With the Rio 2016 Olympic Games coming to an end, we have compiled a list of some the world’s most famous Olympic athletes and, of course, the athletes’ cars. Enjoy and let’s celebrate the Summer Olympics and all the amazing athletes that competed.
Michael Phelps’ Mercedes-Benz SL63
America’s Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time having won a total of 22 Olympic medals for swimming and most recently picking up five more gold medals and one silver medal in the 2016 Olympic Games.
As a result of his success, endorsements and sponsorship deals have increased his net worth to $55 million. This American hero has a variety of cars including a BMW 760 Li, a Range Rover and a Cadillac Escalade. However his most prized luxury vehicle is his Mercedes-Benz SL63.
This super convertible comes equipped with a V-8 engine producing 530 horsepower that takes the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The SL63 can serve as an everyday leisure car, while also having the ability and performance to compete with the supercars of the world. The SL63 will set you back close to $250,000.
The downside of many convertibles is that they just don’t quite look as appealing with the acrylic and polyester roofs. This is not the case with the SL63, as it comes with a hard-top roof that folds up and down in a magnificent way.
Usain Bolt’s Ferrari 458 Italia
Usain Bolt is the fastest man in the world, having now won a total of eight Olympic gold medals and holding the world record for both the 100 and 200 meter relay. With his high speed records, it is no surprise that he enjoys high speed automobiles and what better way to enjoy the power of speed than in a supercar.
Puma, one of Usain’s biggest sponsors, gave Bolt a BMW M3 back in 2009. Unfortunately, the Olympic athlete proceeded to crash the M3 when speeding on a wet highway back in his home country of Jamaica. Luckily, Bolt was not injured and neither were his passengers.
Among Usain’s car collection the supercar that stands out the most is his $300,000 Ferrari 458 Italia. The 458 Italia is regarded as the best vehicle ever made by Ferrari, according to Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear. This beautiful beast is powered by a 562 horsepower V8 engine, reaching 0 to 60 mph in only 2.9 seconds!
We’ll let that sink in for a second.
One of the most amazing things about the 458 is that it is a magnificent sports car, while simultaneously being practical enough to drive on a daily basis. While many supercars feel clunky and jerky, the 458 is the complete opposite; equipped with its astonishing suspension system allowing for superior handling and makes the car feel very light during quick accelerations and when taking tight turns.
You have to check out Top Gear’s review of the 458 Italia, it will just give you that much more appreciation for the supercar:
Serena Williams’ Bentley Continental GT
American pro tennis player, Serena Williams, is ranked number one in the world for singles tennis and holds four Olympic gold medals.
Unfortunately, at the 2016 Olympics in Rio things didn’t quite go her way as she lost 6-4 6-3 to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, a player who she has previously defeated multiple times. But being eliminated from the 2016 Olympics doesn’t mean she isn’t worthy of making our list; after all, she did just win the 2016 Wimbledon tournament.
This pro athletes’ cars are as smashing as her records! When Serena is not on the tennis court, she is often seen driving her Bentley Continental GT. The Continental GT set Serena back $250,000, and for good reason. The Continental comes with a twin-turbo V-8 engine that produces 500 hp, since the vehicle does weigh a hefty 5,181 lbs, 0 to 60 mph does take it a little longer, clocking in at 4.6 seconds.
However, the interior of the vehicle makes up for it with carbon fiber finishes and luxury leather sport bucket seats.
Kevin Durant’s Ferrari California
Kevin Durant is one of the biggest names in the NBA. Most recently he accepted an offer from the Golden State Warriors’ for $26,540,100 per year, making him one of the highest paid professional basketball players in the world.
Durant has also won NBA’s prestigious MVP award, as well as one Olympic gold medal. Durant hopes to take home another gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
With that salary, it is no surprise that one of Durant’s supercars is a Ferrari California costing approximately $290,500.
Under the hood of the California is a twin-turbo charged V-8 engine that is capable of producing 552 horsepower and reaching 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
Take a look at the official ad for the Ferrari California:
Durant isn’t the only pro athlete to own the gorgeous Ferrari California. The likes of Jose Reyes of New York Mets is lucky enough to drive one around as well.
SEE ALSO: Pays to Be a Pro: MLB Players and their Cars
Rafael Nadal’s Aston Martin DBS
Spain’s Rafael Nadal is hailed as one of the best tennis players in the world.
Nadal has won 14 Grand Slam single titles, the 2008 Olympic gold medal for men’s singles, and dozens of other awards. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, Nadal secured a gold medal for men’s doubles.
Nadal’s Aston Martin DBS costs approximately $250,000. The DBS boasts an impressive 510 horsepower fueled by a V-12 engine. Aston Martin is also known for their lavish interiors and the DBS does not disappoint with its exquisite leather trim, carbon fiber finishes and its 13-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system.
Want to read more on pro athletes and their amazing car collections? Make sure to read our blog post: NBA Player’s Cars: The 5 Most Expensive.
