All posts in “Rides”

VW Will Kill the Manual Transmission in 2023 to Save Costs

Manual Golf Alltrack
6 Speed Manual Golf Alltrack

The third generation VW Tiguan will mark the first VW model without a clutch pedal in 2023, the VW Passat as a further model will follow in the same year, as the entire production range moves away from the manual transmission.

A classic model cycle from 2030 will no longer have a model with manual transmission for the European market, USA as well as China.

As of 2021, VW still offers manual transmission both on regular and performance models. The Golf 8 GTI comes with an option for a 6 speed manual while the Golf 8 R has the same option albeit in the North American market only.

The decision supports VW’s transformation towards electromobility, the company will offer electric cars with input gears only by 2030 in Europe.

Across all manufacturers, 1,870 manual transmission vehicles out of 5,838 models are currently on offer in Germany. Therefrom, 218 fitted with a five-speed gearbox and 1,652 with a six-speed gearbox. Out of 353 VW models from 15 series without the Multivan, 214 units are equipped with an automatic transmission including DSG while 139 units are fitted with a manual transmission.

Volkswagen is following Mercedes with the switch, however, the counter rate is higher for VW.

via auto-motor-und-sport

A 2017 Holden HSV GTSR W1 Ute Could Sell for Over $1 Million in Australia

A rare Australian collectible, this 2017 Holden HSV GTSR W1 UTE has been put to auction in Australia, this car is the only one ever finished in the original VS GTSR XU3 Yellah color.

The GTSR W1 has had two previous owner, and has only travelled 19km from new. This is car number #001 out of 4 that were ever manufactured.

The GTSR W1 Maloo features carbon fibre fender vents, carbon fibre airbox, a performance Aeroflow rear spoiler with carbon fibre elements and a distinctive W1 badge depicting Walkinshaw Performance.

The GTSR W1 has been equipped with a hand-built 6.2L supercharged LS9 generation IV alloy V8 engine, the power plant is fitted with titanium connecting rods and inlet valves, a dry-sump oiling system and a supercharger with twin four-lobe rotors that pump 2.3 L of air per revolution. The engine delivers an output of 474kW and 815 Nm of torque.

Furthermore, a close-ratio Tremec TR-6060 (MH3 spec) 6-speed manual transmission has been designed to optimise track performance as well as improve the drivability.

The vehicle has been fitted with a set of SV Panorama forge alloy wheels finished in Matte Black and wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R track tyres. The wheels fitted measure 20×9 inches at the front axle and 20×10 inches at the rear axle.

The interior of the vehicle features a W1 I.D plate and W1 badging on the key fob, headrests and the sill plates. The interior further consists of an 8-way electrically adjustable HSV Podium front seats designed and finished in Alcantara with diamond-quilted stitchings, a steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara and a gear lever that enhances grip and control.

The exterior features a bi-modal twin exhaust system, a high-performance SupaShock suspension system and dampers that offer the lowest frictional losses. As a result, the handling and cornering of the vehicle has improved.

In addition, the vehicle also features forged 6-piston AP Racing monoblock calipers with huge 410mm front rotors, air conditioning, power windows, power seats, tinted windows, cruise control and a reverse camera.

The current bid is $495,000.

The 2021 Concorso Italiano

2021 Concorso Italiano

By Michael Rockich

Although there are a few hot spots lingering from the worldwide pandemic, the worst appears to be behind us.  I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to have attended the 2021 Concorso Itmoaliano, which was conspicuously absent last year.  The Concorso took place on the grounds of the Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course, in Monterey Bay California on August 14th.

30th Anniversary, Lamborghini Diablo

The 2021 Concorso is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Lamborghini Diablo (1990–2001), Lamborghini’s first production car capable of reaching speeds of over 200 mph (322 kmph).  Big shoes were waiting to be filled by the Diablo following the successful the Miura and Countach models. The story is well known about the founding of Lamborghini in 1963 by tractor magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini after a spirited encounter with Enzo Ferrari regarding Ferruccio’s personal Ferrari.

The name Diablo continued Lamborghini’s practice of naming its cars after breeds of fighting bulls.  The most notable evolution in the Diablo VT (viscous traction) was the addition of all wheel drive via a viscous center differential.  The VT system made available up to a quarter of the engine’s torque to the front wheels.

The design of the Diablo was contracted to Marcello Gandini, who had styled its precursors. When Chrysler Corporation bought Lamborghini in 1987 they completed the Diablo’s design with their own particular vision.  Today, Audi owns Lamborghini.

Diablo production ran from 1990 to 2001 yielding 2,884 units with several models produced. Assembly took place in Sant ‘Agata, Italy.  The 2-door coupé employed scissor doors which, when open, remind strongly of a large bird’s wings.  A roadster was made in 2-door retractable hard-top format.  The engine layout is longitudinal mid-engine, employing a V12 with displacement of 5.7 liters or 6.0 liters driven through a 5-speed manual Transmission.  Curb weight is 1,576 kg (3,474 lb.) on the Diablo), and 1,625 kg (3,583 lb.) on the Diablo VT.

Lamborghini Countach, 50th Birthday

Concorso Italiano is celebrating the Lamborghini Countach’ s 50th birthday this year.  That’s a big one!  The Countach, following the very successful Miura, was a big hit too, which is further substantiated by the recent issuance by Lamborghini of a newborn Countach, the LPI-800-4.  Just over 100 units were made available at a price approaching three million dollars.  But if you don’t have yours, it’s too late.  They’re all sold!

Desiring to repeat the Miura’s success, Ferruccio Lamborghini introduced the Countach in yellow paint at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971.  The Countach (1,983 produced) is a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle produced from 1974 to 1990, and was styled by the Italian design firm of Bertone which initiated and promoted the tight-angled “Italian Wedge” shape.  The Countach’s scissor doors began the trend that characterize Lamborghini’s V12 models.  Horacio Pagani, now of Pagani Automobili, was on the Lamborghini team then.  

Countach’s V12 is mounted longitudinally and offered in displacements of 3.9 L, 4.8 L, and 5.2 L applying power through a 5-speed synchromesh manual transmission.  Curb weight of the Countach is 1,301 kg (2,867 lb) for the LP400, 1,351 kg (2,978 lb) LP400S, or 1,488 kg (3,280 lb) LP5000QV.

Aventador

Launched at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the exotic Aventador was named after a Spanish fighting bull of Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain.  Designed to replace the Murciélago as Lamborghini’s top model, styling is not unlike that of Lamborghini’s limited-edition Reventón and the Estoque concept car.  For the first several years Lamborghini built the Aventador at roughly 1,000 units annually.

Several models have been made as two-door coupé with some roadster configurations.  The Aventador is mid-engined, all-wheel-drive, and employs the scissor doors.  The engine is a 6.5 liter V12 providing from 690 hp to 770 hp (per model), and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).  Curb weight is model and fluid dependent between 1,575 kg (3,472 lb) and 1,853 kg (4,085 lb).

De Tomaso P72, a Reincarnation


Guests at Concorso were treated to a revival of the popular De Thomaso Pantera in the reincarnated form of the De Tomaso P72.  The exotic new creation results from the purchase of the De Tomaso brand by Hong Kong based Ideal Ventures.  The P72 is intended as a grand touring car and incorporates a carbon fiber monocoque chassis.

The two-door, two seat coupe introduced in 2019 has a mid-engine layout of a 305 cu in supercharged V8.  Unofficially, the 72-unit production Ford-based engine will yield over 700 bhp at 7,500rpm applied through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The original De Thomaso Pantera was found on the fairways in the form of many well-presented owner’s cars.  Some sported aftermarket changes and modified, gleaming chrome-plated engines, not uncommon in this cult car.  

Tuatara, World Speed Record

Jerod Shelby, an engineer with a craving for racing and cars, founded a company known today as SSC North America, headquarted in Richland, Washington, which is by the way, unrelated to Carroll Shelby International, just as Jerod is unrelated to Carroll.  Jerod was singular in focus on creating a hypercar that would not take a back seat to any supercar in the world.  Looking at his results to date, it appears that he is not to be trifled with.  Because if the SSC Tuatara were not the fastest car in the world, it would certainly be among them!

What’s true is that on September 13, 2007 on a paved rural road in Eastern Washington State the predecessor car, the SSC Ultimate Aero, became the fastest production car in the world reaching a top average speed of 256.14 mph.  SSC North America reset the world record again on January 17, 2021, when the SSC Tuatara took the title of fastest production car when it averaged 282.9 mph over 2.5 miles at the Florida Kennedy Space Center.

SSC North America not only designed and developed the Tuatara, they also produce it.  SSC collaborated on the design with Jason Castriota.   Power is supplied by a twin-turbocharged V8 engine of 5.9 liters turning 8,800 rpm rated at 1,350 hp or 1,750 hp using E85 fuel (flex fuel, ethanol 51% to 83%, gasoline 49% to 17%).

Eclipsing world records in any sport ain’t easy!  It’s a rare opportunity.  There has been discussion about the top speed of the Tuatara when talk was of 315 mph.  Debate is probably normal with world records at stake.  Many factors come into play: barriers and complexities like running times in both directions, verification by satellite tracking, new procedures, training, innovative equipment, parts, and mainly the immense technical challenges and the ability to execute on course without defeating yourself.  

Let’s keep the big picture in mind.  This car is more of a hare than a tortoise – it operates at warp speed!  It seems Jerod Shelby has finally achieved his goal.  The only apparent item he may lack is a moniker maybe similar to that of former Olympic sprint champ Usain Bolt, nicknamed “Lightning Bolt”!

In late May SSC announced two new models, the Tuatara Striker and the Tuatara Aggressor.  Along with the Tuatara, three models are now available.  The Aggressor is for track use only, and the Striker generates massive downforce.  Striker’s downforce results from adding a fixed wing and an active wing in the rear plus a new diffuser.  In front unified dive planes have been added and the splitter is larger.  New vaned side rockers are found on the side. Production will approach 100 units.

The calling card of the Aggressor says power, which has been raised to a lofty 2,200 horsepower.  Being track-only, it’s not surprising the Aggressor will be outfitted with a roll structure, five-point race harness, and race seats.  Production is about 10% of the Striker’s.  With the basic Tuatara priced just beyond $1.5 million, the two special models will add dollars.

Ferrari

A couple of rare Ferrari types were noted at Concorso Italiano.  One Ferrari 288 GTO was on the fairways.  Its exotic looks conjure up burning rubber, hot brakes, and fuel in the air.  Production ran from 1984 to 1987 with only 272 produced.  Just over a dozen were seen at a prior Concorso, which was said to have been the most ever seen in one place at one time of this rarity.  Layout is a rear, mid-engine, 2.9 liter twin turbo V8.

Its successor, the Ferrari F40 was nearby.  Designed to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, it was produced from 1987–1992 with 1,315 units made.  The power for the F40 was supplied by a 2.9 liter twin-turbocharged 90° V8 generating 478 hp.

We don’t want to forget the exotic, planar appearing Ferrari Testarossa, a handful of which were also present.  The Testarossa employed Ferrari’s “flat” V12 engine, with cylinders 180° opposed, and DOHC (double overhead camshafts).  Over 9,000 units were made from 1984 to 1996 including models 512 TR and F512 M and variations. 

Ford GT supercar

The Ford GT supercar may not be Italian, but such immigrants are always welcome at the Concorso Italiano.  Its lovely lines looked great in metallic charcoal livery.

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The 2021 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

2021 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

By Michael Rockich

We couldn’t be happier that the 2021 Rolex rolled in as usual after a year away during the upside-down world of the pandemic.  The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion took place August 13-15 at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Salinas, California.

The Reunion is virtually a racecar museum brought to life!  Not to mention the wheel-to-wheel competition, smoking brakes, and smell of burning rubber!  What a fabulous track is the Laguna Seca 2.2-mile traditional road course!  The crowd’s adrenaline pumps, but not at the level the drivers’ does at the end of the long straight and up a rise, then downhill into a threatening hairpin.  Much the same across the track down the notorious Corkscrew!

Ford and Trans-Am

For 2021, the Motorsports Reunion is recognizing Ford in Trans-Am as the featured marque, and is celebrating the 55th anniversary of what are known as the Pony Car Wars.  This competition was mainly racing for American sports coupes powered by small block V8 engines of 302 cu. in. (5 liters) maximum.  Ford Mustang won the first two manufacturer’s titles against cars including Camaro, Barracuda, and Javelin.  Big names were at the wheel – George Follmer, Mark Donohue (Unfair Advantage), Richard Petty, A.J. Foyt, and Parnelli Jones.  Battles on track and in the showroom were hard fought.  Eventually the big “E” words, external events, caught up with the Pony Car Wars.  Even bigger, more powerful engines brought the baggage of greater cost and higher insurance premiums, the 1973 oil crisis, and the intrigue of offshore imports all began unwinding things.

