2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Overview:

The new Rolls is the Phantom’s baby brother, although it’s hardly little at more than 212 inches long. Powered by a 563-horsepower turbocharged V-12 engine, Rolls is predicting a 0-to-60-mph time of around five seconds. The car looks gorgeous and the interior is a work of art.
Price: $247,000


• Pros

  More elegant than the Phantom, tremendous performance, an interior that’s totally exquisite.
  

• Cons

  It’s still a big car, and $200,000-plus hardly qualifies as “cheap.”
  

• What's New

  Introduced for 2010.
  

• Behind The Wheel

  With a super-smooth V-12 and an eight-speed automatic, the Ghost can really lift its skirts. But it’s also regal on the highway, and it coddles in way that only a Rolls can.
  
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2010 Mitsubishi Outlander

Overview:

Based on the Lancer small-car platform, the Outlander is a unique and spacious little crossover that prioritizes on-road handling over off-roadability, which is fine. With abundant features and clever touches, it is often a showroom also-ran that doesn’t deserve to be overlooked.
Price: $21,600 - $30,000


• Pros

  Aggressive new styling, carlike ride and handling, nifty shift paddles, reclining second row, gadgets galore.
  

• Cons

  Less ground clearance than competitors, buzzy engine.
  

• What's New

  Redesigned for 2007; 2010 brings new styling, an upgraded interior, and GT S-AWC.
  

• Behind The Wheel

  With sporty on-road tires, you can feel the Lancer connection. Trick Super All-Wheel Control system like the Lancer Evo’s is now available.
  
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2010 Spyker C8

Overview:

This convertible version of Spyker's original coupe carries on basically unchanged. Bespoke build quality coupled with aircraft-inspired design create a truly unique supercar. The car lacks a frame on the top edge of the windshield and the side glass is split, adding to the uniqueness.


• Pros

  Exposed shift linkage, lots of quilted leather, one of the most exclusive vehicles extant.
  

• Cons

  You can actually buy a plane for the cost, instead of just a plane-inspired car; no one is going to know what it is, except bizarre-looking.
  

• What's New

  Introduced for 2006; unchanged for 2010.
  

• Behind The Wheel

  The 40-valve Audi V-8 Spyker uses may be dated, but who can argue with something that looks so different?
  
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Mosler MT900

Overview:

This super-car took some time to get to the streets, but it was finally federalized in 2006. A new LS7-derived 7.0-liter Corvette V-8 engine makes 550 horsepower and Mosler claims to have shaved 125 pounds off the weight of this projectile, so it's even more of a rocket ship.
Price: $329,900


• Pros

  Supercar performance, terrific powertrain, looks like a supercar should, made in the U.S.
  

• Cons

  Supercar performance comes with a barely civilized ride, noisy, big-time prices.
  

• What's New

  Rear suspension changes for improved traction, and a new 550-hp Corvette engine helps performance.
  

• Behind The Wheel

  Laser-precise responses; omigod acceleration; race-car braking, grip, spring rates, and ride.
  
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2010 Mini Cooper

Overview:

Despite an appearance much like BMW’s original British revival, the Mini is actually in the middle of its second generation. It’s available as a Cooper, a Cooper S, or a John Cooper Works; all are fun. A high degree of customization means you can make yours unique.
Price: $19,500 - $34,700



• Pros

  Iconic styling, novel interior decor, versatile, good performance and handling, easy on gas, decent price.
  

• Cons

  Little cargo room, cramped rear seats, short wheelbase isn’t great for ride quality.
  

• What's New

  Redesigned for 2007; no major changes for 2010.
  

• Behind The Wheel

  These cars handle like go-karts, shift like BMWs, and get along pretty briskly—especially the high-performance versions.
  
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2010 BMW 7-series

Overview:

Last year’s 7-series redesign brought less-controversial styling, improved ergonomics, and a vastly more intuitive iDrive system. Oh, and it’s still great to drive. Choose from a pair of twin-turbo engines; a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system is optional on V-8 cars.
Price: $82,900 - $137,900



• Pros

  Superb twin-turbo engines, available all-wheel-drive, excellent handling, lots of space in long-wheelbase cars.
  

• Cons

  Still a technophobe’s nightmare, isn’t exactly light.
  

• What's New

  Redesigned for 2009; xDrive all-wheel drive and V-12 engine added for 2010.
  

• Behind The Wheel

   The 7-series has never shied away from hustling down a back road, and this new one is no different. It’s also a quiet, comfortable cruiser.
  
