My wife likes to think of cars as having personalities. If they were to come to life how would they look and act?

2013 Audi A8 L 3.0

If that’s the case, and if the 2013 Auto A8 L 3.0T were a man, it’s the car that would steal my wife. Not because he meant to, but because he’d be so incredibly handsome, athletic and sophisticated that he couldn’t stop himself. Heck, I’d probably be throwing myself at him.

Inside the A8 is appropriately elegant

He’d be the kind of person who is always just slightly overdressed, but it never looks out of place. Partially because his suits would always fit just right. Nothing bulky or rumpled. Of course the fact that he’s a champion polo player (or some such high society athletic endeavor) known for his incredibly fit body would make him look even better. He could hold his own in most mano y mano foot races, but he’d always do it with style. This isn’t about showing off, it’s simply about winning. And he does that very well.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that he gives killer massages. Really.

2013 Audi V6 3.0 Liter Turbo

The Audi A8 is the top of the Audi line. If you ever had doubts about Audi being able to challenge Mercedes, the A8 will put them to rest. It has power, handling and comfort galore. My test car had Audi’s base engine, a 3.0 liter turbocharged V6 that pumps out 333 horsepower. That’s a big change from last year’s V8 which had more than 30 additional horses. Surprisingly, the result is nearly the same. In fact, it’s 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds is slightly faster. So don’t let anyone who owns the V8 model talk trash about the V6. It deserves to be there. Fuel mileage is decent for a car this large, 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway. The 3.0 liter V6 is merely the entry-level in the A8 line. Next stop is an all new 4.0 liter biturbo V8 engine that produces 420 hp. It drops the 0-60 mph down to 4.7 seconds.Of course the big dog is the 500 horsepower 6.0 liter W12. Forget 0-60 talk, that beast is all about luxury.

If you really want to get your pulse racing (and a fair number of tickets), go for the S8. That will push you from 0-60 in just 3.9 seconds.

This is what the A8 looks like as it drives away from you

My A8 test car was the L version which adds an additional five inches to the car’s length. It also had the Sport Plus package that adds summer tires, a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive steering and a sport differential. Most A8 drivers aren’t likely to get too sporty, but it is an option.

Come to think of it, just about everything is an option on the A8. It starts with the usual stuff like the convenience package (power trunk, keyless access, parking system with camera and power closing doors) or the comfort package (front seat ventilation, wood inlays and 22 way multi contour comfort seat). And then they just go crazy with stuff like night vision assist, panorama sunroof, LED headlights, warm weather packages and cold weather packages. You can tweak this car to be exactly what you want. For a price, of course.

The A8′s Display lets you choose your massage.

Inside, forget six way power seats. The A8 has 18 way power seats that massage you. That’s right, they actually massage you. I’m not talking about a vibrating seat cushion. The Audi seat allows you to choose where and how you want to be massaged. And the front passenger gets the same treatment. That might account for the relaxed look on the faces of the people in the A8 that just passed you. And while the rear passengers don’t get a private masseuse, if you opt for the L model they do get an additional five inches of leg room so they can stretch out.

The L version stretches the A8 an extra 5 inches

Outside, the A8 aims for and achieves understated elegance. The front end is anchored by Audi’s signature Singleframe grille, which has more than a passing resemblance to a knight’s shield. The A8 isn’t going for anything trendy or funky. Just as the simple black evening gown has lasted through the ages, this body style will likely do the same.

Serious leg room in the L version

Entry price for this world is $78,500. My (somewhat) modestly equipped version came in at $85,995. If you want to wow the folks at the country club, the W12 model will start at $135,395 (plus a $2,100 gas guzzler charge). If you’re more interested in speed than luxury, the S8 will  begin at $110,895.

The good news is that the A8 is not a man. Which means my marriage is safe. That is, until my wife meets the man who owns the A8.

I think I can sum up my week with the 2013 Ford Escape with one sentence: What took Ford so long?

2013 Ford Escape Titanium

The Escape is a solid compact SUV that runs great and looks even better. And it’s those looks that has me confused.

The original Escape hit the US in 2001. It was Ford’s answer to the crossover craze. Instead of building SUVs on a truck chassis, crossovers use a sedan frame. Its styling might have been OK in 2001, but by 2012 it was definitely looking severely dated.

Meanwhile, in 2008 Ford introduced the Kuga in Europe. The Kuga was a crossover based on the Focus platform but had much better looks. That was five years ago. For some reason, Ford kept thinking that we preferred boxy. Of course it’s hard to fault success. Sales numbers on the Escape actually did best at the end of the run and topped 250,000 for the last two years.

