Carson's Car Pics: January 2025

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Audi RS6 Avant (2021-25)

The RS6 is Audi's current flagship wagon and one of the top performance vehicles in Audi's current lineup alongside the RS7 now that the R8 is no longer in production. It was redesigned and introduced to the North American market for the 2021 model year and is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque in its first three model years. Audi upgraded the RS6 to 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque in its Performance version for 2024. Both iterations of the current-generation RS6 send power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Zero to 60 mph in the RS6 occurs in 3.1 seconds, while its top speed is rated at 156 mph and up to 174 mph in the RS6 Performance. Optional carbon ceramic brakes allow the RS6 to reach a top speed further increased to 190 mph. Other notable standard mechanical features on the RS6 include four-wheel steering and a torque-vectoring rear differential. Inside, the RS6's interior is wrapped in leather, contains a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and two large touchscreens between the driver and front passenger, and provides roughly 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. In addition, the RS6 comes standard with several premium interior equipment, such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, and wireless phone charging.

Pricing for new Audi RS6 examples starts at $127,895, while some RS6 examples can be found for closer to $100,000 on the resale market. The latest addition to the RS6 portfolio for 2025 is the GT, a lighter, limited-production variant with unique graphics, wheels, spoiler, and better handling over "lesser" versions of the RS6. Pictured here is my most recent sighting of an RS6 while out and about, which occurred while on a walk last week. This particular example looked familiar to me as I was taking a closer look at it, only to realize later on that I did in fact spot this one in person once before. My first sighting of this specific RS6 happened in a different area of my hometown over two years ago, so it almost certainly has to be an example from either of its first two model years of 2021 and 2022. I have seen my fair share of Audi RS6s in person since its glorious introduction to the U.S. market four years ago. Although it is not a car I see out and about on a regular basis, it is a special, exciting moment to me and many other car enthusiasts whenever I see an Audi RS6 or any other legitimate fast wagon in public. Overall, the current Audi RS6 is one of my favorite fast wagons and the greatest Audi of all time, and I am glad that it has been a success in a non-traditional wagon market like the U.S.

Vehicle Specifications Source: Car and Driver

Discover your next favorite outfit at the CPF Store! With our wide selection of stylish and comfortable clothing, you can express your unique style while feeling amazing. Shop now and elevate your wardrobe with the latest trends and timeless classics. Don't miss out - embrace fashion that speaks to you at the CPF Store by clicking the link here: CPF Store

Monday, January 27, 2025

Porsche 911 Dakar (992) (2023-24)

The Dakar is the off-road-focused version of the Porsche 911, and it is just plain awesome. It was added to the 992-gen Porsche 911 Dakar for the 2023 model year and is motivated by the Carrera GTS' 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six with 473 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. This particular flat-six in the 911 Dakar sends power to all four wheels through an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and can accomplish a top speed limited to 150 mph. Standard features that are unique to the Dakar compared to other Porsche 911 models include a lift system, a two-inch taller suspension and ride height, an Off-Road driving mode, 19-inch front wheels, 20-inch rear wheels, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, skid plates, side protectors, and red tow hooks on the front and rear bumpers. It also contains a rear ducktail spoiler, the GT3's carbon fiber hood, two sport seats, lightweight window glass, the Carrera S' brakes, and the Turbo S' cooling system.

Porsche has allocated a total of 2500 units for the 911 Dakar, with each example starting at $223,450. Like the two Porsches from the previous two posts, this specific 911 Dakar was at my local Audi/Porsche dealer just for display. It is the fourth 911 Dakar I have ever seen in person, outfitted in a solid shade of green with white wheels and a bare carbon roof and spoiler. In addition, this 911 Dakar rounds out my top three favorites from my most recent visit to my local Audi/Porsche showroom nearly two weeks ago. Overall, the Dakar is one of the most unique, outstanding, and amazing Porsche 911 models ever created, especially since it is a rare, street-legal off-road sports car commissioned directly from an automaker.

Vehicle Specifications Source: Car and Driver

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Porsche Carrera GT (2004-06)

The Carrera GT is the ultimate Porsche of the 2000s and one of the last fully analog supercars ever made. It was produced from 2004 to 2006 and is powered by a 5.7-liter V10 with 603 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The Carrera GT propels from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and can accomplish a top speed of 205 mph. Notable features of the Carrera GT consist of a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and subframe, an electronically-operated retractable rear wing, carbon ceramic brakes, a leather-adorned interior, a front trunk, center-lock wheels, and hidden storage compartments in the doors and engine bay. Its removable roof contains two panels that must be detached manually and stowed in the front trunk in a particular way. The center-lock wheels on the Carrera GT are color-coordinated, with the lug nuts on the driver-side wheels colored red and the lug nuts on the passenger-side wheels colored blue. The ignition is placed on the left of the steering wheel, while the shift knob is directly to the right of the steering wheel. This setup is inspired by that of race cars, and the shift knob in most Carrera GTs is wooden to pay homage to the 917K race car. It was offered with five standard color options from the factory: silver, gray, black, red, and yellow, along with a few paint-to-sample colors available as well.

