Driving a Q car is an experience unto itself. There is something wholly unique about propelling such a large lump of metal along at outrageous speeds.
Recent years have seen some truly absurd stats associated with super saloons, below are our favourite pics from the Q car high speed hall of fame.
Brabus E V12 7.3 (W210)
Any mid-size saloon car that can easily exceed 200mph warrants attention in this top five. In more recent years Brabus has introduced turbochargers and as with the current E800, exceeded such ludicrous numbers as 230mph and 1,000lbft.
But it’s the less obvious, naturally aspirated E V12 from the late 1990s that’s our focus here, complete with 7.3-litres of one of the finest V12 engines ever produced. Not exactly blessed with overwhelming traction, the near-600bhp EV12 would ideally be resplendent in some mild metallic shade for maximum Q car points, complete with a near-constant fine grey mist of vaporised rubber trailing behind.
Volvo 850R
250bhp from a five-cylinder engine sent through the front wheels definitely made for interesting handling dynamics back in 1992. Torque steer was name of the game here, as was absolutely no one having a clue that your car had plenty of bhp to play with.
Subtle and packed with BTCC kudos.
BMW M550d xDrive Touring
You can’t buy a new M550d Touring in the UK, and that seems a shame, not least because any estate car with three turbochargers and four-wheel drive has the makings of a formidable Q car. In an appropriately reticent hue, and on the standard 19” wheels, it would be easy to pass this Munich torque monster off as a fleet-favourite 520d, thereby missing entirely the 381hp and 545lb ft of torque barely constrained underneath until far too late.
A colossal kerb weight blunts the M550d’s ploy as an oil-burning M5 alternative, but as a long-range, all-weather holdall, there’s surely little currently to better it.
Audi S6 (C6 V10)
Far from Audi’s finest hour dynamically, the V10 S6 nevertheless gains entry to this list for housing an improbably extravagant engine in a saloon or estate body that looks little different to the regular A6 on which it was based.
Whether stuffing all that weight on and beyond the front axle was such a good idea is doubtful, and with ‘only’ 435hp from a detuned, 5.2-litre version of the charismatic V10, signified as ever by its quadrophonic five-cylinder style warble played at double speed, the acceleration isn’t quite spectacular enough for you to forgive the inherent, hideous thirst. But still, it’s an Audi A6 with a V10 motor. That’s enough.
Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R 4-door
With an extra pair of doors, the R33’s relatively tame 17” alloys, and shorn of the GT-R’s regular boot spoiler, the R33 GT-R ‘saloon’ looks like any other 90s Japanese luxo-barge from all bar the front perspective; after all, there’s no mistaking those hungry GT-R nostrils and front spolier.
Of course, underneath that plain, softly contoured exterior lies the usual RB26 inline ‘six’ in all its gravelly, hissing glory, and the same sophisticated four-wheel drive chassis, which must make this rare and unlikely saloon one of the more potent ways to travel from A-B some way below the radar.
Renault Espace V6
The 3.5-litre Nissan produced V6 from the 350z found an unlikely home in the Renault Espace. It wasn't the first time Renault had put something special into the Espace, opting for an F1 engine as part of a pr stunt for the car.
Real world performance coupled with an innate ability to transport screaming kids on family holidays at an ubelievable rate of knots. Just don't lean on the brakes too hard, there's a lot of car to stop.
Lancia Thema 8.32
Transport the V8 engine from a Ferrari 308 and put it into a front wheel drive car, that was the thinking behind the Thema 8.32. Only a touch quicker than the Thema Turbo, this Lancia was more an exercise in 'Q' than anything else.
Finished nicely with a pop up spoiler, which gives extra 'Q' points, the Thema is perhaps one of the most ridiculous vehicles to ever roll out of the Lancia factory.
BMW M5 (E28)
Described by evo as 'the very essence of Q-carishness', the M5 sets the standard for keeping performance potential on the quiet. A 286bhp straight six and enough oversteer to last a lifetime, it's a true icon of subtle speed.
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FAQs
Final answer:
If it were demonstrated that most Americans are interested in the fine art now being produced, the passage's discouraging conclusion would be unjustified because it would contradict the original assertion of widespread lack of interest.
