Best of Car Spotting 2017 Part 1

Time to wrap up 2017 with highlights of vehicles I spotted on the streets that stood out the most to me this calendar year. There would be too many photos for me to display at once, so I decided to split this series into two parts. Part 1 covers the coolest and most unusual cars I spotted from January to June of 2017. As usual, watch this space as Part 2 and the Best of Car Shows 2017 series head your way within the coming weeks.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

 2017 Audi R8

Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Rolls-Royce Wraith

 Ferrari 360 Modena

Bentley Bentayga

SUVs and crossovers are more popular than ever these days, and Bentley has decided to hop on the SUV bandwagon with the first ever Bentayga. It is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Touraeg, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, and upcoming Lamborghini Urus. Under the hood is a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 making 600 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic.The Bentayga can launch from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 187 mph, making it the fastest SUV ever produced (for now, at least). European markets also have a diesel V8 option available for the Bentayga. Inside, only the finest leather, wood, and aluminum are used. Distinct features of the Bentayga include configurable heated and massaging seats, a rear fold-out leather seat for tailgating, rear tablets, and an optional three-piece picnic set. Pricing for the Flying B SUV starts at approximately $230k, with fully loaded examples fetching in close to $300k. On a side note, Rolls-Royce is in the development stages of its upcoming SUV, which is expected to debut sometime next year. In summary, the Bentley Bentayga is one of the most impressive SUVs of all time. I expect it to be Bentley's best-selling model in the brand's history due to current market trends.

Audi RS6 Avant (2008-10, 2013-present)

If you are from the U.S. or Canada, you have probably never seen an Audi RS6 Avant before, unless you've traveled to Europe and claimed to have spotted one. This is because Audi has given up on selling wagons in the North American market, with the exception being the A4 Allroad. The RS6 Avant has been around for three generations so far, beginning in 2002. Displayed above are the previous and current generations of the RS6, which were spotted in London and near the Vatican, respectively.

The previous-gen Audi RS6 (first two pics, in gray) was available from 2008 to 2010. It is powered by a 5.0-liter V10 from the first-gen Lamborghini Gallardo producing 571 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.The sprint from 0 to 62 mph occurs in 4.6 seconds, onto a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph (170 mph delimited). Power is distributed through Audi's signature Quattro All-Wheel Drive via a six-speed tiptronic automatic. This generation of Audi RS6 also utilizes the brand's Dynamic Ride Control Sports suspension system and Multi Media Interface (MMI).

The current-gen RS6 (last three pics, in black and blue) was introduced for the 2013 model year and is my favorite of all three RS6 generations. It ditches the naturally aspirated 5-liter V8 in its predecessor for a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 605 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The launch from 0 to 62 mph takes place in 3.7 seconds, onto a top speed of up to 190 mph when delimited. Like its predecessor, the current RS6 model has Quattro AWD; however, the latter has a new 8-speed tiptronic automatic. Other notable features include start-stop technology and cylinder deactivation, which are both used to increase fuel efficiency.

The closest alternative to the Audi RS6 Avant that Americans can purchase is the RS7, displayed below. The RS7 has the same engine, transmission, Quattro AWD system, and performance figures as the RS6. The main differences between the two are cargo space, kerb weight, and overall dimensions.
Can't go wrong with either RS6 Avant or RS7; personally, I'd be satisfied with either model. Back to the RS6 Avant, this super wagon is an amazing all-around vehicle. It is one of the best at dominating the track, hauling the family on long road trips, getting groceries, and other daily duties. If anyone at Audi is reading this post, a US-spec RS6 Avant would be greatly appreciated, especially by me and countless enthusiasts in this part of the globe. 

Chevy Corvette C6 Z06

 I have featured examples of the C6-gen Corvette Z06 on this site before, so I don't plan to go into too much detail about the vehicle itself. For those who are unfamiliar with Corvette models, the C6 Z06 was produced from 2006 to 2014 and slots in between the Grand Sport and ZR1. Under the hood is a 7.0-liter LS7 V8 with 505 horsepower, helping the C6 Z06 launch from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. It is offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic and comes in either 1LZ, 2LZ, or 3LZ trim levels. A used C6 Z06 in excellent condition can typically be had for around $40k, which is a bargain for fairly recent performance cars.

The first example was spotted in London during my visit there in late July. Why is this significant? No Corvette model before the C7 Stingray was widely available in Europe. This also applies to most other American muscle cars and classics. This was mainly due to expensive gas, mostly narrow roads, and general European tastes. However, there are some Europeans who dig American cars, and countries in Europe tend to have import laws that are less strict than those in the States (in case you didn't know, vehicles must be at least 25 years old for them to be legally imported to the U.S.). I wasn't expecting to see any Corvettes on the streets of London, but I'm thankful I did.

In summary, the C6 Z06 is one of the best, most practical, and most track-capable Corvettes ever built. However, it will likely attract the attention of only enthusiasts since it is less expensive and more prevalent than other Corvette models like the C1 (1953-62), C2 Stingray (1963-67), C6 ZR1, and C7 Z06.

