Need for Speed: Our obsession with fast cars.

So I just got done watching a new episode of Top Gear tonight (a show where a group of guys does crazy things with cars, old and new, usually involving pushing them to their limits.

I was never really into cars growing up, fast or slow, and I never really understood why people liked some cars so much (such as the Corvette or Ferrari). I always thought it was kinda silly, and that guys where just things to get to Point B from Point A.

Now that I am older though, and I have had some driving experience myself, things have changed. A few times on the road I have felt that sense of a need for speed, wanting to see how fast I could go (never did, especially not in my parents Honda Pilot SUV), and I can see now why people love fast cars and wanting to drive fast: its a supreme feeling of power.

A few years ago, my uncle took me out in his 78' Camaro, tuned for drag racing (the thing sounded like a jet engine) and I still remember the front end of the car being in the air for a good couple seconds why going over a hill when he gunned it. It was a scary yet amazing experience. Feeling and hearing the engine roar from 0 to 60 is something that just cannot be put into words.

Tonight's episode of Top Gear pitted one of my favorite fast cars (the Subaru Impreza) against a Dirt Bike on an off road race through the desert. The race was really neat to watch, and if I ever had the chance I know I would love to race a car like that around (though I know that's an awful idea and I'm sure I would crash).

Keeping with the trend of my blog, I suppose that's the main reason why realistic racing video games are so popular; it gives the everyday Joe like me a chance to take out that $100,000 dollar Corvette and go as fast as you can in a simulated environment (I can't wait for Forza Motorsport 4)!

Have you ever felt that sense of power behind the wheel? Ever put the petal to the medal yourself? Anyone have any other thoughts as to why we love fast cars?