Pertinent Ford Mustangs of past and present glory were on display at the Motorsports Reunion inside and outside of the large covered display structure between old and new Media Centers, near the race track.  Display cars included the Bud Moore #16 1971 Boss 302 Mustang in fruit-orange, a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 in glossy black, a 1968 Shelby GT500KR Mustang in red, and several Ford GT endurance race cars.

A notable Mustang on display was the current Shelby GT500 in beautiful livery of deep red with twin white racing stripes.  The engine was a supercharged and intercooled DOHC, 32-valve, Cross Plane Crank V-8, and incorporating port fuel injection with aluminum block and heads of 315 cu. in. displacement generating 760 hp at 7300 rpm and torque of 625 lb-ft at 5000 rpm applied through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.  The car is equipped with struts/multilink suspension, 16.5-in vented disc/14.6-in vented disc brakes, 20 inch Carbon Fiber wheels, and has a curb weight of 4171 lb.  Zero to 60 mph time is under 3 ½ seconds.  A few options included on this car will exceed the base price of nearly $75,000.

I will mention a 1969 Mustang 5-liter small block V8 that I once owned.  In a controlled, vacant asphalt-covered area at a car event (wheel-spin on roads risks loss of control) I noticed the car was able to spin the rear wheels despite its automatic transmission, stock condition, and having passed the 100,000-mile mark.  Surprised, I personally tested the engine’s compression.  The reading unbelievably exceeded the specification for a new Mustang. 

Indy Cars

Vintage Indy cars were a special feature at the 2021 Reunion.   These racecars entertained fans with several demonstrations on track.  A group of them from the 1960’s and 1970’s was on display under the large tent across from the pit garages.  One of these well preserved racers was the 1973 VPJ-2 originally built by Parnelli Jones, appearing in red and white livery weighing in at 1,550 pounds.  It’s powered by a 159-cu. in. 4-cylinder turbocharged Offenhauser producing 800 hp.  Some big names drove for Viceroy including Al Unser with Mario Andretti in the VPJ-2 sister chassis.  The 1972 Antares built by former Chevy engineers Don Gates and Mike Pocobello was under tent and is also powered by a turbocharged Offenhauser.  The Antares is notable for pioneering new technology in IndyCars including being the first fully instrumented IndyCar with onboard telemetry, the first to use composite materials, first to be designed on a computer, and one of the first to use early ground effects.

Early Cars

Some of the very early production automobiles were on display close to the Island at the Motorsports Reunion.  Don’t think these cars hesitate to enter the competition on track too!  

Motorcars have come a long way in just over a century.  One of the first, maybe the first, gasoline powered automobiles patented was made by Karl Benz in Mannheim, Germany, circa 1885, who soon began the first production of automobiles.  The Thomas Jeffery Company in the United States is credited with the world’s second mass-produced automobile.  The first automobile to be mass-produced on a moving assembly line was Ford Motor Company’s Model T in 1908.

Displays

Some of the excellent displays really grabbed the attention, starting with the current Formula One Red Bull race car, the RB16.  The car is powered by a 1.6 liter 90-degree V6 engine generating 900 hp, with four valves per cylinder for good breathing and reaching 15,000 rpm.

The 1964 “Starlite III” Fuller/Roberts Top Fuel Dragster was nearby, built in 1964 by Chuck Griffith with a Kent Fuller chassis and a hand made Arnie Roberts aluminum body.  Fuller was one of the top builders of the 60s.

The 1983 Lancia (Rally Group B), also displayed, has no problem racing at night with its eight front headlights.  This car made its debut at the 67th Targa Florio Rally with Cario Capone piloting and Luigi Pirollo navigating.  Capone was later crowned European Rally Champion.

Race Results

A few of the many race results from Saturday and Sunday that are notable for various reasons –

Group 6A Trans Am, 1st Ken Adams 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 4949
Group 5A Formula One, 1st Charles Nearburg 1981 Williams FW07C 2992
Group 3B 1920-1951, 3rd Nathanael Greene 1925 Bugatti Type 35 1990
Group 2B Cars Under 2500cc, 1st Alan Benjamin / Patrick I 1968 Porsche 911 T/R 2463

Awards

This year’s award recipients epitomize the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion’s tenet of excellence. 
Recipients include –

Group 6A: 1966-1972 Trans-Am – Forrest Straight in his 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Group 7A: 1963-1978 Indy Car – Michael McKinney in his 1967 Vollstedt Indy Car
Group 3B: 1920-1951 Racing cars – Luca Maciucesu in his 1928 Bugatti 37A
Group 4B: Ragtime Racers – Brian Blain for recreating a 1920s garage and driving his 1916 Romano-Sturtevant Special
Phil Remington Award, Presented by Ford – This is awarded to the mechanic who unselfishly went above and beyond –  John Schirtzer

Tune in for more next season in 2022 – The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion announced the world’s most prestigious endurance race—the 24 Hours of Le Mans—will be the featured marque as the kick-off to the French classic’s 100th anniversary in 2023.

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Did Lamborghini make a mistake re-releasing the Countach?

During Monterey Car Week, Automobili Lamborghini SpA unveiled the long-awaited Countach homage to the public, there had been a few teasers released before the official presentation, and these created some very high hopes for the car, it seems the homage was put on a pedestal before most of us even saw the car … so when the black silk cover finally came off the car in California the reactions were … let’s keep it polite … mixed.

Let’s get some facts straight first, Automobili Lamborghini SpA was founded in 1963 with the classic 350 GT being their first production car, but things changed considerably when the Lamborghini Miura was introduced a few years later, by many considered to be the first supercar on the road, the Miura is a sensual beauty of Italian automotive art, and currently requires a payment of well into the 7 figures range to obtain, and while the Miura made Lamborghini famous around the world, their next flagship would change the automotive world forever.

We are talking early Seventies now, Lamborghini isn’t even ten years around, still, the Miura is already in her SV evolution, for Spinto Veloce, arguably the best production version (apart from the special SVJ versions), and then you visit the 1971 Geneva Motor Show to discover their next generation of supercars … the game-changing Lamborghini Countach! Think about this one for a second: upward-opening doors in 1971, a massive 5-Liter V12 engine, a thundering sound from quadruple round exhausts, a digital dashboard … the automotive world was shocked, and clients ambushed Ferruccio Lamborghini to put their order in, the Countach was an instant success, people were lining up to buy this spaceship on four wheels.

But the 1971 Lamborghini Countach was a concept car, it was nowhere near ready for production, and that was never the intention either … until after seeing the impact this car had on the Geneva Motor Show visitors, Ferruccio decided not to order additional Miura bodyshells from Bertone hence the production of the Miura SV was halted after only 150 units in December 1972, and all attention was directed to getting the Countach ready for production, initially Ferruccio considered a very limited production of the Countach, but that plan changed along the way of developing into a functional production car.

It would take three years for Lamborghini to get the Countach to a point it could be available for customers, in 1974 the Countach LP400 was unveiled, the upward-opening doors remained and would become a Lamborghini trademark for every V12 flagship model ever since the Countach, but the engine was downsized to 4-Liter, the prototype’s 5-Liter V12 wasn’t reliable and got scrapped only to make a return after being completely redesigned for the 1982 Countach LP500 S with a 4754 cc / 290 ci displacement. The digital dashboard was also replaced with analog dials on the production car and because that V12 needed a lot of cool air, several intakes and vents got added, more specifically the famous NACA duct on the side of the Countach.

The Lamborghini Countach LP400 was a beautiful car, very much ahead of her time in the mid-Seventies and unlike anything else on the open road, while the Miura had a track inspired transverse engine behind the cockpit, the Countach engine was positioned lengthwise with the gearbox directly underneath the gear lever in the wide central tunnel … the Lamborghini Countach was unique, and according to people close to the development in the Seventies, the only thing that limited the performance somewhat were the narrow tires that weren’t up to the task of a 300 Km/h top speed.

Only four years later things changed considerably for the Lamborghini Countach, mainly under the influence of Walter Wolf, a Canadian F1 team owner who requested several custom-made Countach for himself, the S model was developed, and in 1978 Lamborghini revealed the Countach S, or Countach LP400 S, to the public, initially as an option to the original Countach LP400, now with wide wheel arch extensions, revised suspension and massively wide 345mm Pirelli P8 Cinturato tires at the rear … some called it a Countach on steroids, but this even wilder version would become a poster car in many bedrooms during the Eighties.

And while Lamborghini didn’t want to, eventually they had to add the most quintessential option to the list for the Countach S … the rear wing, a very controversial option at the factory because the Countach didn’t need a rear wing, the car was designed with enough downforce, even at 300 km/h, and in all honesty, the rear wing even slowed the car down because of added drag … if you look really closely to the angle of the aerofoil, it does absolutely nothing … no additional downforce whatsoever, the rear wing on a Countach is purely cosmetical … but many owners insisted on adding it to their Raging Bull, to the point a Countach without that massive wing almost looks naked now.

The Lamborghini Countach became an icon, both in Lamborghini’s own history, but also in automotive history, probably the most depicted car on bedroom posters ever, built between 1974 and 1990, when the last ever Countach left the assembly to be added to the official factory museum, this silver metallic (Argento Luna) Lamborghini Countach was the 25th Anniversary edition of which 657 units were built, and while we all agree the Miura changed Lamborghini’s history, the Countach changed the automotive world … this car became more than an icon or a work of art, a Lamborghini Countach is special, but on a whole different level, it might not be perfect, or necessarily beautiful … but it’s a Countach, and that says it all … Countach!

In 2016 Automobili Lamborghini SpA was celebrating the 50th anniversary of their first supercar, the sensual Miura … with an Aventador Miura Homage, merely a special paint scheme, some custom stitching pattern on the interior, and a few bespoke badges. Limited to 50 units worldwide, the Aventador Miura Homage did come in a few Miura classic paint schemes with the gold or silver side sills, but that’s about it, nothing too extensive, so when the rumor got out they were doing a Countach homage in 2021 the reactions were mixed … until more details came out, all unofficial, but things sounded interesting, the 2021 Countach Ommagio would be totally different car to the Miura Homage.

At the 2021 edition of Monterey Car Week in mid-August, we finally got to see the new Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4, the new Countach Ommagio to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Lamborghini Countach … and this is where things started to go in a different direction, both from fans and owners of the original Countach. The bright white Bianco Siderale show car in California is based on the current Lamborghini Aventador and takes the Sián concept into the Countach legacy with slightly more power, a total of 814 hp thanks to the 34 hp from the electric motor with the supercapacitor while the V12 ICE is borrowed from the LP780-4 Ultimae without modifications.

But herein lies the problem, when designing this Countach Ommagio, they had to stay within the Aventador parameters, which let’s face it, is a 10-year old model by now, things have evolved quite considerably, and yes, the Aventador has evolved too from the 2011 LP700-4 to the wild SVJ and now the Ultimae, but still, the carbon fiber tub is determined, the roofline is fixed and while you can play around a little with the front and rear sections, ultimately you are bound by the Aventador basis, and this is where most of the reactions come down to … an homage to a car as legendary as the Lamborghini Countach deserves more than what this LPI 800-4 is.

If we start from the front, the LPI 800-4 had to comply with current regulations, and that just about puts pop-up headlights into an illegal feature, so those typical Countach dual round ‘pods’ that open when in use just couldn’t be resurrected, instead Lamborghini opted for modern LED light units on the fenders in a somewhat similar location … a little bit too high up, but that also might be due to legislation, so I’m not going to complain on their position, on the other hand, the design of the front hood does remind us of the original Countach, as does the script in the air intake, so there are a few links to the design from the Seventies here.

Going onto the rear design choices reveals even more ‘compromises’ to current laws and requirements for airflow on this 2021 edition of the Countach, there are massive air vents on the body section behind the wide rear tires, those are required to draw hot air through, but they do interrupt the clean lines in that area of the original Countach, the area around the taillights does look like the very recognizable units on the classic Countach, but then they decide to use the Sián taillights … shouldn’t a car like the Countach, that meant to much for Lamborghini during her 15 years of production be eligible for bespoke taillights in her homage?

But one of the biggest complaints on the design of the 2021 Countach LPI 800-4 concentrates on the side profile, which shows the Aventador basis a bit too much, with an identical roofline, the basic Aventador rearview mirrors, and a massive, clear carbon fiber air intake that start on the door and goes into the rear fender, where it meets a big ‘fin’ that extends beyond the bodywork to draw even more air into the engine bay. But this is where things get tricky … remember this car is meant to celebrate 50 years of the Countach, so it celebrates the original prototype from 1971 … which didn’t have the NACA duct yet, while many complain this new car tries to mimic that NACA duct but fails … it is not meant to look like a modern version of the NACA duct, it’s just there because of pure necessity, to cool the engine, a problem the Countach prototype also faced back in 1971, hence they cut those NACA ducts into the smooth aluminum body.

