Introduced in 2004, the Porsche Carrera GT has left a lasting impact on the automotive industry and is considered one of the iconic supercars in its class. To preserve its legacy, Graham Rahal Performance offers a specialized recommissioning service called the GRP Porsche Carrera GT Recommission Project. This project allows owners to customize their Carrera GTs even after almost 20 years since they were first produced. Graham Rahal Performance is excited to announce GRP Project Recommission #02, which features a stunning Signal Orange Porsche Carrera GT.
The Porsche Carrera GT in this project boasts a vibrant Signal Orange finish, which is inspired by a Porsche Singer and perfectly replicates the unique shade found on the handbuilt 911. As part of the customization process, GRP Project Recommission #02 includes upgraded HRE performance wheels with silver and black center locks. Additionally, the Porsche carbon ceramic brake calipers have been paint-matched to complement the new exterior color of the Carrera GT.
Inside the Carrera GT, the design pays tribute to early Porsche interiors with its jaw-dropping plaid-style cabin. The outer portion of the Porsche sports bucket seats features black leather with signal orange contrast stitching, while the center inserts showcase a stunning signal orange, grey, and black cross-woven plaid design. Subtle hints of vibrant orange stitching tastefully accentuate the driver-focused interior while maintaining a factory appearance for the majority.
Comparing the Carrera GT and the 911 Singer side by side, it is evident that Porsche is committed to pushing the boundaries of performance and paying tribute to the innovative models that paved the way. The GRP Porsche Carrera GT Recommission Project by Graham Rahal Performance breathes new life into this automotive icon and preserves one of Porsche’s greatest sports cars. To browse all Graham Rahal Performance inventory available for sale, click the link below.
The automotive industry is faced with the challenge of reducing emissions and minimizing environmental impact in many regions around the world. For supercar manufacturers like Lamborghini, finding solutions to these challenges is crucial for entering new markets. In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Lamborghini unveiled its first plug-in hybrid flagship supercar, the Revuelto, capable of an impressive 1,001 horsepower. The grand opening of Lamborghini Oslo, which marks Lamborghini’s first showroom in Norway, showcased the Revuelto as the star of the event.
The opening of Lamborghini Oslo not only introduced the showroom to the local audience but also marked the debut of the Revuelto in Norway. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Federico Foschini, Nils Tronrud, Chairman of XPND Auto Group (which operates the new showroom), and a select group of guests attended the event. Besides showcasing the Revuelto, the grand opening featured a performance by the Norwegian band Kickslip and DJ Boge. Additionally, a unique painting by Nicolay Aamodt, celebrating Lamborghini’s 60th anniversary, was presented, marking the beginning of an exciting era for Lamborghini in a new country.
Solid-state batteries are a huge leap in technology, and the auto industry is embracing it wholeheartedly. GM, Volkswagen, and many others are investing substantial amounts in SSB technologies over the next decade. SSBs are lighter, safer, charge faster, and have a longer life span than traditional lithium-ion batteries. So, why isn’t every manufacturer using them? Solid-state Batteries are still a relatively new technology. Creating and manufacturing them on a large scale has presented its own set of challenges. The cost of these batteries is much greater, and while electric vehicle price tags are some of the highest in the auto world, these batteries just aren’t really feasible at this time. The scarcity of a reliable candidate for a solid electrolyte also plays a role. If solid-state batteries are going to rule the auto industry one day, these challenges must be addressed. Let’s look at some of these pros and cons in detail.
With such an immense upside, It’s hard to imagine the emergence of solid-state batteries as anything except positive, but as the great Mark Frost once said “there can be no light without darkness”. The process to make a solid-state battery is complex. Because the battery uses no liquid electrolyte to transfer energy from cathode to anode, or vice versa, there has to be a solid electrolyte to take its place. Materials for this kind of technology are scarce and very expensive. On top of that, there is no standardized material that is used in the manufacturing process, and no standardized process in which they are made. This makes them extremely hard to mass produce. Some estimates put Solid State batteries at three-four times the price of traditional lithium-ion batteries. Those costs can add when you are talking about a vehicle that already can cost as much as $200,000 for a top-of-the-line model. Are the savings worth the added mileage and faster charging? That is for consumers to decide, and presumably, they will get their chance. Many major automakers including GM, Toyota, and Mercedes have all invested heavily in solid-state battery technology, in hopes of increasing range and charging capabilities.
