Showing posts with label amazing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label amazing. Show all posts

Saturday, 9 November 2019

The New BMW Z4 Looks Amazing As A Fixed-Roof Coupe

And we'll probably get it. It's called the Toyota Supra.

Ever since the BMW Z4 went out of production in 2016, enthusiasts have been begging BMW to bring it back. After a long series of spyshots and speculation, BMW has finally revealed the 2019 Z4 M40i - and it looks fantastic. The only thing that could possibly make it better would be the revival of one of our favorite BMW models of all time, the Z4 M Coupe. BMW has all but ruled out an M version of the new Z4, but what about a coupe?

Rendering artist X-Tomi Design previously rendered what a Z4 Coupe would look like based on the concept car, but has now created a more realistic rendering using the production M40i model. We like what we see, but the rendering lacks the sexiness of the old Z4 Coupe and the quirkiness of the old Z3 Coupe. Still, this car does look good as a fixed-roof coupe, though we doubt BMW would ever build it.

If you didn't already know, the BMW Z4 was co-developed with the upcoming Toyota Supra, which has yet to be revealed. Unlike the Z4, the Supra will be a coupe, so we doubt that BMW would encroach on its partnership with Toyota by building a Z4 Coupe. The Supra is expected to share an engine with the Z4, so it will likely be the closest thing we get to a new Z4 Coupe.

Monday, 16 September 2019

Amazing Track Cars Transformed From The Street

These are ten of the best street-turned-track cars on the market.

There’s something about track-ready versions of road-going cars that makes us tingle with excitement; the notion that when you see one destroying lap records anywhere in the world, there’s the potential for you to drive a piece of that DNA at a discount price. Not to mention the fact that track-specials are where engineers let their hair down a little and show us what a car is really capable of, without the shackles of the financial department telling them to cut costs. It would’ve been all too easy to go and find race cars that utilize road-going cars as their base from which to start, but we wanted to keep this list to those cars which can be bought track ready by the public.

McLaren P1 GTR

As one-third of the hypercar holy trinity, the McLaren P1 needs no introduction. The P1 GTR is what happens when McLaren’s mad scientists are unshackled, and the result is a track only McLaren P1 with power upped from 903 horsepower to 986 hp. In addition to more power, the P1 GTR gets slick tires, fixed ride height race suspension, a new exhaust, and of course a massive fixed rear wing capable of using F1-inspired DRS. The P1 GTR isn’t even road-legal, though if you’re fortunate enough to own one, Lanzante – the same Lanzante involved in the McLaren F1’s Le Mans win – will convert it and register it as a road-legal vehicle for you, for a price.

Ferrari FXX-K Evo

Much like the McLaren P1 GTR, the Ferrari FXX-K is the track-only version of Ferrari’s range-topping LaFerrari hypercar. The latest in a line of FXX track-only derivatives, you have to be invited to purchase one, and when you wish to use it on track, a team of Ferrari engineers is available to come and tailor the setup of the FXX-K for whichever track you’re at. The FXX-K produces 1036 hp from its V12 engine and electric motor combination, up from 950 hp in standard road-going trim. But the FXX-K Evo is the most hardcore of all – offering an even more aerodynamic body kit allowing 23% more downforce than the standard FXX-K, and an astonishing 75% more than the road-going LaFerrari, along with a 198-lb reduction in weight.

BMW M4 GTS

Roll-cage, check. Massive spoiler, check. Carbon fiber front splitter, check. Who doesn’t love a road-going car that looks straight out of DTM? Well, that’s pretty much what the BMW M4 GTS is, designed to be the most potent BMW M4 for track use, that’s also legal on the road. In addition to the over-the-top bodywork, the interior has been stripped out, and the roll-cage has been added as standard. Revised suspension and upgraded brakes are standard too, but what’s really special about the M4 GTS is the tweak to the engine. To get the twin-turbo inline-six from 425 hp to 493 hp, the M4 GTS boasts water injection that cools down the combustion chamber, prevents knock, and enables a cleaner burn of fuel for more power. The M4 GTS has Nurburgring credo too, lapping the Nordschleife in 7 minutes 28 seconds.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