2013 Ford Escape Has New Styling

But this year the Escape is all new, and I like it. Let’s start with that styling. the boxy look is gone and it has a suitably wind-swept look. It has a nice rake that gives it an aggressive stance. I’m not sure it needs the fake side vents on the front fenders, but that’s a minor point. This is a body style that is looking forward. It’s built on the same chassis as the Focus which gets plenty of positive reviews.

My test car had the 2.0 liter GTDi Ecoboost engine. The turbocharged engine delivers 240 horsepower from four cylinders. You have two other options. The base engine is a 2.5 liter 168 horsepower four-cylinder, while the middle of the road is a new turbocharged 1.6 liter motor with 178 horsepower. If mileage is your goal, then the 1.6 liter should be your choice. You’ll get 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway. That’s actually better than the base engine. The 2.0 comes in at 21 city/28 highway. I guess that’s just the price to pay for the extra power. You also get a six speed transmission with the choice of front or all-wheel drive.

2013 Ford Escape Titanium Interior

Inside, the Escape isn’t in luxury territory, but it’s solidly in the nice, middle range so that you don’t feel like it’s old or cheap. The only knock might be that the dash has a lot going on, but that didn’t really bother me. The Escape is longer and wider, and the back seat passengers will appreciate the change. They get an extra inch of leg room. Up front the seats were nice and comfortable.  With all the seats in place, you’ll get an extra five cubic feet of cargo space compared to the 2012 Escape.

2013 Escape Rear Passengers Get One More Inch of Leg room

The biggest news for me was the My Ford Touch system. That’s the dash display that controls the car audio and other functions. It was news because it actually worked. The last time I tried the My Ford Touch it was in a 2012 Ford Edge and I found it glitchy and slow. This time around, it did everything it was supposed to without me wondering whether I needed to touch the screen six more times to get some reaction. It’s taken Ford several tries to get it right, but I no longer think it’s a reason to avoid buying a blue oval product.

I give Ford credit for using and promoting its green efforts. The Escape’s web site points out that they used 10 pounds of scrap cotton made from stuff like jeans and old t-shirts to make the sound absorption material. And the carpeting is made of fibers from about 25 recycled plastic bottles.

Ford Escape Display Looks Like the Old Battlestar Galactica. Right?

OK, is it just me or does the center portion of the dash look an awful lot like the helmets they used to use on the original Battlestar Galactica? Nothing wrong with that, but I’m thinking they have some sci-fi fans in the design room.

Ford Escape Foot Activated Tailgate

There are a couple of cool options. The first is the hands free tailgate. When your arms are full of packages, just waive your foot under the proper spot along the rear bumper, and the tailgate will open by itself. For some reason I had a hard time hitting the right spot, but that was probably operator error. I’m sure that after you own it for a while you’ll know exactly where to wiggle your leg. The other interesting option is the parking technology package. The $995 options does two things. First, it helps to find a suitable parking spot in the line of cars parked along the curb.  Engage the system and all you do is control the shifting, accelerating and braking. The car steers automatically. It’s actually a pretty cool system and worked very well. Although for nearly $1,000 I think I can park on my own.

There are four trim levels for the Escape: S, SE, SEL and Titanium. I had the Titanium model that started at $32,120 and finished at $34,735 after options and delivery charge. Of course, if you’re looking for something simpler, you can opt for the S which starts at $22,470. I have a feeling that the SE model might be the best option starting at $25,070.

So the bad news is that it might have taken Ford a little too long to bring the Escape’s new styling to market (at least for me). The good news is that it’s finally here and definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a compact SUV.

Did you ever meet someone who didn’t impress you at first, but after a while you became great friends?

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

That’s the way I felt about the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It didn’t wow me right off the bat. It’s hard to say why. It doesn’t have the latest styling that Hyundai is flashing these days. It’s not the car that I hear all my car friends saying, “I just have to get one!” It’s not that my expectations were low, they were simply missing. The Grand Cherokee Laredo was going to be just another car sitting in the driveway for a week.

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Pentastar V6

The Grand Cherokee Laredo simply snuck up on me. Take the engine. The 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 puts out 290 horsepower. Not too much, not too little. There is an optional 5.7 liter V8 that gives you 360 horsepower. While I’m sure I’d love the extra kick, the V6 didn’t bother me. The Pentastar V6 engine with its variable valve timing is a workhorse for Chrysler and it works just fine for me. Maybe it was the eight speed transmission? Chrysler claims it has better fuel economy, quicker acceleration and smoother shifting. Mileage is OK for a big SUV, 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. I found myself averaging 19 mpg which seemed about right.

Driving the car just feels good. Of course that’s not a surprise when you remember that it shares bits and pieces with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. That partnership with Chrysler may have died several years ago, but some of the technology lives on.

