Auto Express 2011 Performance Car of the Year Announced

As the year draws to a close, another Car of the Year (COTY) accolade is up for grabs. This one is courtesy of Auto Express, however it’s not your typical COTY award. Most COTY awards include any new model and usually the winner is based on how it handles day to day elements. Well Auto Express is tossing that formula out the window as their focusing solely on performance.

They took 20 cars that have performance as their top priority and ranked them from best to worst. Everything from cheap hot hatches to exotic supercars were considered. All were measured based on their performance abilities and value… which is odd considering they have an Aston Martin up against a Seat. Perhaps they meant best balance of performance for value.

Subaru fans will likely be up in arms at the results as the Cosworth WRX was ranked the lowest at number 20, especially since it was bested by several hot hatches including a hybrid, the Honda CR-Z.

Another surprise on the list was the Audi RS5 which ranked a bit low at number 11. Especially considering its arch rival, the BMW M3, not only cracked the top 10, but cracked the top 5 coming in at number 5.

I won’t spill the beans on who won the coveted top spot, however I will say that I definitely agree with their decision. Check it out in the video above. Notice no domestic cars were nominated? Just sayin’.

Do you agree with the performance COTY?

[Auto Express]

What Does the SLS Compete With Anyway?

Autocar found out. Check it.

What the Hell Just Happened?

Can someone explain this to me?

From what I can tell, rapper Cam’ron pulls up in an Aston Martin Volante, blasting his own music. Then, seemingly to show off, he revs it to the red line and keeps it there for a few seconds. He then gets out and tells the cameraman that him and his “hoe” just came back from a pool party. Then the girl does the most unexpected thing. Check out the video above to see what she does.

What the hell was the point of all that? Most random video ever.

NOTE: This is video is definitely not safe for work.

[World Star Hip Hop via Youtube]

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coming to Canada!

YES!

Aston Martin had originally decided not to sell the V12 iteration of the Vantage in Canada because it said the level of demand along with sales would be too small.

They have apparently had a change of heart, however.

“This is the ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range, combining our most agile model with our most powerful engine. It represents the definitive Aston Martin driving experience, providing spectacular performance to ensure a dynamically thrilling drive in a highly exclusive package,” said Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez.

The V12 Vantage obviously gets twelve cylinders which produces 510 horsepower with 420 pound feet of torque. The V8 produces 380 horses and has been criticized for lack of power so the addition of the V12 is welcomed news. The additional power will help get the baby Aston from 0 to 100 kph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 305 kph.

World Car of the Year 2010: Top Ten Entries Revealed

What is the best car in the world? It’s all relative and subjective and thus, impossible to determine. But that doesn’t stop automotive journalists from trying.

52 automotive journalists representing each continent in the world (except Antarctica – Penguins can’t legally drive yet) have gotten together and submitted their top ten choices for World Car of the Year in two categories: Car of the Year and Performance Car of the Year. There will then be three finalists chosen for both categories.

Find out what car made the top ten and what our pics are for the finalists after the jump!

Read the rest of this entry »