The SPIES Want To Know: What do YOU Think Is the MOST SIGNIFICANT Car or Truck Introduced in 2008?

Corvette ZR1

:-/

Nothing special about a modified Z06

veyron1001 -

The Corvette ZR1 is as fast as the Ferrari Califorina and handles better and breaks better for half the price.

The Cadillac CTS-V is one bad @$$ ride as well!

The 370Z.

And the best description of the ZR1 is the fastest piece of crap on earth ;)

001

001,

Why is the ZR1 a piece of crap?

Have there been any recalls?

Just touch the seat material, look at the what could be the worst dash design and switchgear, touch the home depot welcome mat quality carpets, listen to the rotten sound system/nav...and you have the idea.

001

001 could not be any more spot-on about the ZR1.

001,

How about the Jaguar XF 4.2 V8 SUPERCHARGED?

001, I agree with you ENTIRELY about the guts (interior) of the ZR1...

I believe that this Vette should have had a COMPLETELY upgraded/unique interior and sound system from the other Vette's.

{My question to you, because I admire your opinion, is: If this was so, would you still feel the same way about the ZR1?}

The Corvette ZR-1 is faster then a ferrari 599 GTB Fioriano. While its interior might not cost you 70 grand, its one of the fastest cars on the road, without costing the same price as a house.

001 obviously knows nothing about cars, sadly. Which isnt too surprising being here at autospies...

Obliv -

You and I know what the ZR1 can do ;-)

4 way tie

GT-R, M3, 09 Carrera S, CTS-V

001

001,

I like all the cars you listed except for the GT-R.

I just don't think it looks good in person.

No, we all just know that you hate all Asian cars, no mater how good they might be, just because your racist.

Sorry _43LE -

I can't tell the difference in inspiration in styling of the GT-R from a Corolla.

I have got to have something unique about the styling and I don't care how fast it is or how much the car cost.

Well, we're not surprised that you can't tell them apart, by now we all know your deficiencies.

Sorry, they both have the same nonsense lines that won't last more than 2 years.

Sucks to be you, it's obvious to the rest of us.

I don't see how four luxury sports cars--the least expensive of which starts at $55K--could be considered the most significant releases of the year. It should be a car that changed the scene that many people can afford.

Not to mention, '09 Carrera S? LMAO! It's awesome but nobody besides car enthusiasts know that there are any differences this year!

NO other car has been talked about (or argued over) as much as GT-R. It has a faster Nil-to-Sixty than more expensive cars, destroyed the ring, and draws media hype like a Miley-Cyrus-Night-Vision-Sex-Tape.

PLEASE dont mention "Miley Cyrus" and "sex tape" in the same sentence.

I get your point but thats creepy...

Car in 2008, Godzilla.
Truck in 2008, none, in 2009 Ford F-150.

Another killer car is the Pontiac G8 GT.

Forget about that wannabe Hyundai Genesis.

Once again, you only hate it because it's Asian.

I don't like the Hyundai because it looks like a little S-Class.

Like a Fiero Ferrari kit car.

We all know the real answer...

Don't blame me, I didn't design the Hyundai pudgy wannabe.

What am I blaming? Wow, you're really not at you best here.

BMW 135i, BMW 335d, Porsche 911S, Nissan GT-R

GT-R, Tesla Roadster, Audi R8....

GT-R: That much power & torque from a 6-cyl is amazing! And it all is channeled thru an AWD system with a great rear-mtd transmission dispite being having a front-mtd engine.

Tesla: Harnessing battery power to create a dynamic driving experience is exciting. W/o Tesla, I don't think other automakers would be as interested, namely Fisker. Can't wait till other electric-based tech goes mainstream (motors at each wheel).

R8: Using platforms/parts from the corporate parts bin really paid off. The R8 to me is an instant hit! Making the R8 was a perfect way to help pay off the costs of developing the Gallardo while entering a more seemingly attainable supercar into the market.

Also to note: Ford is making good use of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive in the Fusion/Millan sedans. But I would like to see GM go all out in make a Malibu or G6 with a version of the 2-mode tranny & DI-V6 (w/VVT) having multi-displacement capabilities.

+1

Nissan GT-R, hands down.

