The “What If?” Scenarios & Hypotheticals
If I Had $100,000 to Build a 3-Car Dream Garage, This is What I’d Buy.
With a $100,000 budget, my goal would be maximum versatility and fun. First, I’d buy a used Porsche Boxster for around $40,000. It’s a brilliant, fun-to-drive sports car for weekend canyon carving. Second, I’d get a 5-year-old Lexus GX 460 for about $35,000. It’s a supremely reliable, comfortable, and capable SUV for family duties and off-roading. Finally, with the remaining $25,000, I’d buy a low-mileage Lexus LS 430—a silent, V8-powered sedan for comfortable road trips and daily commuting. This garage covers every possible need.
What If You Could Only Drive One Car for the Rest of Your Life?
If I had to choose one car for a lifetime, it wouldn’t be a flashy supercar. It would have to be a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. It’s a car that truly does it all. It’s a thrilling, world-class sports car for a fun weekend drive. It’s comfortable and refined enough for a long road trip. With its all-wheel-drive system, it’s capable in any weather. It even has small back seats for emergencies. It’s the ultimate automotive Swiss Army knife—a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and usability I would never get tired of.
The Ultimate Road Trip: A Supercar, a Luxury SUV, or a Classic GT?
For the ultimate road trip, I wouldn’t choose the supercar; it’s too uncomfortable and stressful. The luxury SUV would be comfortable, but not very engaging. My choice would be a classic Grand Tourer (GT) like an Aston Martin DB9. It has a powerful V12 engine for effortless cruising and a comfortable, luxurious cabin for long distances. Most importantly, it has character and a sense of occasion. It turns a simple drive into a romantic adventure, which is the entire point of a great road trip.
If Ferrari Made an SUV Before Lamborghini, What Would It Look Like?
If Ferrari had built an SUV in the early 2000s, I believe it would have been very different from the Urus or Purosangue. It would have been a smaller, more athletic vehicle, more like a high-riding shooting brake than a full-size SUV. It would have prioritized on-road handling and a high-revving, naturally aspirated engine above all else. The styling would have been softer and more elegant, drawing inspiration from their GT cars rather than their aggressive supercars. It would have been a controversial but beautifully engineered driver’s car.
What If a Famous Car Designer (like Chris Bangle) Redesigned an Iconic Car?
Chris Bangle was famous for his controversial “flame surfacing” designs at BMW in the 2000s. What if he redesigned an icon like the classic Porsche 911? I imagine he would keep the iconic roofline but would replace the simple, curved surfaces with a complex interplay of concave and convex lines. The classic round headlights might be reshaped into something more abstract and challenging. It would be a car that would infuriate the purists but would also be undeniably bold, futuristic, and thought-provoking, forcing us to reconsider a familiar shape.
The One Car I’d Save from an Automotive Apocalypse.
If I could only save one car to represent the pinnacle of the internal combustion era, it would be the McLaren F1. It’s not just about its speed. It’s a masterpiece of obsessive, lightweight engineering. It features a naturally aspirated V12 engine, a central driving position, and a real manual transmission. It represents a moment in time when a designer had a singular, uncompromising vision to build the ultimate driver’s car, using the best technology available, without being constrained by the complex electronics and regulations of the modern era.
If I Had to Drive Across the Country Tomorrow, I’d Take This Car.
If I had to leave tomorrow for a cross-country drive, I would choose a Lexus LS 500. A road trip is a test of comfort, not speed. The LS has incredibly comfortable seats, a whisper-quiet cabin that eliminates fatigue, and a fantastic Mark Levinson sound system for the long, boring stretches. It also has Lexus’s legendary reliability, meaning I would have absolute peace of mind that the car would make the 3,000-mile journey without a single issue. It is the perfect, serene, and stress-free tool for devouring immense distances.
What If Apple Actually Released a Car?
If Apple released a car, it wouldn’t be about the driving experience. It would be about the user experience. The design would be minimalist and seamless, likely with no visible door handles. The interior would be a beautiful, intuitive space dominated by a single, perfectly integrated software ecosystem. It would have the best voice assistant and the most seamless phone integration imaginable. The car itself would likely be electric and fully autonomous. It wouldn’t be a car for enthusiasts; it would be the ultimate personal mobility device.
