What constitutes an exotic?
I recently had the opportunity to drive two “exotic” vehicles back to back; a 2010 Audi R8 4.2 and a 2011 Nissan GT-R.
The one issue I’ve had since the introduction of vehicles such as the Audi R8 and the Nissan GT-R is whether or not they can be considered true exotics. What constitutes an exotic car? Even to non-enthusiasts, the first two names to come to mind as true ‘exotics’ are Ferrari and Lamborghini. Enthusiasts would add a few nameplates such as Aston Martin, Maserati, Bugatti, and McLaren to that list. I’ll give the Audi R8 enough credit that it has come far enough with its presence in music videos and movies that its LED headlights are instantly recognizable. It’s also almost a consensus among the public that the car is fantastically designed. However, is it an exotic?
My personal view is, no; under no circumstances is the R8 an exotic. Along with a few of my close friends, I’m in the process of starting graduate school. As a group of car enthusiasts, we’re constantly window shopping and having lengthy discussions as to what will have the ‘honour’ of gracing our driveways upon our first big bonus check. More than a few friends have mentioned that after purchasing their practical car; Audi A4s, BMW 3-series, Acura TSXs or the like, that their first “exotic” will be an Audi R8. I’ve always had an issue with this view. Not because the R8 isn’t a phenomenal vehicle; it really is, and I still do a double-take every time I see one. It’s because it’s not an exotic! I can’t respect someone who pays the MSRP (because unfortunately, these cars do go for MSRP) of $134,000 + HST, and ends up with an Audi badge.
Scenario #1:
A couple years out of school; living the bachelor lifestyle, just starting to earn the big bucks… Mr. Bigshot Lawyer is at a party chatting up a rather attractive (but superficial) girl he’s never met:
Girl: “Ooooh you’re a corporate lawyer huh? What do you drive again?”
Guy: “A Nissan GT-R.”
Girl: “Oh… a Nissan?!”
Guy: “Well, yes, but it’s the GT-R. It’s their high-performance sports car. It costs over a hundred grand!”
Girl: “Oh cool! I drive a Sentra. It’s like our cars match!”
Scenario #2:
Same guy, same girl, same party. The difference? He didn’t buy a GT-R. He also spent half the money on a pre-owned exotic.
Girl: “Ooooh you’re a corporate lawyer huh? What do you drive again?”
Guy: “An Aston Martin.”
Girl: “What?! Like James Bond’s car? That’s awesome!!! Maybe I can have a ride sometime?”
Case closed.
The R8 is a bit of a different story, because while neither of these two cars should really be constituted as an exotic, the R8 is closer than the GT-R. However, it isn’t even a debatable fact that in comparison to the GT-R’s sheer capabilities, the R8 is absolute garbage to drive. Upon driving the GT-R on Top Gear’s test track, host Jeremy Clarkson shared the fact that the GT-R needs reinforcements on the wheels to keep the tires from coming off them because the car handles so well. Yes, the GT-R is a great car, and is riddled with so much technology that it’s nearly to find more performance for your dollar in the price range. However, the average exotic buyer buys the car for image; to show the world that he’s done well for himself. It’s an ego boost that many people thrive on, and understandably so. The GT-R, while able to give performance value, has zero exotic value in my eyes. In Canada, the MSRP on that car is $109,000. For that amount I’d rather get something pre-owned that will be considered far more exotic, and use the remainder of the money to buy a nice pre-owned daily driver.
After doing a bit of market research in the area, here are a few combinations of vehicles I would rather purchase for the price of a new GT-R:
1) 2005 Aston Martin DB9 and 2005 Maserati Quattroporte
2) 2006 Bentley Continental GT and 2005 Lotus Elise
3) 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo and 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500
4) 2009 Maserati GranTurismo and 2005 BMW 545i
5) 2003 Ferrari 360 Modena and 2004 Maserati Quattroporte
A bit more conservative? Woodchester Nissan in Mississauga, ON just sold a GT-R for $128,000 taxes in. Let’s trim that budget in half and see how I can complete a garage for $64,000.
1) 1996 Ferrari F355 and 2003 Mini Cooper S
2) 2003 Maserati Coupé and 2008 Acura TL Type-S
3) 2002 Aston Martin DB7 and 2004 Maserati Quattroporte
…and the list can go on for hours.
My conclusion is that while I understand the performance appeal of cars like the Nissan GT-R; in order to be considered an exotic, a car has to turn heads, be stupidly impractical, and ultimately be the source of envy; all while putting a huge grin on the driver and passenger’s face every time he steps on the go-pedal.