2010 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Image Source: CoconutPhotography / GTSpirit

Want a vehicle that can burn rubber and lose traction at every turn? The C63, known by car enthusiasts all around the globe, does just that. And that’s not all –Mercedes-Benz has combined intricate styling and menacing power to artfully create a flawless gestalt.

Powered by a massive 6.3 litre V8 engine engineered by AMG, the C63 rumbles out 450 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 600 N-m of torque at 5000 rpm. That’s 0-100 in just 4.3 seconds and it tops off at 250km/h, a mighty feat considering the C63 is an everyday family sedan. Needless to say, this particular AMG engine with over 65,000 built is actually the most popular yet.

Moving on to the exterior – a Carlsson style front lip is easily distinguishable at the anterior while the bonnets are both decked out in Carbon Fibre, thus sporting an unconventional look from the usual C63s. The Star Marque, hood scoops and bumper all contribute to its aggressive manner. At the rear, neat Carbon Fibre styling graces the diffuser, roof spoiler and the three-piece ducklip spoiler. And just like having a personal thunderstorm, the four large AMG-badged pipes produce one of the most throaty exhaust notes on the planet – something you will never get tired of.

Interior-wise at first glance, what you will notice is a rather simple, yet driver-focused cockpit with superbly stitched leather and a high-impact Harman/Kardon sound system. Granted, Mercedes-Benz produce outstanding interiors and the C63 is no exception. The materials employed strike a fair balance between functionality and first-class quality.

My personal experiences with the C63 have been very smooth. Despite its tedious fuel consumption, it serves very well as an everyday car – armed with the practicality of a four-door family sedan and the added performance of a supercar, what more could you ask for?

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia

Image Source: TwangPhotography / CoconutPhotography / DrivingEmotions

As if Ferrari's previous designs of the F430 and 360 Modena were not stunning enough, they have managed to recreate a magnificent modern day description of a supercar, or what we know as, the Ferrari 458 Italia.
The 458 Italia's curvaceous body has drawn inspiration from the limited production Ferrari Enzo while keeping the wide track and aggressively styled front - Traditional Ferrari Styling.

 The 458 Italia is powered by a 4.5 litre V8, with an output of 562 horsepower at 9000 rpm, and 540 N-m of torque at 6000 rpm. A dual-clutch 7-speed gearbox is mated to the impressive power plant, propelling the car from nought to a hundred in 3.3 seconds with a top speed of 325km/h.

Exclusive to the 458 styling of the front fascia, the two winglets have been designed to lower at high speed in order to reduce drag and increase downforce. Moreover, the futuristic streamline headlights comprise of a bi-xenon main light, and a strip of 20 high intensity LEDs, which serve as Daytime Running Lights. Extensive wind tunnel development has helped to design the aerodynamics of the 458. The two integrated air intakes above above the tail is vital for the channelling of air to cool the engine. As with most of Ferrari's models, the car retains a flat undercarriage, so that the wind is channelled to the rear diffuser effortlessly. Mirroring ideas from the legendary F40, the triple exhaust cluster, featuring bi-modal valves, allows the driver to experience the growl from the potent V8 engine at higher rpms.

Quality hand-stitched Italian leather is fitted throughout the cockpit, with aluminium and carbon fibre accents. And if that's not impressive enough, the heavily bolstered F1-styled steering wheel features all of one's essential driving necessity. The gestalt also features an electronic shifting light to inform one of when to upshift, mounted on the top of the wheel. Carried over from it's predecessor, the Manettino dial allows for various setting to change the way the vehicle drives.

The 458 is Ferrari's modern and most common supercar around. It's greatest competitor is the McLaren MP4-12C, which costs around the same and some of its specifications may even be superior to the 458. The Ferrari 458, however, excels in every way - whether it be handling, comfort or performance.

2010 Nissan GT-R

Image Source: TwangPhotography

Nissan's newest addition to their mighty GT-R racing history is none other than the phenomenal R35 GT-R . Despite the minority disliking it, as minimal skill is required since the mighty computer is doing all the work, there is always a handful of enthusiasts raving about it.

Not forgetting the fact that this GT-R has a twin-turbo 3.8 litre V6, this monster also produces 530 brake horsepower and 612 N-m of torque from 3200 to 6000 rpm. The GT-R is proven to be capable of accomplishing 0 to 100km/h in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds using "Launch Control". Moreover, Nissan has claimed that the GT-R will reach a top speed of 311km/h - a truly incredible feat.

Particularly, Nissan has executed a faultless job with the cosmetics. The front features a large air intake with the traditional "GTR" badge plastered on, while the hood boasts of two miniature air vents - both allowing the escape of excess heat. On top of that, the rear carries on its iconic four tail-lights (as shown on previous Skyline GTR models) but this time, with the twin exhaust on each side - enhancing the aggressive-looking stance of the car.

Upon first peek at the GT-R's interior, there is a lack of luxe material one would usually observe in an Aston Martin or Bentley. As if making up for it, the GT-R has an LCD screen that not only controls every function of the car, but it also provides the user with technical information. Keeping in mind that the steering wheel, upholstery, console and the dashboard will only be of fairly basic detail; the price is ultimately paid for performance.

In my opinion, I am not too fond of the Nissan badge, although the engineering of the GT-R is surprisingly notable in today's competitive array of super-cars.