It’s open season
Our spy photographers have hunted down some big sports car game over the summer testing period. By
Ford Puma ST
Ford wants its Performance range to grow in Europe, and the controversial new Puma is an easy place to start. Same platform as the Fiesta means it’s relatively simple to also carry across the Fiesta ST’s fizzy three-cylinder turbo, and CAR understands the steering rack will be even quicker. Expect a slightly more aggressive look than the ST-Line, and there’s a twin exhaust poking out from under that camouflage, where we’ve only seen other Pumas with one.
NEED TO KNOW
What is it? Ford’s potent new crossover Tech specs Three-cylinder turbo with 197bhp, super-quick steering rack Any rivals? A toppy Seat Arona or VW T-Cross When will it be real? Early 2020
Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
One of the halo models of the whole 992-generation range has been papped more times than Post Malone over the past few months. Traditional 911 Turbo cues remain, including slim side vents in front of the rear wheels, square quad exhausts and a whale tail with a deployable spoiler nestled within. Expect around 600bhp from the punchiest Turbo S model, all-wheel drive and the PDK auto as your only transmission option.
NEED TO KNOW
What is it? One very powerful 992 Tech specs Ceramic brakes, necksnapping launch, two-stage spoiler Any rivals? R8 Spyder, 600LT Spider When will it be real? A Frankfurt 2019 debut is expected, 2020 launch
Jaguar F-Type
Jag’s sports car hasn’t bitten the dust! So much so that a facelift is due next year with slimmer headlights and a larger front grille, some additional tech inside and new engines. Relax, though – the next F-Type will still get a rip-snorting V8; it just might have some BMW markings on it. Along with the new look, Jaguar will be stung more driver safety aids and self-driving tech in the F-Type to help it pass safety regs.
NEED TO KNOW
What is it? Revitalised sporty cat Tech specs BMW V8s, Ingenium straight-six and four, i-Pace tech boost Any rivals? Mustang, 911, TT, Z4 and Supra depending on engine When will it be real? First half of 2020
Mercedes-AMG GLB 45
We’re weirdly excited by the prospect of a practical compact crossover with a seven-seat option getting a 415bhp nuclear warhead under the bonnet. As the regular GLB arrives, combining G-Class style with Merc’s small-car platform, we’ve spotted the AMG-tuned version on test. Expect a hard ride, fat wheels and head-turning levels of noise coming out of its four tailpipes. Drift mode might make your children sick on the school run, mind.
NEED TO KNOW
What is it? One very fast seven-seater with a punchy heart Tech specs 415bhp 2.0-litre turbo, farty exhaust, all-wheel drive Any rivals? Audi SQ2 and VW T-Roc R When will it be real? Before the end of the year