Looking for some help in choosing my next car

[hsv_sc]

Hi all.

A long time since I was last here.

I am looking for my next car and wanted some help in narrowing down the options.

As you'll see from my username, I once had a HSV GTS VT2 (X plate / 2000), import number 23 for that year. This was a 5.7 LS1 V8 with a Wortec supercharger. 6 speed manual. Full leather. Bermuda blue. Circa 500hp. I'd love to find this car again, but on the basis that I don't, here's what I'm looking for:

Power upwards of 450hp
Forced induction, no NA
Manual gearbox or an auto with switchable full manual mode with normal gear change (no full time auto's or basic semi auto's)
RWD or AWD, not FWD
Must be big and comfortable inside
Budget up to 20k

Not looking for a VXR8 or Monaro.

A quick search online shows me Audi, BMW (less common manuals). But I'd love some ideas of what else.

All thoughts welcome.

Thank you.

Edited by hsv_sc on Saturday 29th January 14:50

Edited by hsv_sc on Saturday 29th January 14:53

[Strudul]

XKR?

[Stuart70]

XFR. Sorted.

[ZX10R NIN]

CLS55 AMG

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201231...

5.5TT V8 CL63

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111199...

Or if you don't mind a remap that'll see you with 500bhp, then the 4.7TT V8 CL500 is a good call:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201171...

Or there's this 650bhp one that was owned by a PH member:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105273...

M5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201111...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201151...

XFR

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201161...

[Nickp82]

XFR all day long, lovely cars

[ooid]

Above 450 HP, RCF

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201101...

Less than 450 HP, ISF

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109237...

[hsv_sc]

Thanks to all for the responses.

In my post, I stated no full time auto's or semi auto's that can't simulate the manual driving experience.

This will rule out people's suggestions above and indeed, most BMWs, Audis, Merc etc.

Comments invited.

Thanks

[kiethton]

I'd be tempted to look at the best E39 M5 you can and then add the supercharger kit later on:

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12743624

+

https://arperformance.co.uk/product/ess-tuning-e39...

=

[Strudul]

hsv_sc said:

Thanks to all for the responses.

In my post, I stated no full time auto's or semi auto's that can't simulate the manual driving experience.

This will rule out people's suggestions above and indeed, most BMWs, Audis, Merc etc.

Comments invited.

Thanks

The Jags and BMWs can be put into manual mode and use paddles only, no? Not sure what else you're after or how you can get any closer to "simulating" a manual with an auto?

As for real manuals...
Tuned Manual E9X M3
Boosted Mustang / Corvette / TVR

[lotuselan7]

Don’t think a car like that exists anymore within your criteria. You won’t get big German saloons with manuals.

[Jamescrs]

lotuselan7 said:

Don’t think a car like that exists anymore within your criteria. You won’t get big German saloons with manuals.

I agree with this, if you rule out Monaro VXR's you would have to look at possibly a TVR of some description which had been modified but would be far from ideal as a daily car.

I suspect the bigger Mustangs are above your budget currently

[hsv_sc]

Thanks for the comments all

I'm sure some lesser known company out there has made a car with a fully switchable manual / auto driving experience.

But, that's almost certainly out of my price range.

So yes, it's down to something like a blown Mustang or (older) BMW. Unless I can find the right HSV. Not an easy task.

This has confirmed what I already thought. Appreciate the help.

[Killer2005]

ZX10R NIN said:

CLS55 AMG

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201231...

5.5TT V8 CL63

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111199...

Or if you don't mind a remap that'll see you with 500bhp, then the 4.7TT V8 CL500 is a good call:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201171...

Or there's this 650bhp one that was owned by a PH member:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105273...

M5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201111...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201151...

XFR

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201161...

Lurking in here for a potential what car thread of my own, but that CL63 is lovely. Below budget too.

[ooid]

Perhaps a TVR too, (Cerbera), still a bit below 450 hp but it's a hard budget to be honest, I would say you need min 25k for that.

[Strudul]

Manual Stage 2 E9X 335i
440bhp
TT
Manual
RWD
Big and comfortable
<10k, so plenty left to up the power
Not a VXR8 or Monaro.

[hsv_sc]

Thanks guys those last 2 comments have def got me thinking.

What I loved about the HSV was that virtually no one knew what the F it was.

Got to say for sub 10k, the TT 335i is def appealing.