McLaren M6GT

The M6GT is one of McLaren's earliest endurance racing vehicles and road car prototypes. However, the example above is a replica. Instead of a hand-built V8, V10, or V12 from McLaren, power is sourced from a Chevy 383 V8 producing around 300 horsepower. The original M6GT had an estimated 0 to 100 mph time of eight seconds and a 165 mph top speed. Bruce McLaren made only three M6GTs before he unexpectedly passed away in 1970. In addition, the entire M6GT project had to be shelved because McLaren was unable to meet the FIA's new regulations at the time. Regardless of its fate, the McLaren M6GT is an incredible car that deserved a second chance in motorsports and on the road.

Toyota GR Supra

The Toyota Supra has made its long-awaited return for the 2020 model year. It was created as a result of a partnership between Toyota and BMW and shares many of its components with the new BMW Z4. Also, unlike previous Supra models, the fifth-gen Supra is assembled in Austria alongside the current BMW Z4. Powering the new Supra is a BMW 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six producing 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic. It travels from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. The "GR" in its name stands for Gazoo Racing, one of Toyota's in-house tuners. The 2020 Supra is available in base, Premium, and Launch Edition trims. Although its infotainment system is directly from BMW, Toyota hides any evidence of that very well. Pricing for the revived Supra starts at just under $50,000. It should be no surprise that at this year's SEMA show, several modified Mk 5 Supras were displayed for the first time. I have always been a fan of the Toyota Supra, and the latest one definitely excites me. It may not be my absolute favorite sports car, but it is by far the best and coolest Toyota available today.

NSU Prinz 1000 TT

To be fair, I did not know of this vehicle until I saw it displayed at a car show about a month ago. It was also one of the most unusual cars at that specific car show and reminds me of a baby first-gen Chevy Corvair. Produced by one of the automakers that eventually merged to form Audi, the NSU Prinz 1000 TT specifically lasted from 1965 to 1967 with just over 14,000 examples made. Its rear-mounted engine is a 1.1-liter four-cylinder churning out less than 100 horsepower and mated to a four-speed manual. The 1000 TT is one of several NSU Prinz models manufactured between 1961 and 1972 and distinguished by a large black stripe connecting the headlights. Speaking of the headlights, those on the sporty Prinz TT models are dual, round, and positioned in the same frame compared to the standard Prinz models' massive, oval-shaped headlights. Later versions had bigger, more powerful motors and dropped the "Prinz" part of its name. Despite its low power numbers, the NSU Prinz 1000 TT is no slouch. It is a neat little car, considering I had never seen one in the flesh until relatively recently.

Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

The Challenge Stradale is the track-focused version of the Ferrari 360 Modena, like how the Speciale is to the 458 and the Pista is to the 488. It was introduced at the end of the 360's production run in 2004 and is powered by a 3.6-liter V8 with 419 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. The launch from 0 to 60 mph occurs in 4 seconds onto a top speed of 176 mph. The 360 Challenge Stradale's V8 is mated to a 6-speed manual. Compared to the standard 360 Modena, the 360 Challenge Stradale has 20 more horsepower and sheds 240 pounds off its curb weight. In addition, the Challenge Stradale model comes standard with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, carbon racing seats, no radio, plexiglass windows, and Alcantara instead of leather. Less than 1,300 examples of the 360 Challenge Stradale were made, typically fetching around the low $200,000s on the used market. It is an incredible and thrilling Prancing Horse but not as impressive and appealing as its successors, the 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale, and 488 Pista.

