Welcome to the Cool Car Cup, the definitive test that assembles the six most exhilarating performance vehicles of 2024 for an unparalleled competition. In this Motor1 Thunderdome-inspired challenge, we push these automotive masterpieces to their limits on the thrilling canyon roads of Southern California and the demanding curves of a race track. Ultimately, only one champion will emerge from the dust.
The Cool Car Cup operates on a simple yet potent principle: less is more. Unlike typical magazine tests that often include a dozen cars with only a few contenders, we’ve curated a streamlined selection. This lineup is pure performance, devoid of any filler, featuring only true contenders for the crown.
Our elite group includes the most agile mid-engine marvels from Lotus and Porsche, a ferocious V-8 Aston Martin coupe, a groundbreaking Lamborghini hypercar, the sole electric vehicle worthy of track consideration, and the ever-iconic Miata.
But what truly defines a “Cool Car,” and what qualities elevate a vehicle to claim the coveted champion’s title? Above all, the Cool Car Cup winner must inspire joy. While the Lamborghini Revuelto, with its staggering 1,001 horsepower, may boast superior raw performance compared to the Miata, in this competition, they stand as equals.
Simply navigate a corner in this ND Miata with the throttle engaged, and you’ll immediately grasp the essence of “cool.” Our hand-picked selection of vehicles was meticulously vetted for their performance capabilities and exceptional handling long before arriving at this test. Each car had been previously evaluated by the Motor1 team earlier in the year to confirm their fundamental credentials.
However, we sought to recognize a champion based on a higher set of virtues: the ability of a great car to reward a driver’s intentions with instant responsiveness, ignite a sense of wonder and excitement, and possess those subtle, intangible qualities that elevate a superb car to legendary status.
This pursuit proved to be a remarkably challenging endeavor.
Despite decades of collective experience in conducting extensive performance shootouts, the Motor1 staff struggled to recall a contest as fiercely debated as this one. On the final evening of the test, amidst a dinner setting filled with pasta and fine wine, each Motor1 team member passionately defended their favored car, engaging in a spirited and unwavering discussion.
What follows is an introduction to each contender, crafted by the Motor1 staff member who championed their chosen vehicle most fervently. Subsequently, we present the narrative of our test: a thrilling shootout across the canyon roads north of Los Angeles, followed by a demanding track day, all designed to distinguish the ultimate victor from the impressive field.
Prepare to be captivated.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: A Deserving Contender and Potential Winner
Through its exceptional handling and sheer speed, the Ioniq 5 N surpasses its gasoline-powered rivals.
| Specs | 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N |
|---|---|
| Battery | 84.0 Kilowatt-Hours Lithium-Ion |
| Output | 641 Horsepower / 545 Pound-Feet |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.4 Seconds |
| Weight | 4,861 Pounds |
| Price | $67,295 |
Yes, it’s an electric vehicle. But before you dismiss it, consider its merits.
The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a groundbreaking achievement, a flagship model, a bold statement. This Hyundai renders the efforts of the other competitors almost irrelevant. The Aston Martin, Miata, Lotus, and Porsche, while excellent, represent refinements of established automotive concepts. Even the Lamborghini, a hybrid, remains an extravagant abstraction, a hypercar indulgence beyond the reach of most. What relevance does such a billionaire’s toy have for the average driver?
In contrast, the Hyundai forges a new path. It stands as the pinnacle of performance EVs, arguably the only truly exceptional one to date.
While other EVs may boast quicker acceleration, faster lap times, higher G-force, or a lower price tag than the $67,000 Hyundai, none can match its finesse through a series of tight turns. Furthermore, it surpasses even the gasoline-powered cars in this test in this crucial aspect. Despite its boxy silhouette reminiscent of a Bertone design, the Ioniq 5 N delivers a driving experience akin to the golden age of sports sedans, like a BMW 5-Series reimagined with Korean design elements.
Whether navigating sharp racetrack hairpins or attacking winding backroads, the Hyundai responds to driver input with remarkable fluidity, fostering greater confidence, heightened adrenaline, and more pure driving joy than any other vehicle in this competition.
