Category: Lifestyle

Well+Good 

When it comes to celeb-owned beauty brands, I really thought I had seen and tested enough. From luxe fragrances and skin-care goodies to fancy blushes and makeup kits, the market is admittedly pretty saturated with the creations of Hollywood’s elite. So when I found myself going back to this specific, celeb-formulated mascara, I made a note to myself. This stuff wasn’t just hyped because it got the celeb stamp of approval—it was hyped because it’s really impressive. 

Meet the Rose Inc, Ultra Black Lash Lift Serum Mascara ($28). It’s one of the many creations from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s cosmetics line. The actress and supermodel started the brand back in 2018 with a focus on creating clean, innovative products that deliver on performance. And that’s exactly what you can expect from this mascara.

What makes this tube so special from the dozens of other mascaras I’ve tried is the hybrid formula. It’s both a lash serum and a volume-maximizing mascara all wrapped up into one. So, in addition to giving your lashes the pop and shine they need for everyday wear, this solution also helps them to become stronger with each application in a two-for-one combo. The key is the several notable skin-care ingredients inside the formula. Most notably, squalane, which is a powerhouse for hydration and can help to lock in moisture. Then there’s peptides (to fortify and thicken your lashes), and argan oil (to help prevent damage). Together, this creates the perfect recipe to keep your lashes long, strong, and lifted. 

First impressions

I have naturally curly lashes that easily bunch together and can be hard to separate with just one coat. But this mascara was able to comb through and coat my lashes in single stroke, making the wand a true work of art. The applicator has small, short, evenly separated bristles that allow you to reach the base of your lash line and comb up from the root to the tip repeatedly without creating clumps. You then can flip the brush over where it’s slightly curved and use that side to lift and fan out your lashes. 

I also love how truly buildable the formula is. A lot of mascaras I’ve used in the past have a super thick formulation that clump easily when you dip the wand in after the first coat. But this was not the case here. The serum is lightweight and subtle, which I found made the mascara’s formula easier to work with and apply to your lashes without the bristles gathering tiny black clusters. 

Even after you go back in for several coats, the applicator is pretty smooth (no tugging!). Plus, the formula really stays on. Case in point: I accidentally slept in my makeup—foundation, mascara and all—and when I woke up to wash my face, the mascara didn’t budge. In fact, it took more than a double cleanse to remove that infamous raccoon look around the eyes that happens when you sleep in mascara. If you need to be in glam all day, this is a formula that is really (really) going to hold up. 

The end result is a natural look. If you’re going for dramatic, Bambi lashes, I’d say this isn’t for you—but if you want to give your lashes a bit of “oomph” that makes them naturally look longer and thicker, this mascara belongs in your cart, stat. Basically, this mascara is great for natural no-makeup makeup.

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Carscoops 

With all due respect to Tesla, the electric-vehicle startup is noted for its blind optimism and exuberance. These (including their dark consequences) are qualities that defined American industry in the 1950s and ’60s.

And that made us wonder; what would a Tesla Model S have looked like if it had been designed in the era that believed the future was so bright that everyone would need sunglasses? To find out, we asked and fed an AI generator with information to design the electric vehicle as if it had been made in the ’50s and the ’60s.

The results were a little surprising to me, but they do work quite well. Starting with what I believe to be the design that looks older, the red, jet-age-and-chromium design of this sleek Model S looks like something straight off the concept car turntable of a 1950s auto show.

Read: Tesla Model X Off-Roader Looks Dakar Ready

Somewhere between the flying saucer spaciness of the Citroën DS and the big-winged designs indicative of GM’s thinking at the time, this ’50s Model S looks pretty good. The wings remind me of a Cadillac, but there’s something of the C1 Corvette’s spirit in the design, too, which makes sense given the performance of the modern car.

The bubbly canopy, meanwhile, does a pretty good job of combining the design of the times with the distinctive window lines of a modern Tesla. And while the renderings seem to incorporate the automaker’s lack of grille, they’re also seemingly bereft of headlights, which feels like a problem.

Skipping forward a few years, the AI bot has created something that looks like it belongs in an early ’60s showroom. Unable to avoid the grille here, this—let’s call it “second-generation”—Model S borrows some cues from Aston Martin, while also incorporating some Maserati 5000 GT lines, and there’s something almost Ford Anglia-esque about the roofline.

The doubled headlights do share something in common, again, with later C1 Corvettes, though their small size makes them feel a little anachronistic. Additionally, the massive wire rims are another hint that these images combine classic and modern designs in a manner that isn’t always perfect.

Although there’s something a little uncanny about both of these designs, they do kind of work. While it’s unlikely that an electric car could have taken on the automotive industry in the late ’50s and early ’60s the way Tesla did in the 2010s, it’s still fun to think what it might have looked like if it had tried.

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The Points Guy 

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, updated with new information.

Think hotels have too many brands? You’re not the only one.

It can be confusing to decipher distinct brand identities when individual hotel companies have so many. For instance, Marriott International ended up with 30 brands following its 2016 takeover of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Meanwhile, Paris-based Accor clocks in at more than 40 brands.

TPG will spend the next few months examining each of the major hotel companies and their many brands, starting today with Hilton. While Hilton might be Marriott’s chief rival in the hotel arena, it follows a different ethos when it comes to its brands.

For starters, Hilton’s brand line-up is a lot smaller, with only 18. The McLean, Virginia-based company also tends to favor organically launching hotel brands as opposed to acquiring them from existing companies. The Hilton brand spectrum also ranges from ultra-luxury — with its Waldorf Astoria collection — to the more affordably priced, extended-stay brand Homewood Suites. It even boasts a timeshare arm with Hilton Grand Vacations.

If you’re already confused, don’t fret. You’ve come to the right place for a crash course in Hilton brands.

Waldorf Astoria

HILTON

32 hotels and resorts located across 15 countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “In landmark destinations around the world, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts reflect the culture and history of their extraordinary locations. With a fresh, modern expression of its rich, authentic legacy, Waldorf Astoria provides guests the exceptional environment and the personalized attention of True Waldorf Service that creates unforgettable experiences for our discerning travelers.”

