GTP Best Car, Episode IV: Italian Nominations Open

[YSSMAN]

Every once in a while, GTP comes together to facilitate a rousing set of nomination, discussion and debate. Although some variations of the original system were not as successful as the first, ultimately we have been able to crown some of the best vehicles in the world with the title of "Best" by the users of GTP. The Porsche 911, Nissan GT-R, Chevrolet Corvette, BMC Mini, Citroen DS' and many others have competed for glory against one another only to find one true winner... One "Best Car." And so it begins...

GTP Best Car, Episode IV​

So, in the first iteration of "Best Car" we attempted to find the best vehicles from each nation throughout history. If memory serves, the Porsche 911 was crowned the overall winner in the inaugural run, lasting for several months throughout that summer. Iterations II and III were somewhat less popular, focusing more on select styles of vehicles, or moving more towards a bracketed format of competition. The evolution of the competition has been done out of necessity, and while some things have worked very well, and others have not, I'd like to mix some of both the old and new together in this, the fourth round of competition.

For this year's competition, I'm looking to streamline the process while also taking it back to its roots. I will be using this main thread to aggregate nominations and keep people up to date with the competition. Using the multiple thread format was confusing, and ultimately, it was taxing on the GTP forums on the whole. This year I'm also going to skip the bracketed format. While it was very interesting playing through it last year, it became pretty easy to see what some vehicles were clearly destined for glory over others. So, the simple voting format returns for each nation of origin. We're also going to avoid the all-time-great situation. Although it can be incredibly interesting, ultimately, I think we would face a great number of the same contestants and ultimately similar results.

So, the rules...

• Nominations will be gathered in this thread when the title indicates it as such
• Nominations will be based on country of origin, and will consist of vehicles that are MY2011 and MY2012
• After three-ish days of nomination and discussion, a separate thread will be created for debate and voting
• After all places of origin are represented, a final voting round will be created to determine the winner

MOAR RULES...

• Vehicles nominated must accurately represent that nation or region of origin
• Some countries that should be represented may not produce enough vehicles, and therefore, they may be rolled together with others to bring in new competitors
• Vehicles MUST be available in MY2011 or MY2012.
• They must be production based vehicles, not one-off concepts, modified special editions made available by tuning companies, or single run editions created for individual customers
• There is no unreasonable vehicle to nominate. "Best" is in the eye of the beholder, and ultimately, the votes of the users at GTP... A "Best" vehicle can be based on fuel economy, outright performance, luxury, or outright simplicity.
• Nomination posts should include the following:
  1. A photograph of the vehicle
  2. Some quick details
  3. Your reasoning for why it should be "Best"

The Categories...

The United Kingdom
* Ariel Atom 3
* Aston Martin Virage
* Bentley Mulsane
* Jaguar XF Diesel
* Jaguar XFR-S
* Land Rover Range Rover
* Lotus Elise Club Racer
* Rolls-Royce Phantom

Winner: Jaguar XKR-S

Germany
* Audi R8 5.2 FSI
* BMW 1-series M Coupe
* BMW 328i Sport Wagon
* BMW E90 M3
* Gumpert Apollo
* Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
* Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG
* Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
* Porsche Cayman R
* Porsche 911 GT2 RS
* Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
* Volkswagen Golf Variant/Jetta Sportwagen TDI MKV
* Volkswagen GTI MKVI

Italy

France

EU + Russia*

The United States**

Japan

Korea

Pacific Rim***

* The EU + Russia - May include the Netherlands, Spain, Czech Republic, Romania, etc.

** The United States - May include Canada, Mexico, Brazil, etc.

*** The Pacific Rim - May include Australia, China, India, Malaysia,


So, there we go. I'll leave this space active for a day or so before we dive into our first round of nominations. I'm hoping that this one can be as popular and as addictive as the original round. Keep it real, kids!

 

[niky]

Uh... India isn't on the Pacific Rim... but heck, that's a small quibble.

Do we count Jaguar as Indian?

 

[Jondot]

Uh... India isn't on the Pacific Rim... but heck, that's a small quibble.

Do we count Jaguar as Indian?

Nope, but you're welcome to have this

 

[ShobThaBob]

How about we just settle for all those cars pictured above. They're all amazing!

 

[Kent]

Sounds like a flame fest in the works once gtr and corvette are mentioned in the same post... Good luck...


My nomination...
The C6 Corvette in all forms
From "cheap" muscle auto tranny trophy wife ride to insane world competitor C6-R, the c6 has shown great value, performance, and prestige for all who appreciate diversity and purpose.

I might have laid it on too thick there but I think yall get the point.

 

[JCE]

Nevermind, I missed the part where it mentioned 2011-2012.

 

[Azuremen]

BMW M3 sedan.

Well, now that I've solved the thread, what next?

 

[Danoff]

BMW M3 sedan.

Well, now that I've solved the thread, what next?

I was thinking the same thing. The only problem with this is that they didn't make it for the E46, which is the only thing that gives me any pause at all.

 

[Azuremen]

I was thinking the same thing. The only problem with this is that they didn't make it for the E46, which is the only thing that gives me any pause at all.

