Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG (2011-14)

 

From 2011 to 2014, the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG was in its second generation before receiving a mid-cycle refresh for the 2015 model year. Like many AMG models of its era, the CLS63 features a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 550 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and can hit a top speed of up to 186 mph. The base CLS63 is rear-wheel drive, while the S model is all-wheel drive. Both versions are paired to a seven-speed automatic with a manual shifting mode. The CLS63 AMG also contains a distinct grille, distinct badges, a dual-exhaust setup,  carbon fiber trim, and an adaptive sport suspension to further distinguish it from non-AMG CLS models. 

As for the example in this post, I saw it at a car meet this past summer. I spoke to its owner and he mentioned that it was purchased and initially modified in Texas. In addition, this particular example has been tuned to 650 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque with a host of other performance upgrades, which increased the total cost of the car to around $200,000. In all, it is absolutely incredible and one of my favorite vehicles at the car meet I saw it on display at. It was also one of a handful of vehicles at that specific car meet besides the R33 Skyline GT-R in the previous post that stood out to me the most. 

Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33)

 

The R33-gen Nissan Skyline GT-R is one of a handful of highly sought-after Japanese sports cars that were never originally sold Stateside. It was produced from 1995 to 1998 and features the same 2.6-liter twin-turbo RB26DETT inline-six as its predecessor, the R32 Skyline GT-R. The RB26DETT in the R33 Skyline GT-R makes 304 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque when stock. It is also all-wheel drive and  paired to a five-speed manual, launching from zero to 60 mph in around five seconds and topping out at 155 mph. All R33 Skyline GT-Rs are right-hand drive and were initially only sold in right-hand drive markets, such as Japan, the UK, and Australia, but are now legal to import to the U.S. under federal regulations. The Skyline GT-R R33 is currently valued at around $50,000 but will gradually and continually appreciate over time. 

 

In all, I am not a huge fan of the Nissan brand and its vehicles in general, but the Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 is an absolutely amazing Japanese sports car. I saw one up close for the first time ever this past summer and spotted it again a few months later, and I was in complete awe both times. It is certainly cooler and better than the R32 Skylines I previously featured on this site, but not quite on the level of its successor, the R34 Skyline GT-R, in terms of its overall appeal.

Best of Car Spotting 2021 Part 1

 It's that time of year once again, and that means wrapping up the best photos and moments from 2021. Although the world is still grappling with the pandemic, 2021 has by far been better than 2020 due to the widespread availability of COVID vaccines and more of society opening up once again. This also means more car shows and more spotting opportunities took place this year compared to last. 

First, I will begin with the first half of Best of Car Spotting, showcasing the best and most unusual cars I spotted from January to June of 2021. Like in previous years, I separate Best of Car Spotting into two parts because I believe putting it all into one would make the post unreasonably long. 

Without further ado, here's Part One of Best of Car Spotting 2021: 

Ferrari 488 Spider

 

 

Porsche 911 Turbo/S (992)

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991)

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Bentley Mark VI

Lamborghini Urus

Ferrari 488 Pista Spider

Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD

Mercedes-Benz 220 (W115)

 

Most of you may already know that I am a big Mercedes-Benz guy. Whenever I spot a rare classic Mercedes model in any context, I am automatically intrigued. The 220 was produced from 1968 to 1973 and is powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder paired to either a 4-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. It is the midsize sedan that slotted below the S-Class and featured an all-new suspension compared to every Three-Pointed Star model before it. The W115 also offered diesel, coupe, and long-wheelbase variants as well. Standard features include power disc brakes and power steering, which many vehicles during its era didn't have. Its interior is comfy and roomy with a fairly simple layout. Overall, it may not be fast or powerful, but the W115-gen 220 is a great classic Benz that stands the test of time very well.