This story appears in the October 23, 2017 issue of Forbes. Subscribe
Until autonomous cars end the many joys of driving, automakers are treating passionate motorists to a bounty of performance-minded models with remarkable technology for 2018—and beyond. Engines that generate 500, 600 and even close to 800 horsepower propel the latest sports cars, while some of the raciest sport-utility vehicles can reach 60 mph in a car-pool-defying 4 seconds. New sophisticated chassis-control systems allow drivers to adjust a vehicle's ride and handling abilities, from aggressive to relaxed, at the twist of a dial. And the array of safety and convenience features offered also breaks new ground.
Here's a look at some of the hottest upscale cars and crossover SUVs debuting for 2018 that will all but ensure you'll garner both bragging rights and prime valet-parking spots in the months ahead.
SPORTS CARS AND EXOTICS
Brawn and Beauty
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R
Mercedes' dynamically designed sports car gets a performance infusion with a new top-of-the-line AMG GT R coupe version that makes added use of lightweight construction and comes with aerodynamic exterior enhancements, along with a hand-built 577-hp twin-turbocharged V8 engine under its long hood. Essentially a street-legal racer, the GT R can hit 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and reach a felonious 198 mph.
Vital Specs: 4.0-liter 577-hp twin-turbocharged V8 engine; seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Price: $157,000.
Ahead of the Curves
AUDI TT RS
Audi premieres the quickest production version yet of its curvaceous TT sports coupe for 2018. A turbocharged five-cylinder engine propels the top TT to 60 mph in a brisk 3.6 seconds, while a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and magnetic ride suspension help it handle the curves with a well-balanced abandon. Inside, the driver is in full command with Audi's innovative Virtual Cockpit, a configurable wide-screen electronic instrumentation panel.
Vital Specs: 2.5-liter 400-hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine; seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Price: $64,900.
Bullish on Power
LAMBORGHINI HURACAN PERFORMANTE
Because too much is never enough, the new Performante enhances the Lamborghini Huracán's already astonishing abilities with a retuned V10 engine that puts a stampeding 640 horses on the pavement. Built with extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber to keep its curb weight to a minimum, the angular all-wheel-drive Huracán Performante can reach 60 mph in just under three seconds. A new "Ala" active-aerodynamics system adjusts air valves in the front and rear spoilers to accentuate cornering downforce or simply boost the car's top speed.
Vital Specs: 5.2-liter 640-hp V10 engine; seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Price: $274,390.
SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES
ALFA ROMEO STELVIO
Named for the highest paved mountain pass in Italy, the adventurous Stelvio is Alfa Romeo's first crossover SUV. Taller and roomier, but otherwise bearing a close family resemblance to the athletic Giulia sedan upon which it's based, the Stelvio is motivated by a choice of a lively 280-hp turbo-four engine or a pazzo (crazy) Ferrari-based twin-turbo V6 in the top Quadrifoglio model.
Vital Specs: 2.0-liter 280-hp turbocharged four-cylinder or 2.9-liter 505-hp twin-turbo V6 engine; eight-speed automatic transmission.
Price: $41,995.
The Posh Performer
RANGE ROVER VELAR
Larger than its automotive cousin, the evocative Evoque, the new five-passenger Velar is similarly stylish. It offers a choice of three available engines: a peppy four-cylinder and downright aggressive V6, along with a fuel-frugal turbodiesel. All-wheel drive comes standard and can be bolstered by an array of available traction-enhancement technologies. Proving the Velar is about more than just its good looks, it can tow up to 5,500 pounds with the V6 and makes hooking up a trailer easier via a rotary-dial-controlled Advanced Tow Assist function.
Vital Specs: 2.0-liter 247-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, 3.0-liter 380-hp V6 or 2.0-liter 180-hp turbodiesel four-cylinder engine; eight-speed automatic transmission. Price: $49,900.
The Cool Cat
JAGUAR E-PACE
Jaguar adds a smaller, but no less lively, alternative to the F-Pace SUV for 2018: the curvy and compact E-Pace. A choice of turbo four-cylinder engines generate 246 and 296 hp, respectively, with all-wheel drive standard; the latter can be fitted with Jaguar's Active Driveline Technology, which can send 100% of the rear-axle torque to either wheel for quicker handling. Options include an Adaptive Dynamics active-suspension system and a Configurable Dynamics system, which allow the driver to choose a more passive or assertive operation.
