What Is The Correct Answer To The $100K Question?
Much to the delight of financial lenders, the selection of new cars over $100,000 is larger than ever. You can buy a Mercedes GLC crossover that will push you over the 100 large figure. Is that a car that many people would describe as nice? Sure. But many people have also had bowel movements more life-changing than an overpriced crossover like that.
With some thought, it is still possible to get a car that you will never forget. Let’s dive into the list to see what’s on the menu.
Photo Credit: Alexandre Prévot
2011 Bentley Continental Supersports
The original Bentley Continental GT fits the description of something a footballer would buy. Given that it is nearly impossible to find one that hasn’t been adorned with limo tint and oversized wheels designed to destroy the suspension, it isn’t exactly a car that “car” people would buy. But this one is included on the list because it isn’t just any Continental. It is the Supersports, which was the special edition Bentley made to send the first generation GT off to pasture.
The Supersports is a special car that gives the plush Conti a much harder unshaven feel. Delivering a healthy 621 bhp, an additional 69 (I see what you did there) bhp from the plebeian GT. Allegedly, it can pull 1.21g on a 300 ft skidpad. I personally think that $100k is a bargain for a four seat coupe with a W12 on full volume. If you can get over the comically outdated infotainment cluster and instrumentation, you should be very pleased with your purchase.
2019 Lotus Evora 400
The Lotus Evora 400. Ahh, the temptation of owning a Lotus. Steering feel that won’t be found this side of a Huracan, a reliable Camry engine, and an exotic looking wrapper that couldn’t be further from any Toyota. As the name suggests, it has 400 bhp, which makes it the most powerful homologated-for-road-duty Lotus sold in the US.
For all those who are haunted by the haunting build quality issues of the original Evora, please keep in mind that Lotus has been refining this model for nearly 10 years. That does mean it is missing some of the advancements in chassis design other manufacturers have developed. But that just isn’t how Lotus does things is it? From another perspective, they have had 10 years to squeeze as much potential from the platform as possible. It also has a stick.
Go against all rational thoughts, and check out this Evora 400 for yourself.
2004 Ferrari 575 M
There is no denying that driving a V12 Ferrari is one of the top automotive experiences available. With only minor fears associated with needing to actually maintain a V12 Ferrari, the 575M has entered the realm of “realistic” fantasies instead of lottery winning fantasies.
The 575M seems to have hit a few more branches than its younger sibling while they were falling down the tree of depreciation. Mostly due to the fact that the 550 Maranello was only offered with a manual transmission, that is not terribly surprising. But if you are willing to tell fellow “Rari” owners (that’s what they call themselves) that you have the F1 transmission, you too could own a very nice example of new Millennia Ferrari.
2019 Lexus LC500
The Lexus LC500 is definitely the most comfortable car on this list. It has an interior that will have Aston Martin looking for excuses as to why they command such a high price. Its 5.0l (not that 5.0, Vanilla Ice) atmospheric V8 produces a respectable 471 bhp. Accelerating to 60 mph in the 4.5 second range isn’t as fast as some other cars, but that isn’t the idea of this car. If you wanted a car that could cruise at 130 mph while driving across the country, this would be a great choice. I also would put money that swapping out the factory run-flat tires for some performance rubber would make it much more enjoyable to exploit its near 50/50 weight distribution.
You probably won’t see many other examples of these driving around. While that is a shame, it makes it a more unique choice than other gran tourers.
2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S
The V12 Vantage S was the end of the line for the VHII (someone at Aston Martin LOVED Vertical Horizon) platform Vantage. Cramming the V12 under the hood of the relatively compact Vantage was a fantastic decision. 575 bph at your disposal is enough to take you over 200 mph. While the V12 doesn’t have the restrained styling of the original V8 Vantage, you probably won’t be sad that your hood has extra slats.
You won’t be rowing your own at this price point, but it will still certainly put a smile on your face. With an engine design that is rapidly going extinct, you will be proudly creating a very good looking public disturbance with this car.
2011 Porsche GT3
What $100,000 car list is complete without a Porsche? Not this one! The Mk2 997 GT3 is the last GT3 designed before Porsche started turning the 911 into a GT car. With a 3.8l flat six and 429 bhp, there isn’t much to go wrong on this purchase. Definitely the “safest” choice on this list, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Drive it to the track, try not to get passed by a stripped Miata (choose a track with some long straights), drive it home, and repeat. The dry howl of the Metzger engine will make you addicted to the long pedal. Check out this lean Porker here.
2012 McLaren MP4-12C
The McLaren MP4-12C is the car for the person who is hopelessly optimistic. One who is willing to hope that by now all of the gremlins of McLaren Automotive’s first road car (McLaren Automotive wasn’t a thing at the time of the F1). Depreciation is a painful experience for those who buy at the top of the curve. Those who buy at the bottom of the curve will experience a milder, but still tingly sensation of repair bills. For those who are brave enough, you will be rewarded with a 3.8l twin-turbo with a mountain of 592 bhp. It is a car that will kill you if it doesn’t kill itself first.