Executive Automotive has mechanics that specialize in repairing and servicing your favorite German Cars: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. Germany is known for engineering some of the best sports cars in the world. The Bugatti Veyron (designed by VW) is thought by many to be the best examples of a production sports car that will ever be made. This limited-edition vehicle is perhaps the pinnacle of what an automobile can be.
Yet, there are many other top German models that can be purchased by ordinary consumers who missed out on the Veyron release. Let’s look at the top 5 in our list, below:
Porsche 918 Spyder
The record-breaking 2013-2015 Porsche 918 Spyder went down in history when it did 0-60 in Motor Trend’s testing in just 2.4 seconds. This is thanks to the instant availability of power that its hybrid electric motors deliver.
The power range of the combustion engine has always been an Achille’s Heel in 0-60 times because the power simply isn’t there until the engine reaches its higher RPMs and gears. The Porsche 918 Spyder proved the strength of hybrid technology by merely boosting its naturally-aspirated V8 with a small 125-horsepower front-axle electric motor and a 154-hp twin in the rear.
These small electric engines are bigger than the combustion engines in many compact cars. Yet, in comparison to the monster V8 mounted in the middle of the vehicle, they seem like tiny assistants.
The 918 features the same V8 engine that is used in Porsche’s Le Mans racing prototype and has the distinction of performing without belts to time it. At just under 300 lbs., the engine is lightweight and helps the vehicle maintain a nimble and neutral handling when mounted in the mid-section.
The styling is sleek and stunning. The entire car seems to flow like a spaceship rather than something terrestrial thanks to its superior aerodynamics.
BMW M4
For many years, the M3 was the elite package that anyone who coveted a BMW longed for. Nowadays, the M3 is a relic which sits in the shadow of the M4. The latest M4 can be found with a twin-turbo engine that is capable of putting out 444 horsepower. We don’t think that this focus on the number 4 is any accident for the M4.
Perhaps the engineers were superstitious when they released this monster because it has a 0-60 of 3.8 seconds. It drives even better in the bends than it looks.
BMWs have great weight distribution and neutral handling that makes them nimble and fun to drive. The M4 has the power and sports suspension to really hang tight in the corners and to deftly carve up any race course. This M4 has bold styling and looks tougher than other BMW models with less performance-oriented packages.
Audi R8 2017
The Audi R8 is a mid-engine supercar that is centered around a V10 powerplant. This ten-cylinder engine gives the Audi R8 coupe and spyder the ability to reach astronomical speeds of 199-205 mph.
The engine cranks out anywhere from 540 to 610 horsepower, way more than most people are capable of handling. But because it is an Audi, road feedback is very direct despite its adaptive damping system.
The Audi R8 is a luxury car that boasts both comfort and tech features. The frame is made out of aluminum and carbon fiber instead of traditional steel. This Audi Space Frame platform is starting to become foundational in the brand. It also has 4 driving modes to dial in the right tuning for the right time (dynamic, auto, comfort, and individual).
One of the key features of the Audi is its Quattro all-wheel-drive system that can deliver the power wherever it is needed without compromise. No traction in the back? No problem, the front wheels will channel complete power until the rear wheels get some grip. This kind of synergy helps the vehicle act like a wild cheetah rather than a stubborn machine.
BMW M5
Just when you thought that the BMW M4 German sports car had everything that you wanted, along comes the M5. The M5 surpasses the M4’s 444-horsepower engine with a monster 600 ponies. If you upgrade to the competition model, you are gifted with 17 more. The all-wheel-drive system is poised to catch up with the Audi Quattro even if it is a big change for BMW drivers. The 0-60 of this twin-turbo V8 is just a bit slower than the hybrid Porsche Spyder, ringing in at 2.8 seconds flat. Aside from the powertrain, this BMW has all the same smart safety features and interior tech as many other models, which makes it suitable for daily driving.
Audi TT RS
The Audi TT RS is surprisingly sporty for a 5-cylinder. With half the cylinders of the R8, it still manages to output an impressive 400-hp. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system is the secret to squeezing out every ounce of that power and transferring it to the road. The 5-cylinder powerband makes it tame enough to cruise around town but there is plenty of power in the pedal when you need it. The Audi TT RS shines far above the tuned-down performance of others in the Audi TT lineup.
Drivers who buy the Audi TT love the styling, power, and fuel economy. You might want to skip this model, however, if you are looking for true 4-passenger space. The rear seats are not very comfortable. They don’t have the diamond-pattern stitching, memory, or ventilation, even if they are decked out in fine leather.
The aluminum trim, infotainment features, and adaptive suspension may make up for the lack of driver-assist safety technology. We feel that the Audi TT RS German sports car provides styling and value that is hard to find with a powerful 5-cylinder that only Audi engineers could pull off. Who else is able to balance an unbalanced engine?
Conclusion
Germany produces some awesome supercars that have styling and performance. While Italian vehicles can feel like wild bulls that have a mind of their own, German sports cars are designed to synchronize with their driver.
German vehicles are built to have very anthropomorphic qualities that combine machines with man into this seamless package. The automatic transmissions are fine-tuned with telepathic shifts. And it seems like the engineers thought of everything in advance when designing the vehicles to meet and surpass your expectations. That is one factor that is hard to quantify with a German car. It is better to simply experience it.
Interested in what makes Italian sports cars so deliciously charged? Check it out.