Mercedes-Benz 190SL

 

The Mercedes-Benz 190SL was introduced in 1955 as a lower-cost alternative to the iconic 300SL. The 190SL's styling is very similar to that of the 300SL as well. Powering the 190SL is a 1.9-liter four-cylinder producing 104 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque paired to a four-speed manual. It has the same engineering and fully independent suspension as the more upscale 300SL. However, the 190SL uses a shortened chassis that was modified from the 180/190 (W120/121) sedan compared to the 300SL's tubular spaceframe. In addition, the 190SL was only offered as a roadster with either a soft top or removable hard top. Both the 190SL and 300SL were replaced by the 230SL 'Pagoda' in 1963, and Mercedes-Benz sold almost 26,000 examples of the 190SL before the end of its production run. An average 190SL is currently valued at around $110,000 on the used market. Despite being the entry-level SL model from the mid 50s to early 60s, the Mercedes-Benz 190SL is a beautiful and elegant classic roadster that is great for cruising down the street on a warm and sunny day.

McLaren MSO HS

 

This may look like a standard McLaren 650S at first glance, but it is much more special and exclusive. The MSO HS (High Sport) was created by McLaren's Special Operations division as a one-off version of the 650S and 675LT back in 2016. Its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 has been upgraded to 678 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque compared to the 650S and 675LT that it is based on. Distinguishing the MSO HS from the 650S and 675LT are additional carbon fiber vents and diffusers for improved aerodynamics, an MSO-specific rear wing, and a standard roof scoop. The MSO HS also uses the same exhaust setup as the 675LT. Another notable feature added to the MSO HS from the 675LT is McLaren Track Telemetry, which uses three cameras and several sensors to help the driver go much quicker on the track. Only 25 MSO HS examples were ever produced, and no two MSO HS examples are the exact same. I am incredibly lucky to have seen one of those 25 MSO HS units up close at a car show back in April and didn't have to travel out of town in order to see it. 

In all, the McLaren MSO HS is an amazing and incredibly cool supercar. It is also for those who want a 650S or 675LT except crazier and more unique.

Included in this post below is a standard McLaren 650S Spider at the same car show where I saw the MSO HS up close.

Ford GT (2017-Present)

 

Featured here is the latest Ford GT, which made its debut for the 2017 model year and has received minor updates ever since. Unlike the previous Ford GT and GT40s, the current GT is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 producing 660 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch. This is also the same engine used in the newest and previous F-150 Raptor. It makes the launch from zero to 60 mph in three seconds onto a top speed of 216 mph. The current GT's interior is pretty simple and driver-centric, with many of its controls on the steering wheel. It also contains a 6.5-inch touchscreen display available with Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system and a racing-inspired gauge cluster. The current Ford GT's seats are fixed in place to save weight, but its pedals and steering wheel can be adjusted to the driver's desired position. Pricing for the current Ford GT starts at approximately half a million dollars. It may not be very practical or have as big of an engine as many of its competitors, but the Ford GT is undoubtedly one of the coolest and most outstanding supercars and American cars ever made.