There is nothing like our Performance Vehicle of the Year competition anywhere else in the world. We bring together the best completely new or drastically altered high-performance vehicles in one location, driving them back-to-back, back-to-back, you get the idea, and evaluating them based on six main factors rather than against one another: engineering brilliance, value, intended function performance, driver confidence and engagement, design advancement, and efficiency. After narrowing down the field of contenders to a smaller number, we drive them hard once more—this time on actual roads—before the judging panel is locked away for hours debating the results. After a while, a vote is held, and one car wins by raising our Golden Calipers to become the PVOTY.
Even though these vehicles, trucks, and SUVs aren’t quite ready for the final round, they are nonetheless worthy of respect. They are arranged alphabetically below. They all excite in different ways, offering action-packed adventures in the mud, on the track, or on the road. The filth? Yes, it is correct. We finally achieved our aim this year of allowing all performance vehicles—not just those that scavenge pavement—to compete in our tournament. The off-road machine genre has been booming lately, and we were able to add an off-road component for some participants at our new venue at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in California.
The contenders for MotorTrend’s 2024 Performance Vehicle of the Year (PVOTY) have battled it out, but only a select few will advance to the final round. Here’s a look at some impressive machines that fell just short:
Off-Road All-Stars:
- 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor: The first-ever Raptorized version of Ford’s midsize truck impressed with its off-road prowess.
- 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV & 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV: These trucks, with the help of aftermarket supplier American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), showcased serious off-road capability.
Exotics with a Twist:
- 2023 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato: This outrageous off-road supercar defied categorization and offered a unique blend of Lamborghini performance with go-anywhere capability.
- 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo: Stunning and powerful, the MC20 Cielo marked a triumphant return for Maserati.
Performance with Quirks:
- 2023 Lotus Emira V-6: This perfectly imperfect sports car may have had some reliability issues during testing, but its potential for driver engagement shines through.
- 2024 McLaren 750S: While boasting awe-inspiring performance, the 750S fell short in the advancement of design and value, hindering its finalist bid.
Evolution of Icons:
- 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club: Improvements to handling and infotainment modernize this beloved icon.
- 2024 Subaru BRZ tS: A beloved formula gets a power boost, keeping this affordable sports car relevant.
Luxury Meets Performance:
- 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT63: This larger, heavier GT prioritized comfort over raw performance, leading to a mixed bag from the judges.
Compromised Soul:
- 2024 Subaru WRX TR: While offering greater comfort and refinement, the WRX TR may have sacrificed some of its raw, thrilling character.
These contenders may not have reached the final round, but they each offer something unique and exciting in the world of performance vehicles. Stay tuned to see which machines ultimately claim the coveted 2024 PVOTY title!
