5 Amazing Supercars That Took 2017 By Storm

When we look back on 2017, these are the cars that everyone will remember.

Earlier this month, we put together our list of the best performance cars of 2017. The list was made up of the cars that we thought had the biggest impact on the industry and were the best to drive. Now it's time to focus on the supercars that 2017 will be remembered for. We only focused on cars that have already been fully revealed and have made an impact on 2017. So cars that haven't really been built yet, like the Tesla Roadster and McLaren Senna, have been excluded.

The first car barely made our list because it hasn't made it into the hands of many real owners. Luckily, Porsche put the new 911 GT2 RS on full display by capturing the Nurburgring production car record. With nearly 700 hp on tap, the GT2 RS pushes the 911 up from a sports car to a full-on supercar. It may not take long before some other car comes along and recaptures the Nurburgring record in 2018, but the GT2 RS was certainly the track king of 2017.

Even though the GT2 RS defeated this car's earlier Nurburgring record, we still believe that the Lamborghini Huracan Peformante is one of the most important supercars of 2017. The Huracan Performante is the first Lamborghini in a long time that we have found ourselves smitten with. This was a track-focused car that lapped the Green Hell faster than a Porsche 918 Spyder. It may not be "the" fastest supercar of 2017, but it is certainly top five.

McLaren has been building some of the most impressive supercars in the world for a while now, but to be honest, they were all starting to feel a bit stale. Everything from the 12C to the 675 LT was powered by the same 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8, and it was time for McLaren to come up with something different. The new 720S took us by surprise by beating pretty much everything in its path. We know that the Senna will be the more track-focused McLaren, but we wouldn't be surprised if the 720S was actually the fastest supercar of 2017.

The Ford GT came as a surprise reveal right at the end of 2016. After a rather strange buying process that involved actually applying to Ford for the privilege of owning one, deliveries really got going in 2017. The Ford GT isn't really everyone's cup of tea, but it is certainly a cool car. Ford ditched the idea of trying to be retro like the previous GT. Instead, it basically built a race car for the road. Every company likes to claim that their car is really a track for for the street, but the Ford GT is the real deal.

Like the Ford GT, the Bugatti Chiron was actually revealed back in 2016. However, 2017 is the year was the first examples have actually been delivered to owners. Even though the Koenigsegg Agera RS set a production car top speed record this year and beat the Chrion, we have yet to see the Chiron hit its true top speed. Bugatti claims that the Chiron may be able to top 300 mph, but the current tire technology limits the top speed. The Chiron is still an incredible car, and we believe that the best is yet to come with this amazing machine.

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When The Duke Invites You To Drive Supercars At Goodwood, You Don't Say No

Goodwood's first 'Press Day' in over 50 years was a spectacular day of driving some incredible machines.

Goodwood is best known for the Festival of Speed and Revival, spectacular events that draw in hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. But last week, The Duke of Richmond and Gordon (previously Lord March), invited a select few members of the media to the Goodwood Motor Circuit for its inaugural ‘Press Day.’ Inspired by the Motor Show Press Day that his grandfather used to hold in the 1950s and 1960s, it gave Goodwood’s media partners the chance to sample a range of some of the latest (and greatest) cars on the road.

From the brand-new Aston Martin Vantage to the Rolls-Royce Dawn, we spent a glorious, sun-kissed day, driving supercars on the legendary Goodwood circuit, and on the verdant country lanes around the Estate. After five days of unrelenting rainfall, the sun graciously appeared on the morning of the event and kept his hat on until early evening, giving us the chance to sample some epic roof-down driving in the likes of the Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster and Aston Martin DB11 Volante. Road routes were mapped out, taking us through the Goodwood grounds, past the house and up the legendary hill climb, the cheering crowd of car nuts replaced by casual golfers and grazing sheep.

