This BMW Z8 is worth its price tag

Rare V8 roadster

Bring a Trailer

We could spend all day bemoaning car auctions' impact on vehicle pricing. Sites like Bring a Trailer and Cars and Bids invite frenzied buyers to offer wild sums of money for cars that might otherwise be considered ordinary. Some vehicles on those sites, however, are worth the coin, and we think this 2001 BMW Z8 is one of them. The 22,000-mile car's auction is almost over at the time of this post, and its sky-high price tag is actually warranted. The BMW Z8 is exceedingly rare to begin with, but this car's color combination of black over tan leather makes it even more of a unicorn, as only 229 were made in that combination.


BMW Z8The Z8 took inspiration from BMW's classic roadsters.Bring a Trailer


Even the car's designer is noteworthy. Though he may be focusing on his own electric vehicle brand now, Henrik Fisker's 12-year run at BMW was the stuff of legend. Fisker's work included the design for the Z8, as well as contributions of the original X5 SUV, which is now part of an expansive BMW SUV and crossover lineup.

The Z8 reached legend status when it shuttled Pierce Brosnan's James Bond in The World Is Not Enough, but the cars were (and are) worthy of standing on their own. Under the hood, BMW installed a 394-horsepower 4.9-liter V8, which gave the car a claimed 0-62 mph time of just 4.2 seconds. That power reached the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, and this car has had maintenance performed to keep the drivetrain purring for years to come.


2001 BMW Z8This Z8's color combination makes it exceedingly rare.Bring a Trailer


If you're wondering where this Z8's current bid price of $162,500 lands on the car's overall value spectrum, there's some good news, depending on how you view spending six figures on a car. Hagerty estimates that a Z8 in good condition should draw around $155,000, while a car in excellent condition should get $199,000. This car's mileage and condition match up with its price, which falls on the lower end of that range, and should allow it to be an actual driver for the right person. After all, what's the fun of buying a car just for display?

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Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson/Facebook

'Cobra to end all Cobras' sells for $5 million at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction

Barrett-Jackson

Just a few months ago, Carroll Shelby's personal 427 Cobra sold for $5.9 million at auction. This weekend, the only remaining 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake crossed the block, itself a relic of Mr. Shelby's garage.

This particular model started its life in 1965 as one of 23 built. It was shipped to Ford Advanced Vehicles in England on September 7, 1965, packaged alongside another 427 Cobra Competition and two R-model Shelby G.T. 350s. They were destined for a promotional tour of Europe.

The car, serial number CSX 3015, was shipped back to the U.S. when the tour was over. In 1967, Shelby American modified the hot rod into the Super Snake it is today. It is one of only two models built to its current specs and the only surviving car of the pair (the other was built for Bill Cosby). The sports car was billed as the "Cobra to End All Cobras" and was not street legal.

1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake CSX 3015This is the only remaining Super Snake from the 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 set.Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson/Facebook

1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake CSX 3015

Since the turn of the millennium, the car has been sold three times. In 2007 it went for $5.5 million. In 2015 it was auctioned for $5.1 million. This weekend, it went for $5 million.

The model sold at auction is a good original condition. It has its original engine block, body panels, brake calipers, rear end, and exhaust system.

Not only is the car steeped in automotive history. It's also full of power. Under the hood is a 7.0-liter, twin-supercharged Ford V8 that achieves 800 horsepower and 462 pound-feet of torque. The Paxton supercharged engine is paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.

With a wheelbase of just 90 inches and a curb weight of just over 2,300 pounds, the powertrain setup makes the car closer to a rocket than a traditional coupe - and without modern safety features.

It was originally shipped and invoiced to Ford Advanced Vehicles in England on September 7, 1965, together with another 427 Cobra Competition and two R-model Shelby G.T.350s, to do a promotional tour in Europe.

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson/Facebook

Winner bids $2.5 million for first 2022 GMC Hummer EV, benefits Tunnels to Towers Foundation

Barrett-Jackson

The first GMC Hummer EV customers won't get their trucks until later this year, but the very first one, VIN 001, has been sold at Barrett-Jackson's annual Scottsdale, Arizona auction. The hammer came down on the 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 VIN 001 at the $2.5 million mark, more than twice the price that the 2021 Ford Bronco 2-Door VIN 001 got.

All of the proceeds from the sale benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The Foundation was established to honor the memory of Sept. 11 first responder Stephen Siller, the foundation builds mortgage-free, accessible smart homes for the most catastrophically-injured veterans and provides mortgage-free homes for Gold Star families and the families of first responders killed in the line of duty. General Motors, the parent company of GMC, has partnered with the foundation in the past.

2022 GMC Hummer EVTwo GMC Hummer EVs completing their builds prior to shipping for continued validation testing. Photo by Jeffrey Sauger for General Motors

"We are thrilled with the auction results and what the proceeds will mean for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation," said Duncan Aldred, global vice president of Buick and GMC. "We also recognize the support of Barrett-Jackson for this special occasion, which made it a 100 percent charitable endeavor."

The Hummer EV Edition 1 is the first GMC Hummer EV out of the gate for the premium brand. It will be GMC's first full-electric vehicle and feature a white exterior and a unique Lunar Horizon interior. It gets its power via a three-motor electric four-wheel drive system that delivers 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque.

