Cool cars for tough times
Need a break from the financial meltdown? Here are seven cars so cool they may just distract you from your portfolio. Have a look, and listen to them rev up.
Corvette ZR1
From $104,820
638-hp V-8
0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds
The experience: I knew the numbers, I knew the modifications, I knew it was going to be fast. But I had no idea how thrillingly capable Chevy's highest-performing 'Vette really is until I turned the traction control off and carefully laid the pedal all the way to the metal. Lordy! I've always felt Corvettes were too big, too floaty, with too much hood in front to feel playful. But the ZR1 feels taut, stable, and extremely well sorted. Given its rear-wheel-drive setup, it also allowed me to ignite the tires at a moment's notice - with a dollop of electronic intervention to keep me pointed ahead.
The verdict: Surprisingly it was the most fun and most powerful, and a strong contender for easiest to drive. You can't possibly understand how fantastic it is until you experience it.
638-hp V-8
0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds
The experience: I knew the numbers, I knew the modifications, I knew it was going to be fast. But I had no idea how thrillingly capable Chevy's highest-performing 'Vette really is until I turned the traction control off and carefully laid the pedal all the way to the metal. Lordy! I've always felt Corvettes were too big, too floaty, with too much hood in front to feel playful. But the ZR1 feels taut, stable, and extremely well sorted. Given its rear-wheel-drive setup, it also allowed me to ignite the tires at a moment's notice - with a dollop of electronic intervention to keep me pointed ahead.
The verdict: Surprisingly it was the most fun and most powerful, and a strong contender for easiest to drive. You can't possibly understand how fantastic it is until you experience it.
Last updated November 03 2008: 8:49 AM ET
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