It’s time to get voting, as we unveil the first category in the 2012 Speedhunters Awards: we want to know which new car that’s hit the forecourts this year resonates the most with all of you out there. There has been an incredible number of important cars launched this year from across the automotive spectrum: for every cutting edge supercar there’s been an evolution of an iconic hatchback or saloon, plus we’ve also seen the release of some utterly ground-breaking new cars. So, which car has got you excited during 2012? Here are the nominations.
Of course there’s one brand new car that has everyone excited: the ZN6/ZC6. In whichever guise – Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86 or Scion FR-S – this car is a phenomenally important release. A proper, affordable, rear-wheel drive sportscar for the masses. Three cars in one, and one car for everyone?
Supercars may be out of the reach of most of us, but McLaren’s premise for the MP4-12C was to bring supercar performance into a (relatively) more earth-based price range. The 12C is a technological marvel, has drop-dead gorgeous looks and turns heads on both the track and the road. The 2012 Spyder and upcoming Can-Am edition further increase its cachet.
Lamborghini continue down the extreme styling route, releasing ever more aggressive, out-there cars. The Roadster drops the permanent hard-top and sports an even more sci-fi look whilst letting that 6.5-litre V12 sing even sweeter just behind the driver’s ears.
The latest iteration of the 911 continues to evolve the iconic shape:. After the 997 seemed to hark back to a more classic era, the seventh-gen 911 is a far bigger, more imposing beast. It’s only the third complete platform change since the original 911 of 1963, and although it looks larger with its longer wheelbase and fatter rear end, power is up and weight is down. A new 911 is always an important event.
Porsche Cayman
However, even Porsche insiders whisper that the Cayman is the future of Porsche: a mid-engined, pure two-seater; sleek and lightweight. Porsche have effectively hobbled previous versions the dynamically more efficient Caymans so they don’t outperform the more expensive, rear-heavy 911 platform, but the 2013 Cayman has been let off the lease in S guise. Is this the future of Porsche?
The addition of a BMW M Power badge always promises an extreme driving experience, and the M5 is perhaps the ultimate example of a performance saloon. Supercar levels of power – over 550bhp from its twin-turbo V8 in fact – packaged under a disarmingly modest body mean that even the most ardent driver has to double-take before thinking of taking on Bavaria’s finest off the traffic lights…
I still find it difficult to put together the sounds of high-end Mercedes cars with their looks: the V8s they mount are like the noise of a thousand bombers coming straight at you, but when matched with AMG bodykits the Mercs look as mean as they sound. The C63 AMG Coupé Black takes the internals from the SLS, cranking up power to well over 500bhp, and adds in a hardcore racing bodykit that transforms the C Class in a slavering monster. Louder, harder, sharper.
The GT-R has had frequent updates released since its launch, but the Egoist model is the pinnacle of the range: in both performance and price. More subtle and luxurious on the inside but even more extreme under the hood, the Egoist packs 541hp, delivered via a variable AWD system. It requires a recalibration of just what you expect from a car.
Now a couple of iconic hot hatches fresh off the production lines. The Golf is now on its seventh version, and gone are a lot of the rounded, jelly-mould corners of previous models: the Mk7 is a fresh take on the old classic. Once again the Golf has grown in size, but that’s a common trend. It looks great and of course drives fantastically – have VW raised the bar yet again?
Ford are riding high at the moment, with a range of breathed-on cars that hark back to the glory days of the XR and RS models of the ’80s and ’90s. The Focus looks amazing in aggressive RS mode, and the Fiesta ST similarly bumps up both looks and performance – and is due for a US release to boot.
BMW F30 3 Series
The sixth generation of the legendary 3 Series debuted this year, and has been receiving stunning reviews around the world. Sportier, wider and more powerful, the 2012 3 Series takes all that is good about the saloon and further improves on it. The Ultimate Driving Machine?
Aston Martin’s howling coupé is the company’s most potent production model yet. Styling cues come from the One-77 supercar, and the sound of the 565hp V12 will be soon be shattering shop windows in the smartest areas of town…
Ferrari’s second V12 offering is, like the Vanquish, Ferrari’s fastest car yet, as the supercar marques try to outgun each other with statistics. The F12 adds a huge 119bhp over the 599GTB; the lines are long, the speed is high and the design oozes classic Ferrari with a modern twist.
