Bentley, BMW, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche are Winners
The popular personal style e-zine eCityofStyle.com recently offered up its take on the five most stylish automobiles for 2003, in its third annual Auto Style Awards.
The winners include the Bentley Continental GT Coupe, BMWs radical Z4 roadster, the Lincoln LS V8 sedan, Mercedes-Benz E500 and Porsche Cayenne SUV.
The eCityofStyle.com judges stated, “The Bentley Continental GT combines the companys delicate craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to make it the fastest four-seater coupe available in the world. The cars twin-turbocharged 12 cylinder engine produces an astronomical 550 hp. The car also has a six-speed automatic transmission, racing-inspired steering wheel paddle shifters, and the companys first all-wheel-drive system. The design includes an aerodynamic and muscular body featuring a long hood, drilled aluminum pedals, chrome instruments, strong rear fenders, top quality leather and wood throughout the cabin, and the companys signature matrix mesh grille.”
BMWs Z4 replaces its previous entry-level roadster, the Z3. The new design, like the German automakers flagship 7-Series, has caused some controversy, but eCityofStyle.coms Ayman Shairzay describes the experience of seeing the car up close and personal quite well.
“Whereas many other automakers were developing successful retro-designed cars, BMW has distinctly taken the opposite direction,” said Shairzay. “Sharp creases, edgy lines, and an overtly shark-like profile give the Z4 a thoroughly modern form. Prima facie, the Z4s change-in-direction contours and odd angles feel disjointed and confusing, but when you stand beside a Z4 in person, the form takes shape as a whole, and the essence of the design gloriously reveals itself in a singular moment. The Z4 looks fast and it looks alive.”
Lincolns Euro-beating LS V8 might not be as prestigious or as edgy in design as some of the other cars on this list, but its dramatically improved performance and enhanced technologies have the 2003 model whipping the best in the business.
But in Shairzays words, “Building a powerful car is obviously not enough to be successful in the competitive luxury sports sedan segment. The cars performance must be matched by lavish amenities and interior comfort. The LS V8 delivers with several new improvements, none more impressive than the industrys first THX-certified audio system that boasts 10 speakers, a neat in-dash six-disc CD changer, and 345 watts of power.”