TPG’s takeaway: Waldorf is one of the hotel brand grand dames. A wide array of historical figures and celebrities — from Winston Churchill to Frank Sinatra to Paris Hilton — have stayed (or lived) at the original Waldorf in New York City. Although it stands out for its place in history, Waldorf is no longer a big fish in a small pond of luxury hotel providers. The brand faces tough competition in the points world from Marriott’s St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton brands as well as Accor’s Raffles. Smaller, high-end brands such as Aman and Capella appeal to ultra-luxury connoisseurs who don’t mind cash rates.

The True Waldorf Service initiative is a great selling point for those who want or need butler service during a stay, but that’s a baseline expectation in this stratum of hotel brands. The robust Hilton Honors points and loyalty network gives Waldorf some competitive advantage. However, we are watching to see what happens as Hilton beefs up this iconic brand into more cities — and tries to differentiate it from the pack.

Reviews: The Trump-turned-Waldorf Astoria in D.C., Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Waldorf Astoria Maldives

LXR Hotels & Resorts

BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY

Nine hotels across seven countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Found in the world’s most alluring locations, LXR Hotels & Resorts immerse you in truly profound travel experiences. We’ve connected legendary luxury properties into a network of hotels offering singular service and remarkable experiences.”

TPG’s takeaway: Major hotel companies like Hilton desperately want to beef up their luxury footprints. However, that doesn’t mean every luxury hotel owner wants to tap into a Waldorf license agreement and go through all the hassle of retrofitting a property to that brand’s design and experience standards. Enter: LXR Hotels & Resorts. These hotels enjoy inclusion on the Hilton Honors loyalty network but maintain the unique, bespoke feel of an independent top-tier hotel.

Reviews: Oceana Santa Monica, Hotel 1000

Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Agua Viva. MELANIE LIEBERMAN/THE POINTS GUY

44 hotels and resorts across 22 countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Never just stay. Stay inspired. Smart luxury is at the core of everything Conrad Hotels & Resorts does. We offer access to a world of infinite connections, intuitive services and inspired experiences along our guests’ journeys. We are the destination of a new generation of smart luxury travelers for whom life, business and pleasure seamlessly intersect.”

TPG’s takeaway: This is essentially the JW Marriott of the Hilton brand family — but not just because they are both named after their respective founders. The brand operates in a bit of purgatory between the upscale spectrum of Hilton Hotels & Resorts and the luxury segment commanded by Waldorf and LXR. Think of these properties as affordable luxury options that work in both cities and resort destinations. While you stay at one, you can debate if Conrad Hilton’s last words really were, “Leave the shower curtain on the inside of the tub.”

Reviews: Conrad Los Angeles, Conrad Miami, Conrad New York Downtown

Canopy by Hilton

HILTON

37 hotels across 10 countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Positively Yours. For those seeking an energizing experience, Canopy by Hilton is the hotel brand that creates ‘a positive stay’ with its simple, guest-directed service and thoughtful, local choices.”

TPG’s takeaway: Canopy is one of Hilton’s newer kids on the block. It was initially included in a wave of brands like Moxy and Aloft that aimed to attract younger travelers — though Hilton refrained from using the m-word (millennial) as much as its competitors. Fast forward to today, and the brand is more of a play for the lifestyle hotel sector. Its properties integrate more into their surrounding neighborhoods and offer elevated food, beverage and dining experiences for guests.

Reviews: Canopy New Orleans, Canopy Reykjavik City Centre

Signia by Hilton

HILTON

Two hotels across the U.S.

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Signia by Hilton is a new portfolio of premier hotels in highly sought-after urban and resort destinations. Each Signia by Hilton hotel offers unparalleled, dynamic meetings and events capabilities with world-class design, state-of-the-art technology, signature food and beverage experiences and premium wellness offerings, all backed by the Hilton name and award-winning Hilton Honors program.”

TPG’s takeaway: While it was a head-scratcher to see Hilton move ahead with a convention brand in the depths of the pandemic (though the brand itself was launched prior to then), the hotel company did just that. The brand fills a hole in Hilton’s network by allowing it to compete with the likes of Omni and Gaylord in the convention business.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

ANTONIO CUELLER/HILTON

601 hotels and resorts across 95 countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “For nearly a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has been proudly welcoming the world’s travelers. With more than 584 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts provides the foundation for exceptional travel experiences and values every guest who walks through its doors. The most recognized name in the industry, Hilton remains synonymous with the word ‘hotel.’ From inaugural balls and Hollywood award galas to business events and days to remember, Hilton is where the world makes history, closes the deal, toasts special occasions and gets away from it all. As the flagship brand of Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts continues to set the standard for hospitality, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests’ evolving needs.”

TPG’s takeaway: It’s the namesake brand with locations all over the world. Think of it as the hotel version of a McDonald’s and Starbucks: It offers standardized service that isn’t always going to knock your socks off but reliably offers a clean place to sleep, shower and get on with your travel. Of course, there are a few properties that stand out (such as the Beverly Hilton, which typically hosts the Golden Globes) and give Hilton its global brand power.

Reviews: Hilton Mauritius, Hilton Tel Aviv, Hilton Reykjavic Nordica

Curio Collection by Hilton

VIKTOR KERY PHOTOS/HILTON

133 hotels and resorts across 34 countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “For the Curious. Curio is a collection of independent, remarkable hotels whose only unifying characteristic is their glorious individuality. Each hotel is hand-picked for its distinct character and personality, appealing to passionate travelers seeking local discovery.”

TPG’s takeaway: Curio is another of Hilton’s soft brands that seem more like a boutique hotel collection rather than one with rigid brand standards like Canopy and DoubleTree. The portfolio’s outposts are mainly located in North America and Europe, but Curio-flagged properties now dot Asia and the South Pacific. Consider this a way to get a rich, local experience without paying the higher rates of an LXR-branded hotel — all while earning or redeeming Hilton Honors points.

