BMW Z8 - High Speed - All Cars - Brake Time

The suspension has been enhanced with Eibach coils and Bilstein shocks, lowering the ride 1.5 in. front, 1.0 in. rear. On the track, the Cobra R's tenacious asphalt grip makes the driver feel like a centrifuged hero. Immense 13-in. front Brembo discs with four-piston calipers, and vented rear discs, deliver the prerequisite fade-free stopping force.

In the real world, the lack of A/C in the high-speed sweatbox was extremely trying during our hours of driving through the Arizona and California desert. Why no A/C option?

Given its capabilities, the aggressive suspension was surprisingly comfortable on all manner of road surfaces.

Those who aren't among the limited-to-300 Cobra R buyers can build their own super Mustang using the same components developed for this exclusive package through the factory's Ford Racing parts catalog. Then, go hunt some Z28s.

Qvale MangustaAn Italian Exotic With Love-It Or Hate-It PersonalityThe MT staff tests over 300 vehicles each year, yet few have elicited stronger editor statements regarding their styling. Out on the mean streets, it's even worse. The oddly proportioned Qvale Mangusta gets a firm thumbs up or down-with positively no neutral ground. It's love or hate. (And women seem to love it.)

Reflecting this, a wee group of MT zealots did come to the defense of this Ameritalian hybrid and its bold Alfa Romeo-like appearance. Indeed, Alfisti might consider this trick-topped 2+2 a fix until new A-R hardware wheels to our shores in a few years. Until then, you're not likely to get passed by another Mangusta, since this year's total output from the Modena, Italy, plant is pegged at just 300 units.

After a week of close scrutiny, many of its toughest styling detractors found themselves softened by the sound of the Mangusta's 4.6L/320-hp Mustang Cobra V-8 (although its bark is more potent than its bite), solid galvanized-steel chassis, four-piston Brembo disc brakes, excellent steering accuracy, ultra-trick convertible "Rototop," and all-independent suspension. Given the absolutely tiny, family-owned company that builds this car, it's a pretty solid piece of engineering, with the exception of its too-narrow rear seats.

Using the Cobra's DOHC V-8, power-control module, and T45 manual five-speed, the Mangusta's muffler music and the long, peaky pull through the gears are way familiar. Power effectively reaches the ground through the fully independent rear end, optional 18-in. tires, and a BTR speed and torque-sensing limited-slip diff.

In the end, you must decide if this car's unusual styling works for you, and if its rarity and uniqueness warrants its hefty $80 grand pricetag. It may not appear to stack up well against this group of rockets, but its performance is in the same ballpark as its true competitive set, cars like the Jaguar XK8, Panoz Esperante, and Mercedes-Benz SL. We found the Mangusta an entertaining, V-8-engined exotic that's fun and well-engineered for a buyer who places an extra high value on exclusivity.

Being able to rapidly diminish speed over and over again, with confidence, is what every fast car needs from its brakes. Anti-lock systems (fitted to all but the Viper and Shelby) help with control and reduce braking distances, but it's fade resistance under severe (racing, mountain driving) conditions that really counts. The Z06 Vette is king of deceleration (in both 60-0 and 100-0-mph testing), but it's the race-bred Porsche that wins the brake-fade challenge.