Car Connoisseur

We as Americans are missing out on some of the best cars in the world. Why? Well, thank the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency for claiming these following cars are bad for us. Soccer moms can continue to punish the earth with their Ford Excursions because they get the government stamp of approval. Meanwhile, I’m barred from buying an exotic Italian sports car because it doesn’t quite meet the proper safety specifications for the amount of thread used in the seat belts. Makes sense. I give you the untouchables.

Alfa Romeo 159

If you look at this vehicle and it doesn’t strike any emotion with you, check your pulse. Unfortunately, at the end of 1995, Alfa Romeo quietly pulled out of the U.S. market due to mounting safety and environmental constraints, as well as poor sales. Alfa sold merely 500 cars here in the states that year.

This car goes up against the likes of the BMW 3 series, Mercedes C class and Audi A4 in Europe. The Germans have the compact executive market squared away, but the 159 is for extroverts, for people who wear Bulgari watches and fine tailored Italian suits. Individuals who have that extra glass of wine or two with dinner and really approach life with zeal. Alfa, please make the return to America you have been promising, we deserve this car.

Citroën C4

After a few years of somewhat mainstream vehicles, the French manufacturer Citroën is back to producing the offbeat and visionary vehicles that were hallmarks of its past. This is not your average mid size vehicle you’re looking at. The C4 is about the size of a Jetta, however, it’s packed with unusual features, such as a steering wheel hub that stays stationary while turning, an automatic lane departure system and xenon headlights which turn when cornering. Lexus touts this technology like they invented it, however, Citroën was the market with this feature back in the mid 1960s on their revolutionary DS sedan.

The C4, especially in 2 door VTS trim, is quite the competent road car. A firm, controlled ride, a wide range of engines (five petrol and three diesel) as well as love it or hate it styling ensure the Citroen will be immune from boring car syndrome. Both three and five door models are available. Citroën has proven that a mid sized vehicle can be lively, interesting and fun at the same time. Vive le difference.

Fiat Barchetta

Even the name of this car is sexy. It means “little boat” in Italian. Say it along with me – Barchetta. Fiat has been long gone from these shores, but it doesn’t stop car enthusiasts like myself lusting after gorgeous Italian vehicles I can’t have. This car has been around since 1995, and with a facelift in 2002 has stayed quite fresh. A 1.8 twin cam four cylinder engine provides plenty of zip for all situations. A slick gearshift, swift handling and melodious Italian exhaust note add to the open air driving experience. The new for 2006 Mazda Miata definetely looks like it will prove to be nothing but a drivers car. However, it lacks the Barchetta’s street cred, history and character. Fiat, come back to the U.S., per favore.

Ford Falcon XR8

Consider the Ford Five Hundred. Replacement for the aging Taurus and overall, not a bad car. However, it’s not a great car. The Ford Falcon is a great car. A 350 horsepower, 5.4 liter V8 is hooked up to either a six speed manual or four speed automatic. Americans would love this car. Not to mention it’s available in wild colors and just looks bad. Australians have been noted for their specialty home market V8 sedans for years. It’s a big country where people like to go fast. Bring this beast stateside, please.

Jaguar XJ6

This car might look familiar. Indeed, Jaguar sells V8 versions of their flagship sedan in the United States. However, we don’t get what is possibly the most well rounded of the bunch, the Jaguar XJ6. The XJ6 doesn’t have the classic Jaguar straight six from years prior, but rather a new 3.0 liter V6 mated to a six speed automatic with stability control. Air suspension, 18″ wheels and traditional English leather and burl wood round out the entry level XJ. Because of the weight savings over the V8, the XJ6 actually handles sharper and is more light on it’s feet than it’s more powerful siblings. Sometimes less is more.

Lancia Ypsilon

The Mini Cooper changed American perceptions of what a small car is capable of. However, the Lancia Ypsilon could very well alter this perception even further. Fine Italian leathers and Alcantara, two tone paint schemes and legendary Italian styling make this compact stand out from the crowd. Four engines, including a turbo diesel can be matched with either a 5 speed manual or 5 speed manual with hydraulic automated shift action. The Ypsilon is almost too perfect for a city such as style conscious New York, where space is at a premium but luxury is never compromised. Let the small car revolution continue.

Smart Roadster

The Smart division of Daimler Chrysler offers up some pretty interesting pieces of kit. Most are familiar with the funny looking Smart For Two city car. Recently, Smart launched the For Four, a subcompact four door hatchback. The crown jewel of the collection is the Smart Roadster.

This little sports car has a rear mounted three cylinder turbo engine, six speed semi automatic gearbox with paddle shifters and removable roof panels for the open air experience. Throw in some very unique styling, low running costs and a very back to basics driving experience and you have a winner. Aftermarket tuners are even stuffing twin turbo V6 engines in this little sports car. Never before has so much fun been available for so little money. Just over $20,000 is the base admission price for the Roadster.

TVR Sagaris

The TVR Sagaris is just plain wild. Who is TVR, you ask? TVR is a small British company which was recently bought up by a Russian entrepreneur. While the Brits were shaking in their boots that yet another domestic brand got bought up by foreigners, it looks as if TVR is staying true to form. The Sagaris was built with endurance racing in mind and packs a 400 horsepower straight six. That’s good for a 3.6 second run to 60 miles per hour. Not many four wheeled vehicles can match this. Even some motorcycles can’t match this. Suddenly, the Batmobile just doesn’t look that cool.

Wiesmann Roadster/GT

Most cars we purchase today are mass produced. The Wiesmann Roadster and GT aren’t. While it sports a mass produced motor in the form of a BMW inline six, this is definitely not a bad thing, given that it’s the same heart that goes into many great sport cars. The Wiesmann marries old world flavor with modern chic. It’s a car no focus group could ever have dreamt of. Anyone can drive a Mercedes SL or Porsche 911. Few can pull off driving a gentlemen’s GT such as this one.