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2010 Maserati GranTurismo

Overview:

Too portly to be taken seriously as a sports car, this elegant four-seat coupe delivers respectable performance along with seductive Pininfarina styling and gorgeous interior décor. Offered in regular form and a more potent S edition, these are pricey—but exclusivity never comes cheap.
Price: $139,400




• Pros

  Sensuous sheetmetal, beautiful interior craftsmanship, lovely engine sounds, useful rear seat, rarity.
  

• Cons

  Seats lack lateral support, substantial mass, small trunk.
  

• What's New

  Introduced for 2008; no changes for 2010.
  

• Behind The Wheel

  Although the steering is a bit numb and mass is substantial, this seductive and exclusive coupe is sure-footed and far from slow, particularly with the 4.7 V-8.
  
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2010 Acura RDX

Overview:

Freshened for 2010, Acura’s stylish, compact crossover SUV marries a hard-working turbo four with a responsive driving package that makes it more of a five-door sports car. Ride quality has been civilized for 2010, there are loads of features, and a front-drive option has been added.
Price: $33,400 - $38,500


• 
  

  Pros

  High-quality interior furnishings, supportive seats, lots of high-tech features.
  
• 
  

  Cons

  Busy secondary controls have too many buttons, nav system can be a little tricky.
  
• 
  

  What's New

  Introduced for 2007; new front and rear fascias, wheels, front-drive option, and upgraded brakes.
  
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  Behind The Wheel

  Agile and eager, the RDX is entertaining on a winding road, and the turbo is quick to respond.
  
  
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2010 Lamborghini Gallardo

Overview:

Shocking in person and a bona fide supercar, the LP560-4 will put its driver into sensory overload. The all-wheel-drive LP560-4 has 552 horsepower from its 5.2-liter V-10. The new-for-2010 LP550-2 has 10 fewer ponies but drives only the rear wheels to save weight.
Price: $200,000 - $224,000

• 
  
  

  Pros

  Looks like a Lambo, sounds like a Lambo, smells like a Lambo, new rear-drive LP550-2 is sportier than the LP560-4.
  
• 
  
  

  Cons

  Price, annoying brake feel, the crowds it attracts.
  
• 
  
  

  What's New

   New in 2004, revised in 2008; LP550-2 is new.
  
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  Behind The Wheel

  With an engine that sounds like Krakatoa, the Gallardo is sure to draw a crowd wherever it goes. Insanely quick, but the ceramic brakes are grabby and unrewarding.
  
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2010 Dodge Avenger

Overview:

Dodge’s interpretation of the Chrysler Sebring sedan represents good value and has added safety features for 2010, yet it is dynamically and stylistically deficient, to be kind. We’re just hoping Chrysler’s new Italian Fiat overlords can engineer a decent replacement in a hurry.
Price: $21,000 - $22,500

• 
  

  Pros

  Lots of available gadgets, cool-sounding name.
  
• 
  

  Cons

  Coarse engines, subpar performance, poor materials, noncohesive styling.
  
• 
  

  What's New

  Introduced for 2008; all 2010 models get a new gauge cluster, active front head restraints, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes as standard.
  
• 
  

  Behind The Wheel

  Driving thrills are absent, thanks to lots of body roll and inert steering. Check out an Accord or a Mazda 6 instead.
  
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Saleen S7

Overview:

This American supercar is built by one of the world's foremost Mustang tuners in the great American tradition-cubic inches galore. Twin turbos and a NASCAR-derived Ford 427 V-8 equal a 10-second quarter at 140 mph and a top speed near a Bugatti Veyron's-for half the price.

• 
  
  

  Pros

  Race-car handling, braking, and performance; adequate street-car comfort; high-wattage supercar styling.
  
• 
  
  

  Cons

  Race-car interior noise, Ferrari Enzo price, you need a racetrack to really let it out.
  
• 
  
  

  What's New

  Redesigned for 2005; no changes for this Year.
  
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  Behind The Wheel

  A race car for the street, the S7 delivers exemplary driver feedback, awe-inspiring brakes, and nosebleed acceleration.
  
  
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2010 Lotus Exige

Overview:

This track-ready missile shares its chassis and interior with the Elise, but has a fixed roof, different body panels, and a rear wing to increase down-force. The S has 240 horsepower; the limited-edition 260 Sport gets 257. For 2010, there’s a front-end refresh and revised wing.

