Ford GT - Graeme Fletcher
What is it? Seldom do automotive journalists break out in spontaneous applause, but when Ford announced it would begin to build an all-new version of the vaulted GT next year, that’s exactly what happened. It is not merely a super-fast sports car, it is a supercar with beguiling looks and, if Ford keeps its promise, performance to match! What a car — there really is no other way of couching it!
Why does it matter? The look is truly exotic with sexy scissor-style doors capping off the GT’s super-sleek aerodynamic profile. The body itself body is a blend carbon-fibre and aluminum, which makes it lightweight and, according to Ford, it will have “one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car.” Seductive looks and a light body, however, do not a supercar make — it requires an engine to match. In the GT’s case, it will be a 3.5L, twin-turbo V6 that’s based on Ford’s racing engine. Sadly no numbers were given, although Ford did promise more than 600 hp. The state-of-the-art platform rides on an active racing-style torsion bar and pushrod suspension complete with an adjustable ride height, while the 20-inch wheels wear Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires. Peek through the spokes of the wheels, and there sit monster carbon-ceramic brake discs at all four corners. Inside the GT’s F1-style steering wheel houses all driver controls, which eliminates the usual steering column stalks. Naturally, the seven-speed twin-clutch transmission comes with paddle-shifters. Ahead of that is a digital instrument cluster that can be tailored to show as much or as little information as the driver desires.
When is it coming? Ford did not announce any timing for the GT other than to say it will start building it next year and time the eventual launch of the GT to coincide with 50th anniversary of the GT racecars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Should you buy it? Who should not buy it is a better question! From its oh-so-sassy looks to its exotic platform and on to its hopped up engine and monster brakes there is nothing to do other than to pray one’s lottery numbers come in before the car is hits the road racing. If you are what you drive, this car makes you very special!
2016 Acura NSX – John LeBlanc
What is it? Three years after its conceptual debut here in Detroit’s COBO Center, Honda’s Acura brand unveiled the production version of its revived NSX super car. And in the intervening 36 months of titillation, Acura revealed a few surprises.
The production 2016 Acura NSX, the spiritual successor to the 1990 to 2005 original, retains the concept’s two-seat, mid-mounted V6 engine plus three electric motors and an all-wheel drive layout. But while we were expecting the supercar’s power output to be around 400 horsepower, Ted Cox, the NSX’s global development leader, announced the final rating at “over 550-hp”.
As the story goes, just last year, NSX mules were being powered by a transversely-mounted, naturally aspirated V6, one electric motor for its rear wheels and a pair of e-motors for the front. But, apparently, the performance wasn’t enough. So Acura created an all-new, longitudinally mounted V6, now with two turbochargers, in addition to the trio of e-motors.
“It was like having a heart transplant while running a marathon,” said Cox, describing the complexity of redesigning the powertrain so far along in the NSX’s development.
With an equally new, nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, Cox is promising “zero delay acceleration. Four drive modes — Quiet, Sport, Sport + and Track — will “reward drivers of all skill levels in the real world”. And with an aluminum-intensive space frame (that includes the use of carbon fibre and aluminum suspension) Acura is saying the NSX will sport the “lowest centre of gravity in its class”.
2016 Acura NSX
Derek McNaughton, Driving
The exterior of the production NSX varies from the concept mainly due to changes to deal with aerodynamic management. And Acura is proud that its designers did not have to revert to active air trick.
“It just works”, said Cox.
Why does it matter? According to Acura’s Cox, the NSX is “A symbol of where the brand is going.”
When is it coming? With a starting price of “around $150,000”, online orders begin this summer. Production (in Ohio, not Japan) starts this fall, with deliveries by the end of 2015. Keep in mind, American comedian who gets his coffee in an Acura, Jerry Seinfeld, is first in line to get the Acura supercar.
Should you buy it? It depends on if it performs as well as the original and if you’re nostalgic enough
Mustang Shelby GT350R – Graeme Fletcher
What is it? The Mustang Shelby GT350R gives Ford a new halo car for its iconic ’Stang. This version is all about getting around a track as quickly as possible. As such there’s no air conditioning, no radio, no back seat and no rear view camera. It is all about shedding as much unnecessary weight as possible. The other side of the performance equation is all about power.
Why does it matter? This hard and fast Mustang earns a new 5.2L V8 engine. It is Ford’s first production with a flat-plane crankshaft and the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine the company has ever produced — Ford promises “more than 500 horsepower and more than 400 lb.-ft. of torque.” An air-to-oil engine oil cooler and another for the six-speed manual transmission keep temperatures under control when the R is pushed to the max. The power is relayed to the road through a Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. What is very different is the use of carbon-fibre wheels. Again, this is for the weight cause — each wheel chops a whopping six-kilograms off the unsprung masses. This move promises to improve the handling more than just about anything, although the MagneRide dampers will keep the tires glued to the tarmac. Just in case, the GT350R uses a Torsen limited-slip differential with yet another oil cooler.
