darkshark0159
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FinalGear.com Car of the Year 2008 - Award Winners
Welcome to the FinalGear.com Car of the Year 2008! This is the Best in Class thread where where the winners of each category are announced. You may also vote for the ultimate FinalGear.com Car of the Year in the above poll!
Here is how everything works:
1. You nominated 1 car of your choice per category.
2. We collated the nominations based on their different categories.
3. The winners of each category are now candidates in the final vote. The car with the most votes will win the FinalGear.com Car of the Year Award.
4. Feel free to discuss in this thread.
Best Cars of 2008
Other Awards
Voting ends on 16 January (GMT).
View the nomination thread here.
The final graphs of the voting results will be posted soon, so you will be able to see the runner-up vehicles.
Yours truly,
darkshark0159
Homer_Bart
Welcome to the FinalGear.com Car of the Year 2008! This is the Best in Class thread where where the winners of each category are announced. You may also vote for the ultimate FinalGear.com Car of the Year in the above poll!
Here is how everything works:
1. You nominated 1 car of your choice per category.
2. We collated the nominations based on their different categories.
3. The winners of each category are now candidates in the final vote. The car with the most votes will win the FinalGear.com Car of the Year Award.
4. Feel free to discuss in this thread.
Best Cars of 2008
Supermini of the Year - Fiat 500
26 out of 53 votes (49%)
A new Fiat 500 was announced by Italian automaker Fiat on May 5, 2006. Images of the new Fiat 500 were presented on 20 March, 2007, and the car was launched officially on 4 July, 2007, with 250,000 in attendance. This was the largest launch party held in the last ten years, a testament to the 500's huge popularity. The car was displayed in the squares of 30 cities in Italy for the launch.
The car is produced in Tychy, Poland, by Fiat Auto Poland alongside a sister model, the second generation Ford Ka released in 2008, and the other city car in the Fiat range, the Panda.
The 500 is almost identical to the concept car Trepi?no, presented in 2004. Strictly a four-seater, three-door hatchback and about the same length as the Panda, it is intended to compete both in the city car market and the "fashion car" niche market. The 500 may be badged in different markets as the Fiat 500, the Fiat Nuovo 500, or the Fiat Cinquecento.
The 500 is available with four different trim levels: Naked, Pop, Lounge, and Sport. Customers can choose also between 15 interior trims, 9 wheel options, 19 decals, and 12 body colours. There are over 500,000 different personalized combinations of the 500 that can be made by adding all kinds of accessories, decals, interior and exterior colours, and trims. The car is also available with Blue&Me Navigation system.
Family Car of the Year - Ford Mondeo
15 out of 54 votes (28%)
The Ford Mondeo is a large family car sold by the Ford Motor Company in various markets throughout the world. The name "Mondeo" derives from the Latin word mundus, meaning "world". The fourth generation Mondeo (codename: CD345) was officially unveiled in 5-door production form in late 2006. Based on the EUCD platform developed with Volvo, the platform is the same used in the new large MPVs Galaxy and S-MAX, but not the North American Ford Fusion or the Mazda6 in Japan. It will also possibly be used for several Volvos.
The new Mondeo uses the new electro-hydraulic steering system, first used on the C-MAX, that sharpens the steering response, and helps to save fuel Inside, the Mk4 features Ford's Human-Machine Interface (HMI) first seen on the Galaxy and S-Max whilst an enhanced instrument cluster featuring a 5 inch LCD for displaying trip computer and satellite navigation is standard on Titanium level models and available as an option on others. As has historically been the case with new Ford models, equipment levels have been downgraded slightly from the preceding generation - base specification models now have a manual heating/air-conditioning system in place of the climate control which was standard across all versions of the facelift Mk3. Also new on the Mk4 is the option of keyless starting of the engine via a "Ford Power" button on the dashboard.
As with the previous model, the Mk4 Mondeo is not marketed in the US or Canada because Ford currently sells the same-class Fusion which was launched in 2005. The new Mondeo is not sold currently in Venezuela, Brazil or Colombia because the Fusion is sold there. It is also not being offered in Mexico, although the MK3 model was popular there. It is, however, sold in Argentina.
The 2007 Mondeo marked the return to the Australian market after a six-year absence, due to a resurgence in popularity of medium-sized cars in the last few years. This is in no small part the result of high fuel prices making people reconsider purchasing large cars like the Ford Falcon. Marketing for the Mondeo in Australia has so far focused on the theme that the Mondeo looks good but offers even more than style, with television commercials showing silly quotes from celebrities such as Britney Spears ("I've been to lots of overseas places... like Canada") interspersed with scenes of the vehicle and finally the slogan "more than just good looks".
