Nissan Figaro

 

I'm not a huge Nissan guy, and this is a radical departure from the types of cars I've been featuring on here lately. However, the Nissan Figaro is a rare and quirky classic that I couldn't pass up creating a post about. 

The Figaro was introduced at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show for the 1991 model year and was primarily sold in its native Japan. Powering the Figaro is a 1.0-liter turbo four-cylinder producing 75 horsepower and 78 lb-ft of torque paired to a three-speed automatic. Its top speed is listed at 106 mph, which shouldn't be much of a shocker for a small front-wheel drive roadster that looks much older than it really is. The upper side panels of the Figaro are fixed in place, while its soft top retracts in conjunction to its fixed side panels. Its interior has a pretty simple layout, which includes leather seats, chrome knobs and gauges, air conditioning, and a CD player, among other features. 

In total, Nissan made just over 20,000 units of the Figaro for only the 1991 model year, all of them being right-hand drive and legal to import to the U.S. It isn't a performance vehicle from a premium automaker, but the Nissan Figaro is a cute and interesting roadster with a retro design that was never originally sold stateside. Cars like the Figaro and other rare imports always entice me no matter how flawed those vehicles may seem.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster

 

The V12 Vantage roadster is a very interesting, unique, and desirable Aston Martin. This specific rendition of the Vantage was released for the 2013 model year and powered by a 5.9-liter V12 producing 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque mated to a seven-speed Sportshift II automated manual gearbox. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 190 mph. Distinguishing the V12 Vantage from other Aston Martin Vantage models include two long and short carbon fiber hood vents, additional carbon fiber trim, and wider rear tires. The example above has also been fitted with matte black paint, carbon fiber trim on the center console, and gold buttons, switches, gauges, badges, and other interior trim pieces. Somewhat amazingly, the V12 Vantage roadster is a limited edition model with only 101 units ever made. Aston Martin replaced the V12 Vantage with an improved version of the car known as the V12 Vantage S in 2014. Overall, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage roadster is an incredible, special, and one-of-a-kind car that may be one of the last of its kind.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport

 

The Clubsport is a Porsche 911 GT2 RS modified specifically for racing and track use. As you may have figured out by now, the GT2 RS Clubsport isn't street legal. It is also very similar to the reborn 935 that I featured on here not that long ago, except the GT2 RS Clubsport has a more toned-down design and is less exclusive. Like the 911 GT2 RS road car, the track-only Clubsport is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six producing 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque paired to a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. Distinguishing the Clubsport from the GT2 RS road car are a larger rear wing, a vented front hood, additional aerodynamic parts, a racing steering wheel, and a completely stripped-down interior that seats only the driver. The Clubsport's center console contains necessary controls for racing such as traction and stability control. In addition, the GT2 RS Clubsport still has air conditioning unlike some track-focused Porsche vehicles.

Only 200 911 GT2 RS Clubsport examples were built, each starting at $478,000, which is a bargain compared to the more insane and more exclusive 935. Another version of the GT2 RS Clubsport was recently unveiled; known as the GT2 RS Clubsport 25, it commemorates 25 years of Porsche's partnership with Manthey-Racing. Although it doesn't stand out as much as the similar 935, the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport is an absolutely bonkers race car.

Included below is a Porsche 911 GT2 RS road car that I saw at the same car show that had the GT2 RS Clubsport on display.

McLaren 720S Spider

 

The 720S Spider is the current open-top version of McLaren's Super Series models. It is also McLaren's flagship roadster besides the more exclusive and recently-unveiled 765LT Spider. Powering the 720S Spider is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 710 horsepower (720 metric horsepower, hence the name 720S) and 568 lb-ft of torque mated to a seven-speed dual clutch. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 212 mph. The Spider is a tenth of a second slower than the coupe, while both body styles share the same top speed. The 720S Spider's retractable hard top goes in place and back down in 11 seconds each interval, one of the fastest in the auto industry. One option available on the 720S Spider's hard top is an electrochromic roof, which can darken with the press of a button to provide more shade to the cabin if the sun is shining through a bit too much for the driver and/or passenger. When the vehicle starts up, its gauge cluster screen moves forward and up, while the partial screen on top of the main screen will only display the most important information needed when the vehicle is set into track mode, such as speed, gear, fuel level, tire pressure, and engine temperature. 

Other notable features of the 720S Spider include a 360-degree parking camera, a vertically-shaped infotainment display, a trip planner to enter multiple destinations instead of only one, and multiple-color ambient interior lighting. The Spider's tonneau cover consists of clear glass panels, not just solid black ones. Pricing for the McLaren 720S Spider starts at around $310k. In all, the 720S is absolutely incredible and one of my favorite 'mainstream' mid-engine supercars alongside the Lamborghini Huracan Evo. Both the 720S and Huracan Evo look and sound amazing and have out-of-this-world performance rivaling that of more expensive and exclusive supercars.

Ford GT (2005-06)

 

2005-06 was the original return of the Ford GT since the GT40 from the 1960s that was aimed to take down Ferrari at Le Mans. Its overall design pays homage to the original GT40, except the mid 2000s GT is bigger, wider, and slightly taller. Powering the 2005-06 GT is a 5.4-liter supercharged Ford Modular V8 producing 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque paired to a six-speed manual. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 205 mph. Probably the most interesting Easter egg of the previous Ford GT is that there is a "100" shape inside the headlights since the previous GT was created to commemorate Ford's 100th anniversary. Just over 4,000 previous-generation Ford GTs were made, and they continue to appreciate over time and be a hot commodity among collectors. 

Although this example was from a car show I attended back in April, it wasn't the most recent time I saw a 2005-06 Ford GT up close. That would be in late June at a different car show. This specific car show also had several planes and helicopters on display as well. However, I couldn't get any photos of the previous-gen Ford GT that I saw there because it was in a private and enclosed residential area with a gatekeeper at the front that wouldn't let me in no matter what. I remember that one being dark blue with white stripes, but I had no choice but to take the L that day and accept the situation for what it was. 

Overall, The mid 2000s Ford GT is an incredibly cool, special, and amazing supercar. It shouldn't be used on a daily basis due to its lack of cargo space and creature comforts, but that doesn't take away from its great retro design and unbelievable performance.