The Good Life

Absolute power

Performance thoroughbreds from the stables of Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin  

With the right pedigree and heritage, these cars offer you an unadulterated driving experience that you can enjoy every day. Here are three thoroughbred driving machines that deliver the joys of a supercar.

The homologated racing car from 1967, paying homage to the road, is the new Porsche 911 R that draws on the heritage of the 911 model and employs a healthy dose of cutting-edge technology derived from Porsche’s illustrious racing experience. The car features a naturally aspirated 4.0 litre flat six cylinder engine that delivers 500 hp and 460 Nm of torque. In fact the engine is similar to the one that powers Porsche 911 GT 3 RS and is capable of going from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds while achieving a top speed of 323 km/h. The 911R comes with a specifically tuned standard rear axle steering, which allows it to corner like no other car. To further aid its driving dynamics, the car also boasts of control systems such as the Porsche Stability Management (PSM).

While it might look like the Carrera 911, the 911 R is fitted with a better aerodynamic package. It also sports a bonnet and wings made of carbon and a roof made of magnesium in order to lower the overall weight. The cabin has been kitted out with the quality materials that include carbon trim strips. Speaking about the Porsche 911 R, Porsche India’s director, Pavan Shetty stated, “The 911 R epitomises the Porsche brand, with the clear design DNA of a classic 911 while performing as a racing car should. The 911 has set the standard for generations after the ground-breaking model was first introduced in the 1960s. The 911 continues to evolve to new highs and is considered the quintessential sports car – the benchmark for all others.” The Porsche 911 range starts at Rs.1.40 crore and goes all the way up to Rs.2.80 crore depending on the variant.

From the Jaguar Land Rover stable comes the exquisite F-Type SVR. Developed by the Special Vehicle Operations division, the F-Type SVR sits at the pinnacle of the F-Type range and comes powered with a supercharged 5.0 litre V8 engine that delivers 575 hp and generates 700 Nm of torque. It is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in a shade over 3.5 seconds and has a distinct engine roar that can’t be mistaken for any other car. Commenting about the F-Type SVR, John Edwards, managing director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations said, “The F-Type SVR is the first series production from Jaguar to be developed by Special Vehicle Operations and benefits from everything we know about precision engineering, performance and design. The result is a 200mph, all-weather supercar that you can drive every day. We even made a Convertible version so that enthusiasts can revel in the sound from the new titanium exhaust system.” The Jaguar F-Type SVR price range starts at Rs 2.5 crore.

While the Aston Martin DB11 made its global debut in 2016, the famous British brand has now introduced the car with a twin turbo charged V8 engine that displaces 4.0 litres. The new model perfectly complements the existing 5.2 litre V12 version and though it is powered by a smaller engine, it still delivers a driving experience that will get the adrenaline pumping. Delivering 510 hp and 675 Nm of torque, the DB11 V8 can hit 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds. Incidentally, the engine has been supplied by Mercedes-AMG and tailored to meet the demands of an Aston Martin. As a car, the Aston Martin DB11 fulfils the role of a high performance grand tourer. It is powerful, quick and boasts of a luxuriously kitted out cabin. To top it off, it comes packed with technology to ensure you have a safe yet engaging driving experience. Elaborating on the V8- engined DB11, Aston Martin president and CEO, Andy Palmer said, “The DB11 is the most complete and sophisticated car Aston Martin has ever made. Now, with this new V8 engine option we have broadened its appeal by offering a car that will bring the DB11 to more customers around the world while still blessed with the exceptional performance and memorable character that sets Aston Martin apart from its rivals. Having driven the car during its development phase, it is not just the engine that has changed the character of the car, but also the resulting dynamic changes to create a remarkable GT car with its own distinct personality from the V12.” Aston Martin currently sells the V12- engined DB11 in India for Rs. 4.27 crore. However, the V8-engined DB11 is yet to launch in the country as it has just been launched in the UK. It is expected to be available in India by the end of 2017.

The writer is an editor with MotorScribes and tweets at @VikramGour