10 Most Significant Cars in 1997-2017



1. Audi RS4 Avant (2000)

The first Audi RS model outpowered BMW M3 and Mercedes C55 AMG with a 380hp twin-turbo V6. It kickstarted a power war among German sports sedans.

2. Bugatti Veyron (2005)

The fastest, most powerful and most complicated car in the world, Bugatti Veyron was a technical tour de force and a statement of Ferdinand Piech's ultimate ambition.

3. Mazda 2 (2007)

The first mass production car in the period opted for downsizing and lightweight engineering. It saved 100kg from the last generation, making the car greener and more agile.

4. Mercedes CLS-class (2004)

The first "4-door Coupe" in modern time was also the most beautiful. Audi, BMW and Volkswagen would follow suit.

5. Mini (2001)

The first reborn Mini introduced endless customization of colors, trims and decors which would affect Fiat 500, Citroen DS3, Volkswagen Up, Opel Adam and even many mainstream small cars today.

6. Nissan GT-R (2007)

The most fearsome Japanese car in decades. One that beat the proudest Porsches and Ferraris in the real world. It forced the European to up their games.

7. Porsche 996 GT3 (1999)

The father of all GT3s. High-revving engine and sharp handling enabled it to be the first production car to lap Nurburgring under 8 minutes.

8. Porsche 918 Spyder (2013)

The first hybrid-powered supercar in the world. Individual front motors not only added performance  but also enabled torque vectoring, significantly enhancing cornering speed and agility. Seamless integration of engine and electric power is a work of wonder.

9. Tesla Model S (2012)

The history-rewriting electric car. Combining style, practicality and performance, it surprised conservative auto journalists like us by winning the love of the market, something no EVs achieved before.

10. Toyota Prius Mk2 (2003)

The first Prius was an experiment. The second was a true commercial success, capturing 1.2 million sales worldwide. It proved that hybrid power is no longer a niche concept, but every family can afford.