We could’ve opted to stick the 500-hp 911 GT3 RS on here, conqueror of hearts and racetracks alike as the purists 911. Instead, we’ve chosen the 911 GT2 RS, not just because it packs a walloping 690 hp from its twin-turbo flat-six, but because the GT2 RS actually has more heritage as far as Porsche goes. The GT3 nameplate first surfaced in 1999, but the GT2 badge was first seen back in 1993 when it adorned the 993-generation 911 and developed 444 hp. But in its latest incarnation, 690 hp and rear-wheel drive are what it gets, along with a magnesium roof, and extensive use of carbon fiber to reduce weight, making it the most insane Porsche this side of the 919 Evo. The fact that until recently it was king of the Nurburgring just adds further weight behind its inclusion here.

Bentley Continental GT3-R

Though Bentleys may ooze class, they’ve done their stint in motorsport throughout the years. So while it may have seemed out of place for the brand’s market placement, the Continental GT3-R released in 2014 has some roots within the Bentley brand. The big luxury GT car was given a big upgrade to make it a proper performance machine. Starting from a base of a V8 S Coupe, engineers stripped 220 pounds of weight, including the rear seats, increased engine outputs to 572 hp, added torque vectoring to the rear wheels, shorter gearing, upgraded brakes and suspension, a new exhaust, and recalibrated programming on all the ESP systems. It also got sports seats, carbon fiber door casings, and a host of exterior upgrades to make the gentleman’s cruiser look a little more boy-racer.

Shelby Mustang GT350R

The Shelby Mustang GT350R doesn’t need much of an introduction, does it? It’s the most hardcore Mustang you can buy, packing a 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine outputting an unchanged 526 hp from the standard GT350. But items like air conditioning, stereo, the trunk floorboard, rear seats, carpeting, and the reverse camera have all been removed, and a large splitter and rear wing improve downforce. The GT350R sheds 130 pounds, partially due to carbon fiber wheels, and handling has further been improved over the already impressive GT350 by the addition of a Torsen limited-slip differential with a 3:73 axle ratio. Until such time as they GT500 arrives, the GT350R is the most hardcore track Stang you can get.

Mercedes-AMG GT-R

Who would’ve though Mercedes-AMG would try and build a 911 rival… and succeed? Though the Mercedes-AMG GT is a little more hammer than a scalpel in the way it does things, it’s an exceptional sports car. But at the top of the AMG GT ladder – for now at least – the AMG GT R is for Mercedes what the 911 GT3 is for Porsche; the enthusiasts track-car. Nicknamed ‘The Beast of the Green Hell’, it makes use of the same ‘hot-vee’ twin-turbo 4-liter V8 but turns the power up to 577 hp. In addition, the GT R features rear-wheel steering, upgraded aerodynamics, vastly overhauled suspension, a fixed rear wing, less weight, and a 9-mode AMG traction control system.

Dodge Viper ACR

Those fancy European carmakers can try all the tricks they want, but when it comes to smashing lap records just about anywhere, the Dodge Viper ACR is the car you want to be driving. From its 8.4-liter V10, it generates 645 horsepower, though the ACR is more than just brute force. With an addendum of race-inspired extras, such as the ginormous fixed rear wing and huge front splitter, handling is the focus here. The Viper ACR set the record as the fastest ever road car around Laguna Seca with a lap time of 1:28.65, more than a second quicker than the Porsche 918 Spyder – if that’s not impressive, we don’t know what is.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Based on the Corvette Z06, the ZR1 takes the track day fun and turns the dial up to where numbers are no longer written. The C7 ZR1 features an all-new 6.2-liter pushrod LT5 V8 engine equipped with a 2.6-liter Eaton supercharger that develops 755 hp. Of course, that much power generates a lot of heat, so enhanced cooling is a must, and the ZR1 has an extra four radiators, bringing the total number to 13 to keep things cool. But more than just power, the ZR1 has been developed alongside Pratt & Miller’s Corvette racing team, with the aerodynamic package taking heavy influence from motorsports to achieve maximum performance. The giant fixed rear wing is most noticeable, but it can be made even bigger with an optional ZTK Performance Package that generates an additional 60% more downforce over a regular Z06 with the Z07 package. Larger tires, carbon ceramic brakes, double-wishbone suspension, and magnetic ride control are all standard to help make the ZR1 the most lethal track weapon around.

