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Episode #210 - Doug DeMuro & The Death of Fun Cars

Episode #210 - Doug DeMuro & The Death of Fun Cars

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About this episode

Doug DeMuro joins the hosts to discuss the decline of fun cars in the automotive market, exploring what defines a fun car and reminiscing about the golden era of affordable, engaging vehicles. They debate the impact of crossovers on the availability of sporty coupes and the nostalgia for models from the late '80s and early '90s. The conversation touches on various cars, including the Miata and the Dodge Charger EV, while considering both the historical context and current offerings that still deliver driving enjoyment.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Ford Taurus
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Taurus

"The original car was the 89 Taurus SHO, I believe. That's right."

The Ford Taurus SHO is a special version of the Taurus car that was made to be faster and sportier. The 1989 model had a strong engine that made it stand out from regular Taurus cars.

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Chevy Sprint Turbo
EpicSebas (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Chevy Sprint Turbo

"The Chevy Sprint Turbo. Are we going to review this and sell it?"

The Chevy Sprint Turbo is a small car from the 1980s made by Chevrolet. It has a turbo engine that makes it faster than regular small cars.

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Dodge Charger
Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Dodge Charger

"...that's the Dodge Charger EV. And that one right up to Shea. Back when that was available..."

The Dodge Charger EV is an electric car that is based on the Charger, a well-known muscle car. This version uses electricity instead of gasoline, which is part of a trend where more cars are being made to run on electricity.

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Mazda Miata
Yaktatel (Public domain)
Car

Mazda Miata

"What were our cheap fun cars in that like 1990? Miata hitting the scene, right? Like, I also, to be fai..."
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Chevrolet Cavalier
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Chevrolet Cavalier

"...I like shitty domestic cars, too. So like Cavaliers, the 24s, they really revved my engine, if you will..."

The Chevrolet Cavalier is a small car that was made by Chevrolet for many years. It was known for being affordable and a common choice for everyday driving.

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Chevrolet Cavalier Z24
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Chevrolet Cavalier Z24

"I would argue that the Z24 Cavalier was never actually a fun car. It only pretended to be one."

The Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 is a version of the Cavalier that was meant to be sportier and more fun to drive. However, some people think it didn't really deliver on that promise.

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Term

V6 engine

"anemic V6 by GM."

A V6 engine is a type of car engine that has six cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's known for providing a good mix of power and fuel efficiency, which is why many cars use it.

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Acura Integra GSR
SmackJam (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Acura Integra GSR

"...early to mid 90s, you had Integra GSR, you had the CRX, you had the Prey, the Celica, the probe."

The Acura Integra GSR is a sportier version of the Acura Integra, a small car that many people loved for its fun driving experience. It was especially popular in the 1990s.

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Toyota Celica
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota Celica

"...you had the escort GT. That's like I think that one one truth of what you're saying..."

The Toyota Celica is a sporty compact car that many people liked for its stylish looks and fun driving experience. It was popular in the 90s.

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Honda CRX
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Honda CRX

"...you had the CRX, you had the Prey, the Celica, the probe."

The Honda CRX is a small, fun car that many people enjoyed driving because it was light and quick. It was especially loved in the late 80s and early 90s.

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Ford Probe
Kieran White (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Ford Probe

"...you had the escort GT. That's like I think that one one truth of what you're saying..."

The Ford Probe is a sporty car that was made in the 90s. It was designed to be fun to drive and was often seen as a cheaper option compared to other sports cars.

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Ford Escort GT
Toquehusk (CC BY 4.0)
Car

Ford Escort GT

"...there were definitely more of a focus on whether or not all of those cars are actually fun by today's standards..."

The Ford Escort GT is a sportier version of the regular Ford Escort, which was a compact car. It was known for being fun to drive and was popular in the 90s.

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Term

crossover

"...the crossover because crossovers no longer you can have the same level of performance and also sit up high..."

A crossover is a vehicle that is a mix between a car and an SUV. It usually has a higher seating position and more space, making it practical for everyday use.

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Nissan 240SX
Bull-Doser (Public domain)
Car

Nissan 240SX

"...we think that the rogue is like kind of what killed like the 240SX in a way..."

The Nissan 240SX is a sports car that was made in the 80s and 90s. It's loved by car fans because it's fun to drive and can be easily modified for racing.

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Toyota Paseo
Hans0024 (Public domain)
Car

Toyota Paseo

"...e we're perceiving them now as fun, right? Like a Paseo in a vacuum is probably not a terribly fun thing...."