The Perfect Car for James Bond in 2024.
While Aston Martin is classic, the perfect car for a modern James Bond would be a Polestar 1. It’s a high-performance plug-in hybrid, reflecting a modern, forward-thinking sensibility. Its sharp, stealthy Swedish design is sophisticated and flies under the radar better than a flashy Aston Martin. It has a powerful electric mode for silent, clandestine operations, but also a potent gasoline engine for high-speed chases. It’s a car that is technologically advanced, environmentally conscious, and devastatingly fast—a perfect fit for a modern secret agent.
If I Won the Lottery, This is the First Car I Would Buy (and the Second, and Third).
If I won the lottery, my first call would not be for a Ferrari. My first purchase would be a brand new, fully loaded Range Rover Autobiography. It’s the ultimate “do-everything” daily driver for a life of luxury. My second purchase would be a Singer DLS, the pinnacle of automotive art and analog driving pleasure. My third would be a Koenigsegg Jesko, a car that represents the absolute bleeding edge of engineering and performance. This three-car garage covers daily comfort, artistic passion, and technological fascination.
What If You Had to Daily Drive a Hypercar for a Year?
If I had to daily drive a hypercar, I would choose a Bugatti Chiron. While most hypercars are raw, uncomfortable, and difficult to see out of, the Chiron is engineered to be a usable luxury car. The ride is surprisingly comfortable, the cabin is quiet, and the automatic transmission is smooth in traffic. While the stress of parking a multi-million-dollar car and the constant attention would be exhausting, its duality of being both a comfortable cruiser and a 1,500-horsepower monster makes it the only hypercar that wouldn’t be a complete nightmare for daily use.
The most Unlikely Brand Collaborations We’d Love to See.
I would love to see a collaboration between Lotus and Rolls-Royce. Imagine a Rolls-Royce Ghost with a chassis and suspension tuned by the handling masters at Lotus. It would be the most comfortable and best-handling luxury sedan ever made. Another dream collaboration would be Honda and Lamborghini. Imagine a new Lamborghini V12 engine with the high-revving reliability and VTEC technology of a Honda. It would be a screaming, bulletproof masterpiece.
If I Could Bring One Discontinued Car Model Back, It Would Be This One.
If I could resurrect one car, it would be the Honda S2000. It was a perfectly balanced, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster with one of the greatest four-cylinder engines ever made, revving to a stratospheric 9,000 RPM. It had a precise, rifle-bolt manual shifter and a purity of purpose that is missing in modern sports cars. In an era of heavy, complex cars, the simple, lightweight, and high-revving joy of the S2000 is something the automotive world desperately needs again.
The Perfect Car for a Zombie Outbreak.
For a zombie apocalypse, my choice would be a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specifically an older, diesel-powered model. Its military-derived, body-on-frame construction is incredibly tough. The three locking differentials would allow it to traverse almost any obstacle to escape the hordes. The diesel engine is famously reliable and can, in a pinch, run on a variety of lower-quality fuels. It’s a secure, unstoppable, and reliable fortress on wheels, which is exactly what you’d need to survive.
What If Porsche Decided to Build a “Budget” Sports Car Under the 718?
If Porsche built a true entry-level sports car, I imagine it would be a small, lightweight, mid-engine coupe, almost like a modern version of the classic 914. To keep costs down, it would likely be powered by a high-performance version of Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The interior would be simple and driver-focused, with fewer luxury features. It would be a car that distilled the pure, balanced handling essence of Porsche into a more accessible and affordable package for a new generation of enthusiasts.
The Dream Car I’d Build Using Parts from Different Brands.
My ultimate “Frankenstein” car would have the timeless body of an Aston Martin DB5. Inside, it would have the modern, beautifully crafted interior of a Pagani. The powertrain would be the high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 from a Lexus LC 500, known for its incredible sound and reliability. It would all be connected to a slick, six-speed manual transmission from a Porsche Cayman GT4. It would be the perfect blend of classic style, artistic interior, soulful engine, and perfect shifting.
