2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Convertible

2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Convertible. There's nothing quite like the sound of the 2012 Ferrari 458's V8 -- a mechanical 562-horsepower scream that's only a few inches from the driver's head. There's really only one way to make it better, and that would be to remove that pesky roof and back window unfortunately placed between your ears and its addictive wail. For 2012, that's exactly what's been done, as the convertible Spider model joins the 458 Italia coupe.

Together, the 458 Spider and Italia represent a stunning leap forward not only for Ferrari but also for supercars in general. Naturally you expect the perfect fore-and-aft balance of the handling, the precise steering and the fantastic high-tech electronics that combine to keep the car poised on the road while still making you feel fully engaged in the process. There's also the 4.5-liter V8 that can deliver the 458 from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The act of driving doesn't really get much better -- at least when you've got a sparsely populated back road and a friend in the local sheriff's department to watch your back.

With the Spider added to the lineup, the 458 stands above the crowd in another way. Its clever retractable hardtop roof provides a quieter, more secure cabin and a better top-up appearance than a conventional convertible, yet the aluminum pieces of the top and its operating mechanism are actually lighter than a traditional folding soft top. Although the 458 sacrifices some structural integrity in the process of losing its roof, the Spider is still remarkably rigid, and it's hard to argue with the wind in your hair and sound of the high-revving V8 in your ears.

Even though the Ferrari 458 Italia and Spider are incredible to drive, they can be a little irritating to live with. Besides the inherent problems associated with any midengine supercar (limited passenger space, cargo room and visibility), the Italia features some rather bizarre ergonomics. The turn signals are triggered by buttons on the steering wheel, for instance. Still, we've lusted after Ferraris since the days when their electrical systems rarely worked, the pedals were halfway in the passenger footwell and you needed a man named Carlo on retainer just to keep the thing running.

As such, we can't think of a true deal-breaker for the 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia and Spider beyond the obligatory high price. There are obviously other exotics plying for your ample money, but when it comes to driving thrills, only the McLaren MP4-12C comes close. It doesn't (yet) offer a convertible version, but it's certainly an incredible machine in its own F1-bred right and doesn't suffer from the 458's ergonomic shortfalls. The Audi R8 coupe and convertible and Lamborghini Gallardo are in the game as well. Yet when it comes to overall driving involvement and pleasure, the Ferrari 458 remains the car that will deliver the most chills up your spine.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Ferrari 458 is a two-seat exotic sports car available in two body styles. The coupe is known as the Italia and the convertible is known as the Spider.

Standard equipment includes 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, performance tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, adjustable driving and vehicle settings, automatic xenon headlights, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and trim, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (with buttons for the turn signals, wipers, lights, ignition, suspension and other vehicle settings), Bluetooth and a sound system with an auxiliary audio jack. The Spider includes a fully powered retractable hardtop roof.

Both body styles can be equipped with forged alloy wheels, carbon-fiber body pieces, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, adaptive headlights, cruise control, auto-dimming mirrors, power seats, carbon-fiber race seats (available in three sizes), four-point belts, a navigation system, an iPod interface, satellite radio and a premium sound system. The Italia can be furthermore equipped with run-flat tires.

The 458 is also highly customizable, with items that include three different standard seat designs (regular, Daytona-style and diamond quilt), multitone interior schemes, contrasting stitching, extended leather or faux-suede interior trim, four color choices for the instrument faces, carbon-fiber interior trim, a carbon-fiber steering wheel with built-in LED shift lights and, finally, specialty fit luggage. The Italia gets the option of contrasting roof colors.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia and Spider are powered by a 4.5-liter V8 that sends 562 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transmission. Ferrari says it will go from a standstill to 60 mph in about 3.4 seconds, which makes it one of the quickest cars in the world. As if anyone cares, EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 12 mpg city/18 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined.

