The R8 is definitely an exotic, IMO. So is the 458, even if they are fairly common in Miami where I live. They both still turn heads whereas 911s don't.

 

Actually I think it was the New York Times.

 

As a porschephile and one who works on them daily, I'd agree with most...it's relative where you are. Here in SoCal, where 80% of all Porsches ever made reside, they're very common. Now go somewhere in MD or SC, and you're driving an exotic. I would put almost ANY Ferrari, Lambo, McLaren, Maserati, etc. into the exotic category because when you merely say the name, most people's eyes glow and their tone escalates. But, IMHO, which one is the best thrill for me....Porsche

 

As someone who lived in MD .. they are all over the place there too

 

I consider any car that draws the attention of non car people to the point that they can't help but come up and comment on it at gas stations, parking lots, etc., to be an exotic. Usually that has to do w/ the shape/stance of the car, usually a low, wide, mid engine vehicle. When I had my R8, I didn't consider it an exotic when I first got it, but after a week of constant attention it became clear that non car people considered it one so therefore it was. Expense had nothing to do with it, the car was a lot less expensive than the 997 GT2 I traded in for it. The new NSX will be considered an exotic, so will the new Benz mid engine.

 

IMHO you have the "exotic" & the "supercar". A supercar is always "exotic", however an "exotic" is not necessarily a "supercar".

A supercar (again IMHO) is a vehicle that uses cutting edge technology, materials & methods of production. It will have a mid engine layout more frequently than front or rear engine configuration. Usually some form of F1 (or F1 inspired) technology is included (i.e. KERS etc.). Usually has industry leading performance parameter figures ( i.e. top speed; 0-60mph etc.). It is usually a dedicated standalone model with extreme performance oriented body design parameters commonly associated ( i.e. scissor doors, spoilers etc.).

An exotic is a vehicle with extreme performance parameters that may be a limited production derivation of a production vehicle ( i.e. Corvette Z06) . Usually has bodywork and features to distinguish itself from more mundane versions.

 

Here, in Las Vegas - there is 1 Porsche dealer and with an average household income of $42,000.00 a year, any "regular" 911 is fairly rare. Here is why I think its getting closer to exotic here rather than a regular car:

1. My Porsche dealer knows, by name, most of the 911 owners in town (I am greeted by name each and every time. He says there are about 120 991s in town that they sold (there are probably more from Cali, etc.).

2. I still get lots of pictures taken of my car in any parking lot, each and every single time i get a ton of comments about my car and people film my car at red lights.

3. Valets park my car up front in every casino/hotel - without pre-tipping or being asked. Often they will bump a "common" Bentley/VW in favor of a nice shiny race car with red calipers

Of course I know my 991 is no Ferrari - but at a price range that, in Vegas, can only be had by the rarefied few, it commonly gets to share the playground with Ferraris and Lambos.

My .02 - for what its worth.

 

One of these is an exotic.

OK its the 991. It becomes invisible when parked like this.

 

Not sure where you get your statistic that 80% of all Porsches made are in CA? 20+ years ago 50% of Porsches went to USA and half of those to CA. % to CA in last few years is way down (in total) due to extremely high consumption of Porsche's into China. China is #2 buyer now and expected to be #1 within 3 years.

 

I'm sorry, I just can't bring my self to buy a car with doors that don't open normally! I came close to a Lambo but in the end my wife hates those doors and I really need her happy and wanting to ride in what I buy....lol

 

I don't know if people think the 991 is an exotic. I couldn't care less actually. I'm confident I'm owning and driving one of the best drivers cars in the world ...

 

You were cross shopping 996s and Murcielagos?

 

Not at the same time...lol I wound up buying a Sea Ray and a 70' Sport Fish instead. I just recently traded for a 996tt as it seemed like a good deal at the time. Now I'm getting a good taste of the 996 but I almost have it right! I am always buying/trading for different vehicles...especially Prevost Coaches.

 

I know this has nothing to do with an exotic, but when I am pumping fuel in the front fender, it looks pretty exotic to me.

 

Right!!! That is still the hardest thing to get used to! However, it seems like I am doing it every other day...lol