Former McLaren Auto Designer Shares Surprising Criticism Of New Lamborghini Countach

 

If you're interested in cars, the name Frank Stephenson probably is familiar to you. If not, his work speaks for itself. The legendary Maserati MC12, Ferrari F430, McLaren P1, McLaren 720s, 570S, and Ferrari FXXK have all been sketched by Stephenson. So, when he takes shots at some new designs, you bet MTT will cover it. The car in question is the new Lamborghini Countach LP800/4, a car that has grabbed headlines recently. Although many have no problem with its retro design, Stephenson has some quibbles that he addressed. Even though he realized the Countach as "very, very, very significant", he complained that it "doesn't stretch enough to the future to be a newer version of the Lamborghini Countach". So, in auto design talk, he's saying that the Countach is a dated design that doesn't make sense in 2022. He also dislikes that the Countach shares a platform with the Aventador, a move that clearly puts restraints on the former's potential. To put it plainly, he thinks a multi-million dollar car deserves some individuality compared to other Lambos. 

All things considered, Stephenson makes several fair points, and his opinion is definitely valid, considering he drew up some gorgeous cars himself, not least the McLaren P1, which is recognized as one of the most beautiful cars of all time. What do think of Frank Stephenson's take on the new Countach? Out of his designs, which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments. Be sure to follow this blog for all the news in the crazy world of automobiles. 

Forza Horizon 5: All 143 Cars Confirmed!

 

The long awaited Forza Horizon 5 is almost here, and the complete list of all the featured vehicles have been released, and there are some pretty epic cars on the list. On November 9th, Horizon 5 will be released to the Xbox community, but why not get ahead of ourselves and look at all the insane cars that will be on the game? Interestingly enough, there are no less than 48 Fords, including 2 Transit vans, of all things. Mercedes-Benz also occupies a large space, with 20 of their models, including the legendary 300SL coupe.  Without further ado, here it goes:

----------------------------

Interesting

Legendary

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2020 Toyota Supra GR

2017 Ford #14 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing GRC Fiesta

2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR

1991 Hoonigan Ford Escort Cossie V2

2021 Sierra Cars RX3

2019 Porsche Taycan Turbo S

2021 Ford Super Duty F-450 DRW PLATINUM

2018 Porsche LPRacing Baja Macan

1967 Ford Mk 1 Escort

2021 Ford Bronco Badlands

2020 Ford Performance #2069 Bronco R

2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray - Streethunter Widebody Kit

