The most beautiful car in the the world.

[absolutepressure]

Simply stunning
Alfa Romeo (http://videos.streetfire.net/video/5aafee45-76f9-4c9e-916f-988800e4db0e.htm)

[Andy K]

wow...

[Wesley]

Not to be a spoilsport, but I don't particularly care for the way those look. Kind of like a Bugatti Veyron, which also isn't that attractive.

But would I drive one? Do I even have to answer that? http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Bill Kunst]

was that a B9 tribeca? J/K, looks pretty nice.

[kwancho]

My vote goes here:
http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/1-prodrive-vantage.jpg
or here:
http://www.seriouswheels.com/2005/2005-Pagani-Zonda-F-FA-Top-1600x1200.htm

[absolutepressure]

The grill isn't the best part, but the profile and the back end look the best. One of the only cars in a long time to have some decent curves to it in my opinion.
I agree on the Veyron. Kind of fugly except for the intake manifold, lol. It doesn't take anything away, though. If you could put an equation to it, it would be (performance)^x - ugly, where x is the sum of the positive displacement of the accelerator pedal in centimeters and steering wheel input in either direction from it's zero point. The ugly just doesn't matter.
And Alex, +1 to the Zonda F. There are several appearance categories to cars; Beautiful, Aggressive, Insane, Awesome and of course Normal. For the first three, none is greater than the other. They are all separate categorys. The last two are in their own sub category, usually used for defining road cars (BMW, Merc, Lexus). That said, the Zonda F definately tops the Insane category. I love that car. So amazing.
Aston Martins don't get my blood flowing at all. They fall into my Normal category. I know, major burn, but that's how I feel.

My top 5 (in the order if I had my choice of driving any):
Zonda F
Ferrari FX (no, not the FXX)
Maserati MC12
Alfa 8C Competizione
Lamborghini 350 GTV
TVR Sagaris
Ok, so maybe 6.
I better stop typing now.

[kwancho]

And, and, it sounds like this:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1546524719885647699&q=zonda+f

[absolutepressure]

Truly inspiring. I declare from this point forth, all formula engines shall be .6L V12's tuned by AMG. You don't hear that sound in Top Gear, but you do see them get crushed into their seats http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[number77]

This isn't a new car but.
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/4669/hs21gts1vc5.th.jpg (http://img117.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hs21gts1vc5.jpg)



Originally posted by Alex Kwan:
And, and, it sounds like this:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1546524719885647699&q=zonda+f
To me it sounds too hollow and not as articulate as this.
http://videos.camaroz28.com/video/da82a20c-6397-4d96-ab98-d2f6ade9b7e7.htm

[flavorPacket]

not bad, but still no muira or 250gto swb...

[JhOnkies]

I dont like too much those cars that are more into the luxury,,, i prefer like a saleen S7, or a Porsche Carrera GT... http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Flexicoker]

The Zonda F looks like this on a good day:
http://www.queens-view.com/People/lloyd.jpg

The Koenigsegg CCX is far superior, it may not be the best looking car, but there's nothing there that doesn't need to be, and its so well thought out that it puts us all to shame. I will even go so far as to say that the Koenigsegg will kick the Bugatti's ass on the Top Gear test track if The Stig ever gets to drive one.

[kwancho]

Does well thought out means using a TV show to do your high speed cornering test? And yes, the Koenigsegg should easily beat the Veyron around the track. And +200hp only makes 0.8s around their track? I won't doubt that the Koenigsegg is a great car, it's just not... honed. Nor is it "the most beautiful car in the world."

[absolutepressure]

Originally posted by Flexicoker:
The Zonda F looks like this on a good day:
http://www.queens-view.com/People/lloyd.jpg


That's why I love it, it's crazy, and crazy fast. I think the only downside is it's width on those european streets.

The CCR looked much better. Did they change anything suspension wise? Couldn't they have just made the CCR flex fuel?

[Wesley]

I may be crazy, but I don't particularly care for the sound of any of the "sports" cars out there. The F1's and such hold a special place because they just scream, but all of the sporty european cars are way too mellow for my taste. I don't like the Ferrari/Lambo/What-have-you sound. I respect and admire the performance, but it just doesn't get my blood pumping (on a purely auditory basis.) They're way too refined.

