Carson's Car Pics: February 2019

Sunday, February 24, 2019

2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

For 2019, Jeep has redesigned its iconic Wrangler, and it is better than ever. Displayed above are two examples of the new Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, one modified and the other completely stock. The new Wrangler is available with either a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque or a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It can also be had with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. The doors and top can be removed, and the windshield can fold down with ease. Other features offered on the Jeep Wrangler "JK" models are a power-sliding roof, leather seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 7- or 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Compared to the previous Wrangler, the new model handles better on pavement. Pricing for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited starts at $31,545, with the top-of-the-line Rubicon starting at $41,545. For those who haven't already heard, Motor Trend named the new Wrangler its 2019 Sport Utility of the Year. Overall, the Jeep Wrangler "JK" is a great go-anywhere off-roader. However, among the Jeep family of vehicles, I prefer the Grand Cherokee if I were to have one for everyday purposes.

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Lamborghini Huracan Performante

The Huracan Performante is the more hardcore version of Lamborghini's current V10-powered supercar. Its naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 makes 640 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, propelling the vehicle from 0 to 60 in 2.4 seconds and to a 202 mph top speed. Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch. The Performante weighs 90 pounds less than the standard Huracan thanks to additional carbon fiber parts. It has a starting price of around $280,000. In short, the Huracan Performante is one of the best all-around Raging Bulls; it looks and sounds amazing, and performs exceptionally well on the track.

Friday, February 15, 2019

Honda S600

The S600 is one of Honda's first sports cars, produced from 1964 to 1966. It is often seen as the modern S2000's grandfather. Under the hood is a 0.6L four-banger making 57 horsepower and propelling the vehicle to a top speed of 90 mph. This classic Honda coupe and roadster are the first Honda models to be sold in Europe, but were never originally sold in the US. However, the S600 can now be legally imported Stateside under the federal 25-year rule. Additional sheet metal on the coupe increases its overall weight by 33 pounds compared to the roadster. When new, the Honda S600 went for 509,000 yen, or approximately $4,245 at the time. Following the end of its production run, Honda replaced the S600 with an updated model known as the S800, in which the latter was built through 1970. Despite being under-powered for American tastes, the S600 is one of the most important cars in Honda's history. I find it to be one of the most appealing Honda models mainly due to its styling, fun factor, and exclusivity.

Saturday, February 9, 2019

Ariel Atom

I know what you may be thinking. Yes, this thing is fully street legal. Before getting into the specifics of this vehicle, a little background info: Ariel is a relatively small automaker based in the UK that is best known for producing performance cars like the Atom and Nomad, but also having made motorcycles and other vehicles throughout the 20th Century. Displayed above is an Atom 3 from the 2007-14 model years. This version makes anywhere from 219-310 horsepower from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds onto a top speed limited to 155 mph. The Ariel Atom is composed of a primarily exposed chassis and cannot protect its driver and passenger from the elements (wind, rain, etc.); however, a small windshield is optional. Other versions include the 2, 2S, 500 V8, 3S, 3RS, 3.5R, and 4. Pricing for a new Ariel Atom starts at $74,750 for the Atom 4 and increases up to $119,995 for the Atom 3RS. On the other hand, an average used Ariel Atom can be had for around $50,000. Basically, the Ariel Atom is a go-kart on steroids and some of the most fun you'll ever have on four wheels.

Friday, February 1, 2019

Best of Car Shows 2018 Part 2

We have come to the final segment of the 2018 wrap-up, the Best of Car Shows 2018 Part 2. As you may have figured out by now, Part 2 consists of the greatest and most distinctive vehicles displayed at car shows I attended between July and December of this past year. Please leave your thoughts in the comments, and I look forward to bringing you more amazing content in 2019.

McLaren Senna