1939 Porsche Type 64 60K10

The Type 64 is Porsche's first ever production car. It contains styling elements from other upscale  vehicles of its era and inspired the 356 that came after it. Powered by a flat-four making around 40 horsepower, this vehicle was crafted to compete in the 1939 Berlin-Rome endurance race but was ultimately scrapped due to the beginning of World War II. Only three Type 64s were ever made. Two of those three were restored and survive to this day, including the example above. The Type 64 is not as well-known in the automotive world but is an important car since it is the ancestor of every other Porsche in history. I am fascinated by the earliest Porsche model due to its design, rarity, and significance.

2019 Mercedes-Benz G550

It may not look like it at first glance, but the legendary G-Wagen has been given a thorough redesign for 2019. The new model has improved on many of the previous generation's flaws but remains true to its roots. For example, the previous G-Wagen contained exposed screws in its turn signals and reflectors, but that is no longer the case with the new model. There is little to no panel gap in the new model compared to the old one. The backup camera in the new G-Wagen is hidden below its spare tire instead of being tacked on above the rear window like in the old model. The rear wiper is now at the base of the rear window covered by the spare tire instead of the top of the rear window exposed to the elements. The third brake light in the new model is integrated into the design of the car unlike the previous one, which had its third brake light mounted from inside the vehicle. Other new G-Wagen improvements consist of proper cup holders, a traditional glove box, and an electronic parking brake. Some of the flaws listed here aren't a big deal to me, but I like how Mercedes-Benz cleaned up the design of the new G-Wagen compared to the previous model.

Powering the new G550 is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 making 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and offers a 9-speed automatic gearbox, replacing the 7-speed automatic in the previous model. Its interior has been modernized with the rest of the car, containing more technology and less clutter. The 2019 G550 carries a starting price of $124,500, with options and packages quickly escalating the price from there. Despite often being used as a status symbol, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is one of the best SUVs currently available. Its eye-catching, go-anywhere abilities are practically unmatched. I would choose the G-Wagen over the Range Rover but have a tough time picking between the G-Wagen and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Featured here are photos I took of the previous G-Wagen this year to physically compare the two models.

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

When Dodge released the Challenger Hellcat and Charger Hellcat in 2015, most people thought that factory muscle cars couldn't get any crazier. That all changed with the introduction of the limited edition Challenger Demon last year. Its specs are mind-boggling: 808 horsepower (840 on 100-plus octane racing fuel) and 770 lb-ft of torque from its 6.2-liter supercharged V8, 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds, and a 1/4-mile time of 9.65 seconds @ 140 mph, just to name a handful. It doesn't stop there. As a result of its 1/4-mile time, the Challenger Demon has been banned by the NHRA because it doesn't contain an approved cage behind the seat(s). Unlike any production vehicle before it, the Challenger Demon is capable of performing wheelies at launch. It pulls 1.8g of force under acceleration, more than any other car. The Challenger Demon is the first street car to have a TransBrake, which is used to boost launch consistency and driver reaction time at launch on the drag strip, and torque reserve, which increases supercharger revs without straining the brakes and spinning the rear tires. As you would expect from a vehicle like the Challenger Demon, it forgoes the rear seats; however, the front passenger seat is also removed, but can be added for $1. The Dodge Challenger Demon contains the biggest functional hood scoop of any production vehicle. Other production car firsts for the Challenger Demon consist of a liquid-to-air intercooler chiller system, drag radials, and drag-oriented suspension.

The Challenger Demon weighs 200 pounds less than the Challenger Hellcat. Like other Chrysler products, it features vehicle-specific graphics on its windows. In this case, the window graphics are of a Challenger Demon doing a burnout. The top-of-the-line Challenger has an Eco mode and goes faster than pretty much any other car in Eco mode. In addition to the massive hood scoop, the Challenger Demon contains two air intakes in the headlights. Dodge advises Demon owners not to drive their vehicles in wet weather, freezing temperatures, or on the highway as these conditions will wear down its drag slicks faster. Dodge also advises that Demon owners who opt for no front passenger seat do not try to install one themselves as the front passenger will not be properly protected in an accident. Drive modes exclusive to the Demon are Drag Mode and Race Cool Down Mode. Pricing for the Challenger Demon starts in the low $80,000s, with dealer markups increasing that past $100,000.

To wrap things up, the Dodge Challenger Demon is absolutely bonkers. Although I tend to prefer the Camaro and Mustang over the Challenger, the Demon's performance capabilities are out of this world. I am completely enthused and blown away by this vehicle, and I can't imagine how any automaker would be able to produce a more extreme car.

The following photos are of other modern Dodge Challenger models slotted below the Demon (R/T, R/T Scat Pack, Hellcat, R/T T/A).

2008 Porsche RS Spyder

Most of you may recall the 919 Hybrid I posted almost six months ago. Its predecessor is the RS Spyder displayed here. Motivating this LMP2 racer is a 3.4L V8 with 503 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. Porsche teamed up with Penske Motorsport to race in the LMP2 class since it was closed off to Porsche directly. In a span of three seasons, RS Spyders recorded 24 class wins and 11 overall wins, with their biggest win coming at the 2008 12 Hours of Sebring. This makes the RS Spyder one of the most successful Porsche prototype racing vehicles of all time. Due to changing regulations, Porsche discontinued racing the RS Spyder in 2011. Nonetheless, it is a marvelous race car that deserves all the recognition and is worth every penny.

