Corvette C8 Z06

 

The Corvette Z06 has returned for 2023, and it is essentially a budget supercar. It is the second model of the C8 range and currently stands as the top-of-the-line, flagship, and best-performing C8 Corvette until other models are introduced in the near future. Powering the Corvette C8 Z06 is a naturally-aspirated 5.5-liter V8 producing 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 189 mph. It contains bolder styling cues, bigger air intakes, a unique rear wing, and greater use of carbon fiber over the standard C8 Corvette Stingray. The C8 Z06 comes in either 1LZ, 2LZ, or 3LZ trims and offers an available Z07 package with additional aerodynamic elements and upgraded brakes and tires. Its interior contains the same layout and many of the same features as the standard C8 Stingray. 

Pricing for the Corvette C8 Z06 starts at $109,295 but can escalate past $130,000 with trim level, options, and dealer markup. I first saw the new Corvette Z06 up close at Exotics on Broadway in Monterey in August before it officially went on sale. The particular example featured here is a convertible and driven to Exotics on Broadway by actress and racing driver Emelia Hartford. I have seen my fair share of C8 Corvette Stingrays and previous generations of the Corvette Z06 on the road and on display at car shows and dealer lots, and I expect to see more examples of the new Corvette Z06 in person sooner than later. Overall, I love the Corvette C8 Z06, and it is an amazing vehicle with supercar looks and performance at half the price of several of its competitors.

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Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne

 

The Carmen is Spanish automaker Hispano Suiza's first vehicle in 82 years, and the Boulogne is the performance-focused version of the Carmen. The Carmen initially made its debut in 2020, while the Carmen Boulogne made its debut in 2021. It is a fully electric supercar powered by two permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors producing a combined 1,114 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque, launching from zero to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and capable of achieving a top speed of 180 mph. The Carmen Boulogne is rear-wheel drive only and features a carbon fiber body and QEV technology derived from Formula E. It offers over 1,900 different bespoke customization options, with this particular example featuring its exterior in a shade known as Ocean Song Rose and a white interior with leather, metallic, and carbon fiber trim. It also contains a tablet-like infotainment screen and a digital gauge cluster with old-school graphics.

The Carmen is named after Carmen Mateu, the late mother of Hispano Suiza president Miguel Mateu, and the performance-focused Boulogne got the latter part of its name from the French city of Boulogne-sur-Mer, which is significant to Hispano Suiza. It offers up to 248 miles of range, and its design is inspired by that of the H6B/C Dubonnet Xenia from the 1930s. Only 24 Carmens will ever be made, and five of those 24 will be of the Boulogne, making it one of the most exclusive electric supercars in the world. Pricing for the Carmen Boulogne starts at around $1.9 million. I saw the Carmen Boulogne on display at Exotics on Broadway in Monterey back in August, and it was an out-of-this-world experience. In all, the Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne may not perform as well as other electric supercars, but it still has impressive specs and technology, and its flashy design and extreme rarity make it incredibly appealing.

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Best of Car Shows 2022 Part 1

  We have reached that time of year again. The 2022 calendar year is coming to a close, and it is time to wrap up 2022 with some of the best vehicles I have photographed this year. Next up is Part 1 of the Best of Car Shows 2022. Like Best of Car Spotting, this will be a two-part series, with Part 1 covering the best and most unusual cars I have seen at car shows and car meets during the first half of the 2022 calendar year from January to June. As in years past, I have divided this series into two parts because I feel like it would be too lengthy to fit an entire year's worth of the best vehicles at car shows and meets I attended into one post. 

Without further ado, presenting Best of Car Shows 2022 Part 1. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series and the rest of the Best of 2022 series, all of which are coming soon. 

1970 Dodge Charger 

Corvette Stingray C2 

Jaguar XK150 

Audi R8 (2nd-gen) 

Mercedes-AMG GT R 

Ferrari F430 

Porsche 911 Turbo/S (992)

Porsche 911 GT3 (992) 

Audi RS6 Avant 

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991) 

Lamborghini Huracan STO 

Ferrari F40 

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 

Ferrari SF90 Spider 

2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition 

McLaren P1 

Ferrari 812 GTS 

McLaren 720S 

McLaren 675LT Spider 

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