Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 003 – Brendan McAleer
What is it? An all carbon-fibre racer bearing a similarity to a Le Mans racing car, the SCG 003 has a Honda-sourced twin-turbo V6 engine making somewhere around 600 horsepower.
Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 003S
Brendan McAleer, Driving
The paddle-shifted sequential gearbox is pure racecar, and the car looks most at home draped in racing livery. As a pure carbon-fibre road-going machine, wearing New York plates, it might as well be the Batmobile.
When is it coming? The SCG003 is available in race form now, and will be sold in road-going guise later in the year.
Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 003S
Brendan McAleer, Driving
Why is it important? Not everyone has the chutzpah to stand up to Ferrari, and fewer still have the deep pockets and long vision to come up with their own supercar. The annals of history are filled with failed attempts (W8 Vector, anyone?), but Glickenhaus has a real shot at the history books here.
Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 003S
Brendan McAleer, Driving
Should I buy one? I’m not sure. Do you have enough parking spaces at Wayne Manor, Master Bruce?
2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS – Brendan McAleer
What is it? An even-more-hardcore version of the GT3, the RS spec means bodywork shared with the 911 turbo. There’s all kinds of air-gulping inlets, and then there are those aforementioned fender vents, which give the car a frisson of TVR madness, and also aid in front downforce.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Brendan McAleer, Driving
The massive rear wing and low front spoiler improve aerodynamics for better on-track grip and there is plenty of extra carbon-fibre and even a magnesium roof for added weight savings. Overall, the RS is 10 kilograms lighter than the standard GT3, despite being packed with more insanity.
Under that rear wing is the powerplant, a 4.0-litre flat-six producing in excess of 500 horsepower. As with the GT3, a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox is the only available transmission.
When is it coming? This summer.
Why is it important? The zero-to-100km/h sprint takes just 3.3 seconds, with the far more impressive figure being the claimed 7:20 Nürburgring lap time – good enough to show a clean pair of heels to the V10 Carrera GT.
Should I buy one? The cost for this most-bonkers of 911s is, as you’d expect, also bonkers. Canadian pricing is set at $200,700, with options on top of that. Porsche is always notorious for expensive add-ons, but here we’re not so much talking an optional Burmester stereo as we are the Club Sport package with its bolt-in orange roll-cage and fire extinguisher.
2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 – Brendan McAleer
What is it? To recap, the Cayman GT4 is a cross between the Cayman GTS and a Porsche 911 GT3 – a 3.8-litre flat-six engine making 385hp provides the power, it’s got GT3-derived aerodynamics, and there’s a genuine six-speed manual in the middle.
Porsche Cayman GT4
Brendan McAleer, Driving
When is it coming? We expect it in showrooms by this summer.
Why is it important? With a Carrera-S-beating Nürburgring lap time of seven minutes and forty seconds, and a manual gerarbox only, we can’t wait to get our mitts on its alcantara steering wheel. Finally, Porsche is letting its smaller, purer sportscar off the leash.
Porsche Cayman GT4
Brendan McAleer, Driving
Should I buy one? As an alternative to a 911, absolutely. As an alternative to a minivan, perhaps sadly not.
Pininfarina Sergio – Brendan McAleer
What is it? The Sergio, named for Pininfarina’s founder, a conceptual body built on the Ferrari 458 Spider was first shown in 2013. Now, that car will be put into very limited production, with just six examples built in total.
Pininfarina Ferrari Sergio
Brendan McAleer, Driving
When is it coming? As each model will be hand-made, expect to wait a while for the first one to come out.
Why is it important? Even if you aren’t now reflexively reaching for your pocketbook, it’d be good to see Pininfarina survive and thrive with their venture, if only so that they could stick around to inject a little Italian style into some of the more staid designs around.
Pininfarina Ferrari Sergio
Brendan McAleer, Driving
After all, it’s not all Testarossas and Alfa-Romeos in their portfolio; they also did timeless designs like the Volvo C70 convertible, and the Fiat coupe. Certainly the latter could use a little help figuring out how to go beyond the little 500 city car.
Should I buy one? You’d be better off trying to convince Pininfarina to remake the Berlinetta Boxer car they made for Eric Clapton – it was much prettier.
