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The Best Sports/Luxury Cars of 2018

Hi, my name is David Masemore and I have created this blog for my MMC 2100 class at the University of Florida. I am an automotive photographer by trade and am fortunate enough to work with amazing cars almost every day. I chose this topic to discuss some of my favorite cars of the 2018 model year and express the various similarities, differences, and things that make them unique.

The Art of Speed, an Introduction

Art of Speed. Photograph was taken by me.

Over the past decade, cars have become faster, safer, more than a means of transportation, and pushed the boundaries of what we as humans can do with the materials that we dig up out of the ground.

In this blog post, I will be discussing my picks for the best luxury/sports cars on the market today. I will include various facts but a majority of the post will be based on my experiences with the cars.

Each topic will feature my three picks for the best cars in their class. Featuring automobiles from the worlds leading manufacturers, including Tesla, Porsche, Ferrari, and more. I only included major manufacturers and refrained from including non-international brands/niche car manufacturers.

The classes are as follows, best luxury SUV, best luxury car, best sports car, and best supercar. I wanted to provide a broad topic base and not just focus on one particular basis of luxury/sports cars.

Each class is broken up to exemplify the best characteristics of each car and relate them to how they function in the real world. Due to the concise nature of the blog, I will express the aspects that stand out the most for each car of choice.

I may have missed some as many modern cars are considered great cars, so heed my disclaimer in advance. Here are my picks for the best luxury/sports cars of 2018.

Bust Luxury SUV, the Family Curator 

Tesla Model X launch.  https://sr.wikipedia.org/sr/%D0%94%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%B0:Tesla_Model_X_and_Model_3_at_the_unveiling_event.jpg#filelinks

Luxury SUVs are a relatively new concept that has had a lasting effect on the auto industry. They are often built on performance car chassis's and modified to have more space and operate at a higher center of gravity. 

Consumers love the ability to haul their family around while still having enough room for luggage and supplies. For the 2018 model year, consumers saw the launch of the stylish yet subtle Bently Bentayga, the all-electric and unique Tesla Model X, and the updated and faster Porsche Macan.

It was extremely hard to pick my top three due to stiff competition from Lexus, Audi, Mercedes, Maserati, Jaguar, and BMW. This being said, these three cars stand out the most amongst the pack.

Coming in at number 3 is the Bently Bentayga for its sleek styling and above stand-out craftsmanship. The interior is decorated with hand-stitched leather and is not only fast but it heralds excessiveness in all aspects.

The Porsche Macan is the most well-rounded luxury SUV of the 2018 model year. It is not only fast, fuel efficient, and well crafted but it is also light and handles athletically in any condition. The Macan remains Porsche’s best-selling model. -http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/09/very-nearly-half-of-the-vehicles-sold-by-porsche-in-august-2017-werent-suvs/

My number one choice for the best 2018 luxury SUV goes to the Tesla Model X. The Tesla is very much the opposite of the Bently, but it is simpler and more user-friendly. It is also all electric, fast, and easy to use. Personally, I think the Model X is where future cars are heading and the gullwing doors are a nice touch.

Best Luxury Car, Modern Luxury Defined

Rolls Royce Ghost. Photograph was taken by me.

Luxury cars have been around since the 1930’s and have transported the likes of royalty to modern business professionals. They are sleek in design and herald the most up to date and modern technology.

In addition to a status symbol, many consumers also herald luxury cars as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the working class. They essentially act as a sanctuary and are meant to not only be aesthetically appealing but also appealing in the aspects of comfort. 

My third pick for the best luxury car is the BMW 750li. The 750LI is a full-size luxury sedan powered by a 4.4l, 445hp, efficiency-optimized twin-turbo V-8. It is BMW’s premium luxury car “balancing executive comfort and uncompromising performance with forefront technology and inspired design.”                               -BMW https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7-series/sedan.html

Arguably the world leader in making luxury cars, the Mercedes Benz S550 AMG is Mercedes’s premium luxury executive car. The interior is arguably one of the most unique in the industry and this accompanied by the hand-crafted twin-turbo V-12 makes this car one of the faster cars on the road today.

I felt that the Rolls Royce Ghost represents the best luxury car on the market today due to its uncompromised craftsmanship and luxury. The car is powered by a twin turbo V-12 and every aspect of the car is handcrafted and meticulously put together.

The Rolls is unique because most consumers will never get to experience the difference between this and an S Class. However, once you get inside you truly see the level of detail that is in a Rolls Royce in comparison to other luxury cars.

Best Sports Car, the Driving Experience

Porsche 911 Carrera.  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Porsche_911_Carrera_4_GTS_IAA.jpg

The line of what a sports car is has changed more than ever in the past 10 years. Cars are faster, more powerful, and easier to use than ever before. However, a sports car is about driving pleasure and this is what diversifies them from their faster super-car brethren. 

For the first time in history, we are seeing base model performance cars with over 400 hp, hybrid technology, and all-wheel drive. I chose these 3 cars not necessarily for what they do best but for what they represent and how they offer the overall best driving experience for the money.

