Best New Special Edition Cars

Why We Picked It:

In early 2023, Mercedes-AMG launched a special-edition SL 63 dubbed the "Motorsport Collectors Edition." The Formula 1 W13 E Performance 2022 single-seater inspired the German automaker to create a roadster, which they only made in 100 units worldwide. This limited-edition SL features two-tone paint, graduating from high-tech silver metallic to black metallic at the rear.

The SL 63 boasts unique Petronas teal accents along the front bumper, side skirts, and rear diffuser. As a special touch, Mercedes-AMG added the company's star pattern to the car's rear in a nod to the W12's engine cover.

AMG added an aerodynamics package that enhances the car's appearance, giving it larger flics in the front and rear aprons, a more generous rear diffuser, and a reworked lower body for improved aerodynamics, not to mention 21-inch forged wheels.

The AMG Night package adds glossy black to the front splitter, side skirts, mirror caps, and rear diffuser trim strips. Under the hood, nothing changes with the 4.0-liter biturbo V8 and its 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed auto and all-wheel-drive for a 0-60 time of 3.0 seconds and a 196 mph top speed.

Why We Picked It:

The DBS 770 Ultimate, as the name suggests, is the last model in the brand's V12 lineup. And to commemorate this, Aston Martin has created its fastest and most powerful production model. Available in Coupe and Volante, the DBS770 Ultimate will be an exclusive car, as only 499 units will be sold.

The DBS 770 Ultimate stretches the power of its famed 5.2-liter V12 engine to 770 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque for a 211 mph top speed. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.

The DBS 770 Ultimate introduces a new steering column, allowing the driver to enjoy a more precise connection to the road and feel what the front tires are doing with the utmost confidence to gauge the available grip accurately.

The rigidity of the front end has been improved by 25% to offer maximum response. Improvements have also been made to the Adaptive Damping System (ADS).

The evolution of the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate also boasts an innovative design that makes it more attractive and functional. For instance, its shapes provide greater airflow to the radiators, improving thermal management.

Why We Picked It:

In 2023, Maserati released a limited production anniversary special edition based on the ICE-powered GranTurismo Trofeo, dubbed PrimaSerie (Italian for "first edition"), to commemorate 75 years of Maserati's grand tourers.

The exclusive 2+2 cabin has two color schemes, each with unique decorations and features. Carbon fiber elements and special anniversary badges adorn the wheels and trunk of the vehicle, which is painted a sleek Grigio Lamiera matte. The GranTurismo Trofeo's distinctive red emblems adorn the headrests of the perforated two-tone leather seats found inside the grand tourer. Like the console, the dashboard is upholstered in high-quality black leather with bright red stitching.

Taking cues from the Trofeo model, the GranTurismo PrimaSerie is powered by the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 Nettuno engine pumping out 542 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque sent to all wheels. The powertrain includes an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing a 0–60 mph time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. The new GranTurismo is an innovative take on a marquee model, encapsulating the brand's values of high performance, luxurious interiors, and classic styling.

Why We Picked It:

The new Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale is the race car many dream about driving on the road. It's the latest masterpiece from the Maranello automaker, combining the best features of their Special Series and "XX" models on a street-legal race car. The FXX-K EVO versions are aimed at consumers wanting to further their racing aspirations on the track.

The Ferrari SF90 is a plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 25 kilometers solely on electric power thanks to its 7.9 kWh lithium-ion battery. The total horsepower is 1,030.

Visually, it's easy to spot which Ferrari served as the platform: the Ferrari SF90 Stradale. The SF90 XX reminds us of the legendary Ferrari F50 from 1995—with its rear wing to improve the vehicle's aerodynamic load on the track.

Another highlight of the SF90 XX is that it's lighter than the regular SF90 by 10 kg. The engine sheds 3.5 kilograms, and other components, like the carbon fiber bucket seats, shed another 1.9 kilograms while providing full adjustability for the driver.

Why We Picked It:

For an additional $5,995, you can have the 70th Anniversary Edition Package for the top-tier 3LT and 3LZ models of the Corvette Stingray and Corvette Z06.

The base price of the coupe version of the 70th Anniversary Edition Corvette Stingray is $83,840, while the base price of the convertible version is $90,840. The car can be painted in either White Pearl Metallic Tri-Coat or Carbon Flash Metallic, which are included in the package.

The Satin Gray racing stripes (with the white paint) and the Satin Black racing stripes (with the black paint) are available for an extra $995 each—unique carbon-painted side mirrors, brake calipers, and external badging round out the set.

The best part about the 70th Anniversary Package for the Corvette C8 is that it doesn't change the car's performance in any way. In its fourth year of production, it retains every bit of its original excellence. The straightforward handling, robust 6.2-liter V8 (with 490 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque), and intuitive eight-speed dual-clutch automated transmission make this vehicle a joy to drive.