Lithium-ion batteries have created some pretty memorable explosions over the years. These are often espoused early and often by EV skeptics, and for good reason. We all remember the Galaxy Note 7 recall. If you don’t, open up a new tab and browse YouTube for a few minutes, it’s worth it. And, phones exploding in your pocket is just the tip of the iceberg. More recently, a fire in the Bronx required the attention of 200 firefighters after an electric scooter battery exploded in an apartment building. This is only one example of the over 200 fires from lithium batteries last year in New York alone, and that’s a small battery by electric vehicle standards. What happens if the Chevy E-Crate, with its six-foot-long, 1,000-pound battery is made or installed wrong? A recall, like the one for the Chevy Bolt, could be devastating to the company, and more importantly, to the auto enthusiast who just wanted to revive their old K-10. The possibility of solid-state batteries solving this massive problem, I think most people would agree, is worth exploring. There is a reason that most pacemakers use solid-state batteries. If these batteries can be manufactured at scale, grandpa can rest easy knowing his heart and his car aren’t going to give out unexpectedly.
New Technology Works Great In A Lab, But What About The Real World?
Mercedes
A 2023 Mercedes Ecitaro on a road
Earlier in this article, I cited NASA and its SABERS battery. There has been a tremendous amount of success in a lab setting. Toyota itself currently holds over 1,600 patents relating to solid-state battery technology, again for success in the lab. But how does that translate into a roadworthy vehicle, and does it at all? The answer is a solid, maybe. Currently, most automakers plan to release solid-state battery electric vehicles toward the end of the decade or later. That leaves a lot of time for speculation and bold claims, without needing anything concrete to back them up. However, a Chinese company named Baoya plans to release one later this year. The Baoya FB77 has aims of being the first production vehicle with a solid-state battery, in the sedan market. So far, the only contender for the crown is Mercedes, which produces an electric bus in Germany, that contains a solid-state battery. The challenge to overcome is the heat. The battery used in this bus operates at around 175 degrees. That’s not going to cut it on a summer day in Florida. That may be the biggest challenge for all EVs using solid-state batteries. So far all the claims and projections have mentioned that the batteries are lighter and denser, and that distinction will allow them to take up less space. But if there is extra cooling needed, we may be trading battery space for cooling space.
a cutaway shot of a lithium ion battery next to a solid state battery.
It’s almost common knowledge at this point that electric vehicles are expected to last longer than a traditional internal combustion vehicle. Currently, it is required by the government that EVs carry a warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles. California went a step further and made it 10 years or 150,000 miles. That doesn’t appear to have stopped any of the automakers from moving forward to an all-electric future, so the claims have some weight behind them. Taking into account that all EVs are currently lithium-ion batteries, what does that say about what we can expect from solid-state batteries? Batteries with a solid electrolyte are purported to be 2-3 times denser than lithium ions, and some tests have shown that they can last twice as long or better. As I stated previously, we are still in the lab stage of the new technology, but if these tests translate into the real world, then the future of electric vehicles is looking very bright.
In the 1990s, there were some interesting automotive brands that are now defunct. One such brand was Eagle, which was introduced by Chrysler in 1988 as an enthusiast brand aimed at a younger customer base. The lineup mainly consisted of rebranded models from Mitsubishi, Plymouth, and Chrysler, but the brand had its own identity and charm. However, stock examples of Eagle cars are now hard to find.
Recently, the WD Detailing team discovered an original Eagle Talon TSi that had been abandoned for 12 years. The Talon TSi had a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. As seen in the video, the car is missing some parts, with the main issue being the lack of an engine under the hood. Finding the original turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the Talon is becoming increasingly difficult.
