CloseI find this period in the sport car world uninspiring and boring. There is not a new car I am lusting after. All are boring and do not generate a consuming desire to own any of them.In my view, previous year models appear as good if not better than anything being offered now.
Also,the F1 races have crossed the line from exciting entertainment to a state of boredom. NASCAR is suffering down attendance from overexposure and race fatigue.
Something is rotten in the motor world.
Jan 13, 2009 1:57:13 AM
Yes Nick,
I was wondering if im the only one that has noticed this happening. I mean the car's in showrooms have never been this fast and easy to drive that's for sure.. but there's just something missing.
I think virtually every car brand has been trying to tap into a broader market to ensure a black balance sheet at the end of the year, but in doing so they have had to make the cars appeal to most customers ie. making it safe, heavy and easy to drive.
We've seen this virtually all over in every sector. Yes there's the trendy SUV period that some don't follow, but besides that i think we can all agree that modern cars are heavier and easier to drive than say in the 80s. This is of course not a surprise because we have more comfort and more technologies put into our cars to ensure a better living, or more precisely put, a better more comfortable driving experience.
I mean Ferrari (just for sake of argument) has had its last 3 cars been GT cars for luxury. 599 GTB is amazing IMO but where is the modern F40 without power steering and 4 turbos?
As for my trendy trend, i think we are heading towards the high end station wagons or as i call them even more useless SUVs than the SUVs we've been seeing (apart from a few). We see audi Q5, audi Q3, BMW X6, BMW PAS or V5, Mercedes R-class... it seems that this sector of cars along with 4door coupes is on the grow (but i should really check those sales figures)
Then there is the horrific Hybrid movement which seems to be taking off to my utter disgust. If there is a definition of boring, hybrids will surpass that. What is wrong with diesel or just fully electric? The Tesla roadster is quite nice, im still trying to get to drive one but there's none over here in the Vancouver area yet to my knowledge.
The automotive world is facing a huge obstacle right now in terms of its roots and we will see it redefine itself over the next 20 years.. I'm sure this will bring some amazing exciting cars along with it so don't give up Nick 
There's still always the Ferrari "millechili" 
2005 Ford Focus S, 5spd
1986 Porsche 944, 5spd
Jan 13, 2009 2:10:32 AM
Jan 13, 2009 6:11:28 AM
I feel the exact same, there is nothing that is out/coming out that I'm longing for except for the Zonda 
The GT2 does not really appeal to me, because it is too quiet and looks like any 911 (please don't take offense if there are owners reading this). The Carrera GT is nice though, but the price asked is ludacris and you can't even drive it!
Nothing in Ferrari's stable (even the Scuderia) draws me either. Perhaps if I find a F50 or F40 for sale there could be a sale.
I still like the DBS, but it has worn out it's novelty with me already. Nothing else in AM's line up is also one of those "have to haves". Perhaps when/if the Vantage RS gets released.
Lambo - I quite like the look of the LP560-4 Spider, but other than that the LP670-SV doesn't get my attention either.
I think my biggest problem is, I already have most of the "base" models of the vehicles. The hardcore, more hp, lightweight versions don't feel that much different to me. Not enough for me to want one at least. I learnt this with the SL55->SL65 move. Although it has immensely a lot more power, it was boring as ever to drive after 4 months.
Yep - same here.
I guess we are all full set, thats why we are not getting excited anymore.
25 years ago I even was excited because Mercedes launched a new E-Class. Today we got an Panamera, a new Ferrari California, stronger Lambos, exciting new Audi sportcars (R8 V10) and somehow everything is boring. Even though as cars have 400-550 HP in any category - whats left over?
To be honest, I prefer driving the BMW instead the Porsche, the performance (from the feel) is almost the same, the handling is just insane for a big limo and if you dont like sporty you just step off the gas and enjoy the comfort.
Weired..... it went so far, that I currently spend more money for other hobbies as for cars 
Lars997:Me as well.
Weired..... it went so far, that I currently spend more money for other hobbies as for cars
Back again! 
Jan 13, 2009 12:16:52 PM
As Mike mentioned, only the LP560-4 Spyder interests me at the moment, but the poor NBR results have put me off this car a little.
I too have become bored with the idea of an Aston Martin DBS which was previously on my wish list.
CGT, Zonda's and other 'hyper-cars' are a little out of my budget so I never really consider those...
I use to record all supercar reviews from Fifth Gear and Top Gear onto my own DVDs, but my DVDs seem to be getting populated slower and slower these days....
