Top 10 “surprise cars” of 2025 selected by our editorial staff, who have driven a total of 101 supercars and luxury cars worth over 2 billion yen [Part 2]

5. Lamborghini Temerario

First and foremost, it’s the 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo that revs up to 10,000 rpm! The increase in revs is impressive, reaching a peak in an instant without any sense of heaviness or shortness of breath. What’s more, it’s an ultra-high-revving engine that delivers a maximum output of 800 PS from 9,000 to 9,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 730 Nm from 4,000 to 7,000 rpm. It’s not just about revs, but the limitless power delivery is an outstanding achievement that can be said to be a new frontier in the world of super sports cars.

4. Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

Even though it’s an open-top Volante, the body is very strong. It’s even more comparable to the coupe than the Porsche 911! Even so, the 835 PS/1000 Nm of the 5.2-liter V12 twin-turbo engine is powerful, and when you flat-out accelerate, the body twists and the car hurtles forward like an arrow. Even though it’s rear-wheel drive, it has good traction, and the way it perfectly combines all kinds of dualities, such as stillness and movement, reason and emotion, gentleman and thug, is almost frightening.

3. Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Coupe

Don’t underestimate it as just a 2.0-liter inline-four single-turbo engine. It’s equipped with an electric turbo developed in F1, with specs of an astounding 420 PS/500 Nm. The power and response are undeniably excellent, and with a narrow body unlike the 63 and the only FR in the series, it’s a blast to whip around on winding roads! Just like sports car enthusiasts might choose a basic 911 Carrera, this is a connoisseur’s choice you can be proud of.

2nd place: Morgan Plus-Four

The Morgan’s appeal lies in its classic styling, which has remained unchanged since the 1930s. However, its interior was completely transformed in 2019. The chassis was completely modernized to an aluminum bonded bathtub monocoque. As a result, the car’s driving feel is more modern than it looks, and its dynamic quality is on the same level as the first-generation BMW Z4. The latest model’s details have also been refined. It’s a classic car that you can enjoy without having to worry about anything.

1. Volvo EX30 Twin Motor

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds is the same time as the Mercedes-AMG SL 63. It’s ridiculously fast despite its cute appearance, and its 1,880 kg weight makes for a solid ride. Even the handlebars allow for free weight transfer with the one-pedal drive unique to EVs, allowing it to clear successive corners with a rhythm that would leave even pure gasoline-powered sports cars in the dust. The contrast between its appearance and its driving is simply incredible.

What did you think?

Obviously, the higher the price, the better, so the rankings didn’t feature only ultra-luxury cars. What kind of cars will we see in 2026? We hope you’ll continue to support the monthly GENROQ next year!

List of cars driven in 2025

Ferrari

296 GTB, 12-inch wheels, Prosangue

Lamborghini

Temerario, Urus Performante, Urus SE

Maserati

Grecale Trofeo, Grecale Essenza

Aston Martin

Vantage Roadster, Vanquish Volante, DBX 707

McLaren

GTS

Bentley

Continental GT, Continental GTC, Flying Spur Speed, Bentayga S V8, Bentayga EWB Mulliner

Rolls-Royce

Ghost Extended, Black Badge Ghost, Cullinan, Black Badge Cullinan, Black Badge Specter, Phantom Extended

Land Rover

Defender 130 V8, Defender OCTA, Range Rover Sport SV, Range Rover LWB D350

Lotus

Emira SE

Morgan

Plus Four

MINI

JCW Convertible, JCW E, JCW Aceman E

Porsche

911 Carrera, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera T, 911 Carrera GTS, 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, 911 Targa 4 GTS, 718 Boxster, Panamera GTS

Mercedes-Benz

E300 Sedan, GLA 200d, GLB 200d, GLC 220d, GLC 220d Coupe, GLE 450d

Mercedes-AMG

CLE 53 Cabriolet, E 53 Hybrid Sedan, GT 53 4-Door Coupe, GT 43 Coupe, GT 63 Coupe, GT 63 SE Performance, SL 63 SE Performance, G 63

Mercedes-Maybach

GLS 600

BMW

120, M135, X5 xDrive40d, Z4 M40i, M3 Touring, M4 Coupe, M5 Sedan

BMW Alpina

B3 GT, D3 S Touring, B4 GT, XB 7

Volkswagen

Golf R, Tiguan eTSI, Tiguan TDI 4Motion, Passat TDI 4Motion, ID.BUZZ Long Wheelbase

Cadillac

XT6, Escalade Platinum, Escalade Sport, Lyric

Jeep

Wrangler Rubicon, Compass (rented in Hokkaido)

Ford

Focus (rented in Turkey)

Alpine

A110 Anniversary, A110 GTS, A110 R Turini, A110 R 70

Renault

Arkana Full Hybrid

Volvo

EX30 Single Motor, EX30 Twin Motor, XC60 B5, XC90 T8