JAGUAR XKR SILVERSTONE

JAGUAR XKR SILVERSTONE

Jaguar introduced the all-new XK8 for the 1998 model year. It replaced the beautiful and iconic — though outdated — XJ-S. In comparison, the XK8 was a modern two-seat grand tourer, both in terms of looks and technology. XKR was the high-performance variant. It featured a beefed-up suspension, larger wheels and a supercharged V-8. Named after the famous British racing circuit, the Silverstone edition was created to honor the marque’s F1 racing heritage. The Silverstone edition added Brembo brakes, a selection of chassis reinforcements and massive 20-inch wheels. Only 100 of these cars where produced. All came decked-out in striking PlatinumSIL along with contrast-piped black leather upholstery. While the XKR’s sizable chassis made it too big and heavy to be a proper sports car, the 370 horsepower put out by its eight-cylinder engine made it fast enough.

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MCLAREN P1

MCLAREN P1

P1 is perhaps the closest competitor to the LaFerrari we mentioned before. Like its Italian rival,  P1 was developed by its respective company’s F1 engineering team. Also like LaFerrari, it is an outrageously powerful gas-electric hybrid. Its electric motor can be activated by the driver for an extra jolt of power, much the like the KERS system on a Formula 1 race car. Its huge rear wing – which adjusts dramatically depending on speed – evokes the Drag Reduction Systems (DRS) of an F1 racer. P1 was released for the 2014 model year at a starting price of approximately 1.6 million dollars.

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BMW E60 M5

BMW E60 M5

The fourth generation of BMW’s mid-size super-sedan, E60 M5 was produced from 2005 until 2010. For drivers looking for real F1-inspired technology in a luxurious but reasonable package,  E60 M5 remains the ideal choice. Beneath the car’s classy, understated exterior lies the fire-breathing heart of race car. The BMW’s 5.0-liter V-10 was developed using experience and expertise gained during the company’s tenure as engine for the Sauber and Williams F1 teams. The high-revving power plant featured eight individual throttle bodies – just like a Formula 1 engine of that era – a lightweight aluminum block and a two-stage engine mapping computer, which reduced power output and fuel usage when not needed.

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FERRARI LAFERRARI

FERRARI LAFERRARI

The oddly-named LaFerrari is the Italian marque’s latest and greatest flagship hyper car. It follows in the footsteps of such automotive icons as F40, F50 and – most recently – the Enzo. With a base price of well over 1.3 million dollars and a set production of just 500 units, it ranks among the most expensive and exclusive cars available. LaFerrari was developed using the technology and expertise of the company’s successful Formula 1 team. Its carbon fiber body uses the same construction techniques as Ferrari’s F1 cars. Its complex active aerodynamics system is also directly inspired by F1 technology. The LaFerrari’s supplementary electric drivetrain was directly adapted from the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) used in F1 cars beginning in 2009.  LaFerrari was introduced for the 2014 model year.

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ARIEL ATOM

ARIEL ATOM

If you want to get as close as possible to the experience of driving an F1 car on public roads, the Ariel Atom is the best choice. This  little vehicle certainly captures the look of a Formula 1 racer. Its open cockpit, exposed frame and exceedingly low-slung proportions will draw constant attention wherever you go. Thanks to a phenomenally low curb weight of just under 1,500 pounds and a selection of powerful engines – including a thundering 500-horsepower V-8 – it has the performance capabilities to back up its race-car looks.

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