Car: Porsche 911 GT3
Prices: £79,540
Performance: 0-62mph 4.3sec; top speed 194mph
Power/torque: 415bhp, 298 lb ft
What’s different? That there will be another new version of the Porsche 911 just around the corner has joined death and taxes as one the few things in life of which you can be completely sure. However, this latest GT3 is for hard-core Porsche nuts only. It takes the 3.6-litre engine from the standard Carrera and boosts its hardly feeble 325bhp output to 415bhp. The suspension is electronically adjustable so you can choose whether it should be firm or denture dislodging, there are racing seats and, of course a full body kit.
Why should I care? Unless you’re a 911 purist (spelt ‘bore’) you probably shouldn’t. A normal Carrera is one of the most wondrous road cars ever conceived and you’re going to need to be an unusually committed driver (or have regular track access) to reckon the considerably less comfortable GT3 is going to be worth the £11,680 premium asked even over the Carrera S model. Then again, if it’s the best driving Porsche you’re after then nothing, not even the still quicker and more expensive Turbo, will do. Until, of course, Porsche launches the even lighter, even quicker GT3 RS this autumn.
Consider also: Aston Martin Vantage (£82,800), Corvette Z06 (£59,895), Noble M400 (£55,995).
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What’s different? Three new six-cylinder engines are now available for the 3-series in saloon, coupé and Touring body styles. Despite all three engines having 3-litre capacities, BMW has given them all different numbers to reflect their position in the engine hierarchy. The 197bhp, diesel powered 325d majors on smoothness and economy, returning 44.1mpg on the combined cycle, yet it will still do 146mph. The 335d uses the same engine to rather different ends, squeezing a barely believable 286bhp to give a diesel car a sub 6sec 0-60mph time for the first time. The turbocharged petrol engine in the 335i is more powerful still, giving 306bhp in exchange for sub 30mpg fuel consumption.
Why should I care? The 330i petrol engine is very smooth and responsive while the 325d motor looks like a sensible blend of all round ability. But it’s the 335d that’s the real eye-catcher – were it’s top speed not limited to 155mph, this would be a 160mph plus diesel car. And it has more torque than a Lamborghini Gallardo...
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Consider also: Mercedes C-class (£21,985-£50,195), Audi A4 (£19,900-£59,625), Jaguar X-type (£19,990-£31,210).