Reviews: Maison Astor Paris, WB Abu Dhabi, SAii Lagoon Maldives

DoubleTree by Hilton

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

649 hotels and resorts across 51 countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Come for a stay and see how nice travel feels. Something happens when you stay at a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. Maybe it’s all the little things we do to show we care. From thoughtful touches and friendly service to our warm chocolate chip cookie welcome, we’re here to make your stay as comfortable as possible, right from the start. The niceness you experience with us stays with you long after you check out, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

TPG’s takeaway: Who cares about the guest rooms? We’re just here for the free chocolate chip cookies! DoubleTree is a middle-tier brand catering to business and leisure travelers. It may not be the stuff of a dream vacation, but it offers consistency across its portfolio largely focused on North America and Europe. However, the brand does have a presence in destinations like New Zealand and Fiji.

Reviews: DoubleTree Wellington, DoubleTree Amsterdam, DoubleTree Fiji

Tapestry Collection by Hilton

CHRIS RANDALL/HILTON

90 hotels across 12 countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Weave your own story. Tapestry Collection is a gathering of unique hotels that have been chosen because of a commitment to weaving their own story, meant for the traveler who never wants exactly the same experience twice.”

TPG’s takeaway: Rounding out Hilton’s soft brand trinity is Tapestry Collection. The boutique hotel movement centered on the world’s largest cities, but there has been a wake-up call across the industry that travelers to smaller cities also like the feel and experience of a cool, one-off property. These independent-minded hotels that tap into Hilton’s loyalty network are usually more affordable than their siblings in the Curio Collection and are typically found in smaller markets.

Embassy Suites by Hilton

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON NAPA VALLEY/FACEBOOK

261 hotels across five countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Embassy Suites by Hilton defines the upper-upscale, all-suite hotel category with its mix of two-room and studio suites, along with an atrium space designed to house the value-added food & beverage offerings, including free made-to-order breakfast and complimentary Evening Reception. With significant market share premiums and consistent best-in-class customer service, Embassy Suites engenders enormous loyalty amongst owners and customers alike.”

TPG’s takeaway: It is beauty. It is grace. It recently won TPG’s award for best free hotel breakfast in the U.S. The suites-only hotel is good for those looking for more than just a limited-service hotel: Along with the free breakfast (complete with made-to-order omelets), Embassy Suites offers a daily evening reception with free snacks and drinks. My hometown Embassy Suites back in Memphis, Tennessee, is even home to one of the city’s nicer Italian restaurants.

Tempo

HILTON

No hotels open yet

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Tempo by Hilton is a stylish and contemporary lifestyle hotel brand dedicated to exceeding the expectations of the ambitious, yet balanced, class of discerning traveler — the modern achiever. Thoughtfully designed and uplifting, Tempo offers dynamic public space including an open lobby concept with dedicated spaces to relax and work, as well as premium culinary options, such as the brand’s signature coffee fuel bar, a casual breakfast café and an inviting bar experience. Each Tempo will include well-being offerings, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and programs, as well as flexible meeting and working spaces.”

TPG’s takeaway: Tempo is another Hilton play for the lifestyle hotel segment, this time at a more affordable price point. These hotels are meant to feature a midcentury modern style — so travelers can feel like they’re sleeping in a West Elm catalog. They have co-working spaces, elevated fitness centers and even wellness rooms, designed in partnership with Peloton.

Related: Can Hilton win over new travelers with its just-launched brand?

Motto

JOE THOMAS/HILTON

Three hotels across the U.S.

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Motto by Hilton is Hilton’s new micro-hotel with an urban vibe in prime global locations that empowers guests by giving them the freedom to create their own experiences in the world’s most sought-after cities. Motto offers travelers centrally located, reasonably priced and less traditional lodging that provides a one-of-a-kind experience. At its core, Motto is a beacon for today’s modern, global community of travelers, delivering a flexible innovative hospitality experience with guest-empowered service.”

TPG’s takeaway: At first glance, Motto might seem like Hilton’s version of Marriott’s Moxy or Hyatt’s new Caption brand. However, the vibe here doesn’t avoid family travel, either. TPG’s hotels team toured the new Motto in New York City and saw how three adjoining rooms with different floorplans connect to create a two-bedroom suite; there’s even a living room in between thanks to flexible furniture that can make a bed double as a living area couch. It may have a small footprint today, but Motto could grow to become a formidable player in the family travel space for those looking to get to a major city.

Reviews: Motto Philadelphia

Hilton Garden Inn

The Hilton Garden Inn Mongkok is an excellent deal in Hong Kong. HILTON

960 hotels across 56 countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Hilton Garden Inn is the laid-back sophisticated brand offering heartfelt service and award-winning amenities.”

TPG’s takeaway: It’s hard to fit Hilton Garden Inn into one box. You’ll find them everywhere from Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Tangier, Morocco. Given that it’s one of Hilton’s larger brands, Hilton Garden Inn is clearly a hit with business travelers as well as leisure travelers looking for a standardized product that offers made-to-order breakfast and amenities like a business center and gym.

Hampton

HAMPTON INN AND SUITES, PORTSMOUTH

2,839 properties across 35 countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Hampton by Hilton is the industry’s leading upper-midscale brand. Every Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites is committed to the 100% Hampton Guarantee providing an exceptional guest experience and consistent, high-quality accommodations and amenities. When you invest with Hampton, you join a brand of more than 2,500 hotels in 29 countries and territories around the world backed by Hilton’s power, reputation, scale and performance engine.”

TPG’s takeaway: Hampton Inns may come in all shapes, sizes and locations, but consider this Hilton’s workhorse in the roadside and airport hotel space. With more than 2,800 locations, Hampton is Hilton’s largest brand by far. The brand is generally a mainstay off highways. It offers a clean, consistent product to road warriors on the hunt for a spot to pull off, grab some shut-eye and enjoy a free breakfast the next morning.

Tru

TRU BY HILTON/FACEBOOK

227 hotels across three countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Catch The Spirit. Welcome to Tru by Hilton, a place that embraces vibrant simplicity and is fun and engaging. We stand for the love of simplicity, we embrace the human spirit, and we champion the value-conscious traveler. This is a back-to-basics experience with soul.”

TPG’s takeaway: When TPG first did a Hilton brand lineup, we said Tru was focused on cost-conscious millennial travelers. In my opinion, the way to appeal to this audience is by launching a vacation platform like Airbnb. After all, are any millennials really staying loyal to any of these millennial-minded brands? That said, Tru and its simple, smaller rooms are taking off with more than 200 hotels largely located across the U.S.

