High-performance crossovers make no sense, but that’s okay.
With the popularity of SUVs continuing to grow exponentially, it was inevitable that car firms would start making high performance versions. And, sure enough, they’re beginning to flood onto the market.
Now, I’m not thinking of the various high-end sports car firms breaking into the market – whether Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Lotus or even Ferrari – here.
I’m thinking of the souped-up hot versions of everyday SUV runabouts: think of the Cupra Ateca, Skoda Kodiaq vRS, Audi SQ2 and more.
And, as more of these hot high-riding machines arrive, I’ve come to realise something. So it’s confession time: I actually quite like high performance hot SUVs. I know. Believe me, I know.
I know that the whole concept of a high-performance SUV is wrong. I know that the physics simply don’t work, that the high-riding stance and bulk that defines an SUV is the antithesis of the low centre of gravity and lightweight design that I know that, in essence, they’re cynical ploys to create a desirable ‘halo’ model that firms can charge a premium for by offering performance most people don’t really need.
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SamVimes1972
they’re cynical ploys to
they’re cynical ploys to create a desirable ‘halo’ model that firms can charge a premium for by offering performance most people don’t really need.
If they offer performance most people don't really need then surely by that definition every performance car is a cynical ploy to create a 'halo' model? One of the reasons why I didn't buy an SUV (I work in a job that actually involves driving where an SUV would be better for the underside of my car) was the scarcity of non premium cars with a decent turn of speed. Skoda has rightly recognised that there is a market for this type of vehicle. I remember the hand wringing and surprise when performance estates emerged, journalism should at that stage (they missed it before with the hot hatch) realise that actual car buyers are very keen on practicality and performance.
scrap
Nice advertorial.
Nice advertorial.
Lapps
Another
Another thinly disguised VAG Commercial.
typos1
A thinly disgusised VAG
A thinly disgusised VAG commercial that promtoes an FCA product ?!
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scotty5
Insurance needs to be prohibitive.
The irony being that when the market is changing from deisel to petrol and hybrid, not content with an SUV producing more C02 g/km, using more fuel and emitting more harmful gases due to it's weight and aerodynamic attributes, we're now being introduced to even more powerful SUVs.
The idea of more powerful tall and heavy SUV fills me with fear because many folk will have the impression they're driving a sports car, which they ain't, and it's only when they're half way round a bend will they discover it's no MX5. Sounds bloody dangerous to me.
MrJ
Loving something that is
Loving something that is oversized, overweight, and consumes yet more fuel?
Loving the cynical marketing ploys that encourage people to part with more money?
Loving something that looks remarkably like a large cupboard on wheels?
beechie
It's quite simple.
gagaga
So
We've lost the flat 6 in the boxster and proper sports car engines ... for this?
typos1
What exactly is a "proper
What exactly is a "proper sports car engine" and when did we loose them ?
XXXX just went POP.
artill
If you enjoy poor handling i
If you enjoy poor handling i suggest taking any car and fitting really cheap tyres, that will make every journey 'interesting'. No need to go for an SUV to acheive the same results.
Oh, and the Trackhawk is not 5.7 Litres, its 6.2, and fitted with a Supercharger, not Turbos.
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