Al least those beautiful fins behind the side windows were retained on the Countach LPI 800-4, I like them, and while many prefer to have these in black so the car looks lower and longer as it visually extends the side windows, I don’t mind them being color-coded to the body, but then you notice the wheels on the new car, where they try to mimic the telephone dial style wheels from the Countach … from the Eighties. Wait, what? This car is an homage to the 1971 Countach for her 50th anniversary, so why put wheels that look like the 1978 model on it? Wouldn’t it make more sense to create a modern interpretation of those ’71 wheels, only a lot wider at the rear … that would be more historically correct if you ask me. And while we’re on that topic, I really don’t understand why the show car is white … sure they explain it as the color of Ferruccio’s own Countach S, but we’re celebrating the 1971 Countach … which was yellow … so release the homage car in Giallo Countach at least, I just think it’s wrong to depict the Countach Prototype in white on the official photos … it was yellow, and always has been yellow right up to the day they crash-tested it at MIRA.

Seen from the top there are more design clues from the classic Countach to be found in this 2021 edition, like the design of the ‘periscope’ from the original car, it isn’t a functional rearview mirror tunnel anymore, but the design in there in the glass panel, while the vents on the engine cover are somewhat taken into present-day with those glass louvers, which honestly remind me of those on the Murciélago Super Veloce, what I absolutely love on the new car are those small vents next to the glass louvers on the engine cover, just behind the roof, those were used on the Miura, and on the Countach production version too, so I love that small detail they incorporated into this Countach homage, I doubt they were necessary, but they look the part.

Going into the interior will really take you into the Aventador cockpit, there is a special stitching pattern on the comfort seats (it seems you will not be able to get the lightweight carbon fiber sport seats in this LPI 800-4), but other than that it’s just an Aventador interior with some custom 3D printed air vents on the dashboard and a large touchscreen for the multimedia system … the traditional start/stop button is hiding underneath the red cover as it has been ever since 2011, the switches and controls all look identical to a $500,000 Aventador … while we are talking about a $2,000,000+ limited edition Countach homage here … shouldn’t they have put some more effort into her interior to set her apart more from the base car?

And now we get to another controversial remark often made about the 2021 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 … the rear wing. As already mentioned, the massive rear wing on the Countach S from 1978 on didn’t do anything for downforce and even lowered the top speed, but people loved it anyway, so why didn’t Lamborghini put a large rear wing on this homage then? The answer is complicated … for one, the car doesn’t need a high rear wing for aerodynamics, secondly, the 1971 prototype didn’t have a rear wing either, and thirdly … there is an active rear wing on the LPI 800-4, much like on the original Aventador, the rear wing sits flush with the body but it has three different positions, to be raised when conditions require it … but it isn’t as impressive as the one on the classic Countach, and strangely enough Lamborghini hasn’t released a single photo with the rear wing ‘up’ on this Countach LPI 800-4 yet.

So the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 has stirred up some controversy online, both by Lamborghini enthusiasts and by actual Countach owners, and most of the comments weren’t too positive, calling it a marketing stunt … but in the end, there will be only 112 units of this car built, as a reminder of the LP112 internal designation of the Countach back in the Seventies, all at a rumored starting price well over $2,000,000 before options and taxes … and all of these are sold already, so it’s a marketing success for Automobili Lamborghini SpA, after all, they sold out their Countach homage, whether it has been accepted or not, there were at least 112 people out there who wanted to add this special car to their collection, and let’s not forget this will be the final Lamborghini with the NA V12 engine next to the Aventador Ultimae, but the latter is intended for a totally different customer.

Do you really think the new 2021 Lamborghini Countach should have come with wide wheel arches and that massive, classic rear wing, perhaps even some center-lock wheels inspired by the Eighties versions of the Countach? And how about color-coding that massive side intake, would that make things look better?

Why not head over to LamboCARS where you will find a Virtual Car Configurator that allows you to configure your very own Countach LPI 800-4 virtually, with 121 different exterior shades, 28 interior hues, countless additional options like modern versions of the classic Countach wheels, but also the option to add the wider wheel arches and different rear wings … just so you can see how it looks … and which you prefer, in the end, I think Lamborghini created what is probably the best they could do within the parameters of the base they had to use, but personally, I would have called it a Countach homage, and not use the Countach name for this model, but that’s just my opinion.

Bentley Blower meets hybrid at Monterey

Bentley came back to the US event scene for the famous Monterey Car Week with a four-day exhibition showcasing the latest and greatest from Crewe to the public, ultimately they would have over 2,500 guests join them with 100 test drives from the Home of Bentley in Monterey, it was also the first time Bentley Mulliner had all three portfolios together: Classic, Coachbuilt, and Collections.

The cars shown at the Home of Bentley continually changed over the period of four days, but the famous biofuel-powered Continental GT3 Pikes Peak remained a central point of attraction throughout the event, but one car certainly drew a lot of attention too, the Bentley “Unifying Spur” featuring artwork by Rich Morris.

Christophe Georges, President, and CEO of Bentley Americas, comments: “Returning to Monterey for the first time after rejoicing in our centenary at Pebble Beach in 2019 has been a fantastic experience. After the challenges of the pandemic, we chose to celebrate our customers, alongside our thoroughly modern and diverse range of new models, and being able to see customers in person after such a long time apart was a great experience for everyone. Monterey Car Week is always a highlight in our calendar, and was particularly special this year as Bentley continues to deliver the strongest results in the company’s history.”

Talking about the Bentley Flying Spur, Monterey Car Week was also the venue where they introduced the new Flying Spur Mulliner, the top of the line version in the Flying Spur range from Crewe that comes with bespoke Mulliner details like special 22-inch Mulliner wheels with self-leveling centers, a bespoke “Double Diamond” front grille and satin silver mirror caps for more elegance, and naturally an interior to match with even higher handcraftsmanship from the Mulliner team. Together with the Continental GT Coupe and Convertible Mulliner versions, these three cars represented the Mulliners Collections portfolio.

The second branch in Bentley Mulliner is the Coachbuilt portfolio, and that one was beautifully represented by the Bacalar Car Zero, the actual production prototype for the limited edition Bentley Mulliner Bacalar, the one that will not be sold, while the first customer car in the Bacalar series has been completed and is ready for delivery as we speak, the Car Zero was in fact repainted in a magnificent Scarab green and received a new upholstery for the interior, both specifically created just for Monterey Car Week 2021, this car was the star at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on Friday, 13 August.

So how about the third part of Bentley Mulliner, the Classic Portfolio then? That was represented by something truly special, the actual engineering prototype of the Blower Continuation Series, another Car Zero at Monterey, this time a blast from the past that is being recreated almost exactly the way the original car was built back in 1929 as Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin’s supercharged 4½-Litre.

This development test mule had already covered over 6,000 miles during the durability program, but Bentley insisted on using this very car to drive around the Monterey peninsula every single day, with customers, guests, and representatives from the media as passengers in this world’s first pre-war continuation car, she covered another 350 miles with no issues whatsoever.

With Bentley’s hybrid cars becoming more and more important, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that both the Bentayga Hybrid and the new Flying Spur Hybrid made their appearance during Monterey Car Week, at the time of writing two-thirds of Bentley’s model range is now available with a Hybrid option, as part of their journey to electrification and a first BEV by 2025, Bentley already confirmed they will return to Monterey Car Week next year, August 15 2022.

Bugatti opens showroom in Singapore

Bugatti is known around the world for being the pinnacle when it comes to automotive design and engineers, together with performance and limited edition hypercars, some of which aren’t even street-legal like their upcoming Bolide, a true race car that can’t be driven on the road, nor be entered into any official races, but she looks absolutely stunning.

Owning a Bugatti is the dream of many car enthusiasts out there, and for a select group of fortunate clients, this dream becomes a reality, therefore Bugatti needs to expand its official dealer network constantly, and this time they opened the first Bugatti showroom in Singapore, an island city-state in maritime Southeast Asia that is known as one of the world’s most successful and stable economies.

The global Covid pandemic actually had an interesting effect on Singapore as many ultra-high net worth individuals have chosen to move and stay in Singapore for lengthy periods or settle permanently, further boosting the regional economy and the demand for luxury goods, and that also goes for buying and owning supercars and hypercars, which is where Bugatti comes into the picture now.

As a joint venture between Bugatti and Wearnes, the latter being a renowned luxury automotive retailer established in 1906, the new Bugatti Southeast Asian showroom is already opened for clients and enthusiasts, located south of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, this new showroom is another spectacular location, finished to the utmost standards required to meet the company’s new visual identity we already described in our Bugatti Global Network article.

At the time of writing the stunning Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport is on display at this new showroom, being the fastest, most powerful production super sports car in their 110-year history, but this white hypercar is probably not for sale, however, the staff at Bugatti Singapore’s showroom will be more than happy to let you touch and feel the sumptuous leather swatches or browse through stunning catalogs before putting together their dream car digitally on the in-house configurator.

Konstantinos Psarris, Bugatti’s Regional Director of the Middle East & Asia, explains: “Singapore’s resilient economy, which has generated an unprecedented number of ultra-high net worth individuals, is the envy of the world. The city state’s energy and ambition are reflected in its remarkable architecture, making it an exciting place to live. Both the timing and location are perfect for Bugatti to establish a new home in Southeast Asia to meet the needs and desires of our growing numbers of customers on the continent. We look forward to enjoying a collaborative partnership with Wearnes, which has unmatched knowledge and experience of the local market.”

Most Expensive Mercedes C-Class in the World Costs $1.5 Million

Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM

You read that right, a C-Class for the price of a McLaren Senna or a Porsche 918 Spider. Its the Mercedes-AMG Coupe DTM, also known as the Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM after the design was updated to reflect that of the W205 c-class generation.

Motorsport has changed drastically in the last few years, and if you think the car industry has changed a lot from the extensive restrictions put on internal combustion engines then you will be shocked once you see the changes that these very car makers have had to put up with in Motorsport. DTM cars for example downsized at one point from the vivacious V8 engines that once powered them to 2 liter inline-4 engines.

That move only lasted one season (2019-2020), Mercedes-AMG had already withdrawn from DTM leaving BMW and Audi to run a series of 2.0L turbo-4 engines. For Mercedes, their last outing in DTM was still represented by a lively C63 Coupe DTM, powered by a 4.0L naturally aspirated V8 engine. The road going C63 AMG cars used a twin-turbocharged version designed to meet efficiency and emission targets of that generation.

It goes without saying that both the W205 C63 DTM and C63 AMG are the last of their kind, the very last C-Class AMG models to be powered by a V8 engine.

And now we can finally address the insane price on this 2014 C63 DTM Coupe that was driven to several victories by Robert Wickens during the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons. Mercedes left DTM to focus on their EQ brand, they branched into Formula E and have since launched several full electric EQ models including the EQA, EQC, EQS and more.

Ironically, the upcoming C63 AMG will use a 2.0L turbo-4 engine just like the DTM turbo cars from the 2019-2020 season where BMW fielded a BMW M4 Turbo and Audi entered an RS5 Turbo. Mercedes was absent during this season after going out with a bang in the 2018 season where Gary Paffett won the DTM drivers’ championship in the last V6 C63 AMG. A total of 9 wins put Mercedes-AMG on the top, winning both the 2018 Team and Manufacturers’ championships.

This car gives collectors a unique opportunity to own the last V8 powered C-class in Motorsport. And if that doesn’t convince you, then you will be surprised (or sad like in our case) to learn that W205 and W204 C63 AMG prices have recently started going up across all markets, do we need to say why again?

And there you have it, the most expensive c-class on the market today is a C63 DTM Coupe. This car is currently listed in Germany by Mechatronics GmbH. It has covered 99,999km.

2021 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring: An In-depth Look

Introduction

When we attended the livestream unveiling of the 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3, it quickly became evident that the folks from Stuttgart had come good on a number of proclaimed and unspoken promises – the new car was far superior to those that came before it, proving that Porsche is not lacking on the level of innovation that’s required to make something so amazing, even better. The event also provided an opportunity for the gaffer to speak about some of the other commitments from the automaker, such as the development of eFuels and the confirmation of an upcoming Touring version for their latest GT car.

For those already in the know, the GT3 Touring model is as exceptional as it has become familiar over the past few years, particularly to the most diehard driving purists and deeply-rooted Porsche enthusiasts. For those wondering, “Hey, what’s the diff?”, the Touring is essentially a gentleman’s version of its otherwise track-focused road car; based on a less extroverted and more purist-centric blueprint, the Touring forgoes some key features from the regular car.