If I Had to Bet on One Car Becoming a Future Classic, It’s This One.
My bet for a future classic is the Alfa Romeo 4C. It was not a huge sales success and was often criticized for its lack of creature comforts and unassisted steering. But these are the exact qualities that will make it a collectible. It has a full carbon fiber monocoque chassis—something usually reserved for hypercars. It’s incredibly lightweight and provides a pure, raw, and unfiltered driving experience. As cars become heavier and more digital, the analog, exotic purity of the 4C will become increasingly desirable.
The Ultimate “Track Day” Car vs. the Ultimate “Canyon Carver.”
The ultimate track day car is a Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It’s a car designed for one thing: the fastest possible lap time. Its massive wing creates huge downforce, and its stiff suspension is perfect for a smooth racetrack. The ultimate “canyon carver” for a public road, however, is a Lotus Exige. It’s much smaller and lighter, with a more compliant suspension that can handle imperfect road surfaces. Its joy comes not from ultimate grip, but from its agile, playful nature at lower, real-world speeds.
What if the Wankel Rotary Engine Had Become the Dominant Powertrain?
If the rotary engine had won, the automotive world would be a very different place. Cars would be lighter and have much lower hoods, thanks to the engine’s compact size. The sound of our cities would not be the rumble of pistons, but the high-pitched buzz of spinning rotors. We would have sports cars that rev to an incredible 10,000 RPM. However, we would also likely have much worse fuel economy and would all be experts at checking our oil, as the rotary’s inherent design flaws would still be a major challenge.
The One Car I’d Choose to Be My “Final Drive.”
If I knew I had one last drive, I wouldn’t choose the fastest or most expensive car. I would choose the car that has brought me the most joy: my old, beat-up Mazda Miata. I would take it on my favorite winding coastal road at sunset with the top down. It’s a car that I have a deep, personal connection with. The final drive wouldn’t be about speed or status; it would be a simple, nostalgic, and joyful celebration of the pure, simple pleasure of driving.
Building a Themed Garage (e.g., All V12s, All 80s, All German).
My dream themed garage would be “The Golden Age of Analog.” Every car would be from the late 80s to the early 90s, the peak of the analog driving experience. It would include a Ferrari F40 for its raw, turbocharged power. It would have a first-generation Acura NSX for its balanced handling and reliability. It would have an E30 BMW M3 for its touring car pedigree. And for a grand tourer, a Porsche 928 GTS. It would be a collection dedicated to a specific era of tactile feedback and driver engagement.
The Perfect Car to Recreate a Famous Movie Chase Scene.
To recreate the iconic chase scene from the movie Bullitt, there is only one choice: a 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback in Highland Green. You would need the specific car to capture the feel and the sound. The rumbling V8, the way the car leans in the corners, the squeal of the bias-ply tires—it’s all part of the authentic experience. Trying to recreate that raw, visceral chase through the streets of San Francisco in any other car would simply feel like a pale imitation.
What if Gas Suddenly Cost $20 a Gallon?
If gas cost $20 a gallon overnight, the car world would be instantly upended. The market for large, inefficient trucks and SUVs would completely collapse. The most valuable and desirable cars would suddenly be small, hyper-efficient hybrids and EVs. Commuting habits would change drastically, with a huge shift to public transportation and working from home. The classic car hobby would become the exclusive domain of the ultra-wealthy, and a simple Sunday drive would become an extravagant luxury.
The Hypothetical Car That Could Beat a Porsche 911 at Its Own Game.
To beat the Porsche 911, you would need to build a car with a similar philosophy of continuous, iterative evolution. I imagine a resurrected Honda S2000, but as a coupe. It would have a lightweight, perfectly balanced front-engine, rear-wheel-drive chassis. It would be powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated engine. Honda would then have to commit to refining and perfecting that same basic formula for the next 50 years, just as Porsche has done. The 911’s greatness comes not from its spec sheet, but from its relentless, decades-long refinement.
If I Could Only Keep One Car from My Past, Which Would it Be?
