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Lamborghini Aventador S has a new aerodynamic design, redeveloped suspension, increased power and new driving dynamics. Photo: Handout

Fast and stunning cars to debut in Hong Kong during Year of the Rooster

Big brands go the extra mile to launch the best vehicles in city

Hongkongers can look forward to lots of beautiful new cars in the Year of the Rooster, but feng shui practitioners warn drivers to be less cocksure on the road. Check geomancer Raymond Lo’s website to find out why “there will be more traffic accidents involving cars in 2017”. Like other online reports, it also advises Rabbit- and Rooster-year motorists to drive safely.

These two astrological signs might choose to read no further, as severable luxury marques are about to unveil new fasties. Lamborghini Hong Kong will launch the marque’s new top-of-the-range Aventador S. It has “new aerodynamic design, redeveloped suspension, increased power and new driving dynamics”, says the dealer’s spokesman, Jason Lau. The “S” promises 100km/h in 2.9 seconds, a top speed of 350 km/h, and will cost more than the HK$6.65 million Aventador Coupe.

Its innovations include four-wheel steering “that increases agility at low speeds and stability at high speeds”. Its new EGO driving mode also allows drivers “to customise the settings, powertrain, suspension, and steering”, Lau says. The Aventador S also has “four active magneto-rheological suspensions and an increase of 40hp to 740hp in its naturally-aspirated V12 engine”, he adds. The new front bumper increases downforce by 130 per cent, the dealer says.

Aston Martin DB11. Photo: Handout

Meanwhile, Aston Martin is launching the DB11 (from HK$3.58 million) here. It is the first car in the marque’s “Second Century” plan to launch seven new models in seven years, according to its Singapore-based regional spokesman, Dan Redpath. Launched in Geneva last year, the DB11 is the “most powerful production DB model ever” with a 600-horsepower, in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. This promises 700Nm of torque; 100km/h in under four seconds and a top speed of 320km/h via an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission.

Aston Martin will also introduce the “flagship” Vanquish S (from HK$4.188 million). Its six-litre V12 engine now produces 591hp, “thanks to a revised, freer-breathing intake system”, the marque says.

Porsche Panamera. Photo: Handout

Porsche Centre Hong Kong introduced the latest Panamera to the cross-border crowd last month. The four-door Gran Turismo is 34mm longer at 5.05 metres, and with new biturbo engines and transmissions for the 550hp, four-litre V8 Panamera Turbo (HK$2.732 million) and the 440hp, 2.9-litre V6 Panamera 4S (HK$1,893 million). The “rethought and realigned” four-litre Panamera Turbo has trapezoidal tailpipes and tonnes in 3.8 seconds and tops at 306km/h. The round-tailpiped 4S’s 4.4 seconds and 289km/h.

Ferrari GTC4Lusso T V8 Photo: Handout

Ferrari is previewing a new V12 in Maranello about now, and the model could be rushed here soon afterwards, especially as 2017 is Ferrari’s 70th anniversary. Look out too for the first deliveries of the V12 GTC4Lusso; the Hong Kong unveiling of the GTC4Lusso T V8 – and lots of platinum-celebration events later this year.

BMW Concessionaires (HK) will unveil the latest BMW 5 Series’ 520d, 530i and 540i xDrive models in the first quarter, according to its spokeswoman, Katherine Ng. The seventh-generation 5 Series has adaptive LED headlights, BMW Connected App, and is “the most innovative and connected business sedan”, she says.

“Its many intelligent functions are adopted from the BMW 7 Series, such as gesture control, wireless charging, voice command, and a display key.” Unfortunately, the remote parking function “is removed from the 5 Series in Hong Kong, [and for the] same reason as the 7 Series, due to government regulation”, Ng reveals.

Mini is due to launch the new Countryman in the first quarter. The restyled five-seater has new engines and gearboxes, from a 1.5-litre, 136hp basic Countryman to a two-litre, 192hp S version, and both with Mini’s all-wheel drive option, All 4. There is also a 224hp combined hybrid version with a 40km battery range. The new model’s greater space, shiftable rear seats and bigger rear door openings could steer some families from vans. Its 450-litre boot can be extended to 1,309 litres – 220 litres more than the previous model. The Countryman also offers touch-screen functions and satellite navigation, Bluetooth, emergency e-calls as standard.

Richburg Lotus already has an Elise Cup 250 and Elise Cup 1.6, from HK$498,000; an Evora 400 Matt Black Edition (HK$1.36 million) and a Super Light Version (HK$899,000). Parallel importers Richburg Motors will also offer Toyota’s latest hybrid multi-purpose vehicle this year.

Renault Kadjar. Photo: Handout

Renault dealer Wearnes Motors (HK) will introduce the Clio RS Trophy and GT Line facelifts this month and March/April respectively, says spokesman Kevin Kong. Renault’s 400km-range Zoe LR arrives in May, and is the “the longest driving range EV for the mass-market”, Kong adds. Look out too for the long-awaited Kadjar small crossover. Its five-star safety rating seems just right for star-crossed Rabbits and Roosters.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: cars that could make waves in year of the Rooster
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