Plenty of Cargo Space in the Grand Cherokee

Inside it has plenty of room. You’ll find 68.7 cu.ft. of cargo space with the seats down, and 35.1 cu.ft. with the seats in place. And the passengers who sit there will find a reasonable amount of leg room (38.6 inches).

The shifter takes a little getting used to. Instead a of a mechanical shift that moves from P to R and then D, the Grand Cherokee Laredo has a fly-by-wire system. You’re simply tapping forward or backward to find the gear. You’re changing gears, but mechanically the shifter always ends up in the same place. I have a feeling that the longer you use it the more you’ll accept and even like it. One week just wasn’t enough for me.

Choose Between Digital or Analog Display

I like the fact that you could choose between an analog or digital display for the speedometer. Surprisingly, I found I liked the big numbers of the digital display. The one thing I didn’t like was that the radio only had four presets. I’m sure you’ll get more when you pay more, but I thought that was a bit disappointing even for the base radio.

Laredo is the Grand Cherokee Entry Model

The Grand Cherokee Laredo is the base model in the Cherokee line-up. From there it moves up to the Limited, Overland and SRT8 models. You can even get the Grand Cherokee in Trail Rated editions with low-range four-wheel drive. While I’d love to test the SRT8 model (that must be one beast of an SUV), once again, the base Laredo did not make me feel like I was missing out. The Cherokee Laredo’s starting price is $28,795 and my test car only added a bit more to come in at $31,285. The basic warranty is three years or  36,000 miles.

There are plenty of SUVs in the $30,000 to $35,000 price range. It’s the sweet spot for decent sized vehicles that deliver decent value. I also know there are plenty of contenders who will offer more than the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. But when you consider you’re buying more than just a car, you’re gaining a loyal friend you will like even more after many miles, the Laredo turns out to be a reasonable choice.

The 2013 Buick Enclave walks a very fine line.

2013 Buick Enclave

It sits somewhere between Chevrolet and Cadillac in the GM line-up. The problem is that these days everyone wants their cars a little more upscale, so Chevy is nipping at its heels. Staying ahead is easy, until you remember that it can’t crowd into Cadillac territory. After all, you don’t want to knock big brother off its luxury ledge.

I have to give the Buick folks credit. They walk that line well. The Buick Enclave does a great job of taking you upscale without going over the top.

Cargo Room Galore in the Enclave

The Enclave is a great big SUV. While a lot of SUVs don’t bother with the third row, this Buick embraces it. You get a whopping 115.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which blows away cars like the Acura MDX (83.5 cf) and the Hyundai Santa Fe (80 cf). You even get 23.3 cf when all three passenger rows are in place (the Santa Fe only gives 13.5 cf and the MDX has 15 cf). Even the Cadillac Escalade SUV only has 108.9 cf total and 16.9 with all three rows. Although the Traverse gets a little more, the only way to get a big bump is to get a Suburban.

Up Front with the 2013 Buick Enclave

And the Enclave delivers more than just cargo space. It’s made for passengers and carries them in comfort. The Enclave’s standard setup is for captains chairs in the second row (although a bench is optional) and a third row seat. You can throw folks in the last row without apologizing because it still gives passengers 33.2 inches of leg room. The inside is sufficiently fancy so no one will doubt you sprang for the luxury car.

16 Feet 9 Inches in all its glory

If it’s big inside, it has to be big outside. 16 feet 10 inches long to be exact. Driving any large vehicle takes just a bit more thought, but the Enclave is not burdensome beast. It’s built on the same frame as the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. That means it’s doesn’t have a truck chassis so you’ll get a smoother ride.  My test car had the optional Intelligent all wheel drive. According to Buick, it monitors the traction of all four wheels, and kicks in automatically when you need it. Either I didn’t need it or it came on incredibly smoothly.

288 HP will get you there, but…

There’s only one engine. It’s the 288 horsepower 3.6L V6. 288 hp is enough, but I would like it to have just a bit more. After all, the Enclave is big and it’s nice to think that you’ve got the kind of power you need to move around. Mated to a six speed transmission, it did the trick. It’s not that I needed more, I was just hoping for a little more snap. The mileage is 16 MPG in town and 22 MPG on the highway. According to the dash readout, I averaged 16.6 mpg for my week of driving. It’s not great, but then you can’t expect much with an SUV this big (and the Acura MDX delivers similar numbers). The good news is that it prefers regular unleaded which will save you money at the pump. One cool thing, you can check your fuel level from your smart phone with the OnStar app. I’m not sure why I’d ever need to do that, but I love it anyway.

