Porsche 911 R (991)

 

The 991-gen Porsche 911 R is basically a GT3 RS, except more extreme and exclusive. It was produced for the 2016 model year, borrowing the GT3 RS' 4.0-liter flat-six producing 500 horsepower and 338 lb-ft of torque. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and can hit a top speed of 201 mph. Unlike the GT3 RS, the 911 R is only offered with a six-speed manual. The 911 R also doesn't have the GT3 RS' large rear wing and other aerodynamic effects, but is often distinguished by two contrasting parallel stripes that run nearly the entire length of the vehicle. These stripes come in either red or green, while the 911 R originally came in either white or silver. The original owner of the example above paid extra to have the car painted black. Although it may look like a regular Porsche 911 on the exterior to the average Joe, the 911 R's interior is stripped down like that of the GT3 RS. More specifically, it contains high-quality materials such as stitched leather and carbon fiber, along with no rear seats, fabric straps for cabin door handles, and other weight-saving measures. 

Only 991 total units of the Porsche 911 R were made, priced at $185,950 when new but now selling for around $500,000 preowned. The latter instance is especially the case with the above example. The closest model to the 911 R that Porsche now offers is the GT3 Touring, which is a more subtle 911 GT3 that most notably forgoes the GT3's signature rear wing. Overall, the 911 R is a cool, incredible, and special vehicle that flies under the radar, but I don't think it is worth half a million dollars. In addition, I wouldn't recommend that anyone who is lucky enough to get their hands on a 911 R use one as a daily driver due to its track-focused nature and lack of creature comforts that are standard on most other Porsche 911 models. Still, these drawbacks shouldn't take away from the fact that the 911 R is a rare collectible and future classic that will continue to appreciate over time.

Included below are photos of the 991-gen Porsche 911 GT3 RS that I have taken so far this year. 

Audi RS7 (2021-)

 

The Audi RS7 is basically an RS6 Avant in Sportback form, with the most noticeable differences between the two models being rear-half styling and cargo space. It has the same powertrain and power figures as the RS6 Avant, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic. However, the RS7 is a tenth of a second quicker to 60 mph than its wagon counterpart, but both still have the same top speed of 190 mph de-limited. The RS7 and RS6 Avant have much of the same features and a similar interior layout. Unlike the RS6, the RS7's back seats can be configured to fit either two or three passengers. Pricing for the new RS7 comes in at a bit more of a premium than the RS6 Avant at $115,045, despite the former having less cargo space. 

Overall, both the RS6 Avant and RS7 are great performance vehicle options, but the RS7 is geared more towards those who prefer its styling over that of the RS6 and don't need the extra cargo capacity that comes with a wagon. I love the RS7, but I prefer the RS6 between these two Audi models because of the latter's added practicality and greater exclusivity, and both vehicles contain many of the same features and benefits. In addition, I would ultimately go with the Mercedes-AMG E63 and Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door due to the Three-Pointed Star models' better performance, sophistication, and reliability. 

Included below is the current Audi S7, which slots below the RS7 in Audi's A7 model range. 

Audi RS6 Avant (2021-)

 

The long-awaited Audi RS6 Avant has made its return to the North American market for the 2021 model year. It is the third entrant into the current North American fast wagon segment besides the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon and Porsche Panamera Turbo/Turbo S Sport Turismo. Powering the new RS6 Avant is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and tops out at 190 mph. Not only does it have incredible performance, but the RS6 contains a luxurious interior with high-tech features that can comfortably seat up to five people. Compared to the A6 Allroad, the RS6 Avant has a sportier and more aggressive appearance, along with larger wheels and a stiffer suspension. Pricing for the new Audi RS6 Avant starts at $110,045. 

I love fast wagons, and the Audi RS6 Avant is no different. It is also my favorite Audi model currently and of all time. I remember spotting a few examples of the previous RS6 Avant when I was in Europe four summers ago, and they were the vehicles I was most excited to see up close out of those that weren't sold in the U.S. at the time. I am extremely thankful that Audi now offers the new RS6 Avant Stateside, and I have seen two of them in person thus far. Although it remains a close second to the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon to me, the Audi RS6 Avant is a truly amazing and underrated sleeper of a car.

Mercedes-Benz 280SL ‘Pagoda’

 

The SL W113 or 'Pagoda' is the second generation of the iconic Mercedes-Benz sports car/grand tourer. It earns the 'Pagoda' nickname due to its slightly concave removable top. The main focus of this post will be on the 280SL, the latest model of the Pagoda SL generation produced from 1967 to 1971. As indicated in the model name, the 280SL is powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six making 168 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, which are both increases over the 230SL and 250SL that came before it. Its inline-six is paired to either a 4-speed automatic, a 4-speed manual, or a 5-speed manual. Optional features on the 280SL include air conditioning and a limited-slip differential. Compared to the 230SL and 250SL, the 280SL has more comfortable seats and a softer suspension but weighs heavier. In general, the Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda has been a popular classic among the car community and one of the most reliable and well-built Mercedes-Benz models ever made. The 280SL is currently valued at an average of around $85,000, but it widely varies depending on its overall condition. Overall, the Mercedes-Benz 280SL, along with the other SL Pagoda models, is a stunning and incredible classic sports car that blows me away every time I see one up close.