In 2023, we drove a lot of luxury and exotic cars. These were the best.
As the luxury and exotic car segment continues to thrive, so too do duPont REGISTRY reviews. In 2023, we drive more cars, travel to more destinations, and reveal more vehicles than ever before. We've covered nearly every new model coming out from almost every major automaker. As such, we found it very difficult to narrow down the list to our top 10 favorites. Rather than choosing the most impressive car on paper, we focus our selection on the machines that provided the most memorable experience behind the wheel.
10. Aston Martin DBX 707
The 707 treatment brings much-needed excitement and flair to your Aston Martin DBX. Take a solid base and improve on it with incredible speed and performance. However, the real thrill is driving up the winding back roads. The AMG-sourced 697-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 gets all the headlines, but the 707's suspension and all-wheel-drive tuning also give it some satisfaction. As high-powered SUVs become more popular, his top-of-the-line DBX stands out as one of his most exhilarating SUVs.
9. Maserati MC20 Cielo
Previously, we were impressed by its coupe model, but in 2023, the Maserati MC20 Cielo and its retractable hardtop caught our attention. The Cielo loses none of the coupe's ability or agility, and top-down driving adds an extra dimension. Its twin-turbo V6 isn't the most exotic-sounding powerplant in the segment, but it generates plenty of turbo spooling and hissing, adding to the drama once again. Without a doubt, what got us thinking about the Cielo is its styling. Simple, elegant and memorable.
8. Lotus Emira
The Lotus Emira makes the list because it reminds us of what a sports car should be. While its competitors are bigger, heavier and packed with technology than ever before, Emira offers all the comfort you want in a package that feels truly light. Run around at almost any speed and you're guaranteed to have a great time. Close gear ratios mean that the engine is constantly upshifting and downshifting in an attempt to maintain high RPMs. This is a sports car in the traditional sense, and at most he would choose it over competitors costing twice as much.
7. Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
CoPorsche Cayenne Turbo GT is the most capable SUV we tested. Not only is it fast in a straight line, it's also truly athletic in the curves. It can tackle back roads that an SUV can't, but it also serves as a comfortable commuter. The 2024 model received a facelift, increasing power output to his 650 horsepower, making him one of the best all-rounders currently on sale.
6.BMW M3 CS
Taking inspiration from the M4 CSL, the M3 CS brings the personality of this sporty sedan closer to a purpose-built truck toy. It's lighter, firmer, and stronger, so it feels much more exciting than standard products. While it's definitely too stiff for daily driving, the CS is the car we always wanted the M3 Competition to offer. As automakers' products get more sophisticated with each generation, the CS reminds us that BMW can still make raw, roaring four-doors.
5.Bentley Flying Spur S V8
The most impressive thing about the Bentley Flying Spur S V8 is how it drives. Downsizing from a W12 to a V8 reduces weight on the nose, and active anti-roll bars and fine-tuned suspension help you tackle twisty roads with all your might. Balanced, really agile and suitably fast in a straight line. A subtle rumble from the huge exhaust tip adds even more sportiness and a rounded driving experience. Oh, and of course, it's also a beautifully appointed luxury sedan.
4. Lucid Air Sapphire
Out of the entire list, I spent the least amount of time with the Lucid Air Sapphire, but it still managed to leave an unforgettable impression. The 1,234 horsepower output certainly helps, but it's more than just a spec monster. Rather, it's the dynamics that have propelled Sapphire to the top spot. A fast supercar around corners, the Sapphire delivers all its power with confidence, even in less-than-ideal conditions, thanks to custom development by Lucid engineers. Perhaps no car we've tested is faster and easier to drive than Lucid's $250,000 workhorse.
3. McLaren Altura
The McLaren Altura encountered some challenges on its way to production, but the finished car is worth its weight in gold. It seamlessly integrates the electric motor and his 120-degree twin-turbo V6 for effortless acceleration despite a lot of behind-the-scenes complexity. Despite having an electric motor and a small battery pack, this model weighs 3,303 pounds, making it not only powerful with 671 horsepower, but also truly light among its peers. Add in hydraulic steering and a stiff chassis, and you get tons of feedback, making the Artura one of the most exciting supercars of 2023.
2. Rolls-Royce Specter
Deserving of a long list of top-of-the-line cars, the electric Rolls-Royce Specter is probably the quietest and most comfortable luxury car we've ever tested. We drove this car around Napa Valley, through the Valley of Fire, and on a road trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. With every mile logged, Specter further solidifies his status as one of our favorites. With options costing over $500,000, you'd expect excellence like this. What it doesn't is how much it outperforms its closest 2023 sibling's drive.
1. Ferrari 296 GTB Asset Fiorano
We drove the Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano in early 2023, and nothing else we tested could dethrone the Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano from the top spot. Like the Artura, it combines an electric motor with his 120-degree twin-turbo V6. However, it produces a whopping 819 horsepower, making it one of the fastest cars we've ever tested. Speed aside, the 296 is nearly perfect from a driving standpoint. Once behind the wheel, it's hard to feel its 3,700-pound weight. Assetto Fiorano feels light and nimble and produces incredible grip. Still, it's still easy to drive through the canyon. Combining elegant styling with a unique engine note, the 296 GTB tops the list as the most memorable drive of 2023.