Compact Executive of the Year - Alfa Romeo 159
12 out of 47 votes (26%)
https://pic.armedcats.net/a/an/anonymous/2008/12/31/112_0708_01zalfa_romeo_159front_view.jpg
The Alfa Romeo 159 is a compact executive car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo since 2005. The 159 was introduced in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show as a replacement for the successful Alfa Romeo 156. The 159 uses the GM/Fiat Premium platform, shared with the Brera, Spider, and concept cars Kamal and Visconti.
The 159 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with the Alfa Centro Stile. The nose features a traditional Alfa Romeo V-shaped grille and bonnet, and cylindrical head light clusters. A high waistline broadens until it reaches the rear "C" pillar. The interior also features styling treatments familiar from earlier cars, including the 156, such as deeply recessed instruments which are angled towards the driver.
The 159 is available in both front and four-wheel drive, configurations. The "Q4" four-wheel drive system utilises a Torsen type C twin differential (front and center differential in the same unit) and is available on the 3.2 litre petrol and 2.4 litre diesel engines. The gearbox is a six-speed manual on most models (1.8 has a five-speed), and a six-speed automatic Q-Tronic gearbox (Aisin AW TF-80SC) is available for the 1.9 diesel, 2.4 diesel and 3.2 petrol models. The Selespeed gearbox is for sale in some countries with the 2.2 petrol engine.
Executive Car of the Year - Jaguar XF
24 out of 49 votes (49%)
The Jaguar XF is a mid-size luxury car / sports sedan made by Jaguar Cars. It was launched in the UK in 2008 and replaced the S-Type in the company's lineup. The production version of the XF debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and customer deliveries commenced in March 2008. In January 2008, the XF was awarded the prestigious What Car? Car of the Year award, as well as taking away the prize in the executive car category. The XF was also awarded Car of the Year 2008 from What Diesel? magazine.
The basic sub-structure of the XF has been carried over from the S-Type, although the body has been stretched to meet crash safety requirements, and heightened to provide additional headroom while still retaining the "saloon within a coup?" proportions. The suspension and mountings are the same as that used on the XK, while the engine line-up is basically as that used in the S-Type. Three petrol engines are available, all carried over in modified form from the S-Type. The base model is the 3-litre V6, a heavily adapted version of the Ford Duratec V6. Two versions of the well-regarded Jaguar AJ-V8 engine are used in 4.2-litre form. The naturally-aspirated version produces 300 bhp (224 kW, 304 PS) whilst the supercharged used on the SV8 model produces 420 bhp (313 kW, 426 PS). Outside North America, the biggest-selling unit will be the 2.7-litre V6 twin-turbodiesel, this being the same AJD-V6 engine used in the S-Type and the XJ, in this application producing 207 bhp (154 kW, 210 PS). Sound and vibration insulation is provided by the addition of a special underbody tray and engine mounts, a tuned exhaust system, and a double bulkhead between the engine bay and passenger compartment. There is no manual transmission option, but its six-speed automatic gearbox has been programmed to shift 10% quicker than before, and can be manually selected using paddles behind the steering wheel. The normal drive selector lever has been replaced with a rotary dial that rises from the centre console once the engine start/stop button has been pressed.
Luxury Car of the Year - Rolls Royce Phantom
15 out of 44 votes (34%)
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a British saloon automobile made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, in the United Kingdom. It was launched in 2003. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coup?, and the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coup?, both based on the 2003 Phantom, are the most recent additions to the Rolls-Royce brand.
The Phantom uses a unique chassis platform, body, interior, and retains traditional Rolls-Royce design cues. The body is mostly aluminum.
Final assembly, including all body, paint, wood, and leather work, is completed to each customer's individual specification at the Rolls-Royce plant in Goodwood, West Sussex, England. The plant is down the street from the historic Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit.
The plant contains the paint shop, body shop, leather shop, woodworking shop, assembly line, and executive offices under one roof. [1] There are only two robots in the factory. The two robots paint the body; the paint is polished by hand after the robots spray each coat. [2] All other work is done by hand, in keeping with the Rolls-Royce tradition.
It has a 6.75 L, 48-valve, V12 engine that produces 453 bhp (338 kW, 459 PS) and 720 N?m (530 lb?ft) of torque. The engine is derived from BMW's N73 V12 powerplant. The engine is assembled by BMW. The engine uses direct fuel injection, and is a drive by wire design, using valvetronic technology. The power output is regulated by infinitely varying valve lift by moving the rockers and rocker fulcrums via electric servos, rather than using the throttle body.The throttle body is maintained for fail-safe operation.
