On the cover of the U.K.'s leading Porsche magazine "Total 911".
And curb-side, Cowper St., Palo Alto; it's owner probably having a power breakfast at Il Forniao.Saturday, October 3, 2009
Note the License Plate...
SharkWerks 997TT EVT700
On the cover of the U.K.'s leading Porsche magazine "Total 911".
And curb-side, Cowper St., Palo Alto; it's owner probably having a power breakfast at Il Forniao.
On the cover of the U.K.'s leading Porsche magazine "Total 911". And curb-side, Cowper St., Palo Alto; it's owner probably having a power breakfast at Il Forniao.
Yes, there are a lot of them.
And yes, they're all perfect.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
I challenge you to find a more elegent GT car. Can't do it, can you...
My car next to my boss's. Someday, he'll be able to afford an Aston Martin too.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
I challenge you to find a more elegent GT car. Can't do it, can you...
My car next to my boss's. Someday, he'll be able to afford an Aston Martin too.
Porsche Catch Up: 'Turbo S' Models
Cayenne Turbo S
Say what you want about the Cayenne, but the Turbo S is no joke. It's 550 hp powerplant gives it a top speed of 174 mph and a 0-60 sprint time of 4.7 seconds. A $124,800 base price tag gives it exclusivity and the Porsche badge gives it respect. I give it 2 big thumbs up.
996 Turbo S
I didn't know a Turbo S model existed, so I had just figured the guy bought an 'S' badge on the aftermarket and slapped it on. Nope. Porsche did in fact produce a Turbo S 911 in 2005. I happily stand corrected.
Vitals:
444 hp
3.7 sec. 0-60
197 mph top speed
993 Turbo S
Nor did I know Porsche built a 993 Turbo S either. If 'Turbo' = 10, the 'Turbo S' = 11.
Say what you want about the Cayenne, but the Turbo S is no joke. It's 550 hp powerplant gives it a top speed of 174 mph and a 0-60 sprint time of 4.7 seconds. A $124,800 base price tag gives it exclusivity and the Porsche badge gives it respect. I give it 2 big thumbs up.996 Turbo S
I didn't know a Turbo S model existed, so I had just figured the guy bought an 'S' badge on the aftermarket and slapped it on. Nope. Porsche did in fact produce a Turbo S 911 in 2005. I happily stand corrected.Vitals:
444 hp
3.7 sec. 0-60
197 mph top speed
993 Turbo S
Nor did I know Porsche built a 993 Turbo S either. If 'Turbo' = 10, the 'Turbo S' = 11.Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Now Taking Orders
Tesla Model S
The more practical follow-up to the Roadster and perhaps the most boring name in the industry. Four doors, seats 7, sprints to 60 is 5.6 seconds, and stops dead after 160 miles. All electric, deliveries begin in 2011.
The more practical follow-up to the Roadster and perhaps the most boring name in the industry. Four doors, seats 7, sprints to 60 is 5.6 seconds, and stops dead after 160 miles. All electric, deliveries begin in 2011.
Car of the Day
Ferrari 430 Scuderia
If there ever was a Ferrari...
...the 430 Scuderia is the present day "It". Claims of 0-60 sprint times are rediculous, if not unbelievable (Road & Track estimates 3.3, MotorTrend claims 3.1). Price tag is astronomical: $272,306. Practiaclity is ZERO. But the Scuderia is...
...the 430 Scuderia is the present day "It". Claims of 0-60 sprint times are rediculous, if not unbelievable (Road & Track estimates 3.3, MotorTrend claims 3.1). Price tag is astronomical: $272,306. Practiaclity is ZERO. But the Scuderia is...Sunday, June 21, 2009
Car of the Day
Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren
If you can forgive its long nose and awkward porportions, the SLR is a beautiful car to see in person In front of me one morning near Il Forniao was a half-million dollar, ultra fast exotic Mercedes Benz. But cloaked in deep dark black paint, you could be forgiven for walking by and not even noticing it. Unless, of course, the doors on open.