Now, a "ripping your eardrums off and squishing them into your soul" Top Fuel dragster? That is adrenaline. You FEEL those cars. Sure they can't turn around without a dolly. But it's pure unadulterated power. That sound is sex more than anything else I've heard.

Sound is pretty important to me. So much that I enjoy the audio tracks in a movie more than the visuals. But I think I'm just broken. Guess I should start working on next year's muffler, huh.

[kwancho]

You can't compare European street cars to racecars! Open-exhaust race Porsches and Ferraris sound insane! Well, not Top Fuel insane, but at least their sound last for longer than 4 seconds. ;-)

[Wesley]

Thats probably true, but I've never heard open-exhaust European cars.

Well, I started my Volvo straight-header. http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

I'm sure the racecars sound awesome... but cameras never do them justice, and there aren't many European circuits in Texas/Oklahoma.

I should have said I prefer less-than-efficient rumbly V8 street car sounds to "performance-tuned" European street car sounds. Make a Ferrari sound like a (for lack of a better word) American V8, and perform like a European car, and it'd be the perfect car for me. I know others don't care for it.

And despite their shortcomings, I think NASCAR's sound pretty dang good too.

[Wesley]

Oh, it looks like someone on Ebay heard me.

SBC in an indy car anyone?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Street-legal-Indy-car-Da...QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Street-legal-Indy-car-Dallara-Race-car-See-Video_W0QQitemZ190057588225QQihZ009QQcategoryZ9806 4QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

[Homemade WRX]

that just sounds so wrong, I laughed while watching it

[kwancho]

That's fricking amazing. I'm surprised it fits. Abyssmal video. Okay, it can do donuts. Okay, it can go 25mph on the road. More actual driving plskthx? Crazy that it's actually street legal too.

[Wesley]

Watching an Indy car do donuts hurts me way down inside. Its just so unweildy in that respect. Its not a natural movement.

[absolutepressure]

Wow, that car's pretty cool. I'd buy it...if I was rich. I'd drive to work in that shit too.

Wesley, I hope this site changes your mind. You have to click on the car, then F1 Valvetronic exhaust, then on the picture of the exhaust system, and that will get you to the pics and vids, if there are any. My favorites are the ferrari 355 2.7 version, and the stradale. If those don't do it for you, the testarosa is good. If you're still not convinced, go for the Diablo and Murcielago.
WARNING: If you go for the last two, have a paper towel ready, you WILL cream yourself. Others have been know to pass the fuck out.
Remember what I said about the paper towel. (http://www.kreissieg-usa.com/index.php)

But, if you still don't fall in love with those sounds, I don't want to leave you hangin.
This is niccccce. (http://videos.streetfire.net/video/3b839fd5-1316-4e8f-9767-9870014e7960.htm)

Have you heard the Koenigsegg? That sounds like the "Norse God of Thunder" according to Clarkson. I could dig up the vid if you want it.

[kwancho]

$11,000? Yikes.

[Jersey Tom]

Those Ferraris sound.. amazing.

Driving an Indy car around the roads and highway would be hilarious. I'd love it. Wish they had onboard video.

[absolutepressure]

Maybe not the best driver, but definately exciting to watch. (FXX btw)
http://videos.streetfire.net/category/Ferrari/1/3f728e5...8e2-9875006b07ad.htm (http://videos.streetfire.net/category/Ferrari/1/3f728e51-c6af-49f5-88e2-9875006b07ad.htm)

I hate ford, but this is just awesome.
http://videos.streetfire.net/hottestvideos/1/bbbb4104-0...bb5-982901426eb2.htm (http://videos.streetfire.net/hottestvideos/1/bbbb4104-0c33-450e-9bb5-982901426eb2.htm)

Getting back to the original topic, though. What are your guy's opinions on the design of the Ferrari P 4-5?

[Wesley]

Those cars ain't bad sounding. The GTO is probably my favorite, of course (despite looking like every other Pontiac on the road) But it could use a little lopier idle.

