As with any top 10 list, this one is subjective and I invite you to add other vehicles. I am using vehicles that will either debut some time in 2009 or were limited and late arrivals in 2008. So, the 2010 Camaro (which arrives in spring of 2009) will definitely be on this list. The selections are in no particular order and I am using aesthetics more than mechanicals or breeding. Performance? Naw, let their looks speak for themselves.
Simply put – these are some of the best looking cars coming out in 2009.
Where the Aston Martin DB9 is sleek and sensual, the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series is brutish, masculine, macho, and iron jawed. The design, which somehow is based on the unassuming, almost innocent SL, has the very look of an IMSA race car. With a wild paint-job, this thing would look at home racing in any international 24-hour race. With its earthquake inducing 670 horsepower twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 – nothing on this list can even come close. This car reeks of masculinity. The track has been widened by 4 inches and a burley series of wheel-arch blisters and ground effects completely change the whole attitude of the vehicle. It also looks like it would deliberately get in a fist fight – and win.
As many have pointed out in the Vehix stories I penned regarding movie chases and iconic movie cars, “Vanishing Point” is a popular car-lover’s flick. What made that film was the awesome 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T which was in almost every frame. This new Dodge Challenger is every bit as attractive, but larger, faster, safer and a better handler. What I truly dig about the design is the smooth body panels. There are no wasted lines, no unnecessary slices, lines, bends or creases. It pleases the eye and bridges the gap between brawn and sensuality. An immediate classic – even with the 250 horsepower, 3.5 liter V6.
This was a surprise for me. I always thought the 350Z was handsome, but not that special. The 370Z is a whole different animal. The entire package is smaller, yet smoother. The boomerang lights truly work and give the Z a much needed menace (it works better here than on the Maxima). What I truly like is the aggressive mouth (complete with fangs!) and the smooth, tight skin. Passersby at the L.A. Auto Show immediately stopped in their tracks when the yellow 370Z was unveiled. I feel it commandeers the Nissan GT-R’s thunder (and I think its much better looking). It is simply a complete, handsome, comprehensive design that betters its predecessor in every way.
If the Aston Martin DB9 had an affair with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, their exquisite love-child might look like the Maserati GranTurismo S. Yes, it is related to the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, but the looks and performance are very different. Especially the overall feeling of the GranTurismo S (the “S” is the sport model and looks a tad more aggressive). Some find the shark-like mouth hard to love, I think it’s aggressive and imparts a look of older, classic Maseratis. The flawless connection of smooth curves and rigid lines is extraordinary. Seriously, there are several designers who need to look at this vehicle and learn a thing or two. With 440 horsepower, the new 4.7-liter V8 has a 35 horsepower boost over the standard 4.2-liter V8. Unique (and stunning) 20 inch wheels and the dual pipes replace the quad pipes from the regular version. In either form, this is a slick, Italian tuxedo on wheels.
Hold on, don’t yell… I know it’s a 4 door luxury car and there are other lovely coupes out there. You truly have to see one up close. This is one of the few cars that look MUCH better in person. Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Design Director was also responsible for many of the new voluptuous shapes of Aston Martin (seriously: his name should submitted for knighthood – or demigod status). Nothing on the road looks like this vehicle, and not because it uses some gaudy, self-important styling language. This Jaguar cuts every angle in sinful, curvaceous reminders of Jaguar’s proud history. It IS a lovely Jaguar, but it is something more. It is a contemporary Jaguar and nothing else. Along with some minor cosmetic changes, the “Supercharged” package adds an eager supercharged 420hp V8 and exquisite looking 20 inch wheels.