Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

 

Cadillac introduced coupe and wagon versions alongside the traditional CTS sedan for the CTS' second generation. The high-performance CTS-V wagon will be the primary focus of this post, especially since I have a thing for fast wagons. It hit the market in 2011 and ended production in 2014. Powering the CTS-V Wagon is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 556 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, which was the Corvette-derived motor also used in the previous Camaro ZL1. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 190 mph. Power is sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. Roughly 500 examples of the Cadillac CTS-V with the six-speed manual are known to exist. Compared to the standard CTS wagon, the CTS-V contains adaptive magnetic dampers, Brembo brakes, and a limited-slip rear differential, among other performance-focused and racing-inspired options. It also has many of the same standard premium features as the regular CTS. The Cadillac CTS-V currently carries an average value between the high $30,000s and $50,000s. It may not trump my absolute favorite fast wagon in the Mercedes-AMG E63, but the Cadillac CTS-V wagon is an amazing, incredible, and underrated fast wagon and a rare breed of vehicle that deserves more appreciation from the masses.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

 

The Turbo S used to be the top-of-the-line Porsche Panamera, but Porsche has now kicked things up a notch by adding a hybrid powertrain for more power and greater performance over its internal combustion-only counterpart. Motivating the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired to an electric motor producing a combined 690 horsepower and 641 lb-ft of torque, which is mated to an 8-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. It makes the launch from zero to 60 mph in approximately three seconds and can hit a top speed of 196 mph. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is offered in standard sedan, long-wheelbase Executive, and Sport Turismo wagon forms. A few ways to distinguish the E-Hybrid Panamera models from the non-hybrid models include bright green brake calipers and bright green outlining around the badges. The E-Hybrid models also contain a 17.9-kWh battery with roughly 17 miles of electric driving range. Pricing for the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid starts at $187,700, but can quickly escalate past $200,000 with options. Overall, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is an amazing and impressive vehicle, and it is best in Sport Turismo form.

Audi RS7 (2014-18)

 

I have previously featured the current Audi RS7 on here not too long ago, and it is an amazing vehicle. This post will cover the first-generation RS7, which was produced from 2014 to 2018 and the first high-performance Audi sportback brought to the North American market. Powering the first-gen RS7 is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 552 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox. It launches from zero to 60 mph in the high three-second range. Although they may be rather subtle to the average Joe, distinguishing the RS7 from the A7 and S7 are bigger and sportier wheels and brakes, a sportier and more aggressive front fascia and rear splitter with dual exhausts, carbon fiber trim pieces, a power-extending spoiler, and RS badging throughout the vehicle, among other features and options. The first-gen RS7 also offered a Performance pack, which bumped power figures to 597 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque and shaved two-tenths of a second off of its 0-60 mph time. 

It received a mid-cycle refresh halfway through its production run in 2016 before getting a redesign for 2021. Audi was selling the previous RS6 Avant alongside the Previous RS7, but not in the U.S. until the current RS6 was released for the 2021 model year. Early-model year first-gen Audi RS7s are currently valued at around $60,000, while later-model year first-gen RS7s are valued in the $70,000-$80,000 range. Despite the second-gen and current RS7 being a significant improvement over the original, the first-gen RS7's greatness shouldn't be disregarded. Overall, the original and previous RS7 is a beautiful, underrated, and fantastic performance car.

Tesla Model S Plaid

 

After Tesla released the P90D and P100D versions of the Model S, many people, including myself, didn't think that Tesla vehicles could get any crazier. That is until now. The Plaid is the latest Model S trim to be introduced, and it outdoes both the P90D and P100D in terms of performance and engineering. In fact, the Model S Plaid blows most performance cars out of the water in a straight line. It is powered by a 99.3-kWh battery producing a whopping 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, sending power to all four wheels. The Model S Plaid launches from zero to 60 mph in a blisteringly quick two seconds and is capable of a 200 mph top speed. Like every current Tesla model, nearly everything in the Model S Plaid is based in and controlled by its large center infotainment screen. It also offers a yoke-style steering wheel and up to 396 miles of driving range. However, in general, the Model S isn't as luxurious and high-quality as the likes of Mercedes-Benz and some other premium automakers. 