The most notable of these would be the removal of the static rear ‘swan neck’ wing, which has become one of the most defining and differentiating elements of the 992 GT3. It has been replaced by an electronically-controlled retractable wing, which in theory, would serve most of its function under race-track conditions; otherwise, expect the Touring to appear as the wing-less, more unassuming version of itself, in almost all other cases.

In actuality, this helps the car blend in more with the non-GT lineup of 911 cars, rather than simply being a less attention-grabbing version of the GT3. Subtlety is the leading philosophy here – nevertheless, those who know, really know. With that said, this is always one of the best things about owning a Touring model. It’s part of a special ensemble that plays to a small and exclusive audience. These days, being in that kind of company is priceless; in this era where society caters more to bigger egos and louder mouths, the longing to appear as something less, can’t be faked. If anything, it takes some bravery to pull off.

Interestingly enough, the 992-generation GT3 Touring model does come with the (no-cost) option to add PDK, though we reckon that manual transmission models will reign supreme as the overwhelming favorite, and for good reason. After all, it makes little sense opting for the former, in the same way that someone would make the argument for having a manual transmission in the GT3 RS because they wanted access to the fastest lap times possible from the car. In any case, Porsche has a proven track record when it comes to satisfying just about every niche via its GT lineup, with the Touring model being one such product of their open dialogue with customers.

Touring Evolution

For the genesis of the GT3 Touring, we go back to the 991-generation when the series’ first 911 GT3 was released in 2014. It came exclusively with the PDK transmission. This was followed by a bit of an outcry from Porsche customers, who felt that at the very least, the option of a manual transmission for GT3 should’ve been on the table from the get-go. Hindsight is always 20/20, and only after-the-fact is it easy to see why a GT3 Touring slots in so perfectly into the 911 hierarchy – it’s the sweet spot or those who desire a 911 grand-tourer and want a bit more than what the GTS offers, but find the Turbo models (for which a manual transmission was not offered) a bit too farfetched.

Stuttgart heard, and they delivered, though the introduction of the Touring model didn’t happen overnight. The first serving of appeasement came in the form of the manual-transmission-only 911R (which is actually more closely based on the 991.1 GT3 RS model) before a proper commitment was provided for the 991.2 GT3 in 2017, with the debut of the official Touring designation. It was the first time the 991-generation GT3 could be had with a manual transmission (including the regular model), with the Touring model being exclusively offered with the stick-shift for this iteration.

If you wanted a post-997-generation 911 GT car with a manual transmission, the 2017 GT3 and GT3 Touring were the automaker’s first offering at a relatively reasonable price point; the rarity of the 911R and the fact that it’s basically an RS model, see it demanding inflated prices to this day. With that being said, I don’t think many would have opposed the new 992 GT3 Touring continuing its exclusive relationship with the manual. But it can’t be argued that the PDK opens up more options for a wider range of buyers, which should equate to a larger market share and translate to bigger profits; it makes sense from a business standpoint.

However, we urge buyers of the new GT3 Touring to go all-in on the purity it has on tap, particularly when it comes to being a road car. If lap times are your priority, PDK (on the regular GT3, or the upcoming ‘RS’, if possible) is the way to go. Leave the PDK for what it’s good at. Keep efficiency and essence separate. It’s good for resale value too – maybe you’ll thank me later. Speaking of the 911R, perhaps a 992 iteration is in the pipeline? Though this time, we reckon it will be more in parallel with the RS program from the get-go (as it ended up being the first time), rather than a knee-jerk reaction to the lukewarm reception of a manual-transmission-less GT3. One can only hope!

Engine & Performance

  • Engine Type & Size: 4.0L naturally-aspirated flat-6
  • Horsepower: 502 hp @ 8,400 rpm
  • Torque: 346 lb-ft @ 6,250 rpm
  • Transmission: 7-speed PDK, 6-speed manual
  • 0-60 mph: 3.2 seconds (PDK), 3.7 seconds (manual)
  • Top Speed: 199 mph

Porsche has continued the use of the naturally-aspirated 4.0L 9A1 flat-6 power plant in the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3, with that engine carrying over untouched in the GT3 Touring. The only key differences between the 9A1 and the engine used in the Cup race car, are the exhaust system and ECU. Otherwise, those two engines share virtually all the same components, such as individual throttle bodies. As such, the new GT3 needed no “sound engineering” and inherently sounds amazing.

With its astronomical 9,000 rpm redline, the GT3 Touring produces 502 hp @ 8,400 rpm and 346 lb-ft of torque @ 6,250 rpm and should likewise achieve hugely similar, if not identical figures as it pertains to 0-60 mph times and top speed. Like the regular model, the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring comes with two transmission options, though as mentioned before, the 6-speed manual is expected to be the much more popular choice for buyers of this model. The GT3 and GT3 Touring continue to use the 7-speed PDK transmission, instead of a version of the 8-speed used in the rest of the 992 line-up.

Purists, rejoice! Dr. Frank Walliser – Vice President of 911 and 718 Product Lines – said that we shouldn’t count on the GT3 going electric or even hybrid, anytime too soon. It is much more likely that Porsche will transition to using synthetic fuels for motorsport and its GT line of production cars, before even considering going full-on EV. This aligns with Porsche’s intention to keep the naturally-aspirated engine alive for as long as possible – regulations and emissions standards will serve as the eventual ultimatum.

Chassis & Handling

Aerodynamics & Weight Reduction

The new 992 GT3 spent more than 160 hours across 700 simulation sessions in the wind tunnel. It generates 50% more downforce than its predecessor and up to 150% more downforce in its “high downforce” setting. Porsche has claimed that the retractable spoiler on the GT3 Touring model – while fully extended – is able to generate the same amount of downforce as the regular model’s affixed version, though it is unclear if they are including the “high downforce” setting in this comparison.

Otherwise, the GT3 Touring uses all of the same aero components including an adjustable front diffuser and a fully closed rear diffuser, which on its own generates 60 kg of downforce at top speed. Its low weight of just 1,413 kg is achieved with a myriad of lightweight components, and next to an equally-optioned GT3, it should weigh in about the same. This includes a carbon-fiber hood, roof, and rear wing, along with other items such as a super lightweight battery, lighter wheels, ultra-thin glass, carbon-fiber cross members, and lightweight interior appointments. Essentially, the 992 GT3 and GT3 Touring have achieved the same weight as their predecessors, but are loaded with a lot more technology.

Suspension & Chassis Control Systems

In this department, the GT3 Touring is also identical to the GT3. Expect the same 911-RSR-inspired handling characteristics that are spearheaded by the introduction of a new front suspension setup consisting of unequal-length control arms instead of conventional struts, making it the first time a double-wishbone suspension configuration is used in the front of a GT3. This will provide better tire contact through turns and during moments of compression and rebounding. Porsche’s new adaptive dampers are capable of adjusting every 10 milliseconds, which means the spring rates have doubled without affecting the ride quality of the GT3.

There are three available driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Track, which all provide varying degrees of driver-aid involvement and chassis settings. Aside from providing the most firm, performance-biased setup with the least amount of computer control, initiating Track mode also changes the instrumentation and displays to “Track View”. This compiles all pertinent information to the immediate field of view of the driver. Important details such as oil temperature, oil pressure, tire pressures, and shift indicators, are all in plain sight and easily visible.

Brakes & Tires

Both the GT3 and GT3 Touring draw their standard features and optional equipment from the same parts bin, with the latter car also coming standard with cast-iron rotors and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Likewise, upgrading to carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires, remain as options.

Design, Styling & Interior

This, of course, is where the GT3 Touring truly begins its quest to make a name for itself, with both of the current GT3 variants being virtually identical otherwise. It really comes down to what kind of visual signals you’re intending to give off while driving the GT3 (and the resulting levels of attention you want to grab or avoid). It’s not even a question of aerodynamic performance either – as many would understandably expect – with the downforce generated remaining unchanged regardless of whether you go fixed-wing or adaptive. Porsche was adamant on lending to its mantra that subtlety doesn’t need to come with any penalty, and made sure the GT3 Touring was engineered and designed in such a mold.

There are a number of other aesthetic details that are unique to the Touring model as well, though they’re not as individually pronounced as the rear spoiler changes. In keeping with the now deep-rooted philosophy of Touring models, standard features such as painted front bumper inserts, aluminum window trimming, and an interior wrapped in leather and brushed aluminum (in place of Alcantara and carbon fiber), give the latest GT3 variant a more reserved persona.

That’s not to say that the Touring has been in any way, emasculated as a GT car; if nothing, it’s simply a more mature version of itself. After all, the remaining presence of distinguishable cues such as carbon fiber bonnet vents, a front bumper with large air intakes, and a signature GT-department engine cover, provide enough hints that this isn’t just a fancy looking Carrera S. While you can spec a Touring model to be as hardcore as its more track-purposed stablemate, do so with some introspection.

For example, as cool as those lightweight carbon fiber bucket seats are, they make getting into and out of the car more difficult. This would make the case for the Touring model being a more dedicated daily driver, a bit harder to argue. Before checking all the boxes on the options list, just know what you’re getting (and why), and you won’t be disappointed. Overall, the silhouette of the new 911 GT3 Touring remains a largely familiar one – and that’s not a bad thing.  In fact, this is probably great news for Porsche and GT3 enthusiasts, who would contend that there was never anything wrong with the previous GT3 in the first place.

No confirmation yet on whether the Club Sport Package (roll cage, 4-pt harnesses) will continue to be a no-cost option, as it is in the regular GT3. If it is, it would probably only be for the European markets anyway – this package was not available on past iterations in North America due to safety regulations. Again, like PDK, the Club Sport Package kind of clashes with the whole purpose of the Touring model, in our opinion. Paint to Sample (aka, custom paint colors) will also be available for GT3 Touring examples.

Pricing

Base MSRP for both the GT3 and GT3 touring are the exact same: US $180,300. So while less is not more, more is not less either.

The good part about this is that you only have to worry about making your decision – on what GT3 variant you really want – based on your personal tastes, and not be forced into one because of a difference in price.

We see this as nothing but a good thing. Just pick what looks better to you. Which to be fair, might be easier said than done – oh Porsche, you make things so, so interesting.

Verdict

supercars.net 10/10

Porsche GT3 Touring Side View

“The Porsche 911 GT3 Touring is back. If this latest 992-generation version is any indication of Porsche’s commitment to this model, then it should be safe to say that it’s also here to stay. The Touring makes sense for those who envision their GT3 more as a daily mode of transportation than a track specialist, although there is nothing to suggest that it is not comfortable of filling both those roles either.

GT performance is good enough for any paved road – and that includes the race track – but we reckon that the Touring variants were created for a certain type of personality. There are few other cars, especially today, that can invoke an idealized sense of connection and purpose like a GT3 Touring (with a 6-speed manual transmission) can. Its unpretentious demeanor, in a somewhat ironic way, rounds off things with the bold statement that less really can mean more.”

What Other Experts Are Saying

Top Gear – 10/10

Two Porsche GT3 Touring models

“The numbers don’t matter. And that’s an important point to make. Because if they do matter, go and buy electric. You’re looking at the Touring for the wrong reason. This is a car for feels.”

Full article

Car Magazine – 5/5

Porsche GT3 Touring Rear View

“Track drivers will want the GT3’s genuine downforce. But for the rest of us the Touring Package is the definitive road-going ‘event’ 911.”

Full article

Evo – 4.5/5

Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Side View

“There are few, if any, more rewarding, engaging, or intense experiences for those in pursuit of the thrill of driving.”

Full article

Image & Video Gallery

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Lopifit: A Hybrid Sustainable Ride That Crosses A Treadmill With An Electric Bicycle

With almost everybody jumping on the hype surrounding cycling amid the pandemic, other urban mobility solutions are quickly losing their appeal. Perhaps what the manufacturers need is something new, unique, and maybe with a helping of quirkiness. A good example would be the Lopifit – a clever hybrid of an electric bicycle and a treadmill.

Come on! It’s too far into 2021 for this to be an April Fools’ Day joke. At first, we were skeptical ourselves, but this seems to be the real deal. For people who equally love to walk and cycle, this might be the perfect commercially available platform.

What looks like a stand-up scooter actually packs a different type of propulsion system. Taking the drive system used by electric bicycles, the Lopifit integrates a treadmill instead of pedals. Basically, you are still using your legs and feet to move it, but by walking.

Just like a non-motorized treadmill, your movements turn the wheels. Even at the pace of a leisurely stroll (3 miles per hour), the Lopifit can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. Except for the treadmill section, everything else resembles an average bicycle.

It packs a high-capacity LG battery unit to power the Bafang electric motor. A full charge boasts a range of 50 miles but will vary depending on how users drive it. We hope to see more sustainable approaches like this.

Disc brakes provide the stopping power you need just in case. We think it’s a cool way to get some exercise. Just note that aboard the Lopifit, you will draw the odd stare every now and then. Nevertheless, what matters is the fun experience.

