Picking the 2012 Best Driver's Car!

[@GoodnotGreat88]

A true testiment to just how good the FRS/BRZ is that it even makes it into this conversation at just $25k

[@CabiglioGarage]

The BRZ gets 4th place! Very nice MotorTrend! Also, thank you for explaining in the beginning what it means to be a driver's car, even though you will probably have to repeat it every year.

[@MegaBlackwhiteguy]

As soon as I looked at the dislikes I knew the GTR didn't win.

[@skyforce2132]

Parachuti Ruti ha your right its hideous

[@Ws6Ms]

Lmfaoooo

[@rasul88]

That Carrera S is a beautiful car

[@rudexbruiser2604]

Ive seen prettier

[@Someone-ib3iw]

Yeah I know but that jaguar is pretty

[@foxkart61]

The comments are humorous ... they picked the "Best Driver's Car" .. not the best bang for buck out of Japan, not the trendiest coolest looking car, etc.. they picked the car that provided the best driving experience on and off the track. Also, they could have tested any model 911 ... GT2, GT3, Turbo... but they tested one of the low end ones instead. I'm going to leave work now, and can't wait to take the long way home in my 911 Turbo, other cars I have owned pale in comparison.

[@pbfloyd13]

So... about how long until that factory turbo BRZ/FRS...

[@j.a.g.8689]

so true

[@chrishleck5600]

2017 they are making a STi version witch will probably be turbo

[@JwowSaechao]

Hope you're not still waiting. I'm from the future. It doesn't look good.

[@adeetard2545]

You've got the wrong priorities

[@pbfloyd13]

@@adeetard2545 Honestly at this point im just glad it's not a crossover SUV...

[@2F4R4W4Y]

This is the answer for everyone!! 34:12 to 34.19

[@Justadudeman22]

Thanks man.

[@TMartin026]

Is anyone else just happy that their favorite car made it into this competition? I am. I knew the ZL1 probably wouldn't be the winner, but to be considered on of the best driver cars is amazing! We should all be proud of these cars and their makers!

[@valmirsadiki536]

Porsche deserved it, but I'm very impressive with the C63 AMG

[@gurgenmakaryan4428]

C63 is all about engine, the gearbox is not that quick, even kind of boring

[@a.u6146]

Valmir Sadiki exactly my thoughts too 😌 btw bit shameful from lambo imo 😐

[@CP-vg4vy]

@@gurgenmakaryan4428 the engine alone is enough imo plus its a family sedan not a sports car built from the ground up.

[@hunterzolomon5127]

That Shelby sounds mean!!!!

[@johns5493]

Porsche always my winner 🥇 And that's why I drive one ❤️

[@scarletmacaw]

Absolutely. Porsche. There is NO substitute.

[@MotoErgoSum]

If you're ever in the mountains you'll understand. Your brakes overheat and fade going downhill. Downshifting lets you use the engine to slow the car down and put less strain on the brakes. It's also good practice to go through canyon roads without touching the brakes, just blip + shift to adjust speed and engine braking. The AT BRZ/FR-S/FT-86 is awesome. The only thing it's missing is launch control and clutch kicks for drifting. Otherwise, it powerslides beautifully.

[@moetezkbaier9796]

i like the c63 black series more than the 911

[@mray9305]

Don’t had both 911 is better

[@Someone-ib3iw]

The best one ever is of course is the BRZ

[@399BossMAn]

i dont know if its just me but the porsche just looks a little basic on the outside, maybe thats what they wanted for aerodynamics i just disappointing that its such a cool car but not a head turner on the outside. Fucken mixed emotions

[@chroma8708]

Why is the MP4 so underrated

[@Thunderboardautos]

Im so satisfied to see this show, Im planning next year to buy a 911s but I had doubts, I was already 90% convinced that its the right car to drive, but now Im confident 100% that its a sports car which is worth buying! Thanks for the show!