Ferrari 488 Pista

What’s a mid-engined Ferrari without a super track version to see out the end of production? Think of the 488 Pista as the turbocharged equivalent of royalty such as the F430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale. Based on the 488 GTB, Ferrari engineers worked closely with the GTE race engineers to improve things. Borrowing the camshaft, intercooler, strengthened pistons, titanium con-rods, and Inconel exhaust manifolds from the 488 Challenge racecar, Ferrari was able to increase power from the 3.9-liter twin-turob V8 from 661 hp to 710 hp. The dual-clutch gearbox also shifts quicker, and the body has been heavily revised for increased downforce without the use of messy large spoilers. It generates 20% more downforce than the 488 GTB upon which it’s based, and is 200 lbs lighter. Signing off on its track credentials, ‘Pista’ is Italian for 'track', and is a nod to the Pista di Fiorano where all Ferraris are developed.

Tuesday, 20 August 2019

The New Bentley Continental GT Will Look Amazing As A Convertible

Thanks to rendering artists, we already know what the continental GTC will look like.

It's been just a few days since the reveal of the new Bentley Continental GT. The car features new design cues that were borrowed from the gorgeous EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept, which stole the Geneva show when it was revealed back in 2015, but Bentley came out with an even more stunning convertible EV version of the car called the EXP 12 Speed 6e. Even though the all-new Continental GT has only been revealed as a coupe, we know that a convertible model will be on its way soon. Luckily, Spdesignsest has already made a rendering of what the GTC will look like.

This rendering artist has done a great job envisioning the new Continental GTC. We doubt that the final car will be a two seater like the rendering, and will most likely feature a couple of rear seats. Even if this is not what the real car will look like, we think that this rendering gives us a good idea of how good the new Continental GT will look like as a drop top. In our opinion, the convertible is even better looking than the coupe. The Continental GT is rumored to hit dealerships near the Summer of 2018, and the GTC will be available closer to the end of the year. We also can't wait to see what else Bentley has in store with the new car's engines.

So far, the only engine option is a 6.0-liter 626 hp twin-turbo W12 that is mated to a new eight-speed dual-clutch. We have no doubt that faster Speed and SS models will be available at some point, and there will likely be a smaller V8 version and possibly a hybrid model. This new Continental will be a very important car for Bentley, and we can't wait to see what else the company has up its sleeve.

Saturday, 17 August 2019

Amazing Track Cars Transformed From The Street

These are ten of the best street-turned-track cars on the market.

There’s something about track-ready versions of road-going cars that makes us tingle with excitement; the notion that when you see one destroying lap records anywhere in the world, there’s the potential for you to drive a piece of that DNA at a discount price. Not to mention the fact that track-specials are where engineers let their hair down a little and show us what a car is really capable of, without the shackles of the financial department telling them to cut costs. It would’ve been all too easy to go and find race cars that utilize road-going cars as their base from which to start, but we wanted to keep this list to those cars which can be bought track ready by the public.

McLaren P1 GTR

As one-third of the hypercar holy trinity, the McLaren P1 needs no introduction. The P1 GTR is what happens when McLaren’s mad scientists are unshackled, and the result is a track only McLaren P1 with power upped from 903 horsepower to 986 hp. In addition to more power, the P1 GTR gets slick tires, fixed ride height race suspension, a new exhaust, and of course a massive fixed rear wing capable of using F1-inspired DRS. The P1 GTR isn’t even road-legal, though if you’re fortunate enough to own one, Lanzante – the same Lanzante involved in the McLaren F1’s Le Mans win – will convert it and register it as a road-legal vehicle for you, for a price.

