Like it or not, it looks like the manual transmission is slowly disappearing from modern vehicles. Automotive purists will tell you that the enjoyment and control that you get from using a stick shift is second-to-none. These days, it’s quite difficult to find a mid-range to flagship model offering a manual trim. However, if you look hard enough there are exceptional rides that are available in the traditional configuration. To the delight of gearheads everywhere, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 coupe is one of rare few.
It carries a 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated mid-mounted engine capable of a 414-horsepower output along with 309 lb-ft of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission with gear ratios optimally tuned for dynamic performance. This is all thanks to the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PVT) technology that improves steering response upon cornering. Tracks test results point to a zero to 60 sprint time of just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 188 miles per hour.
Handling is likewise superb as the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system actively adjusts the damping force as needed. Meanwhile, the Porsche Stability Management (PSM), ABS, ESC, and TC all work in tandem for stability and control.
The moment you slip inside the cockpit, the sporty interior and comfortable seating will make you feel at home. Generous usage of premium leather with intricate stitching exudes a luxurious vibe. Step outside to admire the sleek aesthetics of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 as it sits on four 20-inch satin platinum wheels. You can likewise have it in Satin Aurum, Satin Black, or Silver.
Right now, gearheads around the are most likely focusing on two particular carmakers. Thanks to the upcoming movie Ford v Ferrari, the two brands are getting a fair amount of publicity. It’s a film about the ultimate showdown between these manufacturers at the 24 Hours of Le Mans races.
Little did we know that another player was planning to enter the fray, but encountered difficulties along the way. We finally get to see this rare specimen courtesy of RM Sotheby’s. The 1966 Jaguar XJ13 Recreation by Tempero will be up for auction soon.
The original model was reportedly the British marque’s entry that would eventually join the race. Sadly, it never reached production with only a single prototype currently in existence. That did not stop Rob Tempero, a New Zealand native, from recreating an exact copy of this ultra-rare ride.
This is a big chance for car collectors who desire to own an exclusive item. It might not be the original, but that won’t stop people from bidding for it when it comes up during the auction.
This classic beauty is truly mesmerizing to look at with the sexy curves and vintage vibe. The mid-mounted V12 engine is on full display under a glass cover. One look at the breathtaking beauty of the 1966 Jaguar XJ13 Recreation will surely have bidders fighting for its ownership. We can only imagine how the original would have performed during the grueling 24-hour endurance race, but I guess we will never know. Let’s hope that the shop creates more replicas in the future.
Less than a decade ago, the distinction between SUV’s and other vehicle types was clear. The introduction of SUV cross-overs brought about a new breed of SUV. An off-shoot of these cross-over SUVs came to being once sports car manufacturers entered the SUV market, creating the “Super SUV.”
The idea was to provide everything in one vehicle – a powerful engine, elegant design, luxury interior, and unparalleled performance with a 4×4 option. Lamborghini came up with the term Super SUV in 2017, when they released the concept of the Lamborghini Urus.
Following in their footsteps, other major sports car manufacturers also joined in.
The S-SUV Future
[Image via Autocar]
Sports cars have traditionally featured two-seats, with some exceptions offering four passenger options as well. However, that’s not enough for some people. Super SUV’s are 5-7 seater vehicles, boasting powerful engines that make light work of the added weight.
Super SUVs deliver a faster, more comfortable off-road experience. Imagine sitting in the luxury of a Bentley while crossing the Himalayan plains, or cruising through the desert with a Ferrari roaring under you. As these super crossovers make their way into the mainstream, maintaining these vehicles also doesn’t demand much effort.
For instance, in Arizona, you can explore the Apache Trail in your S-SUV, or cruise the historic Route 66.
There’s no worry if you damage your windshield because SunTec’s Scottsdale windshield replacement crew will have you sorted in no time! SunTec Auto Glass specializes in repairing and replacing windshields and auto glass on exotics, supercars, and of course Super-SUV’s.
The future is all about convenience and this is precisely why Super SUVs are set to take over the automobile industry. An all-in-one option is an automotive enthusiast’s dream come true — spacious cabins, higher seats, and more driving options.