This is a testament to Hyundai’s meticulous and masterful calibration of every control. From the commanding seating position to the steering feel (light, direct, communicative) and the brake calibration (responsive, firm, and nuanced), the Ioniq sets a new benchmark. Moreover, it accelerates out of corners with the ferocity of the Aston Martin, corners with the agility of the Miata, and outpaces the Porsche in a straight line.
While other EVs accelerate faster, rip quicker laps, pull bigger G’s, and undercut the Hyundai on cost, none of them flick through a chicane with more panache.
Helmet-cam footage captured by our own Chris Rosales vividly illustrates the Hyundai’s playful chassis transforming every corner into a dynamic display of controlled drifts, the soundtrack punctuated by exhilarating laughter and tire squeal.
In a competition where every car deserves recognition, it is character that distinguishes the ultimate victor. I champion this unexpectedly cool Hyundai for its performance prowess, its intangible appeal, and its unwavering dedication to the sheer joy of driving.
– Kyle Kinard, Executive Editor
The Mazda MX-5 Miata: Timeless Perfection in an Affordable Package
As the fourth-generation Miata approaches its tenth anniversary, it continues to challenge the very essence of every other sports car and supercar: Why spend more?
| Specs | 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-liter lnline-four |
| Output | 181 Horsepower / 151 Pound-Feet |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.7 Seconds |
| Weight | 2,341 Pounds |
| Price | $30,150 |
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata is included in this test for a fundamental reason: it serves as the great equalizer. The Miata has the uncanny ability to make you question the value proposition of every other sports car or supercar, despite being less powerful and more affordable than almost all of them. This has been its enduring appeal since its inception.
For 35 years, the Miata has been the benchmark for a lightweight, engaging, rear-wheel-drive sports car. It provides equal enjoyment on both public roads and race tracks, because its power is always perfectly balanced – never excessive, always just right. Every interaction with a Miata feels refined and intuitive: the gear lever effortlessly glides into first, each gear change delivers a satisfying mechanical click, high-speed stability and confident braking are assured, and it flows through corners with its perfectly balanced 50-50 weight distribution. The manual shifter subtly vibrates in your hand, a direct connection to the transmission, unmediated by cumbersome cables. The Miata is authentic, and that authenticity is palpable.
I vividly recall returning to the pits after several laps at Streets of Willow, top-down, wind in my hair, and thinking: “Regardless of the allure of other cars, this one truly resonates with me.”
The Miata entered its fourth generation in 2016, making the model we tested at Willow nearly a decade old. Yet, when I drove the Miata back-to-back with newer, significantly faster cars, I couldn’t help but ponder: Are they truly worth the exorbitant price difference? The 1,001-hp Lamborghini Revuelto, a car I deeply admire, costs twenty times more than a Miata. Does it deliver twenty times the driving pleasure? The answer, unequivocally, is no. The same question applies to every other car in this test.
A Miata will make you doubt every other sports car or supercar, despite being slower and cheaper than almost all of them.
It’s a common adage in the racing world that the driver you should be most wary of overtaking you at a track day isn’t in a supercar—it’s in a Miata. This is because those who choose the Miata understand the true essence of automotive coolness.
– Alanis King, Editor-At-Large, Motorsport Network
Lamborghini Revuelto: A Hypercar Experience Beyond Comprehension
The Revuelto is an embodiment of hyperbole, overflowing with cutting-edge technology. Every drive is an exercise in sensory overload, leaving you breathless and exhilarated.
| Specs | 2024 Lamborghini Revuelto |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.5-Liter V-12 Hybrid |
| Output | 1001 Horsepower / 793 Pound-Feet |
| 0-60 MPH | 2.5 Seconds |
| Weight | 3,907 Pounds |
| Price | $604,000 |
At the launch of the Lamborghini Revuelto, I experienced a revelation. Even after the initial excitement subsided, this car continues to shine with unparalleled brilliance.