[@barringtonwilliams2584]

The mclaren was my favorite but then again I'm biased

[@superior85steak12]

In my opinion, I think the Porsche will be the best driver's car for 2012

[@johnm.9982]

To be honest I like the Nissan GTR and Mclaren mp4

[@micglou]

Shifting is part of driving... it really feels good when you hit those gears exactly right out of a corner etc. Anybody can put his foot on the clutch a push it into a gear, but when you're able to keep those revs exactly right and get those smooth fast changes and the extra boost in acceleration you get from that... so much better than any twin clutch super fast automatic shifter.

[@YusefACrowndEmperor]

I'm loving the fact the Mercedes is the second best drivers car.

[@Deviousboy]

I love porsche =D

[@skyforce2132]

Yea I agree

[@moneyman2825]

C63 AMG BLACK SERIES ALL DAY!!!!

[@VelocicoasterFanboy]

LOL

[@David-we8wq]

LOL

[@Someone-ib3iw]

C63? All day?? You mean BRZ all day

[@TheEngineer829]

I'm surprised nobody else picked up on this. A major part of the driving experience is being able to work the clutch so you can control how the car feels and what it does. Even a paddle-shift semi-automatic transmission doesn't have the same feel that a proper manual does.

[@dragonascent8501]

Lamborghini and the American muscle are the best drivers cars in my opinion

[@azert-0]

what about porsche especial 918 spyder. ...and mercedes amg gts. ..it's good too

[@VaunShiz]

"it's not about laptimes" yet the z28 won in 2014 and all its good for is laptimes

[@homerthompson2740]

+matthew von Maybe you didn't read the title correctly... BEST DRIVER'S CAR. You know, the car that's the best for the driver. Not best overall car, not best luxury car, not best sports car.

[@heinman6250]

Clous von the Z/28 is way more than that

[@WarWizardProductions]

i Guarentee that the nissan 370z would smash the carrera 911 in all of the available aspects.

[@WarWizardProductions]

A nissan 370z smashes any other car around hairbending turns and while it dishes out around 340 hp,it is a great car for the price of around 30,000.way cheaper compared to the $300,000 supercars like mclarens,lamborghinis are ferraris

[@whiskeyactual.]

warwizard1248 LOL, no it doesn't. As much as hardcore fanboys like you would like to think so, it does not.

[@gianhet]

The 370z is less fun than the gt-86 ...

[@WarWizardProductions]

thats personal opinion

[@Landslide2024]

So you live in a rubber room, who cares?

[@varun765]

motortrend, just because of this series i love u guys ;) keep it up !!!

[@halabi97]

//AMG POWER

[@elonearth2600]

porsche sponsored advert

[@priceoffreedom9030]

+Ellison P Hardly. That guy in the glasses used to bash the 911 all the time before this. A great drivers car has to be something that stirs up your emotions with every corner and every straight-line pull, and that you can drive all day and get out of without your backside being numb. And no car in any generation really has done that better than the 911. Just read the most current edition of Car and Driver magazine right now in 2015, where they put two cars which were designed specifically to attempt to out-do the Porsche 911 by their parent companies: the Jaguar F-Type and the Mercedes AMG GTS. The Porsche didnt look worthy on paper and was outdated...or so it seemed. It won the review again against brand new 2015 competition! Its just unmatchable as a true driver's car.

[@newgarda]

+Ellison P It's always so funny. Every year when they hold this event, ppl are always saying its biased or they were sponsored. The year where the camaro won, all the comments said american bias.I guess this year it is German bias. In 2011, it was Italian bias. Make up your mind lol

[@HMSnypes]

Don't even need to watch this the nissan gtr is the best

[@j.a.g.8689]

HMSnypes fan boy doesn't know what he is talking about

[@skyforce2132]

J.A.G. Yea

[@KAZ109]

C63 Black Series FTW!!! luxury + raw power= perfection which is why they loved it. Best balanced car in the group with performance and interior quality and comfort

[@BloodstainedSinner]

I disagree with Porsche being "it", because, it's not innovative, and, to me, it just isn't interesting anymore. It's a far outdated design -- and an extremely boring, ugly one at that. It's like driving a stretched out VW Beetle. I'd have to choose the BRZ as the best drivers car.