Eventually, it is estimated that future S-SUV’s will be more affordable, providing a luxurious and powerful alternative to sports cars and SUV’s alike.
The Lamborghini Urus
[Image via Lamborghini]
Lamborghini’s first attempt at an SUV caused ripples across the automobile industry. A combination of Lamborghini’s classic style coupled with outstanding performance, the Urus starts out at $200,000.
Its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 delivers a whopping 641 horsepower on an all-wheel configuration alongside an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powerful engine boasts a 0-60mph time of 3.2 seconds!
The interior has a classic Lamborghini jetfighter-style design that has all the hallmarks of a luxury SUV and sports car. From leather seats to adjustable gauges, go from luxury to raw power in seconds, literally.
The Bentley Bentayga
[Image via Bentley]
Bentley was looking to rock the SUV world and their introduction of the Bentley Bentayga blew everyone away with a top speed of 187 mph! With a price tag of $197,725, the Bentayga is a supercar in an SUV’s body – the very definition of a Super SUV.
A twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine under the hood delivers a robust 600 horsepower. Along with the eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the Bentayga goes 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
The entirely leather interior comfortably seats 5 people. The full-option Bentayga also offers 22-inch alloy rims as well as an absolutely ridiculous 1,950-watt, 20 speaker audio system and back-seat entertainment tablets.
The Maserati Levante
[Image via Motor Trend]
Following the trend of Super SUV’s, Maserati came up with the relatively cheaper Levante starting at $77,475. Positioned as the reinvention of Italian luxury, the Levante is available in four varieties with individual engine capacities and features.
The base version has a twin-turbocharged V-6 capable of 345 horsepower. Maserati’s Trofeo version put out an unimaginable 550 horsepower but also costs an eye-watering $171,475. The all-wheel base version goes 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, rivaling mid-tier sports cars.
With a specific focus on the leather-intensive interior, Maserati has also splashed out on a fully automatic, state-of-the-art, all-inclusive infotainment system. While the Levante cuts corners on trunk space, it offers a world-class luxury experience.
March 25, 2019 / Comments Off on Why Exotic Super SUV’s Are The Way Of The Future
We recently reported that the Toyota 86 and its Subaru BRZ twin will continue into a second generation. This information came after speculation that the Toyota version of the car would be going away due to the Supra. Now, it seems that we’re getting some information about where the next 86 will fit in.
The Australian publication GoAuto spoke with Brodie Bott, a Toyota Australia PR Manager. He said the company looks for the 86 to slot right in under the Supra, nicely. “It’s a pretty important car for us and it will be the little brother to the Supra,” Bott said.
Bott also said that the 86 is coming soon. In fact, he told the publication that he and others within Toyota have already seen the car. That would seem to mean that it has to be pretty darn close to being ready for production. There’s no indication as to when it will come to production, but if the PR folks in Toyota have already seen it, it would probably come out in the next couple years.
No matter how soon the car debuts, Toyota will have to ensure it’s different enough from the Supra to entice its own group of sports car buyers. At first thought, we’d suggest the 86 to be the choice for anyone who can’t afford a Supra, but the automaker needs to be careful with the performance of the next 86.
It needs to be better than the previous car, but not rival the Supra or it could cannibalize sales of the car. With that said, there’s plenty of room currently between the Supra and the 86, so Toyota should be able to make both car’s enticing.
February 12, 2019 / Comments Off on The Next Generation Toyota 86 Will be Supra ‘Little Brother’
Check out Singer’s take on the Vintage 60’s 911 with a 21st century twist.
This modern version gives you choice of three engines, ranging from 3.6 L to 3.9L with power range of 300-425 hp, a 5 speed Getrag G50 transmission, four piston Brembo calipers and drilled rotors, uprated Bilstein adjustable dampers and coil over springs, newly developed, three-piece forged aluminum 17-inch wheels, to match the vintage exterior a bespoke interior, and a classic 1973 Carrera RS steering wheel all within a new carbon fiber body that has been built upon an early ’90s-era 911.
