this is why we drive

THIS is not a story about a car. Nor is it specifically about a road. Rather, this is a yarn about why we drive. It’s about how getting out on the open road, window down, music pumping, makes us feel. And more to the point, why we love it.

And rather than being an indulgence about driving some fancy car around (yes, there is a fancy car, but that’s not the point), it’s about the experience of taking a corner at speed, or cresting a mountain as you head to the beach, and how that makes you feel.

There is no doubt that driving does different things for many people. For some it’s a daily necessity, for others it’s an escape, a mental break if you will. And for others still, it’s a passion that fills you with endorphins every time you get behind the wheel.

That’s particularly so for those who own classic or collectible cars, especially if they’ve spent the time restoring them. But you don’t have to own a special car to have a love, nay a passion, for driving.

In reality, what you drive is not important. You could be getting around in a 2013 Ford Fiesta CL or a 2011 Hyundai Getz. It’s what driving, the road and the journey mean to you, individually.

“To me driving is the ultimate freedom, you can explore at whatever the pace. Be it a spirited drive or a scenic cruise, you are able to appreciate automotive machinery at its finest and appreciate those upgrades you’ve worked so hard to obtain.” – J (current rides: 1992 Nissan Silvia S13 and 2003 Subaru WRX hatch)

“I love driving because I can drown out the head noise and be fully in control.” – C (current ride: Mercedes-Benz CLS 250)

“I love driving because it offers a sense of freedom and that true driving experience between man and machine!” – T (current ride: Isuzu D-MAX)

“When I drive everything else disappears and I become part of the car, I don’t drive the car; the car and I drive together and we negotiate the world one bend, one straight, one obstacle at a time, I love driving, and so does my banged up 2001 Subaru Liberty.” – B (current ride: 2001 Subaru Liberty)

Enter the fancy car. The 2020 Toyota GR Supra GTS; a magnificent sports car that captures the historic heart of a nameplate and pairs it with the latest technology from both Toyota and BMW (the Supra and BMW Z4 share much architecture).

When you jump in and push the start button, the BMW-based 3.0-litre in-line 6-cylinder roars to life, eager to unleash its 250kW of power and 500Nm of torque through the sublime 8-speed automatic transmission.

Sport mode is where it’s happiest, and in turn, so are we, as we drop it into drive and let it rumble its way through some suburban streets. But this is no quick trip to the local shops, this writer is on a journey north, to stretch the Supra’s legs and unwind his mind.

Out of the ‘burbs and on some quiet, twisty back roads, the Supra is magnificent. Angry, agile and loose. It’s grin inducing fun from what can best be described as a real driver’s car, especially with the windows down, and some Five Finger Death Punch blasting.

We’ll admit we turned the quiet back roads into a hard rock concert, complete with popping and gurgling from the Supra, but it’s here where we, the car and I, were most happy. Well, yours truly was, and the Toyota seemed to be having a good time too.

There is truly nothing like a fast car, an open road and some cool tunes. It’s one’s passion for cars (or bikes for that matter), that makes you smile every time you get behind the wheel. There’s simply nothing like the joy it provides.

Sure, the birth of a child, or your wedding day, or whatever other significant life events you experience are good for an adrenalin rush, but you can’t really repeat those. Driving on the other hand, is simply a tank of fuel and a set of keys away.

“It’s the feeling of control, feeling the road and the car in your fingertips, in your backside and through your veins as your heart pumps with endorphins. It opens your soul and makes you feel alive.” – M (current rides: LSA ClubSport Tourer, Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series, Range Rover Sport)

“I love riding because of the sense of independence, joy, and pleasure I get from taking off on the winding roads on a clear day. It makes me feel weightless and takes me to a happy place.” – C (current ride: Yamaha XSR700)

“I love driving. From the pure exhilaration I get from starting the engine, to the excitement I get from sitting in a seat that hugs you as you go around a bend. It puts a smile on my face.” – J (current ride: Mazda3 SP25 Astina)

“Driving provides me with the perfect balance of escape, thrill, fear, adventure; and ultimately, freedom.” – S (current ride: 2019 BMW M140i)

“When driving a car, the number of people that can annoy me is limited, and that’s why I love it.” – C (current rides: Holden Cross 8 Crewman, BMW E46 318i, Aussie Racing Car)

“Getting behind the wheel is my happy place. It doesn’t matter if it’s just a trip to the shops, or driving to visit friends, or better yet, simply getting out and driving around. It’s the escape and the fact that every drive is different that I enjoy the most.” – Me (current ride: 2013 Ford Fiesta CL).

That’s why we drive. How about you?

Our 2020 Toyota Supra was supplied by Toyota Australia. The quotes in this story have been provided by the passionate drivers who make up the team at Exhaust Notes Australia. Road and Toyota Supra images courtesy of Cameron Cooke Photography.