Subjective, of course, but to me the person who puts the experience behind the wheel above and beyond the vehicle being a trophy/fashion accessory/night spot delivery device/self-reward for financial success/device to attract opposite sex, that kind of thing. The person who puts miles on the car because they enjoy driving the car so much. The person who tracks the car, at least a little bit, so they can truly explore the performance envelope. I even think you are more of an enthusiast if you do at least some hands-on work on the car yourself, like changing oil or brake pads. The "real enthusiast" spans all economic levels and types of cars, and can include the owner of an older Miata or 250GTO - and the "real enthusiast" knows that their enthusiasm transcends money and status. I of course consider myself a "real enthusiast," and in my less than 2 months of Mac ownership have put about 1500 miles on it, including some track laps, trying out launch control, going to the office, getting groceries. I will actually daily drive it (except for airport or movie theater parking) in the rotation and it will get parked only if I need to cart more than one other person around or I decide to drive another car for a while, like the beloved Z06 or Elise. In combination, I probably put over 10K miles per year collectively on my "enthusiast" cars, because unless I HAVE to drive a truck or transportation appliance, I prefer every minute behind the wheel to be DRIVING, not just going from A-B. But others may have different views and I certainly have no license to exclusively define the term. I bet most of my thoughts ring true to most folks who also consider themselves "real enthusiasts," though.
Fantastic Right Up as always Keith, plus anyone with an F40 takes the cake IMHO. But as usual you are spot on, for me it is someone who is not biased by the badge but has an appreciation and enthusiasm for different makes and models.
The last time I did this I was critized. Sorry it may be long but I will try to make the comments short. 09 ZR1 Vette: Better handling car than the 458 and pulls much harder, very reliable. I hated the looks which is why I sold it. A wonderfully capable car. Lotus Evora S: A great handling car with satisfying power at 350hp, very unreliable, horrible service. I would not buy one again. Mclaren: a very capable car, fast with good handling. faster than the 458 but not as good handling. Not numb or stiff just feels uninvloved in its handling. Great looking and sounding car. I like it and would still buy it again. Audi R8 V10: Just a capable car and fun to drive. Confortable with better than okay handling. A great everyday car to go to work and enjoy. 525hp so not the fasted car, good at every thing not great at anything 2010 458 Ferrari: great exterior lines, wonderfully capable 7 speed dual clutch. Not as taut handling as the 360 or 430 models. Feels like a okay sport car not up to Ferrari standards. A very reliable car much easier to live with than the previous cars. 2013 BMW M3: reliable has adjustible handling at the drivers seat. Sport plus is the best to me. Car feels well built with okay handling. No power at 411hp. The dealer told me it could be updated by 120hp for $14k. I got rid of the car. I can see people liking it. It just did not feel like the "ultimate driving machine". Reliable but I did not have it long. I have been told they have electrical problems in the fourth year of ownership. Lee
Thank you! I don't know why you'd be criticized. I appreciate the input as a somewhat frequent car flipper myself. Just sold my Aston DB9 (beautiful car but not for me) and am seriously considering a R8 so your comparisons are of great value to me. Thank you again for sharing.
I would agree with most of that as I was once like that though for me the biggest thrill came from taking the car apart a making it better for ME, even though it made the car in some cases worth almost nothing to anyone else. I have said this many times and still think this way. No car is perfect for me from the factory. Enjoy your new Car Lee!
Let me continue 2013 Shelby Mustang: This car has 665hp and is fun to drive. Shifter is short stroke. I had the year earlier Shelby at 550 hp and liked it. If pushed the low tech underpinnings show. I love it. 2005 Ford GT: I bought the car new and even today it holds up well against newer exotics. 550hp and cery good handling and a masterful work of exterior car art. I have been offered more for the car than I paid for it. It could turn out to bean investment? No matter I like the car and would not sell it. 2013 VW Golf R: Now this is where I lose my credibility The R stands for Race. A cheap car but just real fun to drive. The GTI model is good also but the R has a little more. I find the car exciting. Mosler: I apologize if I already talked about this car. Very fast high power Vette engine ( 432. 638 or 725hp depending on what you want) and very light. A purpose built race car and it is rude and crude to prove it. Hard to get into, causes a crowd because of the styling. Not for everyone but a great toy. 2009 Aston Martin: convertible Vantage. A great sound because of the muffler the dealer put on. Reliable but only 425hp cruiser. Good car I just need alttle more excitment. I should have bought the faster models. At the time that was the most hp you could get in a convertible. A classy and comfortible car 2013 F Jaguar: I never owned it but I did drive it a week ago and was very impressed. Great looks and 495hp if I remember correctly. I bought the Mclaren instead, but nothing wrong with the car. I am going down this Sat with a freind who may buy it. Ariel atom 3: Mine is 300hp. It looks like a smashed dune buggy. It is total open air I chose the tiny windshield. 0-60 mph in 2.85 seconds and it feels quicker than that. Top speed is 153 mph. This is just a wonderful toy car. No top doors just fun feels and performs like a super car. A brillant idea by our UK freinds. They are made in Va USA under license. A great bunch of racing guys who gave me some driving tips. They also make 245 and 500 hp models. Service is great if you need parts oe just need help. 1954 vette: I have had it for about 5 years and has given me good service. It is not fast at 150 hp and it bdrives like a 50's american car. It is unique and I have never seen another one on the road. Hard to start but predictible once you know your car. 1965 vette: it is a 327 365hp numbers matchine car. It is still fun to drive although handling and performance can not match modern cars. What surprised me is the torque availible in any gear and the poor gas milage. Mine has a hurst shifter that was factory. The car also has monocromatic springs so no squeaks. A very reliable car if you start out with a good car. I have has 20 year olds think it is "the new Vette" so it holds up for styling. 65 was the first year for disk brakes at all wheels. I think that is it. I will discuss my new 2014 Vette when I get it in Sept. Thank you you are a great crowd special thanks to Ray and Morrie. When I did my own maitenance and took things apart I always ended up with extra parts after the car was back together. The damnest thing Lee
I think the small "move with the wheel" paddles are a better way of doing it than Ferrari. I seriously doubt Ferrari would admit it though.
I think you will like an R8. Justin Bell did a review of the car and he liked it. Not sure of the exact words but he roughtly said " When you see an R8 you know the owner made a good choice" Jay Leno had the 8 cylinder and Mr. Bell had the 10 Cylinder with the Lambo engine. I drove booth and the 8 cylinder is just fine car and handles wonderfully. The V10 has more spunk , no doubt about it, but both cars are a real enjoyment in motoring. The car also has spectacular lines and brings a crowd and great car discussions. Lee
And your new 12C looks great, nice choice of stealth forged wheels. I also like the original touch entry door system. It's cool, since you can operate it reliably. Enjoy your new ride in good health!
If you want to photograph it yourself, you will need to see it at a show or Cars & Coffee. Knowing Lee for about 10 years AND the secret password, gained me access into Fort Horsepower, located somewhere in northwestern Central Florida. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'm a film-guy. Digital? Give me mid-to-large format any day...except when it's 95 degrees out! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Photos look great Kevin. Looks like y'all had a good time. I really like the white chin, the nose is usually the least favorite part of the car, the chin helps.
Great Pics!! Congrats! I like the CF spoiler the most. Btw- give the 12C a couple of weeks. You will appreciate it even more. Ritesh - 12c owner.
Car looks awesome!!! I've not yet seen one in person, but in the pictures I see the car keeps growing on me.
