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The 2018 Auto Expo did showcase a handful of performance cars, and in fact, some were even launched. Here are the top five performance vehicles we’ve picked from the biennial event this year.
1. BMW M5
First unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the latest-generation BMW M5 (F90) was launched at the Auto Expo at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.43 crores. This super sedan is claimed to be the quickest of all M cars and comes powered by the most advanced version of the 4.4-litre V8 petrol mill. This engine features M TwinPower Turbo technology with a power output of 591bhp and 750Nm of peak torque. The major change in the M5, however, and the biggest highlight is the integration of all-wheel-drive, which is also the first for an M model.
2. Kia Stinger GT
The Stinger GT is Kia's halo model and though it won't be launched in India anytime soon, it grabbed a lot of attention at the carmaker's stall at the expo. Apart from its alluring looks, it’s known for its performance of clocking the 0-100kmph sprint in just 4.7 seconds. It comes powered by a 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine producing 365bhp of power.
3. Mercedes-AMG GT-R
The Mercedes-AMG GT-R was first unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and then launched in India last year. This ‘Beast of the Green Hell’ made headlines for being the fastest production car ever to have lapped the Buddh International Circuit, which is India's first and only Formula One race track. The AMG GT-R is capable of achieving speeds up to 318kmph and is quick enough to do the 0-100kmph sprint in just 3.6 seconds. It comes powered by a twin turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that churns out 577bhp and 700Nm of torque, and comes mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
4. Mini Cooper S JCW Pro Edition
BMW India has already launched the Mini Cooper S JCW earlier, which also made its appearance at the Auto Expo this year. This car showcases the best of what Mini has to offer. With an athletic visual appeal, the sporty hatchback gets a power packed performance to offer maximum driving pleasure, whether on the road or on the track. It sprinted from 0-100kmph in just 6.41 seconds in our road test.
5. Tata's JTP performance cars
Tata Motors showcased new JTP performance editions of its popular Tiago hatchback and Tigor compact sedan at the Expo. Both these versions get cosmetic enhancements by Jayem Tata Performance (JTP), but more importantly, mechanical upgrades with a more powerful 110PS engine. Yes, this is the 1.2-litre turbocharged 'Revotron' petrol engine from the Nexon SUV, which produces 110bhp of power and 150Nm of torque. Apart from this motor that delivers significantly higher power output as against the standard versions of the cars, these JTP versions also get performance-oriented intake and exhaust systems.
