Ferrari 458 outperforms

Competing against some the most exciting performance cars on the market, it was the Ferrari 458 Italia which was the clear favourite of the judging panel once again. All cars were scored for performance and handling both on road and on track, as well as for sheer desirability, with the 458 Italia earning top marks in all three categories.

Steve Fowler, Editor in Chief of Auto Express, commented: "Being a double winner of our Performance Car of the Year is a massive achievement for the 458 Italia. Nothing has come close to matching its blend of performance, agility, style and quality - this is a car that's as thrilling to drive as it is to look at, a joy to potter around in and an absolute blast to drive fast. It's going to take some stopping at next year's shootout."

The Ferrari 458 Italia has continued to receive critical acclaim internationally, garnering over 35 international awards in its short career, including on its launch BBC Top Gear's "Car of the Year" and "Supercar of the Year", and Fifth Gear's "Fast Car of the Year". In 2010 Auto Express, What Car? and CAR Magazine all named the 458 Italia "Performance Car of the Year". More recently it has received the accolade of "2011 Best Driver's Car" from the influential US title, Motor Trend, "Best Sports Car" from Auto Motor und Sport in Germany and was also voted "World Performance Car of the Year 2011". The 458 Italia's 4.5-litre V8 engine was voted "Best Performance Engine" and "Best Engine Above 4 Litres" at the prestigious 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards.

The full list of cars that participated in Auto Express's Performance Car of the Year test were:
1. Ferrari 458 Italia
2. Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe
3. Porsche Cayman R
4. Aston Martin Vantage S
5. McLaren MP4-12C
6. Renault Megane RenaultSport Trophy 265
7. Ford Fiesta Metal
8. Jaguar XKR-S
9. MINI Cooper SD
10. Audi RS3