Revv up your passion

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Chevrolet Camaro

If you have the moolah and the passion for luxury cars, the market is buzzing with new versions and fancy models. Never mind the sluggish economy, it’s hardly going to create a dent in a billionaire’s lifestyle. To cater to the fancies of the uber class, the manufacturers of swanky wheels are set to roll out a bevy of beauties.

So great is the demand for these custom-made beauties that the worldwide sales of luxury cars costing more than $130,000 is expected to set a record this year, according to IHS Automotive, a leading market analyser.
And for all you Ferrari lovers, whose gleaming body is enough to set your adrenaline pumping, there is good news. The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is on its way to Indian roads now. The F12 Berlinetta — with 730 bhp and 6.3 litre engine — not only ushers in a whole new generation of Prancing Horse 12-cylinders but is also the fastest and most powerful Maranello machine ever built. Its maximum speed is claimed to be over 340 kmph and it can reach 0-100 kmph in just 3.1s and 0-200 kmph in just 8.5s. What’s more, the Italian manufacturer is set to unveil an all-new Ferrari Enzo by year-end.
The year 2013 is a special one for another Italian giant, Lamborghini, as the Raging Bull celebrates its 50th anniversary. It has already announced a special car to mark the occasion. As founder of Madras Exotic Car Club, Manoj Lulla, says, the one-off design will be a prized possession for collectors. “I am eagerly waiting. It is expected to be in the mould of the Aventador J and Gallardo,” says Manoj, who currently owns a Gallardo LP 560-4
Aston Martin’s Vanquish, Jaguar F-Type and Bentley Continental GTC are also set to scorch Indian roads from mid 2013.
The Detroit Motor Show, the season’s first automotive exhibition, is the perfect place to check out what sports car manufacturers have in mind this year. Even mainstream companies such as Hyundai and Honda have ventured into the luxurious concept vehicle segment to meet rising demands.
General Motors’ Chevrolet Corvette stole the Detroit show, while Hyundai’s HCD-14 Genesis proved a surprise package with its interactive technology. McLaren returns to the road-car market with its MP4-12C. Audi’s RS5 is also eagerly awaited.
So, what are you waiting for? Time to buy that dream car!