Minneapolis Street Sighting: BMW E36 M3

I have written about BMW's famous M3 numerous times, and aside from the much-lauded E30, the E36 is my favorite; I will delve into all of the details why, but I just love these. Rather than write about the car in depth (which I have done numerous times before), I will let the pictures do the talking. Obviously, the pictured example probably makes more than the stock 286 horses, and it probably weighs a bit less, so these two aspects will only enhance its performance.

Rather than ride on the stock wheels, the owner of this example has done it up with a set of E46-spec CSL wheels, and he has fitted the decklid with a M3 Evolution spoiler. Normally, I'd call it out as "rice", but I think it works here, mainly because the stock headlights have been replaced with meaner-looking grayed-out units. Oddly enough, the stock rubstrip has been left in place; and it works.


Normally, I'd reserve space down below to critique this vehicle for all its worth, but here I'll let the (at the time) wonderful photography do the talking. I like these, and this has been my favorite example to shoot.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Toyota Supra Mark IV

In my years of carspotting, there have always been a select few of my favorite cars that have somehow eluded me. Maybe it has to do with rarity, or simply because of where I live; the Supra falls into both of those categories I'm afraid. Marketed as Toyota's halo car when it went upmarket, the last-generation Supras are quite rare compared to earlier cars.

First established in 1978, the nameplate was made into a separate model in 1982; it is Toyota's answer to Mazda's RX7, and Datsun/Nissan's beloved Z-car.  Like its two main competitors, the Supra has always relied on one main powerplant--variations of an inline-six cylinder engine, which, in later years had the option of being turbocharged. Like its turbo-Z competitors and RX-7 competitors, the Supra turbos are quite the collector item--if not molested.

While some car enthusiasts (mainly on the muscle car side) have the idea that Supras will never be as fast as certain cars, the fact of the matter is, they can. As with a vast majority of other Japanese supercars, they can be turned into quite quick monsters with very little effort. I have not seen many tuned Supras up close, but as a general car enthusiast, I would like to.

I am proud of this find; for starters, Mark IV Supras are pretty uncommon here in any form--and rightfully so. This is Toyota's halo car--and this example certainly looks the part.Being all stock helps matters in this case, as its a rare feat for one of the world's most renowned tuner cars.

All the correct bits are present here; the stock (and slightly bland) wheels, the stock (and often duplicated) rear wing, and hey look! Supra taillights-- but wait.. This is a Supra!

I notice that this one has badges on the fenders, marking this one a 15th Anniversary Edition; that little tidbit marks this example as a 1997. Surviving nearly seventeen years as a stock car is one thing, but to do so in a world where this car is widely coveted by people who refuse to leave it stock is quite another.

I am quite happy with this spotting as I hardly ever see Toyota's supercar, stock or not. This is the only Mark IV I've shot in depth, and I hope it won't be my last.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Buick Grand National

I grew up in the 1990s, and as a result, I have a certain fondness for the cars that roamed the streets when I was growing up. I love the GM G-bodies for this very reason, and it's quite rare to see one still alive in my neck of the woods, let alone a higher-end model. In presentable condition no less. I see base Regals tattered up with big wheels and grotesque paint, and I've seen Grand Nationals done up the same way, unfortunately.
This one was all stock--or maybe not, judging by the exhaust and rear tires. I adore these things in stock form, and even better when they're not totally pampered garage queens. Yes, I realize these are, and yes, I know driving them will "ruin" the value of them. But, I don't care. If you choose to sport an iconic car, you must drive it. And drive it the owner does.
There are paint blemishes, there is orange peel, and the factory decals aren't quite in top shape. I would normally chastize an owner for letting such a rare car go to waste, but it seems as if all the Grand National I see are either trailer queens or so well "restored" that I almost don't care for them. This daily driver example is a gratifying change from the norm, and one that reflects the owner's enthusiasm for what he or she drive.
As far as the car scene is considered, the world needs more car enthusiasts. Not just people with money who buy a collectible car because of its assumed worth, but people who actually drive their cars after they buy them. After all, isn't that what the hobby is about?

New Cars 2012: Cadillac CTS-V

A couple years ago, I profiled the CTS-V; back then, only the sedan was available, and it was only available in a few colors. Now, this legendary performance vehicle can be had in two other bodystyles-- an sexy coupe, and a kickass wagon. Still available in either stickshift or automatic form, this trio represents a nice transition for Cadillac that will be further upheld over the new few years with the addition of the ATS and XTS luxury performance sedans.
Saddled with a 556 horse supercharged 6.2 LSA, these cars are monsters all across the rev range. Hitting sixty from a standstill in under four seconds, and continuing to build up speed until 190ish MPH, these are quite possibly the fastest thing GM makes this side of the Corvette-- and for good reason. The LSA in these beasts also powered the flagship Corvette ZR-1 too, although in that application it makes 638 horses versus a "lame" 556.
So, after glancing at the performance, you want one, yes? Well that's all fine and dandy, because the color palette has grown, too. Instead of the first year red, black, gunmetal, silver, and white, there's also an army green, and a deep cerulean metallic as well. This ensures the owner that not everyone who owns a CTS-V will have the same color.
Then there's the whole cost thing. Honestly, for a performance car, the cost really isn't that bad. The whole lineup starts at $64,515 and price climbs to $74,295 for a wagon. It sounds expensive, yes, but compared to the competition, it's a dang bargain. The Mercedes E63 lineup starts at nearly $100,000 and you get less horsepower and torque from a bigger car; even the Lexus IS-F is about $70,000.. and it packs over a hundred horses less-- and there's no wagon. So, as far as performance cars go, I think I know where my money would go if I wanted a fast wagon. With the money I saved, I could also take my CTS-V to Lingenfelter or Hennessey to gain even more power; an 800 horse wagon sounds awesome to me-- how does it sound to you? Make mine all black with black wheels like the Black Diamond Edition, and I'm good to go.