2016 Mercedes-AMG GT3 – Brendan McAleer
What is it? On stage Tuesday, Mercedes pulled the wraps off their ferocious Mercedes-AMG GT3, a hardcore racecar based on the road-going GT.
Mercedes-AMG GT3
Brendan McAleer, Driving
It’s a monster, with a crackling 6.3L race-prepped V8 and huge carbon-fibre wings front and rear. The front grille is an homage to a 1952 300SL racecar, winner of the cross-Mexico Carrera Panamerica race.
When is it coming? A racing entry is scheduled for the FIA GT3 Championship in 2016, but a streetable version is in the cards.
Why it matters: The AMG GT3 gives Mercedes more racing clout and the affiliation gives it more street cred.
Mercedes-AMG GT3
PHOTO: Brendan McAleer, Driving
Mercedes-AMG GT3
PHOTO: Brendan McAleer, Driving
Mercedes-AMG GT3
PHOTO: Brendan McAleer, Driving
Mercedes-AMG GT3
PHOTO: Brendan McAleer, Driving
Should you buy it? Well, you can’t drive it on the street, but at least you can fire it up in the garage and enjoy the noise.
2015 McLaren P1 GTR – John LeBlanc
What is it? Just as the La Finale will be the last Bugatti Veyron supercar, the GTR will be the last version of rival supercar maker McLaren’s track-only P1.
First seen as a design concept at the Pebble beach Concours d’Elegance last summer, the final power numbers for the production P1 GTR were revealed here in Geneva. How does a combined 986 horsepower sound? Sounds pretty freakin’ awesome to us.
McLaren P1 GTR
John LeBlanc, Driving
When is it coming? McLaren says first tests this spring will be held at England’s Silverstone racetrack, followed by final sign-off after some time at the Circuit de Cataluña in Spain.
Why it matters: The P1 GTR gives McLaren a true rival to other track-only supercars, like the Ferrari FXX K and the forthcoming Aston Martin Vulcan.
McLaren P1 GTR
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
McLaren P1 GTR
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
McLaren P1 GTR
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
McLaren P1 GTR
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
McLaren P1 GTR
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Should you buy it? You have to be one of the existing 375 P1 owners before McLaren will let you hand over about $4.38 million for the P1 GTR, which also includes a spot in the McLaren P1 Driver Programme, with extras like a custom seat fitting, a “design and livery consultation” with McLaren design chief Frank Stephenson and some time on the McLaren driving simulator.
2015 McLaren 675LT – John LeBlanc
What is it? McLaren’s response to the Ferrari 488 GTB, the new 675LT, is a higher-performance version of the existing McLaren 650S Coupe and Spyder with the evocative LT (for long tail) badge.
As the topline model in the British super car maker’s Super Series lineup, the 675LT receives a more powerful 666 horsepower (675 in metric figures) version of the brand’s 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder gas engine.
McLaren 675 LT
John LeBlanc, Driving
Prominent use of carbon-fibre bodywork and other lightweight elements in the engine, chassis and body means the 675LT is 100 kilograms lighter than the 650S. Not surprisingly, then, the rear-drive 675LT’s claimed zero-to-100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds is 0.1 sec faster than the 650S.
When is it coming? Customer deliveries will begin in July
Why it matters: The coupé-only 675LT is supposed to awaken memories of the 1997 McLaren F1 Long Tail.
McLaren 675 LT
John LeBlanc, Driving
Should you buy it? According to McLaren, the 675LT will deliver “ultimate levels of driver engagement”. Sweet. If you are interested in such qualities, feel free to place an order.
2015 Lotus Evora 400 – Brendan McAleer
What is it? The new Evora 400 released today in Geneva is the fastest Lotus yet, and seems to say that if Lotus is going into that good night, then it’s not going quietly. An enhancement of the standard Evora S, the 400 gains a 16 per cent power bump for its supercharged, Toyota-sourced V6. A new supercharger and intercooler make for an even 400 horsepower, but that’s not all.