If I could have one car back, it would be the first-generation Mazda Miata I owned in college. It was slow, cramped, and had no features. But it was also the car I took on my first real road trip. It was the car I learned to do my own maintenance on. It was a symbol of freedom and a vessel for so many foundational memories. While I’ve owned faster and more expensive cars since, none have the same deep, emotional significance as that simple, cheap, and joyful little roadster.
The Best Car for a First Date: Impressive but Not Obnoxious.
The perfect first date car is a tricky balance. Showing up in a loud, flashy Lamborghini can be seen as arrogant and trying too hard. The best choice is something that is stylish, tasteful, and a good conversation starter. A vintage Alfa Romeo Spider or a classic Mercedes SL is a great option. It shows you have good taste and an appreciation for design, without being an overt display of wealth. It’s impressive in a confident, understated way.
What if You Could Put Any Engine in Any Car?
My dream engine swap would be to take the high-revving, naturally aspirated V10 engine from a Lexus LFA and put it into the lightweight, mid-engine chassis of a Lotus Exige. The Lotus already has some of the best handling dynamics of any car ever made. Combining that telepathic handling with what many consider to be the best-sounding engine of all time would create a small, agile, and utterly exhilarating car—a true, one-of-a-kind sensory masterpiece.
The One Feature I Would Add to My Favorite Car.
My favorite car is a classic Porsche 911. Its one flaw is the lack of storage space. If I could add one feature, it would be a custom-designed, integrated roof rack system from the factory. It would have to be sleek and minimalist, so as not to ruin the car’s iconic lines. This would allow me to carry a surfboard or a set of skis, transforming my beloved sports car into a more versatile, year-round adventure vehicle without sacrificing its fundamental character.
The Perfect Car for a Cross-Continental Rally like the Gumball 3000.
The perfect car for a rally like the Gumball 3000 needs to be a blend of speed, comfort, and reliability. My choice would be a Bentley Continental GT Speed. It has a twin-turbo W12 engine that can effortlessly cruise at triple-digit speeds on the highway. Its cabin is supremely comfortable and quiet, which is crucial for surviving the long driving days. It’s also reliable and has enough luggage space for a week-long party. And its presence is impressive without being as obnoxiously flashy as a brightly colored Lamborghini.
What if Bugatti Built a Luxury Sedan?
If Bugatti built a sedan, it would be the most opulent and powerful saloon car in the world. I imagine it would be inspired by their legendary Type 57 Atlantic, with a long, flowing design and a fastback roofline. It would likely use a modified version of their W16 engine, tuned for silent, effortless torque rather than raw power. The interior would be a masterpiece of bespoke craftsmanship, far exceeding even a Rolls-Royce. It would be the undisputed king of the luxury sedan world, with a price tag to match.
The One Car I’d Take on a One-Way Trip to Mars.
If I were taking a car to Mars, it wouldn’t be electric, as there’s nowhere to charge it. It would have to be simple, rugged, and infinitely repairable. My choice would be a 1980s Toyota Hilux pickup truck. These trucks are legendary for their indestructibility. They have a simple, mechanical diesel engine that can run on almost anything. They are easy to fix with basic tools. On a new, hostile planet, you don’t need speed or luxury; you need absolute, unwavering reliability.
If I Had to Design a Car Company from Scratch, This Would Be My Philosophy.
My car company would be built on the philosophy of “analog engagement.” We would only build lightweight sports cars. Every car would have a naturally aspirated, high-revving engine and a mandatory manual transmission. The interiors would be simple and driver-focused, with beautiful analog gauges and physical buttons, not touchscreens. Our goal would not be to build the fastest car, but to build the most engaging, soulful, and rewarding driver’s car on the market, a direct antidote to the silent, automated future.
The Most Interesting Car to Take on a Historical Tour of Europe.
The perfect car for a historical tour of Europe would be a Citroën DS from the 1960s. Its futuristic, avant-garde design would be a beautiful contrast to the ancient architecture. More importantly, its revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension would glide over the cobblestone streets of Rome and the bumpy country roads of France with an unmatched, magic-carpet-like comfort. It’s a car that is both a piece of design history itself and the most comfortable way to experience the continent.
