Ferrari 488 GTB/Spider

The 488 is the latest Ferrari mid-engine V8 supercar. It follows the same formula as its predecessors, except the 488 is powered by a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 661 horsepower and 561 ft-lbs. of torque. It can go from 0 to 60 in about three seconds, onto a top speed of 205 mph. The Ferrari 488's only transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch. Its new twin-turbo V8 is also available in the entry-level California T and virtually eliminates turbo lag. The retractable hardtop on the Spider raises and lowers in 14 seconds at speeds of up to 25 mph. Pricing for the Ferrari 488 starts at $245k for the GTB and $275k for the Spider. The current-gen mid-engine V8 Prancing Horse is an amazing, highly sophisticated vehicle that looks incredible. However, I personally like the McLaren 650S and Lamborghini Huracan more; I will go into more details about these two beasts in upcoming posts.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

You probably remember this crossover as the M-Class, but it has been renamed the GLE in order for it to fit in with Mercedes-Benz's nomenclature. Aesthetically, the GLE has some minor styling changes inside and out compared to the M-Class. It is available in five trims: GLE350/4MATIC (AWD), GLE300d 4MATIC, GLE400 4MATIC, GLE550e Plug-in Hybrid, and AMG GLE63/S. The GLE350 is powered by a 3.5L V6 producing 302 hp and 273 ft-lbs. of torque. The GLE300d is powered by a 2.1L twin-turbo diesel inline-4 producing 201 hp and 369 ft-lbs. of torque. The GLE400 is powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 producing 329 hp and 354 ft-lbs. of torque. The GLE550e is powered by the same engine as the GLE400, except with an electric motor, producing a combined 436 hp and 479 ft-lbs. of torque. Lastly, the AMG GLE63 and GLE63 S (AWD) are powered by a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 producing 550 hp and 516 ft-lbs. of torque for the former, 577 hp and 561 ft-lbs. of torque for the latter. The AMG GLE63 and GLE63 S can go from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds and hit a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. All GLE models come standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch. It can also tow up to 7,200 lbs., depending on the trim level. Pricing ranges from $52,025 to $65,525 for non-AMG models and $100,875 to $108,025 for AMG models.

Also new for this year is the GLE Coupe to take down the BMW X6. It is very similar to the GLE crossover, except the coupe is less practical, less appealing, and more expensive.The coupe is available in two trims: AMG GLE43 and AMG GLE63 S. The former trim is powered by an AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 362 horsepower and 384 foot-pounds of torque, and can launch from 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds. The latter trim is powered by an AMG 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 577 horses and 561 foot-pounds of torque, just like the standard AMG GLE63 S. Also, the GLE63 S coupe can hit 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds.

Overall, the GLE crossover is a great vehicle, and the AMG 63 model is a complete sleeper. There is practically a GLE model for everyone. It is one of the best vehicles in its class, along with the Porsche Cayenne. However, the GLE coupe isn't the best looking Three-pointed Star available. I would rather have the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe than its closest rival, the BMW X6, but not over a traditional Mercedes-Benz sedan or SUV. I feel like the latter serves more of a purpose while the former serves as more of a status symbol.

Bugatti EB110

The EB110 is the last vehicle made before the majority stake of Bugatti was purchased by Volkswagen, and the predecessor to the Veyron. This vehicle was in production between 1991 and 1995, with less than 200 examples made. This was partly due to the fact that Bugatti went bankrupt around the era of the EB110, therefore leading to Volkswagen purchasing a majority stake in the French supercar manufacturer years later. Also, like all boutique supercars, the EB110 is entirely hand-built and takes many man-hours to be completely assembled. The "EB" stands for Ettore Bugatti, the company's founder, and the "110" means this vehicle debuted 110 years after Ettore Bugatti was born. Behind the seats is a 3.5-liter quad-turbo V12 churning out 552 horses. Power is distributed to all four wheels via a six-speed stick shift. The EB110 can launch from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds, onto a top speed of 213 mph. It utilizes a double wishbone suspension made of carbon fiber, and the rear wing retracts at the flick of a switch, which should be used depending on the vehicle's speed. One year after the standard EB110 was introduced, a lighter and faster model known as the EB110 Super Sport came into being. Today, these things are worth at least seven figures. Overall, the Bugatti EB110 is a breathtaking automobile, especially in person. However, the Veyron and Chiron are much better in terms of their designs, performance numbers, and pretty much everything.

