Porsche Taycan

The demand for electric vehicles is ever increasing, and Porsche is one of the latest automakers to join the electric vehicle craze with its first production EV, the Taycan. It is based on the Mission E Concept that debuted at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and aimed at the likes of the Tesla Model S. Three trims are currently offered on the Taycan: 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S; the three examples above are Turbo and Turbo S models. All trim levels are all-wheel drive and have two electric motors. The 4S produces 522 horsepower with the standard battery and 563 horsepower with the larger battery, while the Turbo and Turbo S produce 670 and 750 horsepower respectively. 0-60 mph times for the Taycan are 3.8 seconds for the 4S, 3.0 seconds for the Turbo, and 2.4 seconds for the Turbo S. It is the first production EV with a two-speed transmission and an 800-volt electrical system, allowing the vehicle to accelerate quicker and recharge faster. According to the EPA, the Taycan's range is significantly lower than that of the Model S, coming in at 201 miles for the Turbo and 192 miles for the Turbo S. Pricing starts at $105,150 for the 4S, $152,250 for the Turbo, and $186,350 for the Turbo S. Porsche recently unveiled a base model Taycan in China with rear-wheel drive and a single electric motor. So far, the base model Taycan has only been announced for the Chinese market. Overall, the Porsche Taycan is an incredible and impressive car, and it has become one of my favorite Porsches and electric cars. I would have difficulty choosing between the Taycan and the Tesla Model S because the Taycan has bolder styling and better build quality, while the Model S has better performance.

Ferrari 550 Maranello (1997-2002)

The 550 Maranello is Ferrari's front-engine V12 grand touring coupe from the late 90s to the early 2000s. Its successor, the 575M Maranello, looks very similar but has noticeable differences. The 550 Maranello's V12 produces 480 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque, launching from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and capable of a top speed of 199 mph. It is the last Prancing Horse to offer only a manual transmission, explaining its recent appreciation in value and increased appeal among collectors. Ferrari also made an open-top variant of the 550 known as the 550 Barchetta, producing much fewer examples than the standard 550 Maranello. Although the 550 Maranello looks best in Ferrari's signature Rosso Corsa, the light blue shade on the example featured here suits the 550 very well. Despite not having the status and appeal of more exclusive exotics, the 550 Maranello is one of the coolest supercars of its era.

Related: Ferrari 550 Maranello

Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII

The Phantom VIII is the latest generation of Rolls-Royce's flagship model. I find it difficult to believe that the current Phantom has already been on sale for two years because it still seems like it was freshly redesigned. Powered by a 6.75-liter V12 making 563 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, the Phantom VIII launches from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 155 mph. Its V12 is mated to an 8-speed automatic. Very few cars can match the luxury and prowess of the current Rolls-Royce Phantom. It may not seem like it, but the Phantom VIII is longer, wider, and larger than some SUVs. The flagship Spirit of Ecstasy is offered in either standard- or long-wheelbase form. Available features include carpeted floor mats, a refrigerated rear center console, reclining and massaging seats, infotainment remote controls, and access to live TV on the screens attached to the rear seats. Loads of luxury certainly doesn't come cheap; the Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII carries a hefty starting price of $457,750, with options increasing the price well past half a million. Without a question, the Phantom is one of the greatest and most amazing luxury vehicles ever made. Its level of comfort and quality is out of this world, and its head-turning design never fails to amaze me.

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso (2017-)

When most people think of Ferrari, the GTC4Lusso and its predecessor, the FF, usually don't come to mind due to their hatchback body styles. However, the GTC4 Lusso is very much a real Prancing Horse, but more practical. A brief overview: the GTC4Lusso is powered by a 6.3-liter V12 producing 681 horsepower and 514 lb-ft of torque, propelling the vehicle from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph. Ferrari's current 4-seater also offers a T model, which features the 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 from the California T, Portofino, 488 GTB, and F8 Tributo producing 602 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque, launching from 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds and capable of a top speed of 199 mph. The standard GTC4Lusso is all-wheel drive, while the GTC4Lusso T is rear-wheel drive. Both models are paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch and have 4-wheel steering. Pricing starts at $263,750 for the GTC4Lusso T and $303,750 for the standard GTC4Lusso. In related news, Ferrari is rumored to have an SUV in the works, which is slated to debut in the next few years. Overall, the Ferrari GTC4Lusso is an incredible, underappreciated supercar that performs well and hauls the family comfortably.



I normally don't discuss social issues on this site, but I must address the events that have unfolded recently. I don't identify as black, but I stand with my black friends and family members, the rest of the black community, and everyone against systemic racism and social injustice. The videos of acts of police brutality against innocent African Americans and other people of color are painful to watch. At the end of the day, we are all human, and no one is superior to one another in our society. Racism has no place in our world, and we must do our part to put an end to senseless killings and all other acts of racial injustice.