AUDI TT

AUDI TT

Design for the Audi TT began in 1994 and was released in 1998. The vehicle was built using laser beam welding technology, enabling seamless design features. The name TT is derived from the motor racing tradition of NSU in the british Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT). The engine was a 1.8 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produced 222 horsepower. The early models of the TT gained press coverage due to a number of high speed crashes in Europe. The crashes were reported to have occurred at speeds in excess of 110 mph during abrupt lane changes or sharp turns. This led to Audi recalling the vehicles and improving predictability of the cars handling at high speeds. An electronic stability system, rear spoiler, and suspension modifications were among the modifications.

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MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO VI

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO VI

The sixth generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was sold between 1999 and 2001. Changes from the older models included a larger intercooler, larger oil cooler, and new pistons, along with a titanium-aluminide turbine wheel. The engine was a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. The engine was able to produce 303 horsepower. The Lancer EVO was built to be a rally car, so the suspension is finely tuned to be able to handle more aggressive driving than the average car. The all-wheel drive system coupled with the suspension allowed the vehicle to fly around corners without losing control, as long as the driver knew what they were doing. Zero to sixty for the Lancer EVO was listed at 6.5 seconds and it’s top speed was 148 mph.

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MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER (R129)

MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER (R129)

Produced from 1989-2003 the Mercedes-Benz SL roadsters were great sports cars for their time. The vehicles had automated electro-hydraulic textile tonneau covers. They also came with a detachable hardtop that could be fitted after the canvas roof was folded down. There were various engine choices, but the most popular one was the 500SL’s engine: a 32 valve DOHC V8 that produced 322 horsepower. A 5-speed manual was standard, with a 4-speed automatic optional. The suspension was set to provide a luxury car feel, with sports car performance. The SL Roadster was the first convertible/roadster to offer an automatic rollbar that deployed in the event of car rollover. The driver can also choose to manually raise or lower the rollbar should they choose to. This gave the SL Roadster a clean look without sacrificing safety.

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TOYOTA SUPRA (A80)

TOYOTA SUPRA (A80)

Another vehicle that gained more popularity due to the Fast and the Furious franchise was the Toyota Supra. This version of the Supra took a large step in the direction of serious high-performance. Two engines were available, one without a turbo that made 220 horsepower and a twin-turbo model that made 276 horsepower. The model exported to America and Europe had larger fuel injectors and smaller, steel wheeled turbochargers. This increased horsepower to 320. A six-speed manual transmission was standard in the turbo model. The Supra was able to reach 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, and ran the ¼ mile in 13.1 seconds. The turbochargers ran in sequential mode, much like the Mazda RX-7. A targa top was optional on the non-turbo models, and standard on models with turbochargers.

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PORSCHE BOXSTER

PORSCHE BOXSTER

The Boxster was the first original road vehicle designed by Porsche since the 550 spyder. Introduced in 1996, the design was heavily influenced by the 1992 Boxster concept. The Boxster’s name is derived from the word “boxer”, referring to the vehicle’s horizontally opposed or “boxer” engine, and the word “roadster”, referring to the vehicle’s two-seat capacity and convertible top. The Boxster was equipped with a six-cylinder engine that produced 201 horsepower and was able to reach 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. The diminutive size and low center of gravity gave the Boxster increased stability when coupled with the perfectly tuned suspension. Many attribute the Boxster with saving Porsche from acquisition, as the company was in financial trouble until it’s release.

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