2016 Hits and Misses: Something Special

What's not to admire about a muscle car of epic proportions dressed in a tailored suit? It is so full character at any speed and challenging yet engaging to drive at full speed. It's a brute of thing, and I love it!

Stephen Ottley: Porsche 911 GT3 RS

There were some standout cars I was lucky enough to drive in 2016 - the Ferrari F12berlinetta, McLaren 675LT and even the Ford Focus RS hot hatch. But the Porsche stood out above all others.Yes, there are faster and more powerful sports cars, but nothing I have driven can match the sheer enjoyment and engagement you get from the GT3 RS.

David McCowen: Audi R8 V10 Plus

There's nothing quite like the deep-chested roar of a thoroughbred performance car with a naturally-aspirated engine, a dying breed that won't be around for much longer. Kudos to Audi for keeping the dream alive with its incredible V10-powered R8 supercar; while it's not as quick as equivalent models from Porsche or Ferrari, that screaming 5.2-litre motor represents the best engine note on the road and a feel-good experience few cars can match.

Mark Short: Porsche 911 Turbo S

I'm torn between the Porsche 911 GT3 RS we drove earlier in the year or the 911 Turbo S we drove only a few weeks ago; both are very different but unbelievable machines. For its diversity from mild to completely and utterly wild I think I'll pick the Turbo S.

Kez Casey: BMW M2

It's hard to pick 'something special' in a year that includes mind-blowing highlights like the Bugatti Chiron, but for Australian motorists the most special thing they can lay their hands on comes with a surprisingly realistic price tag. The BMW M2 delivers all the thrills of an old-school M car, with sharp handling, plenty of power, and a delicious soundtrack.

Ditching the multi-adjustable suspension settings of the bigger M4 coupe, the M2 simply packs a wide-track stance gifting it with brilliant cornering prowess while (purists rejoice) there's also a meaty six-speed manual available in an age when performance automatics seem to be taking over the world. Now that's special!

Peter McKay: Porsche 911 Carrera S

A year ago, I was smitten by the new Cayman GT4, which superseded my previous bestie, the enduring 911..  Call me fickle, but now I'm back loving the latest 911 S and its gloriously seamless twin-turbo urge, ridiculous levels of grip, tactile steering and stunning stopping performance.  Toss in an orchestral Wall of Sound, and this is my special drive for 2016. Only the price makes me wince.

Toby Hagon: Ferrari 488 Spider

Mostly because of that engine. The 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 is phenomenal at any speed. The good looks and superb handling are a bonus.

Stephen Corby: Ferrari 488 Spider

Lots of cars are fast, but Ferrari's 488 has pretty much redefined that term for me, with the kind of giant leap forward that is best described with a single statistic - zero to 200km/h in 8.7 seconds (or 8.3 if you buy the sensible, coupe GTB version).

The speed is heart-startling, and would fibrillate you every time you drove it, but the design and the quality, particularly the interior and that lovely folding metal roof, are what takes it to another level of special. Roof down in this thing, on the right road… life doesn't get better. And I'm only $526,888 short of owning one.

Cameron McGavin: Porsche 718 Boxster S

Santa can wheel this expression of driving nirvana under my tree this or any Christmas. I don't care that it sounds like an old Volkswagen because that's what all Porsches once sounded like and I used to drive an old Volkswagen.

David Morley: A McLaren

Any McLaren. Yes, even the entry-level (but still $350,000) 540C. As the Porsche 911 gets bigger and bigger, I'm increasingly drawn to the McLaren ethos.

Jonathan Hawley: Ferrari GTC4 Lusso

No question, for me it has to be the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso even though for most onlookers this elongated wagon-style coupe is probably not Maranello's most desirable effort. Yet with twice the presence of a Porsche Panamera (not to mention costing double the bucks), a simply gorgeous interior, a comfy ride and a proper V12 it can be beautiful as well as big. After a memorable drive across a shockingly narrow mountain pass in the Dolomites, I can tell you it is extremely quick, straight line or crooked.

Daniela Intili: Porsche 911 Carrera S and Audi R8 V10 Plus

I know I'm cheating here but sorry I just can't choose. I love them both. Special mention to the Porsche 911 Carrera which was crowned 2016 Drive's Best Performance car and a worthy winner but the Audi R8 is a phenomenal supercar that costs more than my small unit.