Vitals:
$452,520 - $495,000
626 hp V8
0-60: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed: 208 mph
If you can forgive its long nose and awkward porportions, the SLR is a beautiful car to see in person In front of me one morning near Il Forniao was a half-million dollar, ultra fast exotic Mercedes Benz. But cloaked in deep dark black paint, you could be forgiven for walking by and not even noticing it. Unless, of course, the doors on open.Vitals:
$452,520 - $495,000
626 hp V8
0-60: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed: 208 mph
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Car of the Day
Lotus Exige S240
Again, not the fastest or most expensive, but definitely one of the coolest. I see a lot of Elises running around town, but an Exige is a rare sight and always a head turner.
Again, not the fastest or most expensive, but definitely one of the coolest. I see a lot of Elises running around town, but an Exige is a rare sight and always a head turner.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Car of the Day
Ferrari Dino
It was monday. It was gray and cloudy. And like a burst of sunshine, this bright yellow Ferrari cruised by my office window and brightened up my day. Okay, that was lame, but it is true. It was the first Dino I've seen in Palo Alto. They can still demand $150,000 on the open market.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Godzilla
Nissan GT-R
Every car magazine in print went bananas over the GT-R. Motortrend even named it Car of the Year. I've seen four in town, two gray, one red, and one very very mean looking black one. Every car magazine also tells the story of how it took a GT2 head on at the Nürburgring... and lost by a just a few measly seconds.
Vitals:
$77,840
480 hp V6
3.3 sec. 0-60
192 mph
Every car magazine in print went bananas over the GT-R. Motortrend even named it Car of the Year. I've seen four in town, two gray, one red, and one very very mean looking black one. Every car magazine also tells the story of how it took a GT2 head on at the Nürburgring... and lost by a just a few measly seconds.Vitals:
$77,840
480 hp V6
3.3 sec. 0-60
192 mph
Friday, October 31, 2008
Cars of the Week
Lamborghini Murcielago
Saw one on the way to work this morning. It was idling curbside in the rain, gray, lights on. It looked perfect. I've seen one other in town, Pearl Orange, blue skies, sunshine. It also looked perfect.
Vitals:
Yeah it's a truck, but it happens to be the fastest production truck in the world. It set that Guinness World Record in 2004 thanks to it's massive 8.3 Liter V10 Viper engine which powers it from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 154.587 mph. (It's the same engine that the car has.) Fittingly, it's the only vehicle I've seen around town with a McCain/Palin sticker on it. Well, it was actually more of a yard sign taped to the bed gate.
Saw one on the way to work this morning. It was idling curbside in the rain, gray, lights on. It looked perfect. I've seen one other in town, Pearl Orange, blue skies, sunshine. It also looked perfect.Vitals:
575 hp, sub-4 to 60, 200+ top speed.
MPG City: 9
Dodge Ram SRT10 Viper
Dodge Ram SRT10 Viper
Yeah it's a truck, but it happens to be the fastest production truck in the world. It set that Guinness World Record in 2004 thanks to it's massive 8.3 Liter V10 Viper engine which powers it from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 154.587 mph. (It's the same engine that the car has.) Fittingly, it's the only vehicle I've seen around town with a McCain/Palin sticker on it. Well, it was actually more of a yard sign taped to the bed gate.Monday, October 27, 2008
Cars of the Week
Bentley Brooklands
Only 550 Brooklands will be build worldwide and I just happened to catch the tail-end of an Antique Gold example rolling down Hamilton Ave. At nearly twice the price of a Flying Spur, this is Bentley's top-of-the-line. This is the Bentley to have. Too bad they're all sold out.