In the off chance you do care, or are simply interested in sampling every dollop of technology Ferrari has to offer, the optional HELE system adds a number of technologies designed to reduce fuel consumption and increase performance. These include an engine stop/start system, a different air-conditioning compressor, changes to the electrical system, and adaptive transmission programming and throttle response.

Safety

The 2012 Ferrari 458 comes with antilock carbon-ceramic brakes, traction and stability control and side airbags. A rearview camera and parking sensors are available.

Interior Design and Special Features

To free up space for the enlarged transmission paddle shifters, Ferrari did away with traditional steering wheel column stalks. While it's one thing to change the light and wiper controls to buttons on the steering wheel, it's quite another to reinvent the turn signal stalk as buttons on each spoke of the steering wheel. It's unintuitive, just a bit silly and likely destined to eventually become only a footnote in history.

There are also other ergonomic faux pas. The stereo, navigation and other infotainment systems are controlled via buttons on knobs that flank both sides of the steering column. This makes it a wee bit difficult for the passenger to control anything, but the bigger deal is that the display shares real estate with the gauge cluster. Want to see your speed and the navigation system? No can do. You can either know where you're going or how fast you're getting there, but not both at the same time.

On the upside, the cabin is still slathered in beautifully soft leather, while the refinement and build quality are better than that of any previous Ferrari. Even the driving position is more comfortable than ever. So even if it can be a little frustrating to use, the 458's cabin at least offers the luxury one now expects from this rarefied segment of sports cars. The Spider also stands out with the first retractable hardtop applied to a midengine supercar. Not only does it maintain the look of the Italia coupe, but it also provides improved security and road noise isolation than the soft top of the previous-generation Ferrari F430 Spider. Top operation is also fairly quick, taking just 14 seconds to open or close.

Driving Impressions

The 458's V8 is a legend in the making, with brutal acceleration bettered by only a scant few cars on the road. The powertrain has been blessed with a mechanical whine that is at first gruff and then intoxicatingly vibrant as the engine revs fly toward 9,000 rpm. The only way it could sound sweeter would be to remove the roof, and that's been done for 2012 thanks to the Spider. We'll always lament the absence of a traditional manual transmission, but the dual-clutch automated manual whips through its seven gears with a quickness and smoothness that perhaps only Porsche can match.

Of course, a Ferrari is also meant to be characterized by its poised handling. In this respect, the Italia shines even brighter. The steering effort is weightier than other Ferraris and the action is remarkably quick, and the response to even small inputs creates a sense of hyper control. The chassis is beautifully tuned, showcasing incredible talents around corners in a way that makes it easy to exploit those talents. There is an abundance of high-tech wizardry going on to keep you safe and the car perfectly composed, but the 2012 Ferrari 458 never feels as if it is relying upon digital 1s and 0s rather than old-fashioned analog engineering. 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Convertible

Source : http://www.edmunds.com/ferrari/458-italia/2012/?sub=convertible

2013 Acura ILX Hybrid

2013 Acura ILX Hybrid. After a decade of moving upmarket and farther away from the entry-level buyer, Acura's back with a new-generation compact model, the 2013 ILX. Smaller and less expensive than the TSX, the ILX sedan is aimed at shoppers who want something a bit nicer and sportier than the typical mainstream sedan but aren't willing to step up to the higher expense of an established luxury car. It reminds us a lot of the brand's old Integra, and like that car, the ILX is pretty successful in its mission. Nevertheless, you'll also want to be aware of the limitations of this strategy.

2012 Acura RL Sedan

2012 Acura RL Sedan. The luxury sedan arena is fiercely competitive, so much so that having a powerful engine, all the latest luxury gadgets and a handsome cabin chock full of high-end features may not be enough. Case in point: the 2012 Acura RL. While it has a 300-horsepower V6, standard all-wheel drive, a classy interior, top-notch build quality and plenty of features, the Acura flagship sadly remains off the radar of discerning shoppers.