Pricing for the Tesla Model S Plaid starts at $131,440. In all, the Model S Plaid is an absolutely insane, unbelievable, and astounding electric car with amazing tech and features. I see Tesla vehicles everywhere I go, but the Model S Plaid stands out to me the most (besides the original, not-so-common Roadster) due to its out-of-this-world stats and performance.

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

 

Jeep has revived the Grand Wagoneer for 2022 as its newest flagship model and is positioned as a serious full-size luxury SUV. Powering the Grand Wagoneer is a 6.4-liter V8 producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Notable features on the new Grand Wagoneer include an adaptive air suspension that can raise the vehicle up to 3.6 inches or lower it by half an inch, 10 inches of ground clearance, a 9680-pound towing capacity, a chrome grille, seating for seven or eight passengers, wood interior trim, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12-inch center touchscreen above a 10.3-inch touchscreen for the climate controls, and available additional 10.3-inch touchscreens for the front passenger and second row. Offered alongside the Grand Wagoneer is a more mainstream and less expensive version known as the Wagoneer. Pricing for the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer starts at around $90,000. Overall, the new Grand Wagoneer is an impressive, underrated, and spacious premium SUV. In addition, it is my favorite Jeep model besides the Grand Cherokee SRT Trackhawk.

Lexus LC 500 Convertible

 

After Lexus introduced their current flagship sports car, the LC, it was just a matter of time before a drop-top version of it would be released as well. The LC 500 Coupe and its hybrid version have been on the market since 2018, while the LC 500 Convertible has been out since 2021. Powering the LC 500 Convertible is a 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 producing 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque paired to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. It makes the launch from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 168 mph. Like the LC Coupe, the LC Convertible has a beautiful, well-crafted interior with leather and aluminum trim. It contains back seats, but they are so small and cramped that no one should sit back there. Its infotainment system is controlled by a touchpad in the center console rather than a touchscreen, and it retains some traditional interior elements such as an analog clock and partially analog gauge cluster. Many people have stated that the touchpad in the LC's center console is quite problematic. In addition, Lexus has sold very few LC Convertibles thus far, and I've only seen two of them in person, including the one above. 

Pricing for the Lexus LC 500 Convertible starts at $102,125. Overall, the LC is an absolutely gorgeous car, the best and coolest Lexus model currently available, and one of the best and coolest Japanese cars ever made. Despite some of its flaws, it's a shame that more LCs aren't being sold.

Mercedes-AMG CLA 35/45

 

The CLA 35 and 45 are the sportier, more performance-focused versions of Mercedes-Benz's entry-level four-door coupe. The 35 is the mid-level CLA trim, while the 45 is the top-of-the-line CLA model. Both AMG CLA models were released shortly after the current standard CLA, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in the 35 and 382 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque in the 45. The launch from zero to 60 mph occurs in 4.4 seconds for the 35 and 3.7 seconds for the 45. Both AMG CLA models come standard with 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive. The CLA 35 comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission, while the CLA 45 has an eight-speed automatic. Compared to the CLA 35, the CLA 45's main aesthetic differences are a more showy grille, wider front fenders, and additional aerodynamic bits and pieces. On the other hand, the CLA 35 and 45's interiors are practically the same. They both come with Mercedes-Benz's latest version of its MBUX infotainment system housed in a 14-inch display that stretches across much of the dashboard, which also contains the digital gauge cluster. In addition, the AMG CLA is available with black faux-suede accents, red seat belts, contrast stitching, and custom ambient interior lighting with illuminated circular air vents on the dashboard. 

