AutoZine Awards 2023

After a full year of hard work, what could be better than sit down and look back to the remarkable players of last year? Since 1999, every year AutoZine presents our awards to the best and worst new cars launched in the past year. Throughout the years our spirit never changed - the best cars are to be appreciated without any national bias, while the worst cars are to be highlighted without the slightest mercy.

Again, because I have been busy all year, this year’s AutoZine Awards is delayed to the year end. However, the rules remain the same, which means only cars went on sale last year are qualified.
Car of the Year

Ferrari 296 GTB
6 wins in 25 years, it is clear that I am a bit biased towards Maranello. However, when its cars are so good, why not?

I did not pick the SF90 because its 3-motor setup is probably too powerful and complicated for purists, but the 296 GTB has no such problems. Its electric power goes to the rear wheels only, so its steering is uncorrupted, and its chassis balance feels just as natural as traditional Ferrari mid-engined cars. The extra weight over its predecessor is 140 kg, but you won't feel it. Instead, it feels amazingly agile, thanks in part to a shorter wheelbase made possible by switching to V6 power.

Losing 2 cylinders might sound bad, but Ferrari managed to squeeze out 663 horsepower - or 830 hp with electric motor added - yet it revs and sings like a small V12. The addition of hybrid power just irons out the weaknesses of turbocharged engine and enhances the good old formula, making it faster, more exciting and more absorbent. This car is nothing short of amazing.

Past winners

2022   Lucid Air
2021   Toyota GR Yaris
2020   Porsche Taycan
2019   Jaguar I-Pace
2018   Renault Alpine A110
2017   BMW 5-Series G30
2016   Mazda MX-5
2015   Ferrari LaFerrari
2014   Porsche 991 GT3
2013   Tesla Model S
2012   BMW 3-Series F30
2011   Jaguar XJ
2010   Ferrari 458 Italia
2009   Nissan GT-R
2008   Jaguar XF
2007   Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano

2006   Bugatti EB16.4 Veyron
2005   Ferrari F430
2004   Ford GT
2003   Mercedes-Benz E-class and E55 AMG

2002   Mercedes-Benz SL
2001   Alfa Romeo 147
2000   Ferrari 360 Modena
1999   Ford Focus

Honorable mentions

Honda Civic Type R
Honorable mentions

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Honorable mentions

Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Honorable mentions

Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica



next...
  Copyright© 1997-2023 by Mark Wan @ AutoZine