[@xxmortimerxx]

If Porsche isn't innovative then why did Subaru and Toyota spend 4 years developing a car that would give the same feel and intensity as a Porsche for less? Why has Nissan spent the last decade trying to beat everything on the Porsche lineup. The 350Z is suppose to combat the Boxster. The GT-R is suppose to go head to head with the Porsche Turbo S. If Porsche wasn't constantly innovating than all these other manufacturers wouldn't use them as inspiration. That being said, if you want INNOVATIVE check out the new Pagani Huayra. For that car they came out with new parts never seen on a car before. Or when the 2011 Toyota Prius came out and had 2000 new patents. :D

[@BloodstainedSinner]

xxmortimerxx Innovation means coming up with new content. The 911 has no new, interesting content. I've personally driven one, and, in my opinion, it's a very boring car. Maybe it's very fun in the eyes of a European, as European cars tend to be quite.. boring as a whole. Yes, they have the luxuries and the comforts, etc, but that makes a car boring, and without personality. The Porsche 911 does have more personality than say, a Bentley Continental, or any BMW or Mercedez, but, to me, it's just not all that mind-blowing. The funnest, most driver-orientated car I've ever really driven would have to be the 2013 SRT Viper, or any Viper before it. Those cars make your heart pound out of your chest every time you start them, and step on the throttle.

[@rousseau327]

BloodstainedSinner No innovative content?! Tell me, what is innovative about its competitors?

[@tinibaling2352]

sircivicirl

[@Landslide2024]

Hey Bloodstainedpanties, Porsche isn't innovative? Give your head a firm tug to remove remove it from your A-hole. There isn't a car manufacture that is MORE innovated than the Porsche. Sure the body design is similar, but that's all. Way mess around with perfection?

[@LuisdeSousa]

Very good review, I was quite surprised to see the 991 coming out on top in an US show. On the downside I'd point out the lack of a Ferrari in the field; on the upside the fact that the 991 was competing mostly against special editions. The 991 Turbo for instance should leave all the others quite behind.

[@TheTallAbacus]

Randy Pobst should be the only one who talks. He actually knows what he's doing and is well spoken. I don't ask a guy off the street to give me medical advice, why do I want one to give me car advice?

[@BrainDesmo]

Well done guys, thanks for the effort. Please keep-up the good work!

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

And you may be right! I would certainly agree.. just wish the sound was as good as the 991 (from inside the cabin and at low revs) it growls big time.. may have to fit an induction kit to mine (3.6 Carrera 2 Gen2)

[@nalgaface123456789]

Just the fact that the little Subaru BRZ can run with the big guys like a Lamborghini, Porsche, GT500, Zl1, is testament to how good it is A must buy in my opinion

[@AllroundSwizzy]

0:40 ladies and gentlemen, AMG ahhh that sound!! in my opinion it's the best drivers car. I'm okay with it being second behind a Porsche. just shows how good AMG is at tuning a family/business car :)

[@Someone-ib3iw]

0:40

[@colin5577]

Same as engared here, and I don't have any time for PDK having tried it twice. I also just spent much of today putting 500 miles on a 2013 Audi TTS with DCT. Uncommanded upshifts, uncommanded downshifts, occasional hesitancy, jerkiness and tardy responses, no option to short-shift, often having to double-check which gear was selected in the dash display. I didn't hate it, but it's not for a car designed to satisfy a driver on the road (not that a TT is a driver's car). Commute? Race? Sure.

[@HvacPanda]

That GT500 may not be the best 'drivers car' but it looks like one of the only cars that are ALWAYS able to make any grown man giggle and smile like a 5 year old!! Isn't that what driving is about, fun?

