I pulled up next to an Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG last night at a stoplight. It's one of those odd cars that flies under the radar for the most part, possibly because it's small, expensive and looks much like its significantly cheaper stablemates. Not really sure how they sell them, but obviously they push a few out the door now and again.
It also reminded me of something I thought of the last time I drove one. The SLK55 might be the car I would choose to make a quick getaway. And I don't mean for a weekend in Santa Barbara, I mean from the law.
You know the scenario, probably thought about it a hundred times yourself. You decide that your law abiding lifestyle is just too boring to take, so you decide to pull off the diamond heist of the century, or similar type crime you saw in a Michael Mann movie. But you have to pick a car to make an escape and it better do the trick or you're done.
I like the SLK55 for several reasons. It's small, very, very fast, an automatic (one less thing to think about) and not nearly as noticeable as some exotic with the same characteristics. It also happens to be built pretty solid too so it could take a beating if necessary.
Even Jezza agress.
brn says:
10:56 AM, 07/ 9/09
The car should blend in. I'm thinking a yellow Crown Victoria.
fuhteng says:
11:07 AM, 07/ 9/09
G8 GXP? Nah, a little too big, but if you have a crew... ZR1? Manual, but nothing is going to catch you except for bullets and helicopters. Ferrari? Never been a Ferrari made that doesn't stick out. Same for Lambos. Porsche? You can just hide behind the Boxsters parked next to the bank. Dodge Ram SRT10? Nah, you have to get gas after 20 miles.
I think I'm going for a G8 GXP.
eric808 says:
11:40 AM, 07/ 9/09
To me, the best getaway car would either be a Subaru Impreza WRX STI, the Lexus IS F, or an R34 Skyline.
isaacl says:
11:43 AM, 07/ 9/09
You people are forgetting that NO CAR that can be recognized is faster than helicopters...or for that matter the police radio system. You could be rocking a Veyron and eventually, YOU WILL BE APPREHENDED once located on Highway 1 at 220mph.
Flicmod & I once had this convo and we basically
said there are 2 perfect getaway cars.
One for the budget fledging-criminal-career crowd.
and the other for the people who have made crime
thier career and been successful at it. They have money to invest in a machine of stealth and speed.
The budget getaway car is a current-gen 4-door accord. Simple, unassuming and yet you can get the V6 in stick. There is your getaway power with nigh-invisibility (especially in silver or maroon) on the relative cheap.
The high-end perfect getaway vehicle is a de-badged Mercedes C63 AMG. It's pure stealth (again in silver or maroon or dark blue.)
The cops wont look twice as they flash past you.
Good luck and good hunting
PEACE
ISAAC
flicmod says:
11:48 AM, 07/ 9/09
Correction it Isaac's post:
That would be last-gen Accord sedan V6 with the 6-spd manual. The current-gen Accord sedan V6 is not available in stick.
Stealthy is the key if you're intent on making your escape.
If you're just looking for a glorified joyride car, then it's open game...
estreka says:
01:07 PM, 07/ 9/09
This is easy. If you want to get away, your best bet is a motorcycle. Just don't get one in yellow or neon green.
If it must be a car, then get something that fits right in. If you're in SoCal, I recommend a 335i. If you're in San Fran, a Prius.
brn says:
01:09 PM, 07/ 9/09
Maybe an Escape?
Yea, groan away.
desmolicious says:
01:11 PM, 07/ 9/09
You guys have it all wrong. Best getaway vehicle needs to be something that is not only pretty fast, but must be able to drive up and over kerbs, center median dividers, through ditches.
That would be a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, but with a wheel/tyre package that allows some off road abuse.
hondacura4 says:
03:04 PM, 07/ 9/09
A stolen police car is the perfect getaway car.
compliance says:
04:11 PM, 07/ 9/09
I'd want something a little bigger than the SLK55 AMG to carry all my loot.
brn says:
04:43 PM, 07/ 9/09
hondacura4, except for the pesky GPS system in the car that they have direct access to.
inlinesix says:
08:21 PM, 07/ 9/09
Second that vote for the IS-F.
stephen987 says:
08:30 PM, 07/ 9/09
A silver Elantra. Nobody could describe it.
iwatchf1 says:
11:55 PM, 07/ 9/09
How about Lotus Exige? Anyone?
dwhamman says:
05:15 AM, 07/10/09
VW Touareg V10 TDI. A pretty bland design, plenty of room for loot, and why limit yourself to roads during the getaway?
miguman says:
06:34 AM, 07/10/09
last generation subaru outback wagon. It makes sense to everyones whining so far. Lots of people own them now....they dont look fast, they blend...you can get an automatic or a stickshift, good ground clearance for jumping a curb, a rear to fit all your stuff and good gas mileage so you can outrun them for at least 5 hours. What am I missing?
zoomzoomn says:
07:12 AM, 07/10/09
A Prius. Nobody would be looking for you in a Prius! :)
estreka says:
08:49 AM, 07/11/09
The Batmobile.