Vaughn Gittin Jr is ready to rock with the new version of the RTR Mustang: its facelift is complemented by the addition of a new adjustable suspension setup, meaning that that the handling is even more taut, and an optional Ford Racing supercharger in the Spec 2 package boosts power to well over the 600bhp mark.
You won’t be using the Mono for the supermarket run – passengers are not invited and luggage space is non-existent. But find an open road in the countryside and you will find driving nirvana. The car is an example of precision engineering, but at the same time is no exercise in ticking technological boxes: it’s a pure driver’s car. It weighs nothing, is awash with the finest racing-originated components you can find, and has levels of performance and grip that makes grown men cry. It’s not about horsepower figures or chest-beating statistics, but it still delivers single-seater racecar performance made specifically to be enjoyed on the road.
So there we have our first 15 contenders in the 2012 Speedhunters Awards. Tell us which car you think deserves the title of New Car Of The Year. Get voting – the polls will close on December 27, after which you’ll be able to vote on the Car Of The Year, taken from the winners of all the categories.
Jonathan Moore
[polldaddy poll="6756991"]
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
I mean... is it even a question?
I mean... is it even a question?
Yep, I went with the 86/BR-Z/FR-S. Why? RWD!
Yep, I went with the 86/BR-Z/FR-S. Why? RWD!
Whoa, didn't see that coming....
Whoa, didn't see that coming....
You guys know that the 2012 Cayman is the old one right? Might want to update it to say 2013. Also, the 2012 Cayman R is the old one, and the 2013 R's existence hasn't even been acknowledged yet. A little soon to be saying the new R's been let off the leash compared to the 911 considering there's literally no info on it. 2013 Cayman S still should get new car of the year, actually, the 86 because it accomplishes the same handling far cheaper.
You guys know that the 2012 Cayman is the old one right? Might want to update it to say 2013. Also, the 2012 Cayman R is the old one, and the 2013 R's existence hasn't even been acknowledged yet. A little soon to be saying the new R's been let off the leash compared to the 911 considering there's literally no info on it. 2013 Cayman S still should get new car of the year, actually, the 86 because it accomplishes the same handling far cheaper.
Impossible to not vote BRZ after all the hype.
Impossible to not vote BRZ after all the hype.
obviously GT86/BRZ (=
obviously GT86/BRZ (=
I went with the F30, the hype is divided between the McLaren, the Subaru and the RTR, but they were my 2nd, 3rd and 4th place, so I had to go with my numer 1, sad to see it's not getting the votes it deserves.
I went with the F30, the hype is divided between the McLaren, the Subaru and the RTR, but they were my 2nd, 3rd and 4th place, so I had to go with my numer 1, sad to see it's not getting the votes it deserves.
@AlFreedy Hey AlFreedy – yes, that should be 2013. We got carried away with the LA Auto Show preview launch and some interesting discussions... The new Cayman looks like being a stunning car.
@AlFreedy Hey AlFreedy – yes, that should be 2013. We got carried away with the LA Auto Show preview launch and some interesting discussions... The new Cayman looks like being a stunning car.
The McLaren was 2011, was it not? If we're including cars from the 2012 model year, why not the Beetle?
The McLaren was 2011, was it not? If we're including cars from the 2012 model year, why not the Beetle?
My vote went of course to the FRS, seeing as how its the most accessible car on this list, although I would've voted for the Cadillac ATS if it were on the list...
My vote went of course to the FRS, seeing as how its the most accessible car on this list, although I would've voted for the Cadillac ATS if it were on the list...
I don't see how it could be anything but the FRS/BRZ
I don't see how it could be anything but the FRS/BRZ
I voted Fiesta, still I knew witch car would be most popular
I voted Fiesta, still I knew witch car would be most popular
if the "ZN6 Toyota-Scion/ZC6 Subaru" is a success, that means more manufactures will jump in and offer a true sports car for everyone, which is obviously something very special, so beyond it being a great car it carries a far more important meaning and purpose which definitely makes it the car of the year, it couldnt be any other way.. (I love the BacMono)
if the "ZN6 Toyota-Scion/ZC6 Subaru" is a success, that means more manufactures will jump in and offer a true sports car for everyone, which is obviously something very special, so beyond it being a great car it carries a far more important meaning and purpose which definitely makes it the car of the year, it couldnt be any other way.. (I love the BacMono)
I don't get why we would need this thread. We all predicted the ZN6 would win and, looking at the results, I'm sure it will.
