Gallery: The Cars, Planes and Motorcycle That Rocked Our World
Abdruck fuer Pressezwecke honora012011 Volkswagen Golf R
This was a good year for moving forward, whether on land, sea or air. Revolutionary airliners took off, affordable supercars hit the road, sophisticated bikes carved up tracks and sleek boats shook up racing. Before saying goodbye to 2011, we look back fondly on the most impressive creations of the year, those that moved us the most -- if not the fastest. This is by no means an exhaustive list, so let us know if we've forgotten anything critical. Also, if you're shopping for last-minute gifts for us, we'd be happy to see any of these in our driveways, with or without big red bows. Without further ado, here's our list of the most Wired stuff of 2011. Volkswagen Golf R ----------------- Like a kid sneaking a peek at his Christmas gifts, we want to open this one early. The 266-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Golf R offers fantastic bang for the buck. It’s available for pre-order and expected to hit dealer lots early next year. Let the Subaru, Mitsubishi and VW fanboys fight over whether the STi, Evo or Golf R is a better car -- we just want to drive one./p> *Photo: Volkswagen*
022011 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE
Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE ---------------------------- We fell in love with the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE even before we saw one [slay a Nissan GT-R](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/2011/06/video-an-aprilia-slays-godzilla/) on the track. Yes, it's fast. But the key to its utter dominance is Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC), a suite of performance technology that includes launch control, traction control and wheelie control. The ECU responds to data from two accelerometers and two turn meters, and Quick Shift allows for the fastest shifting outside of professional racing. It all works together to maximize your performance at the limit. This bike is so advanced that it [makes even squids look skilled](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/2011/06/video-aprilias-tech-makes-even-squids-ride-well/). *Photo, video: Aprilia* http://www.youtube.com/embed/iHWI-DfyT8M
032012 Audi A7
Audi A7 ------- Audi's A7 is the best example we've seen of being fashionably late. Sure, it hit the market years after the Mercedes CLS, but it was worth the wait. With all-wheel drive and a turbocharged six, the A7 is poised and balanced like few other luxury sedans. The MMS infotainment system recognizes handwriting input and overlays Google Street View on top of the navigation screen. If that's not enough for you, it's also drop-dead gorgeous. Audi [knocked this one out of the park](http://www.esquire.com/features/cars/2012-audi-a7-review-1011). *Photo, video: Audi* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1328029967001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1328029967001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1328029967001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
Gail Hanusa04Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Boeing 787 Dreamliner --------------------- We waited, and waited, and waited some more for the super-innovative [Boeing 787 Dreamliner](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/tag/boeing-787-dreamliner/). First, there were production delays. Then, labor issues. Some airlines cancelled orders after waiting years past Boeing's promised delivery date. All was forgotten, even forgiven, when the first passenger-ready [787 emerged from the paint shop](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/2011/08/peek-inside-the-first-passenger-ready-787-dreamliner/) in August and was turned over to [inaugural customer All Nippon Airways](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/2011/10/cockpit-tour-of-all-nippon-airways-boeing-787-dreamliner/?mbid=ob_ppc_auto&pid=1334). *Photo: Boeing* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1328029982001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1328029982001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1328029982001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
052011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe
BMW 1 Series M Coupe -------------------- Yeah, yeah -- we know. It's a turbo, so it can't be a proper M. Anyone who says that can get stuffed. This is [the best BMW ever](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/12/bmw-1-series-m-coupe/). That’s right. *Ever*. That sound you hear is not the cry of purists, however; it's the plaintive wail of those who weren't lucky enough to snap up a 1 Series M, a super-exclusive car limited to a run of less than 1,000. The 1 Series M may be turbocharged and its awkward name may be a mouthful, but we've been lucky enough to drive it and can unequivocally say that it's one of the finest driver's cars on the road. It's hideous, but that doesn't matter from behind the wheel. The 1 Series M is quite simply a joy to drive. Bonus enthusiast points: The car could only be ordered with a stick shift. *Photo: Jordan Losada/Wired.com. Video: BMW.* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1328025927001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1328025927001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1328025927001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