Homewood Suites

Homewood Suites by Hilton Steamboat Springs. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

533 hotels across four countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Homewood Suites by Hilton is the upscale, all-suite, residential-style, extended-stay leader in satisfaction and performance. This innovative brand offers travelers a unique approach to longer stays by allowing guests to stay in their routines while on the road for business or leisure. Homewood Suites offers developers a cutting-edge blueprint for success that has fueled unprecedented growth and demand for the brand. Homewood Suites is an exciting investment opportunity for a balanced hotel portfolio and is flexible enough to complement a variety of site locations.”

TPG’s takeaway: Those on the hunt for a higher-end, extended-stay booking will find solace at Homewood Suites. Suites typically include a kitchen, bedroom and living room along with free breakfast and a complimentary evening happy hour. Extended-stay hotels can often feel like sterile corporate housing, but Homewood Suites has a nice hospitable touch to elevate it over the pack.

Related: Best budget hotels for families who need space

Home2 Suites

HOME2 SUITES BY HILTON/FACEBOOK

560 hotels across three countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “Home2 Suites by Hilton is a fresh take on the mid-scale, all-suite hotel targeted to the value-conscious extended-stay (5+ night) traveler. The brand’s innovative prototype combined with our sustainable practices and products ensures cost-effective development and operation. Home2 Suites drives a strong value proposition for owners while offering unique amenities for guests, including our eco- and pet-friendly spaces plus free breakfast, laundry and fitness centers and more.”

TPG’s takeaway: This is the place to stay when looking for an extended-stay reservation on a budget. Properties in the Home2 Suites portfolio generally offer a pool, outdoor space, a gym and a laundry facility for those needing a place to call (temporary) home.

Hilton Grand Vacations

73 resorts across seven countries and territories

Hilton’s pitch to hotel owners and developers: “A vacation state of mind. At Hilton Grand Vacations, we are committed to the idea that life is incomplete without vacations. With an ever-growing collection of resorts in spectacular settings around the world, Hilton Grand Vacations invites you to experience a lifetime of vacations in spacious, comfortable elegance with our innovative vacation ownership program. Guests enjoy accommodations offering the comforts of home, amenities tailored to each destination, and the legendary service synonymous with the Hilton name.”

TPG’s takeaway: The timeshare sector may not be the sexiest product in the travel orbit, but it — along with all-inclusive resorts — garnered attention from the hotel business community during the pandemic.

Timeshare brand Wyndham Destinations acquired media brand Travel + Leisure in 2021 for $100 million and now goes by Travel + Leisure Co.; this move is a major way to court younger travelers to this type of travel that is typically associated with a more mature demographic. Similarly, Hilton Grand Vacations made its own acquisition play and bought Diamond Resorts for $1.4 billion in 2021. The beefed-up Hilton Grand Vacations has a presence largely in the U.S. and Caribbean, but there are even some properties in Japan.

Members book stays using either Hilton Honors points or ClubPoints accrued via membership in the HGV network. TPG previously noted timeshares are usually lackluster in terms of redemption rates and wasn’t advocating this as an option to redeem points. However, given all the branded blitz in this sector over the last two years, it is certainly one to watch. This is especially true as the competition to court younger travelers — who represent the fastest-growing demographic in timeshare and vacation club membership — heats up.

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Carscoops 

We’re almost ready to wave goodbye to 2022 and that means we’re almost ready to say hello to a new haul of classic cars that can be legally imported to the U.S. under the 25-year rule.

We’ve pulled together a list of some of the cars first produced during the 1998 calendar year that weren’t originally homologated for sale in America, but are now able to side-step those pesky safety and emissions regulations that kept them out in the first place. 

It’s worth remembering that you can only import a car that you can prove was built at least 25 years ago – there were plenty of cool cars launched at motor shows in 1998, which on the face of it appear to qualify, but many didn’t go on sale until the following year, and so won’t make the cut until 2024.

Honda Accord Type R $5,000-10,000

Related: Is This What A New Honda Integra Type R Should Have Looked Like?

Honda first three Type R cars – NSX, Integra, Civic – were all rapid, rabid drivers cars that prioritized driving fun above all else. But its next car, the European-market Accord Type R (not to be confused with the Japanese-market Accord Euro R!), had more space, a lower redline, and was a little more rounded.

Power comes from a relatively large 2.2-liter H22A inline four developing 209 hp (212 PS) at a relatively relaxed 7,200 rpm, so it’s less manic to drive, but a great choice if you intend to cover some big distances in your weekend car, or make it a daily.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V $25,000-35,000

Combining the huge circular bumper lights from the Evo IV and the aggressive fender flares from the VI, the Evo V is hands down the coolest Lancer Evolution of all. The 2.0-liter 4G63 engine was still underrated at 276 hp (280 PS) to keep Japan’s regulators happy, but another 50 hp (51 PS) is only a few laptop keystrokes away. The stripped-down RS version is so raw it makes sushi seem overcooked, so the more commonly found GSR, with its nicer interior, ABS and clever active yaw control diff, is the best bet for most drivers.

Subaru Impreza 22B $250,000-300,000

The holy grail for Subaru fans, the Impreza 22B got wider bodywork, a special hue of blue paint and a boxer engine bored out to 2.2-liters, but rated at the same nonsensical 276 hp (280 PS) as a regular 2.0 Impreza STi.

Only around 400 were ever made to celebrate both Subaru’s 40th anniversary and its success in WRC, and that rarity has enabled at least one owner to get around the 25-year rule by bringing a car in under the “show or display” exemption. Unfortunately, that loophole limits owners to a measly 2,500 miles (4,023 km) annually.

Alfa Romeo 166 3.0 V6 $5,000-9,000

Alfa Romeo’s answer to the BMW E39 5-Series looked gawky next to its cover-model 156 little brother, which was a shame given how cool it was under the skin. There were double wishbones at each front corner, a multi-link axle at the back and the top engine was a 223 hp (226 PS) 3.0-liter V6 not available in the 156 – but still available with a manual transmission.

Volkswagen Lupo $5,000-8,000

VW fans don’t exclusively equate speed with desirability, which is why we can imagine more than a few might be tempted to load a little Lupo onto a cargo ship from next fall when the oldest of these cut-down Polos become eligible for import. There’s a strong Lupo scene in Europe and a modified version of the 1.4 model would create more buzz on U.S. roads than 74 hp (75 PS) has any right to. 