Regardless of its badge it still does the things a car double its price, [ahem] Porsche Turbo [ahem], can do.

It's a game changer.

How does the GT-R ride?

How well laid out is the dash?

Do you really like that dime a dozen trendy front end?

Ladies,

How is EL34 for a ride?

How often does he get laid?

Can he only afford a dime?

Have you every watched the movie Rocky?

You know who Pauly is, he's the brother of Adrian.

The GT-R's profile reminds me of the shape of Pauly's head o_-

Nuff said once again!

And you remind all of us of David Duke. Nuff said!

Who is David Duke?

I am surprised, I assumed he was your hero? But then again, I am giving you too much credit. Why should I assume that you know anything when the exact opposite is so often true.

Lincoln MKS. That car is highly underrated.

For us who still smoke - no ashtray

No it isn't, it's highly overrated. A lot of people see the way it looks and think it's a sweet car. It's not nearly as nice as the Lexus ES350 which it competes with.

I am a BMW lover FOREVER. But I definetely need to tip my hat (as all of you should) to the GT-R which, hands down steals the show in 2008. No car has been compared to or talked about as much as this amazing machine. Although my love for the M3 overcomes my desire to drive a GT-R, I need to respect such a worthy adversary. Kudos to the Japanese on that specific car. Lexus IS-F engineers take notes.

The Cadillac CTS/CTS-V...

Completely redefined the American Sports Sedan, with a style, presence and set of driving dynamics that easily compete with any vehicle in its class, and a value quotient that none of them can match.

I agree about the CTS-V.

How about the killer lookin' Ferrari California?

GM has shown the market that it can make an excellent vehicle if it put the right resources toward that ultimate goal. It also shows that if GM has less divisions/brands to spread their attention & funds, they could possibly pump out hit-after-hit for a few of their strongest brands.

The CTS-V also shows that US automakers know what a good vehicle is, but that they must be forced into a corner to actually make one.

GT-R and CTS-V, the two cars that made the German go back to the drawing board.

...Stop playing...

In recent years, Lexus has been criticized for making "soul-less" vehicle designs. The IS-F is a prime example of their lack of emotion. Toyota had the opportunity to create a mid-sizer that would possess raw power, control, and emotional interest within its market segment...they failed on the exterior design where Audi, Porsche, or Ferrari may have done loads better.

Congratulations, you're the only one here who stated the subject, your opinion, and facts to support your car. Thank you for being one of the ONLY people who have actually answered the questions ABOVE!

Chuck other than the GTR, how have any of these cars been significant? The G is solid but definitely not significant - it was on signifcant when the first G35 coupe came out. the EX is, well just ugly.

To answer the question of the post...
Though not avaialble to everyone, the Honda Fuel Cell car is very significant - it could revolutionize they way we drive. As is the X6 from a style ands use (?) standpoint (I'm still not sure if I like it, but they are selling well and defintiely get a lot of attention). You defintiely can't ignote the GTR either

Since you are asking for a car or truck, how about a crossover. The Ford Flex deserves mentioning here. I don't know about the overall sales numbers, but I see them everywhere here in Orlando. This will be one of the cars that keeps Ford in business.

You mention seeing a lot of Ford Flex in Orlando, I have to ask is this because of the vast tourism market leading to a huge number of rental cars. I know I had a Flex last summer as a rental, and it is a decent car - but still was a rental.

One of many problems the Big Three face is getting out of that rental car stigma that clouds many models.

-00J

Actually, I rarely go near the tourist areas, so I believe that these cars are owner driven.

The Hyundai Genesis 4600cc, 365hp is the most significant car of the year 2008/2009!!! Hyundai is the most improving car company in the world and now is the 5th biggest car manufacturer!!!

My list would be (not in any particular order):

1. Nissan 370z
2. Ford F-150 (2009 though - came to Mkt. in late 2008)
3. Cadillac CTS-V
4. Nissan GT-R
5. Jaguar XF
6. Chevy 'Vette ZR1
7. Mazda 6
8. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
9. Lexus LX570
10. Infiniti G37 (2009 Hard-Top would be my choice)

And as always, a BMW 3- ;-)

Has to either be the GT-R or 370Z.

There is a "Significant" 2008 model introduced for a bag full of car companies out there.

