‘The Gallery’ Event Showcases High-End Cars at 2014 Detroit Show | Motortrend.com (2014-01-16)
The first official event of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, The Gallery is a special invitation-only event that showcases some of the best high-end luxury and performance cars. Unlike a typical car show, attendees are allowed full access to these automobiles, getting the chance to sit behind the wheel of a Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin and more.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S: Aston Martin stuffed a 565-hp 5.9-liter V-12 into its smallest car to create the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S. The automaker claims the V12 Vantage S is the second fastest car in its history behind the seven-figure One-77 supercar. Large carbon ceramic brakes stop the car with authority, though the automated single-clutch transmission offers questionable performance.
Aston Martin Vanquish Volante: With a 5.9-liter V-12 producing 565 hp, the Vanquish Volante offers an irresistible combination of looks and performance. Its long list of performance goodies includes Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes and a Positive Torque Control system.
Bentley Continental GTC: This convertible Bentley is large, luxurious and puts down some impressive stats. For starters, its 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12 engine makes 616 hp and Bentley says the Continental GTC will run from 0-60 mph in about four seconds, despite its curb weight of well over 5000 pounds.
Bentley Flying Spur: A 5644-pound sedan
that does 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds? Say hello to the 616-hp Bentley Flying Spur. Under the long hood sits a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that routes power to all four wheels.
Bentley Mulsanne: The Mulsanne is one of the most expensive and special luxury cars available on the market. Even more astonishing is its ability to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under five seconds, despite its curb weight that approaches 6000 pounds.
Falcon F7: Built in Detroit, the mid-engine rear-drive Falcon F7 is powered by a modified 620-hp 7.0-liter LS7 V-8 from the last generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06. With a body and monocoque chassis constructed of aluminum, carbon fiber, and Kevlar, the Falcon F7 weighs a mere 2850 pounds giving it a power-to-weight ratio of just under 4.6 pounds per horsepower.
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: At a tick over two tons (4003 pounds), the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is no lightweight, but it makes up for it with a 731-hp 6.3-liter V-12 mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. In our testing, the F12 Berlinetta reached 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
Ferrari 458 Spider: Widely called one of the best-driving cars ever produced, the Ferrari 458 Spider features a mid-mounted 4.5-liter V-8 producing an impressive 557 hp. And thanks to its low-slung body, the 458 Spider will easily turn heads on the street.
Jaguar XFR: Sporting a 510-hp supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 and eight-speed automatic transmission, the Jaguar XFR sedan is one ferocious kitty. While the standard XFR is limited to 155 mph, an optional Speed Pack (suspension and aerodynamic enhancements) raises the limiter to 174 mph. Fast cat indeed.
Lamborghini Aventador Roadster: Boasting a 6.5-liter V-12 making close to 700 hp, the Aventador Roadster is one special and fast supercar. Its body consists of composite materials and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox ensures quick and smooth shifts.
Lamborghini Gallardo: The Gallardo has been a very successful car for Lamborghini thanks to its menacing and attractive body and powerful V-10 engine. Look for its successor, the Huracan, to arrive sometime in 2014.
Lingenfelter Corvette: The tuners over at Lingenfelter are not shy when it comes to modifying vehicles, new and old. That said, the Lingenfelter Corvette they’ve created combines a powerful and impressive powertrain and a classic ‘Vette bodystyle.
Maserati Ghibli: The Ghibli is the newest addition to the Maserati family. With a number of engine choices and four-door practicality, the Ghibli fits in nicely between the two-door GranTurismo and the Quattroporte flagship sedan.
Maserati GranTurismo: This Italian coupe gets its sweet-sounding V-8 from Ferrari. Not only is the GranTurismo fast, but it’s also a suitable grand tourer, perfect for road trips.
McLaren 12C Spider: The McLaren 12C Spider is the open-roof version of the 12C coupe, allowing the driver to work on his tan and track skills. Perhaps more impressive than its butterfly-style doors is its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8, which produces an astonishing 616 hp.
Porsche 911: The Porsche 911 is one of the most iconic sports cars on the road today, which hasn’t strayed from its rear-engine formula since its introduction decades ago. The current iteration includes a number of variants like the Targa roof body style.
Porsche Cayman S: With its mid-mounted flat-six engine, the Cayman S offers a rewarding driving experience. Its combination of balance, power, and handling is difficult to match.
Rolls-Royce Wraith: The Wraith is a new model from Rolls-Royce with many distinctive features including its suicide-style doors. The Wraith also showcases top-notch craftsmanship with premium leather and high-quality accents.
SRT Viper TA: This special Viper is built specifically to conquer the track. In addition to its 640-hp 8.4-liter V-10 engine, the Viper TA sports high-performance wheels and suspension bits.
