And the C&D Best-Handling New Car under $100k is....

[Wimbledon]

The Boxster Spyder.



the ranking is:

7th: Volkswagen GTI
6th: Chevy Corvette Z06
5th: Nissan GTR
4th: BMW M3
3rd: Mazda RX-8 R3
2nd: Lotus Elise SC
1st: Porsche Boxster Spyder

Video for each car at the link, worth a view:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10q..._000-video

Discuss.

My opinion:

The Lotus Evora should definitely be on the list, IMO instead of the Z06 or GT-R.

A sample of Evora reviews:

http://lotusenthusiast.net/2009/08/autoc...evora.html

CAR Magazine Wrote:“There are executive saloons that don’t ride this well, super cars that don’t turn in so crisply, and surely no car on the planet steers like this. Lotus has managed to transfer everything that we love about the Elise to a bigger, more refined, more grown up platform…It couldn’t really be much better to drive – the Evora is nigh-on perfect. A winner on every conceivable level.”

EVO Magazine Wrote:“It’s a magical thing across the ground, deft like an Elise, with exceptional poise and feel. What was telling for me was that, getting into it after any of the other finalists, it was even better than I remembered: a bit smoother, a bit quicker and even sweeter dynamically, too. It’s a beguiling car. … A quite brilliant car and worthy winner.”

[Vman455]

This was ultimately a misguided test, in my opinion. Anyone who's buying a car for handling, with essentially unlimited funds (up to $100,000? Really?), will choose one that appeals to them and then modify it to their liking. Anyone who won't be modding probably doesn't track/autocross their car, making the minute differences in handling moot if the thing is never going to leave the streets.

Maybe I'm missing the point. Or maybe I'm just remembering the last autocross I did, watching all the modded Miatas beat up on Z06s and 911s.

[grethi]

I think part of the reason that the Evora is not on the list is because it's not officially for sale for another 21 days (per the Lotus website), which would not make it "not currently for sale". That said, I'd love to see it in the competition.

Is it any suprise that #1 and #2 are mid-engined? Porsche fans are now looking back at the old 914 and appreciating it for the same reason; the mid-engine design gives better balance.

I was suprised to see the GTI on there. In the recently "released" 2005 Top Gear episode, even Jeremy Clarkson managed to get that car to kick the rear out. I almost expected a Mercedes or Ferrari to end up on that list.

As to Miatas vs 911s and Z06s, I remind you of this (sorry Vman):