The specific engine in question is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with around 195 horsepower in the all-wheel drive configuration. The front-wheel drive Talon had a slightly lower rating of 190 horsepower due to its more restrictive exhaust system. Models equipped with a four-speed manual transmission had 180 horsepower due to a different turbo setup.
The Talon was essentially a rebadged and slightly redesigned version of the Mitsubishi Eclipse, which was also sold under the Plymouth brand. While they were mechanically identical, the three coupes had their own design elements such as different bumpers, taillights, and wheels. All three cars were manufactured by DSM (a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi) at their plant in Normal, Illinois.
In its current condition, this black Eagle Talon TSi has potential, despite being far from its factory condition. Not only is it a rare turbocharged all-wheel drive model, but it also doesn’t have significant rust spots on its body. If you owned this vehicle, would you choose to restore it to its original condition or install a more powerful and modern engine? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
2022 was an excellent year for the automotive industry. It saw new leaps and bounds for electric and hybrid cars. Some cars had new tech like wireless charging, voice activation, and even air purification systems. And while 2022 was great for new features, the year was not so kind to American car manufacturers. 2022 Consumer Reports had mostly Asian manufacturers in the top spots (Think, Toyota, Honda, and Mazda). Only Lincoln made the top 10, with Buick in the 11th spot.
But just because a car didn’t make it in the top 10 doesn’t mean that it’s not reliable. New technology can be the culprit for a car not being on the list, not necessarily mechanical maladies. So if you’re worrying that your car isn’t in the top 10, don’t fret. There are still many things to love about American cars.
Updated on June 14, 2023: Since 2022 is gone and half of 2023 has been swept under the rug, we have decided to refresh and update this list of reliable American cars. The original 2022 models have been left, so you know what vehicle to look for in a slightly used car. However, we have added some of the top 2023 American models to give you some extra choices.
Three-quarters shot of a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hybrid charging
Jeep has never really been high on reliability lists. In 2022, they ranked 23 out of 24 car manufacturers, almost putting them dead last. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokeeis the highest on Jeep’s list of reliable cars. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 2022 has been redesigned with better fuel economy, a more luxurious cabin, and more refinement. This car is a great midsize SUV that is predicted to last a long time, but you might be better off with some of its other competitors, such as KIA, Hyundai, or Honda, given Jeep’s overall reliability record.
142022 GMC Yukon: 73/100
GMC
Front and side view of a 2022 GMC Yukon Denali
Placing just two spots above Jeep at 21 out of 24 car manufacturers is GMC. GMC is another one of those companies with average reliability over the years, but the 2022 GMC Yukonis one of GMC’s more reliable cars. This three-row SUV is quiet, comfy, and has excellent towing capacity (7,500 – 7,900 pounds). The newly redesigned independent rear suspension offers a smoother ride and better handling. When maintained, it is predicted to last 200,000 to 250,000 miles, making it a decent choice if you’re looking to buy a new SUV or if you need something to haul your boat and motorcycle around.
132022 Tesla Model Y: 73/100
Tesla
A front 3/4 outdoor shot of a 2022 Tesla Model Y
Tesla has always been at the cutting edge when it comes to new technology in its cars, but they are the relatively new kid on the block and have some things to figure out. The 2022 Tesla Model Y is no exception to this rule. Tesla came in at 19 out of 24 manufacturers, which isn’t the best. Most of the problems come from paint, weatherstripping, rear-hatchback, and its climate system. Many people who buy these cars are thrilled with them, but you can expect to pay more in overall maintenance costs due to new technology. Overall, it is one of the few fully electric vehicles on the market right now, and that alone can save you money in the long term.
Front and side view of a 2022 Ram 1500 Longhorn Limited
Placing much higher on Consumer Reports’ list is the 2022 Ram 1500. Ram placed at 16 out of 24 manufacturers, making it a more reliable option than the GMC Yukon. And obviously, this is a truck on a list of cars, but the high-ranking American cars are slim on Consumer Reports lists, so we elected to include it. The 2022 Ram 1500 dropped pounds to improve fuel economy and add more passenger room. It can last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles depending on your use. And with an average annual repair cost of $691, it won’t break the bank for quite some time.