What if Manual Transmissions Made a Huge Comeback?
If manual transmissions became popular again, the character of cars would change. Automakers would have to re-focus on creating a satisfying, tactile shifting experience. We would see a renewed emphasis on driver skill and engagement. Performance metrics might shift away from pure 0-60 times (where automatics are faster) towards more subjective measures of driving pleasure. It would signal a major cultural shift away from passive transportation and back towards driving as an enjoyable, active skill.
The One Car That Could Never Be Replaced by an EV Equivalent.
The car that could never be truly replaced by an EV is a classic, air-cooled Porsche 911. So much of that car’s character is tied to its unique, imperfect engine. It’s the agricultural, clattery sound at idle, the smell of oil and gasoline, the way the whole car vibrates with mechanical life. An electric version could be faster, but it could never replicate the multi-sensory, analog, and deeply charismatic experience of that specific air-cooled engine. The car’s soul is its engine.
The Perfect Garage for a Mountain Retreat vs. a Beach House.
For a mountain retreat, my perfect two-car garage would be a new Land Rover Defender for its rugged, go-anywhere capability in snow and on dirt roads, and a Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 for tackling the winding mountain passes. For a beach house, the garage would be a vintage, open-top Ford Bronco for its fun, sand-friendly vibe, and a comfortable Lexus LC 500 Convertible for stylish, top-down cruises along the coast. The garage should always be perfectly matched to its environment.
What If You Could Have Dinner with Any Automotive Figure, Living or Dead?
If I could have dinner with one automotive figure, it would be Gordon Murray, the designer of the McLaren F1. I wouldn’t ask him about top speeds. I would ask him about his relentless philosophy of lightweighting. I would want to understand the thousands of small, obsessive decisions he made to save every possible gram. I would want to know what it feels like to have such a singular, uncompromising vision and the genius to execute it perfectly.
The Car I’d Choose for a Getaway Driver.
If I were a getaway driver, I wouldn’t choose a flashy Ferrari. I would choose a black Audi RS6 Avant. It’s brutally fast, with a twin-turbo V8 and all-wheel drive for incredible grip on any surface. But it’s also a station wagon. It blends into traffic and doesn’t draw the same attention as a supercar. It’s the ultimate “sleeper”—a car with the performance to outrun almost anything, but with a discreet appearance that makes it the perfect, understated tool for a quick escape.
The Most Interesting “Restomod” Concept We Can Imagine.
My dream “restomod” would be to take a classic 1960s Lincoln Continental with its iconic “suicide doors.” I would keep the stunning exterior design completely stock. But underneath, I would install the silent, powerful, dual-motor electric powertrain and air suspension from a modern Lucid Air. The result would be a car that combined the timeless, elegant style of the 60s with the smooth, silent, and effortlessly powerful experience of a modern luxury EV. It would be the ultimate expression of classic style and futuristic comfort.
What If Your Garage Could Only Hold Two Cars: One for Fun, One for Practicality?
If I had to choose a two-car solution, my practical car would be a new Toyota Sienna hybrid minivan. It’s incredibly spacious, reliable, and fuel-efficient—the perfect, stress-free tool for family life. For fun, my choice would be a used Lotus Elise. It’s the complete opposite of the minivan. It’s tiny, raw, and completely impractical, but it offers one of the purest and most engaging driving experiences imaginable. This garage perfectly separates daily duty from weekend pleasure.
The Car I’d Give to My Worst Enemy.
If I had to give a car to my worst enemy, it would be a first-generation Range Rover with the notoriously unreliable Lucas electronics. It would be a beautiful and prestigious car that would constantly tantalize them with the promise of luxury. However, it would also be a never-ending nightmare of electrical gremlins, mysterious breakdowns, and ruinously expensive repair bills. It would be a source of constant frustration and financial pain, a beautiful Trojan horse of automotive misery.
The Best Car to Own if You Lived in the Heart of a Major City.
