Upping the ante: 5 supercar game changers

Courtesy Newspress

Courtesy Newspress

The Lamborghini Miura, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, pioneered the supercar genre. Here are five other motoring game changers.

Range Rover

The SUV as we know it wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the Range Rover combining luxury with crushing off-road ability. Launched in 1970, it’s now in only its fourth generation, and continues to set the standard.

Jensen FF

It might have looked almost identical to Jensen’s Interceptor, but the FF was very different underneath. It was the first non-off-road production car to be equipped with four-wheel drive, as well as anti-lock brakes – 15 years before the Audi Quattro.

Mini

A design icon, the original Mini, launched in 1959, was a packaging triumph. By the mid-1960s, it had become a fashion accessory, and its influence is still felt today.

Bugatti Veyron

To build a car than can top 430kph is one thing, but to make it driveable by anyone is something else. The Veyron is an engineering masterpiece that will probably only be eclipsed by its successor, the Chiron.

Tesla Model S

A beautiful car, the Model S made emission-free driving desirable, setting a template for other manufacturers. It’s also insanely quick, proving you can be green and fast.