112022 Ford Maverick 78/100
Ford
Front three-quarter shot of a light blue 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid speeding in a free highway
Ah, yes, another truck on our list of cars. Unfortunately, the highest-ranking car on Consumer Reports for Ford was a truck. Go figure. Ford ranked 18 out of 24 car manufacturers, putting two spots below RAM. These trucks can last for up to 14 years and 200,000 miles, making them a good choice if you want a truck that will last a long time and has a lot of power. It even has a hybrid option that gives it decent MPG at 42 in the city and 33 on the highway. Outscoring every pickup in its class, the 2022 Ford Maverick is a small truck that can be bought on a budget and can withstand time for years to come.
10Cadillac XT5 2022: 79/100
Cadillac ranked in between Ram and Ford at 17 out of 24 manufacturers. With a nice mix of luxury and reliability, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 is at the top of Cadillac’s most reliable cars for the year. Consumer Reports placed it in its top 10 most reliable cars of the year, with a reliability rating of 89 out of 100. And while it doesn’t have the same appeal or drivability as one of Cadillac’s sedans, it is still a sleeper in terms of comfort and reliability. You won’t get Mercedes-level luxury, but you’ll get a pretty standard SUV that will last you for years to come with proper care and maintenance.
A front 3/4 action shot of a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse
Chevy ranked 20 out of 24 car manufacturers, according to Consumer Reports. The most reliable car out of Chevy’s lineup is the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse. It is a three-row crossover that gives the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot a run for their money. Consumer Reports gave it a reliability rating of 82 out of 100, making it one of the more reliable cars on this list. It is predicted to last 12 to 17 years and upwards of 200,000 miles. On the road, the 2022 Chevy Traverse offers a smooth ride that you won’t complain about but won’t brag about, either.
82022 Chrysler 300: 83/100
Chrysler
Side view of a Chrysler 300s
Chrysler wasn’t included in 2022’s Consumer Reports since it was acquired by Stellantis in 2021, so we’ll take its 2021 information and see where it ranks. In 2021, Chrysler ranked 12 out of 28 manufacturers. That makes Chrysler, in general, pretty reliable. And one of the most reliable Chrysler cars is the 2022 Chrysler 300. Chrysler’s flagship luxury sedan offers plenty of room and comfort for your average buyer. Reports state that the 2022 Chrysler 300 can last up to 200,000 with minimal repairs needed. This makes it a great choice if you’re looking for luxury and reliability.
72022 Buick Encore: 84/100
Buick
2022 Buick Encore GX parked in front of a building
Coming in at the second-highest spot on the list is Buick. Buick ranked 11 out of 24 manufacturers for 2022. And coming in as one of Buick’s most reliable cars is the 2022 Buick Encore. The 2022 Buick Encore is a subcompact SUV that is a size smaller than the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V. The 2022 Buick Encore is expected to reach 200,000 miles with regular maintenance and is predicted to be reliable for many years. This car is meant to blend luxury with a small carbon footprint. This car is perfect for a small SUV that is easy on gas and the eyes.
The 2022 Lincoln Corsair came in at 10 out of 24 manufacturers, with a reliability rating of 87 out of 100. The Corsair has plenty of standard features, a silky smooth ride, and a base 250 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with upgradable options for more power. This is a luxury vehicle, though, which means it comes with new technology that could be prone to breaking down. With a predicted 10-year price of $11,000 in regular maintenance fees, this car could put you back more than others on this list. Either way, if you bought one, it could be a solid choice.
52023 Chrysler 300: 77/100
Chrysler
Shot of the 2023 Chrysler 300s’ rear
The 2023 Chrysler 300 has been improved upon from the previous years (maybe not as much as the 2021 model), giving it the top place for an American car on the list of large cars, ranking number 2/4 overall. The 300 has long been one of those luxury cars that families across the nation have gone to for cross-country trips, which they still do, but with the addition of the smaller 3.6-liter V-6, it is now a very reliable in-town daily driver. One that will not break the bank when it comes to guzzling fuel.