(In no specific order - Im going by CY2008 or MY2008)

-Audi R8
-BMW 1 Series
-Mercedes C-Class
-Hyundai Genesis
-Cadillac CTS-V
-Jaguar XF
-Mazda 6
-Nissan GT-R
-Chevrolet ZR1
-Infiniti FX
-Honda Accord
-Chevrolet Malibu

...Doesnt the list go on???

BMW X6

Eventhough it's not really a 2008 I pick the Porsche Panamera.

Great cars and I'm sure you all agree ;-)

EL34...you can't pick every car as significant. Just liking a car, does not make it significant. How about some productive reasons why?

Disclosure- i am in no way a fan of nissan and especially the look of their cars.

Now for my statement; in my opinion, the nissan GT-R is the "MOST SIGNIFICANT" car introduced in 2008 because of the fact that it came out of the gate challenging a major player in the game for years. whether it is quicker or no is not my concern but the fact that it can hang with the Porsche and has some amazing technology which helps it.

in my opinion, it is ugly as sin but i have to give props where it is due. nissan built an amazing car for a fraction of the price of the competition, kudos to nissan. if they were to make the design much, much more attractive they would have a winner.

The Genesis has the potential to challenge Lexus, the way Lexus challenged the Germans back in the 80's. BMW fought back with benchmark handling and driver involvement. What point of difference does Lexus have?

Both Ford and Dodge introduced their new half tons in 08. Dodge is clearly more significant. The change to rear coil suspension was a bold move and pays big handling dividends. The Hemi is up to 390 hp with better fuel economy and factory dual exhausts. Top it off with user friendly ram box, quality interior materials and you have a player. Light duty Diesel and hybrid options are on the way. Maybe there is hope for Chrysler.

BMW also deserves mention for the X5 x-drive 3.5d. Great power and diesel fuel economy. Too bad the name is now so long that you should not attempt to say it while driving or operating heavy machinery.

BMW Series 1 Coupe & Cabrio.
Handling, performance & fun for guys (and some gals) who love to drive.

Nissan GT-R. No question.

LF-A.....Ooops! not yet,sorry....but man I can't wait cause ya'll gonna eat some words "up in here,up in here"! (ha,ha,...smile)

Careful now Obliv...I beg to differ...Agent 001 does indeed know what he's talking about and guest what? He's right. However,the ZR1 is fierce in terms of power and speed...but that's it!

I have to say the ZR-1 is a monster of a vehicle. Sure the interior is a bit chintz as it seems to lack a bit of imagination and the higher quality look of the interiors you find in a vehicle for $100K more. However, you still get most if not all of the same features found in the others for so much less money.

Also, what has the Corvette been about for the better part of its existence? Performance above all else. This thing has over 600 Great American horses under the hood translating to over 600lb-ft of torque. That's some serious power and get-up and go no matter how you slice it. Aside from the interior, the exterior is absolutely beautiful in my opinion. Everything about the body screams power and finesse to me.

Ultimately when in the market for a supercar and you're looking for the bang for the buck, the ZR-1 has to be at or damn close to the top of your list.

Now in regards to the actual question posed by this thread, I can't give that distinction to the 'Vette or the CTS(-V) either. While both are fantastic cars, neither are very affordable to the average Joe. With the CTS it's of very high quality that hasn't seemed to trickle down to the rest of GM's holdings. That still doesn't seem to give me much hope for GM. With the Corvette, it's just another sports car despite its awesome power and ability.

The most influential car of '08 would IMO be the Tesla Roadster, or much else that made a strong leap forward in the use of alternative fuels (electric, hybrid, hydrogen, and diesel) that don't amount to overpriced go-karts. These vehicles are breaking away from the cookie cutter and doing something about the issues and concerns the world has in regards to the automobile industry.

Oh...and one more thing guys...if I had the cash to purchase one of them,it would be hands down the IS-F. Say what you will because it would be the head turner and conversation of the gathering. Believe me it's a proven fact.

ZR1, GTR, CTSV, M3...

Most significant?

Ram

ZR1 and GTR.

If the zr1 had all the technology the GTR has the ZR1 would cost near 500k.

but it doesn't so what's your point exactly?

The Genesis is a good car but no one can deny that the GT-R is a beast! It gets my vote.