You have probably heard that the Audi A3 snagged the 2014 World Car of the Year award at the New York Auto Show, but the gala included more honors, including the 2014 World Performance Car award, which went to the Porsche 911 GT3.

Under normal circumstances, I don’t think anyone could argue that the award is undeserved, but given Porsche’s recall action announced on February 20 which involved all 2014 Porsche 911 GT3s built (785 vehicles), I believe the jurors should have given it a second thought.

And this is not some minor flaw: on March 18, Porsche announced it will replace the engines on all recalled cars because of faulty connecting rod fasteners. I don’t know about the jury formed of 69 automotive journalists from 22 countries, but for most people replacing an engine is quite a big deal, especially on a performance car.

Now, some could argue that organizers didn’t have enough time to cast another vote and invite representatives from the winning automaker to the April 17 award ceremony, given that Porsche announced the replacement of 911 GT3 engines only a month earlier, on March 18. I am no expert in things like that, but to me, the fact that the 911 GT3 won this award despite its major engine problem is quite unfair.

In the end, what are jurors honoring? The Porsche 911 GT3 that should be or the Porsche 911 GT3 that is?

Feel free to agree or disagree with my view in the comments section below, but not before you pick your favorite from the list of finalists for the 2014 World Performance Car award in our poll below.

By Dan Mihalascu

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