Top performance cars spotted testing in April

-    It’s testing season at the Nurburgring in Germany.

-   Last month we saw Euro-sports as well as American muscles being tested in the summer sun.

-    Just one performance SUV this time around in the form of GLE63 AMG.

The month of April witnessed many carmakers migrating southwards from the icy barrens of Lapland where they were cold weather testing. Instead they hit the racetrack at Nurburgring, Germany for a spot of performance testing. Many European sports cars were spotted there, burning rubber and careening hard on the Green Hell. Some of them are even aiming for a lap record there to flaunt it when they officially break cover. So here are some serious performance cars which were spotted testing last month. 

Lamborghini Aventador Super Veloce Jota

Lamborghini has decided to spice up the Aventador with the hardcore Super Veloce Jota treatment. The cladding on the test mule failed to hide the over-the-top aero bodywork. The SV’s 6.5-litre V12 will be dialled up to breathe out 800+bhp. The Raging Bull might be aiming for a lap record with the Aventador Super Veloce Jota. 

BMW M3

The new-gen G80 M3 took to the Nurburgring for some track time. The test mule was flaunting M3’s characteristic flared wheel arches along with its aggressive styling, and a lip-spoiler under all its cladding. The new-gen M3 will be based on the new lighter CLAR platform while the powertrain will get a bump in output. It will arrive in 2020.

Audi R8

Audi was spotted testing R8 prototype with a revised fascia and large circular exhaust pipes. The carmaker might be testing the long-rumoured entry-level V6 variant with a 2.9-litre motor or this could be a major update for the Ingolstadt’s flagship. Either way, we expect the refreshed R8 to bring in the necessary sales numbers that would enable Audi to change its mind about shelving this mid-engine sports car. 

Ford Mustang Bullitt

Ford had showcased the Mustang Bullitt in January at the NAIAS, but in classic Dark Highland Green. Now we caught the Bullitt running around in a sinister Shadow Black shade. The Bullitt packs a retuned 5.0-litre Coyote V8 delivering around 475 horsepower. It will officially hit the road later this year.

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63

The range-topping GLE63 AMG was spotted once again with a smaller 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 replacing the old 5.5-litre. However, it's going to churn out at least 612bhp matching the E63. The Panamericana grille was unmistakable under the cladding with two-brow LED headlamps and there were quadruple square exhaust tips at the back. 

2019 Chevrolet Camaro

The mid-life update to the Camaro was spotted just days before the official reveal. The test mule made it clear that Chevy had retained the six-speed manual transmission, thereby dismissing rumours of its discontinuation. 

BMW M8

BMW’s 8 Series family will get the range-topping M8 Coupe next year. The road-going derivative of the M8 GTE will be powered by the 4.4-litre V8 and have the xDrive like in the M5. The M8 Coupe spotted testing here will be joined by M8 Convertible and the M8 Gran Coupe in the coming years.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The upcoming Shelby GT500 will stay true to the original GT350's performance capabilities with a 5.2-litre flat-plane crank engine. But the interior spy shot revealed an optional Tremec six-speed manual transmission as well. Power output could be just shy of 750bhp but more than the Dodge Hellcat. 

Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder

Porsche was caught testing the all-new Boxster Spyder at the Nurburgring. The Spyder version of the open-top Boxster carries a pair of flying buttresses on the engine cover. The soft-top gets a tent-like canvas top pulled over the smaller real one which is the crown, the Spyder. The new-gen Boxster Spyder will be the lightest model in its range.

Porsche 911 Speedster

Just like the Boxster Spyder, the 911 Speedster was also spotted testing. The Speedster will be the last hurrah for current 991 series, just like the previous Speedster was for the 997 generation. It was spotted with the Carrera 4’s fender, double bubble rear roof and a unique soft-top with a wider rear track. It will have a limited production run like before.