2012 Acura RDX SUV

2012 Acura RDX SUV. When it debuted a few years back, the Acura RDX was a pioneer in its segment, coming out well before other luxury-brand automakers developed small crossovers of their own. Now, five years later, the 2012 Acura RDX still has a lot going for it, though in certain cases it's starting to show its age.

2015 Acura NSX Coupe

2015 Acura NSX Coupe. The 2015 Acura NSX will be an all-new model. Highlights for this iconic sports car will be dramatic styling and a V6 hybrid powertrain with an advanced all-wheel-drive system.

2013 Acura ILX Sedan

2013 Acura ILX Sedan. After a decade of moving upmarket and farther away from the entry-level buyer, Acura's back with a new-generation compact model, the 2013 ILX. Smaller and less expensive than the TSX, the ILX sedan is aimed at shoppers who want something a bit nicer and sportier than the typical mainstream sedan but aren't willing to step up to the higher expense of an established luxury car. It reminds us a lot of the brand's old Integra, and like that car, the ILX is pretty successful in its mission. Nevertheless, you'll also want to be aware of the limitations of this strategy.

2013 Nissan Maxima

2013 Nissan Maxima. With its modest nameplate and unassuming sheet metal, the 2013 Nissan Maxima easily passes for just another midsize sedan at first glance. However, spend some time behind the wheel and you'll discover its luxury-oriented craftsmanship and performance. In essence, the car delivers the upmarket quality of Nissan's tony Infiniti brand but in a more discreet package.

2013 Mazda MAZDA2

2013 Mazda MAZDA2. The 2013 Mazda 2 is closely related to the impressive Ford Fiesta, a legacy of a Mazda-Ford platform-sharing partnership. And that's not a bad thing. Like the Fiesta, the Mazda 2 features a short wheelbase, a basic but responsive suspension design and quick steering. Thanks to its diminutive size and weight, the Mazda 2 doesn't need a lot of engine power to make it fun to drive.

2013 Dodge Avenger

2013 Dodge Avenger. In a hotly contested automotive category filled with excellent choices, sometimes good isn't quite good enough. Such is the lot of the 2013 Dodge Avenger.

2013 Buick Regal

2013 Buick Regal. The mild-hybrid eAssist powertrain becomes the standard powertrain for the three lower trim levels. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine remains an option. Other upgrades include the standard IntelliLink electronics interface that brings with it smartphone integration technology. Turbo models get a standard heated steering wheel.

2013 Buick Enclave

2013 Buick Enclave. The Buick Enclave gets a significant refresh for 2013. Though the body structure and engine largely remain the same, changes to exterior styling, interior design and quality, suspension tuning and feature content are considerable. Buick's IntelliLink electronics interface is a new technological highlight.

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid 2013 Priced from $25,790

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid 2013 Priced from $25,790. Volkswagen slightly confused us last year when it announced that it was putting a hybrid variant of its Jetta sedan on sale here in the U.S., not least because the brand already offers us Yanks the hugely efficient diesel Jetta TDI. We already reported on the Jetta hybrid’s particulars after it debuted at this year’s Detroit auto show, but here’s the short summary: The newest Jetta variant utilizes an all-new hybrid powertrain to serve up TDI-beating fuel economy. The hybrid’s on-sale date is drawing near, and even though we’re still not convinced it’s necessary, at least VW has cleared up the question of the fuel-sipper’s price: The 2013 Jetta hybrid will start at $25,790, $2005 more than the least-expensive TDI.

