Carson's Car Pics

Saturday, May 26, 2018

BAC Mono

This is one of the closest vehicles to being a race car for the street, the BAC Mono. Many of you viewing this post are probably unfamiliar with this insane track toy, so here's a little history: the BAC Mono was introduced in 2011 by Briggs Automotive Company, which is based in the United Kingdom. It is currently the only street-legal, one-seat performance car in existence. Early iterations were powered by a 2.3-liter Cosworth four-cylinder producing 285 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, with a 2.8-second 0-62 mph time and a 170 mph top speed. Newer versions have a more powerful 2.5-liter Mountune four-cylinder producing 305 horsepower and 227 lb-ft of torque. However, the Mono 2.5 tacks on 88 pounds compared to the Mono 2.3. Although it may not seem all that powerful or contain a massive engine, the BAC Mono's 525 hp-per-tonne power-to-weight ratio is the main factor contributing to its blisteringly fast acceleration and lap times. Every unit is equipped with a six-speed sequential semi-automatic gearbox and consists of a carbon fiber body over a steel chassis. A typical BAC Mono sells for around $200k, which tends to be more than what its nearest competitors, such as the Ariel Atom, KTM X-Bow, and Caterham Seven, generally sell for. That being said, the BAC Mono is absolutely crazy despite having no practicality whatsoever. As you can tell, it was created for thrill-seeking and not much else, and I am totally cool with that.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II

Before AMG became Mercedes-Benz's official in-house performance division, the three-pointed star offered the 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II as one of its first performance sedans. It is powered by a 2.5-liter four-banger with 232 horsepower. This high-performance 190E makes the sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), which were incredible figures for the early 1990s. A five-speed manual was the only gearbox offered with the 190E 2.5-16 Evo II. All 502 examples of the 190E 2.5-16 Evo II are painted in blue-black metallic. However, none of them were sold in the U.S. when they were new, but they can now be imported to the U.S. under the 25-year rule in place by the federal government. In summary, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II is a great, underrated super saloon that is more than a 1980s/early 1990s E-Class with a body kit. The example above, which I saw at the London Motor Museum last summer, would look better fitted with chrome, gray, or black wheels, but at least it is better at standing out from the rest of the pack with its red wheels than an untouched example would.

Monday, April 16, 2018

Lamborghini Countach

The Countach is one of Lamborghini's most iconic and recognizable vehicles. It was produced between 1974 and 1990, succeeding the Miura and preceding the Diablo. Marcello Gandini of Bertone originally designed the Countach. The example shown above is either a LP500 S/5000 S or LP5000 QV model, made between 1982 and 1988. Behind the seats of the LP500 S is a 4.8-liter V12 with 370 horsepower and 308 lb-ft of torque, while the 5000 QV makes 449 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque from its 5.2-liter V12. The Countach LP500 S can launch from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 182 mph. The 5000 QV can do the same in 4.8 seconds and 185 mph, respectively. The only gearbox available with the Countach is a five-speed manual. In the US, the Countach was fitted with enlarged front and rear bumpers to comply with safety regulations at the time it was in production. However, many Countach owners had these enlarged bumpers removed because the bumpers ruined the overall design and aerodynamics of the vehicle. This was also the case for several European exotics imported to the States in the 1980s, not just the Countach. On each side of every Countach, there are four side windows, and only the bottom center window opens partially. Its mirrors can be adjusted manually from the exterior since it would be difficult to do so from the interior. The exposed front lights aren't what you would think; they house the parking lights and turn signals, while the popup headlights are located right above them. The rear window of the Countach is so tiny that it is recommended that drivers open their door and stick their heads out of the vehicle when driving it in reverse. Used Countach examples can be had in the $300k-$500k range. Although it may seem difficult to drive, the Lamborghini Countach is one of the coolest cars of its heyday.

Friday, March 23, 2018

Chevy SS (2014-17)

It may look and seem boring and uninspiring to the average Joe, but the Chevy SS is the opposite of that and shouldn't be overlooked. Based on the Australian Holden Commodore VF, the Chevy SS is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 generating 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It can launch from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds, topping out at 160 mph. Consumers can choose between the six-speed automatic or the six-speed manual for the SS. Many modern technological features are included, such as GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension system (can adjust to feel like a luxury car or sports car), Chevy's MyLink infotainment system with navigation, an automatic parking system, heated and ventilated seats, a configurable heads-up display, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. The four-door Corvette is no longer on the market, but was priced anywhere between $45k and $50k when new. When in production, 3000 units of the Chevy SS were shipped to the US every year, so these didn't sell in large numbers. Unfortunately, there won't be a direct replacement for this car. For those who don't reside in Australia or New Zealand, the Holden Commodore range included a wagon, ute (small pickup), and a more hardcore model known as the HSV GTS. The UK also received the more hardcore model in the form of the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS, but sadly the States never received a similar model.With that being said, the Chevy SS is an underrated sleeper and will become a collectible classic in the next 20 years.

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Best of Car Shows 2017 Part 2

As I promised in Part 1 of this series, Part 2 would display the greatest and most unusual vehicles on display at legit car shows I attended last year, with the first one being in late September. This is also the last of the Best of 2017 posts, if you haven't figured it out already. I truly have no idea what's in store for the rest of this year, but I am certain that 2018 will be our year. Thank you for viewing and revisiting my content, and enjoy this juicy compilation.

1960s Cadillac Sedan Deville