Other notable features on the AMG CLA include carbon fiber trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and an available Drift mode exclusive to the CLA 45. Pricing for the current Mercedes-AMG CLA starts at $48,950 for the 35 and $56,950 for the 45. Overall, the current AMG CLA is a solid performance vehicle and a significant improvement over its predecessor. It may not be the best Mercedes-AMG model, but the current CLA looks beautiful, is well-crafted, and has some impressive technology.

BMW M5 (E39)

 

The E39-gen BMW M5 is the third generation of BMW's iconic super sedan. It was produced from 1999 to 2003 and is powered by a 4.9-liter S62 V8 with 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque paired to a six-speed manual. The E39 M5 can launch from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and can reach a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. It is also the first M5 to offer a V8 and feature aluminum parts in its front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The E39 M5's interior has been designed and constructed very well, containing a few oddball aspects here and there. Roughly 20,000 E39 M5s were built during its production run. It has appreciated in value more recently, with the first example featured in this post (in gray) currently for sale at almost $70,000 and the second example (in silver) also currently for sale at around $37,000. Overall, the E39-gen BMW M5 is a rather subtle yet stunning and impressive performance sedan. In addition, the late 90s to early 2000s M5 is cooler and better than at least 80 percent of all other BMW models.

Ferrari 575M Maranello

 The 575M Maranello is Ferrari's front-engine V12 grand touring two-seater from the early to mid 2000s and technically a mid-cycle refresh of the 550 Maranello. '575' refers to its V12's displacement in centiliters, while the 'M' stands for modified. It was produced from 2002 to 2006 and is powered by a 5.7-liter naturally-aspirated V12 with 508 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. The 575M makes the dash to 60 mph in about four seconds and carries a top speed of 202 mph. It was offered with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission, most of which came with the latter gearbox. The main noticeable difference between the 550 and the 575M physically is their front-end styling, specifically the grille. A total of just over 2,000 575Ms were built, in addition to a more limited drop-top version known as the 575M Superamerica toward the end of its production run. The 575M is currently valued at anywhere in the high $100,000s up to around half a million dollars. It may not be my absolute favorite Ferrari, but the 575M is a beautiful and amazing supercar that makes my jaw drop every time I see one up close. 

BMW M3/M4 (2021-)

 

Two of BMW's most popular and well-known models received complete redesigns for the 2021 model year. Many folks in the car community can agree that the latest M3 and M4 are the most polarizing ones yet. I'll explain why this is a bit later. Powering the new M3 and M4 are a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 473 to 503 horsepower and 406 to 479 lb-ft of torque, with the former figures applying to the base M3/M4 and the latter figures applying to the M3/M4 Competition. Both models launch from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds for the base M3/M4, 3.8 seconds for the M3/M4 Competition, and 3.4 seconds for the M3/M4 Competition xDrive. The new M3 and M4 are capable of a top speed of 180 mph. The base M3 and M4 are offered only with a 6-speed manual, while the M3 and M4 Competition are only offered with an 8-speed automatic. 

Notable standard features include adaptive dampers, adjustable brake-pedal feel, increased use of carbon fiber over the regular 3 Series and 4 Series, a 12.3-inch touchscreen that can also be controlled via a rotary knob and/or buttons in the center console, additional sportier M driving modes, an electronically-controlled exhaust system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Harmon/Kardon audio system. Optional features include the M Drift Analyzer, gesture controls, a subscription-based WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that the M3 has a roomier backseat than the M4. 

Pricing for the current BMW M3 and M4 starts in the low $70,000s and can quickly approach $90,000 with options. They are great vehicles, but the biggest issue I have with the new M3 and M4 is their front-end styling. More specifically, the kidney grille is too big, looks out of place, and ruins the entire design, despite the current M3 and M4 looking pretty good from the rear and side angles. In addition, the M3 and M4 have other flaws that make me see them as inferior to other performance cars and its competitors, especially the Mercedes-AMG C63, Audi RS5, and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifolgio. I haven't seen too many examples of the current M3 and M4 up close and in person so far, but I expect to see more of them on the street and at car meets like I have with the previous M3 and M4 as time goes by and more of them are produced.