Honda Accord Plug-In and Standard Accord Hybrid 2014 Review

Honda Accord Plug-In and Standard Accord Hybrid 2014 Review. With all the attention and favorable press generated by the recently revamped 2013 Accord, it’s easy to forget that Honda’s been teasing a hybrid version ever since they displayed their two-motor hybrid platform at the L.A. auto show two years ago. And although the drivetrain model on display was just a concept, Honda had us behind the wheel of an engineering mule within a matter of months, evidently working overtime to make sure the Accord Hybrid would be ready in time to compete with the Chevy Volt, Ford Fusion, and Toyota Camryhybrids in the marketplace. To get in the game without further delay, Honda is releasing the 2014 Accord Hybrid in two stages: the Plug-In Hybrid will go on sale in the trendy tastemaker states of New York and California on January 15 of 2013; interested buyers in fly-over country will have to wait until midyear when the so-called “standard” Accord Hybrid (non plug-in) becomes available.

Honda Civic 2013 Review

Honda Civic 2013 Review. Honda is getting close to being on a roll, following the introduction of the redesigned 2013 Accord sedan and coupe, which we like very much indeed. The mid-size duo are massively improved over their immediate forebears, mostly thanks to a rash of small, incremental changes that managed to bring back the Accord’s trademark fun-to-drive dynamics that were lost in the model’s previous overhaul. But to be on a roll, Honda needs to follow the Accord with a second act, and the updated 2013 Civic sedan and coupe might just be the company’s next momentum-booster.

Porsche Cayman / Cayman S 2013 Review

Porsche Cayman / Cayman S 2013 Review. We can only guess how Porsche purists dealt with the recent launch of theCayenne diesel, but we imagine that the addition of the updated Cayman to the brand’s lineup will more than make up for it. Appropriately launched in Los Angeles, where a sizeable portion of Porsche 's customer base is located, this is the second generation of the Cayman, based on the third-generation Boxster. For reasons unknown, Porsche refers to this car as the "third-generation Cayman."

Mazda CX-5 2014 Review

Mazda CX-5 2014 Review. The Mazda CX-5 may have debuted just a year ago in Frankfurt, but the Japanese automaker already has an update in store for the 2014 model. No, this isn’t an emergency mid-cycle refresh as we’ve seen with the 2013 Honda Civic—in fact, the CX-5 recently won a six-crossover comparison shootout—but rather an opportunity for Mazda to broaden the powertrain lineup and introduce a couple of new technologies for the brand’s second-best-selling vehicle.

Jaguar XK 2012 Review

Jaguar XK 2012 Review. Jaguar's sleek grand tourer gets a new range-topping model, the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S. Elsewhere, styling on the regular XK and XKR has been slightly altered with new front and rear fascias, new headlamps and LED running lights. Inside, the XK receives upgraded interior materials and a rearview camera that's now standard on all models.

Jaguar XF 2011 Review

Jaguar XF 2011 Review. The Jaguar XF receives a few minor changes. Most notably, the base model's 4.2-liter V8 has been replaced by the larger and more powerful 5.0-liter V8 from the more expensive XF Premium. To deal with the additional performance, the base XF gets larger front brakes and Jaguar Drive Control Dynamic mode, a system that provides sportier settings for the suspension, throttle and transmission shift points. Chief among the other changes is the availability of a heated windshield for all XFs.

Hyundai Veloster 2012 Review

Hyundai Veloster 2012 Review. An old adage says, "Fortune favors the bold." We wouldn't be too surprised if we saw that quote hanging above the designers who developed the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The new Veloster is a brave interpretation of the modern hatchback, with sleek lines, aggressive details and an asymmetrical three-door layout. Yes, there are three real doors here, not two doors and a hatch or rear-hinged mini door. Hyundai achieved this by using a longer coupe-like door on the driver side and two smaller sedan-like doors on the passenger side. The idea here is that you get sporty coupe styling without sacrificing convenience.

Hyundai Genesis 2012 Review

Hyundai Genesis 2012 Review. Hyundai adds a 5.0-liter V8-powered model to the lineup, increases horsepower for the base V6 and makes an eight-speed automatic transmission standard across the board. The 3.8 and 4.6 models also gain new low-rolling-resistance tires.

