Welcome to 2025! We’re delighted you’re here. Reflecting on last year, we had the pleasure of driving some truly outstanding vehicles. The Lamborghini Revuelto earned our inaugural Cool Car Cup for its exceptional style and performance. Additionally, the Honda Civic Hybrid, Lexus GX, and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison were recognized as the Best of the Best in their respective categories.
But which cars stood out as the most memorable from our 2024 drives? Not necessarily the fastest or most technologically advanced, but those that left a lasting impression long after we returned the keys. Here are a few highlights:
Aston Martin Vanquish
Aston Martin has truly refined its lineup. The Vantage, the company’s smallest car, is a superb all-round sports car with striking aesthetics and impressive track capabilities. The DBX SUV also shines with its modern, tech-friendly interior, allowing it to compete effectively with rivals. However, none captured our hearts quite like the new Vanquish.
At the international press launch earlier this year, I had the opportunity to experience Aston Martin’s new V-12-powered flagship firsthand. While it may not be as agile as the Vantage, the Vanquisher’s larger size and extended length make it incredibly fast and adept at handling corners. This vehicle seems designed for high-speed miles, featuring a luxurious cabin and a smooth demeanor that invites exhilarating highway drives.
The engine sound is another standout feature. The 5.2-liter twin-turbo V-12, boasting 821 horsepower, produces a captivating roar. Twelve-cylinder engines are rare today, even in high-performance exotics, making the auditory experience truly special. Pressing the throttle unleashes a powerful sound, enhancing the overall driving pleasure.
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BMW M1 Race Car
I consider myself fortunate to have been invited by BMW to race one of their classic cars at Monterey Car Week’s Laguna Seca over the past few years. In 2021, I drove the E92 M3 GT; in 2022, the 3.0 CSL; and in 2024, the iconic M1. The experience with the M1 was unforgettable—the sound of the M88 inline-six engine revving to 8,000 rpm is still vivid in my memory. Despite the car’s high value and my cautious approach, driving the M1 was exhilarating.
Racing the M1 during the Rolex Reunion was surreal, surrounded by spectators eager to see these magnificent cars in action. Competing against vehicles like the 935s, Dekon Monzas, and Greenwood Corvettes added to the excitement. Notably, Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, participated in his Group 5 BMW 320i Turbo, starting right in front of me.
My objective was straightforward: to outpace Zak. Although his car was wide and challenging to pass, I managed to overtake him after a thrilling battle. The experience was incredibly enjoyable and remains a cherished memory.
Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye
With Dodge transitioning the new Charger to a six-cylinder, all-wheel-drive, automatic-only model, I find myself reminiscing about the brand’s classic muscle cars. Although I’m not typically a muscle car enthusiast, the now-discontinued Dodge Challenger Hellcat—particularly the 807-horsepower Black Ghost variant—has left a lasting impression.
The supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine is legendary. Now that it’s mostly retired (except in the Durango), it stands as one of Detroit’s Big Three’s finest engines. Driving a nearly 17-foot-long vehicle with 800 horsepower provides a unique thrill that no six-cylinder or electric powertrain can match, even with artificial exhaust sounds.
This isn’t to say I dislike electric vehicles or am disappointed by the Charger’s shift to a smaller inline-six. The electric Charger is undoubtedly quick, and Stellantis’s new six-cylinder engine, the Sixpack, promises to be enjoyable. However, nothing can replace the raw power and excitement of the Hellcat V-8.
Ford Ranger Raptor
Earlier this year, Motor1 hosted an off-road truck showdown, and while the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison and Toyota Tacoma Trail Hunter impressed with their off-road prowess, the Ford Ranger Raptor stood out in my mind.
Of the three, the Ranger Raptor would be my top choice. It felt like a street truck in disguise—light and agile, with Fox shocks handling the tight, winding roads of the Catskill Mountains effortlessly. Its smaller, more manageable size compared to the others, along with a lower dashboard and a more refined interior, made it a pleasure to drive.
The Ranger Raptor also delivered impressive performance with its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine, producing 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The engine sounded fantastic, especially in Sport mode with the open exhaust, providing an engaging driving experience uncommon in pickup trucks.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Electric performance cars are sometimes viewed skeptically by enthusiasts, often seen as a trend or a mere imitation of traditional performance vehicles. I shared this sentiment until I spent a week with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
Finished in matte Performance Blue with a prominent rear wing, the Ioniq 5 N resembles a Hot Wheels model at 180x scale, bringing a playful yet dynamic presence. What impressed me most was its versatility. In EV mode, it serves as a quiet, comfortable, and spacious daily driver. However, activating the N mode or enabling virtual shifting and engine sounds transforms it into a spirited rally car ready for adventure on back roads.
Initially, I was skeptical about artificial gear shifts and virtual engine notes, having preferred to disable such features in other sporty cars. However, the Ioniq 5 N quickly changed my perspective. By the second spirited corner, I was thoroughly enjoying the experience, proving that the future of performance cars is promising, regardless of their power source.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (Again)
Despite Lamborghini winning our performance-car crown for 2024, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N remains a standout favorite. I supported it in Motor1’s inaugural Cool Car Cup and praised its excellence in my first-drive review. The Ioniq 5 N isn’t just about speed or advancing performance EV technology—it’s about exceptional handling and the joy it brings to the driver. Few cars today offer such precise calibration in steering, braking, and turning while delivering pure driving pleasure.
At its limits, the Ioniq 5 N features a versatile, adjustable chassis that consistently brings a smile to my face. While there are typical EV challenges, such as higher tire costs, reduced range for enhanced performance, and a still-developing charging infrastructure, the Ioniq 5 N stands out in a field dominated by high-horsepower Lamborghinis and established sports cars. Choosing a Hyundai for such a remarkable vehicle speaks volumes about its quality and appeal.
Conclusion
2024 was a remarkable year for automotive enthusiasts, featuring a diverse range of unforgettable vehicles. From the elegant power of the Aston Martin Vanquish to the nostalgic roar of the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, and the innovative performance of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, each car offered something unique and memorable. These experiences highlight the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, where performance, style, and innovation continue to drive our passion for exceptional cars.
