Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Best of Car Spotting 2014 Part 2

As you may have already guessed, this post is a continuation of showcasing the best vehicles I spotted throughout 2014. Part 2 features spy shots from the second half of this year, between the months of July and December. A few of the vehicles in this compilation may have been displayed in previous posts. All of the best cars spotted in the second half of 2014 are pictured in this specific order: Mercedes-AMG GT test mule, McLaren MP4-12C, classic lifted school bus (looks most like a Chevy), Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (1st gen), Ferrari 458 Spider (in black, same as the one featured in Part 1), Porsche 911 Turbo (991), Ferrari 458 Spider (in red, top up), Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Audi R8 V8 (in matte black), Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale, Lamborghini Aventador roadster (I should mention that the owner allowed me to sit in it, which was awesome), Audi R8 V10 Spyder (in white), Ferrari 430 Scuderia, and Jaguar E-Type roadster. I hope to bring you more photos of interesting cars in 2015, which is already here for most of you. In the meantime, please tell me your favorite vehicle from Part 2 and any content you may want to see more of in 2015 in the comments section below.






















2014 Los Angeles Auto Show: Jaguar F-Type Manual & AWD




















These aren't all-new models, but they are variants of an existing vehicle, specifically the Jaguar F-Type Manual and AWD. The two new variations look the same as the other F-Type models, except the former is now available with either a ZF 6-speed stick shift, all-wheel drive, or both. The new six-speed manual has a semi-dry sump lubrication system, which diminishes the need for a large oil capacity, therefore reducing the general size and weight of the unit. When the F-Type R is equipped with AWD, it shaves 0.2 seconds off the car's 0-60 time, lowering it to 3.9 seconds. During normal operation, the AWD system transfers all power to the rear wheels, but is capable of a 50/50 split depending on weather and road conditions. Due to the AWD system's functionality, it comes as no surprise that the US-spec Jaguar F-Type R will only be available with all-wheel drive beginning the 2016 model year (Personally, I'm okay with that). The F-Type V6 models will still come standard with RWD, while AWD will be optional. Also, Jaguar decided not to offer rev matching for the manual transmission. Other than AWD and a new six-speed manual, not much else has changed about the F-Type; it appears the same physically, while engine options and performance figures remain unchanged (except for the latter on AWD coupes & convertibles). Overall, I am very impressed with the Jaguar F-Type; it looks and sounds amazing, plus it drives and handles very well. Also, I think it's definitely a worthy successor to the famed E-Type. Pictured below is the limited edition F-Type Project 7, the fastest and most powerful production Jaguar ever built, with 575 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. Its 0-60 mph time
 is a mere 3.8-seconds, reaching a top speed of 186 mph. Its design pays homage to the legendary D-Type race car. Only 250 units of the Project 7 will be produced, with each unit starting at $165,000. Like the other F-Type models, the Project 7 looks absolutely phenomenal.


Monday, December 29, 2014

Best of Car Spotting 2014 Part 1

As 2014 comes to a close I would like to compile some photos of what I thought were the best cars I spotted on the streets this year. Part 1 will feature photos of cars that I spotted during the first half of this year, which is from January to June. Based on previous posts, you may be able to figure out where I found the cars shown below. They are pictured in this particular order: Ferrari 16M Scuderia Spider, Ferrari 458 Spider, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (2nd gen, in white), Ferrari 458 Italia (in mostly yellow), Aston Martin DB9 (1st gen), Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (2nd gen, in black), Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GTs (first one in black, second one in white), Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (in black), Ferrari 575M Maranello, Porsche 911 GT3 (991), Ferrari 308 GT4, Corvette C6 Z06 + Audi R8, Toyota Supra Mk VII (RHD, 700 HP), Rolls-Royce Phantom (in white), Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera (1st gen), Rolls-Royce Phantom (in black), 1960s Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Audi R8 (V10?, in black), Porsche 911 Turbo (996), Rolls-Royce Phantom (bespoke, in black), Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (in red), Ferrari 458 Italias (second one in gray, third one in red), and Audi R8 (in gray). Part 2 will feature the best photos of vehicles spotted during the second half of 2014, so watch this space for more. In the meantime, please tell me your favorite vehicle from Part 1 in the comments below.