Hyundai Azera 2012 Review

Hyundai Azera 2012 Review. For the past few years, Hyundai has been redesigning vehicles and rolling out new product like it's been on a Red Bull bender. Lost in the mix, however, has been the large Azera sedan that time -- and seemingly Hyundai -- forgot. But for 2012, Hyundai has finally gotten around to sprinkling the Azera with its fairy dust, and the results are quite impressive.

Buick Verano 2012 Review

Buick Verano 2012 Review. Approaching from behind in the parking garage, the 2012 Buick Verano looks askance from its scowling chrome taillight eyebrows. "You were expecting, what, a Skyhawk?"

Buick LaCrosse 2012 Review

Buick LaCrosse 2012 Review. This four-cylinder LaCrosse is a risk for Buick, in that if you sell an underpowered car to people who don't prize performance, you might end up with your car becoming associated with plodding pace and holding up traffic.

Buick Regal eAssist 2012 Review

Buick Regal eAssist 2012 Review. I pulled up to an intersection near my house in the 2012 Buick Regal eAssist and noted that I was surrounded by three Buick LaCrosses. Four Buicks at one stoplight isn't surprising--I live in a General Motors-centric area, near the massive GM-Orion plant, halfway between GM HQ in downtown Detroit and the former home of Buick in Flint. What was surprising was that the four cars were the most stylish lookers at the corner, at least to my eye.

Nissan NV Passenger SL 2012 Review

Nissan NV Passenger SL 2012 Review. It's not unusual to answer questions from a neighbor or passer-by when driving a luxury car or sports car for this job—but this is the first time a full-size van has earned me impromptu chat. A guy driving a huge panel van stopped in the street as I was putting seats back into the NV Passenger. “Is that new?” he asked. So I gave him the lowdown—the NV is a new entry for Nissan in the full-size van segment; it uses the same truck platform and powertrains as the Titan pickup and Armada SUV; and Nissan is taking aim at the traditional segment powers: the Ford Econoline and Chevrolet Express.

Kia Sorento EX 2012 Review

Kia Sorento EX 2012 Review. There are a whole lot of SUVs on the market I'd plunk down my $32K for before this Kia Sorento EX, especially considering this is a four-cylinder powered one. How many of those might be seven-seaters could be another matter. In that light this is a bargain. Overall, as a midsize SUV goes, not so much.

Dodge Dart Limited 2013 Review

Dodge Dart Limited 2013 Review. I'd been looking forward to driving the Dart since the car was revealed—this marks my first impression, if you don't count drives of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta that helped form my positive underlying opinion of the car. I'll admit that despite my good vibes going in, and the car's apparent high level of equipment for this money, I was somewhat underwhelmed—at least at first. The car seemed softened too much, with oversized upholstery, and I found it hard to find the “just right” driving position. Within a block of the office, the suspension crashed so hard over a bump in the pavement on a corner that I was really concerned that I'd set way too high an expectation. The drive home was generally uneventful, but allowed me time to start getting accustomed to the Dart and learn to appreciate its Italian nuances.

Honda Ridgeline Sport 2012 Review

Honda Ridgeline Sport 2012 Review. This Honda Ridgeline Sport 2012 is a comfortable, nice-looking vehicle that drives more like a crossover with a bed, rather than a true truck. That's to be expected, but the Ridgeline actually has a decent amount of grunt and can tow 5,000 pounds. It's not fast by any means, but the 250 ponies are up to the task for merging onto expressways and launches from a stop if you aggressively use the throttle. The five-speed is fine, and four-wheel drive is a nice feature, though I had no reason to use it in my brief stint.

Lincoln MKZ 2013 Review

Lincoln MKZ 2013 Review. No one at Lincoln minimizes the importance of the 2013 MKZ. The sedan is the first of four new Lincolns debuting over the next three years, and the starting point for an overhaul intended to remake the brand and return it to prosperity, or at least relevance. Lincoln’s management team understands that the clock is ticking.

