ABDC 2018: Looking back

Held annually in Tasmania and now Victoria over the past four years, Australia’s Best Driver’s Car has generated enough highlights for a feature-length Hollywood blockbuster – and barely enough low-lights for the trailer!

More than 50 cars have taken part, with two winners from Germany (Porsche Cayman GTS and BMW M2) and one from Australia (HSV GTSR W1). The cheapest participant? This year’s $25,490 Suzuki Swift Sport. Priciest? The second-place getting Porsche 911 Carrera S at $252,800.

There have been crashes (Infiniti Q60) and mechanical-related DNFs (Alfa Romeo Giulia and Ford Falcon XR8), tyre punctures (Honda Civic Type R) and a few health issues (hypothermia, sea and motion sickness).

But in the end, it’s all worth it as the results of Australia’s most intriguing car comparison is rolled out each year in all its online glory.

We asked a few ABDC regulars about some of their favourite memories…

Marton Pettendy, Managing Editor

Most memorable ABDC experience? Last year I expected HSV W1 to be a handful at Baskerville, but it made me feel like Craig Lowndes in a V8 Supercar. So much torque, but so easy to harness it. Back in 2016 the BMW M2 felt like it was built for Targa Tassie stages, whether it was the tight and twisty Mt Arrowsmith or the scary-fast Cethana.

Least favourite? Chasing Luke Youlden in the wet down the treacherous downhill section into Strachan in the Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 'treaded slick' tyres (ABDC 2015)

What do you enjoy most about ABDC? The camaraderie of the whole team – and some special guests – together on tour in the finest sports cars on some of Australia’s best driving roads.

What do you enjoy least? Early starts and long days in blazing sun or pouring rain when we're not in the cars.

Where should ABDC be held next year, and what cars? New Zealand's best roads ending at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park in the Ferrari 488 Pista, McLaren Senna, Aston Martin Valkyrie, Bugatti Chiron, Porsche 918 Spyder and Mercedes-AMG Project ONE. How about it, Sinkers? [Ed: Dream on Scoz, we've got big plans for 2019... We're thinking Ipswich]

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Matt Brogan, Road Test Editor

Most memorable ABDC experience? For a number of reasons it would have to be the chance to drive the HSV GTSR W1 in anger at last year’s event. Growing up Holden, the end of local manufacturing hurt a lot. Punting the W1 down some epic Tassie back-roads certainly helped ease the pain – and won’t quickly be forgotten.

Least favourite? How could I forget ending up in hospital with hypothermia at ABDC 2015. Standing in the rain at Baskerville all day was a silly thing to do, and with snow, close-to-zero temperatures and sub-standard accommodation the rest of the week, the fact I got off relatively lightly was miraculous.

What do you enjoy most about ABDC? The driving. Simple. The chance to punt great cars on great roads is an absolute highlight – and I especially like the opportunity to spend a decent amount of time with each car. It really does help form a full opinion of the vehicle’s ability.

What do you enjoy least? Seriously? That it has to end. There’s nothing I don’t love about ABDC. It’s an incredible event we’re privileged to be a part of. I could start another one next week and be as excited as I am right now.

Where should ABDC be held next year, and what cars? Now you’re talking! How about New Zealand’s south island? Or a blast through the European Alps? Maybe we could do a Country of Origin special and take the best cars from that country on its best roads – for a month! Just give me the budget and I’m there.

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Luke Youlden, 2017 Bathurst Winner & V8 Supercar Racer

Most memorable ABDC experience? Tackling a very wet 99 bends out of Queenstown in the HSV GTSR W1 at ABDC 2017 - the rear wheels didn’t have traction once!

Least favourite? The time I almost binned the only HSV GTSR W1 on our closed road section. I went back down the mountain to get fuel, but in my absence, a hail storm came through. I was tackling the climb back (somewhat spiritedly!) when I hit a patch of ice.

Before I knew it, I was 60 degrees to the road looking through the driver’s window. It’s amazing how in a split second, you can put together in your mind a very detailed apology speech! Luckily not needed.

What do you enjoy most about ABDC? The opportunity to push the limits of some really cool machinery on some awesome roads in the company of great individuals and like-minded colleagues.

What do you enjoy least? It’s all good. I enjoy every minute.

Where should ABDC be held next year, and what cars? I do miss the mega roads of Tassie and Baskerville Raceway but what about this for a thought – close the road from the bottom to the top of Mt Buller!

My dream drive list under $250K is a Porsche Cayman GTS. Over 250K? Aston Martin Valkyrie.

