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Mar 14, 2024

Doug DeMuro's 10 Coolest Car Reviews Of 2023 So Far

Doug DeMuro has reviewed numerous vehicles on his 2013-established YouTube channel, but here are some of the coolest he's given credence to in 2023. Doug DeMuro ranks among the most successful

Doug DeMuro has reviewed numerous vehicles on his 2013-established YouTube channel, but here are some of the coolest he's given credence to in 2023.

Doug DeMuro ranks among the most successful automotive YouTubers of his generation, and the numbers don't lie. As of July 2023, the Doug DeMuro YouTube channel had garnered over 4.69 million subscribers; that said, his 20 to 25-minute long videos typically hit the one-million mark within weeks of posting. With an evergreen boyish grin, the unique "Quirks and Features," and test drives characterizing his videos, Doug DeMuro has mastered the art of reviewing automobiles (even the Average Joe with surface level knowledge of ICE-powered and electric cars adore what Doug's YouTube channel presents).

Since his YouTube channel set sail in 2013, Doug has delivered detailed reviews of the most quirky and coolest automobiles you'll ever find. But in today's article, we'll be taking a look at the 10 coolest cars Doug DeMuro has reviewed in 2023. Ready? Let's go!

This article was created using facts and figures from Doug DeMuro's YouTube channel alongside car manufacturer websites.

Originally released in 1978, the RX-7 represents Mazda's pioneer mass-market sports car; in fact, it's the best-selling rotary-powered car in history. The rotary engine's powerful and smooth running characteristics paired to the low-slung RX-7 coupe wielding a wraparound rear window and a wedge-designed nose were the perfect combination for tire-smoking fun on prepped tarmacs.

The 1984 Mazda RX-7 places among the nameplate's first generation (1978-1985) and is also known as the FB (late model). Doug's video features the top-spec GSL-SE trim with a 1.3-liter 13B rotary engine that generated 135 horses and 133 pound-feet of torque. These numbers might not seem mind-blowing; but given the fact that the 1984 Mazda RX-7 weighed about 1,100 kg and had an overall length of 169 inches (placing it in-between a modern Miata and Boxster), the power generated by the fitted powertrain was more than sufficient for speedy drives.

The 1984 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE also added some sportiness with larger brakes, a suspension geared towards better handling, and an oil cooler for heat reduction during high-performance drives.

RELATED: Mazda RX-7: Racing DNA From The Track To The Streets

The AMG division of Mercedes-Benz is known for laying the groundwork for tuned vehicles denoting stylish aesthetics, high-performance, and sporty handling. And in 1996, they created an excellent sports sedan — the Mercedes-Benz E55 (AKA the W210). Replacing the W124, the E-Class that resonated with many for its sturdy build quality and diverse powertrain alternatives, the Mercedes-Benz E55 (W210) sought to bring a new lease of life with aesthetic, performance, and technological improvements.

The 2000 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 debuted in 1999; a timeline where the German automaker had drawn AMG (most of it) into its ecosystem. Powering this automobile was a 5.4-liter naturally-aspirated V8 that belted out 350 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque when paired to a four-speed automatic transmission.

The 2000 E55 AMG designed by Bruno Sacco was somewhat laid-back and elegant. However, it depicted subtle changes like flared rocker panels, a menacing front end, and AMG-ingrained exhausts. That said, the car's interior fielded technological additions like the center screen, a gauge cluster, and a Mercedes-Benz branded cell phone to make calls while driving.

If you've been keeping up with Doug DeMuro's YouTube channel since its inception, you'll realize that his first-ever review was a Ferrari 360. But in 2023, Doug laid his hands on a unique variation of the 360 — the Challenge Stradale.

The 2004 Challenge Stradale is the high-performance, track-focused variant of the regular Ferrari 360 manufactured from 1999 through to 2004. The main reason behind its production was to make more sales from an already declining nameplate before a newer version arrived. Although it was an instant hit, Ferrari only produced 1,300 Challenge Stradales — making it one of the rarest Ferrari models on the market today.

The 2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale is deemed special due to performance upgrades. Although it featured the same V8 shared with the main version, the Challenge Stradale generated 425 horsepower (25 horses more than the Ferrari 360); however, torque value remained unchanged at 275 pound-feet of torque. Nonetheless, the improved V8 engine on the 360 Challenge Stradale resulted in improved acceleration, with the sports car doing 0 to 60 MPH in 3.9 to 4.1 seconds.