When is it coming? The Mustang Shelby GT350R is slated to hit Canadian roads later this year. No word on pricing, but given the upgrades it will likely cost a pretty penny.
Should you buy it? If you, like me, enjoy flirting with the limits of adhesion the Shelby GT350R is an absolute no-brainer. The look tells the onlooker it means business, crank it to life and goose the gas and the R shouts its potency to the world.
2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider - David Booth
What is it? The sexiest little Italian supercar that you might, if the stock market doesn’t crash again, be able to actually afford. Sexy, sporty in the extreme and now with a soft-top option, it is beyond desirable. Despite having only 237 horsepower (from a diminutive 1.7L turbocharged four), it sprints to 100 kilometres an hour in less than 4.5 seconds. Did I mention it’s sexy?
Why does it matter? Because it’s Italian. Because it’s truly a modern supercar. Because it proves that carbon-fibred sports cars don’t have to cost $300,000. Because the common man might be able to afford one. Do you really need more reasons?
When is it coming? Uhm, now isn’t that the 64-dollar question. I drove the hardtop over a year ago and I still haven’t seen one in Canada yet. Sadly, the passion that makes Italian cars so desirable also makes them capricious. Alfa Romeo is turning out to be the biggest tease since Mae West saved Paramount back in the ‘30s.
Should you buy it? Yes, if you have three other cars to use as daily drivers. Yes, if you don’t mind waiting 18 months for delivery. No, if you’re also looking at a Porsche Cayman because it’s cute look and, hey, it just happens to be sporty, too.
Click here for full coverage of the 2015 Detroit auto show
Infiniti Q60 - Derek McNaughton
DETROIT — The Infiniti Q60 Concept revealed Sunday in Detroit is the successor to the G37 Coupe, the car that grew from the original G35 — the coupe that put Infiniti on the map in North America.
What is it? The sinewy new coupe is another storming of the beach, with an angry face, a shell built from aluminum and carbon fiber, and an interior bold enough to put Audi on notice. Better, a promised twin turbo V6 controlled by a seven-speed automatic could come with as much as 450 horsepower since the Q60 is derived from the Q80 Inspiration Concept, which boasted 450 horsepower before accounting for the electric boost. The G37 that the Q60 replaces has 330 hp — without the aid of turbos.
When is it coming? Scheduled for production in 2016, the Q60 is already years ahead of the German competition, with a huge intake and angry snout, elegantly complimented by LED lighting in front and rear.
Why does it matter? Inside, the Q60 looks to best even the best from Mercedes, with hand-stitched and quilted leathers, more carbon fiber and premium materials. The uncluttered layout joins a clean instrument panel with, thankfully, traditional dials. There are two seats in the back and a semi-useable trunk, but the Q60 is a true 2+2 with the engine in front and rear-wheel drive, though AWD will be available too.
The backside, with wide haunches over 21-inch wheels, is particularly a strong bit of design penmanship with a tidy duckbill spoiler, an indented exhaust treatment, bold and futuristic tail lamps, yet still maintaining hints of G coupes that have come before. The nifty side sculpting may be a bit of a stretch, however, for the production car.
Why should you buy it? Infiniti stressed at the reveal that the Q60 was, first and foremost, a car for the driver, albeit one that likes to be pampered given the level of opulence witnessed in the Concept. Much like the Q50 sedan, expect a high-level of driver customizable features in the Q60, with adjustments for throttle response, steering sharpness and suspension. Also expect a lot of attention and adoration once this car finally hits the streets.
2015 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS - Graeme Fletcher
What is it? While the weather outside was frightful, Porsche had its corporate eye firmly fixed on the warmer days ahead as it launched its latest 911 — the Targa 4 GTS, a car that celebrates 50 years of Targa. The objective is to give a potential owner something between a traditional coupe and soft-top convertible. Removing the centre section of the roof gives a partial open-air drive. Unlike the original, which forced the driver to get out and manually remove and stow the top, this one is powered and disappears at the touch of a button in 16 seconds.
Why does it matter? The GTS features the signature wrap-around rear window treatment that first appeared on 1965 model. However, the bigger news is the GTS earns an extra 30 horsepower bringing the total to 430 hp. This cuts the power-to-weight ration to just 3.6 kilograms for each and every stallion, which gives the Targa 4 GTS a run from rest to 100 km/h of 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of over 300 km/h when the engine is teamed with Porsche’s twin-clutch transmission. All-wheel-drive is, naturally, standard.
When is it coming? The 911 Targa 4 GTS goes on sale this spring and will be priced at $151,500.
Should you buy it? If you value the Targa for what it is — part tintop and part convertible — it is an eminently desirable ride. From its purposeful stance to its unique rear window treatment it is a speedster of the first order and destined to remain as popular as it has been in the past.
More updates coming soon… stay tuned.
