RE: The American Dream: six US cars we want to own
Wednesday 11th January 2017
We're really very lucky on this side of the pond. The breadth and depth of models available often gives us greater variety to choose from than our American cousins, and our more flexible import laws mean that if a car you really want isn't obtainable on the forecourt, you don't have to wait 25 years to get your hands on it. Our supercars have gone unmolested by hideous safety appendages and our less archaic regulations have allowed practical innovations, like Audi's Matrix Beam LED headlights, to come to market sooner. But despite this, with the North American International Auto Show now underway in Detroit, conversation in PH Towers has inevitably turned to those cars on display which we just wish we had an excuse to get on test!
Ford Mustang GT350
The most powerful naturally-aspirated Ford ever made, its 5.2-litre, flat-plane-crank V8 revs to a barely believable 8,200rpm and sounds as incredible as those numbers suggest. Our man Mike Duff drove the GT350 back in 2015 and loved it. The R sheds a further 60kg by losing the rear seats and utilising various lightweight parts, including carbon fibre wheels, but its all around usability makes the 'regular' 350 the car we're lusting after here.
Dodge Charger Hellcat
It was always going to make a list like this, so we may as well get it out of the way early on. The Charger and Challenger are mechanically identical so, in line with PH's firm belief that 707hp saloons are cooler than 707hp coupes, the Charger is the one we'd go for! Matt has already explained our love for this car but let's just say that pulling up next to an M5 or RS4 at the lights is never going to feel better than it will in one of these... And if your appetite has been whetted, members are already discussing the best way to get hold of its two-door sibling in the forums here!
Ford F-150 Raptor
Okay, so the new 3.5-litre, twin-turbo V6 doesn't earn as many 'Murica points as the outgoing 6.2-litre V8, but it does deliver even more power - 450hp to be precise. In a truck. The apocalypse proof stance and styling coupled with its genuine off road capability make the Raptor the pick-up we'd love to get our hands on. Obviously we're not alone in this feeling, one heroic PHer having brought his along to our December Goodwood Sunday Service.
Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
Another car that our Mike has been lucky enough to drive recently and another that left us wanting a go ourselves. No, it's not the range topping Z06, but for us the Grand Sport would be the pick of the bunch. Its 460hp shouldn't be too much of a handful on UK roads, the optional Z07 pack adds carbon ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and, well, just look at it!
Dodge Viper ACR
As you'd expect from a nation armed to the teeth, the Viper ACR is an absolute track weapon. With 645hp and an optional Extreme Aero Package, not only does it hold lap records at 13 different circuits, but it beat the Porsche 918's record time around Laguna Seca by over a second. And that's a lot when the entire lap only takes 88 of them. We spotted one on the site just a few months ago and the mark-up was quite steep then. But the Viper is sadly not long for this world and if we could afford it, it would certainly be tempting!
Cadillac CTS-V
Cadillac has traditionally appealed to a curious clientele. Athletes and rappers from sea to shining sea were catered for by the epitome of blingy excess, the Escalade. Meanwhile OAPs, the kind who peered over the wheel as they careened down the wrong side of the road, were catered for by, well, everything else in the range. This makes for a potentially contentious final pick. But Cadillacs have come a long way in recent years and the CTS-V is proof of this. For those bored of the somewhat cookie-cutter design language of certain German manufacturers, it could certainly never be accused of being plain. On top of which, as we highlighted towards the end of last year, the current version boasts an incredible 640hp (delivered through the rear wheels!) making it a genuine 200mph star-spangled super saloon!
The American Dream: six US cars we want to own
With all eyes on Detroit this week we turn our envious gaze on the cars Americans keep to themselves
The most powerful naturally-aspirated Ford ever made, its 5.2-litre, flat-plane-crank V8 revs to a barely believable 8,200rpm and sounds as incredible as those numbers suggest. Our man Mike Duff drove the GT350 back in 2015 and loved it. The R sheds a further 60kg by losing the rear seats and utilising various lightweight parts, including carbon fibre wheels, but its all around usability makes the 'regular' 350 the car we're lusting after here.
It was always going to make a list like this, so we may as well get it out of the way early on. The Charger and Challenger are mechanically identical so, in line with PH's firm belief that 707hp saloons are cooler than 707hp coupes, the Charger is the one we'd go for! Matt has already explained our love for this car but let's just say that pulling up next to an M5 or RS4 at the lights is never going to feel better than it will in one of these... And if your appetite has been whetted, members are already discussing the best way to get hold of its two-door sibling in the forums here!
Okay, so the new 3.5-litre, twin-turbo V6 doesn't earn as many 'Murica points as the outgoing 6.2-litre V8, but it does deliver even more power - 450hp to be precise. In a truck. The apocalypse proof stance and styling coupled with its genuine off road capability make the Raptor the pick-up we'd love to get our hands on. Obviously we're not alone in this feeling, one heroic PHer having brought his along to our December Goodwood Sunday Service.
Another car that our Mike has been lucky enough to drive recently and another that left us wanting a go ourselves. No, it's not the range topping Z06, but for us the Grand Sport would be the pick of the bunch. Its 460hp shouldn't be too much of a handful on UK roads, the optional Z07 pack adds carbon ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and, well, just look at it!
