These supercars will be a treat for our eyes, and ears, as they come roaring down our roads this year.
A car’s power output always catches the attention of car aficionados. Even more so if the car in question is a high-performance model. As recently as just 10 years ago, any car worth its salt had to have at least 500hp before earning its membership into the exclusive supercar club. Nowadays, the entry requirement is more stringent. While there isn’t an official figure, ask anyone and “600” is the magic number uttered from most lips.
Porsche 911 Turbo S
Arrival in Singapore: Q3/Q4 2020
The range-topping model in the 911 line-up, the 911 Turbo S will be offered as a Coupe and Cabriolet. Propelled by a new 3.8-litre boxer engine with two turbochargers, it offers 650hp on tap – 70hp more than its predecessor. Maximum torque has also increased by 50Nm to 800Nm. The dual-clutch 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearbox, which is customised for the 911 Turbo S, cuts the 0 to 100 km/h sprint time to 2.7 seconds and if you put pedal to the metal, the 911 Turbo S hits a top speed of 330km/h.
Sporting larger overall dimensions, the 911 Turbo S is more agile, thanks to modified track widths, further developed aerodynamics and the new mixed-size tyres. Adaptive aerodynamics now include controlled front cooling air flaps and larger rear wing for even more downforce. The enhanced Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive and latest new generation Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) chassis with precisely controlled dampers improve roll stability, road holding, steering behaviour and cornering speeds. For the first time, this super Porsche transfers its power to the road with mixed tyres in two different sizes – 255/35 R20 at the front and 315/30 R21 at the rear.
From the outside, the new nose with wider air intakes has a characteristic 911 Turbo S-look with dual front light modules as well as standard LED matrix headlights with dark inserts. The muscular rear flanks, with integrated air intakes, emphasise the sleek silhouette, which is complemented by the rectangular tailpipes in high-gloss black.
Inside, standard items include a full leather interior and carbon trim in combination with light silver accents. The comfortable and super supportive 18-way adjustable sports seats feature stitching that pays homage to the first 911 Turbo (type 930) while the centre screen is now 10.9 inches and sports a new layout so it can be operated quickly and without distraction.
McLaren 765LT
Arrival in Singapore: Q4 2020/Q1 2021
The new 765LT opens a new chapter in the marque’s “Longtail” story, which began with the McLaren F1 GTR race car in the 1990s. Driver engagement, track-focused dynamics, minimised weight, optimised aerodynamics and increased power – all of these attributes were taken into account in the creating of this limited-edition, 765-unit McLaren.
The body of the 765LT features advanced carbon fibre technologies while specific weight-saving measures such as the titanium exhaust system, Formula 1-grade gearbox materials, thinner glass and motorsport- style polycarbonate glazing contribute to the supercar tipping the scales at a scarcely believable 1,229kg – more than 50kg lighter than its closest competitor with similar specifications.
Keeping the 765LT planted on the asphalt is the renowned McLaren Super Series chassis with bespoke LT coilovers and computer-controlled Proactive Chassis Control II suspension, ably supported by the new carbon fibre LT aerodynamic package, which includes the signature “Longtail” active rear wing.
The outputs of the 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine are prodigious to say the least – 765PS (755hp) and 800Nm. Coupled with a transmission that has been geared for enhanced throttle response, the 765LT annihilates the century sprint in 2.8 seconds. Its 0 to 200km/h time is even more jaw-dropping – a mere 7.2 seconds. This is swifter than what most hot hatchbacks can achieve for 0 to 100km/h!
Braking duties are ably carried out by carbon-ceramic discs, brake callipers from the McLaren Senna and F1-inspired, integrated calliper cooling ducts. This trio combine to provide superb brake pedal feel and incredible stopping power.
The cabin has numerous motorsport touches including carbon fibre racing seats, carbon fibre centre tunnel and exposed carbon fibre floor. Lightweight Alcantara is also employed throughout the interior. There is no air-conditioning and audio system but do not fret – these can be specified at no additional cost.