Order yours: here

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Images courtresy of Lopifit

Singer Reimagined Presents The Highly Exclusive Track1 DLS Edition Chronograph

When you count yourself as one of the fortunate few who now own one of the 75 planned restorations dubbed the Singer Vehicle Design Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS), Singer Reimagined has something cool in mind To match your classy Porsche 911, the brand’s watchmaking arm presents the Track1 DLS Edition.

Talk about exclusivity here, as not just anyone can grab this snazzy timepiece. As for the pricing, Singer Reimagined Is keeping that under wraps. Anyway, only the owners of the highly limited resto-mod can purchase the chronograph in the first place. So, let’s hope they spill the beans when the time comes.

For now, let’s get the know the Track1 DLS Edition and check out what it brings to the table. Starting with the forged carbon pilot-style case, it measures 43 mm x 15 mm including the sapphire crystal. As you can see, there are cutouts close to the lugs to shave off some weight.

The dark composite material then gets some contrast from polished grade 5 titanium hardware. You’ll find it on the bezel, case back, crown and pushers. The gray dial shows vertical brush patterns and hands in black/orange. Initially, we were puzzled as to how its chronograph functions work.

If you look closely, Singer Reimagined uses the outer rings to tell the hour and minutes. As for the central three hands, these are for the chronograph. The Track1 DLS Edition runs on a Singer 6361 AgenGraphe self-winding movement with a 60-hour power reserve.

The images show the default style which uses a textile strap in dark green. The screw-down rivets are grade 5 titanium and it uses a folding clasp closure. The privileged folks qualified to buy the Track1 DLS Edition can personalize it to match their car’s colorway.

Learn more

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Images courtesy of Singer Reimagined

The 2022 Ford GT Heritage Edition

Let’s travel back in time … to April 3, 1964, at the New York International Auto Show, where Ford unveiled a new prototype of what would become one of their most important cars for years to come … the 1964 Ford GT prototype, chassis GT/101, that became America’s only Le Mans-winning supercar from 1966 to 1969 … only to repeat that feat again in 2016 with the next generation of that 1964 prototype.

In 2021 only one of the 1964 Ford GT prototypes still exists, chassis GT/105, and she is still boasting the same livery as 57 years ago, and this car was the perfect candidate to park next to the brand new 2022 Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition during Monterey Car Week where Ford debuted this special edition of the current Ford GT as she enters her final year of production.

“This is the first Ford GT Heritage Edition that goes beyond celebrating race wins – this one goes deep, and honors the earliest of Ford supercar heritage,” said Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager. “The Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition is a modern interpretation of the original, with no mistaking what this car is paying tribute to.”

The new 2022 Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition is finished in the classic Wimbledon White paint complete with Antimatter Blue graphics, including an over-the-roof triple racing stripe as a tribute to the five original GT prototypes. Being a 21st-century supercar, this new Ford GT comes with exposed carbon fiber components and 20-inch Antimatter Blue-painted carbon fiber wheels, a touch unique to Ford GT, as well as an exposed glossy carbon fiber front splitter, side sills, mirror stalks, engine louvers, and rear diffuser. The standard Brembo® brake calipers get a silver with a black graphics finish while black lug nuts finalize the modern look.

On the inside, the color-match with the blue exterior details comes in the form of blue Alcantara carbon fiber seats with silver stitching and embossed GT logo, the instrument panel is done in Ebony leather whit Lightspeed Blue Alcantara,  the pillars and headliner are finished in Ebony Alcantara. Antimatter Blue appliqués on the instrument panel, door register bezels, and seat X-brace are coordinated with the bespoke wheels.

“There are a lot of milestone moments in the history of Ford GT that we’ve celebrated, but the team was unanimous in believing the original prototype was the right vehicle this time around,” Severson said. “That 1964 prototype unleashed the creative genius of the Ford Advanced Vehicles team and paved the way for the Ford GT program. It put all of this in motion.”

Back in the Sixties only 5 Ford GT prototypes were built, GT/101 and GT/102 got scrapped after Le Mans and Monza crash testing, which lead to much-needed improvements for the next three cars, GT/103, GT/104, and GT/105 … GT/103 would win at Daytona® in 1965 with Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby behind the wheel, at that same race GT/104 came in third with Bob Bondurant and Ritchie Ginther. While both GT/103 and GT/104 have been repainted today, the GT/105 is the only one that still wears her original livery from the Sixties.

This new 2022 Ford GT ’64 Heritage Edition isn’t the first highly limited edition model in this production series, which started in 2006 with the 2006 Ford GT Gulf Livery Heritage Edition as a commemorative edition for the GT40’s back-to-back 24 Hours of Le Mans titles in 1968 and 1969, a total of 343 units were produced in this first Heritage Edition series.

The second special edition came in 2017 with the 2017 Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition to celebrate the Ford GT40 MK II No. 2 that Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon drove at 1966 Le Mans, only 27 units were ever built, a year later we saw the 2018 Ford GT ’67 Heritage Edition that was built to honor the Ford GT40 MK IV No. 1 race car that was victorious at Le Mans in 1967, only 39 units of this 2018 model were built. Probably one of the most iconic Heritage Editions is the one of fifty 2019 Ford GT ’68 Gulf Livery Heritage Edition that was an homage to the Ford GT40 MK I No. 9 race car that won the 1968 Le Mans endurance race.

In 2020 Ford released another 50 unit limited edition as the 2020 Ford GT ’69 Gulf Livery Heritage Edition honoring the Ford GT40 MK I No. 6 race car that took the 1969 Le Mans victory, while the 2021 Ford GT ’66 Daytona Heritage Edition is still in production at the time of writing, this one is a tribute to the Ford GT MK II No. 98 race car, and now we get the ultimate 2022 Ford GT ’64 Heritage Edition that is the sixth one in this series.

You can now get your name on the order list for the 2022 Ford GT, if you’re an approved Ford GT customer, production of this model is set to start in January 2022.

Back to the 90s: Porsche Taycan Now Available in Rubystone Red and Acid Green

The Taycan and Taycan Cross Turismo will begin a new model year in September with improved electric sports range thanks to the technological developments, additional upgrades include the deep integration of Android Auto in the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) and the availability of Remote Park Assist.

The Remote Park Assist option can be controlled using a smartphone even when the driver is not behind the wheel, the automatic control function takes over the steering and movement system and allows the driver to park in both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces by measuring the spaces using ultrasonic sensors and cameras.

Unusual and unique paint colors can now be realised with the new Paint to Sample and Paint to Sample Plus options in addition to the 17 standard paint colors i.e the Taycan can now be painted in the classic 90’s Rubystone Red or bright Acid Green, Blue Metallic, Riviera Blue And Viola Metallic.

Despite the fact that the new model year will not be homologated differently, the range of the latest version will be greater especially in day-to-day usage as a result of the extensive technological developments implemented.

The front electric motor has completely been decoupled and de-energised in the partial load range in all-wheel drive models in Normal and Range mode and no drive is transmitted to the axle when the vehicle is stopped or coasting. The electric freewheel function reduces drag losses and improves the performance of the vehicle.

Other improved functions include the thermal management and charging functions. In addition, the Turbo Charging Planner enables the high voltage battery to heat at higher temperature than before thus fast charging at a higher charge level is achievable. The excess heat from the electrical component is used for regulating the battery temperature.

The vehicle has been fitted with the sixth generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) since its introduction, the PCM has been integrated with both an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for iphone for the first time which means that the vehicle now supports smartphones with Google Android Operating systems.

The infotainment system also features a Voice Pilot voice assistant and a satellite navigation system which uses an online search for points of interest (POI), calculates quickly and displays information clearly.

Almost 200,000 Porsche charging stations including 6,500 50kW-Plus DC charging stations are now available in more than 20 countries across Europe. Customers are able to charge their electric or plug-in-hybrid models for free at particular stations; over 2000AC charging points have already been offered in over 50 countries at hotels, restaurants, marinas, shopping malls and airports. All the Porsche charging services and operations are carbon neutral.

Hermeus Planning Hypersonic Passenger Flights Aboard The Quarterhorse By 2029

The recent groundbreaking developments by the likes of SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and Blue Origins have rekindled interest in space travel. Add to that NASA’s ongoing missions and upcoming return to the lunar surface. You can say the space craze is trending all over again. Meanwhile, aviation groups are also pushing the envelope for hypersonic flight with platforms like the Quarterhorse from Hermeus.

With the exception of military fighter jets and other classified projects, hypersonic flight is yet to turn commercial. Just imagine how short each plane ride would be to any point on the planet aboard an aircraft capable of speeds beyond Mach 5. The last concept we featured was the Aerion Supersonic AS3.

The Quarterhorse, on the other hand, is poised to take pole position in the race to cater to the public. While others are yet to announce their roadmap for testing and delivery, Hermeus is ready to share its plans. Testing will commence sometime in 2023, with deliveries of its cargo-only trim following in 2025.

Depending on how well it performs in logistics and military scenarios, a passenger-ready version of the Quarterhorse should be available by 2029. Similar to the Concorde, Hermeus is going with a delta wing configuration for its aircraft.

Renders show the Quarterhorse clad in black with yellow accents and the company emblem on the vertical stabilizer. Hermeus notes that thrust comes from a turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) setup. A GE J85 turbojet engine handles take-off and landing. To reach its top speed of about Mach 5.5, the intake on the nose feeds air into the TBCC to go hypersonic.

Learn more

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Images courtesy of Hermeus

Bentley Mulliner finished first Bacalar and Blower customer cars

Bentley Mulliner is all about building bespoke cars, Bentleys that go beyond what the regular production versions offer, and this time they’ve just completed the first two customer cars in what really is something very special … on one hand, there is the state-of-the-art, very limited production Mulliner Bacalar Car One, while on the other hand, we find a truly amazing piece of automotive art, the Blower Car One.

Finished in the famous Birkin Green, the Blower Car One is a perfect recreation of Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin’s 1929 supercharged 4½-Litre, and it marks the first customer car of the world’s first pre-war continuation series being built by Bentley Mulliner, in a limited production run of only 12 units, at the time of writing Blower two, three and four are being built.

Bentley’s Director of Mulliner and Motorsport, Paul Williams, comments: “Seeing these first two cars now finished has given the whole team an enormous sense of pride. Years of work have gone into the design and development of these projects, and seeing them together is incredibly rewarding. These cars are totally unique, absolutely bespoke, and yet have been built to the same quality standards as any other Bentley. Mulliner is truly the only place in the world that could deliver a 21st century, coachbuilt grand touring Barchetta at the same time as recreating an iconic road-going 1929 race car. I’m excited for our customers to take delivery of their new cars, and to see the rest of the orders in both series come to life. Alongside the more mainstream yet still distinctive cars of the Mulliner Collections family, these are the first models of the Mulliner Classic and Coachbuilt portfolios – but there will be more. We’re just getting started.”

The development of the Bacalar has meant building a prototype to production specs, and take that ‘Car Zero’ onto the road for grueling testing, just to make sure the car the client receives is a real Bentley, even if only 12 units will ever be built, and each of those 12 will be unique, with every single detail specified by her future owner … to guarantee total privacy, Bentley Mulliner won’t even disclose where any of these Bacalar or Blower will be shipped to.

From the official press release:

Blower Car One
The first Blower Continuation Series car is a shining example of classic design, executed to perfection. The body is trimmed in period-correct Rexine and finished in bespoke Birkin Green paint, a recreation of the color of the original Blower on which it’s based – Team Car No.2, registration UU 5872. Built, owned, and raced by Sir Tim Birkin, the car is still owned by Bentley Motors and is run weekly. Car One is therefore the most fitting start to the Continuation Series that could be imagined. The Birkin Green body is complemented by identically colored wire wheels, with color-matched leather trimming the interior. The foldable roof is in black.

Mechanically, the car is identical to Birkin’s original, save for two safety-critical features – modern electric fuel pumps, and a foam baffle to the fuel tank. A dynator, a reworked alternative to the original dynamo has also been added, offering a more powerful and reliable charging system whilst retaining the look of the original dynamo. The engine is a brand new example of W.O. Bentley’s own 4½-litre design, featuring aluminum pistons, an overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder, and twin spark plugs. Attached to the front is the iconic supercharger that gives the Blower its name, and is an exact recreation of that created in the 1920s by renowned engineer, Amherst Villiers. Power has been measured as part of engine sign-off, with the near-100-year old design reliably making 240 bhp.

Bacalar Car One
Alongside the Blower, Bacalar Car One has also been finished. Designing a Bacalar is an exercise in imagination, with the material, colour and finish of practically every interior and exterior surface being bespoke.

