2014 Duaiv Lamborghini Aventador Roadster Review

    Like I said earlier, I was in Miami for winter break, and when I was there, I visited Prestige Imports-Lamborghini Miami, a hyper-exotic car dealership specializing in Lamborhinis, Ferraris, and Paganis. During my visit, I was lucky enough to see their extremely unique "Duiav" edition Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, complete with a multicolor vinyl wrap on the exterior. It completely stood out from every other car there, which is quite a statement, considering that they had cars such as a Bugatti Veyron Pur Blanc, an Alfa Romeo 4C, a Brabus B63S, and a Mercedes-McLaren SLR 722S. When combined with the extraordinary 6.5 liter V12, it makes for an extremely special supercar, and makes it fit right in with its other "Duiav" sibling, the Ferrari FF.

Click here to learn more about the 2015 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster

Click here to view Prestige Imports-Lamborghini Miami's full inventory

Click here to view Duaiv's website

The Lamborghini Aventador Roadster

The Ferrari FF

2015 Audi R8 V10 Review

    When the Audi R8 was announced in 2009, it shocked the world with its futuristic styling and impressive handling. There was only one problem: the engine was too underpowered, and needed to be replaced. It was Audi's traditional 4.2 liter naturally-aspirated V8, and made a decent 430 horsepower @ 7,900 rpm. 0-60 took about 4.3 seconds when optioned with the dual-clutch transmission. But, the engine had grown old, and was a little "behind the times" if you know what I mean. 

    But, in 2012, Audi introduced the R8 V10 trim level, which essentially ditched the old 4.2 liter and substituted it with the naturally-aspirated 5.2 liter V10 from the Lamborghini Gallardo. That engine made a much more sufficient 525 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. 0-60 in that car takes 3.4 seconds, and on to a top speed of 195 mph. The main transmission is a 6-speed manual, but if you want maximum performance from your $153K supercar, you should opt for the 7-speed dual-clutch 'box. The interior, like many sports cars of today, is primarily driver-focused, but is still very luxurious, as you'd expect from a $153,000 Audi. Quilted leather seating is available, along with Audi's signature MMI navigation system. (Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I've been in Miami for winter break, so I didn't have my computer w/ me).

Click here to learn more about the 2015 Audi R8 V10

2015 McLaren P1 Review

    When most people think of "hyper-exotic" cars, they immediately think of Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Ferrari. But, even if those are the most well-known brands, there are still a wide variety of other supercar manufacturers, including Koenigsegg, McLaren, and Pagani. Perhaps one of the best road-legal track fighters is the new McLaren P1, aimed directly at the likes of the Ferrari LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder. Equipped with a potent twin-turbocharged, 3.8 liter 727-horsepower V8 and a 177-horsepower electric motor, it does 0-60 in 2.8 seconds, and on to a top speed of 217 mph. What bothers me about this is that McLaren's F1 supercar from the late 90's had a top speed of at least 230 mph, so that makes this car seem slow (not slow, but less fast). The interior is surprisingly well-equipped, with air-conditioning (a rarity in this segment), a radio, navigation, and carbon-fiber bucket seats. 

Click here to learn more about the 2015 McLaren P1

2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé Review

    The Rolls-Royce namesake is one of the most prestigious brands in the motoring industry, and has built up a reputation for making the best luxury cars in the world over the past 108 years. In 2002, Volkswagen sold the rights to BMW, who came out with the Phantom sedan a year later. Since then, the Phantom has become the favorite of middle-Eastern oil sheiks, Russian oligarchs, and the Japanese Yakuza (mafia). At launch, it was only offered as a sedan, but in 2005, the extended wheelbase variant was released, and the Coupé and Drophead Coupé were introduced in 2007. 
     Now, jump to 2012, and the Phantom family received a refresh, turning it into the "Phantom Series II." The old circular headlights were replaced by LED squares, a new transmission was offered, and the navigation system was upgraded. The same variants, however, still remain, and are still as luxurious (and pricey) as before. The most expensive model is the Phantom Drophead Coupé, and features a 6.75 liter naturally-aspirated V12, rated at 453 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, 75% of which is available at just 1,000 rpm. The 8-speed automatic is incredibly smooth, and aids the car in completing a 5.5-second 0-60 time. The interior is the center of attention in the Drophead Coupé, featuring butter-soft leather, hand-carved wood veneers, and optional "teak decking" for the rear parcel shelf. 