Lotus Evora 400
PHOTO: Brendan McAleer, Driving
Lotus Evora 400
PHOTO: Brendan McAleer, Driving
Lotus Evora 400
PHOTO: Brendan McAleer, Driving
Lotus Evora 400
PHOTO: Brendan McAleer, Driving
Lotus Evora 400
PHOTO: Brendan McAleer, Driving
Lotus Evora 400
PHOTO: Brendan McAleer, Driving
Lotus Evora 400
PHOTO: Brendan McAleer, Driving
Lotus Evora 400
PHOTO: Brendan McAleer, Driving
Lotus Evora 400
PHOTO: Brendan McAleer, Driving
Adherence to founder Colin Chapman’s ideal of addling lightness meant shedding even more weight from an already very light car. Thanks to clever tweaks like thinner seats, the car is some 20 kilograms lighter, and the interior looks have been improved as well. Lotus also made it slightly easier to get in and out of the car, which is handy.
When is it coming? Expect a release this fall as a 2016 model.
Lotus Evora 400
Brendan McAleer, Driving
Why is it important? Zero-to-100km/h is a claimed 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 300km/h. That’s heady stuff indeed, perhaps enough to entice a Cayman buyer away from the equally fast, yet somewhat more clinical Porsche offerings.
Should I buy one? It really depends on the cost. The Evora is a great car, deeply involving and great fun. It’s a choice outside the ordinary, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If it turns out to be hugely more expensive than that Cayman GT4, it might be entering a tough market.
2015 Lamborghini Avendador SuperVeloce – John LeBlanc
What is it? What with supercar rivals like Ferrari 488 GTB, the McLaren P1 GTR and 675LT, and the Koenigsegg Regera showing up here in Geneva in full force, we knew Lamborghini was not going to be left with an empty booth.
Lamborghini Aventador SV
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Lamborghini Aventador SV
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Lamborghini Aventador SV
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Lamborghini Aventador SV
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Witness the new Aventador 750-4 Superveloce. The Aventador’s 6.5-litre twelve-cylinder gas engine remains, but it now puts out 740 horsepower (or 750 metric horsepower, hence its name) instead of 691, which allows for a claimed zero-to-100 km/h time of 2.8 seconds. With various carbon-fibre body parts panels (fixed rear wing, door panels, engine cover), Lamborghini says the SV weighs about 50 kilograms less than the non-SV model.
When is it coming? The hotter Aventador SV will go on sale later this spring.
Lamborghini Aventador SV
John LeBlanc, Driving
Why it matters: Since the Superveloce badge was put on Lamborghini’s first mid-engine supercar, the Miura, and the Aventador’s immediate Diablo and Murcielago predecessors, owners know they are driving the most badass model.
Should you buy it? If you can afford it (it will be more expensive than the $500,000-plus Aventador) and you need the fastest Aventador you can buy, we can’t find any reason for you not to treat yourself.
2016 Koenigsegg Regera – John LeBlanc
What is it? The Swedish supercar maker’s first gas-electric hybrid vehicle. The Regera’s combination of a 1,085 horsepower twin-turbocharged 5.0-litre eight-cylinder gas engine and a trio of electric motors (one on each rear wheel and one on the V8’s crankshaft) making 697-hp add up to a robust 1,782-hp and 1,549 pound-feet of torque.
Koenigsegg Regera
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Koenigsegg Regera
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Koenigsegg Regera
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Koenigsegg Regera
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Koenigsegg Regera
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
The Regera sports massive front air intakes, a front diffuser, wrap-around windscreen and huge roof scoop. At the back, its exhaust exits from a rear diffuser above the Regera’s plug-in charging port.
When is it coming? Whenever you can back your Brinks truck up to Koenigsegg’s office.
Koenigsegg Regera
John LeBlanc, Driving
Why it matters: The supercar bar has been raised. Again. Koenigsegg says the Regera is the most powerful production car on the planet, significantly beating the likes of the Bugatti Veyron, McLaren P1 GTR, La Ferrari and Porsche 918 Spyder.
Should you buy it? Only 80 Regeras will be made. No word on what the top dog Koenigsegg will cost. But unless you founded a company like Apple or Google, you may have to stretch your wallet for what will be a very pricey car.
2016 Ford Focus RS – Brendan McAleer
What is it? Ford’s newest performance machine, the Focus RS looks great in person, and the specs are even better – 19” alloys wrapped in sticky Michelin performance rubber shroud huge 350mm Brembo brakes.