The carbon fibre body is finished in a bespoke colour for the lead customer – a champagne-tinted satin silver called Atom Silver. The car sits on 22” Bacalar Tri-Finish wheels, with polished faces, dark grey satin spokes and gloss Moss Green accent highlights. The same Moss Green accent is applied to the front grille centre bar, the insides of the headlamps, the upper body chrome surround and around the gloss black “power humps” to the rear. Gloss black also provides contrast to the A-pillars, grille meshes and surrounds, bonnet vents, side vents, lower body, rear bumper insert and brake calipers. The rear of the car is finished with gloss black outer exhaust tips with Moss Green inners.

The interior of Bacalar Car One follows the same black and green trend. Beluga leather is accented with Moss Green hide to the wings of the console, the outer seat backs and throughout the cabin as contrast stitching through the unique Bacalar quilting pattern. The seat centres use fine Nappa leather, while the carpets are beluga diamond-carved overmats with Moss Green binding and stitching.

Open Pore Riverwood over Gloss Black veneer with unique satin bronze detailing flows across the cockpit into the doors and behind the front seats, creating a circle of 5,000-year-old veneer. The details of the cabin are truly special, with:

  • Bronze finishes to the steering wheel and headrest bezels, upper ventilation bullseye vents and accent rings
  • A satin nickel finish to the clock and Bentley Rotating Display dial faces
  • Black anodised interior brightware
  • Bright chrome Bentley wings
  • Gloss black finishing to the speaker grilles
  • Bespoke Bacalar luggage, that fits behind the front seats, crafted in Beluga hide with contrast Bentley embroidered emblems and Bacalar
    quilting pattern in Moss Green with Beluga fine Nappa leather piping.

Finally, the key for Bacalar Car One will be presented to the customer in a bespoke key box, trimmed in Beluga hide with Moss Green stitching to match the car. The key itself also features gloss Moss Green to the sides, with a special Bacalar knurled finish.

Both Blower Car One and Bacalar Car One now shortly begin their journeys to their respective owners, while the Mulliner build team continue work on the next three cars in both series – each one as special and unique to their owners as these first examples.

15 Best Car Dash Cams

Everyone, hands up if you’ve ever been in a road accident. Okay, keep those hands up if it was your fault. None of you? Really? We’re sorry, we’re sure you’re all excellent or at least pretty good drivers, but we find that hard to believe. If only there was a device that could determine whether or not you’re telling the truth. Well, there is…car dash cams.

You might remember these from the ten-thousand or so bizarre videos from all over the world that always seem to capture the very worst moments of someone’s life. While that’s (mostly) very amusing, the car dash cam’s actual purpose is supposed to provide unarguable evidence in the event of a crash, accident, or traffic violation.

This provides the owner with protection when challenged over the truth – as long as it’s not their fault.

This is great news for the careful and responsible drivers among us. Meanwhile, it could be an issue for the less talented drivers among us. That’s right, we know who you are!


CHECK OUT:


If you’re tired of being blamed for accidents that weren’t your fault, however, car dash cams will help you out. Heck, you could even exert some revenge on those who’ve wronged you by following them all day to capture proof of their depravity.

That said, buckle up and join us to check out the best car dash cams on the market today.

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The Rexing car dash cam is designed to blend in seamlessly with the car to keep your focus squarely on the road, as well as ensure that it doesn’t look too obvious for other drivers. This model offers plenty of features to get excited about.

One of them is the full HD recording, which ensures crystal-clear images both day and night. Furthermore, the 170-degree lens achieves an incredibly wide angle, which manages to get nearly every inch of the road.

For increased protection and driver safety, there’s also accident auto-detection.

This will activate long before you’ve even realized something is up. This should offer a minor alert to allow you the ability to avoid possible accidents before they happen. Of course, this should allow everyone to make it to their destination with very few issues.

Now, isn’t that what we all want from car dash cams? We think so.

Pros:

  • Discreet design
  • Full HD recording
  • 170-degree ultra wide-angle lens
  • Accident auto-detection

Cons:

  • Can only be mounted on glass and not dashboard
  • Difficult to identify number plates on video
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Garmin is a major leader for the technology you’ll use in or for your vehicle. It comes as a shock to no one that they made excellent car dash cams too. The video quality is better than most normal cameras, which is saying a lot. Filming at a remarkable 1440p, you’ll never be straining to see the content in videos again.

This will make you the best eye-witness on the road.

Also included are exceptionally accurate lane departure and collision warning systems. This is sure to save you and others from potential crashes during the busiest times of the day. Furthermore, voice-recognition software means the whole camera is entirely hands-free.

This allows you to switch it on and off with simple voice commands. Don’t focus on pictures on a screen, focus on the road and let the camera do the hard work for you.

Pros:

  • Wirelessly sync videos to the smartphone
  • High quality 1440p video
  • Lane departure and forward collision warning alerts
  • Compact design

Cons:

  • Heats up even when the screen is off
  • Grainy night-footage
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The Lukas HD car dash cams come with a provided 16GB of internal storage. Included is an array of awesome and incredibly useful driving features you’ll absolutely love. With 1080p HD video, the footage is exceptional and clearly capable of getting every detail.

Meanwhile, the powerful auto exposure feature means that regardless of the weather conditions, you’ll always have perfectly viewable images.

There are also four different recording modes that can be adapted to suit your preference on how you want to record something. These modes include continuous recording and motion detection. This will surely come in handy when the car is parked overnight, at the game, or out to dinner.

Pros:

  • Full 1080p HD video with Sony CMOS image sensor
  • Powerful Auto Exposure for vivid recordings in any environment
  • Four different recording modes
  • G-sensor detects accidents and other impacts

Cons:

  • Slow GPS system
  • Microphone picks up too much low-frequency sound
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With motion-activated sensors and extreme temperature resistance, the Anker Roav Dash Cam is a superb product. It is able to withstand all elements, situations, and conditions. It isn’t just designed for your annual adventure across Antarctica sadly.

We know, “technology,” right?

The camera delivers more than enough features to keep you and your car protected no matter where you drive it.

Its Nighthawk Vision means that you’ll receive awesome, clear videos during the darkest of nights. Meanwhile, the built-in WiFi smartphone transfer means it’s never been easier to view your videos. This will be filmed in expansive panoramic views to capture as much as possible.

Anker gets it done with several other products, but their car dash cams are absolutely stunning.

Pros:

  • Motion-activated sensors
  • Extreme temperature resistance
  • Compact and discreet design to keep you focused on the road
  • Built-in wifi transfers videos directly to your smartphone

Cons:

  • Difficult to read number plates at a distance
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Offering nearly 360-degrees of coverage, the Vantrue N2 ProDual Dash Cam is an awesome choice for anyone. Especially those who wish to get home safe or like to capture crazy people on the road.

This camera provides you with both road camera and interior camera viewership.

This ensures you capture as much as possible so you are always able to back up any claims. We have to agree with the late Billy Mays who once said, “wait, there’s more!”

These car dash cams are also equipped with a 24-hour parking mode. This will detect motion should someone or something get a little too close. Meanwhile, the G-Sensor and looping mechanism ensure that you can set it and never worry if it’s recording. It surely will be.

Pros:

  • Two-way camera for filming interior and exterior
  • 24-hour parking mode detects motion
  • Looping recording and G-sensor
  • Infrared night vision

Cons:

  • Loose car mount
  • No wifi connectivity
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Garmin is back again, this time with the Dash Cam 35 model. This car dash cam provides accurate forward-collision warnings and G-Sensor incident detection. This guarantees constant vigilance on the road and protects your footage as soon as something happens.

Along with this, you’ll also have a dash cam player. This allows for clear playback of anything that does happen, without having to upload it to another device.

There’s also a red light and speed camera warning system. However, you do need to pay extra for this privilege. It fits comfortably above the rearview mirror and the suction cup is very reliable, even on the most uneven roads or during heatwaves.

Be sure you’re aware that there are no audio recording capabilities. This is good and bad. While you won’t be recorded as you belt out your favorite tunes, it also won’t record audio in the case of an incident during a traffic stop.

Pros:

  • Forward collision warning
  • Red light and speed camera warnings
  • G-Sensor incident detection
  • Dash cam player

Cons:

  • Awkward mounting device
  • Adapter cord is too short
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With a 32GB internal memory, you can record hours of road trips. Even if it’s just to and from the office (although we recommend you get out more, dude). Overall, the Transcend Drive Pro allows you to do exactly that.

You can drive like a pro without being concerned it won’t work or back you up in the case of an accident.

This is due to the built-in G-Sensor that’ll protect any recordings upon a crash, as well as snapshot features to capture the clearest images possible. For your convenience, these car dash cams also have access to the exclusive DrivePro520 application.

This means you can download and stream all your adventures, then identify when that idiot pulled out in front of you without warning.

Pros:

  • Motion G-Sensor detects and automatically protects the current recording
  • Exclusive DrivePro520 App to download and stream videos
  • Free 32GB microSD included
  • Snapshot feature for clear image capture

Cons:

  • Poor nighttime recording for the rear camera
  • Some software freezing issues
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The perfect camera to give you the edge over other drivers on the road, this Z-Edge Z4 Dash Cam comes with 2K video capabilities. It truly is an awesome camera that will hang nice and discreetly from your windshield. It’s also packed full of useful features that make it more than a simple camera.

This includes collision detection, 150-degree wide angles, and parking monitor motion sensors. All of this combines to give you some of the best protection available from the sea of car dash cams. The Z-Edge also comes at an excellent price when compared with other cameras and ensures (essentially) endless hours of recording.

Just remember to overwrite existing footage. Otherwise, you may run out. That endless thing isn’t exactly infinite apparently.

Pros:

  • 150-degree wide viewing angle
  • Collision detection
  • HDR technology for clear footage
  • Parking monitor motion sensor

Cons:

  • Time-lapse mode not supported
  • Unable to read number plates at a distance
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If you’re looking for the most complete coverage you can possibly find, the KDLinks super wide front and rear dash cam is the product for you. With 290-degrees of filming capability, it uses a 2-lens system that makes sure to capture every single detail.

Meanwhile, the superior F1.6 six-glass lenses provide night vision capability unseen anywhere else in the world.

Along with this, these car dash cams also come with emergency lock buttons to protect footage. This also comes with an auto-switch to turn the dash cam on as soon as you turn on the ignition. This ensures that you’ll always be protected even on those days where your brain hasn’t caught up to your body yet.

With so much high-quality coverage, the KDLinks DX2 is the answer to getting every angle you need. Plus, it could lower those insurance premiums a bit.

Pros:

  • Superior F1.6 Six-glass lenses night vision
  • Front and Rear 2-lens system
  • Emergency lock button
  • 290-degree total coverage

Cons:

  • Unable to read number plates at a distance
  • Motion detection can inhibit flow of recording
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The THINKWARE F800 PRO may very well offer the car dash cams that are perfect for the thinking man. It contains both front and rear filming capabilities, but this is just the tip of the filming iceberg. It’s designed to offer you the utmost coverage and protection from both sides of the road.

It also provides incredibly crisp night time footage that will keep your car alert even when you’re not driving it.

The THINKWARE makes this possible with its reliable motion sensors that activate whenever someone walks too close. As for the performance on the road, there’s advanced driver assistance.

This will recognize when hazards are present and let you know before it’s too late.

Meanwhile, you can also keep an eye on everything from afar by using the mobile viewer. Sure it’s on the expensive side, but for those of you who are truly “in love” their cars, money isn’t an object.

Pros:

  • Super Night Vision 2.0 and parking mode
  • Mobile viewer for convenience
  • Advanced Driver Assistance System
  • 1080p footage in both front and rear camera

Cons:

  • On the expensive side
  • Troubles with app functions
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The Transcend 16GB is a high-capacity piece of tech that’ll ensure you won’t have any mysteries during your drive-time. Coming with a 16GB microSD card, you’ll have more driving footage than Top Gear and maybe even more entertaining shots too.

The camera comes with a free app and WiFi connectivity. This makes it easier than ever to view, stream, and share your footage with the world.

Well, at least the relevant authorities.

With a 160-degree angle lens, you can ensure you’ll get greater coverage than you thought possible. Meanwhile, the G-Sensor is more sensitive than other cameras and will have your back in the event an accident with emergency recording.

Unfortunately, these car dash cams don’t come with parking mode or GPS. However, for a budget product, there’s still a lot to give you peace of mind while driving.

Pros:

  • Preview and play back videos
  • Free app and wifi connectivity
  • Emergency recording with G-Sensor
  • 160-degree wide angle recording

Cons:

  • Quicktime file format may not be recognized
  • G-sensor is highly sensitive
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The PAPAGO Car Dash Camera boasts incredible HD recording footage that ensures you’ll capture every little thing possible. Along with top quality images, there’s 64GB microSD support that’ll capture hours of video. Plus, all of this can be viewed with the complementary app.