A few miles of near-empty roads provided the chance to make the Lamborghini’s 740-horsepower V12 wail and scream up to speed, with a cacophony of pops and crackles entering the cabin on the overrun. In Sport + mode, the DB11 also delivered plenty of aural pleasure, and was a surprisingly feisty proposition, a very marked difference from its calm-and-collected GT mode that drivers will use to cruise around in. McLaren didn’t disappoint either, arriving with a selection of its Sport Series models, including the 570S Coupe and Spider, and 570GT, as well as a 720S in signature orange livery.

After an introduction to the 2.4-mile track by Goodwood’s Chief Driving Instructor, David Brise, followed by an obligatory couple of sighting laps, I made a beeline for the 720S. Loud and aggressive at start up, the 720S was relatively refined on the road (as long as you avoided the potholes) but this is a car capable of hitting a top speed of 212 mph, of reaching 62 mph in less than three seconds with a colossal 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque at its disposal. All that performance and power is there, scratching at the surface. It’s like a professionally trained combat canine, the Belgian Malinois of the supercar world. Well-behaved and docile one minute, ready to rip out your throat the next.

While we lamented the fact we couldn’t sample the extreme side of 720S on track, a stunning baby-blue McLaren 570S Spider awaited us in the pits to soften the blow. The Jackie Stewart Pavilion was our base for the day, the modern space with large balconies that overlook the paddock and track the ideal spot to knock back some espressos with other media and PR while watching the cars accelerate past the pit lane to the challenging Madgwick Corner. Driving the 720S, DB11, Aventador, as well as a V12-powered Ferrari GTC4Lusso on the road was undoubtedly plenty of fun. But it is a rare treat indeed to drive the Goodwood Motor Circuit, and when you see what cars were on offer, you’ll understand why it was so hard to leave it.

Joining the McLaren 570S Spider was a Honda NSX (the original, pre-prototype, chassis #0000 no less), a Porsche 718 Cayman GTS (manual), a Ford Mustang packing 670 horsepower courtesy of a Roush developed supercharger kit and a short-shifting manual, a Rolls-Royce Dawn, BMW M5, Aston Martin Vantage, Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale, and Bentley Bentayga. Passenger rides were also offered in the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and Mini Challenge Race Car, the latter making most occupants revisit their lunch in the back of their throats. At the top of the pile were the McLaren 570S Spider and Honda NSX. We’ll have a comparison review of these cars shortly.

Wearing an Acura badge on this side of the pond, the Honda NSX is a phenomenally playful machine on the track. The complex delivery of its 581-hp, with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 doing the bulk of the heavy lifting behind your head, and a trio of electric motors adding power precisely when and where it’s needed, all sent to the tarmac via a sublime nine-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission, coupled with beautifully–weighted steering and a spectacular soundtrack, the NSX was an intoxicating car to drive and one I was reluctant to pit after a few laps.

After laps in Normal and Sport mode, McLaren’s test driver for the day put the 570S Spider into Track mode, transforming the car into a completely different animal. Louder, more responsive to the touch, up on its toes and just so, so fast. The 720S takes things to an entirely new level, and then there’s the Senna and recently-revealed Senna GTR up in the supercar stratosphere, but after sampling the 570S in track mode my head was already in the clouds. The award for most unique driving experience has to go to the Rolls-Royce Dawn. Driving two-and-a-half tons around a track shouldn’t be this easy.

Effortless and graceful, wafting around on a bed of air, gliding from corner to corner with gentle movements of the steering wheel, all while cocooned in a cabin so beautiful you could cry. But the real winner of the day was brand Goodwood. This year, the Festival of Speed will celebrate its silver jubilee. For almost 25 years, millions of gearheads have flocked to the manicured lawns of the Duke’s estate to enjoy the greatest summer garden party on the planet. Geneva, New York, Paris, Shanghai, Frankfurt. I’ve been to them all, and nothing comes close to Goodwood. It has become the greatest car show in the world.

Testament to that is Goodwood’s ability to attract so many prestigious marques for what was an unforgettable day of driving pleasure. Travelling thousands of miles for a single day may sound extreme. But when Goodwood comes calling, you don’t say no. See you at FOS 2018.

