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Big, fast and expensive

A clear evolution of the last Continental R coupe, the Bentley Brooklands pays homage to all Bentley coupes that have gone before it. The low roofline, combined with the classic mesh grille, coke bottle-shaped rear fenders and dual headlamps hint at past Bentleys while still appearing modern and distinctively un-retro.

The interior too, is classic Bentley with rich leather, chrome, wood, and aluminium, covering every surface. Brooklands buyers can choose from what Bentley describes as ‘an extensive range of hides, veneers, carpet tones and safety belt colours’. Bentley claims the Brooklands' cabin is wider than the old Continental R's both front and rear and every effort has been made to provide as much leg and headroom as possible. The five gauges on the dashboard just above the sloping centre console hint towards the Bentley's sporting nature.

Speed art
Porsche tuner TechArt has developed a souped-up 997 Turbo. The new TechArt GTstreet will boast 480 horsepower, good enough for scorching 3.2 second 0-62 mph and 10.9 second 0-124 mph runs according to TechArt, solidly placing it among the fastest production cars in the world. This tuner terror can reach 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds on its way to a top speed in the neighb-ourhood of 217 mph. To prevent the car from taking flight, Techart has fitted the GTstreet with an aggressive bodykit designed to increase downforce and reduce drag.

Lotus Seven from hell
Looking like a Lotus Seven from hell, the Donkervoort D8 GT is Audi powered with a choice of a 180,210, or 270 horsepower version of Audi's 1.8-litre, turbocharged four-banger. Based on Donkervoort's existing Nurburgring-shattering D8 model, the D8 GT has an all-new front and rear suspension. The vehicle's track has been widened front and rear, new highly-adjustable shocks have been developed, and the chassis is more rigid, thanks in no small part to its encapsulating carbon fibre bodywork. The result, Donkervoort claims, is a faster, stiffer, sharper, and safer D8.

Brabus power
The standard Smart ForTwo Brabus features a 98 horsepower three-cylinder engine that produces 103 lb-ft of torque, good for a sub-10 second run to 60 mph. Monoblock VI wheels are fitted along with a lower, firmer suspension, sports exhaust, fog lamps, and flared rear fenders. The exterior of the Brabus models is distinguished from regular ForTwos by wider arches and custom wheels, while the fancier Brabus Xclusive also sports a front spoiler and side skirts. Inside, the base model gets a number of Brabus-only trim pieces; the Xclusive also gets heated leather seats, a sports steering wheel, and leather trim throughout the cabin, along with side air bags.