Buick Grill is Definitely Bold

If you’re going to have doubts about the Enclave, it’s going to hit when you come face to face. I’m not going to say it’s homely, but I’m also not going to call it pretty. Let’s settle for big-boned with prominent teeth. Buick calls the grill a waterfall design. It’s definitely distinctive. The design was slightly reworked for 2013, and it’s an improvement. I think I could grow to love it, but it might take a little more time.

Base Price for the 2013 Enclave is $38,445. Throw in the Leather Group you’re going to spend upwards of $45k. Opt for the Premium Group and you could pay upwards of $50k. Of course the Cadillac starts at $59,000 while the Traverse comes out of the gate at $29,000. That puts this Buick nicely in-between.

If you want more luxury and horsepower, then pay a bunch more and get the Cadillac. If luxury isn’t your goal, buy a Traverse. But if you want to hit the sweet spot in the middle, you’ll enjoy walking the fine line with the Enclave.

The 2013 Mercedes GLK350 is a great car. The only question is whether it’s worth the money. But before you answer that question, you need to figure out how much money you’re talking about.

2013 Mercedes GLK350

My test car was the fully loaded model. It stickered at $57,685. That included goodies like: Parktronic with active parking assist system ($970), Harmon Kardon Sound $(810) Premium Package (including: garage door opener, integrated compass, memory seat, panorama sunroof – $3450), full leather seating ($2100), lighting package ($1290), multimedia package (rear view camera voice control for phone), AMG styling package ($1990) and the driver assist package ($2950).

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Interior

To be honest with you, I wasn’t sure that the GLK350 was worth $57,685. Don’t get me wrong, it does everything well. It’s comfortable to drive with a 302 hp, 3.5 liter V6 with direct injection. It felt like it had just the right amount of power. There when you need it, but nothing that would overpower you. Mileage fell into the decent range: 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway. The GLK350 also has the Eco Stop start automatic transmission. It shuts off the engine when you come to a complete stop, and then restarts when you take your foot off the brake. There is no lag or stutter. It’s noticeable, but not in a bad way. I recently tested a Porsche Cayenne that had the same system but the radio cut out for a fraction of a second on every restart. The GLK350 had no such problem. Mated up to the 7 speed automatic transmission and it was smooth driving all day long.

2013 Mercedes GLK350

But before I talk too much more about the GLK350′s attributes, let’s get back to price. At $57k, my test car has lots of competition. There are plenty of non-luxury SUVs that offer just as much for lots less. There are also some luxury brands that offer plenty at slightly less.

But let’s look at the GLK350 from a different angle. The base price is actually a lot lower. And I mean a lot. It starts at $37,090. I’ve seen plenty advertised for less than $40k. OK, so you don’t get all the goodies, but you do get a great mid-sized SUV.

Mercedes MB-Tex Vinyl Interior

So what do you lose? That’s probably a personal question. But if you can live without things like the fancy sound system or the parking assist, the stripped down version might do the job. For example, since you don’t get leather seats, you get something called MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery. While it’s not leather, it’s a good alternative and a lot easier to clean than cloth seats.

You still get 302 hp. You still get a seven speed transmission with Eco Stop Start. You still get a six speaker audio system with hands free bluetooth. You even get Attention Assist which continuously monitors different parameters of driving behavior to warn you if you’re getting drowsy. You get Agility control suspension.

You could still find some of the non-luxury SUVs for cheaper, but this is a Mercedes! You could actually drive it home for less than a lot of other luxury models that won’t give you nearly the star power (yes, pun intended). You could even carefully cherry-pick a few options and still have a good deal.

2013 Mercedes GLK350 Cargo Area

Of course you have to remember what you’re getting. The GLK350 is a small SUV. With all the seats in place you only have 23.3 cu.ft. of cargo space. Fold all the seats down and you’re up to 54.7 cu.ft. You could compare that to the Kia Sportage cargo numbers of and 26.1 cu.ft.  54.6 cu.ft. But the Kia also maxes out at 260 hp (although it does get better mileage). And of course, it won’t dent your wallet quite as much. But tell your brother-in-law that you got a Kia, and he’ll barely blink an eye. Tell him you bought a Mercedes and suddenly he’s wondering how to ask you for a loan (OK, maybe that isn’t a good reason…).

How Much Is the MB Star Worth?

So don’t just blow off the idea of getting a GLK350 because it’s a Mercedes and clearly out of your price range. Do the math and look around. You might find yourself enjoying some German luxury at a lot less than you’d expect.

The 2013 Nissan 370Z Convertible is a driver’s car.

