1970-72 Chevy Monte Carlo

The Chevy Monte Carlo was introduced in the early 1970s at the height of the Muscle Car Era. The first-gen model shares many of its components with the Chevelle/Malibu, such as the chassis, body panels, interior, engines, and transmissions. It also looks longer than the Chevelle/Malibu. Engine options include 350, 400, 402, and 454 cu V8s with various power outputs. The best version of the Monte Carlo would have to be the SS 454 because of its displacement and raw power. Most of us can agree that the Monte Carlo got worse after its first generation in terms of its design, performance, and quality. This doesn't mean any of the following generations flat out suck. The Chevy Monte Carlo in general has had a ton of success in NASCAR when it was still in production. However, its glory days are long over. Although the Monte Carlo isn't as popular as other muscle cars, it deserves much respect because it's a great and capable large, rear-wheel drive coupe.

Maserati Quattroporte (2013-)

Maserati's flagship sedan, the Quattroporte, is currently in its sixth generation. For those of you who don't know, Quattroporte means "four doors" in Italian. It is available with two engine options: a 3.0-liter V6 in the S and S Q4 (AWD) producing 404 horses and a 3.8-liter V8 in the GTS producing 523 horses. Each trim level has twin turbos and an eight-speed automatic. The Quattroporte can hit 60 mph from a standstill in the four-second range. The interior is adorned with leather and features Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system. New features on the Quattroporte include a hands-free trunklid, blind-spot monitoring system, stop-start, Ermenegildo Zegna-endorsed trim packages, and a 900-watt Harmon Kardon audio system or Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. Pricing for the sixth-gen Maserati Quattroporte starts at $101,700 for the S and up to $143,600 for the GTS. It's not as common or spacious as some of its competitors, but the trident brand's flagship sedan is a fantastic automobile. I would be happier driving and owning a Mercedes-Benz S-class, however. To prevent any confusion, the sixteenth photo in the gallery contains an entry-level Maserati Ghibli in the left lane and not an additional Quattroporte.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991)

The current GT3 RS is one of the best Porsche 911s you can buy, and is the third fastest and most powerful 911 ever made, behind the new 911 R and current Turbo/S. Under the boot is a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six churning out 500 hp and 338 ft-lbs. of torque. It can hit 60 mph from a standstill in approximately three seconds, onto a top speed of 193 mph. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch. Even though the 911 GT3 RS's goal is to record better lap times and conserve weight, it's still available with air conditioning, navigation, and a stereo system, unlike the limited-edition 911 R. The trunk lid, front fenders, and engine cover are composed of carbon fiber, while the roof is a one-millimeter thick sheet of magnesium. Porsche claims that the magnesium roof is lighter than one made of aluminum by almost two and a half pounds and one made of carbon fiber by 28 ounces. If you are looking into purchasing a new 911 GT3 RS, you will have to fork over $180,595. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a monster on the track and street. It looks amazing and goes like stink. I'm not sure whether I would rather have this vehicle or a new 911 Turbo/S, however.

2017 Ford GT

The legendary Ford GT makes its triumphant return for the 2017 model year. The first and last examples are almost-production-ready prototypes that will go on sale later this year. The second example will race in the next 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Ford GT live configurator was recently launched on Ford's website, where you can customize your own Ford GT from a wide variety of options. It is powered by a mid-engine, twin-turbo 3.5-liter "EcoBeast" V6 producing at least 600 horsepower and 550 foot-pounds of torque. 0-60 mph is expected to be in the three-second range, onto a top speed of over 200 mph. This vehicle is constructed of mostly carbon fiber and has active aerodynamics. Its sole gearbox option is a seven-speed dual-clutch. It contains a retractable rear wing that deploys at highway speeds, helps improve aerodynamics, and keeps the vehicle on the ground while traveling very fast. The windshield is comprised of a strong, state-of-the-art material known as gorilla glass. Other notable features include beefy carbon-ceramic brakes, 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system. The Ford GT's starting price is estimated to be in the $400k range. In my opinion, the new Ford GT is an absolutely brilliant, cutting-edge supercar that can compete in the same league as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren. It also eliminates the "needs a V8 in order to be amazing" mentality that some gearheads would have.

2017 Mazda CX-9

The three-row Mazda CX-9 has been redesigned for 2017, and has significantly improved from its predecessor. It is powered by an all-new 2.5-liter Skyactiv turbo-four producing 250 horses and 310 foot-pounds of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional. There is a slight difference between the two versions when it comes to fuel economy, with the former rated at 22/28 mpg city/hwy and the latter at 21/27 mpg. These numbers make the new CX-9 the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid three-row crossover on the market. It is also one of the most stylish and underrated vehicles in its class. The second-gen CX-9 is offered in four trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and the all-new, top-of-the-line Signature. The Signature model makes the cabin seem like that of a Lexus; it is laden in legitimate rosewood trim, French-stitched detailing, and nappa leather. Mazdas are known for relatively high interior noise levels, but this has significantly decreased thanks partly to acoustic-laminated glass in the front windows and 53 lbs. of sound-quieting material in the floor. The new CX-9's length is 1.2 inches shorter than its predecessor, while its wheelbase measures 2.2 inches longer. Third-row access has been improved to where a single lever can easily shift the second row aside. Pricing for the 2017 Mazda CX-9 begins at $32,450 and tops out at $44,915. Mazda's flagship crossover is a great vehicle; however, I'm anticipating Mazdaspeed variants of the 3, 6, and MX-5 Miata, along with a reborn RX-7 more than the arrival of this vehicle in showrooms. In other words, the 3, 6, and Miata in Mazdaspeed form are expected in a few years' time, but no one knows whether there will be another RX rotary sports car.