Click here to learn more about the 2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé

2015 Infiniti Q70L 5.6 AWD Review

    To some people, the idea that a Japanese sedan is better than a German sedan is complete lunacy. Over the past 20 years, German automakers such as BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz have conquered the luxury sedan segment, and haven't left much room for other brands to sell their takes on the "luxo-barge" segment. But, what most people who own a BMW 7-Series or a Mercedes-Benz S-Class don't know is that the original luxury sedan was the Lexus LS400, which, may I add, is an import from Japan. 
    So, now, the ever-popular German sedans are once again being challenged by Japan, this time, with something from Nissan. The M37/56 sedan has been around for a while now, but has never been quite up to the task of taking on the equivalent BMW 750i or Audi A8 4.0. But in mid-2014, Infiniti has introduced the new Q70L, which is essentially a slightly longer variant of the standard Q70. It is available with both the 3.7 liter V6 and the 5.6 liter V8, the latter rated at 416 horsepower (plenty, by the way) and 414 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to the burly V8 and the 7-speed automatic, the '15 Q70L 5.6 AWD does 0-60 in 4.8 seconds, which is only .1 second slower than a '14 Mercedes-Benz S550L 4MATIC. The interior has been revised, including 5.6 extra inches of legroom (in the Q70L), front and rear heated seats, 10-way power front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Click here to learn more about the 2015 Infiniti Q70L 5.6 AWD

2015 Mercedes-Maybach S600 Review

   It's almost a given that any rapper or celebrity has or does own a Maybach 57 or 62. The Maybach moniker is one of the highest on the food chain, and has earned quite a reputation for making super-luxury, super-elite limousines. But, sadly, after 10 years, Mercedes-Benz closed down the Maybach brand, due to unfortunate money issues. But, after two years Mercedes-Benz has decided to resurrect the Maybach name not as an individual brand, but as a sub-brand for Mercedes-Benz, just like Mercedes-AMG. Their first creation is the 2015 Mercedes-Maybach S600, which follows in the 62 limousine's footsteps. It is slightly longer than the standard S600, as well as the signature Maybach "double-M" logos on the C-pillars. In order to continue the limousine style inside this big Benz, Maybach has introduced diamond-quilted leather on almost everything you touch, as well as new wood veneers and silver-plated champagne flutes. Just as you would find in a "standard" S-Class, there are individual rear seats, now with power-extending padded leg rests as well as heated and cooled cup holders. In addition to all of these crazy features, buyers can opt for Maybach sunglass holders, pillows, and even a small beverage chiller (a mini-fridge). The engine is exactly the same as you would find in any other S600, measuring 6.0 liters in displacement, two turbochargers, and a power output of 530 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque, which is enough power to move this almost 3-ton limo to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. And, with a base price of about $215,000, it seems like a very logical alternative to a Bentley Mulsanne or a Rolls-Royce Ghost and/or Phantom. 

Click here to learn more about the 2015 Mercedes-Maybach S600

2015 Bentley Continental GT Speed Review

     The Bentley Continental GT has been Bentley's most successful model ever, and received a re-fresh in mid-2011. Over the past 11 years, it has received many engines and trim levels, including the V8, V8 S, Supersports, W12, Speed, and most importantly, the GTC. But, perhaps the most interesting variant of the Continental GT has been the Speed, the fastest Bentley ever made. It shares the same Volkswagen-sourced W12 found in the base model, but now produces an incredible 626 horsepower and 602 pound-feet of torque, which results in a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 202 mph. But what really interests me about the GT Speed is the amazing combination of luxury and sport. Some cars, like the Ferrari LaFerrari or the McLaren P1, are extremely fast and powerful, but aren't that nice to be inside, not counting the driving experience. And some cars, like the Rolls-Royce Phantom or the Audi A8L, are very luxurious, but aren't much of a driver's car. But somehow, this massive Bentley manages to combine the two elements without having either one overshadow the other. It has a perfect combo of luxury and sport, which is so rare for cars to achieve successfully. I find that there are very few cars that manage this, such as the Porsche Panamera Turbo or the Maserati Quattroporte GTS. 

