We've all wondered what kind of car we'd buy if money was no object. So, out of all of the brand new vehicles currently on sale in Australia, what are the top 10 most expensive you could possibly buy? Here's the list in ascending order of recommended retail price (excluding on-road costs). Looking for something more reasonable? Here are our ten cheapest cars!
Bentley Mulsanne Speed: $569,522
When it comes to craftsmanship and utter attention to detail, Bentley has a reputation for being one of the finest car brands around. It has an 80-year-plus heritage behind it. Under the bonnet is the legendary 6.75-litre twin-turbo V8 developing 395kW and 1100Nm. Drawbacks? Options. Be prepared to fork out for options, most of which really should come standard with the car; a sunroof is $6435, and tinted windows are $3876. In fact, if you add up the price of all major options you end up spending well over $300,000 on options alone. Special satin paint sets you back $63,764, while a premium sound system is an eye-opening $39,039.
Ferrari GTC4Lusso: $578,000
It might be classed as a wagon and the first and only four-wheel drive Ferrari ever made, replacing the FF, the GTC4Lusso is still a Ferrari. Under the bonnet is an exciting 6.3-litre V12 engine capable of catapulting the wagon/SUV/coupe from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds. It comes with some very clever technology too, including an advanced all-wheel drive system that is able to instantly calculate power distribution for ultimate traction in all conditions.
Rolls-Royce Ghost: $595,000
The cheapest Rolls-Royce on the market. Cheap isn't really a word associated with Rolls’, yet stacked up against the range-topping, million-dollar Phantom, the $595,000 starting price seems petty. It's beautiful to look at and it is pamperingly luxurious to ride in. However, the main problem is its superior sibling. Could you imagine if a Phantom rolled up next to you in this at the lights? Not good for the ego. Fortunately, it's based on the BMW 7 Series, which means it drives a lot more enthusiastically than its blingier brother.
Ferrari 812 Superfast: $610,000
If it's power you want, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is the most powerful Ferrari on sale in Australia (LaFerrari not available locally). It uses a 6.5-litre V12 motor to generate a colossal 588kW. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is over in just 2.9 seconds, which means, technically, you could lose your licence in a car park if you tried. The 812 is rear-wheel drive too so you'll need just as much skill as money to get the most out of this car. You can forget using a coffee to wake you up in the morning. Driving this to work first thing would be like being pushed straight out of bed from a 10th story building and falling into an ice-cold swimming pool. Refreshingly ferocious.
Bentley Continental Supersports: $626,474
It was regarded as the fastest ever Bentley when it was first launched, with a 0-100km/h time of 3.5 seconds and a 336km/h top speed. This is thanks to 522kW and 1017Nm coming from its twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine. Inspired by the GT3R racing car, the Supersports blends elite luxury with genuine race-track credentials. It can also be customized, of course, with a huge range of peronalisation options.
Rolls-Royce Wraith: $645,000
It sits in the showroom as the two-door coupe version of the Ghost, which itself is based on the BMW 7 Series platform. Both the interior and exterior are breathtaking to behold. Handcrafted wood trimmings, a fuss-free and extremely elegant interior, with the majestic shove of a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 engine make this the ideal weekend vehicle for the otherwise chafferer-driven commuter.
Porsche 911 GT2 RS: $645,400
Looking for the Mack daddy of all Porsche 911 models? Welcome to the new 911 GT2 RS. It comes in as the most powerful production 911 ever made for the road. It’s also the quickest-ever production car to lap the famous Nurburgring in Germany, setting a blistering time of 6:47. As you may have guessed, the RS is not for the fainthearted. This is basically a racing car that can be registered for road use. Not that you would use it to pop down to the shops to pick up the weekly groceries, as the rear of the cabin is filled with roll cage.
Rolls-Royce Dawn: $749,000
The Dawn nameplate is being brought back to life, last seen in convertible models built between 1950 to 1954. For the new model, it is inspired by the Silver Dawn only it’s designed to be a contemporary interpretation of what a super-luxury four-seat convertible should be in modern times. It’s powered by a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 producing 420kW and 780Nm. And it’s matched to an eight-speed ZF transmission which is connected via satellite to anticipate the road ahead and make changes as necessary.
Lamborghini Aventodor S: $789,425
Easily one of the most desirable cars on the market at the moment. The Lamborghini Aventodor S has everything you want from an expensive car. It's a thoroughbred Italian exotic with a 544kW V12 engine sitting behind the cabin. It looks like no other car; low, sharp and futuristic. It could be the very last V12 Lambo due to ever-tightening emissions and fuel consumption restrictions, which makes this a highly exclusive proposition. All you need to do to get one is re-mortgage the house – and possibly the neighbour's house – and it's all yours.
Rolls-Royce Phantom: $950,000-$1,100,000
This is it. If money is simply no object to you - you bathe in money, wipe your backside with notes and sneeze into $100 bills - here is your car. The new Phantom continues on as one of the world's most luxurious and exuberant motor vehicles on the market. Every aspect of the Phantom is designed to be the pinnacle in unadulterated motoring luxury.