The year 2012 is coming to and end, and we have to admit, it was a good car year. Amazing concepts such as the McLaren P1 and BMW i8 Spyder made their public debut this year, but concepts remain concepts, and we’ll have to wait a few more years to see them on the streets. Today though, we bring you our top 5 production models for 2012, which you can find right below.
5- BMW 3 Series
This is the only car we’ve driven on our list, and it was a genuinely special experience. The 328i that we were given has more than enough power for uphill mountain roads, and is such a smooth car in the city. It remains the class leader thanks to its outstanding performance, great build quality, and that’s of course without mentioning the practicality. This car deserves the 5th spot on our list.
4- Aston Martin AM310 Vanquish
We don’t know how Aston Martin do it. They introduce a new-generation car that looks very similar to the one it replaces, and god damn it, it would still look better than anything else out there. That’s exactly what they have done with the “all-new” Vanquish. Just take an old Virage, give it a new front bumper, borrow the One-77’s rear-end and voila! You have a breathtaking AM 310 Vanquish. It’s not going to break any track records, but it’s a very very good GT car overall. Number 4 on the list.
3- Porsche Boxster
Porsche brought to light the third-generation Boxster this year. What was considered a “poor man’s Porsche” is now a stunning and mature roadster – way ahead of its rivals. Brilliant handling together with gorgeous looks make the new Boxster better in every way. 911 owners can longer make fun of the baby Porsche. It earns spot number 3 on this list.
2- Land Rover Range Rover
Simply put, it’s the best luxury SUV money can buy. The new Range Rover preserves the spirit of its predecessors while introducing substantial improvements, most notably the all-aluminium monocoque structure – the first ever on an SUV – which helped reduce its total weight by a massive 420 kilograms. Land Rover also managed to improve the ride quality; it is good off the road, just as it is on it. The British SUV remains one of the most capable in its class, and takes number 2 on our list.
1- Toyota GT 86/Subaru BRZ
Ah, the Toyobaru twins, they’re no technological marvels, but they get the job done. What exactly is their job? Looking awesome and being fun to drive. In a world where car manufacturers pursue further technological advances, Toyota and Subaru broke the norm by introducing a very basic sports car; a sports car, we as petrolheads, need. Now, they might be a bit underpowered, but cars don’t always have to be about the numbers; sure, a Bugatti Veyron can travel from 0 to 100 in less than 2.5 seconds, a McLaren P1 has more downforce than the Earth’s gravity, but who can afford these? No wonder the GT 86 and BRZ twins take a well-earned spot number 1 for 2012.
What were your favorite cars this year? Leave a comment in the comment box below!