Lexus LS500

The LS500 is the latest version of Lexus' flagship sedan. It ditches the naturally-aspirated 4.6-liter V8 in the previous LS460 in favor of a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 generating 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Lexus' full-size luxury sedan launches from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 136 mph. The LS500 is available with either RWD or AWD and in standard or F Sport trim. A hybrid version is also included in the LS500 lineup with less power and slightly better mileage than the gas-only model. All LS500 models are equipped with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The vehicle rides on the same platform as the LC500/h coupe and contains a handcrafted, sophisticated interior. Its interior features a rear seat infotainment system that controls many functions, such as the rear seat controls, climate controls, radio, sunshades, and lamps. Unlike in most cars, the LS500's head-up display indicates upcoming traffic signals, signs, and oncoming vehicles. The panel to the right of the center screen and above the glove box  appears to be a screen, but isn't actually a screen. Other notable features consist of Lexus' Adaptive Variable Suspension and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Pricing for the Lexus LS500 starts at $75,300 for the base RWD model, $79,810 for the hybrid, $84,520 for the F Sport AWD model, and up to $120,000 for all the fix-ins (i.e. Executive Package). In summary, the LS500 is an excellent luxury sedan with an unmatched level of craftsmanship. I may not purchase one over a new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but the current Lexus LS is a great vehicle nonetheless.

Porsche 928 H50 Concept

To be honest, I had no clue a station wagon prototype based on the Porsche 928 existed until I saw it on display at the Petersen Auto Museum back in August. It was unveiled in 1987 and created for Ferry Porsche's 75th birthday but not until the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance was it showcased to the public. The 928 H50 was also one of Porsche's first ideas for a 4-seater/family tourer and may have been the main inspiration for the Panamera that came over two decades later. Powering this prototype is a 5.0-liter V8 producing 330 horsepower, boasting a top speed of 168 mph. These performance numbers are less than those of the production 928. The most notable element of the H50 compared to the production 928 and other 928 design studies is its two additional half-doors. Porsche decided the 928 H50 didn't meet the company's expectations of the vehicle, therefore stowing it away for 25 years and remaining a prototype. Overall, the 928 H50 is a cool concept that stands out in the Porsche crowd. I was amazed when I saw it for the first time and knew it was special.

Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0

The Lamborghini Diablo VT featured here was released toward the end of its production run in 2001 before getting replaced by the Murcielago. Around this time, Chrysler sold Lamborghini to Audi, who began to lead the supercar manufacturer in a somewhat different direction. The Diablo VT is distinguished by a revised front fascia with two sizable air intakes, new headlights and fog lights, and a bigger bumper. Powering this Raging Bull is a 6.0-liter V12 churning out 550 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. It makes the launch from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and is only available with a five-speed manual. This version of the Diablo is valued at approximately $300,000 on today's used marketplace. In short, the Diablo is absolutely marvelous and a true Lambo in every sense. However, I find the Murcielago and Aventador that came after it much more amazing despite being less common than its successors.

1973 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-X

If you are a regular on this site, you are probably aware that I am not a huge Nissan guy. However, I will make exceptions in regards to the early Skylines and modern GT-Rs. Nicknamed "Kenmeri," the Skyline 2000 GT-X displayed here was found in the U.S. and restored and modified to glory. Under the hood is a RB26DETT twin-turbo straight-6 from the R33-gen Skyline GT-R producing 552 horsepower and 421 lb-ft of torque. The R33 engine is paired to a RB25DET 5-speed manual. The earliest Nissan Skylines weren't engineered for left-hand drive markets like the U.S. and continental Europe, therefore it was never originally sold in those markets. Several other later-model GT-R parts were used to complete this build. In short, the Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-X "Kenmeri" is an incredible tuner vehicle with a great background story.

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450

Now entering its third generation, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has been redesigned for 2019. The original CLS debuted back in 2006 and was the first of the so-called "four-door coupes." These "four-door coupes" tend to be bolder, sportier, and pricier than their regular sedan counterparts, and the CLS is no different compared to the E-Class. Powering the 2019 CLS is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six with 362 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. It makes the trip from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds for RWD models and 4.8 seconds for 4MATIC AWD models. Unlike the previous-gen CLS, the new model offers seating for three in the rear. Notable features of the 2019 CLS450 include a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, EQ Boost (electric motor assist), touch controls throughout the dashboard, 64-color LED ambient lighting, a nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox, car-to-cloud communication, and adaptive LED headlights. In addition to the CLS450 and CLS450 4MATIC, the AMG CLS53 completes the third-gen CLS model range. The AMG CLS63/S has been replaced by the AMG GT63/S 4-door. Pricing for the 2019 CLS450 starts at $69,200, with 4MATIC models costing an additional $2,500 at minimum. As with other CLS generations, the current CLS is a great, incredible-looking vehicle. I prefer that the new CLS still be offered with a V8, but there's the AMG GT 4-door and AMG E63 for that, and I'm completely fine with it.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS (991)

As of now, the GT2 RS the king of the Porsche 911 family. It was released towards the end of the 991-gen's life cycle, packing a 3.8-liter flat-six producing 690 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque paired to a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch. The latest GT2 RS makes the trip from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 210 mph. Like in the 911 GT3 RS and other track-focused models, Porsche implemented weight-saving techniques in as many areas of the GT2 RS as possible. These include decals instead of metal badging, plexiglass rear windows, no rear seats, manual sport seats, cloth strip interior door handles, and loads of carbon fiber trim. It also features an infotainment system and a front axle lifting system that raises the front of the vehicle to clear curbs, speed bumps, and steep inclines. The current 911 GT2 RS carries a price tag starting at $294,250. The optional Weissach Package offers less for more, adding $31,000 to its original cost. In other words, the 991-gen 911 GT2 RS is one of the coolest and craziest Porsches in existence. It may not be all that practical, but it is blisteringly fast and looks amazing.