During the 2000s, we received some of the best cars ever produced by their respective manufacturers.
From hot hatchbacks to hypercars, and everything in between, some of the best cars of all time graced showroom floors during the period, whether because of their beauty, outstanding driving dynamics or just downright craziness.
Join us as we take a look at 25 of the very best in alphabetical order, as well as 5 bonus cars that had the potential to join such esteemed company, but for one reason or another, never got the chance:
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (2007)
Launched as a halo model for the Italian brand, just 500 examples of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione were ever built, alongside a further 329 Spiders.
Powered by a Ferrari-derived, 4.7-litre, 444bhp naturally-aspirated V8, which was later shared with the Maserati Granturismo, the 8C received a bespoke platform, carbon fibre bodywork and carbon ceramic brakes to accompany the thunderous soundtrack.
What we said: “In GT terms it’s a bit of a hot rod, but when you step out, you want to step right back in.”
Aston Martin DBS (2007)
With looks that haven’t aged a day, you may recognise the DBS as the first proper Bond car to have accompanied Daniel Craig during his time as the world’s most famous spy. But Aston’s super-GT was so much more than just a movie star.
Arriving in 2007 as a more focused version of the DB9 grand tourer, the DBS weighed 65kg less than the car it was based upon, thanks to an aluminium structure and a blend of carbon fibre and aluminium body panels. The DBS also had a 5.9-litre, 510bhp V12 at its disposal – and, if optioned, this colossal powerplant could be controlled via a six-speed manual gearbox. Unfortunately though, there was no box to tick on the configurator for a glovebox-located defibrillator.
What we said: “In being lighter, more accelerative and a much more accomplished grand tourer than the Vanquish S, the DBS is a fitting dynamic successor.”
Audi RS4 B7 (2005)
Unveiled in 2005 as an answer to the BMW M3, the B7-generation RS4 set the Audi Sport brand on a completely different path, proving that the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer could indeed build exciting drivers’ cars in the 21st century – something that had been increasingly called into question.
Available in saloon, estate and convertible flavours, the RS4 was able to break such a stereotype mainly through the deployment of a truly great powertrain. Namely, Audi fitted a 4.2-litre, 414bhp naturally-aspirated V8 screamer (the redline could only be located after 8250rpm) and a six-speed manual gearbox that we described as ‘hard to find fault with.’
What we said: “Sensationally quick, practical and desirable. Something very special.”
Audi R8 (2006)
In 2006, Audi caused jaws to drop even further when the covers came off their first ever supercar, the R8. Named after the successful Le Mans racer, the R8 was the sister car to the Lamborghini Gallardo – but, somehow, it managed to be even better, emerging as the victor in our coveted Driver’s Car of the Year issue.