MPV of the Year - Ford S-Max
24 out of 40 votes (60%)
The Ford S-Max is a large MPV produced by the Ford Motor Company for the European market and by Chang'an Ford Automobile Co., Ltd for the Chinese (Mainland) market. Introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, the S-Max went on sale alongside the redesigned Galaxy in June 2006. It is intended as a "sporty" alternative to the traditional MPV, and slots between the seven-seater large MPV Galaxy and compact MPV Ford C-Max. The S-Max was voted European Car of the Year 2007 on 13 November 2006 and in the future it will be sold in Japan as a Mazda.
The 7-seater S-Max is the first vehicle to feature Ford's Kinetic Design styling. On S-Max, Kinetic Design includes angular headlights, twin trapezoidal grilles, and large wheelarches.
One major selling point of the S-Max is its "FoldFlatSystem". This design allows the second and third-row seats to fold flat into the floor.
4x4 of the Year - Land Rover Range Rover
13 out of 48 votes (27%)
The Range Rover is a four-wheel drive luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Land Rover in the United Kingdom. It was first introduced in 1970 and is still in production today.
In 2002 the third generation model was introduced which saw the model move further up-market. Initially planned and developed under BMW ownership, the new generation was planned as an AWD flagship accompaniment to the E65 7 Series saloon, sharing many components and systems (electronics, core power units etc), and initially packaged to accommodate BMW's coming V8D and V12 power units as future range-topping models, to complement their own X5 model, a smaller, more sporting SUV.
In a concerted effort to improve the Range Rover's on road competence, ride and handling, and at the same time to achieve more predictable crash performance, it was decided to adopt a monocoque (unibody) construction and at the same time to move to 4-wheel independent air suspension. Air suspension allowed variable ride height to suit on and off-road conditions, and the crosslinking of the suspension elements achieved similar axle articulation to that available with the previous live axled generations. This was important to retain the off road excellence and the desired on-road improvements that were core to the marketing position of the new product.
Affordable Performance Car of the Year & Car of the Year - Volkswagen Scirocco
16 out of 53 votes (30%)
The Volkswagen Scirocco is a sports coupe produced by German manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) from 1974 until 1992. Because the model was highly successful, and helped bolster VW's reputation, a third generation was released in August 2008.
A concept of the 2008 Scirocco was shown at the 2006 Paris Auto Show, called the Iroc, later the name was expanded to Scirocco. It is said to share more in spirit and name rather than form with the original design. The 2008 Scirocco will receive the option of four petrol engines and two Diesel engines: Volkswagen's TSI twincharged straight-4 producing 120 hp (89 kW), 158 hp (118 kW) and 200 hp (150 kW), and the 200 hp 2.0T FSI engine (currently featured in the Mark V Golf GTI, the Passat and Jetta) and common rail 2.0 TDI engines producing 138 hp (103 kW) and 168 hp (125 kW) (currently featured in the Tiguan)
In April 2007, VW America's vice president, Adrian Hallmark, stated that his company did not want to bring the Scirocco to North America since it would likely have a negative effect on GTI sales. It was later stated that the final decision would be made in 2008 by Martin Winterkorn (Volkswagen's CEO), not Volkswagen of America.
In the 24 Hours N?rburgring in May 2008, three new Volkswagen Scirocco did very well in the field of over 200, among them many high powered cars, finishing 11th and 15th, with veteran Hans Joachim Stuck driving both cars (and Carlos Sainz the slower one). The direct competitors, two Opel Astra GTC driven by drivers selected from 18,000 hopefuls in a year-long TV covered process, were beaten decisively.
Performance/Supercar of the Year - Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
9 out of 53 votes (17%)
The ZR1 is a high performance version of the Chevrolet Corvette. More powerful than the Z06 model, it is now the most powerful Corvette currently in production. The ZR1 has been a model of previous generation Corvettes. C3 from 1970-1972 and C4 Corvettes from 1990-1995 both had a ZR-1 model. The older C3 and C4 model ZR-1 had different lettering than the newer C6 ZR1 model.
The ZR1 engine is a modified LS3, designated the LS9, producing 638 hp and 604 ft.-lbs. of torque, making this the most powerful production Corvette to date. The LS9 has a sixth-generation Eaton TVS R2300 roots 4-lobe supercharger with an intercooler. The supercharger's four-lobe design offers improved efficiency over three-lobe models. To avoid changes to the hood appearance, the supercharger's output was split into two halves. Each cylinder bank has an intercooler. The intercoolers are from Behr, utilizing an air-to-water, dual-brick design.
The LS3 engine block will be used because the cylinder walls of the LS3 are thicker than the Z06's LS7 since the LS3 uses smaller pistons. Oil injectors, for improved cooling and noise reduction, will be used for the first time in a production Corvette. Connecting rods and the inlet valve will be made of titanium. Heads will be from a special heat resistant aluminum alloy from the LS9's manufacturing process. The camshaft lift was reduced from the LS7's to improve idle quality. With the addition of the supercharger to the 6.2 liter LS9, the higher lift camshaft was no longer necessary to achieve horsepower targets.
