Despite the energy crisis and a recession, supercars seem to be getting better at an exponential rate. The future of the automobile is uncertain, making the future of the super-automobile even more shaky. Companies are fighting for a shrinking pie, one that got even smaller with the economic shit-storm of 2009. But like the raging bull that graces the front of a Lamborghini, no one is going down easy. Each passing year is like another prick from the matador, only infuriating the bull and making it fight harder.
In 2010 the fight shows no signs of waning. There are handfuls of incredibly fast, beautiful and powerful cars coming our way. They are all so good, yet so different, the only answer I can think of to, “Which would you buy?” is “All of them!” And that got me thinking, what would I-or you-buy?
Today I’ve put together a list of 6 of the newest and best supercars of 2010. They all cost $200-250,000, are street legal, go like stink and are true supercars. I want you to read the list. Now close your eyes, and imagine someone just placed $250,000 on the table in front of you, and you have to use that money to buy one of these cars. (You can imagine they have a gun if it helps.)
You can only choose one, and it has to be from the list. I don’t want you to say “I’d buy 2 ZR1′s.” or “I’d buy a Hyundai Accent and invest the rest in moderate-return IRA’s and use that to purchase petroleum opt…” Yes you could build a GTR that’s faster, or a used 996 turbo and build it up to 1000hp. That’s not the point. What would you pick from this list of cars coming to us in 2010, if you had the cash. Yeah, you better imagine I have a gun…
1. Audi R8 GT
First on the casting couch is Audi’s upcoming R8 GT. Think of this as an R8 “superleggera.” It makes 35 more horsepower than the R8 V10 but thanks to CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) body panels it also weighs 220lbs less the standard V10. Thanks to the standard AWD it rockets to 60mph in only 3.5 seconds and tops out at 200mph.
There are a ton of track-oriented options available like a full roll cage, kill switch, cup tires and 6 piston ceramic brakes. Sadly no amount of money will get you a 6-speed manual, as this car is only offered with the R-Tronic transmission. Audi has taken the car that set a new standard for daily-driven supercars and simply turned the “super” knob up a little bit. It’s $256,000 of brilliant engineering that has only perfected it’s racing skill set.
2. Aston Martin V-12 Vantage
Originally Aston Martin had no intention of sending the V12 Vantage to the U.S. Odd, considering we are their biggest market. However enough customers sent enough gift baskets and now it’s headed here. It would have been a travesty to keep it from us. The V12 Vantage was described by Aston’s CEO as their “most agile car with their most powerful engine ever.” It won it’s class at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring while being piloted by the CEO and a team of engineers. People say Astons are filled with passion and soul, and I think that race is a clue as to why.
It has the classic long hood of a true sports car. The 510hp/420 tq. V-12 uses a 6-speed manual transmission to send power to the rear wheels only. Those 2 factors make this the “purist” car in the lineup. 0-60 happens in a brisk 4.1 seconds and the fun doesn’t stop until 190mph. The interior is beautiful without going soft.
The price is $250,000, or for another $13k in bragging rights you can get the Carbon Black Limited Edition. It may not lap a track as fast as some of the others, and at 3700 lbs it’s also the heaviest, but it is stunning inside and out and you can’t argue with a V12 and a 6 speed.
3. Porsche GT2 RS
If people think the new Cayennes aren’t “Porsche enough” this car should balance that out. The standard GT2 is a 530hp, temperamental beast. It’s essentially the RWD purity of the GT3RS with the engine of a turbo, and the result was terrifying. If that car was scary, this one will simply cause drivers to go into catatonic shock. 620hp. 3,020lbs. 0-60 in 3.4 and the 747-like thrust doesn’t stop until 205mph. It’s simply the most powerful and fastest Porsche ever made, faster even than the Carrera GT.
Upgrades from the regular GT2 include a carbon fiber hood, wing, front splitter and intakes. It has a revised PSM (Porsche Stability Management) system, suspension and brakes. Special tires were made just for this car to handle the combination of grip and acceleration. This car calls back to the “glory” days of Porsche when they had lots of power, no amenities and could rip your head off if you looked at them wrong. It may not burble comfortably around town like a Turbo, but it’s time of 7:18 beat an Enzo around the ‘Ring. It’s like a Carrera GT without the sex appeal and-at $245,000-half the price. (Check out the video.)