I don't get why we would need this thread. We all predicted the ZN6 would win and, looking at the results, I'm sure it will.
BAC Mono is by far the most exciting car I've seen in years...
BAC Mono is by far the most exciting car I've seen in years...
Where is the Tesla S ?
Where is the Tesla S ?
This poll didn't need to happen. Of course the BRZ wins. This site and everyone on it has been slobbering all over it since before it came out.
This poll didn't need to happen. Of course the BRZ wins. This site and everyone on it has been slobbering all over it since before it came out.
haha sorta obvious what the result was going to be!!!
its been a long long time since a car has created this much hype before....!
haha sorta obvious what the result was going to be!!!
its been a long long time since a car has created this much hype before....!
Obviously, the ZN6 is the most significant new automobile in the past handful of years, and is an well-earned 1st place. I also appreciate Ford finally bringing balance between the USA & Euro versions of the Focus. Europe has always had more exciting, and much better looking, Foci than we have had here in the States, and I laud their efforts at finally giving us what we've always wanted in a hot hatch. Ford Focus: A solid 2nd place!And, yes, the Cayman is Porsche's future.
Obviously, the ZN6 is the most significant new automobile in the past handful of years, and is an well-earned 1st place. I also appreciate Ford finally bringing balance between the USA & Euro versions of the Focus. Europe has always had more exciting, and much better looking, Foci than we have had here in the States, and I laud their efforts at finally giving us what we've always wanted in a hot hatch. Ford Focus: A solid 2nd place!And, yes, the Cayman is Porsche's future.
You expect me to pick ONE?!
@SMRacing
@SMRacing Same here. I knew the fanboys would be all over it
A Golf amongst the nominees ? Where is the Clio ?
Golf as a nominee ??? What about the Clio ?
@grb I sure hope so...maybe Honda will wake up and tries to go back to its redline-screaming double-wishbone equipped lightweight FF sports car roots.
The ZN6 is clearly going to win this. So I'll pick my second choice to even out the poll a little. For me it has to be the Mclaren (despite it being launched in 2011??). I think Mclaren have done an amazing job to go from producing 0 road cars per year to building a fully functional and incredibly impressive road car division and manufacture plant. Not to mention developing and actually then producing and even more importantly these days selling a car that can rival one of the best Ferraris ever produced (458).
"A proper, affordable, rear-wheel drive sportscar for the masses. Three cars in one, and one car for everyone?"
I cried a little inside :(( the 86 is priced over $200000 over here in singapore
Truth is that the ZN6 is the car that was missing from everybody's lineup. It filled the void of the defunct S2000 and the MX-5 of previous generations. (NA & NB) Like others have stated time & time again; the success of this car will revitalize the enthusiast oriented car for many manufacturers. It's not about being a "fan boy" as some of you have stated below, it's about bringing back an opportunity to tell cool tuner car stories when you're an old fart. Sure there's the Mustang and Camaro, but it's just not the same thing. A few may make a case for the Focus and Gti, but again, it's just not the same thing. The ZN6 is flat out fun in every sense of the word, and it's only the tip of the iceberg.
Look at you guys, trying to tempt me with the Aston Martin Vanquish... Sorry but in the realm of cars that mere mortals can afford, the 86/BRZ is THE car of the year!
WOW! How much does a new Porsche 911 cost?
This poll highlights the recent trend on Speedhunters of featuring(advertising) cars that are completely unaffordable for 98% of it's readership.
"There has been an incredible number of important cars launched this year from across the automotive spectrum..."
What are you, Du Pont Registry?
The BAC is getting no love? While $125,138 is hardly 'cheap', I'd argue its quite a bargain considering the limited production numbers and the beautiful merger of form AND function.
@Filip What about the new Civic Si? I mean it's nothing to write home about, but same goes for Golf and other European hot hatches.
@BenS867 @SMRacing Sure the new 86 seems fanboy-ish compared to the S2000 or an RX-7, but a Fiesta?! It's just another tall European hatchback...a soccer mom's minivan without the extra doors.
Easy for me, the Vanquish. Look at it! I want one. Was very nearly tempted to go for the people's choice, the GT86, because it is brilliant. But I can't resist an Aston
Easy for me, the Vanquish. Look at it! I want one. Was very nearly tempted to go for the people's choice, the GT86, because it is brilliant. But I can't resist an Aston
It's not even that big of a deal for ME, but the BR-Z is certainly the most Speedhunter-ish Car of the Year.
