Enter the Red Button: Honda S2000

It's about time, but it's finally sinking in that the s2k's no test car :)

The process of hitting the red starter button and experiencing the eruption of the car to life still continues to thrill me.

There's almost 800km on the odometer and the roof still hasn't come off, so I've yet to use this switch...



After driving the car a little more, i've realised this has to be one of the best gear-shifts in the business. Firm, precise and authoritatively notchy.

I've mentioned it before, but I'll have to rave about it again: Considering the limited range of seat adjustment, it's quite clear this is a car that enthusiasts built for enthusiasts.

The seat complements the steering wheel (fixed), pedal placement and gear-lever to provide me with an optimum driving position, and this applies to people of different shapes and sizes as well, not just my modest proportions LOL.

On so many other roadsters, it takes takes lots of adjusting before you're satisfied with the driving posture.

I learnt something new after hooking up with a fellow S2K owner today:


(S2k geddering, with emphasis on '2') lol

Thanks V., i never knew about the 'other' storage compartment! And i was wondering where S2k owners stowed their assortment of knick-knacks!

After all the good stuff, i'm still bugged by the flat spot in the rev band at light to moderate throttle inputs. There's a discernible hesitation as the car crosses the 3000rpm mark.

This doesn't occur when the pedal is pressed to the metal but it does get annoying at lower speeds especially when I'm pulling out of junctions or making u-turns.

Hopefully, it'll be resolved after the first service.

D*mn-lerchrysler SL gets f**ked by D*mn-hot Ferrari Spyder

surely something like a Merc SL, even a 'lowly' 350, is a special car for special occasions, but when i saw tis particular SL350 in fullerton parked behind a frigging ferrari 360 spider, the merc suddenly looks cheap and just a bit underwhelming...

so wat if it's got tat fancy steel roof n performs a mechanical ballet wen putting it up or down? the SL stops being a 'Merc'-have once a ferrari spider, any spider, even a broken-down spider with just three legs and no sting, is anywhere in the vicinity!

(*angsty entry contributed by the irrepressible TINGTANK)

Monday Blues: VW Golf R32 & Honda S2000

Still enjoying the STUK, although a minor fracas with a kerb yesterday evening left me with one blemished rear left rim :(

We have TWO BLUEs under the porch this evening. the second? VW's Golf R32.



Yes it looks simple and sedate, practically no different from any other FSI Golf out there, but this is the crazy R32. It's animated by the same 3.2L V6 found under the hood of the Audi TT, and it features 4Motion 4-wheel drive as well for even better grip.

Chrome grille, exhaust pipes, larger rims and the 'R32' badge on the backside should be warning enough to potential challengers.

dials are wicked looking too!



This version is slightly different from when the car was first launched: it now features Recaro front race seats for even better grip and support while cornering.

Chunkie Munkie certainly had no complaints and seemed to enjoy the snug fit!



The inside of the VW showroom may currently look like this:


... but that isn't going to stop us from having fun with this one today!



VW's OE (Original Equipment) Recaro seats may be a $10,000 upgrade option, but IMHO, they come nowhere close to the special Recaro beauties found in the Subaru Impreza WRX STI S204. reclinable with carbon-backs... Yummy!



Don't be deterred by the fact that the R32 is a 3-dr...


...since there's plenty of space for four big buffaloes on board, even in the back.


The R32 is deceptively fast, unlike the brarrp brarrp antics of the Golf GTI, and some might even regard the V6 as unsuited for the golf's boy-racer image, in very much the same way the 2L Turbo FSI engine seems so juvenile in a car as sophisticated as the Audi TT, which better deserves the silky smooth V6.

but when all is said and done, it doesnt change the fact that this REALLY sounds like a ROCKING motor! Nail the throttle when you're entering a tunnel with the windows and moonroof wide open... :) Yes, i'm well aware the video quality sucks but that's not the point, LISTEN to that exhaust note!



Fast Facts: VW Golf R32
Engine: 3189cc, V6
Maximum power: 250bhp at 6300rpm
Maximum torque: 320Nm at 2800rpm
Transmission: 6-speed DSG
LxBxH: 4246x1759x1465mm
Wheelbase: 2578mm