September 23rd is a Monday, and it is also the Autumnal Equinox. It signals the end of Summer for most of the world, and it has a more significant meaning for everyone at the duPont REGISTRY. The 2020 Exotic Car Buyers Guide has been completed. This magazine is the culmination of late nights, fast cars, and investigative journalism. If you want information, we are the source. Don’t put your trust in Julian Assange or Edward Snowden, ever seen them behind the wheel?
Since 1985, we have been the leader of the exotic car world. That is why this guide is in addition to our monthly publications. My co-conspirators include Edward Jones & Amber Harrington, as we took turns writing these reviews. I can’t tell you what is inside, because a preview of reviews would spoil the mystery. We can, however, contemplate the cars on the cover. No, they are not aligned with the Pisces or Virgo, but it might be considered a treasure map.
If you have made it this far, we suppose you might want to know about 2020’s hottest cars. All it takes is a click of the button to get this one in the mail. It will be on newsstands and in bookstores next month, but these are literally hot off of the press. Inside you will find satire, onomatopoeia, statistics, and a sliver of a simulacrum. That’s all I can share about the pages, so let’s look at the cover itself.
Vanderhall Carmel GT
This year’s top spot goes to an American 3-wheeler from Provo, Utah. Each model is based on a patented chassis of aerospace alloy. A turbocharged four-cylinder offers 194 horsepower, and the six-speed automatic can be sequentially shifted. The front suspension uses pushrods to minimize un-spring weight, and the leather interior is crafted by hand. It is legal to drive in all 50 states, with fuel economy that will keep you smiling. Why didn’t Detroit think of this?
BRABUS 800 Limited Edition Shadow
Everyone knows that BRABUS means incredible power. What you might not realize is their team of engineers is just one part of the equation. Taking artistic license with the G36, the Shadow offers 800 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. It also includes the BRABUS WIDESTAR body, composed of the latest in carbon fiber technology. Aside from the obvious, the Shadow is also a showcase of old-world leatherworking. Every square inch of the interior is covered by the finest hides. From the floor, floor mats and even the roof, no fabric can be found.
Pininfarina Battista
Named for their founder, Pininfarina combines their evocative Italian style with the latest in EV technology. Working with Rimac, the 120 kWh battery powers an electric motor at each wheel. Combined, they offer 1,877 horsepower and 1,696 lb-ft of torque. Let that sink in…almost 10x the torque of a 2020 Toyota Camry. If you want something an order of magnitude more powerful than your cul de sac, it is coming soon!
DeTomaso P72
The next Italian on the cover signals the return of DeTomaso. Built by the same engineers behind the Apollo IE, it is a V12 and a manual transmission. Only 72 examples of the P72 will be built on a carbon fiber monocoque. The notion of a big, naturally aspirated engine and three pedals definitely caught our attention!
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
It is hard to believe the LaFerrari is 5 years old. Hybrid technology has advanced by almost a decade since development began. That is why Ferrari is ready to build their first series-production plug-in hybrid. A twin-turbo V8 along with a 7.9 kWh battery offers 986 horsepower and 542 lb-ft of torque. With 16 miles of electric range, the front wheels are powered by a pair of electric motors. Not only are they capable of torque vectoring, reverse gear was eliminated from the transmission. Backing up is handled by the front wheels, saving space and weight inside the gearbox.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
General Motors is taking on the world. The 2020 Corvette is the realization that front-engine cars have become overpowered. Zora Arkus-Duntov was Corvette’s Chief Engineer for three decades, and he pleaded with Chevrolet to build a mid-engine supercar. The LT2 V8 is a 6.2 liter with variable valve timing and direct injection. It is the first Stingray to arrive with dry-sump oiling and without a manual transmission. In launch mode, both sides of the dual-clutch transmission are engaged, allowing it to reach 60 mph in under 3 seconds.
Porsche Cayman GT4
Meanwhile, in Stuttgart, the Porsche 911 is transitioning from the 991 to the 992 chassis. This takes time, as there are nearly 40 different flavors of 911 on the menu. In order to keep the showrooms spicy, the Cayman has been treated to big power and style. The Cayman GT4 offers 414 horsepower, 309 lb-ft of torque, and a manual transmission. This all-new flat-six is just behind the cockpit, keeping this monster glued to the track.
Lotus Evija
Colin Chapman would be proud to see his company enter the world of electric hypercars. Working with Williams Advanced Engineering, Evija’s four electric motors are powered by a 70 kWh battery. Magnesium and carbon fiber are onboard to save weight and to reach 186 mph in less than 9 seconds. The name is a translation of “Eve”, so this could be the mother of a new breed of English performance.