Motoring

Hagerty’s hot list in 2017 explores classic cars of tomorrow from the Alfa Romeo to the Audi

According to Hargerty, Ii you’ve got a 2017 Ford Raptor or the latest Porsche Boxster you could be driving a future classic. Delve into this list of the top ten possible future collectible cars.

Feb 18, 2017 | By AFP Relaxnews

The classic car insurance and valuation firm Hagerty has published its annual “Hot List” of future collectible cars. Those lucky enough to make the cut fulfil two requirements: they cost less than $100,000 and have been produced for the 2017 model year.

The list below is eclectic, containing Italian, German, American and Japanese cars of both the sporting and utilitarian variety. Yet, all have something out of the ordinary to offer to the table. “All ten have that ‘it’ factor that makes them stand out from the crowd,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “In some cases, it’s power, in some cases it’s innovation or drivability, but all of them have the qualities that define a future classic.”

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

The Alfa Romeo is the car that the once great Italian manufacturer sees as its chance to reassert itself in Europe and the US. Boasting a glorious turbocharged V6 that outputs 505hp and high levels of performance, it will come as a surprise even to those that habitually buy ‘hot’ BMWs or Mercedes. However, at $72,000 it’s also the most expensive car in this year’s list.

Audi TT-RS

This is the version of Audi’s diminutive coupé that offers performance on a par with its looks. It keeps the five-cylinder engine that has been a constant since the original car rolled out in 1998 but adds a splash of power. With its prodigious turbocharging, the car goes from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Chevrolet’s ZL1 is the most powerful Camaro yet. Having the ability to dispatch the 0-60 mph run in 3.5 seconds, this particular muscle car delivers in terms of usability, styling, comfort and simply rarity. With a starting price of $63,435, its certainly in the running for collectibility.

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Billed by its makers as being in a class all by itself, this is a pickup that really can head off the reservation. Thanks to shortened overhangs, unique shock absorber and chassis setup, the ZR2 is in a class of its own. However, Hagerty points out that its future collectability will be down to initial production numbers, the fewer, the better.

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

With a stellar performance of 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and an 11.8 second quarter mile time, the Grand Sport has one foot in the race towards collectibility. A lowered hoodline, a 6.2-liter V8 and a dry sump for cornering on the red line, this special edition Corvette already has a lot going for it. Add the fact that it’s been styled to doff its cap to classic Corvettes of the 60S, this car screams “collectable.”

Fiat 124 Spider Abarth

Based on the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the standard Fiat Spider ups the creature comforts but struggles to keep up with its Japanese twin in terms of poise and handling. However, the Abarth version has no such problem thanks to a tweaked engine and exhaust system.

Ford Raptor

When it launched in 2009, it defined a new pickup sub-segment. This second generation Raptor is Ford’s best yet — faster, more powerful, more able and yet lighter. What’s more its racing pedigree is continuing to grow. With the first generation Raptor gaining headwinds as a collector’s item, this new and improved version is sure to do the same.

Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

For 2017, Mazda has added a sliding hard top to its roadster. With a flick of a switch,  the MX-5 turns into a Targa complete with flying buttress rear quarter details. The suspension is also more supple to compensate for the 40kg of added weight. What’s more, the roof also turns it from a summer car to a year-round sportscar.

Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster

The latest iteration of the German company’s entry level hard top and soft top sports cars are the first with four- rather than six-cylinder engines. Porsche’s 718 Cayman and Boxster are also the most powerful yet and are even more balanced and poised in the bends. However, one has to acknowledge that these affordable $50,000 sports cars have yet to reach the same stellar pedigree of their cousin the 911.

Toyota GT 86

One of the best driver’s cars at any price, the Toyota is a steal at $26,255. Rather than mess with a winning formula for 2017, the company has simply accentuated the car’s best points even further by tightening up the suspension and ensuring it’s still offered with a manual transmission.


 
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