    First off, let’s address the elephant in the room – the Porsche 911. Yes, it’s a fantastic machine, a precision instrument of speed and agility. But let’s be honest, seeing a 911 on the road is about as common as finding a coffee shop in a city. Nobody has ever exclaimed, “Oh look! A Porsche!” with the same enthusiasm one might reserve for spotting a rare bird or a celebrity in the wild. The 911, for all its engineering brilliance, has become somewhat… pedestrian.

    Enter the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT. This car isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s a statement. It’s like wearing a perfectly tailored suit compared to a well-fitting off-the-rack number – both do the job, but one does it with a flair that turns heads. The Vantage GT, with its 4.7-liter V8 engine, doesn’t just start up; it awakens with a throaty growl that hints at the power lurking beneath its beautifully sculpted hood.

    Driving the Vantage GT is an experience akin to being in a thrilling conversation with an old friend – it’s engaging, exciting, and utterly fulfilling. The car handles with a grace and precision that makes each turn an event, each straightaway a celebration of speed. The 430 horsepower might not outstrip some of its contemporaries on paper, but driving isn’t just about numbers; it’s about feeling. And the Vantage GT feels like a dream.

    Inside, the Vantage GT is quintessentially British – it’s like being in an exclusive club. The attention to detail, the quality of materials, and the overall design aesthetic speak of a refined, understated luxury. It’s the kind of car where the journey matters just as much as the destination.

    This car has soul, something you feel rather than see. It’s not just a car; it’s a companion on the road. The kind of car that doesn’t just ferry you from point A to point B but makes you long for a point C, D, E and so on. And when it comes to the sound – oh, the sound! This Aston Martin doesn’t just speak; it sings – a deep, melodious tennor tune.

    While the Porsche 911 is an undeniably excellent vehicle, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT offers something different – a blend of style, performance, and exclusivity that elevates it beyond just being a car to something more akin to a moving, mechanical art piece. It’s a car for those who want to feel as good as they look, for those who want a ride that matches the character of its driver. So next time you’re considering the 911, remember – there’s an Aston Martin out there that’s not just waiting to be driven, but to be experienced.

  • 17′ BMW M3

    Unleashing the Beast: The F80 BMW M3

    Ladies and gentlemen, rev your engines and prepare to dive into the world of raw automotive exhilaration. Today, we’re taking a close look at a true legend in the world of sports sedans, the BMW M3 with a 6-speed manual transmission. It’s a car that combines German engineering precision with the thrill of rowing your gears, and it’s an absolute hoot to drive.

    Exterior:

    Starting with the aesthetics, the 2017 BMW M3 is a stunner in every way. Its sharp lines and aggressive stance make it clear that this isn’t your average 3 Series. The flared fenders, the quad exhaust tips, and those signature kidney grilles give it a muscular and purposeful look that’s hard to ignore. The carbon fiber roof not only adds a touch of class but also reduces weight, enhancing the M3’s agility.

    Interior:

    Stepping inside, you’re greeted with an interior that oozes luxury and sportiness. The leather-clad seats offer excellent support and comfort, ensuring you’re snugly in place while attacking those corners. The well-laid-out dashboard is adorned with high-quality materials and an infotainment system that’s intuitive and easy to use.

    But the real star of the show is the 6-speed manual shifter. It’s like a well-tuned musical instrument, every gear change is a symphony of mechanical precision. You feel connected to the car in a way that’s often lost in the world of paddle shifters and automatic transmissions. This is one of the better modern manuals that I’ve driven.

    Performance:

    Now, let’s talk about what truly matters – the performance. Under the hood of the 2017 BMW M3 lies a 3.0-liter, inline-six engine that’s been turbocharged to produce 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Mated to that glorious 6-speed manual transmission, it propels the M3 from 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds flat.

    The handling is sublime, thanks to the M3’s precise steering and well-tuned suspension. It corners like a champ, with minimal body roll and a level of grip that will leave you grinning like a Cheshire cat. The rear-wheel-drive setup allows for some tail-out fun, but be prepared to have your driving skills put to the test.

    Driving Experience:

    The driving experience of the 2017 BMW M3 with a 6-speed manual is where this car truly shines. The engine’s power delivery is linear and consistent, with a nice surge of boost in the mid-range that’ll push you back into your seat. The exhaust note, especially in Sport+ mode, is pure music to any car enthusiast’s ears – a perfect blend of growl and roar.

    The manual transmission, with its well-defined gates and satisfyingly mechanical feel, adds a layer of engagement that’s hard to replicate with any other transmission type. Shifting through the gears is a visceral experience, and you can’t help but feel like a race car driver every time you depress the clutch and engage another gear.

    One qualm with the car though, is clutch engagement. Since about the time of the E46, BMW has installed a fluid restricting valve on the hydraulic system to dampen the the clutch engagement. While I’m sure this ultimately saves clutch life, it does tend to get annoying on spirited drives.

    Verdict:
    The BMW M3 with a 6-speed manual transmission is a true driver’s car that caters to the purists among us. It offers a unique blend of luxury, performance, and engagement that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s automotive landscape. It’s a car that reminds us why we fell in love with driving in the first place, and for that, it deserves all the accolades it gets.

    So, if you’re in the market for a sports sedan that combines the soul of a sports car with the practicality of a daily driver, the F80 BMW M3 with a 6-speed manual is a machine that should be on your shortlist. It’s a reminder that, in a world of ever-advancing technology, there’s still something magical about the art of rowing your own gears and feeling the road beneath you. Get behind the wheel of one, and you’ll understand what I mean.