I think because the other ones have a tuned exhaust, something is resonating which is totally throwing off the good sounds. That and video cameras are absolutely terrible at capturing that kind of noise, because they try to normalize the sound, so the idle is just as loud as full throttle (minus the static)

But I also don't get excited that often anyways. http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif They do sound pretty nice though. I need to hear them in person, before I'll pass judgement.

EDIT: Sorry! I keep derailing the post. My last one, I swear.

[Andy K]

Ferrari with Kreissieg exhaust... http://videos.streetfire.net/search/Carrera+GT/0/90dba6...6af-981e00dc6002.htm (http://videos.streetfire.net/search/Carrera+GT/0/90dba6cf-a090-42a3-86af-981e00dc6002.htm)

Carrera GT w/AWE modded exhaust setup...

http://videos.streetfire.net/search/Carrera+GT/1/a03fcf...c0f-b4aa6337206f.htm (http://videos.streetfire.net/search/Carrera+GT/1/a03fcf74-f952-400d-bc0f-b4aa6337206f.htm)

...on the road...http://videos.streetfire.net/search/Carrera+GT/1/f18fe5...efd-08829eaba2f0.htm (http://videos.streetfire.net/search/Carrera+GT/1/f18fe5be-ec05-4871-aefd-08829eaba2f0.htm)

[Bill Kunst]

I liked the maserati's sound. Maybe its just me.

[absolutepressure]

You know what, Bill? I think you're on to something. They sound very nice. I just kind of dismissed them because I don't see them as exotic supercars. Just luxury exotics.

The initial reason for my post is what's on this month's cover of automotive engineering.

The car that inspired me to start this topic. Where it all began...the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.
When I glanced at the magazine through the little window of my mailbox, I was like "Sweet, the new Automotive Engineering magazine came." Then I saw what was on the cover, and I was floored. The car of my dreams, the most beautiful car in the world, the car I've just been talking about with the guys on the forums is front and center and in the largest portait that's ever been displayed to my eyes.

I took it out and I just stared at...and stared at, I began to pace around the lobby aimlessly as I subconsciously tried to find just the right amount of light to reflect off of the magazine, and just slowly repeated over and over under my breath "Oh my God...It's beautiful... Oh my God... Oh my-" until I finally looked away for fear of becoming desensitized to it as have been before. The computer screen wasn't good enough for me any longer, and for some reason this magazine printing brought the car back to life, and resurected it from the depths of mediocracy.

As I was flipping to the page the car was featured on, I was expecting the most lavishly written article since the enzo, but all I got was a thumbnail and two columns. Disappointed? Yeah, you could say that.

[absolutepressure]

Did I scare you guys away with my mushy mushy talk?http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Anyway, here's a discussion starter; Porsche.
I agree with top gear in that Porsche has made the same damn car for 40 years and they need to change it up a little bit. On the other hand, it is one of the best looking cars out there, though.
I prefer the 996 styling over the 997, which looks bland in any color in my opinion.
What do you guys think?

<span class="ev_code_RED">Cool, </span><span class="ev_code_GREY">I just</span> <span class="ev_code_YELLOW">realized</span> <span class="ev_code_GREEN">we can change</span> <span class="ev_code_PURPLE">the text</span> <span class="ev_code_PINK">color.</span>

[J. Vinella]

Originally posted by absolutepressure:

I prefer the 996 styling over the 997, which looks bland in any color in my opinion.
What do you guys think?



The 993 isn't too bad either, especially in the Turbo R mode.

http://www.leblogauto.com/images/multipla_rs_2.jpg

That Turbo R in the background is nice, but MY OH MY what is this in the foreground!?!? I think you have the wrong Italian car to take to the bathroom, what you really want is the Fiat Multipla. Hottness on wheels. http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[flavorPacket]

Porsche didn't make the Turbo R...

[J. Vinella]

I meant the 1997 Turbo S.

[ttk3]

Originally posted by Wesley:
Oh, it looks like someone on Ebay heard me.

SBC in an indy car anyone?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Street-legal-Indy-car-Da...QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Street-legal-Indy-car-Dallara-Race-car-See-Video_W0QQitemZ190057588225QQihZ009QQcategoryZ9806 4QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

I don't know. Would suck as soon as it rained. Or it broke down and needed something like an A arm in the middle of the country and you have to call Cheever's pit crew to fix it....

