2014 - reasons to be cheerful
A few of the cars we're looking forward to in the next 12 months...
To call the S a more focused V8 Conti GT seems rather inappropriate given its remit and origins. Let's say it will enhance the experience of the V8 through a smidge more power and some suspension tweaks. Given the Speed package did great things for the W12, the S could well prove the discerning GT buyer's model of choice.
Of course talk will surface around the car's launch in February about rivals for the S as it's a formidably competitive sector. At the £130,000 or so the V8 S is expected to cost, the Aston DB9, Maserati GranTurismo, and Ferrari California have to be considered. Don't forget the more humble BMW M6 either.
Cheaper, lighter (just) and even better looking than the Roadster, there's an undeniable feeling of excitement around the hard top F-Type. At £50K for the V6, it's far closer to being a Cayman rival than the Roadster is for an equivalent Boxster too.
But that's not the model anybody cares about right now. The 550hp V8 R is dominating headlines and affections, understandably so. Harris compared the V8 S Roadster to a modern day TVR with its surfeit of power with a measly 495hp, so what on earth will the R be like? We can't wait to find out.
The arrival of the BMW M3 and M4 will undoubtedly dominate the PH newsfeed for plenty of 2014. The inevitable switch to turbos has happened, but there's a healthy weight saving over the last car as well as a standard manual 'box and the promise of some stunning dynamics. Though rather easy to look at M Division's recent, um, diversions from what many saw as its core models, the excellent M3 GTS and 1 M Coupe shouldn't be forgotten in predicting how good the M3 and M4 should be. At launch, the M3 will be without many rivals with the Audi RS4 only offered as an estate, the C63 AMG out of production and Lexus taking its F flagship to the RC coupe. That car will rival the M4, along with the Audi RS5.
Ignoring the looks for just one minute, the F56 Mini promises much. There are new engines, an entirely new platform and lots of interesting tech including a rev-matching manual and adaptive dampers.
And when has a Mini ever been bad to drive (excepting the Countryman)? It would be hugely surprising if it wasn't anything less than a huge ball of fun, particularly as a 192hp Cooper S. Moreover, look at the fantastic calibre of hot hatches it will line up against; Fiesta ST, Clio RS, 208 GTI will all provide tough and fascinating comparison. Not a pretty group of cars though, is it?
We've seen it at a motor show, pored over the specs, watched the videos and even taken a passenger ride; 2014 will finally allow the chance for the Macan to be driven. The assurances have come already that the Macan is a true Porsche despite some Audi underpinnings; it delivered with the Cayenne so it would be brave to doubt them a second time round.
The Macan will be offered as a V6 S, Diesel and Turbo with a 400hp V6. Expect a massively un-PC twin test with the imminent Mercedes GLA45 AMG at some point during 2014.
Alright, so the prospect of a 218d hasn't exactly got our juices flowing at PH, but the powertrain of the M135i in a prettier body certainly has. Even more so with the introduction of an LSD in the BMW Performance accessories catalogue. The diff is certainly a whole heap more appealing than some of the cosmetic add-ons BMW has also confirmed!
Following its debut at Detroit, the 2 Series will go on sale in the spring. Wonder if the 1M Coupe will be replaced?
New Lamborghinis don't come around too often so there's already plenty eager to experience the Gallardo's replacement. The junior Lamborghini now has over 600hp (the Murcielago was launched with 580!) and will also use Lamborghini's first double-clutch gearbox. The styling inside and out borrows from the Aventador without moving too far from the fundamental proportions of the Gallardo. Will it have enough to take on the Ferrari 458 and McLaren 12C?
If the reaction to Harris's Tell Me I'm Wrong on the Golf R32 was anything to go by, there's a fair bit of affection for a quick Golf on PH. The latest R doesn't reintroduce the V6 but it does of course use the same MQB platform of other Golfs including the superb GTI. With a 300hp version of the revvy 2.0-litre turbo from the GTI also, the ingredients are there for a great hot hatch in the Golf R, especially at just £30K. Will the 4WD help or hinder?
Regardless of the other niche tangents it has recently adventured on, the C-Class is still a huge car for Mercedes. It's lighter, faster and more efficient than the outgoing car plus includes plenty of the advanced safety kit from the S-Class as well. The flagship saloon has definitely provided some styling influence too, with the CLA and CLS evident in its design too. The C-Class will debut at Detroit.
2014 will also allow first drives of a few very exciting performance cars in the UK for the first time. Among them are the Alfa Romeo 4C, Porsche 911 GT3 and Aston V12 Vantage S. Don't forget as well the Peugeot RCZ R, a car that exceeded expectations on the international launch.
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