42023 Tesla Model S: 78/100
Tesla
Three-quarter view of the Tesla Model S
Based upon the statistics over the last couple of years, ranking number 4 out of 15 in the luxury compact car segment is a good feat for an American car. Tesla is a company that has grown to success within a couple of years and will continue to grow as long as they offer reliable and safe models. The 2023 Tesla Model S features an electric motor for the front axle, and one for the back, to help accelerate the car from 0 to 60 in under two and a half seconds. The best part; the Tesla Model S has a range of up to 405 miles on a single charge.
A yellow Ford Maverick being driven on a country road
It seems like the same models are repeatedly on the list printed out by Consumer Reports every year unless there has been a significant facelift. The 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid shows this by again appearing as the number one American small pickup in overall score ratings by Consumer Reports. The Hybrid Maverick Hybrid came in number 1 out of 12 in the compact truck segment, featuring a 2.5-liter engine combined with an electric motor to create a front-wheel-drive truck that produces up to 191 horsepower.
22023 Lincoln Corsair: 84/100
Lincoln
Front 3/4 view of a white 2023 Lincoln Corsair
The 2023 Lincoln Corsair is not as common as the Lincoln Aviator or Navigator, but the data shows that it is a much better buy if you can handle having a compact SUV because it was able to gain a ranking of 5 out of 37. The Corsair has a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine or a plug-in hybrid with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional for an added cost.
12023 C8 Chevrolet Corvette: 87/100
Mecum Auctions
A front 3/4 outdoor shot of a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette 3LT Convertible
Not much can be said about the Chevrolet Corvette that you do not already know. If you don’t, you have some significant reading to do. The one thing that may not be common knowledge is that out of all the American vehicles on the market, the Corvette has one of the best overall rankings from the people at Consumer Reports. The C8 also topped the list for the most satisfying car of the year. It received an overall ranking of 87 out of 100, achieving number 1 out of 24 sports cars that they tested. So, what could possibly be better than a fire-breathing sports car that can shoot 0 to 60 in under 3.0 seconds while still giving you the ride expected out of a top-notch sports car?
The ’80s were not one of the best times in the car industry for muscle cars, but it sure left things open for sports cars. Small cars with big engines that could push out more horsepower than any of the big displacement engines could have ever dreamed of, which is where the idea of a supercar comes in. The label of a supercar is as debated then as it is now, with some saying that the Ford GT1 was the first, others claiming that the original supercar was the Ferrari Miura, while others say you need to go back even further to the 1954 Mercedes-Benz.
No matter how you feel about the subject, the one thing that most experts can agree upon today is that a supercar is a high-performance car (usually a sports car) that can pump out over 400 horses and reach speeds of over 200 MPH. Of course, that is by today’s standards which the vehicles in the ’80s could not meet, at least not the top speeds anyway.
NOTE: Since this list could be organized in many different ways, please note that it was designed to go from the supercars that produce the lowest horsepower to the ones that top out at the highest power numbers for the decade. It considers the amount of torque each can pound out, but it has no deciding factor on the list’s placement.
Even though the base-level Ferrari Testarossa back in the 80s does not fall under the definition of a supercar today, back in the day, it was one of the premier supercars on the planet. If you were riding around in a Ferrari (or a Lamborghini), you were on top of the world. The mid-mounted 380 horsepower 4.9L flat-12 engine pushed the torque to the rear drive tires through a five-speed manual gearbox, pushing the car from 0 to 60 in a mere five seconds.