Starting off my list for the best sports cars of 2018 is the Mazda MX-5 Miata. This may come as no surprise but the Mazda Miata is truly fantastic. 155hp mated to a 6-speed gearbox and rear wheel drive. This may not sound like a lot but the car is extremely light and responsive. It gives a driving experience that even cars that cost 10x the price can’t match. https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/mx-5-miata/specs

My second pick for the best sports car of 2018 is the BMW M2. The M2 is a smaller lighter less powerful version of the M4 but this doesn't compromise it in any way. In fact, the lighter chassis, and manual gearbox option just add to the drama. It is wonderful and there is little if anything that hinders the M2 in regards to the driving experience.

Porsche is making the best cars in the world right now and it may come to no surprise that I chose the Porsche 911 Carrera as the best sports car of 2018. It is essentially bulletproof; a car that you car drive to work every day and then drive to the track on the weekend. 

After 55 years of building the 911, Porsche has learned from each generation and finally engineered a sports car that can do it all. The car is fantastic and well crafted with fine leathers, modern technology, and of course, a manual gearbox. https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/products/porsche-one-millionth-911-milestone-seven-generations-13735.html 

Best Supercar, Faster and Better than Ever

Mclaren 720s rear view. https://www.pexels.com/photo/720s-mclaren-new-car-434455/

Now we move onto arguably the most anticipated portion of the blog. The breakdown of my opinion for the best sports cars of 2018. I chose these cars based on what they offer to the world of performance cars and for their influence on future cars. 

Starting off at number 3 is the Ferrari 488 GTB. Many consumers originally thought “how dare Ferrari to go turbocharged?” I am here to say that turbocharging didn’t hurt the drama one bit. The Ferrari 488 is blisteringly fast posting 0-60 in 3.0 seconds flat from its twin-turbocharged Ferrari V-8 and still retains the Italian fire of old Ferrari’s. https://auto.ferrari.com/en_US/sports-cars-models/car-range/ferrari-488-gtb/#specifications 

The Lamborghini Huracan Performante is the newest and most powerful Huracan to date. This latest Huracan model has mated the loud appeal of Lamborghini’s GT3 racecars to the everyday usability and reliability found in the base Huracan. 

Power in the Performante up to 640 hp and is accompanied by more carbon fiber, lighter weight, and more aerodynamic’s. As expected, the Huracan Performante still comes with a naturally aspirated V-10 which means that there is no turbo lag and one of the best soundtracks in the industry. https://www.lamborghini.com/en-en/models/huracan/huracan-performante

My top pick for the best supercar of 2018 is the McLaren 720s. I always said that “if you are going to shell out for a car that costs as much as a house then it should look the part.” The McLaren 720s is no exception to this rule. Scissor doors flank a Mclaren P1 inspired cockpit. The ignition button is located on the roof and it even has a dash that folds down while in “race mode” for optimal visibility on the track.

The McLaren is also fast, really fast. A twin-turbocharged V-8 rockets the car from 0 to 124 in 7.8 seconds. Power is sent to the rear wheels and it is incredibly responsive. All of this is mated to a surprisingly comfortable and usable driving experience. There isn't any storage but the car makes 710hp so who’s complaining. Mclaren Specification -http://cars.mclaren.com/super-series/720s/specification

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The 2018 Gainesville Fine Arts Fair at Tioga

The Fine Arts Fair at Tioga is an annual art show held on March 3rd-4th at the Tioga Town Center in Gainesville Florida, 105 SW 128th St, Newberry, FL 32669. This year marked the 11th annual Fine Arts Fair and featured over 125 artists, live music, food and a kids zone. Each year the event is organized to bring the community together and showcase talent from artists all across Florida.

The show featured a variety of art including paintings, sculpture, pottery, woodwork, metalwork, and photography. What was remarkable, was the sheer diversity of the art. For example, this wooden Parana fish was one of 30 unique Parana fishes in the sculpture. Although there were multiple examples of pottery, painting, and photography, the show also featured things that were unique and unorthodox such as this sculpture.

On the outside rows of the festival Mark Gentry, a percussionist, and wood craftsman showcased his homemade cajons. Mark has been making music all of his life but he shares an equal passion for woodworking. It was hard to come by an individual who not only loves his creations but also loves seeing people enjoy them.

Another Unique artist, Cheryl Ritter, is a painter from Ocala, FL. When I saw her work I thought it was photography. It was just that good. Upon closer inspection, I realized that It was highly detailed acrylic painting. “I spend hours on my paintings and meticulously go over them to achieve as much realism as possible,” said Ritter.  

One of the most surprising things about the art show was the emphasis on keeping kids interested. The Gainesville Fines Arts Association(GFAA) really worked hard on bringing the community together and having plenty of activities for children. There was face painting, live shows, and even, an inflatable play area.

The Gainesville Fine Arts Fair emphasized bringing the community together. They had artists come from all over Florida and it was a great way for people to share, collaborate, and express their artistic passions. Next Year is the 12th Fine Arts Fair and after this year, it is looking to be bigger and better than ever.