09 Jun 09
Porsche 911 GT3 (2009-)
We could argue all day over which Porsche 911 you must drive before you check out permanently, but it's the 911 GT3 you should choose.
True, we could make a convincing case that the far cheaper and beautifully-balanced mid-engined Cayman S is the better driving Porker, but in years to come will you really bore you grandkids with tales of a life-affirming drive in the junior 911? Of course not.
You'd prefer to tell them about the real thing - and where better to start than the most recent 429bhp 911 GT3?
This stripped-back Porsche is blessed with devastating pace, courtesy of its howling 3.8 flat-six. Against the clock the 911 nails 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds while topping out just short of the magic 200mph. The way it drives is nothing short of sublime with its incredible grip, traction and balance when you push things a little too far. Of course, you won't tell the grandkids that, you'll tell them of an epic battle with an evil rear-engined beast...
Caterham Superlight R300 (2009-)
If you think the 911 GT3 is a little bit extreme with its huge spoilers and excessive weight-saving, you may need to sit down because the R300 will frighten you into an early grave. Without roof, doors or even windscreen to protect you from the elements, this Caterham is as pure and undiluted as a driving experience can get.
The R300 is one of life's great communicators. You're bombarded with feedback and information that other cars simply filter out. The steering feels so alive that to feel any close to what's going on beneath you would have to drag your knuckles along the asphalt.
Few cars respond this well to the throttle and even fewer are as balanced. The R300 is a happy medium between the lower powered cars and the ballistic R500, which feels as though any minute you will arrive at a bend at least 20mph too fast.