The truck rides on GM's new Ultium platform and 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires. There's underbody armor, underbody cameras, an adaptive air suspension, four-wheel steering with CrabWalk diagonal-drive functionality, Watts to Freedom maximum acceleration capability, and Super Cruise driver assistance features.

Reservations for the Edition 1 are currently full but other versions of the Hummer EV can be reserved online.

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson/Facebook

Bidder pays $400,000 for first production 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible at auction

Barrett-Jackson

The United Way for Southeastern Michigan was a double beneficiary on Friday night. Proceeds from the sale of the first production 2021 Ram 1500 TRX Launch Edition and the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible benefitted the charity. The winning bid for the C8 Corvette Convertible was $400,000.

The Corvette Convertible traces its roots back to the original 'Vette - the 1953 model was only available as a rag top. The modern C8 Corvette Convertible engineered the hard top to provide a quieter cabin, increased security, and a cleaner look than previous convertible designs. It can be activated at speeds u pro 30 mpg and retracts in 16 seconds.

The roof is powered by six electric motors — a Corvette first. A body-colored roof is standard, while Carbon Flash metallic-painted nacelles and roof are optional.

A divider glass window in the middle of the vehicle can be power adjusted with the top up or down. In addition to the roof, the car as the same rear spoiler used on the Stingray coupe's Z51 Performance Package, resulting in identical drag between the coupe and convertible with the top up.

The chassis was tweaked for the convertible, giving the convertible nearly the same performance as the coupe.

Like the Stingray coupe, the convertible is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible has a $68,495 starting MSRP.

Last year, Rick Hendrick, founder and CEO of Hendrick Companies, placed the winning bid for the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray VIN 0001 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. All proceeds from that sale benefitted the Detroit Children's Fund, a nonprofit focused on high-potential investments to provide Detroit school children the opportunity to receive an excellent education.

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson/Facebook

First 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 goes for $500,000 at annual Scottsdale auction

Barrett-Jackson

The Mustang Mach 1 made a return for the 2021 model year and the first one to roll off the production line is going to a very special buyer, who paid a hefty price for the honor. The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 VIN 001 sold for $500,000 at the annual Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona with 100 percent of the sale price benefitting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The 480-horsepower 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is slated to deliver track-ready performance, bridging the gap between the Ford Mustang GT and Shelby models. The exterior of the car features all the hallmark looks of the modern Mustang but more aggressive fascia and makes the car look fiercer while improving aerodynamics.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
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Ford has given the model its latest MagneRide calibration, a stiffer steering I-shaft, new EPAS calibration, stiffer sway bars and front springs, a brake booster from the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2, 9.5-inch/10-inch split fitment wheels with Michelin PS4 tires, a rear subframe with stiffer bushings and a rear toe-link from Shelby GT500.

The car, which was offered with no reserve, has a V8 engine that is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. It comes track-ready with a handling package and wears a Fighter Jet Gray paint job, exclusive wheels, and special edition badging.

When the automaker decided to bring back the Mustang Mach 1 for the 2021 model year, Dave Mahoney, Ford design manager, and his team of graphic designers were tasked with modernizing the classic Mach 1 logo. The logo was changed to include an updated, bolder sans-serif font in order to achieve a more modern look. It can be seen in multiple places on the vehicle including on the hood stripe, front fenders and rear appliqué, on the strut tower brace under the hood, as well as inside on the door sills, digital instrument cluster and center stack touch screen during vehicle startup.

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson/Facebook

2021 Ram 1500 TRX VIN 001 sells for $410,000 at Barrett-Jackson, proceeds benefit charity

Barrett-Jackson

Owners are already playing with their truck but one model was held back from the lot allocated to dealerships - VIN 001. The very first 2021 Ram 1500 TRX off the production line instead went south to Scottsdale, Arizona to be showcased at the annual Barrett-Jackson auction there.

The auction house took bids for the Launch Edition version of the quickest, fastest and most powerful truck ever tonight with the gavel coming down on a winning bid of $410,000. The entire sale price of the TRX benefits the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, specifically the aspect of their work that provides services to veterans and their families.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is available in a pricey Launch Edition.Photo courtesy of Stellantis

The new owner better check the dimensions of their garage. The TRX is eight inches wider than a traditional Ram 1500. It has five skid plates and steel bumpers helping to make it off-road ready. At the sides of the bumper are LED clearance marker lights.

Powering the truck is FCA's beloved supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine is rated at 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It propels the truck from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and to 100 mph in 10.5 seconds. The truck can go a quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph. The speedometer tops out at 118 mph.

A full-time active transfer case matches with the powertrain. An electronic locking rear differential and launch control are standard.

The truck has 11.8 inches ground clearance thanks to a two-inch lift over the rest of the 1500 lineup. The model is capable of fording up to 32 inches of water and towing up to 8,100 pounds. It has a maximum payload capacity of 1,310 pounds.

Pricing for the Sterling Heights, Michigan-made 2021 Ram TRX starts at $69,995 plus $1,695 in destination and delivery charges. The Launch Edition of the model cost buyers $88,620 plus the destination fee.

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Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.

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