2013 Nissan 370Z Convertible

I say that not just because it has a 332 hp motor with a six speed transmission. It’s not just because the Touring edition has upgraded suspension and brakes that allow you to attack any road. It’s not just because, as Nissan’s ad says, “It’s not a car, it’s an experience!”

I say that because you’re going to spend most of your time driving alone.

Do you really need two seats?

Yes, it has two seats. And they are very comfortable. Nissan calls it the “Holding Layer”. The Touring edition of the 370Z holds you in place with leather and faux-suede upholstery. They could keep you and your passenger comfortable with both heating and cooling.

But you won’t have many passengers. Why, you ask? Let’s start with the 332 hp. You won’t be able to leave it alone. You’ll find yourself intentionally taking the long way home because it has this great little windy road. Oh sure, your friends will enjoy the thrill at first, but soon it will wear off. After all, they don’t get to slam through the gears and search for the edge of adhesion. They won’t appreciate the SynchroRev technology that monitors the clutch, shift lever, and vehicle speed so that when you downshift, the system will give the throttle a slight “blip”, taking the RPM to just the right level for a perfect meshing of gears. Or how you can turn it off and challenge yourself to equal the SynchroRev technology.

You’ll Enjoy The Nissan Convertible Cocoon

And then there’s the convertible top. I have driven convertibles for years and I’ve learned one thing: passengers don’t like convertibles nearly as much as the driver. Oh sure, they think they want to drive around with the top down. But the novelty usually wears off quickly. Wives and girlfriends complain about the wind blowing their hair (although the 370Z does create a great cocoon to reduce buffeting). Passengers find it hard to have a normal conversation because you can hear the wind whistling by. No, convertibles are a personal experience. You’ll either want to enjoy the sound of the car cutting through the air and the exhaust blipping its way down the gears, or you’ll crank up the music so that it overpowers the mechanical and aero cacophony. My test car had the Bose Audio System with eight speakers including two subwoofers to blow away the road noise. Either way there is no room for passengers.

The trunk is good for two carry-ons. Maybe.

And then there’s the trunk. I laughed when I read Nissan’s website. It shows a picture of the open trunk and says “Storage for the real world”. You better not plan on carrying much in that real world. I’m not even sure that it would fit two suitcases, which makes it dicey for those weekend road trips (just make sure they’re soft sided duffles). Nissan calls it just right for a couple of sets of golf clubs. I didn’t measure, but it looked pretty tight for duffers.

The Nissan 370Z is a masterpiece of sports car machinery. The base price for the coupe is around $33,000. You’ll add about $8,000 for the base convertible. My test car was the Touring edition. With about $5,000 in options the final sticker was $50,055. While it’s not cheap, it’s one heck of a lot less expensive than some other sports cars that don’t deliver any more driving pleasure.

Nissan’s 3.7 liter 332 hp engine

The 370Z’s 332 hp comes from a 3.7 liter V6 DOHC with Variable Valve Event and Lift VVEL. It varies the intake valve clearance depending on the conditions. According to Nissan it means the engine is not only more responsive but also produces lower emissions. The touring edition had front and rear stabilizer bars, as well as front and rear vented disc brakes.

The looks of Nissan’s modern Z has evolved nicely since the first 350 model. The 2013 370Z styling is very slightly different from last year. The front now has LED daytime running lights at the leading edge of the fenders. The Touring edition adds a rear spoiler and a front chin spoiler. It’s still a car that your neighbors (who no doubt have plenty of passengers in their SUVs) will lust after.

Nissan 370Z Looks Have Evolved Nicely

There isn’t much to complain about with the 370Z. OK, it only has a single cup holder in what Nissan calls the “Operational Layer” (that’s the center console). But that only reinforces my point. It’s made for you, not passengers.

So go ahead, buy yourself a new Nissan 370Z. But just understand that you’ll end up driving it alone. And you’ll enjoy every minute of your mechanical solitude.

The whole time I was driving the 2013 Volvo S60 I wanted a group of bad guys to start chasing me.

Volvo S60 T6 AWD R-Design

You see, while the Volvo S60 look may look like just another mid-sized upscale sedan, I had the T6 R-Design model. With 325 horsepower, twin turbo motor, all-wheel drive and sport suspension, I think could have given them a run for their money.

The Saint and his Volvo P1800

Which means I would have felt like Simon Templar. He’s the lead character in “The Saint”. During the original TV show, Templar (played by Roger Moore) drove a Volvo P1800. (You can watch a video of his car here.) In the 1996 movie version, Templar (played by Val Kilmer) drove a Volvo C70.