Ferrari Testerossa Pros
Easy handling due to sensitive controls
Full of luxury for the decade
Aerodynamic without spoilers
Ferrari Testerossa Cons
Noisy when driving over 95
Upholstery comes apart at the seams
Issues starting when the engine is warmed up
91985 Lamborghini Countach: 455 Horsepower
Mecum
Front and side view of a 1985 Lamborghini Countach
The 1985 to 1988 Lamborghini Countach LP5000S QV was the most powerful version throughout the ’80s, only giving way to the Lamborghini Diablo in 1990. For the end of the decade, the company stuck with the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-12 engine behind the cockpit in the middle of the car. The 455 horsepower could accelerate the car from 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds, rocketing it down the quarter-mile track in right around 14 seconds.
Lamborghini Countach Pros
Superb handling
Craftsmanship is top-of-the-line inside and out
Carburetors have been replaced with fuel injectors
Lamborghini Countach Cons
Very warm in the cockpit when driving
No power assist anything
The pedals are too far to the right
81987 Porsche 959: 450 Horsepower
Mecum
Front and side view of a 1987 Porsche 959
Pure excitement is what you get when climbing behind the wheel of a 1987 Porsche 959. It only takes 3.6 seconds to reach 60 mph from a dead stop on its way to the top speed of 199 mph due to the 450 horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.8L flat-six Boxer engine. Mated to the engine is a six-speed manual transmission that sends the 368 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. Under the car, you will find all kinds of innovative technology for the time period, such as active suspension and an all-wheel drive system that can send the power and torque to the drive tires that need it.
Porsche 959 Pros
Adjustable ride height adjustments
Automatic transfer of power to drive tires needing it the most
The 1987 Ruf CTR may look like a basic Porsche Carrera on the outside, but you would be wrong. The Ruf CTR is a version of the car that has been stripped, updated, improved, and put back together. The supercar has been bored out to a 3.4L that can push out 463 horses that is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The 408 foot-pounds of torque is sent to the rear tires through the drivetrain, pushing the car from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds, with a registered top speed of up to 213 mph.
Ruf CTR Pros
Steel body panels were all replaced with aluminum to reduce the weight
Intake ducts were added to rear flares to help cool the engine
Ruf CTR has a full roll cage inside for added safety
Ruf CTR Cons
The manual gears are hard to shift unless you are paying full attention to the task
Can skid sideways when under power very easily
Steering jerks sideways
61987 Ferrari F40: 471 Horsepower
Ferrari
Front and side view of a 1987 Ferrari F40
When you take a car engineered for a rally race, converted over for road racing, and produced for the street, you get a beast of a supercar. In this case, that specific car is the 1987 Ferrari F40 with a 471 horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-8 that shoots the car from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The 426 pound-feet of torque is sent to the rear-wheel drive tires through the five-speed manual transmission, helping the car achieve its top speed of 201 mph.
Ferrari F40 Pros
Simple and to the point: build to perform, not to impress
The actual power output of the engine may well be over 500 bhp
Three-pipe exhaust system (one specifically to remove gases from the twin turbos)
Ferrari F40 Cons
Extremely low ground clearance caused issues on uneven roads
The Interior had no creature comforts, including no radio, door panels, or door handles
Distorted and blocked view in all directions
51986 Ford RS200 Revolution: 600 Horsepower
Another car initially designed to compete in the Group B rally races that quickly became known as a supercar was the 1986 Ford RS200 Revolution. It was powered by a 600 horsepower 2.1L turbocharged Cosworth BDT-E inline four-cylinder stashed in the middle of the Ford. The 400 pound-feet of torque is pushed out to the all-wheel drive tires through a five-speed manual transmission mounted in the front of the car, helping push the car from 0 to 60 in just over 3 seconds (a world record that stood for over 10 years.)
Ford RS200 Revolution Pros
Front drive tires always engage first, producing better traction
Double wishbone suspension helps with handling on all types of road surfaces
Exceptional ride quality on and off the beaten path
The 1989 Vector W8 may not have been designed and produced by one of the more familiar car companies. However, it still tops the list of one of the most powerful supercars of the 80s. It was a mid-engined design offered a 625 horsepower twin-turbocharged 6L eight-cylinder that could help the car from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds. The three-speed automatic transmission moved the 649 pound-feet of torque to the rear-wheel drive tires to help it reach its claimed top speed of 242 mph.