1985 Porsche #65 911 Desert Flyer

2021 Mercedes-AMG ONE

1933 Napier Napier-Railton

2019 Mclaren Speedtail

1991 Jaguar XJR-15

1970 Porsche 914/6

2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR

1973 Ford Escort RS1600

1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS

2009 Honda S2000 CR

1968 Ford Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback

2017 Maserati Levante S

2021 Mercedes-AMG ONE Forza Edition

2014 Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4

1998 Toyota Supra RZ

2014 Morgan 3-Wheeler

2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE

2014 Volkswagen Golf R

2017 Ford GT

1993 Jaguar XJ220

1994 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta

2016 Dodge Viper ACR

2013 Subaru BRZ

1967 Lamborghini Miura P400

1974 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale

2011 Penhall The Cholla

2019 Porsche 911 (992) Carrera S

2014 BAC Mono

2019 Ferrari 488 Pista

2013 Caterham Superlight R500

2016 Jaguar F-Type Project 7

2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS

2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

2016 Porsche Cayman GT4

2020 Koenigsegg Jesko

2010 Pagani Zonda R

2019 Zenvo TSR-S

2008 Maserati MC12 Versione Corsa

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

2015 Subaru WRX STI

2011 Subaru WRX STI

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR

1932 Ford De Luxe Five-Window Coupe Forza Edition

2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

2005 Vauxhall Monaro VXR

1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi

2020 Land Rover Defender 110 Ford Ultra4 Fun-Haver

#25 4400 Bronco

2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6

2016 Ariel Nomad

2018 Funco Motorsports F9

2016 RJ Anderson 37 Polaris RZR-Rockstar Energy Pro 2 Truck

2018 Mclaren Senna

2014 Local Motors Rally Fighter

2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

2015 Alumi Craft Class 10 Race Car

2019 Mclaren 720S Spider

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT4-Door Coupe

2019 Rimac Concept_Two (Nevera)

2004 Saleen S7

2018 Apollo Intensa Emozione

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

2014 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5023

1986 Porsche 185 959 Prodrive Rally Raid

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

2018 Can-Am Maverick X RS Turbo R

2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

2018 Mclaren 720S

2015 Polaris RZR XP 1000 EPS

1932 Ford De Luxe Five-Window Coupe

2016 Pagani Huayra BC

1994 Ford Supervan 3

1975 Ford Bronco

2014 Ford #11 Rockstar F-150 Trophy Truck

2018 Ford #25 Mustang RTR

2018 Ford #88 Mustang RTR

1959 Ford Anglia 105E

1973 Ford Capri RS3100

2010 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth

1977 Ford Escort RS1800

1956 Ford F-100

2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2015 Ford Falcon GT F 351

1972 Ford Falcon XA GT-HO

2014 Ford Fiesta ST

1981 Ford Fiesta XR2

2003 Ford Focus RS

2009 Ford Focus RS

2017 Ford Focus RS

2014 Ford FPV Limited Edition Pursuit UTE

2005 Ford GT

1964 Ford GT40 MK1

1970 Ford GT70

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302

2018 Ford Mustang GT

1965 Ford Mustang GT Coupe

2018 Ford Mustang RTR Spec-5

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

1999 Ford Racing Puma

2014 Ford Ranger T6 Rally Raid

1985 Ford RS200 Evolution

2016 Ford Shelby GT350R

2013 Ford Shelby GT500

1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500

1993 Ford SVT Cobra R

2000 Ford SVT Cobra R

1965 Ford Transit

2011 Ford Transit SuperSportVan

2015 Mercedes-Benz

#24 Tankpool24 Racing Truck

1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II

1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe

2013 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG

1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK-GTR

1987 Mercedes-Benz AMG Hammer Coupe

2012 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series

2013 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG

2014 Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6X6

2013 Mercedes-Benz G 65 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

1929 Mercedes-Benz SSK

1939 Mercedes-Benz W154

2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class

2016 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe

2018 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S

2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R

Would You Rather Car Edition!

 HONDA CIVIC TYPE-R / ACURA INTEGRA

DODGE CHALLENGER / FORD MUSTANG

TESLA MODEL 3 / PORSCHE 911 CARERRA

FERRARI 488 / MCLAREN 720S

LAMBORGHINI HURACAN / CHEVY CORVETTE

FERRARI F40 / FERRARI F50

MERCEDES G-CLASS / BENTLEY BENTAYGA

My Picks:

Integra, Challenger, 911, 720s, Huracan, F40, Bentayga

Hyundai Kona N First Look: Refreshingly N-Tertaining!

 

Recently, Hyundai have been killing it with their cars, trucks, and even a truck. It just seems that everything they touch turns to gold, as evidenced by the incredible Veloster N, Sonata, and Tucson. The Korean brand hopes their success extends to their latest vehicle, the Kona N. The 2022 Kona N joins the Veloster and Elantra as cars that have been given a performance-focused "N" variant. The sporty hatchback boasts a highly impressive 286 horsepower, coming from a rowdy turbo 2.0L Inline-4 engine. While the exterior design is by no means universally praised, it looks good enough, all things considered, and its vibrant appearance matches its exuberant ride. 

Put pedal to the metal, and a burst of power will propel the Kona forward, with the same energy that has made the Hyundai Veloster N as popular as it is. Although the Kona is taller than the Veloster, its handling does not seem to be affected in any notable way. And that is a big deal for many customers, who would like something sporty, but with decent practicality. Even if the Kona N isn't as hardcore as a Honda Civic Type-R or Subaru WRX STi, you could argue that it's better for its approachability. It can be a speed demon when you want it to be, and it also can be a world-class daily driver. Even if you don't dig the way it looks, Hyundai have made something special, and I would advise you don't pass it by. 

