Saleen S5S Raptor

The American tuning firm Saleen has unveiled a new supercar, aimed at the likes of the Porsche 911 and Audi R8.Inspired by the $1 million S7 endurance racer, this is the Saleen S5S Raptor - and it promises to put the company firmly on the performance car map. The spectacular looking machine is powered by a mid-mounted, 5.0-litre V8, tuned to run on E85 bioethanol fuel.

Unveiled at the 2008 New York Motor Show, the car also gets a supercharger to lift power to an impressive 650bhp. Performance is channelled to the road via the rear wheels, through a six speed manual gearbox, while the car also gets huge 20-inch wheels and high performance brakes with powerful six pot callipers.
Based on a weight saving aluminium spaceframe chassis - similar in concept to the one that underpins the Lotus Elise - the strict two seater promises a 0-60mph sprint of only 3.2-seconds and a top speed of 202mph.
Prices are yet to be announced, but its thought the car will sell for around £100,000 when it goes on sale early next year.Source

Porsche Cayenne

The Cayenne is fast and nimble, but vastly expensive.

Driving
The mighty Porsche boasts superb handling for an off-roader. Despite its size and weight, the Cayenne corners superbly, generating amazing levels of grip and tackling twisty roads at hot hatch speeds. This is only enhanced with the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control and Porsche Active Suspension Management systems; they give the steering even more feedback and make the SUV yet more nimble, while also improving a ride quality that, in pre-facelift-guise, was jarring. Direct-injection petrol engines are very fast, particularly the astonishing V8 twin-turbo, which dashes to 60mph in 5 seconds, and can hit 170mph.

Marketplace
It’s the car the green lobby love to hate – but that didn’t stop the second-generation Cayenne arriving in the UK. Cosmetic tweaks to the headlights and front airdams still made it far from handsome; the key change was to the 3.6-litre V6 and 4.8-litre turbo and non-turbo petrol engines, which all gained direct fuel injection to boost efficiency by up to 15 per cent. The line-up of V6, S and Turbo variants was joined in 2007 by a sub-Turbo GTS model, set apart by larger front air intakes, fatter wheelarches, 21-inch wheels and a lower ride height. Key rivals include the Range Rover Sport, BMW X6, Mercedes M 63 AMG and high-performance versions of the Audi Q7.

Owning
Interior quality received a welcome boost when the Cayenne was facelifted. The layout is user-friendly, but it’s not that large or versatile, despite a decent 540-litre boot that extends to 1,770 litres with the seats folded. A vast array of options is available, including some superb figure-hugging seats, which are fitted as standard to the sporty GTS. However, despite the claimed efficiency improvements, it’s unlikely the climate change lobby is going to embrace the Cayenne. Even the entry-level V6 only returns 21.9mpg, and puts out 310g/km of CO2. The Turbo achieves 19mpg and emits 358g/km of CO2. In reality, economy can easily drop into single figures. The Cayenne also isn’t cheap to buy: the V6’s entry price looks tempting, but essential options soon push it up, while the Turbo costs £75,000! Retained values, while good, also don’t quite hit Porsche’s usual lofty standards. Servicing and maintenance costs are high as well.Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £37,100 - £74,650
• For : Brilliant handling, unlikely pace, ride in PASM guise
• Against : Very steep prices, poor economy, far from handsome

Maserati GranTurismo

The GranTurismo is a car you can buy with your head as well as your heart.

Driving
The Maserati’s 4.2-litre V8 engine, built by Ferrari, is a cracker. Eager, hungry for revs and tuneful, it’s magic when used hard. There’s always a bit of delicious background engine and exhaust noise. It’s fast, too, despite the hefty 1,800kg kerbweight – 0-100mph takes a mere 11.9 seconds! However, it’s more frustrating in daily use, because of a marked lack of mid-range pull, while the automatic gearbox’s reluctance to give you full control is frustrating. It is, however, a capable driver’s car. It’s not as polished as, say, a Jaguar XKR, but we think its flaws add character. The dampers feel fidgety and it can lose composure on bumpy roads – but, once you’ve got used to the sharp, light steering and alert chassis, it’s huge fun, with lots of feedback.

Marketplace
Maserati is one of the most glamorous and evocative automotive brands of all time – and the GranTurismo is more stylish than any German rival. It has exuberance, flair and a real sense of drama and passion. It’s a huge car, mind, with a long wheelbase, though there are some advantages to this. There’s just the single engine, gearbox and trim line at the moment, with a very extensive (and expensive) range of bespoke options available. Rivals to the two-door coupe include the Jaguar XKR, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, BMW M6, Mercedes SL and, of course, the Porsche 911.

Owning
The Maserati may have a small boot, but inside, there’s a real surprise. The long wheelbase provides enough space for a pair of rear seats as roomy as a family hatchback! They even have ISOFIX mountings for child seats. But it’s up front where the real excitement lies. The rich, tactile materials, shapely steering wheel and chrome-ringed buttons look superb. And while ergonomics are not perfect, they’re leagues ahead of Maseraris of old. Shame the unintuitive sat nav is lifted straight from a Peugeot, though. There is also a little more wind and road noise than you’d expect. And as for running costs, prepare for a shock. There are only 16 dealers in the UK, and three visits will cost you £3,999! The 25,000-mile service alone will cost £1,757. Luckily, tall gearing means everyday economy won’t be disastrous, while exceptional retained values should mean you won’t lose out when you come to sell.Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £78,500
• For : Sculpted looks, comfort, design and quality, simply special
• Against : Niggling faults, gearbox is a major weakness, servicing costs