Bentley Mulsanne

 

The Mulsanne was Bentley's flagship sedan of the 2010s. It was introduced in 2010, with the Speed model added in 2014; the Mulsanne received a facelift and a long-wheelbase model in 2016. Powering the Mulsanne is a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 505 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque in the base model, 530 horsepower and a whopping 811 lb-ft of torque in the Speed model. 0 to 60 mph occurs in 5.1 seconds for the base Mulsanne and 4.8 seconds for the Mulsanne Speed, propelling each model to top speeds of 184 and 190 mph respectively. Every Mulsanne is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Unlike most Bentleys, the Mulsanne was completely developed and handcrafted internally by Bentley and doesn't borrow any platforms or components from Rolls-Royce or Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bugatti, etc.). As you would expect, its interior is nothing short of amazing, with comfort and amenities only bested by that of Rolls-Royce. Unfortunately, the Mulsanne will be discontinued after the 2020 model year. The remaining new 2020 Mulsannes carry a starting price of $316,525. On a side note, Bentley announced a few moths ago that all of its vehicles starting in 2030 will be electric, which will mark the end of an era for the Flying B brand. In all, the Bentley Mulsanne is a beautiful, opulent, and great luxury sedan. I hope Bentley has a direct replacement in the works, but I understand if there won't be a replacement for the Mulsanne since the Flying Spur is still in its lineup and the market prefers SUVs in general. In addition, I think the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Phantom are better than the Mulsanne among ultra luxury sedans, but the latter is still quite impressive nonetheless.

Porsche Cayenne (2019-)

Porsche's flagship SUV entered its third generation last year and, for the first time ever, added a coupe version for this year. Each body style is offered in six trims: base, S, E-Hybrid, GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S E-Hybrid. 

The base Cayenne and Cayenne S feature a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the base model, and 434 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque in the S model. The launch from 0 to 60 mph occurs in 5.9 seconds for the base Cayenne, 5.7 seconds for the base Cayenne coupe, 4.9 seconds for the Cayenne S, and 4.7 seconds for the Cayenne S coupe. Top speeds for the base Cayenne and Cayenne S vary between 150 mph and 164 mph. The Cayenne E-Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 paired to an electric motor producing a combined 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, launching from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7-4.8 seconds and capable of a 157 mph top speed. The Cayenne GTS and Turbo feature a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 460 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque in the GTS, and 541 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque in the Turbo. 0-60 mph times are 4.5-4.2 seconds for the GTS and 3.5 seconds for the Turbo. The Cayenne GTS' top speed is 167 mph, while that of the Cayenne Turbo is 177 mph. The top-of-the-line Turbo S E-Hybrid has the same twin-turbo V8 as the GTS and Turbo models except paired to an electric motor. This specific hybrid setup is good for a combined 670 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque, propelling the vehicle to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph. Every Cayenne model is mated to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The battery in the E-Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid models has been upgraded from 14.1 kWh to a 17.9 kWh capacity for 2021.

The major difference between the standard Cayenne and the Cayenne coupe are their rooflines. The Cayenne coupe has a sleeker roofline, resulting in less cargo space, an altered curb weight, and increased aerodynamics compared to the regular Cayenne. Both Cayenne body styles offer plenty of cabin space along with a 12.3-inch center touchscreen and Porsche Connect Plus containing a WiFi hotspot and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Unlike some of its competitors, the Porsche Cayenne doesn't offer third-row seating. Most Cayenne models include adaptive dampers, four-wheel steering, and active anti-roll bars for solid performance and handling. On top of that, the Cayenne has an endless amount of options that can be added on and fully customized to the owner's preferences. Pricing for the new Porsche Cayenne starts at $68,850 for the base model and up to $166,200 for the Turbo S E-Hybrid coupe, which excludes options, taxes, and dealer fees. In general, the Porsche Cayenne is a great, well-performing SUV not only on the street and track, but off-road as well. It is also super stylish, and the higher-end Cayenne models are capable of outrunning some traditional supercars. If you are in the market for a luxury SUV, the Porsche Cayenne should be towards the top of your shopping list.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (2020-)

 