Fiat Multipla $2,000-7,000

But if you really want to stop traffic rather than simply slow it down, what you really need is a first generation Fiat Multipla. Shorter than a Golf and wider than a BMW 5-Series, the Multipla’s unusual proportions were a result of an unusual two-row, but six-seat layout that made this minivan mutant incredibly practical.

But what really gets people staring is that face. That weird strip of metal under the windshield looks like a big roll of belly fat, and what’s going on with the lights at either end of it? The Multipla is one of those cars you can’t believe got signed off, and Fiat probably wished the same, judging by how boring and conventional the facelifted version looked in comparison. Give us the brilliant, butt-ugly original any day.

Mercedes CLK-GTR Strassenversion $9-11 million

FIA rules allowed Mercedes to build one road-going prototype of its CLK-GTR Le Mans car in 1997 prior to the races taking place, with the remainder of the necessary 25 units being completed in 1998 and 1999. Power came from a 6.9-liter naturally-aspirated V12 making 622 hp (631 PS) that drove the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential transmission.

Like the Impreza 22B, this one already qualifies under show or display rules, but now you can import one and take it on cross country road trips without worrying about mileage limits. Well, it is meant to be an endurance car, right?

Smart ForTwo $3,000-6,000

Smart’s ForTwo didn’t come to the U.S. until 2008, by which time the second-generation two-seater had already been on sale in Europe for a year. But for American microcar fetishists that means the original Smart unveiled in late 1997 and available in German dealerships the following spring has so far been off the menu. Though the first and second generation cars look similar, the original is even shorter, measuring just 98.4 in (2.5 m) long.

Lotus Elise Sport 190 – $30,000-40,000

Related: Fully Electric Lotus Elise Successor To Retain Sharp Driving Dynamics And A Focus On Lightness

Between launching the original 118 hp (120 PS) Elise in 1996 and the 177 hp (179 PS) track-ready Exige coupe in 2000, Lotus produced something that had a foot in both camps: the Elise Sport 190. The 190 wasn’t strictly road legal, so Lotus registered the cars as standard Elises then applied the upgrades, which were clearly aimed at heavy circuit users.

The suspension was stiffer, lower and manually adjustable, the brakes upgraded with Lotus AP calipers and the the wheels were an inch wider and wrapped in semi-slick Yokohama rubber. But what made it really fly was the 190 hp (193 PS) engine that later became an optional upgrade on the Exige.

Peugeot 306 Rallye – $6,000-10,000

Back in the late 1990s the Peugeot 306 GTi-6 was the family-sized hot hatch to beat on Europe’s roads thanks to its sweet Pininfarina styling, fizzy 167 hp (169 PS) 2.0-liter atmo engine and a chassis that took its steering instructions as much from your right foot as your hands. And the Rallye offshoot was even lighter and faster.

The Rallye treatment was like Porsche’s old Club Sport Philosophy: less about adding fancy, expensive materials than stripping out luxuries and actually charging you less for the result. So there was no air conditioning and the plastic steering wheel was rental-spec, but the driving experience was as pure as they come.

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The Points Guy 

Technically, it’s beer made with “purified condensate.”

In laypersons’ terms, the water used to make two new seasonal beers being served at San Diego International Airport (SAN) comes from water that drips from the bottom of air conditioning units attached to jet bridges; this water would otherwise land on the ground and go to waste.

Water conservation is an ongoing concern in Southern California. So, as part of the airport’s water stewardship program, SAN collects jet bridge air conditioner condensate in big barrels, purifies the drippings using reverse osmosis and ozone disinfection, and sends some of the remaining water off to San Diego’s East Village Brewing Company for use in special beers.

The rest of the reclaimed water is also put to good use for tasks such as cleaning airport equipment and vehicles; it’s also used in the cooling towers that help regulate the air temperature inside the passenger terminals.

But let’s get back to beer.

“The condensate water is superbly pure and ideal for brewing,” Aaron Justus, owner and brewer at the East Village Brewing Company, says. “Plus, it’s no secret that California is in the midst of a long-term drought, so water reclamation is a creative way to reduce our water footprint here in San Diego.”

With the condensate water from SAN, Justus and his team have brewed two special travel-themed beers.

Related: Local Beer Is Trending at an Airport Near You

Hoppy Travels IPA is a West Coast IPA with flavors of grapefruit and guava. PreFlight Pilsner is a German-style beer with bready and lemon zest flavors. As of Dec. 23, both beers are on tap in Terminal 2 at both Phil’s BBQ and Stone Brewing — which also has a few other specialty drafts on the menu.

Each restaurant received one keg each of Hoppy Travel IPA and Preflight Pilsner. While the airport hopes the collaboration with East Village Brewing Company will continue, the special reclaimed water beers are not going to be heavily promoted. They are available “while supplies last,” so travelers who are in the know can order them when passing through SAN.

This isn’t the first time SAN has served up beer brewed with reclaimed jet bridge air conditioner drippings. In 2019, the airport partnered with local brewery Ballast Point and an industrial water purification company to create a small batch of a special beer called SAN Test Pilot. It was a big hit and sold out quickly.

Here’s a video that explains how air-conditioning drippings at the airport become great-tasting, good-for-the-planet beer.

Other airports where you can grab great brews

Many airports around the country are now home to brewpubs and restaurants that make a point of serving locally crafted beers.

For instance, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is home to Cigar City Brewing’s Brewpub & Taproom while Portland International Airport (PDX) features Deschutes Brewery Public House and the Juliett bar. Juliett honors women in aviation with specialty cocktails and beers named for notable female aviators and their organizations. Stone Arch, at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), works with the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild to keep the can, bottles and taps filled with Minnesota-brewed beers.

Many people are going to spend time in airports this holiday season. So, let us know your favorite airport brewpub and share your suggestions on what to order.

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Well+Good 

Whether you ran a marathon for the first time, went on a hot girl walk with your besties, or embarked on a nature hike this year, your feet—quite literally—carried you through 2022. In an effort to thank them for all the hard work they put in, we’re looking back at all the foot health advice expert podiatrists shared with us this year. From how to pick out the best shoes for hammertoes to what exactly a ‘foot facial’ entails, we gained a wealth of information about how to best keep your soles in check.