[@BorkFactor]

I used to be against these flappy paddle dual clutch boxes, until I recently drove an E92 M3 fitted with one round a track. They are spectacularly good, and encourage you to drive so much faster. For the road, I might prefer a manual with a clutch pedal, but I would certainly not criticise MT for picking the 911 with the PDK. It is the best car there.

[@JasonBungard]

The 911 now comes standard with 7-speed manual, you don't have to get the paddle shift unless you want it.

[@MotoErgoSum]

Lambos, Ferraris, and SLS all have paddle automatics nowadays. If manuals were the be all end all, you'd see them in supercars, formula 1, WRC, etc. I have more fun ripping around corners and sliding the tail than shifting, but I totally agree that clicking through the gears can be fun, especially when you're doing it perfectly. When you're having an off day and the car is jerking around it can be hell, especially if you're stuck in rush hour traffic with a STIFF clutch pedal on a high HP car.

[@bucketslash11]

look up chis harris' review of the GT-86, it's not about the numbers, but driver feel, keep in mind that the GT-86/BRZ has been rated as one of the most fun cars that money can buy

[@ThomasBradder]

I can't wait for next year. We will have the C7 Stingray Corvette, and now the Camaro Z/28!

[@alexkolver2703]

shifting is the best part of driving, shifting makes it fun. the downside of new porsche is actually that you can't buy standard. Fun factor is the most important thing to me and if the car is not standard it is out of my options even though I may love that car a lot, like lambos Ferraris, SLS....

[@MotoErgoSum]

Neither of those cars drift at easily or as well as the FT-86/FR-S/BRZ. The 86 is considered a 'driver's' car because it is a super lightweight beautiful driving experience. If you don't believe it, go for a test drive on a twisty road. It may be down on power, but holy crap is it fun around an AutoX circuit. If you need power, the stock engine can be boosted up over 350whp before stuff starts to break.

[@MotoErgoSum]

You missed my point about shifting. This shootout is best driver's car, meaning going out on a twisty road and maximizing enjoyment. The Porsche will never miss a shift, never slip, and makes people who suck at working a manual feel like a hero as they click the paddles through the gears. The people arguing against a super fast paddle-shift automatic are the ones arguing points which don't matter unless you're a diehard manual-only fanboy. I've got the best of both worlds 6MT STI & 6AT BRZ.

[@bucketslash11]

and another small note they're afraid to turn the traction controll off, yet clarkson who is by NO means a racing driver isn't " the diffs are still working, they're still on", meaning that the car becomes a tiny bit harder to controll, but still pretty much controlls what the car does

[@76carmel]

The automatic is a dual-clutch. Porsche's dual-clutch automatic known as the PDK is considered the best according to driving experts. I know purists will say manual or bust, but the PDK has paddle shifters and the transmission responds very quickly. (In other words, you can have the best of both worlds).

[@GIbbsDaGeronimonster]

Randy Pobst is a professional, experienced race car driver. He is a very honest driver and i stick by what he said. I know MT loves the Gt-R and im refreshed to see it didnt win. The cars included were great cuz it wasnt "AHH OMG EXOTICS EXOTICS R DA BEST" the car pool was diverse enough to make this an interesting segment, not a Viva Italia tribute. Good job Mt

[@Divinersps]

GTR would be the winner for me. But I cannot disagree, that 911 is pretty amazing. Great video.

[@xristospanagia688]

its all about cost-enginnering-power-sound -and so much others.they say to you that the mid horse power porche its better than the turbo awd gtr which is the same as the previus gtr.

[@Rick2010100]

Look on the surfaces wehre the Zr1 is running on - it´s full of rubber. Rubber on rubber = extrem abnormal tracktion. And the Z06 runs on flats. To compare the realistic performance of cars, you need a normal surface and the stock versions (+tires) of the cars + neutral tester.

[@zDialecticChaos]

5:44 the annihilation of that bug 😂

[@nbrigdan]

But is the fun of driving in the twisties not about balancing all the aspects of driving? I only row my own gears if that's available because to me it's WAY more involving than just tapping a paddle and getting a shift, I feel 10x the hero when I ace a mountain road while shifting myself rather than just focusing on lines and letting the gearbox take care of itself.

