Audi RS7 (2014-18)

 

I have previously featured the current Audi RS7 on here not too long ago, and it is an amazing vehicle. This post will cover the first-generation RS7, which was produced from 2014 to 2018 and the first high-performance Audi sportback brought to the North American market. Powering the first-gen RS7 is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 552 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox. It launches from zero to 60 mph in the high three-second range. Although they may be rather subtle to the average Joe, distinguishing the RS7 from the A7 and S7 are bigger and sportier wheels and brakes, a sportier and more aggressive front fascia and rear splitter with dual exhausts, carbon fiber trim pieces, a power-extending spoiler, and RS badging throughout the vehicle, among other features and options. The first-gen RS7 also offered a Performance pack, which bumped power figures to 597 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque and shaved two-tenths of a second off of its 0-60 mph time. 

It received a mid-cycle refresh halfway through its production run in 2016 before getting a redesign for 2021. Audi was selling the previous RS6 Avant alongside the Previous RS7, but not in the U.S. until the current RS6 was released for the 2021 model year. Early-model year first-gen Audi RS7s are currently valued at around $60,000, while later-model year first-gen RS7s are valued in the $70,000-$80,000 range. Despite the second-gen and current RS7 being a significant improvement over the original, the first-gen RS7's greatness shouldn't be disregarded. Overall, the original and previous RS7 is a beautiful, underrated, and fantastic performance car.

Tesla Model S Plaid

 

After Tesla released the P90D and P100D versions of the Model S, many people, including myself, didn't think that Tesla vehicles could get any crazier. That is until now. The Plaid is the latest Model S trim to be introduced, and it outdoes both the P90D and P100D in terms of performance and engineering. In fact, the Model S Plaid blows most performance cars out of the water in a straight line. It is powered by a 99.3-kWh battery producing a whopping 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, sending power to all four wheels. The Model S Plaid launches from zero to 60 mph in a blisteringly quick two seconds and is capable of a 200 mph top speed. Like every current Tesla model, nearly everything in the Model S Plaid is based in and controlled by its large center infotainment screen. It also offers a yoke-style steering wheel and up to 396 miles of driving range. However, in general, the Model S isn't as luxurious and high-quality as the likes of Mercedes-Benz and some other premium automakers. 

Pricing for the Tesla Model S Plaid starts at $131,440. In all, the Model S Plaid is an absolutely insane, unbelievable, and astounding electric car with amazing tech and features. I see Tesla vehicles everywhere I go, but the Model S Plaid stands out to me the most (besides the original, not-so-common Roadster) due to its out-of-this-world stats and performance.

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

 

Jeep has revived the Grand Wagoneer for 2022 as its newest flagship model and is positioned as a serious full-size luxury SUV. Powering the Grand Wagoneer is a 6.4-liter V8 producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Notable features on the new Grand Wagoneer include an adaptive air suspension that can raise the vehicle up to 3.6 inches or lower it by half an inch, 10 inches of ground clearance, a 9680-pound towing capacity, a chrome grille, seating for seven or eight passengers, wood interior trim, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12-inch center touchscreen above a 10.3-inch touchscreen for the climate controls, and available additional 10.3-inch touchscreens for the front passenger and second row. Offered alongside the Grand Wagoneer is a more mainstream and less expensive version known as the Wagoneer. Pricing for the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer starts at around $90,000. Overall, the new Grand Wagoneer is an impressive, underrated, and spacious premium SUV. In addition, it is my favorite Jeep model besides the Grand Cherokee SRT Trackhawk.

Lexus LC 500 Convertible

 

After Lexus introduced their current flagship sports car, the LC, it was just a matter of time before a drop-top version of it would be released as well. The LC 500 Coupe and its hybrid version have been on the market since 2018, while the LC 500 Convertible has been out since 2021. Powering the LC 500 Convertible is a 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 producing 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque paired to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. It makes the launch from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 168 mph. Like the LC Coupe, the LC Convertible has a beautiful, well-crafted interior with leather and aluminum trim. It contains back seats, but they are so small and cramped that no one should sit back there. Its infotainment system is controlled by a touchpad in the center console rather than a touchscreen, and it retains some traditional interior elements such as an analog clock and partially analog gauge cluster. Many people have stated that the touchpad in the LC's center console is quite problematic. In addition, Lexus has sold very few LC Convertibles thus far, and I've only seen two of them in person, including the one above. 

Pricing for the Lexus LC 500 Convertible starts at $102,125. Overall, the LC is an absolutely gorgeous car, the best and coolest Lexus model currently available, and one of the best and coolest Japanese cars ever made. Despite some of its flaws, it's a shame that more LCs aren't being sold.