Secret performance cars of 2006 - Also expected in UK showrooms

What? Mitsubishi Evo X When? Early 2007 How much? tbc
For the 10th generation of its rally-bred saloon car, Mitsubishi’ designers started with a clean sheet of paper. The radically styled Evo X will use the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine found in the current car, but it has been tuned to generate over 300bhp, and the car will incorporate new all-wheel-drive technology for blistering performance.

What? Lotus Europa When? Summer 2006 How much? £33,000 (est)
The Europa is a grand tourer based on the Elise, which is designed to be more comfortable and refined than the spartan roadster. Few details have been released, but it is likely to cost around £40,000 and be powered by a 200bhp turbocharged engine. Lotus is also developing a new top-of-the-range supercar, likely to be called the Esprit, due in two years’ time.

What? Audi R8 When? late 2006 How much?£60,000 (est)
The first supercar from Audi promises to be spectacular. Aimed squarely at the Porsche 911, the R9 will use the company’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and may offer the 4.2-litre V8 from the RS4. Audi wants the car to appeal to driving enthusiasts but still offer reasonable levels of practicality.

What? Noble M14 When? March 2006 How much? £75,000 (est)
Noble continues its assault on the supercar establishment with this 430bhp two-seater, capable of 0-60mph in under four seconds and a top speed of 200mph. The lightweight sports car uses a 3.0-litre V6 engine to achieve this staggering performance – although the £75,000 price tag is not so lightweight.

What? Ferrari California When? 2007 How much? £85,000 (est)
How does a new Ferrari for £85,000 sound? The Italian firm has been working on a rival for the new Aston V8 and Porsche 911. Rumoured to be called the California, this new entry point to the Ferrari range will be powered by a 400bhp 4.2-litre V8 and will be available in both coupe and convertible bodystyles.


See the February 2006 issue of What Car? magazine for a free 100 Secret Cars of 2006 and Beyond supplement.