[@99MCougar]

Lmao i love the golf cart flashed between all the cars @ 00:16

[@busawulf]

A Brit writes ...One. A hugely informative, articulate and entertaining vid. Two. The only one of that lot I ever[and likely WILL ever ] drive is the GTR. A seminal 3 laps of Silverstone! Three. I am not rich, so will have to make do with my Hayabusa turbo,lol. Again, well done fellas. Respect.

[@Genevieve1023]

I wish Top Gear would do this kind of roundup at the end of each year. The videos and conclusions would be fun to compare.

[@TheEngineer829]

I've driven half of these cars including the 911 with its paddleshift gearbox. I believe that when (not if) Subaru develops a STI version of the BRZ it will easily be in the top three. Not to mention the price tag of about 37k USD. And those of you going nuts about track times need to realize what a driver's car truly is. It's not a numbers game. Its about how the car feels to drive. If you want proof look, and I mean actually look, at the success of the Mazda MX-5 Miata with its puny 160ish hp.

[@Aiyahhh]

MT probably couldn't get a f12 out to laguna seca to test. They cant use a 458 again because it wasn't released or had major revisions to the car in 2012

[@LunaLecheLucky]

I love how the old guy was having a blast driving all the cars

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

I might be biased towards Lamborghini but the beauty of the LP700-4 is that it is unpredictable. Lamborghini is known for scary driving cars and good looking cars :) So I am still getting the LP700-4 one day...

[@Grabonator86]

the corvette was released 2009 i think, all cars they choosed were released 2012. Its called 2012 best drivers car. In2013 best drivers car, they will have cars like new Corvette on it. But you just saw the BEST car that are released 2012 and everyone of them is great IMO! My favorite is the BRZ though, its the only one i could effort.

[@DjStiv3]

was that the laguana seca course i saw? wow more beautiful than in GT

[@Captain_Coleslaw]

dude im thinking about the zr1 with is my favorite :D

[@x0lamborghini0x]

That Porsche is stunning!

[@lobar_9655]

I have had a 2012 911 and it was nice but i sold it and bought the Mclaren Mp4 12c and it is the best i have ever had and will ever have hands down!

[@ChristopherOvrebo]

Everyday is a chance for me to practice apexing my turns if there is a clear view of the oncoming lane

[@pumasmexicanpride]

Randy Pobst did a 1:33.70 in Laguna Seca on a corvette zr1 when motor trend compare the zr1 against the new viper. ZR1 KING OF LAGUNA SECA.

[@antonparks9147]

Aw tough it up, the Subaru BRZ track run was not that bad, its smooth driving capabilities really soothes you at some point.

[@rangeyer]

GREAT VIDEO!!!!!!

[@BNR_248]

As a car enthusiast i reckon the best car is based on peoples preference, not how much the driver is in control or overwhelmed by the car. For e.g. If a person wants a manual stick shift, 90% of the cars in this video is out the window, and therefore is automatically not the best drivers car for that person. Everyone is different. Me persoannly i love the dual clutch gear box, and i love technology in general so i would love the aventadore, mclaren or r35. Others hate technology etc. just my 1c

[@shlakser]

Thank you for the replay but when did the Audi R8 GT 5.2 FSI come out?

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

6.00 a.m. on a Sunday morning, to drive a bloody car? You've got to be joking!

[@NewJerseyLax88]

you guys have the 2 muscles cars but wheres the 3rd? gotta show the charger some love too

[@ghettomuffinsz]

You don't appreciate the perfection of the G-TR. This four seater car can beat most super cars in the world now. It should be the car of the year, no doubt.

[@sean93240]

The ZR1 beats that McLaren by almost a full second! And that is the 6th gen version. The C7 Z51 is going to dominate this competition in the upcoming year's test.

[@rousseau327]

In addition to Playster3's comment, the R8 was also the Best Driver's Car a few years back.

