Tag: WCOTY

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Porsche

Porsche 911 GT3 wins 2014 World Performance COTY

Porsche 911 GT3

We love Porsche. And although we’re yet to drive one, we love 911 GT3s. Indeed, if when our lotto numbers come up, the first task will be deciding which GT3 to buy while we wait for the new one.

Just as essential as it is to have fine taste in motor cars, it’s also best to have a healthy sense of humour as you make your way through life. It would seem the World Car of the Year judges share this view, too, after awarding the 991 911 GT3 the 2014 World Performance Car.

The joke, of course, being that the car named the world’s best performance weapon cannot be driven. Not until it has a new engine, anyway. Fires tend to attract a bit too much attention, you see.

For now, the 911 GT3 is the ultimate garage queen, with the trophy to prove it.

Despite this minor oversight, the judges proudly state: “The latest 911 GT3 is 100 percent at home on any track, with surprising buckets of fine balance and handling prowess even with the engine theoretically in the ‘wrong’ place. Heavy aero work, the stripping down of the car’s weight, and 469 horsepower from the 3.8-liter flat-six engine, all help with lap times and launch time.”

The GT3 was named ahead of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Ferrari 458 Speciale for the shiny trophy.

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Audi

Audi A3 wins 2014 World Car of the Year

2013 Audi A3 Sportback

The 8V Audi A3 has been named the 2014 World Car of the Year, beating a field of 24 finalists which had been narrowed down to three and included the BMW 4 Series and the Mazda3.

On awarding the A3 the grand prize the judges noted: “It might borrow styling hints from its bigger brothers, but the A3 still offers classic, chiseled contours and even better interior trim levels. With a superb choice of engines and 4 body styles, the A3 range packs a hefty premium punch in the small luxury segment.

“Audi should be complimented for making this A3 ride like no other A3. All the old shimmer over rough surfaces has gone, replaced by a silky smooth ride that approaches limousine quality.”

The WCOTY awards are in just their tenth year and Volkswagen Group cars have won the main award six times, including: Audi A6 (2005), Golf VI (2009), Polo V (2010), up! (2012), and Golf VII (2013).

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Jaguar

Jaguar F-Type – 2013 World Car Design of the Year

Jaguar F-Type

Jaguar’s very stylish F-Type has been named the 2013 World Car Design of the Year. It’s another feather in the cap of the accomplished career of Ian Callum.

The F-Type came up trumps impressing the specially appointed five-member design panel who said: “Almost Italian at first glance. the clear, analytic and fresh design of the F-Type is the promising dawn for the company’s latest roadster. The rear can’t hide a certain influence of Alfa’s Brera. The sideview is dominated by muscular rear fenders; the front end is a careful evolution of the XK. Sharper—by that more like a driving machine.”

The design experts formed a shortlist that was passed on to the World Car jurors to choose from. Joining the F-Type in the fight for votes were the Aston Martin Vanquish and the Mazda6.

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Porsche

Porsche Boxster/Cayman – 2013 World Performance Car of the Year

981 Porsche Cayman

We think the 981 Porsche Boxster and Cayman are pretty ace, even though we’re yet to drive either. But it turns out we’re not the only ones who reckon the Coxster rocks, as both cars have been awarded the 2013 World Performance Car crown.

An initial field of 20 cars was shortlisted to three and the Porsches came out ahead of the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and the Toybaru.

The World Car judges have put their names to this rather quaint statement: “The Job One for this new generation of Porsche’s littler two-doors was actually two-fold. The Boxster needed to be seen as less of a fancy secretary’s car and the Cayman needed to be set loose to be an even better Porsche sports car than the iconic 911. In both instances, mission over-accomplished. Both cars are now allowed out of their company cages and they drive as if they’re celebrating.”

Porsche has also used this news to remind us the 911 Carrera 4 has been awarded the Best All-Wheel Drive Car by readers of German mag Auto Bild.

You can read the official word from Stuttgart after the break.

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen up! – 2012 World Car of the Year

Volkswagen up

The nifty little Volkswagen up! has won many fans since it was first announced and it can now add the judges from the World Car Awards after it was named the 2012 World Car of the Year. Volkswagen can proudly place the trophy alongside the WCOTY titles handed to the Golf VI (2009) and Polo V (2010).

There was stiff competition for the up! as well, having to impress the judges ahead of the other two finalists, the F30 BMW 3 Series and 991 Porsche 911. At least the Porsche gained some consolation for being named the 2012 World Performance Car.

Dr Martin Winterkorn, Chariman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, was unsurprisingly chuffed, “This award shows once again that in the up! our designers and engineers have created a vehicle that has been thought through in minute detail. A vehicle that sets standards in its class for efficient use of space, safety, motoring fun and environmental compatibility.”

For their part, the judges didn’t hold back in their praise, “The little Volkswagen up! has altered what we have come to expect from the citycar segment. Of note are the responsive steering, sophisticated suspension setup, new efficient engines and the quality of materials and finish. Never before in this economy segment have owners felt so premium. Look for every builder of citycars to up its game just to compete with the new VW.”

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Polo – World Car of the Year 2010

The new Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen’s latest Polo has added to its European Car of the Year gong by adding the title of World Car of the Year for 2010. This means the Polo has followed the same path as its larger sibling, the Golf, which won the WCOTY in 2009.

Using the criteria of merit, value, safety, environment, significance and emotional appeal the Polo topped a field of 30 cars after it was shortlisted to the final three, along with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Toyota Prius.

The 59-member jury for the WCOTY praised the Polo, saying, “Holding its own in the most competitive market segment, the all-new Polo MkV is one of VW’s star performers. Boasting best-in-segment packaging and handling, this supermini’s blend of classy looks, reliability and quality has meant it’s consistently been one the market’s best-sellers.

“It’s also safe; generating a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating. Behind the wheel, the Polo demonstrates mature manners and boasts a superb driving position that’s adjustable and, in common with the latest Golf, all the controls are well weighted and precise. The Polo is just one brilliant supermini.”

High praise indeed. Praise that Volkswagen Chairman Prof Dr Martin Winterkorn was happy to accept, “We’re honored that the Volkswagen Polo was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors as the 2010 World Car of The Year. After the great triumph of the Golf last year, we are delighted to repeat this success with the new Polo. These automobiles have reaped numerous awards, winning well-nigh every prize the automotive industry has to award. This shows Volkswagen is on the right track and is offering arguably the best range of products in its history.”

Australian customers will be able to get their hands on the all new Polo early next month after its local launch. In other good news for Polo fans AUSmotive has learned that the new Polo GTI should be available with a 6-speed manual transmission, in addition to a 7-speed DSG.

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News Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf VI – World Car of the Year 2009

Golf VI wins WCOTY 2009

The Volkswagen Golf VI has been named World Car of the Year for 2009. The announcement was made overnight at the New York International Auto Show.

After making the final cut, the Golf had to beat the Ford Fiesta and the Toyota iQ to claim the 2009 World Car of the Year title.

“We are honored that our new sixth generation Golf was named World Car of the Year. The Golf is Volkswagen’s best selling nameplate with more than 26 million units sold in over 120 countries,” said Stefan Jacoby, President/CEO, Volkswagen Group of America.

Full details available below in press releases from Volkswagen and WCOTY.

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