Top 10: New cars due in 2016
Most of the ten models listed below are destined to achieve relatively modest sales volumes. Nevertheless, they are among the more interesting new cars scheduled to arrive at dealers during 2016.
1. Bentley Bentayga
Available: January
In 2012, Bentley signalled its intention to launch an SUV by unveiling the frankly hideous EXP 9 F concept. During the transition to production, an attempt has been made to refine the styling and somebody decided the odd Bentayga name was a good idea.
Power comes from a new 6.0 litre W12 engine with twin turbochargers that develops 600 bhp (447 kW / 608 PS) – enough for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of just 4.1 seconds. For buyers worried about fuel bills, plug-in hybrid and diesel alternatives are promised.
2. Cadillac CT6
Available: March
An American rival for the likes of the BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the CT6 is claimed to be light (thanks to widespread use of aluminium in the bodyshell) and technologically advanced.
Perhaps surprisingly, Cadillac is adamant that this new flagship isn't a replacement for the very similarly-sized XTS.
3. Honda NSX
Available: first quarter
At long last, Honda is building a successor to the original NSX (which ceased production in 2005).
An environmentally-friendly hybrid powertrain comprises a mid-mounted twin-turbo 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine, a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, electric motors for each front wheel, and a third standalone electric motor to aid acceleration and retardation. Total output is rated at 565 bhp (421 kW / 572 PS).
4. Lotus 3-Eleven
Available: April
Described by its manufacturer as “the quickest production Lotus road car ever”, the 3-Eleven combines uncompromising open-cockpit bodywork with a 450 bhp (336 kW / 456 PS) supercharged 3.5 litre V6 engine.
Offered in either Road or Race guises, prices start from £82,000. Just 311 examples are going to be made.
5. Volvo S90
Available: second quarter
The recently-launched XC90 SUV has earned extremely positive reviews, so doubtless Volvo is hoping that the S90 saloon will be received in an identical vein.
To attract punters away from established German competitors – namely the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class – the S90's distinctive design is being emphasised as a key differentiator.
6. Jaguar F-Pace
Available: second quarter
Jaguar's first-ever crossover is a major departure for the marque. Arguably, though, the F-Pace is an essential addition to the range.
In the UK there'll be a choice of four trim grades, plus a First Edition variant. Prices start from £34,170.
7. Fiat 124 Spider
Available: third quarter
This rehashed Mazda MX-5 unashamedly trades on the retro appeal of its forebear. That's not necessarily a bad thing – after all, Fiat's 500 has exploited the tactic extremely well.
For European markets, the sole engine is a 1.4 litre turbocharged MultiAir unit which delivers a mediocre 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS) via a six-speed manual gearbox. While some people are already bemoaning the apparent lack of brawn, expect a much quicker Abarth 124 Spider to be announced soon.
8. Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman
Available: third quarter
There are some significant changes ahead for the Boxster and Cayman, as indicated by the addition of a '718' prefix.
Firstly, flat-four turbocharged engines of various displacements are going to oust today's six-cylinder motors. Secondly, in a move that copies the 911's pricing structure, the Boxster roadster is set to become notably more expensive than the Cayman coupé.
9. Alfa Romeo Giulia
Available: third quarter
Since the demise of the 159 in late 2011, a huge hole has existed in Alfa Romeo's line-up. This will be filled eventually by the Giulia, but there doesn't seem to be any urgency to begin deliveries.
So far, only the range-topping Giulia Quadrifoglio has been revealed. Featuring a six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developed with input from Ferrari, its 503 bhp (375 kW / 510 PS) bestows an impressive 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds.
10. Ford GT
Available: late 2016
Beneath those striking looks, the GT boasts a carbon fibre monocoque and aluminium front and rear subframes that are intended to minimise weight.
A centrally-mounted 3.5 litre V6 EcoBoost engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. With twin turbochargers, output is said to be in excess of 600 horsepower (around 450 kW). However, Ford has yet to confirm any official performance figures.
1. Bentley Bentayga
Available: January
In 2012, Bentley signalled its intention to launch an SUV by unveiling the frankly hideous EXP 9 F concept. During the transition to production, an attempt has been made to refine the styling and somebody decided the odd Bentayga name was a good idea.
Power comes from a new 6.0 litre W12 engine with twin turbochargers that develops 600 bhp (447 kW / 608 PS) – enough for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of just 4.1 seconds. For buyers worried about fuel bills, plug-in hybrid and diesel alternatives are promised.
2. Cadillac CT6
Available: March
An American rival for the likes of the BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the CT6 is claimed to be light (thanks to widespread use of aluminium in the bodyshell) and technologically advanced.
Perhaps surprisingly, Cadillac is adamant that this new flagship isn't a replacement for the very similarly-sized XTS.
3. Honda NSX
Available: first quarter
At long last, Honda is building a successor to the original NSX (which ceased production in 2005).
An environmentally-friendly hybrid powertrain comprises a mid-mounted twin-turbo 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine, a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, electric motors for each front wheel, and a third standalone electric motor to aid acceleration and retardation. Total output is rated at 565 bhp (421 kW / 572 PS).
4. Lotus 3-Eleven
Available: April
Described by its manufacturer as “the quickest production Lotus road car ever”, the 3-Eleven combines uncompromising open-cockpit bodywork with a 450 bhp (336 kW / 456 PS) supercharged 3.5 litre V6 engine.
Offered in either Road or Race guises, prices start from £82,000. Just 311 examples are going to be made.
5. Volvo S90
Available: second quarter
The recently-launched XC90 SUV has earned extremely positive reviews, so doubtless Volvo is hoping that the S90 saloon will be received in an identical vein.
To attract punters away from established German competitors – namely the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class – the S90's distinctive design is being emphasised as a key differentiator.
6. Jaguar F-Pace
Available: second quarter
Jaguar's first-ever crossover is a major departure for the marque. Arguably, though, the F-Pace is an essential addition to the range.
In the UK there'll be a choice of four trim grades, plus a First Edition variant. Prices start from £34,170.
7. Fiat 124 Spider
Available: third quarter
This rehashed Mazda MX-5 unashamedly trades on the retro appeal of its forebear. That's not necessarily a bad thing – after all, Fiat's 500 has exploited the tactic extremely well.
For European markets, the sole engine is a 1.4 litre turbocharged MultiAir unit which delivers a mediocre 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS) via a six-speed manual gearbox. While some people are already bemoaning the apparent lack of brawn, expect a much quicker Abarth 124 Spider to be announced soon.
8. Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman
Available: third quarter
There are some significant changes ahead for the Boxster and Cayman, as indicated by the addition of a '718' prefix.
Firstly, flat-four turbocharged engines of various displacements are going to oust today's six-cylinder motors. Secondly, in a move that copies the 911's pricing structure, the Boxster roadster is set to become notably more expensive than the Cayman coupé.
9. Alfa Romeo Giulia
Available: third quarter
Since the demise of the 159 in late 2011, a huge hole has existed in Alfa Romeo's line-up. This will be filled eventually by the Giulia, but there doesn't seem to be any urgency to begin deliveries.
So far, only the range-topping Giulia Quadrifoglio has been revealed. Featuring a six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developed with input from Ferrari, its 503 bhp (375 kW / 510 PS) bestows an impressive 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds.
10. Ford GT
Available: late 2016
Beneath those striking looks, the GT boasts a carbon fibre monocoque and aluminium front and rear subframes that are intended to minimise weight.
A centrally-mounted 3.5 litre V6 EcoBoost engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. With twin turbochargers, output is said to be in excess of 600 horsepower (around 450 kW). However, Ford has yet to confirm any official performance figures.
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