Last, but by no means least, in our week-long look back on 2023 comes the stuff of dreams – supercars.
Obviously these cars are only for the lucky few, but we hope that by reviewing them we give you a taste of what life in this upper stratosphere of motoring feels like. This year we were lucky enough to drive some very special machines from some of the world’s most evocative car makers.
Here are the ones that stood out. Remember to tell us your favourites in the comments section below or on social media.
Ferrari 296 GTB
To be honest there were some pretty large concerns before I drove this new Ferrari. Why? Because this is the brand’s future, a hybrid-powered supercar that will help define the next generation of the Italian brand.
We need not have worried. While undoubtedly a very different type of supercar than the F8 Tributo, 488 and 458 that preceded it, the 296 GTB is just as fast and dynamic as you’d expect from the Prancing Horse.
The combination of turbocharged V6 and electric motor makes for a powerful blend, while the handling remains as pin-sharp as ever. It may not have the screaming V8 soundtrack of its ancestors, but it does have the performance.
Read our Track Test review of the 296 GTB here and ride-along with David Russell in our video review here.
McLaren Artura
The British brand took the fight to Ferrari on and off the track in 2023. While the two companies duked it out in F1, on the road the 296 GTB was challenged by the all-new Artura.
This is McLaren’s direct response, taking a very similar technical form, with a turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain. While the Ferrari has the edge (610kW/740Nm v 500kW/720Nm) the Artura is hardly slow. In fact, it’s downright rapid, even if the fact it starts in ‘electric mode’ and therefore silence does take some getting used to.
What really impressed us was the handling, with the compact dimensions (at least by modern standards) the Artura felt more nimble and playful than many of its rivals, demonstrating McLaren’s commitment to go its own way and make cars that really stand out.
Click here to read our McLaren Artura review.
Porsche 718 GT4 RS
In a year when Porsche released the latest generation 911 GT3 RS it’s hard to fathom that the company can produce a second car that feels equally special on track. The 718 may be the 911’s baby brother and the GT4 RS isn’t quite as extreme or powerful as the GT3 RS, but this is one special car.
The Cayman has always been an under-rated sports car, living in the shadow of the 911, but the GT4 RS treatment really allows it to shine. Taking full advantage of its mid-engine layout, the GT4 RS felt incredibly dynamic, agile and responsive when we put it through its paces at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The scream of the 4.0-litre flat-six, the serious aero package and the purposeful cabin ensure this feels perfectly at home on a racetrack.
Read our Track Test of the Porsche 718 GT4 RS review here.
McLaren 765LT
While not quite as new as the Artura, the 765LT represents the brand’s ultimate pursuit of performance, which unsurprisingly makes it an incredible car to drive on the track.
As we mentioned in our review, this McLaren is so good that Lando Norris has decided to park one in his personal garage. It’s easy to understand why, with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, active aerodynamic package and McLaren’s clever Proactive Chassis Control suspension system, the 765LT is a dream to drive.
While the brand is still establishing itself alongside the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini in the supercar pecking order cars like the 765LT are helping to change that.
Read our Track Test and check out David Russell’s video review.
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