1. Nissan GT-R
Nissan gave the world its first look at the new GT-R at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. Finally, after years of internet speculation and spy photos, the new model is due on sale in Australia in April, priced at $150,000. In January, Nissan Australia already had more than 140 orders. It's been allocated just 200 cars a year.
Some say that Nissan has set its sight on a much bigger challenge: one of the most prestigious car maker on the planet - Porsche. If there were any doubt about whom Nissan is targeting, the power output says it all. At 353kW (for the Japanese model), it's identical to that of Porsche's 911 Turbo. Coincidences like this don't usually occur in the car business.
By turning off some electronic safety aids, you can unleash the GT-R from rest at its maximum potential. The only downside is that there have been reports of gearbox failures when owners have done such starts in quick succession. There are rumors saying that Nissan Australia is considering a warning that the warranty may be voided if the system is abused.
Engine: 3.8-litre twin turbocharged V6
Power: 357kW @ 6400 rpm; 588Nm @ 3200 - 5200 rpm
Performance: 0 - 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds
Fuel economy: 12.2 - 14L / 100 km
2. Ferrari California
What global economic crisis? At last count, Ferrari Australia had 218 orders for the new California, which is tipped to cost in excess of $450,000 when it arrives in July. It's the Italian maker's first front-engined V8, and the first convertible with a folding metal roof. The company's president, Luca Montezemelo, describes the waiting period as only an Italian can: "Owning a Ferrari should be like getting to know a beautiful woman. There should be a period of anticipation... but ultimately the relationship must be consummated. With a Ferrari, that period should be 12 months."
Engine: 4.3L V8
Power: 338kW
Performance: 0 - 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds; and a top speed of 310 km/h
3. Volkswagen Golf GTI
The latest version of the world's biggest-selling hatch is due on sale down under in March. The regular models arrive first, with the GTI hot hatch due at the end of the year. The new Golf will be made in Germany (the previous model originated from South Africa), and the quality is said to be greatly improved. The GTI retains its 2.0-litre turbocharged heart, but with slightly better performance and economy. A choice of six-speed manual or automated gearboxes will be available. Prices are expected to increase slightly from the current $40,000.
4. Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series
The fastest and most powerful car to be released this year is the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series. A snip at $680,000. It's so quick that it'll hit 100 km/h faster than you can say its name (3.8 seconds) Only 350 are being made worldwide, and of those, only nine are coming to Australia. It's based on Mercedes' SL convertible, but the folding metal roof is replaced by a fixed carbon-fibre one. Mercedes' 6.0-litre twin turbo V12 engine comes in for major surgery to create 500kW of power and 1001Nm of torque. Top speed is electronically limited to 319 km/h. The first customer car is due in Australia in March. There's no word yet on who the lucky owner will be.
I'm loving it! Such a beautiful car, but with a more "beautiful" price tag =(
5. Porsche Cayman S
I don't know much about it. Not a fan of Porsche cars. But I'm sure it will be a popular car in Australia, as I've seen so many Porsche cars even in a small town like Hobart. Price is expected to rise from the current starting point of $120,000.
6. BMW Z4
A new BMW Z4 convertible is due in local showrooms in July. It retains the previous model's sharp lines but is all new from the ground up. Expect a choice of powerful yet efficient six-cylinder engines with either a six-speed manual or the option of an automated seven-speed gearbox. BMW's revised 'i-Drive' cabin control system appears on the Z4 for the first time. Prices are likely to rise from the current model's $80,000 starting point.
7. Jaguar XFR
The high-performance version of the Jaguar XF arrives mid-year. It's simply called the XFR and is powered by a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 which sprints from rest to 100 km/h in about 4.7 seconds (think BMW and Mercedes-Benz super-sedans). It's due on sale in Australia around August, priced close to $200,000.
8. Nissan 370Z
While the Nissan GT-R will steal most of the spotlight this year, the Japanese car maker will also introduce a new version of its more affordable sports car in June. The 370Z coupe replaces the 350Z, and the new name indicates a new engine - now a 3.7-litre V6 instead of a 3.5-litre engine. The 370Z is shorter, wider and lower than its predecessor, so there's more performance in a smaller vehicle, making it more nimble. Prices are expected to rise from current model's $65,000 starting point.
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Although these two cars below are not 2009 cars, because one was released last year and another one was released in 2007, but I still think that they deserve to be on this 2009 hot rides list because they are just too fucking hot.
9. Lamborghini Reventon
The Lamborghini Reventon debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, and it ranks as the most powerful and expensive Lamborghini road car to date, costing around one million Euros. Only 20 vehicles would be released to the public, and a single car produced for the Lamborghini Museum. Also, each Reventon is clearly stamped with its number in the sequence of 20 between the drivers and passengers seats.
Although its exterior is all new, almost every mechanical elements, including the engine, are taken directly from the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. The Reventon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in the same time as the Murcielago LP640 (3.4 seconds), and is capable of reaching a top speed of over 340 km/h. Cool, isn't it?
10. Aston Martin DBS V12
The UK car manufacturer has used the name DBS once before on their 1967-72 grand tourer coupe. This modern car replaces the Vanquish S as the flagship of the marque. It was officially unveiled at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and the cars were built in Cologne, Germany. Power comes from the heavily revised 5935cc V12 engine from the DBR9 racing car, tuned to deliver 517 PS (510 hp / 380kW) @ 6500 rpm and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) @ 5750 rpm torque. This beautiful car is able to reach a top speed of over 312 km/h.
I wasn't a fan of Aston Martin cars, but I like them more and more as I look at them. Gorgeous :p
*Sources: From Joshua Dowling's articles and Wikipedia.