SRT Viper 2013 Hits The Race Track

It was raining, one of the world's toughest road courses was pretty wet and all the cars had 640 hp at the rear wheels. What could possibly go wrong?

Buick Regal GS 2012 Review

Buick Regal GS 2012 Review . The Buick Regal GS 2012 is a strong, sporty execution for Buick that's sharply styled and fun to drive. The chassis is excellent. I like the styling cues that blend bling and subtlety, and the cabin is purposeful and well-laid out.

BMW M6 Convertible 2012 Review

After two years without one (how did we survive?), the BMW M6 convertible will be back in showrooms in late June. “It's the fastest convertible we've ever made,” said M brand manager Matt Russell. If you measure “fastest” by top speed, BMWs have been electronically limited to 155 mph for some time, which is pretty fast. But if you look at 0-to-60-mph times, it should take just 4.2 seconds, a few tenths quicker than the old model. The M6 also does it more efficiently, with a 30 percent mileage improvement.

BMW 640i Gran Coupe 2013 Review

Cynics would say that the 640i Gran Coupe is a BMW CLS, a Bavarian copy of the Mercedes-Benz CLS four-door coupe introduced way back in 2005 (not to be confused with the two-door 1973 BMW CSL coupe). The 2012 BMW 6-series Gran Coupe certainly shares its basic proportions with the Mercedes CLS, a car now well into its second generation. But BMW designed its Gran Coupe with its own distinct take on the genre, with a relatively small greenhouse canted inward around the edges and dolloped on top of a wide, powerful base. There is less of the distinct roofline arch that you see flowing from nose to tail on the Mercedes.

BMW 528i xDrive Sedan 2012 Review

I won't say that the 2012 BMW 528i xDrive is slow, because when you wind it out it gets up and going. But the acceleration isn't something you'd comment on, unless, of course, it was the lack of acceleration.

Volvo S60 T5 2013 Review

When Volvo introduced the redesigned S60 for 2011, it relegated the availability of the Haldex AWD system to the higher-spec T6 model, leaving the five-cylinder T5 to make do with front-wheel drive. In an attempt to sell more cars in climes where premium customers won't bite unless all-wheel drive is available, Volvo added four-wheel motivation to the T5 as a $2,000 option.

Lexus LS 2013 Review

At the end of 1989, Toyota put the world's schmantziest carmakers on notice. Detroit was stumbling aimlessly through its quality nadir. The Europeans were selling finicky machines that were as expensive to buy and maintain as they were enjoyable to drive.

Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG 2012 Review

The Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is an effortless assassin, offering an abundance of power delivered in smooth, athletic fashion. The naturally aspirated V8 is the critical element in this machine. It sounds great, delivers a lot of grunt from launch and when thrusting to higher speeds on the expressway, and it really feels like a hot rod at times. A well-dressed one? Yes. But the engine offers up so much juice it's hard to not want to drive this thing fast.

BMW ActiveHybrid 3 2013 Review

The ActiveHybrid 3 is BMW's fourth series-production hybrid. After the short-lived X6 ActiveHybrid and the more recently introduced ActiveHybrid 7 and ActiveHybrid 5, there is now another gasoline-electric-powered BMW to tempt U.S. car buyers.

BMW X1 2013 Review

BMW has offered the X1 in Europe since 2009, but the company waited for this mid-cycle refresh to bring its small SUV to the U.S. market. While BMW offers a plethora of X1 gasoline and diesel variants outside of North America, we'll get two engines: the 28i featuring a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the U.S.-exclusive 35i employing BMW's potent twin-scroll turbo 3.0-liter six mated to a six-speed automatic. All- or rear-wheel drive is offered with the smaller engine (SDrive28i or XDrive28i), while all-wheel drive is standard with the bigger powerplant in the XDrive35i.