[@Captain_Coleslaw]

the c63 would win in my world cause of the noise it makes it simply perfect and those up and down changes OMFG its so beautiful!

[@odgreez2004]

LOL.. the gummy bear spectators at 27:49 were hilarious.

[@tofu86oc55]

So I've owned the exact c63, 911S, and FRS. the car I'd drive on a sunday morning when there's no traffic, or on a monday evening after work, is hands down, the FRS/BRZ/86! the amg and porsche are ridiculously fast and easy to drive, but you feel like the car is the star, not you. the stick shift FRS/BRZ/86 will win every time over the automatics. now the car I'd take on a hot date, to a black tie event, or just commuting, is definitely the c63 or 911. All three are amazing on race tracks. Best driver's car is the car you drive when you don't have anywhere to go, and that's the 86.

[@Rick2010100]

Dont know where you got your facts from, but this is a comparison of the serial versions on the same track and surface: 997 Turbo: watch?v=UsNChWXn_dE ZR1: watch?v=Jyuzz4PblsQ Z06: watch?v=2JoSB5_PF0Y

[@StylesDeAgent]

Carlos Lago is like a skinny Ryan Reynolds doing car reviews. lol i love it.

[@artistanada]

great video editing!

[@muhammadsalaam9813]

We gotta give the Camaro props in ZL1 trim for making that far in this comparison especially for having a 4100 curb weight. Godzilla came right behind the obvious winner which was the 911 Carerra. All 3 of those I would have in my garage or collection.

[@dergrossekase3516]

I would have to go with the brz. It’s the most affordable and out handles most cars on that lineup. It wasn’t built to be a fast car, which people need to understand when they complain about how slow it is in straight lines. The whole goal of the car was to be an affordable, rear wheel drive, honest, easy to control car, which it is. Now if I we weren’t talking about budget, I’m hopping right into that porsche.

[@SansooIan]

People who hate on the Brz obviously have never taken one out on a track. Yea, for what it is, its cheaper, no turbo, yada yada. Remeber ppl.. Its a roadster, and until you've felt how well it does on corners (Zero roll compared to my dads Boxster) then please don't just judge it upon how it looks. However this doesn't mean im a fanboy of it either, I agree that its underpowered and has room for improvement. In my opinion.. the honda s2000 still holds the crown B)

[@NeonPinkful]

It's about how much the "cumputerized" electronics influence your "manual" actions...

[@JasonBungard]

1:04 "It's because a driver's car isn't about outright speed. If it were, we'd get a Top Fuel dragster here, call it a day early, and go home."

[@galatiansministry3658]

Its odd that they'd include the BRZ in with these monsters. But I guess that tells you its good enough to compete.

[@TheAymanhawk23]

The scion and the Toyota are the same but the RZ's suspension,front end,interior, and a little bit of the back end is defferent

[@mrbenl]

Just (re)-watched your Motortrend LFA vs. NSX. Curious to hear how think you'd rank the '91 NSX among the "Best Drivers Car" competition

[@MartinMarsiBooks]

@EvilDuckOfDoom3: That is a great comment you have here - "Having a mind of their own." I guess this quality has made the 911s so loved also because it requires a different driving approach, and it is a bit of a challenge to get it right. That makes it an interesting animal to interact with.

[@stinger15au]

R8 doesn't stand a chance and the 458 was invited but turned it down. As for why other cars arn't there, it has to be on sale in the USA and have had revisions for the 2012 year for cars not released that year, so no ZR1 then.

[@bloodpig101]

Cheer up dude! I like a good manual as much as anyone. I was just pulling his strings. I got tired of people posting their preferences as the ultimate truth!

[@Platon7]

For me Honda copmpany is the best car company ! :) Not all models are sport or super cars but the Best Super Car ever made is Honda NSX.

[@Wojticivic1993]

It would be the best with manual gearbox. Wonder how it would be great in gt3 specification..

[@jamespriddell5790]

All beautiful cars...wish I could own them all!