Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-door

Mercedes-Benz took its AMG GT sports car and made it more practical with the AMG GT 63 S 4-door. This vehicle also rendered the AMG CLS 63 obsolete in the current Mercedes-Benz lineup. Powering the 4-door AMG GT is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8; the 63 produces 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, while the 63 S produces 630 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The AMG GT 63 launches from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, while the GT 63 S shaves two-tenths of a second off the former's 0 to 60 time. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a nine-speed dual clutch. Its interior contains front performance bucket seats and interactive buttons in the center console and on the steering wheel. Like practically every new Mercedes-Benz, the AMG GT 4-door features the automaker's COMAND infotainment system; however, this specific model's COMAND system isn't a touchscreen. One of the most unique attributes to its infotainment system is Seat Kinetics, which allows the seats to perform muscle relaxation exercises while the driver and/or passenger are in them; however, the vehicle must be in park for these exercises to work. The AMG GT 4-door is also available with two performance seats in the rear and comes standard with a wireless phone charger in between the rear seats. Pricing for the AMG GT 4-door starts at approximately $136,500 for the 63 and $159,000 for the 63 S. An entry-level 53 model will join the 63 and 63 S in the AMG GT 4-door lineup in dealers soon, if it hasn't already done so. I am a huge fan of the 4-door Mercedes-AMG GT; it is a very impressive vehicle with a beautiful design, amazing tech, and thrilling performance. Simply put, the GT 63/S 4-door is one of the best Mercedes-AMGs ever created.

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Audi Q8

The Q8 is one of the more recent additions to the Audi crossover family. More specifically, the Q8 is aimed at the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and BMW X6. Powering Audi's flagship crossover is the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 from other Audi models producing 335 horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque. It launches from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and is mated to an 8-speed automatic. Inside, most buttons and switches have been replaced by touchscreen functions. The Q8's most notable features include a 360 degree camera system, Audi's Virtual Cockpit system (digital and configurable gauge cluster), and available air suspension, just to name a few. Like the X6 and the GLE Coupe, the Q8 is less practical and more expensive than its standard SUV counterpart. In regards to pricing, the Audi Q8 starts at $68,395. Overall, the Q8 is a great luxury SUV with gorgeous styling and loads of tech. I like the Q8 more than the Q7 but not as much as the mechanically similar Porsche Cayenne and Cayenne Coupe.

Ferrari 275 GTB

The 275 GTB succeeded Ferrari's 250 models and is one of the most iconic and valuable Prancing Horses ever made. Production of the 275 lasted from 1964 to 1968. The one featured here is the Series II "long nose" model, which was made during the first half of the 275's production run. Powering this classic Prancing Horse is a 3.3-liter V12 churning out 300 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 168 mph, which were mind-blowing specs for a vehicle of its era. The 275 GTB's V12 is mated to a 5-speed manual trans-axle gearbox. The long nose on the 275 GTB Series II was added to increase downforce and keep the vehicle on the ground while traveling at high speeds. Its interior is well laid out and of top-notch quality. Only 442 examples of the standard 275 GTB were made, with about 200 of those being "long nose" models. The average Ferrari 275 GTB is valued at $1.75 million, which is expected to appreciate from there in the coming years. On a concluding note, this classic Prancing Horse is nothing short of magnificent. It looks absolutely stunning, sounds incredibly amazing, and makes for a great weekend cruiser and track performer. I dig ultra-rare exotic sports cars, and the Ferrari 275 GTB is no different.

Porsche 935 K3

Introduced in 1976, the Porsche 935 is the factory racing variant of the 930-gen 911 Turbo. The model featured here is the K3, which stands for "Kremer Type 3." It is powered by a 3.0-liter flat-6 producing 750 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, paired to a 4-speed manual. This specific 935 boasts a top speed of 217 mph. German-based Kremer Racing developed and modified Porsche 935s so independent racing teams not supported by Porsche can use them. The 935 K3 also won the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing first overall. After 1981, the 935 went out of production and was replaced by the 961 in competitive racing in 1985. There are believed to be 13 935 K3s in existence.

Back in September of last year, Porsche revealed an all-new track-only 935, with styling cues most similar to that of the 935/78. It wasn't until recently that Porsche started delivering the new 935 to customers. In addition, the new 935 was showcased at last week's Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.

In short, the Porsche 935 is a marvelous racing vehicle, although it may not stand out as much as other Porsche race cars due to its mostly 911 underpinnings.

BMW M2

Many enthusiasts consider the BMW M2 to be the spiritual successor to the original E30 M3. This can also be said about the M2's predecessor, the 1 Series M. The true M version of the 2 Series was introduced in 2016 and is only offered as the M2 Competition for 2019. Regarding the standard M2, it is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 365 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch. The 0-60 mph launch occurs in approximately 4 seconds. Wider front and rear fenders, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, and fake fender grilles next to the doors set the M2 apart from the regular 2 Series aesthetically. Examples on the used marketplace can be had for around or under $50k. In summary, the BMW M2 is a great car that delivers pure performance and a pure driving experience. It is also great for enthusiasts who find other BMW performance cars like the M3, M4, M5, M6, and M8 too big and powerful for their enjoyment. Personally, I would opt for most new Mercedes-AMG models since I tend to prefer a better combination of performance, comfort, and technology.

Happy 4th of July! (2019)

I would like to wish everyone, especially my American viewers, a safe and wonderful 4th of July. Hope everyone is able to spend quality time with family and friends and catch some fireworks.

Featured here are a stars and stripes 1970-71 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda, which some of you may recognize from previous posts, and a lifted 1955 Chevy Bel Air sedan.