A couple of cars that were on the original list have dropped out. Lamborghini is unable to supply a Huracán Tecnica, which is a shame, but then a Huracán figured prominently in last year's contest, the STO finishing second behind the truly remarkable M5 CS.
The other absentee, and the one car we're truly sorry not to have for this eCoty, is the Lotus Emira, but then we're not alone in our frustration here. Delays in getting cars to customers have been well-documented. Still, there's always next year (which may well be the latest communication from Lotus's customer service department too).
Fortunately, we have two excellent substitutes in the shape of the Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD and Mercedes-AMG SL55. The R8 has long been an evo favourite and the latest V10 RWD is right up our B-road. The SL is more of a wild card, in that none of us have driven it until now, but given AMG's track record and the fact the new SL is entirely AMG's own creation, we reckon it's well worth a punt.
A number of eCoty team regulars are also missing in action. Henry Catchpole has a long-standing filming commitment, while Adam Towler has been laid low and John Barker is recuperating after finding himself pedalling his mountain bike in mid-air after taking a wrong turn and launching off a 10ft vertical drop. The forest floor eventually broke his fall (along with an impressive number of bones). Happily both Adam and JB are recovering well; no word on Henry, but he's such a luvvie these days that he's sure to be fine.
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BEST BUYS BMW M CARS
THE PERFORMANCE CAR LANDSCAPE WOULD HAVE looked very different over the last five decades without BMW. Its M division, founded in 1972, has produced some of the best driver’s cars ever to hit the road, and in the process has provided a stream of benchmark models for its rivals to chase. In recent years, stricter emissions regulations, downsizing and electrification have seen some of those rival cars falter, yet by and large BMW’s M machines have remained strong. In fact, some rank among the greatest the department has made think of the eCoty-winning M2 CS and M5 CS while others are the only options worth recommending in their respective segments. Price tags have risen with performance, however, putting those latest offerings out of reach for many, but the marque’s popularity means there are numerous earlier M models available on the second-hand market for far more attainable figures. Here are four of our favourites.
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F1, P1... and now W1. The next chapter in McLaren's Ultimate Series is the British firm's challenger to the forthcoming new Ferrari hypercar and a £2million, 1257bhp, hybrid-powered, technical tour de force
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One man’s dream to build the perfect Porsche 911 has resulted inthis aaticMously restored and enhanced classic. We delve into the details and take it for a drive
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The new Continental GT is the most powerful Bentley ever, and the beginning of anew plug-in hybrid era for Crewe. But is it still a benchmark grand tourer?