Click here to learn more about the 2015 Bentley Continental GT Speed

2015 Ferrari FF Review

    The Ferrari FF is definitely a strange car, not because of its engine, or its interior, or even its price. The only "weird" thing about it is that it is a hatchback, but it's also a Ferrari. It is also Ferrari's first car with four-wheel-drive, so it has better grip on both roads and tracks than the 458. But, some people don't even really consider the positives of this car, and just hate it. I actually like the FF, and I think the styling works really well for Ferrari's first attempt at a hatchback. The engine is more powerful than the 458 Specialé, and cranks out 651 horsepower (a lot) and 504 pound-feet of torque. With this insanely powerful engine, the FF manages to to 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 208 mph. With a base price of $295,000, you would expect the FF to be a pretty nice car as well. And the FF doesn't disappoint. It has heated power front seats, as well as memory, a touch-screen nav system, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system. Yes, that's right, the FF has a rear seat, compete with climate control and a full-length center console. New for 2015, the FF is offered with a fitted luggage set, custom tailored with the same leather found in the interior.

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Fitted luggage

Cars That Should Exist

    As a car enthusiast, I have many cars that I wish existed, but sadly, will probably never be put into production. Why? Only because they're unrealistic, expensive, and probably won't make much sense to produce. But, they still would be pretty awesome, and I still wish a manufacturer would take the initiative to make them. Until then, I can only hope for that, so here are five of my favorites:

1. Fiat 500 Abarth R

    I am sure most of you have heard of the Subaru WRX STi, and most you have also heard of the Fiat 500 Abarth. Sure, the Esseesse exists as the go-faster variant of the Abarth, but it would be even better if there was a 500 that had the 305-horsepower turbo I-4 as the STi, and it would sell for about $35,000. Would it be ridiculous? Yes, of course it would. But wouldn't it be so fun?

2. BMW M7 

    The only reason I wish this car exists is not because I particularly like the 7-Series, it's just that it would make sense for BMW to make a rival for the Jaguar XJR, the Mercedes-Benz S63/S65 AMG, and the Audi S8. It would either have a more powerful version of the M5's 4.4 liter V8, or a more powerful version of the 6.0 liter V12 in the 760Li. Prices would start at about $175,000, not including options such as carbon-ceramic brakes or an upgraded rear seat, which would add a fixed center console, complete with airline-style picnic trays and a mini-fridge. 

3. Mercedes-Benz G550/G63 AMG Coupe/Cabriolet

    If you didn't know already, Mercedes-Benz used to offer the G-Class in two-door variants, including a soft-top convertible. If only they would resurrect that body style for the current G-Class....

4. Mazda MX-5 Miata Racing Edition

     The Mazda Miata is considered to be one of the best roadsters in the world, and is an extremely fun car to drive. My only problem with it is that it is slightly underpowered, so I just wish there was a more track-focused version with around 300 horsepower, and maybe carbon-ceramic brakes.

5. Bentley Mulsanne Limousine by Mulliner

    A couple of years ago, Bentley Mulliner took the Arnage RL and stretched it about a foot. They also added a champagne fridge, reclining seats, a cigar humidor, a partition, and a flat-screen TV. I think that this "Mulliner Limousine" treatment applied to the Mulsanne would create a great rival for cars such as the Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman. 

2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano Vision Diamond Review

    As you already know, the Mercedes-Benz Viano and Sprinter vans have taken on many forms, from passenger buses to camper vans. But perhaps the most decadent variants of these vans has been from companies other than Mercedes, right? I mean, Brabus created the iBusiness 3D van, and Lexani did many conversions of the Sprinter. Surprisingly, Mercedes created a van-limousine-hybrid a couple of years ago, and was much classier than Lexani's wine-cabinet and Nespresso machine. It had a simple Maybach-style two-tone exterior, with a white and grey interior. Somehow, it was better-looking inside and out than any of the Brabus or Lexani conversions. Some other features included a flat-screen TV, a fridge, dual iPads, power reclining seats taken from a Maybach 62, and, most importantly, 8 diamonds scattered across the entire interior. The rear compartment windows had two-mode glass, which is essentially electronically-controlled glass that become tinted at the touch of a button. This is optional on both the SL-Class and SLK-Class, except for the sunroof, not the windows. 