The Volvo P1800 used in the original show looked sporty, but wasn’t really. This new Volvo is everything that Simon Templar would have wanted. The base engine in the S60 is a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder that delivers 250 hp. Bump up to the T6 and you get a 6-cylinder, DOHC with 300 hp. But the top of the line (and Roger Moore wouldn’t have driven anything less) is the R-Design which delivers 325 horsepower. Interestingly, it still qualifies as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. Mileage is average for a mid-sized sedan, 18 MPG city/25 MPG highway. But that’s actually pretty impressive for all that horsepower. Mated up to the six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission and it helps you enjoy all that Swedish muscle. The Saint never had it this good.

Volvo’s Boxy Days are Gone

Of course horsepower is only part of the fun. The R-Design model has a sport chassis, bigger brakes and standard all-wheel drive. It even has what Volvo calls “corner traction control through torque vectoring”. I’m not totally sure what that means but when I’m being chased, I’ll be darn glad I’ve got it.

The S60 is a nice looking car. Volvo styling has come a long way from the boxy 244 of the mid-80s. This design can hold its own in the luxury sports sedan range. The R-Design has some styling tweaks. It has different rear and lower front spoilers, a rear diffuser with polished end pipes. Subtle, but nice.

Volvo S60 T6 AWD R-Design Interior

Inside, it’s both simple and comfortable. The seats are properly luxurious and sporty. The R-Design has leather seating surfaces and aluminum inlay on the dash. While some reviewers have called the dash a little dated, I actually liked the styling.

While Volvo styling has changed, the carmaker is still big on safety. For example, the S60 has Volvo’s Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS). It allows the seat to give slightly when you hit something. My test car also had the City Safe  feature. It can can automatically stop the S60 if it senses a low-speed collision is imminent, even with pedestrians. It worked well each time City Safe activated (no pedestrians were injured during my test-week). Another interesting feature was the Active Bending Headlights. Turn the steering wheel and the headlights bend into the turn. I’m not sure that’s critical but it definitely was cool.

Volvo S60 T6 AWD R-Design Controls

Ironically, about the only thing I didn’t like about the car was the rear window defroster. It didn’t seem to work well in my test car, which is surprising considering how much it must be used in Sweden.

Of course all that fun isn’t cheap. My test car stickered at $45,495, but that is competitive with other luxury sport sedans.

R-Design badging is subtle

And of course when the bad guys are chasing you, and the combination of horsepower, all wheel drive and R-Design sport suspension allows you to escape their clutches, that price tag will seem cheap. Just ask The Saint.

I picked one heck of a week to be sick.

There I was sniffling and sneezing, lethargically lying around the house trying to find enough energy to take the medicine that never really worked.

And the whole time, out in the driveway sat a 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8. It was like being back in elementary school and having the big cool kid down the block standing in your front yard, tossing the football up in the air and asking when I would be able to come out and play.

And oh, I wanted to play.

2013 Dodge Charger SRT8

In fact, the Charger SRT8 is all about playing. Oh sure, it does all the mundane stuff. It gets you to and from work. It has a backseat for the kids. It has a trunk for groceries. At first glance it’s just another full-sized sedan.But the SRT8 is a Charger on steroids (I’m sure the baseball commissioner and congress are already considering holding hearings). It has a 6.4 liter, 470 horsepower HEMI engine that will literally throw you back in your seat. The car would spin the tires off the starting line if the launch control would let it (even with it, I could manage a little squeal… from both the tires and passengers). It also has Chrysler’s Fuel Saver Technology that allows it to get 14 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Those aren’t great numbers, but it’s not bad for an engine that could be a fuel-sucking beast.

2013 Dodge Charger SRT8

You can spend a lot less and still get the Charger look. The base Charger is the SE. It starts at about $26,000 and still delivers 292 horsepower. Bump up to the R/T and you’ll get the 5.7 liter HEMI with 370 horsepower which is pretty good. But if you really want to own the road, the SRT8 is the only way to go. The first time you push down on the gas pedal, you know it’s something different.The folks at Chrysler claim it will do 0-60 in the high four second range and top out at 175 mph. I believe them.

Of course, the old days when muscle cars were all about horsepower and suspension was an after-thought are gone. The SRT8 has the pieces in place to keep the power, and you, on the road. To start with it has four-piston Brembo brakes with big red calipers (always good for status when the car next to you is checking you out at the light). Throw in adaptive dampening suspension plus performance tuned steering, and you have a car that will do more than just go fast in a straight line.

2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 Interior

Inside the car is something special as well. The seats have Nappa leather with suede trim. Not only are the front seats heated, but the back ones are as well. When I finally did get around to driving the Charger, the mornings were cold so I especially enjoyed the heated steering wheel.

SRT8′s Display Shows 0-60 Times!

