By Kimatni D. Rawlins
Maserati, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce and Ferrari set the 20th century on fire with innovative designs and outrageous performance. These legendary automakers continue pioneering with their latest offerings.
2014 Ferrari LaFerrari
Positioned to become the core and future of Ferrari and a shining example of what the automaker is capable of in design, technology and aerodynamics, LaFerrari is the brand’s fastest road car in history and its first hybrid. Led by Flavio Manzoni, the design team instilled Ferrari F1 technology into the aerodynamic sculpting of the LaFerrari’s silhouette. The hybrid HY-KERS system combines the 800-horsepower Ferrari V12 engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission and a 120 KW electric motor that enables a top speed of over 217 mph, while it accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in under 3 seconds. Only 499 LaFerraris are planned, with customers set to receive them by the end of 2013. Over $1.3 million.
2014 Maserati Ghibli
Now that Maserati has made great strides in raising mainstream awareness in today’s world of luxury sports cars, they are welcoming Ghibli, a four-door executive sports sedan challenging Mercedes Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series. A reprise of the popular late 1960s Maserati coupe, the Ghibli (an Arabic word for a hot and dusty wind) is smaller and sportier than Maserati’s Quattroporte. The vehicle will be available with two turbocharged 3-liter V6 engines, an 8-speed automatic transmission and both rear-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive platform dubbed “Q4.” Also, the introduction of a V6 turbodiesel version will mark a first in Maserati history. Approximately $65,000.
2014 Jaguar F-Type
A replacement for the XK-E (E-Type) first introduced in the 1960s, Jaguar has high hopes for its all-new 2014 F-Type, which went on sale in the spring and comes in three choices: F-Type, F-Type S and the F-Type V8 S. Backed by a 5-liter supercharged V8 delivering 495 horsepower and going from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds plus a top speed of 186 mph, there’s a reason the F-Type V8 S tops the trio. To help attract the Porsche 911 and Boxster set, Jaguar has signed up San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who, similar to Jaguar’s mission, has put his team back on top. $69,000/$81,000/$92,000.
2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith
Originally conceived in 1938, the rebirth of the new Wraith, distinguished by its perfectly engineered features and technical contour, freshens the Rolls-Royce brand. Wraith extends its level of luxury, refinement and handcraftsmanship, while also maintaining its unique positioning defined by its power and style, to younger buyers. Purely driver-oriented, the sleek and vigorous Wraith, with its Ghost-based 6.6-liter V12 engine helping it reach 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, is the most powerful Rolls-Royce in the company’s history. Deliveries are expected to begin fall 2013. Over $300,000.
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