Friday, October 25, 2019

NSU Prinz 1000 TT





To be fair, I did not know of this vehicle until I saw it displayed at a car show about a month ago. It was also one of the most unusual cars at that specific car show and reminds me of a baby first-gen Chevy Corvair. Produced by one of the automakers that eventually merged to form Audi, the NSU Prinz 1000 TT specifically lasted from 1965 to 1967 with just over 14,000 examples made. Its rear-mounted engine is a 1.1-liter four-cylinder churning out less than 100 horsepower and mated to a four-speed manual. The 1000 TT is one of several NSU Prinz models manufactured between 1961 and 1972 and distinguished by a large black stripe connecting the headlights. Speaking of the headlights, those on the sporty Prinz TT models are dual, round, and positioned in the same frame compared to the standard Prinz models' massive, oval-shaped headlights. Later versions had bigger, more powerful motors and dropped the "Prinz" part of its name. Despite its low power numbers, the NSU Prinz 1000 TT is no slouch. It is a neat little car, considering I had never seen one in the flesh until relatively recently.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

The Challenge Stradale is the track-focused version of the Ferrari 360 Modena, like how the Speciale is to the 458 and the Pista is to the 488. It was introduced at the end of the 360's production run in 2004 and is powered by a 3.6-liter V8 with 419 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. The launch from 0 to 60 mph occurs in 4 seconds onto a top speed of 176 mph. The 360 Challenge Stradale's V8 is mated to a 6-speed manual. Compared to the standard 360 Modena, the 360 Challenge Stradale has 20 more horsepower and sheds 240 pounds off its curb weight. In addition, the Challenge Stradale model comes standard with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, carbon racing seats, no radio, plexiglass windows, and Alcantara instead of leather. Less than 1,300 examples of the 360 Challenge Stradale were made, typically fetching around the low $200,000s on the used market. It is an incredible and thrilling Prancing Horse but not as impressive and appealing as its successors, the 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale, and 488 Pista.

Related: Ferrari 430 Scuderia 

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Aston Martin DB11


The DB11 is Aston Martin's latest grand touring model. It was introduced for the 2017 model year as a replacement for the DB9. Unlike the DB9, the DB11 offers two new engines: a 4.0-liter Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo V8 producing 503 horsepower and 498 lb-ft of torque and a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 630 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph times are approximately 4 seconds for the V8 and 3.6 seconds for the V12. Top speeds are 187 mph for the V8 and 208 mph for the V12. Both engine options are paired to a ZF 8-speed automatic. The DB11 features an updated aluminum body compared to the DB9 and is the first turbocharged Aston Martin model. Inside, most everything in the cabin is covered in leather and top-notch. Its infotainment system and controls are borrowed from Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-Benz traits in new Aston Martin models are due to a bargaining agreement made between Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz four years ago. The DB11 comes with two rear seats, but they are small and cramped like in many coupes and convertibles. In addition, the DB11 AMR, created by Aston Martin's performance sub-brand, rounds out the DB11 portfolio. An even faster and more performance-oriented DB11 exists in the form of the DBS Superleggera, which I will give more details about once I see one in person and get photos of it. Pricing for Aston Martin's current grand tourer starts at $201,495. The DB11 looks absolutely stunning and is one of the best Aston Martin models to date. I am in awe every time I see one up close and would have difficulty choosing between the DB11 and other grand tourers currently on the market.

Saturday, October 5, 2019

Lamborghini Gallardo (2003-2007)















The Gallardo is one of the most popular and best-selling Raging Bulls. I could feature every Gallardo model in this post, but I am focusing on the first-gen standard Gallardo for this one. It is the first all-new Lamborghini model introduced since Audi acquired the Italian supercar manufacturer. Powering the original Gallardo is a 5.0-liter V10 producing 513 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. It makes the launch from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 198 mph. The original Gallardo features a rear-biased all-wheel drive system and is paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed E-gear electrohydraulic manual. The E-gear allows the driver to make faster, more responsive shifts than a standard manual gearbox. A fleet of Lamborghini Gallardos were commissioned by the Italian State Police in the mid 2000s for highway and traffic patrol use. Select aftermarket tuners offer twin turbo kits for the Gallardo that can increase power output up to 2000 horsepower. The Gallardo was updated significantly in 2008 and updated again in 2013 before getting replaced by the Huracan in 2014. Several limited edition and special edition models were created toward the end of the Gallardo's production run. As of now, the original Lamborghini Gallardo is valued between the high $80,000s and the low $100,000s. It is a fantastic vehicle and an excellent supercar bargain but doesn't stand out like newer and more exclusive Lamborghinis.