The young timer scheme is loved by business drivers in the Netherlands. When cars are 15 years old, they are eligible for the favorable addition rate. Every year, therefore, ‘new’ models are added that can be driven inexpensively for business. For those who want to convert that tax benefit directly into more driving pleasure, we have listed some not-so-average options that will qualify for young timer status from next year.
On the hunt for a car that constantly puts a grin on your face? Have you been able to set aside the necessary money for fuel and maintenance costs? Perhaps these options are something for you from next year:
1. BMW Z4 M Coupé / Roadster
With the facelift of the first generation Z4, a special variant came on the market: the Z4 M. The Z4 got the delicious 343 hp 3.2-liter straight-six from the E46 M3 under the hood. With a red line at 7,900 rpm, the screaming is blown, an acoustic pleasure that you can hear especially well in the roadster. The Z4 M was also available as a coupé, which is just that little bit more hardcore is. It can be recognized externally by the four exhausts under the rear bumper and the larger air intakes in the front bumper. In addition, the Z4 M is dotted with ‘M’ logos. But of course not only the engine has been addressed. The Z4 M, for example, features the M3 CSL braking system and is a further 10mm lower to the ground than the standard Z4. The Z4 M is not exactly comfortable, but for those looking for a tax-attractive scrap iron, it will be an interesting option from next year. In addition, it appears that they are increasing in value slightly.
2. Ferrari 599 GTB
Admittedly, for many a Ferrari 599 GTB will be a bridge too far to drive business as a young timer. But it is possible from next year. The 599 GTB entered the market as a successor to the 575M Maranello and raised the bar in many respects. To begin with, the 5.99-liter V12 has an output of a whopping 620 hp, which comes to life at 8,400 rpm. That was extremely high in 2006 and by contemporary standards it is still quite a lot of power. The 599 shoots to 100 km / h in 3.7 seconds and the counter only stops at around 330 km / h. Advanced electronics ensure that you do not get off the road unwanted. During its introduction, the lines of the 599 raised the necessary questions. In particular, the shape of the rear window and the two arches as a C-pillar are quite unconventional. That does not alter the fact that the 599 has dried up pretty well. Today they still put six figures in the scale on the used car market. Deep pockets are therefore a requirement, also to be able to cough up the infamous maintenance costs of Ferrari afterwards.
3. Lotus Europa S
When you are looking for a lightweight and uncompromising sports car, you really cannot ignore Lotus. However, the Elise and Exige may be just a bit too spartan for some. For those people, Lotus introduced the Europa S. In 2006, the English focused on the Audi TT and Porsche Cayman, but ‘more comfort’ is a relative concept in a Lotus. The Europa S is equipped with things like air conditioning, electrically operated windows and a navigation system, the chassis tuning is still very hard. Lotus took a pick from General Motors’ racks for the Europa S power unit. Behind the occupants is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo with 200 hp. That doesn’t seem like much, but the Europa S is incredibly light. The clock shows 100 km / h in less than six seconds and the top speed is 230 km / h. Of course you do not buy it for the top speed, the Lotus is most in its element on nice B-roads. From next year, the Europa S is fiscally attractive to drive, but then you will have to look carefully: they are scarce on the used car market.
4. Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG
Around 2006 AMG was on a real offensive. The in-house tuner from Mercedes-Benz spooned its new 525 hp 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 code-named M156 into almost every car from Das Haus. Not even the R class was spared. The CLS 63 AMG was also launched in 2006. The sporty-lined sedan from Mercedes-Benz seems almost made for a treatment by AMG. The engineers from Affalterbach took care of the chassis and fitted larger brakes. That didn’t make the CLS 63 AMG a corner knight. It weighs no less than 1,870 kg and Mercedes from that time – including AMGs – were best known for the fact that they could convert their engine power into tire smoke very effectively. From next year, the CLS 63 AMG is fiscally attractive to drive. Your local gas station owner and tire dealer will be grateful.
5. Audi S6 / S8
Where AMG started working with its V8 in 2006, Audi went even higher with two extra cylinders. In that year, both the S6 and S8 came on the market, both with a Lamborghini-derived naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 under the hood. The S6, which was available as both a sedan and an Avant, had an output of 435 hp. The S8 was slightly more powerful with 450 hp. It remains special to hear the characteristic V10 sound in a sedan or Avant. This makes both the S6 and S8, in a sense, wolves in sheep’s clothing. Only the connoisseur will be able to distinguish them from a milder motorized version. The S models are not very sporty. The V10 puts a lot of weight in the nose, so that the Audi’s are not too sharp around the corner. Consumption is of course also not to write home about. However, Audi offers plenty of other engines for this. After this generation, the V10 has not returned. Later Audi delivered the power source with two turbos on the RS6, but that was that. The S6 and S8 therefore remain unique cars. From next year they will be tax-attractive to drive.