In my initial review, I hailed the Revuelto as the quintessential modern supercar. Following two days of driving on California’s breathtaking canyon roads and the demanding Streets of Willow race circuit, I stand firmly by that assertion.
This car exceeds expectations in every conceivable aspect. Exotic, otherworldly design? Check. A massive, high-revving, naturally aspirated engine? Check. Handling capabilities that rival contemporary race cars? Check. Mind-bending straight-line acceleration? Undeniably.
Unlike many hybrid hypercars, the Revuelto leverages technology to enhance driving pleasure, not just raw performance figures. Its 6.5-liter, 813-horsepower V-12 engine is augmented by three electric motors: two at the front and one integrated with the gearbox.
At lower speeds, the electric motors deliver instant EV-like acceleration. As speed increases, the V-12 engine comes into play, culminating in a breathtaking crescendo at 9,500 rpm. This is the fastest car I have ever driven, and arguably the most sonically captivating.
The Lamborghini Revuelto checks every box.
Despite its considerable size, the Revuelto feels remarkably compact and agile in corners. A highly responsive rear-wheel steering system, coupled with what feels like the quickest steering rack available, enables this car to change direction even more rapidly than the nimble Miata. The Revuelto is an impeccably engineered performance machine.
Does this make the Lamborghini a shoo-in for victory? Perhaps, but with a tested price of approximately $723,000, the Revuelto costs as much as a luxury home in many coastal suburbs. It is, for most, unattainable. Arguably, not very “cool” in a relatable sense.
However, we remain grateful for the Revuelto’s existence. Because what truly embodies “cool”? One thousand horsepower, an exhaust note that rivals a divine orchestra, and that striking green paint enveloping the Lamborghini’s sharp, alienesque silhouette.
This car is awe-inspiring in the truest sense of the word. And that, in itself, makes it a winner.
– Brian Silvestro, Deputy Editor
Aston Martin Vantage: The Epitome of Raw Driving Emotion
In this test of exceptional vehicles, only this Aston Martin, with its untamed power and tenacious grip, delivered a visceral thrill that truly resonated.
| Specs | 2024 Aston Martin Vantage |
|---|---|
| Engine | Twin-Turbo 4.0-Liter V-8 |
| Output | 656 Horsepower / 590 Pound-Feet |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.5 Seconds |
| Weight | 3,847 Pounds |
| Price | $194,500 |
The Aston Martin Vantage distinguished itself as the boldest contender, consistently pushing boundaries and delivering knockout performance. Initial preconceptions might suggest: It’s an Aston, it’s not meant to be objectively superior, just strikingly beautiful, incredibly fast, and perhaps somewhat flawed.
Yet, I found myself captivated by the Vantage’s redesigned interior, characterized by satisfyingly tactile switchgear, opulent leather surfaces, and a deeply enveloping seating position. I was equally enamored with its breathtaking exterior, stretched tautly over the Aston’s bonded aluminum chassis. But above all, the Vantage emerged as the most engaging driver’s car in the entire test.
Surprisingly, an Aston Martin outperformed a Porsche RS in terms of driver engagement. It surpassed the Porsche in nearly every critical area. Not in dry, technical metrics like steering effort curves, handling at the limits of grip, or lap times, but in the intangible realm of pure driving feel. The Aston simply felt superior.
Whether cruising through town or attacking canyon roads with fervor, or even pushing its limits on the track, the Aston displayed an exceptional agility. It danced along the edge of traction with a surefooted front end and a rear end that was always playfully responsive.
It never felt completely settled, never fully composed, and resisted being rushed into a perfectly clean driving style. It was, in a word, delightfully chaotic.
How unusual—an Aston was the better driver’s car in a test with a Porsche RS. But it clobbered the Porsche in almost every critical metric.
This controlled chaos was precisely what made every lap so exhilarating. An expertly calibrated, slightly unruly, and intensely tactile experience that only truly made sense when you allowed it to move and seek its own grip.
Unlike any other car in the Cool Car Cup, the Vantage is engineered for the most discerning drivers, not for the average motorist. The Aston is unapologetically demanding, indifferent to whether you can fully master its capabilities. And for that very reason, it is the most exceptional car present.
