The Apex of Automotive Journalism
A comprehensive exploration of Motor, Australia's premier performance car magazine, its enduring legacy, and influential contributions to automotive culture.
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What is Motor?
Australia's Premier Automotive Voice
Motor was an influential Australian automobile magazine, published monthly by Are Media. Renowned for its focus on high-performance vehicles, it established itself as Australia's leading publication in this specialized niche, catering to a discerning readership passionate about automotive engineering and driving dynamics.
A Legacy of Excellence
The magazine's authority in the automotive world was underscored by its two highly prestigious annual awards for automotive manufacturers: the Performance Car of the Year (PCOTY) and the Sports Car of the Year (SCOTY). These accolades were not merely ceremonial but served as significant benchmarks within the Australian automotive industry, reflecting the magazine's rigorous evaluation standards and deep expertise.
A Storied Journey
From Modern to Motor
The publication commenced its journey as Modern Motor, with its inaugural issue released on May 9, 1954. It was founded under the stewardship of Colin Ryrie, serving as Managing Director of Modern Magazines, and Jules Feldman, who held the pivotal role of editor.[1] The original nomenclature, Modern Motor, was a direct reflection of its publishing house, Modern Magazines. Over time, the title became colloquially abbreviated to Motor, a shift formally recognized in 1992 when the word 'Modern' was officially dropped. The magazine's operational headquarters were situated in Melbourne, Australia.
Editorial Leadership & Conclusion
The editorial helm of Motor saw notable transitions, with Dylan Campbell serving as editor from 2013 until September 2020. Following his move to Wheels magazine, Andy Enright assumed the editorship. As of 2020, Motor was published by Are Media, which succeeded Bauer Media Australia.[2][3] After 68 years of continuous publication, it was announced in April 2022 that the June 2022 issue would be the magazine's final edition, marking the end of an era in Australian automotive journalism.[4]
Prestigious Accolades
Bang For Your Bucks (BFYB)
Inaugurated in 1994, the "Bang For Your Bucks" award was an annual recognition bestowed upon Australia's new performance or sports vehicle that offered the most compelling value proposition. The winner was determined through a meticulous process that combined objective performance data, rigorously gathered on a racetrack, with the vehicle's market price. This unique methodology yielded a "Bang For Your Bucks" score, providing a quantitative measure of value. In 2022, this esteemed competition was superseded by the new Sports Car of the Year award.
Sports Car of the Year (SCOTY)
The Sports Car of the Year (SCOTY) was introduced in 2022 as a new, distinct competition. It was designed to run concurrently with the long-standing Performance Car of the Year award, focusing specifically on the sports car segment. The inaugural recipient of the Sports Car of the Year award in 2022 was the Subaru BRZ, signaling a new chapter in Motor magazine's tradition of recognizing automotive excellence.
Performance Car of the Year Laureates
Defining Automotive Excellence
Motor magazine's Performance Car of the Year (PCOTY) award, first presented in 1996, was a highly anticipated annual event. It served to identify and celebrate the most outstanding new performance or sports vehicle introduced within the preceding 12 months. The selection process involved a comprehensive evaluation by a distinguished judging panel, whose collective expertise determined the ultimate winner, solidifying PCOTY's status as a definitive measure of automotive prowess.
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References
References
- Australia's Motor magazine axed after 68 years Drive 29 April 2022
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional automotive advice. The information provided on this website pertains to the history and content of an automotive magazine and should not be construed as professional advice regarding vehicle performance, maintenance, purchasing decisions, or driving techniques. Always consult with qualified automotive professionals, engineers, or certified driving instructors for specific technical guidance or practical application.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.