The Toyota Paseo is a small car that was made in the 1990s and is known for being cheap to buy and good on gas. It’s a simple option for someone looking for an affordable car.

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Volkswagen New Beetle
Palauenc05 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volkswagen New Beetle

"Like the the the 99 new Beetle, I think is a fun thing, even if it's just in whimsy and not necessarily in driving experience."

The Volkswagen New Beetle is a modern version of the classic Beetle car. It was made to look fun and quirky, appealing to those who liked the original design.

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Chrysler PT Cruiser
IFCAR (Public domain)
Car

Chrysler PT Cruiser

"Do you think that the PT Cruiser was fun? I think for the people that bought it in period absolutely was a fun thing."

The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a small car that was made in the early 2000s. It has a unique, retro look that many people found fun and interesting.

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Jeep Wrangler
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Jeep Wrangler

"...by your definition is the Jeep Wrangler. Sure. Yeah. Yeah. I think that's that's that's a coaching point."

The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, off-road vehicle that many people love for adventures. It's designed to handle rough roads and is popular among those who enjoy outdoor activities.

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Ford Bronco
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Bronco

"...you can get a pretty basic Wrangler and have fun in a Bronco four cylinder steel wheel Bronco for not insane money."

The Ford Bronco is a popular SUV known for its off-road abilities. The four-cylinder version is a more fuel-efficient option that still provides good performance for outdoor adventures.

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Suzuki X90
Elise240SX (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Suzuki X90

"...the fun, quirky crossovers from that same era, whether it be the Amigo or the X-90 or the Tracker. You got to remember, though."

The Suzuki X-90 is a small SUV made by Suzuki in the 1990s. It's known for its unusual look and was designed to be a fun vehicle for driving.

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Chevrolet Tracker
Just a Man (CC BY 4.0)
Car

Chevrolet Tracker

"...the fun, quirky crossovers from that same era, whether it be the Amigo or the X-90 or the Tracker. You got to remember, though."

The Chevrolet Tracker is a small SUV that was sold in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was a budget-friendly option for people looking for an SUV.

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Nissan 200 SX
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Nissan 200 SX

"...there was also a 200 SX and a 240 SX and all that."

The Nissan 200 SX is a version of the 240 SX that was sold in some countries. It's also a fun car to drive and is popular among car fans.

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Nissan Pulsar
LukaCali (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Nissan Pulsar

"...An X 2000, a Pulsar."

The Nissan Pulsar is a small car that Nissan has made for many years. It’s known for being useful and has some sportier versions that are fun to drive.

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Subaru BRZ
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Subaru BRZ

"Sure. The BRZ and the GR 86 are damn good and not that expensive."

The Subaru BRZ is a small sports car that is fun to drive and not too expensive. It's designed for people who enjoy driving and want a car that handles well.

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Toyota Gr86
DestinationFearFan (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Toyota Gr86

"Sure. The BRZ and the GR 86 are damn good and not that expensive."

The Toyota GR 86 is a small sports car that is enjoyable to drive and affordable. It is similar to the Subaru BRZ and is built for people who love driving.

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Toyota MR2
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota MR2

"...like I said, a Ford Escort or a Toyota MR2 from the early 90s. Right. Vastly different cars. MR2 was always an affordable kind of sporty aspiration car..."

The Toyota MR2 is a small sports car that was made by Toyota. It was designed to be fun to drive and was popular for its sporty feel and affordable price.

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Subaru WRX
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Subaru WRX

"I just did a thing on this with the when WRX is still out there, which, by the way, was not ou..."

The Subaru WRX is a sporty version of a regular car that can drive really well in all kinds of weather because it has all-wheel drive. It’s popular with people who like fast cars and racing.

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Chrysler Daytona
Txemari. (Navarra). (CC0)
Car

Chrysler Daytona

"like a little. Yeah, the Daytona Shelby's and the Chargers and the Shadows and Col..."

The Chrysler Daytona is a sporty car from the 1980s that was designed to be fun to drive and look cool. It’s remembered for its unique style.

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Shelby Daytona Shelbys
Coolsteve11 (CC0)
Car

Shelby Daytona Shelbys

"like a little. Yeah, the Daytona Shelby's and the Chargers and the Shadows and Colry Colt Turbos."

The Shelby Daytona Coupe is a classic race car from the 1960s that was built to be very fast and win races. It’s famous for its unique design and racing success.