I'll stick with the R32 GTR.

[absolutepressure]

Hey Bill, remember when I said that Miata's are gay? Well, this one isn't. It doesn't even look gay. I'm not sure why, it might be the rims, or maybe the color, or both. So yeah, this is an acception. How would this throw off the weight distribution, though?

YAY FOR FINALS BEING FUCKING DONE!!!!!

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=623978

[Bill Kunst]

Well, that is the problem. here you are looking at a car that had near perfect handling prior to the cylinder multiplier. If you put an all Al block and heads in, I would be okay with it.

[Lexusteck]

Hey Wesley, you really need to go to Hallet for a SCCA race lots of wicked souding cas there and it is a "European type" circuit.

[Wesley]

Actually that's a pretty good idea.

If I ever finish the Carroll Smith books I think I will. Got them all for Christmas. http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[absolutepressure]

New Viper? What do you think? I think traction will be a big problem, and now chevy knows exactally they have to beat when they design the supervette.

fast-autos.net

bookmark that shit

[Superfast Matt McCoy]

I'm not a big fan of fancy styling. That Alfa looks way overdone, as do most super/exotic cars. As far as looks go, I don't think it gets any better than the late 60's Formula 1 cars. Specifically, the Lotus 49B. Huge engine, huge tires, tiny little body and just a hint of aero. Like a canoe with a V8. A thousand pounds of steel cahones driving 200mph down a road lined with trees and rocks. Just looking at a picture of those makes my adrenaline surge. Makes me want to punch someone in the face.

[Wesley]

I'd have to agree Matt. I just pulled up some pictures. Brings back memories of the DOS based indy/F1 games I used to play.

[absolutepressure]

Dudes, FUCK the Alfa! I want this one!!!
You know...with all the members we have on this forum, If we each pitched in like 50 bucks...we could buy some really sweet cars and bring 'em to the comps. Every one who chipped in gets to take it for a spin. Just an idea.............That should REALLY be followed through with. (http://www.fast-autos.net/vehicles/Jaguar/2007/C-XF_Concept/36097)

[absolutepressure]

^ That was a link if you guys didn't catch it.
And seriously guys, let's buy an Atom or something. We could race it against the formula cars...then take it around ALL of MPG http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Sathersc]

My two cents, and honest opinion, I think this car turned out to be beautiful:

http://www.egr.msu.edu/fsae/include/images/thumb/a/a2/Homecoming_2006_IMG_1316.JPG/800px-Homecoming_2006_IMG_1316.JPG

Not to knock anyone else's car, but I just love the way this one turned out.

[absolutepressure]

I thought that looked familiar. I looked through my photos from comp and found the one that I took of your car. Beautiful car. I took a picture of it to show everybody how a body should look. It's even prettier in profile. http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Sathersc]

It's not my car, just I think the best example of body work and finish I saw at the competition this year.

[Patrick C. McDuffie]

one word "Corvette"

[flavorPacket]

4 words

successful landscaping company owner

[G-Dan]

I owned a Corvette already, definitely not as great looking as a Miura :

1972 Miura SV (http://seriouswheels.com/1970-1979/1972-Lamborghini-Miura-SV-Red-FA.htm)

[JR @ CFS]

Saw a miura on a recent trip to london, somewhere close to portobello road. Apparently very bad handling in these things!

[absolutepressure]

I'm back! I didn't go anywhere, I just didn't have anything to say.
Here's a nice one.
Alfa 1 (http://seriouswheels.com/2007/2007-Autodelta-Alfa-Romeo-Brera-J5-3-2-C-Front-And-Side-Building-1024x768.htm)
Alfa 2 (http://seriouswheels.com/2007/2007-Autodelta-Alfa-Romeo-Brera-J5-3-2-C-Front-Angle-Closeup-1280x960.htm)
Alfa 3 (http://seriouswheels.com/2007/2007-Autodelta-Alfa-Romeo-Brera-J5-3-2-C-Side-1280x960.htm)
Alfa 4 (http://seriouswheels.com/2007/2007-Autodelta-Alfa-Romeo-Brera-J5-3-2-C-Rear-1024x768.htm)
Alfa 5 (http://seriouswheels.com/2007/2007-Autodelta-Alfa-Romeo-Brera-J5-3-2-C-Rear-And-Side-Building-1024x768.htm)
I'd sex that thing up gooood! (There's no girls here)