But this only has to do with the 2011 and 2012 MYs.

 

[MatskiMonk]

I was thinking the same thing. The only problem with this is that they didn't make it for the E46, which is the only thing that gives me any pause at all.

Since the vote can only be for MY '11 and '12, not having an E46 M3 Saloon - though a shame - doesn't really matter.

E90 M3 FTW!

 

[Danoff]

But this only has to do with the 2011 and 2012 MYs.

Since the vote can only be for MY '11 and '12, not having an E46 M3 Saloon - though a shame - doesn't really matter.

Wow, totally missed that. Yea at the moment I'm in the ///M3 sedan camp.

 

[Kent]

Oh 2011/12 only, awesome!
With that in mind I fall back on a solid mid-pack performer in all catrgories... My 2011 Civic Si is the perfect nominee!

 

[motortrend]

BMW M3 sedan.

Well, now that I've solved the thread, what next?

I agree, the E90 M3 is a very versatile car. It can fit 4 people comfortably (not that the E92 can't) has great performance, great engine sound from that V8 at 8400 RPM and many options to fit your taste. In 2011 the ZCP option was also introduced which might float your boat and gives you an extra wheel choice. The car comes with the option for a 6MT or a DCT which has been praised by reviews. It really is a great overall car, and when buying an M3 you get to choose from coupe, convertible, or sedan.

Here's an excerpt from MT magazine on their long term E90:

No. It's been a year already? Can't be. Then the realization sets in. After 12 all-too-short months and 20,022 miles on the odometer, it's time for the M3 to go home. Panicked, the pleading begins. Then the bargaining.
Anything we could to do hold on to our car for just a little longer, to feel one more embrace from the seats, to experience one more blast to redline, was fair game. Maybe I'll grab the keys and run. Mexico isn't that far...


It wasn't long after this white sedan unassumingly slid into our garage that we called it World's Best All-Around Car. Initially, we were enamored of its package, an easy blend of speed, handling, good looks, roominess, and practicality. But surely, the World's Best All-Around Car title was a touch hyperbolic, right? Short answer: Nope.
Our M3 was a sedate and luxurious sedan as well as a supremely rewarding driving machine. Docile in inclement weather and smooth enough to transport your grandparents (if you can resist temptation), the M3 was equally primed for backcountry road-smash mode, where it would fire every synapse in your brain related to driving pleasure.
And then you'd find the M Drive button, which holds your preferred throttle, traction, and damping settings. With one press, everything somehow managed to get better. This is the M3's genius.


There are faster cars, yes, and there are a few that are more rewarding to drive. But of those, we challenge you to find one that combines speed, thrill, and daily driving duties as deftly as the M3.

Something to just sweeten the deal is that it has free maintenance for 4 years or 50k miles, which makes it a perfect new car IMO

 

[Pupik]

BMW M3 sedan.

Well, now that I've solved the thread, what next?

Convince BMW to ramp up production to Honda Accord-like levels, that's what.

 

[MatskiMonk]

So in the German category, it looks like the M3 is going to get a few votes at least.. when do the nomination threads actually open?

 

[JCE]

2011 Ford Mustang GT

Says it all really. Sticks it to the Germans and Japanese while costing thousands less. Oh and the noise is almost the best ever.

 

[Danoff]

For the American category I nominate the Ford F-150.

This thing outsells practically everything and has done it for decades. It's one of the few bright spots in the American lineup - one of the few vehicles that everyone has to stand up and admit that we do extremely well here in the states.

Versatile, Powerful, Cheap, Comfortable, and even has respectable gas mileage.

 

[motortrend]

2011 Ford Mustang GT



Oh and the noise is almost the best ever.

I don't know about you but this sounds pretty good:

 

[Zenith]

2011 Ford Mustang GT

Says it all really. Sticks it to the Germans and Japanese while costing thousands less. Oh and the noise is almost the best ever.
snip

+1 for the American Nomination

It represents the future of the American car industry. It looks to the 60's for its core values, but doesn't get bogged down with 60's technology (what live rear axle?). This generation of Mustangs sparked the revival of many retro classics in the US such as the Challenger and Camaro, all of which are enjoying success in the showrooms and on the track. When considering the price and the fact that the Mustang has four seats, the performance is very impressive.

The Mustang is also (IMO) the frontrunner in the ridiculously popular generation of revival cars. Forget the MINI, forget the Beetle, forget the PT Cruiser (no seriously, forget about that car). The Mustang does it best. It sticks to its roots in its design, layout, performance, and attitude. Whereas the Austin Mini was once a British car for the masses, the MINI is now a German hot hatch. The Mustang has a V6 for secretaries, a V8 fun, a Shelby for lots of fun, and even a Boss for racing.

It does everything and represents a significant trend in car culture.

Best American car easily. Best car? We'll see. I'm yet to read the cases for other cars and am still mulling over the significance of the GT-R.

To the OP: Can you elaborate on the elimination system? Can we nominate multiple cars?

 

[YSSMAN]

To the OP: Can you elaborate on the elimination system? Can we nominate multiple cars?

The preferred method is a single nomination for each user in each category. Sometimes, your car will be nominated by someone else, and if that's the case, its your job to back that one up, or come up with something completely different.