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Top Marques Turns 15 With Amazing Lineup Of Supercars In Monaco

Monaco was built to host a supercar show, and it didn't dissapoint.

Monaco has always been synonymous with luxury, extravagance and all that is exotic. Being home to the world’s most expensive cars, yachts and jewelry, it’s only natural for it to host an annual supercar show. And that’s something the principality has been doing for quite a few years now. Taking place in mid-April every year, Top Marques Monaco presents only the best of what a local Monegasque would be looking to buy: From gold-enriched alcoholic beverages and carbon fiber bodied yachts, to the main attraction: supercars.

With everything presented in one venue, accompanied by typically perfect South of France weather, CarBuzz couldn’t resist the kind invitation to attend this year’s exotic car extravaganza. While cars are on static display like any other show, in Monaco certain exhibitors give passenger rides around town, to show them what their expensive new toy can do. But it’s not any old route. The test course follows the famous Grand Prix circuit around Monaco, making the passenger (who the carmaker will be hoping is a prospective buyer) feel that much more special.

To mark the 15th edition of the Top Marques Monaco show the organizers went all out to attract more cars, more exhibitors, and to give attendees more things to see and experience. Here’s a selection of some our favorite cars at the show. We’ll start with Apollo, who displayed the new Intensa Emozione at Monaco’s main attraction point, Casino Square. The hypercar sports a naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter V12 and full carbon fiber chassis and sub-frames. Throughout the show, the car went on a few drives around town. Alas, as it’s still under development, no passenger rides were granted. But we still got to see its beautiful design features, inside and out.

Introduced at Geneva earlier this year, the Corbellati Missile, with its 1,800-hp, 9.0-liter twin-turbo V8, theoretically taking it to 310 mph (500 km/h), was another star attraction. As it’s not yet a functional model, the Missile remained rooted to the supercar show floor. But we’ll be waiting to hear from Corbellati about future developments in the coming months. Among the small number of supercar manufacturers displaying their wares at the show were Zenvo, with its TS-1 and more hardcore TSR-S, and Eadon Green, whose Corvette-based Zelcat, was objectively a looker.

Tushek also came to Monaco to launch its new TS900 H, a hybrid hypercar weighing in at just 1,400 kg. Combined with a total output figure of 1340 hp, it promises to deliver a Koenigsegg-rivaling experience. Other manufacturers of note included Arash, who presented its AF10; and Radical, who had a RXC for test drives. As always, Top Marques attracted a bunch of aftermarket companies too. Renntech took us for a ride in an insane 740-hp Mercedes-AMG C63 that we’re sure some well-heeled admirer ended up driving home at the end of the show. TopCar Design presented a pair of Porsche 911 Turbos and a Mercedes GLE, the Russian outfit showcasing its breadth of customizing capabilities with an unusual attention to detail.

Pogea Racing displayed two of its most amazing creations. It’s beautiful interpretation of a Ferrari 488, with Pista-rivaling 820 hp called the FPlus Corsa, was one of the stars of the show. While the Nemesis, a bonkers Alfa Romeo 4C we called the Quadrifoglio that Alfa should have made, featured a major weight-saving carbon-fiber redesign and a serious engine upgrade, doubling its original output to 477 hp. While Geneva is known as the supercar show, Top Marques Monaco gives the newest players in this notoriously challenging niche the chance to shine. And being set in Monaco, when the show ends, a whole new performance begins when the locals go out for a spin.

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6 Amazing Supercars You Can Still Buy With A Manual Gearbox

They're a rare breed. Get them while you still can.

The manual transmission is nearly a thing of the past. Few new vehicles today, especially in America, offer drivers the chance to row their own gears. Blame better fuel efficiency from automatics and driver tastes. But when it comes to niche segments like supercars, there’s a different set of rules. We did some digging and came up with this updated list of high-performance sports cars and supercars that can still be had with three pedals, although you’ll have to literally beg with a briefcase full of cash for the company founder to build you one in particular.

