2017: Performance Cars To Look Out For!

2016 sure was packed with a lot of high octane, adrenaline pumping automobiles. And, on the face of it, 2017 promises to be just as good. For all the performance car junkies out there, here's what you can expect in the coming year.

Audi 

S5

Audi recently showcased the latest avatar of its sport-spec Sportback – the S5. Backed by sharper looks, bumped up power and some weight-shedding compared to the outgoing model, the new S5 Sportback is bound to replace the current generation in India. 

Spec Check: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 | 354PS / 500Nm | 0-100kmph: 4.7 seconds

SQ7

Who would've thought a big diesel would be featured on this list? The world's most powerful diesel SUV definitely earns its spot here, courtesy its mega performance. Based on the same platform as the regular Q7, the SQ7 gets a few brushed silver accents, bigger wheels and enough torque to spin the earth the other way round. 

Spec Check: 4.0-litre biturbo V8 | 435PS / 900Nm | 0-100kmph: 4.8 seconds

TT RS

The standard TT coupe is a lot of fun by itself, courtesy its compact proportions and a punchy turbo-petrol motor. The boffins at Audi's RS division clearly weren't content with that recipe. The result is the TT RS which is as quick as the original R8 V10 in the dash to 100kmph. With the added RS goodies (read: aggressive bumpers, carbon inlays for the interior and a fixed spoiler), the TT looks dressed to kill too!

Spec Check: 2.5-litre in-line five | 400PS / 480Nm | 0-100kmph: 3.7 seconds

R8 V10 Spyder

The R8 V10 Plus Coupe ranks among the fastest cars we've ever driven. We belted one on an airstrip no less and came back grinning ear to ear. Audi is planning on widening that grin this time round, with the Spyder (aka convertible) version of its flagship supercar. While the topless version isn't available in the bonkers 'Plus' version, we think the 'standard' V10 is good enough for some hair-raising action. 

Spec Check: 5.2-litre V10 | 540PS / 540Nm | 0-100kmph: 3.6 seconds

Mercedes-AMG

CLA 45

Mercedes debuted the 2017 CLA a few weeks back. Naturally, the facelifted CLA 45 will be on the cards for next year. The AMG carries over the updates made to the standard CLA, that includes a pair of new LED headlamps and tail lamps, and a few aerodynamic tweaks as well. 

Spec Check: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four | 381PS / 475Nm | 0-100kmph: 4.2 seconds

E 43

The bridge between the sober office-going E-Class and the mental E63, the E43 combines everyday usability with some track-lapping ability. With the new E-Class due early next year, it is only a matter of time before the hotter E43 finds itself in Mercedes-Benz's India line-up. 

Spec Check: 3.0-litre biturbo V6 | 401PS / 520Nm | 0-100kmph: 4.6 seconds

E 63 S 

The most powerful E-Class is on the cards as well, in all its power sliding glory. The top-of-the-food-chain E 63, with its flared wheel arches, angrier styling and the sonorous V8 rumble will lock horns with the BMW M5. 

Spec Check: 4.0-litre biturbo V8 | 612PS / 850Nm | 0-100kmph: 3.4 seconds 

GT C 

The topless version of Mercedes-AMG's supercar, the GT is expected to go on sale in 2017 as well. The GT C is based on the beefed-up version of the coupe (called the GT S), and made its first public appearance earlier this year at the Paris Motor Show. We wouldn't mind a fire-breathing AMG GT-R either, just in case anyone at AMG is listening. 

Spec Check: 4.0-litre bitubro V8 | 557PS / 680Nm | 0-100kmph: 3.7 seconds

Volvo

S60 Polestar

At the sober end of things is Volvo's hot S60 – the Polestar. Once here, it will take on the new Mercedes-AMG C 43, along with the Audi S5 Sportback. Just like its rivals, it combines the everyday usability of a plush sedan, with the thrill of a powerful motor and a sporty ride. 

Spec Check: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four | 367PS / 470Nm | 0-100kmph: 4.7 seconds

BMW 

M2  

The youngest member of the M family is touted to make its India debut in 2017. The replacement for the lovable BMW 1M will be the most affordable M car to be put on sale in India. The tiny dimensions, components from bigger M cars, and the punchy six-cylinder motor is sure to make it a hoot and a half! 

Spec Check: 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six | 370PS / 480Nm | 0-100kmph: 4.5 seconds

Porsche 

718 Cayman

The mid-life facelift of Porsche's ‘entry level’ sportscar was on cue for a 2016 launch. While that hasn't happened just as yet, we expect Porsche to launch the two-door pocket rocket in early 2017. The biggest talking point here is the new flat-four motor, which Porsche claims to be better than the outgoing flat-six.

Spec Check: 2.0-litre flat-four | 300PS / 380Nm | 0-100kmph: 5.1 seconds

718 Boxster

The Cayman's topless cousin, the Boxster is likely to join the coupe on Porsche showroom floors as well. It incorporates the same new flat-four motor, and the same set of updates that include a revised exterior design and a sportier set-up of the chassis. 

Spec Check: 2.0-litre flat-four | 300PS / 380Nm | 0-100kmph: 5.1 seconds

Lamborghini 

Aventador S 

The updated iteration of the Bolognese bull god is en route to India. Called the 'Aventador S', the flagship Lamborghini gets more power, four-wheel steering and styling tweaks to keep it in tune with the times. We expect the V12-equipped maniac to hit Indian streets as early as April 2017.

Spec Check: 6.5-litre V12 | 740PS / 690Nm | 0-100kmph: 2.9 seconds

Ferrari 

GTC4Lusso 

Ferrari's replacement for the FF, the GTC4Lusso will join the likes of the Ferrari California T and the Ferrari 488GTB in India. The Italian supercar maker recently debuted the V8 version of the 2+2 supercar, which we reckon will be on offer as well. 

Spec Check: 6.2-litre V12 | 690PS / 700Nm | 0-100kmph: 3.4 seconds

Like we said, 2017 promises a lot of exotic machinery, a lot of horsepower and a lot of glorious exhaust notes. We wouldn't mind one bit if more cars got added to the list!