Want to start 2023 on the right foot? Keep scrolling to see the best, most beneficial foot health tips we learned from podiatrists this year.

10 lessons we learned about foot health from podiatrists in 2022

1. Our feet can tell us about our overall health

Before your next checkup, take inventory of your feet. Apart from telling us if we have  dry skin or a fungal infection, our feet can reveal a lot about our overall health. Bluish discoloration in our toes and toenails can indicate cardiovascular disease, while tingly or painful toes can be a sign of diabetes. And while curved toenails can occur naturally, they can also be a sign of lung disease.

2. How to find our arch type

Unsure of what arch type you have? Grab a sheet of paper and a bowl of water to find out!

The “wet foot test” can tell you if you have normal, low, or high arches. Simply dip the soles of your feet in water, let the excess drip off, and step onto the sheet of paper. Podiatrist Yolanda Ragland, DPM, walked us through what each impression indicates and how to pick out the best shoes for each arch type.

“Understanding the biomechanics of the foot can guide what type of performance shoes one should select,” Ragland previously told Well+Good, “and leads to how a medical professional approaches…patients with common foot complaints directly.”

3. Exactly when we should toss our old sneakers

Sneaker manufacturers recommend throwing out your sneakers after 300–500 miles of wear, and podiatrists agree. The midsole (cushiony part of the footbed between the bottom of the sneaker and where your foot sits) begins to wear down at this range. According to podiatrist Bruce Pinker, DPM, you definitely don’t want to wear shoes past this point. Without this support, you open yourself up to stress fractures, shin splints, and runner’s knee.

His pro tip: “Stay with well-known brands. Higher-quality shoes, such as those from New Balance, Saucony, Brooks, and Asics, often last longer due to preferred materials and construction,” Pinker previously told Well+Good.

4. What your ‘shoe wear pattern’ can reveal about your gait

Before tossing out your old sneakers, take a good look at their soles. Over time, the pressure between the ground and our feet wears down the bottom of your shoes in particular ways based on where you apply pressure and carry yourself consistently showing potential issues in your gait.

Surgical podiatrist and avid runner Jacqueline Prevete, DPM, walked us through exactly what each pattern means and how to adjust our strides accordingly for more optimal function of our feet (and the rest of our body).

5. Why you shouldn’t go through airport security barefoot

While taking off your shoes to pass through TSA is unavoidable sometimes, podiatrists say that you should keep your socks on. Losing that protective layer opens your feet up to bacteria and small, sharp items that may have fallen off the luggage of hurried travelers.

“Shoes and socks serve a protective function,” podiatric professor Mark Kosinski, DPM, previously told Well+Good. “Shoes protect us from injury, from things dropping on our feet, from stubbing our toes, and from stepping on sharp objects. We lose that protection when we go barefoot and need to be careful with each step.”

6. Foot health red flags you should look for at the nail salon

A good pedicure has the power to improve our mood and self confidence, but if your salon is slacking on its hygiene game, consider finding a new one. Podiatrists warn against frequenting salons with dirty workstations, no visible certifications, unlined foot tubs, and tools that haven’t been sterilized. Salons with poor hygiene standards put you at risk of getting ingrown toenails, fungal nails, and warts. Yuck!

7. How to relieve foot pain in a flash

Your feet support your weight all day, and as such, are easily prone to discomfort. Luckily, podiatrists say you can relieve most occurrences of foot pain at home—no office visit necessary. If you own a tennis ball (or really any firm, round ball like a lacrosse ball, for example), you can use it to roll out and stretch tight, uncomfortable soles. Meanwhile, toe spacers can offer serious relief from foot pain caused by poor toe flexibility.

8. The differences between walking and running shoes

Walking and running are two different forms of exercise, so it would make sense to wear shoes specifically suited for each. Podiatrists say your walking shoes should be flat, rigid, and heavy, while your running shoes should be flexible, contoured, and light.

As with all shoes, consider your own physical makeup and exercise habits when shopping for running and walking sneakers. New York City podiatrist Nelya Lobkova, DPM, previously told Well+Good that the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12 is her all-time favorite sneaker for running, while the wide ON Cloudventure sneaker offers great support for everyday walking.

9. The benefits of a foot facial

We treat our faces to luxurious skin-care routines, so why not do the same for our feet? Well+Good beauty writer Kara Jillian Brown revealed what it’s like to get a ‘foot facial’ from aesthetic podiatrist and podiatric foot surgeon Suzanne Levine, DPM. According to Brown, foot facials go beyond your standard salon pedicure.

During the 45-minute appointment, Dr. Levine carefully scraped off Brown’s old callouses and blisters, applied detoxifying masks to the entire foot, massaged hydrating creams into her skin, and examined her feet for signs of infection. Besides being a fabulous way to pamper her toes, Brown says this foot facial provided valuable insight into her overall foot health.

10. How to properly prep our feet for boot season

While we’re well into boot season, it’s never too late to adjust your boot and foot-care habits to be more comfortable and kind to your soles. Boots tend to be more rigid and constraining than other types of shoes and commonly cause blisters, cracked heels, bunions, and even pinched nerves, so it’s worth rebooting your routine to avoid such issues.

To that end, stretching your boots with a shoe stretching spray and stretcher tool can soften and loosen too-tight boots, preventing discomfort. Replacing worn-out insoles with podiatric Dr. Scholl’s inserts can add support with every stride. And aside from properly adjusting your boots, podiatrists recommend getting a pedicure to prevent ingrown toenails as well as slathering your feet in petroleum jelly to prevent dry skin during the colder months.

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Well+Good 

I used to roll my eyes at the sentiment of “You should be able to count your true friends on one hand.” The more, the merrier, I’d always thought. At school, I took pride in having the biggest group, and then when I moved from Australia to the United States, it was even more meaningful having groups of friends, even if surface-level, from all over the world. But in 2020, my world certainly became much smaller.