Muscle Car of the Year - Dodge Challenger
19 out of 48 votes (40%)
The Challenger is described in a book about 1960s American cars as Dodge?s "answer to the Mustang and Camaro." It was one of two Chrysler E-body cars, the other being the slightly smaller Plymouth Barracuda.
On 3 December 2007, Chrysler started taking deposits for the third-generation Dodge Challenger which debuted on 6 February 2008 simultaneously at the Chicago Auto Show and Philadelphia International Auto Show. Listing at US$40,095, the new version is a 2-door coupe which shares common design elements with the first generation Challenger, despite being significantly longer and taller. The chassis is a modified (shortened wheelbase) version of the LX platform that underpins the 2006-Current Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, and the 2005-Current Chrysler 300. All 2008 models were SRT8s and equipped with the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi and a 5-speed AutoStick automatic transmission, which outperforms the legendary 1970 Hemi Challenger. The entire 2008 run of 6,400 cars were pre-sold (many of which for above MSRP), and production commenced on 8 May 2008. Chrysler Canada is offering the Canada 500 and Chrysler of Mexico is offering only 100 of this car for that country with a 6.1 liter engine and 425 brake horsepower (317 kW) (SAE); the version is SRT/8. Chrysler auctioned off two 2008 SRT8 for charity with car #1 going for $400,000.00 to benefit the notMYkid non-profit org, and a 'B5' Blue #43 car fetching a winning bid of $228,143.43 with the proceeds going to Victory Junction Gang Camp. Many of the "first delivery" Challengers were either pre-sold, or sold for above MSRP (as is often the case with a highly anticipated vehicle launch).
At the 2008 New York Auto Show, Chrysler debuted the full Dodge Challenger line for 2009, with three different trims (SE, R/T, and SRT8) to choose from.
Car Noise of the Year - Pagani Zonda F
16 out of 32 votes (50%)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnz3npKj0sk[/youtube]
26 out of 53 votes (49%)
A new Fiat 500 was announced by Italian automaker Fiat on May 5, 2006. Images of the new Fiat 500 were presented on 20 March, 2007, and the car was launched officially on 4 July, 2007, with 250,000 in attendance. This was the largest launch party held in the last ten years, a testament to the 500's huge popularity. The car was displayed in the squares of 30 cities in Italy for the launch.
The car is produced in Tychy, Poland, by Fiat Auto Poland alongside a sister model, the second generation Ford Ka released in 2008, and the other city car in the Fiat range, the Panda.
The 500 is almost identical to the concept car Trepi?no, presented in 2004. Strictly a four-seater, three-door hatchback and about the same length as the Panda, it is intended to compete both in the city car market and the "fashion car" niche market. The 500 may be badged in different markets as the Fiat 500, the Fiat Nuovo 500, or the Fiat Cinquecento.
The 500 is available with four different trim levels: Naked, Pop, Lounge, and Sport. Customers can choose also between 15 interior trims, 9 wheel options, 19 decals, and 12 body colours. There are over 500,000 different personalized combinations of the 500 that can be made by adding all kinds of accessories, decals, interior and exterior colours, and trims. The car is also available with Blue&Me Navigation system.
Family Car of the Year - Ford Mondeo
15 out of 54 votes (28%)
The Ford Mondeo is a large family car sold by the Ford Motor Company in various markets throughout the world. The name "Mondeo" derives from the Latin word mundus, meaning "world". The fourth generation Mondeo (codename: CD345) was officially unveiled in 5-door production form in late 2006. Based on the EUCD platform developed with Volvo, the platform is the same used in the new large MPVs Galaxy and S-MAX, but not the North American Ford Fusion or the Mazda6 in Japan. It will also possibly be used for several Volvos.
The new Mondeo uses the new electro-hydraulic steering system, first used on the C-MAX, that sharpens the steering response, and helps to save fuel Inside, the Mk4 features Ford's Human-Machine Interface (HMI) first seen on the Galaxy and S-Max whilst an enhanced instrument cluster featuring a 5 inch LCD for displaying trip computer and satellite navigation is standard on Titanium level models and available as an option on others. As has historically been the case with new Ford models, equipment levels have been downgraded slightly from the preceding generation - base specification models now have a manual heating/air-conditioning system in place of the climate control which was standard across all versions of the facelift Mk3. Also new on the Mk4 is the option of keyless starting of the engine via a "Ford Power" button on the dashboard.
As with the previous model, the Mk4 Mondeo is not marketed in the US or Canada because Ford currently sells the same-class Fusion which was launched in 2005. The new Mondeo is not sold currently in Venezuela, Brazil or Colombia because the Fusion is sold there. It is also not being offered in Mexico, although the MK3 model was popular there. It is, however, sold in Argentina.
