Sexes divided over 2011 Pirelli Calendar

Together with Pirelli, Carsguide has got six calendars to give away (of the mere 200 that come into the country as gifts for a secret list of VIPs).

And men and women are at loggerheads in their competition entries, in which they have to comment on whether the images in our gallery from this year’s calendar -- photographed by the legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, the maestro of Chanel -- will appeal as much to women as to men.

Curiously, it’s the male entrants who seem to think it won’t appeal equally to women. And the female entrants disagreeing with them.

In NSW, an entire family weighed into the debate, with Marcus Cunninham saying: No as the women can hardly see any men in the pictures, there's a token male or two but the photos are mainly of women, while Michelle Cunningham countered: Yes as the girls just look so attractive and appealing to look at. However Phillip Cunningham was for the affirmative with: Yes as men aren't alone when it comes to ogling good looking women for secretly women look too, but Jackie Cunningham thought: No as there's not men to look at, only nude women.

Matt Grocott of the ACT made special effort to rhyme his entry: These pics appeal, To women as to men, Not only five male models, To stare at but when, Realisation their partner must also, Stare at these in his den!

Northen Territory entrants this week have been divided on the question, but along some interesting lines. Sarah wrote: Yes - the calendar demonstrates barbaric strength and flawlessness - women are drawn to both. Women admire other women more than men generally, but women also like a strong masculine image. And Greg Bronson though it would only please artistic women, writing: Depends on the artistic capacity of the individual. My teenage daughter is a keen photographer and would appreciate the moods, textures and messages the images portray. Ron Gray made a special effort with rhyme: Pirelli makes you want to be, exactly what the eyes do see. For male and female I do feel, youth and beauty will always appeal. And Sandi Wright bemoaned the gender bias she says is in the secret VIP list: It will appeal to both sexes equally - but really only men will get the calendars cos they are the only ones on the lists. (That doesn’t apply to our competition, Sandi, and you’re in with a chance!)

Queensland entrants waded in to have their say, with Bob Miles saying: No because it is essentially blokey and belongs in the shed rather than the kitchen, wile Karyn Reiman parried that in fact it would appeal: Mostly women... a bit too arty for most Aussie blokes. Karen Kelsey agreed: Art does not know gender, these photos are stunning. But not Shane Ross: Not to my wife as she likes rugged-looking men with a bit of chest hair rather than perfect body and magazine looks. Peter Lawler cited an outstanding previous calendar: Yes, it should appeal to the fairer sex, but in reality, I think Lagerfeld missed it.  Not to the standard of "Jungle" calendar of 2010. And Roslyn and Barry Plumb though history might weigh against it: Probably not because of years of featuring only beautiful girls - nice try anyway.

South Australian entrants disagreed about whether or not it was a ‘boy’ thing, with Craig Wissell saying I think it’s a blokes’ calendar and that’s what women think also, so I don’t think it will appeal to them. But this was countered by Tania Cercone: when you mix Pirelli with mythology it inspires. The pictures lend an almost romantic vibe to the calendar which women will find irresistible. Angela Walden went a step further: More so. Men expecting a classy 'garage' calendar won't appreciate beautiful male bodies. But stunning photography, regardless of sex, is always admired by confident women. Paul Gunning was blunt: Not in the politically correct world I live in, but so what. But Suzanne Dossett waxed poetic: A Frenchman included, well that's good enough for me, Do I want a calendar?  I say oui oui.

Tasmanian entrants were similarly divided, with Daniel Cater saying: only men could really appreciate. However Kaye Gigney countered: The Gods have been kind with the raw power of this calendar... very acceptable to both sexes. Leanne Dac agreed: Timeless classics of noir-inspired pictures that portray power and control that shows what every woman has within herself. But John Hooper bemoaned that female power: When I was a boy da boys had da wheels and da dames sat in da passenger seat. Now da dames has their own hot wheels.

Victorian entrants were also at odds, with Charles Lai among the nay-sayers: No. Women are less attracted to it unless it is one entirely devoted to a women audience rather than one for a "mixed" audience. But Lynne Cazaly countered: Artistic, sexy, stunning, legendary. How could women not love the calendar as much as men? Heather Stonier-Gibson agreed in rhyme: With the God of the cosmos as (Mr.) January, and my hearts desire as May; Yes and again yes the Pirelli calendar would be quite the perfect ladies' foray. But Paul Harper was sure: No, because I just asked my wife and she is not impressed. But I am. (Showing that at least he had the sense to check).

West Australian entrants even disagreed about whether women knew about cars, with Victor Ho among the nay-sayers: Nah.  Women have no use for hang up calendars, hey don't hang around garages, the calendar has no place in the kitchen and powder room. That was countered by Maria Amesz: I love my car as much as any man - more than my hubby! Hamish Pipe was confident in his no: I thought the males would appeal to my wife, but apparently not... maybe if they were more hirsute. However Lynette Myles said: This creation is exquisite - timeless - and transcends the gender argument. John Garwood was on her side: My wife has seen the previews and loves both gender photos... Karl Largerfeld is a craftsman without peer.

And then there were those who even got a bit confused with their geography, answering the question of which Australian state they came from as “New Zealand”. It might not look that way, Kiwis, but we’re fairly sure you’re still an independent country. And not eligible to win, sorry.

You can’t blame them for trying. Only 10,000 of the famous calendars are printed every year for the entire globe, and none are for sale. Each of the six calendars in our competition will be won by one reader in one of six state groupings -- NSW/ACT, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia/NT, Western Australia and Tasmania.

And if they tell us about their tyre purchases, all entrants can also be in the running to win a set of Pirelli Cinturato tyres, designed to reduce fuel consumption but maintain performance -- two key abilities that have seen Pirelli become the official tyre of Formula One.

If you haven’t got your entry in yet, enter now using the link before the competition closes on January 20.

This competition has now closed.  Stay tuned to see who the winners will be.

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