BMW M5 CS

 

The M5 CS (Competition Sport) is the latest version of BMW's most well-known super sedan. It is also the fastest and most powerful four-door BMW ever made. BMW released the M5 CS for the 2022 model year and takes things a level above the M5 Competition in terms of performance and handling. Under the hood of the M5 CS is the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 as the base M5 and M5 Competition, except increased to 627 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It makes the dash from zero to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 190 mph. The M5 CS' twin-turbo V8 is paired to an eight-speed automatic. Compared to the M5 Competition, BMW removed some sound-deadening material and added a carbon fiber hood and the lightweight racing-inspired front seats from the M3 to shave about 150 pounds of weight off of the M5 CS. In addition, the M5 CS gains a new front splitter, rear diffuser, mirror caps, rear spoiler, and engine cover over the base M5 and M5 Competition. Like in the press release photos, this M5 CS featured here is outfitted in Frozen Deep Green Metallic with bronze wheels and grille surrounds. Pricing for the BMW M5 CS starts at $143,995. Overall, the CS is the best and coolest M5 ever made and one of the most impressive BMWs ever made. In terms of super sedans, I still like the Mercedes-AMG E63 S more, but there's no denying how crazy and potent the M5 CS is.

 Also included below are photos I took earlier this year of a current BMW M5 Competition.

P.S. I recently launched my own merchandise store, go check it out: CPF Store

 

Rivian R1T

 

The Rivian R1T is one of the hottest and coolest pickup trucks currently on sale. It is the first model offered by Rivian, an EV startup company based in California, and like most of the new electric trucks coming to market, the R1T is geared more towards the crowd that uses trucks for lifestyle purposes than work purposes. Powering the R1T are four individual electric motors and a 128.9 kWh battery producing up to a combined 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and can hit a top speed limited to 111 mph. The R1T carries a range of 314 miles, with towing and payload capacities of 11,000 pounds and 1,760 pounds respectively. Its battery is located underneath the vehicle as part of its chassis to keep its center of gravity down, giving way for a front trunk with increased cargo space over gas-powered and hybrid pickups. The R1T boasts a ground clearance of 14.5 inches. Inside, the cabin is adorned in leather and wood and features big displays for both the infotainment system and gauge cluster along with a smaller screen on the center console in the rear seat area. Located behind the cab and in front of the bed is a large storage compartment that many people may not notice right away. Three trim levels are available on the R1T: Explore, Adventure, and Launch Edition. In addition, the R1T was named Motor Trend's 2022 Truck of the Year.

Pricing for the Rivian R1T currently starts at around $80,000. Rivian eventually plans to release versions of the R1T with a smaller standard battery, a larger 'Max' battery, and a dual-motor setup sometime this year, which will lower its base price to around $70,000. Rivian also plans to release an SUV version of the R1T known as the R1S. Overall, the Rivian R1T is an incredible, innovative, game-changing, and out-of-this-world pickup. The R1T and GMC Hummer EV are two of the most intriguing electric pickups and pickups in general. Besides the example displayed here, which I saw up close at my local Cars & Coffee last month, I have only seen one other R1T in person. Unfortunately, I was unable to take photos of the other R1T example I saw in person, but I was amazed by both of these examples and expect to see more R1Ts on the streets in the near future.

1968-69 Plymouth RoadRunner

 

The first-gen RoadRunner is one of the most iconic Mopar muscle cars and Plymouth-branded vehicles ever made. The RoadRunner was first introduced in 1968, and as many of you may already know, it was named after a famous cartoon bird created by Warner Bros. Powering the 1968-69 RoadRunner is a 383 cu (6.3-liter) V8 producing 335 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. Optional engines for the RoadRunner include a 425-horsepower, 426 cu (7.0-liter) V8 and a 390-horsepower, 440 cu (7.2-liter) V8. It is equipped with either a 3-speed automatic or a 4-speed manual. The RoadRunner's interior is pretty utilitarian but could be fitted with select options such as power steering, front disc brakes, AM radio, and air conditioning. Each model year of the first-gen RoadRunner had distinctive and slightly different front fascias. Plymouth also offered a more upscale version of the RoadRunner known as the GTX and a more aerodynamic, racing-focused model known as the Superbird during the RoadRunner's first generation. Pricing for classic RoadRunners on the used market vary between the $40,000s up to the $140,000s depending on the vehicle's condition and specs. Overall, the first-gen Plymouth RoadRunner is an amazing and wonderful classic muscle car that catches my eye in any given context, but I don't find it quite as cool as the Dodge Charger from the same model years out of all classic Mopar muscle cars.

