Current Models

Ferrari

Ferrari continues to compete in Formula One though with much less success than the early 2000s. The road car business, however, continues to succeed with new models, variants, and millions of adoring fans. At present, Ferrari has four core models: The 812 Superfast, GTC4 Lusso, 488 GTB, and Portofino.

Replacing the unattractive California in 2018, the Portofino is a front-engine, rear-drive drop-top with improved looks. Though Ferrari’s entry-level model, the $215,000 hard-top convertible packs 591 horsepower from a twin-turbo V8 and rockets to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.

A step up from the two-by-two Portofino is Ferrari’s 458 successor, the 488 GTB. Though wielding the same engine as the Portofino, the GTB produces 661hp and uses its mid-engine setup to corner with incredible precision. A lighter, more powerful 488 Pista version is currently on sale with 710hp and zero mercy.

Ferrari’s Top Car: 812 Superfast

If your Ferrari needs at least an ounce of versatility, consider the GTC4 Lusso. Available in V8 and V12 versions, the GTC is 680hp of shooting brake sexiness. The replacement for the FF is intended for high-speed cruiser more than setting fast lap times, as is evidenced by its luxurious interior and heftier proportions.

Ruling the Ferrari lineup in power and panache is the 812 Superfast. A 6.5-liter V12 supplies 789 horsepower to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. From a dig, the Superfast will hit 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and top out at 211 mph. On top of its power, the 812 is a seriously pretty car with all the right curves and edges.

Lamborghini

As a tenured member of the Volkswagen Group (owners of Audi, Porsche, Bentley, and others), Lamborghini is selling more cars than ever before. At present, there are only three series production models (and several variants of each): the Urus, the Huracan, and the Aventador.

The Huracan succeeded the Gallardo in 2014 and continues to boast a naturally aspirated V10 motor. A refreshed version of the car was announced this year with fresh bodywork, improved interior technology, and an uprated engine. Now making the same 631 horses and 443 lb-ft of torque and the track-primed Huracan Performante, the Huracan Evo is big gun indeed. While the Evo makes the same power as the Performante, it goes without its innovative aerodynamics system. In short, ALA (Aerodynamica Lamborghini Attiva) is a method of dictating how and when air passes through or around the car via active valves. This system can decide when more downforce or less drag is needed and can even simulate torque vectoring.

Lamborghini’s Top Car: Aventador SVJ

Since replacing the Murcielago in 2010, the Aventador has remained Lamborghini’s top-dog supercar. Now in its final model year before a successor is announced, the Aventador is more aggressive than ever. Specifically, the SVJ Jota version produces an insane 759hp and 531 lb-ft of torque from a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12. The Jota also has a more sophisticated version of the ALA system — and it looks wild.

The most recent addition to the Lambo fold is their second production SUV: the Urus. While following in the footsteps of the LM002, the Urus is far more refined. Engineered with space for four full-size adults and the versatility to handle a race track and a mountain pass in a single day, Lamborghini says the Urus is the world’s first super SUV.

What’s Coming Next

Ferrari

Like Lamborghini, Ferrari is embracing electrification for its next round of sports cars. Up to 60 percent of its vehicle range will be hybridized by 2020 and all models will gain electric help before 2025. Ferrari plans to expand its model range significantly, especially the grand touring (GT) category, but with increases in its model prices, it expects it will remain ultra-exclusive. The Italian automaker will also adopt semi-autonomous driving technologies but claims it will retain the pleasure of driving.

As for specific models, the most anticipated new Ferraris are a pair of limited-production cars known as the Monza SP1 and SP2. Both pillar-less, windshield-free supercars, the only real difference between them is their configuration. The SP1 has a single seat while the SP2 has room for a passenger. Instead of windshields, the cars use an air-channel that directs wind over the driver and passenger (SP2)’s heads. Both cars are powered by Ferrari’s naturally aspirated V12 engine and come with a tailored racing suit for the driver.

Lamborghini

Lamborghini has committed to retaining naturally aspirated and 12-cylinder engines for as long as it can, but to do so, it will need to embrace electric assistance. We already know the Aventador’s successor will feature some type of hybrid V12 and will weigh more than the current car. Even with extensive use of carbon fiber and its patented forged composites, the additional heft of electric motors and batteries will impact performance. The only answer (for now) will be to add power (oh darn).

To look a bit further into the future, consider the recently revealed Terzo Millennio. Fully electric, visually arresting, and featuring lightweight body panels that store energy like batteries, the Terzo is a brilliant vision of the future. Other highlights include in-wheel motors, damage-detecting build materials, and an electric sound that’s almost as appealing as an internal combustion engine.