Ferrari FXX-K Evo

Much like the McLaren P1 GTR, the Ferrari FXX-K is the track-only version of Ferrari’s range-topping LaFerrari hypercar. The latest in a line of FXX track-only derivatives, you have to be invited to purchase one, and when you wish to use it on track, a team of Ferrari engineers is available to come and tailor the setup of the FXX-K for whichever track you’re at. The FXX-K produces 1036 hp from its V12 engine and electric motor combination, up from 950 hp in standard road-going trim. But the FXX-K Evo is the most hardcore of all – offering an even more aerodynamic body kit allowing 23% more downforce than the standard FXX-K, and an astonishing 75% more than the road-going LaFerrari, along with a 198-lb reduction in weight.

BMW M4 GTS

Roll-cage, check. Massive spoiler, check. Carbon fiber front splitter, check. Who doesn’t love a road-going car that looks straight out of DTM? Well, that’s pretty much what the BMW M4 GTS is, designed to be the most potent BMW M4 for track use, that’s also legal on the road. In addition to the over-the-top bodywork, the interior has been stripped out, and the roll-cage has been added as standard. Revised suspension and upgraded brakes are standard too, but what’s really special about the M4 GTS is the tweak to the engine. To get the twin-turbo inline-six from 425 hp to 493 hp, the M4 GTS boasts water injection that cools down the combustion chamber, prevents knock, and enables a cleaner burn of fuel for more power. The M4 GTS has Nurburgring credo too, lapping the Nordschleife in 7 minutes 28 seconds.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

We could’ve opted to stick the 500-hp 911 GT3 RS on here, conqueror of hearts and racetracks alike as the purists 911. Instead, we’ve chosen the 911 GT2 RS, not just because it packs a walloping 690 hp from its twin-turbo flat-six, but because the GT2 RS actually has more heritage as far as Porsche goes. The GT3 nameplate first surfaced in 1999, but the GT2 badge was first seen back in 1993 when it adorned the 993-generation 911 and developed 444 hp. But in its latest incarnation, 690 hp and rear-wheel drive are what it gets, along with a magnesium roof, and extensive use of carbon fiber to reduce weight, making it the most insane Porsche this side of the 919 Evo. The fact that until recently it was king of the Nurburgring just adds further weight behind its inclusion here.

Bentley Continental GT3-R

Though Bentleys may ooze class, they’ve done their stint in motorsport throughout the years. So while it may have seemed out of place for the brand’s market placement, the Continental GT3-R released in 2014 has some roots within the Bentley brand. The big luxury GT car was given a big upgrade to make it a proper performance machine. Starting from a base of a V8 S Coupe, engineers stripped 220 pounds of weight, including the rear seats, increased engine outputs to 572 hp, added torque vectoring to the rear wheels, shorter gearing, upgraded brakes and suspension, a new exhaust, and recalibrated programming on all the ESP systems. It also got sports seats, carbon fiber door casings, and a host of exterior upgrades to make the gentleman’s cruiser look a little more boy-racer.

Shelby Mustang GT350R

The Shelby Mustang GT350R doesn’t need much of an introduction, does it? It’s the most hardcore Mustang you can buy, packing a 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine outputting an unchanged 526 hp from the standard GT350. But items like air conditioning, stereo, the trunk floorboard, rear seats, carpeting, and the reverse camera have all been removed, and a large splitter and rear wing improve downforce. The GT350R sheds 130 pounds, partially due to carbon fiber wheels, and handling has further been improved over the already impressive GT350 by the addition of a Torsen limited-slip differential with a 3:73 axle ratio. Until such time as they GT500 arrives, the GT350R is the most hardcore track Stang you can get.