-Chris Rosales, Staff Writer
Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Masterful Speed and Everyday Supercar Appeal
Driving the 718 Spyder RS is so effortlessly fast that you’ll become obsessed with pushing its limits even further.
| Specs | 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0-Liter Flat-Six |
| Output | 493 Horsepower / 331 Pound-Feet |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.2 Seconds |
| Weight | 3,214 Pounds |
| Price | $166,195 |
“I want to dedicate a year to fully learning and mastering this car.” This was my note in the Spyder’s logbook after my initial track session. This is not hyperbole. This is the only car from this test that I genuinely yearn to drive again.
Porsche has achieved something remarkable in the Spyder RS: they’ve made serious speed deceptively accessible. This became apparent when I slightly overcooked the first corner on my first lap, lulled into a false sense of security by the car’s seemingly limitless grip, yet emerged unscathed.
A single afternoon of canyon driving and a few hot laps are insufficient to fully appreciate the depth of this car’s capabilities. It is effortlessly quick to drive, but profoundly challenging to truly master. More than any other car in this competition, it compels you to strive for mastery.
Staff Writer Chris Rosales argues that the Spyder isn’t raw enough to warrant the RS designation, a point that might hold if this were solely a competition for the ultimate track car. Editor Brian Silvestro desires a manual transmission, but that’s precisely what the GTS 4.0 offers.
The rapid-fire shifts of the PDK paddles, while your face is distorted by intense lateral G-forces, perfectly complement the Spyder’s sharp-edged character. This car’s magic lies in its ability to be both immensely capable and surprisingly approachable. It is, in essence, the everyday supercar.
It’s easy to drive quickly, but difficult to master. More than any other car here, it begs to be mastered.
Moreover, driving the Spyder RS is a uniquely rewarding experience. The ultra-wealthy have access to a plethora of V-12 hypercars, including the Lamborghini in this test. There are still a handful of front-engined V-8 coupes that offer engaging driving dynamics. High-performance EVs are becoming commonplace. But the 718, with its mid-engine flat-six configuration, is without rival. It is quintessentially Porsche.
This inherent uniqueness makes it exceptionally cool on paper. More importantly, the open top, the classic Porsche aesthetics, and the glorious engine NOISE: the Porsche makes you feel undeniably cool while driving it. This is not a trivial aspect. It might, in fact, be everything.
-Christopher Smith, News Editor
Lotus Emira: A Beacon of True Driving Purity
In a landscape of increasingly diluted and compromised performance cars, the Lotus Emira stands as a testament to authentic driving engagement.
| Specs | 2024 Lotus Emira V-6 |
|---|---|
| Engine | Supercharged 3.5-Liter V6 |
| Output | 400 Horsepower / 310 Pound-Feet |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.2 Seconds |
| Weight | 3,257 Pounds |
| Price | $107,750 |
Does anyone truly appreciate the current trajectory of sports car development? Escalating weight, technology for technology’s sake, excessive power that remains largely untapped, and a relentless pursuit of performance figures over genuine driver engagement… The Lotus Emira offers a refreshing antidote.
It features a mid-engine layout, rear-wheel drive, lightweight construction, just the right amount of power, and, alongside the Miata, is the only car in this test with a manual clutch pedal. It embodies the ideal formula for a driver’s car, crafted by a manufacturer with decades of benchmark-setting expertise.
The Emira was a long time in development. Lotus unveiled it in 2021, but US deliveries only commenced earlier this year. I believe it was worth the wait. It delivers the quintessential Lotus driving experience, but in a more refined and mature package. Unlike virtually every Lotus before it, the Emira feels like a genuinely complete car. And this is not faint praise. This is a car that can confidently compete with a Corvette or a Cayman, holding its own across all key metrics.
While objective performance is a factor in this test, our ultimate aim is to identify something more elusive: cars that evoke a sense of coolness, inspire desire, and leave us yearning for another drive. The Emira effortlessly achieves all of this for me. It’s the car I’d choose for long, scenic drives, for endless track laps, and even for simply cruising around town, admiring its reflection in shop windows.