The 2007 Mondeo marked the return to the Australian market after a six-year absence, due to a resurgence in popularity of medium-sized cars in the last few years. This is in no small part the result of high fuel prices making people reconsider purchasing large cars like the Ford Falcon. Marketing for the Mondeo in Australia has so far focused on the theme that the Mondeo looks good but offers even more than style, with television commercials showing silly quotes from celebrities such as Britney Spears ("I've been to lots of overseas places... like Canada") interspersed with scenes of the vehicle and finally the slogan "more than just good looks".
Compact Executive of the Year - Alfa Romeo 159
12 out of 47 votes (26%)
https://pic.armedcats.net/a/an/anonymous/2008/12/31/112_0708_01zalfa_romeo_159front_view.jpg
The Alfa Romeo 159 is a compact executive car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo since 2005. The 159 was introduced in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show as a replacement for the successful Alfa Romeo 156. The 159 uses the GM/Fiat Premium platform, shared with the Brera, Spider, and concept cars Kamal and Visconti.
The 159 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with the Alfa Centro Stile. The nose features a traditional Alfa Romeo V-shaped grille and bonnet, and cylindrical head light clusters. A high waistline broadens until it reaches the rear "C" pillar. The interior also features styling treatments familiar from earlier cars, including the 156, such as deeply recessed instruments which are angled towards the driver.
The 159 is available in both front and four-wheel drive, configurations. The "Q4" four-wheel drive system utilises a Torsen type C twin differential (front and center differential in the same unit) and is available on the 3.2 litre petrol and 2.4 litre diesel engines. The gearbox is a six-speed manual on most models (1.8 has a five-speed), and a six-speed automatic Q-Tronic gearbox (Aisin AW TF-80SC) is available for the 1.9 diesel, 2.4 diesel and 3.2 petrol models. The Selespeed gearbox is for sale in some countries with the 2.2 petrol engine.
Executive Car of the Year - Jaguar XF
24 out of 49 votes (49%)
The Jaguar XF is a mid-size luxury car / sports sedan made by Jaguar Cars. It was launched in the UK in 2008 and replaced the S-Type in the company's lineup. The production version of the XF debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and customer deliveries commenced in March 2008. In January 2008, the XF was awarded the prestigious What Car? Car of the Year award, as well as taking away the prize in the executive car category. The XF was also awarded Car of the Year 2008 from What Diesel? magazine.
The basic sub-structure of the XF has been carried over from the S-Type, although the body has been stretched to meet crash safety requirements, and heightened to provide additional headroom while still retaining the "saloon within a coup?" proportions. The suspension and mountings are the same as that used on the XK, while the engine line-up is basically as that used in the S-Type. Three petrol engines are available, all carried over in modified form from the S-Type. The base model is the 3-litre V6, a heavily adapted version of the Ford Duratec V6. Two versions of the well-regarded Jaguar AJ-V8 engine are used in 4.2-litre form. The naturally-aspirated version produces 300 bhp (224 kW, 304 PS) whilst the supercharged used on the SV8 model produces 420 bhp (313 kW, 426 PS). Outside North America, the biggest-selling unit will be the 2.7-litre V6 twin-turbodiesel, this being the same AJD-V6 engine used in the S-Type and the XJ, in this application producing 207 bhp (154 kW, 210 PS). Sound and vibration insulation is provided by the addition of a special underbody tray and engine mounts, a tuned exhaust system, and a double bulkhead between the engine bay and passenger compartment. There is no manual transmission option, but its six-speed automatic gearbox has been programmed to shift 10% quicker than before, and can be manually selected using paddles behind the steering wheel. The normal drive selector lever has been replaced with a rotary dial that rises from the centre console once the engine start/stop button has been pressed.
Luxury Car of the Year - Rolls Royce Phantom
15 out of 44 votes (34%)
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a British saloon automobile made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, in the United Kingdom. It was launched in 2003. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coup?, and the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coup?, both based on the 2003 Phantom, are the most recent additions to the Rolls-Royce brand.
The Phantom uses a unique chassis platform, body, interior, and retains traditional Rolls-Royce design cues. The body is mostly aluminum.
Final assembly, including all body, paint, wood, and leather work, is completed to each customer's individual specification at the Rolls-Royce plant in Goodwood, West Sussex, England. The plant is down the street from the historic Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit.
The plant contains the paint shop, body shop, leather shop, woodworking shop, assembly line, and executive offices under one roof. [1] There are only two robots in the factory. The two robots paint the body; the paint is polished by hand after the robots spray each coat. [2] All other work is done by hand, in keeping with the Rolls-Royce tradition.