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Tim Britten, Senior Contributor

Most memorable ABDC experience? Unquestionably, driving the Audi S5 Coupe at ABDC 2017. It always felt predicable, bank-vault secure and plenty powerful. I had a ball driving it, especially when I sat comfortably behind the (well driven) Porsche Cayman S in the rain.

Least favourite? In wet conditions again, at ABDC 2016 driving the JCW MINI Cooper S. I’m a hot hatch fan, but the MINI never felt like the compact, tenacious projectile I was expecting.

Some of this was no doubt due to the car being fitted with competition brake pads for its appearance at Targa Tasmania. They took some getting used to and I found they were lacking in initial response, which undermined driver confidence when washing off speed entering fast corners.

What do you enjoy most about ABDC? I like the fact that it’s not always the most expensive or commonly lauded car that shines. A good example was the Ford Fiesta ST that impressed all the judges at ABDC 2015 and finished in fifth place overall.

What do you enjoy least? It’s easy to say the least enjoyable thing about ABDC is when it’s over. And the early starts and often late finishes do take their toll – on some of us at least.

Where should ABDC be held next year, and what cars? The Adelaide Hills has some great roads that would work well for ABDC testing. Would love to see the next-generation Mustang among next year’s mix.

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Ken Gratton, Technical Editor

Most memorable ABDC experience? The closed section of road in Tasmania at ABDC 2017. It was a fabulous winding, open road, with a mix of undulating straights and tighter and longer bends. Beautiful scenery and generally forgiving weather (until mid-afternoon) made for a memorable experience.

Least favourite? I've twice lost control of cars each costing in excess of $200,000, due to the unpredictable autumnal road surface in Tasmania. It's something to focus the mind.

What do you enjoy most about ABDC? Free food and grog.

What do you enjoy least? Lack of internet connectivity in remote places like Tullah in Tasmania. As Marton Pettendy noted in 2015: "No work, no porn... we'll have to talk to each other!"

Where should ABDC be held next year, and what cars? It sounds like an unsolicited plug for ABDC 2018, but the roads throughout Victoria's High Country were as good as any roads anywhere in the world for running an event like ABDC.

They were (mostly) dry, safe, deserted and highly demanding. I came away impressed, and I live in Victoria. I've never driven along the Amalfi Coast and my drives along California's Pacific Coast Highway and the Cote d'Azur have been brief, but the drive from Mansfield to Marysville must be right up there among those three.

All credit to Road Test Editor, Matt Brogan for finding an excellent route.

Feann Torr, Staff Journalist

Most memorable ABDC experience? Driving the Holden SS V Redline through Mt Arrowsmith Targa Stage (ABDC 2016). An incredible experience on so many levels.

Also the first event crossing Bass Strait... The sea was angry that day, and nausea was ever-present!

Least favourite? Probably driving the Nissan GT-R in torrential rain at ABDC 2015; on narrow roads. All wheels spinning when punching out of corners. Very scary.

What do you enjoy most about ABDC? Driving the cars on amazing roads and race tracks, but also the camaraderie. Evening meals at the pub are always a lark.

What do you enjoy least? Probably the boat trip – thankfully this year it was axed.

Where should ABDC be held next year, and what cars? I think Sicily would be a good place for ABDC. Some great roads there. Failing that, NSW, perhaps around the Snowy Mountains, would be ripper.

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Chris Fincham, RV Editor

Most memorable ABDC experience? Driving Honda Civic Type R on 2018 ABDC on long, twisty section between Mitta Mitta and Anglers Rest. Lost count of the number of corners I nailed – well, it felt that way in the go kart-like Honda.

Other than that, punting the 2016 winning BMW M2 in that wicked stretch between Strahan and Queenstown– another car that really flatters the driver!

Least favourite? Motion sickness half way down the mountain from Falls Creek to Omeo when driving the bang-for-bucks Suzuki Swift Sport at this year’s ABDC.

First time I’ve ever made myself feel sick in a car – had to slow down and grab a few deep breaths of fresh mountain air before getting my driving legs back again.

What do you enjoy most about ABDC? Great roads, great scenery, great cars, great company, great food and beer…

What do you enjoy least? Early starts and late finishes, and driving on damp roads in low light.

Where should ABDC be held next year, and what cars? Can’t really beat Tassie or Victorian High Country again, but driving some of the Classic Adelaide tarmac rally stages just outside of the capital city would be a hoot.

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The top two cars including the winner will be announced Monday morning at 9