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Dodge Omni
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Dodge Omni

"those Shadow Turbos and all that stuff, even the Omnis, like they're all gone. But yeah, those cars,"

The Dodge Omni is a small car from the 1980s that was designed to be practical and affordable. It’s remembered for being one of the first hatchback cars in America.

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Audi 90
EskoG-67 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Audi 90

"...ven through like the 90s, like Audi, remember the Audi 90? Like they did a sedan and a convertible."

The Audi 90 is a compact car that was made a while ago and is known for being well-built and fun to drive. It came in both a regular car and a convertible version.

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Nissan Rogue
OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0)
Car

Nissan Rogue

"...e this way outside of the existence of the Nissan Rogue? Why do you think though that plays a role?"

The Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that’s great for families because it has a lot of space and is easy to drive. It’s a popular choice for people who need a versatile vehicle.

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Toyota Corolla
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota Corolla

"...ightly quick, you had to get a Passeo because the Corolla had 85 horsepower and was just a complete penalty..."

The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people buy because it’s reliable and gets good gas mileage. It’s a great choice for someone looking for a simple, everyday vehicle.

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Tesla Model Y
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Tesla Model Y

"you can lease a model Y for really not that much and do zero to 60 even faster than an exotic."

The Tesla Model Y is a type of electric car that is bigger than a sedan but smaller than a full-size SUV. It can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour very quickly, often faster than many sports cars.

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Term

0-60 time

"and do zero to 60 even faster than an exotic. I mean, so I do think that as part of it"

0-60 time is how long it takes a car to go from not moving to going 60 miles per hour. It's often used to show how fast a car can speed up.

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Toyota Camry
S5A-0043 (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Toyota Camry

"There was a four-seater coupe. There was a Camry coupe. There was a Camry wagon."

The Toyota Camry is a comfortable car that’s great for families and everyday driving. It’s known for being dependable and lasting a long time.

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Cadillac Escalade
Baron Maddock (CC BY 4.0)
Car

Cadillac Escalade

"...m afraid I'm gonna get devoned by a retiree in an Escalade after they're drinking a bottle of white zenit"

The Cadillac Escalade is a big, luxurious SUV that’s very comfortable and has a lot of space inside. It’s popular with people who want a fancy vehicle.

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Audi A8
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Audi A8

"Like you talk to anybody. I mean, they make the Audi A8. I don't know if you know this,"

The Audi A8 is a big luxury car that’s very comfortable and packed with technology. It’s designed for people who want the best in comfort and style.

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Term

electric vehicles (EVs)

"...I do think that will come in the form of electric cars. That I agree on..."

Electric vehicles, or EVs, are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and are becoming more common as technology improves.

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Hyundai Ioniq 5
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Hyundai Ioniq 5

"...d so I think you're gonna see weird stuff like an Ioniq 5 off-road version. And like, there's good, which e..."

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric SUV that looks modern and is good for the environment. It’s designed to be practical and has a lot of space inside.

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Morgan Six Plus
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Morgan Six Plus

"...y like, when you're back on cars and not spending six plus figures. If I were to go back to that realm of th..."

The Morgan Plus Six is a fancy sports car that looks classic and is made by hand. It’s for people who love unique cars and want something special.

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Honda Accord
Throwawayacc222 (CC0)
Car

Honda Accord

"Damn it. Remember the, remember the Accord coupe from that era that had the NSX rear end?"

The Honda Accord is a popular car that’s known for being comfortable and reliable. It’s a good choice for people who want a nice car for driving every day.

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Porsche Boxster
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Boxster

"...on the EV Boxster. We'll have to see what that looks like once it's out."

The Porsche Boxster is a two-seat convertible sports car that is known for being fun to drive. It has a mid-engine layout, which helps with handling and balance.

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Volkswagen Id4
Dennis Elzinga (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Volkswagen Id4

"... as having to do that. So you can make it ID3 and ID4 and IDBuzz, right? And it really comes down to ju..."

The Volkswagen ID.4 is a new electric SUV that’s designed to be good for the environment while still being practical. It’s a great option for people who want to drive an electric car.

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Pontiac Le Mans
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Pontiac Le Mans

"Okay. Do you remember that front-wheel drive Pontiac Le Mans in the early 80s and mid-80s?"

The Pontiac Lemans GTO Convertible is a classic car that’s known for being fast and stylish. It’s a favorite among collectors who love muscle cars.

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Daewoo Nubira
Benespit (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Daewoo Nubira

"but are still like interesting, like the Nubira hatchback, which was 99 only, by the way, or like..."

The Daewoo Nubira is a small, affordable car from the late 1990s that was designed to be practical for everyday use. It’s not very common today but was a good option for budget buyers.