It has a 6.75 L, 48-valve, V12 engine that produces 453 bhp (338 kW, 459 PS) and 720 N?m (530 lb?ft) of torque. The engine is derived from BMW's N73 V12 powerplant. The engine is assembled by BMW. The engine uses direct fuel injection, and is a drive by wire design, using valvetronic technology. The power output is regulated by infinitely varying valve lift by moving the rockers and rocker fulcrums via electric servos, rather than using the throttle body.The throttle body is maintained for fail-safe operation.
MPV of the Year - Ford S-Max
24 out of 40 votes (60%)
The Ford S-Max is a large MPV produced by the Ford Motor Company for the European market and by Chang'an Ford Automobile Co., Ltd for the Chinese (Mainland) market. Introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, the S-Max went on sale alongside the redesigned Galaxy in June 2006. It is intended as a "sporty" alternative to the traditional MPV, and slots between the seven-seater large MPV Galaxy and compact MPV Ford C-Max. The S-Max was voted European Car of the Year 2007 on 13 November 2006 and in the future it will be sold in Japan as a Mazda.
The 7-seater S-Max is the first vehicle to feature Ford's Kinetic Design styling. On S-Max, Kinetic Design includes angular headlights, twin trapezoidal grilles, and large wheelarches.
One major selling point of the S-Max is its "FoldFlatSystem". This design allows the second and third-row seats to fold flat into the floor.
4x4 of the Year - Land Rover Range Rover
13 out of 48 votes (27%)
The Range Rover is a four-wheel drive luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Land Rover in the United Kingdom. It was first introduced in 1970 and is still in production today.
In 2002 the third generation model was introduced which saw the model move further up-market. Initially planned and developed under BMW ownership, the new generation was planned as an AWD flagship accompaniment to the E65 7 Series saloon, sharing many components and systems (electronics, core power units etc), and initially packaged to accommodate BMW's coming V8D and V12 power units as future range-topping models, to complement their own X5 model, a smaller, more sporting SUV.
In a concerted effort to improve the Range Rover's on road competence, ride and handling, and at the same time to achieve more predictable crash performance, it was decided to adopt a monocoque (unibody) construction and at the same time to move to 4-wheel independent air suspension. Air suspension allowed variable ride height to suit on and off-road conditions, and the crosslinking of the suspension elements achieved similar axle articulation to that available with the previous live axled generations. This was important to retain the off road excellence and the desired on-road improvements that were core to the marketing position of the new product.
Affordable Performance Car of the Year & Car of the Year - Volkswagen Scirocco
16 out of 53 votes (30%)
The Volkswagen Scirocco is a sports coupe produced by German manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) from 1974 until 1992. Because the model was highly successful, and helped bolster VW's reputation, a third generation was released in August 2008.
A concept of the 2008 Scirocco was shown at the 2006 Paris Auto Show, called the Iroc, later the name was expanded to Scirocco. It is said to share more in spirit and name rather than form with the original design. The 2008 Scirocco will receive the option of four petrol engines and two Diesel engines: Volkswagen's TSI twincharged straight-4 producing 120 hp (89 kW), 158 hp (118 kW) and 200 hp (150 kW), and the 200 hp 2.0T FSI engine (currently featured in the Mark V Golf GTI, the Passat and Jetta) and common rail 2.0 TDI engines producing 138 hp (103 kW) and 168 hp (125 kW) (currently featured in the Tiguan)
In April 2007, VW America's vice president, Adrian Hallmark, stated that his company did not want to bring the Scirocco to North America since it would likely have a negative effect on GTI sales. It was later stated that the final decision would be made in 2008 by Martin Winterkorn (Volkswagen's CEO), not Volkswagen of America.
In the 24 Hours N?rburgring in May 2008, three new Volkswagen Scirocco did very well in the field of over 200, among them many high powered cars, finishing 11th and 15th, with veteran Hans Joachim Stuck driving both cars (and Carlos Sainz the slower one). The direct competitors, two Opel Astra GTC driven by drivers selected from 18,000 hopefuls in a year-long TV covered process, were beaten decisively.
Performance/Supercar of the Year - Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
9 out of 53 votes (17%)
The ZR1 is a high performance version of the Chevrolet Corvette. More powerful than the Z06 model, it is now the most powerful Corvette currently in production. The ZR1 has been a model of previous generation Corvettes. C3 from 1970-1972 and C4 Corvettes from 1990-1995 both had a ZR-1 model. The older C3 and C4 model ZR-1 had different lettering than the newer C6 ZR1 model.
The ZR1 engine is a modified LS3, designated the LS9, producing 638 hp and 604 ft.-lbs. of torque, making this the most powerful production Corvette to date. The LS9 has a sixth-generation Eaton TVS R2300 roots 4-lobe supercharger with an intercooler. The supercharger's four-lobe design offers improved efficiency over three-lobe models. To avoid changes to the hood appearance, the supercharger's output was split into two halves. Each cylinder bank has an intercooler. The intercoolers are from Behr, utilizing an air-to-water, dual-brick design.
