The supercar world is in a constant state of flux. With access to the latest technology and outlandish budgets, supercar manufacturers have to stay on their toes to provide competitive cutting-edge vehicles to their niche market. Over the past decade, the supercar world we know has been going through immense transformation; some companies are completely redesigning their supercars, and others just couldn’t stay in the game.
Just like in major league sports, eventually the old guards and veteran players need to be retired or introduced to some new blood. As the world of supercars continues to push the envelope of road cars, we have heard about a number of upcoming supercars that want to change the game. Let’s take a look at some of the new blood, and see if they’re really up to the challenge.
The Acura NSX Hybrid
The spiritual successor to the infamous NSX is on the way, and we can’t wait to get a closer look. Originally unveiled in the hands of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) while filming for The Avengers, and then again as a full concept in 2012, the NSX Hybrid has been causing quite a stir among supercar fans. While exact power figures for the mid-mounted V6 are still subject to speculation, we anticipate that the 3 electric motors that accompany it will put it to good use via the hybrid AWD system. Read more about this marvel of engineering here.
The Audi Sport Quattro
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Audi’s old flagship, the sport Quattro, Audi has given new life to the Sport Quattro, creating a stunning coupe that will surely do justice to the Quattro of yesteryear. The biggest difference between the two, of course, is the new plug-in hybrid drive system with an estimated output of 515 kW, which translates to about 700 horsepower. Between the 560 horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 and the electric motor, the Sport Quattro allegedly makes an astonishing 90+ mpg. That would put this at even higher mileage than the Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid. This, we’ll have to see to believe. Read more about this driver-oriented Audi miracle here.
The McLaren P1
Ever since we got to know the McLaren MP4-12C and its Spyder counterpart, we’ve been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the P1. The P1 will be powered by a 3.8L twin-turbocharged V8 engine, much like the one found in the MP4-12C. The difference is the fact that this one has been tuned to make 727 bhp. In addition, the P1 also features a KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) electric motor making 176 hp. By combining the two power outputs with a 7-speed dual-clutch, the P1 reaches an overall output of around 903 bhp. Combine that with the lightweight monocoque body, and you’re sure to have a blisteringly fast British marvel. To date, the car has only been sighted a handful of times while testing, including a cameo appearance at a McLaren event.
The Jaguar C-X275
The concept that debuted in 2010 at the Paris Motor Show, which originally started as a celebration of Jaguar’s 75th anniversary, has come a long way to become the incredible engineering spectacle that it is today. After having the project shelved, and revived again, the C-X75 looks like it’s on the way to becoming one of the most technologically advanced and groundbreaking road cars ever built.
Like all of the cars mentioned above, it features two engines. The combustion engine is a 1.6L turbocharged AND supercharged four-cylinder making more than 500 horsepower (Yes, you are reading that correctly), which is coupled with two electric motors to achieve an overall output in excess of 800 horsepower. This power is delivered to the car’s all-wheel drive system via a 7-speed AMT at up to an incredible 10,300 RPM. In addition, the Jag can drive up to 37 miles (60 kms) on electric power alone. All of that technology under such a stunningly beautiful car, and we’re interested.
The Lexus LF-LC
The Lexus Future – Luxury Coupe debuted just last year at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, and it’s new age design gained it a lot of fans, including us. While technically still in the concept stage, it’s reasonable to believe Lexus is working on making this a production model, especially after revealing a blue version of the concept at the Australian International Motor Show. Many of the car’s features, both aesthetic and technological, are derived from the Lexus LFA. From the look of things, the LF-LC is set to become a 500 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, hybrid drive-system coupe that will likely attempt to compete with the Nissan GTR or Acura NSX.
What will the future hold for the automotive world? We like to think that these 5 examples are a glimpse into that future, but only time will tell. Is there a supercar set to come out that we didn’t cover here? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter!
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