Unlike basically every Lotus before it, the Emira feels like a real car. And no, that’s not damning with faint praise.
I won’t pretend it’s flawless. The shifter, while improved from previous Lotus models, remains somewhat clunky; the pedals are positioned too closely and are slightly offset, and a front trunk would be a welcome addition. However, after a long drive, you’ll exit the Emira with a knowing grin. And you’ll inevitably steal glances back at it as you walk away. In essence, it embodies everything a Lotus should be, and then some.
-Chris Perkins, Senior Editor
Canyon Roads: Testing Performance and Practicality
Our canyon carving test pushes our contenders to their limits, evaluating their performance and real-world usability on California’s spectacular driving roads.
We find ourselves in California canyon country, high in the mountains north of Santa Clarita, ready to tackle some of the state’s most exceptional asphalt. Endless ribbons of serpentine roads are carved into the sandstone cliffs, promising an exhilarating driving experience.
Up in this elevated terrain, the crisp morning air sharpens the senses and invigorates the spirit. Even late in the year, there’s no hint of snow to dampen our day, only perfect Californian sunshine illuminating the endless roads that stretch before us, ours to command.
We’re set up high in the mountains north of Santa Clarita, staring down the barrel of this state’s finest asphalt, a band of endless serpentine causeways carved from sandstone cliffs.
While track performance is a key demand for sports car buyers, lap times remain an abstract concept for most, primarily relevant in theoretical discussions. But here, on America’s legendary roadways, the true essence of the sports car comes alive.
And what an ensemble we’ve assembled for this symphony of performance.
Nothing quite matches the auditory drama of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS at 9,000 rpm. Intake noise from the vents above each shoulder floods the cabin so intensely, it feels as if an oxygen mask might deploy from the roof. Or at least, that’s the sensation from the driver’s seat.
From 40 feet behind, however, the RS’s 4.0-liter flat-six dominates the soundscape, roaring like a wounded beast at the rear of my lava-orange Aston Martin Vantage.
When staff writer Chris Rosales—our canyon driving expert and guide for the day—pulled the Porsche out of a gravel parking area and onto Spunky Canyon Road, his glance in the rearview mirror seemed like a gauntlet thrown down.
I immediately closed the gap, positioning the Aston right on the RS’s bumper as we descended the asphalt ribbon towards the expansive Bouquet Reservoir. I knew I was at a disadvantage in terms of skill, local knowledge, and raw courage, but I believed the Aston was the perfect weapon to level the playing field.
The Aston Martin Vantage’s potent twin-turbo V-8 effortlessly reeled in the Porsche whenever the road straightened. I watched Rosales expertly guide the Porsche into each corner, its precise front end slicing through apexes with Teutonic efficiency and confidence.
I relied on the Aston’s engine—grumbling and muscular at low revs, building to a brassy crescendo at the top end—to keep pace with Rosales, but it became a somewhat harrowing experience as the road’s edge bordered on sheer drops and grapefruit-sized rocks.
Corner after corner, the Porsche exhibited nothing but composed perfection. In contrast, the Aston’s substantial weight resulted in noticeable dive under hard braking and a quick body roll during turn-in. But beyond the initial impression of a weighty GT car lies the Aston’s true character.
It’s a Camaro ZL1 with refined manners and bespoke Italian loafers. This stunning Aston demands trust and rewards bravery with tail-out confidence in every corner, but only if you dare to ask for it.
Bravery is precisely what’s required when piloting the lime-green Lamborghini Revuelto on these narrow roads. Its mere presence is a spectacle, drawing attention from everyone, from local residents to road construction crews. But guiding the Revuelto down these twisting roads is even more of a sensation.
Lamborghini Revuelto on canyon road
Whenever the road opened up and I dared to apply significant throttle in the Lamborghini, the cabin filled with exclamations. I am in awe of this car, its electrifying engine note at 9,500 rpm, and the way its 1,000-horsepower acceleration assaults your senses like an unexpected encounter with a hot stove.
