Best new prestige performance cars

Ferrari 488 Spider

Base price: N/A Full disclosure: I have yet to drive the 488 Spider. But its predecessor, the 458 Spider, is simply the best car I have ever driven. The 488 Spider has stunning looks, stunning performance and a stunning image. Add about 55 horsepower and a massive 162 more lb.-ft. of torque, thanks to the 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8, and how much worse could it be? It does carry a few extra kg of weight; to gain top-down driving. I’m OK with that.

We like: Massive performance, steering that can only be described as “telepathic” and a remarkably good ride for such a potent car. Engine: 3.9L V8 twin turbochargers

Power/Torque: 661 hp @ 8,000 r.p.m. /561 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 r.p.m.

NRC ratings L/100 km: N/A

(premium) What’s best: Everything. What’s worst: Aluminum alloy frame may seem a bit outdated compared to McLaren’s carbon-fibre structure.

Value for money: You only live once.