Counterpoint...

-I'd opt for the Golf R. Save the money on basically the same car, but with better rear room and cargo space. The interior of Volkswagen products is top notch right now, and that also makes the Golf R a potentially smarter buy over even a WRX STI. It's only one to two tenths slower to 60, can be had with actively damped suspension, and your choice of gearbox... and it's under 40k. The one I drove was maxed out at 39k (video coming soon).

(Also.. the "moment" Mr Brownell mentioned that he nearly had in the Audi was probably more terrifying from my point of view in the McLaren. I know that road, and I knew that was coming. It's an off-camber bump in the middle of a left turn that leads into a very short straight before a quick right turn.

The Audi S3 lifted up, shimmied left and right maybe a fraction of a degree both ways, but Bradley did exactly what you're supposed to there when in an all-wheel-drive machine. Keep that damn foot in it.

It was pretty fucking impressive... and yes, the swear is warranted. I was driving harder than he thinks (ok, the 650 had plenty left) but Bradley is yet another camera guy who can probably out drive my ass... Jason Connor being the other one.)