Vector W8 Pros
High-quality interior construction made from aircraft-grade materials
GM engine and transmission, so easy to find parts for
GM parts make it easy to work on and modify even further
Vector W8 Cons
No anti-lock brakes were ever included in the design
Power steering was not thought to be a necessity, so it was cut out to reduce the weight
Three-speed transmission limits high revs
31980 Aston Martin Bulldog; 700 Horsepower
edvvc via Wikimedia Commons
Front and side view of a 1980 Aston Martin Bulldog
One of the most futuristic-looking cars on this list is the 1980 Aston Martin Bulldog, but in the ’80s, it did not look all that out of place. Under the hood was a 700 horsepower 5.3-liter twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder engine that could push out up to 499 pound-feet of torque. The Bulldog makes use of a five-speed manual transmission to get from 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds, and as of 2023, it finally reached its mark of reaching its top speed of 200 mph.
Aston Martin Bulldog Pros
The wheels have integrated cooling fans to keep the brakes from overheating
Lights were hidden in the hood to help improve aerodynamics
The gullwing doors come up to allow ease of entrance and exit
Aston Martin Bulldog Cons
The fuel injection system has been removed and replaced with dual Weber carbs
Front and side view of a 1988 Callaway Corvette Sledgehammer
A supercar with all of the creature comforts still in the cockpit was hard to find in the ’80s, which may be one of the biggest draws towards the 1988 Callaway Corvette Sledgehammer. For others, it may be the 880 horsepower 5.7L eight-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers. From 0 to 60, the car can accelerate in 3.9 seconds, and overall, the Sledgehammer can top out at an incredible 254.76 mph. It uses a six-speed manual transmission and has been lowered by an inch compared to the average 1988 Corvette to offer better handling and performance.
Callaway Corvette Sledgehammer Pros
Block is up to NASCAR specifications with forged pistons and connecting rods
Heads are aluminum made by Brodix
Stainless steel exhaust with four mufflers for perfect combustion
Callaway Corvette Sledgehammer Cons
The electrical systems are known for shorting out on the 1988 Corvettes
The original brake master cylinder can malfunction and cause the brakes to stop working
If you think the 1988 Koenig Competition looks a bit like a Ferrari, you would be right on the nose because it is based on the Ferrari Testarossa. The Competition offers a mid-engine 1,000 horsepower twin-turbocharged V-12 that can push out up to 737 pound-feet of torque. If that is not enough to raise the hair on the back of your neck, imagine going 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds on your way to its top speed of 229 mph. The five-speed manual transmission is smooth and easy to shift, making this car the rightful top dog of the 1980s supercars.
Koenig Competition Pros
The racing suspension was added for better handling and performance
Racing brakes were added for better stopping power
The chassis is stiffened to account for the added power and torque
Koenig Competition Cons
1000 bhp car was a special order, the base level was only 800 bhp
Takes both hands on the wheel when launching to keep control
The global automotive industry can change dramatically from one country to another. Between 80 and 90 million new cars are sold every year in the 195 countries of the world. More than half of these cars (54 percent) are located in Asia, as is the majority of the world’s population (59 percent). Other regions such as the United States and Canada account for only 5 percent of the world’s population, but 19 percent of vehicle sales.
The industry has many faces depending on where you are. Some are quite developed in terms of technology. Other countries are lagging behind in terms of regulations and the importance of the sector within the GDP.
Who Is Ahead?
The European Union and the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Korea, and China are very well positioned. They have a strong regulatory, trade, tax, manufacturing, and R&D structure. That’s why almost all the new cars that are presented come from these markets.
Both automakers and consumers can take advantage of the best conditions to sell, buy, and drive cars. The authorities are moving in harmony with the industry to improve development and innovation, although in Europe, the 2035 lawsuit is now holding court.
The Stellantis Factory In Tychy, Poland
Who Is Working Hard?