Unfortunately, this app is only compatible with Android, for now at least. However, if you’ve embraced Android over Apple, then this is perfect. You also get two different mounts to suit you and your car, which is pretty cool. It also comes with a Driver Assist feature that goes that extra mile to keep you protected and keep that insurance low.

If you’re looking for good car dash cams that more than provides what you need at a reasonable price, the PAPAGO is a tremendous option.

Pros:

  • 1296p super HD footage
  • Car DVR supports up to 64GB microSD
  • Two types of mounts to suit your car
  • PAPAGO! CAM ON app for viewing incident videos

Cons:

  • App-only compatible with Android devices
  • No GPS capabilities
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If compact is your style, then the YI Compact Dash Cam might feel like it’s been designed especially for you. One of the cheapest products on our list, it still boasts a range of great features that feel like it should cost much more.

These features include high-quality day footage and even good footage for nighttime recordings.

Despite its size, it’s also very sturdy and should withstand knocks or tumbles with ease. On the software side, the app is relatively straightforward to use. It also provides the opportunity to look back on exactly what happened in any situation you run into.

For those in warmer areas, the built-in cooling system will keep it protected against the sun. However, there have been some instances of melting, so be careful.

Pros:

  • Excellent price for what you get
  • Lightweight but sturdy
  • Excellent, high-quality footage during the day, good footage at night
  • Easy-to-use app

Cons:

  • Can’t read number plates over 10 feet away
  • Unclear audio recordings
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Our final choice for the best car dash cams is the APEMAN Full HD Dash Cam. It lives up to its name with high-quality video footage that allows for seamless video recording. It even does this during the day and night, both with clear results.

While the camera doesn’t technically have night vision, it still offers F1.8 exposure that’s ideal for low-light situations.

These car dash cams also come with a built-in G-Sensor that recognizes exactly when a crash occurs and locks the footage for your protection. Meanwhile, the 170-degree wide angle lens captures the majority of the road, so even the most inconspicuous happenings are recorded.

Our only real issue is that you can only mount up to a 32GB microSD card. This is a good amount, but we’d like it if there was potential for just a little bit more storage. Otherwise, feel free to go ape-man, over the APEMAN

Pros:

  • Simultaneous recording with super high resolution
  • 170-degree wide angle
  • Built-in G-Sensor
  • Easy to set up and use

Cons:

  • Only recognizes microSD up to 32GB
  • Some problems with loop recording

What are the main things to consider when buying a dash cam?

We see you’ve decided to purchase a dash cam. Congratulations, from now on you’ll never need to worry about the back and forth uncertainty of ‘He said, She said.’ Plus, you’ll never need to feel concerned about how safe your car is and you’ll also pick up a couple of hilarious videos along the way.

Before you settle on which car dash cam is the best one for you, there’s a couple of things you’ll need to consider first. This will help you out by making sure you don’t get taken for a ride.

Resolution:

In the 21st century, everything is high definition, perhaps too high definition sometimes. Whatever car dash cam you choose to buy, you can rely on it having a satisfactory image resolution. However, there’s still a range of different image qualities that you’ll notice when it comes to car dash cams.

The most common to run across is 720p, 1080p, and 1440p.

You may not know what this means, which is totally cool, few do. These same things can be seen in computers and televisions too. That said, what does 1080p, for example, actually mean? The “P” in the example stands for “progressive.”

You may see 720i as well, where the “I” stands for “integrated.”

Both are the same type of thing, it’s simply the way pixels are laid out. In the P version of things, pixels are up and down. Meaning from the top of an image to the bottom, pixels are formed. This gives an HD, defined image or video that you might see a movie in.

Meanwhile, the I version has pixels that go from side to side. This offers a crisp, sharp image or video. The P version is often better at these things which is why it’s used for car dash cams.

The higher the resolution is, the more likely the video will catch the smallest of details.

Looping:

Car dash cams with looping capabilities allow you to avoid the need for switching the camera on or off. The reason for this is due to the loop allowing the camera to automatically turn on. It’ll begin recording as soon as you switch your car on thanks to hardwiring.

If you’re somebody whose memory isn’t as great as you’d like, this is essential. Even if you have a great memory, it could be insanely useful. Plus, it’ll be another thing you won’t have to worry about.

Night Vision:

Cameras with great night vision will save you a lot of stress if an accident occurs in low-light conditions. Night driving is in some ways safer due to there being fewer cars on the road, but this is not 100% true at times. It’s also a time where people feel perfectly happy to not only hit but also run.

Hey, think about it, it’s dark, nobody saw!

Unfortunately for them, if you have a dash cam when you’re involved in a nighttime collision, they can’t truly get away. Some cameras have better night vision recording than others, however. That means you need to be sure to find one that provides as clear an image as possible once the sun goes down.

G-Sensors:

Finding and purchasing a car dash cam with G-sensor capabilities is essential for protecting your footage. It’ll help keep it perfectly fine in the event of a crash or collision without it getting overwritten by the newer footage. Cameras with G-Sensor technology will automatically switch off when they recognize the car’s ignition has been turned off.

It will then ‘lock’ the footage to ensure that is doesn’t disappear into the ether.

Driver Assistance:

Sometimes there’s a lot going on while your driving, but you’re a good driver, right? It may not matter. Clearly, you can’t be expected to do this successfully all the time sadly. In fact, you might not notice something until it’s too late.

To prevent this, the car dash cams come with collision and pull-out alerts.

This recognizes potential disaster before it happens.

Not only will you have some proof after an accident, but you’ll also be able to prevent accidents altogether. This pretty much makes you a superhero. Who needs the Batmobile anyway?

Parking Mode:

Worried about your car at when you’ve parked it? Maybe there’s been a spate of vandalism around the neighborhood recently? You’re not going to sit up all night waiting to catch the perp, after all, you shouldn’t have to.

Why do all the work when your dash cam can act as a lookout for you?

Parking mode operates using motion sensors, so you don’t need to worry about wasting the battery overnight. If someone comes within range of the car, the camera will switch on. This is sure to catch crooks and idiot kids and hopefully makes sure they don’t cause any more damage.

You might also get the occasional curious critter, but we can live with that.

Rear Camera:

Finding a car dash cam with both front and rear camera functionality ensures you get the widest range of protection possible. You can drive wherever you please without fear of possible accidents they are not caught on camera. Clearly, the best cameras can give you this.

However, it can be a bit more expensive…so you need to think before you buy.

Do you need a rear cam? We’d say it could sure offer more protection in the event an accident occurs…especially in the back of the vehicle you happen to drive. However, the normal car dash cams can do a lot for you too. That said, this will just depend on how much you’re willing to spend.

Storage:

Most car dash cams will have a built-in memory function that’ll record and subsequently save any footage that’s captured during your drives. However, what will you do once you run out of space? By using high definition video, you’ll be treated to excellent and clear footage that will identify culprits without a shadow of a doubt.

The problem is that this awesome quality also means a lot of storage space is used up. Those files can get pretty large. Cameras with high-capacity storage will be a great asset to you, without a doubt. You may also want one that can install a microSD card for even more space.

This will save you the hassle of deleting footage all the time, without much time in-between.

What are the main benefits of car dash cams?

Car dash cams are tremendous for most. The reason is mostly due to what they provide the average, every day, driver. Think about it this way, your protection and how people believe your story could hinge on these things. Car dash cams have gotten police officers out of hot water as well as fired.

That is some major power to hold.

Imagine too if you’re a young black man in America. Traffic stops are routine for them, as well as Hispanic men (even if you do nothing wrong). Most tend to go well, but at times things can get really bad.

Car dash cams can be maneuvered to get the entire ordeal on tape if something goes bad.

It’s your word against the officer’s word, which means your word is useless without proof. However, this tape you happen to have will help exponentially prove he or she was in the wrong. Heck, even the presence of one will help. This is useful for a number of other instances too, so let’s go over them.

Accidents:

Many of us have suffered an accident, been on the wrong end of a fender bender, or encountered some douchebag who thinks he owns the road. However, if we had a car dash cam, we could have had an excellent way to prove that we were, in fact, in the right.

Memories might be pretty clear, but there’s no substitute for video evidence. It’s an eyewitness that doesn’t blink, so take advantage while you can.

Peace of Mind:

Even if we have a good idea of where our vehicle is, we may still worry if it’s safe. It could be the area you’ve parked in, it could be the place on the road, it could just be that you’re very protective. Maybe too protective perhaps? With a car dash cam, any fears will be (mostly) alleviated.

The dash cam won’t necessarily save your car from damage when you leave it parked somewhere. However, it will help you identify who was responsible. This will help the local law enforcement hunt them down, then you’ll finally get the justice you deserved all along.

Fraud Prevention:

The unfortunate truth is that some drivers will go out of their way to cause collisions, accidents, and other inconveniences. They will then try to make it look as if you were at fault for their mistake. How horrible, right?

With car dash cams, you can become a hero of the road.

Well, you’ll be your own superhero. You won’t be a Batman or Green Arrow out there or anything…this is only a dash cam. However, you’ll help you avoid dealing with people who try to make you look at fault. These frauds need to be stopped and you can do just that.

Not Just a Camera:

Well, it still is a camera, but the dash cam is so much more. It can act as a parking assistant, provide collision alerts, and parking protection. Furthermore, most cameras will also have GPS capabilities. This will not only pinpoint exactly where an accident occurs but will also show your speed.

This will allow you to make sure you never go over the speed limit. We know you will, but at least you’ll have an idea of the speed limit in areas you are not familiar with.

That GPS thing is pretty handy, for sure.

The Memories:

Car dash cams are mostly associated with covering you or somebody else in the event of an accident. However, you can also use them to record your road trips! Seriously, you can.

This is pretty awesome if you ask us.

If you like packing up your stuff, jumping in the car and saying goodbye to the city for a couple of days, the dash cam will be there. It’ll catch everything so you can watch how things went when you’re done. You can check out the gorgeous scenery and marvels of nature you came across.

Heck, you can even put together in a travel video as a memento that won’t go anywhere.

Pure Entertainment:

We’ve all seen those hilarious/interesting videos captured by the sheer luck of a driver having a dash cam. If you haven’t seen them, trust us, you’re sorely missing out. While entertainment was not the intended purpose of car dash cams, you can have endless hours of weird and wonderful examples.

You can come across some of the strangest goings on in everyday society, especially when people don’t think they’re being watched. Just remember not to use these powers for evil. That’s not cool, dude.

Is it easy to set up and install car dash cams?

It really should be easy to set up car dash cams. However, that is not exactly the case regardless of how good it would be. There are certain rules regarding placement and other issues that you really need to pay attention to.

Not doing so could result in footage not working well or even become useless in court under certain situations.

Heck, you could even be breaking the law! To avoid your jail time, we wanted to make sure we made you aware of key things you need to know about. Check this out.

Where can you mount it?

Dash cam mounting isn’t as simple as the everyday hands-free mount you’ve used with your smartphone for years. Instead, it must be placed behind the rear-view mirror. This allows the image to be perfectly centered and it captures the widest angle of the road.

This includes both lanes, as well as any signs that you pass along the way.

But what about the cables?’ you lament while ignoring everything we’ve just said. Well, hold on a second. Car dash cam wires are long enough to reach a power source. This ensures there’ll be no issues with connectivity.

What kind of mount, though?

Car dash cams come with either a suction-mount or one that employs double-sided tape. Both work well, but the suction cup is much more reliable than the double-sided tape version. This is mostly due to it being easy to reset and start over if you put it somewhere wrong.

It can also go from vehicle to vehicle without much issue.

Remember, with every incorrect mounting with double-sided tape, you’ll lose precious adhesiveness. That could result in your camera tumbling from its perch, probably just before an accident occurs. With that being said, we’d advise the suction version.

How do you connect it?

Your car dash cam will come with the aforementioned wires that’ll connect to ports within your car. This will more than likely be the cigarette lighter port. However, you can elect to hardwire your camera, which will connect it to the main electronics of the car.

There are a few benefits from this, including having the wires hidden. It can also turn on whenever you switch on the ignition so you’ll never forget. Most car dash cams can be hardwired, but you can’t do it yourself. This means you’ll need to employ a professional to make sure it’s done correctly.

That said, it’s an extra expense you may or may not want.

What are the laws related to car dash cams?

Car dash cams were mostly designed to help you in the event of collisions. However, you need to be careful about whether or not you’re using them in a legal way. Remember, laws are a bit annoying but we must follow them. We know, we thought they just handed out chocolate bars too.

Why can’t we just take them, right?

That said, we put together a guide on a few nations and their laws regarding car dash cams to help you out a bit. Take a look.

United States:

In the United States, car dash cams themselves are not technically illegal. However, in the majority of states, windshield obstruction is, in fact, illegal. As long as you’re not impeding your own view of the road, then you should be okay.

We’d suggest getting in touch with a lawyer, police officer, or local DMV just to be on the safe side.

