If there's one category that is entirely subjective, it has to be this one: Autobytel's Editors' Choice award for the Best New Dream Car. The list of choices ran the gamut from the Ford GT to the Spyker C8. Some were two-doors, some four; some may be in your neighbor's driveway, others you'll likely never see on most U.S. highways (except in Miami or Los Angeles, where if it's legal and available, there's at least one example cruising town). So, with all of these choices, why did we select the 2005 Aston Martin DB9?

With a naturally aspirated V12 engine kicking out 450 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, joined to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, it's tough to ignore this beauty. But a dream car is also about design, and this sexy Aston Martin is alluring inside and out. And because we're dreaming, we'd want the more prestigious Aston Martin badge sitting in the garage instead of something more commonplace.

Still, even dreams are rooted in reality. With ventilated Brembo brakes, electronic brake force distribution, electronic brake assistance, stability and traction control, and side airbags the Aston Martin DB9 is a safe ride. The 24-month warranty is not impressive (though there is no mileage restriction) and in the real world we'd choke on the price tag of more than $150,000 - but when you're dreaming, everything's free and never breaks down. The audiophiles amongst us are also turned on by the optional 950-watt Linn sound system, and there's no doubt that bespoke paint colors combined with cool personalized sill plates played a role in our selection.

Truth be told, while all of these are positive attributes (not including the brief warranty period and steep price), we chose the Aston Martin DB9 because it does everything we want a dream car to do. It hauls ass, looks hot, handles like a go-cart, and can be ordered with a manual gearbox. The fact that it is equally at home on the track as it is on the red carpet is merely icing on the cake.

- Thom Blackett