Vitals:
1967 and 2007 Shelby GT500's
I'm not the biggest Mustang fan in the world, but put 500 horses under the hood it's suddenly become a very serious car. And a special one too. The Shelby GT500 was first introduce in 1967 and then resurected in 2007. I was lucky enough to see one of each in the same day, both white with blue La Mans stripes, just like in the pictures.
Lotus Elise
In my nine-minute walk back from Whole Foods, I happend to come across three seperate Lotus Elilses. What's their tagline? "The world's most affordable supercar."? Regardless, they will always be head-turners, especially when painted in blinding Solar Yellow. The other two were light and dark shades of silver.
Only 550 Brooklands will be build worldwide and I just happened to catch the tail-end of an Antique Gold example rolling down Hamilton Ave. At nearly twice the price of a Flying Spur, this is Bentley's top-of-the-line. This is the Bentley to have. Too bad they're all sold out.
Vitals:Base Price: $348,085
Engine: 530 hp twin-turbo V8
Engine: 530 hp twin-turbo V8
Weight: 5,270 lbs
Lenght: 17 feet 9 inches
Top Speed: 184 mph
Top Speed: 184 mph
0-60: 5.0 seconds
1967 and 2007 Shelby GT500's
I'm not the biggest Mustang fan in the world, but put 500 horses under the hood it's suddenly become a very serious car. And a special one too. The Shelby GT500 was first introduce in 1967 and then resurected in 2007. I was lucky enough to see one of each in the same day, both white with blue La Mans stripes, just like in the pictures.
Lotus Elise
In my nine-minute walk back from Whole Foods, I happend to come across three seperate Lotus Elilses. What's their tagline? "The world's most affordable supercar."? Regardless, they will always be head-turners, especially when painted in blinding Solar Yellow. The other two were light and dark shades of silver. Monday, October 20, 2008
Notable Car of the Day
The New 911
First one I've seen. Some say it's the best 911 ever. If only I could truly say "I'll see about that."
First one I've seen. Some say it's the best 911 ever. If only I could truly say "I'll see about that."Notable Car of the Day
De Tomaso Pantera
A long-time, but forgotten favorite. The one I saw drive past my window was yellow and looked just like the one in the pictures. Apparently they were hunks of junk though. Regardless, a 1971 model could achieve 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Built between 1971 and 1991, only 5500 or so were ‘officially’ imported to the U.S.
A long-time, but forgotten favorite. The one I saw drive past my window was yellow and looked just like the one in the pictures. Apparently they were hunks of junk though. Regardless, a 1971 model could achieve 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Built between 1971 and 1991, only 5500 or so were ‘officially’ imported to the U.S.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Aston Martin DBS V12
I must have the best view in Palo Alto for car watching. Just past the edge of my desk, through the floor-to-ceiling window, rolls a DBS hot off the presses. It's brand-new for '08 and replaces the Vanquish as Aston's flagship model. Not surprising, it looked exactly like the one pictured above.
Vitals:
Base Price $265,000
510 hp V-12
191 mph
0-60 in under 4 seconds
One of my all-time favorite Ferraris. I saw this one was parked just outside our office. It was blue on blue with black interior, very subtle, but the giant chrome prancing horse and round tail lights on the backside just screamed "Ferrari!".
I must have the best view in Palo Alto for car watching. Just past the edge of my desk, through the floor-to-ceiling window, rolls a DBS hot off the presses. It's brand-new for '08 and replaces the Vanquish as Aston's flagship model. Not surprising, it looked exactly like the one pictured above.Vitals:
Base Price $265,000
510 hp V-12
191 mph
0-60 in under 4 seconds
Ferrari F355 Spyder
One of my all-time favorite Ferraris. I saw this one was parked just outside our office. It was blue on blue with black interior, very subtle, but the giant chrome prancing horse and round tail lights on the backside just screamed "Ferrari!".
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Notable Car of the Day
Dodge Viper SRT-10 Coupe
For my money, none look as good as the original Vipers however, curbside and shiny in blue and striped in white, it still looks mighty impressive. To the best of my knowledge, it was third generation Viper ('03 - '06).
