 Porsche Panamera. Click image to enlarge |
Porsche Panamera
This Porsche ‘sedan’ is available in a plethora of trim grades and variations that deliver anything from a relaxed executive sedan to a fire-breathing track-weapon. Common to all models is an exceptionally comfortable cabin that’s surprisingly roomy for four adults, as well as the ability to rip through winding roads like a plasma cutter through tin foil. Go with the GTS or Turbo, and there’s enough power for the straight stretches to make your grandmother swear. Planning a guy’s road trip with some scenic roads en route? The comfort and driving experience here make the Panamera one of the ultimate machines for the job.
 Mini Cooper S Roadster. Click image to enlarge |
Mini Cooper S Roadster
Carefree, youthful, highly dynamic and top-down cruising are some of the highlights of this little British sports roadster. Ditching the rear seat and lowering the body saves weight and increases agility. The Cooper S Roadster turns in a highly personal driving experience for two. Main draw here? The Cooper S Roadster is fun to drive, roof-optional, plenty quick, and won’t see its fuel supply disappear like a Spongebob cake at a six-year-old’s birthday.
 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport. Click image to enlarge |
Corvette Convertible
The Corvette Convertible was the longest-running American convertible still cruising coastlines and scenic side roads. The 2013 Corvette packs sleek looks, world-class dynamics and a Magnetic Ride Control suspension system to keep things comfortable and responsive, simultaneously, along the way. And, of course, you get all of the goodness that comes from a big, simple and surprisingly fuel-efficient American V8 engine under the hood. The 2014 ‘C7’ Corvette will surely offer more of the same.
Land Rover LR4
If the scenic coastal road you’re travelling is covered in snow or ice, or has recently been washed out by a mud-slide, you’ll appreciate the LR4’s capability. Actual four-wheel drive (none of that sissy soccer-mom AWD) means the LR4 will tackle anything tossed its way by Mother Nature. The posh cabin works towards an upscale experience, and the creamy and quiet ride encourages relaxation and socialization along the way.
With stadium seating and multiple sunroofs, everyone gets a great view. Need to tackle a trail up to a lookout point? The LR4 is one of the market’s best machines when it comes to bringing its on-road comfort with it onto the road less travelled.
  Land Rover LR4 & Ferrari 458 Spider. Click image to enlarge |
Ferrari 458 Spider
Though I can’t comment first-hand as I am not wealthy, I would bet that driving a Ferrari 458 Spider down a coastal route would be an experience not to be missed. I don’t even care that this pasta-rocket would get nine miles per gallon and likely catch fire along the way – I’d burn to a crisp at 10,000 rpm with a smile on my face and the scenery flying by.
  Honda S2000. Click image to enlarge |
Honda S2000
Honda axed this track-terrorizing little roadster from production some years ago – but a quick search of the used car ads (Honda S2000s on autoTRADER.ca of course) can set you up with one on the cheap. Then, it’s off to the coast to experience intensely precise handling, balance, and the glorious sound of a strung-out little four-banger making VTEC noises and screaming away under the hood. Ditch the roof to add to the effect – it folds away in about four seconds. Okay, it might not exactly fulfill the comfort part of our requirements, but it is so packed with awesomeness that we couldn’t leave it off this list. When it comes to a cheap, precise and affordable convertible experience, a used Honda S2000 is a modern classic.
 Lexus LS 600 HL. Click image to enlarge |
Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is a V8-powered, bovine-lined sensory deprivation tank popular with big-dollar shot-callers that need to get around in a discreet hurry. In the LS, the serenely quiet ride and ultra-cushy suspension mean the only thing entering the car from the world outside is the view. Even at speed, wind and road noise infiltration to the cabin are minimal – and the library-quiet ride comes with the smug satisfaction of piloting a four-wheeled business lounge with one-finger effortlessness. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery in this one.
