Performance Car Of The Year 2011 23-17

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83628","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"85","width":"127"}}]]23. Porsche Panamera Turbo S£122,623 | 190mph | 0-62 in 3.8secs | 543bhp

If you want a mix of supercar performance and limo-style luxury, look no further than the Panamera Turbo S. The range-topper delivers jaw-dropping pace, while the four-wheel-drive chassis provides staggering grip. You also get a beautifully built cabin, hatchback versatility and strong refinement. The only fly in the ointment is the £122,623 price tag – a hefty £18,825 more than the standard Turbo.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83629","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"85","width":"127"}}]]22. VW Golf GTI Edition£27,525 | 153mph |0-62 in 6.6secs | 232bhp

Our current hot hatch champ is 35 years old – and to celebrate, VW has launched the fastest and most potent Golf GTI ever. A 22bhp power boost, to 232bhp, means scorching pace, while an aggressive bodykit helps the car stand out from the crowd. Elsewhere, it provides the same mix of driving thrills and family friendly practicality that has helped make the GTI a performance car legend.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83630","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"85","width":"127"}}]]21. Morgan 3 Wheeler£25,000 | 115mph | 0-62 in 4.5secs | 120bhp

Here's a car that proves you don’t need a huge power output and a hi-tech chassis to have fun behind the wheel. Inspired by the original Three Wheeler of 1909, the Morgan provides some of the most undiluted driving thrills money can buy. The unassisted steering is sharp, the skinny tyres serve up a surprising amount of grip and the car’s 490kg weight means straight-line pace is electrifying. Adding to the Morgan’s appeal is the soundtrack from its exposed 1.8-litre engine. Only hardcore owners need apply, though, as the 3 Wheeler does without a roof, windscreen or heater. But this is one of the most involving cars on the planet.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83631","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"85","width":"127"}}]]20. Lotus Elise Club Racer£71,950 | 127mph | 0-62 in 6.0secs | 134bhp

If there’s one car that didn’t need to go on a diet, it’s the featherweight Lotus Elise. Yet the new Club Racer tips the scales at only 852kg, which is a 24kg saving over the standard version. Powered by Toyota’s feisty 1.6-litre engine, the two-seater is quick, agile and entertaining. Creature comforts are few and far between and the price is steep, but the Elise’s appeal remains undimmed.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83632","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"85","width":"127"}}]]19. Citroen DS3 Racing£23,400 | 146mph | 0-62 in 6.5secs | 204bhp

Few cars can rival this DS3R’s motorsport pedigree. Developed by the team that took Sebastien Loeb to seven World Rally Championships, Citroen’s stylish pocket rocket has impeccable credentials. There’s no doubting the Racing’s agility, while the strong brakes and muscular power delivery are further highlights. Yet it lacks the driving fun that makes the cheaper DS3 DSport 1.6 THP such a hit.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83633","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"85","width":"127"}}]]18. Lotus Evora S£58,000 | 172mph | 0-62 in 4.6secs | 345bhp

Hopes were high when Lotus pulled the wraps off its flagship car in 2009, and the Evora didn’t disappoint. With its beautifully balanced handling and rakish looks, it was an instant hit with keen drivers. But in an attempt to win even more fans, the company has added a powerful supercharged S version of its Toyota-sourced engine, plus a whole host of cabin improvements. These updates have transformed the Evora, helping it deliver effortless performance and upmarket appeal. There’s also a surprisingly practical 2+2 version. However, given its high price and our concerns about quality, it’s hard to recommend the Lotus ahead of the Porsche 911.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83634","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"85","width":"127"}}]]17. Nissan GT-R£27,500 | 196mph | 0-62 in 3.1secs | 523bhp

With its blistering pace and incredible handling, the Nissan GT-R is a true performance car hero. A recent round of tweaks has only made it more desirable, with buyers benefiting from greater power, sharper handling and an upgraded cabin. The facelifted model costs £10,000 more than its predecessor but, given the performance on offer, it’s still something of a bargain.