Vitals:
510 hp V-10
0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds
1-100 mph in 8.3 seconds
Top speed: 196 mph
The fourth generation Vipers, by the way, are significantly faster and more powerful in all respects. Can't wait to see one.
For my money, none look as good as the original Vipers however, curbside and shiny in blue and striped in white, it still looks mighty impressive. To the best of my knowledge, it was third generation Viper ('03 - '06).Vitals:
510 hp V-10
0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds
1-100 mph in 8.3 seconds
Top speed: 196 mph
The fourth generation Vipers, by the way, are significantly faster and more powerful in all respects. Can't wait to see one.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Notable Car of the Day
Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
As if a standard Gallardo wasn't good enough, why not make it 154 lbs lighter and give it 10 more horsepower. And so they did. 'Superleggera' translates to 'super-light' and a 530 hp V-10 pushes this all wheel drive Lambo from 0-60 in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph. The one I saw was identical to the one in the pictures, Telesto Grey. Price is around $240,000.
As if a standard Gallardo wasn't good enough, why not make it 154 lbs lighter and give it 10 more horsepower. And so they did. 'Superleggera' translates to 'super-light' and a 530 hp V-10 pushes this all wheel drive Lambo from 0-60 in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph. The one I saw was identical to the one in the pictures, Telesto Grey. Price is around $240,000.
Notable Car of the Day
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Somebody drives a red one to my gym. It must be new because I've never seen it there before. It's was wide and long and had a much bigger physical presence than I had expected. I've seen another red one (which may or may not have been the same) and a dark gray one too, both at Il Forniao.
In spite of its generous size and GT proportions, it is nothing short of a super car. A re-tuned 620 hp Enzo V-12 powers it from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds (though Road & Track magazine recorded a time of 3.2 seconds) and tops out at a speed of 205 mph. To get one with any respectable options, it will run you around $389,393.
Somebody drives a red one to my gym. It must be new because I've never seen it there before. It's was wide and long and had a much bigger physical presence than I had expected. I've seen another red one (which may or may not have been the same) and a dark gray one too, both at Il Forniao.
In spite of its generous size and GT proportions, it is nothing short of a super car. A re-tuned 620 hp Enzo V-12 powers it from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds (though Road & Track magazine recorded a time of 3.2 seconds) and tops out at a speed of 205 mph. To get one with any respectable options, it will run you around $389,393.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Finally
Tesla Roadster
It had been a while since I'd seen a Tesla. I was starting to get worried, but fortunately there was one in Racing Green sitting in the parking lot next to Il Forniao on my way to work.
According to Wikipedia, as of September 10th, 2008, only 27 Roadsters have been delivered to their owners. The waiting list is over 1,000. I've seen a half-dozen, maybe seven, and that excludes the Tesla showroom just a mile away in Menlo Park. (There's only two showrooms in the world, by the way.)
Each car runs about $100,000. The '09 models sticker at $109,000. And even though it's all electric (as in, NOT a hybrid), it's insanely fast. 6,831 individual lithium-ion battery cells and a single speed transmission rocket the Roadster from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds. That's super-car fast.
Ferrari Mondial t
It had been a while since I'd seen a Tesla. I was starting to get worried, but fortunately there was one in Racing Green sitting in the parking lot next to Il Forniao on my way to work.According to Wikipedia, as of September 10th, 2008, only 27 Roadsters have been delivered to their owners. The waiting list is over 1,000. I've seen a half-dozen, maybe seven, and that excludes the Tesla showroom just a mile away in Menlo Park. (There's only two showrooms in the world, by the way.)