This V-12 hybrid hypercar is simply too capable to fully exploit in this environment, at least without flirting with disaster. But the genius of this hypercar is that it remains captivating even at a fraction of its potential.
Hasn’t that always been the Miata’s inherent charm?
Our delightful underdog can’t keep pace with the Lamborghini in outright speed, but it’s undeniably fun to try. Especially in the thoroughly revised ND3 Miata, Mazda’s third iteration of the fourth generation of its timeless roadster.
This RF model may lack outright pace in this company, but it remains as visually appealing as ever and is still exceptionally enjoyable to drive. It communicates its every intention through subtle body movements, weight shifts, and the feedback of tires approaching their grip limits.
The steering is arguably the best in this test, and the six-speed manual transmission is undeniably the champion in terms of driver engagement. In terms of driver involvement, the Mazda is unmatched here. Plus, its compact dimensions are perfectly suited to these roads, allowing for precise lane positioning.
And then there’s the open-top experience. Why drive through these canyons if you can’t enjoy the California sunshine?
But there’s another contender for driving involvement waiting in the wings. Returning to the canyon roads after a lunch break, I pressed the Lotus Emira’s accelerator, just to witness the bypass valve on its supercharged V-6 through the rearview mirror.
Confirmation: nothing rivals the sound of a screaming supercharger.
That valve, visible in the rearview mirror, is a tangible link to the Emira’s predecessor, the beloved Lotus Evora. The Emira also inherits other desirable qualities, including the punchy supercharged V-6 and its precise six-speed shifter. Coupled with a compliant chassis that absorbs mid-corner bumps, translating them into subtle inputs to the driver’s spine, it’s a truly engaging experience.
Finally, there’s the Hyundai. The Miata may have the least horsepower here, but the Ioniq 5 N is the true dark horse. You might wonder why.
But this EV quickly won over our skeptical staff, gaining new admirers with every sprint through the switchbacks. (Except for one editor: its lack of engine noise induced motion sickness in editor-at-large Alanis King, so test drive it before you buy).
The Ioniq was the most comfortable and relaxed road car in this test, quiet and composed in the way only EVs can be. A preferred choice for mundane driving. That is, until you flick a switch on the dash, a shortcut that activates simulated engine sounds, a simulated gearbox, and disables traction and stability control.
From that moment, the Ioniq transforms into a hurricane on wheels. It’s a precise yet aggressive machine, equipped with dual motors delivering up to 641 horsepower to all four wheels. It features a drift mode, adjustable steering, damping, and throttle response. Hyundai truly went all out to create the ultimate performance EV, and they succeeded.
It can keep pace with anything up to the Lamborghini on these canyon roads, and believe me, we all tried to shake this bright red EV from our rearview mirrors.
After a day of spirited driving – I mean, responsible spirited driving – we gathered back at the gravel lot by the reservoir, marveling at our good fortune. Opinions swirled in the twilight air like dust motes.
The Lamborghini feels out of place here. The Miata is the quintessential roadster. The Hyundai needs charging. It’s time for dinner.
But no victor was declared. The Cool Car Cup champion would have to be decided by an even greater challenge: the race track.
-Kyle Kinard, Executive Editor
Race Track Showdown: Willow Springs
We traded lap times for raw emotion, pushing the limits of our diverse contenders at Willow Springs, a high-speed temple of motorsport in the California desert.
Southern California car enthusiasts are spoiled: year-round warmth, canyon roads, and, of course, Willow Springs Raceway. This historic track is a charmingly rough-around-the-edges relic. We chose Willow Springs not only for its storied past, but also to truly stretch the legs of our competitors.
Important note: We did not record lap times.
Chasing tenths of a second reveals the fastest car, but fastest does not equate to best. The Cool Car Cup is about rewarding driving feel, not just cold, hard numbers. Lap times capture some of the seat-of-the-pants thrills, but we are pursuing something more profound: pure driving joy.