Vital Specs: 2.0-liter 246-hp or 296-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine; nine-speed automatic transmission. Price: $38,600.
SEDANS
Leading the Charge
TESLA MODEL 3
The smaller and less expensive alternative to the all-electric Tesla Model S arrives for 2018, and promises a range of 220-310 miles on a charge, depending on the battery pack. It features an uncluttered five-passenger interior with a large tabletlike display up front, and offers Tesla's Autopilot system, with semiautonomous driving capabilities. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version is expected later in 2018. But unless you already have a deposit down, you'll have to wait 12 to 18 months for delivery.
Vital Specs: Electric motor, single-speed transmission, 220 miles per charge. Price: $35,000.
Raising the Flagship
LEXUS LS
A redesigned version of Lexus' large-and-in-charge LS sedan is longer, lower, wider, lighter and now engineered for a more engaging driving experience. A twin-turbocharged V6 produces a V8-like 415 horsepower, with a forceful 442 pound-feet of torque. A racier F-Sport rendition and a hybrid version with an electrified V6 powertrain are also part of the lineup. A new Intuitive Pedestrian Detection system can apply the brakes and steer automatically to avoid a person in its path.
Vital Specs: 3.5-liter 415-hp twin-turbocharged V6 engine; ten-speed automatic transmission. Price: $78,000 (estimated).
A Welcome Wagon
PORSCHE PANAMERA SPORT TURISMO
In what once would have been regarded as heresy, Porsche introduces a new station wagon version--make that a "shooting brake," in European carspeak--of the Panamera for 2018. Coming with all-wheel drive, the Panamera Sport Turismo offers a choice of four powertrains, including a gas/electric plug-in hybrid with a combined output of 462 hp. Oh, and there's a generous 45.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seatbacks folded flat.
Vital Specs: 3.0-liter 330-hp turbocharged V6, 2.9-liter 440-hp twin-turbo V6, hybrid 2.9-liter 462-hp twin-turbo V6 or 4.0-liter 550-hp twin-turbo V8; eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Price: $96,200.
HEADING FOR OPEN SPACES
For 2018, BMW vehicles incorporate the Parkmobile app, which helps drivers reserve and pay for parking in 250 cities across the United States and Canada. The service can locate parking on and off the street, and reserve a space at airports and events. Users receive a range of choices based on GPS coordinates, and can both preselect parking times and extend sessions remotely via the companion ParkNow smartphone app.
FERRARI AT 70
The legendary sports-car maker Ferrari is celebrating its anniversary with a pair of rolling works of art: the Portofino and the 812 Superfast.
The company's founder and namesake, Enzo Ferrari, began his automotive career in 1929 as a sponsor for amateur race-car drivers and, within a decade, was heading up Alfa Romeo's racing department. In 1939, Ferrari left to produce his first racer, the Tipo 815, and built the first road car to wear the Prancing Horse logo in 1947, the V12-powered 125 S. Today Ferrari remains one of the most successful names in Formula One racing and is rolling out two new models for its 70th anniversary.
Named for a fishing village on the Italian Riviera, the picturesque Portofino replaces the California in Ferrari's lineup for 2018. Coming with a retractable hardtop for four-season fun, the curvaceous Portofino starts at around $225,000 and packs a 592-hp turbocharged V8 engine that enables a leap to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Not fast enough for you? At about $335,000 the low-slung Ferrari 812 Superfast coupe backs up its immodest moniker with a riotous 789-hp V12 that can make the 0-60 mph run in an adrenaline-pumping 2.9 seconds. And that's without turbocharging or supercharging.
HIGHWAY HERO
Cadillac brings semiautonomous driving to the CT6 sedan for 2018 with its new Super Cruise system. It enables hands- and foot-free driving over well-marked multi-lane highways by incorporating auto-steer lane-centering and auto-braking/accelerating functions with advanced LiDAR-scanned mapping. But there's no sleeping behind the wheel: The system keeps an electric eye on the driver to ensure that he or she is monitoring the road in case there's a need to take over, giving a series of audible and visual warnings if necessary.