Jan 13, 2009 12:23:17 PM
Jan 13, 2009 1:29:06 PM
This is funny and meaningful.
A lot of you own the best available, yet aren't satisfied. I think it is a mix of a human nature trait - (always wanting what you can't have, grass is greener thing) and realizing that pure performance(0-60 numbers) is not the be all and all of the CAR GAME.
Clearly there are more incredible cars than ever by pure performance standards. I think the key in top cars has always been sound and looks and feel. To which my particular 928 delivers an excess. I desire no other car over it.
But there are cars of today that should fulfill that role for others, SL 65 black, Ford GT, ZR1, zonda, new gallardo, CGT, Spud, one77.................
Maybe it is even a muscle car like the new challenger or camaro
But I think money figure and cold performance number is not the answer.
You should feel like J. Bond everytime you turn the key. (also i really believe that working on your own car is a large part of the satisfaction)
Jan 13, 2009 1:44:15 PM
nberry:
....do not generate a consuming desire......
..... previous year models appear as good if not better than anything being offered now.
Consuming desire ? Previous year models ? Nick, you sound like WBH who uses to compare the ownership of fine sportscars with the ownership of the latest gen mobile phone (i.e. needing a new stimulus every other 6 months) 
Maybe the motor industry is not rotten, but some "consumers" are spoiled 
: Porsche 997 GT3 Arctic/Black
Jan 13, 2009 1:53:37 PM
nberry:+1. Exactly how I feel too
I find this period in the sport car world uninspiring and boring. There is not a new car I am lusting after. All are boring and do not generate a consuming desire to own any of them.In my view, previous year models appear as good if not better than anything being offered now.
Also,the F1 races have crossed the line from exciting entertainment to a state of boredom. NASCAR is suffering down attendance from overexposure and race fatigue.
Something is rotten in the motor world.
--
.
Jan 13, 2009 2:12:37 PM
Jan 13, 2009 2:47:54 PM
I honestly do believe that it isn´t the cars that are reason for boredom but the search for proper application. I once considered getting a trackcar since onroad use is limited nowadays - increasing traffic, nerved fellow motorists, more sophisticated police surveillance. Haven´t head that much fun driving a car than in the recent two weeks, toying in the snow.
There hardly is any chance to properly use these cars, to know about their capabilities isn´t enough for me. On top of that, some models have become more acceptable to the broad public, weakening their core character.
Time for a new breed of sportscars - and I don´t mean Tesla...
Jan 13, 2009 3:04:49 PM
Ferdie:
There hardly is any chance to properly use these cars, to know about their capabilities isn´t enough for me.
That's very true as long as you refer to public roads. Fortunately there is a cure 
But then: how big (small) is the market for more "authentic" sportscars ? When I was searching for the GT3 it has been always the same story why the first owner resold the car to the PZ after a while (mostly swapping it to a 997 4S or Targa). They "abused" the GT3 as an Autobahn express and whined about engine noise, stiff suspension or missing options like heated steering wheel
: Porsche 997 GT3 Arctic/Black
Jan 13, 2009 9:51:02 PM
Interesting comments! IMHO it all depends on your use and budget.
Sports car wise can you get any purer experience than Lotus (Mike?) though it is obviously not a daily driver. What car gives you a lump in your pants every time you get into it? Is that what you are seeking? One car for all functions or one car to meet individual functions eg daily driver, weekend, track?
All you guys that own the top end cars do you think that the model it replaced eg 996 to 997 was a better drivers car or are you after the "latest and greatest" model??
I totally disagree....when it comes to cars. I think we are living in the golden age of the automobile with the widest choice, highest performance, best handing, reliability and competitive prices, across all types of cars. I speak from a historical view....I have been driving since 1963.
We better enjoy it while we can....the global warming, save the earth crowd will drive governments to emasculate all cars and we'll be thinking about the "good old days" in the early part of 21st. century.
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Radical SR3
Radically different, it's a race car for the street.
By Kim Wolfkill • Photos by Jeff Allen
February 2006
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Jan 14, 2009 9:52:56 AM
Top Gear powerboard rules - if it can't get over a speed bump then it's not a proper road car...
TG powerboard lap times ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/show/powerlaps.shtml - mixed track conditions) show some of the more fun cars out there...
Jan 14, 2009 10:16:43 AM
If you need cup holders, speed-bump clearance, sun in your.face, more pure sports car thrills than you can shake a stick at, and a 7.30 Ring time there really is no substitute:
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Porshe Carrera GT |
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