From there, I will sort through the nominations and create a separate thread for each category where we will vote on the vehicles for a day or so and eventually come up with a declared winner. Once each category has been gone through, a final thread will be made where we will vote on the winners and be able to declare a "Best Car" for 2011/2012.

 

[gogatrs]

Volkswagen GLI.
Well, no, not the newer ones.
For 2011-2012, I'd say an Elise for GB.
If they have a recent model lol.
I'm not that educated, but this is what I know...
They're quick, they're reliable, the low weight means relatively good milage for a sports car, relatively inexpensive (not cheap, inexpensive), and you pay for what they give you, not what they took out to keep the weight down.

Then again, I don't know much lol.

 

[Dan_]

Dan's Nomination

Country of Origin : Korea
Hyundai Sonata

Among all reasonably priced options, the Sonata offers the best compromise between comfort, fuel economy and clever engineering, resulting in a well-sorted every man's car.

It also impersonates the fluidic sculpture design language bringing some eye candy to the beigefied mid-size sedan segment and simply demonstrates with facts, why Korean cars are so accepted today, and in a worldwide basis.

Great car.

EDIT: Sorry for the false start.

 

[YSSMAN]

Let us begin the first round of nominations...

GTP Best Car IV: The United Kingdom

* Vehicle must be of UK origin (yes, that includes Jaguar, MINI, and so on)
* Must be an MY2011 or MY2012 vehicle
* Post a photograph with some details, explain why you're nominating it, etc
* After a few days, we will move on to the next category

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=​

For the United Kingdom category, I'm nominating...

The 2011 Bentley Mulsane

* 6.75 Litre V8
* 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox
* Nearly three ton curb weight
* Virtually unlimited color and trim combinations


Lets be honest here, the Mulsane isn't for everyone. If opulence is your ambition, you may be more likely to choose a flashy Maybach, Rolls-Royce, or even a Mercedes-Benz. But no, Bentley has kept things properly reserved for their Arnage successor. Although I am more partial to its predecessor, the Bentley is properly British in all of the right ways. Real wood, real fur, all of the wrongness involved in the decidedly old-school V8. It is a car with presence, frankly. One that says, at least to me, "I know what kind of car I'm looking for, not just a badge."

Of course, we can quibble about its German roots all day, but the look and feel is still decidedly British. The fact that it kept the 6.75 litre V8 has to say something about what this car is supposed to represent. Certainly, it is a step away from what had been before, but considering how old that design was, I'm happy to take a step forward and say, "Yes, this is in fact the best car that The United Kingdom has to offer."

 

[JCE]

I don't know about you but this sounds pretty good:

No I don't care for the new M3's noise. Now this sounds good:



Fast forward to 0:15 to start hearing one of the best noises from Europe ever.

 

[mPWRD]

My nomination:

Land Rover Range Rover

Engine: 5.0L Supercharged V8, 503hp, 461 lb.ft of torque
Price: $60,000 US (40,000 UK)

The Range Rover can do everything. It can off-road with the best of them, and still hold its own in a straight line with the new Jag V8. The shape is quintessentially British (to quote Captain Slow), but the Range Rover is popular all around the world. And it'll make you look way classier than you really are.

 

[homeforsummer]

I'll nominate the 2011 Lotus Elise Club Racer:

1.6 4cyl, 134bhp, even lighter than the standard Elise, sub 6-seconds to 60, just under 130mph. The lightest and simplest Elise and therefore the truest to the Colin Chapman ethos. It's an incarnation of a chassis that's been around now since 1996 and remains one of the purest sports cars you can buy, but with a dose of healthy Toyota mechanical reliability. Cherry on the icing is that it's one of the most economical sports cars too, proving that speed, fun and low running costs aren't all mutually exclusive. Still looks great after all those years too.

 

[niky]

Awesome as I think the Land Rover is... I'd place my nomination for the Jaguar XF Diesel.

275 hp, 40+ mpg, it's actually quiet, sequential turbocharged V6 also means that it doesn't sound like a locomotive when you're actually booking it, and having driven one, it does pull like a locomotive when you're booking it. Add to that Jaguar'sstrong styling sensibilities, inside and out, as well as a goodly amount of space. Drove one back to back with the new XJ, and aside from the colored digital display in the XJ, I'd rather have this one. I'd also actually have one over the new 5, despite the fact that the 35d has more shove.

 

[Smart_Roadster]

My nominee for my home country, the UK:
The Aston Martin Virage

186MPH, 490BHP, £150,000.

It's designed to fill in the tiny gap between the luxurious DB9 and the hardcore DBS, i.e. it offers DB9 luxury and DBS performance. And just look at it! [Drools on keyboard and short-circuits lap top]

 

[MatskiMonk]

ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM

Possibly, the best car in the world? 6.75 Litre V12, £250,000

"Influenced by the guiding principles of Sir Henry Royce, Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it"

 

[JCE]

^ That is beautiful. One of the all time greats from Europe indeed. Would take this over any other super-luxo-barge. I mean there is an umbrella in the freaking rear doors. AN UMBRELLA!