Each car runs about $100,000. The '09 models sticker at $109,000. And even though it's all electric (as in, NOT a hybrid), it's insanely fast. 6,831 individual lithium-ion battery cells and a single speed transmission rocket the Roadster from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds. That's super-car fast.Ferrari Mondial t
Perhaps not the most awe-inspiring Ferrari ever made, the "t" was however, the best Mondial ever made. There's one that's been cruising around town lately. They're not terrible expensive anymore. Mid-$30's seem to be the asking price for previous generation Mondials on ebaymotors. Tempting...
Ferrari 550 Maranello
Two Ferraris in one day is always a good day and it happens more often than you'd think. See a post or two below for a good pic of a 550. It too was sitting in the parking lot of Il Forniao.
Notable Car of the Day
Red 997 Turbo
Don't get me wrong, I think Artic Silver and Meteor Grey are great colors, but I haven't seen a late model 911 in red since I've been in Palo Alto. Okay, maybe I've seen two, but certainly not a Turbo. It was refreshing and brought me back to the 80's where every sports car was red, especially Porsches
Don't get me wrong, I think Artic Silver and Meteor Grey are great colors, but I haven't seen a late model 911 in red since I've been in Palo Alto. Okay, maybe I've seen two, but certainly not a Turbo. It was refreshing and brought me back to the 80's where every sports car was red, especially PorschesTuesday, September 2, 2008
Notable Car of the Day
Bentley Continental Flying Spur
Bentley again continues to impress me with its amazing gift of combining power with elegance. It's one thing to make a car the most plush and luxurious in the world, especially when you have Mulliner as your in-house coachbuilder. It's quite another to give that car a 6.0 L 552 hp W12 engine and a top speed of 194 mph! At $170,300 it almost seems like a bargain, but with a car like this, you can add literally tens of thousands of dollars in mechanical, technical, and bespoke cabin options to truly make it your own.
I saw an exact copy of the one pictured above on my way to work this morning. It was sitting outside of that hotel/restaurant where I've seen so many other exotic cars. I don't know what it is these guys do in there over breakfast, but I bet it involves the Internet and lots and lots of money. And they're clearly very good at it.
Bentley again continues to impress me with its amazing gift of combining power with elegance. It's one thing to make a car the most plush and luxurious in the world, especially when you have Mulliner as your in-house coachbuilder. It's quite another to give that car a 6.0 L 552 hp W12 engine and a top speed of 194 mph! At $170,300 it almost seems like a bargain, but with a car like this, you can add literally tens of thousands of dollars in mechanical, technical, and bespoke cabin options to truly make it your own.I saw an exact copy of the one pictured above on my way to work this morning. It was sitting outside of that hotel/restaurant where I've seen so many other exotic cars. I don't know what it is these guys do in there over breakfast, but I bet it involves the Internet and lots and lots of money. And they're clearly very good at it.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Incredible day for cars
Technically, I didn't see these first three cars in Palo Alto, but they were heading south with me on my way to work from San Francisco yesterday, so I thought I throw them in.
Ferrari 550 Maranello
It looked just like the one in the picture above, wheels and all. I could hear its growl 20 car lengths a head of me. Awesome.
Porsche 930 Turbo
Probably my all-time favorite Porsche. The one I saw was a black Targa top.
Porsche 911 Targa 4S
The first 997 Targa 4S I've seen to date. It's at the top of my non-exotic Want List (i.e. < $100K).
Ferrari 550 Maranello
It looked just like the one in the picture above, wheels and all. I could hear its growl 20 car lengths a head of me. Awesome.Porsche 930 Turbo
Probably my all-time favorite Porsche. The one I saw was a black Targa top.Porsche 911 Targa 4S
The first 997 Targa 4S I've seen to date. It's at the top of my non-exotic Want List (i.e. < $100K). Vitals:
Retractable glass roof
All wheel drive
355 hp
179 MPH
MSRP $97,300
Go here and play the toggle switch on the bottom left. http://www.porsche.com/usa/models/911/911-targa-4s/indetail/roofconcept/
Back in Palo Alto proper, These two Maseratis were parked nose to nose. One new, one old.