4. Ferrari 458 Italia
Although I didn’t love the headlights when it first came out, I will now admit this is the best-looking car in this lineup. It’s angular yet supple, combing the sexy with the sinister. It’s 4.5 liter V8 makes 560hp at a sonorous 9,000RPM, yet somehow manages to make 80% of it’s 400 tq. at only 3,250RPM. Simply incredible. Of course it’s also the nerd of the group, with Ferrari’s E-Diff and F1 Traction Control. All this comes together in the form of 3.35 seconds to 60 and a 202mph top speed.
The interior is very modern-looking combination of creature comforts and racing tools. You can flip through the various settings with the manettino switch on the wheel, changing everything from how soft the shocks are to how hard the 7-speed DCT transmission shifts. You can also listen to music while directed by the SAT NAV.
The 458 is supercar technology at it’s highest, from the biggest name in the business. At $230,000 it seems like a bargain, but you’ll have to hire body guards to watch it 24/7 so you can sleep at night, and don’t forget about those maintenance costs.
5. Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing
The SLS was one of the most talked about and followed cars of recent years. Spy shots and speculation were blanketed on magazines and rumors about specs were more prevalent than HPV. Now it’s here, and what a car it is. The boys from Jalopnik put it bes; they expected a luxury car with some track ability, but got a track car that was also luxurious.
The outside, of course, is a call back to the original SL. The nose is longer than Mrs. Streisand’s but makes the overall shape downright gorgeous. I think it’s 2nd in the looks department only to the 458. I was actually surprised it was priced at $200,000.
That money gets you 571hp and 480 tq. sent through a 7 speed trans-axle and shoved into a 3,571lb box. Its 0-60 time of 3.8s puts it in 5th place, but the top speed of 197 is on par with everyone else. It’s not as razor-sharp as the GT2, but is still fast on uneven roads, something the GT2 RS stumbles on. The soundtrack from the side pipes circles perfection. Gorgeous inside and out, and with doors that will elicit stares from any bystander, this car can turn heads and break necks.
6. Lamborghini LP560-4
Fittingly, the final contestant is a raging bull itself; the LP560-4. It won countless magazine showdowns when it hit the roads, combining beauty, brawn and brains into one incredible package. And because it’s a Lamborghini, it comes with a VIP card of mystique that goes back decades. Because it gets a lot of it’s parts from Audi (trades, rather) it also means the stuff all works. So you can go from 0 to 62 in 3.7 seconds all day long, instead of twice. Like the others, top speed is 200mph.
The body has the angular, aggressive face we’ve come to expect from Lamborghini, and it looks incredible. It’s low and short, and the AWD adds confidence to its agility, a deadly combo. It also comes with a 6 speed, so you can’t call it a video game. At $200,000 it may seem like the best choice; Italian looks and appeal, Audi reliability and serious performance. But it won’t be cheap for long. The options list is longer than the health care bill, and if you pick the wrong (or right?) paint color you’re looking at another $25,000. Just ordering the E-Gear tacks on $10,000. Still, an R8 V10 in an Italian body is difficult to walk past.
So there you have it, 6 of the best cars you can buy for about $250,000. Post below which one you would want, and tell us why. And don’t forget about the gun.
-Zack K
From what was listed I'd take the Aston. Otherwise I would buy a used 04-05 porsche carrera GT
you won't find a CGT for anything less than $300k, and if you do, you don't want it.
GT2 RS: It's arguably the least conspicuous of the group, yet appears to be the quickest in a straight line as well as around corners. Furthermore, it is an "honest" sports car, requiring more driver inputs than other supercars mentioned
Aston Martin because I would die a happy man with an all British garage. Matt you should reviews some Triumphs!
All valid points. Only an enthusiast would know what it was, and most would just assume it's a turbo with a TechArt wing. It won't turn heads like the others, yet has more power than any of them. "Requires more driver inputs" is probably putting it lightly though. You probably want to drink an Adderall/Red Bull smoothie to have the focus to drive this car quickly on anything but a smooth race track.
