Road and Track: Top 5 Twisty-Road Tamers, Nissan 370Z

AK370Z · 11-27-2008, 05:26 PM

In the hills above the L.A. basin, the art of canyon carving is regularly practiced with the finest cars the world has to offer. At the Los Angeles Auto Show, the wraps have come off a slew of new models that are perfect candidates for an afternoon spin on the roads leading down from Mulholland Drive.

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2009 Nissan 370Z
Combining styling cues from both the mighty GT- and the iconic 240Z, the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z has the right stuff to take on any challenges a mountainous stretch of tarmac has to offer. In addition to having a larger 3.7-liter V-6 that pumps out 337 horsepower, the newest Z is also tidier, shedding nearly 4 in. from its wheelbase. This tauter yet wider package promises thrills galore.

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2010 Ford Mustang
One of the preeminent American icons is the Ford Mustang, which benefits from its first major facelift since introducing its retro styling theme in 2005. Although the 2010 Ford Mustang car looks smaller thanks to its recontoured front and rear corners, it shares the same overall dimensions as the previous model. In addition to the new fenders and more muscular rear haunches, the Mustang also sports a new interior that gives the cabin a more spacious feel. In GT trim, the Mustang attacks the twisties with a 315-bhp 4.6-liter V-8.

Mustang and twisty in the same sentance

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2009 Porsche Boxster S
A favorite of ours for any winding road is the 2009 Porsche Boxster S. This German roadster combines good looks and fantastic power from its mid-mounted flat-6, which now has direct injection. The S also benefits from Porsche's new dual-clutch transmission known as PDK. This system dispenses with the traditional clutch pedal and allows you to seamlessly shift through 7 gears via sequential paddle shifters. With revised front and rear bumpers, the Boxster S is a great release whether commuting home from a tough day on the job or taking a weekend jaunt.

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2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series
While the SL is a wonderful open-top 2-seater, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series is primed fro some more serious road work. It dispenses with the retractable hardtop in favor of a fixed roof to reduce weight. Power from the 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 has been jacked up to an astounding 661 bhp, which is put down to the rear wheels via a strengthened 5-speed automatic gearbox with sequential shifting. This limited-production road eater can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.8 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 200 mph.

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2009 Ferrari California
We can't think of a better way to experience California canyon roads than from the seat of a 2009 Ferrari California, the first front-engine V-8 production car in the Italian automaker's history. Add to the mix a power retractable hardtop, direct gasoline injection and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and every day will seem like a Roman holiday behind the wheel of this 453-bhp beauty.

Source: RoadandTrack.com -- New Car Search - Top 5 Twisty-Road Tamers (11/2008)

drmike · 11-27-2008, 08:50 PM

I used to want a Boxster S, despite the fact that the engine is inaccessible topside. I drove a base Boxster around, and the brakes were divine (the engine was so-so but sounded great). The looks and price have always tempered my enthusiasm, though.

shizzawha · 11-28-2008, 04:51 PM

I've never really been much of a fan for the boxsters. The look just doesn't bring anything, it's not ugly, but its not sexy. It's bland if you ask me. Kind of like a dike that wears extra layers to hide her figure and has a dude haircut, but is still kind of cute in the face. As for the mustangs, I've always despised mustangs. Now the California I'd gladly take.

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11-27-2008, 08:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
drmike Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kern Co., California Age: 53 Posts: 356 Drives: '03 Mini S+'94 Miata Rep Power: 17	I used to want a Boxster S, despite the fact that the engine is inaccessible topside. I drove a base Boxster around, and the brakes were divine (the engine was so-so but sounded great). The looks and price have always tempered my enthusiasm, though.

11-28-2008, 04:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
shizzawha Base Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nashville Posts: 31 Rep Power: 17	I've never really been much of a fan for the boxsters. The look just doesn't bring anything, it's not ugly, but its not sexy. It's bland if you ask me. Kind of like a dike that wears extra layers to hide her figure and has a dude haircut, but is still kind of cute in the face. As for the mustangs, I've always despised mustangs. Now the California I'd gladly take.