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2009 Hot cars

Models to get your pulse racing in the new year.

December 2008

Performance car fans rejoice! 2009 is set to be a huge year for high power cars. From Jaguar's 500bhp plus XFR to Mitsubishi's thrilling FQ400 the new year promises to deliver a range of fast cars we are sure to be talking about for years to come.

And as if that weren't enough, don't forget about the Porsche 911 rivalling Nissan GT-R and the all new Volkswagen Golkf GTI. Both car's promise to set a new performance benchmark when they hit the road next spring.
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Jaguar XFR   Mitsubishi Evo X FQ-400   Abarth 500   Porsche Cayman
1. Jaguar XFR

A supercharged 5.0-litre V8 is set to turn the XF into a rival to the BMW M5. Jaguar will also fettle the suspension and add big brakes to keep the power in check.

Buy it: December 2009



  
2. Mitsubishi Evo X FQ-400

Evo owners are always trying to get more power out of their cars, so they’ll be desperate to try this: the FQ-400. Only 100 examples of the super-saloon are being made – and it will be available only in the UK. The performance comes at a price, though: you can expect to pay nearly £50,000.

Buy it: March 2009



  
3. Abarth 500

Fiat is turning its cute 500 into a snarling beast. How? Well, it’s giving it the Abarth treatment – which means that this hot 500 is a thrill-making machine that will raise a smile for anyone lucky enough to get behind the wheel. If that’s not enough, you can always upgrade to the bonkers 160bhp essesse version, which adds £3,500 to the £13,500 price of the standard Abarth 500.

Buy it: February 2009



  
4. Porsche Cayman

While it’s barely changed visually, the fresh Cayman gets two all-new engines: a 2.9-litre producing 265bhp for the ‘standard’ car and a 320bhp 3.4-litre for the S.

Buy it: March 2009
 
Audi TT RS   VW Golf MkVI GTI   SEAT Ibiza Cupra   Nissan GT-R
5. Audi TT RS

At last, the Quattro is back! The hottest TT gets a turbo and supercharged five-cylinder engine which gives it a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds. It’ll have the looks to back up its pace, too.

Buy it: June 2009



  
6. VW Golf MkVI GTI

If there’s a car that gets enthusiasts hot under the collar, it’s the Golf GTI. And the MkVI promises to be the best yet. Prices for the flagship will startf from £21,500.

Buy it: September 2009



  
7. SEAT Ibiza Cupra

The hot Cupra supermini arrives in January with a 176bhp 1.4 TSI turbo and supercharged engine and a seven-speed twin-clutch box. Expect a price of around £14,500.

Buy it: January 2009



  
8. Nissan GT-R

Japan’s best sports car is here in March. A raft of hi-tech kit helps to propel it from 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, and a price tag of £57,000, means it’s the budget supercar to beat.

Buy it: March 2009
 
Nissan 370Z   Renault Megane Coupe   Ford Focus RS   Lotus Evora
9. Nissan 370Z

Replacement for the 350Z gets a bigger V6, so the 0-60mph sprint takes 5.4 seconds and overtaking is quick and easy. A throaty new exhaust makes it sound great, too.

Buy it: April 2009



  
10. Renault Megane Coupe

Flair is back in fashion at Renault – just take a look at the Mégane Coupé. The striking three-door is sure to be a hit with style-conscious buyers. Six engines will be available at launch – three petrol and three diesels. And prices start from only £14,745.

Buy it: January 2009



  
11. Ford Focus RS

Say hello to the latest in a long line of fast Fords. The Focus RS is one of the most eagerly awaited models of 2009 – and if the looks are anything to go by, it won’t disappoint. Under the skin the RS really comes to life though. The 2.5-litre turbo engine produces 296bhp, with prices starting from £24,995.

Buy it: March 2009



  
12. Lotus Evora

This mid-engined GT coupé is a stunning-looking car. The 3.5-litre V6 is sourced from Toyota and generates a fairly modest 276bhp, but we expect 0-62mph to come up in less than five seconds. Emissions are low and the Evora will return more than 30mpg on the combined cycle. Prices start from £45,000.

Buy it: May 2009
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