Approximately 1,200 units of the Carrera GT were built during its production run, with many examples currently valued at around $1 million on the resale market. Pictured here is the most recent Carrera GT example that I have seen in person, which was on display when I last visited my local Audi/Porsche dealer last week. Like the 911 S/T from the previous post, this specific Carrera GT was not for sale; however, the Carrera GT was originally being serviced at my local Audi/Porsche dealer, and it was displayed in one corner of the showroom's second floor until its owner comes to pick it up and drive it home. For much of last year, my local Audi/Porsche showroom had a very similar Carrera GT example in black on display and actually for sale, but the biggest and most noticeable difference between those two examples is that the one featured here has tinted windows. Besides the 911 S/T from the previous post, this Carrera GT was definitely one of my favorite cars I saw on display during my most recent visit to my local Audi/Porsche showroom. Overall, the Carrera GT is one of the coolest and most impressive Porsche vehicles of the 2000s and all time, and I am fortunate to have caught it at my local Audi/Porsche showroom last week.

Vehicle Specifications Sources: Car and Driver, Doug DeMuro

Monday, January 20, 2025

Porsche 911 S/T (992)

The S/T is one of the latest limited-edition Porsche 911 models and essentially a purist GT3 RS. It was added to the 992-gen Porsche 911 portfolio in 2023 for the 2024 model year. Motivating the 911 S/T is the same engine with the same power figures as the GT3 RS: a naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six with 518 horsepower and 342 pound-feet of torque. However, unlike the GT3 RS, the S/T is only offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. Porsche claims that the 911 S/T can launch from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and accomplish a top speed of 186 mph. The S/T name is a nod to a limited-production race car version of the 911 S from the late 60s and early 70s. It features a combination of parts from the GT3 and GT3 RS along with retro aspects such as 911 60th Anniversary badging and available classic racing graphics on the doors and plaid cloth inserts in its sport seats. In total, the 911 S/T weighs 84 pounds less than the GT3 Touring, with the S/T's weight savings targeting the carbon fiber body panels, clutch, flywheel, windshield, wheels, brakes, battery, rear anti-roll bar, and removal of the rear-wheel steering system.

Only 1,963 units of the Porsche 911 S/T will ever be built, with each example carrying a starting price of $291,650. The two examples of the 911 S/T pictured here are the first two that I have really seen up close, which were on display at my local Audi/Porsche dealer during my most recent visit there last week. I was initially anticipating to see just one example there, but I was pleasantly surprised to see two in the showroom, in which the more the merrier. Both examples were nearly identical with their shade of blue, white wheels, and tan leather interior. However, the major difference between the two is that one has the number 23 on its doors, while the other has number 43 on its doors. Neither 911 S/T example at my local Audi/Porsche dealer is for sale, but they were both there purely for display purposes until their new owners pick them up and take them home. Overall, the Porsche 911 S/T is an amazing, incredible, and special limited-production sports car and a hot commodity among Porsche enthusiasts and collectors. In addition, I am grateful to have made my most recent visit to my local Audi/Porsche showroom to see these two 911 S/Ts in person when I did and provide content on this wonderful limited-edition Porsche 911 here today.

Vehicle Specifications Source: Car and Driver

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Porsche 911 GT2 RS (991) (2018-19)

The GT2 RS is the most extreme version of the previous 991-gen Porsche 911 and one of the fastest, most extreme, most powerful, and best-performing Porsche 911 models to date. It was built from 2018 to 2019, leaning towards the end of the 991 generation's production run. Powering the most recent 911 GT2 RS is a rear-mounted twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six with 700 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque mated to a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. It propels from zero to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 211 mph. The GT2 RS is distinguished by an increased use of carbon fiber body panels and trim, along with more aggressive aerodynamic components over lesser 911 models. These aerodynamic additions are highlighted by large air vents on the front bumper and between the doors and rear fenders, a more pronounced rear diffuser and dual exhausts, and a massive rear wing. In addition, the GT2 RS' cabin is adorned in a combination of faux-suede and leather trim, and a central touchscreen display and center-lock wheels are standard like those of other Porsche 911 GT models.

Pricing for the most recent Porsche 911 GT2 RS began at around $300,000 when new. Current values on the resale market for the 991-gen GT2 RS are certainly above that figure, while some examples are fetching more than $400,000. I spotted this particular GT2 RS right before attending my local college men's basketball team's game this past Saturday, and it was a specific example I don't recall seeing up close previously. I have seen other Porsche 911 GT2 RS examples in person, primarily at car shows and my local Porsche showroom, but rarely in a pure spotting scenario like this one here. Not only was I pleasantly shocked and impressed by randomly stumbling on this GT2 RS, but it has to be one of my best car spotting moments of the relatively new year so far, inspiring me to create a post dedicated to this vehicle. Overall, the 991-gen GT2 RS is one of the coolest and most amazing Porsche 911s ever made, and I am proud to have captured this incredible moment in what became one of my top car spots of 2025 so far.

Vehicle Specifications Source: Car and Driver

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Best of BMW CCA Cars & Coffee (January 2025)

My first car meet of the calendar year is in the books, and although one vehicle from it was featured in the previous post, this compilation is dedicated to the best of the rest of the vehicles displayed at the latest BMW CCA Cars & Coffee. Heading into this past Saturday's show, I was anticipating a smaller turnout and crowd due to chilly and foggy weather conditions during this time of year. However, the turnout ended up being excellent and much larger than anticipated, with a variety of different cars appearing at this particular monthly meet. Besides the classic Ferrari 512 TR from the previous post, there were at least a few other cars from this past Saturday morning that I was more impressed with than others. Instead of creating specific and separate posts about these other vehicles, they will be showcased in this compilation as part of the top 20 vehicles listed and pictured in no particular order. Enjoy and stay tuned for more content from upcoming car shows and elsewhere heading your way soon.

Corvette Z06 (C7)