Click here to learn more about the Lexani Mercedes-Benz conversion vans

Click here to learn more about the Brabus Mercedes-Benz Viano iBusiness 3D

2014 Holland & Holland Range Rover Review

    As you might have seen already on here, the gun maker Holland & Holland has already made a custom Range Rover as part of a collaboration with the tuning company Overfinch, but it wasn't an official Land Rover product. But now, Jaguar/Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) department has collaborated with Holland a& Holland to create a special edition of the current-generation Range Rover. They have decided to base it off of the already incredible Autobiography Black LWB, which is a longer, more luxurious version of the Autobiography trim level. Holland & Holland hasn't done anything to the 5.0 liter supercharged V8, which makes 510 hp and 461 pound-feet of torque, which results in a 4.8-second 0-60 time. Just like the old Holland & Holland Range Rover, all their focus has been on the interior touches, such as the hand-crafted metal engraving on the door handles, the burl walnut veneer which matches the shotguns in the trunk, and the specially-fitted gun cabinet.  Holland & Holland has used one large piece of walnut for the entire car, ensuring matching wood throughout. The car also comes standard with the "executive-class" seating, which adds a center console in the backseat. That console houses a champagne fridge, two electrically-deployable airline-style picnic trays, and controls for the rear multimedia system. Just like in the last car, it is stocked with various alcoholic drinks, including scotch, whiskey, vodka, and, of course, plenty of champagne. Sadly, this special Range Rover starts at about $287,000, which is about the same price as one of Holland & Holland's "Royal Deluxe" 12-gauge over & under shotguns. 

Click here to learn more about the Range Rover Autobiography Black LWB

2014 Brabus 800 Roadster Review

    AMG is Mercedes-Benz's craziest tuning division, right? Actually, no, because the Brabus tuning firm is much more insane than AMG, but sadly, it isn't an official part of Mercedes-Benz. It does have the occasional collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, which happens to be the case with the new Pullman limousine, which Brabus will supposedly develop for Mercedes-Benz. But, in my opinion, Brabus should not be absorbed into Mercedes-Benz, because they would overshadow AMG, which sells infinitely more cars than Brabus, which would make it a stupid business decision. But, Brabus does make some really cool stuff, none of which you've probably heard of. Some of thier craziest inventions include the B63-700 6X6, the 850 6.0 Biturbo iBusiness, and the 850 6.0 Biturbo variant of the CLS-Class estate (but instead of the AMG V8, they use a tuned version of the 6.0 liter V12 in the S600). But, they also make more subtle cars, such as the 800 roadster, which is "only" a tuned SL with a 788 horsepower. It also has 811 pound-feet of torque, which is almost 100 pound-feet more than in the "run-of-the-mill" SL65 AMG. Because of these massive amounts of power, the 800 does 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 217 mph. 