I'd have to go with the Aston, my first instict was "oh man the Gallardo," I mean, looks at it! But at the same time, I feel like a Gallardo would lose its appeal after a relatively short while. Meanwhile, the Vanquish has a kind of beauty that just isn't gonna go anywhere.
and 1SpS: on one level I agree with you, but if you're buying a supercar, really, eff conspicuous; you're probably trying to show off a bit.
The Aston or the GT2. Clutch addict–what can I say?
The V12 Vantage is everything I want from my dream sports car.
I would take the AUDI R8, because it's my dream car and the most beautiful sportscar in the world!!!
But of course, the other cars are hot, too!
The V12 Vantage – I got to ride in a DB9 once, and I can only imagine that engine in a smaller car and with a manual transmission. The sound alone is worth the price of admission. And, of course, there's the cachet that goes along with the Aston Martin name.
On the other hand, if I could get you to put the gun down for a minute, I might have to go with the McLaren MP4-12C. As much as I love the Aston's V12, I'm a sucker for any mid-engine supercar with a twin-turbo V8.
i'd have to test drive each one but i have to say… the R8 GT. just looking at it everytime in my driveway is worth the price. my 2nd would be the gallardo.
Ok so I have the choice between the Audi R8 GT, Aston Martin V-12 Vantage, Porsche GT2 RS, Ferrari 458, MB SLS Gullwing, Lamborghini LP560-4. So, which one am I going to choose? Let's look at the merits of each shall we?
The Mercede's SLS Gullwing is beautiful, very beautiful. Several things the car designers forgot to do though. The original design back in the 1950's has these huge round headlights that are sexy as heck. What happened to the headlights here? The chin / lip spoiler looks like it came off of a E-class, S-class, C-class Mercede's. Again, the design should have been more simplistic in execution.
I have never been a big fan of all of the super tiny buttons in the center console of the Mercedes design. Why did the MB designers not go back to the original and design the same basic interior? We can all say Ford got it right when the Ford GT came out. What a cool car in 2005 and now!
The Lamborghini LP560-4 I really like. This is really an Audi R8 in disguise. I used to think the car did not look very good in comparison to say the say the Gallardo but, then I saw more LP560's on the Gumball than I have ever seen in Lamborghini's period. The LP560 has the best sound of any engine I have ever heard out of any supercar. The interior is very nicely laid out. The only thing is this. The back end does not justify $200,000 worth of cash.
The Ferarri 458 just does not do it for me. The car is expensive, does not have the right "Ferrari" look. The dash looks like something out of a Geo Metro or something. When I think of Ferrari an F40, 512TR, F-50 all come to mind. And yes I would purchase an F40 and a F-50 over a F458. Don't even mention "keeping up the books", lol. It just would not happen unless it was a F40 or an F-50.
So now this leaves us with the Porsche GT2 RS or the Audi R8 GT. I saw the Porsche GT3 RS on the Gumball last year. This is a fantastic phenomenal car to drive – on the track though. The car's suspension just does not give at all. At the very least going on a long road trip would make ownership of the car that much more enjoyable. I don't want the fillings in my teeth rattling the entire way if I can help it.
The Aston Martin is a beautiful car to look at. The interior is simply to die for. Pictures do not do it justice. The V-12 is neat to have. If you purchase an Aston Martin do not perform donuts or burnouts. Some guy named Matt Farah did this and slung the belts off of his engine. So, don't do any hoonage in your Ford! This is definitely a gentleman's car. Something James Bond would drive. Except for the basic design of the Vantage has been around now for the last 10-15 years.
Well, OK well what about the Audi? The Audi design may not be my most favorite of any car out there, it's still very sportscar like. The LED parking lights is what started this whole LED craze we now see on everything. When you see it on an R8 you know where it came from. The interior is the most ergonomic easy-2-see-and-use layout of any car. Audi has been winning awards for interior design ever since the TT came out. I would definitely get the side-blades the same color as the rest of the car. The R8 is a compromise between "true drivers car," and some modern driver comforts. Some of the convenience is not having to shift gears all day having GPS navigation, a suspension system that is more comfortable than say the GT2 RS.
