Top Ten Soulless Sports
Cars
Okay, just to clarify, the title of
this list is 'top ten soulless sports cars', not 'top ten worst
sports cars'. That explains why some of these cars are quite
good - some very, very good. They just don't have much personality
or character about them.
Some are just too packed with technology and electronics to
be a driver's car. Others were the result of badge-engineering
and designed by accountants. And others, through no fault of
their own, have been brought down by the type of people often
found behind the wheel.
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Lexus
SC 430
The Lexus SC430 was Lexus' first attempt at a hardtop coupe-convertible.
It can often be found lurking around golf courses and sitting
on driveways in weathly retirement complexes.
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Bentley
Continental GT
The Bentley Continental GT has become the car of choice for
the well-heeled driver who doesn't seem to know what they want.
They've seen their rich neighbors driving one, so of course
they must have one too.
Stylewise the Continental GT is imposing in proportion, but
lacking in character.
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BMW
8 Series
The 8 Series was one of the most technologically advanced vehicles
ever developed by BMW. When new it was extremely expensive -
even now a good one will set you back a considerable chunk of
change. It's still highly desirable, and an unusual option for
a luxury sports coupe. However it's like a computer; very clever,
but you don't want to stare at it all day.
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Honda
NSX
The NSX is an absolutely fantastic car, there's no doubting
that. But for some reason, despite the fact it was developed
with the help of Ayrton Senna, it just doesn't have much soul.
It's reliable, driveable and relatively easily maintained. But
it doesn't have any passion about it. It's an engineer's car,
not a designer's.
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Infiniti
G35
The Infiniti G35 was just a rebadged version of the Nissan 350Z.
Except whereas the 350Z had the Datsun heritage to give it some
historical appeal, the G35 was merely created to suit a slightly
older clientele.
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Cadillac
XLR-V
The Cadillac XLR-V is the ultimate expression of GM's failed
badge engineering badge-engineering philosophy.
Essentially the XLR was a rebodied Corvette with a few more
luxuries and a considerably higher price tag.
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Volvo
C70
Volvo's always had a bit of an image problem. Safe and solid,
but not exactly exciting. So it's easy to understand why Volvo
sports cars are not going to get the blood racing in most people.
The C70's sensible generic styling makes it a choice for the
head, not the heart.
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Mitsubishi
3000GT
The Mitsubishi 3000GT is the perfect example how too many electronic
driver aids and engineering witchcraft can ruin a vehicle. Due
to all the technology, the 3000GT was incredibly heavy, and
it completely removed all driver feedback - making it one of
the worst driver's cars ever.
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MG
TF
The MG TF, and the MGF which preceded it, were designed to re-ignite
fond memories of the MGA, and MGB.
But sadly it looked better than it went. Accountant engineering
strikes again.
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Mercedes-Benz
SL
The Mercedes-Benz SL has always been an impeccably engineered
car. However it's never been a car with much personality. With
the latest generation, the designers have tried to inject some
excitement into the styling. But the SL's still a sensible choice,
not a choice made out of sheer desire.
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