Pictures courtesy of Car&Driver.

Nissan Z First Look: Rebirth Of An Icon

 

More than 10 years after the original 240Z debuted, Nissan has finally revealed a replacement. And, to be completely honest, it looks more interesting than anything that the Japanese brand has shown us in ages. Changing things up on the previous generation, the new Z debuts with a 3.0 L Twin Turbo V6 that packs a cool 400 hp. However, the FMA chassis that the new Z rides on isn't new, as it traces back to 2002. Back to the engine: Nissan frugally borrows an engine from its corporate sister, the Infiniti Q60. The Z uses a 9-speed automatic transmission, though a 6-speed is also optional. 

Every good sports car needs two things to be successful: a good engine, and good styling. Fortunately, the Z excels in both of those areas. Let's not beat around the bush: the Z is one of the most beautiful sports cars in recent memory. If you have ever seen a 240Z, you can see how well done Nissan modernized the Z. It just looks fantastic, especially with those awesome headlights. There have been some really tragic incidents when one car either looked really good, but didn't have a good engine, or vice versa. Examples include: Honda Civic Type-R, McLaren Senna, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, BMW M3. Thankfully the Nissan Z avoids that trap. All things considered, the new Z is a very exciting car for the enthusiast community, and, hopefully, will reignite something inside a brand that has been struggling recently. Stay tuned for more on the Z, and all the news coming from the car world. 

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Review: Old-School Done Right

 

It's been a minute since Jeep sold a 3-row SUV. More like 32 years, to be precise. Back then, the doors were plated with spruce wood, and power windows were a novel invention. Now, Jeep is attempting to revive the legendary nameplate, but now with a focus on luxury, not necessarily a main-stream product. Coming out of the gates, it looks like it is priced to compete with the likes of the Land Rover Range Rover, Lincoln Aviator, BMW X7, and the Cadillac Escalade. The starting price for the Grand Wagoneer is $88,995, and the top model commands a hefty $110,775. Although that seems like a lot, it is a relatively reasonable asking price for a luxurious 3-row SUV, considering that many of its rivals (Range Rover starts at $92K) are within the same space. But, you might be thinking, is the Grand Wagoneer even comparable to the Rover, or other rivals? 

Ride & Handling: 4/10

This Jeep, as it should be, is extremely capable off the pavement. However, sadly, its miserable ride on-road is just as expected, as the majority of modern Jeep products are squarely criticized for their sub-par on-road ride. The Grand Wagoneer's ride is just unacceptable, especially given how good its competitors are in this aspect. Drive a Range Rover or BMW X7, and you will be wowed by their stellar drive. Even though Jeep struggles in this area, it is by no means a death sentence. 

Build Quality: 10/10

Many things have been criticized by Jeep products over the years, but build quality is a subject that is never touched on, and for good reason: Jeeps are built like tanks. The Grand Wagoneer is no exception, and it might even be tougher than most Jeeps. You can drive it through a forest and come out unscathed. If you want a car that can withstand anything, and only looks better with every scratch, the Grand Wagoneer is a good choice. 

Luxury: 10/10

Easily the strongest aspect of the Grand Wagoneer is its interior. It is wonderfully designed, with stunning wood trim, and arguably one of the better infotainment systems in the class. The seats, though are without competition, as they are easily the best in the segment. 

Value: 6/10

Starting at roughly $89K, and going all the way to $111K, the Grand Wagoneer is definitely one of the more pricy options in the segment. However, I would argue that it is at least mostly worth it. Heck, it's a huge SUV with world-class luxury and unrivaled build quality. I personally would spend my money elsewhere, but the Jeep is by no means an unimpressive effort. 

Overall Rating: 7.5/10