JUST ANNOUNCED
Corvette ZR1
Price £75,000 approx
On sale 2009
What’s different?
It’s the most powerful and sporting Corvette ever, with a supercharged 6.2
litre V8, a top speed well over 200mph and a likely 0-60mph time of 3.5sec.
Yet it should cost a fraction of the price of a Ferrari or Lamborghini when
UK sales start
Why should I care?
There has only previously been one ZR1, launched in 1989, and it was a
landmark of American car design. That one had 380bhp, this one has 620bhp.
Moreover, it weighs little more than 3,300lb, so it should be one of the
quickest cars ever put into mainstream production. If they can make it as
good in the corners as it is certain to be in a straight line, it will be
world class
Consider also
Ferrari 599GTB £179,902
Lamborghini Murciélago £197,460
Porsche 911GT3 RS £95,640
JUST ANNOUNCED
Mercedes-Benz SLK
Prices £30,000-£55,000 approx
On sale Spring 2008
What’s different?
Although it’s hard to spot, the SLK has been substantially refreshed with
about 650 new components - according to Mercedes. The exterior is subtly
restyled but the cabin has been extensively reworked. Mechanically it is the
SLK 350 that has enjoyed the most attention, with power rising by 33bhp to
305bhp, although the SLK 200 also gets a useful 21bhp boost to 184bhp. In
both cases, fuel economy and emissions are improved
Why should I care?
The promise of greatly improved performance and lower fuel and company car tax
bills are attractive. The SLK has always been a desirable, effective
performer in the market, and this new version seems likely to carry on this
good work
Consider also
BMW Z4 Roadster £24,210-£43,795
Porsche Boxster £33,375-£43,110
Audi TT Roadster £27,240-£33,335