The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) will blow you away. Not only does it have all the usual controls for radio and comfort, but it has Performance Pages that could get you in a lot of trouble. One page will keep track of your 0-60 times. It shows your current, last and best time (At least you’ll be able to show the police officer what you were doing before he gave you the ticket). But that’s only the beginning. It has pages that will show you your forward and lateral G-force as well as the steering input and the engine’s power output. You can even choose gauge viewing options so you can keep track of how the engine is running. Even the navigation system works well. Of course, all this will be worthless when the video display eventually dies (and you know it will), but it’s great for anyone driving today.

Comparing Charger SE vs SRT grill

Outside the Charger SRT8 has a few styling differences. The most obvious is the longer, blacked-out grill and the 20 inch SRT aluminum wheels.  It also has a sculpted hood with an air exhauster. Frankly, I’m not a huge fan of the Charger styling. It’s kind of chunky and seems like they’re trying really hard to incorporate the Ram Truck design. Having said that, It’s not bad. I prefer it over the Chrysler 300 (although I did like the 300 SRT8).

Yeah, it’s a HEMI!

Of course any doubts about the outside will disappear once you drive it. The only down side is the price. You’ll have to pony up at least $45,000. My test car with some reasonable options came in at $51,670. That’s a lot of money to spend for a car that may not have the resale value to back it up. But if you’re more interested in pleasing yourself today than worrying about tomorrow, the first time you slide into the leather seats and mash the throttle, you’ll think it money well spent.

And then there’s the medicinal effect. The Charger SRT8 was the main reason I finally got dressed and dragged myself out of the house.

I wanted to play.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy is like that kid who comes from a quirky family and is now trying hard to blend in with the popular crowd.

2013 Subaru Legacy

Let’s face it, Subarus have always been just a bit different. Their styling never followed the pack. Always all-wheel drive gave Subaru a unique niche. Their horizontally opposed engine was always different. But being slightly different is apparently exactly what Subaru owners have wanted. Their brand loyalty has always been strong. Last year they led all car owners who would recommend their brand to a friend (read full ranking here). They can even get a Subaru Badge of Loyalty that shows how many they’ve owned and how they use their car.

2013 Subaru                             2013 Malibu

But the Legacy is a seriously mainstream mid-sized sedan. In fact, when you compare its specs to the Chevrolet Malibu, it’s amazing how similar the two cars are on paper.
                                  Legacy         Malibu
Wheelbase                 108.3″          107.8″
Front Track                 61.6″            62.2″
Length                        187.2″          191.5″
Front Headroom         40.3″            39″
Front Leg Room         43″               42.1″
Rear Leg Room          37.8             36.8″

Interestingly, the Legacy actually has slightly more head and leg room than the Malibu.

Subaru’s Horizontally Opposed Engine

The one area that it lags behind is power. The base 2.5 liter four-cylinder motor has 173 horsepower. Mated up to the continuously variable transmission doesn’t do it any favors. In fact, sometimes when I tried to push it a little harder I almost felt it was a car with a manual clutch that was slipping. The paddle shifters helped a bit, but most people wouldn’t want work around the automatic transmission they paid for. You can opt for a bigger engine. Subaru offers a 3.6 liter six-cylinder with 256 hp. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to try it. The four-cylinder does get good mileage, 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Last year’s 2.5 liter turbo is gone.

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard. Living in Phoenix, it wouldn’t be a huge factor in my decision to buy. If I lived some place where it rained or snowed (which is pretty much everywhere else), all-wheel drive would definitely be a plus. The AWD is especially nice because it doesn’t come at the expense of lower fuel mileage.

2013 Subaru Legacy

Styling is not spectacular, but not out-of-place. As I said, the quirky kid wants to fit in. It’s definitely not running off in some odd new direction. Subaru’s top designer, Osamu Namba, has made it very clear that he wants to leave the quirky stuff in the past. (Remember the SVX or the Brat?) Of course, he also wants people to know a Subaru when they see one. Distinctive and quirky is easy, distinctive and stylish is tougher. There’s nothing wrong with the Legacy styling, but I don’t think Subaru’s new look has truly arrived yet. I’ve seen some of their concepts, however, and I’m looking forward to the next generation.

2013 Subaru Legacy Interior

Inside, the interior is very comfortable. My test car was the Limited edition and it had a nice upscale feel. The Legacy has an inch more leg room in the back seat, and it makes a difference. I like the center console. It’s simple and clean. The display screen is just a little too small. It seems to be cramming a lot of information in a tiny space.

Subaru’s Eyesight Driver Assist.

