There are cars, and then there are cool cars – the type of motor vehicle that stands out from the crowd, making a statement about the driver and capturing the imagination of other motorists and pedestrians alike. But, what exactly makes a car cool? And, what are the coolest cars around? Read on to learn all about cool cars for cool drivers, exploring some of the most unique and exciting vehicles in the world.
What Makes a Car Cool?
At the heart of a cool car lies something to make it stand out from the everyday vehicle – it could be a unique design and shape, or added performance capabilities; the power to make a statement.
There is no one-size-fits-all definition of what makes a car cool, as preferences move with changing times and cultural and societal trends. However, some common features of cool cars may include:
• Bold Styling: A powerful, distinctive design.
• Exceptional Performance: Giving the car exclusivity and the ability to excite and thrill.
• Luxury Features: Offering luxury and a sense of extravagance.
• Rarity: Making the car unique and reinforcing a sense of status.
• Cultural Associations: Historical, film or celebrity connections.
The Coolest Cars in the World
So, what cars actually make the cut as some of the coolest in the world? Here are ten picks of the bunch – some of most revered vehicles by participants of cool car culture across the globe.
- Lamborghini Aventador
The Lamborghini Aventador embodies everything cool about cars. Equipped with a 6.5-liter V12 engine and advanced technology, it is a vivid vision of engineering excellence. With a V-shaped frame and scissor doors, the Aventador exudes boldness and daring from every angle. This car is powered by speed – not only does it boast a top speed of 217 mph; the Aventador’s acceleration time of 2.9 seconds is proof of its night-and-lightning performance.
- Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is a classic cool car. Since its release in 1963, the model has been an enduring symbol of style, drift and, of course, speed. Generation after generation, the allure of Porsche 911 has touched a nerve with drivers who share a love of thrill and decent performance. The 911s two-seater body is streamlined, curved and assertive in design, while the engine offers plenty of muscle to live up to Porsche’s rich heritage.
- Ford GT
The Ford GT is one of the ultimate cool cars of the 21st century, with a V6 twin turbocharged performance engine, a top speed of 216 mph and acceleration from 0-60mph in just three seconds. The body of the car has a modern, yet timelessly cool aesthetic, with an aerodynamic design that was inspired by the Ford GT40 racer. At its core, the Ford GT is built purely for performance and for justice for the thrill-seeking Ford fan.
- McLaren F1
The McLaren F1 is a historical car, first released over 25 years ago with one goal to break the speed world record. And it did. At its release, the F1 was the fastest car in the world, with a top speed of 240 mph. Alongside its powerful performance, its design was iconic, with a sleek and aerodynamic body as well as visible engine design. The McLaren F1 has since gone down in motoring history as one of the world’s coolest cars.
- Audi R8
The Audi R8 looks cool, feels cool and drives cool. It combines the familiar, luxurious interior of an Audi with a sports-style body, designed for performance as well as looks. The R8 is leathered with remarkable features, such as electromechanical power steering, a front mid-engine design and a 4.2 FSI engine to help you tear ignite up the roads. Completing the look is the positive symmetry of angular body shape, illuminated by a few LED accents. This car screams cool.
- Land Rover Avenger
Even though on the higher end of the motoring budget, the Land Rover Defender is metal coolness on four wheels. First produced in 1948, the heavy-duty SUV demonstrates true off-road prowess. But don’t be fooled – the 2.2-liter engine still offers plenty of power for on-road glamour too. The Defender’s classic design is iconic in cool car culture, making it easy to make a statement from behind its iconic silhouette.
- BMW M3
The BMW 3 Series has been on the scene since the mid 80s – and for good reason. The BMW M3 combines performance with precision for a mix of power and luxury. Equipped with a twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, its brute power and torque are felt from the second you rocket off from the mark. The powerful engine is coupled with a classic, slanted-back BMW body, making the M3 a perfect cool car to fill your rearview.
- Mercedes G-Class
The Mercedes G-Class embodies coolness in both its design and its dominance in the limelight. As far as land-based capability goes, few cars can touch the Mercedes G-Class in terms of robustness and versatility. Also, under the chunky body design lies power – this car is kitted with a 400 HP V8 engine and 5.5-liter displacement engine that offers a top speed of 132mph. For cool car fans, the Mercedes G-Class is impossible to ignore.
- Ferrari Testarossa
The Ferrari Testarossa is quite probably at the very top of the pile when it comes to cool cars. Released in 1984, the Testaross remarkable wedge-shaped body and side strakes drew attention from anyone and everyone. Since then, the Testarossa has earned the status of the classic cool car, inspiring Ferrari fans and aspiring drivers of all walks of life. This car shaped the luxury sports market, and its enduring presence is evidence of its continued relevance in modern runnings too.
- Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle is enduringly cool. Its distinct, classic design and curved hood has offered a rounded, organic look since its release in 1938. Moving off the mark, the Beetle is a light, simple ride for casual motoring and quick maneuvering. Its unassuming, light-bodied and yet profusely loved design propelled the Beetle to become an enduring, beloved cool car for all generations.
The Future of Cool Cars
Looking ahead to the future, it is clear that the coolest cars from our present will continue to reign and create their own mark on automotive culture. However, the rise of technology, drifting and racing culture as causes of cool car worship tells us that future cool cars must keep up. As car design and performance abilities become ever more exemplary, the concept of a cool car will no doubt be pushed to new limits, creating even cooler cars that offer even more excitement.
The concept of cool cars is varied and subjective. Still, we can all agree that some cars deserve the title much more than others – the Lamborghini Aventador, Porsche 911, Ford GT and McLaren F1, to name a few examples – each of these has the power to make an impression and speak to drivers who share a taste for the thrill. Whether it’s for the traditional vintage coolness of the Volkswagen Beetle, or the smart, stylish and high-end Audi R8, exploring the world of cool cars shows no signs of slowing down.