Related: Ferrari 430 Scuderia 

Aston Martin DB11

The DB11 is Aston Martin's latest grand touring model. It was introduced for the 2017 model year as a replacement for the DB9. Unlike the DB9, the DB11 offers two new engines: a 4.0-liter Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo V8 producing 503 horsepower and 498 lb-ft of torque and a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 630 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph times are approximately 4 seconds for the V8 and 3.6 seconds for the V12. Top speeds are 187 mph for the V8 and 208 mph for the V12. Both engine options are paired to a ZF 8-speed automatic. The DB11 features an updated aluminum body compared to the DB9 and is the first turbocharged Aston Martin model. Inside, most everything in the cabin is covered in leather and top-notch. Its infotainment system and controls are borrowed from Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-Benz traits in new Aston Martin models are due to a bargaining agreement made between Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz four years ago. The DB11 comes with two rear seats, but they are small and cramped like in many coupes and convertibles. In addition, the DB11 AMR, created by Aston Martin's performance sub-brand, rounds out the DB11 portfolio. An even faster and more performance-oriented DB11 exists in the form of the DBS Superleggera, which I will give more details about once I see one in person and get photos of it. Pricing for Aston Martin's current grand tourer starts at $201,495. The DB11 looks absolutely stunning and is one of the best Aston Martin models to date. I am in awe every time I see one up close and would have difficulty choosing between the DB11 and other grand tourers currently on the market.

Lamborghini Gallardo (2003-2007)

The Gallardo is one of the most popular and best-selling Raging Bulls. I could feature every Gallardo model in this post, but I am focusing on the first-gen standard Gallardo for this one. It is the first all-new Lamborghini model introduced since Audi acquired the Italian supercar manufacturer. Powering the original Gallardo is a 5.0-liter V10 producing 513 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. It makes the launch from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 198 mph. The original Gallardo features a rear-biased all-wheel drive system and is paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed E-gear electrohydraulic manual. The E-gear allows the driver to make faster, more responsive shifts than a standard manual gearbox. A fleet of Lamborghini Gallardos were commissioned by the Italian State Police in the mid 2000s for highway and traffic patrol use. Select aftermarket tuners offer twin turbo kits for the Gallardo that can increase power output up to 2000 horsepower. The Gallardo was updated significantly in 2008 and updated again in 2013 before getting replaced by the Huracan in 2014. Several limited edition and special edition models were created toward the end of the Gallardo's production run. As of now, the original Lamborghini Gallardo is valued between the high $80,000s and the low $100,000s. It is a fantastic vehicle and an excellent supercar bargain but doesn't stand out like newer and more exclusive Lamborghinis.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2006-17)

This isn't the newest Aston Martin Vantage but is the previous-gen model. It was introduced as an entry-level model into the Aston Martin lineup back in 2005. The 2000's Vantage offered two ranges of V8 and V12 models, but the main focus of this post is on the V8 model. Early model-year V8 Vantages featured a 4.3-liter V8 producing 380 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque, hitting 60 mph from a standstill in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph. Later model-year V8 Vantages upgraded to a 4.7-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual and 6-speed Sportshift semi-automatic were available with the V8 Vantage, while a 7-speed Sportshift II semi-automatic replaced the latter transmission in later model-year V8 Vantages. Its interior appears simplistic and functional while still having a premium feel to it. On the secondhand market, the average V8 Vantage sells for as low as the upper $20,000s and as high as the low $100,000s, making for a great value among sports cars. Overall, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a beautiful car that is comfortable and spacious enough to be driven daily and has the performance and capability to be pushed to its limits on a racetrack or mountain road.

Jaguar I-Pace

For several decades, Jaguar was best known for its sports cars and luxury sedans. Due to a market shifting toward SUVs and crossovers, Jaguar now has three crossovers in its portfolio: the F-Pace, E-Pace, and I-Pace. The I-Pace, featured in this post, is Jaguar's first fully-electric vehicle and aimed at the likes of the Tesla Model X. It is powered by a 90 kWh battery producing 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque, boasting a 234-mile range. The I-Pace travels from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and is offered in three trim levels: S, HS, and HSE. As expected from a premium electric crossover, the I-Pace contains loads of technology and a significant amount of space and comfort. Pricing for Jaguar's electric crossover starts at around $70k. In related news, Audi's entrant into the electric crossover segment, the e-Tron, is available now, and Mercedes-Benz's electric crossover, the EQC, will go on sale sometime next year. Back to the I-Pace, it is a great car with amazing styling and features, but the Tesla Model X remains the gold standard for electric crossovers and SUVs.

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