Car Of The Day: September 2016

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:

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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.