Hot wheels

Life in the fast lane is getting faster, Competition between top marques means you can soon expect to see a clutch of super-sophisticated, astonishingly powerful sportscars. Put your order in now...

Life in the fast lane is getting faster, Competition between top marques means you can soon expect to see a clutch of super-sophisticated, astonishingly powerful sportscars. Put your order in now...

FERRARI CALIFORNIA
This is
A look-at-me Ferrari aimed at Monte Carlo and Beverly Hills. A convertible with 2+2 seating and a proper boot.

Inspiration
The rise of coupes that double as convertibles by fitting a folding hardtop roof, so one model serves both functions. The need to keep the Maranello factory running at full speed because other brands, notably Aston Martin and Bentley, have recently returned to the market with undiminished appeal and threaten to lure some buyers away.

Driving force
Ferrari expects the California to be a strong seller among those who want something more practical and less hardcore than its existing V8 offering, the F430. For V12 buyers, Ferrari already makes something equivalent in its 612 Scaglietti. But that’s much more expensive and lacks a folding roof.

Nuts and bolts
The California introduces some new technology to the brand, including a dual-clutch transmission – effectively a manual with only two pedals. For the first time in a Prancing Horse, it puts a V8 under the bonnet, as opposed to behind the cabin. The hardtop roof is also a first, and the bulbous tail that results was clearly a challenge for the designers.

Power and the glory
The California’s 4.3L V8 engine means it can reach 100km/h in four seconds, which is very quick.

How soon
Late next year.

How much
Not much change from half-a-million dollars.


BUGATTI VEYRON GRAND SPORT
This is
Open-air motoring for the oil sheikh who has everything.

Inspiration
The original over-the-top Bugattis and the need to constantly ring the changes on the Veyron itself – the most exclusive and extreme vehicle ever.

Driving force
Customer demand, allegedly. The super-rich can’t get enough of the Veyron and one buyer already has five at $2.3 million apiece.

Nuts and bolts
The Veyron coupe has been braced with carbon fibre so the roof can be replaced by lightweight removable panels of transparent polycarbonate. For this car, costs come second to the need for engineering perfection.
 
Power and the glory
The monster 8L, 16-cylinder engine puts the Veyron head and shoulders above everything else on the market for acceleration and nothing comes close to its top speed of 407km/h. If it rains when the roof is off, there’s a temporary cloth cover in the boot that opens like an umbrella and still permits 130km/h.

How soon
March 2009. Just 150 will be made.

How much
About $2.9 million.


ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE
This is
One of the new breed of long, slinky coupes that have four doors instead of the usual two.

Inspiration
Jaguar used to make cars like this until it decided to try to beat the Germans at their own game. However, with the launch of the Mercedes-Benz CLS a few years ago – a low-slung four-door – the idea is back in fashion. Maserati’s Quattroporte goes to the same place and now everybody is playing catch up, including Jaguar.

Driving force
Corporate egos and Middle Eastern cash. Aston Martin boss Ulrich Bez used to work at Porsche, leading development work on its sportscars. Porsche is busy on a similar project called the Panamera (see below) and Bez is determined to beat his former employer to the market. After Ford sold Aston Martin last year,the new Kuwaiti owners gave the Rapide the funding it needed.

Nuts and bolts
Under all Astons is the same basic aluminium structure, stretched a bit in this case. The Rapide looks very like an overgrown DB9, in fact, with the brand’s distinctive grille shape and side strakes. Aston’s reputation for hand-built craftsmanship could take a knock as the Rapide will be built by Magna Steyr in Austria.
 
Power and the glory
Big 6L V12 engine and a chiller cabinet in the boot, perfectly shaped to hold a magnum of Jacquesson & Fils champagne and four flutes.

How soon
Before the Porsche Panamera.

How much
At least $400K.


LOTUS EVORA
This is
The first new Lotus in 14 years and the world’s only mid-engined 2+2 coupe.

Inspiration
Former Lotus models, such as the Esprit, which combined performance with higher levels of luxury than the present range.

Driving force
The Lotus speciality of hard-core, track-focused cars is all very well, but today’s road driver expects gizmos like Bluetooth phone connection, a decent stereo and plenty of airbags. The Evora promises a more refined ownership experience with touch-screen controls, satnav and hands free phone. Unlike the Elise and Exige, you won’t need to be a yoga master to get in and out of the Evora.

Nuts and bolts
Lotus sticks to its lightweight philosophy by using composite panels for the body and roof. Underneath is an aluminium tub.
 
Power and the glory
Since the demise of Rover, Lotus has been using four-cylinder Toyota engines in its Elise and Exige. The Evora also turns to the Japanese giant for its 3.5L V6 and six-speed manual gearbox. Lotus is also testing alternative fuels and is committed to developing hybrid and electric powertrains.

How soon
Early next year in Europe; Australia isn’t far behind.

How much
More than any current Lotus and only 2000 a year will be built, although a two-seat version and convertible are planned. 


PORSCHE PANAMERA
This is
A rival for the Aston Martin Rapide and the first four-door ever produced by Porsche – unless you count the Cayenne SUV.

Inspiration
The name comes from the legendary Carrera Panamericana long-distance car race, run in the 1950s through Mexico. More practical Porsches are the order of the day, with the Cayenne now 45 per cent of the brand’s volume. Porsche’s fourth model line should secure another 25,000 buyers
a year, taking annual production above 100,000.

Driving force
Various engines will go under the bonnet, including similar V8s to the ones that power
the Cayenne, a V6 and a hybrid.

Nuts and bolts
Unlike the Cayenne, which was a joint venture with Volkswagen, under the Panamera is unique-to-Porsche engineering with the engine driving the rear wheels in orthodox sportscar fashion.
 
Power and the glory
More than €1 billion ($1.75 million) in investment should guarantee that the Panamera drives like a proper Porsche, although spy shots on the internet raise concerns about the car’s aesthetics.

How soon
A motorshow appearance next year, with production in Leipzig, Germany, kicking off in the second half.

How much
Starting price in the mid-$200K.


ROLLS-ROYCE RR4
This is
A super-luxury motor car in the mould of the Phantom, but smaller. No pictures yet released, but the published sketch gives some idea of what’s been signed off.

Inspiration
The success of former sibling brand Bentley, which operates a little lower in the market. There is a limited number of buyers at the Phantom’s $1 million pricepoint, but drop the ask by a few hundred thousand and potential customers quickly multiply.

Driving force
Since BMW acquired the blue-blood Brit, it has rolled out a convincing series of huge cars with enormous presence that define the ultimate in automotive luxury. With a coupe, convertible and long-wheelbase limousine now available as well as the original Phantom, after five years that model line is complete.

Nuts and bolts
Some sharing of parts with BMW is inevitable, although the RR4’s new engine will apparently be unique to the brand.
 
Power and the glory
The Phantom has a power reserve meter rather than a conventional tachometer, which constantly shows its owner how little of the oomph is actually being used. Expect the V8 RR4 to have similar attitude.

How soon
Rolls is extending its landmark Goodwood factory in England and recruiting staff for a launch in 2010.

How much
If you have to ask...