Higher

What we like:

Smaller price tag

greater fun

What we dislike:

Still $900

000 for what essentially feels like an Audi on the inside

Oversteer is progressive and not at all sudden or snappy with the traction control on (let’s face it unless you have steel gonads you shouldn’t turn it off) and the car slides with such beautiful balance it’s almost tear inducing. Set to Corsa the rear will come loose just enough for it to be fun without killing you or your pocket; set it to Sport and you’ll look like a hero when you take your dinner date up to Faber and give her a few rounds.

Turn-in is precise and quick; there’s no understeer whatsoever nor body roll of any kind as the nose darts in and out of corners like a frantic mouse. This is one hell of a driver’s car and should not be seen as the poor man’s Lambo as some have labelled the 550.

The gearbox shifts so fast it actually puts some double clutch gearboxes from the VW group to shame; yet you don’t get the kick in the back of your head like with the Aventador. Whether or not this is a good thing I leave to you to decide.

The key to a huge part of the fun is the revised 5.2l engine. This V10 is so responsive and so powerful and totally atmospheric it’s going to be the last of its kind I’m sure; power delivery is linear and frighteningly fast; the scream that erupts behind your head as you floor the gas pedal is intoxicating to say the least. 572 bhp and 540 Nm are plenty even in 7th gear, so you’ll never find yourself wanting for power or response. Turbochargers can suck it.

And when you’re finally done thrilling yourself to the point of exhaustion with how good this thing is to drive hard, you’ll be glad to know that it will cruise you home with decent comfort and quietness as you effortlessly zip around lesser cars in auto mode and bask in glory as people lustfully stare at you.

For about $900,000 you could have one of these. And while that’s still astronomical for most, I wouldn’t pay a cent more for the 610 even though I’ve never driven it.

Unless Lamborghini would like to challenge that *wink*.

Credits: Story and Photos by Alvan Sio