But the upgrades don't end here! Unlike the Ferrari 360, the Challenge Stradale iteration wielded carbon-ceramic brakes (the front brakes were lifted directly from the Enzo). Additionally, it got improved steering and throttle response, ensuring the beastly Challenge Stradale could be tamed without fuss. And compared to the regular Ferrari 360, the Challenge Stradale was lighter (curb weight: 2,820 pounds), all thanks to the inclusion of resin-manufactured body panels, extensive use of carbon fiber, and racy seats; most notably, the sports car had a lightweight exhaust that made its powertrain 25 pounds less-heavier than the Ferrari 360.

The NSX debuted in 1984 as a concept code-named Honda Pininfarina eXperimental (HP-X). With its foundations spearheaded by the geniuses of Masahito Nakano (Honda's Chief Designer) and Shigeru Uehera (Executive Chief Engineer), the Acura NSX showcased Honda's commitment to attain reverence in the super car scene where Italian and German automakers led the pack.

Production of the Acura NSX (New Sports-car experimental) began in 1990 to outclass Ferrari V8s at the time. The Acura NSX reviewed by Doug in the YouTube video above is the 2005 iteration that concluded the nameplate's first generation.

Compared to the 1990 model that featured a 3.0-liter 270-horsepower V6 engine, the 2005 Acura NSX effected a performance increment with a 3.2-liter V6 engine rated at 290 galloping ponies. Opening the 2005 NSX's window-line door handles led to an opulent cabin hosting quirky attributes like door panel climate vents and a multifunctional steering wheel.

On the exterior front, the 2005 Acura NSX had a removable sunroof you could seamlessly store under the car's rear glass hatch. That said, the Japanese super car also incorporated several chassis improvements, including firmer front springs, a bigger diameter rear stabilizer bar, and huge wheels and tires for enhanced handling. These add-ons reduced the car's drag coefficient from 0.32 to 0.30 and raised its top speed threshold to 175 MPH.

RELATED: Why The Acura NSX Deserved A Better Revival Than The Hybrid Hypercar

Since its inception in 1947, Ferrari has etched itself as an automaker dedicated to curating racy cars that deviate from the regular. First introduced in 2006 (2007 model) as a replacement for the outgoing 575M Maranello, the 599 GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta) Fiorano was tagged the most powerful road car from the stables of Ferrari at the time. The reason for this assertion isn't far-fetched — the 599 GTB Fiorano had a naturally-aspirated 6.0-liter V12 (same as the Enzo). However, it was detuned to put out 612 horsepower and 448 pound-feet of torque when paired to a converted six-speed "gated" manual transmission as seen in Doug's 599 GTB Fiorano review (he further asserts that only 10 iterations came to the United States with the six-speed manual).

Designed by Pininfarina (before Ferrari ended the partnership) the 599 GTB Fiorano's exterior looks elegant and features curved lines for mesmeric aerodynamics. It also utilizes an aluminum chassis rather than the typical tubular steel format, giving the Fiorano a lightweight and sturdy architecture that screamed "race-day" potential. The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also turned (and still turns) heads with its gorgeous interior. Right off the gate, you'll notice comfortable Daytona-style seats; additionally, the Fiorano fitted carbon fiber onto the dashboard, center console, and door panels.

For those familiar with Audi's naming scheme, nameplates with the "S" before the model number denote high-performance across the board. As such, while the S5 might look identical to the A5, the former leads the charge when it comes to sportiness and athleticism. For 2008, the Audi S5 integrated a 4.2-liter engine paired to a six-speed manual transmission that delivered 354 horses (fun fact: the base 2023 Audi S5's engine generates 349 horsepower despite being turbocharged).

Although the 2008 Audi S5 gained a massive following due to its powertrain, another reason it resonated with gearheads was its sleek design. Designed by Walter De Silva, the 2008 S5 exterior showcased that the mix of simplicity and sophistication was achievable, with a subdued belt-line running across the vehicle's entire length and striking air inlet grilles at the front. This allure was also evident in its interior; for context, the 2008 Audi S5 incorporated hugging leather seats and an intuitive, clutter-free and easy-to-use infotainment system.