Can most reasonably be inferred from passage that artistic style known as mannerism paragraph 2 is characterized by? ›
1 / 1 pts Question 12 It can most reasonably be inferred from the passage that the artistic style known as mannerism (paragraph 2) is characterized by: Unnaturally elongated figures in stylized poses. Correct!
Which of the following is most like the ability to appreciate art as it is described in the passage? ›
Final answer: The passage indicates that art appreciation is akin to improving at dance; it evolves with engagement and understanding. Similar to how dance ability grows with practice, art appreciation deepens as one engages more with art.
What result would be most predictable if conditions analogous to those described in the passage prevailed in the automobile industry? ›
Expert-Verified Answer
If conditions analogous to those described in the passage prevail in the automobile industry, the most predictable result would be a significant shift in consumer preferences and a potential decline in traditional automobile manufacturers' market share.
Which of the following policy suggestions demonstrates acceptance of one or more of Talley's claims? ›
Option C is correct. Travel subsidies for urban physicians interested in providing health care to rural Americans policy suggestions demonstrates acceptance of one or more of Talley's claims.
What is cytochrome P450 mcat? ›
Cytochrome P450 alters the activity of drugs by acting as an oxidizing agent to allow drugs and toxins to be metabolized. phosphorylating them.
What is Mannerism and who were the major artist associated with the style? ›
Mannerism encompasses a variety of approaches influenced by, and reacting to, the harmonious ideals associated with artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Vasari, and early Michelangelo.
What are the characteristics of Mannerism how does this style compare to that of the High Renaissance? ›
Sculpture and architecture were ordered, logical, and calm. However, art changed and from roughly 1520-1600 was into the style of Mannerism. Mannerist artists broke the rules of the Renaissance, creating paintings with disproportionate figures, spiraling sculptures, and playful structures.
What qualities did the Mannerist style emphasize in its subjects? ›
Mannerist artists evolved a style that is characterized by artificiality and artiness, by a thoroughly self-conscious cultivation of elegance and technical facility, and by a sophisticated indulgence in the bizarre.
What are the three focus of art appreciation? ›
Art Appreciation is a three-unit course that develops students' ability to appreciate, analyze, and critique works of art.
Art Appreciation equips you with the vocabulary to understand and discuss the visual arts, while introducing you to various mediums. Art helps create understanding of the world around us. It is an essential part of cultures across the globe because it allows us to be open to new ideas and experiences.
Is art appreciation a visual art? ›
Art appreciation is the study and understanding of the visual arts, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and other forms of expression. It involves learning about the elements and principles of art, as well as the historical and cultural context in which works of art were created.
What is the claim that religion was one of the most vital elements in the Hellenistic world is based mainly on? ›
Final answer: The claim that religion was one of the most vital elements in the Hellenistic world is supported by the diverse religious landscape, the promotion of syncretism by rulers, the significance of temples, rituals, and festivals, and the spread of Hellenistic culture.
Which statement if assumed to be true most challenges the authors claim regarding reproductions of Monet's art? ›
Final answer:
A statement that assumes reproductions of Monet's art can capture and convey the original painting's nuanced details and emotional impact would most challenge the author's claim, especially if the author's claim assumes a quality loss in reproductions.
Which of the following assertions is not clearly supported by historical research provided by the passage author? ›
Expert-Verified Answer
The assertion that is NOT clearly supported by historical research provided by the passage author is that American novels were well-received by the major American periodicals of the mid-nineteenth century.
Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen Zilhão's hypothesis paragraph 2 regarding the ornaments found at neandertal sites? ›
A) Zilhão's hypothesis is that the Neandertals made the ornaments themselves (they didn't get them by trade or finding them), independent of any modern-human influence (they didn't copy them). If the Neandertal ornaments date to a time before the modern humans, then that would strengthen the hypothesis.
How are proponents of auteurism based on passage? ›
Proponents of auteurism are likely to have a skeptical or critical reaction to a thematic mode of film criticism. Auteur theory emphasizes the director's personal creative vision as the primary force behind a film, often reflected in consistent themes, aesthetics, and narratives across their filmography.
Which of the following is not offered as a part of the unconventional representations of blues musicians described in the first paragraph? ›
Final answer:
Traditional musical notation is not offered as a part of the unconventional representations of blues musicians described in the first paragraph, hence the correct option is (d) Traditional musical notation.