Amidst the social isolation and social distancing, I lost my best friend. A simple conversation got lost in translation and led to resentment, jealousy, and defensiveness. It was more than a friendship; it was a sisterhood with bonds so strong I would’ve bet my life on it lasting forever. But it wasn’t just her I lost. As a new addition to the social group when I moved, it meant in the breakup, I lost about 13 others, too. From needing multiple hands and feet to count my friendships to needing one—just as the old proverb said. I felt like an unlovable failure.

Why do we outgrow friendships?

“As life goes on, we are inevitably shifting and changing—not only personally, but how we relate and engage with other people,” says Madeline Lucas, LCSW, a therapist and clinical content manager at Real. Life changes are a big catalyst in how our friendships grow or end. When I think back to the dismantlement of my former friendship, change played a huge role. “A common reason people may outgrow friendships is that the things they once bonded over are no longer strong enough or present to keep the friendship going,” adds self-care and mental health educator Minaa B, LMSW.

There’s another saying about relationships: “People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.” While we may want our friendships to live in the ‘lifetime’ box, this isn’t always the case. “The person you were and the space you were in when you started the friendship could look like polar opposites compared to who you are now and the responsibilities you carry,” says Minaa. Lucas adds that many people have a hard time adjusting to our new needs, values, responsibilities, and stages in life—but a changing relationship doesn’t mean you’re a failure, it just means you’re growing. “The best way we can manage these moments is to make adjustments in how we engage, set expectations and boundaries, and stay true to where we’re at before reaching resentment or inner turmoil,” Lucas says.

Is there anything wrong with outgrowing friendships?

While it may be painful, outgrowing friendships is a part of life. There doesn’t always need to be a breakdown or bad blood behind it. “Our relationships play a big role in our mental health. If a person begins to feel a friendship is no longer healthy for them, it’s okay to cut ties or adjust the degree of closeness to honor your emotional needs,” Minaa says. As Lucas points out, the alternative will have greater effects on you. “Sticking with unfulfilling or unsatisfying relationships out of habit or obligation, even if one or both parties aren’t happy —no one, you or your friend, deserves that.”

If it’s a normal part of life, why does outgrowing friendships feel like a failure?

A survey of 1,000 US adults found that nearly 40 percent of respondents had lost touch with nine or more of their friends, with the average loss of seven close friends during the pandemic. While 2020 played a bigger-than-usual role in the drift and loss of relationships, it can happen at any time.

“We live in a society that honors and upholds longevity in relationships,” says Minaa. This misconception of lifetime bonds neglects to include how values, ethics, life stages, and people change—and therefore, so do needs, boundaries, and expectations. “It’s important to recognize that any relationship, regardless of how long you were in it, has value and it’s unrealistic to expect every relationship to last a lifetime,” she adds. “Some are seasonal and that’s okay.”

Outgrowing a friendship can also feel worse than breaking up with a partner, and that’s because of the lack of clarity and closure. “There can be a lot of ambivalence in friendships,” says Lucas. “We aren’t taught how to have tough conversations and set boundaries and potentially even end a friendship, especially like we are when speaking of a romantic relationship.”

What can we do when we feel like we’re outgrowing a friendship?

As we continue to grow within ourselves, it’s important to reflect on the energy and people around us. Minaa suggests assessing whether the relationship needs to end or its closeness needs to be recalibrated.  “It may look like stepping back and forming new boundaries that maintain both the friendship and your well-being,” she says. Lucas adds to reflect on what brought you together, and why it’s different now. “Give yourself some grace. You’re allowed to evolve,” she says. “Allow yourself to lovingly detach from dynamics that are no longer serving you. That doesn’t invalidate the friendship that was.”

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Carscoops 

The Toyota GR Corolla is undeniably one of the best hot hatches and maybe one of the best cars the brand makes right now. It’s fun, it’s fast, and it’s functional too. That combination has a few dealers doing everything they can to squeeze extra cash out of Toyota’s customers’ pockets, sometimes to the tune of $30k over sticker.

Toyota gave the base GR Corolla an MSRP of just $36,995. Even the hopped-up Circuit Edition is set at a very reasonable $42,900, while the super-rare Morizo Edition has an MSRP of $49,900. Despite those price tags set by the automaker, we’ve found three dealers charging enough that one could buy a second brand-new car for the markup alone.

First up is Lone Star Toyota of Lewisville. According to a user over on Markups.org, the dealer sent him the sheet seen below with a grand total price on a base GR Corolla of $59,993. To get to that figure the dealer has the audacity to charge $15,000 in pure markup in addition to a $1,995 “Lone Star Appearance Package”. If I were tricked into buying this car the last thing I’d want to do is advertise for the shady dealer that raked me over the coals in the process.

Read: Ridiculous Markups On Toyota GR Corolla Begin With 50% Over MSRP

Next up is Roseville Toyota which has a $19,995 “dealer added mark up” on its base GR Corolla. Due to options, its MRSP is $40,168 (window sticker below). The markup represents a 49.7 % increase in price. Is that the kind of excellent customer service that Toyota is hoping its dealers provide to young enthusiastic buyers? Interestingly, Toyota Marin, not far from Roseville Toyota, seems to have a GR Corolla priced at $40,469.

Finally, North Park Toyota of San Antonio is pretty sure it can get away with an asking price of $70,576 on a base GR Corolla with an MSRP of $40,576. That is $30,000 and 73.9% more than Toyota says that the buyer should pay for the car. Again, these aren’t the super special and limited Morizo Edition cars and they’re not even the mid-grade Circuit Edition either.

Ultimately, there’s little we can do aside from exposing these greedy and brand-damaging markups. Study after study finds that customers are less likely to return to a brand after a dealer has charged over MSRP.

That shouldn’t come as a shock when automakers advertise one price and then dealers ignore that and add thousands to the final price. Until people stop paying these outrageous fees or automakers find a way to crack down on dealers, the practice will likely continue.

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Well+Good 

Most people will experience trauma, with The National Council for Mental Well-Being revealing that 70 percent of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives. While most will recover after short-lived symptoms like shock and distress, others will face longer-term effects such as PTSD. “When we complete the stress cycle, the stress hormones activated in our system eventually settle,” says Madeline Lucas, LCSW, a clinical content manager and therapist at Real. “However, after experiencing trauma, this re-regulating may not happen, which keeps us stuck in this supercharged fight-or-flight state—as if we’re still in danger.”

