It’s no secret that we’re always thinking about cars here at , and not just with what’s happening in the industry right now, but also what’s coming next. Here are each of our editors’ individual picks for what they’re most looking forward to driving this year.
Let us know what cars you’re most excited to drive in the comments below, or tweet us @AutoGuide.
2017 Ford GT – Mike Schlee, Road Test Editor
“With a 3.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost making more than 600 horsepower, a lightweight body and Le Mans-inspired aerodynamics, the Ford GT looks like it’s going to be an insane supercar. And it’s not just a bunch of impressive specs that has me excited; the GT looks great as well. Plus, Ford is going to take the new GT to where all proper supercars should go – the racetrack. Sure to be another mid-engine instant classic from Ford, I can’t wait to try out the GT.”
See Also: 2017 Ford GT: Everything You Need To Know
2016 Shelby GT350 – Sami Haj-Assaad, Features Editor
“With its 5.2-liter V8 engine that makes more than 500 hp, I’m looking forward to driving the new Shelby GT350. It’s not just the insane horsepower numbers or the impressive soundtrack that’ll come from the V8 that gets me excited; it’s the fact that it’s a driver-oriented Mustang. Stiffer with tons of grip and equipped with a MagnaRide suspension, the GT350 sounds like a dream come true, especially after being so impressed with the 2015 Mustang earlier this year. I’m already drooling about the idea of piloting one and can’t wait to see how it drives.”
See Also: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Shelby GT350 Mustang’s Engine
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia – Craig Cole, Associate Editor
“Sure, you can own a German sports sedan, but how boring is that? Yeah, they may be the gold standard, providing ample speed, impeccable handling and all of the latest technology, but all too often they’re cold and impersonal. I want a car that’s passionate, not one that tries to give me a calculus lesson every time I drive it. Accordingly, the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia looks like an Italian antidote to Teutonic aloofness. This rear-wheel-drive four-door is dripping with sex appeal, though its got the guts to back up this beauty. Power is provided by a Ferrari-tuned V6 that delivers 510 horses. With such a huge stable, the dash to 100 km/h takes less than four seconds.”
See Also: 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Debuts with Ferrari Power
2016 Ford F-150 Raptor – Stephen Elmer, News Editor
“The closest thing you’ll get to a Baja 1000-ready truck from the factory, the 2017 Ford Raptor has me hooked. With an upgraded turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, the new Raptor promises more than 411 hp, which will help this sand-destroyer power through the desert. Not to mention that the truck has lost weight, making it even faster. If the new truck can build on the serious capabilities of today’s Raptor, then Ford has a future winner on its hands. The biggest problem with the Raptor? I won’t be able to drive it until sometime in 2016.”
See Also: 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Marries 4WD, AWD
2016 Ford Focus RS – Jodi Lai, Managing Editor
“The Ford Focus RS needs to get here as soon as possible. The Volkswagen Golf R has always been one of my ‘practical’ dream cars, but the Focus RS might dethrone the VW and even give the Subaru STI a run for its money in the AWD performance compact hatchback market. With 345 horsepower, which is more than a Porsche Cayman GTS, this little car is certain to be hilarious fun to drive. Attainable, cheerful and practical cars like this get me much more excited than crazy supercars, and I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.
Hey, Ford product planners must be doing something right. There are a lot of Fords on this list!”
See Also: 10 Cars the Ford Focus RS Has More Power Than
2016 Acura NSX – Jason Siu, News Editor
“Growing up, the Acura NSX was, by far, my favorite car. Everyone used to call it the ‘Japanese Ferrari,’ with its mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup and sleek design. Now there’s a whole new NSX ready to take on the roadways and I was one of the first ones to hop on the hype train ever since the concept debuted. It’s hard to imagine that a twin-turbo V6 paired to an electric motor isn’t going to be amazing, along with Honda’s three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Late last year, I had the pleasure of comparing the 2005 Acura NSX against the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C and I came away impressed by how well the NSX has aged. Sure, it wasn’t as refined and polished as today’s new cars, but it was more than a decade old and I still wouldn’t hesitate to drop my money on it. But that’s besides the point. Just looking at the new NSX has me salivating at the possibilities, and if it drives and sounds as good as it looks, any price tag is warranted.”
See Also: 2016 Acura NSX Technology Detailed
2016 Honda Civic Type R – Colum Wood, Content Director
“With the new Acura NSX already claimed (thanks Jason…), my runner-up choice is the Honda Civic Type R.
Is my fanboy showing?
It makes 306 hp and Honda claims it’s the fastest machine it has ever made. It even lapped the Nurburgring in an astonishingly rapid 7 minutes and 50 seconds; quicker than a 2008 Nissan GT-R.
As an owner of several performance Hondas from the brand’s glory days, a 1992 Civic Si being my very first car, Honda hatches hold a special place in my heart.
For now, I have so many unanswered questions: What does a turbocharged Honda feel like? Having worshipped at the naturally aspirated VTEC altar for so long, can I be converted? And why is it taking so long to get here? (Please don’t make me wait until 2017!)”
See Also: Five Facts You Need To Know About the 2016 Honda Civic
