Tomorrow’s cars today: knockout newcomers from Ferrari, Jeep, Hyundai and Aston Martin
Four showstoppers make their debuts, despite the absence of any shows to stop. By Jake Groves
Ferrari Portofino M
This looks just like the regular Portofino, but at £188,000 will cost you almost £24k more. Why? The ‘M’ stands for ‘modificata’ to highlight Ferrari’s under-the-skin fettling of its tin-top convertible two-seater. Twin-turbo V8 has 20 more horses, the dual-clutch auto now has eight speeds and a 20 per cent smaller clutch to save some grams. Five-setting manettino switch from Roma is applied, allowing for snigger-inducing Dynamic Enhancer drift control in Race mode.
NEED TO KNOW
What is it? Mildly-updated two-seat GT Tech specs Gearbox has an extra speed, more powerful V8, Pista drift tech Aimed at? Distracting you from the Roma When can I get one? Fill your order form in now
Aston Martin Victor
Thrust enough money into a car maker’s face and it’ll do anything for you. A wealthy customer approached Gaydon to modify an alreadyrare One-77 by stripping its carbonfibre shell and upgrading its engine, tarting up the interior with leather and cashmere, adding a manual ’box and a wheel from a Vulcan. Look familiar? Design cues are taken from ’70s Vantages and the DBS V8, albeit with Valkyrie wheels and rear lights, Vulcan side pipes and a whopping duck tail.
NEED TO KNOW
What is it? One-o mutant Aston Tech specs Engine and shell from a One-77, Vulcan side pipes and steering wheel Aimed at? Blending ’70s Vantage looks with 2020 performance When can I get one? You can’t
Hyundai Tucson
Who saw this coming? Hyundai’s Tucson has always been plain and dependable – this latest one rips up the rulebook. Dramatic looks stem from clever blending of lights and grille outside and clutter-free interior. Huge central display is one big touchscreen, with materials and a steering wheel not dissimilar to those used by the posh Genesis sub-brand. Most combustion engines have mild-hybrid assistance, with a full plug-in hybrid and sporty N Line trim coming later.
NEED TO KNOW
What is it? An un-boring crossover Tech specs ‘Parametric’ lights in the grille, coasting on manual versions, ‘sleep mode’ for rear seats Aimed at? Forgetting the past When can I get one? End of 2020, PHEV in 2021
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
A classic name returns to adorn the glowing chrome nose of this behemoth – this time with an all-wheel-drive PHEV powertrain underneath and no wood on the exterior. Inside, there’s three-row seating with upholstery and materials from sustainable or recycled sources, 45 inches of screen plastered over the dashboard in four places (including one for the front passenger), and nods to US heritage hidden in door inlays and around the starter button. ’Murica!
NEED TO KNOW
What is it? Return of the plush family Jeep Tech specs More screens inside than Currys, 3D-cut sustainable wood dash inlays Aimed at? Taking on the X7 and GLS When can I get one? 2021