I was recently scrolling through TikTok and came across a viral video from Yulia Rose, a Tantric coach. The clip saw her shaking out her body while at the beach, while she explained how just five minutes of daily shaking could help heal stored trauma. So for the past month, I’ve taken it upon myself to do just that.

Can shaking really release stress and trauma?

I am someone with stored trauma. For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled to process and express my emotions. (I’m also a Capricorn, if that helps paint a better picture.) I was quite intimidated before I started this experiment. Was it just another TikTok craze or was I actually going to feel a difference? According to Lucas and certified life coach Alyssa Herrmann, shaking out your body is no gimmick.

“Shaking your body to release stress and/or trauma is commonly referred to as somatic therapy,” explains Herrmann. “The saying of ‘shake it off’ actually holds so much power as it regulates your nervous system. [It] releases any built-up adrenaline, suppresses/oppresses emotions, and connects you to your body while decompressing your mind.”

Lucas describes our trauma and stress as something that clogs up our system. “This charged fight-or-flight energy gets locked up and keeps us stuck on high alert,” she says. “ Shaking out the body allows us to unclog some of that stored energy by completing the stress response and discharging that energy. Engaging our bodies physically through intentionally shaking, tapping, and stretching activates our parasympathetic nervous system and communicates that we are safe and the danger has passed.”

At first, I felt stupid

The first day I tried shaking out my body, I didn’t even know how to move. Five minutes felt like a lifetime. Was I meant to wiggle, jump, stretch, or do the robot? I had no idea. My ego and subconscious quickly got the better of me, and I felt ridiculous, which added to my stress.

Taking a step back to reevaluate, I put on some music and had a dance party, focusing on shaking. It was much more my speed. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. When I dance, I feel so happy, relaxed, and energized as it regulates my nervous system. Shaking does just that.

“Stress and trauma up-regulate the body’s automatic nervous system, which causes an increase in adrenaline, cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure,” says Herrmann. The life coach, who recently shared a video on how to do it, added, “Shaking out the body helps to bring you back to the present moment, which is where you can connect to your breath and body, and find safety in the now.”

As I knew I was testing this for a month, the idea of daily shaking quickly became something on my to-do list. It was scheduled in my calendar, and while I felt fine at the time, it still felt like a chore. But a few days in, I had a morning where my anxiety was peaking high. I had tried my usual anxiety-relief exercises, but nothing was working, so I tried moving up my 3 p.m. shaking appointment to that moment. It worked. Even though I was moving about like a cardio workout, my heart palpitations decreased, my body started to reset, and my anxiety slowly drifted away. I was shocked and immediately converted.

Long-term shaking

I have to be honest: I’m still not in a formed habit of effortlessly incorporating shaking into my day. I also found it difficult to intentionally bring up my traumas each day to shake them out. I’m still a work in progress, but I know it works, and I know how important it is to deal with those experiences and emotions. “Holding onto stress and trauma can result in psychological and biological changes in our body, which impacts how we engage with the world,” says Lucas. “There is also an impact found in the brain in how we consolidate memories, perceive stress in our environment, how our nervous system regulates itself, and more.”

The good news is that shaking can be done by everyone and there are no dangers in trying it out. Just ensure you feel safe and continue the grounding moment following the exercise, choosing an activity such as enjoying a cup of warm tea. “The essential part of any work with our nervous system is to be able to slow down and reground ourselves,” shares the Real therapist. “Just make sure you are somewhere comfortable and safe in your physical space and have enough time to take a few deep breaths after shaking it out.”

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Carscoops 

As 2022 comes to a close, we’re taking a look back and asking our readers what cars they fell in love with this year.

We’ll lay down some ground rules and limit answers to vehicles either introduced or launched in 2022, but there’s no shortage of options as automakers had a very busy year.

GM was one of the most active as they introduced a slew of new vehicles including the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, and Silverado EV as well as the redesigned Colorado and Trax. Not to be outdone, GMC introduced the new Canyon, Sierra HD, and Sierra EV.  Cadillac didn’t rest on their laurels either as they launched the Lyriq and Escalade-V, while also unveiling the all-new Celestiq.

Also: 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 Is A No Holds Barred Luxury Pickup With 754 HP And 400 Mile Range

That’s a ton of new and upcoming models, and we didn’t even mention the Corvette Z06.  While the Lyriq is great, I’m excited about the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 as it looks fantastic inside and out.  While not as flashy or as powerful as the GMC Hummer EV, the electric pickup is undeniably luxurious and will have approximately 400 miles (644 km) of range. 

If that wasn’t impressive enough, the dual-motor all-wheel drive system is slated to produce 754 hp (562 kW / 764 PS) and 785 lb-ft (1,063 Nm) of torque in Max Power mode. This should enable the truck to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 4.5 seconds.

Changing course, Porsche and Lamborghini introduced rally-inspired special editions that are sure to delight fans.  The 911 Dakar is limited to 2,500 units and offers a Rallye Design Package, which pays tribute to the car that won the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally.

If the old school styling didn’t win you over, perhaps the increased capability will as the model sports all-wheel drive, specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires, and an extra 3.1 inches (80 mm) of ground clearance.  Buyers will also find Rallye and Off-Road driving modes as well as a twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine developing 473 hp (353 kW / 480 PS) and 420 lb-ft (569 Nm) of torque.  That’s enough to allow for a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 3.2 seconds and a limited top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).

If the 911 Dakar is too tame for your liking, there’s always the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato which will be rarer with production limited to 1,499 units.  It features an aggressive exterior, an extra 1.7 inches (44 mm) of ground clearance, and a 5.2-liter V10 pumping out 602 hp (449 kW / 610 PS) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque.  Despite being significantly more powerful than the Porsche, the two are similarly matched as the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes 3.4 seconds while the Lambo’s top speed is slightly higher at 162 mph (260 km/h).

As for cars out now, you can’t go wrong with the BMW 760i xDrive.  While some people still take issue with the car’s styling, it’s a blast to drive. Furthermore, it’s a comfortable and high-tech luxury cruiser with a massive 31.3-inch theater screen in back.

While those are just some examples, let us know your favorite cars of 2022 in the comments below.

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