Jaguar XK 4.2 vs. Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG
I'd take the SL55 AMG. The XK looks very majestic but I suppose it's much more comfort-oriented. Yes, it's got lots of compelling personality and traits; a quite fast grand tourer that will also provide a relaxing long-distance cruise. The SL55 AMG's ride may be less supple than that of the XK but I think it's faster and much more exciting to drive, while still delivering more than decent amount of comfort, making it more appealing to me as a whole. However, I think if it was XKR vs. SL55 AMG, I would take the XKR instead.
Volkswagen Passat TDI SEL vs. Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium
I've heard lots of very, very positive things about the new Fusion models, but, well, the current-generation Passats aren't that bad either. I'd take the Passat, it's got a reserved, dignified look I'd classify as highly suitable for a mid-size sedan, while still looking classy in a modestly minimalistic way. Not too bland either, unlike the base model of the current-generation Jetta. The new Fusion may look fresh but the face exudes a prominent impression as if it's saying "I'm bada**" to me, or something along the lines of that. Too much vibe for the looks of an everyday sedan.
Volkswagen Jetta SE (US-Spec) vs. Hyundai Elantra Limited (someone posted this before my post of GT3 racing cars, but I haven't answered it)
I'm never really intrigued in Hyundai and I'm more into VW, but the current Jetta models seem to be not so good. (excluding the GLI variant, which actually I've been thinking of getting) Some auto journalists even say that the current Jetta is not even as good as the previous Jetta. Too much cost-cutting involved. I'll take the Elantra. Hyundai now is a much better automaker than it was ten years ago, anyway. No need to worry about its build quality.
GT3-spec racing cars to race in the 2012 FIA GT3 European Championship (my post)
First of all, I'd actually get the DBRS9 out of the thinking. Even though it looks terrific, Aston Martin and Prodrive hadn't really been upgrading it over the years. I think it's outdated and it's unlikely to win races when put against the newer cars.
I kinda doubt the capability of the Vantage GT3 either. Yes, it's more up-to-date than the DBRS9, but, still...not convinced
I have a lot of trust for the R8 LMS. Often ended up near the front of the grid and it seems to be a very well-balanced machine, judging from its road-going counterpart. (I know they're different in the end; the R8 LMS doesn't even have the four-wheel drive system which was in the road-going R8s that were praised for their all-round maneuverability, but I believe they have some connections) I suppose it's easier for drivers of varying skills and experiences to extract the maximum potential of this car than the others in the list.
But, anyway, at the end of 2011, Audi announced the more updated R8 LMS ultra. It should have the driving characteristics of the original R8 LMS but with every little bit made better, eh? A prime contender to be chosen as the team's machine.
Alpina B6 GT3 - interesting, but...no. If I didn't remember wrong it was quite competitive at the beginning of one of the 24 Hours Nürburgring races, but it dropped places towards the end.
BMW Z4 GT3 - looks sensational! One of the best-looking in the list, and it had been rather successful too. I would consider this.
Sareni United Chevrolet Camaro GT3 - I don't really have faith in it. They could have gotten it right, but using a muscle car as the basis for a GT racing machine doesn't sound good, even though this racing version is stripped down and fitted with such intense aerodynamic package.
Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 - to me it's got the best look, but, yes, I can't decide from looks. However, it had won a race in the 2011 season and the driver who drove that winning car went on to get the drivers' title. I would consider this.
Matech-Ford GT3 - it's got looks that hark back to its Ferrari-eating ancestor. But this is not the 1960s. Plus, I'm not too familiar with its competition history either.
McLaren MP4-12C GT3 - I'm very convinced about its capability. But I hadn't seen much of it being utterly successful before 2012. Perhaps better to leave it first?
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 - it was competitive in the 2011 24 Hours Nürburgring and a team that ran these cars won the 2011 GT3 season. I would consider it.
Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 - well, if this was a racing series with the road-going models, this would sound like a very good choice. But somehow its GT3-spec racing variants weren't very successful. Not convincing.
Porsche 911 GT3 R (997) - who would not consider a 911 as a racer? No need to discuss its capabilities in any way here.
Reiter Lamborghini Gallardo LP600 GT3 - it could get near the front but Lamborghini as a whole never really cared much about racing. I wouldn't race it. Yes, this racing version is more of Reiter's work, but I never heard the previous Reiter Gallardo winning often anyway.
In the end, after some more thinking, I would get the R8 LMS ultra for the team!
. That Gran Coupe looks weird after seeing it around here in the Southern Highlands and the Henderson area in Vegas
.
But seriously, I'd go with the Passat. Better gas mileage and more reasonable looks. I'm also not a fan of that My Ford Touch stuff.
