Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

Rank: 7
Introduced: 2002

2006 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish + click to enlarge | view slideshow >

With its 520-hp V12, Formula One-style paddle shifters and lightweight racing-derived body construction, the Vanquish looks likely to be a singular-purpose — and punishing — high-performance car. The performance is all there, but the surprise is that it’s a functional grand tourer with a modest amount of creature comfort inside. Savor the shape when you do see it; even though it’s been around for a few years, you won’t see many on the road, as it’s a very limited-volume car.

“I really like the Vanquish,” enthused O’Kane, of the Transportation Design Track at the University of Cincinnati, who said that all of her requirements for a successful design are displayed in this vehicle: the right proportions, good functionality for its purpose and a consistency of design. “The greenhouse [roofline] is positioned rearward and it’s a very dynamic design,” she said.