The Shelby GT500 is the top-of-the-line, fastest, and most powerful Mustang. The newest GT500 is also the most powerful Ford vehicle in history. The current GT500 has been around for roughly a year, with the example above being the only one I've spotted in the wild thus far. It is powered by a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch. It launches from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and is capable of a top speed of nearly 200 mph and an 11-second quarter mile time. Distinguishing the Shelby GT500 from the other Mustang models are a more aggressive front end, Cobra badging instead of the standard Mustang badging, additional hood vents for increased aerodynamics, a bigger rear wing, more aggressive side skirts, and a rear seat delete, along with other options. Pricing for the new Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang starts at approximately $74k, with options and dealer markup pushing the flagship 'Stang past $100k. In regards to the Mustang lineup for 2021, the Shelby GT350/R will be on its way out, while the Mach 1 will be making its return and the electric Mach E crossover will be going on sale for the first time. Overall, the 2020 Shelby GT500 Mustang improves on the greatness of the GT350 and is one of the coolest Mustangs ever made and one of my favorite Mustangs of all time. It is a beast on the track and in a straight line, and it makes its presence known everywhere it goes. In terms of muscle cars, I prefer the Shelby GT500 over the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, but I see it as neck and neck with the Chevy Camaro ZL1/1LE. 

Karma Revero GT

 

The Karma Revero is a rebranded, restyled, and updated Fisker Karma. The example above is the current GT model that received a facelift for the 2020 model year. Why is Karma now a standalone brand? Henrik Fisker introduced the Fisker Karma back in 2011, but roughly five years later, his company declared bankruptcy and sold its assets to a Chinese company known as Wanxiang Group, who rebranded Fisker as Karma Automotive. Powering the Revero GT is a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder sourced from BMW and paired to two electric motors. This setup produces 536 horsepower and goes from 0 to 60 mph in around 4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 125 mph. It has an estimated electric range of 61 miles but can travel up to 80 miles before the battery runs flat. Like many electric vehicles, the Karma Revero GT's only transmission option is a 1-speed automatic. It seats two up front and two in the rear with its center console extending the length of the cabin. The Revero GT carries a base price of $146,600, with fully loaded examples coming in at over $160,000. It doesn't offer as many cool features or perform as well as the Tesla Model S, but the Karma Revero GT stands out to me because it is more rare and looks more polarizing than the Model S. I have spotted my fair share of Fisker Karmas in the past, but I hadn't seen a new Karma Revero up close until my most recent visit to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks two months ago. I also found it unexpected since I usually don't see rare and unusual vehicles in mountainous areas with rough terrain. What made that moment even more special was that the sides of the Karma Revero above stated "PRE-PRODUCTION TEST VEHICLE". You may not notice the designation right away, but you will once you zoom into the second photo; not something you or I would see on the road everyday. 

In addition, speaking of unexpected vehicles in the mountains, parked a few vehicles down from the Karma Revero GT that day were a Mercedes-AMG C63 coupe and a new Toyota Supra next to each other, which was pretty crazy. I did get photos of those two vehicles, but they will be reserved for potential posts in the future. 

In the meantime, here is an example of the Fisker Karma, the Karma Revero's predecessor, that I spotted two weeks after my trip to Kings Canyon and Sequoia two months ago. 

2020 BMW 8 Series

BMW has brought back the 8 Series last year as a replacement for the 6 Series. For those who may not know, the first 8 Series was a grand touring coupe based on the 7 Series that was sold throughout most of the 90s, specifically from 1991 to 1997. The new 8 Series isn't considered a direct replacement for the 90s model since the new model is positioned as more of a sports car than a grand tourer. Like its 6 Series predecessor, the 8 Series is offered in coupe, convertible, and 4-door Gran Coupe styles. Five trim levels are available on the 8 Series: 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, and M8 Competition. 

The 840i is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six producing 335 horsepower and 328 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic. It launches from 0 to 60 mph in the 4-second range. Exact 0-60 mph times vary depending on the trim level and body style. The base 840i comes standard with rear-wheel drive while the rest of the 8 Series lineup has BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. The M850i xDrive is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, propelling the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds. The M8 and M8 Competition have the same engine as the M850i upgraded to 600 horsepower for the standard M8 and 617 horsepower for the Competition model. 0 to 60 mph is accomplished in 3.1 seconds for the standard M8 and 3.0 seconds for the M8 Competition, making them the fastest vehicles ever made by BMW. 

