Best of Car Spotting 2016 Part 1

It's that time of year again; an eventful 2016 is about to come to a close, so I would like to showcase the best vehicles I spotted on the streets from January to June of this year in Part 1 of this two-part series. Best of Car Spotting is split into two parts because there would be too many photos to compile in one post. Displayed below in this particular order: Ferrari California T, Ferrari F430, gold chrome/matte black previous-gen Bentley Continental GT, Corvette C6 ZR1, Rolls-Royce Wraith, Ferrari 488 GTB, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, 1960s Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, Same vehicle as photos 3 and 4, current-gen Bentley Continental GT, previous-gen Audi R8 Spyder, and a blue chrome Mercedes-Benz CLS550. Watch this space for more as Part 2 of Best of Car Spotting 2016 along with the two-part Best of Car Shows 2016 series are on the way before you know it. In the meantime, share your favorites in the comments.

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays 2016

Wishing you all a warm and safe holiday season! Here's a lit-up figure of Santa in a late 50s/early 60s Corvette and St. Nick getting his head stuck under the hood of a 1970s Ford F100 for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Lamborghini Miura

One of the spotlights of the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is the 50th Anniversary of the Lamborghini Miura, partly explaining why there were five examples on display. 764 Miuras were produced between 1966 and 1973. They were available in either P400, P400S, and P400SV trims. Behind the seats is a 3.9-liter V12 with 350-380 horses and 262-286 ft-lbs. of torque. It can launch from 0 to 60 mph in just under seven seconds and reach a top speed of approximately 180 mph. Power is distributed to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual. On a historical standpoint, the Miura set the standard for future supercars with its mid-engine, two-seat layout. Today, the first mid-engine Raging Bull commands more value than a brand-new Aventador, in which the latter starts at around $400k. Some examples of the Miura even command seven figures since they are unique and produced in very limited quantities. Jay Leno, who I met at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance for the second time and attends it every year, owns two Lamborghini Miuras, one P400 and one P400S. Neither of his Miuras were on display in Pebble Beach. In 2006, to celebrate the vehicle's 40th anniversary, Lamborghini unveiled the Miura Concept at a private viewing in LA. It looks very similar to the original, except a bit more modernized. However, there will not be another Miura hitting production. It is difficult to determine the greatest Raging Bull ever, but the Miura is easily one of them.

Tesla Model X

The Model X is Tesla's third vehicle and has become insanely popular since its inception, just like the Model S. As you may know by now, it is the only crossover to feature rear falcon doors. It also contains the largest panoramic windshield of any production car. At first glance, many of you may assume it would be difficult for the Model X to park in a normal parking spot if the rear doors had to be opened for any reason. I visited a Tesla showroom in Buena Park in July and a salesman showed me how these doors open. A button on the car key is pressed, the top parts go up, and then the rest of the doors extend outward. The Model X is offered with either a 75-, 90-, or 100-kWh battery in 60D, 70D, 75D, 90D, P90D, and P100D configurations. The "D" in each trim level stands for dual motor, with one electric motor powering the front wheels and another powering the rear wheels. This vehicle's interior is infused with technology such as Tesla's signature iPad-like touchscreen in the center console with frequent infotainment, navigation, and safety updates. The infamous Autopilot self-driving system is optional; however, I would avoid using or asking for Autopilot at all costs. The X 75D and 90D trims can travel 238 and 257 miles on a single charge. The P90D can travel 250 miles on a single charge and hit 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Lastly, the unbelievable P100D can reach 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and boasts a 289-mile range, making it the fastest-accelerating crossover in the world. All Model X trims contain up to 77 cubic feet of cargo space and weigh about 60 pounds less than a Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon. Get your Model X while you can because examples sold after New Year's Day will have to pay a fee to use the Superchargers. Also, owners who use the Superchargers for too long will now be charged an additional fee. On the flip side, these fees shouldn't be too costly for Tesla owners. Pricing for the Tesla Model X starts at $75,200 and can go up to $136,700. It is an extraordinary vehicle and, unlike the Model S, a proper seven-seater. I prefer the Model S over the Model X because the former is faster and better-looking.