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Ford Flex
HJUdall (CC0)
Car

Ford Flex

"...SW2, the wagon with a manual. Oh, that's a Saturn Flex. I'm not ready for that yet."

The Ford Flex is a big SUV that has a unique boxy shape and lots of room inside. It’s great for families who need space and comfort.

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Car

Honda That Honda

"... around. Although, remember, all the V6 views had that Honda V6. Yes."

The Honda That's is a small car made for city driving, known for its quirky design and smart use of space. It’s great for people who need a compact vehicle.

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Pontiac Vibe Gts
IFCAR (Public domain)
Car

Pontiac Vibe Gts

"...ah, the badge engineering and the crossovers, the Pontiac vibe GTs of the world, may they rest in peace."

The Pontiac Vibe GT is a small car that looks sporty and is very practical. It’s a good choice for people who want a reliable vehicle that’s fun to drive.

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Ford Maverick
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Car

Ford Maverick

"Forerunner is like cool now. Like a maverick is like a cool. Like, if you want cool, like, yea..."

The Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck that’s designed to be affordable and easy to drive. It’s great for people who need a truck but don’t want something too big.

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Ford Capri
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Capri

"like every manufacturer, you know, your Mercury, Capri, XR2, you're, all of that's like, just everyone h..."

The Ford Capri is a classic sporty car that was made a long time ago and is remembered for being stylish and fun to drive. It’s a favorite among classic car enthusiasts.

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Mercury Marauder
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Mercury Marauder

"This is hard. Yeah, because Marauder's out, obviously, for Crown Dick."

The Mercury Marauder is a big car that was made in the early 2000s and is known for being fast and sporty. It’s a unique choice for someone who wants a powerful sedan.

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Mercury Cougar
Bull-Doser (Public domain)
Car

Mercury Cougar

"...e model years before. I'll take one of those late Cougars with the manual V6 and yellow though."

The Mercury Cougar is a classic car that was made a long time ago and is known for being sporty and stylish. It’s a favorite among collectors.

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Mercury Villager
IFCAR (Public domain)
Car

Mercury Villager

"...ng to be like- It's not the minivan, it's not the villager. Yeah, it's the villager."

The Mercury Villager is a minivan from the 1990s that was made for families, with lots of space and comfort. It’s a good option for people who need a vehicle for kids and cargo.

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Nissan Quest
IFCAR (Public domain)
Car

Nissan Quest

"but it was a Nissan. Right, use the quest. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah."

The Nissan Quest is a minivan that was made for families, with plenty of room for kids and stuff. It’s designed to be comfortable and practical for everyday use.

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Brand

Buick

"Yeah, yeah, Buick is still with us somehow. China, yeah. I still don't really understand why Buick sticks around."

Buick is a car brand from the United States that makes luxury cars. It's been around for a long time and is especially popular in China.

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Chevrolet Blazer
ArildV (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Chevrolet Blazer

"...was nothing else. And now I see Traxxas and Trail Blazers and the new Traverse and the EVs,"

The Chevrolet Blazer is a stylish SUV that’s designed to be practical and fun to drive. It’s a good option for people who want a mix of sportiness and utility.

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Chevrolet Blazer EV
Elise240SX (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Chevrolet Blazer EV

"and the new Traverse and the EVs, the Blazer EV and the Equinox EV are some of the most popular e..."

The Chevrolet Blazer EV is a new electric SUV that looks like the old Blazer but runs on electricity. It’s designed to be practical and good for the environment.

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Land Rover Range Rover
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Land Rover Range Rover

"... and 90s, I have, above my desk here, I have some Range Rover owners still check their own oil."

The Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can handle rough terrain while also being very comfortable inside. It’s popular with people who want a luxury vehicle that can go anywhere.

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Acura NSX
This picture has been taken by Oleg Yunakov. Contact e-mail: yunakovgmail.com. Image can be used in accordance with the terms of the СС-BY-SA license. Other photos can be seen here. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Acura NSX

"...you mentioned the Formula One. So you're thinking NSX, right? But that's not hand-built and they never"

The Acura NSX is a super-fast sports car that was made to compete with the best in the world. It’s known for being well-built and fun to drive.

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Lotus Esprit
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Lotus Esprit

"Don't you want to stand out? This is a Lotus Esprit? I don't know."

The Lotus Esprit is a cool sports car that looks really sleek and is fun to drive. It’s famous for appearing in James Bond movies.

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53 cars featured

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