As you'd expect from a nation armed to the teeth, the Viper ACR is an absolute track weapon. With 645hp and an optional Extreme Aero Package, not only does it hold lap records at 13 different circuits, but it beat the Porsche 918's record time around Laguna Seca by over a second. And that's a lot when the entire lap only takes 88 of them. We spotted one on the site just a few months ago and the mark-up was quite steep then. But the Viper is sadly not long for this world and if we could afford it, it would certainly be tempting!
Cadillac has traditionally appealed to a curious clientele. Athletes and rappers from sea to shining sea were catered for by the epitome of blingy excess, the Escalade. Meanwhile OAPs, the kind who peered over the wheel as they careened down the wrong side of the road, were catered for by, well, everything else in the range. This makes for a potentially contentious final pick. But Cadillacs have come a long way in recent years and the CTS-V is proof of this. For those bored of the somewhat cookie-cutter design language of certain German manufacturers, it could certainly never be accused of being plain. On top of which, as we highlighted towards the end of last year, the current version boasts an incredible 640hp (delivered through the rear wheels!) making it a genuine 200mph star-spangled super saloon!
So there you have it, six of the best American cars that we would love to get our hands on. Have you been lucky enough to drive any of them yourself? Or do you have anything you'd like to add to the list? As always, share your thoughts with us below!
Discussion
Vee12V said:
Would rather have a GT350(R) than an M3 or any other European equivalent. They've come a long way.
Would wholeheartedly agree, in fact I'd choose the Hellcat or CTS-V over most European saloons too and the Corvette over most European sports cars. While the European manufacturers seem to have regressed into some emissions obsessed, downsized, boring cycle, it seems the American's are the only ones left who still know how to make properly exciting PH cars.Guvernator said:
Would wholeheartedly agree, in fact I'd choose the Hellcat or CTS-V over most European saloons too and the Corvette over most European sports cars. While the European manufacturers seem to have regressed into some emissions obsessed, downsized, boring cycle, it seems the American's are the only ones left who still know how to make properly exciting PH cars.
True, but even the Raptor has downsized in terms of its engine, so maybe they are starting down the same path as the rest of us?MerriDave said:
Now we are 'At the front of the queue' for a trade deal with the US (according to Bojo) maybe we might end up getting our hands on some of these a bit more easily. I'll have a Raptor please. 
I don't think it'd work in the UK although it would be hilarious trying (mirror to mirror its the same width as a transit van).Mine returns an average of 12mpg, when hypermiling I've had 23mpg out of it.
Edited by Mansells Tash on Wednesday 11th January 12:14
Of the 'Murican muscle currently available, I'd consider the following:
Chevy SS Impala - very sensible trousers
Tesla P60D (whatever the product code is) - sensible but quiet trousers
Hellcat Charger - quite sensible but loud trousers
Hellcat Challenger - not very sensible and very loud trousers
and
Ford Velociraptor - no trousers at all
Chevy SS Impala - very sensible trousers
Tesla P60D (whatever the product code is) - sensible but quiet trousers
Hellcat Charger - quite sensible but loud trousers
Hellcat Challenger - not very sensible and very loud trousers
and
Ford Velociraptor - no trousers at all
After various trips last year i would have a few over the european counterparts.
Had a brand new Escalade ESV (the full fat one). Did 6,000 miles on sheer comfort and good interior. For a 6.2 it averaged 26mpg and did the old cylinder deactivation to a v4.
Next i hired the CTS-V. Only way to describe this is an animal. Pulled over a few times in this but police couldnt be bothered with my UK driving licence.
Last trip in November i was given the Ford Explorer with the 3.5 Turbo lump. Wasnt impressed. Drank fuel and felt slow.
A shame cadillac wont be back here in RHD with interesting engines.
Had a brand new Escalade ESV (the full fat one). Did 6,000 miles on sheer comfort and good interior. For a 6.2 it averaged 26mpg and did the old cylinder deactivation to a v4.
Next i hired the CTS-V. Only way to describe this is an animal. Pulled over a few times in this but police couldnt be bothered with my UK driving licence.
Last trip in November i was given the Ford Explorer with the 3.5 Turbo lump. Wasnt impressed. Drank fuel and felt slow.
A shame cadillac wont be back here in RHD with interesting engines.
Mansells Tash said:
I don't think it'd work in the UK although it would be hilarious trying (mirror to mirror its the same width as a transit van).
Mine returns an average of 12mpg, when hypermiling I've had 23mpg out of it.
Hypermiling a Raptor. Wow, never thought I would read something like that. Mine returns an average of 12mpg, when hypermiling I've had 23mpg out of it.
Edited by Mansells Tash on Wednesday 11th January 12:14
Mansells Tash said:
The Grand Sport over the Z06? C'mon man! Go the full monty, you don't buy a 335i when you're putting a list of cars you want to own from Germany, you go for the M3!
I've just got my Raptor back from the dealer and I missed it so much!
Most reviews state the Z06 has so much power to be undriveable.I've just got my Raptor back from the dealer and I missed it so much!
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