Car Of The Day: 2016

BMW M4

4:06 PM

Get behind the wheel of the M4 and prepare for explosive acceleration and razor-sharp handling. Power comes from a 425-hp twin-turbo inline-six, with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. The Competition package makes 444 hp, but for the ultimate M4, there’s the GTS with 493 hp. The GTS is only offered with the automatic and as a coupe; the regular M4 offers a convertible option. All versions have the legendary performance of the M cars that came before it.

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Porsche Cayman GT4

12:18 PM

With its race-bred suspension, snarling engine, and aggressive aero add-ons, the Cayman GT4 is the track-day toy we always hoped Porsche would build. Lowered by 1.2 inches with dynamic transmission mounts, the 385-hp 3.8-liter flat-six is offered only with an enthusiast-pleasing six-speed manual—no PDK automatic here. The Cayman has always been well-balanced and playful, but the GT4 kicks it up a notch with Porsche’s torque-vectoring system and components pilfered from the 911 GT3 parts bin.

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Subaru BRZ

4:19 PM

Don’t let the boy-racer vibe deter you: The BRZ is perfect for purists on a budget. A familiar 200-hp 2.0-liter flat-four goes with a six-speed automatic. An updated 205-hp version of the engine pairs to a six-speed manual, hardly answering complaints that the rear-drive sports car lacks punch. Still, the BRZ is impeccably balanced and satisfying, not to mention slide-happy. There’s not much trunk space and adults will reject the back seat, but once behind the wheel, those objections melt away.

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Maserati GranTurismo

2:35 PM

Maserati’s GranTurismo offers something extraordinary in a high-performance, six-figure coupe or convertible, one that embodies all that is compelling and irresistible about Italian cars. The exterior has curves in all the right places; the interior is lavishly appointed. There is an amazing, 454-hp 4.7-liter V-8 that is good for sub-5.0-second 0-60 runs. The droptop adds weight and lacks the coupe’s stiffness and response, but still looks fabulous.

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Mclaren 570S / 570GT

4:17 PM

There are two members of the 570 family: the 570S and the 570GT; both are set to kick sand in the face of lesser sports cars. The S is sportier, while the GT is set up for long-distance-driving comfort. Both models have a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-8 making 562 hp and 443 lb-ft, mounted behind the cabin; a carbon-fiber tub reduces weight and adds strength. A sequential seven-speed gearbox drives the rear wheels. The S is faster to 100 kmh by 0.2 second; both models have a top speed of 328 kmh.

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Bentley Continental GT

5:56 PM

As a favorite of rappers, superstar athletes, and million- and billionaires, the Continental has something for everyone with Louis Vuitton valises full of cash. Offered as a four-seat coupe or convertible, you have a choice of three twin-turbo engines: There is a 500-hp V-8, a 521-hp V-8 S, and a 582-hp W-12; all feature an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Prefer your Conti GT in an ultra-performance version? Check out the GT3-R coupe with its 592-hp V-8; only 99 will be sold here.

GT3-R:

ferrari

Ferrari LaFerrari

1:11 PM

Above sports cars, there are exotic sports cars—and then there’s the LaFerrari. While the coupe is no longer sold, rumors hint at a topless Spider model. Expect it to have the same 789-hp V-12 as its hardtop predecessor, with a 161-hp boost from an electric motor. That’s right, it’s a hybrid—enabling it to accelerate like a Bugatti Chiron while achieving somewhat respectable fuel economy. Far prettier than its predecessor, the Enzo, the LaFerrari is styled like a ground-bound fighter jet.

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Chevrolet Camaro

2:25 PM

Gutsy engines, aggressive sheetmetal, and rear-wheel drive are essential for any muscle car, but the Camaro stirs in excellent handling and great steering, too. Available as a coupe or convertible, the base engine is a 275-hp 2.0-liter turbo four; a 335-hp 3.6-liter V-6 and a 455-hp 6.2-liter V-8 are optional. All offer either a six-speed manual or optional eight-speed automatic. The interior, though, is tight and offers limited visibility.

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Chevrolet Corvette Z06

2:15 PM

Think of the Corvette Z06 as the most amazing version of a sports car that is already amazing by anyone’s measure. Sold as either a coupe or convertible, the most important feature is its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that makes 650 hp and 650 lb-ft. A seven-speed manual is on hand for shifting duties, and an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is now available. The Z07 Performance package adds carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cups, and adjustable aero bits.

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Dodge Viper

1:04 PM

The Viper is both all-American and a true exotic, with lots of curves and bulges in all the right places to let you know it means business. The long nose, bodacious body, and predatory stare give the Viper a menacing look, while its 645-hp, 8.4-liter V-10 can catapult it to 60 mph in about three seconds. For the ultimate track monster, check out the Viper ACR. With all kinds of aero aids, special tires by Kumho and carbon-ceramic brakes, Dodge says it is the fastest Viper on a racetrack.

BMW

BMW i8

1:13 PM

Three pistons combusting internally, a dollop of electrons and lots of aluminum and carbon fiber are the main ingredients for the i8. Its 357-hp hybrid powertrain drives all four wheels; in our testing, the i8 hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds but averaged just 26 MPGe. The poised chassis and sharp steering are good fun, but eco-friendly tires and regenerative braking hinder performance. Familiar controls are nestled in a plush cabin and the i8’s wild, eye-catching styling looks straight out of sci-fi.

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Pagani Huayra

3:10 PM

Ludicrous in every way and utterly fascinating in every gorgeous detail, this is a 720-hp, mid-engined, million-dollar supercar for those who have grown bored with mere Ferraris and Lamborghinis and already have two Bugattis. Somewhat obscure, and very low production, it’s a hard-core machine for discriminating connoisseurs with sufficient liquidity. Brilliantly quick, tenacious on any surface, and almost freakishly aggressive, it’s a car that beautifully warps the minds of the world’s youth.

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Lamborghini Aventador

3:05 PM

Brutally powerful and obscenely flamboyant, the Aventador is unburdened by reality. Crazy expensive and crazy fast, it’s capable of amazing performance without feeling like it’s going to snap-spin into a ditch, which is refreshing in a supercar. Available as a coupe (or roadster), it has a 6.5-liter 691-hp V-12, a 7-speed automated manual transmission and all-wheel drive. For the ultimate, the Superveloce has 740 hp and a claimed top speed of 217 mph. In our testing, it did 0-60 in 2.7 seconds.