I rode bikes for 50 years before my doctor made me quit for health reasons. Sure, I had my share of accidents, but no permanent body damage worth mentioning. The two tank-slappers I’ve had (Honda 500, KZ1000) were caused by a combination of high speed (100+) and rutted pavement. Both were saved before anything bad…

Although I already knew about the intake valve carbon buildup problem on DI motors, I had no idea it was so expensive to clean up. The complexity and component cost of PI+DI systems is a no-go for me. Simpler is better, even at the cost of less MPG. Manufacturers should publish life-of-vehicle service cost estimates…

Good video, and accurate. But, it misses a key part of the experience when accelerating from a standing start in a “normal” vehicle. (Purpose-built drag racers are another story.) Engines with low torque and plenty of high RPM power require extreme care to launch without burning the clutch and/or spinning the tires…

I get it. But, I’ve driven more than a few, and I don’t like it. My Boxster S was way more satisfying and predictable at its limits.

Considering the handling quality of the standard BRZ, why wouldn’t the monthly track day driver just buy the base model for $26K and install a Jackson Racing Supercharger for $6K? That strategy worked well on my Miata NA without damaging reliability.

This reply will probably curse our sedan, but it has a warranty so what the hell. We’ve driven our Phaeton pretty hard for 4 years without any serious problems. Sure, our Toyota Sienna has a lower cost of ownership, though it’s much less satisfying to drive.

An even better hot rod bargain ($20K to $30K), if you can handle the maintenance costs: SL55 AMG. One second slower 1/4 mile than the ‘vette, but same top speed. One hell of a lot more comfortable and hard top convertible.

1995 Lexus SC400. Bulletproof quality. Clean design. Plenty fast. (I’ve cruised my cousin’s car at 110 MPH for hours.) A mint condition one will be way under your budget, Derek. Here are some cheap ones:

I’ve experienced brake squeal to some degree on every sporty car I’ve ever owned, including Porsche. None made a peep under hard braking. Some required a light brake foot when driving about town to minimize noise. Others needed hard stops every time to be silent. Got noisy brakes, now? Try modulating the pedal…

I rode bikes for 50 years (yes, I’m a Boomer). Early on, I spent 2 years with a Harley. Nothing about that bike was worth liking, except the noise. I think H-D could still succeed, but they need new everything.

9 years is NOT a long production run for a sporty car. The current Mercedes SL is fundamentally the same car as when it was first produced in 2002. The only updates have been regulatory requirements and feature tweaks. Also, see Fiat 124/2000 Spider, 1966 - 1982.

The spindle is not boring, it’s just fugly as hell.

For those of you who can’t afford $150K daily drivers, may I suggest a Benz almost as luxo, more agile and just as quick: SL55 AMG. The only complaint I have about mine is the low seat height, which makes entry and exit challenging.

I’ve admired the SM since its introduction. Jay Leno did a good video of his. As a fan of odd cars, I considered buying one when I lived in the SF area. (There are several Citroen mechanics there.) Now, living in the boonies it’s impossible to imagine keeping one running.

Good advice, Kristen.

But you do know what his pants look like.

My first ever cruise was on the SS United States, from NYC to Le Havre, France in 1964. A big Atlantic storm helped push us across in 3 1/2 days; close to the speed record. Waves were breaking well over the bow. My brother was in his bunk for 2 days. Exciting, but not something I want to repeat.

Sure, but can it smoke a cigarette with its USB port?

Many geologists believe that methane is constantly being generated in the earth’s crust as a consequence of tectonic plate subduction. If this is true, we still don’t know if we’re extracting methane faster than it is being produced. In any case, we have at least several hundred years worth.

Considering the whole picture, from EV manufacturing, electric generation/distribution to recycling of spent cars and batteries, it seems to me we are going down the wrong road. Our country and much of the world is flooded with natural gas, with no end of supply in sight. A solution that includes conversion to CNG for…