Nissan Skyline GTS-T (R32)

 

This isn't a GT-R, but the GTS-T is the next best model in regards to the R32-gen Nissan Skyline. The R32 Skyline models were produced from 1989 to 1993. The GTS-T is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged RB20DET inline six-cylinder making 212 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque paired to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Unlike the GT-R, the GTS-T is rear-wheel drive, making the GTS-T lighter and more pure than the GT-R. It is also available in both coupe and sedan body styles, and as you may be able to tell, I have seen one example of each body style up close. Compared to other Skyline R32 models, the GTS-T has a distinct front fascia. All Nissan Skyline models before the current R35 GT-R are right-hand drive since they were originally only offered in Japan and other right-hand drive markets such as the U.K. and Australia. However, since it falls under the federal 25-year import rule, the R32 Skyline GTS-T can be legally imported to the U.S. The R32 GTS-T is currently valued in the low to high $10,000s, which makes it a bargain compared to other imports and is expected to appreciate in the coming years.

I remember speaking to the owner of the first example, and he said that he was in the process of converting his Skyline GTS-T into a GT-R with basically all of the same parts and accessories as found on the GT-R. This was also my first time ever seeing any R32 Skyline up close, and I was in absolute awe when it finally happened. The second example, a red GTS-T sedan, was spotted at a later, more recent car meet that I attended and undoubtedly stood out to me more than any other vehicle on display at that specific car meet. I'm not a big Nissan guy, but classic Skyline models up to the R34 generation are some of the coolest, most amazing Japanese cars in existence.

Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV

 

The 5000 QV is one of the latest, most powerful, and best-performing versions of the original Lamborghini Countach. This specific model was produced from 1985 to 1988, with QV standing for Quattrovalvole, which translates to four valves per cylinder. The Countach 5000 QV's V12 was increased to 5.2 liters, 420 horsepower, and 369 lb-ft of torque. It makes the launch from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 185 mph. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. In addition, the carburetors have been moved from the sides of the engine to the top of the engine for improved cooling. The U.S.-spec Countach was initially installed with larger bumpers to meet federal safety regulations at the time it was new. Most of the car community can agree that those larger bumpers looked ridiculous and out of place on the Countach, so most owners had those bumpers removed when it became legal and they were able to do so. As for the example above, the U.S.-spec rear bumper still remains on the vehicle, unlike the front bumper. 

In other news, the Countach was revived this year at Monterey Car Week back in August as a limited-edition model based on the Aventador with a hybrid powertrain known as the LPI 800-4. This latest iteration was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the original Countach. Overall, the Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV is an absolutely amazing and incredible supercar with an iconic and eye-catching design, raw performance, and unbelievable prowess. It was also undoubtedly the coolest and most interesting vehicle I saw at a car and aviation show back in late June.

Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD

 

I have previously featured the all-wheel drive Lamborghini Huracan Evo on this site, but the focus of this post is on the entry-level rear-wheel drive model since I spotted two of them this past summer. The Huracan Evo RWD has the same naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 as its all-wheel drive counterpart, except de-tuned to 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 202 mph. Every Huracan Evo model is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Lamborghini has tweaked some of the features found on both Huracan Evo models specifically for the RWD model, such as the driving modes and launch control. In addition, the Huracan Evo RWD has the front driveshaft removed, saving 72 pounds from its AWD counterpart, and its front end revised to increase downforce. Both these elements help contribute to the RWD model having a more pure driving experience compared to the AWD model. Pricing for the Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD starts at $214,366. It may be an entry-level model, but the Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD is an incredibly amazing and exciting supercar.

Also included in this post below is the first iteration of the Lamborghini Huracan, the LP610-4. This one was on display at a car show back in April and spotted fairly recently as well.