It’s been a while since I last visited this part of my mind. The part where I like to sit and wonder what kind of cars would exist if we lived in the perfect world where funds are endless and so are the possibilities. So please take this time to enjoy this little list of cars that would be brilliant.

1. Aston Martin Vantage straight-six

The current V8 Vantage isn’t the most successful sports car of recent times. The formula just doesn’t appear to resonate as deep as the previous generation that featured fantastic V8 and V12 models. Not enough people put their names down for one and it also saw massive discounts. That’s a shame as I think it’s a great car. The Mercedes-AMG collaboration is a great move for Aston Martin and perhaps another engine is something that can make it more attractive for a different buyer. Having a straight-six is nothing new for Aston, and I believe it’ll make it an interesting sports car that harkens back to it’s classic British sports car origins. We haven’t had a straight six Aston since the DB7. The engine in question would be the brilliant twin-turbo straight-six from Mercedes-AMG. I say it’s brilliant because I love a quirky and complicated engine. This one features both the twin-scroll and the electrically actuated turbochargers. Keep the 8-speed ZF auto that does the job well. The result could be a lighter sports car that sees a new life with a smooth engine. And an excellent soundtrack. If Aston Martin went with this layout, I could see it as a mini DB11/DBS. Give the suspension and steering the necessary tweaks and the result could be something awesome. If you miss the V12 Vantage, perhaps a straight-six Vantage would be a great remedy.

2. VW Polo GTI Cup Edition

When VW announced that they will not be making a Clubsport S version of the mk8 Golf I was quiet surprised. They made such a great car and unlike other GTI models, it was met with unanimous acclaim. The current 8th generation Golf GTI has divided enthusiasts and I feel it’s image is so different to what it used to be, perhaps a hardcore no-nonsense variant is needed. So what do I think would be ideal? Put the current Polo GTI on a crash diet, lose a bit of sound deadening and line the entire interior in Alcantara. Give people the option to remove the rear seats at no cost. Replace the suspension with a more serious and focused cornering setup. Widen the track, give it lighter wheels and sticker Michelin tyres. The Polo Cup series is pretty popular here in South Africa and I believe a model like this can revive the prestige in the GTI name. I also feel as though the Polo has always lived in the shadow of it’s bigger sibling. That’s a shame because thanks to the smaller form, it’s the better driver’s tool.

3. Mini Mercedes G class

The G-Class is a pretty remarkable car. Ruggid and able to traverse any difficult environment. Of course we tend to forget that fact as these days most are seen pottering about the posh streets of suburbia. What I find fascinating about the G-class is how cool it has remained. It wasn’t always the most popular car back then, spotting one was a bit of an enigma. You could be forgiven for feeling that it’s gentrified. So now that the G-Wagon serves a different purpose and is mostly catered towards luxury & style, I ask myself why haven’t Mercedes built a miniature version that has the same dimensions as something like a Suzuki Jimny? A mini version would be brilliant. There’s potential here. Not only for discovering a market of buyers but with donor parts from lower tier models. So for this lower tier lunchbox, it would be powered by the 2.0 litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol. Since we’re well into the 20s, an electric EQ variant could also be an option. Power delivered will vary depending on the trim level. Gearbox can be the multi-clutch box used in various models. Suspension will be bespoke to this miniature version to ensure it retains it’s off-roading credentials. Depending on the trim level, you may opt for a functional and spartan interior aimed for the no-nonsense offroader. On the other end of the spectrum, you could opt for a luxurious comfort orientated specification. A leather lined interior with a mix of premium materials.

Obviously more has to be considered when it comes to introducing new car models, but it’s always nice to daydream about what’s possible. What do you think? Can you imagine what is possible or do you have your own ideas?