If I lived in a dense city like New York or London, the best car to own would be a BMW i3. Its tiny footprint makes it incredibly easy to park in tight spaces. Its electric powertrain is perfect for silent, efficient, stop-and-go traffic. The tight turning radius makes it a dream for navigating narrow streets. And the quirky, modern design and sustainable interior materials give it a unique, sophisticated urban character. It’s a car designed specifically for the challenges of the modern megacity.
What if Pop-Up Headlights Were Still Legal?
If pop-up headlights were still legal, car design would be much more dramatic. We would see a return of the low, sharp, “wedge” shaped front ends that were so popular in the 80s and 90s, as designers wouldn’t have to accommodate fixed headlight heights. The front of a new Corvette or Ferrari might look much more aggressive and sleek. The simple, mechanical joy of seeing the headlights flip up would add a sense of theater and character that is missing from modern, aerodynamic designs.
The Dream Car I’d Buy if I Knew I Could Never Be in an Accident.
If I knew I was completely immune to accidents, I would buy a 1930s Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B. It is one of the most beautiful and valuable cars in the world. It has no safety features—no seatbelts, no airbags, and brakes that are terrifying by modern standards. The fear of damaging such an irreplaceable and fragile piece of art would normally make it undrivable. But in a world without risk, I would be free to enjoy its stunning beauty and vintage driving experience on the open road.
The Best Car for Experiencing All Four Seasons.
The perfect car for all four seasons is a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet. In the summer, you can put the top down and enjoy it as a glorious convertible. In the fall, its brilliant handling makes it perfect for a drive on a twisty mountain road. With its advanced all-wheel-drive system and a set of good winter tires, it’s a surprisingly capable and secure vehicle in the snow. And in the spring, you can just enjoy it as a comfortable and fast daily driver. It truly is a car for all seasons.
If I Had to Start My Car Collection Over, I’d Do This Differently.
If I had to start my car collection again, I would focus less on a car’s performance numbers and more on its character and the diversity of the driving experience. Instead of buying three fast, modern sports cars that all feel somewhat similar, I would buy one modern sports car, one raw and analog classic car, and one comfortable and unique grand tourer. I’ve learned that a great collection is not about having the fastest cars, but about having a variety of different automotive personalities to choose from.
The Ultimate “Q-Car” or Sleeper We Wish a Brand Would Build.
My ultimate dream “sleeper” would be if Genesis took the excellent twin-turbo V6 from their G70 sports sedan and put it into the body of a humble Hyundai Elantra N. They would have to keep the exterior almost completely stock. The result would be a normal-looking economy car with over 370 horsepower and rear-wheel drive. It would be a hilarious and unassuming giant-killer, capable of surprising much more expensive sports cars at a stoplight.
What If You Could Own the Original Prototype of Any Car?
If I could own one prototype, it would be the original 1963 Ford Mustang I prototype. It was not a muscle car; it was a small, mid-engine, two-seater roadster that looked like a tiny spaceship. It was a radical, beautiful concept that was ultimately rejected in favor of the more practical, four-seater production car. Owning that prototype would be like owning a window into an alternate automotive history, a glimpse of the nimble, European-style sports car the Mustang could have been.
The Car I’d Use to Teach Someone How to Drive.
The perfect car to teach someone how to drive is an older, base-model Honda Civic with a manual transmission. It’s a car with good visibility and predictable handling. It’s not powerful enough to get a new driver into trouble. The manual transmission forces them to learn how an engine and drivetrain actually work, making them a more engaged and mechanically sympathetic driver. And because it’s a cheap, reliable car, a few bumps and scrapes during the learning process are not a financial disaster.
The Hypothetical Car That Represents the Pinnacle of Automotive Engineering.
The pinnacle of automotive engineering, for me, would be a hypothetical car that combines the obsessive, lightweighting philosophy of Gordon Murray’s T.50, the brutally efficient hybrid powertrain technology of a modern Formula 1 car, and the bespoke, artistic craftsmanship of a Pagani. It would be a car that is not only devastatingly fast and light, but also a beautiful, analog, and exquisitely built object. It would be the perfect fusion of science, art, and the human driving experience.