Mercedes-AMG GT-R

Who would’ve though Mercedes-AMG would try and build a 911 rival… and succeed? Though the Mercedes-AMG GT is a little more hammer than a scalpel in the way it does things, it’s an exceptional sports car. But at the top of the AMG GT ladder – for now at least – the AMG GT R is for Mercedes what the 911 GT3 is for Porsche; the enthusiasts track-car. Nicknamed ‘The Beast of the Green Hell’, it makes use of the same ‘hot-vee’ twin-turbo 4-liter V8 but turns the power up to 577 hp. In addition, the GT R features rear-wheel steering, upgraded aerodynamics, vastly overhauled suspension, a fixed rear wing, less weight, and a 9-mode AMG traction control system.

Dodge Viper ACR

Those fancy European carmakers can try all the tricks they want, but when it comes to smashing lap records just about anywhere, the Dodge Viper ACR is the car you want to be driving. From its 8.4-liter V10, it generates 645 horsepower, though the ACR is more than just brute force. With an addendum of race-inspired extras, such as the ginormous fixed rear wing and huge front splitter, handling is the focus here. The Viper ACR set the record as the fastest ever road car around Laguna Seca with a lap time of 1:28.65, more than a second quicker than the Porsche 918 Spyder – if that’s not impressive, we don’t know what is.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Based on the Corvette Z06, the ZR1 takes the track day fun and turns the dial up to where numbers are no longer written. The C7 ZR1 features an all-new 6.2-liter pushrod LT5 V8 engine equipped with a 2.6-liter Eaton supercharger that develops 755 hp. Of course, that much power generates a lot of heat, so enhanced cooling is a must, and the ZR1 has an extra four radiators, bringing the total number to 13 to keep things cool. But more than just power, the ZR1 has been developed alongside Pratt & Miller’s Corvette racing team, with the aerodynamic package taking heavy influence from motorsports to achieve maximum performance. The giant fixed rear wing is most noticeable, but it can be made even bigger with an optional ZTK Performance Package that generates an additional 60% more downforce over a regular Z06 with the Z07 package. Larger tires, carbon ceramic brakes, double-wishbone suspension, and magnetic ride control are all standard to help make the ZR1 the most lethal track weapon around.

Ferrari 488 Pista

What’s a mid-engined Ferrari without a super track version to see out the end of production? Think of the 488 Pista as the turbocharged equivalent of royalty such as the F430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale. Based on the 488 GTB, Ferrari engineers worked closely with the GTE race engineers to improve things. Borrowing the camshaft, intercooler, strengthened pistons, titanium con-rods, and Inconel exhaust manifolds from the 488 Challenge racecar, Ferrari was able to increase power from the 3.9-liter twin-turob V8 from 661 hp to 710 hp. The dual-clutch gearbox also shifts quicker, and the body has been heavily revised for increased downforce without the use of messy large spoilers. It generates 20% more downforce than the 488 GTB upon which it’s based, and is 200 lbs lighter. Signing off on its track credentials, ‘Pista’ is Italian for 'track', and is a nod to the Pista di Fiorano where all Ferraris are developed.

Wednesday, 27 March 2019

You Have To Watch These 10 Amazing Drag Races

A supercar showdown and a race against a drone are just two of the 10 awesome races.

Following our previous drag race compilation, we have ten more awesome races to shared for your viewing pleasure. As always, watching these races is more exciting if you try to guess the winner. See how many correct predictions you can make and leave your score in the comments. With more than a few neck-and-neck finishes, these races are not always easy to predict.

Ferrari 812 Superfast Vs. McLaren 720S

Very few cars can match the fury of the McLaren 720S with its 4.0-liter, 710 horsepower V8. Perhaps the Ferrari 812 Superfast may be one of the,. With a 6.5-liter V12 producing 789 hp, can the front-engined Ferrari top the mid-engined McLaren?

Mercedes C63 AMG Vs. Alfa Romeo Giulia QV

In the compact sports sedan segment, the Mercedes C63 AMG and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio sit at the top in terms of power. Each produces over 500 hp from their twin-turbo engines, though the AMG does have two extra cylinders (a V8 vs a V6). Which one will win in a series of races, with and without launch control?

