The Final Fuel-Driven Legends
Lotus Emira V6 SE – A Fitting Farewell
The Lotus Emira V6 SE is a significant milestone for the brand, marking it as the last internal combustion engine vehicle Lotus will ever produce. Equipped with a 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine from Toyota, shared with previous models like the Evora and Exige, this car delivers 400bhp. It can accelerate to 62mph in just 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 180mph.
While it may not match the performance of the AMG-powered Turbo SE in terms of acceleration or torque, the Emira V6 SE offers a more engaging driving experience with its manual transmission and a more dynamic exhaust note.
Ferrari 296 GTB – A New Era of Excitement
Ferrari’s 296 GTB was met with some skepticism when it launched, but it quickly proved its worth. The hybrid V6 engine, dubbed a ‘piccolo’ V12 during development, delivers an impressive 819bhp and 546lb ft of torque when combined with an electric motor. It can reach 62mph in just 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 205mph.
The 296 GTB currently ranks eighth fastest around the Fiorano test track. The more powerful Speciale variant takes a step further with an additional 49bhp, reduced weight, and increased downforce. However, this high-performance model is only available for a limited time.
BMW G80 M3 Touring – Power Meets Practicality
The BMW G80 M3 Touring features the powerful ‘S58’ straight-six engine, producing 523bhp and 480lb ft of torque. This power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels, allowing the car to reach 62mph in 3.6 seconds. It also won the ‘All The Car You’ll Ever Need’ Award two years ago, showcasing its versatility and performance.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio – A Soulful Choice
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio might not be as refined as the BMW M3 in terms of infotainment and connectivity, but it offers a unique blend of style and performance. For those who appreciate a four-door saloon with a soul and stunning looks, the Giulia Quadrifoglio remains a compelling choice.
McLaren Artura Spider – A Hybrid Marvel
The McLaren Artura Spider is a standout with its 690bhp 3.0-litre V6 engine. Weighing just 160kg, it’s significantly lighter than the traditional V8 engines used in other McLarens. The engine’s unique 120-degree cylinder layout and twin turbos within a ‘hot vee’ configuration enhance throttle response and performance.
This car is not only powerful but also easy to drive, offering layers of complexity that reveal themselves with more aggressive driving.
Maserati MC20 – A Daily Supercar
The Maserati MC20 is a remarkable example of a daily supercar. Its clean-sheet ‘Nettuno’ 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is positioned at a 90-degree angle, featuring Formula One-grade pre-chamber combustion for efficiency. This results in 621bhp and 538lb ft of torque, allowing it to reach 62mph in under three seconds and a top speed of 202mph.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe – A Stylish Performance Car
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe brings back the bold styling of the old C63s. While the engine is different, it still delivers 443bhp and 413lb ft of torque. With overboost, it can provide an extra 30lb ft of torque. Although it may not be as focused as some of its rivals, it remains a strong mid-range performance option.
BMW G87 M2 Coupe – A Unique Performance Car
The BMW G87 M2 Coupe is a peculiar choice, as the automatic version might actually be better than the manual. Regardless of the transmission, it shares the M3’s S58 engine, which produces 473bhp. This could be the last purely petrol-powered M car, making it a fitting swansong if that turns out to be the case.
Porsche 992.2 911 GT3 – The Ultimate Six-Cylinder Machine
The Porsche 992.2 911 GT3 is the epitome of a six-cylinder performance car. Featuring a rear-mounted, water-cooled 4.0-litre flat-six engine that revs up to 9,000rpm, it produces 503bhp and 332lb ft of torque. It can reach 62mph in 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 193mph. This engine represents over six decades of engineering excellence and delivers a thrilling driving experience.
