2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG wagon

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG wagon

Looking for a family hauler? How about an E63 AMG wagon powered by the new 5.5-liter twin-turbo direct-injection V-8 (rated at 518 bhp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque) mated to a 7-speed automatic Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT). This same powertrain also sees duty in the CLS63 AMG and E63 AMG sedan, all with engine start/stop technology. The C63 AMG forgoes the new turbo engine and continues with the normally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 good for 451 bhp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque.

2013 Ford Focus ST

2013 Ford Focus ST

The new Focus is at last debuting in the U.S., with a 2.0-liter, direct-injected, 160-hp motor and variable valve timing, as well as a five-speed manual. But, the car to wait for is the 2013 Focus ST, which debuts in early 2012. It gets a six-speed manual with the same EcoBoost (turbocharged) 2.0-liter as the much larger Edge and Explorer and will be good for somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 hp, which puts it in league with hot hatches like the MazdaSpeed3 and beyond the output of the VW GTI. Ford is also promising a tauter suspension and meatier tires as well as bigger brakes to go with all that horsepower. Expect to pay at least $25,000.

2012 BMW Z4

2012 BMW Z4

Base Price Range: $48,000-$63,000 (est)

Body Type: Convertible

What's New: As with the 5 Series, a turbo I-4 is making its way to the Z4 sDrive28i. With direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger, the engine makes 240 hp and 260 lb-ft, or 40 lb-ft more than the naturally aspirated I-6 it replaces. The optional 6A now comes at no charge, while the 35i and 35is' 7-sp DCT boasts a lower price.

2012 Audi TT/TT RS

2012 Audi TT/TT RS

Base Price Range: $39,175-$57,725

Body Type: Coupe, conv

What's New: While there are no changes to the 2012 TT, a refreshed TT is may appear in the near future. The TT RS will be the series' most powerful model, powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine producing 360 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The TT RS will blaze 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds and feature a new 6M.

Best Buy: The TTS is the best of both worlds-cheaper than the RS model and faster than the base TT.

SUM UP: More than just a good looker

   2010 Audi A6  

 

 

Base Price Range: $42,575-$50,775

Body Type: Sedan

What's New: The all-new A6 is built with aluminum body panels and a steel frame, for a 78-lb weight reduction. The A6 offers a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 and a 3.0L supercharged V-6. For those who don't want the bold styling of the new A7, the A6 is more traditional. We expect a BMW M5-challenging S6 performance model before long.

Driver's Choice: The supercharged V-6 model is quicker than you might expect.

SUM UP: Audi's middle child joins the modern family.

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Base Price Range: $125,000-$185,000 (est)

Body Type: Coupe, conv

What's New: The V8 Vantage S model was new for 2011, adding power, torque, and a new seven-speed auto-clutch manual. Four special editions were released last year for the Vantage, the brand's least-expensive exotic offering. A Garmin satellite navigation system, beam blade windshield wipers, and three new brake caliper colors are newly optional.

Driver's Choice: The V12 Vantage is still the one to get.

Sum Up: Best bang-for-buck Bond car.

2012 Acura RL

                            2012 Acura RL

Base Price: $48,500 (est)

Body Type: Sedan

What's New: The RL adds new paint colors. The 6A that was new last year is still mated to a 3.7L V-6 producing 300 hp. Built on an aging platform and with no V-8 planned, the RL currently has little to offer against its competition aside from Acura's special all-wheel drive and an exclusivity factor-Acura sold just over 2000 RLs in 2010.

Look For: A new model in the next couple years that might make the RL more relevant.

Sum Up: No pretense, but also no prestige.