The Ford Focus RS
Brendan McAleer, Driving
The all-wheel-drive mode has four selectable settings including a drift mode, and it comes with launch control and a full torque-vectoring rear end. The engine is a 2.3-litre turbo-four engine that sounds properly unhinged, and up to 70 per cent of its 320+ horsepower can be sent to the rear wheels.
When is it coming? Expect to see the RS rolling out this fall as a 2016 model.
The Ford Focus RS
Brendan McAleer, Driving
Why is it important? It might be an over-powered drift machine, but it’s still a Focus! That means a usable hatchback configuration with four-doors and a modicum of practicality.
Should you buy one? Pricing has yet to be announced for the RS, but if you can’t make a Mustang GT fit your family needs, then this might be a high-performance alternative that’ll keep you from wandering over to Subaru.
2016 Ferrari 488 GTB – John LeBlanc
What is it? The new 488 GTB replaces the six-year old 458 Italia as Ferrari’s starter midengine supercar. The “488” indicates each of the engine’s eight cylinders displace 488 cubic centimetres, while the “GTB” stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, as per previous mid-engine V8 Ferraris like the 308 GTB. Unlike the outgoing 458’s V8, the 488’s 3.9-litre unit is turbocharged. Producing 660 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque, these are big gains over the naturally aspirated 458 Italia and 458 Speciale.
Ferrari 488 GTB
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Ferrari 488 GTB
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Ferrari 488 GTB
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Ferrari 488 GTB
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Ferrari 488 GTB
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
When is it coming? This September, after production of the 458 Italia ends in the summer.
Why it matters: Despite its dominating brand awareness, Ferrari is taking the new kid on the block, McLaren, seriously. The new 488 GTB is a direct response to the McLaren 650S. It’s no coincidence that Ferrari is quoting a 0-100 km/h time of only 3.0 seconds for the 488 GTB that virtually matches the 650S.
Ferrari 488 GTB
John LeBlanc, Driving
Should you buy it? Unless you’re a Ferrari-hater, and you can afford the price and the long lineups, there’s no reason to think the new 488 GTB won’t be an improvement over its 458 Italia predecessor.
2016 Aston Martin Vulcan, Vantage GT3 and DBX concept – Graeme Fletcher
What is it? In its its 102nd year of operation, Aston Martin made bold predictions about the future — Dr. Andy Palmer, Aston Martin’s CEO, promised to revamp the entire product portfolio and introduce new models to augment the range. The company wants to become more than a niche player and attract customers who would not normally shop this bespoke British manufacturer.
Aston Martin Vulcan.
PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Aston Martin Vulcan
PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Aston Martin Vulcan
PHOTO: Driving, Graeme Fletcher
Aston Martin Vulcan
PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Aston Martin Vulcan
PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Why it matters: The three cars unveiled in Geneva started with the 800-horsepower Vulcan. Limited to just 24 cars worldwide, it is powered by a monster 7.0-litre V12 that pushes in excess of 800 horsepower. It also features a six-speed sequential gearbox, Brembo brakes and a carbon–fibre monocoque. It’s a divinely seductive machine that is, sadly, already sold out.
The second was the track-only Vantage GT3. It uses a 6.0L V12 to deliver 600 horsepower in a car that tips the scales at 1,565-kilograms. The mass reduction (it is 100 kilograms lighter than the regular Vantage) boils down to the carbon-fibre fenders, hood and door casings along with a lithium-ion battery.
Aston Martin Vantage GT3
PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Aston Martin Vantage GT3
PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Aston Martin Vantage GT3
PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Aston Martin Vantage GT3
PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher, Driving
For the serious-at-heart there are additional weight savings in the form of an optional carbon-fibre roof panel as well as a polycarbonate rear and side quarter windows. This car is limited to just 100 examples.
The kicker was the DBX Concept. While there was very little information available, it is an all-electric supercar with four in-wheel electric motors that will be powered by a lithium-sulphur battery pack.
Aston Martin DBX
PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Aston Martin DBX
PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Aston Martin DBX
PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Aston Martin DBX
PHOTO: Graeme Fletcher, Driving
When is it coming? With both the Vulcan and GT3 being sold out, the avid Aston Martin-ite will have to wait for the production version of the DBX — Palmer hinted that it would make it into production as a more practical five-door hatchback.