Audi RS3 Vs. Ford Focus RS

The Ford Focus RS is one of the best hot hatchbacks on the market, but can it stand up to the mighty Audi RS3? Both cars have all-wheel-drive grip, but the Audi has an extra cylinder (five) and 50 extra hp (400). With a quick shifting dual-clutch transmission, the Audi also holds the advantage with shift times. Will this race be a foregone conclusion?

Ultimate Supercar Drag Race

Most drag races involve two cars, competing to see which is best. Here, we get to see two Porsche 911s (a GT3 RS and a GT2 RS), a Lamborghini Huracan Performante Coupe and Spyder, a Ferrari 488 GTB, and a McLaren 675 LT. This is a very diverse lineup of supercars, but which one do you think will win as the cars face off against each other?

Nissan GT-R Nismo Vs. Porsche 911 GT3 RS

After a massive hiatus, Fifth Gear is finally back on television. The series's 27 season features a drag race between the Nissan GT-R Nismo and the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Even though the GT-R is typically seen as the better car for drag races, the track-focused 911 may be within a shot of winning this straight line race.

Dodge Challenger Vs. Dodge Viper

In a sibling rivalry, this drag race pits a Dodge Challenger Scat Pack against a fourth generation Dodge Viper. The Challenger seems like it will be at a disadvantage in this race, even with a 485-hp 6.4-liter V8. The Viper has a more powerful 600-hp 8.4-liter V10, but the driver does have to execute the perfect manual shift while the Challenger owner can just let the automatic take care of it.

Bugatti Chiron Vs. McLaren 720S

The McLaren 720S is borderline unbeatable in a drag race. However, even the 720S may have to admit defeat when it's up against a Bugatti Chiron. The Chiron's W16 engine produces 1,500 hp, making it twice as powerful as the mighty 720S. You can probably guess the winner here.

Audi S8 Plus Vs. Porsche 911 Turbo

If someone who didn't know anything about cars looked at this drag race, they'd assume the sexy sports car would beat the boring sedan. Stands to reason. However, that "boring" sedan is an Audi S8 Plus, which is powered by a 605-hp twin-turbo V8. The Porsche 911 Turbo makes do with just 520 hp, though it is much lighter. Can the sleeper sedan keep up with the purpose-built sports car?

AMG GT Roadster Vs. Drone

Seeing cars race other cars is fun, but seeing a car race a drone is pretty cool too. The Mercedes AMG GT Roadster produces 467 hp from a twin-turbo V8, while the drone doesn't have nearly as much power. Still, the drone is able to hit 60 mph in just one second. Yeah, you heard that correctly. This race was over before it started.

GMC Sierra Vs. Nissan Titan Vs. Ram 1500

We highly doubt that truck owners base their purchase decision on straight line speed, but this didn't stop The Fast Lane Truck from lining up three trucks for a drag race. The GMC Sierra is the most powerful with a 6.2-liter 420-hp V8. The Titan's 5.7-liter V8 produces 390 hp while the Ram's 5.7-liter is good for 395 hp. As it turns out, the transmissions have more to do with the outcome of the race than the engines. So, which do you think has the best transmission for a drag race?

Thursday, 21 February 2019

Amazing Station Wagons That Nobody Buys

Once the darling of the automotive world, they've fallen out of favor.

Here’s a conundrum – station wagons. Once the darling of the family, they’ve nowbeen shunned globally – first in favor of MPVs, and more recently in favor ofcrossovers and SUVs for their ‘practicality’ and high riding nature. So here goes a not so secretive secret –nobody buys any station wagons – they’re the black sheep of the automotiveworld. But, for those that spare them amoment of time, you’ll find that wagons are equally as practical as SUVs, and providecompelling, car-like dynamics for the enthusiast.