The LS3 engine block will be used because the cylinder walls of the LS3 are thicker than the Z06's LS7 since the LS3 uses smaller pistons. Oil injectors, for improved cooling and noise reduction, will be used for the first time in a production Corvette. Connecting rods and the inlet valve will be made of titanium. Heads will be from a special heat resistant aluminum alloy from the LS9's manufacturing process. The camshaft lift was reduced from the LS7's to improve idle quality. With the addition of the supercharger to the 6.2 liter LS9, the higher lift camshaft was no longer necessary to achieve horsepower targets.
Muscle Car of the Year - Dodge Challenger
19 out of 48 votes (40%)
The Challenger is described in a book about 1960s American cars as Dodge?s "answer to the Mustang and Camaro." It was one of two Chrysler E-body cars, the other being the slightly smaller Plymouth Barracuda.
On 3 December 2007, Chrysler started taking deposits for the third-generation Dodge Challenger which debuted on 6 February 2008 simultaneously at the Chicago Auto Show and Philadelphia International Auto Show. Listing at US$40,095, the new version is a 2-door coupe which shares common design elements with the first generation Challenger, despite being significantly longer and taller. The chassis is a modified (shortened wheelbase) version of the LX platform that underpins the 2006-Current Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, and the 2005-Current Chrysler 300. All 2008 models were SRT8s and equipped with the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi and a 5-speed AutoStick automatic transmission, which outperforms the legendary 1970 Hemi Challenger. The entire 2008 run of 6,400 cars were pre-sold (many of which for above MSRP), and production commenced on 8 May 2008. Chrysler Canada is offering the Canada 500 and Chrysler of Mexico is offering only 100 of this car for that country with a 6.1 liter engine and 425 brake horsepower (317 kW) (SAE); the version is SRT/8. Chrysler auctioned off two 2008 SRT8 for charity with car #1 going for $400,000.00 to benefit the notMYkid non-profit org, and a 'B5' Blue #43 car fetching a winning bid of $228,143.43 with the proceeds going to Victory Junction Gang Camp. Many of the "first delivery" Challengers were either pre-sold, or sold for above MSRP (as is often the case with a highly anticipated vehicle launch).
At the 2008 New York Auto Show, Chrysler debuted the full Dodge Challenger line for 2009, with three different trims (SE, R/T, and SRT8) to choose from.
Car Noise of the Year - Pagani Zonda F
16 out of 32 votes (50%)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnz3npKj0sk[/youtube]
Other Awards
Cock Brand of the Year - Audi
15 out of 45 votes (33%)
AUDI AG is a German car manufacturer which produces cars under the Audi brand. The name Audi is based on a latin translation of the word "Horch", itself the German word for "hark".
Audi's corporate tagline is Vorsprung durch Technik, meaning "Advancement through Technology". The German-language tagline is used in many European countries, including the United Kingdom, and in other markets, such as Latin America, Oceania and parts of Asia including Japan. The North American tagline is "Innovation through technology", but in Canada the German tagline Vorsprung durch Technik is now used in advertising.
Currently, Audi's sales are growing strongly in Europe. 2004 marked the 11th straight increase in sales, selling 779,441 vehicles worldwide. Record figures were recorded from 21 out of about 50 major sales markets. The largest sales increases came from Eastern Europe (+19.3%), Africa (+17.2%) and the Middle East (+58.5%). In March of 2005, Audi is building its first two dealerships in India following its high increase in sales in the region.
Cock Personality of the Year - Gordon Brown
8 out of 36 votes (22%)
James Gordon Brown MP (born 20 February 1951) is a British Labour politician and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Brown assumed office in June 2007, after the resignation of Tony Blair and three days after becoming leader of the governing Labour Party. Before this, he served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Labour government from 1997 to 2007 under Blair.
Brown has a PhD in history from the University of Edinburgh and spent his early career working as a TV journalist. He has been a Member of Parliament since 1983; firstly for Dunfermline East and since 2005 for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath. As Prime Minister, he also holds the positions of First Lord of the Treasury and the Minister for the Civil Service.
Brown's time as Chancellor was marked by major reform of Britain's monetary and fiscal policy architecture, transferring interest rate setting powers to the Bank of England, by a wide extension of the powers of the Treasury to cover much domestic policy, and by largely benign economic conditions. His most controversial moves were the abolition of Advanced Corporation Tax (ACT) relief in his first budget - a move that received criticism for the effect it had on pension funds - and removal of the 10p tax rate in his final 2007 budget.