Notable features on all 8 Series models include soft-close doors, multi-color ambient lighting, power-adjustable heated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. Compared to the 840i, the M850i has a sportier appearance, better handling, better aerodynamics, new wheels, and upgraded sport seats; the M8 and M8 Competition improve on those changes and have an increased use of carbon fiber to save weight. Pricing for the BMW 8 Series starts at $88,000 for the base 840i coupe and climbs up to $160,000 for the M8 Competition convertible. I'm not the biggest BMW fan, and I tend to prefer Mercedes-Benz, but the new 8 Series looks beautiful and is my favorite vehicle in BMW's current lineup.

Rolls-Royce Wraith/Dawn

The Rolls-Royce Wraith and Dawn are the coupe and convertible variants of the Ghost and one of the most luxurious coupes and convertibles on the market, introduced in 2013 and 2015 respectively. The Spirit of Ecstasy brand isn't as known for performance, but the Wraith and Dawn are the fastest Rolls-Royce models to date. Powering the Wraith and Dawn are a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 with 624 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque for the Wraith and 563 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque for the Dawn. Both vehicles launch from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and are mated to an 8-speed automatic. Like several Rolls-Royce models, the doors on both the Wraith and Dawn are rear-hinged and swing open unconventionally. Since the Wraith has a fixed roof, it offers the Rolls-Royce signature starry night sky ceiling in the cabin. There are endless ways to customize the Wraith and Dawn through the Spirit of Ecstasy's Bespoke Program, so basically no two examples are the same. Their cabins combine traditional and modern elements into one amazing package. Traditional elements include analog clocks and gauges, along with a variety of leather and wood trims. Modern elements include infotainment and navigation borrowed from BMW, in-car WiFi, and real-time traffic updates. Both models can seat up to four, although the rear seats may not be as comfortable and spacious as those in the Ghost, Phantom, and Cullinan. Like every other Rolls-Royce model, the center caps on the Wraith and Dawn's wheels are weighted and stay in place when their wheels spin. Pricing starts at $332,000 for the Wraith and $359,250 for the Dawn. All in all, the Rolls-Royce Wraith and Dawn are gorgeous and incredibly fine cars. Very few can beat the comfort, luxury, and attention to detail that Rolls-Royce is known for.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S

The AMG GT 63 S is the Three-Pointed Star's current flagship sports car with an extra set of doors and increased practicality. It was introduced over a year ago to take the AMG CLS 63's place in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. In addition, Mercedes-AMG later added the lower-level 43 and 53 trims to the GT 4-door. Powering the AMG GT 63 S is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 630 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque paired to an 9-speed Speedshift automatic. It launches from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and is capable of a 195 mph top speed. Every AMG GT 4-door model has standard 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive. An active rear spoiler is standard on the GT 63 S, while a fixed carbon fiber rear wing is optional. Other notable features include front performance bucket seats, a 12.3-inch center display and digital gauge cluster, Mercedes-Benz's COMAND infotainment system controlled by a touch pad, color display buttons, Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist, and car-to-cloud communication. Pricing for the GT 63 S starts at $161,200. In addition to being a more practical AMG GT sports car, the GT 63 S is similar to the AMG E63 S, except with sleeker styling, better handling, and a hatchback-style liftgate. Overall, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door is one of my favorite current Three-Pointed Star-branded vehicles. I enjoy the E63 S just as much as the GT 63 S; the latter is guaranteed to turn more heads. However, it doesn't have the exclusivity factor of the E63 S wagon, but the GT 63 S is still amazing.

Aston Martin DB11 Volante

The DB11 Volante is the open-top form of Aston Martin's current grand touring cruiser. Other than the soft top, it should come as no surprise that the DB11 Volante is mostly similar to its coupe counterpart. Powering the DB11 Volante is a AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 503 horsepower and 513 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic. It launches from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds and can reach a top speed of 187 mph. Aston Martin opted not to offer the DB11 Volante with the 5.2-liter V12 available in the coupe and AMR variants because the former is 243 pounds heavier. Aston Martin also wants to ensure that the Volante's infrastructure remains unscathed and secure at high speeds. Like most convertibles, the DB11 Volante's backseats are small and shouldn't be used to regularly transport people. Pricing for the DB11 Volante starts at around $256,000. The Volante is not my preferred DB11 model, but it is a beautiful, elegant, and amazing car nonetheless.

Related:Aston Martin DB11