Ferrari 812 GTS
Arrival in Singapore: Q3/Q4 2020
Like its highly acclaimed predecessors, the 1948 Ferrari 166 MM and the 1969 365 GTS4, also known as the Daytona Spider, the Ferrari 812 GTS sets a new benchmark in the areas of exclusivity and performance. Featuring a majestic 800cv (789hp) V12, it is the most powerful production spider on the market today. Power aside, it is also the most versatile, thanks to a retractable hard top (RHT) – a rarely seen feature in this segment. This special RHT guarantees a more voluminous boot and it opens in just 14 seconds at speeds of up to 45km/h.
The 6.5-litre V12 engine develops 718Nm of torque and revs to a heady 8,900rpm. One special innovation is the control system for the inlet tracts that were developed on Ferrari’s Formula 1 engines. Mated to the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with shortened gear ratios, its response to throttle inputs is instantaneous and ferocious. The zero to 100km/h sprint is dispatched in under 3 seconds and maximum speed is in excess of 340km/h.
The styling of the 812 GTS is based on the 812 Superfast grand tourer but with a redesigned rear. To complement the spider’s sexy proportions, a sculptural multi-spoke forged alloy wheel will be fitted.
In the area of vehicle dynamics, Ferrari has equipped the rear-wheel drive 812 GTS with Ferrari Peak Performance (FPP). When cornering, steering wheel torque alerts the driver when the car reaches its limit of grip. In the case of oversteer, the driver will be provided with proper feedback via the steering wheel so that the car can be realigned correctly.
BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe
Arrival in Singapore: Available now
Every “M” model is well-known for its power delivery, and the high-revving, turbo-charged 4.4-litre V8 in the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe entices with its responsiveness, willingness to rev and uninterrupted torque over a wide range of engine speeds.
With 625hp and 750Nm on tap, aided by the M Sport exhaust system and 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, this supercar is able to complete the century sprint in a blistering 3.2 seconds. If the car is ordered with the optional M Driver’s Package, top speed is 305km/h.
The M xDrive all-wheel drive system features the Active M Differential at the rear axle. Torque is distributed between the front and rear wheels, variably, then the Active M Differential splits it again between the two rear wheels, depending on the situation.
Drivers can use the Setup menu to select 4WD Sport mode (more drive to the rear wheels) or deactivate DSC, which brings 2WD mode (rear-wheel drive only) into play to give experienced drivers an unadulterated experience. Also standard for the car are electronically controlled dampers, electromechanical M Servotronic steering and the M-specific integrated braking system with two settings – a more comfort- oriented response or a particularly direct feel with super-quick response.
Measuring slightly longer than 5m from nose to tail, the M8 Competition Gran Coupe is 231mm longer than its two-door sibling and 95kg heavier. Together with the reduced weight, the low centre of gravity, wide tracks, superb aerodynamic balance, and increased stiffness of the body structure and suspension mountings serve to maximise performance.
Ferrari Roma
Arrival in Singapore: Q4 2020
The new Ferrari Roma’s styling is a contemporary reinterpretation of the carefree lifestyle of Rome in the 1950s and ’60s, hence its name. With long, ultra-sleek lines that sweep back from the bonnet, all superfluous exterior detailing has been removed. For example, the radiator is cooled via perforations on the surface where the grille should be while an aero device is incorporated into the wrap-around rear screen.
For the cabin, the designers created two separate cells, one each for driver and passenger, separated by the centre console. The new steering wheel allows the driver to operate all of the car’s main functions without having to move the hands from the wheel, while the central display with an 8.4-inch vertical screen and a new passenger display are user-friendly.
The Roma sports a biturbo 3.9-litre V8 engine that punches out 620cv (612hp) at 7,500rpm, the most powerful in its segment. The new 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox is 6kg lighter than its 7-speed predecessor, and its shifts are faster and smoother too. The vital performance statistics – 0 to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and top speed in excess of 340km/h.
In the handling department, the Roma features Ferrari’s cutting-edge vehicle dynamics systems, most notably the Side Slip Control 6.0 (a first on a Ferrari GT car) with 5-position Manettino (F1-inspired dial switch on the steering wheel) and the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer that controls the yaw angle by hydraulically adjusting brake pressure at the callipers.