His time as PM has been of mixed fortune, facing repercussions of the credit crunch and the associated nationalisation of Northern Rock, the 10p tax rate row, rising oil and petrol prices, and increased inflation. Brown has also suffered as a result of investigations into improper party donation accusations, a costly political battle over 42 day detention and heavy by-election defeats, notably Glasgow East. Despite an initial increase in personal and Labour popularity following his appointment as Leader and PM, Brown has presided over a dramatic decline in poll approval ratings personally and for the party. During the summer of 2008 speculation arose of a potential challenge to Brown's leadership, but the threat of a contest receded during October following the Labour Party Conference, the emergence of the financial crisis and Labour's win in Glenrothes after a string of by-election loses.
Top Gear Top Episode 2008 - 12x02: American Road Trip II
43 out of 178 votes (24%)
[youtube]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fH2M0NI4BGk[/youtube]
Top Gear Top Episode Australia 2008 - 1x06: Alice Springs to Daintree in luxury off-roaders
43 out of 178 votes (24%)
[youtube]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=t9-2g5PVu-U[/youtube]
Best of Fifth Gear 2008 - 14x05: Vauxhall Astra Nurburgring and the Ford Focus ST
43 out of 178 votes (24%)
[youtube]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bBi0MBFHCFE[/youtube]
15 out of 45 votes (33%)
AUDI AG is a German car manufacturer which produces cars under the Audi brand. The name Audi is based on a latin translation of the word "Horch", itself the German word for "hark".
Audi's corporate tagline is Vorsprung durch Technik, meaning "Advancement through Technology". The German-language tagline is used in many European countries, including the United Kingdom, and in other markets, such as Latin America, Oceania and parts of Asia including Japan. The North American tagline is "Innovation through technology", but in Canada the German tagline Vorsprung durch Technik is now used in advertising.
Currently, Audi's sales are growing strongly in Europe. 2004 marked the 11th straight increase in sales, selling 779,441 vehicles worldwide. Record figures were recorded from 21 out of about 50 major sales markets. The largest sales increases came from Eastern Europe (+19.3%), Africa (+17.2%) and the Middle East (+58.5%). In March of 2005, Audi is building its first two dealerships in India following its high increase in sales in the region.
Cock Personality of the Year - Gordon Brown
8 out of 36 votes (22%)
James Gordon Brown MP (born 20 February 1951) is a British Labour politician and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Brown assumed office in June 2007, after the resignation of Tony Blair and three days after becoming leader of the governing Labour Party. Before this, he served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Labour government from 1997 to 2007 under Blair.
Brown has a PhD in history from the University of Edinburgh and spent his early career working as a TV journalist. He has been a Member of Parliament since 1983; firstly for Dunfermline East and since 2005 for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath. As Prime Minister, he also holds the positions of First Lord of the Treasury and the Minister for the Civil Service.
Brown's time as Chancellor was marked by major reform of Britain's monetary and fiscal policy architecture, transferring interest rate setting powers to the Bank of England, by a wide extension of the powers of the Treasury to cover much domestic policy, and by largely benign economic conditions. His most controversial moves were the abolition of Advanced Corporation Tax (ACT) relief in his first budget - a move that received criticism for the effect it had on pension funds - and removal of the 10p tax rate in his final 2007 budget.
His time as PM has been of mixed fortune, facing repercussions of the credit crunch and the associated nationalisation of Northern Rock, the 10p tax rate row, rising oil and petrol prices, and increased inflation. Brown has also suffered as a result of investigations into improper party donation accusations, a costly political battle over 42 day detention and heavy by-election defeats, notably Glasgow East. Despite an initial increase in personal and Labour popularity following his appointment as Leader and PM, Brown has presided over a dramatic decline in poll approval ratings personally and for the party. During the summer of 2008 speculation arose of a potential challenge to Brown's leadership, but the threat of a contest receded during October following the Labour Party Conference, the emergence of the financial crisis and Labour's win in Glenrothes after a string of by-election loses.
Top Gear Top Episode 2008 - 12x02: American Road Trip II
43 out of 178 votes (24%)
[youtube]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fH2M0NI4BGk[/youtube]
Top Gear Top Episode Australia 2008 - 1x06: Alice Springs to Daintree in luxury off-roaders
43 out of 178 votes (24%)
[youtube]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=t9-2g5PVu-U[/youtube]
Best of Fifth Gear 2008 - 14x05: Vauxhall Astra Nurburgring and the Ford Focus ST
43 out of 178 votes (24%)
[youtube]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bBi0MBFHCFE[/youtube]
Voting ends on 16 January (GMT).
View the nomination thread here.
The final graphs of the voting results will be posted soon, so you will be able to see the runner-up vehicles.
Yours truly,
darkshark0159
Homer_Bart
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