There’s also the issue of data protection, which would inhibit the privacy of anyone traveling in your car. A solution to this, though, is to either turn off the audio recording or simply inform them that they’re being recorded. Some states do not have any laws on recording someone.

This is the same for video and audio recording, as there are not as many specifics.

In many states, only one side has to know of a recording. That means, since you’re the one side, you’re good. Not every state is the same, so call up local police stations or a DMV to see what they suggest.

However, you truly want to tell someone even if you don’t have to. Proper ethics, of course.

Canada:

There are no laws about installing a car dash cam of any kind in the country of Canada. In fact, recording your journeys on the road is perfectly fine as they are considered public areas. This means you’re not intruding on anyone else’s privacy.

However, if the camera is not mounted correctly, you could suffer similar charges to those in the United States.

Obviously, you don’t want to operate one while driving, as this is very illegal in Canada as it is in America. This falls under the same type of charge as using cell phones while driving. It may be a bit minor, but too many can add up.

United Kingdom:

Car dash cams are perfectly legal in the United Kingdom, throughout every single area. However, if it is mounted incorrectly, you could face fines from local police who see this.

You could even have any footage you’ve recorded deemed inadmissible in a courtroom setting.

If you work for a ride-sharing company like Lyft or Uber or even just as a taxi driver, then you need to inform the passenger that they’re being recorded. This is technically needed in both Canada and the United States in states or provinces that have such rules.

Anywhere Else?

In case you’re planning a trans-continental trip, we should mention that you’re prohibited from having a car dash cam at all. This includes countries such as Switzerland, but could also apply elsewhere in the world.

Before going anywhere, do your research and save yourself the hassle.

Most of the time, taking car dash cams overseas or to nations close by would be weird. After all, there are a lot of rules on rental cars and most airports won’t let you take stuff like this on a plane. That said, avoid assuming it’s okay. You honestly don’t need it in many nations.

Simply use a normal camera if you’re worried things might get bad somewhere.

On a Collision Course, Or Maybe Not…

With so many car dash cams on the market it can be a challenge to choose one that’s right for you. However, you know your driving, know your area, and know which is the best for your needs. When it comes to car dash cams, it doesn’t need to be the best, the brightest, the fanciest.

Instead, it needs to be something that you trust will keep you protected in the event of a collision.

The thing about car dash cams is that they’re not just there to place the correct blame. In fact, they’re also there to keep you honest too. It’d be great if everybody drove like they had a car dash cam, but we all know that’s not the case.

Instead, it’s up to people just like you to do your bit in keeping yourself and others in check.

We’re all prone to the odd bout of road rage every now and again. However, with proper car dash cams, perhaps things will be a little different. Why not shift into a different gear and take it a little bit easier?

It would make the road a much more peaceful place to be.

Aston Martin appears to be testing a V12 Vantage in these spy photos

For a few years now, the Aston Martin Vantage has been without V12 power. It’s technically been without Aston Martin power, too, since its twin-turbo V8 comes from Mercedes-AMG. But that may change in the near future based on these spy photos from the Nürburgring. They show a Vantage, but one that’s wider and with exhaust that suggest it may get a few more cylinders like its close cousin, the V12 Speedster.

Staring us down is the prototype’s enormous front grille, taller and wider than standard Vantage units. It’s flanked by two smaller inlets and underlined by an aggressive front splitter. The whole front seems to be wider, as evidenced by the mismatch around the front fender and hood. Speaking of the hood, there’s a big mesh “V” sitting on top to cover what are likely heat-extracting vents, which would probably be important for handling the heat from a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12.

Changes at the back are a bit more subtle, but only a bit. The rear fenders have large fender flares, suggesting the production car will also be wider at the back with correspondingly larger tires. There’s a little gurney flap on the rear spoiler, so we may see a more aggressive spoiler in production. We also see a center exhaust instead of each of the dual pipes on the ends of the rear diffuser. This exhaust looks a lot like what Aston used on the V12 Speedster, itself based on the Vantage, but without the roof section. This is probably the strongest evidence that the car has the extra cylinders.

With Aston clearly knowing how to shove a V12 into a Vantage chassis, and the high-end sports car market’s never-satiated desire for more powerful and rarer items, a V12 Vantage seems like a slam-dunk product. The question will be, what output will it make. The V12 Speedster made 700 horsepower, but it was a limited-production special edition. The V12 Vantage could get the DB11‘s 630-horsepower variant to give the Speedster a bit of breathing room. And that would still be a nice power increase over the 503 horsepower of the regular Vantage. Based on these spy shots, we’d bet we have around a year before we see the production model, maybe a little less, maybe a little more.

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The Dembell Land Yacht Is One Of The Most Luxurious Motorhomes You Can Own

Normally, campers and RVs are great platforms for folks who have no qualms about roughing it outdoors. Still, if you look hard enough, there are some brands that can take it to the luxe level for a price. When the wealthy demand even more refineries, Dembell presents the Land Yacht. For the eccentric ones who fear traveling by plane or boat, this is your must-have transport.

True to its name, the German group, goes all-out for the luxurious motorhome. Only high-class design and craftsmanship with premium materials go into each Land Yacht. With some exceptions, most RVs and campers prefer modular systems to optimize the limited space available.

Dembell, on the other hand, does not constrain itself with such issues. To address this, clients can configure their Land Yacht with multiple motorized slide-out sections. They choose to have it for the living area, kitchen, and bedroom. As for the interior, they’ve partnered with an Italian studio that worked with Azimut Yachts.

Although you can likely personalize everything according to your tastes, there are three themes for reference. The cockpit features four separate seats with air spring systems and massage functions to help you relax. Above that, there is a lift-away section that houses a queen size bed for guests and children.

The kitchen is equipped with high-end Miele appliances. Entertainment comes from 55-inch TVs with a Bose sound system. Meanwhile, the classy bathroom has a large shower area with sinks, a toilet, and a shower tray in ceramic. Dembell keeps you comfortable in cold weather with a central heating setup. Depending on the trim, the Land Yacht even has adequate garage space to house your supercar.

Discover more

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Images courtesy of Dembell

There will be a third-generation NSX, says Acura V.P.

The second-generation Acura NSX might be going out in a blaze of glory, but it won’t be the last we see of the supercar. This promise comes directly from Acura Vice President and Brand Officer Jon Ikeda. Furthermore, Ikeda implied that the next version might be electric.

Ikeda divulged thoughts about a third-gen NSX while being interviewed by The Drive and Motor Trend. To the former, he explained Acura’s mission with the the mid-engined supercar. “We make an NSX when there’s something we want to say. The first-gen was gas. Second-gen was a hybrid. There’s gonna be another one.” Unless Ikeda is talking about hydrogen or some kind of heretofore undisclosed technology like  Mr. Fusion, this pretty much means electric.

That means the NSX is likely to take another hiatus after the Type S closes out the 2022 model year. Between the first and second generations, the halo sports car had an 11-year absence on the market. Ikeda laid out the reasons for the nameplate’s 2016 return when he spoke to Motor Trend. “Honda is one of the biggest gasoline engine makers in the world and needed to see what will happen in a world turning away from engines,” he explained. It was always meant to be a halo car. “We didn’t go into it to make a lot of money,” he stated.

The second generation had a much shorter lifespan than the game-changing first gen. That one spanned one and a half decades, from 1990 to 2005. The current generation, once it exits stage left in 2022, will have only had a six-year run.

One could argue that the first gen overstayed its welcome, though. After thoroughly turning the supercar world on its ear, by forcing Ferrari et al to reconsider their engineering, the NSX’s competitors quickly caught up to Honda’s lead. While the NSX did undergo a couple of major changes during its first lifespan, by the time it left the market it was more of a dwindle.

Acura is determined not to let that happen with the current NSX. In this case, they’re sending it off with the most powerful iteration yet, a 600-horsepower Type S with reworked turbos, cooling system and aerodynamics and limiting production to 350 worldwide. Ikeda told Motor Trend, “We didn’t want to let the NSX die on the vine either. To go quietly into the night is not what it deserves.”

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Review

We first drove Lexus stunningly beautiful LC 500 a few years ago when it was introduced. It is a beautiful car to look at, to sit in, and to drive. It is a masterful GT, and while it isn’t a hard-core sports car, it does a pretty good impression of one. The 5.0L 32-valve V8 makes glorious noises; the looks turn heads everywhere we go; and the creatures comforts inside kept us comfortable while wringing it out. Though I’m a hardcore sports car guy, the LC won me over completely. We then drove the LC 500 Hybrid, which….well, it was okay but it was a bit disappointing after the full-on LC. A step in the wrong direction, in our opinion. Perhaps a convertible was what the LC needed to generate new interest. Lexus must have had the same thought because one showed up last year on the auto show circuit. Now that Covid has let up enough to let us get some cars delivered to be reviewed, we were able to get our hands on the new LC 500 convertible to try it out.

Lexus LC 500 Convertible interior

First off, it’s still as stunning to look at as when it was new. The design is gorgeous. From it’s aggressive vents to it’s retracting door handles, there’s nothing we dislike about the design. While we miss the fastback roof design that integrated with the rear deck so seamlessly, the angular lines of the soft top blend well when it’s up. When its down, it looks like the perfect summer cruising car. The top is electric and goes up and down quite quickly – roughly 10 seconds from start to finish. Seeing it in the flesh is like seeing a space ship that just landed and your jaw drops as far as everyone else when you see it. Lexus loaned us a Nori Green Pearl over beige model to try out.

Inside, nothing has changed and that’s a good thing. If the LC looks like a space ship just landed, the interior design backs that impression up. Looking like nothing else on the road, it can take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with where everything is. The seats are still exquisitely comfortable – both heated and ventilated and well bolstered. The controls take a little getting used to if you’ve never been in an LC before, but once you’re acquainted you’re set. Vision out is actually a little better than the coupe, especially with the top down. While there’s plenty of room in the front seats, the back seats are essentially package shelves. Or dog storage. Or seating for legless children. PETITE legless children. So it’s essentially a two-seat luxury convertible with some storage room in back.

Push the Start/Stop button and 5.0L 32-valve V8 rumbles to life and clears it’s throat with purpose. It provides 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. With a redline of 7300 rpms, it generates some serious sporting credentials and moves the heavy car along with speed and purpose. With the top down and sport mode selected to open up the secondary exhaust valves, you’re going to want to flip through the 10 gears using the paddle shifters just to hold gears and listen to every glorious note the engine makes. And glorious notes they are, recalling the sounds the LFA makes, but without the manic 11,000 redline scream. Think of the engine noise as ‘LFA Lite” and you get the idea. The magnesium paddle shifters feel excellent in the hand and while they don’t shift with the same degree of shift immediacy as , say, the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo, they’re perfectly acceptable.

The steering is sharp and intuitive. The heavy car changes direction like a rabbit being pursued by dogs, especially at lower speeds. At higher speeds it seems to hesitate a little more, and we detected some understeer in the platform.

The suspension is a Yamaha adaptive variable system. It provides excellent comfort but feels very soft, even in sport mode. As this is a convertible, absorption of pavement irregularities is the priority and it does it well. Nobody is going to be pushing this car too hard. A little hard, yes; a lot hard, no. In basic touring mode, the rear suspension felt particularly soft and yielding. Too much for our liking in fact, so we kept it in Sport Mode most of the time we drove it.

The brakes are massive dinner plate-sized units with multi-piston calipers and they do an excellent job of slowing the car quickly, although they were a little grabby in everyday driving conditions, something we see a lot of in cars that also have sporting aspirations. The Maserati Ghibli Trofeo had the same issue, as did the Supra we drove after it. It’s not too bad. You can easily adjust your driving style to compensate for it, but it’s somewhat annoying on a car at this price level. They hide inside massive 21” wheels.

Lexus LC 500 Convertible specs

In the end though, it’s a convertible and you just want to go drive it and feel the wind toss your hair about, you want to hear the amazing engine yell, you want to enjoy the comfort and convenience of a nice interior, and you want to be noticed driving one of the most stunning cars on the planet. The LC 500 convertible does all of that very well. Should you decide you want to have some fun and push it, it’s happy to accommodate you and it will impress you with it’s looks and it’s sound and decent handling.

The EPA says it gets 25 mpg on the highway and 15 in the city. That’s about what we got too, though our city driving may have suffered as we found ourselves winding out gears to hear that engine more. We also hammered it at every stoplight to feel the acceleration.

Everyone that saw the car simply loved it. A few asked what it was. More asked “How much?”, which is a fair question. Base price was $101,000. Ours was optioned out to $111,325. There are a ton of less expensive cars that will give it a run for it’s money and there are a number of similarly priced cars that will wipe the floor with it performance-wise, but that’s not what the LC is about. The LC convertible is about the joy of top-down summertime motoring, beauty, sexiness, and the racy growl of a capable engine.