Auto Express has brought together 20 of this year's best drivers' cars for the toughest test of all - choosing Britain's greatest performance car.
With our challengers ranging in price from £15,000 to more than £100,000 - this year's road test special is bigger and better than ever. We promise to put you in the driving seat of some of the most exciting new metal launched in 2009.
As tradition dictates, our reigning champion - the Nissan GT-R - returns to defend its crown. But every other contender has been introduced to our showrooms in the past 12 months.
To put them through their paces, we've headed back to what we think is the best testing location in Britain: the fantastic Anglesey Circuit in North Wales. With its blend of long straights and challenging, tight corners - not to mention some of the most stunning scenery in the country - it's a real test of any car's ability.
Auto Express's resident race driver, senior road tester Owen Mildenhall, completed three laps in each car, and his fastest time was one of the components in our overall ranking. We also gave each of our 20 contenders a score for track driving, road driving and desirability - so read on to see where they placed.
Our film crew was on hand to capture thrilling on-board hot laps of every car, plus there's some breathtaking trackside footage as our contenders are pushed to the limit.
We hope you enjoy reading our Performance Car of the Year countdown as much as we enjoyed putting it together!

appeared in British Auto Express 2009



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