V12 Power & Electric Fever Dreams
The Wild Spectrum of SoCal Car Culture
As enthusiasts, one minute we’re drooling over the roar of a V12, and the next we’re wondering why no one’s built a car with a shutter button on the steering wheel that captures a 360° panorama (Leica optics, of course). The AFEELA didn’t quite deliver on that dream—but hey, we can hope for that in a V2 update.
That’s the beauty of it all—there’s room for the purists, the futurists, and everyone in between. Whether you’re into the growl of combustion or the silent UFO whoosh of an EV, we’re here for the ride.
Our recent posts have been all over the automotive map. And while we’re definitely biased toward the visceral thrill of a big, brash combustion engine, we’re also keeping an eye on the EV revolution. We’re not immune to the charm of innovation. Especially when it’s wrapped in something cool.
Still, the sweet spot? Those “best of both worlds” solutions. PHEVs and Hybrids that let you have your cake and burn some fuel too. We’re hoping for more creative takes on that formula because who says you can’t have a little electric efficiency with your exhaust note?
Old-School V12 Glory
There’s just something about a V12 that gets your pulse racing. It’s more than just power; it’s presence. You don’t see many on the road anymore, but when you do, it’s glorious.
We’ve recently sung the praises of two legends: the Mercedes-AMG S65 and the Jaguar XJ-12 (XJ81). Both represent peak automotive indulgence from their respective eras—a German executive missile and a British luxury bruiser.
If you missed our love letters to the S65 and XJ-12, check them out. Just don’t blame us if you start shopping for V12 sedans on CarGurus! (Side note: keep an eye out for more in our “It’s Got A V12” series.)
The Futuristic Shift
While we’re ogling the past, the future keeps marching on. The Sony-Honda AFEELA may not be the camera-on-wheels of our dreams (seriously, why doesn’t it have a built-in panorama photo shutter button?), but it’s still an intriguing step into a tech-heavy future.
And then there are the Waymo RoboCats. The Waymo Jaguar iPACE fleets with self-driving capabilities, prowling the streets without a human touch. Whether we’re ready for it or not, the autonomous car age is creeping in, one “RoboCat” at a time.
Style and Performance Out of Reach
Sometimes a car is more than just a machine. It’s an art piece, a statement, a dream on four wheels. Few cars embody that ideal better than the Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 'Croisette' and the Classic DB4 GT Zagato Continuation & DBS GT Zagato. These aren’t just vehicles. They’re masterpieces, where heritage meets high performance and craftsmanship hits the stratosphere.
Of course, these beauties usually come with a seven-figure price tag, making them the kind of cars you’re more likely to see at a concours event than in your neighbor’s driveway. Still, that doesn’t stop us from appreciating the sheer elegance and engineering genius they represent.
How about the inspired vision of the coachbuilders who breathe life into these dreams? Whether it’s Zagato, Pininfarina, or one of the other greats who defined automotive artistry, these craftsmen push boundaries and set new standards for what a car can be. For a deeper dive into the legends behind the designs, check out Magneto Magazine’s list of the greatest coachbuilders.
Whether it’s the timeless charm of a classic Ferrari GT or the meticulously crafted continuation of an Aston Martin Zagato, these cars remind us why we daydream about garages we’ll probably never own. And that’s okay. Sometimes, just knowing these machines exist is enough to remind you why you fell in love with cars in the first place.
Track Days and Coffee Meets
This is the beating heart of Kings Road. There’s nothing better than rolling into a weekend meet and seeing everything from rough-around-the-edges survivors to high-dollar exotics parked side by side. The vibe is always welcoming, and the cars. Well, they’re as wacky and wonderful as the people who bring them.
Our Roll Calls cover the latest round of SoCal car meets and shows, where you’ll find everything from purist builds to future-forward EVs. Subscribe so you don’t miss them. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for somewhere to hang out this weekend!
Wrapping Up
We’re constantly balancing nostalgia with curiosity, and the car scene here in SoCal reflects that same push and pull. Whether it’s raw V12 power or an electric concept that makes you think twice, the point is to keep driving and dreaming.
Stay tuned for more posts that mix the old with the new, and if you see something interesting at a local event, tag us! We’re all about sharing the ride.