BMW 335i Sedan 2012 Review

This BMW 335i sedan is a pricey little bugger. It's a very nice, small-to-midsize sedan seriously let down by its tires. On all but the smoothest pavement, the ride is harsh and slams over road imperfections, even in comfort mode. BMW's run-flat program is not good--witness our troubles with the long-term 550i xDrive.

BMW Z4 sDrive28i 2012 Review

Wow, this BMW Z4 sDrive 28i is really yellow and expensive. And a whole lot of fun. I really like this 2.0-liter engine with its decent torque relatively low in the rev range for such a small engine, and the turbo picks up midrange and really packs a punch. The gearbox action and clutch engagement are spot-on, just what we've come to expect from BMW. The steering is direct, and the suspension settings can be set for sport or comfort. While there's not really enough horsepower to kick the rear end out in twisty corners, there's certainly more than enough oomph to keep the driver engaged.

Audi A8 L 4.2 FSI 2012 Review

I'm left a bit flat by this big German bruiser, which surprises me. The seats are fantastic, the infotainment system is easy to use and the whole car smells of fine leather and wood. But as a package, particularly a $90,000 package, the 2012 Audi A8 L 4.2 FSI is not my favorite mode of transport in the segment.

Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Prestige Coupe 2012 Review

This is what the Audi TT should be--a high-revving, precise-handling, rock-solid all-wheel-drive sports coupe. I’ve always felt that the front-drive TT roadster was a bit of a poseur, with not enough chassis stiffness and too much front-drive understeer to support its high-charging aspirations. This car, with the fixed roof and well-balanced all-wheel drive, does a great job of exorcising all of the demons and bringing out the car’s devilish character.

Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus 2012 Review

This is certainly a handsome execution of the 2012 Audi A4, and the manual gearbox makes it come alive for enthusiast pursuits. I love this bright red color, which was absolutely gleaming when I grabbed the keys and headed out after work. I like the simple elegance of the A4’s design. It’s balanced, sleek and done in a smart fashion. I love these headlights, too. Seeing the reflection of the outlines in vehicles in front of you is arresting.

Audi RS5 2013 Review

The RS5 is the top performance model in Audi's A5 range, picking up the corporate 4.2-liter V8 that was deleted from the S4 at last year's facelift. This V8, however, is an upgraded version with 450 hp, rather than the 420 hp it produces in the Audi R8.

Audi Q5 3.2 FSI Prestige 2012 Review

Call it a midsize crossover all you like, but the 2012 Audi Q5 3.2 FSI Prestige is a heavy vehicle, and one feels every pound. The unboosted V6 is a delight at higher rpm, but when lugging around town I wished for Audi’s supercharged six and its extra torque down low. Or a diesel, for that matter.

Chevrolet Spark EV 2014 First Drive

Take a Chevy Spark. Remove about 150 pounds from the front end. Add 400 in the rear. Garnish with 320 extra lb ft of torque. It can run silent, and according the ads, Chevy runs deep. So it has a couple of things in common with a submarine. You can call it Alvin. Given that every electrified GM model undergoes a full saltwater-immersion test before entering production, the comparison is marginally apt. Marginally.

Acura RDX 2013 Review

The second-generation RDX is so different from Acura's first foray into the small-crossover segment, it could almost justify a new name. But Acura doesn't want to further confuse potential buyers, so instead Honda's high-end brand is retaining the RDX badge but rolling out a significantly different vehicle.

Aston Martin Virage 2012 Review

It's the third evolution of Aston Martin's current two-door GT. The 2012 Virage slots between the more understated DB9 and the testosterone-heavy DBS.

Aston Martin Vanquish 2014 Review

The Aston Martin Vanquish, coming next spring as a 2014 model, replaces the DBS in Aston's lineup. It wears an all-carbon body and a new V12 boasting 565 hp and 457 lb ft of torque. The powerplant is an all-new block and head with variable-valve timing, new fuel pump, bigger throttle bodies and a bigger intake manifold.