Click here to learn more about the Brabus 800 Roadster

Click here to visit the Brabus homepage

2015 Maserati Quattroporte Review

    As you probably have noticed, I really like luxury cars, but I also like fast, sporty, exotic cars as well. So where do you find the perfect blend of luxury and sport? Well, to be honest, you have several options from many different nationalities, all of which are good choices. From England, you have the Jaguar XJR/XJR-L, and from Germany you have many, MANY, options, such as the Mercedes-Benz E/CLS/S-Class AMG variants, the BMW M5, M6 Gran Coupe, and Alpina B7, as well as the Audi S6, S7, RS7, and S8. Sure, the U.S. has some so-so options, but you can't really call a Cadillac CTS-V a "luxury" car, can you (some people consider Cadillacs to be luxury cars, I do not)? You're also probably thinking, "well, the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Flying Spur could be worthy competitors, right?" Well, yes, but Bentleys and Rolls-Royces aren't really "sporty," and neither are the V12 variants of German barges, such as the Audi A8L W12 and the BMW 760Li. Surprisingly enough, I find the Italian manufacturers to do the best job of combing the two elements with the Maserati Quattroporte. I find it to be very luxurious, while at the same time shows up Aston Martins and souped-up Audis. Now, in it's second generation, it is offered with two engines; a mild 3.0 liter V6 with 404 hp, and an insane 3.8 liter turbocharged V8 that produces 523 hp and 524 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a 0-60 time in under five seconds. The interior is far nicer than most Mercs, and has a massive amount of high-quality wood and leather. The rear seat can be optioned with dual wood-grain picnic trays, individual power seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system. 

Click here to learn more about the 2015 Maserati Quattroporte

10 Car Options Nobody Needs

    As you'd expect. many high-end car manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley put ridiculous and overpriced things on their options list, and they never seem to run out of crazy ideas to put in their several-hundred-thousand-dollar cars. But, if you haven't realized, NOBODY NEEDS THESE! Sure, I'd want a whisky decanter in the back of my Rolls-Royce, but I don't need one. I would only get it because it was offered, and considering my ability to afford a Rolls-Royce, I might as well. Here are some of the craziest, most absurd (and some of the most desirable) options you can get on a car:

-In-car champagne fridge (Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Maybach, Range Rover, & even Ford?)

Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Range Rover, and Maybach all have this optional on at least one of their products. Ford even offers a less elegant variation of this in the Flex crossover (but it isn't nearly as cool). Very pointless, but if you can afford cars of this class, you probably won't care at all.

-Rolls-Royce bespoke paint

Rolls-Royce offers this on their cars, and it's basically their way of saying: "If you want, we can paint your Phantom limousine the color of your favorite tie." Stupid? Yes. Impractical? Yes. But would you want your $500K Rolls-Royce any other way?

-Bentley Flying Spur liquid metal paint range

Bentley now offers this on the Flying Spur, and I think the only really "special" thing about it is that it costs $34,995 (lots of cars have metallic paint). Oh well...

-Maybach granite interior trim

This was offered on the Maybach range (57, 62, 57/62S, Guard, Zeppelin, Landaulet) and cost a whopping $60,000. The only thing I find wrong with this is that you could buy a used 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 with $60K, so why spend it on something that is already decadent enough?

-Aston Martin Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 transponder watch

This was optional on the now-defunct DBS, and all it really is is a really nice watch that can unlock the owner's car. Cool? Yes. A tad overpriced at $37,900? Yes, especially for a watch that has more in common with the upcoming Apple watch (which will be able to unlock hotel room doors) than the car it's sold with.

-Nissan GT-R Spec V Brakes

On your own GT-R, you can fork over $50,000 for a "stellar" set of carbon-ceramic brakes. In my opinion, they seem a little unnecessary for daily usage, such as going to the grocery store, which should never include surprise under-100-feet 60-0 testing.

-SRT Viper "Striker Red" Paint

For $14,000,  SRT will paint your very own Viper in a special shade of red, which, to me, looks good, but inappropriate on a Viper (come to think of it, it would great on something like a Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman).

-Lexus LS600HL Executive-Class Seating 

Ever wondered what to spend $14,600 on? Well, look no further, because Lexus offers an option on the LS sedan that turns the backseat in to a first-class airplane on wheels. In this case, a "first-class airplane on wheels" looks like a refrigerated coolbox, individual reclining-massage seats, as well as a Blu-Ray player/drop-down display screen.

Infiniti QX80 Blind Spot Warning System

This may very well be the most practical option on this list, but is ridiculous nonetheless. Now, every soccer-mom can be sure that even while they're texting and driving, they will always know if a car is pulling up alongside them, and for only $12K....

-Porsche 918 Spyder Magnesium Wheels

Even though I am 100% sure everyone who can spend over $800,000 on a car won't care about the price of the options, I'll tell them anyway. The "magnesium" wheels you can get on the new Porsche 918 cost $32,500, which is more than two Kia Rios combined.