1971 AMC Javelin

 

The Javelin is one of AMC's best and coolest muscle cars. It was first introduced for the 1968 model year and stuck around for two generations, both of which were produced during the height of the muscle car era. The Javelin is often overlooked compared to other muscle cars and was released at a time when AMC was struggling as an automaker. The example featured here is a second-gen Javelin, which was produced from 1971 to 1974 and will be the main focus of this post. It offered three different inline-six and V8 options, with the example featured here being a 1971 model with the 4-barrel-carbureted 401 cu (6.6L) V8 producing 330 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. It also offered two different manual and automatic transmission options. 

AMC added the performance-focused Javelin AMX to replace the standalone AMX and complement the Javelin redesign in 1971. The Javelin was a success for AMC in a highly-competitive pony car segment until the oil crisis crippled the auto industry, which led to the Javelin ultimately getting killed off in 1974. The average AMC Javelin for sale today typically goes for around $20,000. In all, the AMC Javelin is fascinating and impressive, especially considering that it is a rare classic from a defunct automaker.

Jaguar XK150 (1957-61)

 

The XK150 is one of Jaguar's most iconic vehicles and one of the first cars that comes to mind whenever I think of Jaguar. It debuted in 1957 as the successor to the XK140 and was the third and last model in the XK line before the name was revived decades later. Powering the XK150 is either a 3.4-liter or a 3.8-liter inline-six. The example featured here is a fixed-roof coupe, which will be the main focus of this post. The fixed-roof XK150 coupe has the 3.4-liter inline-six producing between 190 and 250 horsepower paired to a 4-speed manual. It launches from zero to 60 mph in around eight seconds and is capable of a top speed around 130 mph. Its interior is adorned in leather and features an aluminum and/or wooden dashboard and steering wheel. Production for the XK150 ended in 1961 and was replaced by the E-Type. It currently carries an average value in the $100,000s. Overall, the Jaguar XK150 is a beautiful and fabulous classic sports car and grand tourer. Like the Volvo PV544 in the previous post, this XK150 was on display at a car show I attended about two months ago and stood out to me the most among the crowd of mostly classic American hot rods and muscle cars.

1960 Volvo PV544

 

The Volvo PV544 is an often forgotten and overlooked classic that people rarely, if ever, see anymore. It was introduced in 1958 for the 1959 model year and only the second Volvo model to ever be imported to the U.S., succeeding the PV444. Powering the PV544 is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 60 or 85 horsepower paired to either a 3-speed or 4-speed manual. It received an upgraded four-cylinder for the 1962 model year and ended production after the 1966 model year. During its era, the PV544 became one of the most successful rally cars. The example featured here is one of only a small percentage of PV544s that were preserved, restored, and maintained to this day. It may not be the most desirable Volvo model, but the PV544 is a cool and unique classic. I saw this one on display at a car show almost two months ago, and it especially stood out to me among a sea of mostly classic American hot rods and muscle cars that were there, as the PV544 is definitely a vintage car I don't see every day.

Ford Mustang Mach 1 (2021-)

 

Ford brought back the Mach 1 model of the Mustang for the 2021 model year, replacing the Shelby GT350 in the current Mustang lineup. It has the same 5.0-liter V8 as the Mustang GT, except improved to 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The current Mach 1 launches from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 168 mph. It comes standard with the six-speed manual from the Shelby GT350 and offers a ten-speed automatic as an option. The current Mustang Mach 1 borrows elements from the outgoing Shelby GT350 and current Shelby GT500. Specifically, the Mach 1 contains several engine and transmission components from the GT350, while the rear diffuser and exhaust tips were borrowed from the GT500. In addition, the Mach 1's rear spoiler came with both the Shelby GT350 and GT500. Most importantly, the Mach 1's front fascia, distinctive stripe pattern, and badging set it apart from other Mustang models more than anything else. Pricing for the current Mustang Mach 1 starts in the low $50,000s but can increase past $60,000 with options and dealer markup. In all, the current Mach 1 is a great Mustang and one of the most track-capable Mustangs ever built. I haven't seen and don't expect to see the Mach 1 as frequently as I would see Mustang GTs and non-V8 Mustangs, making the Mach 1 more special and valuable to me than any other non-Shelby Mustang from the factory.