Porsche 718 Spyder

 

The 718 Spyder is the current hardcore, track-focused version of the Porsche Boxster and the open-top version of the 718 Cayman GT4. Like the Cayman GT4, but unlike the standard 718 Boxster, the 718 Spyder is powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six producing 414 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch. It launches from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 187 mph. Unlike other track-focused Porsche models, the 718 Spyder doesn't have as many features removed from its standard version for optimal weight savings and performance. Pricing for the Porsche 718 Spyder starts at $97,300. Overall, the 718 Spyder is a fantastic roadster with one of the purest driving experiences of any open-top Porsche. It isn't my favorite Porsche model, but the 718 Spyder looks great and is quite underrated. 

Also included in this post is a 718 Boxster GTS, the model and trim level slotted right below the 718 Spyder. 

Audi Coupe Quattro (1990-91)

 

Prior to my most recent visit to my local Audi Porsche dealer over a month ago, I don't ever recall seeing an early 90s Audi Coupe before. It is an evolution of the 1980s Audi Coupe and iconic Audi Quattro, and it was introduced to North America in 1989 for the 1990 model year, a year after it initially went on sale in Europe. The US-spec Audi Coupe Quattro is powered by a 2.3-liter five-cylinder with 164 horsepower, which is slightly de-tuned from the Euro-spec model, paired to a five-speed manual. Its interior is typical of that of a luxury vehicle from the early 90s with its leather and wood trim, good amount of analog gauges, and overall design. Considering that the Coupe Quattro was only offered for two model years in North America, there is no doubt that these are quite difficult to find, especially in pristine condition like the example above. Audi also offered a sportier version of the Coupe Quattro with a turbocharged engine known as the S2, but only for European markets. Although it isn't as iconic as its predecessor, the early 90s Audi Coupe Quattro is a rare and interesting vehicle that often gets overlooked among other classics.

Porsche 911 Speedster (997)

 

The Speedster is usually the sendoff model for nearly every Porsche 911 generation before it is officially replaced by the next generation. As for the example above, the 997-gen 911 Speedster debuted for the 2011 model year before the 911 fully entered the 991 generation the following year. The 997 Speedster is powered by a naturally-aspirated 3.8-liter flat-six making 408 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The launch from zero to 60 mph takes place in 4.2 seconds onto a top speed of 190 mph. It was only offered with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch. The main characteristic features of the 997 Speedster are its double-bubble tonneau cover extending over the area where the rear seats would normally be and a lower windshield. Along with the signature double-bubble tonneau cover, its soft top is manually operated. The black panels in between the doors and rear wheel arches, in addition to the Fuchs-style alloys, are retro styling aspects from the 1980s 911 Speedster that carried over to the 997-generation model. Only two colors were available on the 997 Speedster: Pure Blue (which was made specifically for the Speedster) and Carrera White. There were also a very limited number of paint-to-sample versions as well. Out of all 997 Porsche 911 models, the Speedster is the rarest, with only 356 units ever built to pay tribute to the original 356 Speedster. Since the 997 Speedster is so rare compared to other 911 models, it is typically valued at or around $300,000. 

Overall, the 997 Speedster is an incredibly special and cool Porsche 911 model that offers the purest driving experience of any open-top 997-gen 911. It may not be my favorite Porsche 911 model, but I see the Speedster as underrated and one of the most beautiful.

2021 Audi A6 Allroad

 

 

 2020 marked the first model year that the Audi A6 Allroad made its return to the North American market. The last time the A6 Allroad was offered in North America was in the early 2000s. When I last visited my local Audi/Porsche dealer, I initially wanted to see the new RS6 Avant up close, but there wasn't one there. For now, we will have to settle for the standard A6 Allroad, which is already a great vehicle as it is. Powering the new A6 Allroad is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. It launches from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 129 mph. Like many Audi models, Quattro All-Wheel Drive is standard on the A6 Allroad. Compared to the regular A6 Avant that is available overseas, the Allroad has a more rugged appearance with plastic body cladding around the wheel arches, door sills, and bumpers, along with standard roof rails. The A6 Allroad's interior looks amazing with its sleek and modern design. Its cabin is highlighted by Audi's Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster and dual touchscreens. The top screen in the center console contains the infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and in-car WiFi, while the lower screen contains many of the secondary controls, such as the climate controls and driving modes. 

Pricing for the new Audi A6 Allroad starts at $66,945. I love a good station wagon, and the new A6 Allroad is no different. I enjoy station wagons for their practicality, style, performance, and exclusivity, especially compared to most SUVs, crossovers, and minivans, and the A6 Allroad is a perfect example of these traits. However, I slightly prefer the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon over the A6 Allroad, while my undisputed favorite wagon is the Mercedes-AMG E63 S. Hopefully I can see a new RS6 Avant in person pretty soon, which will certainly be more exciting.

Porsche 911 Turbo/Turbo S (992)

 

The Turbo and Turbo S are two of the latest and most competent renditions of the current 992-gen Porsche 911. As soon as I found out the new 911 Turbo was available at dealers and showrooms, I knew I wanted to see up close as soon as I possibly could. Like with the Corvette C8 Stingray, I am excited and grateful to have now seen at least two new Porsche 911 Turbo models in person; it was just a matter of time before it would eventually happen. 

Powering the 992 Turbo and Turbo S is a 3.7-liter twin-turbo flat-six producing 572 horsepower and  553 lb-ft of torque in the Turbo and 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque in the Turbo S. Both the 911 Turbo and Turbo S can launch from zero to 60 mph in the mid to low two-second range and top out at 205 mph. They have standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch. The Turbo and Turbo S have many of the same standard interior features as lesser 911 models, except the former two have sportier trim and more premium options. In addition, they have more touchscreen and digital interfaces and less buttons compared to its predecessor. The 992 911 Turbo and Turbo S have two back seats, but they aren't usable for adults to sit in. As with its predecessors, the rear-mounted turbo flat-six can only be accessed directly by Porsche-certified technicians. Pricing for the new Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S starts at around $170,000 for the Turbo and around $200,000 for the Turbo S. 

In other news, the latest model unveiled in the 992 Porsche 911 range is the GT3, which was unveiled a week ago. The GT3 usually slots in between the Carrera GTS and GT3 RS in terms of pricing and performance.

The 992-gen Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S are two of the best all-around Porsche 911 models and two of the best all-around sports cars. They aren't as polarizing and don't hold their value as well as their chief competitors, such as the Audi R8, Ferrari F8 Tributo, Lamborghini Huracan Evo, and McLaren 570S/570GT/600LT, but the new 911 Turbo and Turbo S do a great job getting my attention whenever I see them up close. This is because they are amazing and I find it easy to distinguish the Turbo and Turbo S from a regular Porsche 911.