It's not even that big of a deal for ME, but the BR-Z is certainly the most Speedhunter-ish Car of the Year.
The ZN6/ZC6 has got to be the most overhyped car ever produced. Thumbs down.
The ZN6/ZC6 has got to be the most overhyped car ever produced. Thumbs down.
@Jmayhem here, take my like
@Jmayhem here, take my like
Think of it a different way, on Christmas morning you wake up and have one of each in your huge garage.... which one do you drive first?
Think of it a different way, on Christmas morning you wake up and have one of each in your huge garage.... which one do you drive first?
Why is the BAC even a contender? It was released in 2011. Finally getting some recognition is nice but too late.
imo.
@AlexSashaZenin The poll is open to cars from 2011 as well.
Trick question; I devide myself into 15ths and rally them all at once. Because it's Christmas and I said so.
Smart Car.
ZN6 because its the closest one I can afford. And its a great start to revive the cheap(er) RWD cars
Why no 458?
Why no 458?
Voted for BMW M5.. Come on guys, is there anything that car cant do?
@CarmouflaggerIt can't give off glorious M exhaust notes without speakers..
kidding aside, from this list I have to also choose the M5.
Sucks that on speedhunters this pole is completely pointless. If it's not a overpriced, overhyped RWD TC it's obviously shit.
@Fkitbtn @Carmouflagger First, it's spelled poll, not pole, that's what strippers use. Second, FR-S is not a RWD tC, it would have to have a similar engine for that to even make sense. Third, you're forgetting this is not the '90s anymore, real driver's cars for the masses are almost nonexistant so of course there will be hype around it, whether you like it or not. Fourth, it may seem overpriced, but you gotta remember that somebody has to pay for all the government-mandated safety features and electronic aids. When was the last time you saw a "base" model of anything?
@Kaido This is a 2012 poll, not 2011.
It's nice not seeing any junk chevy products, not sure why anyone drivers a GM
@apex_DNA @Fkitbtn @Carmouflagger Brilliant correction of my typo, I understand It's hard for you to grasp the crazy concept that someone could you know, not give a shit about grammar on a overhyped blog website filled with comment dwelling grammar nazis.. but anyways. In your fashion.. "NUMBER TWO" They engineered a undersized boxer engine to sit in the front of a scion in the most awkward position an engine for performance in the front can possibly be in. Why the hell do you want weight closer to the wheels when it does not sit ANY lower OR futher back than an inline 6 or a properly situated turbo set up? and call it a drift car with ~180hp? lol. There is absolutely nothing respectable about that car. Fake image, shit car, too much hype and its overpriced, not to mention that great scion quality.. NUMBAR THREEE (look how clever I am with my genius numbering technique)I'm not forgetting it's the 90's, I'm clearly reminded every time I see faggotry like this saying a $30,000 sub 200hp scion is gud value. Now go about saying how revolutionary it is when it cant even outperform a damn RX8. I guess I'll end this with the NUMBER FOUR.. They might not be entree level but theres no way in hell that new golf (no I don't care if its an R when they're still understeering shitboxes no matter how much quicker you make them do a quarter mile) and wrong wheel drive st should be in here because aside from the RWD TC they are the only two cars in this poll that are completely outclassed and have no point of being here. No I don'r care if the new golf has a little different shape and is slightly straight line quicker than the previous and no I don't care if a fiesta st can handle well when it cant even hold its own when compared to a 10 year old focus st that costs a 10th of what that atrocity of fake leather, plastic guages and tacky paint jobs will cost you.
Was a vote really even necessary for this category? 86
86.. Because it is a car most people can buy! Really love the MP-12C and the Aventador but they just don't matter as much as the 86!
My favourite car there is the F12 Berlinetta... But the most significant vehicle to the most people is the 86/BRZ... So I voted for that. Ultimately you achieve driving pleasure from what you can drive, not what you dream about.
You know I love the GT86, but you don't simply put a BAC Mono in here and expect it to go unvoted!
You know I love the GT86, but you don't simply put a BAC Mono in here and expect it to go unvoted!
You know I love the GT86, but you don't simply put a BAC Mono in here and expect it to go unvoted!
@Fkitbtn @apex_DNA @Carmouflagger