So for those so inclined, here’s our guide to the top 6 station wagons nobody buys. This of course does exclude crossover wagons, as we’ve dealt with those before, choosing instead to focus on true to type station wagons…

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

The Volkswagen Golf is a superbly accomplished hatchback in its own right, arguably deserving of the title of segment leader, combing space, practicality, frugality, and refinement that encroaches on the premium segment. But its lesser known big brother – the Golf SportWagen – takes every single one of those features and amps it up to new heights. With more space, a plus ride, exciting handling, and refinement to rival the best in the business, the Golf SportWagen turns the Golf from a compact hatchback into a true family car, complete with 66.5 cubic feet worth of cargo space with the 60/40 split rear seats folded.

Not only is it practical, but the 1.8-liter turbo engine combines potency and efficiency in a package that can handle all weather scenarios with its available all-wheel drive. With an MSRP starting at a shade over $21 000, it’s also the cheapest station wagon on this list, making it the perfect entrant to kick things off.

Mini Clubman

They may have added in an extra pair of doors for the current generation – robbing the Mini Clubman of some of its original awkward charm – but in doing so they’ve only made it more practical and more appropriate as a family vehicle. True to form though, it still retains the double rear swing doors, adding a level of extra practicality in tighter parking areas where roof height and giving easy access to the 17.5 cu ft. trunk – which will swell to 47.9 cubes with the rear bench folded.

The Mini Clubman offers a range of versatile engine and drivetrain options to cater to a wide range of buyers – everything from the 134hp Cooper Clubman to a 228hp John Cooper Works performance derivative, with the choice between front and all-wheel drive, and manual and automatic gearboxes to choose from. The Clubman’s greatest trait is perhaps that it appears so unassuming – seemingly more hatch than wagon which may be its only reprieve in a world that, as we’ve seen, no longer values the wagon.

BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon

Diesel might have a bad rap after the whole VW debacle, but it seems not every manufacturer has given up on it in the US. The BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon is the only vehicle on this list to make use of diesel as its means of propulsion, though a gasoline derivative is also available. Regardless of which engine you choose, you get BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system and a 27.5 cubic foot trunk capacity that’ll swell to a cavernous 61.5 cubes. BMW’s penchant for pleasing driving dynamics is standard, and, if you opt for the 180hp 328d xDrive, you’ll get 43 miles to the gallon on the freeway.

Volvo V90

Volvo has a lengthy history with the station wagon body style, so it should come as no surprise that the Volvo V90 is one of the best looking wagons, arguably ever made. It’s one of two wagons still on sale by the Swedish brand, and it’s one of the few in the market that actually still has several direct rivals – coming in the form of the Mercedes-Benz E Class and Jaguar XF. Based on the same platform that underpins the XC90 SUV and S90 Sedan, the V90 is quite the accomplished vehicle, with optional rear air suspension lending levels of comfort few premium cars can match.

Unlike many a rival brand, the V90 focuses outright on comfort and practicality, though the R-Design gives buyers not only a sportier looking V90, but one with a fairly adept sports chassis that can run with the best.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon

While many may lust after the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain 4x42, that’s just a concept. However, the regular EClass wagon is a worthy substitute that combines practicality with styling that gets rid of the rather questionable Mercedes-Benz back ends present on their sedan models. A 40/20/40 rear seat split enables a versatile cargo capacity ranging from 35 cubes all the way to 64 cubes with the rear bench stowed away. But it’s the available performance on offer that endears us to the E-Class Wagon even more.

Just two variants are available, with the base model being an E400 with a twin-turbo V6 good for 329hp. But the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon is the one that earns the Mercedes a spot on this list – who doesn’t love a 603hp wagon with all-wheel drive and a drift mode? The kids will never be late for school again!

Jaguar XF Sportbrake

The third wagon in its category, after the Volvo V90 and Mercedes E-Class, the Jaguar XF is the most driver orientated of the lot. But with the exception of the AMG E63 S, it’s also the most expensive of the lost with a starting price of $70 450 – though at $30 000 cheaper than the E63, it’s a huge bargain. It’s available in just a single derivative, ‘S AWD’ it packs the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 from the F-Type under the hood, developing 380 hp. A rear biased all-wheel drive system and 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox ensure power meets tarmac effectively.

