Based on what I can find the LS3 is ~35kg heavier than a KA24DE (can't find weight data on a KA24E if that was the engine in the car). That sort of weight can be either lost with cheap things like fibreglass and alloy parts, or redistributed by putting the battery in the back.

What pisses me off is that they could have taken a really shitty rusted out POS with a blown engine, knackered suspension (but a relatively intact tub) and done the exact same thing without ripping apart a perfectly driveable classic.

That's one of the things I love about having a Spitfire :) everyone above a certain age has either had a Spitfire themselves, or has a cool story associated with them.

Cool :) I'd be just as excited if someone made a video about any of my cars :)

Hi there, you've probably long-gone from this thread but I'd just like to say that your garage and car have been a real inspiration for me.

Agreed on the S63 front. I've yet to see a modern Merc that I would describe as 'classy'. 'Chintzy' yes, 'blingy' yes but not classy.

Soooooo Luxo Bowler Wildcat with 5.0l supercharged V8? Awww hell yes sign me up.

Yep :) my stock exhaust rusted through just short of the cat so I got a stainless cat-back system that deletes one of the two silencers. Well worth the cost :)

This. I've got a 2.5l 24v in my 156 and nothing else I've driven has been as creamy-smooth, linear or vocal as that :)

Hmmmm, one would do very very nicely in a Mercury Capri I'm thinking :)

This.

Hmmm, this would release Maserati somewhat, which is a good thing considering I like them much more than Ferrari :)

Late to the party, but the stripper performance model.

I wouldn't expect it to compete with a 90s Honda in those stakes no :S

I must say I absolutely agree with you. That's part of the reason I don't really like lowered cars, or track-stiff suspension, or big horsepower.

Neat :) that's my Spitfire (and Alfa)!

Gotcha. Better or at the same level of the Germans would be great. I wonder whether they'll improve that with this latest car...

Neat :) I love that Kia is becoming ambitious. Luxury names need to start somewhere, and as far as I'm concerned they're better looking than pretty much everything made by BMW and Merc at the moment (although the new 3 is growing on me).

Awww hell yes :) love these cars. It's a real shame BL didn't do enough to capitalise on their popularity down under. Cars like the P6 3500, 2500PI and SD1 V8 were pretty much perfect for Oz. They had a great little niche as compact 'small' engined sports saloons as a foil to the larger local brutes like the Falcon.

I never said anything about rally cars :) I meant hoon-mobiles. Something to take to a desert and rip on until it's completely destroyed. Clapped-out crown vics are pretty much perfect, from what I hear :)