When it comes to determining the best car of the 21st century, it presents a challenging task. As we approach 2025, we embarked on a journey to find the answer. The key lies in defining what constitutes a great car and how to narrow down the vast expanse of the automotive industry, ranging from electric city cars to powerful hypercars. Since 2000, numerous significant and influential new cars have emerged, shaping and defining not only our current driving experiences but also those of the next 25 years.

Discover the Epitome of Automotive Excellence in the 21st Century

15. 2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

The '911' and 'GT3' combination holds a significant place. In the 21st century, there have been three generations of the 911 GT3 (997, 991, and 992), each deserving a spot. However, we specifically chose the 2015 model. This car was inspired by racing and crafted to be the ultimate driver's vehicle on both roads and tracks. Over time, Porsche continuously pursued more speed and pushed the current 992 GT3 RS to new heights in terms of technology and aerodynamics. It blurs the line between road and race more than any other Porsche before. But what makes the 2015 model stand out is its perfect balance between speed, driving purity, and track performance. Whether on a winding road or a racing track, this is the car that truly captivates.The 911 GT3 has always been a symbol of performance, and the 2015 version takes it to a new level. Its design and engineering showcase Porsche's commitment to excellence. It's not just a car; it's a driving experience like no other.

14. 2017 Honda Civic Type R

When thinking about the 911 GT3, the 2017 Honda Civic Type R is the hot hatch equivalent. While the latest model may be more visually appealing, we chose the 2017 version for its raw and unpolished driving experience. This added to the excitement behind the wheel.Over the decades, there have been many great hot hatches, but none have been as focused on performance as the Civic Type R. Its poise, precision, and speed were highly addictive, setting a new benchmark for the segment. It demonstrated Honda's ability to create a car that combines power and handling in a remarkable way.

13. 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8

For decades, America has boasted about building a sports car to rival the best from Europe. Finally, in the eighth generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, they delivered. By converting the 'Vette from front to mid-engined, Chevrolet completely transformed the car.Still powered by a classic American V8, the Corvette now has the handling to compete with the best in the world while staying true to its heritage. The newer ZR1 and Z06 models prove that the brand is serious about taking on and beating the European competition. It's a car that combines power, style, and performance in a unique way.

12. 2002 Porsche Cayenne

If you're a Porsche purist, you may have reservations about the Cayenne. But there's no denying its significance. When it was launched in 2002, Porsche had only two models – the 911 and the Boxster. This was not enough to sustain the company financially, especially while maintaining its independence from Volkswagen.Although the Cayenne shared elements with the Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche's engineers gave it unique performance and handling characteristics that appealed to buyers. Despite the initial negative reaction, the Cayenne became a sales success, making Porsche more profitable and paving the way for a new type of luxury-performance SUVs from other brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bentley.

11. 2024 Ford Mustang GTD

There might be some recency bias with this entry, but the 2024 Ford Mustang GTD is truly remarkable. Ford collaborated with its racing partner, Multimatic, to turn the Mustang into a genuine supercar.Equipped with a new supercharged V8, a unique eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle, a carbon fibre driveshaft, carbon fibre panels for the body, active aerodynamics, magnesium wheels, and carbon ceramic brakes, this car is a force to be reckoned with. What makes it special is that Ford did it out of enthusiasm and passion, not because of spreadsheet considerations. It's a modern car built by executives who are driven by a love for performance. This is the kind of innovation we need more of in the automotive industry.