So, we tackled the 1.6-mile Streets of Willow circuit in a counterclockwise direction, challenging our contenders with its technical corners nestled between two long straights. This layout served to level the playing field between the high-horsepower cars and the more agile, lightweight entries.
Weighing in at under 2,400 pounds, the Miata undeniably falls into the latter category. While it produces a fraction of the horsepower of most competitors, its featherweight nature is its greatest asset.
“It doesn’t need excessive power, noise, or gimmicks,” noted Editor-at-Large Alanis King after her stint behind the wheel.
SoCal enthusiasts have it all: Year-round warmth, canyon roads, and of course, Willow Springs.
The rest of the staff echoed this sentiment. The Miata’s shifter is among the best ever created, and its 2.0-liter engine pulls eagerly to its 7,500-rpm redline. While there is noticeable body roll, this roll provides valuable feedback through the seat, enhancing driver connection. The Miata received no criticisms.
The Ioniq 5 N inspired similar enthusiasm, despite being the Miata’s EV counterpart on paper.
“I genuinely applauded and laughed at the end of my session,” exclaimed News Editor Chris Smith. He wasn’t alone in his amusement. The N’s simulated engine and transmission sounds were surprisingly convincing and endearingly quirky, complete with fake burble noises on every “downshift.”
It sounds gimmicky, but it works flawlessly.
Steering feel in the Hyundai was exceptional, as was the N’s eagerness to rotate on command, both at turn-in and under power at corner exit.
Naturally, this EV is the heaviest car in the test, but it does an admirable job masking its weight, until tire grip begins to fade after about 10 minutes of hard driving. Even with diminished tire performance, the Ioniq remains incredibly fun to drive.
Charging, however, presents a challenge. The N depletes its limited range quickly on track, and the closest fast-charger to Willow Springs is a half-hour away. Track day sessions will inevitably be interrupted by charging stops. Despite this, everyone loved it. Editor-in-Chief Travis Okulski summarized the car simply: “A party.”
The Aston Martin offered similar thrills. With prodigious V-8 power upfront and rear-wheel drive, how could it not?
“Delicious chassis balance,” praised Staff Writer Chris Rosales, “Incredible and playful on the throttle.” The experience evoked memories of vintage onboard racing videos. Reduce the intervention of the highly adjustable traction/stability control, and the Aston’s hooligan spirit truly emerges.
“So much rowdier than I expected,” remarked King. “It just wants to drift every corner.”
While the Aston’s torque-converter automatic transmission isn’t groundbreaking, it doesn’t detract from the driving experience. My primary concern is the palpable weight of the Aston’s 3,847 lbs, especially during and after significant compressions.
Yet, surprisingly, the Vantage’s Michelin tires didn’t appear overly worn, even after Rosales performed an epic brake-stand burnout.
It’s a feel-good car, with immense power, a booming exhaust note, and the throttle-steerable balance that driving enthusiasts crave.
“The stately fornicator’s choice,” quipped Kinard. “An absolutely filthy car.”
Britain’s other entry, the Lotus Emira, proved to be more divisive. Our test car was a Tour-spec model, featuring a softer suspension setup and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires instead of the stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s.
The staff struggled to find front-end grip in the Lotus, and some reported a disconcerting brake disengagement issue, seemingly related to the ABS, during corner entry.
“I just don’t trust it,” Smith stated about the Lotus.
The Emira’s pedals are also offset to the right and narrowly spaced, and the steering felt surprisingly muted compared to Lotus’s renowned reputation for steering feel. Yet, as with all modern Lotus cars, there is much to appreciate.
“Driving this after all the heavier cars is a reminder of just how enjoyable something lighter and balanced can be,” noted Silvestro. The chassis exhibits wonderful compliance, and the supercharged V-6 and six-speed manual combination proved to be exceptionally engaging.
As expected, the Porsche was virtually flawless. Despite being a convertible, the Spyder RS, primarily a road car, performed remarkably well on track. There’s a certain magic to hearing that 9,000-rpm flat-six engine inhaling desert air while the sun warms your helmet. It’s a Porsche that evokes genuine romance.