Chevy Corvette ZR1

The new Corvette ZR1 could very well be the final front-engined Corvette. If so, then Chevy is making sure this legendary setup is going out with a bang. Its supercharged LT5 6.2-liter V8 making 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque can be paired to either an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic or a seven-speed manual. Those who value lap times above all will opt for the former, but if you’re seriously into driving then the manual is the only way to go. Is the Corvette ZR1 a supercar or a high-performance sports car? Normally a regular Corvette is a sports car, but in this case we’re talking performance times capable of going up against the best from Germany and Italy. Given its capabilities, the ZR1 is also a decent value, starting at $119,995.

Porsche 911 GT3

Porsche was one of the first mainstream sports car companies to shift away (pun intended) from the traditional manual to an automatic and later to a dual-clutch gearbox. However, Porsche 911 fans are a unique bunch and having a manual is part of the whole 911 experience. The 2018 911 GT3 can be had with a six-speed manual at no extra cost. Butt-engined as always, the latest 911 GT3 has a naturally aspirated flat-six displacing four liters and producing 500 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque, all of which goes to the rear wheels. Unlike the 911 Turbo (DCT only), the 911 GT3 is RWD and intended for serious track performance. Expect to pay at least $145,000 for a new one, and that's without any additional options.

Lotus Evora GT430

Perhaps Lotus’ financial struggles were a blessing in disguise. Not until more recently did it have the money to invest in more modern technologies, hence its decision to stick with the stick, specifically the six-speed manual. The new Evora GT430 is a fine example of extreme sports car purity. Powered by a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 with 430 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, the sole transmission available is a six-speed. Nothing to debate here. The latest Evora lineup is also the only Lotus model currently on sale in North America. Like its ancestors, the Lotus Evora GT430 goes by company founder Colin Chapman’s philosophy of “Simplify, then add lightness.” Pricing for North America is still not announced, but in the UK it starts from 112,500 GBP.

Noble M600

Before we leave the UK, there’s another purist supercar that comes with a six-speed manual: the Noble M600. Jeremy Clarkson described it as “one of the fastest and best handling supercars, ever.” It’s not for the amateur supercar buyer, let’s put it that way. Powered by a Yamaha twin-turbo V8 located midship with 650 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque, power is routed directly to the rear wheels. Where’s the danger/thrill? Traction Control can be totally shut off. The interior is decked out with old school analog switches as well, perfectly complementing the gearbox. Unfortunately, Noble is not sold in America, so if you’re keen to get one (for at least 200,000 GBP), taking up UK residency is highly recommended.

Chevy Corvette Z06

While the Corvette ZR1 is for ultimate Corvette performance, the Z06 remains the best C7 Corvette you can buy outside of the US. Like the ZR1, the Z06 can be had with either a seven-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. In fact, both transmissions are mechanically identical, including the final drive ratio. The Z06’s LT4 supercharged 6.2-liter V8 produces 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, an output that isn’t quite for amateurs. Buyers can also tack on the optional track-focused Z07 Performance Package, which adds adjustable front and rear aero components for improvement downforce, Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tires, and carbon ceramic brakes. The Z06 is also quite a bit cheaper than the $120K ZR1 with its $82,000 base price.

Pagani Zonda

This is where that briefcase full of cash will be required. Horacio Pagani claims he’s done building Zondas, but if you somehow manage to convince him otherwise, the Pagani Zonda of your dreams is possible. Unlike the Huayra, the Zonda was engineered to handle a manual transmission from the beginning. And remember, all Paganis are built to order, making each one special in its own right. A number of celebrities, such as F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, are proud Zonda owners. Not surprisingly, Hamilton ordered his car with a manual. Combined with its Mercedes-built V12, the Zonda remains one of the greatest supercars of all time. So, how much cash will that briefcase need to be filled with? Over one million euros.

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