The automotive industry has been pushing towards an electric future. But before the inevitable happens, carmakers are continue to test their mad performance machines. They are further benefitted by the European summer. The ultimate proving grounds, the Nurburgring, has a pleasant weather too. At the same time, across the Atlantic sea, its autumn in Northern America. So here we have a few mean machines spotted testing under the summer sun.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
The new-gen Vantage takes its design cues from James Bond’s DB10 Concept. The new Aston grille, which was first seen on the Vulcan, will dominate the nose, and there will be aggressive side skirts and diffusers all around. Powering the baby Aston will be an AMG-derived V8 with around 500bhp on tap. A six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic transmission are also on the cards.
BMW X3 M
The M developed X3 will retain the xDrive system. It will be lightweight owing to the CLAR platform with a heavy CFRP usage. For the X3 M, we expect to see a wider, more aggressive body treatment. Under the hood will be a motor that will borrow parts from the current M3/M4 powertrain. The X3 M will compete against the likes of the Audi SQ5 and the Jaguar F-Pace in the sporty crossover segment.
Mercedes-AMG A45
The new A45 AMG will go on to become the hottest hatchback when it arrives. The power output in excess of 400bhp will be churned out from an all-new engine. Built ground-up, the new engine will replace the current 381bhp unit. The AMG-specced A45 will arrive a few months after the standard A-Class debuts sometime next year.
Volkswagen T-Roc R
The ‘R’ division over at Volkswagen is readying the prototypes of their latest projects – the Golf R420 and the recently introduced T-Roc. We expect the T-Roc ‘R’ to get a lowered chassis, bigger wheels and some sportier exterior details. It will also get the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with around 306bhp of power, allowing the T-Roc R to hit 100kmph from standstill in less than five seconds.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Chevrolet has been extensively testing the maniacal ZR1 version of the Corvette. For the first time, our spy sleuths have been able to capture the interiors of the test mule. Although it isn’t very different from a Z06, you will notice a generous amount of carbon fibre inside the cabin. It’s now been confirmed that this car would get the 10-speed transmission that’s being co-developed with Ford.
McLaren 675LT
McLaren was spotted on Nurburgring with a test mule which looked like a hardcore version of the 675LT. Experts speculate that this might be a GT3 version. The prototype also gets some unmistakable track-oriented aerodynamics like the numerous air dams on the fascia along with an aerodynamic bonnet, a roof-mounted scoop, and that gigantic rear wing. It will very likely be another McLaren that would drive straight into the history books.
