Top range cars

We'll be seeing Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver in 2020 on the big screen in the new Ghostbusters. And Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer again in Top Gun. In the car world, after seeing the SUVs from Lamborghini, Rolls Royce and Bentley, with the announcement of the model from Ferrari, it seems we will be bowled over again. The “best” is still to come. Our “electric odyssey” has a history yet to be written. On “normal” cars, electric details have been seen for some time, but 2020 will be the year of the Porsche Taycan, Porsche's first full electric vehicle designed and created with sporting flair. It is a truly sporty saloon car with a coupé soul, combining the classic proportions of both, but with lines reminiscent of the 911. Apart from its design, the Taycan was developed to astonish, doing so by offering the usual versions produced by the brand, including a four-wheel drive vehicle, and keeping its traditional method of naming: therefore, there will be “turbo” models, even when a turbine does not exist. It has a record-breaking battery with a maximum charging capacity at powercharging stations of up to 270 kW, thereby lowering charging times by many hours to a matter of minutes. In short, after safety, what matters is the widespread diffusion of electric vehicles - infrastructure and charging network permitting.

La DBS GT Zagato si affianca alla DB4 GT Zagato Continuation nella DBZ Centenary Collection: l'ultima vettura sportiva di Aston Martin costruita a mano. The DBS GT Zagato sits alongside the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation in the DBZ Centenary Collection: the latest sports car created by Aston Martin and hand built.

The other examples reviewed are another story. The Lamborghini Sián also has some electrical assistance, but only the mild hybrid type, to assist emissions rather than performance. However, the reported stats of this new “monster” hypercar are truly impressive: it packs 819 horsepower, the highest ever seen on a car produced in Sant'Agata Bolognese. It is also extremely exclusive, with only 63 models being made, a number not chosen randomly because 1963 was the year of foundation of the carmaker. The lines are partly taken from the Aventador, with aggressive features such as the carbon-fibre splitter. Then there are the twin exhausts, which like the lights are hexagonal. A theme that also appears on the rear, while on the front the Y-shape dominates, as seen in the headlights, which are cleverly framed by a large amount of visible carbon fibre, similar to the “gaze” of the “Terzo Millennio”.

Bugatti also finds ways to amaze. In Pebble Beach in California, it presented yet another unique celebratory model called Centodieci, which is a development of the Chiron with an extra 100 hp (for a total of 1,600 hp) and 20 kilos more, giving it an amazing 0-100 in 2.4 seconds. This model has been made with white paintwork only, particularly popular among Americans, but the most important modification is the engine bay covered in glass, which has led to the need to create ducts on the roof and two outlets on the spoiler which, among other things, improve lift.

For Aston Martin the future once again celebrates the past. The special DBZ Centenary Edition was developed to honour the centenary of the foundation of Zagato, the legendary Italian carmaker. The DB4 GT Zagato Continuation is a re-creation of the car that dominated the scene in the sixties and is today distinguished by its opulence. The 3D-printed gold features are world-unique, glittering details. Also setting hearts racing is the interior, which can be admired from the sunroof, as if a Monet. The price of around £6 million plus taxes obviously makes it a car for the very few. Ferrari with the 812 GTS dusts off a classic, the spider. A mega sportscar that stunned with its 800 hp, 340 km/h, exuberance and technology. It is of little importance that this spider is 75 kilos heavier. The real news, which will fire the imagination of enthusiasts, is the return of a spider with a V12 under the bonnet, something not seen since far-off 1969. Only this detail will make it a gem for today's customers and a good deal for collectors. And lastly something comfortable. The Flying Spur by Bentley could almost be described as a yacht on the road. It doesn't have propellers but luckily doesn't stray much from the concept. It has fantastic electronic suspension, which most motorists can only dream about. It is the third generation of the comfortable tourer, but with 626 hp and elegance combined with one-off hi-tech features. It also has a series of unique optional extras, from the roof to the unusual 3D leather door panel and special champagne holders which, positioned in the arm of the rear seat, are designed to hold a flute rather than the “usual” hip flask.

In basso a sinistra. All'interno, la DBS GT Zagato utilizza la prima applicazione automobilistica configurabile in carbonio stampato, alluminio o oro PVD. In alto e in basso a destra. Ferrari 812 GTS: il ritorno della spider con motore V12. Con i suoi 800 cv è la spider di produzione di serie più potente sul mercato. Below, on left. Inside, the DBS GT Zagato utilises the first automotive application of configurable printed Carbon, Aluminium, or Gold PVD (physical vapour deposition). Above and below on right. Ferrari 812 GTS: V12 spider returns. 800 cv makes it the most powerful production convertible on the market.