Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Originally released in 2007 at the Toyko Motor Show the Nissan GT-R made a strong impression. Nissan packed the GT-R with their special VR engine, which is a 3.8 L twin-turbo DOHC V6 that generated around 473 bhp and 434 ft-lb of torque at 3,200-5,200 rpm. Now, the 2013 Nissan GT-R features the same VR engine but now produces around 542 hp with an insane 466 lb-ft of torque from 3,200 rpm to 5,800 rpm. That’s not all though, the GT-Rs suspension has also been tweaked for those sticky situations or cruising around the track. Though the GT-R is of the supercar regime and we could talk all day about the performance let’s take a second to admire the interior and exterior of the GT-R. The exterior has been hardly touched, with a few small tasteful changes here and there.  


Friday, February 15, 2013

BMW M6

Quick Stats:
Top Speed: 207 mph (333 kph)
0-60: 4.5 seconds
Engine: 5.0 Liter V10
Horsepower: 500
Torque: 383 lb ft
Price: $108,150 MSRP


The BMW 6-Series is by any judge, a luxurious and practical car ideal for daily use. But take this vehicle, and swap out its stock 3.0 L I6 engine with a 5.0 L V10, and you're greeted by the BMW M6.

With an engine producing upwards of 500 horsepower and M's track tuning, the fun, as you can imagine, is endless. 0-60 takes 4.5 seconds and the V10 delivers a top speed of a crazy 207 mph. You might think that high performance comes at a cost to the rest of the vehicle. It doesn't. The M6 is equipped with a luxurious interior, great design, and great performance.

Also unique to most BMWs, but made especially complicated in the M6, is the iDrive system. While on conventional models it offers things like satellite navigation, radio and Bluetooth telephone, the M models add a new layer to the complexity.

Drive options are endless: 10 different options for how "aggressive" you want the gear shifts to be, 5 for suspension, and 6 preset driving modes. Customization extends to the smallest details, like giving you the option to determine exactly how many seconds you want the lights to stay on after you exit the vehicle. No, we don't care either.

Though fuel consumption is not its focus point if you are willing to spend $108,150 on this beast, chances are $4 per gallon doesn't concern you. The M6 gets 11 mpg city and 17 mpg highway which is respectable given the type of car.

 

Camaro ZL1

Quick Stats:Top Speed: 184 mph (296 kph)
0-60: 3.9 seconds
Engine: 6.1 liter V8
Horsepower: 580
Torque: 556 lb ft
Price: $54,350 MSRP


When you think of the Chevy Camaro you might think of the original '69 model, or perhaps even the new 5th generation Camaro, but just recently Chevy added another model to the lineup: the legendary ZL1.

Featuring a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 that pumps out 580 HP and 556 pound feet of torque, this model outperforms not just other Camaros, but other muscle cars. While you might think that the Camaro would have a hard time putting all that power to the road, you're not wrong, but thanks to Eagle F1 tires the ZL1 handles it easily. 0-60 takes just 3.9 seconds and top speed is 184 mph.

The 2013 model features a new track pack that maximizes downforce and implements magnetic ride suspension, along with a 1.9 liter Eaton supercharger, and a heads up display.

Compared to the Mustang Boss 302, the ZL1 out performs in every category ranging from horsepower to lap times at the Laguna Seca track. However, Ford's flagship, the Shelby GT-500, continues to outpace the Camaro both in performance and driver innovations (and some might say design).

Starting at $54,350 it's more expensive than the Boss (and about the same as the Shelby), but a great ride.

2014 Maserati Quattroporte

Quick Stats:
Top Speed: 190 mph (306 kph)
0-60: 4.7 seconds (expected)
Engine: Turbocharged V6 / V8
Horsepower: 523
Torque: 530 lb ft
Price: $130,000 MSRP (approx.)


While some official specs on the newly released Maserati Quattroporte are still mysterious, more details have become available since its unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Back when this model was first released, competition was weak; today however, the likes of the Porsche Panamera, Audi S8 and Jaguar XJ Supersport are all worthy contenders to the iconic Quattroporte.

Design has always been Maserati's most prized attribute, but performance on the latest model doesn't suffer. The 2014 Quattroporte will come equipped with either a turbocharged V6 (a first for the company) or turbocharged V8, with the latter producing 523 horsepower and 530 pound feet of torque. 0-60 takes just 4.7 seconds and top speed is expected to approach 190 mph. Transmission options are limited to an 8-speed automatic and both rear wheel drive and all wheel drive versions are available.

So why is Maserati making their engines smaller? They claim the V6 model will be 1.5x more efficient than the current Quattroporte. While they're appeasing the environmentalists, performance doesn't suffer. Maserati's chief engineer affirmed that performance in the new model will be equal, if not better compared to the last Quattroporte.

Official pricing is still unknown, but it is expected to cost around $130,000. Would you buy this model?

Bentley Mulsanne Drivers Spec

Quick Stats:
Top Speed: 184 mph (296 kph)
0-60: 5.1 seconds
Engine: 6.7 Liter V8
Horsepower: 505
Torque: 752 lb ft
Price: $328,365 MSRP


While you might expect the typical owner of a Bentley Mulsanne to be found lounging in its throne-like seats in the rear cabin, the Mulsanne “Driving Specification” is not like most Bentleys—it’s designed for the multi-millionaire who likes to drive his own $300,000 limo, instead of watching an overpaid chauffer do so.
And it’s obvious why: for a car that measures over 18 feet long and weighs just shy of three tons, its performance is surprisingly impressive. 0-60 takes just 5.1 seconds and top speed is 184 mph. The 6.7 liter V8 engine pumps out 505 horsepower to the rear wheels, and with 752 lb ft of torque its responsive to drive.
The Mulsanne is a bit like driving a sporty cruise ship, but regardless, if you’ve got money burning a hole in your pocket, this is the car for you.

 

Audi R8 V10

Quick Stats:
Top Speed: 198 mph (319 kph)
0-60: 3.5 seconds
Engine: 5.1 Liter V10
Horsepower: 550
Torque: 391 lb ft
Price: $185,000 MSRP


Audi’s legendary R8 V10 performance supercar has always been a phenomenal model, but for 2014 Audi yet again raised the bar on mid engine supercars.
The 2014 model brings a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and power output from the 5.2 liter V10 is raised to 550 horsepower. Retaining the unparalleled Quattro four-wheel drive system, handling, acceleration, and overall driving experience are second to none.
With an MSRP of $185,000 it’s cheaper than the Mercedes SLS, faster off the line, and has a higher top speed by just 1 mph.