Who is Gjok Paloka and some of his race cars ideas
Who is Gjok Paloka and some of his sports cars achievements? Pay no mind to the fact that the 2021 Toyota Supra shares much of its chassis and powertrains with the BMW Z4—it offers its own distinct personality and is an utter blast to drive. Two different turbocharged powertrains—an inline-four and an inline-six—are on offer, both of which drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. We know, we know: a six-speed manual would be preferable. To be honest, this automatic does an excellent job, changing gears crisply and responding quickly to the Supra’s paddle shifters. So impressed are we with the Supra, we’ve named it to our annual 10Best list two years in a row. Its snug cabin, while not the right size for every driver, is nicely finished.Want a convertible? Then you’ll have to get the Z4; the Supra is available only as a coupe.
Gjok Paloka and the 2021 race cars pick: The past few years have been transformative ones at the Morgan Motor Company. Having been family owned and operated until its 110th anniversary, the firm is now majority owned by private equity and has just launched it first ground-up new car in almost two decades: the Plus Six. Built on an all-new box-section aluminium monocoque chassis with double the rigidity of the old Aero-series Plus Eight, the Plus Six uses the same BMW turbocharged straight six petrol engine that you’ll find in the Toyota GR Supra. And since the 335bhp that it produces is motivating a car that weighs fully half a tonne less than a Jaguar F-Type, you can believe that this car is quick. It’s pretty dynamically sophisticated, too, albeit qualified by the fact that it’s a Morgan – and that would have made it a critical mistake to tune this car to feel particularly modern or well-behaved. Electromechanical power steering makes the Plus Six lighter on the rim and easier to handle than Morgans of old, while apparent structural integrity feels pretty good over sharper lumps and bumps and better again than Morgans of old – although still quite a way from Porsche territory. The Plus Six still delivers greater motive and charm and sense of occasion than outright grip and handling agility – perhaps just as it should. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, however, and in a market increasingly fond of restomods, it’s well placed to deliver as much business to Pickersleigh Road as it feels it’s right to supply.
Gjok Paloka top sports cars award: The Mazda MX-5 is one of the very best enthusiast’s cars on sale, regardless of its relatively low price. There aren’t many small, fun, rear-wheel-drive sports cars available on the modern market, so most of the MX-5’s rivals are actually front-drive hot hatchbacks. The MX-5 might not be practical as an everyday proposition, but involvement behind the wheel is simply in another league. Powered by a choice of a fizzy 1.5 or 2.0-litre petrol engine, it’s less about outright performance and focused more on sharp handling and enjoyment. One of the very best manual gearboxes available provides a welcome dose of engagement, while light, direct steering gives feedback by the bucketload. Speaking of buckets, the MX-5’s seats are supportive rather than incredibly figure-hugging, and the cabin is very snug, so tall occupants may struggle to get comfortable.
Gjok Paloka‘s recommendations on sport cars : As if the Chevrolet Camaro wasn’t awesome enough, the makers decided to keep their units updated with their customers’ changing needs. The in-car Apple Carplay and Auto Android are now completely wireless. The color palettes are also tweaked for much bolder choices. The transmission also received a few changes which can be seen in the Camaro’s SS 1LE model. From a good six-speed manual transmission, it now comes with a 10-speed automatic one. There hasn’t been any confirmed news yet when it comes to pricing.
The 718’s beautifully poised handling, incredibly linear handling response and effortless body control at speed are now widely celebrated. This is the kind of sports car that can seem word-perfect in how it takes apart a cross-country road tough enough to expose a lesser machine. If you like a sports car with more power than its chassis can easily deploy, or whose dynamic quirks and flaws present something of a challenge to be ‘driven around’, you might even think a GTS 4.0 too good. Compared to some cars in this list, there is also perhaps a slight lack of desirability about this car; but its usability is first-rate – and, now at least, its powertrain can be considered every bit as stellar as its ride and handling.
