The Wanted List

18 December 2011 - 04:11 By Thomas Falkiner
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Our motoring man selects his 10 most memorable drives of 2011:

1. BACKDRAFT ROADSTER

Why it rocks:

In an era dictated by rules and legislation, the Backdraft Roadster shouldn't exist. Except it does, and the world is a far more interesting place for it. That's because, being based on the sports car that dominated back in the 1960s, this snake purveys the sort of old-school, seat-of-your-pants driving thrills that modern machinery cannot come close to eclipsing. Powered by your choice of V8, it's a noisy, powerful, visceral and sometimes downright scary experience. Bugger your mate's Harley - this is the ultimate weekend accessory.

Standout feature:

Rev that engine and watch small children cry.

Buy one if:

Like me, you think global warming and climate change is an evil, hippie conspiracy.

2. VOLVO V60 T6 R-DESIGN

Why it rocks:

Like that shy preschool teacher who has an affinity for lots of leather and bondage, so too is the V60 T6 R-Design a champion of contradiction. Oh yes, it will trick you into believing that it's a sensible station wagon, but meanwhile, back on the strip, this Swedish-come-Chinese people-carrier likes nothing more than a good ol' fashioned drag race. I know, I know, it seems totally ridiculous, but with a powerful six-cylinder turbocharged engine, the V60 T6 R-Design is capable of showing up many a more macho saloon or hot hatchback.

Standout feature:

The optional Polestar software that gives you even more power and torque.

Buy one if:

You're tired of all the predictable performance offerings from Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

3. RENAULT CLIO RS GORDINI

Why it rocks:

If you don't know, Amédée Gordini was an Italian who rose to fame by tuning Renaults for various forms of motorsport. Back in the 1960s he was a legend. Now he's turning in his grave. Why? Well the latest car to wear his name is nothing more than a marketing ploy. For unlike Gordini products of old, this limited-edition Clio RS doesn't hold any extra power over the standard model. Instead all you get are a pair of white racing stripes and some bright blue paintwork. But that's okay, because despite not keeping it real, this junior hothatch is still one of the sharpest driving tools you can buy for the money.

Standout feature:

That chassis. Those Brembo brakes. One sweet-revving 2.0-litre engine.

Buy one if:

You want a true driver's car for relatively little money.

4. JAGUAR XKR BLACK PACK

Why it rocks:

I like the Aston Martin Vantage very much. I really do. But after piloting the Jaguar XKR Black Pack, I cannot justify paying extra for a sports coupé that simply isn't nearly as good. Undercutting its British rival by a considerable margin, not only does this big, bad cat feel better through corners, it also packs a lot more muscle courtesy of that 375kW supercharged V8 engine. Of course it drinks unleaded like Amy Winehouse glugged down booze, but if you have got the ammo to buy one in the first place, well, this shouldn't be a problem. Go drive one for yourself and you will see that the chaps at Aston are having a big fat laugh.

Standout feature:

The way it turns rubber to smoke.

Buy one if:

You're looking for maximum bang for your British sports-car buck.

5. VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

Why it rocks:

Once the unofficial sweep vehicle of Knysna's Pink Loerie Mardi Gras, the old New Beetle was a car no real man could ever take seriously. Fortunately its successor - now known as The Beetle - is something that those with a Y-chromosome can actually consider parking inside their garage. That new Porsche-esque exterior is way more macho. The interior no longer boasts that stupid flower vase. And the pairing of a Golf-derived chassis and turbocharged engine guarantee a much improved driving experience.

Standout feature:

The optional Fender sound system - even if you're tone deaf, you'll feel like a rock star.

Buy one if:

You think the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500 have become a little clichéd.

6. PORSCHE CAYMAN R

Why it rocks:

Ever wondered why Porsche have never bothered to turbocharge their mid-engined Cayman? Because if they did, it would be a better car than their more expensive, more prestigious 911. No matter - the new Cayman R is the next best thing and it is, in my opinion, second only to the 911 GT3 in terms of driving pleasure. It hugs the road like a clingy lover. It sounds like something you'd expect to see roaring around Le Mans. It looks every bit the racecar with that fixed rear wing and 1970s-style racing stripes. Forget old man Clarkson's "Gayman" mumblings, this is the real deal - a proper supercar slayer.

Standout feature:

The fact that it weighs 55kg less than the Cayman S.

Buy one if:

You want to leave far more expensive machinery trailing in your wake.

7. SUZUKI SWIFT 1.4 GLS

Why it rocks:

Don't believe all those glitzy National Lottery adverts - your chances of winning that R50-million Powerball are next to nil. In fact, the odds of being messily devoured by an enraged hippopotamus are probably higher. Yep, you can kiss those supercar fantasies goodbye; you're doomed to live out a motoring existence that's distinctly middle class. But that's okay, because the Swift 1.4 GLS can be had for less than R200k. It's fun to drive. It comes equipped with all the status-enhancing toys you'll ever need. And, licked in Pearl White paint, it is rather good to look at. Our new everyday hero.

Standout Feature:

That start/stop button - at least you can pretend you're in the sports car of your dreams.

Buy one if:

You're a realist looking for a sporty and affordable driving experience.

8. BMW M5

Why it rocks:

The old BMW M5 was bonkers enough, but this freshly minted F10 version takes the split personality thing to a whole new level. On one hand it's a luxurious executive saloon that will take you from home to office with minimum fuss and in maximum comfort. Then, on the other, it's a rabid, asphalt-shredding monster designed to rip the head off anything - or anyone - stupid enough to challenge it. I had the devious pleasure of driving one around the famous Ascari Race Resort in Spain earlier this year and couldn't believe how one car could excel at so many different disciplines. Perfect for all you Doctor Jekylls. Or Mr Hydes.

Standout Feature:

The new twin-turbocharged V8 engine - power can corrupt.

Buy one if:

You want a family saloon that can double as a dragster, drifter and track-day special.

9. MERCEDES-BENZ G55 AMG

Why it rocks:

Do I really have to explain myself here? It's an enormous, go-anywhere bundu-basher endowed with the supercharged heart and soul of an old-school muscle car. Nuff said.

Standout feature:

Those side-exiting exhaust pipes nicked from the devil's hotrod.

Buy one if:

You're a Russian drug dealer. A strip club owner. Or Wayne Rooney's teammate.

10. ASTON MARTIN VIRAGE

Why it rocks:

You know what they say about meeting your heroes? Well, that's exactly what piloting the old DB9 and DBS was like. They looked, sounded and felt like the best cars in the world, but out on the road, where it really mattered, you just couldn't help feeling disappointed. That's where the new Virage is so good. It merges all those knee-trembling looks with a driving experience that finally does the brand justice. The steering is informative. That chassis is full of feel. The Touchtronic 2 transmission no longer clunks its way through the gears like a Friday night drunk. Indeed, if its predecessors were chalk, then the Virage is a big hunk of Cornish Blue.

Standout feature:

Still that glorious 6.0 V12 engine.

Buy one if:

You want an Aston Martin that drives as impressively as it looks.

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