Aston Martin Vanquish
Engine: 6.0-litre V12
BHP: 565
Torque: 620Nm
0-100kph: 4.1 secs
Top speed: 294mph
Origin: UK
Cost: GBP 189,995
(US $295,250)
Whether you’re planning to drive across Europe or you’re just café-hopping in Knightsbridge, we strongly recommend you invest in one of these. The Vanquish is the new champion of the Aston Martin stable, a great British luxury sports car that mixes supercar performance with refined beauty. Launched one year ahead of the company’s centenary celebrations next year, the Vanquish echoes elements of the limited-edition Aston Martin One-77 supercar, although at less than $300,000, it’s considerably less damaging on the wallet than its $1.86 m relative.
“Bearing the same name as the iconic original Vanquish that did so much to cement Aston Martin’s reputation as a maker of great GT cars in the modern era, I believe the car unveiled today once again puts this great British brand at the top of its class”
Dr Ulrich Bez , CEO, Aston Martin
Mercedes SLS AMG GT
Engine: AMG 6.3-litre V8
BHP: 591
Torque: 590Nm
0-100kph: 3.7 secs
Top speed: 320kph
Fuel consumption: 13.2 l/100km
Origin: Germany
Cost: from $224,000
From the moment you set eyes on the Mercedes SLS AMG GT, one thing is clear: this beast belongs on a racetrack. But somehow, the clever team at Mercedes have made this monster street legal, despite its electronically limited top speed of 320kph and massive 591 BHP. Red brake callipers and a distinct red GT logo added to the AMG badge differentiate this from its SLS cousin. The super sleek black leather interior adds the finishing touch. And it’s available as a Coupe and a Roadster.
Bentley Continental GT Speed
Engine: 6-litre twin turbocharged W12
BHP: 616
Torque: 800Nm
0-100kph: 4.2 secs
Top speed: 329kph
Origin: UK
Cost: TBA
The Bentley Continental needs no introduction, and the name of this new and improved model tells you pretty much everything you need to know. Yes, the GT Speed is fast. The boys from Crewe have developed a car built for performance with a focus on agile design and sporty luxury. The 616 BHP W12 engine promises to make the GT Speed one of the fastest large luxury vehicles off the blocks, with 0-100kph in just over four seconds and a top speed of 329kph. The 21-inch Speed wheels and Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tyres are the icing on the cake.
Porshe Boxter S
Engine: 3.4-litre V6
BHP: 315
0-100kph: 5.1 secs
Top speed: 279kph
Fuel consumption: 8.8 l/100km
Emissions: 206 g/km
Origin: Germany
Cost: EUR 59,120 ($72,000)
The wind of change has swept through Porsche’s Stuttgart headquarters, bringing with it some significant developments in several car categories, none more so than the Boxter family. The new Boxter S is a lighter, longer, lower and wider car than any of its predecessors, with the lowest fuel consumption and emissions to date. The slung-back hood, 19-inch wheels and longer body give it a sportier look than those that have come before, and the entirely redesigned posterior offers admirable curves.