Koenigsegg Agera RS1

I'm going to say this now, but the Koenigsegg Agera RS above (dubbed the RS1) is the best and most impressive car I ever spotted on the street anywhere. I spotted it when I was in London about two months ago. As you may be able to tell, this Koenigsegg Agera RS was originally registered in California. It first made its debut at the New York Auto Show back in April. Afterwards, the Agera RS1 traveled back to the Koenigsegg factory in Sweden for the Owners' Tour, then made its way to London before heading home to So Cal. The RS1 stands out from the other 24 Agera RS examples due to its 1360 horsepower rating, active rear wing, additional aerodynamic bits and pieces up front, and lack of stripes across the sides of the vehicle. In case you didn't know, the active rear wing is smaller and placed lower than the standard Agera RS rear wing, contributing to a lower vehicle weight and better overall performance. The Agera RS1 also has 1100 ft-lbs. of torque and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. An incredible feat the Agera RS1 is able to accomplish is hitting 186 mph (300 km/h) in 12.3 seconds, which very few cars can boast about. Its cabin is finished in bright blue alcantara along with polished carbon fiber and black aluminum. In total, the Koenigsegg Agera RS1 weighs 3075 pounds and contains more creature comforts such as navigation, climate control, electric seats, infotainment, and vehicle warning systems than some track-focused cars like the Porsche 911R and Ariel Atom. As with all Koenigseggs, the roof of the Agera RS1 can be removed and placed in the frunk of the vehicle if necessary. Each unit of the Agera RS costs about $2 million and has been spoken for well before it was released to the public. The Koenigsegg Agera RS is easily one of the greatest cars ever made. I have always wanted to see a Koenigsegg in the flesh and feel extremely lucky to have done so when I traveled to London in late July. Another vehicle I am dying to see in person is a Pagani, whether it be a Zonda or a Huayra. However, this hasn't happened yet, but when it does, you won't have to wait long before photos of them appear on this site.

BMW i8

 

It's hard to believe that the BMW i8 has been on the market for over two years now since its design and technology make it seem quite futuristic. Behind the cabin is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three paired to an electric motor producing a combined 357 horsepower and 420 ft-lbs. of torque. The i8 can travel from 0 to 60 in 4 seconds and reach a top speed of 156 mph. It contains a two-speed automatic for the front wheels and a six-speed dual-clutch for the rear wheels. BMW's plug-in hybrid sports car can go up to 20 miles in electric mode before the gas engine kicks in. It is one of only a few production vehicles available with laser LED headlights and taillights (the other notable example is the Audi R8). Like many current BMW models, the i8 contains a center touch pad that allows the user to input a setting or destination by writing it, rather than scrolling through the menu on the infotainment system. Its body and chassis are made of both carbon fiber and aluminum, leading to a total weight of 3484 pounds. BMW intends to keep its i and M divisions separate, so there will not be an i8 M in the pipeline, which kind of sucks. Pricing for the BMW i8 starts at $144,395, with fully loaded examples topping out at just over $150k. It is an amazing vehicle that turns the heads of even non-car enthusiasts, but isn't as great and doesn't perform as well as similar sports cars, such as the Porsche 911, Jaguar F-Type, Mercedes-AMG GT, and Acura NSX. One last note: if you look at the back of the i8, you will notice that it appears as if it is giving birth to a Porsche 911. You will never look at it the same again. Don't tell me I didn't warn you.

Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo Concept

As mentioned in its name, the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo Concept was created for Gran Turismo 6 for PlayStation. It was also a preview of the Chiron, Bugatti's current model. Like the Veyron before it and the Chiron after it, the Vision GT has a 8.0-liter twin-turbo W16 placed behind the seats. It has a top speed of over 250 mph, with power distributed to all four wheels like the Veyron and Chiron. However, this concept's interior is void of all creature comforts since it is designed for a video game where vehicles are only driven on racetracks. To sum things up, the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo Concept is absolutely insane. On a similar note, I think the Chiron is a lot better than the Veyron in terms of pretty much everything, especially its design and performance. There was a private viewing for the Bugatti Chiron at last year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where I saw the Vision GT on display, but unfortunately I wasn't able to see it because I didn't have the invitation needed to get up close and experience it for myself. On the other hand, there is only one Bugatti Vision GT, which isn't designated for road use, so viewing this similar example is just as special.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (1954-1963)

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is considered by many to be the first supercar. The coupe version with the gullwing doors was produced from 1954 to 1957 and the roadster from 1957 to 1963, with 1400 and 1858 units of each made, respectively. The iconic 1950s Mercedes-Benz classic is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six with 212-240 horses and 202-216 foot-pounds. It can launch from 0 to 60 in nine seconds, onto a top speed of 165 mph. When this vehicle was new, it was the fastest car in the world (this can be said about quite a few supercars). Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed stick shift. The 300 SL is also the first vehicle to have direct fuel injection. It handles better and drives more comfortably than most 1950s cars. The SLS AMG built from 2011 to 2014, which has been featured on this site in the past, is the spiritual successor to the 300 SL. Examples of the 300 SL that go up for sale today can fetch anywhere between $1 million and $5 million. To sum things up, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is amazing and one of the best and most beautiful cars of the 50s.

Spyker C8 Preliator

The C8 Preliator is the latest model to come from Dutch sports car manufacturer Spyker. Like other Spyker models such as the C8 Aileron, C8 Laviolette, B6 Venator, and C12 Zagato, the C8 Preliator's design is influenced by the company's aviation roots. It is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 sourced from Audi churning out 525 horsepower. It can launch from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 mph. The C8 Preliator is offered with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Unlike the previous C8 models, the Preliator comes standard with a heads-up display and bluetooth connectivity. To sum things up, this car is absolutely incredible. The attention to detail is unlike 99 percent of street-legal production vehicles. However, like many boutique supercar manufacturers, Spykers are often forgotten among exotic lore since they are extremely rare and very few dealers are commissioned to sell them. If you have the finances for a supercar, want to stand out in the enthusiast community and beyond, and are also fascinated by airplanes, any Spyker model may be in your future.

On a side note, I would like to wish my American viewers a safe and happy Fourth of July.