Price: $66,800

• 
  

  Pros

  
  Race-car reflexes; organic steering; monster grip; head-turning, aggressive looks.
  
• 
  

  Cons

  
  A loud and confined cabin, minimal comforts, relatively expensive.
  
• 
  

  What's New

  
  Introduced for 2006; there’s a minor restyle for 2010.
  
• 
  

  Behind The Wheel

  
  Undiluted driving at its best, with fantastic steering and brake feel, and unstoppable on a racetrack. Only masochists would use this as a daily driver.
  
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2010 Subaru Impreza

Overview:

After a raft of changes last year, Subaru has left the Impreza and WRX largely alone, save for some minor trim changes. The regular Impreza is a quirky alternative to domestic and Japanese compacts, while the WRX is a rally-bred legend with very few natural predators
Price: $18,190 - $23,190

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• Pros

  Interior volume; standard all-wheel drive; quick, accurate steering; nice cabin materials; powerful turbo engine.
  

• Cons

  Four-speed auto, which is the only 2.5GT transmission.
  

• What's New

  Redesigned for 2008; virtually unchanged for this year.
  

• Behind The Wheel

  Solid comfort, construction, and predictability. The WRX thankfully returned to its hooligan roots with 2009 updates. The 2.5GT is essentially an auto-only 2008 WRX.
  
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2010 Jaguar XF

Overview:

A welcome break from Jaguar’s preoccupation with its stylistic past, the XF forfeits nothing to the established German standards in this prestigious segment. A pair of naturally aspirated V-8s offers competitive power, while the supercharged V-8 in the XFR is downright corruptive.
Price: $52,000 - $68,000


• Pros

  Muscular good looks, outstanding chassis rigidity, attractive interior, new R model runs with the best supersedans.
  

• Cons

  Tight rear legroom, touch-screen controls can be confusing.
  

• What's New

  Introduced for 2009; new engines and screaming XFR model are added for 2010.
  

• Behind The Wheel

  Combines decisive handling and sharp steering with a supple ride. XFR is ready to shred tires and easy to control while doing so.
  

2010 Saab 9-3

Overview:

The 9-3 has plenty in its favor: quirky styling, an intelligently designed interior, a fine optional all-wheel-drive system, and a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine. But it’s starting to feel old, and it is significantly outgunned by rivals from Japan, Germany, and the U.S.
Price: $29,700 - $45,900

• 
  

  Pros

  Scandinavian design inside and out, strong turbo engine, comfortable seats.
  
• 
  

  Cons

  Hints of torque steer, hints of turbo lag, choppy ride, gets pricey at the top of the lineup.
  
• 
  

  What's New

  Refreshed for 2008; the V-6 is dropped and the Aero XWD gets a minor reworking.
  
• 
  

  Behind The Wheel

  Light steering, a bit of torque steer, and a choppy ride are mitigated by comfortable seats, powerful engines, and Swedish style.
  

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti 2010

Overview:

Although the words “practical” and “Ferrari” aren’t always synonymous, the Scaglietti is very usable, with a decent trunk, space out back for reasonably sized humans, and a wonderfully flexible V-12 engine. This may be one of the last 12-cylinder Ferraris, too
Price: N/A

• 
  

  Pros

  A fleet-footed four-seater that almost seems worth the price, still a head turner, they’re sticking in showrooms, so you may be able to strike a deal.
  
• 
  

  Cons

  Less attractive than other Ferraris, getting a bit long in the tooth.
  
  

  What's New

  Introduced for 2004; unchanged for 2010
• 
  

  Behind The Wheel

  Despite its physical size, it drives like a small, powerful, and lightweight sports car.
  

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011

Overview:

Jeep’s other icon—the primary one being the Wrangler—is all-new for 2011. Development started when Chrysler was still in cahoots with Daimler, so this new Grand Cherokee rides on bones shared with the Mercedes-Benz ML-class. The result is a more civilized SUV (there’s now an independent rear suspension, for example) that still maintains ridiculous levels of off-road capability thanks to three available 4WD setups, a terrain-selection system, and an available air suspension.
Price: $31,000 - $41,900


Pros

Top-notch interior materials, high level of off-road capability, a Mercedes at a bargain price

• Cons

  Can seem expensive against lesser nameplates, softer styling may quickly seem dated.
  

• What's New

  Redesigned for 2011.
  

• Behind The Wheel

  A more refined Grand Cherokee experience than ever before. The all-new V-6 is satisfying enough that the optional Hemi seems like overkill for those who don’t tow or haul much.