And what's up with the new "Skyline?"
Skyline (http://seriouswheels.com/2008/2008-Nissan-Skyline-Coupe-Front-And-Side-1280x960.htm)
Look familiar?
Lexus SC430 (http://www.fast-autos.net/vehicles/Lexus/2002/SC430/5080)
Infinity G35 (http://www.fast-autos.net/vehicles/Infiniti/2005/G35_Sport_Coupe/4275)
Infinity G37 (http://www.fast-autos.net/vehicles/Infiniti/2008/G37_Coupe/37256)
This
Evo X (http://www.fast-autos.net/vehicles/Mitsubishi/2007/Prototype_X/36181)
Looks closer to this
R34 (http://www.fast-autos.net/vehicles/Nissan/2005/Nismo_Skyline_GT-R_Z-Tune/5981)
Than any of those others. (Including the Evo IX (http://www.fast-autos.net/vehicles/Mitsubishi/2005/Lancer_Evo_VIII_FQ400/5715), lol.)

[VFR750R]

I too was a little disappointed that Nissan could through away the looks of one of the best looking Japanese cars of all time. I feel the R34 was the most muscular raw 'american' looking Jap car ever, and dont even get me started on them dropping the straight six.

[Steve Yao]

Lancia Stratos caught my eye.
http://lancia-stratos.chez-alice.fr/Stratos10.jpg

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/3/3...tos-HF-Group-4-'.jpg (http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/3/30/250px-Lancia-Stratos-HF-Group-4-%22.jpg)

[absolutepressure]

Wow, I've only seen the non rally version before, so I had no idea it was a rally car in the first place. Doesn't even look like it should be. To me they look like old bugdet ferraris.

[kwancho]

It was designed and built as a rally car to the limit of the rules, and only barely homologated.

[absolutepressure]

Crank it UP!!!
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/0e936f73-58a5-4a0a-b980-995400e25530.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/search/540+naturally+aspir...03f-49c851bf28ca.htm (http://videos.streetfire.net/search/540+naturally+aspirated/0/88e9cf6c-9c48-4ce0-803f-49c851bf28ca.htm)
Once he gets grip, he is OFF! High 13's, lol! Try 11's

[Jersey Tom]

The R34 is a cutie for sure.

Ferrari 312B2, just somethin I really like about it..
http://www.atspeedimages.com/donington_collection/1970_ferrari_312b_2.jpg

The old GT500 is pretty attractive (and you'd be amazed how many girls are really turned on by this car!)
http://www.westsidecruisers.com/Pictures/2004/20040410_...0Leif%20Garvin_2.jpg (http://www.westsidecruisers.com/Pictures/2004/20040410_Elmia/1967%20Ford%20Shelby%20Mustang%20GT-500%20Eleanor,%20Leif%20Garvin_2.jpg)

Aston DB5, a very classic refined sexyness
http://i.dir.bg/kino/films/6121/wallpaper-2-128044.jpg

But by far, my favorite, original 427 Cobra. Sex machine of a car. And goddamn fast by any standard, especially when it was released!

http://www.cobracountry.com/cobra4salefolder/cobra-elmslie-fl-BIG.jpg

[absolutepressure]

Yes, Eleanor is a very beautiful car. One of my favorites. She's my car of choice for Class D in PGR3.

At the Chicago Auto Show, I almost went ape shit on some girl's ass. After looking at the Cobra 427, you know what she said? She turned to her friend and said "That's a cute little car," and said the word "cute" as if she were refering to a Volkswagon Beetle http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif In my head, all at the same time, I yelled "OH MY GOD! NOOOO! AHHHHH!" And pictured myself leaping across the showroom floor, slapping her as hard as I could, and telling her to never call that car cute ever again....yes, it hurt me on such a deep level, that I wanted to run over there and slap her. I didn't say I was proud, but it was the least I could do [think] for such a great legend.