06Pipistrel Taurus G4
Pipistrel Taurus G4 ------------------- From Slovenia comes the world's first four-seater electric airplane, which made its maiden flight in 2011. The [Pipistrel Taurus G4](”) is a testbed to develop a high-power electric propulsion system, one that could see production. It features twin fuselages, room for four and the biggest electric motor we’ve seen bolted to an airframe. The airframe is super-light, coming in at roughly 2,350 pounds empty. Nearly half of that weight is the battery, which provides juice to a 150-kilowatt (200 horsepower) electric motor. Maximum takeoff weight is 3,300 pounds. The Taurus G4 is outlandish, but it works. After proving the plane could fly 200 miles in two hours, [Pipistrel won NASA's Green Flight Challenge](”) which came with a $1.35 million prize. *Photo: [misterbisson](http://www.flickr.com/photos/maisonbisson/6202776042/sizes/l/in/photostream/)/Flickr*
072011 Fiat 500
Fiat 500 -------- Since Alfa Romeo's departure in 1995, carbuyers in the United States have had to spend upward of six figures if they wanted to buy an Italian car. Alfa's return is still perpetually a few years away, but the Fiat brand is back in a big, small way. The diminutive [Fiat 500](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/02/fiat-500/all/1) proves small cars can be stylish, that efficiency can be fun and the world never tires of retro-cool. But don’t let the old-school influence fool you. The [Fiat 500](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/tag/fiat-500/) is thoroughly modern. The engine is a technological marvel; it’s tiny, efficient and boasts valve-timing technology, which does away with an intake camshaft and uses oil pressure to vary valve lift and timing. And did we mention this thing is cute? It's true that sales have so far been as sluggish as the little cinquecento is, but it's nice to have some variety on the road -- especially a car that even your grandparents could parallel park. *Photo: Sam Smith/Wired.com. Video: Fiat.* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1328058402001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1328058402001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1328058402001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
Ford082012 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Ford Mustang Boss 302 --------------------- The Boss is back. In a year where subcompacts competed for the highest MPG ratings and the EV almost went mainstream, Ford decided the time was right to build the ultimate pony car. The [Ford Mustang Boss 302](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/06/mustang-boss/) is everything you want in a Mustang — it’s bold, it’s loud and it’s about as subtle as a jackhammer. It has razor-sharp handling, monstrous power (440 ponies) and the legs to outrun an M3 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Plus you can get it with friggin’ sidepipes. *Sidepipes!* All of this means, of course, that the Boss isn’t just one of the best muscle cars ever; it’s one of the best *cars* ever. *Photo: Sam Smith/Wired.com. Video: Ford.* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1331704591001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1331704591001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1331704591001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
Eric Risberg09Americas Cup Sailing
America's Cup AC45 and AC72 --------------------------- The 159-year-old [America's Cup](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/magazine/tag/americas-cup/) just got a whole lot faster with the introduction of wing-sailed catamarans. Racers are training on the AC45, a water-borne rocket that that took just four months to go from concept to creation. The AC45 is but the barest wisp of a catamaran, measuring just 22 feet wide and less than 45 feet long. The sail is actually a wing, and at 70 feet tall it’s longer than the wing on a Boeing 727. As amazing as it is, the AC45 is but a bantam version of the next-generation America’s Cup yacht, the AC72. That boat promises to make the next Cup the fastest, and most challenging, in history. *Photo: Eric Risberg/Associated Press. Video: America's Cup.* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1328029919001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1328029919001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1328029919001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
102011 Porsche Cayman R
Porsche Cayman R ---------------- Please do not tell us that the only proper Porsches have the engine at the back. The Cayman S is a sublime machine that will run circles around damn near anything, and [Porsche](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/tag/porsche/) made it even better by adding lightness to the [Cayman R](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/2010/11/porsche-cayman-r-sheds-weight-adds-horses/). Aluminum doors, a lithium-ion starter battery, cloth door pulls and other tweaks cut 121 pounds from the Cayman S. A free-flowing exhaust gives the R an additional 10 horsepower for a total of 330 ponies. The Cayman R is a specialists tool, one designed for making quick work of track or winding road to nowhere. All of the inputs -- steering, throttle, braking -- are razor-sharp. The steering feel is perfect, the engine is responsive and the handling borders on telepathic. It doesn’t get much better than this. *Photo: Porsche*
