This has been an incredible year for new cars and there have been some seriously stunning machines launched already this year. So what are the cars that have got everybody salivating so far this year? Here are some of our favourites.
- Ferrari 488 GTB
Any new Ferrari brings the motoring world to a halt, but this new GTB carries added significance. It marks Ferrari’s acceptance that turbo power is inevitable and what would otherwise be a facelift of the 458 Italia has instead morphed into a whole new model that carries the weight of the company on its shoulders.
The 3.9-litre twin turbo was launched in February and comes with some of the most insane performance figures known to man. The 661bhp engine propels the 488 GTB to 62mph in 3.0s, 125mph in 8.3s and a top speed of 205mph.
It’s an achingly beautiful car, as we’d expect from Ferrari, and though it doesn’t sound quite as good as the 458 it replaces, it’s a stunning car that will sell like hot cakes.
- Lamborghini Superveloce
If the 700bhp Lamborghini Aventador simply wasn’t mad enough for you then you probably need psychiatric assistance, but the Italian manufacturer clearly thought this was a problem that needed fixing as it brought out the 750bhp, hardcore Aventador to market earlier this year.
The car holds the official production car record at the Nurburgring and is likely to do so forever, as official flying laps of the infamous German track record have now been banned.
Just 600 Superveloces will see the light of the day, they were all sold out before the car turned a wheel in anger and even a price tag of £320,000 didn’t quell the demand. It’s an intimidating Lamborghini, the way they should be, and a work of art in its own right.
- Ford Mustang
Ford’s icon finally came across the pond to take on Europe’s best in 2015 and the response so far has been nothing short of outstanding. American muscle cars have long held a special place in European hearts thanks to Hollywood blockbusters and now we can finally buy one that isn’t a grey import.
Expect the Mustang to go mad in the coming years, especially the proper 5-litre, 415bhp V8. It isn’t as refined as the BMW M3 or Mercedes C63 AMG, but then that’s part of the appeal. This is a proper old-school car for the masses and whoever buys one will never tire of the V8 rumble or the 4.8s 0-60mph drag race off each and every traffic light.
- Alfa Romeo Giulia
There have been dark times for Alfa Romeo, but the recent launch of the 4C sportscar and this, the new Giulia, have been hailed as a renaissance for the Italian manufacturer.
The new rival for the BMW 3 Series and Britain’s own Jaguar XE should put Alfa Romeo back on the map and its exquisite styling suggests that this is a car that could really carry the flag. The sporting version is a rear-wheel-drive, 500bhp monster called the Quadrifoglio Verde, or QV for those that don’t want the Italian translation of: “Green Four-Lead Clover.”
It’s a monumental car, a real chance for Alfa Romeo to return to its halcyon days and a reason to rejoice for motoring fanatics everywhere.
- Jaguar XJ
While the Italians are going crazy for Alfa Romeo, Britain is celebrating the return of Jaguar, albeit under Indian ownership.
The XK is a smash hit, the XE is snapping at the heels of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class and the early signs are that the XJ is going to be just as big a hit. This big luxury barge is traditional Jaguar territory, but the XJ is a thoroughly modern twist on an old classic in terms of design and performance.
Aluminium construction means its light, which makes for the best handling car in its class, it’s brave in its styling and internal touches like a fully electronic dash make it a truly refreshing alternative to the German staples. The XJ is quite possibly the best luxury car in its class, and is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the year.