However, the Spyder’s road-oriented setup has limitations. Silvestro, Rosales, and Okulski noted the softer rear end, desiring more grip and more predictable breakaway from the tires in the track’s most challenging high-speed corners. And while the PDK transmission is among the best automatics available, many felt a manual gearbox would elevate this car to another level.
Smith, however, remained captivated. “I want to spend a year learning this car.”
While every contender earned its place in this competition, none inspired the same level of awe as the Revuelto.
“It’s on a completely different level,” declared Smith. “Ballistically fast,” added Silvestro. Some staff members saw speeds exceeding 150 mph on the speedometer. “This is not a 150-mph track,” Rosales emphasized, driving the point home.
One thousand and one horsepower will do that. But the Revuelto is far more than just staggering speed. The hybrid front axle’s torque vectoring, combined with rear-wheel steering, made the Revuelto feel significantly lighter, perhaps shedding 1,000 pounds virtually.
And that Lamborghini V-12 engine simply screams, delivering seamless power paired with an all-enveloping sound. It is perfectly matched to Lamborghini’s new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Somehow, this hypercar manages to be both approachable and intimidating. The steering feel is somewhat muted, but ample feedback is transmitted through the seat and pedals. It offers seemingly limitless grip.
“It turns now. It accelerates now. It stops now,” summarized Smith. “Wow,” exclaimed King, opening the signature scissor door.
As the sun dipped behind the mountains, we concluded photography, still no closer to a definitive decision. The field of contenders was simply too strong. While the track testing proved insightful, it didn’t disqualify any of the six. As they lined up for final beauty shots, we postponed the inevitable debate to determine the ultimate winner.
-Chris Perkins, Senior Editor
And the Coolest Car of 2024 Is…
When passionate arguments resulted in a deadlock, we debated and deliberated until a victor was crowned. Raise the lime-green flag! The Lamborghini Revuelto takes the Cool Car Cup.
Typically, in these competitions, a clear winner emerges quickly. This was not the case with the inaugural Cool Car Cup. Polite discussion devolved into lively chaos. A foot or two might have made contact with the dinner table, and after shouting proved ineffective, we resorted to democracy. A two-stage ranked-choice vote narrowed the field to a final three, and a subsequent vote determined our first-ever Cool Car Cup champion.
In no particular order, the finalists were:
The Miata, the quintessential sports car, serves as a benchmark against which all others are measured. However, being a lightly updated version of a decade-old design, it perhaps felt too familiar. Still, it remains a car many of us dream of owning.
Porsches frequently dominate these tests, and while everyone admired the Spyder RS, its track limitations and lack of a manual transmission ultimately held it back. There’s a slight philosophical disconnect—an open-top RS model that is somewhat compromised on track, yet not as engaging as it could be on the road.
The Lotus’s shortcomings, while debated, ultimately couldn’t be ignored, even by its most ardent supporters. It is, however, tantalizingly close to achieving true greatness with a few refinements.
A strong contingent championed the Ioniq 5 N for the win, but its tendency to rapidly deplete its limited battery range makes it less practical for track days, at least with the current charging infrastructure limitations. However, we anticipate this will change in the near future. The Hyundai convincingly demonstrates that our performance EV future is bright.
The Vantage won many hearts with its striking aesthetics, immense power, and playful handling dynamics. Others, however, struggled to fully connect with its perpetually high-strung nature.
We all grappled with the Lamborghini’s exorbitant price tag and the sheer excessiveness of the car for everyday street use. Yet, no other vehicle left the staff quite so astonished, often reduced to a string of superlatives when attempting to describe the driving experience. The Revuelto embodies everything you imagine a Lamborghini to be, and then surpasses those expectations.
The Revuelto is not simply fast and technologically advanced—it is approachable, engaging, and, most importantly, undeniably cool.
Check Out Our Other Comparisons
Acura TLX Type S Vs Genesis G70: Life Beyond BMW
Bison Vs Raptor Vs Trailhunter: The Ultimate Off-Road Truck Showdown
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