I've been really fortunate to have the opportunity to test drive some really sweet cars lately, most of them well beyond my budget.

Ferrari Challenge Stradale - I drove this to and from the local Ferrari club breakfast this morning, and it's a new high-water mark in driving exhilaration for me. It literally made my heart race, the sound, steering/braking feel, everything about it was just amazing! It felt very much like I'd expect a race car to drive, and it pegged the fun meter. Anyone want to buy a kidney?

Mercedes AMG Black Series - same owner as the Challenge, I took it for a quick spin when we returned from breakfast. Totally different feel, but very badass. Loads of torque, and the engine sounded mean as hell. I'd love to have one for a DD.

996 911 GT3 - got to drive this one @ Harris Hill Road, our local track. It was everything I'd ever want in a track car. I was thinking silly thoughts about buying one after driving it, but then reality set in once I realized how much it would cost to track it.

Ford GT - also drove @ Harris Hill Road, but I was much gentler thant w/ the GT3 due to its rarity and cost. The interior is really cool (other than the A pillar being in a wierd spot), it had gobs of power, and cornered really flat. Ford's crowing achievement in enthusiats' cars.

Lexus IS-F - similar to the M3 in many ways, but a totally different feel. Nice, torquey V8 paired w/ one of the best automatic trannies anywhere. The ride wasn't quite as rough as I expected based on mag reviews, but perhaps I'm just used to stiff-riding cars. The mpg indicator read 20.x mpg for the tank, which the M3 has never come close to achieving. Otherwise, I still prefer the M3, but both are great cars.

'00 S2000 - drove a friend's around Harris Hill Road yesterday. It's been too long since I've driven one really aggressively, and it re-kindled my love for the S. What a blast, that engine is still wonderful 10 years later.

I also got a ride in (but didn't drive) a 997 GT3 w/ Hoosiers at Harris Hill Road yesterday. That was a very impressive ride as well!

This is just the Cliff Notes version, so feel free to ask if you have questions on any car in particular.

 

I'm guessing the AMG Black Series car was the CLK63. That is one of my all time favorite cars. I was following one last weekend, and it sounded amazing.

 

I just assumed it was the black series SL. :shrugs:

 

I'm jealous. I would by pretty happy driving any one of those cars around a track.

 

I have a soft spot for the ford GT. I know it isnt all that impressive performance-wise considering the price. For the most part a C6 Z06 can do most everything the GT can for 1/3, or close to 1/4 the price, and cars like the GT3 are much better driving machines... but for some reason the ford GT just oozes awesomeness for me. Id love to get the opportunity to drive/own one.

 

Nice Chris. Driven any of the new AM's lately? I got to drive a nearly brand new DB9 tonight around down town for awhile. The 360 strat is actually one of my favorite modern ferrari's, I'd rather test drive that then a 599 or 430.

Last night I helped manage the grand opening of the Austonian condos downtown (tallest building in austin now). We parked a black GT40 that was pretty incredible but I didn't have any time to take a good look at it.

 

Walt, it was a CLK63 Black Series.

Steve, I recently drove a new AM Vantage V8 w/ the Sports Pack & MT, also @ Harris Hill. The exterior and interior detailing is incredible, and the exhaust is tuned to perfection. I've never thought of AM's as real high performance cars, but my drive (and a faster ride-along) cured me of my ignorance. Very cool car!

What are you doing w/ the Austonian? You don't strike me as an Austonian kind of guy. (that's a good thing)

 

A few pics from yesterday. Excuse the quality, they were taken w/ my iphone.











Here is the Black Series.

 

Before I read this, I thought to myself "I like how much these reviews are to the point."

Good, quick feedback on each ride.

 

Cool read! The 360CS is a pretty awesome compliment to the CLK Black series