Cisitalia 202 GT

Most of you may have never seen or heard of this vehicle before; this is the Cisitalia 202 GT, one of the first Italian sports cars to hit the road. This vehicle was produced between 1947 and 1952, with a total production run of 170 units. A good chunk of 202s were coachbuilt by Pininfarina. The 202 GT was powered by an inline-four sourced from Fiat cranking out 70 horses, which is a typical power output for a vehicle in the '40s and '50s. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual. The main significance of the 202 is that it set the standard for future sports car design. However, this vehicle wasn't profitable, and Cisitalia ultimately went under in 1963 due to financial troubles. I expect the Cisitalia 202 GT to command at least six figures at today's rates. In my opinion, this car is a work of art, but isn't nearly as good as most Ferraris, any Lamborghini, or some Maseratis.

Jaguar F-Pace

The F-Pace was introduced late last year as Jaguar's first crossover, and is projected to be the best-selling Jag of all time. This vehicle is intended to be more sporty and street-oriented than any model from Jaguar's sister brand Land Rover. Engine options include a 2.0-liter turbodiesel inline four producing 180 hp and 318 ft-lbs. of torque or a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 producing either 340 or 380 hp and 332 ft-lbs. of torque. Each powerplant is mated to an eight-speed automatic w/ a manual shifting mode. It can hit 60 mph from a standstill in 4.9-7.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 129-155 mph, depending on the trim level. The F-Pace's architecture is based on that of the XE and XF and contains 80 percent aluminum. Its AWD system fully functions as a RWD system, but transfers power to the front axle when necessary. The F-Pace is also available with Jaguar's new InControl Touch infotainment system, which should resolve the issues the company had with its previous infotainment system. Pricing for the first-ever Jaguar crossover starts at $41,985 for the 20d and up to $57,695 for the S. Expect a high-performance SVR variant to debut within the next year or so. Even though Jaguar was late to the crossover game, I find the F-Pace very impressive and better than most of its direct competitors, such as the Porsche Macan. The former is absolutely stunning and quite spacious. Lastly, I prefer the F-Pace over any current Land Rover model except the full-size Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.

1989 Batmobile

Right above is the Batmobile used in the 1989 film Batman and later on in Batman Returns, both directed by Tim Burton. It is based on a Chevy Impala chassis and powered by a Chevy V8. The front end features a massive jet turbine intake along with sloping front fenders. The rear end features prominent tail fins and design elements influenced by vehicles from the 1930's. Its interior is almost like that of an airplane cockpit due to its layout. This Batmobile, as you would expect, is armed with bombs, machine guns, and disc launchers for when Batman is running from the Joker. Its body is custom-built and rides on a set of Mickey Thompson radials. The 1989 Batmobile is one of the greatest and most popular Batmobiles ever created, along with the 1966 & 2005-2008 models. I haven't seen any of the Batman movies myself, but I find Batmobiles very fascinating.

Lexus GS F

The GS F is the fastest mass-produced Lexus to date. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 with 467 horsepower and 389 foot-pounds of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic. 0-60 mph occurs in 4.4 seconds, onto a top speed of 168 mph. These stats aren't quite on par with those of its chief competitors, such as the BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG E63, and Cadillac CTS-V. However, the GS F is lighter than some of the competition, weighing in at 4150 lbs. The GS F's brakes are 15-inch rotors with six-piston calipers. This vehicle rides on 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires gripping the road. Its interior is hand-crafted in leather and carbon fiber. In short, the Lexus GS F is basically a four-door RC F. Pricing for this performance sedan starts at $85,380. I think the GS F is one of the best Lexus models in existence, but if I was given the choice, I would rather have a Cadillac CTS-V or a Mercedes-AMG E63. The latter two are faster, more powerful, better-looking, and better-sounding.

Corvette Stingray C7

By now, the newest generation of the Corvette needs little introduction. It is by far the best Vette ever made, looks amazing inside and out, and sheds its "Plastic Fantastic" image that the Corvette's critics have had for many years. It has many advantages over one of its chief rivals, the Porsche 911, such as vehicle layout, performance, and price. It has won many awards in its first year of production, almost too many to count in my opinion. From here, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.