Discussion
So - after 4 happy years and a lot of modding and fun along the way, it's time to say byebye to the 22b.
And it's been replaced with:
I went shopping on Friday and test drove:
Porsche GT3 (997)
Porsche Turbo (997)
Porsche GT2 (996)
Nissan GTR (2009 model)
I have to say thanks to Darren at Nick Whale sports cars and Justin at Speeds. They were both generous with their time & especially to Darren for his coffee
So, down to brass tacks - The GT3 is a stunning car. It lacks the drama of forced induction, but it's all about tactility. You feel everything in this car and it's a car I felt you'd still be learning things from years into ownership. The major downside for me was the clubsport bucket seats - I'm no sumo wrestler but I do cycle to work everyday, and my thighs were very uncomfortable on the edges of the seat. We tried a cushion which improved things considerably, but would you buy a £60k car that you has to use a cushion in? Me neither. Maybe next time I should look for the comfort edition?
The Turbo was a grown up version of a scooby. Far more refined and integrated as a package I instantly felt at home with the torque and delivery whilst the interior and finish were superb. This is a car to live with on a day to day basis and love. Ultimately I think you'd find the boundaries of this car far more quickly than the GT3 but that's not to say you wouldn't fall in love with the Turbo.
The GT2 looked superb - at 0 mph it has presence and drama. Oh, and it sounds superb, a real throaty "I'm going to tear your nads off and stuff them up your bum" type of growl. When I drove it, it quickly became obvious why it's called the widowmaker. Into a corner you can feel all that weight swinging around behind you - It doesn't feel insecure - you're just very aware of it. But - the danger signals come with the power delivery. The shove down the road is epic but it comes at a price - turbo lag. Massive turbo lag. If you're not used to turbo cars or you're being lazy and they chimed in half way through a corner there would be no saving it. No man-heroics - you'd just become part of the scenery. At warp speed.
Which brings us to the Nissan GTR. Combine all of the above - the tactility of the GT3 (well, nearly), the usability of the Turbo and the pace of the GT2 and you have the GTR. I expected it to be a digital experience, but it's a pure analogue feel. There may well be NASA grade computers helping you out, but it doesn't feel like it. I got out of the car and wondered how I could live without that in my life. I couldn't so I bought it. Next Saturday I'll be the happiest man on the planet when I take delivery...
And it's been replaced with:
I went shopping on Friday and test drove:
Porsche GT3 (997)
Porsche Turbo (997)
Porsche GT2 (996)
Nissan GTR (2009 model)
I have to say thanks to Darren at Nick Whale sports cars and Justin at Speeds. They were both generous with their time & especially to Darren for his coffee
So, down to brass tacks - The GT3 is a stunning car. It lacks the drama of forced induction, but it's all about tactility. You feel everything in this car and it's a car I felt you'd still be learning things from years into ownership. The major downside for me was the clubsport bucket seats - I'm no sumo wrestler but I do cycle to work everyday, and my thighs were very uncomfortable on the edges of the seat. We tried a cushion which improved things considerably, but would you buy a £60k car that you has to use a cushion in? Me neither. Maybe next time I should look for the comfort edition?
The Turbo was a grown up version of a scooby. Far more refined and integrated as a package I instantly felt at home with the torque and delivery whilst the interior and finish were superb. This is a car to live with on a day to day basis and love. Ultimately I think you'd find the boundaries of this car far more quickly than the GT3 but that's not to say you wouldn't fall in love with the Turbo.
The GT2 looked superb - at 0 mph it has presence and drama. Oh, and it sounds superb, a real throaty "I'm going to tear your nads off and stuff them up your bum" type of growl. When I drove it, it quickly became obvious why it's called the widowmaker. Into a corner you can feel all that weight swinging around behind you - It doesn't feel insecure - you're just very aware of it. But - the danger signals come with the power delivery. The shove down the road is epic but it comes at a price - turbo lag. Massive turbo lag. If you're not used to turbo cars or you're being lazy and they chimed in half way through a corner there would be no saving it. No man-heroics - you'd just become part of the scenery. At warp speed.
Which brings us to the Nissan GTR. Combine all of the above - the tactility of the GT3 (well, nearly), the usability of the Turbo and the pace of the GT2 and you have the GTR. I expected it to be a digital experience, but it's a pure analogue feel. There may well be NASA grade computers helping you out, but it doesn't feel like it. I got out of the car and wondered how I could live without that in my life. I couldn't so I bought it. Next Saturday I'll be the happiest man on the planet when I take delivery...
Cool!
Damien seems like a good guy - Happy that the 22b has gone to him.
And yes, occasionally I keep it in London. I have a place down on the South coast too where they spend most of their lives... No-one has ever touched the car though, or the P1, or the TVR, or the M5. Maybe I have good karma
Andy
Damien seems like a good guy - Happy that the 22b has gone to him.
And yes, occasionally I keep it in London. I have a place down on the South coast too where they spend most of their lives... No-one has ever touched the car though, or the P1, or the TVR, or the M5. Maybe I have good karma
Andy
Smifffy said:
Hey Podie - Well, time to move on. The 22b is showing its age a little and having wandered into a little bit of money I decided it was time for a treat. How's tricks with you?
Not too bad mate, thanks for asking. Trust you are well?If you're ever nearby, let us know - always welcome.
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