So, what do you guys think?
Ford GT in a heartbeat.
If the R8 GT was offered with a manual that would be my choice. I still can't get over the lights on the Ferrari. To me something about the face isn't quite there. As hard as it is, I would go with the Aston too. I have to say, I'm surprised no one has picked the 458.
I'd go with the Mercedes SLS AMG. Runner up: Ferrari 458 Italia.
Very fun, but difficult game.
Audi: I'm sorry, but I just don't think the R8 looks that great. I'm sure it's a blast to drive, but the looks don't do it for me.
Porsche: Scares the crap out of me. Would be afraid to drive it. Don't have a racetrack for a backyard.
Ferrari: Beautiful. Very much so. Seems to have a bit too much computer stuff going on. I bet most owners don't use half of those gizmos. Also, being a Ferrari, I'd feel like I couldn't drive it often. For some reason in my mind Ferraris should be cherished, not driven.
Mercedez: Again, I just think it's ugly. Not sure what it is. Gull-wing doors are fun, I guess. Mercedez products in general just aren't my favorites.
Lamborghini: Exotic looking, to be sure. Sounds awesome. But, like the Ferrrari, I'd feel like I'd have to baby it.
Aston Martin: Gorgeous body. Engine note to make you go weak in the knees.
Yup, I'd have to go with the Aston. Is it the fastest? Nope. Is it the most revolutionary? Nope. But every time I saw it I'd be smiling from ear to ear. And every time I heard the engine, giggling would ensue. Worth the price of admission in my book.
(And, for what it's worth, when I saw the title for this blog post, my first thought was the McLaren MP4-12C. Sadly, it didn't make the list. But if that were on the list, I don't know how I'd pick between the Aston & the McLaren. )
The MP4 doesn't go on sale until the first quarter of 2011.
Same for me, Aston martin vantage V12. The sound of that v12…
If only the Audi R8 GT had a 6-speed manual transmission… Still, second place for me.
I'm leaning towards the 911 GT2RS right now. It's the purest form of supercar in the list – no compromises, just lots of power and a dogbox. And it's rear-engined! It'll be more challenging to drive than the other cars, but with greater challenge comes greater rewards. So GT2RS for me (although personally I'd still take a 964 Turbo and tune the hell out of it if I had $250k).
Audi R8 GT all the way!
I guess it would have to be the Gallardo, but can I have it in the RWD, gated 6 speed manual, Balboni edition? Is that still considered from this list?
A very close second would have to be the Ferrari 458, I mean hey, if youve got the cash why not get something over the top and outrageous? Everything else here,.. while far from mundane…is just too "normal."
I don't think any car company makes a more beautifull car that Aston. There is no bad angle to look at like the other cars here, just pure perfection. It isn't the fastest and it's not the lightest but it has the most class of them all. When you see people driving the other supers here you think "douche" but with the Aston you think amazing.
The fact that it has 6 speeds and 3 pedals makes it all the more special. Analog in a digital age has it's own quality I think.
Ferrari 458 as first because it's probably the quickest out of all these cars and it can be driven civily. Aston 2nd because it seems like the most fun to drive on public roads.
A comment on the mercedes. As much an achievement as this car is it doesn't feel special to me for 3 reasons; One, it has an engine which can be found in alsmost all the other mercedes cars, two, by comparing to it's predecessor, the much more extravagant and exotic slr, and because it's retro car which is a gendre i am not a fan of.
I'd take the beautiful one ; Aston Martin ! That little one in the cart looks good too .
Ferrari 458 Italia every day of the week.
McLaren MP4-12C, and with what’s left over, a used Ford GT (if possible) or a gently used 360 Modena or an F430, or a recent Aston Martin, any model. Finally, with what’s left over I’d get a grocery-getter/daily driver, like a Mazdaspeed3, Volvo V70R, or put Mazdaspeed bits in a Mazda6 wagon or Mazda5, or make an BMW M3 wagon (they got ‘em in Europe, wish we had ‘em here).
I'll take THAT one. The best one.
I already have a V8 Vantage so I would take the V12 Vantage in a heartbeat. stunning looking car and the one I tested drove like a demon.