Behind these markets are countries working hard to become attractive for foreign investment. India, Southeast Asia, North Africa, South Africa, and some Latin American markets are improving their automotive landscape by introducing more efficient and flexible regulations and making it easier for automakers to invest.
However, there are still issues related to import taxation and population income that make it difficult for developed economies to keep pace. Brazil, for example, has a strong manufacturing hub, but is unable to adopt the latest technologies because most consumers cannot afford them. However, India is close when it comes to regulations.
The BMW Rosslyn Plant In South Africa
The Worst Countries For The Automotive Industry
Countries with the poorest automotive industries are usually those isolated in terms of trade, or where local production is nearly impossible due to lack of infrastructure and support from local authorities.
This is the case of Iran, for example. Its economy is largely blocked by international sanctions which make it almost impossible to import new and competitive cars at competitive prices. It is also very difficult to produce locally due to a lack of components and access to international technology. All cars produced in Iran today are rebadged older-tech models no longer produced in Western economies.
A large part of the African continent is also experiencing great difficulties. The heavy presence of used car imports puts new cars in a very difficult position, considering the very low income of the population. Most Africans cannot afford a new vehicle. The result? The streets are filled with polluting cars and old technology.
The Russian Case
Russia is also heading towards a difficult situation. As Western automakers have abandoned this market after the invasion of Ukraine, local production is shrinking to a handful of small companies that lack the technology to compete in global markets.
AVTOVAZ Plant In Russia
Furthermore, it is slowly becoming a satellite market for Chinese manufacturers, which means that consumers will not have much choice in the foreseeable future.
The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.
The BMW Welt in Munich boasts the Brand & Customer Institute, which is the only one of its kind in the automotive industry. It allows chosen partners and employees to immerse themselves in BMW Group’s brands, including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and BMW Motorrad, which has had its own brand room since January 2022.
BMW Motorrad’s brand room was named “Brand Architecture” in the “Spatial Communication” category of last year’s Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design. The “Red Dot Design Award” has been adjudicating for the awards since 1954, with the red dot symbolising quality and excellence and becoming internationally recognised.
BMW Motorrad received the iF DESIGN AWARD as the latest recognition, which has been a globally accepted symbol of excellent design since 1954 and is one of the leading global design awards. The BMW Motorrad brand room was able to win over the 133 independent and international experts on the jury for the award for its excellent architectural design and an emotionally crafted brand training programme, making it one of the leading design honours.
The design challenges for the BMW Motorrad brand room were significant because of the small area of 38 square metres, which required the immersion of imaginative brand concepts in inspiring architecture. The solution was a multi-sensory interior design that harmonised with the iconic glass facade of the existing building and supported the interactive experience in the space. The result was an experience that excited curiosity and creativity in visitors who could explore the BMW Motorrad brand and its world.
The customers and fans of BMW Motorrad know that the brand embodies an active lifestyle and experience-oriented attitude, which is the brand promise of “Make Life a Ride.” In the BMW Motorrad brand room designed to cater to personal experiences, the brand’s thematic focus areas are offered through fascinating brand access points that serve as interactive immersion experiences. The BMW Motorrad brand room is a place of communication and dialogue, analogous to a motorcyclist gathering around the campfire that provides a perfect backdrop for training sessions.
In essence, the BMW Motorrad brand room is a holistic experiential concept, featuring elements that appeal to all the senses, including sound, light, and natural materials. The combination of unique features and holistic design makes the BMW Motorrad brand room a memorable and creative experience.
BMW has made it easy to experience the BMW Motorrad brand among other BMW Group brands in the BMW Motorrad brand room at BMW Welt Munich since January 2022. The Brand Mover Training immersive experience in the BMW Motorrad brand room gives visitors all the insight into the brand and its customer types and values through interactive training sessions that simulate all the senses.
If you are interested in BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment, you can find the press material in the BMW Group PressClub, accessible via www.press.bmwgroup.com. You can also contact Sarah Bauer, Corporate, Product and Innovation Communications, at +49-151-601-94180, or via email at Sarah.Bauer@bmw.de.
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