With all the high horsepower cars out with no end in site, I've given up with having to have the latest and greatest (most HP). I think my next car is going to be an all around "driver's" car. With that being said, what vehicle/vehicles out there would be an all around performance car. Here are the stipulations. 1.) Has to be able to beat 80% of what's you will encounter on the road 2.) Has to be halfway unique (don't see one on every corner) 3.) New enough that you can take a road trip from coast to coast without worrying about breakdowns. 4.) Head turner- flashy enough that you get thumbs up/strangers start conversations with you at the gas station.
Price gap? Because I would say a Ferrari 458 Speciale, you won't see many of those around. But for a reasonable car I would probably go with a Hellcat or new gen cts-v.
Leftover 16 Hellcats can be had for a good deal. Will beat a lot of cars on the street, stock. In a straight line anyways lol. You see a lot of base Challengers/Chargers but not so many SRT/SRT HC out there. 13/14 GT500's is another option. Think they are more of headturner, but that's opinion based.
How about a budget cap? I would say my '12 MKS EcoBoost fits all points except the last one. Running Livernois's 93 Race tune, it's a monster from a dig (AWD ftw!) and can hold it's own from a roll. I've owned mine just over a year and have only see one like mine that has the EcoBoost Appearance Package (less old man looking with black headlights, no wood trim inside, all body trim is painted, etc). Next mod will be to lower it on coil-overs and space the wheels out a touch.
Chevy SS, I never see this things on the road. A nice set of wheels will make it stand out even more IMO.
Well, thats the thing. I think the Trinity GT500 will always have a higher ceiling than the Hellcats. The chassis is always going to be lighter, and when properly set up can become a great Grand Touring car with 1000hp on tap. An MGW 2 shifter and wot box nearly if not completely eliminate the 1-2 upshift issue when drag racing and there are literally t9ns of upgrade parts to bullet proof nearly every mechanical system on the car. Not to mention the vast array of aftermarket body modifications, wheels and suspension to make your car YOUR car. Even being a Mustang, a GT500 ALWAYS gets good looks going down the road. People see that Cobra badge and Shelby name and know you arent ****ing around. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the svtperformance.com mobile app
After seeing the OP's budget, I'll second this. Not a car you see everyday, very practical, should scoot out well and sound good doing it.
I'd say Viper. Head turner and not many of them around. GT500's are kinda common where I live. I see a handful daily driven in the winter as well, so that eliminates the rare factor for me.
Is practicality or 4 doors a requirement? A 13-14 GT500 would be a great choice if not. Not sure how the prices are, but a C7 Stingray might be a good choice too. A GT350 would be my first choice though. Price is close and it's definitely comfortable and would turn heads. For 4-doors, a new Chevy SS would be a great choice. LS3 is easily tunable, car is fairly inexpensive. It's rare, but only car enthusiasts would give it a 2nd look. Not sure of the prices on a used Hellcat Charger, but another good choice. Also a W204 (previous gen) C63. The exhaust note will definitely turn heads, the motors can make some good power, comfortable, good price.
I don't want a 4 door. I don't like the looks of the C7, something about it. I prefer the C6 Zo6 but they look like an average vette