Subaru has something called the Eyesight System to prevent lane wandering. It has two cameras mounted near by rear view mirror that adjust the cruise control and alert the driver if you start to veer. It will also hit the brakes if it thinks you’re about to run into something. I thought it was particularly impressive compared to similar systems that I’ve used. I can’t recall any false alarms and it could tell when I was changing lanes or following the curve of the road instead of simply wandering. It’s something you might expect to find on a more expensive car. Together with the all-wheel drive it definitely makes the Legacy a safer choice. In fact, looking at crash ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the Legacy is a Top Safety Pick.

2013 Subaru Legacy

Prices for the Legacy start at $21,000 for the 2.5i and work their way to $29,000 for the 3.6R Limited. My test car was the 2.5 Limited. With an option package that included upgraded sound and navigation together with the driver assist options it priced out at $30,605. Make sure you test drive the six-cylinder before making your choice.

There’s a reason that Subaru’s customers love their cars. That alone is enough to make it a reasonable option. Throw in the fact that the looks won’t leave your neighbors talking about that quirky person who lives on their block, and the Legacy is a reasonable choice.

I’m going to tell you right now that if you’re in the market for an upscale SUV and price is no object, get yourself a 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS. It delivers on every level. It’s roomy enough to haul people and stuff. It’s got just the right look and feel for a luxury car. And it’s got plenty of performance. 420 horsepower will really move you down the road.

2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS

In fact, the Porsche Cayenne GTS only one has fault: the cost. Base price for a Cayenne this year is around $82,000. Of course that doesn’t get you all the way to the edge of the Cayenne’s sporty or luxury envelopes. My test car was equipped with so many options (all necessary, of course) that its final sticker was $123,265. And that didn’t include stuff like the $8,800 ceramic brakes. If writing a check that large requires a big gulp, then you’d better move along. If you’re comfortable living in that neighborhood, then let’s talk about why you’ll love the Cayenne.

Porsche Cayenne is Flashy Even Without the Sun

To start with, it’s a performance car. It has a 4.8 liter V8 that pumps out 420 horsepower. No turbo needed. That’s about 20 more horsepower than the Cayenne S version. I like the way the power comes on. You feel like it’s behind you pushing. It’s not out in front on the edge of control. It also doesn’t feel like its struggling to keep up. It’s behind you all the way, urging you go a little faster. The eight speed transmission has a solid sporty feel. In city traffic you feel it smoothly working the gears in just the right torque range. Slam down the throttle while getting on the freeway and it changes shift points appropriately.  Porsche says it will do 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds with a top speed comes of 162 mph.

One intriguing thing about the engine is the Auto Stop Start mode. In an effort to save fuel, when you stop a traffic light the engine shuts off. Take your foot off the brake, and it instantly restarts the engine. There is no hesitation and most of the time you don’t even notice. If you put your foot back on the brake, the engine will stay running. It’s as if it senses that you’re not quite sure whether you’re planning to go or not. The system works great except for one small glitch. Every time the engine would restart, the radio would cut out. It was only for a moment, but I did find it rather annoying. I’m surprised the Porsche engineers let that one slip by. I also wonder how quickly are you going to burn out starter motors. I’m sure they’re pretty hefty which means they’ll last but will be probably be really expensive to replace. Intelligently, it won’t activate if the outside temperature is really hot, or the battery is low.

Plenty of Room in the Back of the Cayenne

Mileage is reasonable. 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway (although my dash display said I was getting 21.5 mpg during much of my time with the car).

Most people aren’t going to push the corning envelope with an SUV, but since it is a Porsche you’ll want to know that the GTS sits nearly an inch lower and has stiffer dampers to control roll.

Porsche Cayenne GTS Has Right Amount of Sport and Luxury

Inside, my wife fell in love with the seats immediately. The leather and suede had just the right construction to help you feel completely comfortable. We took another couple to dinner one night and they felt the same way about the back seats as well. Everyone liked the big panoramic glass top that stretched the length of the roof.

A word of warning. This is not a car you can just jump in and go. After you write that hefty check, don’t leave the dealership until you’ve gotten a thorough training. Everything is just slightly different in this car. It’s not a problem, but it’s not something you want to try to figure out on the freeway. The dashboard has a lot going on, but it didn’t bother me. You just want to make sure you understand it. I found the dashboard clock interesting. It has a giant sweeping second-hand, but only a small inset for the actual time. Cool, but not very practical.

2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS

The GTS has some styling tweaks like a double-wing roof spoiler, slightly wider fenders and four black exhaust tips. But most people will be hard pressed to notice the difference without seeing the GTS on the back of the car.

Is it worth $123,265? A lot of cars will get you there with nearly as much comfort and style as the Cayenne. But none of those will match it, and that’s why some folks are willing to pay more. I just wish I was one of them.