Lexus LS500

The LS500 is the latest version of Lexus' flagship sedan. It ditches the naturally-aspirated 4.6-liter V8 in the previous LS460 in favor of a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 generating 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Lexus' full-size luxury sedan launches from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 136 mph. The LS500 is available with either RWD or AWD and in standard or F Sport trim. A hybrid version is also included in the LS500 lineup with less power and slightly better mileage than the gas-only model. All LS500 models are equipped with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The vehicle rides on the same platform as the LC500/h coupe and contains a handcrafted, sophisticated interior. Its interior features a rear seat infotainment system that controls many functions, such as the rear seat controls, climate controls, radio, sunshades, and lamps. Unlike in most cars, the LS500's head-up display indicates upcoming traffic signals, signs, and oncoming vehicles. The panel to the right of the center screen and above the glove box  appears to be a screen, but isn't actually a screen. Other notable features consist of Lexus' Adaptive Variable Suspension and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Pricing for the Lexus LS500 starts at $75,300 for the base RWD model, $79,810 for the hybrid, $84,520 for the F Sport AWD model, and up to $120,000 for all the fix-ins (i.e. Executive Package). In summary, the LS500 is an excellent luxury sedan with an unmatched level of craftsmanship. I may not purchase one over a new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but the current Lexus LS is a great vehicle nonetheless.

Porsche 928 H50 Concept

To be honest, I had no clue a station wagon prototype based on the Porsche 928 existed until I saw it on display at the Petersen Auto Museum back in August. It was unveiled in 1987 and created for Ferry Porsche's 75th birthday but not until the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance was it showcased to the public. The 928 H50 was also one of Porsche's first ideas for a 4-seater/family tourer and may have been the main inspiration for the Panamera that came over two decades later. Powering this prototype is a 5.0-liter V8 producing 330 horsepower, boasting a top speed of 168 mph. These performance numbers are less than those of the production 928. The most notable element of the H50 compared to the production 928 and other 928 design studies is its two additional half-doors. Porsche decided the 928 H50 didn't meet the company's expectations of the vehicle, therefore stowing it away for 25 years and remaining a prototype. Overall, the 928 H50 is a cool concept that stands out in the Porsche crowd. I was amazed when I saw it for the first time and knew it was special.

Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0

The Lamborghini Diablo VT featured here was released toward the end of its production run in 2001 before getting replaced by the Murcielago. Around this time, Chrysler sold Lamborghini to Audi, who began to lead the supercar manufacturer in a somewhat different direction. The Diablo VT is distinguished by a revised front fascia with two sizable air intakes, new headlights and fog lights, and a bigger bumper. Powering this Raging Bull is a 6.0-liter V12 churning out 550 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. It makes the launch from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and is only available with a five-speed manual. This version of the Diablo is valued at approximately $300,000 on today's used marketplace. In short, the Diablo is absolutely marvelous and a true Lambo in every sense. However, I find the Murcielago and Aventador that came after it much more amazing despite being less common than its successors.