Why We Picked It:

In honor of Audi Sport GmbH's 40th year in business, the company has released the Audi RS e-tron GT Ice Race Edition. Based on the namesake show car from March last year, just 99 examples of this series will be produced for the European market.

The car's purpose is not to blend in, of course. Metallic Florett silver is the primary hue, but the design also incorporates transparent portions and white accents to emphasize depth.

This design, according to Audi, is reminiscent of frozen crystals. Purple accents on the front and sides create a striking color contrast. The wheels are black, 21 inches, with five twin spokes in design.

"I wanted the vehicle to pay tribute to the exciting atmosphere of motorsport and the spirit of racing legends from the past while still looking to the future," said Christopher Kroener, Audi's Color and Upholstery Designer.

With its two electric motors producing 238 horsepower up front and 455 horsepower in the back, the RS e-tron GT Ice Race Edition can produce 646 horsepower in Boost mode. It goes from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and has a range of 301 miles.

Why We Picked It:

All 2023 Carroll Shelby Centennials began life as a standard Mustang GT before undergoing extensive modification. Perhaps the most obvious of all modifications take place beneath the GT’s hood, where the Mustang’s stock 5.0L V8 is supercharged, ultimately increasing the powerplant’s total output to 750 horsepower. Other notable performance upgrades include the addition of a Borla cat-back exhaust and a race-inspired aftermarket radiator.

The 2023 Centennial Edition’s steering and suspension systems also received their fair share of attention. Performance springs and sway bars were installed, while adjustable caster and camber plates were added. Additionally, Brembo front brake calipers were made standard to reduce the car’s overall stopping distance. The addition of Shelby-spec 305/30/20 performance tires further aids these efforts.

All things considered, one could easily conclude that Carroll Shelby himself would likely approve of the 2023 Centennial Edition Mustang. However, those hoping to purchase one of these commemorative Mustangs had to be quick on the draw, as only 100 units were earmarked for production. Shelby offers this package for Fastbacks and convertibles, and manual and automatic cars.

Why We Picked It:

The Maserati MC20 is the basis for the track-ready MCXtrema, a two-seater, non-road-homologated car. Initially called Project 24, the MCXtrema is a limited-production super sports car that aims to provide drivers with an entirely new exhilaration. Maserati's renowned 3.0 Nettuno V6 engine was upgraded with redesigned turbochargers, resulting in a whopping 740 hp and 538 lb-f of torque sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Project 24 meets all safety standards set by the FIA. Weighting in at less than 1,250 kilograms, the Maserati MCXtrema benefits from a design by the Maserati Centro Stile and a power-to-weight ratio of 1.69 kilograms per horsepower. That's very different from the road-legal MC20 supercar, and the MCXtrema doesn't have to worry about following any specific restrictions.

Since this super sports car isn't road-legal, the Centro Stile can develop something remarkable without being constrained by the standards for mass-produced vehicles. Since it won't be a race car, the FIA hasn't bothered to impose any of its rules.

Why We Picked It:

To mark 20 years since Bentley’s sixth victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 100 years since the first running of the legendary race, Bentley is creating a limited edition of 48 Continental GT Coupés and Continental GTCs. The Bentley W12 engine, the most successful 12-cylinder engine of the modern era, will power each. The Le Mans Collection includes unique exterior and interior details that echo the Le Mans-winning Speed 8 #7 design.

The interiors of the Le Mans Collection Continental GT and Continental GTC are far more luxurious than those of the Bentley Speed 8s – but there’s the same sense of sporting purpose. The Le Mans Collection Continental GT and GTC are equipped with Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 650 hp and an extraordinary 664 lb-ft of torque.

This exceptional handling results in a top speed of 208 mph and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds). A combination of four chassis technologies gives the new limited edition a level of agility, performance, and ride quality expected of a car with this heritage.

Why We Picked It:

To honor the 50th anniversary of Emerson Fittipaldi and Team Lotus's Drivers' and Constructors' Championship victories in Formula One, Lotus has released a special edition of their new all-electric hypercar, the Lotus Evija Fittipaldi, which is painted in the same black and gold as their Lotus Type 72 racecar from the early 1970s. Even with all that power and performance, the Lotus Evija still puts the driver first, just like the Emerson Fittipaldi and the Type 72.

The Lotus Evija Fittipaldi's technical specs and performance numbers are incredible. It is the most powerful series production car in the world thanks to its four electric motors and 90 kWh (capacity)/2,000 kW (power) battery pack. The front splitter improves handling and provides additional cooling for the powertrain. Gavan Kershaw and his team at Lotus, where he serves as Vehicle Attributes Director, were in charge of the Evija's driving dynamics.

Torque vectoring helps the Evija produce 1252 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 62 mph takes less than three seconds. The top speed is capped at 217 mph.