Ferrari Roma

 

The Roma is one of Ferrari's latest grand touring cars. It first debuted for the previous model year and pays tribute to the grand tourers from the 50s and 60s. Powering the Ferrari Roma is a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 found in some other recent Prancing Horse models (i.e. 488, F8, Portofino) producing 612 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and can reach a top speed of 199 mph. The Roma contains an 8.4-inch touchscreen, an additional touchscreen for the front passenger, a 16-inch digital gauge cluster, and a pair of rear seats that can comfortably fit two adults for short commutes in its amazingly crafted interior. Pricing for Ferrari's newest entry-level grand tourer starts at $222,620. Ferrari currently doesn't offer a convertible version of the Roma, but it would be great if they did. 

Overall, the Ferrari Roma is an absolutely stunning and impressive car. I had previously seen a few Romas in person from afar but never up close until a few months ago. My local Audi-Porsche dealer had one in its showroom, and I knew I had to get a closer look the moment I found this out, which was well worth it. 

Aston Martin DBX

 

SUVs are more popular than ever before, and Aston Martin has joined the SUV game with their first-ever DBX. It first hit the market this past year, with power sourced from a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 originally developed by Mercedes-AMG producing 542 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The DBX launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 181 mph. It can do it all: cruise comfortably in luxury, go off-road, and perform like a sports car. The DBX's interior layout is similar to those of other Aston Martin models, except with more rear-seat space and cargo space. However, the DBX has some driver-assistance technology but lacks other driver assists found in other luxury SUVs. In addition, its 10.7-inch infotainment screen can only be controlled by buttons on the steering wheel and a knob on the center console. Pricing for the first-ever Aston Martin SUV starts at just under $180,000. Overall, the DBX may not be as great and cool as other luxury and performance SUVs, such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and Lamborghini Urus, but it is still a solid and awesome vehicle that is elevated by a prestigious brand like Aston Martin.

Toyota Camry TRD

 

The Camry TRD is the sportiest and most performance-focused version of Toyota's best-selling sedan. The TRD model was first introduced for the Camry's current generation and may be a typical, everyday Camry to most people, but it isn't. Powering the Camry TRD is a 3.5-liter V6 producing 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Its performance rivals those of many sports cars from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Distinguishing the TRD model from other, more regular Camry trims include a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear diffuser with red pinstriping, 19-inch TRD alloys, a rear spoiler, bigger 12.9-inch front brakes with red-painted calipers, a TRD-tuned suspension, red seat belts, and red TRD logos stitched on the front headrests. It has also been heavily associated with NASCAR, as Toyota's Cup Series car is based on the Camry, and the Camry TRD was previously used as a pace car for many NASCAR races in the Cup Series and Xfinity Series. Pricing for the Toyota Camry TRD starts at $32,360. In all, the Toyota Camry is a solid, reliable, practical, and fuel-efficient car, and the TRD is easily the most appealing Camry model to me and most enthusiasts. However, as someone who has generally preferred the Honda Accord over the Toyota Camry, it would be great if Honda rolled out an Accord Si and/or Accord Type R. Si and Type R versions of the Accord would be amazing and best the Camry TRD in nearly every aspect. For now, the Camry TRD is a great choice if you are in the market for a sporty and performance-oriented midsize sedan.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2021-)

 

Mercedes-Benz's iconic flagship luxury sedan was given a redesign for the 2021 model year. Along with a complete redesign, the new S-Class receives better performance over its predecessor and loads of new tech. It is offered in S500, S580, and Maybach S580 trims, with an AMG S63 version hopefully down the line. In addition, Mercedes-Benz already confirmed that a plug-in hybrid version of the new S-Class is on its way soon. For the purposes of this post, it will focus mainly on the standard S-Class. The entry-level S500 is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, while the mid-level S580 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both models are paired to a nine-speed automatic, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and a mild-hybrid EQ Boost 48-volt system. The launch from zero to 60 mph occurs in 4.9 seconds for the S500 and 4.4 seconds for the S580. Notable features in the new S-Class include a larger 12.8-inch center touchscreen, an optimized MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) software with facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with 3D compatibility, and navigation with augmented reality. 

Also available as options are E-Active Body Control, Interior Assist, rear-axle steering, reclining rear seats with heating and massage functions, two interactive 11.6-inch screens on the backs of the front seats, and interactive interior LED lighting. Pricing for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at $112,400 for the S500 and $119,000 for the S580. 

I am a big Mercedes-Benz guy and I love the new S-Class. It is an amazing luxury sedan inside and out, and it remains the best luxury sedan not produced by Bentley or Rolls-Royce. I have seen some examples of the new S-Class on the street and at my local dealership, and I was in awe during those moments. However, although the S-Class is a great vehicle, I am bound to see more of the new ones on a regular basis like I did with the previous model, and I have yet to see the Maybach S580 up close. The latter instance will certainly be more exciting once it eventually happens. For now, I am pretty satisfied with my given sample size thus far.

Best of Car Showrooms 2021

 It's that time of year once again, and that means wrapping up the best photos and moments from 2021. Although the world is still grappling with the pandemic, 2021 has by far been better than 2020 due to the widespread availability of COVID vaccines and more of society opening up once again. This also means more car shows and more spotting opportunities took place in 2021 compared to 2020. 

The last post in the 2021 wrap-up series is Best of Car Showrooms 2021, which showcases the best and most unusual cars I saw at dealerships and vehicle showrooms this past year. I visited a few dealerships and showrooms in 2021, having visited one of them three times throughout the past year. Unlike Best of Car Shows and Best of Car Spotting, Best of Car Showrooms will only consist of one post and not be split into two parts. 

Without further ado, presenting Best of Car Showrooms 2021. Stay tuned for more content coming in the new year. Happy 2022 everyone! 

Audi R8 (2020-)

Audi Coupe Quattro (1990-91)

Porsche 911 Turbo/S (992)

De Tomaso Pantera

Ferrari 812 Superfast

Porsche 911 Speedster (997)

Mercedes-AMG G65

Audi RS6 Avant (2021-)

Porsche 911 R (991)

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991)

Aston Martin Vanquish (2001-07)

Mercedes-AMG G63 (2019-)

Ferrari Roma

Ferrari 575M Maranello