The 2023 BMW M2 ranks as the second-generation of the Bavarian automaker's smallest two-door RWD sports coupe. Built on the CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform underpinning the 2 Series Coupe, the 2023 BMW M2 features a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six that belts out 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.

Doug acknowledges that the 2023 BMW M2 has received loads of backlash for its external design. However, he doesn't tow this line of thought, buttressing that the car's wide flare fenders, smaller-sized kidney grilles, and rear diffuser fielding the quad-exhaust pipe set-up gives the car the high-performance tag it deserves. Moving to the 2023 BMW M2's interior and the story's the same — elegance! Upon entry, you'll notice an aesthetically pleasing stitching of the M colors (blue, violet, and red) across the dashboard and harness-accommodating bucket seats. There isn't a paucity of modern technological add-ons, as the 2023 M2 inculcates an infotainment system running BMW's latest Operating System 8 and an array of driver assistance functionalities.

In 2022, Mercedes-Benz introduced the EQE (for the 2023 model year) to its all-electric EQ lineup. Besides expansion, this mid-size sedan was curated to rival premium EVs like the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S. The iteration fielded in Doug's video is the 350+ that makes a statement with a Permanently Excited Synchronous (PSM) electric motor good enough for 288 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. What's better? The sedan aims to relegate range anxiety to the background, with a full charge offering around 305 miles of range.

The EQE 350+ has an aerodynamic-driven egg-shaped exterior alongside flat-surfaced black wheels. This electric sedan's interior denotes opulence with an intuitive touchscreen infotainment screen, leather seats, and sturdy dashboard materials that aren't prone to damaging flexes.

RELATED: The Future Will Cost You: Why The Mercedes-Benz EQE Starts At $80,000

Like most automakers, Volkswagen is making significant strides towards an all-electric future. This time, they're looking to cash in on some automotive-themed nostalgia by curating an improved and modernized version of the revered T1 and T2 vans that plied motorways back in the 60s — the 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz. Doug DeMuro doesn't shy away from showering praises on the retro-styled van, and tags it The Quirkiest Van.

Although the ID. Buzz is available in Europe, it'll make its US debut by 2024 (as a 2025 model). As established, the van will showcase a modern, well-sculpted design reminiscent of the '60s Volkswagen vans everyone adored. That said, the interior will live up to the "Transporter" status plastered to the T1 and T2, with three-row seating that'll accommodate six to seven individuals.

While details about the 2024 ID. Buzz's powertrain remains grey-zoned, base trims would most likely mimic the ID.4 crossover's RWD setup rated at 201 horses; if that's the case, there'll also be an optional AWD system that generates 295 horses. Nothing's cut in stone yet; but Volkswagen has confirmed the 2024 ID. Buzz will come equipped with 170 kW DC Fast Charging — an add-on that'll see the van charge from 5% to 80% within 30 minutes.

Volvo, like most revered automakers, is committing to a future where manufactured cars will be fully-electric. To showcase its seriousness towards this stance, it has curated the Volvo EX90 — an all-electric luxury SUV that'll serve as a fitting alternative to the manufacturer's popular ICE-powered XC90. And although the Volvo EX90 won't be up for grabs until 2024 in the United States, Doug DeMuro delivers a sneak peek of things to come with a prototype.

The 2024 Volvo EX90 features three-row seating and AWD as standard. This automobile receives power from twin electric motors. However, base models will feature a detuned variant of these motors to produce 402 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, while top-spec models will get a high-performance version to the twin motors that generates 496 horses and 617 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, the 2024 EX90 will debut with a 111 kWh battery offering an estimated 300 miles of range on a full charge.

Although the 2024 EX90 has a curvy exterior alongside "Thor Hammer" headlights, its cabin is where the magic happens. Here, you'll find an 14.5-inch infotainment system, headrest-integrated speakers, and premium-looking upholstery made from Nodico and other eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, the EX90 will be fitted with driver assistance and safety functionalities, most notably Lidar technology paired with radar sensors, exterior cameras, and ultrasonic sensors. According to Volvo, these add-ons combined means the EX90 can execute autonomous driving on the hardware front.

Benson's love for automobiles isn't waning anytime soon. Having ghostwritten for multiple automotive-themed sites for the last three years, he's decided to pitch his tent at HotCars -- churning out stellar content bound to keep you immersed.