0-60 mph is dealt with in 5.3 seconds, but it’s the way the XF Sportbrake talks to you as a driver that makes it so enjoyable; whilst cargo volume of up to 69.7 cubic feet places it ahead of its two rivals. Performance, noise, practicality, and of course good looks are all par for the course here, making the XF Sportbrake a compelling, albeit expensive station wagon for those in the market.

Friday, 14 December 2018

7 Amazing Used SUVs Cheaper Than A New Nissan Kicks

Why settle for 125 horsepower when you could have twice as much?

We recently had the opportunity to drive the new 2018 Nissan Kicks, a CUV that is aimed square at young millennial buyers. With loads of safety technology, and a base price of under $19,000, the Kicks will likely appeal for first time car buyers who want something cheap, economical, and safe. But what about people who want something fast, cool, and comfortable? The Kicks packs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder good for a measly 125 horsepower. We have found seven used SUVs for less than the price of a new Kicks, all with more than twice the power.

Cadillac Escalade

The Nissan Kicks has reasonable space inside for all occupants, as well as a nicely sized trunk. However, it wouldn't cut it for larger families who need more seats and more storage. For less than $19,000, you can easily go out and buy a used Cadillac Escalade with around 50,000 to 80,000 miles on the odometer. Most examples in this price range are around 10-years old and come with a 6.2-liter V8 producing 403 hp. Why settle for a Kicks, when you could have an Escalade for the same money?

Infiniti FX50

Most of the people who buy a Kicks will do so because of its stylish looks, and the promise of a sporty driving experience. The Kicks delivers on looks, but falls short on being sporty. If what you want is an interesting looking crossover, why not buy an Infiniti FX50? The Infiniti FX was a fantastic looking crossover that was built on the RWD platform of the G37. It is also the only Nissan/Infiniti product to offer a unique 5.0-liter V8 producing 390 hp. The engine was derived from LMP3 racing, and is bespoke to the FX50.

BMW X1

We typically prefer wagons and hatchbacks to their SUV counterparts, but we do enjoy a small SUV that feels like a car. The first generation BMW X1, known internally as the E84, was sold from 2009 to 2015 before being replaced with a new FWD-based model. The old E84 was RWD-based, and could be ordered in xDrive35i trim with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 300 hp. This quick little CUV could hit 60 in just 5.2 seconds (around twice as fast as the Kicks).

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8

Back in 2006, Jeep shocked the world by attaching an SRT badge to the popular Grand Cherokee. By today's standards, the 6.1-liter 420 hp V8 in the original Grand Cherokee SRT-8 doesn't seem insane, but it can still rocket the 4,700 pound SUV up to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. The interior of may looks a bit cheap compared to other cars on this list, but it's worth it to enjoy all of the lovely V8 power.

Chevrolet Trailblazer SS

Back in the early 2000's, Chevrolet went crazy putting an SS badge on almost every model. Even the Trailblazer received an SS variant, which was powered by a 6.0-liter LS2 engine from a C6 Corvette. The V8 produced 390 hp, and the SS had a number of handling upgrades including a self-leveling air suspension.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

If you don't care about maintenance costs, there are some insane values on the used market. Case in point, you can now buy a first generation Porsche Cayenne Turbo S for less than the price of a new Nissan Kicks. While the Kicks makes due with 125 hp, the Cayenne Turbo S produces 520 hp from a twin-turbo V8. Sure it will cost a small fortune to maintain, but isn't happiness worth it?

Volkswagen Touareg

If you are willing to pay to be unique, why not opt for one of the most unique SUVs ever sold in the United States: the Volkswagen Touareg. Specifically, we found used Touareg models with the 5.0-liter twin-turbo V10 diesel engine. This massive powerplant produces 310 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque with enough pulling power to tow almost 8,000 pounds.