Should you buy it? If Aston Martin wants to make itself more relevant to the well-heeled consumers it seeks, the company will have to do more than pull the wraps off limited edition cars that are already sold out.
The promise of that five-door hatchback certainly has appeal, as does the fact that the portfolio is going to be revamped and grow with the addition of another two new cars beyond the DBX. This, according to Dr. Palmer, will happen before the end of the decade. This ambitious goal represents the largest investment in Aston Martin’s history.
2016 Audi R8 – John LeBlanc
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi R8
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
What is it? The long-awaited follow-up to Audi’s two-seat, mid-engine, all-wheel-drive super car, first seen in 2006. The new R8 is the same length as the outgoing model, but is wider and lower than before.
While we expect Audi will offer other engine options, for now, the 2016 R8 will come with a 601-horsepower, 5.2-litre V10 gas engine, with a claimed zero-to-100 km/h time in just 3.2 seconds. In addition to the V10 version, the all-electric R8 etron and R8 LMS racecar were rolled out here in Geneva as well.
Audi R8
John LeBlanc, Driving
When is it coming? The new 2016 R8 V10 models should go on-sale in Canada later this year.
Why it matters: Audi likes to promote its R8 flagship sports car as a rolling advertisement for its R&D department. Although still made primarily from aluminum, Audi says the supercar’s chassis have been thoroughly revised, with new carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic elements for a claimed 66-kilogram drop in curb weight.
Audi R8
John LeBlanc, Driving
Should you buy it? As a less-expensive and roomier alternative to the Lamborghini Huracan (that the Audi shares much of its architecture with) the new 2016 R8 V10 remains a bit of a deal for supercar buyers.
2016 Audi RS3 – John LeBlanc
Audi RS3
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi RS3
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi RS3
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi RS3
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi RS3
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi RS3
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
Audi RS3
PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving
What is it? Officially making its auto show debut, the second-generation 2015 Audi RS3 Sportback has been extensively re-engineered for 2015 to take on the likes of rival Euro- super sports compacts, like the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG and forthcoming BMW M2.
The all-wheel-drive, four-door hatchback gets a redesigned 2.5-litre five-cylinder gas engine, making 362 horsepower and posting a claimed 0 – 100 kms/h time of 4.3 seconds. Using the A3 Sportback’s new platform, Audi says the hotter RS version makes extensive use of high-strength steel and a body shell incorporating aluminum bits – a combination that sees the sports compact shed some 50 kilograms over the model it replaces.
Audi RS3
John LeBlanc, Driving
When is it coming? In Europe, this summer.
Why it matters: Although Canadians will more than likely never get the Sportback model, a new, A3 sedan-based RS3 will follow later this year in Europe. Fingers crossed it makes its way to our shores.
Should you buy it? If only Canadians could! The new Audi RS3 Sportback is yet another driver-oriented European hot hatch denied entry into our country.
2015 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse La Finale – John LeBlanc
Bugatti Veyron La Finale
John LeBlanc, Driving
What is it? If you paid any kind of attention in your grade school French class, you can probably figure out that the La Finale is the last in a string of 450 Bugatti Veyrons that have been sold since 2005.
Other than special design elements that Bugatti says the La Finale’s owner had a say, mechanically, it’s an open-top Grand Sport Vitesse. That means it gets the most powerful version of Bugatti’s 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged sixteen-cylinder gas engine, making 1,183 horsepower and allowing for a zero-to-100 km/h time of 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 408 km/h.
Bugatti Veyron La Finale
John LeBlanc, Driving
When is it coming? It’s already gone
Why it matters: If you’re planning on writing a history of the Veyron supercar, the La Finale makes for a fantastic last chapter. But despite its stunning numbers, the Bugatti has become a faded star compared to fresher supercars from Ferrari, Koenigsegg, McLaren, Porsche and Pagani.
Bugatti Veyron La Finale
John LeBlanc, Driving
Should you buy it? Too late! Bugatti says the last Veyron has already ended up in the hands of a Middle Eastern collector.