Maserati Gransport Spyder
I see it just about every day. Black over dark tan leather, clean and shiny. Class act roadster.
Maserati Gran Turismo
I don't know if I'll ever call a car 'sexy', but this one's pretty hot. It's body is sculpted by Pininfarina, the same design house that creates Ferrari's sleek and swoopy lines and if you ask me, it's the best looking car out there right now.
Audi R8
Absolutely stunning in person. Low profile, state-of-the-art design, two tone paint, plexiglass engine cover. I've seen quite a few around town and it's always a head turner. Very well done. Very well done indeed.
Vitals:
420 hp V8
187 mph
Street Price $140,000 - $160,000
Honorable Mentions
Black Porsche 996 Turbo
Red 8 cylinder Ferrari (corner of my eye glimpse. couldn't tell if it was an F430 or 360 Modena.)
Grey Lotus Exige S
(more on these later)
Monday, August 25, 2008
Notable cars of the day
I actually saw these two last Friday. It was a beautiful sunny day and the start of the weekend. If had the dough and the car, I would probably be out there too.
Ferrari 550 Barchetta
Rounding the turn from University to Cowper was a red 550 Barchetta. A total of only 448 Barchettas were build. It was so true to its roadster roots that it didn't even come with a convertible top.
I don't know how much they cost during their production run, but right now, there's (only) one listed for sale on ebaymotors. The "By It Now" price is $215,000. A 485 hp V12 pushes this car to a top speed of 199 mph.
Lamborghini Gallardo
The Spyder I saw was black like the one in the picture. Current prices range from price is $201,595 - $263,595. Interesting to note that the Spyder costs a good 20-25k more than the hard top. Its 520 hp V10 puts power to all four wheels to achieve a presumably stable top speed of 196 mph.
Knowing me, I'd probably take the orange one....
Ferrari 550 Barchetta
Rounding the turn from University to Cowper was a red 550 Barchetta. A total of only 448 Barchettas were build. It was so true to its roadster roots that it didn't even come with a convertible top.I don't know how much they cost during their production run, but right now, there's (only) one listed for sale on ebaymotors. The "By It Now" price is $215,000. A 485 hp V12 pushes this car to a top speed of 199 mph.
Lamborghini Gallardo
The Spyder I saw was black like the one in the picture. Current prices range from price is $201,595 - $263,595. Interesting to note that the Spyder costs a good 20-25k more than the hard top. Its 520 hp V10 puts power to all four wheels to achieve a presumably stable top speed of 196 mph.Knowing me, I'd probably take the orange one....
Friday, August 22, 2008
Notable car of the day
Bentley Continental GT Speed
So, I've gotten to the point where a standard issue Continental GT is nothing to write home about. I've seen light blue ones, dark blue ones, convertables, and even a rub-it-in-you-face metallic gold one. But this one takes the cake! It's massively powerful, insanely fast, and extremely expensive. And looking at it, you'd never know it's only 1 mph slower than the GT2. I'm so extremely impressed by this car right now. Unlike the pictures though, the one I saw this morning on the way to work was black over tan and cool as hell. Anyway, here are the vitals:
602-horsepower twin-turbo W12
202-mph top speed
$206,285
0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Did I mention it weighs over 5,000 lbs?
So, I've gotten to the point where a standard issue Continental GT is nothing to write home about. I've seen light blue ones, dark blue ones, convertables, and even a rub-it-in-you-face metallic gold one. But this one takes the cake! It's massively powerful, insanely fast, and extremely expensive. And looking at it, you'd never know it's only 1 mph slower than the GT2. I'm so extremely impressed by this car right now. Unlike the pictures though, the one I saw this morning on the way to work was black over tan and cool as hell. Anyway, here are the vitals:602-horsepower twin-turbo W12
202-mph top speed
$206,285
0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Did I mention it weighs over 5,000 lbs?
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